bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The amino acid composition of cotyledons, testa, embryo and protein fractions of bean seeds
Authors: Kosson Ryszard
Published: August 2013

The contribution of cotyledons, embryo and testa to the whole seed, was analyzed in the bean cultivar, Wiejska. The total nitrogen content and amino acid composition of morphological parts of the seed were determined. The average amino acid composition of globulins and albumins and the content of free amino acids in seeds of six Polish cultivars were estimated as well. It was found that the embryo contained the highest quantity of total nitrogen and the lowest of protein nitrogen. The exogenous amino acid content in the embryo was higher than in cotyledons and testa. Both albumins and globulins were shown to contain 42% exogenous amino acids. The content of methionine - the first limiting amino acid of bean proteins - did not exceed 0.30% of the total amino acid content in albumins and globulins. Free glutamic and aspartic acids made up more than 60% of the total free amino acids.
Temperature sensitivity of resistance to two pathotypes of Plasmodiophora brassicae in Brassica oleracea
Authors: Gabrielson R. L. , Robak Józef
Published: August 2013

Several methods were evaluated in an attempt to develop a greenhouse screening procedure that would predict field resistance of brassica breeding lines to clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. Several Brassica oleracea cultivars and breeding lines bred for resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae and a susceptible Chinese cabbage cultivar were exposed to high levels of inoculum of both pathotypes PB 6, PB 7 at 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. No infection occurred on any host at 12°C. Chinese cabbage was heavily diseased from 15-30°C. Bagder Shipper cabbage, a cauliflower deriving resistance from this variety, and Oregon CR-1 broccoli were resistant to pathotype PB 6 at 15 and 20°C and partially resistant at 25 and 30°C. They were resistant to pathotype PB 7 and 15°C and almost totally susceptible at 20, 25° and 30°C. Oregon cabbage line OR 123 was resistant to pathotype PB 6 at 15°C at almost completely susceptible at 20, 25 and 30°C. It was resistant to pathotype PB 7 at all temperatures. Temperature sensitivity of resistance can partially explain why breeding lines are resistant in field trials and susceptible in greenhouse tests.
The segetal flora of agricultural areas of the Bolimów Primeval Forest and its contemporary transformations
Authors: Warcholińska A. Urszula
Published: August 2013

The article provides a list of the localities of 268 species of weeds recorded in the years 1981-1985 on segetal habitats of the Bolimów Primeval Forest. In addition the general characteristics and an evaluation of anthropogenic changes in segetal flora in this area is presented. The analysis of collected and compiled materials has allowed the interrelationship existing between the composition of the segetal flora in the area under study and the natural conditions, state of agriculture and intensification of urban processes to be determined.
The relationship between anatomical and morphological characteristics of green tomato fruit and their susceptibility to late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary)
Authors: Horodecka Elżbieta
Published: August 2013

The purpose of the studies carried out in 1983-1985 was to determine the relationships between the degree of susceptibility of green tomato fruit to late blight and several of the anatomical and morphological features of these fruits. It was found that in the studied material representing a wide range of susceptibility (from various degrees of resistance to susceptible) the extent of infection was dependent on the covering layer thickness (with cuticle) and number of hairs on the skin.
In vitro micropropagation of chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.)
Authors: Lubomski Marek
Published: August 2013

The investigations on micropropagation of Allium schoenoprasum embraced shoot formation from cultured shoot tips, shoot multiplication, root formations, and cold storage of rooted plants. All explants were cultured on modified Murashige-Skoog medium. Surface disinfection of shoots derived from stock plants was not necessary to obtain no infection culture. The highest shoot multiplication was obtained on medium with 20 g l-1 sucrose and 1.0 mg 1-1 6-benzylo-arninopurine (BA). Root formation was observed in both indoleacetic acid (IAA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA). Rooted plants were successfully kept in cold storage (5°C ± 1°C darkness). Only 20% of plants died after 6 months of storage.
Apple cultivars resistant to scab (Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Aderh.) Part II. Winterhardiness of apple cultivars
Authors: Borecki Zbigniew , Mroczek Anna , Pitera Emilian , Pruś Katarzyna , Rejman Aleksander
Published: August 2013

The severe winter which occurred in Poland in 1986-1987 damaged the most part of scab resistant apple cultivars and selected apple hybrids. Cold hardiness studied in 1987 and 1988 showed significant differences in degree of frost injury on stem, branches, twigs and buds of apple trees. Two scab-resistance cultivars, namely Florina and Sir Prize, as well as two check culuvars, Idared and Golden Delicious, were killed by frost. Strong damages were noted in cultivars: Prima, Primula, and Priam. Lower susceptibility showed: Jonafree, Gavin, Liberty Sister and three hybrids selected from crosses of Bankroft with scab-resistant Primula. Relatively frost resistant was Novamac and three hybrids of U-breeding line: U-1101 and U-50, originated from crosses of polish culrivar Fantazja (McIntosh x Linda) with Primula, Highest resistance to frost showed cultivars: Freedom. Liberty. new polish cultivar Witos (Fantazja x Primula) and three hybrids: U-337, U-237 and U-1098. During the 1987 and 1988 seasons severe infection of apple trees by numerous fungi was noted. Twelve species of isolated fungi were identified as pathogens of apple trees bark and wood.
The attempt to explain the various reaktions of rape and corn plants on the nitrogen usee in the ammonium or nitrate forms
Authors: Uziak Zofia , Borowski Edward , Blamowski Zbyszek
Published: August 2013

