bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Same-Sex Legal Marriage and Psychological Well-Being: Findings From the California Health Interview Survey
Authors: Wight Richard G. , LeBlanc Allen J. , Lee Badgett M. V. 
Published: December 2012

Objectives. We examined whether same-sex marriage was associated with nonspecific psychological distress among self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults, and whether it had the potential to offset mental health disparities between lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons and heterosexuals. Methods. Population-based data (weighted) were from the 2009 adult (aged 18–70 years) California Health Interview Survey. Within-group analysis of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons included 1166 individuals (weighted proportion = 3.15%); within-group heterosexual analysis included 35 608 individuals (weighted proportion = 96.58%); and pooled analysis of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons and heterosexuals included 36 774 individuals. Results. Same-sex married lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons were significantly less distressed than lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons not in a legally recognized relationship; married heterosexuals were significantly less distressed than nonmarried heterosexuals. In adjusted pairwise comparisons, married heterosexuals had the lowest psychological distress, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons who were not in legalized relationships had the highest psychological distress (P < .001). Psychological distress was not significantly distinguishable among same-sex married lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons, lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons in registered domestic partnerships, and heterosexuals. Conclusions. Being in a legally recognized same-sex relationship, marriage in particular, appeared to diminish mental health differentials between heterosexuals and lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons. Researchers must continue to examine potential health benefits of same-sex marriage, which is at least in part a public health issue.
Optimization of cultural conditions for the production of an extracellular protease by Pseudomonas species
Authors: Vasantha Soumya Thrivikraman , Subramanian Abhilash Thankappan 
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to identify new sources of protease and a protease producing bacteria was isolated from slaughter house soil and identified as Pseudomonas species. The protease production efficiency of the organism was measured with different environmental and nutritional parameters. Optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum protease production was carried out. The culture condition like temperature, pH, incubation time, carbon and nitrogen sources were optimized. The optimum condition found for protease production was 30°C at pH 7 in the medium for 48 hour. Carbon source casein and nitrogen source beef extract stimulated the production of protease. Protease production was higher with immobilized cells. Pseudomonas species can be used profitably for the large scale production of protease to meet the present day demand of the industrial sector.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i1.12870 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 2(1): 1-6
Simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol and hydrocortisone acetate in cream using TLC desitrometry method
Authors: Kristiningrum Nia , Rakhmawati Mia 
Published: December 2012

A rapid and reproducible TLC method was developed for the determination of hydrocortisone acetate and chloramphenicol in cream. The analytes were dissolved with methanol and chromatographed on silica Gel GF 254 TLC plate using chloroform:ethyl acetate in the ratio of 1:1.5 (v/v) as mobile phase. Spots at Rf 0.29 and Rf 0.59 were recognized as chloramphenicol and hydrocortisone acetate, respectively. Quantitative analysis was done through densitometric measurement at wavelength 265 nm. Method was found linear over the concentration range of 300-900 ng/spot with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 and 0.998 for hydrocortisone acetate and chloramphenicol, respectively. Specificity showed calculation of purity and identity more than 0.99. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method were 23.84 and 71.51 ng/spot for hydrocortisone acetate, 21.06 and 63.18 ng/spot for chloramphenicol. The precision of this method was less than 2.8% whereas the means of the recovery data were 100.40± 0.579% for hydrocortisone acetate and 100.24±1.20% for chloramphenicol. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of hydrocortisone acetate and chloramphenicol in commercial cream formulations and the recovery of label claim were 99.23±0.66% (chloramphenicol) and 99.25±0.41% (hydrocortisone acetate) for brand A and 100.32±0.87% (chloramphenicol) and 100.53±0.78% (hydrocortisone acetate) for brand B. The developed method was successfully used for the assay of hydrocortisone acetate and chloramphenicol. The method is simple, sensitive and precise; it can be used for the routine quality control testing of marketed formulations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i1.12871 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 2(1): 7-10
Revisiting the phylogeny of papilionoid legumes: New insights from comprehensively sampled early‐branching lineages
Authors: Cardoso Domingos , de Queiroz Luciano P. , Pennington R. Toby , de Lima Haroldo C. , Fonty Émile , Wojciechowski Martin F. , Lavin Matt 
Published: December 2012

