bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral Recognizable Host-Guest Interactions Detected by Fast-Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry: Application to the Enantiomeric Excess Determination of Primary Amines
Authors: Sawada Masami , Takai Yoshio , Imamura Hiroyuki , Yamada Hitoshi , Takahashi Shigetoshi , Yamaoka Hiroshi , Hirose Keiji , Tobe Yoshito , Tanaka Jyuichi
Published: December 2007

The enantiomeric excess ( ee) of organic amine compounds has been determined using fast-atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry based on the chiral host–guest complexation systems. The method uses a 1:1 mixture of the given chiral crown ether hosts (HRRRR and HSSSS-dn), one of whose enantiomers is isotopically labeled, for the ee-determination of a given amine salt guest (G+). The peak intensity ratio { I[(HRRRR + G)+] / I[(HSSSS-dn + G)+] = IRIS} of the two diastereomeric host–guest complex ions clearly changes with the change in the ee of the guest. The intensity excess ( Ie) of the two complex ion peaks is newly defined as Ie = ( IRIS −1) / ( IRIS + 1). The two sets of mass spectrometrically obtained Ie values vs a set of ee values of phenylalanine methyl ester and leucine methyl ester hydrochlorides show excellent linear relationships through the zero point ( R2 = 0.9989 and R2 = 0.9970, respectively). This indicates the potential utility of the present ee-determination method to within ± 3% ee. Furthermore, based on the solution equilibrium distributions of the complex ions, the linearity is mathematically justified. Therefore, the ee-determination can be simplified as ee (%) = (| Ie| / | Ie(100)|) × 100: here, Ie(100) is the corresponding Ie value obtained using an enantiomerically pure (100% ee) guest as a reference. The present chiral dimethoxyphenyl crown ether host pairs employed are effective ( IRIS ≥ 1.5) for the ee-determination of most α-amino acid esters, but not effective ( IRIS ≈ 1.0) for most simple alkylamines.
Characterization of Silicone Rubber Extracts Using Gel-Permeation Chromatography, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu X. Michael , Maziarz E. Peter , Price Frank , Heiler David J. , Grobe George L.
Published: December 2007

Extracts from a silicone rubber product were characterized by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electrospray time-of-flight (ESI-ToF) mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The extracted sample was determined to be a complex mixture with a molecular weight ranging from 200 to 210,000 Da as determined from GPC measurements. GPC fractions of the extract sample were further analyzed by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry, ESI-ToF mass spectrometry, FT-IR spectroscopy and GC/MS. The extracted products were determined to be macrocyclic poly(dimethylsiloxane) oligomers. Two additives known as bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were observed in the extract.
Post-Source Decay Analysis of Dolastatin 10 and Dolastatin 15 by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Galéotti Nathalie , Poncet Joël , Jouin Patrick
Published: December 2007

Dolastatin 10 and dolastatin 15 have been analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. Interestingly, in-source fragmentations could be easily detected for both compounds. Determination of the primary structure of both pseudopeptides could be done by using post-source decay (PSD) analysis. The molecular ion was used as the precursor ion in the case of dolastatin 10, whereas two in-source fragment ions and cationized (Na and K) precursors were selected in the case of dolastatin 15. An analogue of dolastatin 15 containing an amino alkyl linkage (compound 1) was also studied. Despite its close chemical structure its PSD spectrum exhibited a quite different pattern.
Determination of the Structure of Batumic Acid by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Klyuev N.A.
Published: December 2007

Using various mass spectrometric methods (electron ionization, field desorption, high-resolution operation and metastable-ion spectra), specific chemical reactions and derivatization, the structure of batumic acid was established as 3,5,15-trimethyl-7-methylene-17-oxooctadeca-2,10,12-trienoic acid.
The Influence of the C-4′ Substituent on the Formation of Benzoyl Ions during Electron Ionization-Induced Decomposition of Some 2-Phenyl-1,3,4-Oxadiazoles
Authors: Frahski Rafał , Eitner Krystian , Schroeder Grzegorz , Rybachenko Volodymir
Published: December 2007

The effect of the C-4′ substituent for the formation of benzoyl ions during electron ionization-induced decomposition of some 2-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles is studied. The formation of these ions occurs via an azirane ion. The sums of the abundances of benzoyl ions and abundances of fragment ions derived from them, expressed as a percentage of total-ion current, were compared with the calculated charge density on both C-4′ atoms and atoms connected with C-4′ atoms. Linear correlations were found for both molecular and intermediate azirane ions. In the case of substituents which are less likely to be positively charged, the peaks of benzoyl ions have higher relative intensities. It is deduced that ionization in the phenyl ring strongly affects the formation of benzoyl ions from molecular ions of the studied compounds.
Mass Spectrometric Behaviour of (Z)-2-Chloro-3(Dichloromethyl)-4-Oxobutenoic Acid and (Z)-2-Chloro-3(Chloromethyl)-4-Oxobutenoic Acid (Open Forms of MX and CMCF Respectively) Molecular Ions
Authors: Frański Rafał , Andrzejewski Przemysław , Nawrocki Jacek
Published: December 2007

