bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing brown‐headed cowbirds to sustain abundance of black‐capped vireos
Authors: Smith Kathryn N. , Campomizzi Andrew J. , Morrison Michael L. , Wilkins R. Neal 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTBrood parasites can appreciably decrease fecundity of susceptible songbird hosts, which can often cause a decrease in host abundance. Wildlife managers use brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) management to reduce parasitism frequency and benefit the conservation of the endangered black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla); however, intensity of management needed to increase vireo abundance is not well‐understood. We used sensitivity analyses of population models for black‐capped vireos to assess effects on abundance of particular changes in parasitism frequency. Our models suggest that the parasitism frequency vireos can tolerate while maintaining abundance in a particular location is ≤30%. If parasitism frequency is high, trapping cowbirds during ≥1 of every 3 years may be sufficient for reducing parasitism enough to maintain abundance at managed locations. Cowbird management programs may need to be intensive in initial years to increase abundance of vireos being managed if the initial abundance is low. Rotating locations of traps each year among managed locations may be effective for maintaining vireo abundance while decreasing overall trapping effort and making more efficient use of management funds. Increasing and restoring habitat concurrent with cowbird management would likely further increase the likelihood of establishing and maintaining vireo abundance in managed locations. © The Wildlife Society, 2013
Comparison of Cis‐ and Oxaliplatin‐induced Destabilization of 15‐mer DNA‐ and RNA Duplexes by Binding to Centrally Located GG‐ and GNG Sequences
Authors: Polonyi Christopher , Albertsson Ingrid , Damian Mariana S. , Elmroth Sofi K. C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThermodynamic parameters are presented here illustrating the effects caused by the two anticancer active metal complexes cisplatin and oxaliplatin after introduction into four closely related RNA and DNA duplexes. The duplexes used are blunt end, fully complementary 15‐mer duplexes with a centrally located either GG‐ or GNG (here: N = T or U) binding site. For all duplexes, a common trend of reduced melting temperature was observed after platination. Analysis of the thermodynamic parameters for the duplex dissociation reactions showed good correlation between variations in melting temperatures (Tm) and ground state enthalpies (ΔH) in both DNA‐ and RNA duplexes. The melting temperatures of the native duplexes were found to be determined by their chemical nature, i.e. with observed Tm ‐values of ca. 50 °C for DNA and ca. 61 °C for RNA (CT = 2 μM and CNa+ = 129 mM, pH 6.3). Of the two types of nucleic acids, RNA is the one that exhibits the most pronounced sensitivity towards introduction of the platinum complexes, and with oxaliplatin as the more influential metalation reagent. Of note is that the thermal destabilization caused by oxaliplatin interacting with a centrally located GUG‐sequence results in a duplex stability below native DNA.
Fast Ion Conducting Nanocrystalline Alkaline Earth Fluorides Simply Prepared by Mixing or Manual Shaking
Authors: Scholz Gudrun , Meyer Klas , Düvel Andre , Heitjans Paul , Kemnitz Erhard 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSimple mixing or shaking of alkaline earth hydroxides with ammonium fluoride results in nanocrystalline phase pure metal fluorides MF2 (M: Ca, Sr, Ba). The formation of the alkaline earth fluorides was investigated by varying the reaction conditions. Evidence was found that just the contact between the starting materials is sufficient for the reaction to take place. X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, 19F MAS NMR spectroscopy, and measurements of DC conductivities were used to characterize the fluorides regarding properties like crystal structure, crystallite sizes, local fluorine coordination, and fluorine ion conductivity. The 19F MAS NMR spectra of the phase pure fluorides prepared showed several signals, which were assigned to defects, impurities, or geometric distortions. The fluorides prepared by mixing or shaking revealed fluorine ion conductivities several orders of magnitude higher than observed for the respective microcrystalline alkaline earth fluorides. Therefore, the synthesis routine presented in this study may open a path to a very quick and simple synthesis of nanocrystalline fast fluorine ion conductors.
