bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current smoking behaviour among rural South African children: Ellisras Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mashita Ramaijane J , Themane Mahlapahlapana J , Monyeki Kotsedi D , Kemper Han CG
Published: June 2011

Background

The use of tobacco products is the major cause of chronic diseases morbidity and mortality. Most smokers start the smoking habits from childhood and adolescent stages.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 1654 subjects (854 boys and 800 girls), aged 11 to 18 years, who were part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study completed the questionnaire. Association between tobacco products use and habits, attitudes and beliefs were explored in this study. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association.

Results

The prevalence of tobacco product use increases with increasing (4.9 to 17.1%) age among boys whereas girls do not smoke cigarette but only considerable number (1.0 to 4.1%) use home made tobacco products (pipe and snuff) among the Ellisras rural children. Parents and grand parents play a significant (about 50%) role in influencing smoking behaviour among the Ellisras rural children. Seeing actors smoking on TV shows was positively associated (p < 0.05) with smoking (OR = 2.3 95%CI (1.3-4.1 and OR = 2.3 95%CI 1.3-4.1 after adjusting for age and gender). However, women who smoke cigarette were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with success and success and wealth (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.2) even after adjusting for age and gender (OR = 2.9 95% CI 1.5-5.4).

Conclusion

The usage of tobacco products was high among older boys. Girls did not smoke cigarette. This tobacco use behaviour mirrors the cultural norms and adult behaviour. The association of this tobacco used products with biological parameters will shed more light on the health of these children over time.
Centriole polarisation to the immunological synapse directs secretion from cytolytic cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems
Authors: Stinchcombe Jane C , Salio Mariolina , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Pende Daniela , Arico Maurizo , Griffiths Gillian M
Published: June 2011

Background

Cytolytic cells of the immune system destroy pathogen-infected cells by polarised exocytosis of secretory lysosomes containing the pore-forming protein perforin. Precise delivery of this lethal hit is essential to ensuring that only the target cell is destroyed. In cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), this is accomplished by an unusual movement of the centrosome to contact the plasma membrane at the centre of the immunological synapse formed between killer and target cells. Secretory lysosomes are directed towards the centrosome along microtubules and delivered precisely to the point of target cell recognition within the immunological synapse, identified by the centrosome. We asked whether this mechanism of directing secretory lysosome release is unique to CTL or whether natural killer (NK) and invariant NKT (iNKT) cytolytic cells of the innate immune system use a similar mechanism to focus perforin-bearing lysosome release.

Results

NK cells were conjugated with B-cell targets lacking major histocompatibility complex class I 721.221 cells, and iNKT cells were conjugated with glycolipid-pulsed CD1-bearing targets, then prepared for thin-section electron microscopy. High-resolution electron micrographs of the immunological synapse formed between NK and iNKT cytolytic cells with their targets revealed that in both NK and iNKT cells, the centrioles could be found associated (or 'docked') with the plasma membrane within the immunological synapse. Secretory clefts were visible within the synapses formed by both NK and iNKT cells, and secretory lysosomes were polarised along microtubules leading towards the docked centrosome. The Golgi apparatus and recycling endosomes were also polarised towards the centrosome at the plasma membrane within the synapse.

Conclusions

These results reveal that, like CTLs of the adaptive immune system, the centrosomes of NK and iNKT cells (cytolytic cells of the innate immune system) direct secretory lysosomes to the immunological synapse. Morphologically, the overall structure of the immunological synapses formed by NK and iNKT cells are very similar to those formed by CTLs, with both exocytic and endocytic organelles polarised towards the centrosome at the plasma membrane, which forms a focal point for exocytosis and endocytosis within the immunological synapse. We conclude that centrosomal polarisation provides a rapid, responsive and precise mechanism for secretory lysosome delivery to the immunological synapse in CTLs, NK cells and iNKT cells.
Oestrogen deficiency modulates particle-induced osteolysis
Authors: Nich Christophe , Langlois Jean , Marchadier Arnaud , Vidal Catherine , Cohen-Solal Martine , Petite Hervé , Hamadouche Moussa
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Postmenopausal osteoporosis may modulate bone response to wear debris. In this article, we evaluate the influence of oestrogen deficiency on experimental particle-induced osteolysis.

Methods

Polyethylene (PE) particles were implanted onto the calvaria of normal controls, sham-ovariectomized (OVX), OVX mice and OVX mice supplemented with oestrogen (OVX+E). After 14 days, seven skulls per group were analyzed using a high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometry, and for tartrate-specific alkaline phosphatase. Five calvariae per group were cultured for the assay of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB (RANKL) secretion using quantitative ELISA. Serum IL-6 concentrations were obtained. The expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA were evaluated using real-time PCR.

Results

As assessed by μCT and by histomorphometry, PE particles induced extensive bone resorption and an intense inflammatory reaction in normal controls, sham-OVX and OVX+E mice, but not in the OVX mice group. In normal controls, sham-OVX and OVX+E mice, PE particles induced an increase in serum IL-6, in TNF-α and RANKL local concentrations, and resulted in a significant increase in RANKL/OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) ratio. Conversely, these parameters remained unchanged in OVX mice after PE implantation.

