bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclodextrin‐based [2]pseudorotaxane formation studied by probe displacement assay
Authors: Quiroga Miguel , Pessêgo Marcia , Parajo Mercedes , Rodriguez‐Dafonte Pedro , Garcia‐Rio Luis 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn the present manuscript, we use a guest displacement assay as a methodological tool to study the [2]pseudorotaxane formation between a bolaform surfactant and α‐cyclodextrin. The displacement assay has several advantages in comparison with the most used NMR spectroscopy because its larger availability and mainly the possibility to study inclusion processes taking place in the millisecond time scale. Application to rotaxane formation between bolaform surfactants, B10 or B12, and α‐CD allows us to obtain the activation parameters for this reaction. Activation enthalpy for the dissociation step is larger, more positive, than for the inclusion one according to the [2]pseudorotaxane formation being an exothermic process. Activation entropy is negative reflecting the loss of movement freedom on going from reactants to the transition state with the dissociation step being more negative than the inclusion one. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local food-based complementary feeding recommendations developed by the linear programming approach to improve the intake of problem nutrients among 12–23-month-old Myanmar children
Authors: Hlaing Lwin Mar , Fahmida Umi , Htet Min Kyaw , Utomo Budi , Firmansyah Agus , Ferguson Elaine L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPoor feeding practices result in inadequate nutrient intakes in young children in developing countries. To improve practices, local food-based complementary feeding recommendations (CFR) are needed. This cross-sectional survey aimed to describe current food consumption patterns of 12–23-month-old Myanmar children (n106) from Ayeyarwady region in order to identify nutrient requirements that are difficult to achieve using local foods and to formulate affordable and realistic CFR to improve dietary adequacy. Weekly food consumption patterns were assessed using a 12-h weighed dietary record, single 24-h recall and a 5-d food record. Food costs were estimated by market surveys. CFR were formulated by linear programming analysis using WHO Optifood software and evaluated among mothers (n20) using trial of improved practices (TIP). Findings showed that Ca, Zn, niacin, folate and Fe were ‘problem nutrients’: nutrients that did not achieve 100 % recommended nutrient intake even when the diet was optimised. Chicken liver, anchovy and roselle leaves were locally available nutrient-dense foods that would fill these nutrient gaps. The final set of six CFR would ensure dietary adequacy for five of twelve nutrients at a minimal cost of 271 kyats/d (based on the exchange rate of 900 kyats/USD at the time of data collection: 3rd quarter of 2012), but inadequacies remained for niacin, folate, thiamin, Fe, Zn, Ca and vitamin B6. TIP showed that mothers believed liver and vegetables would cause worms and diarrhoea, but these beliefs could be overcome to successfully promote liver consumption. Therefore, an acceptable set of CFR were developed to improve the dietary practices of 12–23-month-old Myanmar children using locally available foods. Alternative interventions such as fortification, however, are still needed to ensure dietary adequacy of all nutrients.
Short-term effects of dietary advanced glycation end products in rats
Authors: Poulsen Malene W. , Andersen Jeanette M. , Hedegaard Rikke V. , Madsen Andreas N. , Krath Britta N. , Monošík Rastislav , Bak Monika J. , Nielsen John , Holst Birgitte , Skibsted Leif H. , Larsen Lesli H. , Dragsted Lars O. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) formed during heating of food have gained interest as potential nutritional toxins with adverse effects on inflammation and glucose metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the short-term effects of high and low molecular weight (HMW and LMW) dietary AGE on insulin sensitivity, expression of the receptor for AGE (RAGE), the AGE receptor 1 (AGER1) and TNF-α, F2-isoprostaglandins, body composition and food intake. For 2 weeks, thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 20 % milk powder with different proportions of this being given as heated milk powder (0, 40 or 100 %), either native (HMW) or hydrolysed (LMW). Gene expression of RAGE and AGER1 in whole blood increased in the group receiving a high AGE LMW diet, which also had the highest urinary excretion of the AGE, methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone 1 (MG-H1). Urinary excretion of Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine increased with increasing proportion of heat-treated milk powder in the HMW and LMW diets but was unrelated to gene expression. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity, F2-isoprostaglandins, food intake, water intake, body weight or body composition between the groups. In conclusion, RAGE and AGER1 expression can be influenced by a high AGE diet after only 2 weeks in proportion to MG-H1 excretion. No other short-term effects were observed.