Fragmentation pathways of ( Z)-2-chloro-3(dichloromethyl)-4-oxobutenoic acid (MX open form) and ( Z)-2-chloro- 3(chloromethyl)-4-oxobutenoic acid (CMCF open form) are discussed on the basis of recorded metastable ions and high-resolution data. It was found that the presence of the additional chlorine atom in the chloromethyl group affects the fragmentation pathways of MX. The elimination of the dichloromethyl radical was observed for the MX+• ion but elimination of the chloromethyl radical does not occur for the CMCF+• ion. For the latter compound, elimination of a CO molecule was registered. The elimination of an HCl molecule occurs for both ions.
Isotope Dilution Mass Spectral Studies on Capsaicin Analogues
Authors: Palit Meehir , Mathur Ritesh , Raza Syed K.
Published: December 2007

A series of capsaicin analogues have been synthesised as probable tear gas compounds. These compounds were subjected to mass spectral studies under electron ionization (EI) for their total identification. The fragmentation patterns observed in ortho- and para-substituted compounds have been substantiated by performing isotope dilution experiments and daughter-ion scans using tandem mass spectrometry.
Discriminant Analysis of Countries Growing Wakame Seaweeds: A Preliminary Comparison of Visible-Near Infrared Spectra Using Soft Independent Modelling, Randomforests and Classification and Regression Trees
Authors: Kaihara Mikio , Kikuchi Satoshi
Published: December 2007

Concerns about the labelling of fisheries products at production centres is now increasing. After the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) occurred, problems relating to clam or wakame and other products have attracted more attention than before. We developed a scientific method for discriminating the production countries of wakame seaweeds using soft independent modelling for class analogy (SIMCA). However, the validation of the obtained SIMCA model was not very good. Therefore, we tried one of the non-parametric classification methods, Randomforests, based on classification and regression trees (CART). We found that Randomforests could be a potent classification method for visible and near infrared spectra. We suggest a preliminary interpretation for the basis of classification conditions by using CART.
Prediction of Water Content in Game Trophies by near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kamler Jiří , Dvořák Jan
Published: December 2007

In this study, we tested the efficiency of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to assess the water content in roe deer skulls, which are used as hunting trophies, as their weight is an important entry for the calculation of their value (also the price paid by hunters). The omission of water content is one of the main problems in the evaluation of game trophies. Three female roe deer skulls were periodically analysed by a conventional method and scanned using a Nicolet Antaris spectrometer. Calibration was performed by partial least squares regression. The initial water content of the skulls ranged from 21.6 to 22.6%. NIR calibrations corresponded well to the conventionally estimated water content. The water content was best determined from the occipital bone ( R2 = 0.99; SECV = 0.11%), less reliably from the frontal and temporal bones, while the poorest results were obtained from the upper jaw. The results are sufficiently accurate to recommend NIR spectroscopy for estimating the water content in game trophies.
Classification of Sound and Stained Wheat Grains Using Visible and near Infrared Hyperspectral Image Analysis
Authors: Berman M. , Connor P.M. , Whitbourn L.B. , Coward D.A. , Osborne B.G. , Southan M.D.
Published: December 2007

Near infrared hyperspectral image analysis has been used to classify individual wheat grains representing 24 different Australian varieties as sound or as being discoloured by one of the commercially important blackpoint, field fungi or pink stains. The study used a training set of 188 grains and a test set of 665 grains. The spectra were smoothed and then standardised by dividing each spectrum by its mean, so that the analysis was based solely on spectral shape. Penalised discriminant analysis was first used for pixel classification and then a simple rule for grain classification was developed. Overall classification accuracies of 95% were achieved over the 420–2500 nm wavelength range, as well as reduced ranges of 420–1000 nm and 420–700 nm.
Monitoring Chemical Changes for Stored Sawdust from Pine and Spruce Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Arshadi Mehrdad , Nilsson David , Geladi Paul
Published: December 2007

Fuel pellets that are very often made of sawdust represent a renewable energy source for heat production and there is a growing interest in these products in a large part of the world. Raw material production in the sawmills and use of sawdust in the pellet mills are out of phase during a large part of the year and for reasons of logistics there is a need for storage of large quantities of the raw material. Long-term storage changes the sawdust and, therefore, processing parameters have to be adapted, making some knowledge of storage time or maturity necessary. An experiment on the industrial storage of pine and spruce sawdust was carried out over a period of 16 weeks. Samples were taken out every week and all samples were analysed by visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy, while some samples were analysed by GC/MS for their composition of fatty- and resin acids. The resulting data were subjected to multivariate data analysis. GC/MS data showed the difference between pine and spruce sawdust and the influence of maturity. This maturity effect could be associated with the decrease in fatty- and resin acids due to auto-oxidative reactions. The first six weeks of storage had no influence on the concentration of fatty- and resin acids. Most of the changes in the amount of fatty- and resin acids occurred in the fresh pine sawdust during weeks six to 12. Since the spruce sawdust had less initial amounts of fatty- and resin acids, the changes were less in absolute terms but the fractional changes were similar to pine. During weeks 13 to 17 the fatty- and resin acids content had stabilised and changes were marginal. Multivariate analysis of the vis-NIR data showed a major effect due to maturity associated with a colour change and also weaker effects of fatty- and resin acid differences. PLS regression was used to predict the storage time with RMSEP values between 10 and 15 days. However, since weather conditions, precipitation and seasonal variation, have a very strong influence on the rate of maturing of sawdust it will be necessary to monitor the stored sawdust to determine the degree of maturity. Because of the large flow rate human eye assessment should be replaced by frequent vis-NIR measurements. The vis-NIR spectra allow prediction of storage time and therefore maturity.
Surrogate endpoints for cancer screening trials: general principles and an illustration using the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial
Authors: Cuzick Jack , Cafferty Fay H , Edwards Robert , Møller Henrik , Duffy Stephen W
Published: December 2007