The reaction of the rape and corn plants on the nitrogen applied in the form NO3- or NH4+ was studied under the controlled conditions. The ammonium ions with rape markedly lowered the growth rate, the intensity of photosynthesis and biomass yield, with relation to the plants fertilized with nitrates. With corn the effect of both N-forms was similar and positive. The biomass of the rape using NH4+, with relation to the plants fertilized with NO3- showed lower content of total N, and protein N, as well as markedly higher content of amino-acids of primary protein synthesis and their amides and free ammonium ions. Yet, the corn utilizing N-NH4+ showed, as compared with the plants fertilized with NO3-, higher content of all studied organic N fractions. with similar content of free ammonium ions. This paper presents the thesis that the cause of the growth inhibition of rape fertilized with ammonium is low, as compared with corn, assimilation of NH4+ ions drawn in the roots of this plant.
Apple fruitlet thinning of Golden Delicious trees
Authors: Basak Alina , Niezborała Bogusława , Cisek Barbara
Published: August 2013

NAA, carbaryl and ethephon were applied separately or in mixture or additionaly with SADH on the Golden Delicious trees, in five experiments, with the aim of regulating fruiting and increase fruit size. The best results were obtained after treatment with carbaryl at cone. 2500-3000 mg/L separately or with the mixture of carbaryl and NAA at cone. 1500 and 40 mg/L, respectively. These chemicals in general caused succesful thinning and increased fruit size. The lower yield was recompensed by higher quality of apples. The results after treatments with carbaryl in mixture with NAA were comparable to those after hand thinning. NAA increased of apple size effectively also, but only at cone. 40 mg/L or higher. However at cone. higher than 40 mg/L the chemical caused injuries of the leaves and youngest shoots. NAA applied separately was less effective than in the mixture with carbaryl. Ethephon at conc. 400 mg/L, applied 14 days after blooming, caused succesful thinning in general and increased fruit size but to a smaller degree than the other chemicals. However ethephon applied in mixture with NAA increased size similarly as hand thinning. In subsequent year the trees sprayed with the mixture of ethephon and NAA yielded abundantly and the apples were smaller than control onces, consequently. Ethephon applied jointly with carbaryl didn't increase the fruit size in spite of the reduction their number. The mixture of ethephon and SADH caused succesful thinning and increased the fruit size in the year of thinning. But in subsequent year the apples were smaller than in control as a consequence of higher yield.
Changes of segetal vegetation of the Piotrków Plain during the last 22 years. Part III. Weed communities of stubble fields
Authors: Warcholińska A. Urszula
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the results of research on changes in weed communities of stubble fields of the Piotrków Plain (see W a r c h o l i ń s k a, 1994 - Figure 1) which took place during the period between 1971 and 1972 and between 1992 and 1993. On the basis of 30 phytosociological records, taken in 24 localities (Figure 1) in the years of 1971 and 1972, 3 associations were distinguished (Tables I-III, see W a r c h o l i ń s k a, 1974): Centunculo-Anthoceretum punctati, Hyperico-Spergularietum rubrae and Herniario-Polycnemetum. According to the repeated listing carried out in the years of 1992 and 1993 the changes in the communities of the above-mentioned items were stated. The comparison of the present state of these communities with their state of 22 years ago allowed to note that the analyzed agrophytocoenoses of stubble fields got impoverished due to progressive anthropopressure (Tables I-IV, Figure 2).
Characteristics of flora and segetal communities of the Landscape Park Pojezierze Iławskie
Authors: Hołdyński Czesław , Korniak Tadeusz
Published: August 2013

Smal part (1100 ha - 4,7 %) of the Landscape Park Pojezierze Iławskie is an agricultural area. On the arable soils of this area floristic and phytosociological studies of weed communities were performed. In total, 156 species of vascular plants were registered what makes 75 percent of the whole segetal population high diferentitation in field plants was found. Seven associations and three communities of segetal plants were distinguished. High quantitative participation of the field plant communities in the range of associations (72 percent studied areas) allows us to suggest that the degree of agrocenosis degradation is very small in this area as compare to the majority of the agricultural areas in Poland. Taking into account floristical and ecological diferentiation, geographical range and syntaksonomical position three assiociations (Teesdaleo-Arnoseridetum minimae, Aphano-Matricarietum and Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti) present high specific value and deserve of the active form of protection.
The influence of lead on the growth Trifolium repens L. and Phleum pratense L. in the monocultures and plant mixture on light soil of different acidity
Authors: Widera Maria , Gediga Krzysztof
Published: August 2013

