bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromechanisms involved in the atypical tensile behavior observed in polyamide 11 at high temperature
Authors: Roguet E. , Tencé‐Girault S. , Castagnet S. , Grandidier J.C. , Hochstetter G.
Published: October 2007

Even far above the glass transition temperature, the amorphous phase in semicrystalline polymers is known to be constrained by crystals and less mobile than a pure amorphous polymer close to its equilibrium rubbery state. The aim of this paper devoted to Polyamide 11 was to investigate the existence and significance of a relaxed state in the amorphous phase of a semicrystalline polymer far above Tg. It focuses on the high temperatures, low strain‐rates, and small deformation ranges. A nonstrain‐rate dependent tensile curve (called “asymptotic curve”) was evidenced below a critical strain‐rate, consistently with reaching a fully relaxed state of the rubbery amorphous phase. Nevertheless, paradoxical mechanical features were observed at the same time (nonstrain‐rate dependent but hysteretic unloading, relaxation, and creep involving same strain‐rates as the asymptotic loading regime). Micromechanisms (orientation of primary crystals, creation of local hexagonal arrangements, orientation, and relaxation of the amorphous phase) were analyzed from DSC and X‐ray experiments. It suggested distinct amorphous and crystalline contributions depending on the loading path and therefore highlighted paradox of the mechanical behavior. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 3046–3059, 2007
Solid state NMR characterization of formation of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)/maghnite nanocomposites by in situ polymerization
Authors: Haouas Mohamed , Harrane Amine , Belbachir Mohamed , Taulelle Francis
Published: October 2007

Results of multinuclear MAS NMR spectroscopy are reported for poly (ε‐caprolactone)/maghnite nanocomposite formation, with ε‐caprolactone in situ polymerized in the presence of maghnite, a proton exchanged montmorillonite clay. Exfoliated and intercalated materials with different maghnite loading in the range 3–15 wt % were investigated. 1H NMR evidences Brønsted acid hydroxyl groups in the silicate layers and shows that their broad signal at 7.6 ppm present in the parent clay disappears in the nanocomposite material. 27Al MAS NMR results show that beside the hexacoordinated aluminum signal, two additional peaks corresponding to two different tetrahedral Al sites are present in the clay framework. The NMR signal intensity of only one of them was found to be affected in the nanocomposites compared with the parent maghnite, suggesting that these specific aluminum sites are the reactive ones at the initial stages of the polymerization. However almost no changes occurred in the 29Si NMR spectra, confirming that the polymer grafting, as indicated earlier by atomic force microscopy, took place on the aluminum tetracoordinated sites rather than on the silicon sites. A mechanism of maghnite surface catalyzed polymerization of ε‐caprolactone was proposed, involving Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 3060–3068, 2007
Identification, affinity characterisation and biological interactions of lectin‐like peptide–carbohydrate complexes derived from human TNF‐α using high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Marquardt Andreas , Bernevic Bogdan , Przybylski Michael
Published: October 2007

A cyclic disulfide heptadecapeptide (TIP17ox; 2) derived from the lectin‐like 17‐amino acid domain of human tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α (100–116)] was synthesised and demonstrated to bind specifically to N,N‐diacetylchitobiose, a disaccharide present in many glycan structures of glycoproteins. Although the TIP domain forms a loop structure in the native TNF‐α protein, we show in this study by high‐resolution ESI‐FTICR mass spectrometry that a homologous linear heptadecapeptide (TIP17rd; 1) binds with comparable affinity to chitobiose, suggesting that cyclisation is not essential for carbohydrate binding. ESI‐FTICR‐MS was used as an efficient tool for the direct molecular characterisation of TIP peptide–carbohydrate complexes. The specific binding of the TNF‐TIP domain to chitobiose and other carbohydrate motifs in glycoproteins may explain the high proteolytic stability of these peptides in biological fluids. A considerably higher proteolytic stability in human plasma was found by mass spectrometric analysis for the cyclic TIP peptide 2, compared to the linear peptide 1. Furthermore, affinity‐proteomics studies using immobilised cyclic TIP peptide 2 provided the identification of specific interacting glycoproteins in plasma. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of peptide inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribonucleotide reductase
Authors: Nurbo Johanna , Roos Annette K. , Muthas Daniel , Wahlström Erik , Ericsson Daniel J. , Lundstedt Torbjörn , Unge Torsten , Karlén Anders
Published: October 2007

Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a potential target for new antitubercular drugs. Herein we describe the synthesis and evaluation of peptide inhibitors of RNR derived from the C‐terminus of the small subunit of M. tuberculosis RNR. An N‐terminal truncation, an alanine scan and a novel statistical molecular design (SMD) approach based on the heptapeptide Ac‐Glu‐Asp‐Asp‐Asp‐Trp‐Asp‐Phe‐OH were applied in this study. The alanine scan showed that Trp5 and Phe7 were important for inhibitory potency. A quantitative structure relationship (QSAR) model was developed based on the synthesized peptides which showed that a negative charge in positions 2, 3, and 6 is beneficial for inhibitory potency. Finally, in position 5 the model coefficients indicate that there is room for a larger side chain, as compared to Trp5. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational studies of vasopressin and mesotocin using NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling methods. Part II: studies in the SDS micelle
Authors: Rodziewicz‐MotowidŁo Sylwia , Sikorska Emilia , Oleszczuk Marta , Czaplewski Cezary
Published: October 2007

There is much evidence to support the hypothesis that lipids play a role in the interaction of peptide hormones with their membrane receptors. This interaction through change of peptide conformation can facilitate the entry of the hormone into the microenvironment of the receptor. In the present study we have examined the interaction of vasopressin and mesotocin with a lipid—sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelle—using 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and theoretical methods. Solution structures of two hormones in solution with SDS were established using the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and the 3JNHHα couplings. The amino acid sequences of these peptides are: c[C1‐Y2‐F3‐Q4‐N5‐C6]‐P7‐R8‐G9‐NH2 ([Arg8]vasopressin, AVP) and c[C1‐Y2‐I3‐Q4‐N5‐C6]‐P7‐I8‐G9‐NH2 (MT). Each of the peptides was found to occur as one stable conformation. AVP adopts the cis configuration on the Cys1‐Tyr2 peptide bond, a finding not reported so far. The three‐dimensional structures of the two peptides studied were determined by a method that consisted of time‐averaged molecular dynamics in an explicit SDS micelle with the parm99 force field in AMBER8.0 package. All calculated structures of the studied peptides form β‐turns in their cyclic parts. The C‐terminal fragment of MT is bent, whereas that of AVP is extended. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational studies of alanine‐rich peptide using CD and FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: bagińska Katarzyna , Makowska Joanna , Wiczk WiesŁaw , Kasprzykowski Franciszek , ChmurzyńSKI Lech
Published: October 2007

The circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods were applied to the conformational studies of alanine‐rich peptide Ac‐K‐[A]11‐KGGY‐NH2 (where K is lysine, A is alanine, G is glycine and Y is tyrozyne) in water, methanol (MeOH) and trifluoroethanol (TFE). The analysis of CD‐spectra of the peptide in water at different concentrations revealed that the secondary structure content depends on the peptide concentration and pH of the solution. The increase of the peptide concentration causes a decrease of α‐helix content and, simultaneously, an increase of β‐sheet structure, while the unordered structure is the predominant one. Additional elements are discovered in MeOH and TFE but α‐helix and β‐turns predominate. Moreover, in these solutions the percentage content of the secondary structure does not depend on the temperature. FTIR measurements, carried out at higher peptide concentration (about one order of magnitude) than these CD measurements mentioned above, revealed that in water solution the solid state β‐sheet, and aggregated structures, dominate. However, in TFE the most abundant are α‐helix and β‐turns structures. The thioflavine T assay showed the tendency of the studied peptide for aggregate. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On informative detection bias in screening studies
Authors: Sjölander Arvid , Humphreys Keith , Palmgren Juni
Published: October 2007

The problem of estimating the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on breast cancer has attracted much attention in the causal inference literature. It is known that the HRT effect on diagnosis (observed) is potentially larger than the effect on true cancer status (of interest), and that the standard approach (stratification) to deal with this detection bias is not valid when screening pattern and cancer status share common causes. We propose a sensitivity analysis to deal with detection bias, and demonstrate that the earlier proposed approach of data restriction is not valid. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of algorithms to generate event times conditional on time‐dependent covariates
Authors: Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Abrahamowicz Michal
Published: October 2007

The Cox proportional hazards model with time‐dependent covariates (TDC) is now a part of the standard statistical analysis toolbox in medical research. As new methods involving more complex modeling of time‐dependent variables are developed, simulations could often be used to systematically assess the performance of these models. Yet, generating event times conditional on TDC requires well‐designed and efficient algorithms. We compare two classes of such algorithms: permutational algorithms (PAs) and algorithms based on a binomial model. We also propose a modification of the PA to incorporate a rejection sampler. We performed a simulation study to assess the accuracy, stability, and speed of these algorithms in several scenarios. Both classes of algorithms generated data sets that, once analyzed, provided virtually unbiased estimates with comparable variances. In terms of computational efficiency, the PA with the rejection sampler reduced the time necessary to generate data by more than 50 per cent relative to alternative methods. The PAs also allowed more flexibility in the specification of the marginal distributions of event times and required less calibration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Connection Between Surface Properties, Specific Surface Area and Component Distribution of Binary Mixtures of Corn Starch and Metronidazole
Authors: Tüske Zsófia , László Krisztina , Pintye‐Hódi Klára
Published: October 2007

