bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in ground beetle assemblages above and below the treeline of the Dolomites after almost 30 years (1980/2009)
Authors: Pizzolotto Roberto , Gobbi Mauro , Brandmayr Pietro 
Published: March 2014

AbstractVery little is known about the changes of ground beetle assemblages in the last few decades in the Alps, and different responses to climate change of animal populations living above and below the treeline have not been estimated yet. This study focuses on an altitudinal habitat sequence from subalpine spruce forest to alpine grassland in a low disturbance area of the southeastern Dolomites in Italy, the Paneveggio Regional Park. We compared the ground beetle (Carabidae) populations sampled in 1980 in six stands below and above the treeline (1650–2250 m a.s.l.) with those sampled in the same sites almost 30 years later (2008/9). Quantitative data (species richness and abundance) have been compared by means of several diversity indexes and with a new index, the Index of Rank‐abundance Change (IRC). Our work shows that species richness and abundance have changed after almost 30 years as a consequence of local extinctions, uphill increment of abundance and uphill shift of distribution range. The overall species number dropped from 36 to 27, while in the sites above the treeline, species richness and abundance changed more than in the forest sites. Two microtherm characteristic species of the pioneer cushion grass mats, Nebria germari and Trechus dolomitanus, became extinct or showed strong abundance reduction. In Nardetum pastures, several hygrophilic species disappeared, and xerophilic zoophytophagous elements raised their population density. In forest ecosystems, the precipitation reduction caused deep soil texture and watering changes, driving a transformation from Sphagnum‐rich (peaty) to humus‐rich soil, and as a consequence, soil invertebrate biomass strongly increased and thermophilic carabids enriched the species structure. In three decades, Carabid assemblages changed consistently with the hypothesis that climate change is one of the main factors triggering natural environment modifications. Furthermore, the level of human disturbance could enhance the sensitivity of mountain ecosystems to climate change.
High genetic diversity in a small population: the case of Chilean blue whales
Authors: Torres‐Florez Juan P. , Hucke‐Gaete Rodrigo , Rosenbaum Howard , Figueroa Christian C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIt is generally assumed that species with low population sizes have lower genetic diversities than larger populations and vice versa. However, this would not be the case for long‐lived species with long generation times, and which populations have declined due to anthropogenic effects, such as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). This species was intensively decimated globally to near extinction during the 20th century. Along the Chilean coast, it is estimated that at least 4288 blue whales were hunted from an apparently pre‐exploitation population size (k) of a maximum of 6200 individuals (Southeastern Pacific). Thus, here, we describe the mtDNA (control region) and nDNA (microsatellites) diversities of the Chilean blue whale aggregation site in order to verify the expectation of low genetic diversity in small populations. We then compare our findings with other blue whale aggregations in the Southern Hemisphere. Interestingly, although the estimated population size is small compared with the pre‐whaling era, there is still considerable genetic diversity, even after the population crash, both in mitochondrial (N = 46) and nuclear (N = 52) markers (Hd = 0.890 and Ho = 0.692, respectively). Our results suggest that this diversity could be a consequence of the long generation times and the relatively short period of time elapsed since the end of whaling, which has been observed in other heavily‐exploited whale populations. The genetic variability of blue whales on their southern Chile feeding grounds was similar to that found in other Southern Hemisphere blue whale feeding grounds. Our phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA haplotypes does not show extensive differentiation of populations among Southern Hemisphere blue whale feeding grounds. The present study suggests that although levels of genetic diversity are frequently used as estimators of population health, these parameters depend on the biology of the species and should be taken into account in a monitoring framework study to obtain a more complete picture of the conservation status of a population.
Fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, and fishy odour development in seabass (Lates calcarifer) skin during iced storage
Authors: Sae‐leaw Thanasak , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: March 2014

Changes in fatty acid profile, lipid hydrolysis and oxidation, development of fishy odour and volatile compounds in seabass (Lates calcarifer) skin during 18 days of iced storage were investigated. Peroxide value (PV) increased up to Day 6 and subsequently decreased up to 18 days (p < 0.05). The continuous increases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values, free fatty acid (FFA) content and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity were noticeable with increasing storage time (p < 0.05). Formation of FFA and hydroperoxide was confirmed by the changes in amplitude of peak at 3600–3200/cm and 1711/cm in Fourier transform IR spectra, respectively. With increasing storage time, the increase in fishy odour intensity was observed along with the formation of volatiles. Hexanal and nonanal constituted as the dominant volatile aldehydes in skin stored in ice for an extended time. Therefore, the delay of skin processing must be avoided to prevent the formation of undesirable fishy odour in skin and its products.Practical applications: Seabass skin is one of the potential raw materials for production of collagen, gelatin or other derived products. Iced storage of seabass skin affected fatty acid composition, lipid hydrolysis and oxidation, development of fishy odour and volatile compounds. Therefore, skin from fresh fish should be used and the delay of further processing should be avoided to prevent undesirable fishy odour in skin and products made therefrom.During iced storage, seabass skin underwent lipid oxidation with the coincidental release or activation of LOX. Development of fishy odour took place along with the formation of volatile compounds.
The effect of dietary antioxidants on iron‐mediated lipid peroxidation in marine emulsions studied by measurement of dissolved oxygen consumption
Authors: Kristinova Vera , Aaneby Jorunn , Mozuraityte Revilija , Storrø Ivar , Rustad Turid 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAddition of antioxidants into food containing fish omega‐3 PUFA is an approach to protect the healthy omega‐3 lipids from oxidation and to increase the oxidative stability of the food. Low molecular weight (LMW) iron (Fe2+/Fe3+) is a ubiquitous component in emulsified food and a mediator of lipid peroxidation even at trace levels. In this work, the effects of EDTA, citric acid, caffeic acid, propyl gallate, α‐tocopherol, ascorbic acid, β‐carotene, and astaxanthin on iron‐mediated lipid peroxidation in 10% w/v herring oil emulsions stabilized with herring phospholipids (pH 3.5–5.5) were studied by measurement of the dissolved oxygen consumption by unsaturated fatty acids. EDTA and citric acid completely inhibited iron‐mediated oxidation when they were added in twice the ratio to iron at pH>3.5. Caffeic acid, ascorbic acid, and α‐tocopherol enhanced the oxidation by reducing Fe3+ to the more prooxidatively active Fe2+, while propyl gallate reduced the oxidation by iron chelation. Ascorbic acid was depleted by interactions with iron and decreased the prooxidative activity of α‐tocopherol. Astaxanthin and β‐carotene showed minor effects on iron‐mediated lipid oxidation. This study shows that the interactions between LMW iron and antioxidants have an impact on lipid peroxidation in emulsions in concentration dependent manners. Interactions with metals must therefore be considered when interpreting the activity/behavior of antioxidants in emulsions rich in omega‐3 fatty acids. This study also shows that it is possible to screen these interactions by quantification of the dissolved oxygen consumption.Practical applications: This work investigates the behavior of several food antioxidants in the presence of LMW iron in fish oil emulsions stabilized with marine phospholipids, and shows that interactions with iron can convert some of the anticipated antioxidants into pro‐oxidants. Measurements of dissolved oxygen concentration have been used in this study to follow iron‐mediated lipid peroxidation in the emulsions. It is shown that by quantification of the dissolved oxygen consumption it is possible to screen and evaluate the interactions between LMW iron and antioxidants in emulsion‐type systems.This paper studies the impact of interactions between low molecular weight iron and dietary antioxidants on the rate of lipid peroxidation in fish oil emulsions stabilized with marine phospholipids. It is shown that measurement of dissolved oxygen consumption by fatty acids can be used for characterization of these interactions in emulsion‐type systems.
Sesquiterpenoids and Their Glycosides from Gynura procumbens
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jiang Kun , Zhai Yi‐Ming , Tan Jun‐Jie , Meng Da‐Li , Guo Sha‐Li , Qu Shi‐Jin , Tan Chang‐Heng 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChemical investigation of the MeOH extract of the leaves of Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. afforded one new sesquiterpenoid, muurol‐4‐ene‐1β,3β,10β‐triol (1), and two sesquiterpene glycosides, muurol‐4‐ene‐1β,3β,10β‐triol 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2) and muurol‐4‐ene‐1β,3β,15‐triol 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), together with three known sesquiterpenoids. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods.
