bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zoos, Sanctuaries and Turfs: Enactments and Uses of Gay Spaces during the Holidays
Authors: Blichfeldt Bodil Stilling , Chor Jane , Milan Nina Ballegaard
Published: May 2012

Extant theory suggests that the existence of gay space is an important (or even critical) element of gay people's holidays. However, more knowledge on the roles that gay spaces play during the holidays is needed. Drawing on interviews with 53 gay tourists, this paper suggests that the roles gay spaces play differ across gay tourists. Some interviewees enact gay spaces as ‘sanctuaries’, at which one can feel free and openly show one's sexuality. Others feel that gay spaces resemble ‘zoos’, i.e. tourist attractions at which straights gaze upon gays. Finally, some tourists find that gay spaces are too male oriented or even men's turfs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using recycled concrete aggregates in precast concrete hollow blocks
Authors: Matar P. , El Dalati R.
Published: May 2012

Among the construction waste that could be recycled, we can mention the aggregates resulting from crushed concrete. While the acquired knowledge about the use of recycled aggregates in new concrete mixes is fairly large, the use of such aggregates in the production of concrete blocks is very limited. This research aims to study the influence of the use of recycled aggregates in precast concrete hollow blocks on their compressive strength. Tests were carried out to determine the rate of recycled aggregates content to be used in the manufacture of concrete blocks in order to obtain blocks having suitable compressive strength. Tests were executed on several series of blocks whose composition includes recycled aggregates and on one series of reference blocks whose composition consisted exclusively of natural aggregates. Tests results have provided the maximum percentage of recycled aggregates that can be included in new concrete block mixes without affecting blocks compressive strength. Tests have shown that the use of recycled aggregates in concrete blocks could give a compressive strength similar to that of blocks manufactured without any recycled aggregates. It has been shown also that using recycled aggregates in the manufacture of concrete blocks without any natural aggregates is not economical at all because of the need to add a relatively high quantity of cement necessary to obtain the required compressive strength.
New way to take control of a structural grain size in the formation of nanomaterials by extrusion
Authors: Valíček J. , Čep R. , Rokosz K. , Łukianowicz C. , Kozak D. , Zeleňák M. , Koštial P , Hloch S. , Harničárová M. , Hlaváček P. , Haluzíková B.
Published: May 2012

Production of nanomaterials by formation of extreme plastic deformation ECAP (Equal‐Channel Angular Pressing) is a way of preparing nano‐structures of engineering materials. A development of a nanostructure in steel AISI 309 (EN X15CrNiSi20.20) with the technology of ECAP, and a new method for determination of the grain size are analysed here. In this study, we also make a comparison, analysis and prediction of the grain size with other technologies. Samples of steel of AISI 309 type were deformed by ECAP method using up to 35 passes.
Synthesis of SiC nanostructures through chemical vapor growth route
Authors: Chiew Y. L. , Cheong K. Y.
Published: May 2012

In this study, SiC nanorods and nanocolumns were synthesized using a catalyst‐free method with activated carbon powder and oxidized silicon wafer (oxidation time of the wafer varied from 1 to 12 min to produce different SiO2 thickness) as source materials. SiC nanorods were mostly found at the center of silicon wafer that was exposed to activated carbon powder while SiC nanocolumns were mostly found at the side of the wafer where it was in direct contact with graphite crucible. When thicker SiO2 was used, SiC nanorods at the center tended to agglomerate together into particles. SiC nanocolumns at the side of the wafer were also increased in amount as the oxidation time increased. Growth of SiC nanorods and nanocolumns could be attributed to chemical vapor growth via vapor‐solid mechanism.
The characteristics of unidirectional solidified Ni‐Al‐Mo alloys
Authors: Ishak M. , Takagi H.
Published: May 2012

The material composite was fabricated by the unidirectional solidification method in the eutectic composition alloy. Performing unidirectional solidification of Ni‐Al‐Mo alloy in eutectic composition produces γ phase ‐Ni and γ′ phase‐Ni3Al as a matrix, and the phase‐Mo growth into fibrous and lamellar‐like structure. The aim of this research was to study the characteristics of Ni‐Al‐Mo after various heat treatment conditions. The specimens were solution‐treated at temperatures of 1180°C and 1280°C, followed by water quenching. In addition, aging treatments were carried out at various temperatures (from 700°C to 1000°C) and at different time durations. The microstructure, mechanical properties and characteristics of non‐treated, solution‐treated and aging specimens were investigated. It was found that the mechanical properties of unidirectional solidified Ni‐Al‐Mo can be improved by solution treatment whilst the strength through performing an aging treatment. The optimized conditions were at 1280°C and 4 hours for water quenching (solution treatment), followed by an aging process at 800°C and 4 hours. These treatments led to an increase of mechanical properties due to uniformly precipitations of finely dispersed γ′ phase‐Ni3Al throughout the specimens.
Up‐regulation of p53 and mitochondrial signaling pathway in apoptosis by a combination of cox‐2 inhibitor, celecoxib and dolastatin 15, a marine mollusk linear peptide in experimental colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Piplani Honit , Vaish Vivek , Rana Chandan , Sanyal Sankar N.
Published: May 2012

Programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis, is an active process occurring in eukaryotic cells and it depends on various sets of pro and anti‐apoptotic proteins. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer can be achieved by inducing apoptosis using synthetic compound, Celecoxib and natural peptide, Dolastatin 15 in an effective manner. But the apoptotic signaling by these two drugs remain unclear. The present study was thus focused on the role of Bcl2 family of proteins and their interplay with p53 in rats during the chemoprevention by these two drugs. After treatment for 6 wk with 1, 2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH), animals showed a marked occurrence of multiple plaque lesions. However, a simultaneous treatment with Celecoxib and Dolastatin 15 decreases such number to a significant level. DMH treatment also decreases the number of apoptotic cells in the colonic enterocytes which were corrected to the normal level by Celecoxib and Dolastatin 15. An increased expression of Bcl2 while other proteins like Bax, Apaf‐1, cyt c, and caspases in the apoptotic pathway, and the tumor suppressor proteins, p53 and p21 get down‐regulated after DMH treatment which were reverted back to normal with Celecoxib and Dolastatin 15. Also, cells having high mitochondrial membrane potential had been seen to increase to significant levels which were reduced after the administration of these anti‐inflammatory drugs. In silico molecular docking studies also showed that Dolastatin 15 and Celecoxib may bind to the active site pocket of Bcl2, thus revealing the direct target of Dolastatin 15 and Celecoxib apart from binding to COX‐2. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Targeted, Disease‐Specific Public Research Funding Influence Pharmaceutical Innovation?
Authors: Blume-Kohout Margaret E.
Published: May 2012

Public funding for biomedical research is often justified as a means to encourage development of more (and better) treatments for disease. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between these expenditures and downstream pharmaceutical innovation. In particular, although recent analyses have shown a clear contribution of federally funded research to drug development, there exists little evidence to suggest that increasing targeted public research funding for any specific disease will result in increased development of drugs to treat that disease. This paper evaluates the impact of changes in the allocation of U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) extramural research grant funding across diseases on the number of drugs entering clinical testing to treat those diseases, using new longitudinal data on NIH extramural research grants awarded by disease for years 1975 through 2006. Results from a variety of distributed lag models indicate that a sustained 10 percent increase in targeted, disease‐specific NIH funding yields approximately a 4.5 percent increase in the number of related drugs entering clinical testing (phase I trials) after a lag of up to 12 years, reflecting the continuing influence of NIH funding on discovery and testing of new molecular entities. In contrast, we do not see evidence that increases in NIH extramural grant funding for research focused on specific diseases will increase the number of related treatments investigated in the more expensive, late‐stage (phase III) trials.
Kenaf‐filled biodegradable composites: rheological and mechanical behaviour
Authors: Lo Re Giada , Morreale Marco , Scaffaro Roberto , La Mantia Francesco Paolo
Published: May 2012

Biodegradable polymer composites, typically based on biodegradable polymer matrices and natural‐organic fillers, are gaining rising interest and importance over the last few years. Several natural‐organic fillers can be used but the most widespread so far is wood, in the form of fibres or flour. Alternative cellulosic fillers can ensure advantages in terms of resource utilization and properties of the final composite. In this work, Mater‐Bi® based biodegradable composites were prepared with two kinds of wood flour, and directly compared with alternative composites containing kenaf fibres. The use of kenaf fibres allowed improved elastic modulus, tensile strength and interaction with the polymer matrix to be obtained, although the filler dispersion was worse. Rheological measurements evidenced higher viscosity and an increasingly elastic behaviour of the melt. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Polystyrene composites of single‐walled carbon nanotubes‐graft‐polystyrene
Authors: Paul Abhijit , Grady Brian P , Ford Warren T
Published: May 2012

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dispersed in N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) were functionalized by addition of polystyryl radicals from 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy‐ended polystyrene (SWCNT‐g‐PS). The amount of polystyrene grafted to the nanotubes was in the range 20‐25 wt% irrespective of polystyrene number‐average molecular weight ranging from 2270 to 49 500 g mol−1. In Raman spectra the ratios of D‐band to G‐band intensity were similar for all of the polystyrene‐grafted samples and for the starting SWCNTs. Numerous near‐infrared electronic transitions of the SWCNTs were retained after polymer grafting. Transmission electron microscopy images showed bundles of SWCNT‐g‐PS of various diameters with some of the polystyrene clumped on the bundle surfaces. Composites of SWCNT‐g‐PS in a commercial‐grade polystyrene were prepared by precipitation of mixtures of the components from NMP into water, i.e. the coagulation method of preparation. Electrical conductivities of the composites were about 10−15 S cm−1 and showed no percolation threshold with increasing SWCNT content. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites increased at low filler loadings and remained constant with further nanotube addition irrespective of the length and number of grafted polystyrene chains. The change of heat capacity (ΔCp) at Tg decreased with increasing amount of SWCNT‐g‐PS of 2850 g mol−1, but ΔCp changed very little with the amount of SWCNT‐g‐PS of higher molecular weight. The expected monotonic decrease in ΔCp coupled with the plateau behavior of Tg suggests there is a limit to the amount that Tg of the matrix polymer can increase with increasing amount of nanotube filler. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical cross‐linking, mass spectrometry, and in silico modeling of proteasomal 20S core particles of the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Karadzic Ivanka , Maupin‐Furlow Julie , Humbard Matthew , Prunetti Laurence , Singh Pragya , Goodlett David R.
Published: May 2012