Knowledge of the surface properties of pharmaceutical solids and excipients is of great significance for an understanding of the interactions between the particles of powders and powder mixtures [1, 2] and the accessories of the equipment [3] in the course of various technological procedures, e.g. powder mixing. The mixing of particulate ingredients to achieve content uniformity remains an important question [4]. Our present aims were to investigate the interparticular interactions, the specific surface areas of binary mixtures and of their components, and the visual appearance of the binary mixtures, using a scanning electron microscope. Corn starch is a frequently used excipient in pharmaceutical formulation. Metronidazole is one of the active agents with high dose. To find the optimal active ingredient and excipient proportion with homogeneous distribution is in this case a very important question. Surface free energy, adhesion and cohesion work may be calculated in various simply ways. In view of the surface properties of a binary mixture and that of the components the particle distribution can be characterized.
Aging Effects on Sorbitol‐ and Non‐Crystallizing Sorbitol‐Plasticized Tapioca Starch Films
Authors: Thirathumthavorn Doungjai , Charoenrein Sanguansri
Published: October 2007

The effect of aging on the properties of tapioca starch films plasticized with either sorbitol (S) or non‐crystallizing sorbitol (NCS) was investigated in this study. Tapioca starch, plasticizer and deionized water were mixed, heated, cast on high‐density polyethylene plates and dried at ambient conditions. The results showed that S was more effective in plasticizing fresh starch film than NCS. However, sorbitol crystallization was observed in S‐plasticized starch film after one month of storage, while there was no crystallization observed in NCS‐plasticized starch film after two months of storage. Mechanical properties of both S‐ and NCS‐plasticized starch films changed significantly with time, but with less change in the NCS‐plasticized films. Tensile strength, elastic modulus and toughness increased over time; conversely, elongation decreased. Additionally, the water vapor transmission rate decreased as storage time increased. The fact that mechanical properties of both S‐ and NCS‐plasticized films changed is likely due to an increase in crystallinity of the starch in the films with time.
Industrial Demand for Cassava Starch in India
Authors: Srinivas Tavva
Published: October 2007

Cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) is a staple food crop cultivated in several developing countries. Cassava is consumed either directly as cooked tubers or as the products prepared from cassava. Cassava in India is used mainly in the human consumption, industrial and animal feed sectors. In India nearly 60% of cassava is used industrially in the production of sago, starch and dry chips. The presented study has clearly indicated that the future of cassava in India lies in its diversified uses in the industrial sector. The projected demand is predominantly in the adhesive sector, especially in the corrugation gums and paper conversion industry, and in the paper industry. The projected demand‐supply gap in the industrial sector is expected to be 1.5×106 t of cassava tubers requiring another 750 000 ha to be brought under cassava cultivation. New and potential areas in the non‐traditional cassava‐growing states are to be considered for area expansion.
Labeled brassinosteroids for biochemical studies
Authors: Khripach Vladimir , Zhabinskii Vladimir
Published: October 2007

The present paper describes the results of our studies on the synthesis of brassinolide biosynthetic precursors as tools for investigations of new biosynthetic routes leading to brassinosteroids. The corresponding labeled compounds containing three or six deuterium atoms at terminal methyl group(s) of the side chain (in a position ensuring lack of isotopic exchange) were prepared starting from stigmasterol or bisnorcholenic acid. Two strategies for the construction of the carbon skeleton of the side chain were applied in this study: Claisen rearrangement of allylic alcohols and convergent synthesis based on the coupling of 22‐aldehydes with appropriate chiral sulfone. More than 20 brassinolide precursors (actual or suspected) have been prepared for metabolic studies that enabled identification of new brassinosteroids and biosynthetic subpathways to brassinolide in Secale cereale and Arabidopsis thaliana. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 265–274; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20123
Hexacoordinated phosphates: how to teach old chiral anions new asymmetric tricks
Authors: Lacour Jerome , Linder David
Published: October 2007

Chemical reactions and processes often involve chiral, yet racemic, cationic reagents, intermediates, or products. To afford instead nonracemic or enantiopure compounds, an asymmetric ion pairing of the cations with enantiopure anions can be considered—the counter ions behaving as asymmetric auxiliaries, ligands, or reagents. Detailed herein is a short review of our approach toward gaining reliable and predictable control over stereoselective ion pairing phenomena through the synthesis and use of novel configurationally stable hexacoordinated phosphate anions. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 275–285; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20124
Rational design of light‐controllable polymer micelles
Authors: Zhao Yue
Published: October 2007

Amphiphilic block copolymer (BCP) micelles are nanocarriers that hold promise for controlled delivery applications. This account highlights our recent works on light‐dissociable BCP micelles. We have designed and developed light‐responsive amphiphilic BCPs whose micellar aggregates (core‐shell micelles and vesicles) can be disrupted by light exposure. The basic strategy is to incorporate a chromophore into the structure of the hydrophobic block, whose photoreaction can result in a conformational or structural change that shifts the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance toward the destabilization of the micelles. Using various chromophores including azobenzene, pyrene and nitrobenzene, we have achieved both reversible and irreversible dissociation of BCP micelles upon illumination with UV/visible or near infrared light. The demonstrated rational design principle based on light‐changeable or light‐switchable amphiphilicity is general and can be applied to many polymer/chromophore combinations. This opens the door to developing photocontrollable polymer nanocarriers offering control over when and where the release of loaded agents takes place. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 286–294; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20127
An overview of how sports, out‐of‐school time, and youth well‐being can and do intersect
Authors: Le Menestrel Suzanne , Perkins Daniel F.
Published: October 2007

This article examines the benefits and disadvantages of participation in organized youth sports and describes a youth development approach to sports programming. The authors summarize what is known about the physical, socioemotional, and cognitive benefits of sports participation. These include health benefits (for example, a reduction in heart disease and diabetes) as well as socioemotional benefits, among them the coping skills of being able to bounce back from problems. The authors describe some of the disadvantages of participation as well. In particular, studies in this area have focused on health risk behaviors and engagement in problem behaviors. The authors present an innovative approach to youth sports and the advantages of implementing this approach using the emerging community youth development framework. Specific examples of youth sports programs are provided that use a positive youth development framework.
Improving health through youth sports: Is participation enough?
Authors: Bergeron Michael F.
Published: October 2007

The health benefits of engaging in regular physical activity are widely known: enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness, increased muscular strength and endurance, and favorable cholesterol and other profiles. Nevertheless, particularly in youth sports programs run by volunteer, and perhaps inadequately trained, coaches, many youth may not realize the health benefits of sports participation due to a number of factors, among them, inappropriate coach‐child ratios, limited space, or mismatched expectations between coaches and those of children and their parents. There are specific strategies that can be implemented to ensure that youth receive the maximize benefits from participation in sports. These strategies are presented in the following areas: frequency, intensity, and duration; cross‐training or complementary exercise; access points; utilization of space and time; nutrition; and rest. For instance, with regard to the frequency of physical activity, some sports, including soccer, basketball, and singles tennis, require extensive physical effort over an extended period of time, while others, such as baseball and football, have a lot of downtime. Thus, in order for children and youth to meet the recommendation of participating in moderate or vigorous physical activity at least four times per week, sports programs need to have opportunities for all athletes to practice hard. Finally, the author discusses the point at which participation in sports might be too much, leading to significant injuries, frustration, and resentment.
Cooperation versus competition: Is there really such an issue?
Authors: Daniels Ann Michelle
Published: October 2007

This author argues that youth sports can move beyond the dichotomy of cooperation versus competition by redefining competition. This can be accomplished by considering the development of cooperative skills and achievement motivation. The article addresses how cooperative skills can be taught within a competitive sport. First, it is important to understand how children and youth understand and process competition based on their developmental stage. Parents need to consider whether a child is mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically mature enough to participate in an organized sport. Readiness for a sport is just as important as readiness for school. Teaching cooperative skills within a competitive context involves a focus on personal development rather than performance. By asking themselves a series of developmental questions, such as, “Is the sport appropriate for the developmental age of the child?” parents and coaches can form realistic expectations of young athletes. Motivation is also a key determinant of a child's readiness for youth sports and competition. Children want to play a sport when they feel competent. It is up to parents and coaches to create a motivational climate that is focused on doing one's best and not on external rewards like winning. Children and youth receive specific and constructive feedback that focuses on improvement in this type of climate. The author also discusses three models of competition: the military model, the reward model, and the partnership model. The partnership model is the approach that balances competition in youth sports. The author concludes by introducing the “athletic square” model as an important and appropriate way to promote youth sports.
Youth sport as a component of organized afterschool programs
Authors: Coatsworth J. Douglas , Conroy David E.
Published: October 2007

Organized afterschool programs have received increased attention over the past two decades because of changes in family demographics and in society's structures for supervising and socializing youth. The number of afterschool programs has been rapidly expanding to meet the increased need. However, not all youth in need are being reached, and the programs that are being created are loosely connected. The authors present several advantages of more fully integrating sport and afterschool activities. There are well‐documented positive effects of physical activity and sports participation on physical and psychosocial youth outcomes, especially if those programs are implemented with these points in mind. Promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity are also important federal‐ and state‐level policy priorities. Finally, physical activity and fitness and sport participation are linked with improved cognitive functioning and greater academic achievement, two desired outcomes of many afterschool programs. The authors note, however, that many youth sports programs designed to enhance positive youth development will not succeed without more attention focused on improving them, because they do not use best practices and principles of afterschool and youth sports programs. The authors focus on best practice ideas in four areas that are essential to the successful intersection of youth sport and afterschool programming: setting a clear mission, programming with appropriate content, staff training, and research and evaluation or frequent assessments. They illustrate best practices in each of these areas using program descriptions and provide recommendations for strengthening the connections among afterschool programs, sports, and physical activity.
Characteristics of sports‐based youth development programs
Authors: Perkins Daniel F. , Noam Gil G.
Published: October 2007

The term “sports‐based youth development programs” is coined and defined in the context of the community youth development framework. Sports‐based youth development programs are out‐of‐school‐time programs that use a particular sport to facilitate learning and life skill development in youth. Community youth development programs use a community youth development approach to create opportunities for youth to connect to others, develop skills, and use those skills to contribute to their communities. This, in turn, increases their ability to succeed. The authors describe how sports‐based youth development programs can be contexts that promote positive youth development. The features of positive developmental settings for youth from the work of the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, as well as the features identified by other researchers, are presented in the context of sports‐based youth development programs. For example, a sports program that provides appropriate structure has delineated clear rules, expectations, and responsibilities for youth, parents, coaches, officials, and other organizers.
Disruption of genes encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases leads to retarded growth on acetate and ethanol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yde Steensma H. , Tomaska Lubomir , Reuven Peter , Nosek Jozef , Brandt Raymond
Published: October 2007

Two open reading frames, YIL042c (PKP1) and YGL059w, with 25% sequence similarity to human pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases, were shown to have protein kinase activity. Using GFP fusions, it was demonstrated that the proteins localize in discrete submitochondrial regions. Strains with a null mutation in these loci grew poorly on acetate and ethanol as carbon sources. Doubling times increased from ca. 4 h in the wild‐type to > 6 h for the mutants. Growth rates of the mutants could be restored to wild‐type levels by simultaneous disruption of the PDA1 gene, encoding the E1α subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This observation and the pyruvate dehydrogenase activities measured in the mutant strains and the wild‐type grown on glucose or acetate suggest that the slow growth phenotype on C2 carbon sources is caused by a futile cycle in which phosphoenolpyruvate is converted back to acetyl coenzyme A. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterization of amidase‐ homologous AMI1 genes of bottom‐fermenting yeast
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Hashimoto Kaori , Tanaka‐Kanai Keiko , Yoshimoto Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Osamu
Published: October 2007

It has been proposed that a bottom‐fermenting yeast strain of Saccharomyces pastorianus is a natural hybrid between S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus and possesses at least two types of genome. In the process of conducting expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis, we isolated bottom‐fermenting yeast‐specific (BFY) genes that have no significant homology with sequences in the S288C database. One of the BFY genes, AMI1, encodes a protein with homology to an amidase conserved among plants, Bacillus subtilis, Neurospora crassa, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces species, with the exception of S. cerevisiae S288C. In the bottom‐fermenting yeast, three alleles of AMI1 (one AMI1‐A and two AMI1‐B alleles) were found on different chromosomes. AMI1‐A on chromosome XIII is most homologous to the S. bayanus AMI1 gene, while AMI1‐B on chromosome X is most homologous to the Saccharomyces paradoxus AMI1 gene. Overproduction of AMI1 in S. cerevisiae resulted in a slow‐growth phenotype. Although a hydropathy plot shows that Ami1p has a putative signal sequence, it was located in the cell, not secreted into the medium. By metabolome analysis of intracellular compounds, the amount of histidine and arginine is increased, and the amount of threonine, lysine and nicotinic acid is decreased in the Ami1p‐overproducing strain as compared with the control, suggesting that Ami1p may hydrolyse some amides related to amino acid and niacin metabolism in the cell. The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper appear in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank nucleotide database under Accession Nos AB195821 and AB195822. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Community‐based Practices: Integrating Dissemination Theory with Critical Theories of Power and Justice
Authors: Sandler Jen
Published: October 2007

This paper critically reviews two diverse intellectual traditions concerned with community‐based interventions: the literature on dissemination of community interventions and the critical psychology literature that is concerned with systemic power inequalities and structural injustice. The dominant dissemination‐of‐innovations framework has shifted toward an emphasis on community, yet it does not generally take into account issues of power and inequality within the diverse community spheres into which interventions are disseminated. On the other hand, critical psychologists, who have concerned themselves with both understanding and addressing issues of power and structural injustice, have tended to eschew the possibility of standardizing and making transferable practices, programs, and even processes that address these issues in particular settings. This paper traces and critiques both sides of this divide within community psychology, positing a framework to bring these diverse intellectual resources together so that community interventions might fruitfully be examined in terms of theircommunity‐based practices, or practices that bear on structural injustice. This framework is illustrated with a case study of the community‐based practices of a widely disseminated evidence‐based community intervention.
Neighborhood Social Conditions Mediate the Association Between Physical Deterioration and Mental Health
Authors: Kruger Daniel J. , Reischl Thomas M. , Gee Gilbert C.
Published: October 2007

