bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant enrichment of Y‐bearing chromosome human spermatozoa using a modified centrifugation technique
Authors: Koundouros S. , Verma P. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe effective separation of X‐ and Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa has been a topic of major attraction to a number of scientific disciplines. Approaches have typically been based upon either the kinetic or the physical characteristics of spermatozoa. Much of the information available to date has either suggested conflicting evidence between different approaches or a lack of repeatability, while other robust and reproducible techniques require expensive equipment and are being questioned with relation to their safety in clinical applications. This study describes a safe and efficient method for the successful enrichment of the Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa cells from their X counterparts in the human male using a simple approach based on centrifugation. Five donor candidates with normal semen profiles and proven fertility were recruited. In total, 20 semen specimens were processed using conventional swim‐up. During each attempt, half of the swim‐up product was subjected to the enrichment technique and the other half served as control. Parameters important for successfully skewing sex ratios included the relative centrifugal force, the duration of centrifugal separation and the number of centrifugation rounds. Assessment of samples following the separation technique was effected by a three‐colour‐labelled fluorescent in situ hybridization. More than 1000 spermatozoa for each donor specimen were assessed for the presence of an X or Y chromosome. The enrichment technique produced a significantly higher (p < 0.001) overall frequency of 85.5% for the Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa in the experimental group (3606 X‐bearing/21 209 Y‐bearing) compared with a frequency of 50.1% in the control group (11 801 X‐bearing/11 269 Y‐bearing), where there was no statistically significant difference in the number of either X‐ or Y‐chromosome‐bearing spermatozoa. In conclusion, successful skewing of human Y‐bearing chromosome spermatozoa can be reproducibly achieved by the use of simple swim‐up followed by a meticulous centrifugation protocol.
Isolation, purification and characterisation of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme–inhibitory peptides derived from catfish (Clarias batrachus) muscle protein thermolysin hydrolysates
Authors: Ghassem Masomeh , Arihara Keizo , Babji Abdul S. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activities of catfish (Clarias batrachus) muscle protein hydrolysates were investigated. Thermolytic digests of C. batrachus sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins exhibited inhibitory activity towards ACE and were purified with the aim of ultrafiltration, gel filtration and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). The amino acid sequences of hydrolysates with the highest ACE‐inhibitory activities were determined using electrospray quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOFQ MS/MS). The sequences of GPPP (IC50 = 0.86 μm) and IEKPP (IC50 = 1.2 μm) corresponding to the fragments 986–989 and 441–445 of myosin‐I heavy chain were identified for the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein hydrolysates, respectively. Peptide GPPP exhibited a mixed‐type inhibition whereas peptide IEKPP could only bind to the active sites of ACE. The results demonstrate that hydrolysates of C. batrachus muscle proteins obtained by thermolysin may contain bioactive peptides.
Effects of tangential microfiltration and pasteurisation on the rheological, microbiological, physico‐chemical and sensory characteristics of sugar cane juice
Authors: Rezzadori Katia , Petrus Rodrigo R. , Benedetti Silvia , Carminatti Claudimir A. , Petrus José C. C. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the physico‐chemical, microbiological, rheological and sensory characteristics of sugar cane juice with passion fruit pulp (5% w/w) added and which had been submitted to microfiltration and pasteurisation (90 °C/30 s; 95 °C/30 s) processes. The results showed that the juices obtained after the microfiltration and pasteurisation processes had low microbial counts. The microfiltered juice showed a reduction in the soluble solids, acidity and vitamin C content (P = 0.05), while the pasteurised juice showed no change in these parameters (P > 0.05) in relation to the natural sugar cane juice, with the exception of vitamin C, which was not detected after the thermal treatment. In relation to the rheological properties, Newtonian behaviour was observed for both microfiltered and pasteurised juices. The sensory tests on a hedonic scale showed good acceptance of both juices (microfiltered and pasteurised).