Cancer screening is aimed primarily at reducing deaths. Thus, site-specific cancer mortality is the appropriate endpoint for evaluating screening interventions. However, it is also the most demanding endpoint, requiring follow-up and a large numbers of patients order to have adequate power. Therefore, it is highly desirable to have surrogate endpoints that can reliably predict mortality reductions many years earlier. We here review a range of surrogate markers in terms of their potential advantages and pitfalls, and argue that a measure which weights incident cancers according to their predicted mortality has many advantages over other measures and should be used more routinely. Application to the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial data suggests that predicted colorectal cancer mortality, based on stage-specific incidence, is a more powerful endpoint than actual mortality and could advance the analysis time by about three years. Total colorectal cancer incidence as a surrogate endpoint provides little advance in the analysis time over actual mortality. The approach requires reliable prognostic data, (e.g. stage), for both the study cohort and a representative sample of the whole population. The routine collection of such data should be a priority for cancer registries. Surrogate endpoints should not replace a long-term analysis based directly on mortality, but can provide reliable early indicators which can be useful both for monitoring ongoing screening programmes and for making policy decisions.
Sensitivity in cancer screening
Authors: Hakama Matti , Auvinen Anssi , Day Nicholas E , Miller Anthony B
Published: December 2007

Objective: We propose three concepts of sensitivity in cancer screening and apply to data on prostate cancer.

Conceptual entities: Sensitivity is the indicator on the ability of screening to find cancer in the detectable preclinical phase (DPCP). The ability is usually specified as to the screening test. We call this entity the test sensitivity. Test positivity with histological confirmation refers to the full diagnostic process and we call the corresponding entity as episode sensitivity. Ultimately, a screening programme identifies a proportion of cancers in the DPCP in the total target population, that we call programme sensitivity. We derive the formulae for these three sensitivities consistent with the incidence method.

Example: Our example on estimation of the three sensitivities is from a randomized screening trial for prostate cancer in Finland. The estimates by incidence method were substantially different, 85% for test sensitivity, 48% for episode sensitivity and 36% for programme sensitivity.

Conclusion: More than one concept of sensitivity with standard method of estimation is needed to describe the ability of screening to identify the disease in the DPCP.
Is NESTROFT sufficient for mass screening for β-thalassaemia trait?
Authors: Mamtani Manju , Das Kishalaya , Jawahirani Anil , Rughwani Vinky , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: December 2007

Objectives: Prevention of β-thalassaemia trait will, for the foreseeable future, hinge on effective screening strategies. Routine use of haematological data from automated cell counters may complement the results of the Naked Eye Single Tube Red cell Osmotic Fragility Test (NESTROFT), especially because of the high cost of a false-negative error. Our objective was to assess the potential additive value of routine haematological data in screening for β-thalassaemia trait.

Settings: Community survey of asymptomatic volunteers.

Methods: Using the NESTROFT results, haematological data and haemoglobin A2 concentration from 1435 young, asymptomatic Sindhi subjects recruited in a population-based survey, and statistical analysis by classification tree approach, we examined whether haematological parameters have discriminatory utility additional to that of NESTROFT in screening for β-thalassaemia trait.

Results: We observed that in the derivation subset from which the classification tree was generated, there was only a marginal – albeit statistically significant – improvement in the screening performance of NESTROFT, whereas there was no such improvement attributable to the use of haematological parameters in a separate validation subset.

Conclusion: Our results further substantiate the claim that the use of NESTROFT is highly indicated for screening for β-thalassaemia trait in regions where the prevalence is high and the resources are constrained.
Councillors’ Attitudes Towards New Town Development Corporations
Authors: Booth Simon
Published: December 2007

This article outlines the results of a survey of councillor’s attitudes towards new town development corporations. The historical background of the origin and development of new town corporations shows how the present policy conflicts have arisen. The survey of councillors gives for the first time the local representatives’ opinions and attitudes about the development corporations. The main finding is that although the development corporation is thought to be a good generator of growth, substantial changes in policy are desired. The councillors feel that when the new towns are completed they should be handed over to the local authorities. There is greater feeling against the ‘undemocratic’ structure of the development corporation in the more prosperous south of the country. In the north the attitude tends to be that the development corporations are acceptable so long as they tangibly benefit the area. Conservatives tend to be in favour of the development corporations because they act as a check on local Labour councils. Labour councillors tend to be in favour of the idea of a development corporation where the need is clear, but oppose what is seen as their development into undemocratic outposts of the bureaucracy. Finally, what most councillors want is a greater degree of participation in the decisions made by the development corporations.
In Vivo Determination of Bone Structure in Postmenopausal Women: A Comparison of HR-pQCT and High-Field MR Imaging
Authors: Kazakia Galateia J , Hyun Benedict , Burghardt Andrew J , Krug Roland , Newitt David C , de Papp Anne E , Link Thomas M , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: December 2007

Bone structural measures obtained by two noninvasive imaging tools—3T MRI and HR-pQCT—were compared. Significant but moderate correlations and 2- to 4-fold discrepancies in parameter values were detected, suggesting that differences in acquisition and analysis must be considered when interpreting data from these imaging modalities.

