bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean Residence Time of Soil Organic Carbon in Aggregates Under Contrasting Land Uses Based on Radiocarbon Measurements
Authors: Rabbi Sheikh M Fazle , Hua Quan , Daniel Heiko , Lockwood Peter V , Wilson Brian R , Young Iain M
Published: February 2013

Radiocarbon is a useful tool for studying carbon dynamics in soil aggregates. The objective of the current study was to determine the mean residence time (MRT) of soil organic carbon (SOC) in macroaggregates and microaggregates under contrasting land uses. Contrasting land uses investigated at Alfisol (equivalent to Dermosol in Australian Soil Classification) sites were native pasture (NP), crop-pasture rotation (CP), and Eucalypt woodland (WL), whereas in Oxisol (Ferrosol in Australian Soil Classification) sites, land uses comprised improved pasture (IP), cropping (CR), and forest (FR). Soil aggregates were separated into macroaggregates (250–2000 μm) and microaggregates (53–250 μm) by wet-sieving, and their 14C signatures were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The 14C activity in both macro- and microaggregates was >100 pMC, indicating the presence of post-bomb carbon in the soil. The mean residence time (MRT) of SOC in macro- and microaggregates (MRTagg) was on average 68 yr longer in the Oxisol compared with that in the Alfisol. The MRTagg in microaggregates was 10 yr longer than that of macroaggregates in the Alfisol. However, the MRTagg in microaggregates was 50 yr shorter compared to macroaggregates in the Oxisol.

The MRT of macro- and microaggregates can be separated into active, slow, and stable SOC pools. Among the 3 SOC pools, the MRT of the stable pool is of higher significance in terms of SOC stabilization in soil aggregates because of its longer MRT. However, isolation and direct MRT estimation of the stable SOC pool is difficult. The MRT of active and slow SOC pools associated with macro- and microaggregates was measured using a SOC mineralization experiment to estimate the MRT of the stable SOC pool under contrasting land uses by applying a mass balance criterion. The MRT of active (MRTA) and slow (MRTS) SOC pools in macro- and microaggregates varied between 1–50 days and 13–38 yr, respectively. The estimated MRT of the stable pool carbon (MRTP) in microaggregates was 897 yr longer compared to that of macroaggregates in the Alfisol. However, in the Oxisol, MRTP in microaggregates was 568 yr shorter than that of macroaggregates. Among the land uses, WL in Alfisol and CR in Oxisol had longer MRTagg and MRTP compared to other land uses.
A Marine Reservoir Correction for the Houtman-Abrolhos Archipelago, East Indian Ocean, Western Australia
Authors: Squire Peter , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Scheffers Anja M , Nothdurft Luke D , Hua Quan , Collins Lindsay B , Scheffers Sander R , Zhao Jian-xin
Published: February 2013

High-precision analysis using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was performed upon known-age Holocene and modern, pre-bomb coral samples to generate a marine reservoir age correction value (ΔR) for the Houtman-Abrolhos Archipelago (28.7°S, 113.8°E) off the Western Australian coast. The mean ΔR value calculated for the Abrolhos Islands, 54 ± 30 yr (1 σ) agrees well with regional ΔR values for Leeuwin Current source waters (N-NW Australia-Java) of 60 ± 38 yr. The Abrolhos Islands show little variation with ΔR values of the northwestern and north Australian coast, underlining the dominance of the more equilibrated western Pacific-derived waters of the Leeuwin Current over local upwelling. The Abrolhos Islands ΔR values have remained stable over the last 2896 cal yr BP, being also attributed to the Leeuwin Current and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal during this period. Expected future trends will be a strengthening of the teleconnection of the Abrolhos Islands to the climatic patterns of the equatorial Pacific via enhanced ENSO and global warming activity strengthening the Leeuwin Current. The possible effect upon the trend of future ΔR values may be to maintain similar values and an increase in stability. However, warming trends of global climate change may cause increasing dissimilarity of ΔR values due to the effects of increasing heat stress upon lower-latitude coral communities.
European post-socialist cities and their near hinterland in intra-urban geography literature
Authors: KubešCDFMR Jan
Published: February 2013

Over 180 articles concerning urban geography aspects of European post-socialist cities and their near hinterland, published between 1990-2012 in international journals, were selected for the analysis in this paper. Statistics of articles by journals, analysed cities (and their countries) and authors proves the preponderance of research on post-socialist Central European capitals, especially Berlin, Prague and Budapest, followed by Leipzig and Łodź, as well as Moscow and Tallinn. It also proves that the number of domestic authors and those who moved from post-socialist Europe to Western universities gradually increased, while the number of authors from the West decreased. The analysis of representations of article topics, their explanations and justifications were carried out in the second part of the paper. The most frequent article topics include ‘social spatial structure of the city and its transformation’, followed by ‘urban planning and management in the city’ and ’suburbanisation and urban sprawl in the near hinterland of the city’. A smaller number of articles refers to ‘physical spatial structure of the city and its transformation’, ‘housing structure in urban neighbourhoods in connection with changes in housing policy and market’ and ‘functional spatial structure of the city and its transformation’. Indexes of the articles are part of this paper
Possibilities for mountain-based adventure tourism: the case of Serbia
Authors: VujadinovićCDFMR Snežana , ŠabićCDFMR Dejan , JoksimovićCDFMR Marko , GolićCDFMR Rajko , GajićCDFMR Mirjana , ŽivkovićCDFMR Ljiljana , MilinčićCDFMR Miroljub
Published: February 2013

