bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Properties of Feroxyhyte (δ′-FeOOH)
Authors: Majzlan Juraj , Koch Christian Bender , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: November 2008

Feroxyhyte (δ′-FeOOH) is a relatively uncommon Fe oxide mineral and one of the few phases in the system Fe2O3-H2O for which thermodynamic properties are not known. In natural occurrences, it is always fine-grained, although samples with larger particle sizes and better crystallinity (labeled as δ-FeOOH) can be prepared in the laboratory. This contribution presents a thermochemical study on a series of feroxyhyte samples. One is fine-grained and poorly crystalline, similar to natural materials, while the other three are of better crystallinity. The enthalpy of formation of feroxyhyte at 298.15 K is −547.4±1.3kJ mol−1 for the poorly crystalline sample (surface area 88 m2/g), and −550.6±1.4, −550.9±1.3, and −552.6±1.2 kJ mol−1 for the samples with better crystallinity. The entropy of feroxyhyte can be estimated only crudely, because it is influenced to a great extent by its magnetic properties, particle size, and structural disorder. The <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">S298o$S_{298}^{\rm{o}}$ of feroxyhyte is estimated here to be 65±5 J K−1 mol−1. The Gibbs free energy of the reaction feroxyhyte → hematite + liquid water is −7.4 to −12.6 kJ mol−1 at 298.15 K. The Gibbs free energy of formation (<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">ΔGfo${\rm{\Delta }}G_{\rm{f}}^{\rm{o}}$) of the fine-grained, poorly crystalline feroxyhyte is −478.1±2.0 kJ mol−1 at 298.15 K. Since this sample is closest in its physical properties to natural feroxyhyte, this <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">ΔGfo${\rm{\Delta }}G_{\rm{f}}^{\rm{o}}$ value should be used in thermodynamic modeling related to processes involving naturally occurring feroxyhyte. In terms of Gibbs free energy and enthalpy, feroxyhyte is very similar to lepidocrocite and maghemite, and, like these two phases, has no thermodynamic stability field in the system Fe2O3-H2O, except possibly at the nanoscale.
Contemporary Pedogenic Formation of Palygorskite in Irrigation-Induced, Saline-Sodic, Shrink-Swell Soils of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Hillier S. , Pharande A. L.
Published: November 2008

Increasing use of irrigation in India has exacerbated the problems of soil salinity and sodicity. The present study was undertaken on shrink-swell soils from Maharastra State to determine if changes in soil chemistry due to irrigation have affected the clay mineralogy. Twenty six samples (15 locations) of irrigation-induced, saline-sodic, shrink-swell soils and 27 samples (22 locations) of normal un-irrigated (rain-fed) shrink-swell soils were studied using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). The XRPD analysis of the <0.2 µm fraction of rain-fed, shrink-swell soils indicates a predominance of dioctahedral smectite with minor to trace amounts of kaolinite and chlorite. Traces of palygorskite (1–4%) were detected in three samples. In contrast, palygorskite is a common component (1–20%) of the fine-clay fraction of saline-sodic soils. Quantitative analysis of palygorskite by XRPD in whole-soil (<2 mm) samples showed that saline-sodic soils contain up to 20 wt.% of palygorskite, whereas palygorskite was only detectable (1.5 wt.%) in one sample of the rain-fed set. The SEM, TEM, and FTIR confirm the presence of Fe-rich palygorskite in saline-sodic soils and demonstrate that the fibrous palygorskite crystals are exceedingly small (∼0.5 µm long). Delicate palygorskite fibers radiate from the margins of smectite plates suggestive of a pedogenic origin and a close genetic relationship between smectite and palygorskite. The compositions of saturation-paste extracts display a shift from the stability field of smectite in rain-fed soils to that of palygorskite in saline-sodic soils. Thus the occurrence and formation of palygorskite appears to be related to the change in land management from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture. This change has occurred over a period of no more than 40–50 y, implying that palygorskite formation in the irrigated, saline-sodic soils has been an extremely rapid process.
Smectite Clay Sequestration of Aflatoxin B1: Particle Size and Morphology
Authors: Mulder I. , Barrientos Velazquez A. L. , Tenorio Arvide M. G. , White G. N. , Dixon J. B.
Published: November 2008

The properties that might influence the sequestration of aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) were examined. Laser-diffraction, particle-size analysis (LDPSA) indicated that the particle size of the smectite influences the amount of AfB1 adsorbed. Effective adsorbent smectites disperse well under combined sodium hexametaphosphate solution and ultrasonic agitation. Particle size explained 66% of the variability for most of the samples investigated in an ‘as-received’ state. One effective adsorbent smectite was especially well aggregated and required additional physical dispersion, thus raising the correlation to 73%. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show typical smectites and reveal the very diverse morphology of smectites in bentonites. Thin, cloud-like smectite, in TEM images, related positively to AfB1-adsorption capacity. Particles that often fold and are usually ∼0.5 µm across seem to be optimal. The selection of criteria for evaluating these smectites provides a scientific basis for their selection to obtain reliable performance. Particle size is of particular importance as outlined below, and use of LDPSA makes it possible to perform the analysis efficiently and with precision.
Mineralogy and Genesis of Smectites in an Alkaline-Saline Environment of Pantanal Wetland, Brazil
Authors: Furquim Sheila Aparecida Correia , Graham Robert C. , Barbiero Laurent , de Queiroz Neto José Pereira , Vallès Vincent
Published: November 2008

Smectite formation in alkaline-saline environments has been attributed to direct precipitation from solution and/or transformation from precursor minerals, but these mechanisms are not universally agreed upon in the literature. The objective of this work was to investigate the mineralogy of smectites in the soils surrounding a representative alkaline-saline lake of Nhecolândia, a sub-region of the Pantanal wetland, Brazil, and then to identify the mechanisms of their formation.

