bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atividade antioxidante in vitro e in vivo de café bebida mole
Authors: Abrahão Sheila Andrade , Pereira Rosemary Gualberto Fonseca Alvarenga , Sousa Raimundo Vicente de , Lima Adriene Ribeiro
Published: October 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a atividade antioxidante do café, bebida mole, in vivo e in vitro, antes e após a torração. Para a análise da atividade antioxidante in vitro, foram utilizados os métodos de sequestro de radicais livres (DPPH) e de atividade quelante de íons Fe2+. Foram utilizados, para o ensaio in vivo, ratos Zucker diabéticos, portadores de síndrome metabólica, e ratos Zucker controle. Os animais receberam doses diárias das bebidas de café, por gavagem, por 30 dias. Após o tratamento, foi realizada a avaliação de peroxidação lipídica. As amostras torradas apresentaram a maior percentagem de sequestro de radicais livres. As concentrações nas amostras de café verde e torrado foram similares às do padrão Trolox. Das amostras torradas, a torração média se destacou com maior atividade quelante de íons Fe2+. Os cafés verdes mostraram maior poder quelante do que os torrados. Compostos presentes no extrato diminuíram a lipoperoxidação hepática e renal que é comum em casos de diabetes e síndrome metabólica. O café apresenta atividade antioxidante e protege o fígado e os rins dos animais contra a lipoperoxidação comumente presente em quadros de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e síndrome metabólica.
Concentração do ciclo de produção de pinhão-manso por meio de podas de formação ou de produção
Authors: Silva Vânia Aparecida , Morais Danielle de Lourdes Batista , Kakida Jorge , Ferreira Ester Alice , Silva Vanisse de Fátima
Published: October 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a possibilidade de concentração do ciclo de produção de pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas), por meio do emprego de diferentes podas de formação e de produção. Realizou-se um experimento para cada tipo de poda, no semiárido de Minas Gerais, com cinco tratamentos cada um. Os tratamentos estiveram relacionados a alturas de poda no ramo principal e à poda ou desbrota nos ramos secundários. Com a poda de formação, foi possível reduzir o período de colheita de 120 para 48 dias, mas com prejuízo significativo para a produtividade no primeiro ciclo. A poda de produção pode concentrar a colheita a 90 dias e, em alguns casos, aumentar a produtividade das plantas.
A multi-objective optimisation model for sewer rehabilitation considering critical risk of failure
Authors: Ward Ben , Savić Dragan A.
Published: October 2012

A unique methodology for the optimal specification of sewer rehabilitation investment is presented in this paper. By accounting for the critical risk of asset failure, this methodology builds on previously successful work which explored the application of multi-objective optimisation tools to assist engineers with the specification of optimal rehabilitation strategies. The conventional sewerage rehabilitation specification process relies on the expertise of professional engineers to manually evaluate CCTV inspection information when determining the nature and extent of the rehabilitation solution. This process is not only tedious and subjective but it has no quantifiable means of identifying optimal solutions or possible combinations of optimal solutions in the delivery of catchment wide rehabilitation programmes. Therefore, the purely manual process of sewer rehabilitation design leaves a number of unanswered questions, such as: (1) Does the solution offer the greatest structural benefit to the network? (2) Is the solution the most cost-effective solution available? (3) Does the solution most greatly reduce the risk of critical asset failure? The application of a multi-objective genetic algorithm optimisation model, coupled with an enhanced critical risk methodology, has successfully answered these questions when applied to a case study data set provided by South West Water (UK).
Long-term hydrolytic capacity evaluation of a thermophilic anaerobic digester treating sewage sludge
Authors: Donoso-Bravo Andres , Pérez-Elvira Sara , Wouwer Alain Vande , Fdz-Polanco Fernando
Published: October 2012

This study presents an evaluation of the hydrolytic activity of a continuous thermophilic anaerobic reactor in long-term operation. The hydrolytic coefficient was estimated by fitting a three-reaction model of the anaerobic digestion process with experimental data obtained from a pilot thermophilic digester operated for about 2 years. The model fitting and the cross-validation indicate that this model can represent the behavior of the system in a proper way; moreover, the results show a variation of the hydrolytic capacity of the system throughout the evaluation period. The increase in the hydrolytic coefficient is in agreement with the increase in the organic load applied to the reactor, which shows the capacity of the continuous reactor to select populations according to the input conditions of the system.
CFD analysis of sludge accumulation and hydraulic performance of a waste stabilization pond
Authors: Alvarado Andres , Sanchez Esteban , Durazno Galo , Vesvikar Mehul , Nopens Ingmar
Published: October 2012

