bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusarium inhibition by wild populations of the medicinal plant Salvia africana-lutea L. linked to metabolomic profiling
Authors: Nkomo Mpumelelo M , Katerere David DR , Vismer Hester HF , Cruz Thomas T , Balayssac Stephane S , Malet-Martino Myriam M , Makunga Nokwanda NP 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background

Salvia africana-lutea L., an important medicinal sage used in the Western Cape (South Africa), can be termed a ‘broad-spectrum remedy’ suggesting the presence of a multiplicity of bioactive metabolites. This study aimed at assessing wild S. africana-lutea populations for chemotypic variation and anti-Fusarium properties.

Methods
Samples were collected from four wild growing population sites (Yzerfontein, Silwerstroomstrand, Koeberg and Brackenfell) and one garden growing location in Stellenbosch. Their antifungal activities against Fusarium verticillioides (strains: MRC 826 and MRC 8267) and F. proliferatum (strains: MRC 6908 and MRC 7140) that are aggressive mycotoxigenic phytopathogens were compared using an in vitro microdilution assay. To correlate antifungal activity to chemical profiles, three techniques viz. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were employed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the NMR data. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to integrate LC-MS and NMR data sets. All statistics were performed with the SIMCA-P + 12.0 software.

Results
The dichloromethane:methanol (1:1; v/v) extracts of the plant species collected from Stellenbosch demonstrated the strongest inhibition of F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.031 mg ml-1 and 0.063 mg ml-1 respectively. GC-MS showed four compounds which were unique to the Stellenbosch extracts. By integrating LC-MS and 1H NMR analyses, large chemotype differences leading to samples grouping by site when a multivariate analysis was performed, suggested strong plant-environment interactions as factors influencing metabolite composition. Signals distinguishing the Stellenbosch profile were in the aromatic part of the 1H NMR spectra.

Conclusions
This study shows the potential of chemotypes of Salvia africana-lutea in controlling fungal growth and consequently mycotoxin production. Products for use in the agricultural sector may be developed from such chemotypes.
Growth of 3-D flower/grass-like metal oxide nanoarchitectures based on catalyst-assisted oxidation method
Authors: Hu Lijiao , Ju Yang , Hosoi Atsushi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Cu2O grass-like and ZnO flower-like nanoarchitectures were fabricated directly on Cu powders and Zn powders using a novel thermal oxidation stress-induced (TOS) method based on catalyst assistance at a low temperature of 150°C under moderate humid atmosphere. The experiments of Al powder were also carried out based on TOS method. Overlapping migration (OLM) of Cu and Zn atoms and toothpaste squeezing migration (TSM) of Al atoms caused by different atom densities in metal oxide materials were studied.

PACS

81. Materials science; 81.07.-b Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; 81.16.Hc Catalytic methods
An active Catharanthus roseus desacetoxyvindoline-4-hydroxylase-like gene and its transcriptional regulatory profile
Authors: Zhou Chen , Zhang Jin , Zhao Shu-Juan , Hu Zhi-Bi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Desacetoxyvindoline-4-hydroxylase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of vindoline, the important intermediate leading to vinblastine and vincristine in Catharanthus roseus.

Results
A d4h-like gene has been isolated from C. roseus C20hi cells based on an EST sequence from the Suppression Subtractive Hybridization cDNA library. The full length cDNA of d4h-like was 1427 bp encoding 372 amino acids. It had 66% identities and 80% positives with d4h at the amino acid level. It belonged to 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase superfamily as d4h did. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that d4h-like was expressed high in roots, flowers and C20hi cells, very low in leaves and stems. Methyl jasmonate could significantly increase the accumulation of d4h-like transcripts. 2,4-D inhibited its expression. An approximate 2,910 bp of 5′-promoter region of d4h-like was obtained, fused to GUS reporter gene and analyzed with fluorescence quantitative assays using transient expression in C. roseus cell suspensions, indicating that d4h-like promoter could drive GUS gene expression in vivo.