Conclusions

Oestrogen privation in the osteolysis murine model ultimately attenuated osteolytic response to PE particles, suggesting a protective effect. This paradoxical phenomenon was associated with a down-regulation of pro-resorptive cytokines. It is hypothesized that excessive inflammatory response was controlled, illustrated by the absence of increase of serum IL-6 in OVX mice after PE implantation.
Integrated Regulation of Hepatic Metabolism by Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) in Vivo
Authors: Fisher ffolliott M. , Estall Jennifer L. , Adams Andrew C. , Antonellis Patrick J. , Bina Holly A. , Flier Jeffrey S. , Kharitonenkov Alexei , Spiegelman Bruce M. , Maratos-Flier Eleftheria
Published: June 2011

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF21) plays an important role in regulating hepatic oxidation of fatty acids and gluconeogenesis in response to fasting and during consumption of a ketogenic diet. However, the metabolic pathways through which FGF21 regulates hepatic function are not well defined. To identify the effects of FGF21 on the liver in vivo, we administered FGF21 to mice and analyzed acute effects on signaling and gene expression. We found that FGF21 acts directly on the liver to stimulate phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 and ERK1/2. Acute FGF21 treatment induced hepatic expression of key regulators of gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, and ketogenesis including glucose-6-phosphatase, phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase, 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase type 1, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α. In addition, injection of FGF21 was associated with decreased circulating insulin and free fatty acid levels. FGF21 treatment induced mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC-1α), suggesting that PGC-1α may play a role in regulating FGF21 action. However, studies using mice with liver-specific ablation of PGC-1α revealed the same regulation of gluconeogenic gene expression by FGF21 as seen in wild-type mice, indicating that PGC-1α is not necessary for the effect of FGF21 on glucose metabolism. These data demonstrate that FGF21 acts directly on the liver to modulate hepatic metabolism. The direct effects we examined are not dependent on PGC-1α. In addition, FGF21 treatment is associated with decreased serum insulin levels that my affect hepatic function.
Minireview: Cracking the Metabolic Code for Thyroid Hormone Signaling
Authors: Bianco Antonio C.
Published: June 2011

Cells are not passive bystanders in the process of hormonal signaling and instead can actively customize hormonal action. Thyroid hormone gains access to the intracellular environment via membrane transporters, and while diffusing from the plasma membrane to the nucleus, thyroid hormone signaling is modified via the action of the deiodinases. Although the type 2 deiodinase (D2) converts the prohormone T4 to the biologically active T3, the type 3 deiodinase (D3) converts it to reverse T3, an inactive metabolite. D3 also inactivates T3 to T2, terminating thyroid hormone action. Therefore, D2 confers cells with the capacity to produce extra amounts of T3 and thus enhances thyroid hormone signaling. In contrast expression of D3 results in the opposite action. The Dio2 and Dio3 genes undergo transcriptional regulation throughout embryonic development, childhood, and adult life. In addition, the D2 protein is unique in that it can be switched off and on via an ubiquitin regulated mechanism, triggered by catalysis of T4. Induction of D2 enhances local thyroid hormone signaling and energy expenditure during activation of brown adipose tissue by cold exposure or high-fat diet. On the other hand, induction of D3 in myocardium and brain during ischemia and hypoxia decreases energy expenditure as part of a homeostatic mechanism to slow down cell metabolism in the face of limited O2 supply.
OPC Unified Architecture
Authors: Enste Udo , Mahnke Wolfgang
Published: June 2011

OPC Unified Architecture bietet erweiterte Möglichkeiten der Interoperabilität. Auf Basis eines objekt-orientierten Konzeptes stehen moderne Mittel zur Informationsmodellierung zur Verfügung, um den über Schnittstellen zur Verfügung zu stellenden Datenhaushalt eines Systems repräsentieren zu können. Mit Hilfe einer Kommunikationsinfrastruktur werden darüber hinaus eine Systemarchitektur und generische Dienstevorgaben gemacht.
The role of FOXO3 in DNA damage response in thyrocytes
Authors: Klagge Antje , Weidinger Carl , Krause Kerstin , Jessnitzer Beate , Gutknecht Monika , Fuhrer Dagmar
Published: June 2011