Sludge management in waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) is essential for safeguarding the system performance. Sludge accumulation patterns in WSPs are strongly influenced by the pond hydrodynamics. CFD modeling was applied to study the relation between velocity profiles and sludge deposition during 10 years of operation of the Ucubamba WSP in Cuenca (Ecuador). One tracer experiment was performed and three sludge accumulation scenarios based on bathymetric surveys were simulated. A residence time distribution (RTD) analysis illustrated the decrease of residence times due to sludge deposition. Sludge accumulation rates were calculated. The influence of flow pattern on the sludge deposition was studied, enabling better planning of future pond operation and desludging.
Pretreatment methods for aquatic plant biomass as carbon sources for potential use in treating eutrophic water in subsurface-flow constructed wetlands
Authors: Huang Xiang-Feng , Liu Xin , Shang Jia-Jia , Feng Yi , Liu Jia , Lu Li-Jun
Published: October 2012

Plant biomass is usually added to constructed wetlands (CW) to enhance denitrification. In this study, we investigated effects of different pretreatments on two common external plant carbon sources, cattail and reed litter. We determined the average ratio of chemical oxygen demand (COD) to total nitrogen (TN), designated as C/N, in water samples after addition of litter subjected to various pretreatments. The C/N in the water samples ranged from 4.8 to 6.4 after addition of NaOH-pretreated cattail litter, which was four to six times greater than that of water from the Yapu River and 3.84–39.15% higher than that of systems that received untreated cattail litter. The C/N of systems that received H2SO4-pretreated carbon sources varied from 1.7 to 3.6. These two methods resulted in TN and total phosphorus (TP) levels lower than those in river water. The C/N was 1.4–1.7 after addition of CH3COOH-pretreated reed litter, which was 34.87–53.83% higher than that of river water. The C/N was 2.5 in systems that received mild alkali/oxidation-pretreated reeds, which was 30.59% higher than that of systems that received non-pretreated reeds. The residue rates of cattail and reed litter subjected to various pretreatments were greater than 60%. Our results showed that NaOH, H2SO4, and mild alkali/oxidation pretreatments were useful to rapidly improve the C/N of river water and enhance denitrification.
Fundamental characteristics study of anion-exchange PVDF–SiO2 membranes
Authors: Zuo Xingtao , Shi Wenxin , Yu Shuili , He Jiajie
Published: October 2012

A new type of poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)–SiO2 hybrid anion-exchange membrane was prepared by blending method. The anion-exchange groups were introduced by the reaction of epoxy groups with trimethylamine (TMA). Contact angle between water and the membrane surface was measured to characterize the hydrophilicity change of the membrane surface. The effects of nano-sized SiO2 particles in the membrane-forming materials on the membrane mechanical properties and conductivity were also investigated. The experimental results indicated that PVDF–SiO2 anion-exchange membranes exhibited better water content, ion-exchange capacity, conductivity and mechanic properties, and so may find potential applications in alkaline membrane fuel cells and water treatment processes.
Role of Escherichia coli strain subgroups, integrons, and integron-associated gene cassettes in dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments of Jinan, China
Authors: Han Ning , Sheng Duohong , Xu Hai
Published: October 2012

Aquatic environments are known reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but little information is known about the role of Escherichia coli strain subgroups, integrons, and integron-associated gene cassettes in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. To address these knowledge gaps, the diversity and distribution of drug-resistant E. coli strains and their integrons in hospital wastewater (HWW) and XiaoQing River water (XQRW) in Jinan, China were compared. Phylogenetic assays showed that the isolates were distributed in every E. coli subgroup. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance in each E. coli subgroup from HWW was higher than in subgroups from XQRW, except for phylogenetic subgroup A0. Classes 1 and 2 integrons were found in 327 strains (78.2% of the total 418 isolates) with a prevalence of 85.6% among the 209 isolates from HWW. Among 15 gene cassette arrays, dfrA17–aadA5 and dfrA12–orfF–aadA2 were the most prevalent. The prevalence of drug-resistance gene cassettes and diversity of arrays further proved that integrons were important contributors to the widespread occurrence of antibiotic resistance in E. coli among Jinan aquatic environments.
Bioremediation of acid mine drainage coupled with domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: Sánchez-Andrea Irene , Triana David , Sanz Jose L.
Published: October 2012

Acid mine drainage (AMD) – characterized by high acidity and elevated sulfate and metal concentrations – represents a big environmental concern. Biological sulfate reduction has become an alternative to the classical physicochemical methods. In this study, domestic wastewater (DW) was tested as a cost-effective carbon-source for the remediation of AMD. Sediments from Tinto River, an extreme acidic environment with an elevated concentration of metals, were used as inoculum. Three anaerobic bioreactors with different microbial supports were fed with a 1:10 (v:v) mixture of synthetic AMD:DW. Around 50% of the organic matter present in the DW co-precipitated with the metals from the AMD previous to feeding the reactor. Therefore, the reactors had to be supplemented with an extra carbon-source (acetate) to achieve higher S elimination. Elevated removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (>88%), sulfate (>75%), Fe (>85%) and other dissolved metals (>99% except for Mn) were achieved. Bacterial communities were examined through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and scanning electron microscopy. Higher biodiversity was found in the bioreactors compared with that of the inoculum. Dominant species belong to two metabolic groups: fermentative (Clostridium spp., Delftia spp., Paludibacter spp. and Pelotomaculum spp.) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfomonile spp., Desulfovibrio spp., Desulfosporosinus spp. and Desulfotomaculum spp.).
Biosorption of Pb(II) by Biomass of KC‐2: Kinetic, Equilibrium and Characteristic Studies
Authors: Oul Hong‐Xiang , Wang Qian , Xue Yong‐Lai , Pan Jian‐Ming , Du Dao‐Lin , Yan Yong‐Sheng
Published: October 2012

