bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WATER PRODUCTIVITY OF IRRIGATED WHEAT IN THE MAROON IRRIGATION NETWORK OF IRAN
Authors: Baghaei Leila , Kahtoonabadi Ahmad , Mousavi Farhad 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThe rapidly growing population of Iran and non‐sustainable agricultural development practices have resulted in an increasing demand for irrigation water. This process, along with Iran's water source restrictions, necessitates investigation and research in the field of water productivity. Behbahan (Maroon Irrigation Network) District, which is located in Khuzestan Province, by benefiting from the Maroon River, has been considered a fertile land for agricultural activity for centuries. The access of farmers to the Maroon River within past decades has meant water has been taken for granted. However, since 2007, the land has faced a dramatic decline in rainfall and surface water. Water scarcity and limitation of available water in the region should force farmers to use water as efficiently as possible. Irrigated agriculture is one of the most water‐ consuming sectors in the region. Therefore, improving the productivity of existing water management practices is the most attractive option to produce more food for the increasing population. In this paper, the water productivity of irrigated wheat in Maroon is analysed. Some 125 farmers from the northern and southern parts of the Maroon Irrigation Network were selected by using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through surveying techniques such as questionnaires and interviewing. The data were analysed by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS16). Based on the research results, most of the farmers were middle‐aged and with a low level of literacy. Water in the Behbahan region was considered as a service rather than an economically high‐value commodity. Also crop per drop (CPD) index in comparison with similar regions (as a result of high water consumption) was lower than the average CPD index in 2007 and 2008 and was 0.48 and 0.41 kg m−3 respectively. The critical role of water in the border‐based provinces of Iran with due respect to sociocultural and political consequences, as for example in Khuzestan, reinforces the need to employ urgent tactics to increase water productivity through improving knowledge and infrastructure‐based systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of inhibitory effects between acetaminophen–glutathione conjugate and reduced glutathione in human glutathione reductase
Authors: Nýdlová Erika , Vrbová Martina , Česla Petr , Jankovičová Barbora , Ventura Karel , Roušar Tomáš 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTAcetaminophen overdose is the most frequent cause of acute liver injury. The main mechanism of acetaminophen toxicity has been attributed to oxidation of acetaminophen. The oxidation product is very reactive and reacts with glutathione generating acetaminophen–glutathione conjugate (APAP‐SG). Although this conjugate has been recognized to be generally nontoxic, we have found recently that APAP‐SG could produce a toxic effect. Therefore, the aim of our study was to estimate the toxicity of purified APAP‐SG by characterizing the inhibitory effect in human glutathione reductase (GR) and comparing that to the inhibitory effect of the natural inhibitor reduced glutathione. We used two types of human GR: recombinant and freshly purified from red blood cells. Our results show that GR was significantly inhibited in the presence of both APAP‐SG and reduced glutathione. For example, the enzyme activity of recombinant and purified GR was reduced in the presence of 4 mm APAP‐SG (with 0.5 mm glutathione disulfide) by 28% and 22%, respectively. The type of enzyme inhibition was observed to be competitive in the cases of both APAP‐SG and glutathione. As glutathione inhibits GR activity in cells under physiological conditions, the rate of enzyme inhibition ought to be weaker in the case of glutathione depletion that is typical of acetaminophen overdose. Notably, however, enzyme activity likely remains inhibited due to the presence of APAP‐SG, which might enhance the pro‐oxidative status in the cell. We conclude that our finding could reflect some other pathological mechanism that may contribute to the toxicity of acetaminophen. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of butyltins on mitogen‐activated‐protein kinase kinase kinase and Ras activity in human natural killer cells