Adventure tourism is a specific type of tourism that has been increasingly popular in Serbia in recent years. In this regard, the paper identifies the basic characteristics of adventure tourism, its development in Serbia, with a great emphasis placed on high mountain areas that, owing to their physical and geographic characteristics, possess huge potential. The paper aims, among other things, to identify factors encouraging or limiting development of adventure tourism in Serbia, analysing the practice, defining potential destinations and suggesting appropriate measures in order to promote it
Determination of lead in solution by solid phase extraction, elution, and spectrophotometric detection using 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol
Authors: Rahman Ismail , Furusho Yoshiaki , Begum Zinnat , Sato Rika , Okumura Hiroshi , Honda Hiroko , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

Lead (+2) was selectively adsorbed on a solid phase extraction (SPE) gel (molecular recognition technology, MRT), quantitatively extracted, and spectrophotometrically determined as the Pb(II)-PAR (4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol) complex. The linear range was 0.01 to 0.75 mg L−1 and the detection limit was 6.4 µg L−1. The MRT-SPE allows selective Pb(II) extraction from complex ion-rich matrices, which is difficult with other techniques. Interference from common matrix ions such as Fe2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ or Co2+ is minimized.
Isoenzyme variation and genetic affinities among four species of the genus Festuca L. (Poaceae)
Authors: Angelov Georgi B. , Ivanova Teodora A.
Published: February 2013

Festuca L. is one of the most complicated genera in Poaceae. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to study the isoenzyme variation of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in natural populations of F. valesiaca Schleich. ex Gaud., F. rupicola Heuff., F. dalmatica (Hack.) K. Richt. and F. stojanovii (Acht.) Kozuharov ex Foggi & Petrova. The aim of the present study was to assess isoenzyme variation and genetic affinities among the four species of the genus Festuca. Genetic identities (I) and distances (D) were calculated to evaluate qualitative genetic affinities and systematic relationships among the species. Considering the patterns of isoenzyme variation in the studied group, it is evident that F. dalmatica and F. stojanovii are closely related species. The species F. valesiaca and F. rupicola are isoenzymatically well characterized as distinct genetic entities. The obtained results generally support recent narrow species concept in the genus Festuca.
PCR-based molecular markers for identification of taxa from the Calypogeia fissa complex (Jungermanniopsida, Calypogeiaceae)
Authors: Buczkowska Katarzyna , Gonera Patrycja , Hornik Bartosz
Published: February 2013

Within Calypogeia fissa, two subspecies connected with geographic distribution are formally recognized: C. fissa subsp.fissa in Europe and C. fissa subsp.neogea in North America. Isoenzyme studies have shown that the European subspecies is genetically differentiated and composed of three genetically distinct groups PS, PB and G. The PS group has the most distinctive morphological features, but no morphological diagnostic traits have been found for groups PB and G. The sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers developed on the basis of ISSR markers, applied in the study, allowed the delimitation of all groups distinguished in Europe within the C. fissa complex (PS, PB and G). The markers also revealed genetic differences between the European and American subspecies. Five primer pairs (Cal01, Cal03-Cal06) of the six pairs studied are useful as the diagnostic tool for the identification of particular groups from the C.fissa complex. The examined SCAR markers showed that the PS group of C.fissa subsp.fissa was the most distinct; it differed from both groups PB and G as well as from C.fissa subsp.neogea. All plants determined on the basis of diagnostic isozyme loci as the PS group amplified a longer product (380 bp) of the Cal04 primer pair than the rest of studied groups and yielded no amplification products in Cal03, Cal05 and Cal06 primers. The primer pair Cal03 distinguished the plants of the PB group from the remaining groups, since only the PB group generated a PCR product of about 290 bp. The genetic differences between all four studied groups of the C.fissa complex were supported by DNA sequences of the SCAR marker Cal04.
Excavations of the Twardowice Plateau (Silesian Upland) as refuges for xerothermic plant species
Authors: Babczyńska-Sendek Beata , Błońska Agnieszka , Kołtuniak Anna
Published: February 2013

Paper concerns the flora of excavations from the area of the Twardowice Plateau, one of the regions of the Silesian Upland. These are rather shallow and small pits, which are remnants of exploitation of Triassic limestone and, rarely, iron ore. The studies showed that these excavations are the places where many species of vascular plants occurred. Xerothermic plants, which penetrated from adjacent grasslands, form the largest group (33%) among the 212 noted species. Some of them occurred much more frequently in the excavations than in the grasslands and some were found only in the excavations. It should be emphasized that 8 protected species were present in the investigated objects. Results from the Twardowice Plateau proved that many xerothermic plants could find suitable conditions for growth and survival in limestone excavations.
Traditional knowledge on ethnobotanical uses of plant biodiversity: a detailed study from the Indian western Himalaya
Authors: Singh Koushalya Nandan
Published: February 2013