Conclusion
These results suggest that d4h-like is closely related with d4h in the genetic evolution but with different transcriptional expression profiles. It may be revolved in the hormone-independency of C20hi cells.
Association of urinary bisphenol a concentration with type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ahmadkhaniha Reza , Mansouri Masoumeh , Yunesian Masud , Omidfar Kobra , Jeddi Maryam Zare , Larijani Bagher , Mesdaghinia Alireza , Rastkari Noushin 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Bisphenol A as an endocrine-disrupting chemical is widely used chemical in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin and has become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Human exposure to Bisphenol A is widespread and recent studies have been shown to be associated with a higher risk for self-reported adverse health outcomes that may lead to insulin resistance and the development of type-2 diabetes mellitus. In this context, we sought to confirm the association between Bisphenol A and diabetes in a community-based analysis of Bisphenol A urinary concentrations investigation in adult population of Iran.

Methods
Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, Body Mass Index, serum triglyceride level and serum cholesterol level and serum creatinine concentration. Main outcomes were reported diagnoses of diabetes that defined according the latest American Diabetes Association guidelines.

Results
The median age of the 239 participants was 51.65 years and 119 people had type-2 diabetes mellitus. Urinary Bisphenol A was categorized into two groups based on the median for Bisphenol A (≤0. 85 to >0.85 μg/L). The results of statistical analysis revealed a clear association between hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.05). The multi variable-adjusted odds ratio for type-2 diabetes mellitus associated with the group 1 (referent), of urinary Bisphenol A was 57.6 (95% confidence interval: 21.10-157.05; P-value < 0.001). A positive correlation between HbA1c and urinary BPA concentration was observed (r = 0.63, P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Urinary Bisphenol A levels are found to be associated with diabetes independent of traditional diabetes risk factors. Higher Bisphenol A exposure, reflected in higher urinary concentrations of Bisphenol A, is consistently associated with diabetes in the general adult population of the Iran. Studies to clarify the mechanisms of these associations are urgently needed.
Platelet-activating factor antagonists enhance intracellular degradation of amyloid-β42 in neurons via regulation of cholesterol ester hydrolases
Authors: Simmons Charlotte , Ingham Victoria , Williams Alun , Bate Clive 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The progressive dementia that is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in extracellular plaques and within neurons. Aβ peptides are targeted to cholesterol-rich membrane micro-domains called lipid rafts. Observations that many raft proteins undertake recycling pathways that avoid the lysosomes suggest that the accumulation of Aβ in neurons may be related to Aβ targeting lipid rafts. Here we tested the hypothesis that the degradation of Aβ by neurons could be increased by drugs affecting raft formation.

Methods
Primary neurons were incubated with soluble Aβ preparations. The amounts of Aβ42 in neurons or specific cellular compartments were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of drugs on the degradation of Aβ42 were studied.

Results
Aβ42 was targeted to detergent-resistant, low-density membranes (lipid rafts), trafficked via a pathway that avoided the lysosomes, and was slowly degraded by neurons (half-life was greater than 5 days). The metabolism of Aβ42 was sensitive to pharmacological manipulation. In neurons treated with the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor squalestatin, less Aβ42 was found within rafts, greater amounts of Aβ42 were found in lysosomes, and the half-life of Aβ42 was reduced to less than 24 hours. Treatment with phospholipase A2 inhibitors or platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists had the same effects on Aβ42 metabolism in neurons as squalestatin. PAF receptors were concentrated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) along with enzymes that constitute the cholesterol ester cycle. The addition of PAF to ER membranes triggered activation of cholesterol ester hydrolases and the release of cholesterol from stores of cholesterol esters. An inhibitor of cholesterol ester hydrolases (diethylumbelliferyl phosphate) also increased the degradation of Aβ42 in neurons.

