bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Modification of Gluten Proteins in Strong and Weak Wheat Dough as Affected by Mixing Temperature
Authors: Quayson Enoch T. , Marti Alessandra , Bonomi Francesco , Atwell William , Seetharaman Koushik
Published: October 2015

The effects of temperature (≥25°C) on dough rheological properties and gluten functionality have been investigated for decades, but no study has addressed the effect of low temperature (<30°C) on gluten network attributes in flours with strong and weak dough characteristics. This study monitored changes in protein extractability in the presence and absence of reducing agents, the contents of readily accessible and SDS‐accessible thiols, and the secondary structural features of proteins in doughs from commercial hard wheat flour (HWF) and soft wheat flour (SWF) mixed at 4, 15, and 30°C. SWF mixed at 4 and 15°C showed similar mixing properties as HWF mixed at 30°C (which is the standard temperature). The effect of mixing temperature is different at the molecular level between the two flours studied. Protein features of HWF did not change as mixing temperature decreased, with the only exception being an increase in SDS‐accessible thiols. Decreasing mixing temperature for SWF caused an increase in SDS protein solubility and SDS‐accessible thiols as well as an increase in β‐turn structures at the expense of β‐sheet structures. Thus, noncovalent interactions appear to drive protein network at low temperatures (4 and 15°C), whereas covalent interactions dominate at standard mixing temperature (30°C) in doughs from both flours.
Mutagenesis‐Derived Puroindoline Alleles in Triticum aestivum and Their Impacts on Milling and Bread Quality
Authors: Kammeraad Jakob D. , Giroux Michael J. , Hogg Andrew C. , Martin John M.
Published: October 2015

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) end‐product quality is impacted by grain hardness, which is determined by the Hardness locus consisting of the Puroindoline a and Puroindoline b genes, Pina and Pinb, respectively. Hard wheats commonly contain just one of two Pin mutations. We previously demonstrated the creation and preliminary hardness testing of 46 Pin missense alleles. In this study we examine the degree that individual Pin missense alleles confer unique milling and bread quality traits. Three Pina (PINA‐R103K, ‐G47S, and ‐P35S) and four Pinb (PINB‐D34N, ‐T38I, ‐G46D, and ‐E51K) missense alleles were chosen because they impart variable grain hardness levels, with one allele conferring soft seed texture, three conferring intermediate hardness (single‐kernel characterization system [SKCS] hardness approximately 50), and three conferring hard grain texture (SKCS hardness greater than 60). All but two of the alleles (PINA‐R103K and PINA‐G47S) resulted in higher total flour yield when compared with wild‐type controls. All hard and intermediate hardness alleles had decreased break flour yield, but intermediate hardness allele PINA‐P35S had higher break flour yield than common hard allele Pinb‐D1b. Intermediate and hard alleles resulted in increased abundance of larger and reduced levels of smaller flour particles. None of the missense alleles differed from their controls for loaf volume. The seven selected Pin alleles imparted defined levels of grain hardness and milling properties not previously available that may prove useful in wheat improvement.
Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Puccinia psidii
Authors: Baskarathevan J. , Taylor R. K. , Ho W. , McDougal R. L. , Shivas R. G. , Alexander B. J. R.
Published: October 2015

Puccinia psidii (Myrtle rust) is an emerging pathogen that has a wide host range in the Myrtaceae family; it continues to show an increase in geographic range and is considered to be a significant threat to Myrtaceae plants worldwide. In this study, we describe the development and validation of three novel real-time polymerase reaction (qPCR) assays using ribosomal DNA and β-tubulin gene sequences to detect P. psidii. All qPCR assays were able to detect P. psidii DNA extracted from urediniospores and from infected plants, including asymptomatic leaf tissues. Depending on the gene target, qPCR was able to detect down to 0.011 pg of P. psidii DNA. The most optimum qPCR assay was shown to be highly specific, repeatable, and reproducible following testing using different qPCR reagents and real-time PCR platforms in different laboratories. In addition, a duplex qPCR assay was developed to allow coamplification of the cytochrome oxidase gene from host plants for use as an internal PCR control. The most optimum qPCR assay proved to be faster and more sensitive than the previously published nested PCR assay and will be particularly useful for high-throughput testing and to detect P. psidii at the early stages of infection, before the development of sporulating rust pustules.
Metastatic Embryonal Conjunctival Rhabdomyosarcoma in a 4-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Sarigül Sezenöz Almila , Karalezli Aylin , Özkan Arat Yonca , Çoban Gökçen , Kiratli Hayyam , Terzi Ayşen
Published: October 2015