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron(III) Complexes of 5‐(8‐Carboxy‐1‐naphthyl)‐10, 15, 20‐tritolyl Porphyrin
Authors: Zhang Yu , Jiang Jiaxun , Hu Chuanjiang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract5‐(8‐Carboxy‐1‐naphthyl)‐10, 5, 20‐tritolyl porphyrin (H3CNTTP) and its iron(III) complexes, [Fe(CNTTP)]2 and [Fe(CNTTP)(N‐MeIm)2], were synthesized and characterized. X‐ray crystallography revealed that the carboxylate group is “hanging” over the porphyrin plane. The rigid framework makes the distance between the carboxylate oxygen and iron in the same porphyrin too long to form a coordination bond. On the other hand, the carboxylate group is not bulky enough to block the axial binding site. In the presence of OH–, the carboxylate oxygen is coordinated to iron in the symmetry‐related unit, which led to the dimeric structure, [Fe(CNTTP)]2. In the presence of excess N‐methylimidazole, a six‐coordinate species, [Fe(CNTTP)(N‐MeIm)2], was obtained. In such a structure, CH···O interactions between the carboxylate group and imidazole probably play an important role to determine the orientation of imidazole plane. Two imidazole planes have relative parallel orientation. For [Fe(CNTTP)(N‐MeIm)2], 1H NMR shows pyrrole protons at the region –10 to –25 ppm. EPR shows rhombic spectrum. Those suggest [Fe(CNTTP)(N‐MeIm)2] is a type II low‐spin iron(III) porphyrinate.
Extended Lymphadenectomy in Gastric Cancer Is Debatable
Authors: Strong Vivian E. , Yoon Sam S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMuch debate still exists regarding the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. In high incidence countries in Eastern Asia, more extensive (e.g. D2) lymphadenectomies are standard, and these surgeries are generally done by experienced surgeons with low morbidity (<20 %) and mortality (<1 %). In United States and Western Europe, where the incidence of gastric adenocarcinoma is much lower, the majority of patients are treated at non‐referral centers with less extensive (e.g. D1 or D0) lymphadenectomy. This symposium article first reviews early studies that led to recommendations for less extensive lymphadenectomy. Two large prospective, randomized trials performed in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in the 1990s failed to demonstrate a survival benefit of D2 over D1 lymphadenectomy, but these trials have been criticized for inadequate surgical training and high surgical morbidity (43–46 %) and high mortality rates (10–13 %) in the D2 group. We then discuss more contemporary studies that support more extensive lymphadenectomy with a minimum of 16 lymph nodes for adequate staging. The 15‐year follow‐up of the Netherlands trial now demonstrates an improved disease‐specific survival and locoregional recurrence in the D2 group. A prospective, randomized trial from Taiwan found a survival benefit of more extensive lymphadenectomies, and another randomized trial from Japan found adding dissection of para‐aortic nodes to a D2 lymphadenectomy did not improve survival. Western surgeons have increasingly accepted the importance of performing more than a D1 node dissection, and Eastern surgeons are accepting that more than a D2 node dissection does not improve survival and increases morbidity. Thus both Eastern and Western approaches are favoring D2 lymphadenectomy as a standard, and on this topic we appear to be harmonizing.