Members of the forkhead box-O (FOXO) transcription factors family play an important role in stress defence. FOXO3 deregulation has recently been identified as a hallmark of thyroid carcinogenesis. In this study, we explore the role of FOXO3 in defence of oxidative stress in normal thyrocytes. Stable rat thyroid cell lines were generated expressing either the human wild-type FOXO3, a constitutively activating FOXO3 mutant, or the empty control vector. Cell clones were characterised for proliferation, function and morphology. Hydrogen peroxide and UV irradiation were used to induce oxidative stress. Changes in FOXO3 activity, induction of cell cycle arrest or apoptosis and kinetics of DNA damage repair were analysed. Upregulation of FOXO3 in thyrocytes resulted in decreased proliferation and changes in morphology, but did not affect differentiation. Hydrogen peroxide stimulated the expression of the FOXO3 target genes growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45 α (Gadd45α) and Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) and induced programmed cell death in cells with overexpression of the human wild-type FOXO3. In contrast, UV irradiation resulted in a distinct cellular response with activation of FOXO3-c-Jun-N-terminal kinase-Gadd45α signalling and induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2-M-checkpoint. This was accompanied by FOXO3-induced DNA damage repair as evidenced by lower DNA breaks over time in a comet assay in FOXO3 cell clones compared with control cells. In conclusion, FOXO3 is a pivotal relay in the coordination of the cellular response to genotoxic stress in the thyroid. Depending on the stimulus, FOXO3 induces either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Conversely, FOXO3 inactivation in thyroid cancers is consistent with genomic instability and loss of cell cycle control.
Diabetic foot syndrome
Authors: Szabad Gábor
Published: June 2011

Diabetes mellitus contributes to a number of disorders that can affect the quality of life. Amongst this diabetic foot syndrome and diabetic foot ulceration are serious secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. Persons with diabetic foot ulceration have an increased risk of amputation. In the first part of this review the author focuses on the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulceration. The second part covers the topics of current and future therapies. The reader will understand the need and modes for preventive measures, the importance of multi level education in this topic, and the need for specialized wound care centers. As emphasized by the author, diabetic foot syndrome and ulceration are serious complications of diabetes mellitus, which can lead to devastating lower-extremity amputations and possible death. Specialized wound care centers, multi level education and proper adherence to standard treatment regimes can potentially prevent the need for amputation. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1171–1177.[Formula: see text]
Steady-State and Transient Electron Transport in ZnO: Recent Progress
Authors: Hadi Walid A. , Shur Michael , Eastman Lester F. , O’Leary Stephen K.
Published: June 2011

We briefly review some recent results on the steady-state and transient electron transport that occurs within bulk wurtzite zinc oxide. These results were obtained using an ensemble semi-classical three-valley Monte Carlo simulation approach. They showed that for electric field strengths in excess of 180 kV/cm, the steady-state electron drift velocity associated with bulk wurtzite zinc oxide exceeds that associated with bulk wurtzite gallium nitride. The transient electron transport that occurs within bulk wurtzite zinc oxide was studied by examining how electrons, initially in thermal equilibrium, respond to the sudden application of a constant electric field. These transient electron transport results demonstrated that for devices with dimensions smaller than 0.1 μm, gallium nitride based devices will offer the advantage, owing to their superior transient electron transport, while for devices with dimensions greater than 0.1 μm, zinc oxide based devices will offer the advantage, owing to their superior high-field steady-state electron transport.
Effect of Bauxsol on properties of cement pastes
Authors: Barbhuiya Salim A. , Basheer Muhammed , Clark Malcolm W. , Rankin Barry
Published: June 2011

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to evaluate the influence of Bauxsol, an artificially neutralised bauxite refinery residue (NBRR), on various properties of cement pastes. It was found that the NBRR does not have any pozzolanic properties and hence cannot be used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete. In order to evaluate the effect of adding the product to Portland cement (PC) pastes, fresh properties (i.e. standard consistency and slump), setting time and heat of hydration were measured. In addition, its influence on chemical changes and compressive strength was investigated. It was found that the addition of this NBRR resulted in a decrease in compressive strength beyond 7 days. The setting time decreased with an increase in NBRR content in PC pastes. The rate of heat evolution for NBRR pastes was greater than that of the PC pastes, but a corresponding increase in the quantity of calcium hydroxide was not found. Therefore, it was concluded that unidentified hydration products when Bauxsol was used in PC pastes might have been the reason for the decrease in setting times.
Mechanical properties of EPS lightweight concrete
Authors: Chen Bing , Fang Congqi
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of expanded polystyrene aggregate size, matrix strength and polypropylene fibre addition on the strength of lightweight concrete. Three types of expanded polystyrene beads with 1·0, 2·5 and 6·3 mm diameter were added to a high-strength matrix to produce lightweight concrete. Fine silica fume and polypropylene fibres were used to improve material properties. Lightweight expanded polystyrene concretes with different matrix strengths were investigated for compressive and splitting tensile strength. The expanded polystyrene concrete with small expanded polystyrene beads showed higher compressive strengths and the increase was more pronounced in low-density concrete than high-density concrete. The matrix strength was also observed to affect the particle size effect of expanded polystyrene beads on the compressive strength of concrete. The increase in compressive strength with the decrease of expanded polystyrene bead size was more pronounced in the low-strength matrix. In addition, polypropylene fibres significantly improved the strength of expanded polystyrene concrete, with the 28-day compressive and splitting tensile strengths of expanded polystyrene concrete being up to 43 and 44% higher than those of reference concrete.
The socio-technology of engineering sustainability
Authors: Bell Sarah , Chilvers Andrew , Hillier Joseph
Published: June 2011