Conclusions
We conclude that the targeting of Aβ42 to rafts in normal cells is a factor that affects its degradation. Critically, pharmacological manipulation of neurons can significantly increase Aβ42 degradation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the Aβ-induced production of PAF controls a cholesterol-sensitive pathway that affects the cellular localization and hence the fate of Aβ42 in neurons.
Fulfillment of the Inflation Target in Poland
Authors: Jędruchniewicz Andrzej 
Published: March 2014

Inflation is a fundamental category within an economy. Mainstream economists claim that its rate cannot be high nor too low, because it harms the economy. This is why today the basic aim of central banks is the maintenance of the increase of consumer prices on a low level. The main aim of the study is an evaluation of the level of fulfillment of National Bank of Poland’s inflation target that is fixed on the level of 2,5% annually with the accepted range of +/- 1 percentage point deviation. Main causes that were shaping the rate of real inflation were also specified. Research methods adopted in this paper are the deduction and the analysis of statistical indicators. In the period 2008-2011 the annual inflation in Poland was close to the inflation target only in 2010. In other years it was formed on the level around the higher border of the deviation range or above it. Main factors that influenced the increase of prices were: (1) changes in global demand – they were strongly influencing the inflation rate after 4 quarters and the most important category of global demand was consumption; (2) changes in wages – the increase of nominal wages was influencing the increase of prices mostly in the same quarter. After taking into account the changes of work efficiency, inflation reacted mainly after 4 quarters; (3) changes of prices of raw materials on world markets; (4) changes in the exchange rate of the zloty against the euro and the dollar. Their influence on consumer prices was also delayed.
Serology and ultrasound for diagnosis of choledocholithiasis
Authors: Isherwood J , Garcea G , Williams R , Metcalfe M , Dennison AR 
Published: March 2014