Soils were sampled along a toposequence and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Water was collected along a transect involving the studied toposequence and equilibrium diagrams were calculated using the databases PHREEQC and AQUA.

The fine-clay fraction is dominated by smectite, mica, and kaolinite. Smectites are concentrated at two places in the toposequence: an upper zone, which includes the soil horizons rarely reached by the lake-level variation; and a lower zone, which includes the surface horizon within the area of seasonal lake-level variation. Within the upper zone, the smectite is dioctahedral, rich in Al and Fe, and is classified as ferribeidellite. This phase is interstratified with mica and vermiculite and has an Fe content similar to that of the mica identified. These characteristics suggest that the ferribeidellite originates from transformation of micas and that vermiculite is an intermediate phase in this transformation. Within the lower zone, smectites are dominantly trioctahedral, Mg-rich, and are saponitic and stevensitic minerals. In addition, samples enriched in these minerals have much smaller rare-earth element (REE) contents than other soil samples. The water chemistry shows a geochemical control of Mg and saturation with respect to Mg-smectites in the more saline waters. The REE contents, water chemistry, and the presence of Mg-smectite where maximum evaporation is expected, suggest that saponitic and stevensitic minerals originate by chemical precipitation from the water column of the alkaline-saline lake.
Treatment With a Growth Factor–Protein Mixture Inhibits Formation of Mineralized Nodules in Osteogenic Cell Cultures Grown on Titanium
Authors: de Oliva Marcos Andrade , Maximiano William Marcatti Amarú , de Castro Larissa Moreira Spínola , da Silva Paulo Eliandro , Fernandes Roger Rodrigo , Ciancaglini Pietro , Beloti Márcio Mateus , Nanci Antonio , Rosa Adalberto Luiz , de Oliveira Paulo Tambasco
Published: November 2008

Despite wide clinical application, the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for repairing bone defects and enhancing osseointegration of metal implants is still subject of debate. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a well-defined PRP-like mixture containing platelet-derived growth factor-BB, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, albumin, fibronectin, and thrombospondin [growth factors (GFs) + proteins] on the development of the osteogenic phenotype on titanium (Ti) in vitro. Human alveolar bone-derived osteoblastic cells were subcultured on Ti discs and exposed during the first 7 days to osteogenic medium supplemented with GFs + proteins and to osteogenic medium alone thereafter up to 14 days. Control cultures were exposed to only osteogenic medium. Dose–response experiments were carried out using rat primary calvarial cells exposed to GFs + proteins and 1:10 or 1:100 dilutions of the mixture. Treated human-derived cell cultures exhibited a significantly higher number of cycling cells at days 1 and 4 and of total cells at days 4 and 7, significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at days 4, 7, and 10, and no Alizarin red–stained areas (calcium deposits) at day 14, indicating an impairment in osteoblast differentiation. Although the 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions of the mixture restored the proliferative activity of rat-derived osteogenic cells to control levels and promoted a significant increase in ALP activity at day 10 compared with GFs + proteins, mineralized nodule formation was only observed with the 1:100 dilution (∼50% of the control). These results showed that a PRP-like protein mixture inhibits development of the osteogenic phenotype in both human and rat osteoblastic cell cultures grown on Ti.
Evaporation of Pesticide Droplets on Surfaces Under Various Relative Humidity Conditions
Authors: Yu Y. , Zhu H. , Ozkan H. E.
Published: November 2008

It is important to understand the evaporation process of pesticide droplets on targets for increasing the efficiency and efficacy of foliar applied insecticide and fungicide spray applications. Evaporation characteristics of five droplet sizes (246, 343, 575, 762, and 886 μm) under three relative humidity (RH) conditions (30, 60, and 90 %) were studied in a laboratory. Sequential images of evaporating droplets placed inside a small environmentally controlled chamber were obtained using a stereoscope for determination of droplet evaporation time and residual patterns. The spray mixtures included different combinations of water, a nonionic colloidal polymer drift retardant, an alkyl polyoxyethylene surfactant, and an insecticide. The droplet evaporation was investigated on the surfaces of hydrophilic and hydrophobic glass slides which represented ideal non-waxy and waxy leaf surfaces, respectively. Among the spray mixtures investigated, the droplets containing the drift retardant had the longest evaporation time, and the droplets containing the surfactant had the shortest evaporation time after these additives were added into insecticide mixtures. The mean evaporation time of 246, 343, 575, 762, and 886 μm droplets containing water and the insecticide without additives at 60 % RH on the hydrophilic surface were 43, 77, 133, 226, and 384 s, respectively. The mean evaporation times of the same size droplets containing the same insecticide but mixed with the surfactant were 26, 47, 77, 156, and 251 s, respectively. The evaporation time of 575 μm droplets containing the drift retardant at 60 % RH increased from 159 s to 224 s when the deposition surface changed from the hydrophilic slide to the hydrophobic slide. The evaporation time of droplets greatly increased as RH increased, and also increased exponentially as the droplet size increased. Therefore, spray additives, target surface fine structure and RH greatly influenced the evaporation time of spray droplets.
Actinide binding by Kläui ligands: REDOX speciation and sorption on an extraction chromatography resin
Authors: Levitskaia Tatiana G. , Sinkov Sergey I. , Lumetta Gregg J.
Published: November 2008