The present article is based on the findings of ethnobotanical surveys conducted in the entire Lahaul-Spiti region of Indian western Himalaya to highlight the traditional use of medicinal plants by the native people. Results revealed that tribal communities of both Lahaul and Spiti valleys (Lahaulas in Lahaul and Bhotias in Spiti) have a great respect for and faith in Amchi system of medicine practiced in the entire region. Information collected on the traditional use of plants in the local health care system by the tribal communities of Lahaul-Spiti revealed the use of 86 plant species belonging to 69 genera and 34 families to cure about 70 different ailments. Maximum number of plant species used in herbal formulations belonged to families Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Polygonaceae. Both single herbal preparations and polyherbal formulations are prescribed and administered by local healers known as Larje in Lahaul and Amchis in Spiti. Most of the medicines are prescribed in a powder form, some as juice and decoctions. Among plant parts, leaves were recorded to be used to a large extent as a remedy, followed by flowers. Results of the present study show that the highest number of plants was used to cure stomach disorders, while the highest extent of phytotherapeutic use among all the species had Hippophae rhamnoides (17.14%). The obtained data also revealed the information on new or less known medicinal uses of various plant species that are new addition to the traditional knowledge from western Himalaya. Modes of preparation, administration and dosage are discussed along with the family and local names of plants and plant parts used.
C02 Content In Soil Air Upon Application of Composts Formed From Fish Industry By-Products
Authors: Mazur Zbigniew , Radziemska Maja , Jeznach Jerzy
Published: February 2013

The work presents the results of carbon dioxide measurements in soil air in a pot experiment during the vegetation of radish and lettuce, fertilized with fish composts along with additional mineral fertilization. In comparison to the C02 content in the control group, fertilization with the compost resulted in a O.10% average increase of this chemical compound in the group lacking mineral fertilization, and 0.12% in the group fertilized with minerals during radish vegetation. The increase in the C02 content of the after-crop (lettuce) was 0.17% and 0.11% (vol. %), respectively.
Pogłosy. Kronika / Echoes. Chronicle
Authors: Urbanowski Maciej , Pekaniec Anna , Zabierowski Stefan , Burnatowski Jan
Published: February 2013

Reviews of new books:„Studies in East European Thought”, special issue on Stanisław Brzozowksi (1878-1911), volume 63, No. 4. November 2011; T. Czerska, Między autobiografią a opowieścią rodzinną. Kobiece narracje osobiste w Polsce po 1944 roku w perspektywie historyczno-kulturowej; Conrad a Polska, pod red. W. Krajki, t. I Joseph Conrad a Polska, Europa środkowo-wschodnia i świat. Conference Emil Zegadłowicz - pisarz i mecenas sztuki (17-18 kwietnia 2012, Gorzeń Górny) - report
The ACT of Enrollment
Authors: Klasik Daniel
Published: February 2013

Since 2001 Colorado, Illinois, and Maine have all enacted policies that require high school juniors to take college entrance exams—the SAT or the ACT. One goal of these policies was to increase college enrollment based on the belief that requiring students to take these exams would make students more likely to consider college as a viable option. Relying on quasi-experimental methods and synthetic control comparison groups, this article presents the effects of this state-mandated college entrance exam testing. Based on both state- and individual-level analyses, I find evidence that entrance exam policies were associated with increases in overall college enrollment in Illinois and that such policies re-sorted students in all three states between different types of institutions. In particular, Colorado saw an increase in enrollment at private 4-year institutions, whereas Illinois and Maine both saw a decrease in enrollment at pubic 2-year institutions. Increases in enrollment at schools that require entrance exams for admissions support the hypothesis that lack of exam scores can present barriers to college entry.
Absence of Musculocutaneous Nerve: Embryological Basis
Authors: Pankaj Arvind Kumar , Babu CS Ramesh , Rani Archana , Rani Anita , Chopra Jyoti , Verma Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Navneet , Srivastava Ajay Kumar
Published: February 2013

Variation of brachial plexus characterized by the absence of musculocutaneous nerve in right arm was found during routine dissection of a 54 year old male cadaver. After giving lateral pectoral nerve, rest of the lateral cord continued as lateral root of median nerve. An unusual branch was arising from lateral cord which crossed the axillary artery anteriorly and then divided into two branches. One of these branches joined ulnar nerve and other medial root of median nerve. All the muscles of front of arm were supplied by branches of median nerve. These variations are important for the anesthetists, surgeons, neurologists during surgery and for anatomists during dissection in the region of axilla. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i2.6626 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 21-24
James Dundas on the Hobbesian State of Nature
Authors: Broadie Alexander
Published: February 2013