Introduction Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is not a routine investigation to exclude choledocholithiasis unless there is clinical or biochemical suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study attempted to determine which radiological or serological parameters best predicted CBD stones. Methods All patients undergoing MRCP from 2005 to 2011 were selected. Patients with pancreatitis were excluded. Liver function tests (LFTs) at admission and prior to MRCP were recorded, as was abdominal ultrasonography and MRCP results. Parameters measured routinely on LFTs included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin. Receiver operating characteristic curve area analysis (area under the curve [AUC]) and chi-squared analysis were undertaken. Results Overall, 195 patients were identified, 71 of whom had CBD stones on MRCP. Raised ALP levels on admission demonstrated a correlation with CBD stones (AUC: 0.619, odds ratio [OR]: 3.16, p=0.06). At ultrasonography, a dilated CBD (OR: 3.76, p<0.001) and intrahepatic duct dilation (OR: 5.56, p<0.001) were highly significant predictors. However, only 37% of patients had a dilated CBD on ultrasonography. Ongoing elevation of LFT parameters, particularly ALP (AUC: 0.707, OR: 4.64, p<0.001) and ALT (AUC: 0.646, OR: 5.40, p<0.001), displayed a significant correlation with CBD stones. Conclusions Ongoing (even if minor) elevations of liver function test parameters should prompt the need to exclude CBD stones even in the presence of a normal CBD diameter on ultrasonography.
A More Accurate Molar Mass of Silicon via High Resolution MC-ICP-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pramann Axel , Rienitz Olaf , Noordmann Janine , Güttler Bernd , Schiel Detlef 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
High resolution multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (HR-MC-ICP-MS) was applied for the determination of the
isotopic composition and molar mass of a silicon crystal material
(“Si28”) highly enriched in the 28Si isotope
(x(28Si) > 0.9999 mol/mol). Due to experimental
improvements and a straightforward advancement of an analytical
closed-form approach for correction of mass bias in isotope ratio
measurement, the uncertainty associated with the molar mass
u
rel(M) was further reduced to 6.1E-9. The
current molar mass of the “Si28” material used for the
redetermination of the Avogadro constant was
M(Si) = 27.976  970  22(17) g/mol which differs
by − 4.9 · 10
–8 g/mol (− 1.8E − 9 relative) from the value
published by the International Avogadro Coordination (IAC) in
2011. The uncertainty budget as well as the main features of the new
extended theory for calibration factor determination are presented
additionally.
A New Liquid Droplet Laser Desorption Source Combined with Supersonic Jet Expansion: Application to Phenol and its Water Clusters
Authors: Nandi Chayan Kanti , Barth Hans-Dieter , Brutschy Bernhard 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We have developed a new laser source, for the spectroscopy of
nonvolatile molecules in gas phase. It is based on a laser induced
liquid bead ion desorption source (LILBID) combined with a supersonic
beam. The cold molecules produced with this technique are sampled with
Resonant Two Photon Ionization spectroscopy (R2PI) to measurement of
the gas phase optical spectra. LILBID allows to bring nonvolatile
molecule from liquid phase (out of a droplet) into gas phase, by means
of multi photon ablation with IR photons exciting the vibrations of
the solvent. Phenol and its different water clusters have been used as
an example to demonstrate the method and to standardise the new
experimental setup. The recorded R2PI spectral data of phenol monomer
and its different water clusters obtained from this laser desorption
technique are in very good agreement with the previously published
data. This technique opens a new door for the measurement of molecules
under microsolvation and potentially for zwitterion formation
of thermally labile, nonvolatile molecules such as amino acids or
biomolecules.
Magnesium Vapor Reduction of Structured Silica for Lithium Ion Battery Applications
Authors: Cook Rob , Schrandt Matthew , Kolla Praveen , Rhine Wendell , Koodali Ranjit , Smirnova Alevtina 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThree types of silica materials with different morphology, specifically SiO2 hollow microspheres, mesoporous silica, and silica aerogel were tested as potential precursors for synthesis of silicon nano- and meso-structures that resemble the original morphology of the precursors. In the optimized magnesium thermal reduction process, magnesium vapor was delivered to silica surface through a stainless steel mesh placed on top of a zirconia boat filled with silica precursor. This approach allowed for better control of silicon nanostructure formation by minimizing reaction by-products that can affect performance of lithium ion battery anode. Material morphological properties of the reduced silica precursors are discussed in terms of X-ray diffraction, BET, BJH pore size distribution, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA.
High performances and low variability of semiconducting-SWCNT thin-film-transistors achieved by shortening tube lengths
Authors: Saito Takeshi , Ohmori Shigekazu , Ihara Kazuki , Kuwahara Yuki , Nihey Fumiyuki 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe tube-length distribution in the semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotube (s-SWCNT) ink extracted by the electric-field-induced layer formation (ELF) method was characterized by atomic force microscopy, which revealed that the nonionic surfactant Brij 700 adopted in ELF causes the significant and homogeneous shortening of SWCNTs compared with sodium cholate that is frequently used for the dispersion of SWCNTs as an ionic surfactant. It was found that the shortened s-SWCNTs in the semiconducting ink positively effect on the uniformity of performance among the s-SWCNT thin-film transistors.
Structure control of Pt-SnO2catalyst for DEFC synthesized by electron beam irradiation method
Authors: Okazaki Tomohisa , Seino Satoshi , Ohkubo Yuji , Nakagawa Takashi , Yamamoto Takao A. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTCarbon supported Pt-SnO2 electrocatalysts with different Sn/Pt molar ratios were prepared by an electron beam irradiation method. Dissolved gas conditions in the vials irradiated with electron beam were controlled to air or Ar. The results of the material analyses showed that both Pt and SnO2 were immobilized onto carbon support in all catalysts. Bubbling Ar to the precursor solution led to steady change of metal contents in response to the precursor concentrations. The ethanol oxidation activity plotted against Sn/Pt ratio behaved differently with dissolved gas condition of the vial. This difference is discussed with supposed existing state of SnO2 in connection with the reduction process of Pt and Sn.