One‐Pot Synthesis of (1,2,3‐Triazolyl)methyl 3,4‐Dihydro‐2‐oxo‐1H‐pyrimidine‐5‐carboxylates as Potentially Active Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Dabiri Minoo , Salehi Peyman , Bahramnejad Mahboubeh , Koohshari Majid , Aliahmadi Atousa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA simple and efficient one‐pot four‐component procedure has been developed for the synthesis of a wide range of compounds containing the (triazolyl)methyl oxo‐pyrimidine‐carboxylate system from propargyl β‐keto esters, various azides, aldehydes, and urea in the presence of catalytic amounts of (AcO)2Cu/sodium ascorbate in AcOH. The method worked well with different aryl and heteroaryl aldehydes, and for a variety of substituents in the triazolyl part of the molecule. The antimicrobial activities of the products were evaluated against two Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, and one fungus. Compound 5j was active against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
CuO Nanoparticles as Effective Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst for S‐Arylation Reactions
Authors: Yavari Issa , Sodagar Esmat , Nematpour Manijeh 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCopper(II) oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized from Cu(OAc)2 via a simple hydrolysis route and were found to be an efficient and inexpensive catalyst for ligand free CS cross‐coupling reactions of malononitrileCS2 adduct with various aryl halides. Aryl iodides and bromides, with electron‐withdrawing as well as electron‐releasing groups on the aromatic ring, undergo coupling reactions in good yields.
One‐Pot Synthesis of N,N‐Disubstituted (Z)‐4‐(Halomethylidene)‐4H‐3,1‐benzothiazin‐2‐amines from 2‐(2,2‐Dihaloethenyl)phenyl Isothiocyanates and Secondary Amines
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Yamane Kazuya , Nozawa Ippei , Ezaki Kosuke 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe have developed a one‐pot procedure for the preparation of N,N‐disubstituted (Z)‐4‐(halomethylidene)‐4H‐3,1‐benzothiazin‐2‐amines 3 from 2‐(2,2‐dihaloethenyl)phenyl isothiocyanates 1, easily accessible from known 2‐(2,2‐dihaloethenyl)benzenamines by a three‐step sequence, and secondary amines. Thus, the isothiocyanates 1 react with secondary amines to afford the corresponding thiourea derivatives, of which the treatment with NaH provides the desired products.
New Bisabolane Sesquiterpenes from the Rhizomes of Curcuma xanthorrhizaRoxb. and Their Inhibitory Effects on UVB‐Induced MMP‐1 Expression in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Park Ji‐Hae , Jung Ye‐Jin , Antar Aziz Mohamed Mohamed , Hoon Lee Tae , Lee Chang‐Ho , Han Daeseok , Song Myung‐Chong , Kim Jiyoung , Baek Nam‐In 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTwo new bisabolane sesquiterpenoids, 1 and 2, along with five known ones, 13‐hydroxyxanthorrhizol (3), 12,13‐epoxyxanthorrhizol (4), xanthorrhizol (5), β‐curcumene (6), and β‐bisabolol (7), were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. The chemical structures of the new compounds were determined to be (7R,10R)‐10,11‐dihydro‐10,11‐dihydroxyxanthorrhizol 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1) and (−)‐curcuhydroquinone 2,5‐di‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analyses and optical‐rotation characteristics. Compounds 2 and 3 decreased MMP‐1 expression in UVB‐treated human keratinocytes by ca. 8.9‐ and 7.6‐fold at the mRNA level, and by ca. 9.2‐ and 6.6‐fold at the protein level, respectively. The results indicate that the isolated compounds may have anti‐aging effects through inhibition of MMP‐1 expression in skin cells.
REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN THE IRRIGATION SUBSECTOR
Authors: Trier Rémi 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTOver the last few years, the number of initiatives of public–private partnerships in irrigation has increased significantly. PPPs have been developed to accelerate irrigation expansion, improve operation & maintenance services, and eliminate or reduce O&M subsidies. This paper shares the lessons learned from the experiences of the 'pioneer' countries, reviewing: (i) recent PPP transactions under implementation (Morocco, Peru and Ethiopia) and (ii) some transactions under preparation (Brazil, Morocco and Ethiopia).The main lessons learned to date for the promotion and development of PPPs in irrigation cover the following areas:

an analysis of what constitutes a favourable environment to promote and develop a PPP, considering the potentially conflicting objectives of farmers, public and private sectors. This paper illustrates that the PPP model (with financial contribution of a private party to the CAPEX, capital investment) is more appropriate for new and modern irrigation schemes with solid irrigation services demand from commercial farmers, while other designs of private sector involvement, like management contracts, should be considered when conditions are different (smallholders with subsistence agriculture, etc.);
a description of good and bad practices for transaction design to reduce demand and payment risk and to increase attractiveness of the operation;
a discussion on the intrinsic role of PPP in irrigation, advising not to consider it as a new 'panacea' but rather as an additional tool to be used cautiously and only when some specific conditions are met. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting rapid recovery from acute low back pain based on the intensity, duration and history of pain: A validation study
Authors: Williams C.M. , Hancock M.J. , Maher C.G. , McAuley J.H. , Lin C.W.C. , Latimer J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundClinical prediction rules can assist clinicians to identify patients with low back pain (LBP) who are likely to recover quickly with minimal treatment; however, there is a paucity of validated instruments to assist with this task.MethodWe performed a pre‐planned external validation study to assess the generalizability of a simple 3‐item clinical prediction rule developed to estimate the probability of recovery from acute LBP at certain time points. The accuracy of the rule (calibration and discrimination) was determined in a sample of 956 participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial.ResultsThe calibration of the rule was reasonable in the new sample with predictions of recovery typically within 5–10% of observed recovery. Discriminative performance of the rule was poor to moderate and similar to that found in the development sample.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the rule can be used to provide accurate information about expected recovery from acute LBP, within the first few weeks of patients presenting to primary care. Impact analysis to determine if the rule influences clinical behaviours and patient outcomes is required.
Point‐of‐Care Fluorescence Immunoassay for Cardiac Panel Biomarkers
Authors: Kim Tae Kyum , Oh Sang Wook , Hong Soon Cheol , Mok Young Joon , Choi Eui Yul 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundMyoglobin, creatine kinase‐MB isoenzyme (CK‐MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are cardiac biomarkers that are widely used to assist in the early and late diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Here, we present a clinically applicable fluorescence (FL) immunoassay for cardiac biomarkers.MethodsWhole blood was mixed with FL‐labeled detector Ab (antibody) and then loaded onto a capture Ab‐immobilized strip in a test cartridge. The FL intensities at test and control line on the strip were obtained and converted in a laser FL scanner to determine the concentration of biomarker. The analytical performance of immunoassay system was evaluated by linearity and imprecision tests. The comparability of the FL immunoassay method was examined with a reference method.ResultsFL intensities and the levels of myoglobin, CK‐MB, and cTnI displayed good linearity and high correlations (r = 0.999, 0.998, and 0.989, respectively). The coefficient of variations (CVs) of imprecision for all cardiac biomarkers were less than 8% in both intra‐ and interassays. When the results from the developed method and bioMerieux VIDAS assay were analyzed by Bland–Altman plot and Passing–Bablok plot, the two assay methods were in good agreement.ConclusionThe FL immunoassay system can provide a platform for point‐of‐care testing (POCT), and it is an easy, fast, and reliable method for the quantification of cardiac biomarkers.