• Premise of study: Phylogenetic relationships of the papilionoid legumes (Papilionoideae) reveal that the early branches are more highly diverse in floral morphology than are other clades of Papilionoideae. This study attempts for the first time to comprehensively sample the early‐branching clades of this economically and ecologically important legume subfamily and thus to resolve relationships among them.• Methods: Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of the plastid matK and trnL intron sequences included 29 genera not yet sampled in matK phylogenies of the Papilionoideae, 11 of which were sampled for DNA sequence data for the first time.• Key results: The comprehensively sampled matK phylogeny better resolved the deep‐branching relationships and increased support for many clades within Papilionoideae. The potentially earliest‐branching papilionoid clade does not include any genus traditionally assigned to tribe Swartzieae. Dipterygeae is monophyletic with the inclusion of Monopteryx. The genera Aldina and Amphimas represent two of the nine main but as yet unresolved lineages comprising the large 50‐kb inversion clade within papilionoids. The quinolizidine‐alkaloid‐accumulating genistoid clade is expanded to include a strongly supported subclade containing Ormosia and the previously unplaced Clathrotropis s.s., Panurea, and Spirotropis. Camoensia is the first‐branching genus of the core genistoids.• Conclusions: The well‐resolved phylogeny of the earliest‐branching papilionoids generated in this study will greatly facilitate the efforts to redefine and stabilize the classification of this legume subfamily. Many key floral traits did not often predict phylogenetic relationships, so comparative studies on floral evolution and plant–animal interactions, for example, should also benefit from this study.
Beauty and battle: How the Spirit is moving and operating in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands
Authors: Kommers J. Hans 
Published: December 2012

This article discusses how we in the present day hear the sound of the Holy Spirit and where his work can be witnessed in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands. Mainstream churches have been faced with many challenges during the first decade of the 21st century. Many people have left these churches and have had little contact with its institutions. Is it necessary for them to search for spirituality elsewhere? The author is convinced that the Lord is not bypassing his church. The following question is relevant, In what way is the Spirit working today? This question is urgent, because today there is a renewed search for the reality and power of the Holy Spirit. Within the great and traditional Reformed Churches we hope to see a spiritual renewal. Last year the synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands revealed a new vision for mission work, which indicates that the church wants to return to its core function, to reach out to others who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ. Looking forward to the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit in this century, we are already witnessing the beauty of the work of the Holy Spirit, but we have a battle to wage in order not to lose what has been gained.Grootsheid en stryd: Die dinamiese werking van die Gees in die Gereformeerde Kerke van Nederland. In hierdie artikel word die teenwoordigheid en werking van die Heilige Gees in die Gereformeerde Kerke van Nederland bespreek. Die hoofstroomkerke het met baie uitdagings te kampe gehad tydens die eerste dekade van die 21ste eeu. Baie mense het hierdie kerke verlaat sonder om enige verdere interne kontak daarmee te hê. Was dit vir hulle nodig om elders na spiritualiteit te gaan soek? Die outeur is daarvan oortuig dat die Here nie sy kerk verlaat het nie. Die volgende vraag is relevant: Op watter wyse werk die Gees vandag? Hierdie vraag is belangrik, aangesien daar ‘n hernude soeke is na die wese en krag van die Heilige Gees. Binne die groot tradisionele gereformeerde kerke hoop en verwag ‘n mens om spirituele herlewing te sien. Die sleutelplan wat die Protestantse Kerk van Nederland (PKN) se sinode in 2009 bekendgestel het vir die oplewing in sending, wys dat die kerk wil terugkeer na sy kerntaak. ‘n Toekomsblik op die dinamiese werk van die Heilige Gees in hierdie eeu dui op die grootsheid van die werk van die Heilige Gees tot dusver en dat ons die stryd moet verskerp om nie te verloor wat ons tans het nie.
Prandtl number variation on transient forced convection flow in a fluid valve using nanofluid
Authors: Nasrin Rehena , Alim M.A. , Chamkha Ali J. 
Published: December 2012