Undergraduate Surgery Clerkship and the Choice of Surgery as a Career: Perspective from a Developing Country
Authors: Ekenze S. O. , Ugwumba F. O. , Obi U. M. , Ekenze O. S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere are concerns regarding a possible decline in the proportion of students choosing surgery as a career in some countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Published works indicate that most students choose their ultimate career during undergraduate training. The present study was undertaken to assess the medical student’s perception of the surgery clerkship and determine its influence in the choice of surgery as a career.MethodsThe study involved a cross‐sectional survey of 2009 and 2010 graduating medical classes of the University of Nigeria based on self‐administered questionnaires. The clerkship evaluation was assessed on a 3‐point Likert scale (1 = poor; 3 = excellent).ResultsThe response rate was 70.3 % (275/391); 179 (65.1 %) of the students were males and 96 (34.9 %), females. Sixty‐one (22.2 %) rated the overall quality of their surgery clerkship as excellent (mean rating = 2). Compared with the other three major clerkships, surgery has the lowest rating for overall quality (mean rating: surgery = 2; others = 2.2). Aspects of the clerkship experience that contributed to the overall lower rating of surgery include quality of opportunity to participate in direct patient care; clarity of posting goals and objectives; experience in learning history taking skills, basic physical examination skills, and interpretation of laboratory data; accessibility of faculty; and students’ perception that they were treated in a respectful manner. The major suggestions to improve clerkship quality were these: (1) more involvement in direct patient care (n = 154; 56 %), and (2) improvement in student–faculty interaction (n = 9 1; 33.1 %). Overall, 96 (34.9 %) students selected surgery as a specialty, and 39.3 % (108/275) selected the other three major specialties. Surgery was selected by 17/48 (35.4 %), 59/166 (35.5 %), and 20/61 (32.8 %) students who rated the surgery clerkship as “poor,” “just right,” and “excellent,” respectively (p = 0.876). Factors indicated as major influences in the choice of surgical specialty included personal satisfaction 41.7 % (40/96), clerkship experience 36.4 % (35/96), and diligence of faculty 13.5 % (13/96).ConclusionsPeriodic assessment of the satisfaction of medical students regarding their surgical clerkship experience is important. In our setting, we have identified aspects of the surgical clerkship that could be improved to enhance the quality of the experience, ensure the attractiveness of the field to the most qualified candidates, and boost interest in surgery as a career.
Coulomb problem in non-commutative quantum mechanics
Authors: Gáliková Veronika , Prešnajder Peter 
Published: May 2013

The aim of this paper is to find out how it would be possible for space non-commutativity (NC) to alter the quantum mechanics (QM) solution of the Coulomb problem. The NC parameter λ is to be regarded as a measure of the non-commutativity – setting λ = 0 which means a return to the standard quantum mechanics. As the very first step a rotationally invariant NC space ${\bf R}^3_\lambda$Rλ3, an analog of the Coulomb problem configuration space (R3 with the origin excluded) is introduced. ${\bf R}^3_\lambda$Rλ3 is generated by NC coordinates realized as operators acting in an auxiliary (Fock) space ${\cal F}$F. The properly weighted Hilbert-Schmidt operators in ${\cal F}$F form ${\cal H}_\lambda$Hλ, a NC analog of the Hilbert space of the wave functions. We will refer to them as “wave functions” also in the NC case. The definition of a NC analog of the hamiltonian as a hermitian operator in ${\cal H}_\lambda$Hλ is one of the key parts of this paper. The resulting problem is exactly solvable. The full solution is provided, including formulas for the bound states for E &lt; 0 and low-energy scattering for E &gt; 0 (both containing NC corrections analytic in λ) and also formulas for high-energy scattering and unexpected bound states at ultra-high energy (both containing NC corrections singular in λ). All the NC contributions to the known QM solutions either vanish or disappear in the limit λ → 0.
The effect of transglutaminase on some physicochemical and sensory properties of the Turkish drinking yoghurt Ayran
Authors: Şanli Tuba , Sezgin Emel , Şenel Ebru , Benli Mehlika 
Published: May 2013

This article presents research on the effect of microbial transglutaminase on the properties of Turkish drinking yoghurt Ayran. Transglutaminase (TGase) enzyme was added to Ayran milk at different production steps, after pasteurisation and together with starter culture addition, and two different incubation times (10 min and 1 h) were used. Three TGase‐treated Ayran samples and control sample were analysed on 1st, 10th and 20th days of storage. TGase addition did not cause significant changes on chemical properties of Ayran (P > 0.05). However, physical properties of Ayran were improved by TGase throughout the storage period. Compared to the untreated control sample, pretreatment of milk with enzyme increased the viscosity dramatically (P < 0.05) and prevented serum separation. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that transglutaminase treatment of milk led to more regular distribution of proteins in Ayran gel and decreased gel permeability. TGase treatment did not show any unfavourable effect on the sensory properties of the final product.