Despite the social goals of sustainable development, including the alleviation of poverty, sustainable engineering approaches have been largely limited to technical measures, promoting engineers as purely technical experts. By under-emphasising social factors, this limits opportunities for engineers to address the full spectrum of challenges posed by the sustainable development model. We explain this in terms of the dominant policy response to environmental problems, known as ecological modernisation, which conscripts engineers into reinforcing false boundaries between technology and society. In contrast to the technical focus of engineering under a framework of ecological modernisation, we suggest that engineering can, in fact, be usefully seen as a hybrid socio-technical profession that breaks these boundaries. This point is underlined by the case-study of indirect potable water reuse, demonstrating that the acknowledgement of hybridity can be used to improve engineers' relationships with the societies they serve, and enhance the contribution of the profession to sustainable development.
Some aspects of the compression and collapse behaviour of an unsaturated natural loess
Authors: MUÑOZ-CASTELBLANCO J. , DELAGE P. , PEREIRA J. M. , CUI Y. J.
Published: June 2011

The compression and collapse behaviour of a natural unsaturated loess from northern France was investigated by running a series of constant rate of strain oedometric compression tests (together with some step loading tests) while monitoring suction by means of a high-capacity tensiometer. The reasonably constant suction measured during constant water compression tests was linked to the collapse of the largest dry pores. Time-dependent behaviour was also observed, with different responses obtained at different strain rates. In a standard fashion, collapse tests appeared to bring the representative point from the constant water content curve to the zero suction compression curve, indicating the existence of a maximum collapse stress. Data were qualitatively interpreted using the loading collapse (LC) yield curve of the Barcelona basic model. Changes in the LC yield curve inclinations could account for the existence of a maximum collapse value.
Effect of soil characteristics on relative values of piezocone, T-bar and ball penetration resistances
Authors: LOW H.E. , RANDOLPH M.F. , LUNNE T. , ANDERSEN K.H. , SJURSEN M.A.
Published: June 2011

It has been reported in the literature that net cone penetration resistance is normally higher than the penetration resistance measured using full-flow cylindrical (T-bar) or spherical (ball) penetrometers, and also that the ball penetration resistance is generally very close to the T-bar penetration resistance. In this paper, a worldwide high-quality database (three onshore sites and seven offshore sites) was used to identify soil characteristics that contribute to differences in the relative magnitudes of penetration resistance measured with cone, T-bar and ball penetrometers. For soils covered in this database, the ratio of T-bar to net cone penetration resistance (qT-bar/qnet) lay between 0·75 and 1, decreasing with depth from near unity at shallow depths. For the four sites where ball penetrometer data were available, the ratio of ball to T-bar penetration resistance (qball/qT-bar) was found to fluctuate around unity, with an average just greater than 1, but no distinguishable trend with depth. The measured qT-bar/qnet and qball/qnet followed theoretical trends for the cone resistance to increase with rigidity index, G/su, with the best quantitative agreement obtained using a rigidity index defined in terms of the small strain stiffness, G0, as measured by in situ seismic cone tests. The resistance ratio also followed the theoretical trend predicted with certain assumptions for the effects of strength anisotropy. However, while qT-bar/qnet and possibly qball/qnet appear to depend slightly on the liquidity index, liquid limit and plasticity index, the resistance ratios appeared independent of other soil parameters, including normalised in situ shear stress, sensitivity and yield stress ratio, for the soils covered in this study.
Incorporating an economic measure in sustainability assessment
Authors: Forbes Doug , El-Haram Mohamed , Smith Simon , Horner Malcolm
Published: June 2011

Breeam, The Building Research Establishment's environmental assessment method, is a suite of tools designed to measure the environmental performance of buildings. Although originally designed for a UK context, it has been adapted for and influenced a range of building rating systems worldwide. The domestic scheme, Ecohomes, was originally designed as an environmental assessment method. This paper analyses the spread of indicators used and seeks to address any gaps. Analysis of the indicators found that there is a very reasonable coverage of environmental indicators in the scheme, and this is complemented by a reasonable coverage of social indicators. However, there is a complete avoidance of the economic dimension. A means of incorporating an economic dimension should be considered to make the scheme a three-dimensional sustainability assessment method. The approach develops a sustainability ratio based on the existing scheme score to measure the environmental and social dimensions, while capital construction cost defines the economic dimension. It is possible that with further industrial consultation the approach could be transferred and applied to other building rating methods.
Suspended sediment effects on hydraulic jump characteristics
Authors: Omid Mohammad H. , Nasrabadi Mohsen , Farhoudi Javad
Published: June 2011