The sorption of Eu(III) and actinide ions in various oxidation states from nitric acid solutions by an extraction chromatography resin containing 1 wt. % of the Kläui ligand Cp*Co[P(O)(OR)2]3−[Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, R=–CH2CH2CH3] on Amberlite®XAD-7HP was examined. At 0.3 M HNO3and a metal-to-ligand ratio of 0.07, the relative affinity of the resin for the ions investigated followed the order: tetravalent»hexavalent>trivalent>pentavalent; however, the relative affinity for the trivalent and hexavalent ions can be reversed, depending on the extent of ligand loading and the nitric acid concentration. The sorption of the tetravalent ions was exceptionally strong in the entire range of nitric acid concentration examined (0.2 to 8 M HNO3). The large difference in the affinity of the resin with the Kläui ligand for tetravalent actinides compared to hexavalent actinides is unusual for ligands with the P=O donor moiety.

Resin samples loaded with various actinide ions were examined spectrophotometrically. No Np(V) and Pu(III) species were identified on the resin; rather, reduction–oxidation (REDOX) reactions occurred during equilibration, resulting in their complete conversion to M(IV) species bound by the Kläui ligand. Similarly, the sorption behavior of Pu(VI) and Np(VI) was complicated by their reduction to M(IV) upon sorption. The observed REDOX processes were apparently driven by the extremely high affinity of the Kläui ligand for the tetravalent ions. The acid–base properties of the methyl derivative of the Kläui ligand were investigated in aqueous solution, and its pKawas found to be highly dependent upon the solution ionic strength. The binding constants of this ligand with various actinide ions measured in a mixed methanol/carbon tetrachloride solvent exhibited qualitative agreement with the sorption selectivity trends.
Proton induced reactions on natural tellurium up to 63 MeV: Data validation and investigation of possibility of 124I production
Authors: El-Azony Khalid , Suzuki Kazutoshi , Fukumura Toshimitsu , Szelecsényi Ferenc , Kovács Zoltán
Published: November 2008

Excitation functions of the reactions natTe (p,xn)120g,121,123,124,125,126,128,13I were measured from their respective thresholds up to 63 MeV via the stacked foil technique. Thin targets were prepared by a vacuum deposition method. Irradiations were performed using AVF 930 cyclotron at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences. The concord and conflict between our excitation studies and the available literature data are shown. The high values of our cross sections for 125I in comparison to some literature data are discussed. Our cross sections measurements validated some of the literature data obtained using enriched target isotopes. The integral yields of iodine radionuclides were deduced from the measured excitation curves. The estimated yield of 124I via the natTe(p,xn) process over the energy range E
p= 57 → 53 MeV is 16.7 MBq/μA h. The level of the radionuclidic impurities 125I and 126I is, however, rather high, so that it is not meaningful to produce 124I using natTe as target material.
Should genetic testing be performed in each patient with sporadic pheochromocytoma at presentation?
Authors: Pigny Pascal , Cardot-Bauters Catherine , Do Cao Christine , Vantyghem Marie Christine , Carnaille Bruno , Pattou François , Caron Philippe , Wemeau Jean-Louis , Porchet Nicole
Published: November 2008

Background

According to previous studies, around 15% of patients with an apparently sporadic pheochromocytoma and a negative family history had a hereditary disease. This high frequency together with the financial support provided to reference laboratories of molecular genetics by the French government led to a nearly systematic screening in each patient with a pheochromocytoma.

Objective

To check the efficiency of systematic genetic screening in patients with apparently sporadic pheochromocytoma, by analysing the 6 years experience of a multidisciplinary team in this field.

Methods

One hundred patients with a pheochromocytoma-only phenotype and no family history were included. Patients with extra-adrenal tumours were excluded. Prevalence of hereditary forms was determined and analyzed according to age at onset, sex. Cost of the genetic analysis was calculated.

Results

A germline mutation in one of the five susceptibility genes (VHL, RET, SDHD, SDHC, SDHB) was identified in eight patients (8%) with an age of onset between 13 and 57 years. Among them, six had a bilateral pheochromocytoma and only two had a unilateral tumour. If the guidelines for genetic screening were age of onset less than 50 or bilateral pheochromocytoma, no patients with a hereditary tumour would be missed and a 24% cost reduction would be achieved.

Conclusions

According to these data, a genetic predisposition test for hereditary pheochromocytoma seems not recommended in patients with a unilateral adrenal tumour diagnosed after 50 in the absence of familial, clinical, biological or imaging features for a familial disease.
r-metHuLeptin improves highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced lipoatrophy and the metabolic syndrome, but not through altering circulating IGF and IGF-binding protein levels: observational and interventional studies in humans
Authors: Brennan Aoife M , Lee Jennifer H , Tsiodras Sotirios , Chan Jean L , Doweiko John , Chimienti Sonia N , Wadhwa Sanjivini G , Karchmer Adolf W , Mantzoros Christos S
Published: November 2008

Objective

Leptin is an adipocyte secreted hormone and an important regulator of neuroendocrine, metabolic, and immune function. Both r-metHuLeptin and IGF1 administration result in reduced central adipose tissue in subjects with highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced metabolic syndrome (HAART-MS) but whether the effects of leptin are mediated through increasing IGF levels remains unknown.