Introduction: High-field MRI and high resolution (HR)-pQCT are currently being used in longitudinal bone structure studies. Substantial differences in acquisition and analysis between these modalities may influence the quantitative data produced and could potentially influence clinical decisions based on their results. Our goal was to compare trabecular and cortical bone structural measures obtained in vivo by 3T MRI and HR-pQCT.

Materials and Methods: Postmenopausal osteopenic women (n = 52) were recruited for this study. HR-pQCT imaging of the radius and tibia was performed using the XtremeCT scanner, with a voxel size of 82 × 82 × 82 μm3. MR imaging was performed on a 3T Signa scanner using SSFP imaging sequences, with a pixel size of 156 × 156 μm2 and slice thickness of 500 μm. Structure parameters were calculated using standard HR-pQCT and MRI analysis techniques. Relationships between measures derived from HR-pQCT, MRI, and DXA were studied.

Results: Significant correlations between HR-pQCT and MRI parameters were found (p < 0.0001) and were strongest for Tb.N (r2 = 0.52), Ct.Th (r2 = 0.59), and site-specific Tb.Sp (r2 = 0.54–0.60). MRI and HR-pQCT provided statistically different values of structure parameters (p < 0.0001), with BV/TV and Tb.Th exhibiting the largest discrepancies (MR/HR-pQCT = 3–4). Although differences in the Tb.N values were statistically significant, the mean differences were on the order of our reproducibility measurements. Systematic differences between MRI and HR-pQCT analysis procedures leading to discrepancies in cortical thickness values were observed, with MRI values consistently higher. Minimal correlations were found between MRI or HR-pQCT parameters and DXA BMD or T-score, except between HR-pQCT measures at the radius and the ultradistal radius T-scores, where moderate correlations were found (r2 = 0.19–0.58).

Conclusions: This study provides unique insight into two emerging noninvasive tools for bone structure evaluation. Our findings highlight the significant influence of analysis technique on results of in vivo assessment and underscore the importance of accounting for these differences when interpreting results from these modalities.
Relational Distance and the Acceptance of Mental Health Evaluations: A Social Influence Approach to Deviant Labeling
Authors: Kalkhoff Will , Djurich Kristina , Burke Jessica
Published: December 2007

Research on labeling has been criticized for neglecting individual-level responses to being labeled. The authors examine labeling as social influence, focusing on the “relational distance” between the labeler and the labelee and how this affects the labelee's “avowal,” or acceptance, of mental evaluations. The authors report results showing that participants more strongly accepted mental evaluations from a randomly assigned, less relationally distant evaluator, regardless of either participants' actual depression levels or the content of randomly assigned mental evaluations. The authors discuss the implications of their findings for understanding race differences in reactions to labeling and for integrating labeling arguments with ideas concerning re-integrative shaming.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Black Business Elite
Authors: Boyd Robert L.
Published: December 2007

Are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) a route into the “black business elite,” defined as those blacks who have been nationally recognized as successful entrepreneurs? To address this question, the present study analyzes data from authoritative encyclopedic sources on the history of black entrepreneurship in America. The findings suggest that HBCUs have a venerable tradition of contributing to the membership of the business elite, especially in the South, and that such institutions continue to be pathways into this select group of entrepreneurs, along with prestigious historically white colleges and universities in the North. By documenting the important role of HBCUs in the creation of an upper stratum of black entrepreneurs, this study adds a new dimension to literature that shows that HBCUs have produced a leadership class that has been instrumental to the social and economic progress of blacks as a group.
Determinants of Parent-Child Coresidence among Older Mexican Parents: The Salience of Cultural Values
Authors: Gonzales Alicia M.
Published: December 2007

The absence of direct empirical study of cultural values represents an important but neglected area of study. The results of this study highlight the importance of cultural values in shaping coresidence between older Mexican American parents and their adult children. This study examined the coresidence patterns of 2,058 Mexican parents age sixty-five and older. Logistic analyses estimated the impact and relative contribution of a direct measure of cultural values along with socioeconomic resources, parental needs, child network characteristics, and English proficiency. These data indicate that when older Mexican parents are examined separately, their tendency to coreside with adult children is more firmly grounded in cultural values than economic necessity. Analyses lend support to the significance of both cultural values and income but find that income is a positive predictor of coresidence and thus may serve to enable persons to act on cultural family and support values. Data also suggest that adult children may benefit a great deal from parent-child coresidence in later life. Greater daily living assistance needs, having a spouse, and greater number of children are also positive determinants of coresidence.
Effect of combinations of light intensity and photoperiod on heading date of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Karsai I. , Mészáros K. , Kőszegi B. , Bedő Z. , Veisz O.
Published: December 2007