A fast and accurate method is reported to generate distance constraints between juxtaposited amino acids and to validate molecular models of halophilic protein complexes. Proteasomal 20S core particles (CPs) from the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii were used to investigate the quaternary structure of halophilic proteins based on their symmetrical, yet distinct subunit composition. Proteasomal CPs are cylindrical barrel‐like structures of four‐stacked homoheptameric rings of α‐ and β‐type subunits organized in α7β7β7α7 stoichiometry. The CPs of H. volcanii are formed from a single type of β subunit associated with α1 and/or α2 subunits. Tandem affinity chromatography and new genetic constructs were used to separately isolate α17β7β7α17 and α27β7β7α27 CPs from H. volcanii. Chemically cross‐linked peptides of the H. volcanii CPs were analyzed by high‐performance mass spectrometry and an open modification search strategy to first generate and then to interpret the resulting tandem mass spectrometric data. Distance constraints obtained by chemical cross‐linking mass spectrometry, together with the available structural data of nonhalophilic CPs, facilitated the selection of accurate models of H. volcanii proteasomal CPs composed of α1‐, α2‐, and β‐homoheptameric rings from several different possible structures from Protein Data Bank.
Crystallin distribution patterns in Litoria infrafrenata and Phyllomedusa sauvagei lenses
Authors: Keenan Jonathan , Manning Gwen , Elia Giuliano , Dunn Michael J. , Orr David F. , Pierscionek Barbara K.
Published: May 2012

The eye lens remains transparent because of soluble lens proteins known as crystallins. For years γ‐crystallins have been known as the main lens proteins in lower vertebrates such as fish and amphibians. The unique growth features of the lens render it an ideal structure to study ageing; few studies have examined such changes in anuran lenses. This study aimed to investigate protein distribution patterns in Litoria infrafrenata and Phyllomedusa sauvagei species. Lenses were fractionated into concentric layers by controlled dissolution. Water‐soluble proteins were separated into high (HMW), middle (MMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) fractions by size‐exclusion HPLC and constituents of each protein class revealed by 1DE and 2DE. Spots were selected from 2DE gels on the basis of known ranges of subunit molecular weights and pH ranges and were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS following trypsin digestion. Comparable lens distribution patterns were found for each species studied. Common crystallins were detected in both species; the most prominent of these was γ‐crystallin. Towards the lens centre, there was a decrease in α‐ and β‐crystallin proportions and an increase in γ‐crystallins. Subunits representing taxon‐specific crystallins demonstrating strong sequence homology with ζ‐crystallin/quinone oxidoreductase were found in both L. infrafrenata and P. sauvagei lenses. Further work is needed to determine which amphibians have taxon‐specific crystallins, their evolutionary origins, and their function.
Review on proteomic analyses of benzo[a]pyrene toxicity
Authors: Verma Nisha , Pink Mario , Rettenmeier Albert W. , Schmitz‐Spanke Simone
Published: May 2012

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a five‐ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is a well‐recognized environmental pollutant. Coal‐processing waste products, petroleum sludge, asphalt, creosote, and tobacco smoke, all contain high levels of BaP. Exposure to BaP elicits many adverse biological effects, including tumor formation, immunosuppression, teratogenicity, and hormonal effects. In addition to the genetic damage caused by BaP exposure, several studies have indicated the disruption of protein–protein signaling pathways. However, contrary to the large number of studies on BaP‐induced DNA damage, only few data have been gathered on its effects at the protein level. This review highlights all proteomic studies to date used for assessing the toxicity of BaP and its metabolites in various organ systems. It will also give an overview on the role proteomics may play to elucidate the mechanisms underlying BaP toxicity.
The use of LC‐MS to identify differentially expressed proteins in docetaxel‐resistant prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: O'Connell Kathleen , Prencipe Maria , O'Neill Amanda , Corcoran Claire , Rani Sweta , Henry Michael , Dowling Paul , Meleady Paula , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Watson William , O'Connor Robert
Published: May 2012