Optimizing Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) as a biological control agent: mathematical models for predicting its development as a function of temperature
Authors: Martínez-García Héctor , Román-Fernández Luis R , Sáenz-Romo María G , Pérez-Moreno Ignacio , Marco-Mancebón Vicente S 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFor optimal application of Nesidiocoris tenuis as a biological control agent, adequate field management and programmed mass rearing are essential. Mathematical models are useful tools for predicting the temperature-dependent developmental rate of the predator. In this study, the linear model and nonlinear models Logan type III, Lactin and Brière were estimated at constant temperatures and validated at alternating temperatures and under field conditions. N. tenuis achieved complete development from egg to adult at constant temperatures between 15 and 35°C with high survivorship (>80%) in the range 18–32°C. The total developmental time decreased from a maximum at 15°C (76.74 d) to a minimum at 33°C (12.67 d) and after that, increased to 35°C (13.98 d). Linear and nonlinear developmental models all had high accuracy (Ra2 >0.86). The maximum developmental rate was obtained between 31.9°C (Logan type III and Brière model for N1) and 35.6°C (for the egg stage in the Brière model). Optimal survival and the highest developmental rate fell within the range 27–30°C. The field validation revealed that the Logan type III and Lactin models offered the best predictions (95.0 and 94.5%, respectively). The data obtained on developmental time and mortality at different temperatures are useful for mass rearing this predator, and the developmental models are valuable for using N. tenuis as a biological control agent.
MicroRNAs of the mesothorax in Qinlingacris elaeodes, an alpine grasshopper showing a wing polymorphism with unilateral wing form
Authors: Li R. , Jiang G.F. , Ren Q.P. , Wang Y.T. , Zhou X.M. , Zhou C.F. , Qin D.Z. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now recognized as key post-transcriptional regulators in regulation of phenotypic diversity. Qinlingacris elaeodes is a species of the alpine grasshopper, which is endemic to China. Adult individuals have three wing forms: wingless, unilateral-winged and short-winged. This is an ideal species to investigate the phenotypic plasticity, development and evolution of insect wings because of its case of unilateral wing form in both the sexes. We sequenced a small RNA library prepared from mesothoraxes of the adult grasshoppers using the Illumina deep sequencing technology. Approximately 12,792,458 raw reads were generated, of which the 854,580 high-quality reads were used only for miRNA identification. In this study, we identified 49 conserved miRNAs belonging to 41 families and 69 species-specific miRNAs. Moreover, seven miRNA*s were detected both for conserved miRNAs and species-specific miRNAs, which were supported by hairpin forming precursors based on polymerase chain reaction. This is the first description of miRNAs in alpine grasshoppers. The results provide a useful resource for further studies on molecular regulation and evolution of miRNAs in grasshoppers. These findings not only enrich the miRNAs for insects but also lay the groundwork for the study of post-transcriptional regulation of wing forms.
Screening of wild oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) germplasm for lipase activity
Authors: WONG Y. T. , KUSHAIRI A. , RAJANAIDU N. , OSMAN M. , WICKNESWARI R. , SAMBANTHAMURTHI R. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYPalm oil comprises mainly triacylglycerols (TAG) that account for about 0·95 of its composition. Lipolysis of TAG releases free fatty acids that are then oxidized, impairing oil quality. Lower endogenous lipase activity is therefore desirable for better quality oil. Identifying genotypes for this should allow production of oils with improved shelf-life. A novel non-radioactive cold-activation titration assay was used to assay for lipase activity in 49 randomly selected Elaeis guineensis palms using the novel method as well as the traditional radioactive method. The results confirmed significant correlation between the radioactive and novel non-radioactive methods. A total of 148 E. guineensis palms originating from Angola, Cameroon, Guinea Conarky, Nigeria, Senagal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zaire were then screened for lipase activity using the novel non-radioactive method. The analysis revealed genotypes with significantly different lipase activities, indicating that the activity is genotype-dependent. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated similarity in pattern between gene expression and lipase activity determined by the novel assay. Several low and high lipase genotypes were identified. The findings pave the way for selection and breeding for low lipase genotypes. They are also relevant to genetic marker development for oil quality. Evidence is presented for the presence of at least two different lipases that determine oil quality in the oil palm mesocarp.
