bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentially a new subtype of the cytoplasmic male sterility S- type in maize
Authors: Vancetovic Jelena , Ignjatovic-Micic Dragana , Nikolic Ana , Bozinovic Sofija , Markovic Ksenija , Andjelkovic Violeta
Published: May 2013

In gene-bank maize collection of Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje (MRI)
two samples with untypical mtDNA profile for cytoplasmic male sterility (cms)
were identified. These two samples showed typical multiplex polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) band for cms-S, but also an additional band of unknown nature.
It is assumed that the additional band is the result of a rearrangement of
the two mitochondrial episomes characteristic for the cms-S in maize or a
duplication of the part of cms-S mitochondrial genome. Additional field and
laboratory experiments are necessary in the further lightening of this
phenomenon.
Genetic polymorphism of glutathion S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) Ile105Val and susceptibility to atherogenesis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Grubisa Ivana , Otasevic Petar , Despotovic Nebojsa , Dedic Velimir , Milasin Jelena , Vucinic Nada
Published: May 2013

One of the characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the state of
persistent oxidative stress (OS) that has been implicated in the pathogenesis
of diseases such is atherosclerosis mainly through chronic hyperglycemia that
stimulates production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases OS.
Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) is a member of the cytosolic GST
superfamily. It plays an important role in neutralizing OS as an enzyme.
Also, it participates in regulation of stress signaling and protects cells
against apoptosis via its noncatalytic ligand-binding activity. GSTP1
Ile105Val functional polymorphism influences protein catalytic activity and
stability and the aim of this study was to determine whether this gene
variation influences susceptibility to atherogenesis in T2DM patients. A
total of 240 individuals (140 patients with T2DM, accompanied with clinical
manifestations of atherosclerosis, and 100 healthy controls) were included in
this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells and
genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction followed by
restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. We obtained no
statistically significant differences in the distribution of alleles and
genotypes between cases and controls (P>0.05) but association between Ile/Val
(OR=0.6, 95%CI=0.35-1.05, P=0.08) and Val/Val (OR=0.45, 95%CI=0.18-1.11,
P=0.08) genotypes and disease approached significance (P=0.08). Our results
indicated that a larger study group is needed to establish the true
relationship between potentialiy protective allele Val and the disease, and
to determine the influence of other GSTP1 polymorphisms on atherogenesis in
T2DM patients.
Selection and RAPD analysis of Pseudomonas ssp. isolates able to improve biological viability of potato seed tubers
Authors: Postic Dobrivoj , Starovic Mira , Popovic Tatjana , Bosnic Predrag , Stanojkovic-Sebic Aleksandra , Pivic Radmila , Josic Dragana
Published: May 2013

Indoleacetic acid (IAA) producing Pseudomonas isolates from the rhizosphere
of maize (Q4 and Q20), alfalfa (Q1 and Q16) and wild red clover (B25) were
selected for the investigation of their effect on the biological vitality of
the potato seed tubers. The production of IAA ranged from 4.09 to 15.9 ? gmL-
1 after 24h of cultivation and 4.08 to 26.4 ? gmL-1 after 48h of cultivation.
The molecular comparison by RAPD analysis also was done. RAPD patterns of
selected Pseudomonas spp. isolates obtained by BC318, AF14, SPH 1 and AP 10
primers demonstrated the suitability of RAPD method in distinguishing a high
variability among the four isolates (44 to 68%). The effect on the biological
viability of potato (industrially important variety Pirol) was observed
during the seven weeks of sprouting at the temperature of 18-20?C. Potato
tubers treated by the selected isolates formed slightly lower number of
sprouts, but statistically higher mean length - up to 129.9% higher than the
control. The mean sprouting capacity was 64.5% higher than a control.
Obtained results suggested positive effects of selected IAA producing
Pseudomonas isolates on the length of potato tubers and sprouting capacity as
the parameters which define biological viability.
The dependence of maize (Zea mays) hybrids yielding potential on the water amounts reaching the soil surface
Authors: Kresovic Branka , Dragicevic Vesna , Gajic Bosko , Tapanarova Angelina , Pejic Borivoj
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present study was to observe the response of maize hybrids
under rainfed and irrigation conditions of the soil in order to establish the
dependence of yielding potential on the water amounts reaching the soil
surface during the growing season. The four-replicate trail was set up
according to the randomised complete-block design on chernozem. Pre-watering
soil moisture was approximately 70% of field water capacity, and soil
moisture was established thermogravimetrically. During the five-year studies,
the following differences in yields could be as follows: 12.68 t ha-1 (ZP
341); 12.76 t ha-1 (ZP 434); 13.17 t ha-1 (ZP 578); 14.03 t ha-1 (ZP 684) and
13.75 t ha-1 (ZP 704) under conditions of 440 mm, 440 mm, 424 mm, 457 mm and
466 mm of water, respectively. The hybrid ZP 341, i.e. ZP 578 expressed the
highest, i.e. the lowest tolerance in dry relative seasons, respectively. The
reduction of the water amount for every 10 mm decreased the yield by 119.4 kg
ha-1 (ZP 341), 156.7 kg ha-1 (ZP 434), 172.3 kg ha-1 (ZP 578), 148.9 kg ha-1
(ZP 684) and 151.1 kg ha-1 (ZP 704).
Differences in the gingival crevicular fluid composition between adults and adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment
Authors: Rody Wellington J. , Wijegunasinghe Manjula , Wiltshire William A. , Dufault Brenden
Published: May 2013