In order to evaluate the effect of light intensity and photoperiod on heading and to establish the reaction types of barley, a set of barley germplasm of various geographical origin and growth habit was examined in a series of controlled growth chamber experiments combining two levels of light intensity with long and short photoperiod regimes. Low light intensity contributed only a limited portion to the total variance of heading and this originated to a large extent from the genotype × light intensity interaction for both photoperiods. Under the long photoperiod regime the effect of low light intensity was only apparent in a significant delay in heading. Under a short photoperiod the type of sensitivity depended on the growth habit. Low light intensity hastened plant development in 15% of the spring barley varieties, while the flowering of 44% of the winter barley varieties was significantly delayed. Establishing the reaction types for photoperiod and low light intensity in this range of barley germplasm made it possible to identify the typical reaction types of the two growth-habit groups. In addition, it also became possible to identify genotypes with contrasting or unusual combinations of these traits.
Study of the effect of plant density on the growth of maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids using the Richards function
Authors: Berzsenyi Z. , Dang Q.
Published: December 2007

In maize, plant density has a considerable influence on the rate of dry matter accumulation and on its partitioning between vegetative and reproductive sinks. The aim of the present research was to use the first, second and third derivatives of the Richards function (RF) for growth analysis on maize hybrids grown at various densities. In two-factorial split-plot experiments carried out in Martonvásár, Hungary in 1997–1999 the growth analysis method was used to examine the effect of six plant densities (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 thousand plants ha
−1
) on the growth of three maize hybrids (Mara, Mv 355, Florencia) with different vegetation periods. Plant density had a significant effect on the dynamics of dry matter accumulation, absolute growth rate (AGR) and absolute acceleration rate (AAR). There was a significant reduction in the asymptotic maximum (A) and growth parameters (AGR, AAR) of the whole plant and of the individual plant organs (stalk, leaf, ear and grain yield), while the parameters of the leaf area index (LAI) increased significantly with a rise in the plant density. The usefulness of the RF for approximating the growth processes of maize plants and individual plant parts was confirmed statistically.
Sulphur management in moong ( Phaseolus aureus L.) and raya ( Brassica juncea L.) crops
Authors: Khurana M. , Bansal R.
Published: December 2007

Studies on the sulphur requirements of crops have largely been restricted to single crops without considering its residual availability to the following crop. With this objective, a field experiment was carried out to study the direct, residual and cumulative effect of S in a moong-raya rotation on sandy loam soil having 8.2 mg kg−1soil of 0.15% calcium chloride-extractable S. The treatment consisted of four levels of S (0, 10, 20 and 40 kg ha−1) applied as gypsum. A significant increase in the grain yield of moong was observed at and above 20 kg S ha−1, but the difference between the grain yields at application rates of 20 and 40 kg S ha−1was found to be non-significant. The direct application of 20 kg S ha−1resulted in a significant increase in the grain yield of raya. The residual effect emanating from the application of 40 kg S ha−1to the first crop of moong significantly increased the grain yield of raya. The cumulative application of S at different rates, to both the crops, was not found to be beneficial. It is therefore suggested from this study that the application of 20 kg S ha−1to each crop or 40 kg S ha−1to the first crop of moong was sufficient to obtain optimum yields of both the crops in a moong-raya cropping sequence. The critical levels of S in the whole shoot in moong and raya plants were found to be 0.23 and 0.37%, respectively.
Correlation between maize genotypes and the stalk rot caused by maize Fusarium
Authors: Szőke C. , Árendás T. , Rácz F. , Pintér J. , Nagy E. , Marton C.
Published: December 2007

Six single-cross hybrids and their parental lines were inoculated with the FG36
Fusarium graminearum
isolate in 2005 and 2006. In both years the degree of infection increased after artificial inoculation for both the hybrids and the inbred lines compared with the level of natural infection. The more severe stalk infection recorded in 2005 than in 2006 could be attributed to the weather conditions during flowering and harvesting.The 18 genotypes examined exhibited different levels of resistance to fusarium stalk rot. It could be concluded from the results that the resistance level of the female parent was decisive in the inheritance of the response to fusarium stalk rot (female component-hybrid r = 0.88, male component-hybrid r = 0.39).Some genotypes may be severely affected in epidemic years, while exhibiting a lower rate of infection in years with lower pathogen pressure. This suggests that successful breeding for resistance can only be carried out efficiently by means of artificial inoculation.
Standardization of dosage of liquid and cyst formulations of Azospirillum for different application methods
Authors: Thamizh Vendan R. , Thangaraju M.
Published: December 2007

Azospirillum
bioinoculant is well known for its high nitrogen-fixing and plant growth-promoting characters. Carrier-based bioinoculants generally suffer from shorter shelf-life, poor quality, high contamination and low field performance. As an alternative, the liquid and cyst formulations of
Azospirillum
inoculants can play a significant role. Liquid and cyst formulations of
Azospirillum
were developed by adding amendments to the NFb broth and to MSM medium, respectively, which have longer shelf-life and tolerance to adverse conditions such as temperature and desiccation. The dosage of liquid and cyst-based formulations of
Azospirillum
for various inoculation methods such as seed treatment, seedling root dipping and soil application was standardized and their survival was studied. Inoculum levels of 10 ml/kg seeds, 150 ml/quantity of seedlings required for 1 ha and 300 ml/ha were found to be the optimum doses for seed treatment, seedling root dipping and soil application methods, respectively. The liquid and cyst formulations of
Azospirillum
have exhibited better adherence and survival on seeds, seedling roots and in the rhizosphere than the carrier-based form. These results indicated that there is substantial room to improve the liquid and cyst formulations of
Azospirillum
inoculant to obtain the desired benefits.
Influence of oil content on the equilibrium moisture content of evening primrose ( Oenothera SPP.) seeds
Authors: Fieldsend A.
Published: December 2007