Strategic Messaging to Promote Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Lessons From Recent Political Campaigns
Authors: Jou Judy , Niederdeppe Jeff , Barry Colleen L. , Gollust Sarah E. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives. This study explored the use of strategic messaging by proponents of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation to influence public opinion and shape the policy process, emphasizing the experiences in El Monte and Richmond, California, with SSB tax proposals in 2012. Methods. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with key stakeholders about the use and perceived effectiveness of messages supporting and opposing SSB taxation, knowledge sharing among advocates, message dissemination, and lessons learned from their messaging experiences. Results. The protax messages most frequently mentioned by respondents were reinvesting tax revenue into health-related programs and linking SSB consumption to health outcomes such as obesity and diabetes. The most frequently mentioned antitax messages addressed negative economic effects on businesses and government restriction of personal choice. Factors contributing to perceived messaging success included clearly defining “sugar-sweetened beverage” and earmarking funds for obesity prevention, incorporating cultural sensitivity into messaging, and providing education about the health effects of SSB consumption. Conclusions. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxation has faced significant challenges in gaining political and public support. Future campaigns can benefit from insights gained through the experiences of stakeholders involved in previous policy debates.
Influence of Point-of-Sale Tobacco Displays and Graphic Health Warning Signs on Adults: Evidence From a Virtual Store Experimental Study
Authors: Kim Annice E. , Nonnemaker James M. , Loomis Brett R. , Shafer Paul R. , Shaikh Asma , Hill Edward , Holloway John W. , Farrelly Matthew C. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We tested the impact of banning tobacco displays and posting graphic health warning signs at the point of sale (POS). Methods. We designed 3 variations of the tobacco product display (open, enclosed [not visible], enclosed with pro-tobacco ads) and 2 variations of the warning sign (present vs absent) with virtual store software. In December 2011 and January 2012, we randomized a national convenience sample of 1216 adult smokers and recent quitters to 1 of 6 store conditions and gave them a shopping task. We tested for the main effects of the enclosed display, the sign, and their interaction on urge to smoke and tobacco purchase attempts. Results. The enclosed display significantly lowered current smokers’ (B = −7.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −13.20, −0.91; P < .05) and recent quitters’ (Β = −6.00, 95% CI = −11.00, −1.00; P < .01) urge to smoke and current smokers’ purchase attempts (adjusted odds ratio = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.11; P < .01). The warning sign had no significant main effect on study outcomes or interaction with enclosed display. Conclusions. These data show that POS tobacco displays influence purchase behavior. Banning them may reduce cues to smoke and unplanned tobacco purchases.
Secular Trends in Fast-Food Restaurant Use Among Adolescents and Maternal Caregivers From 1999 to 2010
Authors: Larson Nicole , Hannan Peter J. , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Laska Melissa N. , Eisenberg Marla E. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne 
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We examined trends from 1999 to 2010 in adolescents’ self-reported fast-food restaurant use alongside maternal reports of fast-food consumption and purchasing from restaurants for family meals. Methods. Middle- and high-school student participants from Minneapolis–St Paul, Minnesota, represented diverse ethnic/racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Adolescents completed classroom-administered surveys and maternal caregivers responded by phone or mail. Results. The overall prevalence of frequent fast-food consumption, defined as 3 or more times per week, decreased from 1999 to 2010 among adolescents (1999: 25%; 2010: 19%; P < .001) and maternal caregivers (1999: 17%; 2010: 11%; P < .001), but sociodemographic disparities were apparent. For example, the prevalence of frequent fast-food consumption remained highest and did not significantly decrease among Black or Native American youths. The overall prevalence of frequent fast-food purchases for family meals did not significantly decrease; large decreases were observed only among Hispanic families (1999: 18%; 2010: 6%; P < .001). Conclusions. In light of previous findings linking frequent fast-food consumption to greater weight gain and poor nutrition, the observed decreases in consumption are encouraging and interventions are needed to address observed disparities.
Longitudinal Associations Between Poverty and Obesity From Birth Through Adolescence
Authors: Lee Hedwig , Andrew Megan , Gebremariam Achamyeleh , Lumeng Julie C. , Lee Joyce M. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We examined the relationship between timing of poverty and risk of first-incidence obesity from ages 3 to 15.5 years. Methods. We used the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (1991–2007) to study 1150 children with repeated measures of income, weight, and height from birth to 15.5 years in 10 US cities. Our dependent variable was the first incidence of obesity (body mass index ≥ 95th percentile). We measured poverty (income-to-needs ratio < 2) prior to age 2 years and a lagged, time-varying measure of poverty between ages 2 and 12 years. We estimated discrete-time hazard models of the relative risk of first transition to obesity. Results. Poverty prior to age 2 years was associated with risk of obesity by age 15.5 years in fully adjusted models. These associations did not vary by gender. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that there are enduring associations between early life poverty and adolescent obesity. This stage in the life course may serve as a critical period for both poverty and obesity prevention.