Objectives:

To investigate differences in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) composition between adolescent and adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Materials and Methods:

Ten adolescents (14.4 ± 1.43) and 10 adults (28.5 ± 7.83) with Class I malocclusions and minor upper incisor crowding were allocated to two different age groups. Brackets were bonded only in the upper arch over the 20-week period of the experiment. Samples of GCF were collected from the labial sides of the upper incisors (experimental sites) and lower incisors (control sites) of each subject at five time points. Aliquots from diluted GCF were screened for the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) using a microarray technique. The values were statistically analyzed.

Results:

In adults, the ratio of IL-1 to IL-1RA decreased significantly (P  =  .033) in experimental sites 3 weeks after appliance placement and first archwire activation. In adolescents, the ratio of RANKL to OPG peaked 6 weeks after the insertion of the first rectangular archwire. This ratio peak found in adolescents was a consequence of a decrease in the mean concentration of OPG. No significant changes over time were observed in the concentration of MMP-9.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates age trends in the GCF levels of IL-1, IL-1RA, RANKL, and OPG that may be used to track differences in tissue response between adults and adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Rationale and Design of the Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness Study (GRADE)
Authors: Nathan David M. , Buse John B. , Kahn Steven E. , Krause-Steinrauf Heidi , Larkin Mary E. , Staten Myrlene , Wexler Deborah , Lachin John M. ,   the GRADE Study Research Group
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) threatens to become the major public health problem of this century. However, a comprehensive comparison of the long-term effects of medications to treat T2DM has not been conducted. GRADE, a pragmatic, unmasked clinical trial, aims to compare commonly used diabetes medications, when combined with metformin, on glycemia-lowering effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GRADE was designed with support from a U34 planning grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The consensus protocol was approved by NIDDK and the GRADE Research Group. Eligibility criteria for the 5,000 metformin-treated subjects include <5 years' diabetes duration, ≥30 years of age at time of diagnosis, and baseline hemoglobin A1c (A1C) of 6.8–8.5% (51–69 mmol/mol). Medications representing four classes (sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and insulin) will be randomly assigned and added to metformin (minimum–maximum 1,000–2,000 mg/day). The primary metabolic outcome is the time to primary failure defined as an A1C ≥7% (53 mmol/mol), subsequently confirmed, over an anticipated mean observation period of 4.8 years (range 4–7 years). Other long-term metabolic outcomes include the need for the addition of basal insulin after a confirmed A1C >7.5% (58 mmol/mol) and, ultimately, the need to implement an intensive basal/bolus insulin regimen. The four drugs will also be compared with respect to selected microvascular complications, cardiovascular disease risk factors, adverse effects, tolerability, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

GRADE will compare the long-term effectiveness of major glycemia-lowering medications and provide guidance to clinicians about the most appropriate medications to treat T2DM. GRADE begins recruitment at 37 centers in the U.S. in 2013.
Assessing a Norwegian Translation of the Organizational Climate Measure
Authors: Bernstrøm Vilde Hoff , Lone Jon Anders , Bjørkli Cato A. , Ulleberg Pål , Hoff Thomas
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the Norwegian translation of the Organizational Climate Measure developed by Patterson and colleagues. The Organizational Climate Measure is a global measure of organizational climate based on Quinn and Rohrbaugh's competing values model. The survey was administered to a Norwegian branch of an international service sector company ( N = 555). The results revealed satisfactory internal reliability and interrater agreement for the 17 scales, and confirmatory factor analysis supported the original factor structure. The findings gave preliminary support for the Organizational Climate Measure as a reliable measure with a stable factor structure, and indicated that it is potentially useful in the Norwegian context.
Leadership: Validation of a Self-Report Scale
Authors: Dussault Marc , Frenette Éric , Fernet Claude
Published: May 2013

The aim of this paper was to propose and test the factor structure of a new self-report questionnaire on leadership. A sample of 373 school principals in the Province of Quebec, Canada completed the initial 46-item version of the questionnaire. In order to obtain a questionnaire of minimal length, a four-step procedure was retained. First, items analysis was performed using Classical Test Theory. Second, Rasch analysis was used to identify non-fitting or overlapping items. Third, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using structural equation modelling was performed on the 21 remaining items to verify the factor structure of the scale. Results show that the model with a single third-order dimension (leadership), two second-order dimensions (transactional and transformational leadership), and one first-order dimension ( laissez-faire leadership) provides a good fit to the data. Finally, invariance of factor structure was assessed with a second sample of 222 vice-principals in the Province of Quebec, Canada. This model is in agreement with the theoretical model developed by Bass (1985), upon which the questionnaire is based.
Persuasiveness of Online Flu-Vaccination Promotional Banners
Authors: Chien Yu-Hung
Published: May 2013