During the last few months of his life James Dundas, first Lord Arniston (c. 1620–79), wrote a monograph on moral philosophy. It appears never to have been mentioned in any work whether academic or otherwise. It includes a discussion promoting three doctrines against Hobbes. First, that something is simply good and something is simply bad, and that the first rule of morals is not self-love, but the glory of God. Secondly, the state of nature is not a state of war. Thirdly, contra Hobbes, the chief point in natural law is not that each person has a right to use all ways and means to preserve himself. This paper probes Dundas's arguments for his three doctrines.
The Absence of God and Its Contextual Significance for Hume
Authors: Fergusson David
Published: February 2013

Hume's thoroughgoing religious scepticism is set within the context of the Scottish Enlightenment. Against some interpreters, it is argued that, although elusive, his ‘attenuated deism’ (Gaskin) is not wholly dismissive of all forms of religious thought and practice. His position is further compared with contemporary expressions of ‘new atheism’. Despite some obvious similarities, Hume's position is judged more nuanced both in terms of content and rhetorical strategy.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Ferrocenoindenes
Authors: Wurst Klaus , Laus Gerhard , Buchmeiser Michael , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: February 2013

Ferrocenoindenes display planar chirality and thus represent valuable ligands for asymmetric catalysis. Here, we report on the synthesis of novel 3-(1,1-dibromomethylene)ferroceno[1,2-a]indene, (Z)-3-(1-bromomethylene)-6-iodoferroceno[1,2-a]indene, and benzo[5,6-f]ferroceno[2,3,a]inden-1-one. Any application-oriented design of chiral catalysts requires fundamental knowledge about the ligands involved, not only in terms of atom-connectivity, but also in terms of their three-dimensional structure and steric demand. Therefore, the crystal structures of 2-ferrocenylbenzoic acid, ferroceno[1,2-a]indene, and (Z)-3-(1-bromomethylene)-6-iodoferroceno[1,2-a]indene have been determined. The bond-lengths that can be retrieved therefrom also allow for an estimation of the reactivity of the aryl-iodo, bromo-methylidene and dibromomethylidene moieties.
Hierarchical Bayesian Analysis of Biased Beliefs and Distributional Other-Regarding Preferences
Authors: Aksoy Ozan , Weesie Jeroen
Published: February 2013

This study investigates the relationship between an actor’s beliefs about others’ other-regarding (social) preferences and her own other-regarding preferences, using an “avant-garde” hierarchical Bayesian method. We estimate two distributional other-regarding preference parameters, α and β, of actors using incentivized choice data in binary Dictator Games. Simultaneously, we estimate the distribution of actors’ beliefs about others α and β, conditional on actors’ own α and β, with incentivized belief elicitation. We demonstrate the benefits of the Bayesian method compared to it’s hierarchical frequentist counterparts. Results show a positive association between an actor’s own (α; β ) and her beliefs about average(α; β) in the population. The association between own preferences and the variance in beliefs about others’ preferences in the population, however, is curvilinear for α and insignificant for β. These results are partially consistent with the cone effect [1,2] which is described in detail below. Because in the Bayesian-Nash equilibrium concept, beliefs and own preferences are assumed to be independent, these results cast doubt on the application of the Bayesian-Nash equilibrium concept to experimental data.
Vaccination and Clinical Severity: Is the Effectiveness of Contact Tracing and Case Isolation Hampered by Past Vaccination?
Authors: Mizumoto Kenji , Ejima Keisuke , Yamamoto Taro , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

While contact tracing and case isolation are considered as the first choice of interventions against a smallpox bioterrorist event, their effectiveness under vaccination is questioned, because not only susceptibility of host and infectiousness of case but also the risk of severe clinical manifestations among cases is known to be reduced by vaccine-induced immunity, thereby potentially delaying the diagnosis and increasing mobility among vaccinated cases. We employed a multi-type stochastic epidemic model, aiming to assess the feasibility of contact tracing and case isolation in a partially vaccinated population and identify data gaps. We computed four epidemiological outcome measures, i.e., (i) the threshold of a major epidemic under the interventions; (ii) the expected total number of cases; (iii) the probability of extinction, and (iv) the expected duration of an outbreak, demonstrating that all of these outcomes critically depend on the clinical impact of past vaccination on the diagnosis and movement of vaccinated cases. We discuss that, even in the absence of smallpox in the present day, one should consider the way to empirically quantify the delay in case detection and an increase in the frequency of contacts among previously vaccinated cases compared to unvaccinated during the early stage of an epidemic so that the feasibility of contact tracing and case isolation in a vaccinated population can be explicitly assessed.
Polymorphisms in XPD and ERCC1 Associated with Colorectal Cancer Outcome
Authors: Huang Ming-Yii , Wang Jaw-Yuan , Huang Meng-Lin , Chang Hui-Jen , Lin Shiu-Ru
Published: February 2013