Docetaxel is a taxane‐derived chemotherapy drug that has been approved for treatment of prostate cancer. While docetaxel is frequently used as a treatment for hormone‐refractory prostate cancer, a subset of patients either do not respond to this treatment or those that do respond eventually become resistant to the drug over time. Resistance to docetaxel is complex and multi‐factoral and further understanding of the cellular biochemistry underlying resistance is vital to improve treatment efficacy. To identify proteins altered in the resistant phenotype, three parental cell lines DU145, 22RV1 and PC‐3, as well as their docetaxel resistant sub‐lines, were subjected to quantitative label‐free LC‐MS proteomic profiling. A total of 189 significant (p < 0.05) protein abundance changes were identified in the DU145 resistant sub‐lines, 254 in the 22RV1 sub‐lines, and 51 and 72 in the 8 and 12 nM resistant PC‐3 sub‐lines, respectively. From these, 29 proteins demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) fold change across two or more resistant variants. These included proteins indicative of an epithelial‐to‐mesenchemyl transition as well as altered heat shock response elements.
Proteomic analysis of Taenia solium metacestode excretion–secretion proteins
Authors: Victor Bjorn , Kanobana Kirezi , Gabriël Sarah , Polman Katja , Deckers Nynke , Dorny Pierre , Deelder André M. , Palmblad Magnus
Published: May 2012

The metacestode larval stage of Taenia solium is the causal agent of a zoonotic disease called cysticercosis. The disease has an important impact on pork trade (due to porcine cysticercosis) and public health (due to human neurocysticercosis). In order to improve the current diagnostic tools and to get a better understanding of the interaction between T. solium metacestodes and their host, there is a need for more information about the proteins that are released by the parasite. In this study, we used protein sequences from different helminths, 1DE, reversed‐phase LC, and MS/MS to analyze the excretion–secretion proteins produced by T. solium metacestodes from infected pigs. This is the first report of the T. solium metacestode excretion–secretion proteome. We report 76 proteins including 27 already described T. solium proteins, 17 host proteins and 32 proteins likely to be of T. solium origin, but identified using sequences from other helminths.
Cancer and viruses: A double‐edged sword
Authors: Butt Aisha Q. , Miggin Sinéad M.
Published: May 2012

Oncovirus, synonymously called a ‘tumour virus’, is a virus that can cause cancer. An oncolytic virus preferentially infects the host's cancer cells and lyses them, causing tumour destruction, and is thus referred to as a ‘cancer killing virus’. With an estimated 11% of cancer‐associated deaths caused by oncoviruses and the possibility that many cancers may be treated by using oncolytic viruses, the role of viruses in cancer may be viewed as a double‐edged sword. A total of seven human cancer viruses have been identified as oncoviruses, having been associated with various cancers. Conversely, a large number of oncolytic viruses have shown great potential towards the treatment of certain types of cancer. Proteomics has now been applied towards understanding the complex interplay that exists between oncoviruses and the immune responses that serve to prevent oncoviral diseases. This review attempts to summarise the neoplastic potential of human tumour associated viruses and associated vaccine successes. The potential use of oncolytic viruses for the therapeutic intervention of cancer will also be discussed. Finally, this review will discuss the enormous potential of proteomics technology in the field of oncovirology.
Complementary methods provide evidence for the expression of CXCR7 on human B cells
Authors: Humpert Marie‐Luise , Tzouros Manuel , Thelen Sylvia , Bignon Alexandre , Levoye Angélique , Arenzana‐Seisdedos Fernando , Balabanian Karl , Bachelerie Françoise , Langen Hanno , Thelen Marcus
Published: May 2012

PTMs of extracellular domains of membrane proteins can influence antibody binding and give rise to ambivalent results. Best proof of protein expression is the use of complementary methods to provide unequivocal evidence. CXCR7, a member of the atypical chemokine receptor family, mainly functions as scavenger for the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL11. The expression of CXCR7 on nonhematopoietic cells and neoplasms is widely accepted, however, its expression on leukocytes was recently challenged. To solve the dissent, we thoroughly analyzed the expression of CXCR7 on human B cells. We validated the efficiency of different epitope‐specific monoclonal antibodies to detect CXCR7 on transfected cells and primary human B cells. The specificity of the used antibodies was further confirmed by an experimentally independent double labeling approach. Examination of CXCR7‐dependent scavenging of fluorescent‐labeled CXCL12 revealed functional expression of the receptor on human B cells. Moreover, real‐time PCR analysis of CXCR7 mRNA showed the presence of transcripts in human leukocytes. Finally, two CXCR7‐specific peptides were identified by MS in immunoprecipitates from primary human B cells. Thus, we present a strategy based on combined proteomic and functional approaches that can be used to solve dissents on protein expression, i.e. demonstrating the expression of CXCR7 on human leukocytes.
Proteomic analysis of the lungs of mice infected with different pathotypes of H5N1 avian influenza viruses
Authors: Zhao Dongming , Liang Libin , Li Yanbing , Liu Liling , Guan Yuntao , Jiang Yongping , Chen Hualan
Published: May 2012