Proportional accumulation of yolk proteins derived from multiple vitellogenins is precisely regulated during vitellogenesis in striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
Authors: Williams Valerie N. , Reading Benjamin J. , Amano Haruna , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Schilling Justin , Salger Scott A. , Islam Williams Taufika , Gross Kevin , Sullivan Craig V. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWe quantified three vitellogenins (VtgAa, VtgAb, VtgC) or their derived yolk proteins (YPs) in the liver, plasma, and ovary during pre‐vitellogenic (PreVG), mid‐vitellogenic (MVG), and late‐vitellogenic (LVG) oocyte growth and during post‐vitellogenesis (PostVG) in the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using label‐free quantitative mass spectrometry (MS). Western blotting of the samples using antisera raised against gray mullet (Mugil cephalus) lipovitellins derived from VtgAa, VtgAb, and VtgC confirmed the MS results. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) revealed liver as the primary site of expression for all three Vtgs, with extra‐hepatic transcription weakly detected in ovary, foregut, adipose tissue, and brain. Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed vtgAb to be primarily expressed in liver and VtgAb proteins were predominant in liver and plasma from MVG to PostVG. However, the primary period of deposition into oocytes of VtgAb occurred up until MVG, whereas VtgAa was primarily deposited from MVG to LVG. The VtgC was gradually taken up by oocytes throughout vitellogenesis and was detected at trace levels in plasma. The ratio of yolk proteins derived from VtgAa, VtgAb, VtgC (YPAa/YPAb/YPC) in PostVG ovary is 1.4:1.4:1, which differs from ratios previously reported for other fish species in that YPC comprises a greater proportion of the egg yolk. Our results indicate that proportional accumulation of multiple Vtgs in the yolk may depend both on the precise rates of their hepatic secretion and specific uptake by oocytes. Furthermore, composition of the Vtg‐derived yolk may vary among Acanthomorph fishes, perhaps reflecting their different early life histories and reproductive strategies. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 301–315, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caring for patients in a hospitalist‐run clinical decision unit is associated with decreased length of stay without increasing revisit rates
Authors: Aplin Kara S. , Coutinho McAllister Susan , Kupersmith Eric , Rachoin Jean‐Sebastien 
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUNDObservation medicine is a growing field with increasing involvement by hospitalists. Little has been written regarding clinical outcomes in hospitalist‐run clinical decision units (CDUs).OBJECTIVETo determine the impact of a hospitalist‐run geographic CDU on length of stay (LOS) for observation patients. Secondary objectives included examining the impact on 30‐day emergency department (ED) or hospital revisit rates.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study with pre‐ and post‐implementation analysis.SETTINGUrban, academic, 600‐bed teaching hospital in Camden, New Jersey.PATIENTSObservation patients discharged from medical–surgical units before and after CDU opening and those discharged from the CDU after CDU opening.INTERVENTIONCreation of a hospitalist‐run, 20‐bed geographic CDU, adjacent to the ED with order sets, protocols, and priority consults and testing.MEASUREMENTSMedian LOS for observation patients was calculated for 7 months pre‐ and post‐CDU implementation. ED and hospital revisits requiring an observation or inpatient stay within 30 days of discharge were measured.RESULTSCDU observation patients had a lower median LOS than medical–surgical observation patients during the same period (17.6 hours vs 26.1 hours, P < 0.001). CDU LOS was lower than medical–surgical observation LOS in the 7 months 1 year prior to CDU implementation (17.6 hours vs 27.1 hours, P < 0.001). CDU patients had a similar 30‐day ED or hospital revisit rate compared with observation patients pre‐CDU.CONCLUSIONSImplementing a hospitalist‐run geographic CDU was associated with a 35% decrease in observation LOS for CDU patients compared with a 3.7% decrease for medical–surgical observation patients. CDU LOS decreased without increasing ED or hospital revisit rates. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:391–395. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Chickpea chelating peptides inhibit copper‐mediated lipid peroxidation
Authors: Torres‐Fuentes Cristina , Alaiz Manuel , Vioque Javier 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDTransition metals produce radical oxygen species promoting lipid peroxidation processes that favor the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the oxidation of lipids present in food may affect the quality of food products. Therefore antioxidants counteracting these metal pro‐oxidant effects may have high potential for the pharmacology and food industries. This study investigated the capability of peptide fractions purified from chickpea protein hydrolysate to inhibit copper‐mediated lipid peroxidation in three different lipid substrates: β‐carotene, unsaturated fatty acid mixture and low‐density lipoprotein.RESULTSPeptide fractions with the highest histidine content were the most antioxidant. This antioxidant effect is mainly due to the capability of histidine to bind copper and act as a hydrogen donor through its imidazole ring.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that chickpea proteins are a potential source of antioxidant peptides that may be included as ingredients in functional foods with beneficial health effects. In addition, these antioxidant peptides may be useful to protect food products from lipid peroxidation processes and thus increase their quality and shelf life. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry