bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecogeographic structure of phenotypic diversity in cultivated populations of quinoa from Northwest Argentina
Authors: Curti R.N. , Andrade A.J. , Bramardi S. , Velásquez B. , Daniel Bertero H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA set of 34 quinoa populations from the Northwest Argentina region was characterised using quantitative and qualitative phenotypic traits in an experiment conducted in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. A selection of quinoa descriptors from the Bioversity International (former IBPGR) list was applied, and data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate techniques. Morphological and phenological traits variation was observed among accessions collected in contrasted ecogeographic zones of this Andean region. On the basis of quantitative traits, both the principal component analysis and the Cluster Analysis differentiated between accessions from the highlands, transition zone, central dry valleys and eastern valleys. On the other hand, the principal coordinates analysis based on qualitative traits only discriminated accessions from transition zone and eastern valleys. The correlation between both characterisations was fairly low suggesting that individual characterisations offer information that can be complementary. The accessions from the highlands and dry valleys presented the more advanced domesticated traits, while accessions from transition zone and eastern valleys showed traits more similar to wild‐type related Chenopods from the Andean region. These differences are discussed on the basis of previous hypotheses about the domestication and crop diffusion processes from the southern Andes suggested for this species.
Morgan Stanley Roundtable on The State of Global Private Equity
Authors: Kaplan Steve , Ferenbach Carl , Bingle Mike , Lipschultz Marc , Canfield Phil , Jones Alan 
Published: December 2011

In this discussion led by Alan Jones, Morgan Stanley's head of Global Private Equity, the University of Chicago's Steve Kaplan begins by surveying 25 years of academic research on private equity. Starting with Kaplan's own Ph.D. dissertation on leveraged buyouts during the 1980s, finance academics have provided a large and growing body of studies documenting the ability of private equity firms to make “sustainable” (that is, maintained over a three‐ or four‐year period) improvements in the operating performance of their portfolio companies, whether operating abroad or in the U.S.Even more impressive, the findings of Kaplan's new study (with Tim Jenkinson of Oxford and Bob Harris of the University of Virginia) suggest that these improvements have been large enough to enable PE funds raised between 1990 and 2008 to deliver returns to their limited partners that have averaged 300 to 400 basis points higher per year than the returns to the S&P 500. And given the “persistence” of PE fund returns—the tendency of the funds of the same PE firms to show up in the top quartile of performers year after year—that Kaplan has documented in earlier work, the performance of private equity seems notably different from that of mutual funds and hedge funds, where there has been little if any consistency in the returns provided by the top performers.Following Kaplan's overview of the research, four representatives of today's leading private equity firms explore questions like the following:
How do the best PE firms, after paying premiums to acquire their portfolio companies and collecting large management fees, provide such consistently high returns to their limited partners?
How did PE portfolio companies perform during the last recession, when many popular business publications were predicting the death of private equity—and what, if anything, does that tell us about how private equity adds value?
What can PE firms do to avoid, or at least limit the damage from, the overpricing and overleveraging that tend to occur near the end of the boom‐and‐bust cycle that appears to be a permanent feature of private equity?
As Jones notes in his opening comments, the practitioners' answers to such questions “should help investors distinguish between the alpha that the firms represented at this table have generated through active management from the ‘closet beta’ that critics say results when private equity firms simply create what amounts to a levered bet on the public equity markets.”
An Empirical Model of Optimal Capital Structure1
Authors: van Binsbergen Jules H. , Graham John R. , Yang Jie 
Published: December 2011

The authors provide a reasonably user‐friendly and intuitive model for arriving at a company's optimal, or value‐maximizing, leverage ratio that is based on the estimation of company‐specific cost and benefit functions for debt financing. The benefit functions are downward‐sloping, reflecting the drop in the incremental value of debt with increases in the amount used. The cost functions are upward‐sloping, reflecting the increase in costs associated with increases in leverage. The cost functions vary among companies in ways that reflect differences in corporate characteristics such as size, profitability, dividend policy, book‐to‐market ratio, and asset collateral and redeployability.The authors use these cost and benefit functions to produce an estimate of a company's optimal amount of debt. Just as equilibrium in economics textbooks occurs where supply equals demand, optimal capital structure occurs at the point where the marginal benefit of debt equals the marginal cost. The article illustrates optimal debt choices for companies such as Barnes & Noble, Coca‐Cola, Six Flags, and Performance Food Group. The authors also estimate the net benefit of debt usage (in terms of the increase in firm or enterprise value) for companies that are optimally levered, as well as the net cost of being underleveraged for companies with too little debt, and the cost of overleveraging for companies with too much. One critical insight of the model is that the costs associated with overleveraging appear to be significantly higher, at least for some companies, than the costs of being underleveraged.