The authors report the case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with unilateral ptosis and a mass lesion of palpebral conjunctiva of the left upper eyelid, that had been present for 2 weeks, and had rapidly enlarged. The lesion was salmon colored and was easily distinguished from the conjunctiva. There was no obvious orbital extension in the MRI studies. Excisional biopsy was performed through a conjunctival approach. The histopathology was consistent with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Thoracoabdominal CT scans revealed nodules in both lungs, indicating stage 4 disease. The patient received chemotheraphy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Rhabdomyosarcoma confined to the conjunctiva and distant metastasis without orbital involvement is rare. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of any atypical conjunctival mass lesions in children, and histopathology is necessary to establish proper treatment. As the case indicates, detailed systemic evaluation and careful systemic follow up of these patients are mandatory.
Crystal structures of μ-oxalato-bis[azido(histamine)copper(II)] and μ-oxalato-bis[(dicyanamido)(histamine)copper(II)]
Authors: Liu Chen , Abboud Khalil A.
Published: October 2015

The title compounds, μ-oxalato-κ4O1,O2:O1′,O2′-bis[[4-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-imidazole-κ2N3,N4](azido-κN1)copper(II)], [Cu2(C2O4)(N3)2(C5H9N3)2], (I), and μ-oxalato-κ4O1,O2:O1′,O2′-bis[[4-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-imidazole-κ2N3,N4](dicyanamido-κN1)copper(II)], [Cu2(C2O4)(C2N3)2(C5H9N3)2], (II), are two oxalate-bridged dinuclear copper complexes. Each CuIIion adopts a five-coordinate square-pyramidal coordination sphere where the basal N2O2plane is formed by two O atoms of the oxalate ligand and two N atoms of a bidentate chelating histamine molecule. The apical coordination site in compound (I) is occupied by a monodentate azide anion through one of its terminal N atoms. The apical coordination site in compound (II) is occupied by a monodentate dicyanamide anion through one of its terminal N atoms. The molecules in both structures are centrosymmetric. In the crystals of compounds (I) and (II), the dinuclear complexes are linked through N—H...Xand C—H...X(X= N, O) hydrogen bonds where the donors are provided by the histamine ligand and the acceptor atoms are provided by the azide, dicyanamide, and oxalate ligands. In compound (I), the coordinatively unsaturated copper ions interact with the histamine ligandviaa C—H...Cu interaction. The coordinatively unsaturated copper ions in compound (II) interactviaa weak N...Cu interaction with the dicyanamide ligand of a neighboring molecule. The side chain of the histamine ligand is disordered over three sets of sites in (II).
Crystal structure of 1,2,3,5-di-O-methylene-α-D-xylofuranose
Authors: Tiritiris Ioannis , Tussetschläger Stefan , Kantlehner Willi
Published: October 2015

The title compound, C7H10O5, was synthesized by reaction of D-xylose with paraformaldehyde. In the crystal, the central part of the molecule consists of a five-membered C4O ring with an envelope conformation, with the methine C atom adjacent to the O atom being the flap. The protected O atoms of both cyclic acetal groups are oriented so that the four chiral C atoms of the furanose part show anRconfiguration. C—H...O hydrogen bonds are present between adjacent molecules, generating a three-dimensional network.
A solution for SRM starting hesitation: from FE analysis to bench validation
Authors: Makni Zaatar , Bouallaga Kamel
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The starting hesitation of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) is an issue which must be considered in the early motor design. It is mostly handled as a control concern. The starting procedure of a SRM using a single Hall-effect position sensor is analysed in this paper. This low cost position measurement solution requires a specific control strategy. That has been developed for a three-phase 6/4 SRM. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The starting procedure begins with a rotor alignment step intending to bring the rotor to a known position. Afterward, only one phase is supplied on a periodic basis, to drive the rotor in the desired direction and accelerate up to a predefined speed threshold. Thus, the proposed procedure drastically simplifies the control strategy and permits a low cost sensor based control. 2D finite elements simulations are performed to analyse the starting performances in terms of response time and power efficiency. Both electrical and mechanical transients are considered in the simulation model thanks to simplifying assumption which consists in applying a time averaged voltages instead of instantaneous switching. Finally, the entire starting procedure with a one phase supply procedure is tested experimentally.

Findings

– A starting procedure of a three-phase SRM is implemented. The control effectiveness is validated by complementary FE calculations and measurements.

Originality/value

– The starting hesitation issue of a three-phase SRM is solved with an easy control strategy. During the acceleration phase, only one phase is self-controlled.
Design of a brushless excitation system utilizing pot cores
Authors: Veitengruber Julian , Rinderknecht Frank , Friedrich Horst E.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to devote the optimal substitution of slip rings through an inductive power transfer system for field winding supply of generators or motors with a wound rotor. By a rotational pot-core transformer approach, the rotor-side energizing of the excitation windings can be provided isolated and free of wear.

Design/methodology/approach

– For design purpose, an analytical model of the inductive link and the compensation network elements is shown. Based on a pot-core transformer approach, possible types of compensation networks regarding motor-specific constraints were carried out and compared among themselves by parameter studies. The analytical parts of the model were subsequently validated with measured data of an appropriate core and accompanying FEM calculations. On the basis of an experimental prototype system, the approach has been tested both stationary and transient.