The purpose of the microplot experiment, on the light soil, was determination of concentration of lead at different pH, inhibiting growth of Trifolium repens L. and Phleum pratense L. at the monoculture and at the mixture of these two species. Four levels of the concentration of the lead applicated into the soil were. During vegetation season 1993, harvested 3 cuts of the green fodder. The biometrical analyse of the plants at the all 52 fields made before I cut of the green fodder. It was confirmed, that the both species had been growing better at the monocultures than at the mixture treatments. Trifolium repens L. plants had been growing better at the less acid soil and Phleum pratense L. plants - at the more acid soil. On more acid soil - Trifolium repens L. plants growth were strongly inhibited then on the less acid one.
Effect of Botrytis cinerea infection and elicitation on ß-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity in bean leaves and cell cultures
Authors: Kuźniak Elżbieta , Urbanek Henryk , Michalak Aneta , Herka Katarzyna
Published: August 2013

The activity of ß-1,3-glucanase and chitinase in bean plants treated with B. cinerea products or/and infected and in cell cultures after application of fungal products has been studied. Botrytis cinerea infection and culture filtrates, ethanol precipitates, glucan and conidial extract treatment markedly enhanced the activity of both hydrolases. Cell cultures treated with B.cinerea products reacted similarly to intact plants. In plants pretreated with 2-day culture filtrate and conidial extract and then infected, ß-1,3-glucanase and chitinase were induced stronger than after infection without pretreatment.
Criança morta e Retirantes, refletindo sobre a questão ambiental no semiárido nordestino
Authors: Moraes Maurecir Guimarães
Published: August 2013

O artigo apresentado procura, através da Arte de Portinari, via quadros; Criança morta e Retirantes, tecer algumas considerações sobre a questão da seca no nordeste, procura mostrar que a obra de arte muitas vezes chama a atenção para assuntos que ainda não estão totalmente inseridos em sua própria época, demonstrando que o seu papel não é meramente ilustrativo. No caso específico, das obras apresentadas possibilitam a discussão sobre os impactos ambientais produzidos por um fenômeno natural e por aqueles produzidos pela ação humana na tentativa de corrigir um problema natural. Neste sentido, a Arte aparece como uma ferramenta poderosa para despertar a consciência ambiental pela Educação.
Migrações internacionais na lógica da reestruturação produtiva: perspectivas de análise
Authors: Lisboa Wellington Teixeira
Published: August 2013

A presente reflexão centra-se na análise das configurações de um dos mais expressivos fluxos migratórios contemporâneos de brasileiros para o exterior, a emigração brasileira para a Espanha. Como um dos posicionamentos teóricos que possibilitam a compreensão da dinâmica dos deslocamentos populacionais elegemos, prioritariamente, a categoria analítica focada no trabalho. Fundamentando-nos nesta perspectiva, problematizaremos, no presente estudo, os impactos da reestruturação produtiva vigente desde as últimas décadas do século 20, como uma resposta do sistema de produção dominante à crise da etapa fordista de acumulação capitalista, nos deslocamentos humanos processados em virtude da busca pelo trabalho, como ocorre com os imigrantes brasileiros na Espanha.
Bachelard, o espaço poético e a isomorfia imagética
Authors: Faria Maria Lucia Guimarães de
Published: August 2013

O presente trabalho expõe o princípio da isomorfia das imagens idealizado por Gaston Bachelard e o propõe como autêntico fundamento da vertente literária de sua obra. A isomorfia não apenas sustenta a reflexão do filósofo acerca do desempenho onírico dos quatro elementos cósmicos como também alimenta a hermenêutica fenomenológica que propicia as duas poéticas por ele escritas. A constituição de um espaço poético é penhor do firme agenciamento das imagens. Como modo de operacionalização deste princípio, apresentamos um estudo detalhado de A poética do espaço, demonstrando a forte coerência interna do livro, urdida e assegurada pela isomorfia imagética. Finalizamos o estudo com algumas considerações sobre um curto e magistral poema de Rilke.
Entre brasas e cinzas? Notas introdutórias sobre a saúde no cenário universitário
Authors: Juncá Denise Chrysóstomo de Moura
Published: August 2013

A partir de uma revisão de literatura, discute-se neste artigo a relação ambiente acadêmico-saúde, abordando algumas variáveis identificadas no cotidiano de dois sujeitos: os professores e os alunos. O que se quer explorar é a presença da Síndrome de Burnout entre os mesmos, considerando que a formação universitária tende a ser vista como um momento de maiores vulnerabilidades e desafios aos jovens, já que tarefas novas e diversificadas lhes são impostas, podendo constituir fonte de acentuado estresse. A este contexto associa-se um cenário docente, onde é possível identificar elementos como a precarização do trabalho e a mercantilização da educação, capazes de gerar desdobramentos variados, alcançando, também, a saúde dos professores. Tal revisão compõe um projeto de pesquisa iniciado em março de 2012, na UFF/Campos dos Goytacazes, fruto do reconhecimento da relevância do tema, uma vez que os resultados de estudos neste campo podem suscitar e/ou fortalecer a implementação de estratégias capazes de desencadear um ambiente mais saudável de ensino, pesquisa e extensão, abrangendo tanto o corpo docente, quanto o discente.
Quando a instituição escolar contribui para a violência: um olhar sobre os portadores de transtornos de aprendizagem
Authors: Gomes Maria Lúcia Moreira
Published: August 2013