Performance and characteristics of biosorption of Pb(II) had been studied in a batch system using the fungal strain biomass, KC‐2. The biosorption performance was investigated by analysing the effects of such factors as the initial pH, initial Pb(II) concentration, and contact time at 303 K. The maximum Pb(II) adsorption was obtained at pH 5.0. The experimental data were described by the pseudo first‐order, pseudo second‐order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models, and were closely followed the pseudo second‐order kinetic model. The equilibrium experimental data were well fitted to Langmuir model and the maximum biosorption capacity was 84.03 mg g−1. The adsorption mechanism was examined by FTIR, SEM and EDAX analysis. Results indicated that carboxylic, hydroxyl and amine groups were involved in the biosorption and ion exchange mechanism existed.
The Removal of Reactive Black 5 from Aqueous Solutions by Cotton Seed Shell
Authors: Uçar Deniz , Armağan Bülent
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the removal of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) textile dye from aqueous solutions using cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seed shell (CSS) as low cost adsorbents. The data were described according to the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. Of these, the Langmuir model provided the best fit for the experimental data. The highest measured adsorption density was 12.19 mg/g at pH 2. An equilibrium adsorption rate of RB5 by CSS (qe = 11.879 mg/g) was observed at 30 minutes. In order to evaluate the adsorption kinetic mechanisms, pseudo first and second order rate kinetic models and an intraparticle diffusion model were applied, with the pseudo second order model providing an excellent fit for the data.
Clinical Presentation and Self-Reported Patterns of Pain and Function in Patients with Plantar Heel Pain
Authors: Klein Sandra E. , Dale Ann Marie , Hayes Marcie Harris , Johnson Jeffrey E. , McCormick Jeremy J. , Racette Brad A.
Published: October 2012

Background: Plantar heel pain is a common disorder of the foot. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between duration of symptoms in plantar fasciitis patients and demographic factors, the intensity and location of pain, extent of previous treatment, and self-reported pain and function. Methods: The charts of patients presenting with plantar heel pain between June 2008 and October 2010 were reviewed retrospectively and 182 patients with a primary diagnosis of plantar fasciitis were identified. Patients with symptoms less than 6 months were identified as acute and patients with symptoms greater than or equal to 6 months were defined as having chronic symptoms. Comparisons based on duration of symptoms were performed for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, pain location and intensity, and a functional score measured by the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Results: The two groups were similar in age, BMI, gender, and comorbidities. Pain severity, as measured by a visual analog scale, was not statistically significant between the two groups (6.6 and 6.2). The acute and chronic groups of patients reported similar levels of function on both the activity of daily living (62 and 65) and sports (47 and 45) subscales of the FAAM. Patients in the chronic group were more likely to have seen more providers and tried more treatment options for this condition. Conclusion: As plantar fasciitis symptoms extend beyond 6 months, patients do not experience increasing pain intensity or functional limitation. No specific risk factors have been identified to indicate a risk of developing chronic symptoms.

Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Study
Functional Outcomes after Ankle Arthrodesis in Elderly Patients
Authors: Strasser Nicholas L. , Turner Norman S.
Published: October 2012

Background: Ankle arthrodesis has been the gold standard operative treatment for ankle arthritis refractory to nonoperative treatment. Although multiple studies have evaluated the outcomes after ankle fusion, none has focused on outcomes in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of ankle fusion in patients over the age of 70. Methods: Thirty patients (30 ankles) over the age of 70 who underwent ankle fusion were identified. Average age at the time of surgery was 74.5 years (±3.7). The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) was obtained postoperatively in 22 of the 23 patients still living. Radiographs were followed until union with an average followup of 2.2 years. Results Union was achieved in 27 of 30 ankles (90%). Postoperative radiographs showed 11 (36.6%) patients had progression of subtalar arthritis. The average postoperative FAAM score was 81.5 (±18.3) with an average followup of 8.5 years (±1.7). Subjectively, when asked to compare present function with their prearthritic state, the average response was 75.1% (±19.6). The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 73.0 (±11.5). Complications included nonunion, deep infection, and adjacent joint arthritis. Conclusions: In this clinical cohort, ankle fusion was found to be effective in the treatment of ankle arthritis. Functional outcome was satisfactory and the rate of union was comparable with that previously reported in the literature for younger patients. Although total ankle arthroplasty is becoming increasingly popular, ankle arthrodesis is an effective surgical treatment option in an elderly patient population.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Partial Foot Amputation in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Brown Matthew L. , Tang Wan , Patel Amar , Baumhauer Judith F.
Published: October 2012