Findings

– The publication exemplifies how a brushless excitation system for generators and motors can be inexpensively designed and implemented.

Originality/value

– This paper systematically presents a comprehensive analytical approach for brushless excitation systems as well as a prototypical system. Compensation network elements regarding motor-specific constraints were carried out and compared among themselves by parameter studies.
A nonlinear control algorithm for a wind turbine
Authors: Aimene Merzak , Payman Alireza , Dakyo Brayima
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new nonlinear control algorithm to control a wind turbine based on permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) connected to the grid via a back-to-back converter. The control algorithm is composed of a flatness-based method for the machine side convertor (MSC) and a voltage-oriented method for the grid side converter (GSC).

Design/methodology/approach

– For the MSC control, the output variable is chosen properly to prove that the system is flat at first. Then, the appropriate reference trajectories are planned on its components. The reference trajectories are such designed that the system operates in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode. Finally, state feedback regulators are used to force the system output to follow its reference. To control the GSC, a classical voltage-oriented control method is used.

Findings

– The simulation results obtained with a random wind speed are presented in order to prove the validity of the proposed control algorithm. These results show that the system is controlled successfully while it operates in the MPPT mode or in its maximum power limitation mode.

Originality/value

– In this paper, a new algorithm based on flatness property is presented to control a variable speed wind turbine based on a PMSG. The proposed control method allows the system to operate in optimal operating modes.
Grey clustering evaluation of urban low-carbon transport development based on triangular whitenization weight function
Authors: Guo Jun , Zhao Xi , Huang Yimin
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish a grey clustering evaluation model based on center-point triangular whitenization weight function to evaluate the situation of urban low-carbon transport development (LTD). The study results intend to provide some theoretical basis and tool support for transport management departments and related researchers who are engaged in low-carbon transport (LT).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses analytical hierarchy process based on expert investigations to determine the weight of each criteria, classifies the grey clusters based on center-point triangular whitenization weight function, calculates the membership of each development criteria and ranks the development level of all dimensions.

Findings

– The research results of case city show that low-carbon technology is in “poor” level, transport facility is in “superior” level, low-carbon policy and environmental coordination is in “intermediate” level, transport management is in “good” level and the overall LTD level is in “intermediate” level.

Practical implications

– Reducing the carbon emissions of urban transport and achieving LT is the key to promote urban sustainable development, the scientific judgment of transport development situation is the premise of promoting LTD. Therefore, based on the practices of LT in China, the study systematically clarifies LTD from five dimensions of reflecting LTD.

Originality/value

– From the perspective of sustainable development, the evaluation index system of LTD is built with five dimensions consisting of low-carbon technology, low-carbon policy, transport facility, transport management and environmental coordination. Then assess the LTD by using the grey clustering evaluation model based on center-point triangular whitenization weight. This paper presents a new research idea for LTD evaluation.
Multiple attribute group decision making method based on OWA operator and grey incidence analysis
Authors: Wang Qiuping , Liu Subing , Xiong Guoqiang
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The aggregation of information from a group of decision experts for developing collective opinion is the important question in practice. The purpose of this paper is to provide a group decision-making method via ordered weighted aggregation (OWA) operator and grey incidence analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, OWA operator provides aggregation of attribute values to form an overall decision for each decision expert, and grey incidence model provides aggregation of decision experts’ evaluations to form overall score for each alternative. The example illustrates the procedure and practicability of the proposed model.

Findings

– A new thought for multiple attribute group decision-making problems is given. The proposed method produces an overall desirability score for each alternative.

Practical implications

– This is to obtain a more comprehensive and realistic solution to the given group decision-making problem. The proposed analysis method of group decision-making problems reveals vitality of grey systems theory.

Originality/value

– This paper combines OWA operator and grey incidence analysis to obtain a novel and effective method for group decision making. It is suitable for group decision-making problems in which the attribute weights are completely unknown, expert weights are completely unknown.
Grey cluster evaluation models based on mixed triangular whitenization weight functions
Authors: Liu Si-feng , Yang Yingjie , Fang Zhi-geng , Xie Naiming
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present two novel grey cluster evaluation models to solve the difficulty in extending the bounds of each clustering index of grey cluster evaluation models.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the triangular whitenization weight function corresponding to class 1 is changed to a whitenization weight function of its lower measures, and the triangular whitenization weight function corresponding to class s is changed to a whitenization weight function of its upper measures. The difficulty in extending the bound of each clustering indicator is solved with this improvement.

Findings

– The findings of this paper are the novel grey cluster evaluation models based on mixed centre-point triangular whitenization weight functions and the novel grey cluster evaluation models based on mixed end-point triangular whitenization weight functions.

Practical implications

– A practical evaluation and decision problem for some projects in a university has been studied using the new triangular whitenization weight function.