Falar sobre violência na escola parece investir em assunto corriqueiro e com ares de modernidade, atribuindo a esta o sentido de um problema que se agiganta. No entanto, podemos afirmar que a escola não está dando conta de seus alunos reais porque ela continua sendo a escola ideal para alunos ideais. Estudos comprovam que as dificuldades de aprendizagem trazem em seu bojo, no caso específico dos transtornos de aprendizagem, um fator importante a ser considerado que é o desconhecimento do assunto por parte dos educadores. Este fato, aliado a situações de bulling, é, comprovadamente, um dos fatores desencadeadores da violência escolar.
Memória e Literatura: uma perspectiva hermenêutica
Authors: Tavares Luciana Ferreira
Published: August 2013

Este artigo reflete sobre a memória e a literatura, ambas inseridas numa perspectiva hermenêutica. Mostraremos que uma obra literária tanto quanto um documento e/ou arquivo histórico precisam ser interpretados, isto é, não devem ser compreendidos somente no que dizem, mas também nas experiências que testemunham em suas entrelinhas. O que os leitores apreendem desta narrativa histórico-literária não seria a vida em si, que permanece um enigma, entretanto, compreenderia os significados em que a vida se traduz, ou seja, suas categorias. Uma dessas categorias manifesta-se nas obras artísticas: a estética e o seu anverso - a ética. A literatura pode ser vista como uma obra ensaística que se opera na manifestação específica da linguagem.
Minimilho (Zea mays L.): nitrogênio, fósforo e manejo afetando sua produtividade e a ocorrência de plantas daninhas
Authors: Bastiani Marcos Luiz Rebouças , Coelho Fábio Cunha , Freitas Silvério de Paiva , Oliveira Anna Christina Sanazário de
Published: August 2013

Objetivou-se com esse este trabalho avaliar a incidência de plantas daninhas e a produtividade do minimilho submetido a diferentes doses de nitrogênio, associadas a duas doses de fósforo e a diferentes manejos de plantas daninhas. Foi conduzido um experimento em condições de campo. Seguiu-se esquema fatorial de 2 x 3 x 5, cujos fatores e níveis foram os seguintes: doses de fósforo, manejo de plantas invasoras e doses de nitrogênio. Utilizou-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Houve maior crescimento de plantas de milho e redução acentuada da infestação e do crescimento de plantas daninhas em resposta ao aumento da dose de N. Houve aumento no peso de espigas comerciais (PEC) com o aumento nas doses de N.
La gouvernance multiniveau et les politiques publiques au sein des municipalités du Canada : reddition de comptes et efficacité
Authors: Young Robert
Published: August 2013

Cet article fait état des principaux résultats d’un projet de recherche entrepris par un vaste groupe d’universitaires au cours des sept dernières années. L’équipe a centré ses travaux sur la manière dont les négociations intergouvernementales produisent des politiques dans les municipalités canadiennes et sur le rôle des « forces sociales » dans le processus d’élaboration des politiques. L’étude s’intéresse en particulier aux administrations municipales, à la fois en tant que participants au cycle des relations intergouvernementales et en tant que pôles d’échanges des réseaux locaux des forces sociales. De façon générale, les fruits de cette recherche dressent un tableau détaillé de la gouvernance multiniveau au Canada. Les résultats publiés ici sont liés aux questions de reddition de comptes et d’efficacité. Après une brève introduction, ces thèmes sont abordés dans l’ordre. En conclusion, il est question de résultats généraux sur la gouvernance multiniveau au Canada et de la posture des administrations municipales dans le système politique canadien.
Réminiscences du passé de la Seconde Guerre mondiale au Québec depuis 1945
Authors: Bergère Marc
Published: August 2013

À l’origine de ce sujet, il y a une double découverte. D’une part, il est avéré que certains individus compromis en France sous l’Occupation se sont réfugiés au Québec après la guerre. D’autre part, il apparaît que, moins que leur importance numérique (quelques poignées), c’est l’écho significatif de leur présence et les soutiens non négligeables dont ils ont pu bénéficier au sein de la société québécoise, qui interrogent. En effet, l’ampleur de la mobilisation de part et d’autre fut telle que l’essayiste Yves Lavertu a pu, à juste titre, parler d’une « affaire Bernonville » entre 1948 et 1951, pour désigner ce qui s’apparente à une véritable « affaire d’État » (sous au moins deux plans : France/Canada, mais aussi en interne fédéral/provincial). Ce faisant, il s’agit ici de présenter un projet de recherche qui, partant de l’événement (l’affaire des « réfugiés politiques » français au Canada dans l’immédiat après-guerre), analyse aussi les usages de ce passé dans des temps ultérieurs entre histoire, mémoire et écriture de l’histoire. Dès lors, sachant qu’un objet comparable existe en France et que l’on dispose ainsi des outils méthodologiques pour l’appréhender, la question est désormais de savoir quels peuvent être les apports mais aussi les limites d’une approche historiographique croisée France-Québec sur ce sujet. C’est pourquoi, cette note de recherche est pensée comme un premier état historiographique tout en conservant une forte dimension problématique et programmatique.
Reflection i: Transnational TV Formats: Making the Local Visible and the Global Invisible
Authors: Chalaby Jean K.
Published: August 2013