Methods

To assess whether r-metHuLeptin improves the HAART-MS by regulating circulating IGF and IGFBPs, we first conducted a cross-sectional study of 118 men and women with HIV infection and >6 months of exposure to antiretroviral medications to examine any association between circulating IGF1 and leptin levels. We also performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of recombinant human leptin (r-metHuLeptin) administration to seven HIV positive men with lipoatrophy and leptin deficiency (leptin <3 ng/ml) related to antiretroviral medication use.

Results

In the observational study, leptin levels were inversely associated with circulating IGF1 levels after adjusting for age and gender (r=0.27 P=0.002), but this inverse association became non-significant after adjustment for % body fat and exercise. In the interventional leptin study, leptin levels increased significantly during r-metHuLeptin treatment (from 1.34±0.20 ng/ml at baseline to 17±5.05 ng/ml after 8 weeks P=0.046) and metabolic parameters improved including reduced fasting insulin levels and reduced homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Despite the increase in circulating leptin levels, there was no change in IGF1, IGF2, free IGF1, or IGF-binding proteins during the 2-month treatment period.

Conclusion

The effects of r-metHuLeptin in patients with HAART-MS are not mediated through increasing IGF or IGFBP levels.
Analysis of the 206M polymorphic variant of the SLC26A6 gene encoding a Cl− oxalate transporter in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Corbetta S , Eller-Vainicher C , Frigerio M , Valaperta R , Costa E , Vicentini L , Baccarelli A , Beck-Peccoz P , Spada A
Published: November 2008

Objective

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is often complicated by kidney stones. Hypercalciuria and urine oxalate excretion are considered risk factors for urolithiasis in PHPT as well as in idiopathic stone-formers. Recently, the anion-exchanger SLC26A6 has been involved in the oxalate metabolism.

Design and methods

We tested the hypothesis that the 206M polymorphic variant of SLC26A6 gene might contribute to the risk of kidney stones in PHPT. DNA samples from 145 PHPT patients and 129 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were genotyped.

Results

The homozygous 206V genotype was the most frequent both in PHPT patients and controls (79.3 and 74.4%), while heterozygosity for the 206M allele was detected in 20.0 and 23.3% respectively. The homozygous 206M genotype was extremely rare, occurring in 0.7 and 2.3% of PHPT and healthy subjects respectively. In the PHPT cohort, the prevalence of urolithiasis did not differ between the V/V and V/M+M/M groups and urine oxalate excretions did not correlate with the genotype. Considering the subset of PHPT stone formers (n=74), calciuria was lower in V/M+M/M patients with respect to V/V stone-formers (4.40±1.88 vs 5.92±2.62 mg/kg per 24 h; mean±s.d., P=0.034). Finally, the SLC26A6 206M alleles were significantly related to the presence of hypertension (73.3 vs 47.8%), showing an OR of 4.8.

Conclusions

Though the SLC26A6 206M polymorphism did not correlate with kidney stone development in PHPT patients, PHPT stone-formers harbouring the M allele had a lower hypercalciuria. This observation and the high prevalence of hypertension associated with the 206M polymorphism need further investigation.
The role of IGF1 in the in vivo production of bovine embryos from superovulated donors
Authors: Velazquez M A , Zaraza J , Oropeza A , Webb R , Niemann H
Published: November 2008

IGF1 plays an important role in bovine follicular growth, acquisition of oocyte competence and embryo viability. Current data also indicate a critical role for IGF1 in both the ovarian response and the embryo yield following the superovulatory treatments. IGF1 can have either positive or negative effects on embryo viability which is related to the concentration of IGF1 induced by superovulation treatment. These effects impact either on oocyte competence or directly on the embryo. Concentrations in the physiological range appear to result in the production of higher quality embryos, mainly due to the mitogenic and the anti-apoptotic activities of IGF1. However, high superovulatory responses are associated with decreased embryo viability and a concomitant increase in apoptosis. Studies in mice suggest that this increase in apoptosis is related to the downregulation of the IGF1 receptor in the embryo associated with high IGF1 concentrations. Strategies capable of controlling the IGF1 concentrations could be one approach to improve superovulation responses. A range of possible approaches for research within the IGF system in gonadotrophin-stimulated cattle is discussed in this review, including the possible use of superovulated female cattle as an alternative animal experimental model for research on reproductive disorders in humans associated with abnormal IGF1 concentrations.
Drosophila Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Mutants Can Adapt to Reduced or Eliminated Vesicular Stores of Dopamine and Serotonin
Authors: Simon Anne F , Daniels Richard , Romero-Calderón Rafael , Grygoruk Anna , Chang Hui-Yun , Najibi Rod , Shamouelian David , Salazar Evelyn , Solomon Mordecai , Ackerson Larry C , Maidment Nigel T , DiAntonio Aaron , Krantz David E
Published: November 2008