Originality/value

– Particularly, compared with grey variable weight clustering model and grey fixed weight clustering model, the grey cluster evaluation model using whitenization weight function is more suitable to be used to solve the problem of poor information clustering evaluation. The grey cluster evaluation model using endpoint triangular whitenization weight functions is suitable for the situation that all grey boundary is clear, but the most likely points belonging to each grey class are unknown; the grey cluster evaluation model using centre-point triangular whitenization weight functions is suitable for those problems where it is easier to judge the most likely points belonging to each grey class, but the grey boundary is not clear.
Fair value in financial statements after financial crisis
Authors: Majercakova Daniela , Skoda Miroslav
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine and depict the advantages and disadvantages connected to the fair value, providing the reader with objective information and thorough insight into the problems and benefits of fair value. Partial objectives of this paper are to define the concept of fair value, to provide information about theoretical background and evolution of fair value and to examine and describe the possible future development of fair value.

Design/methodology/approach

– Findings in the paper are based on study of existing literature and also on study using the open-ended approach of grounded theory, including 50 interviews and two group discussions with professional accountants dealing with the fair value accounting in practice.

Findings

– According to the advantages and disadvantages of the concept of fair value in accounting, it is quite obvious and clear that this concept is far from being perfect. It is very difficult to determine whether its contribution to the improvement of accounting is really beneficial. Although the fair-value discussion seems to be far from over now, the current crisis provided an interesting setting to further explore these issues, understand them better and hopefully urge responsible institutions to fix the imperfections within the system to make it work correctly and more effectively.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

– This paper highlights that historical cost and fair value accounting must not be considered as competitors, as they serve different purposes. Knowledge of fair value is important, although it is not enough. Users also need to know the cost of the investment. In fact, knowing how much resources have been sacrificed to obtain that fair value, they could effectively evaluate stewardship. As a consequence, the adoption of a dual measurement and reporting system should be considered and discussed at a standard setting level.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils an identified need to study how fair value accounting can be useful in the future.
Impression management in annual reports of the largest European companies
Authors: Falschlunger Lisa Maria , Eisl Christoph , Losbichler Heimo , Greil Andreas Michael
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Graphs are powerful tools which affect a reader’s impression and decision making. However, graphs in annual reports have a long tradition of being designed in order to give a more favourable impression of the company’s performance. The purpose of this paper is to add to the understanding of how large listed companies in Europe choose to use and misuse graphical representation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This comprehensive study investigates annual reports of the top 50 European companies listed in the fortune 500 index. Company reports are analysed over a period of seven years resulting in 4,683 graphs. The authors investigate the development of the three major areas of impression management – selectivity, graphical measurement distortion and presentational enhancement – individually by company as well as collectively for the entire sample.

Findings

– The main findings are that topics displayed, and how they are presented, significantly change over time and that graphs are much more likely to exaggerate positive trends than to understate them. Additionally, it can be found that longer time sequences (greater than five years) almost exclusively depict favourable trends (86 per cent) and graphical measurement distortions are applied on purpose for both key financial variables (KFV) as well as for non-KFV (around 30 per cent in all years).

Research limitations/implications

– The sample for this study are the biggest 50 companies in Europe. It is not clear, if these companies are a representative sample for all publicly traded companies in Europe. Further research is needed regarding small and medium size companies.

Practical implications

– The findings show that companies primarily produce graphs in order to influence the perception of their stakeholders rather than to display the topics in accordance with the “true and fair view” principle that is requested by the IASB. However, standard setters like the IASB or the FASB have not yet released any particular information on how to use graphs correctly and avoid misleading information. This study should provide a solid base for further discussions in this regard as companies still use graphs to give a favourable impression of the company and deliberately misuse them in order to achieve this aim.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the research field of impression management by answering the quest for more longitudinal studies and offers an extended focus while examining not only KFV but all variables depicted in annual reports.
Board’s financial incentives, competence, and firm risk disclosure
Authors: Martikainen Minna , Kinnunen Juha , Miihkinen Antti , Troberg Pontus
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine novel corporate governance-based determinants of risk disclosures among index-listed Finnish companies. Therefore the focus of the study is on explaining the board’s monitoring role in relation to corporate managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Firms’ risk disclosures are analysed in terms of their Quantity and Coverage. The authors focus on two board characteristics not examined in prior related literature: first, non-executive board members’ self-interested financial incentives, measured by their share or option ownership, and annual compensation and second, non-executive board members’ competence, measured by their experience in the company and managerial capability proxied by prior education. The sample is composed of the OMXH-25-listed firms, representing the most traded and followed firms among Finnish publicly listed companies.