This short reflection contends that formats make ‘the local visible and the global invisible’—just like football games and the FIFA rules and regulations that shape them globally. Second, it is argued that formats are successful internationally only if they resonate with an audience in each and every market in which they air. Finally, Lascia o Raddoppia? (Leave It or Double It, 1955–59) is used as an example to demonstrate that format adaptations can have genuine local impact, in this case, contributing to Italy's linguistic and cultural unification.
Format Adaptation and Craftsmanship: Interview with Polish Television Writer Agnieszka Kruk
Authors: Szostak Sylwia
Published: August 2013

The interview with Polish television writer, Agnieszka Kruk, highlights the experience of format adaptation from the point of view of the writer. Kruk reveals how she gained from the knowledge offered by the foreign consultants and explains what aspects of the knowledge transfer she found particularly useful. Her account demonstrates the positive impact format adaptation can have on professionals in local television industries, in this case, benefitting their scriptwriting and production skills.
Ciudadanía y turismo: Dos miradas y un destino
Authors: Poncela Ana María Fernández
Published: August 2013

El texto presenta diversas miradas hacia la ciudad de México en la actualidad. Su objetivo es mostrar y analizar imágenes y opiniones, la memoria, los imaginarios y las representaciones sociales de forma breve y general. Para ello se toman dos grupos sociales, turistas nacionales y extranjeros por un lado, y de otro, habitantes de la ciudad. La metodología se centra básicamente en la aplicación de entrevistas a ambos grupos, su revisión, comparación, análisis e interpretación. Finalmente hay coincidencias y diferencias en los resultados de las narraciones recabadas, dos miradas sobre un mismo objeto, el escenario geográfico y cultural, esto es, un mismo destino. Algo que se nombra mucho es la gente, desde una valoración positiva o desde una concepción negativa. También los lugares, la cultura, la historia y las actividades parecen positivas para los turistas. Según la ciudadanía se desean menos autos, mejor transporte y más educación y cultura.
Interventional Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Hemobilia After Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangial Drainage: A Case Series
Authors: Cao Huicun , Liu Jian , Li Tianxiao , Cao Guangshao , Xu Gangqin , Zhai Shuiting , Xue Jiangyu , Wang Ziliang , Shi Shuaitao , Bai Weixing
Published: August 2013

From May 2003 to May 2010, a total of 9 patients with severe hemobilia after percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) were diagnosed using superselective angiography and cholangiography, and then were treated with interventional procedures. Two patients with hepatic arterio-biliary fistula underwent proximal and distal arterial embolization of the responsible vessel. Six patients with pseudoaneurysm had pseudoaneurysm occlusion with proximal and distal embolization. Another patient with biliary-portal vein fistula received a biliary fully covered stent placement. The effects in these patients were evaluated using superselective angiography immediately after the intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. In all patients, hemobilia was stopped right after the treatment and no sign of recurrence was noted at 3- and 6-month follow-up after the interventional therapy. Our findings demonstrate that interventional therapy is a simple, minimally invasive, and safe approach for treating severe hemobilia in patients receiving PTCD.
25th Anniversary Article: Understanding the Lithiation of Silicon and Other Alloying Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: McDowell Matthew T. , Lee Seok Woo , Nix William D. , Cui Yi
Published: August 2013

Alloying anodes such as silicon are promising electrode materials for next‐generation high energy density lithium‐ion batteries because of their ability to reversibly incorporate a high concentration of Li atoms. However, alloying anodes usually exhibit a short cycle life due to the extreme volumetric and structural changes that occur during lithium insertion/extraction; these transformations cause mechanical fracture and exacerbate side reactions. To solve these problems, there has recently been significant attention devoted to creating silicon nanostructures that can accommodate the lithiation‐induced strain and thus exhibit high Coulombic efficiency and long cycle life. In parallel, many experiments and simulations have been conducted in an effort to understand the details of volumetric expansion, fracture, mechanical stress evolution, and structural changes in silicon nanostructures. The fundamental materials knowledge gained from these studies has provided guidance for designing optimized Si electrode structures and has also shed light on the factors that control large‐volume change solid‐state reactions. In this paper, we review various fundamental studies that have been conducted to understand structural and volumetric changes, stress evolution, mechanical properties, and fracture behavior of nanostructured Si anodes for lithium‐ion batteries and compare the reaction process of Si to other novel anode materials.
Utility of death certificate data in predicting cancer incidence
Authors: Bedford Ronald L. , Lourens Spencer G. , Lynch Charles F. , Smith Brian J. , Field R. William
Published: August 2013

Background

Studies often rely on death certificates to identify cancer occurrence. This research assessed the death certificate's ability to reflect cancer incidence and factors that influence agreement with cancer registry data.

Methods

This study compared death certificates to cancer incidence data for an occupational cohort of 1,795 deceased workers who were registered by the Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR) between 1973 and 2005. Logistic regression models examined the effects of factors such as survival time, age at diagnosis, and gender on the odds of agreement between death certificate and incidence data.

Results

Death certificates under‐reported cancer incidence by 10–100%, depending on site. A 1‐year increase in survival decreased the odds of agreement between death certificate and ICR data by 18%. Younger and female workers had increased odds of agreement.