Seed moisture content is a well-recognised index of safe storage. However, when in equilibrium with the storage environment it is merely an indicator of the relative humidity of the air, which is the primary regulator of the growth of moulds and insects. The relationship is influenced by the profile of the seed components. During the 1990s, significant increases in the seed oil content of evening primrose were achieved through plant breeding. This paper shows that the equilibrium moisture content of evening primrose seeds declines significantly with increasing oil content. Hence, the moisture isotherm is altered and newer cultivars must be stored at slightly lower seed moisture contents to ensure that seed and oil quality are maintained.
The maternal and fetal outcome of 122 triplet pregnancies
Authors: Hruby Ervin , Sassi Lilla , Görbe Éva , Hupuczi Petronella , Papp Zoltán
Published: December 2007

A hármasiker-szülések jelenlegi gyakorisága a meddőségi kezelések eredményeként a természetes előfordulás 4–5-szöröse. Az anyai szövődmények és a kedvezőtlen perinatalis kimenetel kockázata rendkívül magas. 1998 óta lehetőség van az embriók/magzatok számának redukciójára annak érdekében, hogy a megmaradó embriók/magzatok esélyei javuljanak. A hármasiker-terhességet viselő várandósok megfelelő tájékoztatásához hozzátartozik, hogy pontos felvilágosítást kapjanak a terhesség redukció nélküli továbbviselése esetén várható anyai és magzati kockázatokról.Célkitűzés:A magyar hármasiker-populáció reprezentatívnak tekinthető, nagy esetszámú mintáján keresztül bemutatni a nem redukált hármasiker-terhességekkel kapcsolatos anyai szövődmények kockázatát, a perinatalis mutatókat és a neonatalis szövődmények előfordulási gyakoriságát.Módszer:Tanulmányunkban az I. sz. Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinikán 1990. július 1. és 2006. június 30. közötti időszakban befejeződött hármasiker-terhességeket vizsgáltuk. Beválasztási kritérium volt, hogy a 18. terhességi héten elvégzett ultrahangvizsgálat során mindhárom magzat életjelenséget mutatott.Eredmények:122 hármasiker-terhesség közül 8 esetben (6,6%) középidős vetélés zajlott le a 20–23. héten, 114 eset (93,4%) szüléssel végződött. Anyai haláleset nem volt. Terhesség által kiváltott hipertónia az esetek 16,7%-ában, terhességi cukorbetegség 18,4%-ban fordult elő. A szülés előtt thrombocytopenia 20,2%-ban, anémia 16,7%-ban, cholestasis 9,7%-ban jelentkezett. A tocolysist igénylő, idő előtti méhtevékenység gyakorisága 57,9% volt, idő előtti burokrepedést 32,5%-ban észleltünk. Cerclage-műtét az esetek 15,8%-ában történt, szteroidprofilaxisban a hármasiker-terhesek 69,3%-a részesült. A terhességek hossza átlagosan 32,3 ± 3,2 hét volt. Az igen éretlen (<28. hét) koraszülések aránya 8,8%, az éretlen (<32. hét) koraszülések aránya 42,1% volt. Az élve születettek átlagos 5 perces Apgar-értéke 9,2 ± 0,8, átlagos születési súlya 1664 ± 506 g volt. A magzatok 38,0%-a igen kis (<1500 g) születési súllyal jött világra. A késői magzati halálozás 23,4‰, a perinatalis halálozás 64,3‰, a tisztított perinatalis halálozás 27,4‰ volt, melyek kedvezőtlenebbek, mint szinguláris terhességben. Súlyos fejlődési rendellenesség a magzatok 11,7‰-énél volt észlelhető. Megszületés után az újszülöttek 54,4%-a szorult lélegeztetésre. Intracranialis vérzés az újszülöttek 4,3%-ánál, respiratiós distress szindróma 17,1%-ban, transitoricus tachypnoe 5,2%-ban, szepszis vagy pneumónia 25,5%-ban, újszülöttkori sárgaság 11,4%-ban fordult elő.Következtetések:Az anyai és a magzati kockázatok ismerete igen fontos ahhoz, hogy a hármasiker-terhességgel éppen szembesülő betegek megalapozott döntést hozhassanak a terhesség kihordásáról vagy a redukció lehetőségének igénybevételéről.
Evaluation of mostly given second-line chemotherapies of epithelial ovarian cancer recurrences
Authors: Lehoczky Ottó , Pulay Tamás
Published: December 2007