Physiologic and pathogenic changes in amine release induce dramatic behavioral changes, but the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate these adaptive processes, we have characterized mutations in the Drosophila vesicular monoamine transporter (dVMAT), which is required for the vesicular storage of dopamine, serotonin, and octopamine. dVMAT mutant larvae show reduced locomotion and decreased electrical activity in motoneurons innervating the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) implicating central amines in the regulation of these activities. A parallel increase in evoked glutamate release by the motoneuron is consistent with a homeostatic adaptation at the NMJ. Despite the importance of aminergic signaling for regulating locomotion and other behaviors, adult dVMAT homozygous null mutants survive under conditions of low population density, thus allowing a phenotypic characterization of adult behavior. Homozygous mutant females are sterile and show defects in both egg retention and development; males also show reduced fertility. Homozygotes show an increased attraction to light but are mildly impaired in geotaxis and escape behaviors. In contrast, heterozygous mutants show an exaggerated escape response. Both hetero- and homozygous mutants demonstrate an altered behavioral response to cocaine. dVMAT mutants define potentially adaptive responses to reduced or eliminated aminergic signaling and will be useful to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Liver Function in Children After Successful Surgery for Biliary Atresia
Authors: Willot Stephanie , Uhlen Stephanie , Michaud Laurent , Briand Gilbert , Bonnevalle Michel , Sfeir Rony , Gottrand Frédéric
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES. Although ursodeoxycholic acid has been used to treat various cholestatic liver diseases in children, few data are available about its efficacy in biliary atresia. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on liver function in children who underwent successful surgery for biliary atresia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We prospectively studied 16 children with biliary atresia who underwent successful portoenterostomies (postoperative conjugated bilirubin concentration: <34 μmol/L) and were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid for at least 18 months after surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment was then discontinued. Clinical and biological assessment was performed at the time of discontinuation of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment (T0), at follow-up (T1) and, if the clinical or biological status worsened, after resumption of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment (T2).

RESULTS. Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment was resumed in 13 cases. In 1 patient, jaundice recurred after ursodeoxycholic acid therapy was discontinued but abated after resumption of treatment. In 13 children, liver function worsened significantly when ursodeoxycholic acid was discontinued. T1 versus T0 concentrations expressed as multiples of the upper limit of the normal range (in parentheses) were as follows: alanine aminotransferase, 3.0 ×N (0.8–7.0) vs 1.5 ×N (0.5–5.4); γ glutamyl transpeptidase, 8.0 ×N (1.8–30.2) vs 4.2 ×N (0.5–27.4); and aspartate aminotransferase, 1.7 ×N (0.7–6.0) vs 1.3 ×N (0.6–3.4). When ursodeoxycholic acid treatment was resumed, liver function had improved in all patients by T2. Concentrations of endogenous bile acids tended to be elevated at T1 (not significant) and were significantly decreased at T2.

CONCLUSION. Our study demonstrates the beneficial effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver function in children after successful surgery for biliary atresia.
Inorganic EL devices with high‐performance blue phosphor and application to 34‐in. flat‐panel televisions
Authors: Hamada Hiroki , Yoshida Isao , Carkner Don , Wu Xingwei , Kutsukake Masaki , Oda Kumpei
Published: November 2008

Abstract— A high‐performance inorganic electroluminescence (EL) device has been successfully developed by using an EL structure with a thick dielectric layer (TDEL) and sputtered BaAl2S4:Eu blue phosphor. The luminance and efficacy were higher than 2300 cd/m2 and 2.5 lm/W at L60, 120 Hz, respectively. Furthermore, the luminance at L60, 1.2 kHz was more than 23,000 cd/m2. The phosphor layer has a single‐phase and a highly oriented crystalline structure. The phosphor also shows high stability in air. A 34‐in. high‐definition television (HDTV) has been developed by combining a TDEL structure and color‐conversion materials. The panels with an optimized color filter demonstrated a peak luminance of 350 cd/m2, a color gamut of more than 100% NTSC, and a wide viewing angle similar to that of plasma‐display panels. The high reproducibility of the 34‐in. panels using our pilot line has been confirmed.
High‐performance MgO thin films for PDPs with a high‐rate sputtering‐deposition process
Authors: Terauchi Masaharu , Hashimoto Jun , Nishitani Hikaru , Fukui Yusuke , Okafuji Michiko , Yamashita Hitoshi , Hayata Hiroshi , Okuma Takafumi , Yamanishi Hitoshi , Nishitani Mikihiko , Kitagawa Masatoshi
Published: November 2008

Abstract— A high‐rate sputtering‐deposition process for MgO thin films for PDP fabrication was recently developed. The deposition rate of the MgO thin film was about 300 nm/min which shows the possibility of production‐line application. The MgO film deposited in this work has a higher density than that of other deposition processes such as electron‐beam deposition and shows good discharge characteristics including firing voltage and discharge formation. These were achieved by controlling the stoichiometry and/or the impurity doping during the sputtering process.
Effects of display properties on perceived color‐gamut volume and preference
Authors: Sakurai Masato , Heckaman Rodney L. , Casella Stacey E. , Fairchild Mark D. , Nakatsue Takehiro , Shimpuku Yoshihide
Published: November 2008

