bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characterization and Nutrient Composition Decide Harvest Maturity of Cucumis melo Varieties
Authors: M Lija , B L Padmasree , Beevy S Suhara 
Published: July 2024

Cucumis melo is a polymorphic taxon belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, with several varieties based on ovary pubescence. Cucumis melo var. momordica and Cucumis melo var. acidulus are popularized and highly cultivated forms in South India. The characteristic of C.melo var.momordica is its fruit-cracking nature, which distinguishes the variety from others when it is ready to harvest. So, it would be a herculean task for the farmers to harvest ripened fruits before it gets cracked. Analysis of the ripening process's physicochemical attributes and nutritional composition is inevitable to understand and establish proper harvest management for the varieties. The current study was conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Botany, University of Kerala using two different melon varieties, Cucumis melo var. momordica (Roxb.) Duthie & Fuller (Snap melon) and Cucumis melo var. acidulus L. Naudin (culinary melon), from January to October 2021. Fruits were harvested at five developmental stages (S1: 5 days after pollination (DAP), S2: 10 DAP, S3:15 DAP, S4: 20 DAP, S5: 25 DAP) and analysed for physical and biochemical characters. Results were analyzed statistically by using one way ANOVA (P≤0.05). Pomological characteristics such as fruit weight and length at different developmental stages showed a tremendous peak from S3 to S5 in both varieties. However, the firmness of the fruits decreased from the S4 to S5 stage in varieties, reducing sugar accumulated sharply from the S2 to S3 stage. Titratable acidity content in Cucumis melo fruits continuously increased from the S1 to S5 stage. On the other hand, the total carbohydrate, cellulose, protein, and amino acid content increased from S1 to S2 but decreased sharply in S3 and S5. Ascorbic acid, total phenolics, lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage levels declined with fruit ripening in Cucumis melo varieties. As a result of all the quality parameters mentioned above, Cucumis melo fruit harvested at the S4 maturity stage was the ideal harvest maturity for long-distance transportation and had higher consumer acceptability before fruit cracking. Our findings showed that the physical-biochemical properties and nutritional composition of Cucumis melo varieties change dynamically during ripening. The study highlighted the significance of maturity stages for fruit quality and provided critical information for optimal harvest management of the fruits of Cucumis melo varieties.
Assessing the Impact of Trap Nests on Megachile Bee Population in Mung Bean
Authors: Kumari Suman , Khan M. S. , Kumar Gaurava 
Published: July 2024

This study explores the impact of nest installation on Megachile bee populations, which are potential pollinators of mung bean crops in Uttarakhand, India. Field investigations over two seasons reveal that six Megachile species visit mung bean blooms regularly for their provisioning. Assessments performed pre- and post-nest installation show slight changes in Megachile abundance and species-specific responses to environmental factors. Post-nest installation M. lanata showed the highest abundance (5.13±0.77 bees/m2/5min) followed by M. umbripennis (4.76±1.05 bees/m2/5min), although nest occupancy rates were low. Correlation analyses of weather parameters show preferences for specific climatic conditions with temperature having a considerable influence. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between Megachile bees and environmental factors, underlining the need for specific pollinator management approaches. Further research into Megachile nesting behaviours is essential to enhancing crop pollination and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Indirect enantioseparation of selenomethionine by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography using a newly synthesized chiral derivatizing reagent based on (S)‐naproxen moiety
Authors: Bhushan Ravi , Nagar Hariom 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT(S)‐Naproxen was reacted with N‐hydroxyphthalimide in the presence of coupling reagent dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and a new chiral derivatizing reagent, phthalimidyl‐(S)‐naproxen ester, was synthesized. It was characterized and was used for synthesis of diastereomers of selenomethionine via microwave irradiation or vortexing. The reaction conditions were optimized. Diastereomeric pairs synthesized by two approaches were successfully separated by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography using binary mixtures of aqueous triethylammonium phosphate and acetonitrile. Detection was carried out at 231 nm. The limit of detection was found to be 0.11 and 0.10 pmol/mL for diastereomers of d‐ and l‐SeMet, respectively. The method was validated for accuracy, precision and limit of detection. The new chiral derivatizing reagent was capable of enantioseparation of dl‐SeMet in the form of diastereomers having higher stability, enhanced resolution and lower limits of detection in comparison to the diastereomers prepared with other chiral derivatizing reagents reported in the literature. Optimized structures of the two diastereomers were drawn using the Gaussian 09 Rev. A.02 program and hybrid density functional B3LYP with 6‐31G basis set to explain the separation mechanism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Message exposure with friends: The role of social context on attitudes toward prominently placed brands
Authors: Coker Kesha K. , Altobello Suzanne A. , Balasubramanian Siva K. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTConsumers usually experience product placements in the presence of others, such as watching a movie or television show together. In this study, the role of social context on attitudes toward prominently placed brands is explored. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data from 382 participants who watched a sitcom episode in dyads, with a friend or with someone they did not know. Additionally, dyads were allowed to interact during the viewing or required to remain passive. Attitudes toward product placements were more favorable when coviewing with friends than with strangers, but only toward a high intensity plot placement. No attitude differences emerged between interactive and passive viewing, suggesting that talking while viewing does not distract viewers to the extent that it impacts attitudes. No significant differences in attitudes emerged between the friend‐interactive experimental condition and the other conditions. However, a significant difference in brand attitudes between friends and strangers emerged within the passive viewing context for a high intensity plot placement. Implications are such that chatting with a friend while watching product placements was no different from chatting with a stranger, but when watching silently, the presence of a friend improved brand attitudes compared to the presence of a stranger for high intensity plot placements. This is the first known study to investigate social context effects on attitudes toward product placements, the results of which are important to brand strategy. Brands with high intensity plot placements should encourage consumers to view with friends. Other managerial implications and limitations are discussed.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption and Electrooxidation of DNA at Glassy Carbon Electrodes Modified with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Dispersed in Glucose Oxidase
