bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil and its efficacy as a preservative against fungal and aflatoxin contamination of dry fruits
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Shukla Ravindra , Singh Priyanka , Prakash Bhanu , Dubey Nawal K. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe study presents fungal and aflatoxin contamination of some dry fruits and Ocimum basilicum essential oil (EO) as a plant‐based preservative. During mycoflora analysis, 2045 fungal isolates were recorded from dry fruits and 40% isolates of Aspergillus flavus were toxigenic in nature. The EO of O. basilicum exhibited strong fungitoxicity against toxigenic strain of A. flavus. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded at 1.0 μL ml−1, and it completely inhibited aflatoxin B1 production at 0.5 μL ml−1. The oil exhibited broad fungitoxic spectrum and considerably reduced A. flavus isolates from dry fruits when used as fumigant in closed storage containers at 1.0 μL ml−1. The chemical profile of the EO was standardised through GC–MS analysis. Based on antifungal potency, antiaflatoxigenicity and efficacy as fumigant during storage conditions, O. basilicum EO may be recommended as a botanical preservative for enhancing the shelf life of dry fruits and edible products during storage.
Contrasting sensitivity to extreme winter warming events of dominant sub‐Arctic heathland bryophyte and lichen species
Authors: Bjerke Jarle W. , Bokhorst Stef , Zielke Matthias , Callaghan Terry V. , Bowles Francis W. , Phoenix Gareth K. 
Published: June 2011

Summary1.  Climate change in northern high latitudes is predicted to be greater in winter rather than summer, yet little is known about the effects of winter climate change on northern ecosystems. Among the unknowns are the effects of an increasing frequency of acute, short‐lasting winter warming events. Such events can damage higher plants exposed to warm, then returning cold, temperatures after snow melt, and it is not known how bryophytes and lichens, which are of considerable ecological importance in high‐latitude ecosystems, are affected by such warming events. However, even physiological adaptations of these cryptogams to winter environments in general are poorly understood.2.  Here we describe findings from a novel field experiment that uses heating from infrared lamps and soil warming cables to simulate acute mid‐winter warming events in a sub‐Arctic heath. In particular, we report the growing season responses of the dominant lichen, Peltigera aphthosa, and bryophyte, Hylocomium splendens, to warming events in three consecutive winters.3.  While summertime photosynthetic performance of P. aphthosa was unaffected by the winter warming treatments, H. splendens showed significant reductions in net photosynthetic rates and growth rates (of up to 48% and 52%, respectively). Negative effects were evident already during the summer following the first winter warming event.4.  While the lichen develops without going through critical phenological stages during which vulnerable organs are produced, the moss has a seasonal rhythm, which includes initiation of growth of young, freeze‐susceptible shoot apices in the early growing season; these might be damaged by breaking of dormancy during warm winter events.5. Synthesis. Different sensitivities of the bryophyte and lichen species were unexpected, and illustrate that very little is known about the winter ecology of bryophytes and lichens from cold biomes in general. In sharp contrast to summer warming experiments that show increased vascular plant biomass and reduced lichen biomass, these results demonstrate that acute climate events in mid‐winter may be readily tolerated by lichens, in contrast to previously observed sensitivity of co‐occurring dwarf shrubs, suggesting winter climate change may compensate for (or even reverse) predicted lichen declines resulting from summer warming.
Fatal powdering of bees in flight with particulates of neonicotinoids seed coating and humidity implication
Authors: Girolami V. , Marzaro M. , Vivan L. , Mazzon L. , Greatti M. , Giorio C. , Marton D. , Tapparo A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLosses of honeybees have been reported in Italy concurrent with the sowing of corn coated with neonicotinoids using a pneumatic drilling machine. Being unconvinced that solid particles containing systemic insecticide, falling on the vegetation surrounding the sown area, could poison bees foraging on contaminated nectar and pollen, the effect of direct aerial powdering was tested on foragers in free flight near the drilling machine. Bees were conditioned to visit a dispenser of sugar solution whilst a drilling machine was sowing corn along the flight path. Samples of bees were captured on the dispenser, caged and held in the laboratory. Chemical analysis showed some hundred nanograms of insecticide per bee. Nevertheless, caged bees, previously contaminated in flight, died only if kept in conditions of high humidity. After the sowing, an increase in bee mortality in front of the hives was also observed. Spring bee losses, which corresponded with the sowing of corn‐coated seed, seemed to be related to the casual encountering of drilling machine during foraging flight across the ploughed fields.