Background: Transtibial amputations (TTA) are performed for recalcitrant or infected ulcers of the midfoot, hindfoot, or ankle. This procedure results in decreased ambulatory status caused by increased oxygen demands and energy expenditure. Partial foot amputations have the advantage of being an end-bearing limb and require less work to walk, theoretically suggesting improved functional outcome. The purpose of this research was to examine the longevity, outcome, and mortality of partial foot amputations as an alternative to TTA. Methods: Retrospective chart review identified diabetic patients with transmetatarsal, Chopart's, and calcanectomy amputations for osteomyelitis or nonhealing ulcers. A control group consisted of diabetic patients who underwent TTA. A comparison between groups examined mortality, proximal ipsilateral reamputation, and a validated ambulatory functional outcome measure. Results: Eighteen TTA patients were enrolled. The 5-year mortality rate was 0.45, one patient required reamputation, and the mean postoperative ambulatory score was 2.8. Twenty-one transmetatarsal patients were enrolled. The 5-year mortality rate was 0.30, two patients required reamputation, and the mean postoperative ambulatory score was 4.3. Ten Chopart's amputation patients were enrolled. The 5-year mortality rate was 0.36, six patients required reamputation, and the mean postoperative ambulatory score was 4.3. Seventeen partial calcanectomy patients were enrolled. The 5-year mortality rate was 0.69, six patients required reamputation, and the mean postoperative ambulatory score was 4.3. Sixteen total calcanectomy patients were enrolled. The 5-year mortality rate was 0.59, five patients required reamputation, and the mean postoperative ambulatory score was 3.3. Conclusion: TTA is associated with high morbidity and mortality, which suggests that the advantage of partial foot amputations should be investigated. Only transmetatarsal amputations at 1 and 3 years were statistically lower for mortality than TTA. Partial foot amputations at the other levels failed to show statistically improved survivorship. Transmetatarsal and Chopart's amputations had high ambulatory levels and the longest durability, which suggests that these amputations may provide some ambulatory advantage.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III
Effect of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Reconstructions on Reliability of Classification of Calcaneal Fractures
Authors: Brunner Alexander , Heeren Nickolaus , Albrecht Frederic , Hahn Michael , Ulmar Benjamin , Babst Reto
Published: October 2012

Background: This study evaluated the impact of three-dimensional (3D) volume-rendering computed tomography (CT) reconstructions on the inter-and intraobserver reliability of six commonly used classification systems in the assessment of calcaneal fractures. Methods: Four independent observers with different levels of clinical training evaluated 64 fractures according to the classifications of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), Essex-Lopresti, Sanders, Crosby, Zwipp, and Regazzoni, using two-dimensional (2D) CT scans with multiplanar reconstructions and 3D volume-rendering reconstructions. Results: Interobserver reliability was moderate for the OTA, Essex-Lopresti, Sanders, Crosby, and Regazzoni classifications with 2D CT scans and 3D CT reconstructions. The Zwipp classification was poor with 2D CT scans and improved to moderate with 3D reconstructions. Intraobserver reliability with 2D CT scans was good for the Essex-Lopresti classification and moderate for the OTA, Sanders, Crosby, Zwipp, and Regazzoni classifications. After the addition of 3D reconstructions, all classifications showed moderate intraobserver reliability. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the additional use of 3D reconstructions is of minor value when used in conjunction with the classifications of the OTA, Sanders, Crosby, Regazzoni, and Essex-Lopresti. If calcaneal fractures are assessed with the Zwipp classification, 3D reconstructions could be used to achieve comparable reproducibility compared to other classifications. Clinical Relevance: 3D reconstructions may have other benefits not evaluated in the presented study and may give useful information not captured by current classification systems.
Vascularized Pedicle Bone Grafting for Nonunions of the Tarsal Navicular
Authors: Fishman Felicity G. , Adams Samuel B. , Easley Mark E. , Nunley James A.
Published: October 2012

Background: Osteonecrosis and nonunions of the tarsal navicular remain a challenging clinical problem. This article presents a series of patients treated with local vascularized pedicle bone grafting to the navicular. The purpose of this study was to determine the early clinical and radiographic outcomes of this technique. Methods: Patients who underwent local vascularized pedicle bone grafting for osteonecrosis of the navicular from 2002 to 2007 were included in this study. The Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), the Revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) outcomes questionnaires were administered at most recent followup. Postoperative imaging was reviewed for evidence of healing. Eight patients with a mean age of 47.5 (range, 18 to 68) years were included in this study. The mean followup time was 61 (range, 32 to 72) months. Results: Two patients underwent concomitant talonavicular arthrodesis. Two patients underwent additional procedures to address continued nonunion of the navicular. Neither patient elected to complete the outcomes questionnaires. The mean postoperative FFI score was 35.2 (range, 16.6 to 59). SF-36 subscales were as follows: bodily pain, 53; general health, 55; mental health, 75; physical function, 56; role emotional, 61; role physical, 37.5; social function, 71; and vitality, 56. The mean postoperative AOS pain score was 27.9 (range, 0 to 46.2) and the average disability score was 31.4 (range, 0 to 78.2). Postoperative imaging revealed consolidation and full healing in six of eight patients. Conclusion: Vascularized pedicle bone grafting is a treatment option for patients with chronic nonunion or osteonecrosis of the navicular. Additionally, it may serve as an adjunct procedure to provide increased vascularity to talonavicular arthrodesis in cases of navicular osteonecrosis and talonavicular arthritis.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Comparative Performance of Ankle Arthroscopy with and without Traction
Authors: Lozano-Calderón Santiago A. , Samocha Yigal , McWilliam James
Published: October 2012