Systematic review of descriptive studies that investigated associated factors with the management of incontinence in older people in care homes
Authors: Roe Brenda , Flanagan Lisa , Jack Barbara , Shaw Christine , Williams Kate , Chung Alan , Barrett James 
Published: December 2011

Background.  Incontinence is prevalent among older populations and residents in care homes.Aim and objectives.  This paper is a review of descriptive studies that investigated associated factors related to managing urinary incontinence in older people in care homes. A systematic literature review was undertaken. MEDLINE and CINHAL were searched from 1996–2010 using the Cochrane Incontinence Review Group search strings for urinary and faecal incontinence including all research designs.Results.  Sixteen studies were identified that reported on associated factors related to comorbidities, management preferences, policies, staff views and knowledge or methodological studies. Non‐invasive methods involving toileting and use of pads were common management approaches. No studies aimed at maintaining continence were identified.Conclusions.  Factors associated with incontinence need to also be considered when planning and managing care for individuals, and developing and designing systems of care within care homes. Further study in care home populations to change or inform practice and provide effective care is warranted. Preventive studies that maintain continence are required.Implications for practice.  Older people and their families should be involved with decisions regarding their preferred care, goals, management and outcomes for managing incontinence, promoting or maintaining continence.
Confectionery Coating with an Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) System
Authors: Marthina Kumala , Barringer Sheryl A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In the confectionery coating industry, hard butters are frequently used as cocoa butter replacers. An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) system, which forms fine droplets with a relatively narrow size distribution, may be beneficial in confectionery coating to produce more even coverage. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of lecithin content and fat type on electrical resistivity and apparent viscosity, and the effect of these variables under EHD (25kV) and non‐EHD coating on droplet size, width of coating area, thickness, and minimum flow rate to produce complete coverage. Total of 3 different types of fat were used: cocoa butter, cocoa butter equivalent, and lauric butter. As lecithin content increased, resistivity and apparent viscosity decreased, except all samples showed a local apparent viscosity minimum at 0.5% lecithin. EHD coating was more efficient than non‐EHD as a smaller droplet size and thinner coating was formed. Due to repulsive forces between the like‐charges on the droplets during EHD, it spread over wider areas which lead to a higher minimum flow rate to get complete coverage. Under EHD, increasing resistivity significantly increased the droplet size, but only at the highest resistivities. There was no correlation between resistivity and droplet size or width of coating under non‐EHD. The width of coating under EHD decreased significantly as resistivity increased. Thickness and minimum flow rate to produce complete coverage, significantly correlated to resistivity, for EHD coating, and to apparent viscosity, for 2 of the 3 fat types during both EHD and non‐EHD.Practical Application:  Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying offers great potential improvement to the food industry especially in the confectionery area. From the quality point of view, EHD offers greater and more complete coverage than non‐EHD coating. From the economic point of view, lower cost can be achieved for coated food because during EHD, smaller droplet size and thinner coating is produced.
Comparison of Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Commercially Available Blueberry and Blackberry Wines in Illinois
Authors: Johnson Michelle H. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Moderate wine consumption may reduce the incidence of certain age‐related chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, metabolic disease, and neurodegenerative disease. Blueberry and blackberry wines commercially available in Illinois were evaluated for chemical and quality components relevant to consumers in order to study their potential health benefits. Total polyphenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, total anthocyanin content by the pH differential test, and in vitro antioxidant capacity (AC) by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. Color was measured using Hunter colorimetry and quality parameters including pH, °Brix, acid content, glucose–fructose, and percent alcohol were measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Blackberry wines (n= 6) had an average total polyphenolic content of 2212.5 ± 1090.3 mg ellagic acid equivalents (EAE) per liter, total anthocyanin content of 75.56 ± 70.44 mg/L, and AC of 26.39 ± 17.95 mmol trolox equivalents (TEs) per liter. Blueberry wines (n= 4) had an average total polyphenolic content of 1623.3 ± 645.5 mg EAE per liter, total anthocyanin content of 20.82 ± 12.14 mg/L, and AC of 21.21 ± 7.71 mmol TE per liter. Strong positive correlations were found between °Brix and glucose–fructose concentration (r= 0.90), total acid and malic acid (r= 0.90), and between total polyphenols and AC (r= 0.88). The results suggest that fruit wines made from blueberries and blackberries may have potential health applications and therefore could contribute to the economy of the wine industry.Practical Application:  The majority of wines are produced from grapes, but wine can also be produced from other fruits including blueberries and blackberries, which contain phenolic compounds that may contribute to human health. A comparative evaluation was conducted on commercial nongrape fruit wines and parameters related to their health benefits. Fruit wines made from blueberries and blackberries may have potential health applications and therefore could contribute to the economy of the wine industry.