Authors: Celada Lindsay J. , Whalen Margaret M. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTButyltins (BTs) contaminate the environment and are found in human blood. BTs, tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) diminish the cytotoxic function and levels of key proteins of human natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are an initial immune defense against tumors, virally infected cells and antibody‐coated cells and thus critical to human health. The signaling pathways that regulate NK cell functions include mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Studies have shown that exposure to BTs leads to activation of specific MAPKs and MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks) in human NK cells. MAP2K kinases (MAP3Ks) are upstream activators of MAP2Ks, which then activate MAPKs. The current study examined if BT‐induced activation of MAP3Ks was responsible for MAP2K and thus, MAPK activation. This study examines the effects of TBT and DBT on the total levels of two MAP3Ks, c‐Raf and ASK1, as well as activating and inhibitory phosphorylation sites on these MAP3Ks. In addition, the immediate upstream activator of c‐Raf, Ras, was examined for BT‐induced alterations. Our results show significant activation of the MAP3K, c‐Raf, in human NK cells within 10 min of TBT exposure and the MAP3K, ASK1, after 1 h exposures to TBT. In addition, our results suggest that both TBT and DBT affect the regulation of c‐Raf. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular impact of juvenile hormone agonists on neonatal Daphnia magna
Authors: Toyota Kenji , Kato Yasuhiko , Miyakawa Hitoshi , Yatsu Ryohei , Mizutani Takeshi , Ogino Yukiko , Miyagawa Shinichi , Watanabe Hajime , Nishide Hiroyo , Uchiyama Ikuo , Tatarazako Norihisa , Iguchi Taisen 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTDaphnia magna has been used extensively to evaluate organism‐ and population‐level responses to pollutants in acute toxicity and reproductive toxicity tests. We have previously reported that exposure to juvenile hormone (JH) agonists results in a reduction of reproductive function and production of male offspring in a cyclic parthenogenesis, D. magna. Recent advances in molecular techniques have provided tools to understand better the responses to pollutants in aquatic organisms, including D. magna. DNA microarray was used to evaluate gene expression profiles of neonatal daphnids exposed to JH agonists: methoprene (125, 250 and 500 ppb), fenoxycarb (0.5, 1 and 2 ppb) and epofenonane (50, 100 and 200 ppb). Exposure to these JH analogs resulted in chemical‐specific patterns of gene expression. The heat map analyses based on hierarchical clustering revealed a similar pattern between treatments with a high dose of methoprene and with epofenonane. In contrast, treatment with low to middle doses of methoprene resulted in similar profiles to fenoxycarb treatments. Hemoglobin and JH epoxide hydrolase genes were clustered as JH‐responsive genes. These data suggest that fenoxycarb has high activity as a JH agonist, methoprene shows high toxicity and epofenonane works through a different mechanism compared with other JH analogs, agreeing with data of previously reported toxicity tests. In conclusion, D. magna DNA microarray is useful for the classification of JH analogs and identification of JH‐responsive genes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A kinetic analysis of catalytic production of oxygen in catalase‐containing liposome dispersions for controlled transfer of oxygen in a bioreactor
Authors: Yoshimoto Makoto , Higa Minato 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiochemical oxidation reactions require oxygen to be supplied by dispersed bubbles. Drawbacks of the gas–liquid system are enzyme denaturation and low oxygen utilization efficiency. Therefore, oxygen production through the decomposition of H2O2 is useful for controlled oxygen transfer in bioreactors.RESULTSCatalase‐containing liposomes (CALs) were prepared in 50 mmol L‐1 Tris/0.1 mol L‐1 NaCl buffer (pH 7.4) and the kinetic model was developed for the oxygen production by CAL‐catalyzed decomposition of 1.0 mmol L‐1 H2O2. Applying the model to the observed time course of oxygen produced gave overall resistance in the reaction based on the pseudo‐steady‐state assumption inside liposomes for H2O2 and oxygen. The reaction resistance was estimated with the liposomal catalase concentration et,in and the kinetic parameters of free enzyme reaction. At et,in = 0.59 µmol L‐1, the CAL reaction proceeded under reaction control, while at et,in = 5.05 µmol L‐1, the H2O2 transfer resistance was involved. For the latter case, the permeability coefficient PP of H2O2 through the liposome membrane was determined as 1.06 × 10‐6 m s‐1 at 25°C. The model predicted the H2O2 concentration inside liposomes with different et,in values. Furthermore, the oxygen concentration in the CAL dispersions was reasonably simulated. The oxygen production rate could be altered based on temperature (10–55°C) and the fractional volume of CALs.CONCLUSIONThe CAL‐catalyzed oxygen production was controlled based on the et,in and PP values, which determine the relative importance of the reaction and H2O2 transfer resistances. The CAL would be applied to oxidation reactions instead of gas–liquid systems. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of time‐resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (twist)‐dixon in dynamic contrast‐enhanced (dce) breast mri
Authors: Le Yuan , Kipfer Hal , Majidi Shadie , Holz Stephanie , Dale Brian , Geppert Christian , Kroeker Randall , Lin Chen 
Published: September 2013

PurposeTo evaluate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that integrates time‐resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (TWIST) view sharing and Dixon for a breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI application.Materials and MethodsSimulation study: K‐space data at six timepoints (1 pre‐, 5 postcontrast) were generated by performing Fourier transform on a digital “phantom” with 3–9 mm enhancing lesions and three types of enhancement curves (persistent, plateau, washout). Images were reconstructed with and without TWIST. Clinical study: Six TWIST‐Dixon image sets (one pre‐, five postcontrast) were acquired in 18 patients on a 3T scanner, followed by one conventional image set. The last TWIST‐Dixon and the conventional images were scored for seven criteria: perceived signal‐to‐noise ratio (P.SNR), visualization of anatomy, fat suppression (FS) accuracy, FS uniformity, ghosting artifact, edge ringing artifact, and overall image quality (IQ).ResultsSimulation study: With proper TWIST parameters (pA ≥33%, pB ≥50%), the enhancement underestimation was 5% or less for tumor size ≥5 mm. Clinical study: TWIST‐Dixon images have significantly better scores in all criteria except for ghosting artifacts, where the difference was not significant.ConclusionWith proper parameters, TWIST‐Dixon provides higher perceived SNR, more accurate fat suppression, and better overall image quality for breast DCE‐MRI without sacrificing accuracy in the enhancement estimation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1033–1042. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unique surface gene variants of hepatitis B virus isolated from patients in the Philippines
Authors: Baclig Michael O. , Alvarez May R. , Gopez‐Cervantes Juliet , Natividad Filipinas F. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTPoint mutations and multiple variants across the “a” determinant can destroy the antigenicity and immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) leading to false negative assay and vaccine escape. In this study, the presence of surface gene variants of HBV was investigated among patients clinically diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and positive for HBV DNA from 2002 to 2009. Sequence analysis of the surface gene of HBV showed that 23 (43%) of the 53 isolates had variations. Out of the 23 isolates, 15 (65%) exhibited single or multiple substitutions, which resulted to specific amino acid changes. The remaining 8 (35%) isolates had silent mutations. The amino acid substitution M133T which was associated with failure of HBsAg detection was found in one isolate (7%, 1/15), while the amino acid substitution D144A which was associated with vaccine escape was observed in one isolate (7%, 1/15). No G145R mutation was observed. Of the 15 isolates with identified single or multiple substitutions, 6 (40%) were found to have unique sequences which caused changes in the hydrophobicity profile in the protein. Unique sequence variants at amino acid positions M103I, L109P, S117R, F134I, and S136L found in this study have not yet been reported. These data should be taken into account when developing next generation HBV assays to detect both common and unique variants, and when new HBV vaccines will be designed. J. Med. Virol. 86:209–216, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 1300‐year multi‐proxy, high‐resolution record from a rich fen in northern Poland: reconstructing hydrology, land use and climate change