This study investigates how neighborhood deterioration is associated with stress and depressive symptoms and the mediating effects of perceived neighborhood social conditions. Data come from a community survey of 801 respondents geocoded and linked to a systematic on‐site assessment of the physical characteristics of nearly all residential and commercial structures around respondents' homes. Structural equation models controlling for demographic effects indicate that the association between neighborhood deterioration and well‐being appear to be mediated through social contact, social capital, and perceptions of crime, but not through neighborhood satisfaction. Specifically, residential deterioration was mediated by social contact, then, social capital and fear of crime. Commercial deterioration, on the other hand, was mediated only through fear of crime. Additionally, data indicate that the functional definition of a “neighborhood” depends on the characteristics measured. These findings suggest that upstream interventions designed to improve neighborhood conditions as well as proximal interventions focused on social relationships, may promote well‐being.
Failure of Small Joint Arthrodesis from Resorption Around a Compression Screw in a Patient with Lupus-Associated Arthritis Mutilans: Case Report
Authors: Aliu Oluseyi , Netscher David T. , Peltier Marcia
Published: October 2007

We report the unusual case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated arthritis mutilans. Arthritis mutilans is a variant of erosive arthritis that is more commonly reported with psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis and not with SLE. Joint fusion has been shown to be the most effective measure to preserve bone length and prevent further erosive joint changes in arthritis mutilans. We attempted to enhance success of a thumb interphalangeal joint fusion in our patient by adding compression across the fusion with implant screws, given the difficulty of achieving solid bone fusion ordinarily. Osteolysis around the compression screw resulted in arthrodesis failure. We were finally able to achieve successful fusion with iliac crest corticocancellous bone grafts and Kirschner wire fixation. Implant athroplasty in patients with bone loss is risky as it often furthers joint instability because of bone resorption around the prosthesis. This is a point of caution regarding use of any implant (including large screws) in patients with arthritis mutilans, as osteolysis around the implant may occur.
Strategies for Controlled Placement of Nanoscale Building Blocks
Authors: Koh SeongJin
Published: October 2007

The capability of placing individual nanoscale building blocks on exact substrate locations in a controlled manner is one of the key requirements to realize future electronic, optical, and magnetic devices and sensors that are composed of such blocks. This article reviews some important advances in the strategies for controlled placement of nanoscale building blocks. In particular, we will overview template assisted placement that utilizes physical, molecular, or electrostatic templates, DNA-programmed assembly, placement using dielectrophoresis, approaches for non-close-packed assembly of spherical particles, and recent development of focused placement schemes including electrostatic funneling, focused placement via molecular gradient patterns, electrodynamic focusing of charged aerosols, and others.
A Comparison of the Levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Corn Germ Oil, Corn Fiber Oil and Corn Kernel Oil
Authors: Moreau Robert A. , Johnston David B. , Hicks Kevin B.
Published: October 2007

All commercial corn oil is obtained by pressing corn germ and/or extracting the germ with hexane. In the current study, six types of corn oil were prepared by extracting corn germ, corn fiber and ground corn, each with hexane or with ethanol. The levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids were quantitatively analyzed in the six corn oils. The levels of lutein + zeaxanthin in the oil ranged from 2.3 μg/g for hexane‐extracted corn germ oil to 220.9 μg/g for ethanol‐extracted ground corn oil. These results indicate that a diet that includes 30 g (~2 tbsp) per day of the unrefined corn oil obtained by extracting ground corn with ethanol would provide ~6 mg of lutein + zeaxanthin, the daily dosage that is currently considered to be necessary to slow the progression of age‐related macular degeneration.
Evaluating stock returns with time‐varying risk aversion driven by trend deviations from the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio: An analysis conditional on income levels
Authors: Smoluk H.J. , Bennett James
Published: October 2007

Based on the cointegrating relationship between consumption and wealth, we estimate the long run consumption‐to‐wealth ratio for each of five consumer income quintiles as well as national data for benchmarking purposes. Short run deviations from the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio for each quintile are examined for their ability to forecast changes in future consumption, income, housing values, and especially stock returns. We demonstrate that these trend deviations when combined with consumption growth in a multifactor model, significantly improve the ability of the dividend‐to‐price ratio to forecast future market returns over short and intermediate horizons for consumers in the highest‐income quintile. This paper contributes to the financial economic literature by showing that the highest‐income consumers are forecasting future stock returns with the help of the persistence in the dividend‐to‐price ratio and are modifying their consumption accordingly.
Wholegrain foods made from a novel high-amylose barley variety (Himalaya 292) improve indices of bowel health in human subjects
Authors: Bird Anthony R. , Vuaran Michelle S. , King Roger A. , Noakes Manny , Keogh Jennifer , Morell Matthew K. , Topping David L.
Published: October 2007