The virulence of influenza virus is determined by viral and host factors. Data on the genetic basis of the virulence of H5N1 influenza viruses have increased over the past decade; however, the contributions of host factors to the outcomes of H5N1 infection remain largely unknown. Here, we tested two chicken H5N1 viruses in mice and found that A/chicken/VN1214/2007 was nonlethal in mice and only replicated in the lung, whereas A/chicken/VN1180/2006 was highly lethal and replicated systemically in mice. To investigate the host response against these two different virus infections, we performed proteomic analysis by using 2D DIGE on the lung tissues of mice collected on days 1 and 3 postinoculation with different viruses or PBS as a control. Thirty‐nine differentially expressed (DE) proteins related to “immune and stimulus response,” “macromolecular biosynthesis and metabolism,” and “cellular component and cytoskeleton” were identified in the virus‐inoculated groups. Moreover, 13 DE proteins were identified between the two virus‐inoculated groups, implying that these proteins may play important roles in the different outcomes of infection with these two viruses. Our data provide important information regarding the host response to mild and lethal H5N1 influenza virus infection.
The ovarian cancer‐derived secretory/releasing proteome: A repertoire of tumor markers
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xu Bin , Liu Yu , Yao Hongwen , Lu Nenan , Li Bin , Gao Jia , Guo Suping , Han Naijun , Qi Jun , Zhang Kaitai , Cheng Shujun , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Xuemin , Xiao Ting , Wu Lingying , Gao Yanning
Published: May 2012

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide, and early detection of this disease using serum or plasma biomarkers may improve its clinical outcome. In the present study, a large scale protein database derived from ovarian cancer was created to enable tumor marker discovery. First, primary organ cultures were established with the tumor tissues and corresponding normal tissues obtained from six ovarian cancer patients, and the serum‐free conditioned medium (CM) samples were collected for proteomic analysis. The total proteins from the CM sample were separated by SDS‐PAGE, digested with trypsin and then analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. Combining data from the tumor tissues and the normal tissues, 1129 proteins were identified in total, of which those categorized as “extracellular proteins” and “plasma membrane proteins” accounted for 21.4% and 16.9%, respectively. For validation, three secretory proteins (NID1, TIMP2, and VCAN) involved in “organ development”‐associated subnetwork, showed significant differences between their levels in the circulating plasma samples from ovarian cancer patients and healthy women. In conclusion, this ovarian cancer‐derived protein database provides a credible repertoire of potential biomarkers in blood for this malignant disease, and deserves mining further.
Proteomic analysis of gingival crevicular fluid for discovery of novel periodontal disease markers
Authors: Tsuchida Sachio , Satoh Mamoru , Umemura Hiroshi , Sogawa Kazuyuki , Kawashima Yusuke , Kado Sayaka , Sawai Setsu , Nishimura Motoi , Kodera Yoshio , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Nomura Fumio
Published: May 2012

The protein composition of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) may reflect the pathophysiology of periodontal diseases. A standard GCF proteomic pattern of healthy individuals would serve as a reference to identify biomarkers of periodontal diseases by proteome analyses. However, protein profiles of GCF obtained from apparently healthy individuals have not been well explored. As a step toward detection of proteomic biomarkers for periodontal diseases, we applied both gel‐based and gel‐free methods to analyze GCF obtained from healthy subjects as compared with supragingival saliva. To ensure optimized protein extraction from GCF, a novel protocol was developed. The proteins in GCF were extracted with high yield by urea buffer combined with ultrafiltration and the intensity of spots with supragingival saliva and GCF was compared using agarose two‐dimensional electrophoresis. Eight protein spots were found to be significantly more intense in GCF. They included superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I), and dermcidin (DCD). Moreover, GCF proteins from healthy subjects were broken down into small peptide fragments and then analyzed directly by LC‐MS/MS analysis. A total of 327 proteins including ApoA‐I, SOD1, and DCD were identified in GCF. These results may serve as reference for future proteomic studies searching for GCF biomarkers of periodontal diseases.
Carcass weight, condition and reproduction of wild boar harvested in north‐western Poland
Authors: Orłowska Lidia , Rembacz Wojciech , Florek Cezary
Published: May 2012

BACKROUND: Wild boar were studied in the Gryfino‐Mysliborz region of Poland where high‐density populations inflict great damage to farmlands. The reproductive tracts from carcasses bagged during the 2008/2009 hunting season were analysed for numbers of corpora lutea and embryos. The objective was to determine the reproduction rate in a wild boar population having access to high‐protein food in cereal monocultures.

RESULTS: Among the wild boar harvested (n = 165), 35.8% were piglets, 53.9% were yearlings and 10.3% were older boar. Among the 105 females examined, 60.9% did not reproduce. The presence of corpora lutea was found in 22.9% of females, whereas 16.2% of females had embryos. In piglets, 11.5% of females had corpora lutea and embryos. These proportions were higher in yearlings (41.1%) and in older females (45.4%). The average number was 6.3 of corpora lutea per ovulating female, with an average litter size of 5.9 embryos. The farrowing period was found to last from December to August.

CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of piglets in the harvest quota must be increased to prevent these animals from boosting reproduction. Offering high‐protein fodder in baiting stations and feeding sites should be banned. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of four turf management regimes on arthropod abundance in lawns
Authors: Rochefort Sophie , Shetlar David J , Brodeur Jacques
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:Turfgrass management practices, especially the use of chemical pesticides, may be detrimental to beneficial arthropods such as predators and decomposers. However, little is known about the impact of other practices or pest control products on these beneficials. The impact of four different management regimes, consisting of synthetic pesticide cover sprays or combinations of more targeted applications of natural pesticides, on selected groups of non‐targeted arthropods in lawns of different age was studied over 3 years. The short‐term effect of diazinon and carbaryl on Carabidae and Collembola was also evaluated.

RESULTS:Formicidae and Araneae were the most abundant taxa at both sites, representing 74–80% of total captures. With a few short‐term exceptions, no persistent and significant difference between turfgrass management regimes on arthropod abundance was observed over the 3 year study. Diazinon and carbaryl significantly reduced Carabidae abundance, but only one year out of three, while Collembola abundance was only transiently affected by carbaryl application in 2003.

CONCLUSION:The study showed that practices and products used in the four management regimes did not disrupt the populations of specific groups of arthropods. These results provide useful information to professionals for the development of ecological turf practices to maintain beneficial arthropod abundance and diversity in urban landscapes. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioaccumulation of chlorophacinone in strains of rats resistant to anticoagulants
Authors: Vein Julie , Vey Danièle , Fourel Isabelle , Berny Philippe
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulants are the only available compounds in the EU to control rat populations. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides (antivitamin K or AVK) is described and widespread across Europe. The present objective was to determine whether resistance was associated with an increased potential for bioaccumulation of AVK in the liver. Rats were selected from three major resistant genetically identified strains across Europe: Y139C (Germany), Y139F (France) and L120Q (United Kingdom). The rats were housed in individual cages and fed chlorophacinone wheat bait (50 mg kg−1). Animals were assigned to groups for euthanasia either on day 1, 4, 9 or 14 (resistant rats) or on days 1 and 4 (susceptible rats).

RESULTS: Chlorophacinone accumulated from day 1 to day 4 in all strains (maximum 160 µg liver−1) and remained stable thereafter. There was no significant difference between strains. Extensive metabolism of chlorophacinone was also found, and was similar (in nature and proportion of metabolites) across strains (3 OH‐metabolites identified). Only the survival time differed significantly (L120Q > Y139C = Y139F > susceptible).

CONCLUSIONS: Accumulation of chlorophacinone occurs from day 1 to day 4, and an equilibrium is reached, suggesting rapid elimination. Resistant and susceptible rats accumulate chlorophacinone to the same extent and only differ in terms of survival times. Resistant rats may then be a threat for non‐target species for prolonged periods of time. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Tea Tree Oil‐Induced Transcriptional Alterations in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cuaron Jesus A. , Dulal Santosh , Song Yang , Singh Atul K. , Montelongo Cesar E. , Yu Wanqin , Nagarajan Vijayaraj , Jayaswal Radheshyam K. , Wilkinson Brian J. , Gustafson John E.
Published: May 2012

Tea tree oil (TTO) is a steam distillate of Melaleuca alternifolia that demonstrates broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity. This study was designed to document how TTO challenge influences the Staphylococcus aureus transcriptome. Overall, bioinformatic analyses (S. aureus microarray meta‐database) revealed that both ethanol and TTO induce related transcriptional alterations. TTO challenge led to the down‐regulation of genes involved with energy‐intensive transcription and translation, and altered the regulation of genes involved with heat shock (e.g. clpC, clpL, ctsR, dnaK, groES, groEL, grpE and hrcA) and cell wall metabolism (e.g. cwrA, isaA, sle1, vraSR and vraX). Inactivation of the heat shock gene dnaK or vraSR which encodes a two‐component regulatory system that responds to peptidoglycan biosynthesis inhibition led to an increase in TTO susceptibility which demonstrates a protective role for these genes in the S. aureus TTO response. A gene (mmpL) encoding a putative resistance, nodulation and cell division efflux pump was also highly induced by TTO. The principal antimicrobial TTO terpene, terpinen‐4‐ol, altered ten genes in a transcriptional direction analogous to TTO. Collectively, this study provides additional insight into the response of a bacterial pathogen to the antimicrobial terpene mixture TTO. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bayesian method for estimating prevalence in the presence of a hidden sub‐population
Authors: Xia Michelle , Gustafson Paul
Published: May 2012