In the present study, the effect of suspended load transport on the characteristics of a hydraulic jump in a rectangular channel was investigated experimentally. Sediment concentration and initial Froude numbers in the range 0·42–16·15% and 2·5–8, respectively, were considered. Two grain sizes, 0·15 and 0·03 mm, were used in the experiments. Hydraulic jump characteristics including velocity and concentration distributions, length of jump, the sequent depth ratio and the energy dissipation were studied for both the smooth and rough channel beds. The results showed that the sequent depth ratio and length of the jump in the presence of suspended sediment were smaller than those due to clear water flow. It was also found that the reduction of sequent depth ratio and the jump length were more in rough beds.
Identification and Validation of QTL for Grain Quality Traits in a Cross of Soft Wheat Cultivars Pioneer Brand 25R26 and Foster
Authors: Smith Nathan , Guttieri Mary , Souza Edward , Shoots Jenny , Sorrells Mark , Sneller Clay
Published: June 2011

End‐use quality is vital to the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) industry. Understanding the genetics of components of quality is needed for efficient genetic improvement. Our objectives were to determine the genetics of soft wheat quality in a population derived from soft wheat cultivars and to validate the results. We developed 171 families from the cross ‘Foster’ × Pioneer ‘25R26’ and obtained quality data from four environments. We assessed flour yield (FY) and flour protein (FP), softness equivalent (SE), and water (WA), sodium carbonate (SO), sucrose (SU), and lactic acid (LA) solvent retention capacities (SRCs). Families were genotyped with markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses were performed. All traits were heritable (0.71– 0.93) and transgressive segregants were noted. The traits FY, WA, SO, and SU were correlated to one another as were SE and FP. A total of 29 QTL were detected from 11 genomic regions. Quantitative trait loci for correlated traits were generally coincident. Two regions of chromosome 1B had the greatest effect on WA, SO, FY, and LA (r2 = 0.23 to 0.30); these QTL appeared to be associated with the 1BL.1RS rye (Secale cereale L.) translocation and the Glu‐B1 locus. A region of chromosome 2B had the greatest effect on FP, SE, and SU (r2 = 0.13 to 0.23). The 1B and 2B QTL were validated in crosses between each of the original mapping parents and ‘Hopewell’. We documented the relative importance for soft wheat quality of two known regions of 1B and report on a novel QTL on 2B. Marker‐assisted selection for these three regions could have a significant impact on soft wheat quality.
Tall Fescue Forage Mass and Canopy Characteristics on Steer Ingestive Behavior and Performance
Authors: Burns J. C. , Fisher D. S. , Pond K. R.
Published: June 2011

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a well‐adapted perennial pasture species utilized across the north–south transition zone of the United States. This 3‐yr trial evaluated the influence of three forage masses (FM) on steer and pasture responses for spring (April to July) and fall (October) growths. Spring FM averaged 1450 kg ha−1 (Short), 3032 kg ha−1 (Medium), and 3812 kg ha−1 (Tall) for the three treatments. Canopy in vitro true organic matter disappearance (ITOD) decreased linearly from Short (797 g kg−1) to Tall (771 g kg−1). Steer daily gains (0.88 kg) and gains per hectare (392 kg ha−1 yr−1) were not altered by FM, but the mean number of steers per hectare decreased linearly from Short (8.2 steers ha−1) to Tall (6.1 steers ha−1) as did effective feed units per hectare (2256 to 1712 kg ha−1 yr−1). Canopies were predominately leaf (53%) and averaged 847 g kg−1 ITOD with estimates similar among FM treatments. Diet ITOD declined linearly from Short (870 g kg−1) to Tall (839 g kg−1) as did crude protein (CP) (from 235 to 192 g kg−1). In the fall, FM averaged 1556, 3228, and 3494 kg ha−1 for the three FM treatments. Canopy ITOD averaged 774 g kg−1 and was not altered by FM. Canopy leaves averaged 60% with an ITOD of 864 g kg−1 and were similar among FM treatments. Diets selected averaged 834 g kg−1 ITOD and 233 g kg−1 CP and were not altered by FM. Tall fescue pasture free of toxic endophyte needs to be effectively utilized to enhance production and can be managed flexibly in grazing systems.
Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability of Phosphorus Concentration in Two Soybean Germplasm Sources with Modified Phosphorus Composition
Authors: Maupin Laura M. , Rosso M. Luciana , Shang Chao , Rainey Katy M.
Published: June 2011

Two sources of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm, CX1834 and V99‐5089, improve the nutritional composition of soybeans due to different genetic mutations resulting in decreases in phytate and increases in inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentration. Commercial production of cultivars with these germplasm sources depends on the stability of phytate and Pi concentration under diverse growing environments. We analyzed phytate and Pi concentration from eight genotypes grown in 12 environments to evaluate the genotypic and environmental effects and to determine trait stability. Two lines with normal composition and six lines modified for P composition, including three CX1834‐derived lines from different genetic backgrounds and three sister lines derived from V99‐5089, were evaluated. The genotypic effects and the genotype × environment interaction were significant for phytate and Pi concentration. The environment significantly affected Pi concentration of the modified P lines but had no significant effect on phytate concentration. The CX1834‐derived lines were lower for phytate concentration and higher for Pi concentration compared to the V99‐5089‐derived lines. Five modified P composition lines were average or above average for phytate stability which may allow these cultivars to be produced commercially in a range of environments.
Interspecific Tetraploid Hybrids between Two Forage Grass Species: Sexual Paspalum plicatulum and Apomictic P. guenoarum
Authors: Aguilera Patricia M. , Sartor María E. , Galdeano Florencia , Espinoza Francisco , Quarin Camilo L.
Published: June 2011