Young people appear to have relatively little motivation to participate in flu-vaccination programs. This study assessed the effectiveness of online banners in efforts to persuade young people to get vaccinated. Specifically, a 2 × 3 between-subjects factorial design was used to examine the effects of message framing (gain vs loss) and color configuration (white text on a red background, black text on a yellow background, and white text on a blue background) on 180 college students' perceptions of the persuasiveness of flu-vaccination promotional banners. Each participant completed a four-item questionnaire, and the results of an analysis of variance showed that persuasiveness scores were higher among participants exposed to a loss-framed than to a gain-framed message, but only when the loss-framed message was presented in white text on a red background. The theoretical and practical implications of manipulating these two factors in the development of effective health-promotion materials are discussed.
Predictive Role of Authenticity on Psychological Vulnerability in Turkish University Students
Authors: Satici Seydi Ahmet , Kayis Ahmet Rifat , Akin Ahmet
Published: May 2013

Authenticity is associated with adaptive psychological characteristics and may be predictive of psychological vulnerability. The study was conducted with Turkish university students ( N = 303; 158 women, 145 men; M age = 20.1 yr.). Participants completed the Turkish version of Authenticity Scale and the Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Psychological vulnerability was correlated positively with two subfactors of authenticity, accepting external influence and self-alienation, and negatively with the authentic living factor of authenticity. Self-alienation, accepting external influence, and authentic living were related to psychological vulnerability, accounting for 33% of the variance collectively. Authenticity is an important predictor of psychological vulnerability.
Retesting Personality in Employee Selection: Implications of the Context, Sample, and Setting
Authors: Holladay Courtney L. , David Emily , Johnson Stefanie K.
Published: May 2013

The present study sought to assess when and how actual job applicants change their responses when filling out an unproctored personality selection assessment for a second time. It was predicted feedback would be a key contextual motivator associated with how much applicants change their answers during the second administration. Mediation results showed that individuals receiving feedback that showed a low score on the personality assessment was the reason they did not get the job were more likely to employ faking response strategies in the second testing session, predicting the highest change in scores between the first and second testing sessions. Individuals receiving no feedback and those not experimentally motivated to fake (i.e., a comparison group of students) showed less change in responses across administrations.
The Relationship between the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised and the MMPI–2: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hansen Anita L. , Stokkeland Lisa , Pallesen Ståle , Johnsen Bjørn Helge , Waage Leif
Published: May 2013

The goal of the study was to investigate the relationship between Hare's four-facet model of psychopathy and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI–2) in a forensic, culturally homogenous sample. 22 male prisoners from Bergen Prison participated. There was only a statistically significant negative zero-order correlation between the total PCL–R score and the score on the Depression scale of the MMPI–2. However, the results revealed that the four facets had different underlying correlates with negative affectivity. Overall, Facets 1 and 2 showed a tendency toward a negative relationship with the clinical scales on the MMPI–2, while Facets 3 and 4 had a positive relationship. Interestingly, partial correlations showed that Facet 4 of PCL–R was the only facet that correlated statistically significantly with the scores on the Psychopathic Deviate scale of the MMPI–2.
Is Intelligence Enhanced by Letter Priming? A Failure to Replicate the Results of Ciani and Sheldon (2010)
Authors: Carlin Sean P. , Standing Lionel G.
Published: May 2013

Previous research has suggested that motivational processes outside an individual's conscious awareness may be primed so as to enhance or impair cognitive performance. The present study involved a conceptual replication of the 2010 study of Ciani and Sheldon (Experiments 1 and 2), employing the same materials and task, to test whether exposure to the letter A before an analogies test improved performance and the letter F impaired it, relative to the neutral letter J. It also examined the effect of pre-exposing participants before testing to a positive or negative verbal passage concerning letter grades. Priming was not found to have any effect: the participants ( N = 116), under both pre-exposure conditions, gave analogies scores which were virtually identical whether they had been primed with A, F, or J, thus contradicting the previous results. It is concluded that there is a pressing need for more replications of priming experiments as well as other studies.
Affinity-Seeking, Social Loneliness, and Social Avoidance among Facebook Users
Authors: Lemieux Robert , Lajoie Sean , Trainor Nathan E.
Published: May 2013