A petefészekrákok második vonalú kemoterápiáival 2,3–42 hónapos progressziómentes túlélésekről lehet olvasni.
Célkitűzés:
A szerzők a második vonalú paclitaxel-carboplatin-, topotecan-, és cisplatin-epirubicin-etoposid kemoterápiákat értékelték.
Módszer:
A paclitaxel-carboplatin kombinációt 13 beteg 3 hetente 175 mg/m
2
, illetőleg AUC 5-dózisban, a topotecant 16 beteg 3 hetente, 1,5 mg/m
2
/1–5 nap dózisban, a cisplatin-epirubicin-etoposid kombinációt (33 mg/m
2
/1–3 nap – 60 mg/m
2
/1 nap – 100 mg/m
2
/1–3 nap) pedig 4 hetenként 48 beteg kapta. A progressziómentes túlélés statisztikai értékelése a Kaplan–Meier-féle product-limit eljárás szerint történt.
Eredmények:
A paclitaxel-carboplatin és a cisplatin-epirubicin-etoposid kemoterápiákkal a topotecanhoz képest szignifikánsan jobb progressziómentes időszak (5 és 5,5 hónap vs 4 hónap,
p
= 0,0324 és
p
= 0,0087) igazolódott, és mindhárom kezelés jobb progressziómentes időszakot (6 és 3,5 hónap, 7 és 4 hónap ill. 6,5 és 3,5 hónap) eredményezett a platinaérzékeny betegekben, mint a platinarezisztensekben.
Következtetés:
Az alacsonyabb árú cisplatin-epirubicin-etoposid kombinációval a másik 2 kezeléshez képest valamivel jobb eredmény figyelhető meg platinaérzékeny és platinarezisztens daganatokban is.
Effective treatment of a hormonally inactive carcinoid tumour with somatostatin analogues: application of serum chromogranin A for clinical follow-up
Authors: Igaz Péter , Rácz Károly , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: December 2007

A carcinoid daganatok jelentős hányada hormonálisan inaktív. E daganatok diagnózisára és követésére a klasszikusan alkalmazott biokémiai, illetőleg hormonvizsgálatok nem alkalmasak, de a neuroendokrin daganatok többségére jellemző tumormarkert, a chromogranin-A-t a hormontúltermeléssel nem járó carcinoid daganatok is termelhetik. A hormonálisan inaktív carcinoidokra is jellemző a somatostatin-receptorok expressziója, ami mind a képalkotó diagnózis, mind a kezelés terén nagy jelentőségű.
Esetismertetés:
A szerzők egy bronchialis kiindulású, többszörös májáttéteket adó, hormonálisan inaktív carcinoid daganatban szenvedő beteg kórtörténetét ismertetik. A bronchus carcinoid műtéti eltávolítását követően kialakult májáttétek somatostatinreceptor-expressziójára alapozva, tartós hatású octreotidkezelést, valamint ittriumizotóppal kapcsolt somatostatin-analóg terápiát alkalmaztak. A kezelés megkezdése előtt jelentősen megnövekedett szérum-chromogranin-A-szint a kezelések hatására fokozatosan csökkent. A 19 hónapos észlelés időtartama alatt a májáttétek mérete és száma nem növekedett.
Következtetés:
A szérum-chromogranin-A hatékonyan alkalmazható a hormonálisan inaktív carcinoid daganatok klinikai követésére. A somatostatin-analógok nemcsak a hormontúltermeléssel járó, hanem a hormonálisan inaktív carcinoidok esetében is gátolhatják a daganat progresszióját.
Clinical administration of rosiglitazone and glimepiride combination in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fehér János , Lengyel Gabriella
Published: December 2007

A cardiovascularis halálozás világszerte növekszik. A halálos kimenetelnek egyik legfontosabb kóroki tényezője a diabetes mellitus. E megbetegedés kezelésére alkalmazható gyógyszerek közé tartoznak az inzulin kiválasztását fokozó szerek (insulinsecretagog készítmények), az inzulin hatását növelő (inzulinszenzitizálók) és glükózfelszívódást gátló készítmények. Mindezek alkalmazhatók monoterápiában és különféle kombinációban is. A gyakorlatban nagyon hasznosnak tűnik a roziglitazon és a glimepirid kombinációja. Mivel alkotóik különböző támadáspontokon fejtik ki hatásukat, jól kiegészítik egymást. A glimepirid a béta-sejtek inzulinszekrécióját fokozza, csökkenti a vércukorszintet, a roziglitazon pedig az így megtermelt inzulin iránti érzékenységet fokozza a célszervekben. A két szer additív módon jelentősen javítja a vércukorszintet. A glimepirid és roziglitazon kombinációját a betegek általában jól tolerálják, és a fix kombináció javítja a terápiás adherenciát is.
Strengthening masonry columns: steel strands versus FRP
Authors: Micelli F. , La Tegola A.
Published: December 2007

Masonry structures are prone to brittle failure due to seismic forces or compressive overloads. A novel retrofitting technique is presented for the confinement of masonry columns subjected to compressive loads. The use of steel strands immersed in a cementitious matrix is described in terms of the mechanical properties of steel-confined columns. The structural behaviour of steel-confined columns was also compared with that of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP)-confined columns. Experimental results showed the effectiveness of the proposed technique in terms of structural efficiency and installation procedure. The mechanical behaviour of steel-confined masonry and FRP-confined masonry was found to be very similar. The advantages of the proposed techniques with respect to confinement with FRP consist of the use of a cementitious matrix that does not require specialised labour and dry surface, allows moisture migration through the masonry surface of the column, is not prone to premature degradation or debonding under fire events, and is easily removable with mechanical tools without damaging the masonry core.
Self-compacting concrete: using limestone to resist sulfuric acid
Authors: Bassuoni M. T. , Nehdi M. , Amin M.
Published: December 2007