Effect of electron beam irradiation on the shelf life of mozzarella cheese
Authors: Huo Jian‐Xin , Bai Cai‐Yan , Guo Lin‐Hai , Zhao Zheng 
Published: May 2013

The effectiveness of electron beam irradiation on the shelf life of mozzarella cheese was evaluated using five different irradiation doses and a control cheese. Shelf life tests were run at 10 °C by determining the cell load of spoilage micro‐organisms monitored on the consecutive days during storage. By fitting the experimental data through a modified version of the Gompertz equation, the shelf life of samples irradiated to the different doses was calculated. Results show significant increases in the shelf life of the investigated cheese. There were slight differences in the functional properties such as stretching, oiling off, melting between irradiated and unirradiated cheeses at 260 °C in oven. Our results indicated that the electron irradiation at the dose of 2.0 kGy may inhibit the growth of spoilage micro‐organisms such as coliforms and Pseudomonas sp. without affecting the sensorial characteristics of the product.
Antifungal Effect of Allium tuberosum, Cinnamomum cassia, and Pogostemon cablin Essential Oils and Their Components Against Population of Aspergillus Species
Authors: Kocevski Dragana , Du Muying , Kan Jianquan , Jing Chengjun , Lačanin Ines , Pavlović Hrvoje 
Published: May 2013

Abstract Antifungal activity of Allium tuberosum (AT), Cinnamomum cassia (CC), and Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli, P) essential oils against Aspergillus flavus strains 3.2758 and 3.4408 and Aspergillus oryzae was tested at 2 water activity levels (aw: 0.95 and 0.98). Main components of tested essential oils were: allyl trisulfide 40.05% (AT), cinnamaldehyde 87.23% (CC), and patchouli alcohol 44.52% (P). The minimal inhibitory concentration of the plant essential oils against A. flavus strains 3.2758 and 3.4408 and A. oryzae was 250 ppm (A. tuberosum and C. cassia), whereas Patchouli essential oil inhibited fungi at concentration > 1500 ppm. The essential oils exhibited suppression effect on colony growth at all concentrations (100, 175, and 250 ppm for A. tuberosum; 25, 50, and 75 for C. cassia; 100, 250, and 500 for P. cablin essential oil). Results of the study represent a solution for possible application of essential oil of C. cassia in different food systems due to its strong inhibitory effect against tested Aspergillus species. In real food system (table grapes), C. cassia essential oil exhibited stronger antifungal activity compared to cinnamaldehyde.
Layer by Layer Assembly of a Biocatalytic Packaging Film: Lactase covalently Bound to Low‐Density Polyethylene
Authors: Wong Dana E. , Talbert Joey N. , Goddard Julie M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractActive packaging is utilized to overcome limitations of traditional processing to enhance the health, safety, economics, and shelf life of foods. Active packaging employs active components to interact with food constituents to give a desired effect. Herein we describe the development of an active package in which lactase is covalently attached to low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) for in‐package production of lactose‐free dairy products. The specific goal of this work is to increase the total protein content loading onto LDPE using layer by layer (LbL) deposition, alternating polyethylenimine, glutaraldehyde (GL), and lactase, to enhance the overall activity of covalently attached lactase. The films were successfully oxidized via ultraviolet light, functionalized with polyethylenimine and glutaraldehyde, and layered with immobilized purified lactase. The total protein content increased with each additional layer of conjugated lactase, the 5‐layer sample reaching up to 1.3 μg/cm2. However, the increase in total protein did not lend to an increase in overall lactase activity. Calculated apparent Km indicated the affinity of immobilized lactase to substrate remains unchanged when compared to free lactase. Calculated apparent turnover numbers (kcat) showed with each layer of attached lactase, a decrease in substrate turnover was experienced when compared to free lactase; with a decrease from 128.43 to 4.76 s−1 for a 5‐layer conjugation. Our results indicate that while LbL attachment of lactase to LDPE successfully increases total protein mass of the bulk material, the adverse impact in enzyme efficiency may limit the application of LbL immobilization chemistry for bioactive packaging use.