Optimisation of process parameters for the degradation of caffeic acid in sugar solutions
Authors: Nguyen Danny M. T. , Doherty William O. S. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryFenton oxidation has been used to study the degradation of caffeic acid (CA), a colour precursor in sugar cane juice, in water and sucrose solutions. Central composite design and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the relationships between % CA degradation and the process parameters (i.e. CA and sucrose concentrations, pH, reagent dosages, reaction temperature and time). A quadratic polynomial model was developed for CA degradation and indicated that the initial sucrose and CA concentrations significantly affected the amount of CA degraded. Numerical optimisation was used to determine the optimum process parameters. It showed that in water at 35 °C, 80% CA was degraded at pH 5.49, 0.72 mm Fe2+ and 9.44 mm H2O2. However, in a synthetic sugar solution under similar conditions to that of factory mixed cane juice containing 13 mass% sucrose, only 61% of CA was degraded.
Mechanical and rheological properties of fresh egg pasta as affected by shell egg production factors
Authors: Alamprese Cristina , Casiraghi Ernestina , Rossi Margherita 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe aim of this work was to study the influence of hen age and housing system on egg performances in fresh pasta production, focusing on mechanical and rheological properties of pasta. Samples of pasta were prepared with eggs laid by Hy‐Line Brown hens (from 27 to 68 weeks old) housed in conventional cage, barn and organic systems. Only hen age significantly affected pasta properties. In particular, as regards raw pasta, the loosest structure was obtained using eggs laid by the youngest hens (27–30 weeks old). On the contrary, in cooked pasta, the weakest structure was observed when eggs were laid by hens aged 53–68 weeks. However, differences, although significant, were small and thus most likely not sensorially perceivable. Significant correlations were found between mechanical and rheological properties of raw fresh egg pasta, meaning that small deformation measurements are as valuable as large deformation tests for the characterisation of this product.
Rice DECUSSATE controls phyllotaxy by affecting the cytokinin signaling pathway
Authors: Itoh Jun‐ichi , Hibara Ken‐ichiro , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Nagato Yasuo 
Published: August 2012

SummaryPhyllotaxy is defined as the spatial arrangement of leaves on the stem. The mechanism responsible for this extremely regular pattern is one of the most fascinating enigmas in plant biology. In this study, we identified a gene regulating the phyllotactic pattern in rice. Loss‐of‐function mutants of the DECUSSATE (DEC) gene displayed a phyllotactic conversion from normal distichous pattern to decussate. The dec mutants had an enlarged shoot apical meristem with enhanced cell division activity. In contrast to the shoot apical meristem, the size of the root apical meristem in the dec mutants was reduced, and cell division activity was suppressed. These phenotypes indicate that DEC has opposite functions in the shoot apical meristem and root apical meristem. Map‐based cloning revealed that DEC encodes a plant‐specific protein containing a glutamine‐rich region and a conserved motif. Although its molecular function is unclear, the conserved domain is shared with fungi and animals. Expression analysis showed that several type A response regulator genes that act in the cytokinin signaling pathway were down‐regulated in the dec mutant. In addition, dec seedlings showed a reduced responsiveness to exogenous cytokinin. Our results suggest that DEC controls the phyllotactic pattern by affecting cytokinin signaling in rice.