Abstract— The effect of varying the color gamut of an extended‐gamut LCD on color appearance and preference was measured psychometrically in two experiments at each of two separate laboratories over a representative set of 10 images each. The first experiment measured the effect of color gamut on appearance, and the effect on the appearance attribute colorfulness was shown to be relatively strong compared with other attributes as the volume of display color gamut is varied. Overall, colorfulness monotonically increased at constant sensitivity as the gamut area in xy chromaticities increased while tending to become less and less sensitive to increasing the gamut volumes in CIELAB and CIECAM02. In the second experiment, the overall preference indicated an optimal color gamut for the display gamut volume even though the results were shown to be highly scene dependent.
Full‐color photo‐addressable electronic paper using cholesteric liquid crystals and organic photoconductors
Authors: Harada Haruo , Gomyo Makoto , Okano Yasunori , Gan Taijyu , Urano Chisato , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro , Uesaka Tomozumi , Arisawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

Abstract—Full‐color photo‐addressable electronic paper using cholesteric liquid crystals and organic photoconductors was developed. The electronic paper is comprised of two stacked photo‐addressable elements displaying blue/green and red images, respectively. Each photo‐addressable element was independently controlled by two different color‐addressing lights. Furthermore, blue and green images were selectively switched by one organic photoconductor using the threshold characteristics of cholesteric liquid crystals. A highly reflective polymer‐dispersed cholesteric liquid‐crystal (PDCLC) layer was obtained by a new formation process based on the sol‐gel transition behavior of a gelatin matrix and an agar overcoat layer. The PDCLC layer had a close‐packed honeycomb‐like monolayer structure with a flat surface. The A6‐sized prototype had paper‐like features and showed full‐color bistable images instantly written with a viewer‐type writing apparatus.
Chilling Tolerance of Wheat Seedlings Is Related to an Enhanced Alternative Respiratory Pathway
Authors: Feng Hanqing , Li Xin , Duan Jiangong , Li Hongyu , Liang Houguo
Published: November 2008

Pretreatment with exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mitigated the water loss of wheat leaves exposed to 4°C for 24 h. The same treatment also partially reduced the increases of electrolyte leakage and H2O2 production of the chilled plants. These observations suggest that H2O2 pretreatment could effectively induce chilling tolerance. The capacity of the alternative respiratory pathway and the expression of the gene encoding the alternative oxidase (AOX1) were substantially elevated by H2O2 treatment under either normal or chilling conditions. Salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM, an inhibitor of the alternative respiratory pathway) decreased the tolerance of plants to chilling conditions and reversed the chilling tolerance induced by exogenous application of H2O2. These observations indicate that the tolerance of plants to chilling might be related to an enhanced alternative respiratory pathway.
Genetic Analysis of Slow‐Rusting Resistance to Leaf Rust in Durum Wheat
Authors: Herrera‐Foessel Sybil A. , Singh Ravi P. , Huerta‐Espino Julio , Crossa Jose , Djurle Annika , Yuen Jonathan
Published: November 2008

Leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.) is a widespread disease of wheat (Triticum spp.) that can be controlled effectively through the use of genetic resistance. Little is known about the slow‐rusting type of resistance to leaf rust in durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. The genetic basis of slow‐rusting resistance was investigated in eight International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)–derived durum wheat lines. The slow‐rusting parents and the susceptible ‘Atil C2000’ were intercrossed in a half‐diallel arrangement, and the populations were advanced to the F3 or F5 generation. The F3 and F5 populations were evaluated in the field under artificial epidemics of P. triticina race BBG/BN. Both quantitative and qualitative models were applied to estimate the number of slow‐rusting resistance genes. Results indicate that slow‐rusting resistance to leaf rust in durum wheat lines ‘Playero’, ‘Planeta’, and ‘Trile’ was controlled by at least three independently inherited genes that interacted in an additive manner, whereas the slow‐rusting resistance in ‘Piquero’, ‘Amic’, ‘Bergand’, ‘Tagua’, and ‘Knipa’ was determined by at least two genes with additive effects. Transgressive segregation was observed among the progenies from intercrosses of resistant parents, suggesting that some of the genes were nonallelic. The narrow‐sense heritability for slow‐rusting resistance was high (0.77–0.94). The diverse slow‐rusting resistant parents can be used in developing cultivars with durable and high levels of resistance to leaf rust in durum wheat.
Preflowering Abortion Reduces Spikelet Number in Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Water Stress
Authors: Kato Yoichiro , Kamoshita Akihiko , Yamagishi Junko
Published: November 2008

Spikelet number per panicle is a major target trait for improving rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield in upland fields and is strongly affected by water stress. The rice panicle consists of rachis branches and spikelets, in which preflowering spikelet abortion often occurs. We investigated the effect of timing and intensity of water stress at the early reproductive stage on the morphology of rice panicles in field and pot experiments. In the field experiment, water stress caused high rates of preflowering spikelet abortion, and spikelet number was reduced by 48% on average. Pot experiments revealed the effects of water stress on panicle morphology were dependent on the developmental stage, and water stress at the meiosis stage (10–20 d before heading) induced the highest frequency of preflowering spikelet abortion. At the meiosis stage, a mild water stress (no visible effect and less than 20% reduction in biomass production) was sufficient to cause a considerable increase in secondary rachis branch abortion (70%) and resulted in a 40 to 45% reduction in spikelet number per panicle. Reduction in plant water status under drought conditions was related to preflowering spikelet abortion, suggesting that the drought avoidance mechanism is effective for maintaining spikelet number in upland rice.
Forty‐eight Years of Rice Improvement in Texas since the Release of Cultivar Bluebonnet in 1944
Authors: Tabien Rodante E. , Samonte Stanley Omar PB. , McClung Anna M.
Published: November 2008