Electromagnetic thin-wall model for simulations of plasma wall-touching kink and vertical modes
Authors: Zakharov Leonid E. , Atanasiu Calin V. , Lackner Karl , Hoelzl Matthias , Strumberger Erika 
Published: December 2015

The understanding of plasma disruptions in tokamaks and predictions of their effects require realistic simulations of electric current excitation in three-dimensional vessel structures by the plasma touching the walls. As discovered at JET in 1996 (Litunovski JET Internal Report contract no. JQ5/11961, 1995; Noll et al., Proceedings of the 19th Symposium on Fusion Technology, Lisbon (ed. C. Varandas & F. Serra), vol. 1, 1996, p. 751. Elsevier) the wall-touching kink modes are frequently excited during vertical displacement events and cause large sideways forces on the vacuum vessel which are difficult to withstand in large tokamaks. In disruptions, the sharing of electric current between the plasma and the wall plays an important role in plasma dynamics and determines the amplitude and localization of the sideways force (Riccardo et al., Nucl. Fusion, vol. 40, 2000, p. 1805; Riccardo & Walker, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion, vol. 42, 2000, p. 29; Zakharov, Phys. Plasmas, vol. 15, 2008, 062507; Riccardo et al., Nucl. Fusion, vol. 49, 2009, 055012; Bachmann et al., Fusion Engng Des., vol. 86, 2011, pp. 1915–1919). This paper describes a flat triangle representation of the electric circuits of a thin conducting wall of arbitrary three-dimensional geometry. Implemented into the shell simulation code (SHL) and the source sink current code (SSC), this model is suitable for modelling the electric currents excited in the wall inductively and through current sharing with the plasma.
Seco-limonoid derived from Raputia heptaphylla promotes the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: GRANADOS-FALLA DIANA , GOMEZ-GALINDO ANGELA , DAZA ALEJANDRO , ROBLEDO SARA , COY-BARRERA CARLOS , CUCA LUIS , DELGADO GABRIELA 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYThe rational search of novel bioactive molecules against pathogens with immunomodulatory activity is presently one of the most significant approaches to discover and design new therapeutic agents for effective control of infectious diseases, such as the infection caused by Leishmania parasites. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the recently characterized immunomodulatory compound 11α,19β-dihydroxy-7-acetoxy-7-deoxoichangin, a seco-limonoid derived from the bark of Raputia heptaphylla (Pittier) using: (1) peritoneal macrophages and (2) Mesocricetus auratus hamsters infected with Leishmania (V.) panamensis and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. We observed the ability of this seco-limonoid to induce the effective control of the parasite either in vitro [determining an effective concentration 50 (EC50) of 59 µm at the infection model] and in vivo (inducing clinical improvement or even cure in infected animals treated compared with the groups of animals treated with vehicle solution or meglumine antimoniate).
Effects of concurrent task demands on language planning in fluent children and adults
Authors: SASISEKARAN JAYANTHI , DONOHUE CARA 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to investigate how children and adults allocate cognitive resources to performing segmental encoding and monitoring in a dual-task paradigm and the response patterns of the primary and secondary tasks in the dual task. Participants were 20 children divided equally into two age groups (7–11 and 12–15 years) and 10 adults. The primary task required participants to monitor phonemic segments in a picture–written word interference paradigm while silently naming the pictures. The picture and distractor word were the same (replica), related (phoneme onset overlap), or unrelated. The secondary task required participants to make pitch judgments on tones presented at short (330 ms) or long (1130 ms) stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) from picture onset. Developmental differences were observed in both response times and percentage errors in the primary and secondary tasks. Slower responses to the primary task were evident at the long SOA, related condition. Slower response times to the tone decision task were evident at the short rather than the long SOA. The findings support the capacity sharing account of dual-task performance and suggest that dual-task costs during language planning are higher in children than in adults.
DISINVESTING FROM INEFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM CURRENT PROGRAMS
Authors: Mayer Julia , Nachtnebel Anna 
Published: December 2015

Objectives: Many of the currently used health technologies have never been systematically assessed or are misused, overused or superseded. Therefore, they may be ineffective. Active identification of ineffectiveness in health care is gaining importance to facilitate best care for patients and optimal use of limited resources. The present research analyzed processes and experiences of programs for identifying ineffective health technologies. The goal of this study was to elucidate factors that facilitate implementation.Methods: Based on an overview article, a systematic literature search and unsystematic hand-search were conducted. Further information was gained from international experts.Results: Seven programs were identified that include identification, prioritization and assessment of ineffective health technologies and dissemination of recommendations. The programs are quite similar regarding their goals, target groups and criteria for identification and prioritization. Outputs, mainly HTA reports or lists, are mostly disseminated by means of the internet. Top–down and bottom–up programs both have benefits in terms of implementation of recommendations, either as binding guidelines and decisions or as nonbinding information for physicians and other stakeholders. Crucial facilitators of implementation are political will, transparent processes and broad stakeholder involvement focusing on physicians.Conclusions: All programs can improve the quality of health care and enable cost reduction in supportive surrounding conditions. Physicians and patients must be continuously involved in the process of evaluating health technologies. Additionally, decision makers must support programs and translate recommendations into concrete actions.