Proteins from the FLOWERING LOCUS T‐like subclade of the PEBP family act antagonistically to regulate floral initiation in tobacco
Authors: Harig Lena , Beinecke Farina A. , Oltmanns Jan , Muth Jost , Müller Oliver , Rüping Boris , Twyman Richard M. , Fischer Rainer , Prüfer Dirk , Noll Gundula A. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryFlowering is an important agronomic trait that often depends on the integration of photoperiod, vernalization, gibberellin and/or autonomous signaling pathways by regulatory proteins such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a member of the phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein (PEBP) family. Six PEBP family proteins control flowering in the model plantArabidopsis thaliana, and their regulatory functions are well established, but variation in the number and structural diversity of PEBPs in different species means their precise functions must be determined on a case‐by‐case basis. We isolated four novelFT‐like genes fromNicotiana tabacum(tobacco), and determined their expression profiles in wild‐type plants and their overexpression phenotypes in transgenic plants. We found that all four genes were expressed in leaves under short‐day conditions, and at least NtFT3expression was restricted to phloem companion cells. We also found that the NtFT1, NtFT2 and NtFT3 proteins are floral inhibitors (atypical for FT‐like proteins), whereas only NtFT4 is a floral inducer. We were unable to detect the expression of these genes under long‐day conditions, suggesting that all four tobacco FT‐like proteins may control flowering in response to short days. Phylogenetic analysis of PEBP family proteins and their functions in different solanaceous species confirmed that gene duplication and divergence within the FT‐like clade has led to the evolution of antagonistic regulators that may help to fine‐tune floral initiation in response to environmental cues.
Environmental factors associated with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in a new Andean focus in Colombia
Authors: Ocampo C. B. , Ferro M. C. , Cadena H. , Gongora R. , Pérez M. , Valderrama‐Ardila C. H. , Quinnell R. J. , Alexander N. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the environmental and ecological factors associated with Leishmania transmission and vector abundance in Chaparral, Tolima‐Colombia.Methods  First, we compared the ecological characteristics, abundance of phlebotomies and potential reservoir hosts in the peridomestic environment (100 m radius) of randomly selected houses, between two townships with high and low cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence. Second, we examined peridomestic correlates of phlebotomine abundance in all 43 houses in the higher risk township.Results  The high transmission township had higher coverage of forest (23%vs. 8.4%) and shade coffee (30.7%vs. 11%), and less coffee monoculture (16.8%vs. 26.2%) and pasture (6.3%vs. 12.3%), compared to the low transmission township. Lutzomyia were more abundant in the high transmission township 2.5 vs. 0.2/trap/night. Lutzomyia longiflocosa was the most common species in both townships: 1021/1450 (70%) and 39/80 (49%). Numbers of potential wild mammal reservoirs were small, although four species were found to be infected with Leishmania (Viannia) spp. In the high transmission township, the overall peridomiciliary capture rate of L. longiflocosa was 1.5/trap/night, and the abundance was higher in houses located nearer to forest (ρ = −0.30, P = 0.05).Conclusion  The findings are consistent with a domestic transmission cycle with the phlebotomies dependent on dense vegetation near the house.
Reduction in weed seedling emergence by pathogens following the incorporation of green crop residue
Authors: MOHLER C L , DYKEMAN C , NELSON E B , DITOMMASO A 
Published: August 2012

Mohler CL, Dykeman C, Nelson EB & Ditommaso A (2012). Reduction in weed seedling emergence by pathogens following the incorporation of green crop residue. Weed Research.52, 467–477.SummaryBecause tillage promotes the germination of many weed species and freshly killed plant material favours the growth of microbial pathogens, we hypothesised that the incorporation of green crop residue should temporarily reduce weed seedling emergence relative to unamended soil. Soil with field‐incorporated green crop residue was compared with non‐amended soil in glasshouse experiments by sowing several weed species at different times after incorporation. Species included Abutilon theophrasti, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus powellii, Setaria faberi, Echinochloa crus‐galli and, in one year, lettuce and red clover. Soils with green crop residue reduced seedling emergence for 0–4 days after incorporation by an average of 30%. Comparison of emergence in non‐sterilised soil with that in sterilised soil, with and without fresh crop residue, indicated that a biological agent caused the depressed emergence. In the third year of the study, the fungi Fusarium oxysporum and F. chlamydosporum were isolated from seeds exposed to soil amended with green crop residues, and their pathogenicity to seeds and seedlings was confirmed in bioassays. This study indicated that incorporation of fresh crop residue reduces the first flush of weed seedlings following tillage and that this depression in emergence is probably caused by pathogen attack on seeds and seedlings before emergence.