This study explored the relations between use of the social networking site Facebook and scores on affinity-seeking, social loneliness, and social avoidance by 313 college students. Social loneliness and social avoidance, but not affinity-seeking, were positively and statistically significantly related to time spent using Facebook. The number of close Facebook friends was negatively and statistically significantly related to social loneliness and social avoidance. Women perceived Facebook as a more integral part of daily interactions than did men. 38% of the 283 Facebook members indicated their accounts contained information and/or a picture that could embarrass them, with men having significantly more embarrassing content than women. The findings are discussed within the context of social compensation.
Factors in Students' Seat Selection: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Losonczy-Marshall Marta , Marshall P. Douglas
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to explore reasons for students' seat selection. Participants were 346 college students (14% freshmen, 47% sophomores, 24% juniors, and 14% seniors) from 12 classes (six sections of two courses). A 20-item questionnaire was used to ask students why they chose their seats in class. An exploratory factor analysis reduced the items to five seat-selection factors: Performance, Social, Asocial, Noticeability, and Environment. Seat selection factors were analyzed in terms of seating location: by row, by front/middle/back of the room, by center versus perimeter of the room, and by mid-room versus sides of the room. Performance and Noticeability ratings decreased by row from the front toward the back of the room. The Asocial factor was rated higher by those who sat in the back of the room, while the Environment factor was rated higher by those who sat in the center of the room.
Thought and Language Disorder among Sexually Abused Children in a Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Conway Francine , Talreja Priyam , McCarthy James , Conway Fiona
Published: May 2013

The empirical literature offers evidence that childhood sexual abuse is a predictor of psychopathology in adults. However, the literature examining the relations between thought disorder and psychotic symptoms in children is sparse. Children with a history of childhood sexual abuse are expected to demonstrate more disturbances in thought relative to their peers with no childhood sexual abuse. Using the Thought and Language Index, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) narratives for four commonly used TAT cards obtained from 39 closed charts of hospitalized children were analyzed. Narratives were assessed on seven dimensions including weakening of goals, perseveration, looseness, peculiar word usage, peculiar sentence construction, non-logical reasoning, and distractibility. Good inter-rater reliability was obtained. Sexually abused children had higher aberrant scores on card number four compared to non-abused children. Sexual abuse history was a predictive factor for non-logical reasoning, with small effect size. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Monetary Effects on Fear Conditioning
Authors: Qu Chen , Zhang Aiyi , Chen Qishan
Published: May 2013

Previous research has found that the loss of money as a negative secondary reinforcer was as effective as a primary reinforcer during fear conditioning. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of monetary gain as a positive secondary reinforcer in fear conditioning. Participants were assigned to a high-reward group or low-reward group. Three kinds of squares prompting non-compensation shock, compensation shock, and no shock were presented. Skin conductance responses (SCRs) and self-ratings were recorded. The results revealed that (a) both SCRs and self-ratings in the compensation shock condition were lower than in the non-compensation shock condition, suggesting that money might block the learning stage of fear conditioning; and (b) a higher ratio of fear reduction was present in self-rating when compared to SCRs, suggesting that people might overstate the utility of money, subjectively. Monetary effects, the effects of different amounts of money, and the differences between subjective and physiological levels are discussed.
Psychological Characteristics of Swedish Mandatory Enlisted Soldiers Volunteering and Not Volunteering for International Missions: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Rydstedt Leif W. , Österberg Johan
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess personality traits, psychological fitness, and hardiness among conscript soldiers volunteering for international missions ( n = 146), by comparing them with conscripts from the same year class and unit who did not apply for international missions ( n = 275). The sample consisted of all mandatory enlisted soldiers assigned to a supply and maintenance regiment. There were no demographic differences between the groups. The volunteers reported greater stress tolerance, concern for others, extraversion, and self-confidence than the non-volunteers. There were no differences between the groups in orderliness, temper instability, or independence. Volunteers repeatedly reported greater psychological fitness for military missions and greater hardiness over the period of military service compared to the non-volunteers.
Unconscious and Conscious Processing of Negative Emotions Examined Through Affective Priming
Authors: Okubo Chisa , Ogawa Toshiki
Published: May 2013

This study investigated unconscious and conscious processes by which negative emotions arise. Participants (26 men, 47 women; M age = 20.3 yr.) evaluated target words that were primed with subliminally or supraliminally presented emotional pictures. Stimulus onset asynchrony was either 200 or 800 msec. With subliminal presentations, reaction times to negative targets were longer than reaction times to positive targets after negative primes for the 200-msec. stimulus onset asynchrony. Reaction times to positive targets after negative or positive primes were shorter when the stimulus onset asynchrony was 800 msec. For supraliminal presentations, reaction times were longer when evaluating targets that followed emotionally opposite primes. When emotional stimuli were consciously distinguished, the evoked emotional states might lead to emotional conflicts, although the qualitatively different effects might be caused when subliminally presented emotion evoking stimulus was appraised unconsciously; that possibility was discussed.
Reasons Registered Nurses Report Serious Wrongdoings in a Public Teaching Hospital
Authors: King Granville , Scudder Joseph N.
Published: May 2013