Background: Ankle arthroscopy has evolved as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Traditionally, it is performed with traction because of the tight ankle joint space. Original traction techniques were invasive but have progressed to the commonly used noninvasive modalities. Recent reports have suggested traction may be unnecessary. The purpose of this study was to compare prospectively ankle arthroscopy with and without traction in terms of ease of visualization of anatomic structures according to the Ferkel's ankle arthroscopy criteria. Methods: Under Institutional Review Board approval, 103 patients received ankle arthroscopies, first with noninvasive traction and subsequently without traction. An independent observer scored each arthroscopy based on the 21-point Ferkel's criteria. For each structure adequately visualized, one point was given. Inadequate visualization was defined as excessive force or as visible cartilage scuffing. The maximum possible score was 21 points and the lowest was zero. Fifty-five females and 48 males, average age 35 (range, 16 to 71) years, participated in the study. Results: Noninvasive traction facilitated visualization of all structures of the anterior ankle in more than 90% of cases except for the anterior compartment and lateral gutters, which were better visualized without traction with the ankle in dorsiflexion. No difference was seen when visualizing the talus. Traction arthroscopy performed better when evaluating the central and posterior ankle. The mean score difference was statistically significant, 11.2 versus 18.5 points, favoring noninvasive traction arthroscopy. The complication rate was 4%. Conclusion: Noninvasive traction facilitated complete ankle arthroscopy. Dorsiflexion improved visualization of the anterior compartment and lateral ankle gutter. The authors recommend noninvasive traction when performing ankle arthroscopy.

Level of Evidence: II, Diagnostic, Prospective Study
Gastrocnemius Proximal Release with Minimal Incision: A Modified Technique
Authors: De los Santos-Real Raul , Morales-Muñoz Patricia , Payo Jorge , Escalera-Alonso Javier
Published: October 2012

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Effect of Heating on the Mechanical Properties of Insole Materials
Authors: Brodsky James W. , Brajtbord Jonathan , Coleman Scott C. , Raut Sourendra , Polo Fabian E.
Published: October 2012

Background: The most common method of customizing shoe insoles to the shape and surface of the foot is to heat and then mold the materials. The effect of heating on the mechanical properties of these materials is unknown. Methods: The properties of individual and common combinations of insole materials were tested before and after heating. Individual materials tested were soft Plastazote (SP), medium Plastazote (MP), Puff (F), and Nickelplast (N); combinations of materials that were tested were SP + F and MP + F, each with and without Poron (P). Three samples of each were tested five times. Materials were heated and then compressed with an MTS servohydraulic device. Load transmission and percent compression at maximal load were measured on single materials and their combinations. Stress–strain curves were measured. Results: Compared to unheated material, the heated material transmitted higher forces. After heating, the combinations transmitted maximal load at a lower percentage of compression (i.e., became stiffer). Heating also changed the stress–strain curves of the three-material combinations, causing them to transmit maximal pressure at a lower strain. Conclusion: Heating insole materials changed their mechanical properties. The materials became stiffer and less effective in the attenuation of applied forces. Clinical Relevance: The common practice of heating insole materials to improve their contact with the foot reduced the pressure-reducing properties of the materials, which may decrease their clinical effectiveness.
Registration of Wheat Lines Carrying the Partial Stripe Rust Resistance Gene Yr36 without the Gpc‐B1 Allele for High Grain Protein Content
Authors: Hale I. , Zhang X. , Fu D. , Dubcovsky J.
Published: October 2012

While the high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance gene Yr36 represents a promising source of quantitative and potentially race‐nonspecific resistance to wheat stripe rust (causal organism Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici), its tight linkage (0.3 cM) with the high grain protein content (GPC) gene Gpc‐B1 may hinder its introgression in certain cases, such as in soft wheat varieties requiring low GPC or in lines where the Gpc‐B1 allele may be associated with a yield penalty. The development and registration of two donor lines, one tetraploid (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum; Reg. No. GP‐945, PI 656793) and one hexaploid (T. aestivum L. ssp. aestivum; Reg. No. GP‐946, PI 664549), each carrying the resistant wild emmer (T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides) allele for Yr36 linked with the nonfunctional Gpc‐B1 allele, are intended to overcome this potential limitation. Meiotic recombination events breaking the linkage between these two genes were discovered during the systematic screening of a population of 4500 F2 durum plants (‘Langdon’ background) used to fine map Yr36. One of the critical recombination events was selected for fixation by self‐pollination and transferred to a California‐adapted spring hexaploid background (breeding line UC11105+10) through five generations of backcrossing. Genotypic and phenotypic data confirm the presence of Yr36 and the nonfunctional Gpc‐B1 allele in both registered lines.
The Military Careers and Second Careers of Israel's Military Elite
Authors: Barak Oren , Tsur Eyal
Published: October 2012