Conclusions

Death certificates can be useful predictors of cancer incidence, particularly for diseases with shorter survival and among subjects diagnosed earlier in life. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:153–162, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Energy Failure
Authors: Pathak Divya , Berthet Amandine , Nakamura Ken
Published: August 2013

Energy failure from mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed to be a central mechanism leading to neuronal death in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. However, energy failure has never been directly demonstrated in affected neurons in these diseases, nor has it been proved to produce degeneration in disease models. Therefore, despite considerable indirect evidence, it is not known whether energy failure truly occurs in susceptible neurons, and whether this failure is responsible for their death. This limited understanding results primarily from a lack of sensitivity and resolution of available tools and assays and the inherent limitations of in vitro model systems. Major advances in these methodologies and approaches should greatly enhance our understanding of the relationship between energy failure, neuronal dysfunction, and death, and help us to determine whether boosting bioenergetic function would be an effective therapeutic approach. Here we review the current evidence that energy failure occurs in and contributes to neurodegenerative disease, and consider new approaches that may allow us to better address this central issue. Ann Neurol 2013;74:506–516
Fire retardancy and durability of poly(N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine)‐montmorillonite composite film coated polyimide fabric
Authors: Xu Tong , Zhang Linping , Zhong Yi , Mao Zhiping
Published: August 2013

Polyimide (PI) fabric was coated with composite films composed of poly(N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine) (PNBD) and montmorillonite (MMT), prepared via layer‐by‐layer assembly. Three coating recipes (changed by altering the concentration of PNBD solution) were used to study the growth of thin films. Scanning electron microscope showed that, after 20 times standard washing, PNBD‐MMT film still coated on PI fiber, while MMT film coated on PI had been almost washed off. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that, in nitrogen atmosphere at 900°C, the residue of uncoated PI was 36.62%, after 20 times standard washing, residue of PNBD‐MMT coated PI (53.80%) was higher than that of MMT coated PI (50.08%). Vertical flame testing showed that the burning length of PNBD‐MMT coated PI (7 mm) was much shorter than that of uncoated PI (30 mm) and MMT coated PI (17 mm) after 20 times standard washing. These results demonstrated the excellent flame retardancy and durability of PNBD‐MMT film coated PI fabric. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39608.
Characterization and performance of dodecyl amine functionalized graphene oxide and dodecyl amine functionalized graphene/high‐density polyethylene nanocomposites: A comparative study
Authors: Ren Peng‐Gang , Wang Hao , Huang Hua‐Dong , Yan Ding‐Xiang , Li Zhong‐Ming
Published: August 2013

Dodecyl amine (DA) functionalized graphene oxide(DA‐GO) and dodecyl amine functionalized reduced graphene oxide (DA‐RGO) were produced by using amidation reaction and chemical reduction, then two kinds of well dispersed DA‐GO/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and DA‐RGO/HDPE nanocomposites were prepared by solution mixing method and hot‐pressing process. Thermogravimetric, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractions, and Raman spectroscopy analyses showed that DA was successfully grafted onto the graphene oxide surface by uncleophilic substitution and the amidation reaction, which increased the intragallery spacing of graphite oxide, resulting in the uniform dispersion of DA‐GO and DA‐RGO in the nonpolar xylene solvent. Morphological analysis of nanocomposites showed that both DA‐GO and DA‐RGO were homogeneously dispersed in HDPE matrix and formed strong interfacial interaction. Although the crystallinity, dynamic mechanical, gas barrier, and thermal stability properties of HDPE were significantly improved by addition of small amount of DA‐GO or DA‐RGO, the performance comparison of DA‐GO/HDPE and DA‐RGO/HDPE nanocomposites indicated that the reduction of DA‐GO was not necessary because the interfacial adhesion and aspect ratio of graphene sheets had hardly changed after reduction, which resulting in almost the same properties between DA‐GO/HDPE and DA‐RGO/HDPE nanocomposites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39803.
Surface treatment of cellulose fibers with methylmethacrylate for enhanced properties of in situ polymerized PMMA/cellulose composites
Authors: Banerjee Moloy , Sain Sunanda , Mukhopadhyay Anirudhha , Sengupta Suparna , Kar Tanusree , Ray Dipa
Published: August 2013

Cellulose micro/nanofibers (CNF), prepared from jute fibers were surface treated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) for better dispersion into poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix. PMMA/cellulose composites were prepared by in situ suspension polymerization technique. The surface treatment of CNF was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. MMA‐treated cellulose micro/nanofibers (MCNF) demonstrated improved affinity and dispersion in MMA monomer as well as in the PMMA/cellulose composites. Thermal properties of the cellulose composites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PMMA increased by nearly 19°C in the in situ cellulose composites compared to that of unreinforced PMMA as indicated by DSC. TGA showed increased thermal stability of the cellulose composites. Enhanced tensile properties as well as significantly lower moisture uptake were observed in the in situ prepared PMMA/cellulose composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39808.
Effect of surface acetylated‐chitin nanocrystals on structure and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Zhang Qiaoxin , Wei Siwen , Huang Jin , Feng Jiwen , Chang Peter R.
Published: August 2013