The Plicatula group of the grass genus Paspalum contains about 30 species. Most are tetraploid and reproduce by apomixis, though some of them contain sexual diploid races. We crossed a sexual colchicine‐induced autotetraploid plant of brownseed paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum Michx.) with apomictic tetraploid P. guenoarum Arechav., also from the Plicatula group. Crossability was 35% and the progeny showed morphological characteristics intermediate to those of the parents but resembling more the male parent. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis showed that the whole progeny amplified bands that were specific of the male parent, confirming its hybrid origin. Meiotic chromosome behavior of hybrids exhibited primarily bivalent and quadrivalent associations similar to those of the two parents. This suggests that natural tetraploid P. guenoarum shares the same basic chromosome set with that of autotetraploid P. plicatulum, and both species probably originate from the same ancestral species. Fourteen out of 23 hybrids reproduced only sexually, while nine were obligate or highly apomictic. Seed set ranged from 11 to 55% among the hybrids. Our results open the possibility of exchanging genes at the tetraploid level in breeding programs of P. plicatulum and P. guenoarum. This possibility is based on their rate of crossability, the degree of fertility among the hybrids, the segregation observed for the reproductive mode in the F1 progeny, and the very simple procedure flow cytometry seed screen (FCSS) used to determine the reproductive mode for each hybrid.
When Does Hard Coat Impose Dormancy in Legume Seeds? Lotus and Scorpiurus Case Study
Authors: Gresta Fabio , Avola Giovanni , Onofri Andrea , Anastasi Umberto , Cristaudo Antonia
Published: June 2011

In many legumes, the germination ability of newly harvested seeds is controlled by two contrasting processes, the maturation process and the establishment of seed coat dormancy, which prevents the germination of mature seeds. These two processes are often staggered, so that seeds may achieve a transitory ability to germinate long before the establishment of seed coat dormancy. To clarify these issues, a field and laboratory experiment was conducted on two Mediterranean legume species, Lotus ornithopodioides L. and Scorpiurus muricatus L. subsp. subvillosus (L.) Thell. [syn. Scorpiurus muricatus L. var. subvillosus (L.) Lam.]. Pods were collected from mother plants at regular intervals from the beginning of seed filling to complete maturation. The seeds harvested at different times were weighed and submitted to germination assays to evaluate their germination ability. The results show that the seeds of L. ornithopodioides and S. muricatus acquired a good germination ability (>70%) already at 27 and 23 d after anthesis (DAA) before reaching their maximum dry weight, while seed coat dormancy was imposed much later for the two species, at 40 and 32 DAA. Based on pod and seed morphology, seed weight, and germination ability, three distinct stages were defined during maturation, which might help identify when seeds achieve their maximum germination ability. This may be a first step in overcoming the problem of seed coat dormancy alongside studies on postharvest treatment of freshly harvested seeds.
Existential Poverty: Welfare Dependency, Learned Helplessness and Psychological Capital
Authors: Dixon John , Frolova Yuliya
Published: June 2011

Being in existential poverty means living in a state of, or near, persistent material poverty while also being socially excluded, marginalized, or disadvantaged. It is a life‐disempowering experience, one that privileges both immediacy over the future, and welfare over work. This results in learned helplessness, manifesting as a lack of will to take control of life. The existentialist explanation is that those in this mental state do not have an authentic way of life. Positive Psychology, and its offshoot, Positive Organizational Behavior, provide the cognitive change strategies that focus on building in people their sense of self‐efficacy, optimism, hope, resilience, and subjective well‐being, as well as their emotional intelligence, all of which are mental attributes that have demonstrable positive impacts on human performance. This can enable people to pursue gainful, meaningful, and sustained self‐actualizing vocation, so lifting them out of persistent material poverty. The public policy challenges are (1) to determine whether it is in the public interest to redress the negative agental consequences of welfare dependency; (2) to redesign the features of social assistance programs that exacerbate learned helplessness amongst beneficiaries; and (3) to determine how best to reduce the psychologically incapacitating effects of welfare dependency.
Review of One Illness Away: Why People Become Poor and How They Escape Poverty
Authors: Yamoah Afia B
Published: June 2011

Afia B. Yamoah reviews One Illness Away: Why People Become Poor and How They Escape Poverty, by Anirudh Krishna. Krishna argues that poverty policy needs to address reasons why people become poor and how they can escape poverty.
Editor's Letter
Authors: Skidmore Max J.
Published: June 2011

Editor‐in‐Chief Max J. Skidmore shares his introductory thoughts about the second issue of PPP's Third Volume.
Benefits of Renin-Angiotensin Blockade on Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetes Vary With Glycemic Control
Authors: Harindhanavudhi Tasma , Mauer Michael , Klein Ronald , Zinman Bernard , Sinaiko Alan , Caramori M. Luiza ,   for the Renin Angiotensin System Study (RASS) group
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

Optimal glycemic control slows diabetic retinopathy (DR) development and progression and is the standard of care for type 1 diabetes. However, these glycemic goals are difficult to achieve and sustain in clinical practice. The Renin Angiotensin System Study (RASS) showed that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade can slow DR progression. In the current study, we evaluate whether glycemic control influenced the benefit of RAS blockade on DR progression in type 1 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used RASS data to analyze the relationships between two-steps or more DR progression and baseline glycemic levels in 223 normotensive, normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients randomized to receive 5 years of enalapril or losartan compared with placebo.