Using the comprehensive approach to selecting polymorphisms to date, we sought to examine whether recurrence in colorectal cancer was associated with inherited variation in three genes involved in DNA repair and cell proliferation. Three polymorphisms, which are excision repair cross-complementation 1 (ERCC1), xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), were assessed in 257 postoperative stage II/III CRC patients with 5-fluorouracial chemotherapy in Taiwan. In addition, the correlations between genetic polymorphisms and patients’ clinicopathological features were investigated. Genotypes of XPD codon751 A/A and ERCC1 codon118 T/T were associated with regional recurrence in a statistically significant way (p = 0.018). Patients who carried XPD AA and ERCC1 TT genotypes demonstrated a significantly greater regional recurrence risk (OR = 5.625, 95% CI, 1.557–20.32). Inherited variation in XPD and ERCC1 was associated with outcome in patients with colorectal cancer in Taiwan. As the significant association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms has not been studied previously in colorectal cancer, these findings suggest novel sites of variation, in part explaining the range of treatment responses seen in this disease.
The Environmental Pollutant Cadmium Promotes Influenza Virus Replication in MDCK Cells by Altering Their Redox State
Authors: Checconi Paola , Sgarbanti Rossella , Celestino Ignacio , Limongi Dolores , Amatore Donatella , Iuvara Alessandra , Alimonti Alessandro , Garaci Enrico , Palamara Anna , Nencioni Lucia
Published: February 2013

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that is considered an environmental contaminant. Several sources of human exposure to Cd, including employment in primary metal industries, production of certain batteries, foods, soil and cigarette smoke, are known. Its inhalation has been related to different respiratory diseases and toxic effects, among which alterations of the physiological redox state in individuals exposed to the metal have been described. Host-cell redox changes characteristic of oxidative stress facilitate the progression of viral infection through different mechanisms. In this paper, we have demonstrated that pre-treatment with CdCl2 of MDCK cells increased influenza virus replication in a dose-dependent manner. This phenomenon was related to increased viral protein expression (about 40% compared with untreated cells). The concentration of CdCl2, able to raise the virus titer, also induced oxidative stress. The addition of two antioxidants, a glutathione (GSH) derivative or the GSH precursor, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, to Cd pre-treated and infected cells restored the intracellular redox state and significantly inhibited viral replication. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that Cd-induced oxidative stress directly increases the ability of influenza virus to replicate in the host-cell, thus suggesting that exposure to heavy metals, such as this, could be a risk factor for individuals exposed to a greater extent to the contaminant, resulting in increased severity of virus-induced respiratory diseases.
Exploration of the Protection of Riboflavin Laurate on Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy at the Cellular Level: What Is the Leading Contributor?
Authors: Xuan Zixue , An Yinghong , Yang Dexuan , Wang Shanshan , Xu Qishou , Yuan Shoujun
Published: February 2013

Oral or gastrointestinal mucositis is a frequent phenomenon in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In addition, several clinical investigations have demonstrated in recent years that riboflavin laurate has the potential to protect the patients from the disease induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In our studies, it is observed that riboflavin laurate can ameliorate either chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced toxicities on Helf cells, and the effect is greater than that of riboflavin. In addition, riboflavin laurate is able to transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer as the prototype, indicating the protective effects may be produced by the prototype of riboflavin laurate, rather than simply by the released riboflavin.
3-Substituted Prolines: From Synthesis to Structural Applications, from Peptides to Foldamers
Authors: Mothes Céline , Caumes Cécile , Guez Alexandre , Boullet Héloïse , Gendrineau Thomas , Darses Sylvain , Delsuc Nicolas , Moumné Roba , Oswald Benoit , Lequin Olivier , Karoyan Philippe
Published: February 2013

Among the twenty natural proteinogenic amino acids, proline is unique as its secondary amine forms a tertiary amide when incorporated into biopolymers, thus preventing hydrogen bond formation. Despite the lack of hydrogen bonds and thanks to conformational restriction of flexibility linked to the pyrrolidine ring, proline is able to stabilize peptide secondary structures such as b-turns or polyproline helices. These unique conformational properties have aroused a great interest in the development of proline analogues. Among them, proline chimeras are tools combining the proline restriction of flexibility together with the information brought by natural amino acids side chains. This review will focus on the chemical syntheses of 3-substituted proline chimeras of potential use for peptide syntheses and as potential use as tools for SAR studies of biologically active peptides and the development of secondary structure mimetics. Their influence on peptide structure will be briefly described.
Techniques for Analysis of Plant Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Khoddami Ali , Wilkes Meredith , Roberts Thomas
Published: February 2013

Phenolic compounds are well-known phytochemicals found in all plants. They consist of simple phenols, benzoic and cinnamic acid, coumarins, tannins, lignins, lignans and flavonoids. Substantial developments in research focused on the extraction, identification and quantification of phenolic compounds as medicinal and/or dietary molecules have occurred over the last 25 years. Organic solvent extraction is the main method used to extract phenolics. Chemical procedures are used to detect the presence of total phenolics, while spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques are utilized to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds. This review addresses the application of different methodologies utilized in the analysis of phenolic compounds in plant-based products, including recent technical developments in the quantification of phenolics.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Kielmeyera variabilis (Clusiaceae)
Authors: Coqueiro Aline , Regasini Luis , Skrzek Scheila , Queiroz Marcos , Silva Dulce , Da Silva Bolzani Vanderlan
Published: February 2013