This article discusses the military careers and second careers of members of Israel's military elite from the establishment of the State of Israel and its military — the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) — until the present. This is done by analyzing an original database that
includes details on all 213 officers who were promoted to the two highest ranks in the IDF — major general (Aluf) and lieutenant general (Rav Aluf) — and who served in its general staff since 1948. After presenting a description of the officers' military careers and
second careers throughout this period, we discuss the interplay between the particular characteristics of Israel's military elite, on one hand, and Israel's pattern of civil-security relations and process of state formation, on the other hand.
THE RELATIVE EFFICIENCY OF EDUCATION AND R&D EXPENDITURES IN THE NEW EU MEMBER STATES
Authors: Aristovnik Aleksander
Published: October 2012

The paper attempts to measure relative efficiency in utilizing public education and R&D expenditures in the new EU member states in comparison to the selected EU (plus Croatia) and OECD countries. As resources allocated to education and R&D sector are significantly limited, a special emphasis should be given to their efficient use regarding the institutional and legal constraints. By applying non-parametric methodology, i.e. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a relative efficiency is defined as the deviation from the efficiency frontier which represents the maximum output/outcome attainable from each input level. An analysis of (output-oriented) efficiency measures shows that among the new EU member states Hungary, Estonia and Slovenia seem to be good benchmark countries in the field of primary, secondary and tertiary education, respectively. On the other hand, Cyprus and again Hungary dominate in the field of R&D sector, even if for different reasons. The empirical results also suggest that, in general, new EU member states show relatively high efficiency in tertiary education, while lag well behind in the R&D efficiency measures.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF COMPETITIVE-STRATEGY SELECTION WITH AN ANALYTICAL NETWORK PROCESS
Authors: Lee Yun-Huei , Lee Yun-Huan
Published: October 2012

The present study explores efforts to identify the most appropriate competitive strategy relative to multinational biotech pharmaceutical enterprises’ strategy selection. The research uses the analytic network process (ANP) technique combining both qualitative and quantitative information to construct a hierarchical model involving interactions among various criteria for competitive-strategy selection. The most important finding shows that the most suitable competitive strategy for multinational enterprises (MNEs) is differentiation strategy. The weighted calculations reveal important criteria: an external environment analysis reveals that the three most important criteria affecting FDI competitive strategy are population size, per capita income, and healthcare and medical insurance systems; a core competency analysis reveals that the three most important criteria affecting competitive-strategy selection of FDI to China are capability in collaborating with local partners, possession of high-quality research personnel with R&D capability, and possession of a strong brand.
PROCESSED STRAW AS EFFECTIVE THERMAL INSULATION FOR BUILDING ENVELOPE CONSTRUCTIONS
Authors: Vėjelienė Jolanta
Published: October 2012

The efficiency of thermal insulation materials obtained from renewable resources depends on the possibilities of reducing thermal transfer via solid and gaseous conduction, thermal radiation and, in some cases, convection. The heat transfer mechanism for thermal insulation materials mostly depends on the structure and density of the material used. Efficient thermal insulation materials consist of a gaseous phase and a solid skeleton. Gas content in such materials can take more than 99% of material by volume. In this case, thermal transfer via solid conductivity is negligible. The current work analyses the possibilities of reducing heat transfer in the straw of a varying structure. For conducting experiments, barley straw was used. To evaluate the impact of straw stalk orientation in a specimen on thermal conductivity, strongly horizontally and vertically oriented specimens of straw stalks were prepared. To reduce heat transfer via gaseous conduction and convection in large cavities in straw stalks and between stalks, barley straw were chopped and defibered. In order to decrease heat transfer via radiation after thermal conductivity measurements, mechanically processed straw were coated with infrared absorbers. Due to thermal conductivity measurements of chopped and defibered straw, an optimal amount of infrared absorbers were determined.
Small β2-Glycoprotein I Peptides Protect from Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Pope Michael R. , Bukovnik Urska , Tomich John M. , Fleming Sherry D.
Published: October 2012

Intestinal ischemic events, which are followed by reperfusion, induce significant tissue damage and frequently result in multiple organ failure, with >70% mortality. Upon reperfusion, excessive inflammation leads to exacerbated tissue damage. Previous studies indicated that binding of the serum protein, β2-glycoprotein I, to the endothelium initiates a cascade of inflammatory molecules that is required for damage. We hypothesized that peptides derived from the binding domain (domain V) of β2-glycoprotein I would attenuate ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage and inflammation in a therapeutic manner. Using a mouse model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion, we administered peptides either prior to ischemia or at clinically relevant time points during reperfusion and evaluated intestinal tissue damage and inflammation after 2 h of reperfusion. We demonstrate that multiple peptides attenuate injury and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner and, perhaps more significantly, are efficacious when administered up to 30 min after the onset of reperfusion. In addition, an all D-amino acid retro-inverso peptide was biologically active. Thus, the β2-glycoprotein I-derived peptides attenuate injury and inflammation when administered in a therapeutic manner in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Tumor-Infiltrating γδ T Lymphocytes Predict Clinical Outcome in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Ma Chunling , Zhang Qunyuan , Ye Jian , Wang Fang , Zhang Yanping , Wevers Eric , Schwartz Theresa , Hunborg Pamela , Varvares Mark A. , Hoft Daniel F. , Hsueh Eddy C. , Peng Guangyong
Published: October 2012