A transient numerical study is conducted to investigate the transport mechanism of forced convection in a fluid valve filled with water-CuO nanofluid. The flow enters from one inlet at the left with uniform temperature and velocity Ti and Ui, respectively, but can leave the valve through two outlets at the right. The upper and lower boundaries of the valve are heated with constant temperature Th while the remaining walls are perfectly insulated. The numerical approach is based on the finite element technique with Galerkin’s weighted residual simulation. Solutions are obtained for the variation of Prandtl number (Pr) while Reynolds number (Re) and solid volume fraction (φ ) are fixed at 100 and 5%. The streamlines, isotherm plots, the local and average Nusselt number, mean temperature of the fluids (base fluid and nanofluid) and subdomain velocity with the variation of non-dimensional time (τ) are presented and discussed. It is found that the rate of heat transfer in the fluid valve reduces for longer time periods.Keywords: Water-CuO nanofluid, forced convection, fluid valve, transient analysis.
Fuel Conditions Associated with Native and Exotic Grasses in a Subtropical Dry Forest in Puerto Rico
Authors: Thaxton Jarrod M. , Van Bloem Skip J. , Whitmire Stefanie 
Published: December 2012

AbstractExotic grasses capable of increasing frequency and intensity of anthropogenic fire have invaded subtropical and tropical dry forests worldwide. Since many dry forest trees are susceptible to fire, this can result in decline of native species and loss of forest cover. While the contribution of exotic grasses to altered fire regimes has been well documented, the role of native grasses in contributing to fuel loads in dry forest has received little attention. We assessed differences in fuel conditions among native and exotic grasses within a subtropical dry forest preserve in Puerto Rico. We quantified fine fuel loads, fuel continuity, and seasonal changes in percent dead grass among the following grass patch types: (1) native grass with no known history of recent fire, (2) exotic grass that had burned once (single burn), and (3) exotic grass that burns frequently. Sampling was conducted during one wet season (August to October 2008) and again in the following dry season (February to March 2009). Overall, fine fuel loading was highest in native grass, but this was due to woody fuels rather than grass fuels. Percent of dead grass fuels increased with the transition from wet to dry season, and this increase was more pronounced for exotic grasses. Fuel continuity was highest in frequently burned exotic grass. Differences in grass phenology and fuel continuity may contribute to differences in fire frequency among native and exotic grass patches. Fuel management focused on prescribed fire should be used in conjunction with restoration of tree canopy to reduce fuels and limit development of a grass-fire cycle.
Effective antioxidant phenolic compounds in selected varieties of apples
Authors: Bončí­ková Dominika , Tóth Tomáš , Tomáš Ján , Suleiman Dalaram , Tóth Juraj , Slávik Marek 
Published: December 2012

Polyphenolic compounds are effective antioxidant regarding their ability to reat with free radicals of fatty acid and oxygen(free radical scavening effect). One of the richest source of polyphenolic compounds in human nutrition are apples (Malus Mill.). Our work was focused on determinaton of total polyphenols contents and antioxidant activity and evaluate the presence of dislocation active antioxidant components in four of selected varieties of apples Idared, Jonagold, Pinova, Topaz (peel extract and pulp extract).The total contents of phenolic compounds,determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent spectrofotometric by Lachman and antioxidant activity was measured using a free radical used in this study was 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Average content of total polyphenols in selected varieties of apples was 622,67 mg.kg-1 (peel extract) and 568,7mg.kg-1 (pulp etract) after harvesting. Relationships between content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity is affected by varietal difrences.
Effect of selected feed additives on internal quality parameters of table eggs
Authors: Arpášová Henrieta , Kačániová Miroslava , Haščí­k Peter , Šidlová Veronika 
Published: December 2012