Himalaya 292(Hordeum vulgarevar.Himalaya 292) is a novel hull-less barley variety lacking activity of a key enzyme of starch synthesis giving a grain containing less total starch, more amylose and higher total dietary fibre. Animal trials have shown thatHimalaya 292contains more resistant starch and has greater positive impact on biomarkers of large-bowel health than comparable wholegrain cereal products. The present study compared the effects of foods made from wholegrainHimalaya 292with those made from wholegrain wheat on faecal biomarkers of bowel health in human subjects. Seventeen male and female volunteers aged 31–66 years consumed similar quantities ofHimalaya 292, whole-wheat or refined cereal foods daily for 4 weeks in a randomised cross-over design. Total dietary fibre intakes from weighed food records were 45, 32 and 21 g/d for theHimalaya 292, whole-wheat and refined cereal periods, respectively. Compared with the refined cereal foods, consumption ofHimalaya 292foods resulted in 33 % higher faecal weight, a lowering of faecal pH from 7·24 to 6·98, a 42 % higher faecal concentration and a 91 % higher excretion of butyrate, a 57 % higher faecal total SCFA excretion and a 33 % lower faecalp-cresol concentration. pH and butyrate concentration and excretion were also significantly different compared with wholemeal wheat. It is concluded that consumption of a diet that included foods made fromHimalaya 292supplied more fibre and improved indices of bowel health compared with refined cereal foods and, for some indices, similar wholemeal wheat foods at equivalent levels of intake.
ON-FARM ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRAINTS TO CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM) PRODUCTION IN MARGINAL AREAS OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: WHISH J. P. M. , CASTOR P. , CARBERRY P. S. , PEAKE A. S.
Published: October 2007

Chickpea production in marginal (<600 mm annual rainfall) areas of the northern cropping region in eastern Australia is considered to be constrained by low rainfall, soils with low plant available water capacity (PAWC), subsoil salinity, low plant stature and poor fruit set. This study examines these constraints to assess the magnitude of their impact and if agronomic practices can improve potential production. Over three years a total of 42 commercial chickpea crops were monitored following a participatory action research approach focusing on perceived production constraints. Subsoil salinity significantly reduced PAWC for chickpea compared to wheat. However, PAWC for chickpeas from the majority of sites monitored was comparable to other areas. The supply of water between flowering and maturity was significantly related to yield. The agronomic practice of levelling following deep planting improved the lowest pod height by 10 cm and plant stresses experienced during flowering caused a 50 % loss of potential fruit. Constraints impacting on the supply and storage of soil water could be minimized by selecting paddocks with low chloride levels in the upper layers and sowing crops when the available soil water is greater than 100 mm. Reducing fruit loss at flowering has the potential to improve yields significantly. The mechanisms behind this loss were not identified but are worthy of further research.
LONG-TERM YIELD SUSTAINABILITY AND FINANCIAL RETURNS FROM GRAIN LEGUME–MAIZE INTERCROPS ON A SANDY SOIL IN SUBHUMID NORTH CENTRAL ZIMBABWE
Authors: WADDINGTON S. R. , MEKURIA MULUGETTA , SIZIBA S. , KARIGWINDI J.
Published: October 2007

To measure the yield and financial returns from five grain legume–maize intercrop combinations over 12 years of cropping, a field experiment was conducted on a loamy sand soil in the subhumid unimodal rainfall environment of Domboshava in north-central Zimbabwe. Inputs and management followed smallholder practice, including partial grazing of crop residues and a zero mineral fertilizer treatment. The intercropped legumes grew moderately well most years. Cowpea averaged the highest grain yield (0.244 t ha−1) and haulm yield (1.54 t ha−1) over the 12 years, followed by pigeonpea and sugar bean. Intercropped pigeonpea yield was the least variable of the legumes over the years. Maize grain yield was highly variable across years with or without fertilizer and was reduced in years of low (533 mm) and high (1313 mm) rainfall. The pigeonpea–maize intercrop grown without fertilizer produced 0.11 t ha−1 (6.25 %) more maize grain yield per year than sole crop maize, in addition to pigeonpea grain and haulms. Intercropped cowpea (which yielded more than double the above-ground non-grain biomass of pigeonpea) had less effect on maize grain yield. There was no trend to greater benefits from the legumes on maize yield after more years of intercropping. Net present values of annual margins accumulated over the 12 years for sole maize with fertilizer (US$1719 ha−1) and without fertilizer (US$935 ha−1) were higher than the fertilized and unfertilized intercropping options (US$1017 and US$745 ha−1). Pigeonpea or cowpea–unfertilized maize generated more financial returns than the other intercrops, but the low yields and high labour costs for the legumes made the intercrops financially unattractive. We conclude that regularly intercropped pigeonpea or cowpea can to a small extent help to maintain maize yield when maize is grown without mineral fertilizer on sandy soils in sub humid zones of Zimbabwe, and simultaneously provide some nutritious food, but that financial considerations will encourage smallholder farmers to persist with growing low input sole crop maize.
EFFECT OF PHOSPHATE FERTILIZER APPLICATION METHODS AND NITROGEN SOURCES ON MAIZE IN WESTERN KENYA: AN AGRONOMIC AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION
Authors: OPALA P. A. , JAMA B. A. , OTHIENO C. O. , OKALEBO J. R.
Published: October 2007