When estimating the prevalence of a binary trait in a population, the presence of a hidden sub‐population that cannot be sampled will lead to nonidentifiability and potentially biased estimation. We propose a Bayesian model of trait prevalence for a weighted sample from the non‐hidden portion of the population, by modeling the relationship between prevalence and sampling probability. We studied the behavior of the posterior distribution on population prevalence, with the large‐sample limits of posterior distributions obtained in simple analytical forms that give intuitively expected properties. We performed MCMC simulations on finite samples to evaluate the effectiveness of statistical learning. We applied the model and the results to two illustrative datasets arising from weighted sampling. Our work confirms that sensible results can be obtained using Bayesian analysis, despite the nonidentifiability in this situation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CVD‐Grown Horizontally Aligned Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis Routes and Growth Mechanisms
Authors: Ibrahim Imad , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Warner Jamie H. , Büchner Bernd , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: May 2012

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have attractive electrical and physical properties, which make them very promising for use in various applications. For some applications however, in particular those involving electronics, SWCNTs need to be synthesized with a high degree of control with respect to yield, length, alignment, diameter, and chirality. With this in mind, a great deal of effort is being directed to the precision control of vertically and horizontally aligned nanotubes. In this review the focus is on the latter, horizontally aligned tubes grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The reader is provided with an in‐depth review of the established vapor deposition orientation techniques. Detailed discussions on the characterization routes, growth parameters, and growth mechanisms are also provided.
New constructional steel for pressure vessels with a high resistance to hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC)
Authors: Dietrich Andreas , Kern Andreas , Schäf Christian
Published: May 2012

Currently, natural gas with 25 % share of fossil fuels is a very important energy resource. Many gas reserves contain natural gas with a proportion of up to 35 % of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which can cause hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC).

This paper discusses the development, production and properties of a new steel grade X‐COR (eXtra CORosionresistant) for welded pressure vessels, which fit the actual requirements according different standards for pressure vessel steels with up to 355 MPa minimum yield strength very well. The outstanding HIC‐resistance is achieved in normalized and stress relieved condition up to a plate thickness of 50 mm. Additionally, important aspects regarding processing behaviour and application of X‐COR are highlighted.
Experimental investigations on plain channels in coupled instabilities
Authors: Ungermann Dieter , Brune Bettina , Lübke Sebastian
Published: May 2012

This paper presents experimental investigations on thin‐walled steel members with C‐cross sections subjected to both local and global buckling failure. Different cross sections, buckling length and steel grades have been investigated for welded and cold‐formed sections. Experimental tests on stub columns with only local buckling failure and on longer columns with combined local and global buckling will be presented. The stub column tests focused on the local buckling mechanisms with respect to axial compression loading and combined compression and bending. By testing longer columns subjected to both local and global buckling, the interaction of local and global buckling failure will be addressed. Therefore results will be based on general observations from the local buckling stub column tests. The influence of initial global geometric imperfections with respect to size and shape will be identified as crucial for the overall ultimate buckling strength of C‐sections subjected to coupled instabilities.
The Adsorption of Hydroxyl Mixed Ether Nonionic Polymeric Surfactants at Air/Water and Solid/Water Interfaces: Influence of Surfactant Molecular Structure
Authors: Abdel‐Rahem Rami A.
Published: May 2012

This paper reports the adsorption of four nonionic Hydroxyl Mixed Ether (HME) polymeric surfactants at air/water and solid/water interfaces. The characteristics of these nonionic surfactants, including surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC) and adsorption onto saponite and Teflon are investigated. At the air/water interface, the surface activity of the HME‐surfactants decreases with an increasing degree of ethoxylation. The surface tension results indicate that CMC, surface tension at CMC (γCMC), and the minimum surface area per adsorbed HME‐surfactant molecule (Amin) all increased with the degree of ethoxylation for surfactants with similar hydrocarbon chain lengths. Additionally, a strong adsorption onto the saponite (synthetic clay) was measured and found dependent on both the degree of ethoxylation and the hydrocarbon chain length. This adsorption was also observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). On the other hand, the adsorption of HME‐surfactants on Teflon was independent of the hydrocarbon chain length.
Effectiveness of a Multifaceted Cognitive Training Programme for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A One-Group Pre- and Posttest Design
Authors: Lim Michelle H.X. , Liu Karen P.Y. , Cheung Gloria S.F. , Kuo Michael C.C. , Li Ruijie , Tong Choy-Ying
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The effectiveness of a cognitive training programme in enhancing the functional abilities of elderly persons with mild cognitive impairments was tested in an integrated home and institutional training programme focused on performing daily tasks.

Methods

Twenty elderly participants were taught cognitive stimulation and memory encoding strategies for 10 weeks by an occupational therapist, or by nonprofessionals and community caregivers. The programme consisted of attention and memory stimulation, association-based and imagery-based strategies. Functional assessment (Chinese version of the disability assessment for dementia instrument and the instrumental activities of daily living scale) and neuropsychological tests (digit span forward test, word list memory subtest of the neuropsychological test battery developed by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease, Cognistat) were administered before and after the programme.

Results

After the 10-week programme the participants showed significant improvements in average attention and memory. The participants showed improved memory (word list memory: p ≤ .001) and other cognitive function as measured by the naming (p ≤ .001), construction (p ≤ .001), memory (p ≤ .001) and similarities (p ≤ .001) subtests of the Cognistat.