Use of nesiritide in critically ill children with biventricular dysfunction suffering from oliguria despite standard heart-failure management
Authors: Das Bibhuti B. , Koch Joshua , Dimas Vivian , Guleserian Kristine , Nugent Alan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAlthough nesiritide has been used in adults with left heart failure, the experience in the paediatric population is limited. We reviewed and analysed our experience with continuous nesiritide infusion as adjunct therapy in children with biventricular dysfunction due to diverse aetiologies and suffering from oliguria despite intravenous diuretics and inotropic therapies for heart-failure management.
Impact of preceding crop on alfalfa competitiveness with weeds
Authors: Anderson Randy L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractOrganic producers would like to include no-till practices in their farming systems, but they are concerned about managing weeds without tillage. We are seeking to develop a continuous no-till system for organic farming, based on a complex rotation that includes a 3-yr sequence of alfalfa. In this study, we evaluated impact of preceding crop on weed infestation in alfalfa. Alfalfa was established with no-till following spring wheat, corn or soybean. The study involved a 4-yr interval, with weed dynamics measured in the fourth year. Alfalfa established after soybean suppressed weeds more than alfalfa established after spring wheat or corn. Weed biomass in alfalfa following spring wheat was 18% of the plant community, but only 1% when alfalfa followed soybean and 6% when alfalfa followed corn. Weed biomass increased because alfalfa density following spring wheat was only 71% of alfalfa following soybean. Weeds such as downy brome (Bromus tectorumL.) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinaleWeber) were able to establish and produce biomass where alfalfa stand was sparse. Alfalfa forage yield across 3 yr was also higher following soybean than either spring wheat or corn. Alfalfa competitiveness with weeds can be improved by choice of preceding crop.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and the promotion of international humanitarian law: Looking back, looking forward
Authors: Harroff-Tavel Marion 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn a globalizing world marked by geopolitical upheaval, unprecedented threats to human security, new forms of violence and technological revolutions, particularly in the area of information technology, it is no simple task to raise awareness of international humanitarian law (IHL) applicable to armed conflict and ensure that warring parties comply with this body of law. This article traces the history of the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) work in promoting IHL from 1864 to the present, juxtaposing this history with important events in international relations and with the organization's (sometimes traumatizing) experiences that ultimately gave rise to innovative programmes. The article summarizes lively debates that took place at the ICRC around such topics as the place of ethics in the promotion of IHL, respect for cultural diversity in the various methods used to promote this body of law, and how much attention should be devoted to youth – as well as the most effective way to do so. The author concludes by sharing her personal views on the best way to promote IHL in the future by drawing on the lessons of the past.
Spanish Adaptation of the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ)
Authors: Pegalajar Joaquín , Acosta Alberto , Castillo Miguel , Higueras Lorenzo , Padilla José-Luis 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ) was developed by Johnson, Foley, Suengas, and Raye (1988) to assess the characteristics of memories of external and internal origin, postulated in the source monitoring model (Johnson, Hashtroudi, & Lindsay, 1993). The MCQ was translated into Spanish using a back-translation method. Psychometric properties of the translated MCQ were tested using responses collected from an experimental study simulating a forensic context. Ten police officers and 8 psychologists individually interviewed 240 university students who completed the MCQ after reporting what they had seen in a film. Half of the participants were asked to tell the truth, while the other half were asked to lie. The results have shown adequate psychometric properties of the Spanish MCQ items for the total sample and across experimental conditions. Cronbach’s alpha value was .79 for the total sample, .78 for the honest condition, and .76 for the lie condition. Validity evidence of dimensionality supports that the factor structure of Spanish MCQ was equivalent to that proposed by the authors of the original version. Also, a two-factor ANOVA (video clip x condition) was performed to analyze experimental data. Neither interaction effects, F(236) = 1.189; p = .277, nor main effects were found to be significant between those asked to tell the truth and those asked to lie. These results demonstrate that the Spanish MCQ has adequate psychometric properties.
Linking climate change discourse with climate change policy in the Mekong: the case of Lao PDR.
Authors: Prosinger J. , Suhardiman D. , Giordano M. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Current discourse on climate change highlights the issue of uncertainty, risks and the importance of systems' resilience as a means to cope with impacts of climate change and climate variability. This chapter links the dominant approach of uncertainty as presented in the climate change discourse with policy discussions on climate adaptation strategies in the Lower Mekong Basin. Taking Lao PDR as our case study, we discuss how the idea of uncertainty can be perceived and interpreted differently by policy actors. While these different perceptions and interpretations might lead to multiple problem framings, they also reflect structural impediments and institutional barriers in the overall formulation process of climate change policy and adaptation strategies. The main message of the chapter is that understanding of these different notions of uncertainty is crucial to increase the actual significance of climate change policy. Policy and governance responses to climate change need to be formulated based on a more nuanced, sophisticated understanding of how various policy actors and stakeholders perceive and experience uncertainty.