As part of our ongoing research on antioxidant agents from Brazilian flora, we screened the free radical scavenging activity of two extracts and eight fractions of Kielmeyera variabilis (Clusiaceae) using DPPH· (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate) and ABTS·+ [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylenebenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] colorimetric assays. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of the leaves of K. variabilis displayed the strongest activity (IC50 of 3.5 ± 0.3 and 4.4 ± 0.2 μg mL−1 for DPPH· and 6.6 ± 0.4 and 3.1 ± 0.1 μg mL−1 for ABTS·+, respectively). Chromatographic fractionation of the most potent fractions led to identification of three flavonols with previously described antioxidant activity, quercitrin (1), quercetin-3-O-b-glucoside (3), and quercetin-3-O-b-galactoside (4), and of one biflavone, podocarpusflavone A (2). This is the first time that the presence of these flavonoids in Kielmeyera variabilis has been reported.
Methyl Antcinate A Suppresses the Population of Cancer Stem-Like Cells in MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Peng Chih-Yu , Fong Pin-Chung , Yu Cheng-Chia , Tsai Wan-Chi , Tzeng Yew-Min , Chang Wen-Wei
Published: February 2013

Methyl antcinate A (MAA) is an ergostane-type triterpenoid extracted from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia camphorate that has been reported to be a cytotoxic agent towards some types of cancer cells, such as oral cancer and liver cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a particular population within cancer cells which are responsible for tumor initiation, drug resistance and metastasis and targeting CSCs is an emerging area in cancer therapy. In this study, we examine the effect of MAA on cancer stem-like cells in the MCF7 human breast cancer cell line. Although MAA displayed very low cytotoxic effect towards MCF7 under normal culture conditions, it did show good inhibitory effects on the self-renewal capability which was examined by mammosphere culture including primary and secondary sphere. MAA also inhibited cell migration ability of MCF7 sphere cells. By western blot analysis, MAA was shown to suppress the expression of heat shock protein 27 and increase the expression of IkBα and p53. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that MAA has anti-CSC activity and is worthy of future development of potent anticancer agents.
Main Alkaloids of Peganum harmala L. and Their Different Effects on Dicot and Monocot Crops
Authors: Shao Hua , Huang Xiaoli , Zhang Yuanming , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2013

Alkaloids with allelopathic activity are not as well-known as other allelochemicals. Our study revealed that total alkaloids from seeds of the medicinal plant Peganum harmala L. possessed significant growth inhibitory effect on four treated plants, with dicot plants (lettuce and amaranth) being more sensitive than the tested monocot plants (wheat and ryegrass). Further investigation led to the isolation of harmaline and harmine as the main active ingredients in the total alkaloids of P. harmala seeds. Harmaline exerted potent inhibitory effects on seedling growth of treated plants, especially dicots, inhibiting root elongation of lettuce and amaranth by 31% and 47% at a very low concentration (5 µg/mL), whereas harmine exhibited much weaker non-selective inhibitory effect on the plants. Considering the high yield and poor utilization of P. harmala in China, we anticipate that this plant could be exploited as an alternative weed management tool in the future.
Volatile Compounds in Dry Dog Foods and Their Influence on Sensory Aromatic Profile
Authors: Koppel Kadri , Adhikari Koushik , Di Donfrancesco Brizio
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine volatile compounds in dry dog foods and their possible influence on sensory aromatic profile. Grain-free dry dog foods were compared to dry dog foods manufactured with grain, but also with different protein sources for their aromatic volatiles. Solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to determine the aromatic compounds present in the headspace of these samples. Partial Least Squares regression was performed to correlate the instrumental aromatic data with the descriptive aroma analysis data. A total of 54 aromatic compounds were tentatively identified in the dry dog food samples, with aldehydes and ketones being the most represented organic volatiles group. Grain-added products were on the average higher in total volatiles than grain-free products. Partial Least Squares regression analysis indicated possible connections with sensory aromatic profile and grain-added samples, such as rancid aroma and aldehydes, especially hexanal. The results of this study showed that dry dog foods are products with complex odor characteristics and that grain-free products are less aromatic.
Effect of Malnutrition on the Expression of Cytokines Involved in Th1 Cell Differentiation
Authors: González-Torres Cristina , González-Martínez Haydeé , Miliar Angel , Nájera Oralia , Graniel Jaime , Firo Verónica , Alvarez Catalina , Bonilla Edmundo , Rodríguez Leonor
Published: February 2013