Information on the contribution of plant breeding to changes in yields and other agronomic traits is useful for optimizing selection gains; thus, this study aimed to determine the contribution of Texas rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding to changes in cultivars released during the 48 yr since the release of ‘Bluebonnet’ in 1944. Twenty‐three cultivars were evaluated in three environments and two N levels. Days to heading, plant height, whole and total milled rice percentages, and grain yield were measured. Significant variation among cultivars was found for all traits evaluated, while N affected all traits except milled rice. There was a linear decrease in days to heading in cultivars released from 1944 to 1992. Plant height decreased at 1.28 and 1.10 cm yr−1 for the 190 and 95 kg ha−1 N levels, respectively, mainly due to the incorporation of the semidwarf gene in many cultivars starting in 1981. Plant heights of recently released cultivars were more stable across N levels and less susceptible to lodging. Although whole and total milled rice percentages increased at 0.06 and 0.03% yr−1, respectively, environmental factors limited their genetic advances. Grain yield increased at 42.0 and 26.3 kg ha−1 yr−1 under the 190 and 95 kg ha−1 N levels, respectively, demonstrating that newer releases responded well to higher N. These show the remarkable progress in the Texas rice breeding program from 1944 to 1992.
Validation of RAPD Markers for White Mold Resistance in Two Snap Bean Populations Based on Field and Greenhouse Evaluations
Authors: Chung Yong Suk , Sass Michell E. , Nienhuis James
Published: November 2008

White mold [Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary] is a fungal disease that can reduce yield of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A recombinant inbred line population and an independent inbred backcross population were developed that share a common white mold resistant donor parent, G122. Both populations were evaluated for physiological resistance in the greenhouse using the oxalic acid test and a modified straw test (ST). The populations were also field evaluated for disease incidence (DI) and disease severity (DS). The heritabilities for physiological resistance based on greenhouse tests were higher than those based on field evaluations in both populations. Low rank correlations, ranging from r = 0.17 to r = 0.44, were observed between greenhouse and field‐based evaluations over years and populations. Of 10 quantitative trait loci previously identified in independent dry bean populations for field resistance based on either DI or DS and the ST, only three markers, OJ09.950, Phs, and OC07.850, were associated with both the field (DI or DS) and the ST in the G122 × Astrel population. The results suggest that direct selection in the greenhouse based on the modified ST for physiological resistance, though higher in heritability, will result in a negligible correlated response for improved field performance for white mold resistance in snap bean populations where architectural traits and avoidance mechanisms may be more important than physiological resistance.
Imbibitional Chilling Sensitivity and Soluble Carbohydrate Composition of Low Raffinose, Low Stachyose Soybean Seed
Authors: Obendorf Ralph L. , Zimmerman Angela D. , Ortiz Paula A. , Taylor Alan G. , Schnebly Steven R.
Published: November 2008

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seed with low raffinose, stachyose, and phytin is desired for feeding nonruminant animals to improve feed efficiency, increase mineral uptake, and reduce flatulence, but may have reduced agronomic quality. Composition of soluble carbohydrates in seed parts and sensitivity of mature seed to imbibitional chilling were determined for low raffinose and stachyose (LRS) seed; low raffinose, stachyose, and phytin (LRSP1, LRSP2) seed; and normal raffinose, stachyose, and phytin (CHECK) seed. Cotyledons and axes of seed from the three modified lines had low raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose compared to the CHECK. Cotyledons from LRS seed had significantly higher concentrations of galactinol and the di‐ and tri‐α‐galactoside derivatives of myo‐inositol, d‐pinitol, and d‐chiro‐inositol than cotyledons from LRSP1 and LRSP2 seed. Seed coats of all four lines were similar in soluble carbohydrate composition indicating the modifications were expressed in embryo tissues. Mature seed of LRS and CHECK was tolerant to imbibitional chilling, but LRSP1 and LRSP2 seed were sensitive to imbibitional chilling. The higher accumulation of cyclitol α‐galactosides in embryos (cotyledons) of LRS seed (90% cotyledons, 2% axis, 8% seed coat) may have contributed to imbibitional chilling tolerance.
Impact of Nighttime Temperature on Physiology and Growth of Spring Wheat
Authors: Prasad P. V. V. , Pisipati S. R. , Ristic Z. , Bukovnik U. , Fritz A. K.
Published: November 2008