Simultaneous deficiencies of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) which limit crop production in western Kenya can be overcome through a combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. An experiment was conducted with maize (Zea mays) for two seasons to compare two methods of applying inorganic P fertilizer (broadcast versus spot) in a factorial combination with three N sources, i.e. farmyard manure (FYM), Tithonia diversifolia green manure (tithonia) and urea. Net financial benefits of the tested practices were computed using partial budgeting. Maize yield was not significantly affected by the P fertilizer application method in the first season, but the broadcast method was generally superior to spot application in the second season. The three N sources produced maize yields that were comparable in both seasons. FYM integrated with P fertilizer applied using the broadcast method, however, had the highest cumulative net benefit and was therefore the most economically attractive input combination.
PARTICIPATORY PLANT BREEDING IN WATER-LIMITED ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: CECCARELLI S. , GRANDO S. , BAUM M.
Published: October 2007

Drought is one of the major factors limiting crop production worldwide. Dry areas are a much less homogeneous population of target environments than areas with high and reliable rainfall. In this paper we argue that a decentralized participatory plant breeding programme can address the complexity of dry areas, characterized by high and repeatable genotype × locations and genotype × years within locations interactions, more efficiently and effectively than a centralized non-participatory plant breeding programme. This is because varieties can be tailored not only to the multitude of target environments typical of dry areas, but also to diverse clients needs. In addition, varieties can be delivered in a shorter time and with a higher probability of adoption. Decentralized participatory plant breeding also has beneficial effects on biodiversity because selection is for specific adaptation rather than for broad spatial adaptation. The paper gives examples of methodological aspects including the modes of farmer selection, the precision of the trials, the efficiency of selection, the response to selection, the role of the type of germplasm and the role of molecular breeding in a participatory breeding programme. The paper gives the example of drought-resistant barley lines identified through extensive field testing and selection in a decentralized participatory breeding programme, and concludes that this type of plant breeding may be better targeted, more relevant and more appropriate for poor farmers in marginal areas.
PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH ON LEGUME DIVERSIFICATION WITH MALAWIAN SMALLHOLDER FARMERS FOR IMPROVED HUMAN NUTRITION AND SOIL FERTILITY
Authors: KERR RACHEL BEZNER , SNAPP SIEGLINDE , CHIRWA (deceased) MARKO , SHUMBA LIZZIE , MSACHI RODGERS
Published: October 2007

Legume species are uniquely suited to enhance soil productivity and provide nutrient-enriched grains and vegetables for limited-resource farmers. Yet substantial barriers to diversification with legumes exist, such as moderate yield potential and establishment costs, indicating the need for long-term engagement and farmer-centered research and extension. This review and in-depth analysis of a Malawian case study illustrates that farmer experimentation and adoption of legumes can be fostered among even the most resource-poor smallholders. Multi-educational activities and participatory research involving farmer research teams was carried out with 80 communities. Over five years more than 3000 farmers tested legumes and gained knowledge of legume contributions to child nutrition and soil productivity. The average area of expansion of legume systems was 862 m2 in 2005; 772 m2 for women and 956 m2 for men indicating a gender dimension to legume adoption. Farmers chose edible legume intercrops such as pigeonpea and groundnut over the mucuna green manure system, particularly women farmers. Interestingly, expansion in area of doubled-up edible legumes (854 m2 in 2005) was practiced by more farmers, but was a smaller area than that of mucuna green manure system (1429 m2). An information gap was discovered around the biological consequences of legume residue management. Education on the soil benefits of improved residue management and participatory methods of knowledge sharing were associated with enhanced labour investment; 72 % of farmers reported burying legume residues in 2005 compared to 15 % in 2000. Households reported feeding significantly more edible legumes to their children compared with control households. Participatory research that incorporated nutritional education fostered discussions within households and communities, the foundation for sustained adoption of legume-diversified systems.
HERITABILITY OF SINGLE PLANT YIELD AND INCIDENCE OF BLACK POD DISEASE IN COCOA
Authors: LOCKWOOD G. , OWUSU-ANSAH F. , ADU-AMPOMAH Y.
Published: October 2007

Broad sense heritabilities were estimated in three long-term cocoa clone trials in Ghana, with 20, 18 and 15 entries. They were 0.15, 0.05 and 0.15 for yield in pods per plant, and 0.26, 0.19 and 0.40 for incidence of ‘bad’ pods, mostly due to black pod disease, caused by infection with Phytophthora spp. The low heritability of single plant yield, which has been known for 80 years, has been widely overlooked in cocoa research and extension, compromising the success of clone selection programmes. The heritability of the incidence of black pod disease is high enough to justify mass selection where family level data are not available. The findings will be applied in a new large-scale programme in Ghana to select clones that are high yielding in the presence of P. megakarya.