Authors: Gutierrez Fabiana , Rubianes María D. , Rivas Gustavo A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe are proposing for the first time the successful immobilization of DNA at glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT) dispersed in glucose oxidase (GOx) (GCE/CNT‐GOx) either by direct adsorption or by layer‐by‐layer self‐assembling using polydiallyldimethylamine (PDDA). The presence of GOx allows an efficient dispersion of CNT and gives a most favorable environment that promotes the adsorption and makes possible a more sensitive electrooxidation of DNA. The PDDA incorporated in the self‐assembled architecture largely facilitates the adsorption and electrooxidation of dsDNA and the adsorbed layer can be successfully used for evaluating the interaction of DNA with methylene blue.
Low‐Voltage Pulsed Electric Field Sterilization on a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Liu Linlin , Zhao Liping , Yang Jun , Wan Xiaoping , Hu Ning , Yeh Li‐Hsien , Joo Sang W. , Qian Shizhi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA polyimide substrate based microfluidic chip with thousands of comb‐shaped microelectrodes has been designed, fabricated, and tested for sterilization of bacteria by using pulsed electric field. The performance of bacteria sterilization as functions of the electric field strength, pulse number and width, treatment buffer, bacteria growth status, and bacteria enrichment by positive dielectrophoresis has been experimentally investigated on the microfluidic chip. Experimental results show that only 100 V are sufficient to obtain good sterilization of Escherichia coli. Higher electric field strength, bacteria enrichment by positive dielectrophoresis, longer pulse time, buffer with fewer components and nutritions, and suitable bacteria growth status also improve the sterilization of bacteria. In addition, configuration of the microelectrode array affects bacteria sterilization. This microfluidic device allows one to preconcentrate bacteria to a region with high electric field strength by using positive dielectrophoresis, and subsequently kill the enriched bacteria by applying a pulsed electric field through the same microelectrode array.
Fetal nutrition in lecithotrophic squamate reptiles: Toward a comprehensive model for evolution of viviparity and placentation
Authors: Stewart James R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe primary pattern of embryonic nutrition for squamate reptiles is lecithotrophy; with few exceptions, all squamate embryos mobilize nutrients from yolk. The evolution of viviparity presents an opportunity for an additional source of embryonic nutrition through delivery of uterine secretions, or placentotrophy. This pattern of embryonic nutrition is thought to evolve through placental supplementation of lecithotrophy, followed by increasing dependence on placentotrophy. This review analyzes the relationship between reproductive mode and pattern of embryonic nutrition in three lecithotrophic viviparous species, and oviparous counterparts, for concordance with a current model for the evolution of viviparity and placentation. The assumptions of the model, that nutrients for oviparous embryos are mobilized from yolk, and that this source is not disrupted in the transition to viviparity, are supported for most nutrients. In contrast, calcium, an essential nutrient for embryonic development, is mobilized from both yolk and eggshell by oviparous embryos and reduction of eggshell calcium is correlated with viviparity. If embryonic fitness is compromised by disruption of a primary source of calcium, selection may not favor evolution of viviparity, yet viviparity has arisen independently in numerous squamate lineages. Studies of fetal nutrition in reproductively bimodal species suggest a resolution to this paradox. If uterine calcium secretion occurs during prolonged intrauterine egg retention, calcium placentotrophy evolves prior to viviparity as a replacement for eggshell calcium and embryonic nutrition will not be compromised. This hypothesis is integrated into the current model for evolution of viviparity and placentation to address the unique attributes of calcium nutrition. The sequence of events requires a shift in timing of uterine calcium secretion and the embryonic mechanism of calcium retrieval to be responsive to calcium availability. Regulation of uterine calcium secretion and the mechanism of embryonic uptake of calcium are important elements to understanding evolution of viviparity and placentation. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactive stereoscopic displays
Authors: Patterson Robert Earl 
Published: March 2013

AbstractInteractive stereo displays allow for the existence of a natural interaction between the user and the stereo images depicted on the display. In the type of display discussed here, this interaction takes the form of tracking the user's head and hand/arm position. Sensing the user's head position allows for the creation of motion parallax information, an immersive depth cue that can be added to the binocular parallax already present in the display. Sensing the user's hand or arm position allows the user to manipulate the spatial attributes of virtual objects and scenes presented on the display, which can enhance spatial reasoning. Moreover, allowing the user to manipulate virtual objects may permit the creation of a sense of spatial relations among elements in the display via proprioception, which may augment the two parallax cues. The congruence among binocular parallax, motion parallax, and proprioception should increase the sense of depth in the display and increase viewing comfort, as well as enhance the ability of our intuitive reasoning system to make reasoned sense out of the perceptual information. These advantages should make interactive stereo displays, which may be classified as a form ofcognitive enhancement display, the display of choice in the future.