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is increasingly being used in precast concrete sewer pipes, water treatment facilities, industrial floors and foundations that are susceptible to biogenic and/or chemical sulfuric acid attack. Since the mixture design of SCC is different to that of normal concrete, the durability of SCC in such applications needs to be evaluated. In particular, SCC can incorporate proportions of limestone filler and different combinations of aggregates, which is believed to alter its resistance to sulfuric acid. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the resistance to sulfuric acid of various SCC mixtures incorporating different limestone material types, proportions and combinations. The study comprised 12 weeks of immersion of test specimens in 1, 3 and 5% sulfuric acid solutions with a maximum pH threshold of 3, 2 and 1, respectively. The study revealed that the resistance to sulfuric acid of SCC incorporating limestone materials was dependent on the degree of solution aggression. While limestone filler contributed to increasing the resistance of SCC to the moderately aggressive solution (3% sulfuric acid), it accelerated the rate of mass loss in the highly aggressive solution (5% sulfuric acid). The effect of fineness and particle size of limestone and the kinetics of corrosion reaction on the resistance of SCC to sulfuric acid was also highlighted in this study. Microanalysis conducted upon test termination elucidated the damage mechanisms, and it was shown that the change in compressive strength after exposure to sulfuric acid solutions was not a proper indicator for the surface deterioration of SCC in acidic media.
Briefing: GGBS and sustainability
Authors: Higgins D.
Published: December 2007

Concerns about climate change have heightened interest in sustainable construction materials. Ground granulated blast-furnace slag offers civil engineers a high-quality, environmentally-friendly material, which can replace much of the Portland cement used in concrete. This article looks at its manufacture and environmental impact and gives examples of its use.
Recycled waste glass as aggregate for lightweight concrete
Authors: Petrella A. , Petrella M. , Boghetich G. , Petruzzelli D. , Calabrese D. , Stefanizzi P. , De Napoli D. , Guastamacchia M.
Published: December 2007

A granulated porous recycled waste glass (RWG), namely Poraver, derived from the differential separation of municipal solid waste, was used as aggregate in concrete formulations. On account of the intrinsically highly porous cellular structure of the reference materials, the concrete structures appeared particularly light and refractory to thermal effects. The use of this type of glass has been focused on the production of lightweight concrete that is able to improve thermal insulation in addition to demonstrating good mechanical properties. In this context, the thermal insulating properties of RWG-based cement conglomerates were analysed and compared with equivalent conglomerates produced by the use of expanded clays. Very promising results were obtained from the concrete prepared from a mixture of the recycled waste glass and expanded clays, in terms of the high mechanical resistance attributed to the clays coupled with lower thermal conductivity of expanded glass.
Mechanical properties of cement-bound recycled pavements
Authors: Katsakou M. , Kolias S.
Published: December 2007

Tensile (uniaxial and flexural) and compressive (uniaxial cube and equivalent cube) tests were carried out on mixtures of crushed aggregates and milled bituminous materials with proportions by mass 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100, respectively. All mixtures were bound with 3 or 5% by mass (b.m.) cement and 5·2% b.m. water. Strength and modulus of elasticity were determined for one-day- and 60-day-old specimens. It was found that this type of recycled materials forms a generation of new materials with different and enhanced properties in comparison with ordinary cement-bound granular materials. Both strength and modulus of elasticity decreased as the proportion of milled bituminous material in the mix increased. However, the rate of decrease of the tensile strength was lower than that of the corresponding compressive strength and similarly the rate of decrease of the modulus of elasticity was lower than that of the corresponding strength. For each mix proportion a different relationship existed between compressive strength and tensile strength and between tensile strength and the corresponding modulus of elasticity.
RELATIONS AMONG FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS IN BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Thompson Travis
Published: December 2007

This paper proposes that an organism's integrated repertoire of operant behavior has the status of a biological system, similar to other biological systems, like the nervous, cardiovascular, or immune systems. Evidence from a number of sources indicates that the distinctions between biological and behavioral events is often misleading, engendering counterproductive explanatory controversy. A good deal of what is viewed as biological (often thought to be inaccessible or hypothetical) can become publicly measurable variables using currently available and developing technologies. Moreover, such endogenous variables can serve as establishing operations, discriminative stimuli, conjoint mediating events, and maintaining consequences within a functional analysis of behavior and need not lead to reductionistic explanation. I suggest that explanatory misunderstandings often arise from conflating different levels of analysis and that behavior analysis can extend its reach by identifying variables operating within a functional analysis that also serve functions in other biological systems.
THE EFFECT OF CONDITIONED REINFORCEMENT RATE ON CHOICE: A REVIEW
Authors: Fantino Edmund , Romanowich Paul
Published: December 2007

We review the nature of conditioned reinforcement, including evidence that conditioned reinforcers maintain choice behavior in concurrent schedules and that they elevate responding in the terminal links of concurrent‐chains schedules. A question has resurfaced recently: Do theories of choice in concurrent‐chains schedules need to include a term reflecting greater preference for higher rates of conditioned reinforcement? The review of several studies addressing this point suggests that such a term is inappropriate. Elevated rates of conditioned reinforcement (and responding) in the terminal links of concurrent‐chains schedules do not lead to greater preference in the initial link leading to the higher rate of conditioned reinforcement. If anything, the opposite preference is likely to occur. This result is not surprising, since the additional putative conditioned reinforcers in the terminal link are not correlated with a reduction in time to primary reinforcement nor with an increase in value.