This study examined reasons a registered nurse would report a wrongdoing within a public teaching hospital. Of a group of 238 initial respondents, 30% reported they had observed a wrongdoing in the past year, with 68 nurses indicating they had reported a wrongdoing in the past year. The latter group was the focus of this study. They indicated through a self-report survey that incidents threatening the well-being of patients and their professional ethics were more likely to be reported within their organizations. Observer anonymity was perceived to have a small, but important effect on nurses reporting a wrongdoing in this sample. A manipulation check of the initial 238 respondents revealed a very strong tendency for nurses to overlook a serious mistake by a close peer who had a reputation of being a “competent” nurse.
Applying approximate LU-factorizations as preconditioners in eight iterative methods for solving systems of linear algebraic equations
Authors: Zlatev Zahari , Georgiev Krassimir
Published: May 2013

Many problems arising in different fields of science and engineering can be reduced, by applying some appropriate discretization, either to a system of linear algebraic equations or to a sequence of such systems. The solution of a system of linear algebraic equations is very often the most time-consuming part of the computational process during the treatment of the original problem, because these systems can be very large (containing up to many millions of equations). It is, therefore, important to select fast, robust and reliable methods for their solution, also in the case where fast modern computers are available. Since the coefficient matrices of the systems are normally sparse (i.e. most of their elements are zeros), the first requirement is to efficiently exploit the sparsity. However, this is normally not sufficient when the systems are very large. The computation of preconditioners based on approximate LU-factorizations and their use in the efforts to increase further the efficiency of the calculations will be discussed in this paper. Computational experiments based on comprehensive comparisons of many numerical results that are obtained by using ten well-known methods for solving systems of linear algebraic equations (the direct Gaussian elimination and nine iterative methods) will be reported. Most of the considered methods are preconditioned Krylov subspace algorithms.
Sensitivity studies of pollutant concentrations calculated by the UNI-DEM with respect to the input emissions
Authors: Dimov Ivan , Georgieva Raya , Ostromsky Tzvetan , Zlatev Zahari
Published: May 2013

The influence of emission levels on the concentrations of four important air pollutants (ammonia, ozone, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate) over three European cities (Milan, Manchester, and Edinburgh) with different geographical locations is considered. Sensitivity analysis of the output of the Unified Danish Eulerian Model according to emission levels is provided. The Sobol’ variance-based approach for global sensitivity analysis has been applied to compute the corresponding sensitivity measures. To measure the influence of the variation of emission levels over the pollutants concentrations the Sobol’ global sensitivity indices are estimated using efficient techniques for small sensitivity indices to avoid the effect of loss of accuracy. Theoretical studies, as well as, practical computations are performed in order to analyze efficiency of various variance reduction techniques for computing small indices. The importance of accurate estimation of small sensitivity indices is analyzed. It is shown that the correlated sampling technique for small sensitivity indices gives reliable results for the full set of indices. Its superior efficiency is studied in details.
A numerical study of synchronization in the process of biochemical substance exchange in a diffusively coupled ring of cells
Authors: Mihailović Dragutin , Balaž Igor , Arsenić Ilija
Published: May 2013

In this paper we numerically investigate a model of a diffusively coupled ring of cells. To model the dynamics of individual cells we propose a map with cell affinity, which is a generalization of the logistic map. First, the basic features of a one-cell system are studied in terms of the Lyapunov exponent, Kolmogorov complexity and Sample Entropy. Second, the notion of observational heterarchy, which is a perpetual negotiation process between different levels of the description of a phenomenon, is reviewed. After these preliminaries, we study how the active coupling induced by the consideration of the observational heterarchy modifies the synchronization property of the model with N=100 cells. It is shown numerically that the active coupling enhances synchronization of biochemical substance exchange in several different conditions of cell affinity.
Darboux operators for linear first-order multi-component equations in arbitrary dimensions
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel
Published: May 2013

We construct Darboux operators for linear, multi-component partial differential equations of first order. The number of variables and the dimension of the matrix coefficients in our equations are arbitrary. The Darboux operator and the transformed equation are worked out explicitly. We present an application of our formalism to the (1+2)-dimensional Weyl equation.
Effect of environmental conditions and water status on the bioactive compounds of broccoli
Authors: Pék Zoltán , Daood Hussein , Nagyné Magdolna , Neményi András , Helyes Lajos
Published: May 2013

Four experiments were carried out in 2010 and 2011 to determine how cultivation period (spring or autumn), harvest season (summer or autumn), and plant water status (irrigated or rainfed) influenced content and composition of broccoli cultivar Parthenon F1 with respect to sulforaphane and phenolics under field conditions in Gödöllő, Hungary. Sulforaphane content was significantly higher in the autumn harvests, regardless of irrigation treatments. Harvest season also influenced total phenolics content, with the highest values occurring in the spring season. Harvest season also affected trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and this capacity was also the greatest in spring. Caffeic acid glucoside was a major phenolics component in both spring and autumn season harvests. The season and irrigation related changes in other phenolic component contents were also characterised in this study.
Anatomical characteristics and antioxidant ability of Centaurea sadleriana reveals an adaptation towards drought tolerance
Authors: Luković Jadranka , Malenčić Djordje , Zorić Lana , Kodranov Miroslava , Karanović Dunja , Kiprovski Biljana , Boža Pal
Published: May 2013