Understanding and dissecting the role of different subsets of regulatory tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the immunopathogenesis of individual cancer is a challenge for anti-tumor immunotherapy. High levels of γδ regulatory T cells have been discovered in breast TILs. However, the clinical relevance of these intratumoral γδ T cells is unknown. In this study, γδ T cell populations were analyzed by performing immunohistochemical staining in primary breast cancer tissues from patients with different stages of cancer progression. Retrospective multivariate analyses of the correlations between γδ T cell levels and other prognostic factors and clinical outcomes were completed. We found that γδ T cell infiltration and accumulation in breast tumor sites was a general feature in breast cancer patients. Intratumoral γδ T cell numbers were positively correlated with advanced tumor stages, HER2 expression status, and high lymph node metastasis but inversely correlated with relapse-free survival and overall survival of breast cancer patients. Multivariate and univariate analyses of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells and other prognostic factors further suggested that intratumoral γδ T cells represented the most significant independent prognostic factor for assessing severity of breast cancer compared with the other known factors. Intratumoral γδ T cells were positively correlated with FOXP3+ cells and CD4+ T cells but negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells in breast cancer tissues. These findings suggest that intratumoral γδ T cells may serve as a valuable and independent prognostic biomarker, as well as a potential therapeutic target for human breast cancer.
’n Beoordeling van die Skrifberoep ten opsigte van die doodstraf
Authors: Saaiman De Wet
Published: October 2012

In die lig van die Christelike etiek is ’n beroep op die Skrif ’n sine qua non waar ’n standpunt in verband met ’n etiese vraagstuk ingeneem word. Met ’n beroep op die Skrif is die probleem ongelukkig nie sonder meer opgelos nie. Die verskillende vertolkings van die Skrif het tot gevolg dat etici met teenoorgestelde standpunte hul op dieselfde Skrifgedeeltes beroep. Dit is egter nie voldoende om slegs ’n goeie uiteensetting van vertrekpunte of selfs hermeneutiese reëls te gee nie. Die Christelike etikus moet ’n grondige kennis van die werklikheid hê – etiek word eenvoudig nie in ’n vakuum beoefen nie. In hierdie artikel is ’n beoordeling gedoen van die Skrifberoep ten opsigte van die doodstraf. In die artikel is aangetoon dat die Skrif ten spyte van goeie hermeneutiese vertrekpunte gemanipuleer kan word om die etikus se eie voorveronderstelling te weerspieël.An adjudication of the use of Scripture regarding capital punishment. The use (recall) of Scripture is, in light of Christian ethics, a sine qua non when a position with regard to an ethical problem is assumed. A simple interpretation of Scripture does not necessarily settle the problem. Different interpretations of Scripture result in a difference of opinions even when the same Scriptural texts are used. It is therefore simply not sufficient to note a fair explanation of departure points or hermeneutical principles. The Christian ethicist should have an intimate knowledge of reality – ethics is not practised in a vacuum. In this article an adjudication of the use or interpretation of Scripture in the light of capital punishment was conducted. In this article it was shown that Scripture is most often misused despite of fair hermeneutical principles only to reflect the ethicist own preconceived ideas.
Eutanasie as vrywillige keuse deur persone met demensie, met verwysing na die praktyk in Nederland – ’n voorlopige teologies-etiese beoordeling
Authors: Rheeder Adriaan L.
Published: October 2012

Vanaf die 1970s blyk dit dat eutanasie op aanvraag in Nederland toegepas word. In 2002 word die praktyk van eutanasie op versoek gewettig. Wanneer daar aan sekere sorgvuldigheidsvereistes voldoen word, word eutanasie as wettig beskou. Eutanasie op versoek word die meeste op terminale kankerpasiënte uitgevoer. Vanaf 2004 is die neiging om eutanasie op versoek van pasiënte met vroeë demensie uit te voer. Verskeie persone het ook ’n lewende testament opgestel waarin eutanasie versoek word indien demensie sou ontwikkel. Die doel van hierdie artikel is ’n voorlopige beoordeling van hierdie praktyk in die lig van die gereformeerde etiek. Uit die studie wil dit voorkom asof die praktyk van eutanasie aan pasiënte met demensie in die algemeen nie aanvaarbaar is nie. Hierdie artikel beredeneer voorlopig dat die Skrif nie vreemd staan teenoor die moontlikheid van ’n uitsondering onder bepaalde omstandighede nie. Life to the bitter end: Euthanasia as voluntary choice by persons with dementia, with reference to the practice in the Netherlands – a preliminary theological-ethical evaluation. Euthanasia on request has been applied since the 1970s in the Netherlands. In 2002, the practice of euthanasia on request was legalised. When there is certainty that ‘rules of due care’ are satisfied, euthanasia is regarded as legal. Most euthanasia on request is executed on terminal cancer patients. From about 2004 the trend is found that euthanasia on request is performed to patients with early dementia. Several persons also have a living will in which euthanasia is requested if dementia develops. The purpose of this article is to preliminary judge this practice in the light of the reformed ethics. From this study it would appear that the practice of euthanasia to patients with dementia in general are not acceptable. This article argues provisionally that Scripture is not strange to the possibility of an exception under certain circumstances.
Carbon mineralization and oxygen dynamics in sediments with deep oxygen penetration, Lake Superior
Authors: Li Jiying , Crowe Sean A. , Miklesh David , Kistner Matthew , Canfield Donald E. , Katsev Sergei
Published: October 2012