Climate models predict greater increases in nighttime temperature in the future. The impacts of high nighttime temperature on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are not well understood. Objectives of this research were to quantify the impact of high nighttime temperatures during reproductive development on phenology, physiological, vegetative, and yield traits of wheat. Two spring wheat cultivars (Pavon‐76 and Seri‐82) were grown at optimum temperatures (day/night, 24/14°C; 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod) from sowing to booting. Thereafter, plants were exposed to four different nighttime temperatures (14, 17, 20, 23°C) until maturity. The daytime temperature was 24°C across all treatments. There were significant influences of high nighttime temperatures on physiological, growth, and yield traits, but no cultivar or cultivar by temperature interactions were observed. High nighttime temperatures (>14°C) decreased photosynthesis after 14 d of stress. Grain yields linearly decreased with increasing nighttime temperatures, leading to lower harvest indices at 20 and 23°C. High nighttime temperature (≥20°C) decreased spikelet fertility, grains per spike, and grain size. Compared to the control (14°C), grain filling duration was decreased by 3 and 7 d at night temperatures of 20 and 23°C, respectively. High nighttime temperature increased the expression of chloroplast protein synthesis elongation factor in both cultivars suggesting possible involvement of this protein in plant response to stress.
Yield and Nutritive Value of ‘Spring Green’ Festulolium and ‘Jesup’ Endophyte‐Free Tall Fescue Stockpiled for Winter Pasture
Authors: Dierking R. M. , Kallenbach R. L. , Kerley M. S. , Roberts C. A. , Lock T. R.
Published: November 2008

Pasture‐based dairies in the Midwest have a difficult time providing high‐quality pasture during winter. Little is known about the yield and nutritive value of festulolium when stockpiled for winter grazing compared to tall fescue. In this study, the yield and nutritive value of ‘Jesup’ endophyte‐free tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub.] and ‘Spring Green’ festulolium [Festulolium loliaceum (Hudson) P.V. Fournier] were evaluated monthly from November to March over three years. The research was conducted near Mt. Vernon, MO, on a Gerald silt loam (fine, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Fragiaqualf). In two of the three years, stockpiled tall fescue out‐yielded festulolium by as much as 930 kg ha−1 Both tall fescue and festulolium yields decreased over winter by approximately the same percentage; losses from November to March ranged from 32 to >75%. The nutritive value of stockpiled festulolium was consistently greater than stockpiled tall fescue during winter. Both stockpiled festulolium and tall fescue contain sufficient crude protein and total digestible nutrients at one times maintenance to maintain most small breed dairy cows during their dry period but would be severely lacking once lactation started. Despite the greater nutritive value of stockpiled Spring Green festulolium compared to Jesup tall fescue, the low forage yield of festulolium makes its use questionable for pasture‐based dairies.
Estimating Losses of Dry Matter from Wetted Alfalfa–Orchardgrass Mixtures Using Cell Wall Components as Internal Markers
Authors: Coblentz W. K. , Jokela W. E.
Published: November 2008

Methods previously used to measure recoveries of dry matter (DM) from forages following natural or simulated rainfall often have relied on simple gravimetric techniques, which yielded inconclusive estimates of DM recovery. Our objective was to evaluate insoluble cell‐wall constituents as internal markers for estimating recoveries of DM from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or alfalfa–orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) mixtures subjected to simulated rainfall. Forage mixtures consisted of 1000, 750, or 500 g kg−1 alfalfa, with the balance comprised of orchardgrass. Regardless of the forage mixture, concentrations of all cell‐wall constituents increased (P ≤ 0.053) in response to wetting (0, 70, 140, 280, 420, 560, or 840 mm at 70 mm h−1) under a rainfall simulator. Following treatment, recovery of all cell‐wall constituents was high ( ≥901 g kg−1). Generally, losses were smallest for neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF) markers regardless of analysis method (with alpha‐amylase, sodium sulfite, neither, or both), acid‐detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose and largest for hemicellulose and lignin. Linear regressions of recoveries of DM by internal markers on values determined gravimetrically were good (r2 ≥ 0.775) when NDF was used to estimate recovery. In all these cases, neither slopes (P ≥ 0.103) nor intercepts (P ≥ 0.083) differed from one and zero, respectively. Fiber components appear to be suitable internal markers for measuring recoveries of DM following wetting, but this approach depends on complete recovery of shattered leaf particles before conducting laboratory analyses.
Mechanisms Involved in Soybean Rust‐Induced Yield Reduction
Authors: Kumudini S. , Godoy C. V. , Board J. E. , Omielan J. , Tollenaar M.
Published: November 2008

Soybean rust (SBR; caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. and P. Syd.) leads to premature leaf loss and yield reduction. The objectives of this study were to assess effects of SBR infection on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] yield and to identify causes for the yield reduction. Experiments were conducted in the 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 growing seasons at Londrina, Brazil. The five treatments were SBR infection beginning at either (i) the R2 or (ii) R5 growth stages; nondiseased defoliation treatments to mimic the leaf loss when SBR started at either (iii) the R2 or (iv) R5 growth stages; and (v) a disease‐free, nondefoliated control. The control and defoliation treatments were protected against SBR by fungicide applications. Disease severity, lesion area, and leaf area were monitored from R2 to R7. Biomass and seed yield were measured at maturity. Mean SBR‐induced yield reductions were 67% when infection started at R2 and 37% when infection started at R5. Leaf loss alone reduced yield significantly in only one year and only when defoliation treatments were begun at R2 (31% in 2005–2006). Soybean rust–induced yield loss was attributable to (i) premature leaf loss, (ii) reduction in canopy green leaf area due to SBR lesions, (iii) reduction in dry matter accumulation per unit absorbed radiation by the nonlesion green leaf area, and (iv) reduction in harvest index. The response of harvest index was attributable to reduced seed set and seed mass resulting likely from SBR‐induced reductions in rate of dry matter accumulation.