The aim of our experiment was to evaluate under experimental conditions the influence of probiotic preparation based on lactobacillus, oregano essential oil, sumac (Rhus coriaria), propolis and pollen on egg quality parameters of laying hens hybrid Lohman Brown. For housing hens (n ​​= 60) three storey enriched battery cage was used in which hens were divided in groups (n = 10). Total floor space given to one animal was 943.2 cm2. In the control group of hens complete feed mixtures without any additions were fed. In the first experimental group complete feed mixture was enriched with probiotic lactobacilli based preparation in a dose of 0.5 g.kg-1. In the second experimental group oregano essential oil was added to the feed mixture at a dose of 0.5 ml.kg-1. The third experimental group was enriched with 1 % concentration of sumac (Rhus coriaria). The fourth experimental group was enriched with 0.2 g of propolis extract per 1 kg of feed mixture and the fifth experimental group was supplemented by pollen extract of the same dose. All groups were fed ad libitum. Eggs quality indicators observed were egg weight (g), yolk percentage (%), yolk index, white percentage (%), whites index and Haugh units of whites (HJ). The results show that addition of probiotics positively, although not significantly, influenced the average egg weight. The addition of oregano oil and sumac insignificantly decreased egg weight (P>0.05), the values ​​of the other eggs quality indicators were comparable with the control group. Supplementation of feed mixture with propolis as well as phytobiotics insignificantly decreased egg weight, but its addition improved the internal quality parameters as the yolks and whites index, whose average values ​​were in this group, although not statistically significantly higher (P>0.05).
Xenobiotics and biogenic elements in raw cow's milk
Authors: Lukáčová Anetta , Gajdošová Dominika , Massányi Peter , Golian Jozef , Greń Agnieszka 
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the concentration some toxic and biogenic elements in milk from Nitra region. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate 30 samples of raw milk with fat contents 3.8% obtained from milk machine in the Nitra region. Samples were analyzed for metal contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). In comparison with maximum acceptable concentration for milk in the food codex of the Slovak republic, the level of contamination with cadmium was exceeded and reached the value 0.221 µg.ml-1. The copper content ranged from 1.201 µg.ml-1 to 5.810 µg.ml-1 and the average concentration reached 3.793 µg.ml-1. Iron had an average of 1.824 µg.ml-1. Overall in all milk samples high correlations were found. Between positive correlation (0.7019) and negative correlation between of nickel and potassium concentration in raw milk (-0.72) was found.
Synthesis and Characterization of Telechelic Oligoethers with Terminal Cinnamylidene Acetic Acid Moieties
Authors: Melchert Christian , Yongvongsoontorn Nunnarpas , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: December 2012

Purpose The formation of photoresponsive hydrogels were reported by irradiation of star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)s with terminal cinnamylidene acetic acid (CAA) groups, which are capable of a photoinduced [2+2] cycloaddition. In this study we explored whether oligo(ethylene glycol)s and oligo(propylene glycol)s of varying molecular architecture (linear or star-shaped) or molecular weights could be functionalized with CAA as terminal groups by esterification or by amide formation. Methods Oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) and oligo(propylene glycol) (OPG) with varying molecular architecture (linear, star-shaped) and weight average molecular weights between 1000 and 5000 g.mol−1 were functionalized by means of esterification of hydroxyl or amine endgroups with cinnamylidene acetic acid (CAA) or cinnamylidene acetyl chloride (CAC) as telechelic endgroups. The chemical structure, thermal properties, and molecular weights of the oligoethers obtained were determined by NMR spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, DSC, and MALDI-TOF. Results CAA-functionalized linear and star-shaped OEGs or OPGs could be obtained with a degree of functionalization higher than 90%. In MALDI-TOF measurements an increase in Mw of about 150 g·mol−1 (for each terminal end) after the functionalization reaction was observed. OEGCAA and OPGCAA showed an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) from about –70°C to –50°C, compared to the unfunctionalized oligoethers. In addition, the melting temperature (Tm) of OEGCAA decreased from about 55°C to 30°C, which can be accounted for by the hampered crystallization of the precursors because of the bulky CAA end groups as well as by the loss of the hydroxyl telechelic end groups. Conclusion The synthesis of photoresponsive oligoethers containing cinnamylidene acetic acid as telechelic endgroup was reported and high degrees of functionalization could be achieved. Such photosensitive oligomers are promising candidates as reactive precursors, for the preparation of biocompatible high molecular weight polymers and polymer networks.
Bioinspired Polymeric Surface Patterns for Medical Applications
Authors: Kroner Elmar , Kaiser Jessica S. , Fischer Sarah C. L. , Arzt Eduard 
Published: December 2012