Findings

– The authors find that the risk disclosures of these firms can be explained by financial incentives (wealth and compensation) and competence-related factors (attrition rate and education). The results indicate that among the “best disclosers”, the narrative risk disclosures are, on average, on a high level, and variation in risk reporting is largely associated with board characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

– The relatively small sample size makes the results vulnerable to type two error. Further research could continue by examining the impact of board work on corporate disclosures across countries and disclosure items.

Practical implications

– Board members’ financial incentives and competence impact the dynamism of board work. In this way, they are also associated with board members’ disclosure decisions.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the extant literature by demonstrating the impact of previously unexamined board characteristics on the quality of the narrative risk disclosures of highly followed firms.
Influence of type of assessment and stress on the learning outcome
Authors: Tetteh Godson Ayertei , Sarpong Frederick Asafo-Adjei
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of constructivism on assessment approach, where the type of question (true or false, multiple-choice, calculation or essay) is used productively. Although the student’s approach to learning and the teacher’s approach to teaching are concepts that have been widely researched, few studies have explored how the type of assessment (true or false, multiple-choice, calculation or essay questions) and stress would manifest themselves or influence the students’ learning outcome to fulfill Bloom’s taxonomy. Multiple-choice questions have been used for efficient assessment; however, this method has been criticized for encouraging surface learning. And also some students complain of excelling in essay questions and failing in multiple-choice questions. A concern has arisen that changes may be necessary in the type of assessment that is perceived to fulfill Bloom’s taxonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Students’ learning outcomes were measured using true or false, multiple-choice, calculations or essay questions to fulfill Bloom’s taxonomy and the students’ reaction to the test questionnaire. To assess the influence of the type of assessment and the stress level factors of interest, MANOVA was used to identify whether any differences exist and to assess the extent to which these differences are significantly different, both individually and collectively. Second, to assess if the feedback information given to respondents after the mid-semester assessment was effective, the one-way ANOVA procedure was used to test the equality of means and the differences in means of the mid-semester assessment scores and the final assessment scores.

Findings

– Results revealed that the type of questions (true or false, multiple-choice, calculations or essay) will not significantly affect the learning outcome for each subgroup. The ANOVA results, comparing the mid-semester and final assessments, indicated that there is sufficient evidence means are not equal. Thus, the feedback given to respondents after the mid-semester assessment had a positive impact on the final assessment to actively improve student learning.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is restricted to students in a particular university in Ghana, and may not necessarily be applicable universally.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this research is that assessments for learning, and the importance of assessment impact not only on students, but also on teachers and the literature.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature by examining how the combination of the type of assessment (true or false, multiple-choice, calculation or essay) and stress contributes to the learning outcome.
Colony contact contributes to the diversity of gut bacteria in bumblebees (Bombus terrestris)
Authors: Billiet Annelies , Meeus Ivan , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Deforce Dieter , Wäckers Felix , Smagghe Guy
Published: October 2015

Social bees, like honeybees and bumblebees, have a close contact with nest mates of different developmental stages and generations. This could enhance bacterial transfer between nest mates and offers opportunities for direct transfer of symbionts from one generation to the next, resulting in a stable host specific gut microbiota. Gut symbionts of honeybees and bumblebees have been suggested to contribute in digestion and protection against parasites and pathogens. Here we studied the impact of contact with the bumblebee colony on the colonization potential of the bacterial families (i.e., Neisseriaceae, Orbaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae) occurring in the gut of adult bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). Bacterial profiles of the gut microbiota of B. terrestris were determined based on the hypervariable V4 region of the 16S rRNA using paired‐end Illumina sequencing. In our experiments, we created different groups in which we gradually reduced the contact with nest mates and hive material. We made 3 observations: (i) reducing the contact between the colony and the bumblebee during adult life resulted in a significant drop in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus bombicola and Lactobacillus bombi; (ii) Bifidobacteriaceae required contact with nest mates to colonize the gut of B. terrestris and a significant lower bacterial diversity was observed in bumblebees that were completely excluded from colony contact during the adult life; (iii) Snodgrassella and Gilliamella were able to colonize the gut of the adult bumblebee without any direct contact with nest mates in the adult life stage. These results indicate the impact of the colony life on the diversity of the characteristic bumblebee gut bacteria.
Redistribution of Direct Payments to Permanent Grasslands: Intended and Unintended Impacts
Authors: Hecht Judith , Moakes Simon , Offermann Frank
Published: October 2015

Grasslands are an important landscape element in Europe. However, the grassland area has been reduced in the last 50 years. This article assesses potential impacts of a scenario that redistributes CAP direct payments to maintain or increase permanent grassland areas using a farm‐level modelling approach in Germany, Wales and Switzerland. Our results indicate that a reallocation of support payments can help to prevent abandonment or conversion of permanent grassland to more intensive land use. This may be more difficult to achieve when there is a limited arable area to transfer budget from, as demonstrated by results in Wales. Policy effects at the level of farm type can often vary due to the heterogeneities and complexities of permanent grassland farming systems. Our results also show that unintended ‘slippage’ effects such as increased temporary grassland area may occur, though this could also be seen as a form of sustainable intensification. Other difficulties include: a) potential for negative effects on specific farm types despite a positive overall effect, and b) distortions within land markets due to the attractiveness of support payments within sectors of low profitability.
Environmental distribution and genetic diversity of vegetative compatibility groups determine biocontrol strategies to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of maize byAspergillus flavus
Authors: Atehnkeng Joseph , Donner Matthias , Ojiambo Peter S. , Ikotun Babatunde , Augusto Joao , Cotty Peter J. , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit
Published: October 2015