Authors: LAMENTOWICZ M. , GAŁKA M. , MILECKA K. , TOBOLSKI K. , LAMENTOWICZ Ł. , FIAŁKIEWICZ‐KOZIEŁ B. , BLAAUW M. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTHere we present the first high‐resolution multi‐proxy analysis of a rich fen in the central‐eastern European lowlands. The fen is located in the young glacial landscape of the Stążki river valley. We investigated the fen's development pathways, asking three main questions: (i) what was the pattern and timing of the peatland's vegetation succession, (ii) how did land use and climate affect the succession in the fen ecosystem, and (iii) to what degree does the reconstructed hydrology for this site correlate with those of other sites in the region in terms of past climate change? Several stages of fen history were determined, beginning with the lake‐to‐fen transition ca. AD 700. Brown mosses dominated the sampling site from this period to the present. No human impact was found to have occurred until ca. AD 1700, when the first forest cutting began. Around AD 1890 a more significant disturbance took place – this date marks the clear cutting of forests and dramatic landscape openness. Deforestation changed the hydrology and chemistry of the mire, which was revealed by a shift in local plant and testate amoebae communities. We also compared a potential climatic signal recorded in the peat profile before AD 1700 with other sites from the region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of microRNA‐1288 in colorectal cancer: Altered expression and its clinicopathological significance
Authors: Gopalan Vinod , Pillai Suja , Ebrahimi Faeza , Salajegheh Ali , Lam Tommy C. , Le Tran K. , Langsford Nicole , Ho Yik‐Hong , Smith Robert A. , Lam Alfred K.‐Y. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe aim to examine the miR‐1288 expression in cancer cell lines and a large cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. Two colon cancer cell lines (SW480 and SW48) and one normal colonic epithelial cell line (FHC) were recruited. The miRNA expressions of miR‐1288 were tested on these cell lines by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). An exogenous miR‐1288 (mimic) was used to detect cell proliferation and cell cycle changes in SW480 using MTT calorimetric assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, tissues from 122 patients with surgical resection of colorectum (82 adenocarcinomas, 20 adenomas, and 20 non‐neoplastic tissues) were tested for miR‐1288 expression by qRT‐PCR. The colon cancer cell lines showed reduced expression of miR‐1288 compared to normal colonic epithelial cell line. Over expression of miR‐1288 in SW480 cell line showed increased cell proliferation and increased G2–M phase cells. In tissues, reduced miR‐1288 expression was noted in majority of colorectal adenocarcinoma compared to colorectal adenoma and non‐neoplastic tissues. Reduced or absent expression of miR‐1288 was noted in 76% (n = 62/82) of the cancers. The expression levels of miR‐1288 were higher in distal colorectal adenocarcinomas (P = 0.013) and in cancers of lower T staging (P = 0.033). To conclude, alternation of miR‐1288 expression is important in the progression of colorectal cancer. The differential regulation of miR‐1288 was found to be related to cancer location and pathological staging in colorectal cancers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weight reduction and maintenance with IQP‐PV‐101: A 12‐week randomized controlled study with a 24‐week open label period
Authors: Grube Barbara , Chong Wen‐Fen , Chong Pee‐Win , Riede Linda 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveThe safety and efficacy of IQP‐PV‐101, a proprietary extract of Phaseolus vulgaris, on weight management in two phases was evaluated here. The weight loss (WL) phase was conducted over 12 weeks and the weight maintenance (WM) phase took 24 weeks.MethodsIn the double‐blind WL phase, subjects were randomized to receive either IQP‐PV‐101 or placebo. All subjects adhered to a mildly hypocaloric diet. Body weight and other body composition parameters were measured at baseline and every 4 weeks thereafter.During the single arm, open label WM trial, energy intake was ad libitum. Efficacy parameters were measured at baseline, week 12 and week 24.ResultsAt the end of the WL study, the IQP‐PV‐101 group lost a mean of 2.91 ± 2.63 kg in body weight compared with 0.92 ± 2.00 kg in the placebo group (P < 0.001). During the WM phase, 36 out of 49 subjects (73.5%) were able to maintain their weight, even without dietary restrictions.No serious or related adverse events were reported over the combined period of 36 weeks.ConclusionsResults indicate that IQP‐PV‐101 is safe and effective for weight loss and maintenance.