Purpose A powerful principle in nature is the presence of surface patterns to improve specific characteristics or to enable completely new functions. Here, we present two case studies where bioinspired surface patterns based on the adhesive system of geckos may be applied for biomedical applications: residue-free adhesion to skin and gecko-inspired suture threads for knot-free wound closure. Methods Gecko-inspired skin adhesives were fabricated by soft lithography of polydimethylsiloxane with successive inking and dipping steps. Their adhesion was measured using a home built adhesion tester designed for patterned surfaces. Preliminary lap shear tests on the back of a human hand were also performed. Commercial suture threads from different materials were patterned in the group of A. del Campo at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Mainz, Germany) using oxygen plasma. The treated threads were pulled through artificial skin in both directions measuring the peak force and the pull through force. Results and Conclusions Unpatterned reference samples of the skin adhesive did not stick to human skin, while the patterned samples all showed notable adhesion up to 1.2 Newton for a sample size of approximately 3 cm2. First results with the patterned suture threads indicated that the surface patterning of the thread has only a minor effect on the pull-through forces. To achieve knot-free sewing the surface geometry of the suture threads needs to be optimized and more realistic testing procedures, e.g. testing on human skin, are necessary.
Proliferation and Osteoblastic Differentiation of hMSCs on Cellulose-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Raucci Maria Grazia , Alvarez-Perez Marco Antonio , Demitri Christian , Sannino Alessandro , Ambrosio Luigi 
Published: December 2012

Purpose The aim of this project was to study the proliferation and differentiation of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) onto a cellulose-based hydrogel for bone tissue engineering. Methods Modified-cellulose hydrogel was prepared via double esterification crosslinking using citric acid. The response of hMSCs in terms of cell proliferation and differentiation into osteoblastic phenotype was evaluated by using Alamar blue™ assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Results The results showed that CMCNa and CMCNa_CA have no negative effect on hMSC, adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, the increase of the ALP expression for CMCNa_CA confirms the ability of the hydrogels to support the osteoblastic differentiation. Conclusions The cellulose-based hydrogels have a potential application as filler in bone tissue regeneration.
Kinematic Modelling and Simulation of a 2-R Robot Using SolidWorks and Verification by MATLAB/Simulink
Authors: Gouasmi Mahmoud , Ouali Mohammed , Fernini Brahim , Meghatria M'hamed 
Published: December 2012

The simulation of robot systems is becoming very popular, especially with the lowering of the cost of computers, and it can be used for layout evaluation, feasibility studies, presentations with animation and off-line programming. The trajectory planning of redundant manipulators is a very active area since many tasks require special characteristics to be satisfied. The importance of redundant manipulators has increased over the last two decades because of the possibility of avoiding singularities as well as obstacles within the course of motion. The angle that the last link of a 2 DOF manipulator makes with the x-axis is required in order to find the solution for the inverse kinematics problem. This angle could be optimized with respect to a given specified key factor (time, velocity, torques) while the end-effector performs a chosen trajectory (i.e., avoiding an obstacle) in the task space. Modeling and simulation of robots could be achieved using either of the following models: the geometrical model (positions, postures), the kinematic model and the dynamic model. To do so, the modelization of a 2-R robot type is implemented. Our main tasks are comparing two robot postures with the same trajectory (path) and for the same length of time, and establishing a computing code to obtain the kinematic and dynamic parameters. SolidWorks and MATLAB/Simulink softwares are used to check the theory and the robot motion simulation. This could be easily generalized to a 3-R robot and possibly therefore to any serial robot (Scara, Puma, etc.). The verification of the obtained results by both softwares allows us to qualitatively evaluate and underline the validityof the chosen model and obtain the right conclusions. The results of the simulations are discussed and an agreement between the two softwares is certainly obtained.