The lamina, main vein and peduncle anatomical properties of Centaurea sadleriana Janka plants from two populations, were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The indumentum was comprised of glandular and non-glandular trichomes of two types. The leaves were amphistomatic, isolateral, with strongly developed palisade tissue. Secretory ducts were observed along the phloem or sclerenchyma of large vascular bundles. Collenchyma alternated with chlorenchyma in the main vein and peduncle. Large groups of strongly lignified sclerenchyma were present along the phloem of peduncle vascular bundles. These features, together with thickened walls of epidermal cells and cuticle, numerous trichomes and thick-walled parenchyma in the perimedullar zone, were perceived as a xeromorphic peduncle structural adaptation. Non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds of phenolic origin were detected in small amounts and their respective content was higher in leaves compared to inflorescences. Compounds of phenolic orgin showed positive correlation with total potenial of antioxidant activity indicated by the DPPH assay. Greater total quantity of polyphenols and tannins was detected in leaves of plants from Zobnatica locality, while leaves of plants from Rimski Sanac were characterized by higher content of total flavonoids and proantocyanidins. Phytochemical analysis showed that dominant secondary biomolecules in inflorescences were phenolic pigments including anthocyanins and leucoanthocyanins, and free quinones in leaves.
Antioxidant enzymes in the liver of Chelidonichthys obscurus from the Montenegrin coastline
Authors: Pavlović Sladjan , Borković-Mitić Slavica , Radovanović Tijana , Perendija Branka , Despotović Svetlana , Gavrić Jelena , Saičić Zorica
Published: May 2013

The activities of antioxidant defence enzymes — total, manganese and copper zinc containing superoxide dismutase (Tot SOD, Mn SOD, CuZn SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST) — in the liver of longfin gurnard (Chelidonichthys obscurus) from the Montenegrin coastline (Adriatic sea) were investigated. The specimens were collected in winter (February) and late spring (May) at two localities: Platamuni (PL, potentially unpolluted) and the Estuary of the River Bojana (EB, potentially polluted). The obtained results show that the activities of Mn SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GST in winter were significantly lower at EB than at PL. In spring, the activities of CAT and GST were decreased, while GR activity was increased at EB in comparison to PL. The activities of Mn SOD and GST at PL were decreased and GSH-Px, GR and GST activities at EB were increased in spring compared to winter. Our work represents the first study of liver antioxidant enzymes of longfin gurnard from the Montenegrin coastline and reveals that locality, as a variable, has a greater influence on antioxidant enzymes and biotransformation phase II enzyme GST activities compared to season.
The growing abundance of Helicoverpa armigera in Hungary and its areal shift estimation
Authors: Keszthelyi Sándor , Nowinszky László , Puskás János
Published: May 2013

The invasive Cotton Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has become a serious pest of several agricultural plants since its first mass occurrence in Hungary (1993). During the decades of the species’ presence in the Carpathian Basin, a remarkable fluctuation was detected in its abundance and flight phenology. We analysed long term light trap records and meteorological data to identify the possible factors behind these fluctuations. This study presents an overview of the areal dispersion and the rate of accumulation and flight phenology of this invasive pest, from its first Hungarian mass occurrence until the present, focusing on the influence of climatic factors on the Hungarian distribution of H. armigera. According to our estimation, this pest occupied 94% of the area of Hungary within eight years. There were significant differences in pest pressure by regions, corroborated by the average number of trapped specimens and the regression coefficients. Fluctuations of specimen numbers in the different years are clearly visible in the flight phenology diagrams, which depend on the rate of the growing abundance. The results indicate that abiotic elements may also play a significant role in the areal dispersion of this important invasive insect.
Can enterocins affect phagocytosis and glutathione-peroxidase in rabbits?
Authors: Simonová Monika , Lauková Andrea , Plachá Iveta , Čobanová Klaudia , Strompfová Viola , Szabóová Renáta , Chrastinová Ľubica
Published: May 2013

The gastrointestinal microbiota in rabbits play an important role in protection against potential pathogens via the development of the mucosal immune system. The gut health, including the microbial and immunological stability, is often influenced by exogenous factors, mainly around the weaning period. Therefore, alternative strategies are required to improve the animal’s health. In this study, the diet of rabbits was supplemented with the semi-purified enterocins Ent 2019, Ent M and Ent 4231, produced by bacteriocinogenic strains with probiotic properties, rabbit-derived Enterococcus faecium CCM7420 and non rabbit-derived E. faecium strains AL41 and CCM4231. The phagocytic activity, index of phagocytic activity and the gluthatione-peroxidase enzyme activity in blood were determined during the Ents consumption and also 3 weeks after their cessation. At 21 days into the experiment the highest phagocytic activity was observed in rabbits receiving Ent M. A significant increase in phagocytosis was noted in rabbits with Ent 2019 over the entire experiment. Moreover, a lower gluthatione-peroxidase activity was measured in rabbits receiving Ent M and Ent 2019. No effect of Ent 4231 application on the tested parameters was recorded. The Ent M and Ent 2019 improved the digestive immunity and the host’s defense capacities by stimulating leucocyte phagocytosis, without oxidative stress induction in rabbits.
In vitro and in silico inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme by carbohydrates and cyclitols
Authors: Endringer Denise , Oliveira Osmair , Braga Fernão
Published: May 2013