Conclusion

These results provide initial evidence supporting the use of daily tasks as the context in teaching cognitive stimulation and memory encoding strategies to mildly impaired elderly people.
Transforming Mother-Infant Interaction Within Cultural and Caregiving Contexts: Home-Based Occupational Therapy for Preterm Infants
Authors: Chiu Teresa M.L. , Wehrmann Susan , Reid Denise , Sinclair Gerry
Published: May 2012

Background

Developing positive interaction between preterm infants and their mothers is known to be a challenge because preterm infants are more fussy and difficult to soothe. Yet, little is known about what happens to the mother-infant interaction as the babies grow older in their natural environment and when and how the mother-infant dyads continue to need support for home care. This study aimed to explore the changes in mother-infant interaction of preterm infants and their mothers who received home care occupational therapy.

Methods

We video-recorded the interaction of 12 dyads of mothers and preterm infants during free play, feeding, and the mother positioning the infants for different movements. The mothers then reviewed the video recording and participated in an in-depth interview. Six months later, each dyad repeated the video recording and interview. In addition, Chinese and Tamil-speaking mothers of well babies were interviewed in focus groups. The focus group findings inform us of the meaning of culture in caregiving.

Results

The findings showed that the quality of interaction is shaped by the specific cultural beliefs and caregiving contexts in the home. Central to the concept is the transformation of the baby that triggers the mother to respond and then transform together. The occupational therapist who plays the supporting role facilitates the dyads to interact more harmoniously.

Conclusion

This study proposes a new conceptualisation that allows us to unfold the process of change in mother-infant interaction for preterm infants and their mothers within the contexts of cultural values and the caregiving environment.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Osteoarthritis
Authors: De Luigi Arthur Jason
Published: May 2012

The intent of this focused clinical review is to assess the current literature on a variety of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for osteoarthritis. This review assesses acupuncture techniques, moxibustion, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, low‐level laser therapy, and massage. These treatment methods are growing in popularity among the general public. It is important that providers become aware of the existing literature regarding the efficacy of these alternative methods for the treatment of osteoarthritis to adequately respond to the inquiries of our patients.
Role of Sex Hormones in the Development of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Linn Sarah , Murtaugh Bryan , Casey Ellen
Published: May 2012

Women older than 50 years have a considerably higher prevalence of osteoarthritis than men of the same age group. Although several factors have been proposed, there is some evidence that sex hormones influence the development of osteoarthritis. This article will focus on the basic science and clinical evidence that describe the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between sex hormones and the development of osteoarthritis.
The Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis: A Mechanical Perspective on the Knee Joint
Authors: Vincent Kevin R. , Conrad Bryan P. , Fregly Benjamin J. , Vincent Heather K.
Published: May 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent cause of disability in the United States, with the medial compartment of the knee being most commonly affected. The initiation and progression of knee OA is influenced by many factors, including kinematics. In response to loading during weight‐bearing activity, cartilage in healthy knees demonstrates spatial adaptations in morphology and mechanical properties. These adaptations allow certain regions of the cartilage to respond to loading; other regions are less well suited to accommodate loading. Alterations in normal knee kinematics shift loading from cartilage regions adapted for loading to regions less well suited for loading, which leads to the initiation and progression of degenerative processes consistent with knee OA. Kinematic variables that are associated with the development, progression, and severity of knee OA are the adduction moment and tibiofemoral rotation. Because of its strong correlation with disease progression and pain, the peak adduction moment during gait has been identified as a target for treatment design. Gait modification offers a noninvasive option for seeking significant reductions. Gait modification has the potential to reduce pain and slow the progression of medial compartment knee OA.
Aerobic Activity in Prevention and Symptom Control of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Semanik Pamela A. , Chang Rowland W. , Dunlop Dorothy D.
Published: May 2012

Almost 27 million adults in the United States experience some form of osteoarthritis (OA). An epidemic of arthritis‐associated disability is expected in the United States during the next 2 decades, largely fueled by the aging population and the tremendous growth in the prevalence of knee OA. Regular physical activity (PA), particularly strengthening and aerobic activity, can reduce pain and improve function and health status among patients with knee and hip OA. The focus of this review is on the impact of aerobic activity on the progression and symptom control of OA. In general, both strengthening and aerobic exercise are associated with improvements in pain, perceived physical function, and performance measures for persons with lower limb OA, although comparisons of strengthening versus aerobic exercise on these outcomes are unusual. Structural disease progression in persons with established OA has been directly evaluated by a limited number of PA clinical trials for persons with knee OA, but these protocols focused on strength training exclusively. In healthy subjects, it appears that overall PA is beneficial, rather than detrimental, to knee joint health. Possibly the most important reason for engaging in PA is to prevent obesity, which independently has been associated with many serious chronic diseases, including the incidence and progression of OA. More research is needed to determine the optimal types and dosing of aerobic conditioning.