Effect of Antioxidant Activity and Functional Properties of Chingshey Purple Sweet Potato Fermented Milk by Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis, and L. gasseri Strains
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Yen , Tsai Cheng‐Chih , Hwang Yi‐Ting , Chiu Tsai‐Hsin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In this study, individual selected lactic acid bacteria strains Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis (LDL), and L. gasseri (LGA) were grown in Chingshey purple sweet potato (CPSP) substrate/media. CPSP is rich in anthocyanin, which possesses antioxidant activity and in vitro cell assay. The antioxidant ability and functional properties of the fermented milk were examined. High‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was used to analyze the free amino acid, organic acids, and anthocyanin content. Total phenolic compounds, scavenging effects of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picyl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and scavenging effects of superoxide anion radicals were determined to evaluate the antioxidant ability of the samples. The cell proliferation of the fermented PSP milk was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyldiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. The result indicated that the antioxidant ability of the fermented CPSP milk through LA, LDL, and LGA strains was significantly higher than CPSP. The main anthocyanins present in the samples are cyanidin and delphinidin. MTT assay has revealed that incubation with both PSP and fermented CPSP milk prevented the cell death of macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells. The potential health benefit of fermented PSP milk through LA, LDL, and LGA strains makes the further application of CPSP in health food highly worthwhile.Practical Application:  (1) In our study, we have employed the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), organic acid contents, total phenol content, anthocyanins content, DPPH, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, superoxide dismutase activity assay, and cytotoxicity assay to assess the functional properties of fermented CPSP milk by different lactic acid bacteria. (2) Our results have revealed that the fermented CPSP milk samples possess high GABA concentrations, organic acid contents, anthocyanins contents, and antioxidant activity. This will provide potential opportunity to develop different functional food products from fermented CPSP milk. (3) The potential health benefit of fermented CPSP milk makes the further application of CPSP in health food highly worthwhile.
In3+‐doped TiO2 and TiO2/In2S3 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic and Stoichiometric Degradations
Authors: Štengl Václav , Opluštil František , Němec Tomáš 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA novel In3+‐doped TiO2 and TiO2/In2S3 nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants and stoichiometric degradation of warfare agents were prepared by a homogeneous hydrolysis with urea and thioacetamide, respectively. The prepared samples series TiInTAA were annealed at 600°C. The prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area (BET) and porosity determination. The method of UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was employed to estimate band‐gap energies. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) was tested by degradation of Orange dye, whereas stoichiometric activity was studied by degradation of sulfur mustard. Incorporation of In3+ into titania lattice increases PCA of TiO2 in the visible light and increases stoichiometric decomposition of sulfur mustard against nondoped TiO2 as well. PCA of TiO2/In2S3 composite depends on the optimal ratio of TiO2:In2S3 in composite, while the activity for stoichiometric decomposition of sulfur mustards depends on the content of In2S3 in nanocomposite.
Evidence‐Based Hypertension Treatment in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Garcia‐Touza Mariana , Sowers James R. 
Published: December 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;00:00–00. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Both impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes are associated with substantially increased prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular and renal disease. The goal for hypertension treatment in diabetic patients is in evolution, because of recent clinical trials. For example, the results of the recent Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes—BP Arm (ACCORD BP) trial failed to show an additional benefit on cardiovascular event reduction at a mean systolic BP of 119 mm Hg. A post hoc analysis of 6,400 patients with type 2 diabetes from the International Verapamil‐Trandolapril Study (INVEST) also failed to show additional cardiovascular risk reduction among patients who achieved a BP <130/80 mm Hg. While the evidence fails to support a lower BP goal to reduce coronary events, there was a risk reduction in stroke events both in ACCORD and the Appropriate Blood Pressure Control in NIDDM (ABCD) trial. A number of other clinical trials also demonstrate that when systolic pressures fall to less than 130 mm Hg, a reduction in stroke but not coronary disease events occurs. Thus, the precise BP goal for diabetic patients remains unresolved. We would posit that a BP goal of 135/85 mm Hg may be a reasonable compromise when viewing the impact of BP reduction on composite stroke and coronary artery disease in extant trials.
Metabolic syndrome in antipsychotic naïve patients diagnosed with schizophrenia
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Nebhinani Naresh , Chakrabarti Subho , Parakh Preeti , Ghormode Deepak 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim: The article aims to study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and subthreshold MS in antipsychotic naïve patients with schizophrenia.Materials and methods: Forty‐six antipsychotic naïve patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were evaluated for the presence of metabolic abnormalities using International Diabetes Federation and modified National Cholesterol Education Program – Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria.Results: Five patients (10.86%) fulfilled International Diabetes Federation criteria for MS and six patients (13.04%) met modified National Cholesterol Education Program – Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria for MS. Additionally, 14 (30.43%) more patients fulfilled 2 out of the 5 criteria for MS and another 19 (41.3%) fulfilled 1 criterion for MS. Of the 19 patients who fulfilled one criterion for MS, 18 had an abnormality other than increase in waist circumference.Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that although only few antipsychotic naïve patients diagnosed with schizophrenia have MS, a significantly large proportion of patients have subsyndromal MS. Awareness of this in clinicians can have implications in the selection of antipsychotic medication.