Fifteen carbohydrates (d-mannose, d-glucose, d-galactose, methyl-α-d-glucose, l-rhamnose, d-xylose, d-fructose, d-arabinose, dulcitol, mannitol, β-maltose, α-lactose, melibiose, sucrose, and raffinose) and four cyclitols [l-(+)-bornesitol, myo-inositol, per-O-acetyl-1-l-(+)-bornesitol, and quinic acid] were assayed for in vitro ACE inhibition. Of these molecules, per-O-Acetyl-1-l-(+)-bornesitol, quinic acid, methyl-α-d-glucose, d-rhamnose, raffinose, and the disaccharides were determined to be either inactive or weak ACE inhibitors, whereas l-(+)-bornesitol, d-galactose, d-glucose, and myo-inositol exhibited significant ACE inhibition. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate interactions between active compounds and human ACE (Protein Data Bank, PDB 1O83). The results of various calculations showed that all active sugars bind to the same enzyme region, which is a tunnel directed towards the active site. With the exception of myo-inositol (K i = 13.95 μM, IC50 = 449.2 μM), the active compounds presented similar K i and IC50 values. d-Galactose (K i = 19.6 μM, IC50 = 35.7 μM) and l-(+)-bornesitol (K i = 25.3 μM, IC50 = 41.4 μM) were the most active compounds, followed by d-glucose (K i = 32.9 μM, IC50 = 85.7 μM). Our docking calculations are in agreement with the experimental data and show a new binding region for sugar-like molecules, which may be explored for the development of new ACE inhibitors.
Sexual function in older adults following thoracolumbar to pelvic instrumentation for spinal deformity
Authors: Hamilton D. Kojo , Smith Justin S. , Nguyen Tanya , Arlet Vincent , Kasliwal Manish K. , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: May 2013

Object

Sexual function is an often-overlooked aspect of health-related quality of life among older adults treated for spinal deformity. The authors' objective was to assess sexual function among older adults following thoracolumbar fusion with pelvic fixation for spinal deformity.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of consecutive older adults (≥50 years) treated with posterior thoracolumbar instrumentation (including pelvic fixation) for spinal deformity and with a minimum 18-month follow-up. Patients completed the Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire-14 (CSFQ-14), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12).

Results

Sixty-two patients (45 women and 17 men) with a mean age of 70 years (range 50–83 years) met the inclusion criteria. Eight women did not complete all questionnaires and were excluded from the subanalysis. The mean number of instrumented levels was 9.8 (range 6–18), and the mean follow-up was 36 months (range 19–69 months). Based on the CSFQ-14, 13 patients (24%) had normal sexual function, and 8 (15%), 10 (19%), and 23 (42%) had mild, moderate, and severe dysfunction, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of patients reporting severe sexual dysfunction did not have available partners—23% because of a partner's death and 16% because of a partner's illness)—or had significant medical comorbidities of their own (48%). Thirty-nine percent of assessed patients had either no or only mild sexual dysfunction. Patients with minimal or mild disability tended to have no or mild sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions

The authors of this study assessed sexual function in older adults following surgical correction of spinal deformity that included posterior instrumented fusion and iliac bolts. Nearly 40% of assessed patients had either no or only mild sexual dysfunction, suggesting that despite an older age and extensive spinopelvic instrumentation, it remains very possible to maintain or achieve satisfactory sexual function.
Systems Biology as a Comparative Approach to Understand Complex Gene Expression in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Diaz-Beltran Leticia , Cano Carlos , Wall Dennis , Esteban Francisco
Published: May 2013

Systems biology interdisciplinary approaches have become an essential analytical tool that may yield novel and powerful insights about the nature of human health and disease. Complex disorders are known to be caused by the combination of genetic, environmental, immunological or neurological factors. Thus, to understand such disorders, it becomes necessary to address the study of this complexity from a novel perspective. Here, we present a review of integrative approaches that help to understand the underlying biological processes involved in the etiopathogenesis of neurological diseases, for example, those related to autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) endophenotypes. Furthermore, we highlight the role of systems biology in the discovery of new biomarkers or therapeutic targets in complex disorders, a key step in the development of personalized medicine, and we demonstrate the role of systems approaches in the design of classifiers that can shorten the time for behavioral diagnosis of autism.
Cosmetics: A New Open Project
Authors: Berardesca Enzo
Published: May 2013