In this work, the miscibility between chitin nanocrystals (ChNs) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was expected to be improved by surface acetylation of ChN. The reaction of acetic anhydride onto the ChN surface was confirmed by FTIR and 13C NMR, while XRD and TEM proved the crystalline structure and rod‐like morphology were maintained. The acetylated ChN (AChN) was incorporated into a PLA matrix by solution blending, and resulted in an increase of tensile strength and Young's modulus and they reached to the maximum value as 45 and 37% higher than neat PLA film, respectively, with the loading level of AChN reaching to 4 wt %. The enhancement could be attributed to that acetylation improved dispersion of AChN in the PLA matrix and interfacial adhesion between AChN and PLA. The performances of the nanocomposites based on PLA and chitin nanocrystals derived from renewable resources have good potential for industrial applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39809.
Inhibitory potential of Grifola frondosa bioactive fractions on α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase for management of hyperglycemia
Authors: Su Chun‐Han , Lu Tzy‐Ming , Lai Min‐Nan , Ng Lean‐Teik
Published: August 2013

This study examined the inhibitory effects of Grifola frondosa (GF), a medicinal mushroom popularly consumed in traditional medicine and health food, on digestive enzymes related to type 2 diabetes; chemical profiles and inhibitory kinetics of its bioactive fractions were also analyzed. Results showed that all GF extracts showed weak anti‐α‐amylase activity; however, strong anti‐α‐glucosidase activity was noted on GF n‐hexane extract (GF‐H). Further fractionation confirmed that compared with acarbose (a commercial α‐glucosidase inhibitor), the nonpolar fraction of GF possessed a stronger anti‐α‐glucosidase activity but a weaker anti‐α‐amylase activity. These activities were not derived from ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide, two major compounds of this fraction. The inhibitory kinetics of GF‐H on α‐glucosidase was competitive inhibition. GF‐H was as good as acarbose in inhibiting the starch digestion in vitro. Oleic acid and linoleic acid could be the major active constituents that have contributed to the potency of GF in inhibiting α‐glucosidase activity.
Expression and characterization of Rv0447c product, potentially the methyltransferase involved in tuberculostearic acid biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Meena Laxman S. , Kolattukudy Pappachan E.
Published: August 2013

In this study, a previously uncharacterized gene (Rv0447c) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, designated as an unknown fatty‐acid methyltransferase (ufaA1), was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified. The biochemical characterization of the purified protein (UfaA1) showed it to be a methyltransferase that catalyzes biosynthesis of the tuberculostearic acid (10‐methylstearic‐acid, TSA), a significant constituent lipid of the mycobacterial cell wall and a clinical marker of the disease. Here, we show that UfaA1 transfers the methyl group from S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) to the double bond of oleic acid in phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine to produce TSA. Optimal activity was obtained between pH 7.0 and pH 8.0. The methyltransferase activity of UfaA1 was severely inhibited by S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine. The Km values for dioleyl phosphatidylethanolamine, SAM, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate were 14, 13, and 83 µM, respectively, with Vmax of 1.3–1.6 nmol/Min. These results identify the Rv0447c gene product of M. tuberculosis as the methyltransferase that catalyzes the biosynthesis of TSA. This provides new information in mycobacterial cell wall synthesis.
Climate Change and Financial Performance in Times of Crisis
Authors: Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel , García‐Sánchez Isabel M. , da Silva Vieira Cléber
Published: August 2013

Over the past years there has been a debate on the relationship between the environmental and financial performance of businesses, but researchers have not reached any agreement. This research attempts to explore this relationship, especially as in recent years there has been controversy about how this relationship has been affected by the global economic crisis. Taking into account that successfully limiting global climate change to safe levels in the long term is likely to require connecting climate change policies to sustainable development strategies, this paper focuses on the performance of environmental policies. We used a sample of 855 international companies in sectors of intensive greenhouse gas/CO2 emissions. Specifically, we used data from the Forbes Global 2000 Index and Carbon Disclosure Project data from 2006 to 2009. The data analysis was performed using panel data methodology. The results obtained show that in times of economic crisis, the synergy between environmental and financial performance is higher, meaning that companies must continue to invest in sustainable projects in order to enhance relations with their stakeholders, leading to higher economic profits. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Effects of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Regulation on Company Management and Competitiveness
Authors: Daddi Tiberio , Giacomo Maria Rosa De , Testa Francesco , Frey Marco , Iraldo Fabio
Published: August 2013

In the literature there are several studies about the effects of environmental policies and regulations on the management and competitiveness of businesses. Some of these studies focus on the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, but only a few investigate the effects of IPPC permits in depth. This paper aims to bridge this gap by illustrating the results of cross‐country empirical research. We analyse 225 IPPC permits of companies located in seven European regions and issued by different competent authorities.