RESULTS

A total of 147 of 223 patients (65.9%) had DR at baseline (47 of 74 patients [63.5%] in placebo and 100 of 149 patients [67.1%] in the combined treatment groups [P = 0.67]). Patients with two-steps or more DR progression had higher baseline A1C than those without progression (9.4 vs. 8.2%, P < 0.001). There was no beneficial effect of RAS blockade (P = 0.92) in patients with baseline A1C ≤7.5%. In contrast, 30 of 112 (27%) patients on the active treatment arms with A1C >7.5% had two-steps or more DR progression compared with 26 of 56 patients (46%) in the placebo group (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

RAS blockade reduces DR progression in normotensive, normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients with A1C >7.5%. Whether this therapy could benefit patients with A1C ≤7.5% will require long-term studies of much larger cohorts.
Towards an Articulation-Based Developmental Robotics Approach for Word Processing in Face-to-Face Communication
Authors: Kröger Bernd J. , Birkholz Peter , Neuschaefer-Rube Christiane
Published: June 2011

While we are capable of modeling the shape, e.g. face, arms, etc. of humanoid robots in a nearly natural or human-like way, it is much more difficult to generate human-like facial or body movements and human-like behavior like e.g. speaking and co-speech gesturing. In this paper it will be argued for a developmental robotics approach for learning to speak. On the basis of current literature a blueprint of a brain model will be outlined for this kind of robots and preliminary scenarios for knowledge acquisition will be described. Furthermore it will be illustrated that natural speech acquisition mainly results from learning during face-to-face communication and it will be argued that learning to speak should be based on human-robot face-to-face communication. Here the human acts like a caretaker or teacher and the robot acts like a speech-acquiring toddler. This is a fruitful basic scenario not only for learning to speak, but also for learning to communicate in general, including to produce co-verbal manual gestures and to produce co-verbal facial expressions.
Education of Veterinary Medical and Other Public Health Providers: Linking Interventions with Health Outcomes
Authors: Fechter-Leggett Ethan D. , Like Betsy , Vigneau Diane L. , Jarvin Linda , Lindenmayer Joann M.
Published: June 2011

A systematic literature review was performed to summarize the nature, implementation, outcomes, and long-term impacts of previously instituted interventions and programs aimed at educating veterinary public health providers. A logic model was developed to direct the literature search strategy, provide a framework for evaluating the relationship between veterinary public health professional education and their associated population health outcomes, and guide future training development and recommendations for the education of veterinary health professionals. Our literature review indicates that there is a relative lack of published literature that connects veterinary public health educational interventions to population health outcomes. Reasons for the lack of evidence to connect educational programs and population health outcomes include the evaluation of outcomes on a short-term rather than intermediate- or long-term basis, a lack of experimental studies, and infrequent grounding in population health or educational theory. Future intervention recommendations as suggested in the reviewed articles are also summarized.
The Italian Veterinary Medicine Admission Test: Analysis of Student Intake in the Years 2007, 2008, and 2009, and of the Test's Relationship with Students' Academic Careers
Authors: Mannella Riccardo
Published: June 2011

The present paper analyzes the admission test administered to candidates to the veterinary medicine program in Italy for the academic years 2007–2008, 2008–2009, and 2009–2010 nationwide as well as the University of Pisa student intake from 2001–2002 through 2009–2010, comparing the relationship between the admission test and students' academic careers at Pisa. This paper finds that the Italian system of a locally enforced fixed intake number does not select the best possible candidates for admission because (1) there are significant variations in the candidates' preparation among the different locations where the test is held, (2) the subjects tested are not equally selective in identifying the best candidates, and (3) there is a very strong relationship between candidates' performance on the admission test and the subsequent academic career of the admitted candidates. In its findings, this study in part contradicts what is commonly believed by the Italian veterinary medicine community, and, as a result, it is extremely important that care is taken in the decision-making process—in the process, that is, of identifying a fixed intake number and of selecting the subjects to be tested on the admission test.
Influence of Pressure on Volume, Temperature and Crystallization of Thermoplastics during Polymer Processing
Authors: Rudolph N. M. , Osswald T. A. , Ehrenstein G. W.
Published: June 2011

The main shrinkage and dimensional stability impact factors are processing temperature and pressure. For that reason, the pvT-behaviour is often used to estimate plastic part shrinkage. As there are still differences between predicted and actual part dimensions, a closer look was taken at these influencing factors. During processing, temperature changes occur due to heat conduction to the mold walls, and the pressure varies in the filling stage and holding time along the flow path. However, these pressure gradients are typically not taken into account in plastics processing. Hence, the influence of pressure was examined in detail and further investigations on pvT-behavior of polymers were performed.