Determination of Xylazine and 2,6‐Xylidine in Animal Tissues by Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Xiaochun , Mi Xiaoxia , Li Sicong , Chen Gang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract Xylazine is a potent α2‐adrenergic agonist used in veterinary medicine for sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation, and so on. Its residue in animal‐derived food may cause the food safety problem. Moreover, the metabolite 2,6‐xylidine was reported to be a genotoxic and carcinogenic compound. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a high sensitive method for analyzing xylazine and metabolite residue in animal products. Here, we described a LC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of xylazine and 2,6‐xylidine in 4 animal tissues: liver, meat, kidney, and fat. The samples were extracted by acetonitrile, and further clean up by hexane. The analysis was performed on a C18 reversed‐phase column and API 5000 Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization interface operating in the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. For all of the investigated sample matrix, the limit of detection (limit of quantitation) for xylazine and 2,6‐xylidine were 0.06 (0.2) and 1.5 (5) μg/kg, respectively, the recoveries were between 63.5% and 90.8%. The precision was within the range of required criteria for method development. The presented method is sensitive and reproducible, and thus suitable for accurate quantification of xylazine and metabolite residue in animal‐derived food products.
Developmental enamel defects in the primary dentition: aetiology and clinical management
Authors: Salanitri S , Seow WK 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDevelopmental enamel defects, presenting as enamel hypoplasia or opacities are caused by damage or disruption to the developing enamel organ as a result of inherited and acquired systemic conditions. The high prevalence of these defects in the primary dentition demonstrates the vulnerability of the teeth to changes in the pre‐ and postnatal environment. The presence of enamel hypoplasia increases the risk of primary teeth to early childhood caries and tooth wear as the defective enamel is thinner, more plaque retentive and less resistant to dissolution in acid compared to normal enamel. The purpose of this paper was to critically review the aetiology and clinical complications of developmental enamel defects in the primary dentition and propose recommendations for the clinical management of affected teeth.
A case of primary diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma misdiagnosed as chronic periapical periodontitis
Authors: Jessri M , Majeed AA Abdul , Matias MA , Farah CS 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLymphoma is a malignant neoplasm of component cells of the lymphoid system which is very rare in the jaws. Here we report a case of primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma located in the periapical region of a mandibular molar which was misdiagnosed as chronic periapical periodontitis. The present case was diagnosed at an early stage and effectively managed by chemotherapy. Although lymphoma of the mandible is rare, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of radiolucent lesions in this region. Lack of knowledge of this rare presentation may lead to delays in diagnosis and poor prognosis.
Usefulness of omalizumab in ten patients with severe occupational asthma
Authors: Lavaud F. , Bonniaud P. , Dalphin J. C. , Leroyer C. , Muller D. , Tannous R. , Mangiapan G. , De Blay F. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe management of severe occupational asthma (OA) remains problematic and new alternative treatments providing better disease control are required, ideally enabling affected individuals to remain in their job.MethodsTen patients with severe uncontrolled OA were treated with the monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody omalizumab. In six cases the causative agent was a high molecular weight (HMW) compound and in four cases it was a low molecular weight (LMW) chemical. All of the patients had well documented OA despite workplace adjustments.ResultsDuring treatment, nine patients exhibited a lower rate of asthma exacerbations and used less oral or inhaled corticosteroids. Seven patients were able to continue working at the same workplace as before treatment.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that omalizumab is a potential treatment for severe uncontrolled OA and enabled seven of the ten patients in the study to remain in their job.
Early skin testing is effective for diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions occurring during anesthesia
Authors: Lafuente A. , Javaloyes G. , Berroa F. , Goikoetxea M. J. , Moncada R. , Núñez‐Córdoba J. M. , Cabrera‐Freitag P. , D'Amelio C. , Sanz M. L. , Gastaminza G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAllergic skin tests have to be performed 4–6 weeks after an allergic anesthetic reaction. Patients with allergic reactions during anesthesia were prospectively included (n = 44). Skin tests were performed in two stages: (i) Stage 1 (S1), 0–4 days after the reaction; and (ii) Stage 2 (S2), 4–8 weeks after. Five (11.5%) surgical procedures were suspended due to the reaction. Positive skin tests were obtained in 25/44 patients (57%). Allergic diagnosis was carried out at S1 in 15/25 (60%) and at S2 in 10/25 (40%). Three patients resulted positive only in S1. Overall agreement among S1 and S2 skin tests was 70.45%. The kappa statistic was 0.41 (P‐value = 0.002). Odds ratio of obtaining a false negative in S1 (compared with S2) was 3.33. Early allergological study is useful, could minimize false negatives, but should be considered as a complement to late skin tests.