Pyrosequencing of prey DNA in reptile faeces: analysis of earthworm consumption by slow worms
Authors: BROWN DAVID S. , JARMAN SIMON N. , SYMONDSON WILLIAM O. C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLittle quantitative ecological information exists on the diets of most invertebrate feeding reptiles, particularly nocturnal or elusive species that are difficult to observe. In the UK and elsewhere, reptiles are legally required to be relocated before land development can proceed, but without knowledge of their dietary requirements, the suitability of receptor sites cannot be known. Here, we tested the ability of non‐invasive DNA‐based molecular diagnostics (454 pyrosequencing) to analyse reptile diets, with the specific aims of determining which earthworm species are exploited by slow worms (the legless lizard Anguis fragilis) and whether they feed on the deeper‐living earthworm species that only come to the surface at night. Slow worm faecal samples from four different habitats were analysed using earthworm‐specific PCR primers. We found that 86% of slow worms (N = 80) had eaten earthworms. In lowland heath and marshy/acid grassland, Lumbricus rubellus, a surface‐dwelling epigeic species, dominated slow worm diet. In two other habitats, riverside pasture and calciferous coarse grassland, diet was dominated by deeper‐living anecic and endogeic species. We conclude that all species of earthworm are exploited by these reptiles and lack of specialization allows slow worms to thrive in a wide variety of habitats. Pyrosequencing of prey DNA in faeces showed promise as a practical, rapid and relatively inexpensive means of obtaining detailed and valuable ecological information on the diets of reptiles.
ASalmonellaVirulence Factor Activates the NOD1/NOD2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Marijke Keestra A. , Winter Maria G. , Klein-Douwel Daisy , Xavier Mariana N. , Winter Sebastian E. , Kim Anita , Tsolis Renée M. , Bäumler Andreas J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe invasion-associated type III secretion system (T3SS-1) ofSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) activates the transcription factor NF-κB in tissue culture cells and induces inflammatory responses in animal models through unknown mechanisms. Here we show that bacterial delivery or ectopic expression of SipA, a T3SS-1-translocated protein, led to the activation of the NOD1/NOD2 signaling pathway and consequent RIP2-mediated induction of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses. SipA-mediated activation of NOD1/NOD2 signaling was independent of bacterial invasionin vitrobut required an intact T3SS-1. In the mouse colitis model, SipA triggered mucosal inflammation in wild-type mice but not in NOD1/NOD2-deficient mice. These findings implicate SipA-driven activation of the NOD1/NOD2 signaling pathway as a mechanism by which the T3SS-1 induces inflammatory responsesin vitroandin vivo.IMPORTANCESalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) deploys a type III secretion system (T3SS-1) to induce intestinal inflammation and benefits from the ensuing host response, which enhances growth of the pathogen in the intestinal lumen. However, the mechanisms by which the T3SS-1 triggers inflammatory responses have not been resolved. Here we show that the T3SS-1 effector protein SipA induces NF-κB activation and intestinal inflammation by activating the NOD1/NOD2 signaling pathway. These data suggest that the T3SS-1 escalates innate responses through a SipA-mediated activation of pattern recognition receptors in the host cell cytosol.
Association between implementation of an intensivist-led medical emergency team and mortality
Authors: Karvellas Constantine J , de Souza Ivens A O , Gibney R T Noel , Bagshaw Sean M 
Published: December 2011

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of implementation of a dedicated intensivist-led medical emergency team (IL-MET) on mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsAll adult ward admissions to the ICU between July 2002 and December 2009 were reviewed (n=1920) after excluding readmissions and admissions for <24 h. IL-MET hours were defined as 8:00–15:59 (Monday to Friday). The following periods were analysed: period 1: 1 July 2002–31 August 2004 (control); period 2: 1 September 2004–11 February 2007 (partial MET without dedicated intensivist); and period 3: 12 February 2007–31 December 2009 (hospital-wide IL-MET).ResultsDuring all three periods, there were no significant differences in length of stay or mortality (IL-MET vs non-IL-MET hours, p>0.1 for all). On multivariate analysis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and age were independently associated with mortality in all three periods (p<0.05 for all). During period 3, there was a non-significant trend towards decreased mortality if admitted during IL-MET hours (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.03, p=0.08). During period 3, there was a non-significant trend towards decreased mortality if admitted during IL-MET hours (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.03, p=0.08). However, this result likely reflects the observed increase in mortality during non-IL MET hours rather than improved mortality during IL-MET hours.ConclusionIn a single centre experience, implementation of an IL-MET did not reduce the rate of in-hospital death or lengths of stay.