For that purpose, fundamental examinations of the behavior of amorphous thermoplastics during cooling and compression were made. These include analysis in the different phases and at different compression speeds as well as variation of the pressure-temperature-cycles and their succession. It was found that the specific volume is not defined by one value of p and T, but is dependent on the pathway of the process. That applies for both thermal expansion and compressibility. The adiabatic compression heating was also examined and a numeric solution was found to easily adapt the pvT-results on the base of compressibility measurements. These findings are discussed by means of the free volume theory. Additionally, a choice of these investigations was performed with semi-crystalline thermoplastics. It was found, that compression heating is even more important for these polymers because it can superpose crystallization heating at appropriate parameters. Furthermore, it can be seen that the density, morphology and lamellae thickness is influenced by pressure. In the outlook of this paper, the impact of these results on the injection molding process is discussed in detail.
Replication Properties and Structure of PC in Micromolding with Heat Insulator Mold Using Zirconia Ceramic
Authors: Kayano Y. , Zouta K. , Takahagi S. , Ito H.
Published: June 2011

Micromolding with microscale surface features and thin-wall plates of polycarbonate polymer was performed with heat insulator molds using zirconia ceramic. Effects of process parameters on processability and surface replication of the molded optical parts such as anti-reflective plates were evaluated. Calculation results show the interfacial layer of molded parts with a heat insulator mold shows 20 K higher than a conventional mold. The state of replication and higher-order structure of molded parts were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and a polarizing optical microscope. Using a heat insulator mold, the flow length is increased, and the state of surface replication of molded parts is better. Due to the better surface replication, plates using the insulator mold show higher light transmission due to the less light reflection at the surface of plates. The molecular orientation of molded parts decreased using this mold, as it did in molding conditions of higher mold temperatures and injection temperatures.
Evaluation of Computed Tomography Data from Fibre Reinforced Polymers to Determine Fibre Length Distribution
Authors: Salaberger D. , Kannappan K. A. , Kastner J. , Reussner J. , Auinger T.
Published: June 2011

Sub-μm computed tomography (sub-μm-CT) was used to determine the fibre orientation and fibre length distribution in long glass fibre filled polypropylene. For data evaluation two different concepts based on the application of a sequence of different filters were applied. The first concept is based on segmentation by binarisation using a global threshold, followed by a detailed analysis of regions where fibres are touching. The second concept is based on analysis of the original gray value image. For each voxel the local fibre orientation is determined by calculating the Hessian Matrix and analysing its Eigen values.

The effectivity of the two data analysis concepts in determining orientation and length was investigated. For this purpose the algorithms were applied to specimens with four different levels of fibre content: 1, 5, 10 and 30% by weight. To quantify the level of error in fibre determination, a minimum and average probability for correct fibre determination were estimated.

The results show a strong dependence of the level of error on the fibre content. Whilst the determination of fibre orientation is not significantly affected, determination of fibre length distribution is significantly influenced by fibre content. For samples with fibre content above 5%, concept 1 does not produce correct representations of all fibres. In particular, problems arise if the fibres are touching. Concept 2 delivers much better results and represents most of the fibres correctly even at higher fibre content levels and for touching fibres. This was proven by using artificial CT-data sets generated by CT-simulation and by systematic comparisons. A practical application of the CT-evaluation pipeline is presented for glass fibre reinforced rings produced by injection-moulding and extrusion. For both samples the orientation tensors are calculated and the orientations of the fibres are visualized in three dimensions by colour coding.
Biodegradable Metals for Cardiovascular Stent Application: Interests and New Opportunities
Authors: Moravej Maryam , Mantovani Diego
Published: June 2011

During the last decade, biodegradable metallic stents have been developed and investigated as alternatives for the currently-used permanent cardiovascular stents. Degradable metallic materials could potentially replace corrosion-resistant metals currently used for stent application as it has been shown that the role of stenting is temporary and limited to a period of 6–12 months after implantation during which arterial remodeling and healing occur. Although corrosion is generally considered as a failure in metallurgy, the corrodibility of certain metals can be an advantage for their application as degradable implants. The candidate materials for such application should have mechanical properties ideally close to those of 316L stainless steel which is the gold standard material for stent application in order to provide mechanical support to diseased arteries. Non-toxicity of the metal itself and its degradation products is another requirement as the material is absorbed by blood and cells. Based on the mentioned requirements, iron-based and magnesium-based alloys have been the investigated candidates for biodegradable stents. This article reviews the recent developments in the design and evaluation of metallic materials for biodegradable stents. It also introduces the new metallurgical processes which could be applied for the production of metallic biodegradable stents and their effect on the properties of the produced metals.