To understand carbon and oxygen dynamics in sediments with deep oxygen penetration, we investigated eight locations (160–318‐m depth) throughout Lake Superior. Despite the 2–4 weight percent organic carbon content, oxygen penetrated into the sediment by 3.5 to > 12 cm at all locations. Such deep penetration is explained by low sedimentation rates (0.01–0.04 cm yr−1), high solubility of oxygen in freshwater, and a shallow (~ 2 cm) bioturbation zone. In response mainly to oxygen variations in the bottom waters, the sediment oxygen penetration varied seasonally by as much as several centimeters, suggesting that temporal variability in deeply oxygenated sediments may be greater than previously acknowledged. The oxygen uptake rates (4.4–7.7 mmol m−2 d−1, average 6.1 mmol m−2 d−1) and carbon mineralization efficiency (~ 90% of deposited carbon) were similar to those in marine hemipelagic and pelagic sediments of comparable sedimentation rates. The reactivity of organic carbon was found to decrease with age similarly to the power‐law documented in marine environments. The burial flux of carbon into the deep sediment (0.7 mmol m−2 d−1) was 2.5% of the previously estimated primary production. Maximum volume‐specific carbon degradation rates were 0.3–1.5 µmol cm−3 d−1; bioturbation coefficient near the sediment surface was 3–8 cm2 yr−1. These results indicate that carbon cycling in large freshwater systems conforms to many of the same trends as in marine systems.
Waves and high nutrient loads jointly decrease survival and separately affect morphological and biomechanical properties in the seagrass Zostera noltii
Authors: La Nafie Yayu A. , de los Santos Carmen B. , Brun Fernando G. , van Katwijk Marieke M. , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: October 2012

In an 8‐week aquarium experiment, we investigated the interactive effects of waves (present vs. absent) and water‐column nutrient level (high vs. low) on the survival, growth, morphology, and biomechanics of the seagrass, Zostera noltii. Survival was reduced when plants were exposed to both waves and high nutrient levels. Wave and nutrient interaction significantly reduced aboveground biomass and leaf lengths, whereas waves independently reduced growth rate, internode abundance, elongation, and appearance rates. Nutrient supply significantly reduced the strength of the leaves. Wave and nutrient interaction was the main driving force affecting survival and morphological properties of seagrass, whereas dynamical characteristics were independently affected by waves, and nutrient supply affected mainly biomechanical properties. In conclusion, this experiment revealed that the combination of exposure to waves and high nutrient levels was detrimental for Z. noltii, which indicates that this could be an important unexplored force involved in seagrass declines.
Species‐dependent effects of crustacean plankton on a microbial community, assessed using an enclosure experiment in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Chen Feizhou , Chen Meijun , Kong Fanxiang , Wu Xiaodong , Wu Qinglong L.
Published: October 2012

A mesocosm experiment was performed to evaluate the species‐dependent effects of crustacean plankton on the microbial community in Lake Taihu, a large shallow eutrophic lake in China. Four dominant species of crustacean plankton (Daphnia galeata, Bosmina longirostris, Neodiaptomus schmackeri, and Mesocyclops dissimilis) in Lake Taihu were selected as predators. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and cloning and sequencing of polymerase chain reaction–amplified ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene fragments were applied to analyze the microbial eukaryotic community composition (MECC) and bacterial community composition (BCC). The changes in the abundance of bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellates, ciliates, and phytoplankton were also measured. Crustacean plankton had a significant effect on phytoplankton biomass, the abundance of ciliates and bacteria, and the percentage of filamentous bacteria among total bacteria. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis showed that the MECC and BCC in the treatments involving the same species were generally more similar to each other than to those in treatments with other species on both days 7 and 15. The MECC were clustered into two distinct groups between the cladoceran and copepod treatments on days 7 and 15. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that alveolates, chlorophytes, and fungi were the most important groups in the microbial eukaryotic clone libraries. Crustacean plankton had a significant species‐dependent effect on the microbial eukaryotic community and might have both trophic and nontrophic effects on the bacterial community.