Maize infected by aflatoxin‐producingAspergillus flavusmay become contaminated with aflatoxins, and as a result, threaten human health, food security and farmers' income in developing countries where maize is a staple. Environmental distribution and genetic diversity ofA. flavuscan influence the effectiveness of atoxigenic isolates in mitigating aflatoxin contamination. However, such information has not been used to facilitate selection and deployment of atoxigenic isolates. A total of 35 isolates ofA. flavusisolated from maize samples collected from three agro‐ecological zones ofNigeria were used in this study. Ecophysiological characteristics, distribution and genetic diversity of the isolates were determined to identify vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). The generated data were used to inform selection and deployment of native atoxigenic isolates to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in maize. In co‐inoculation with toxigenic isolates, atoxigenic isolates reduced aflatoxin contamination in grain by > 96%. A total of 25VCGswere inferred from the collected isolates based on complementation tests involving nitrate non‐utilizing (nit−) mutants. To determine genetic diversity and distribution ofVCGsacross agro‐ecological zones, 832nit−mutants from 52 locations in 11 administrative districts were paired with one self‐complementary nitrate auxotroph tester‐pair for eachVCG. AtoxigenicVCGsaccounted for 81.1% of the 153 positive complementations recorded. Genetic diversity ofVCGswas highest in the derived savannah agro‐ecological zone (H = 2.61) compared with the southernGuinea savannah (H = 1.90) and northernGuinea savannah (H = 0.94) zones. Genetic richness (H = 2.60) and evenness (E5 = 0.96) ofVCGswere high across all agro‐ecological zones. TenVCGs(40%) had members restricted to the original location of isolation, whereas 15VCGs(60%) had members located between the original source of isolation and a distance > 400 km away. The present study identified widely distributedVCGsinNigeria such asAV0222,AV3279,AV3304 andAV16127, whose atoxigenic members can be deployed for a region‐wide biocontrol of toxigenic isolates to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize.
First Objective Association Between Elevated Carbohydrate‐Deficient Transferrin Concentrations and Alcohol‐Related Traffic Accidents
Authors: Bortolotti Federica , Micciolo Rocco , Canal Luisa , Tagliaro Franco
Published: October 2015

Background

Carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) is a well‐recognized highly specific marker of chronic alcohol abuse. The association of CDT with alcohol‐related traffic accidents was evaluated to objectively validate the use of this marker for certifying the physical fitness for driving license regranting after its confiscation for drunk driving.

Methods

The study was carried out on 468 injured drivers (InjDr), who underwent mandatory blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and drug analysis in biological fluids. The InjDr group was divided into 2 subgroups on the basis of BAC legal limit adopted in Italy (BAC ≤ 0.5 g/l: InjDr1; BAC >0.5 g/l: InjDr2). The control group (CntDr) included 236 subjects holding safety‐sensitive job positions and undergoing mandatory toxicological analyses. The determination of BAC in blood and CDT in serum were performed using validated analytical methods based on head‐space gas chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively.

Results

The evaluation of CDT distribution in the 3 groups (CntDr, InjDr1, InjDr2) showed that CDT distribution in the InjDr1 group was similar to that observed in the CntDr group (p = 0.159) and different from that observed in the InjDr2 group (p < 0.001). Partitioning the CDT data of each group into “CDT positives” and “CDT negatives” on the basis of the cut off (1.90%), it was possible to calculate the odds of the 3 groups and then the odds ratios. The odds ratio of InjDr1 versus CntDr was 4.56 (p = 0.158), whereas the odds ratio of InjDr2 versus CntDr was 132 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a dose–response effect was found only when comparing InjDr2 with CntDr.

Conclusions

The data of the present study strongly support the use of the CDT test to evaluate the risk of a subject to be involved in a road accident while driving under the influence of alcohol.
Phosphatidylethanol is Superior to Carbohydrate‐Deficient Transferrin and γ‐Glutamyltransferase as an Alcohol Marker and is a Reliable Estimate of Alcohol Consumption Level
Authors: Walther Lisa , de Bejczy Andrea , Löf Elin , Hansson Therese , Andersson Anders , Guterstam Joar , Hammarberg Anders , Asanovska Gulber , Franck Johan , Söderpalm Bo , Isaksson Anders
Published: October 2015

Background

In clinical practice as well as research situations, it is of great importance to get reliable information about a patient's alcohol consumption. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation of alcohol biomarkers (phosphatidylethanol [PEth], carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin [CDT], γ‐glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) to retrospective as well as diary‐based alcohol self‐reports and to examine whether it is possible to correlate a biomarker result to a more precise level of alcohol consumption.