Malnutrition is a common cause of secondary immune deficiency and has been linked to an increased susceptibility to infection in humans. Malnutrition specifically affects T-cell-mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to assess in lymphocytes from malnourished children the expression levels of IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21, molecules that induce the differentiation of T cells related to the immunological cellular response (Th1 response) and the production of cytokines related to the immunological cellular response (Th1 cytokines). We found that the expression levels of IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21 were significantly diminished in malnourished children compared to well-nourished children and were coincident with lower plasmatic levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ (Th1 cytokines). In this study, we show for the first time that the gene expression and intracellular production of cytokines responsible for Th1 cell differentiation (IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21) are diminished in malnourished children. As expected, this finding was related to lower plasmatic levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ. The decreased expression of Th1 cytokines observed in this study may contribute to the deterioration of the immunological Type 1 (cellular) response. We hypothesize that the decreased production of IL-12, IL-18 and IL-21 in malnourished children contributes to their inability to eradicate infections.
Impacts of Spatial Variability on Aboveground Biomass Estimation from L-Band Radar in a Temperate Forest
Authors: Robinson Chelsea , Saatchi Sassan , Neumann Maxim , Gillespie Thomas
Published: February 2013

Estimation of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) has become one of the main challenges of remote sensing science for global observation of carbon storage and changes in the past few decades. We examine the impact of plot size at different spatial resolutions, incidence angles, and polarizations on the forest biomass estimation using L-band polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar data acquired by NASA’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) airborne system. Field inventory data from 32 1.0 ha plots (AGB < 200 Mg ha−1) in approximately even-aged forests in a temperate to boreal transitional region in the state of Maine were divided into subplots at four different spatial scales (0.0625 ha, 0.25 ha, 0.5 ha, and 1.0 ha) to quantify aboveground biomass variations. The results showed a large variability in aboveground biomass at smaller plot size (0.0625 ha). The variability decreased substantially at larger plot sizes (>0.5 ha), suggesting a stability of field-estimated biomass at scales of about 1.0 ha. UAVSAR backscatter was linked to the field estimates of aboveground biomass to develop parametric equations based on polarized returns to accurately map biomass over the entire radar image. Radar backscatter values at all three polarizations (HH, VV, HV) were positively correlated with field aboveground biomass at all four spatial scales, with the highest correlation at the 1.0 ha scale. Among polarizations, the cross-polarized HV had the highest sensitivity to field estimated aboveground biomass (R2 = 0.68). Algorithms were developed that combined three radar backscatter polarizations (HH, HV, and VV) to estimate aboveground biomass at the four spatial scales. The predicted aboveground biomass from these algorithms resulted in decreasing estimation error as the pixel size increased, with the best results at the 1 ha scale with an R2 of 0.67 (p < 0.0001), and an overall RMSE of 44 Mg·ha−1. For AGB < 150 Mg·ha−1, the error reduced to 23 Mg·ha−1 (±15%), suggesting an improved AGB prediction below the L-band sensitivity range to biomass. Results also showed larger bias in aboveground biomass estimation from radar at smaller scales that improved at larger spatial scales of 1.0 ha with underestimation of −3.62 Mg·ha−1 over the entire biomass range.
Culture and Dignity: Dialogues Between the Middle East and the West. By Laura Nader, Wiley-Blackwell, 2012; 264 Pages. Price £55.00 / €66.00, ISBN 978-1-1183-1900-0
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: February 2013

In Culture and Dignity: Dialogues between the Middle East and the West, renowned cultural anthropologist, Laura Nader, examines the historical and ethnographic roots of the complex relationship between the East and the West, revealing how cultural differences can lead to violence or a more peaceful co-existence.
Corporate Fraud and Internal Control: A Framework for Prevention. By Richard E. Cascarino, Wiley, 2013; 388 Pages. Price £50.00 / €60.00, ISBN 978-1-1183-0156-2
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: February 2013

The publication Corporate Fraud and Internal Control contains essential guidance for companies to examine and improve their fraud programs: Corporate governance legislation has become increasingly concerned with the ongoing resilience of organizations and, particularly, with their ability to resist corporate fraud from the lowest levels to the upper echelons of executive management. It has become unacceptable for those responsible for corporate governance to claim, "I didn't know". Corporate Fraud and Internal Control focuses on the appropriateness of the design of the system of internal controls in fraud risk mitigation, as well as the mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and monitoring on an ongoing basis.
Policy Instruments towards a Sustainable Waste Management
Authors: Finnveden Göran , Ekvall Tomas , Arushanyan Yevgeniya , Bisaillon Mattias , Henriksson Greger , Gunnarsson Östling Ulrika , Söderman Maria , Sahlin Jenny , Stenmarck Åsa , Sundberg Johan , Sundqvist Jan-Olov , Svenfelt Åsa , Söderholm Patrik , Björklund Anna , Eriksson Ola , Forsfält Tomas , Guath Mona
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper is to suggest and discuss policy instruments that could lead towards a more sustainable waste management. The paper is based on evaluations from a large scale multi-disciplinary Swedish research program. The evaluations focus on environmental and economic impacts as well as social acceptance. The focus is on the Swedish waste management system but the results should be relevant also for other countries. Through the assessments and lessons learned during the research program we conclude that several policy instruments can be effective and possible to implement. Particularly, we put forward the following policy instruments: “Information”; “Compulsory recycling of recyclable materials”; “Weight-based waste fee in combination with information and developed recycling systems”; “Mandatory labeling of products containing hazardous chemicals”, “Advertisements on request only and other waste minimization measures”; and “Differentiated VAT and subsidies for some services”. Compulsory recycling of recyclable materials is the policy instrument that has the largest potential for decreasing the environmental impacts with the configurations studied here. The effects of the other policy instruments studied may be more limited and they typically need to be implemented in combination in order to have more significant impacts. Furthermore, policy makers need to take into account market and international aspects when implementing new instruments. In the more long term perspective, the above set of policy instruments may also need to be complemented with more transformational policy instruments that can significantly decrease the generation of waste.
Immune signalling responses in intestinal epithelial cells exposed to pathogenic Escherichia coli and lactic acid-producing probiotics
Authors: Ho N.K. , Hawley S.P. , Ossa J.C. , Mathieu O. , Tompkins T.A. , Johnson-Henry K.C. , Sherman P.M.
Published: February 2013