It is my great pleasure to announce a newly launched open access journal, Cosmetics, published by MDPI, dedicated to this fascinating world. Do we need a new journal in this area? This was the question I had in mind before starting the project and I will try to answer in the following paragraphs. [...]
Effects of Localized Trap-States and Corrugation on Charge Transport in Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Roslyak Oleksiy , Aparajita Upali , Gumbs Godfrey , Huang Danhong
Published: May 2013

We investigate effects of the electron traps on adiabatic charge transport in graphene nanoribbons under a longitudinal surface acoustic wave (SAW) potential. Due to the weak SAW potential and strong transverse confinement of nanoribbons, minibands of sliding tunnel-coupled quantum dots are formed. Therefore, as the chemical potential passes through minigaps, quantized adiabatic charge transport is expected to occur. We analyze the condition for a closed minigap, thereby destroying the current quantization in a nanoribbon. We present numerical calculations showing the localized energy states within minigaps. Additionally, we compare the results with the minibands of corrugated nanoribbons.
Characteristics of the Operational Noise from Full Scale Wave Energy Converters in the Lysekil Project: Estimation of Potential Environmental Impacts
Authors: Haikonen Kalle , Sundberg Jan , Leijon Mats
Published: May 2013

Wave energy conversion is a clean electric power production technology. During operation there are no emissions in the form of harmful gases. However there are unsolved issues considering environmental impacts such as: electromagnetism; the artificial reef effect and underwater noise. Anthropogenic noise is increasing in the oceans worldwide and wave power will contribute to this sound pollution in the oceans; but to what extent? The main purpose of this study was to examine the noise emitted by a full scale operating Wave Energy Converter (WEC) in the Lysekil project at Uppsala University in Sweden. A minor review of the hearing capabilities of fish and marine mammals is presented to aid in the conclusions of impact from anthropogenic sound. A hydrophone was deployed to the seabed in the Lysekil research site park at distance of 20 and 40 m away from two operational WECs. The measurements were performed in the spring of 2011. The results showed that the main noise was a transient noise with most of its energy in frequencies below 1 kHz. These results indicate that several marine organisms (fish and mammals) will be able to hear the operating WECs of a distance of at least 20 m.
Screening and Brief Interventions for Hazardous and Harmful Alcohol Use among University Students in South Africa: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl , Van der Heever Hendry , Skaal Linda
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) for alcohol problems among university students in South Africa. The study design for this efficacy study is a randomized controlled trial with 6- and 12-month follow-ups to examine the effects of a brief alcohol intervention to reduce alcohol use by hazardous and harmful drinkers in a university setting. The unit of randomization is the individual university student identified as a hazardous or harmful drinker attending public recruitment venues in a university campus. University students were screened for alcohol problems, and those identified as hazardous or harmful drinkers were randomized into an experimental or control group. The experimental group received one brief counseling session on alcohol risk reduction, while the control group received a health education leaflet. Results indicate that of the 722 screened for alcohol and who agreed to participate in the trial 152 (21.1%) tested positive for the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) (score 8 or more). Among the 147 (96.7%) university students who also attended the 12-month follow-up session, the intervention effect on the AUDIT score was −1.5, which was statistically significant (P = 0.009). Further, the depression scores marginally significantly decreased over time across treatment groups, while other substance use (tobacco and cannabis use), self-rated health status and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) scores did not change over time across treatment groups. The study provides evidence of effective brief intervention by assistant nurses with hazardous and harmful drinkers in a university setting in South Africa. The short duration of the brief intervention makes it a realistic candidate for use in a university setting.
It’s Not That Simple: Tobacco Use Identification and Documentation in Acute Care
Authors: Smith Patricia , Cobb Nancy , Corso Linda
Published: May 2013

This environmental telephone interview scan was designed to identify: (1) how hospitals in one Canadian province incorporated tobacco use identification/documentation systems into practice; and, (2) challenges/issues with tobacco identification/documentation. Participants included 36/139 hospitals previously identified to offer cessation services. Results showed hospitals aided by researchers monitored and tracked tobacco use; those not aligned with researchers did not. The wording of tobacco items most commonly included use within the last 6-months (42%), 30-days (39%), or 7-days (33%), or use without reference to time (e.g., “Do you smoke?”; 39%); wording sometimes depended on admitting form space limitations. The admission process determined where the tobacco item appeared, which differed by hospital—75% included it on an admitting form (75%) and/or nursing assessment (56%); the item sometimes varied by unit. There were also different processes by which the item triggered delivery of cessation interventions; most frequently (69%), staff nurses were triggered to provide an intervention. The findings suggest that adding a tobacco use question to a hospital’s admitting process is potentially not that simple. Deciding on the purpose of the question, when it will be asked and by whom, space allotted on the form, and how it will trigger an intervention are important considerations that can affect the question wording, form/location, systems required, data extraction, and resources.