Methods

One hundred and sixty alcohol‐dependent patients were included in a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence, of which 115 (76 men and 39 women) completed the study. Retrospective alcohol consumption data were collected at baseline, and alcohol diaries were used during the study. Blood samples for determination of alcohol biomarkers were collected on 5 occasions during the study.

Results

PEth and CDT showed a better correlation with alcohol consumption documented in the diary (PEth rs = 0.56 and CDT rs = 0.35) than with retrospective consumption data (PEth rs = 0.23 and CDT rs = 0.22). An even higher correlation (rs = 0.63) was seen between the 2 alcohol biomarkers PEth and CDT. At all consumption levels, PEth had the highest sensitivity of all biomarkers studied.

Conclusions

PEth was the biomarker with the best correlation to self‐reported alcohol consumption. PEth was superior to CDT owing to its substantially higher sensitivity but also due to its closer correlation to self‐report. PEth values can be translated into an approximate level of alcohol consumption and PEth appears to be a more reliable measure of alcohol consumption than self‐reports.
IgE antibodies in relation to prevalence and multimorbidity of eczema, asthma, and rhinitis from birth to adolescence
Authors: Ballardini N. , Bergström A. , Wahlgren C‐F. , van Hage M. , Hallner E. , Kull I. , Melén E. , Antó J. M. , Bousquet J. , Wickman M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Eczema, asthma, and rhinitis affect a large proportion of children, but their prevalence varies with age. IgE antibodies are also common in the pediatric population. However, the links between IgE, disease, and trajectories are unclear.

Objective

To better understand the links between sensitization and disease, we studied IgE sensitization ever in relation to eczema, asthma, and rhinitis, in children followed up to 16 years of age.

Methods

From the Swedish population‐based birth cohort BAMSE, 2607 children were included. Parental reports from six time points between 1 and 16 years were used to identify children with eczema, asthma, and rhinitis. Blood was collected at 4, 8, and 16 years, and sensitization ever was defined as allergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35 kUA/l to common food and/or inhalant allergens at any time point. Odds ratios for eczema, asthma, rhinitis, and multimorbidity in relation to sensitization ever were calculated using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Fifty‐one percent were sensitized at least once up to 16 years. Almost a quarter of ever‐sensitized children did not have any disease. After adjustment for potential confounders, sensitization ever was significantly associated with the following: (i) eczema throughout childhood, (ii) multimorbidity of eczema, asthma, and rhinitis from 1 to 16 years (OR for multimorbidity: 5.11, 95% CI: 3.99–6.55), (iii) asthma and rhinitis from 4 to 16 years of age.

Conclusions

Specific IgE is strongly associated with eczema and allergic multimorbidity throughout childhood and with asthma and rhinitis from age 4 years. However, 23% of the children with IgE sensitization do not develop any disease in childhood.
Divergent response profile in activated cord blood T cells from first‐born child implies birth‐order‐associated in utero immune programming
Authors: Kragh M. , Larsen J. M. , Thysen A. H. , Rasmussen M. A. , Wolsk H. M. , Bisgaard H. , Brix S.
Published: October 2015

Background

First‐born children are at higher risk of developing a range of immune‐mediated diseases. The underlying mechanism of ‘birth‐order effects’ on disease risk is largely unknown, but in utero programming of the child's immune system may play a role.

Objective

We studied the association between birth order and the functional response of stimulated cord blood T cells.

Method

Purified cord blood T cells were polyclonally activated with anti‐CD3‐/anti‐CD28‐coated beads in a subgroup of 28 children enrolled in the COPSAC2010 birth cohort. Expression levels of seven activation markers on helper and cytotoxic T cells as well as the percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Production of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐17, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐10 was measured in the supernatants.

Results

IL‐10 secretion (P = 0.007) and CD25 expression on CD4+ helper T cells (P = 0.0003) in the activated cord blood T cells were selectively reduced in first‐born children, while the percentage of circulating CD4+CD25+ cord blood T cells was independent of birth order.

Conclusion

First‐born infants display a reduced anti‐inflammatory profile in T cells at birth. This possible in utero ‘birth‐order’ T‐cell programming may contribute to later development of immune‐mediated diseases by increasing overall immune reactivity in first‐born children as compared to younger siblings.
Children who were treated with oral immunotherapy for cows' milk allergy showed long‐term desensitisation seven years later
Authors: Paassilta Marita , Salmivesi Susanna , Mäki Tiina , Helminen Mika , Korppi Matti
Published: October 2015

Aim

This was a follow‐up of 28 schoolchildren with cows' milk allergy (CMA) who attended a randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled oral immunotherapy (OIT) study. In the original study, 26 (92.9%) completed the six‐month escalation phase, and 25 (89.3%) used milk daily at 12 months and 24 (85.7%) at 36 months. This study evaluated the outcome seven years later, with special attention paid to milk consumption and symptoms.