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 and adherent-invasive Escherichia coli are two groups of enteric bacterial pathogens associated with haemorrhagic colitis and Crohn's Disease, respectively. Bacterial contact with host epithelial cells stimulates an immediate innate immune response designed to combat infection. In this study, immune responses of human epithelial cells to pathogens, either alone or in combination with probiotic bacteria were studied. Industrially prepared Lactobacillus helveticus strain R0052 was first examined by microarray analysis and then compared to broth-grown strains of R0052 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG using quantitative realt-time polymerase chain reaction. Results showed host immune activation responses increased following pathogen exposure, which were differentially ameliorated using probiotics depending on both the preparation of probiotics employed and conditions of exposure. These findings provide additional support for the concept that specific probiotic strains serve as a promising option for use in preventing the risk of enteric bacterial infections.
Risky Media
Authors: Kruger-Ross Matthew J. , Farwell Tricia M.
Published: February 2013

This chapter seeks to critically examine and question common assumptions underpinning educators’ use and incorporation of technology in the classroom. Drawing upon transformative learning theory, the authors argue that incorporating technology in education cannot and should not be done without first questioning assumptions regarding power, teaching, and assessment. Technology is transforming education in expected ways, but can also transform education in unexpected, unexplored ways. Educators need to move beyond the quick fix of bulleted lists to explore the implications of technology in the classroom more fully.
Media and Communication Research Facing Social Media
Authors: Drula Georgeta
Published: February 2013

It is already a fact that social media are engaged in research activities. Social media may make the object of research studies or an important data source. This chapter addresses issues related to social media research in media and communication studies. The pursued objective is to capture how researchers consider and analyze social media through scientific methods, in their work with academic purposes, in order to present the discussed theories. The ideas addressed by this chapter are case studies arising from the articles in the academic publications, topics related to social media and media and communication fields, outputs of researches, and appropriate methods for studying social media. The conclusions of this chapter show that social media research in media and communication studies, theories, and methods must be transformed or must be used more appropriate to social media. New and social media are faced with other practices and types of communication related to users’ participation and social actions and are based on network studies.
The Effect of Business Characteristics on the Methods of Knowledge Protections
Authors: Bin Xu , Chuan Tan Kay
Published: February 2013

Intellectual property (IP) protection has been suggested to be essential in protecting innovation in product-dominant companies. However, with the development of service industries, the ineffectiveness in IP protection becomes manifest. Meanwhile, other knowledge protecting methods enable companies to maintain their competency without formal protection. This study examines the effectiveness of different means of knowledge protection. Specifically, business is classified according to companies’ offering nature, serving mode and consider about their business hardware. The effectiveness of protection methods is analyzed among these business types. Interviews were conducted with senior managers of 39 companies in China and Singapore. It is demonstrated that the choice of knowledge protecting method does not depend mainly on whether a company provides products or services, but on how the company produces and provides its offerings. It is found that the core competency of companies largely affects their attitude on whether to protect their offerings. It is found that in weak appropriability regimes, companies apply for patents not for their knowledge protection function, but for other benefits, such as getting awards or tax reductions, and improving reputation among customers.
Common Problems and Lessons Learned from Managing Large-Scale US Government IS/IT Projects
Authors: Patanakul Peerasit , Omar Saif Syed
Published: February 2013

To promote sustainable development, many government agencies initiated large-scale government projects. However, managing such government projects to their success is often a challenge to many project managers. Many projects fail because of their large scope and high degree of complexity. The failure of these government projects has significant impact on sustainable development, both at the organizational level and the public at large. To enhance the success of government projects, this study investigates the management of selected government IS/IT projects in the US; identifies common problems; discusses some lessons learned; and provides propositions for future research. The results of this study will provide significant contributions to the literature and implications to practitioners.