Demethoxycurcumin, a major active curcuminoid from Curcuma longa, suppresses balloon injury induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration and neointima formation: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Sheu Ming‐Jyh , Lin Hui‐Yi , Yang Yi‐Hsuan , Chou Chia‐Ju , Chien Yi‐Chung , Wu Tian‐Shung , Wu Chieh‐Hsi 
Published: March 2013

ScopeCurcumin has been shown to affect platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐elicited vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and inhibit neointima formation following vascular injury. However, whether two other curcuminoids isolated from Curcuma longa, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), also demonstrate antimigratory activity in VSMCs similar to that of curcumin remain uncharacterized.Methods and resultsBased on 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining analyses as well as changes in intima/media ratios, we show that DMC exhibits more potent effects than the other curcuminoids. We aimed to evaluate the effects and characterize the molecular mechanisms of DMC on VSMC migration and neointima formation in a carotid injury model. DMC decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 and inhibited VSMC migration as demonstrated by in vitro scratch wound and transwell assays. Furthermore, DMC may inhibit the migration of VSMCs by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 via downregulation of the focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT (protein kinase B) and phosphoglycerate kinase 1/extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways. Using a rat carotid arterial injury model, we show that DMC treatment was more potent than treatment with the other curcuminoids with respect to reducing intima/media ratios and the number of proliferating cells.ConclusionDMC should be considered for therapeutic use in preventing VSMC migration and attenuating restenosis following balloon‐mediated vascular injury.
Statin‐associated autoimmune myopathy and anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies
Authors: Mohassel Payam , Mammen Andrew L. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTStatins are among the most commonly prescribed medications that significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in selected individuals. However, these drugs can also be associated with muscle symptoms ranging from mild myalgias to severe rhabdomyolysis. Although statin myotoxicity is usually self‐limited, in some instances statin‐exposed subjects can develop an autoimmune myopathy typically characterized by progressive weakness, muscle enzyme elevations, a necrotizing myopathy on muscle biopsy, and autoantibodies that recognize 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), the pharmacologic target of statins. These antibodies are also found in some autoimmune myopathy patients without statin exposure. Importantly, anti‐HMGCR antibodies are not found in the vast majority of statin‐exposed subjects without autoimmune myopathy, including those with self‐limited statin intolerance. Thus, testing for these antibodies may help differentiate those with self‐limited statin myopathy who recover after statin discontinuation from those with a progressive statin‐associated autoimmune myopathy who typically require immunosuppressive therapy.Muscle Nerve48: 477–483, 2013
Influence of insulin sensitivity and secretion on glycated albumin and hemoglobin A1c in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pan Jiemin , Zhang Feng , Zhang Lei , Bao Yuqian , Tao Minfang , Jia Weiping 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the differential effects of insulin sensitivity and secretion on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA) at 24–32 weeks of pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsA cross‐sectional, sequential case series study was performed in pregnant women with an abnormal 50‐g oral glucose‐screening test. Hemoglobin A1c and GA measurements were taken during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and beta‐cell function (HOMA‐%β), insulin sensitivity index (ISOGTT), and modified insulinogenic index were calculated to assess insulin sensitivity and secretory function.ResultsA total of 713 pregnant women were enrolled. The GDM group had lower ISOGTT and insulinogenic index scores, and a higher HOMA‐IR score. Hemoglobin A1c was positively correlated with HOMA‐IR. Glycated albumin was negatively correlated with insulinogenic index and HOMA‐%β. Multiple regression analysis revealed that HbA1c was independently associated with diastolic pressure, 0‐ and 120‐minute glucose, and HOMA‐IR; GA was independently associated with 0‐ and 120‐minute glucose.ConclusionCompared with HbA1c, GA is more closely correlated with fasting and postprandial glucose, regardless of insulin resistance and blood pressure, and might be a better monitoring index in women with GDM.
The Borderline of ‘Empire’: Japanese Maritime Quarantine in Busan c.1876–1910
Authors: Kim Jeong-Ran 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper seeks to balance the regional and thematic focus of cholera historiography by examining maritime quarantine in Busan, as it was devised and implemented by Japanese officials and doctors during the pre-colonial period. It also places the relationship between Korea and Japan in the context of relations with China, Russia and Britain. This paper shows that quarantine measures in Busan and other Korean ports reflected the rise of Japanese imperial power and the increasing desire on the part of the Japanese to establish an effective borderline for their regional empire.From 1879 Japan began to impose maritime quarantine in Busan, where Japanese influence was very strong even before the colonial period, though at that time Japan was unable to perform quarantine in its own ports independently due to the objections of Western powers, particularly Britain. Victories in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars established Japan as a regional power on equal terms with the West, and as the dominant power in Korea and Eastern Asia. With the acquisition of the right to impose quarantine in its homeland, Japan strengthened and extended the range of quarantine from Japan to Korea, China and Russia. Now quarantine screened Japan from potentially harmful agents – pathogenic and political – and its functions diversified further as modernisation and imperial expansion gathered pace. The reliance which Japan placed upon quarantine in maintaining its empire explains why it was increasingly out of step with other powers regarding international sanitary precautions. The Japanese maritime quarantine in Busan during this period therefore shows many aspects of Japan’s ‘national empire’.
Cure for Empire: The ‘Conquer-Russia-Pill’, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and the Making of Patriotic Japanese, 1904–45
Authors: Kim Hoi-eun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSeirogan, a popular anti-diarrhoeal pill, is arguably one of the most successful pharmaceutical products of modern Japan. What is less known is that the Japanese army initially developedSeiroganduring the Russo-Japanese War as the ‘Conquer-Russia-Pill’, which was later marketed to the public by private manufacturers. Previous scholars have emphasised the top–down governmental method of mobilising private sectors to manipulate public opinion for the cause of external imperialist expansion and domestic stability during wartime Japan. But the matrix that the Conquer-Russia-Pill allows us to glimpse is an inverted power relation among the state, commercial sectors, and imperial citizens. While the Japanese government remained indifferent if not hostile to jingoistic pharmaceutical manufacturers who could easily disrupt international relations, pharmaceutical companies quickly recognised and exploited the opportunities that the Conquer-Russia-Pill and its symbolism provided under the banner of the empire. In turn, Japanese consumers reacted to commercial sermons carefully anchored in patriotic and militaristic discourses and images by opening their wallets. In other words, the popularity of the Conquer-Russia-Pill was a culmination of the convergence of a governmental initiative to enhance military capabilities, the commercial ingenuity of pharmaceutical manufacturers, and a consumer response to patriotic exhortations.
The anti-inflammatory potential of phenolic compounds in grape juice concentrate (G8000™) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis
Authors: Paiotti Ana Paula Ribeiro , Neto Ricardo Artigiani , Marchi Patrícia , Silva Roseane Mendes , Pazine Vanessa Lima , Noguti Juliana , Pastrelo Mauricio Mercaldi , Gollücke Andréa Pittelli Boiago , Miszputen Sender Jankiel , Ribeiro Daniel Araki 
Published: March 2013

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by an up-regulation of the synthesis and release of a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators leading to excessive tissue injury. Flavonoids are able to inhibit enzymes and/or due to their antioxidant properties regulate the immune response. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds present in grape juice on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. A total of forty-one male Wistar rats were randomised into seven groups: negative control group; TNBS non-treated induced colitis; 2 % grape juice control group; 1 % grape juice 24 h after TNBS colitis induction; 1 % grape juice on day 7 after colitis induction; 2 % grape juice 24 h after colitis induction; 2 % grape juice on day 7 after colitis induction. The 1 % grape juice-treated induced colitis group showed marked clinical improvement when compared with the TNBS-induced colitis group. Rats that received 1 % grape juice, on day 7 after colitis induction, presented reduced intensity of macroscopic and histological scores. Statistically significant differences (P< 0·05) ofTNF-αand inducible NO synthase mRNA expression were detected in the groups treated with grape juice at the 1 % dose after inducing experimental colitis when compared with the TNBS group. Grape juice reduced the noxious effects induced by colitis caused by TNBS, especially at the 1 % dose.