Methods

Outcome data were collected through a postal questionnaire completed three, four and five years after enrolment and by a phone questionnaire after seven years. We asked about the daily dose of milk products, any adverse reactions, any medication needed and possible discontinuation of daily milk consumption.

Results

Data were available at the seven‐year point for 24 children and 14 (58.3%) of these continued to use milk (≥200 mL) or milk products (protein ≥6400 mg) daily for seven years. However, three (21.4%) of these still reported symptoms associated with milk consumption. Of the 10 remaining children, two children used milk products daily but consumed less due to symptoms and eight (33.3%) had discontinued milk consumption.

Conclusion

Oral immunotherapy was an effective and safe way of desensitising schoolchildren with persistent CMA.
Comparing Defense Industry Reforms in China and India
Authors: Bitzinger Richard A.
Published: October 2015

Most aspiring great powers equate great power status with self‐sufficiency, armaments production. China and India have both invested considerable resources over the past 60 years in establishing and nurturing indigenous military‐industrial complexes (MICs). By the early 1990s, however, it was apparent that both countries’ MICs were inadequate in delivering indigenously developed advanced conventional weaponry to their national militaries, due to technological inferiority and bloated, inefficient state‐owned enterprise systems. Subsequently, both countries have undertaken efforts to reform their respective MICs, by injecting competition and other market‐oriented changes, and by expanding their acquisition of cutting‐edge military (and military‐relevant civilian) technologies. China has made much more progress in reforming and modernizing its MIC, and the results can be seen in the types of vastly improved Chinese weapons systems coming off domestic assembly lines. India's MIC, meanwhile, seems to be still mired in Nehruvian socialist and protectionist past.
Avian influenza in Australia: a summary of 5 years of wild bird surveillance
Authors: Grillo VL , Arzey KE , Hansbro PM , Hurt AC , Warner S , Bergfeld J , Burgess GW , Cookson B , Dickason CJ , Ferenczi M , Hollingsworth T , Hoque MDA , Jackson RB , Klaassen M , Kirkland PD , Kung NY , Lisovski S , O'Dea MA , O'Riley K , Roshier D , Skerratt LF , Tracey JP , Wang X , Woods R , Post L
Published: October 2015

Background

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are found worldwide in numerous bird species, causing significant disease in gallinaceous poultry and occasionally other species. Surveillance of wild bird reservoirs provides an opportunity to add to the understanding of the epidemiology of AIVs.

Methods

This study examined key findings from the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program over a 5‐year period (July 2007–June 2012), the main source of information on AIVs circulating in Australia.

Results

The overall proportion of birds that tested positive for influenza A via PCR was 1.9 ± 0.1%, with evidence of widespread exposure of Australian wild birds to most low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtypes (H1–13, H16). LPAI H5 subtypes were found to be dominant and widespread during this 5‐year period.

Conclusion

Given Australia's isolation, both geographically and ecologically, it is important for Australia not to assume that the epidemiology of AIV from other geographic regions applies here. Despite all previous highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Australian poultry being attributed to H7 subtypes, widespread detection of H5 subtypes in wild birds may represent an ongoing risk to the Australian poultry industry.
Pharmacological treatment of cardiac glycoside poisoning
Authors: Roberts Darren M. , Gallapatthy Gamini , Dunuwille Asunga , Chan Betty S.
Published: October 2015

Cardiac glycosides are an important cause of poisoning, reflecting their widespread clinical usage and presence in natural sources. Poisoning can manifest as varying degrees of toxicity. Predominant clinical features include gastrointestinal signs, bradycardia and heart block. Death occurs from ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. A wide range of treatments have been used, the more common including activated charcoal, atropine, β‐adrenoceptor agonists, temporary pacing, anti‐digoxin Fab and magnesium, and more novel agents include fructose‐1,6‐diphosphate (clinical trial in progress) and anticalin. However, even in the case of those treatments that have been in use for decades, there is debate regarding their efficacy, the indications and dosage that optimizes outcomes. This contributes to variability in use across the world. Another factor influencing usage is access. Barriers to access include the requirement for transfer to a specialized centre (for example, to receive temporary pacing) or financial resources (for example, anti‐digoxin Fab in resource poor countries). Recent data suggest that existing methods for calculating the dose of anti‐digoxin Fab in digoxin poisoning overstate the dose required, and that its efficacy may be minimal in patients with chronic digoxin poisoning. Cheaper and effective medicines are required, in particular for the treatment of yellow oleander poisoning which is problematic in resource poor countries.