Behavioral feeding problems and parenting stress in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children
Authors: Wu Yelena P. , Franciosi James P. , Rothenberg Marc E. , Hommel Kevin A. 
Published: August 2012

To cite this article: Wu YP, Franciosi JP, Rothenberg ME, Hommel KA. Behavioral feeding problems and parenting stress in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 730–735.AbstractBackground:  Children with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) and their families are asked to adhere to dietary restrictions which can present significant daily challenges. However, little is known about child and family functioning and adaptation and the impact of psychosocial functioning (e.g., behavioral feeding problems) on adherence to dietary restrictions in this pediatric population.Methods:  We conducted a gender‐ and age‐matched case–control study wherein parents of children with EGID and healthy control children completed measures of behavioral feeding problems, parenting stress, and adherence to prescribed dietary restrictions.Results:  Children with EGID (n = 92) have significantly higher levels of behavioral feeding problems than healthy controls (n = 89; t = 5.7, p < 0.001; t = 7.9, p < 0.001). In particular, younger children demonstrated higher levels of behavioral feeding problems than older children. While behavioral feeding problems were not predictive of adherence to dietary restriction recommendations, they were positively associated with parenting stress.Conclusions:  The study results indicate that, for families caring for a child with EGID, higher levels of behavioral feeding problems are associated with parent maladjustment or dysfunction. A multidisciplinary treatment team is needed to provide comprehensive psychosocial and feeding evaluations and treatment in EGID families.
Microstructural abnormalities of white matter differentiate pediatric and adult‐onset bipolar disorder
Authors: Lu Lisa H , Zhou Xiaohong Joe , Fitzgerald Jacklynn , Keedy Sarah K , Reilly James L , Passarotti Alessandra M , Sweeney John A , Pavuluri Mani 
Published: August 2012

Lu LH, Zhou XJ, Fitzgerald J, Keedy SK, Reilly JL, Passarotti AM, Sweeney JA, Pavuluri M. Microstructural abnormalities of white matter differentiate pediatric and adult onset bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 597–606. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objectives:  White‐matter microstructure, known to undergo significant developmental transformation, is abnormal in bipolar disorder (BD). Available evidence suggests that white‐matter deviation may be more pronounced in pediatric than adult‐onset BD. The present study aimed to examine how white‐matter microstructure deviates from a typical maturational trajectory in BD.Methods:  Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured in 35 individuals presenting with first episode BD (type I) and 46 healthy controls (HC) (aged 9–42) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Patients were medication free and close to illness onset at the time of the DTI scans. Tract‐based spatial statistics were used to examine the center of white‐matter tracts, and FA was extracted from nine tracts of interest. Axial, radial, and mean diffusivity were examined in post‐hoc analyses.Results:  The left anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) showed significantly lower FA in pediatric than adult‐onset BD. The lower FA in BD was due primarily to greater radial, rather than decreased axial, diffusivity.Conclusions:  The ALIC connects the frontal lobes with archistriatum, thalamus, and medial temporal regions, and alteration in these pathways may contribute to mood dysregulation in BD. Abnormalities in this pathway appear to be associated with an earlier onset of illness and thus may reflect a greater susceptibility to illness.
Photochemical responses of phytoplankton to rapid increasing‐temperature process
Authors: Zhang Min , Yu Yang , Yang Zhen , Kong Fanxiang 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYPhytoplankton is sensitive to rapidly increasing temperature in spring. However, studies on the effect of temperature on phytoplankton have mainly focused on constant temperatures. It is necessary to clarify the determining parameters of phytoplankton shifts during temperature increases, as temperatures are predicted to fluctuate more intensively and frequently in the future. In the study, we analyzed the responses of photosynthetic properties and growth in a cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) and a green alga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa), the dominant species in Taihu, to rapid increasing‐temperature process in the laboratory and in the field. The results show that gradually increasing temperature inhibited photosynthesis and the growth of C. pyrenoidosa and had almost no effect on M. aeruginosa. Elevated increasing temperature range also had more significant effects on the photosynthetic properties and growth rates of C. pyrenoidosa than those of M. aeruginosa in the laboratory and in the field. All of these results suggest that the photosynthetic performance of M. aeruginosa is more suitable to gradually increasing temperature and relatively strong temperature variations than that of C. pyrenoidosa, which might partially contribute to Microcystis excluding Chlorella competitively in aquatic ecosystem. Our findings point out the possible importance of the rapid and dramatic increasing‐temperature process to the formation of cyanobacterial blooms.