Validation of anaphylaxis in the Food and Drug Administration's Mini‐Sentinel
Authors: Walsh Kathleen E. , Cutrona Sarah L. , Foy Sarah , Baker Meghan A. , Forrow Susan , Shoaibi Azadeh , Pawloski Pamala A. , Conroy Michelle , Fine Andrew M. , Nigrovic Lise E. , Selvam Nandini , Selvan Mano S. , Cooper William O. , Andrade Susan 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeWe aim to develop and validate the positive predictive value (PPV) of an algorithm to identify anaphylaxis using health plan administrative and claims data. Previously published PPVs for anaphylaxis using International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes range from 52% to 57%.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study using administrative and claims data from eight health plans. Using diagnosis and procedure codes, we developed an algorithm to identify potential cases of anaphylaxis from the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database between January 2009 and December 2010. A random sample of medical charts (n = 150) was identified for chart abstraction. Two physician adjudicators reviewed each potential case. Using physician adjudicator judgments on whether the case met diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis, we calculated a PPV for the algorithm.ResultsOf the 122 patients for whom complete charts were received, 77 were judged by physician adjudicators to have anaphylaxis. The PPV for the algorithm was 63.1% (95%CI: 53.9–71.7%), using the clinical criteria by Sampson as the gold standard. The PPV was highest for inpatient encounters with ICD‐9‐CM codes of 995.0 or 999.4. By combining only the top performing ICD‐9‐CM codes, we identified an algorithm with a PPV of 75.0%, but only 66% of cases of anaphylaxis were identified using this modified algorithm.ConclusionsThe PPV for the ICD‐9‐CM‐based algorithm for anaphylaxis was slightly higher than PPV estimates reported in prior studies, but remained low. We were able to identify an algorithm that optimized the PPV but demonstrated lower sensitivity for anaphylactic events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of training in pediatric flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Leong A.B. , Green C.G. , Kurland G. , Wood R.E. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryObjectiveThere is currently no evidence‐based method for defining competency in pediatric flexible bronchoscopy (FB). Based on expert opinion, guidelines using numbers of procedures have been published in defining competency for pediatric FB. The purpose of this study was to formally survey the opinion of USA pediatric pulmonology training directors about the assessment of competency and training experiences in pediatric FB in their programs.MethodsAn Internet‐based Survey Monkey™ of the Pediatric Pulmonary Training Directors Association (PEPTDA) was administered 10/12/10 through 11/1/10 with a supplemental survey 6/1/11–6/30/11.ResultsThis survey of US pediatric pulmonology training directors about competency and training in pediatric FB showed that a majority (86%) felt there was a minimum threshold of procedures for developing competency that could be defined, with a median of 50 and an average of 56.4 (SD = 33.0). The actual number of FBs performed by fellows during their 3‐year fellowship averaged 89.4 (SD = 45.3) with a range of 10–200. The survey also revealed a variety of teaching techniques used for FB, including simulation technology. Finally many differences were reported in skill assessment, locations for performance of FB, and the range of underlying indications and patient populations. The apprenticeship model is the predominant method of learning FB in the surveyed programs.ConclusionsA majority of US pediatric pulmonology training directors felt that a minimum number of procedures could be defined for developing competency in pediatric FB. There was variability in the numbers of procedures performed, training techniques and assessment, and application of FB. This survey represents an initial step in assessing training and defining competency in pediatric FB. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:605–610. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognitive cooperative networks with decode‐and‐forward relay selection under interference constraints of multiple primary users
Authors: Tran Hung , Zepernick Hans‐Jürgen , Phan Hoc 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we study the performance of cognitive cooperative radio networks under the peak interference power constraints of multiple primary users (PUs). In particular, we consider a system model where the secondary user communication is assisted by multiple secondary relays (SRs) that operate in the decode‐and‐forward mode to relay the signal from a secondary transmitter to a secondary receiver. Moreover, we assume that the transmit powers of the secondary transmitter and the SRs are subject to the peak interference power constraints of multiple PUs that operate in their coverage range. Given this system setting, we first derive the cumulative distribution function of the instantaneous end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio. Then, we obtain a closed‐form expression for the outage probability and an exact expression for the symbol error probability of the considered network. These tractable formulas enable us to examine the impact of the presence of multiple PUs on the performance of the considered spectrum sharing system. Furthermore, our numerical results show that system performance is improved significantly when the number of SRs increases or the channel mean power from the secondary user to the PUs is low. Also, any increase in the number of PUs in the coverage range of the secondary transmitter or the SRs leads to degradation in system performance. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are provided to verify the correctness of our analytical results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.