Results show differences in terms of requirements, emission limit values and monitoring frequencies, which are not always justifiable by the flexibility afforded by the Directive. These differences have different impacts on the competitive strategies and environmental management of companies within the same sector but located in different countries. We explore how some differences could influence company costs, contributing to the literature debate about the effects of direct regulation on competitiveness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Self‐Governance for Sustainable Global Supply Chains: Can it Deliver the Impacts Needed?
Authors: Vermeulen Walter J.V.
Published: August 2013

The world community convened in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012 for the third UN Conference on Sustainable Development. We are, however, increasingly facing major persistent threats, which despite being known for a few decades are still far from being solved – or are even still increasing. On the individual business level, this has four major implications: increased social pressures; possible reputational damage; exposure to resource wars; and front‐running competitors adjusting their value chain strategies. In supply chain governance this leads to four main types of strategies: do it yourself; join forces; the 5C‐approach and harmonising. The key question is: is this sufficient? Imagine 2022 – where will we be 10 years after Rio 2012? Is a rapid and structural transition to a circular and fair global economy possible, using this path of self‐governance for products traded in the global economic arena? This will strongly depend on four key factors: rapid growth of consumer demand; ‘all‐inclusiveness’ of these supply chain governance approaches; successful uplifting production practices of all suppliers; and addressing the major issues of unsustainability. Here we see various serious weaknesses, like the lack of third‐order evaluation and biases causing some of the more recent issues to be overlooked and less visible supply chains. The challenge is to develop a form of ‘meta’‐governance, including new approaches by governments, combining public policy strategies with the demonstrated virtues of self‐governance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Strategy for selecting disposable bags for cell culture media applications based on a root‐cause investigation
Authors: Wood Joseph , Mahajan Ekta , Shiratori Masaru
Published: August 2013

The use of disposable bags for cell culture media storage has grown significantly in the past decade. Some of the key advantages of using disposable bags relative to non‐disposable containers include increased product throughput, decreased cleaning validation costs, reduced risk of cross contamination and lower facility costs. As the scope of use of disposable bags for cell culture applications increases, problematic bags and scenarios should be identified and addressed to continue improving disposables technologies and meet the biotech industry's needs. In this article, we examine a cell culture application wherein media stored in disposable bags is warmed at 37°C before use for cell culture operations. A problematic bag film was identified through a prospective and retrospective cell culture investigation. The investigation provided information on the scope and variation of the issue with respect to different Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, cell culture media, and application‐specific parameters. It also led to the development of application‐specific test methods and enabled a strategy for disposable bag film testing. The strategy was implemented for qualifying an alternative bag film for use in our processes. In this test strategy, multiple lots of 13 bag film types, encompassing eight vendors were evaluated using a three round, cell culture‐based test strategy. The test strategy resulted in the determination of four viable bag film options based on the technical data. The results of this evaluation were used to conclude that a volatile or air‐quenched compound, likely generated by gamma irradiation of the problematic bag film, negatively impacted cell culture performance. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1535–1549, 2013
Superoxide Reductase: Different Interaction Modes with its Two Redox Partners
Authors: Almeida Rui M. , Turano Paola , Moura Isabel , Moura José J. G. , Pauleta Sofia R.
Published: August 2013

Anaerobic organisms have molecular systems to detoxify reactive oxygen species when transiently exposed to oxygen. One of these systems is superoxide reductase, which reduces O2.− to H2O2 without production of molecular oxygen. In order to complete the reduction of superoxide anion, superoxide reductase requires an electron, delivered by its redox partners, which in Desulfovibrio gigas are rubredoxin and/or desulforedoxin. In this work, we characterized the interaction of Desulfovibrio gigas superoxide reductase with both electron donors by using steady‐state kinetics, 2D NMR titrations, and backbone relaxation measurements. The rubredoxin surface involved in the electron transfer complex with superoxide reductase comprises the solvent‐exposed hydrophobic residues in the vicinity of its metal center (Cys9, Gly10, Cys42, Gly43, and Ala44), and a Kd of 3 μM at 59 mM ionic strength was estimated by NMR. The ionic strength dependence of superoxide‐mediated rubredoxin oxidation by superoxide reductase has a maximum kapp of (37±12) min−1 at 157 mM. Relative to the electron donor desulforedoxin, its complex with superoxide reductase was not detected by chemical shift perturbation, though this protein is able to transfer electrons to superoxide reductase with a maximum kapp of (31±7) min−1 at an ionic strength of 57 mM. Competition experiments using steady‐state kinetics and NMR spectroscopy (backbone relaxation measurements and use of a paramagnetic relaxation enhancement probe) with Fe‐desulforedoxin in the presence of 15N‐Zn‐rubredoxin showed that these two electron donors compete for the same site on the enzyme surface, as shown in the model structure of the complex generated by using restrained molecular docking calculations. These combined strategies indicate that the two small electron donors bind in different manners, with the desulforedoxin complex being a short lived electron transfer complex or more dynamic, with many equivalent kinetically competent orientations.
Role of Peroxide in the Catalytic Activity of Gold for Oxidation Reactions in Aqueous Media: An Electrochemical Study
Authors: Kwon Youngkook , Raaijman Stefan J. , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: August 2013

It has been suggested that peroxide could act as an enhancing agent for gold‐catalyzed oxidation reactions in the aqueous phase. Here, we probe the potential role of peroxide in the catalytic oxidation of glycerol on gold in the aqueous phase by electrochemical techniques and find that neither the presence of oxygen nor peroxide leads to a significant enhancement of the overall oxidation activity or product selectivity at low temperature. In alkaline media, there appears to be a small suppression of the formation of glyceraldehyde in the presence of hydrogen peroxide but there is no major influence on the overall oxidation pathway. In neutral and acidic media, glycerol oxidation on gold has low activity.