Evaluation of a multicomponent intervention to improve weight status and fitness in children: Upstarts
Authors: Sandercock Gavin RH , Cohen Daniel D , Griffin Murray 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundMany physical activity intervention programs are unable to sustain long‐term improvements in activity levels and are often not cost‐effective. The aim of this study was to determine if a low‐cost school‐ and community‐centered sports coaching program was able to improve health‐related fitness in children.MethodsChildren from three schools in socially deprived areas took part in weekly coaching sessions over two 10 week periods during the school year. Coaching was provided by local community‐based sports clubs. Body mass index (BMI), jump height, handgrip strength, and 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) performance were assessed before and after each of the two intervention periods, to determine short‐ and long‐term changes in health‐related fitness. Age‐ and sex‐normalized z‐scores were calculated using normative UK reference data for each measure.ResultsBMI z‐score did not change in the short term, as expected, but importantly was significantly lower at the end of the study. Both handgrip and 20mSRT performance scores increased after the first 10 week period. Only improvements in handgrip were maintained for the whole study period. Jump height actually decreased over the entire study period.ConclusionThere were some notable benefits of this novel, cost‐effective, naturalistic intervention but future studies should examine seasonal variation and motivational factors as potential confounding variables.
Prevalence of ADHD symptoms in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Hansen Erlend , Poole Tiffany A. , Nguyen Van , Lerner Marc , Wigal Tim , Shannon Kevin , Wigal Sharon B. , Batra Anjan S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe presence of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) was investigated.MethodsSwanson, Nolan and Pelham teacher and parent rating scales, version 4 (SNAP‐IV), commonly used for assessing symptoms of ADHD, were completed by parents and counselors of children who attended a CHD summer camp. Mean scores (n = 51) were compared with two comparison groups without CHD: patients with ADHD (n = 75) and patients without ADHD (n = 41). Parent scores were also compared to previously published parent normative data.ResultsPatients with CHD were reported to have elevated SNAP‐IV scores by parents and counselors (11.8%). Parent ratings of inattention were significantly greater in CHD subjects when compared to the comparison group without ADHD (P < 0.001), and similar to the ADHD‐positive comparison group. Regarding parent ratings of hyperactivity and impulsivity, the CHD group was significantly lower than the ADHD‐positive controls (P = 0.024) but greater than the ADHD‐negative controls (P < 0.001).ConclusionADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children with CHD. Parent ratings of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms in CHD patients are similar to ratings in children diagnosed with ADHD. There is a trend towards a greater prevalence of inattention symptoms in patients with cyanosis or single ventricle physiology.
Visualization for the Physical Sciences
Authors: Lipşa Dan R. , Laramee Robert S. , Cox Simon J. , Roberts Jonathan C. , Walker Rick , Borkin Michelle A. , Pfister Hanspeter 
Published: August 2012

AbstractClose collaboration with other scientific fields is an important goal for the visualization community. Yet engaging in a scientific collaboration can be challenging. The physical sciences, namely astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences and physics, exhibit an extensive range of research directions, providing exciting challenges for visualization scientists and creating ample possibilities for collaboration. We present the first survey of its kind that provides a comprehensive view of existing work on visualization for the physical sciences. We introduce novel classification schemes based on application area, data dimensionality and main challenge addressed, and apply these classifications to each contribution from the literature. Our survey helps in understanding the status of current research and serves as a useful starting point for those interested in visualization for the physical sciences.