Glucosensing in parvocellular neurons of the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Melnick Igor V. , Price Christopher J. , Colmers William F. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSpecialized hypothalamic neurons responding to rising extracellular glucose via increases or decreases in their electrical activity [glucose‐excited (GE) and glucose‐inhibited (GI) cells, respectively] have been reported in the hypothalamic arcuate, ventromedial and lateral nuclei. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is an important neurosecretory and preautonomic output nucleus. We tested whether parvocellular PVN neurons also possess glucosensing properties, using patch‐clamp recording and immunocytochemistry. Putative neurosecretory (p‐NS) and preautonomic (p‐PA) cells were identified electrophysiologically. Although parvocellular neurons were insensitive to transitions from 10 to 2.5 mm glucose, approximately 68% of p‐PA cells responded directly to glucopenia (mimicked by a step to 0.2 mm glucose) with an increased membrane conductance. Of these, approximately 24% hyperpolarized (accompanied by an outward current) and thus were GE, approximately 26% depolarized (with an inward current, thus GI) and approximately 18% did not change membrane potential. The concentration dependence of the glucose response was similar for both GE and GI cells (EC50 of 0.67–0.7 mm), but was steep, with Hill slopes of 3–4. The KATP channel blockers glibenclamide and tolbutamide did not prevent, while the KATP channel opener diazoxide did not mimic, the effects of low glucose on GE neurons. Moreover, the KATP sulfonylurea receptor SUR1 was not detected in glucosensitive neurons. We conclude that the PVN contains previously unknown GE and GI cells that could participate in regulation of autonomic functions. GE neurons in the PVN sense ambient glucose via a unique mechanism, probably independent of KATP channels, in contrast to neurons in other hypothalamic nuclei.
Tax‐adjusted Discount Rates: a General Formula under Constant Leverage Ratios
Authors: Molnár Peter , Nyborg Kjell G. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCooper and Nyborg (2008) derive a tax‐adjusted discount rate formula under a constant proportion leverage policy, investor taxes and risky debt. However, their analysis assumes zero recovery in default. We extend their framework to allow for positive recovery rates. We also allow for differences in bankruptcy codes with respect to the order of priority of interest payments versus repayment of principal in default, which may have tax consequences. The general formula we derive differs from that of Cooper and Nyborg when recovery rates in default are anticipated to be positive. However, under continuous rebalancing, the formula collapses to that of Cooper and Nyborg. We provide an explanation for why the effect of the anticipated recovery rate is not directly visible in the general continuous rebalancing formula, even though this formula is derived under the assumption of partial default. The errors from using the continuous approximation formula are sensitive to the anticipated recovery in default, yet small. The ‘cost of debt’ in the tax adjusted discount rate formula is the debt's yield rather than its expected rate of return.
Feature selection for classification of oscillating time series
Authors: Tsimpiris Alkiviadis , Kugiumtzis Dimitris 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe propose a forward sequential feature selection scheme based on k‐means clustering algorithm to derive the feature subset that classifies best the time series data base, according to the criterion of the corrected Rand index. Moreover, we investigate the effect of the standardization scheme on the feature selection and propose a standardization given by the transform to standard Gaussian distribution. Our interest in this work is in classification of oscillating dynamical systems on the basis of measures computed on time series from these systems. The features to be selected are measures of linear and non‐linear analysis of time series, such as auto‐correlation and Lyapunov exponents, as well as oscillation characteristics, such as the mean magnitude of peaks. Simulations on known oscillating deterministic and stochastic systems showed that, for repeated realizations of the same classification task, the proposed feature selection scheme selected very often the same best feature subset, giving high classification accuracy for any standardization. We found that, regardless of the standardization, the highest classification accuracy could be obtained with a small feature subset, containing most frequently an oscillating‐related feature. The same setting was applied to records of epileptic electroencephalogram signals, giving varying results and dependent on the standardization.
Information provision and problem‐solving processes in Japanese breast cancer survivors with lymphoedema symptoms
Authors: Tsuchiya Miyako , Horn Sandra , Ingham Roger 
Published: June 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 53–60Information provision and problem‐solving processes in Japanese breast cancer survivors with lymphoedema symptomsBackground:  In Japan, a high proportion of breast cancer (BC) survivors develop lymphoedema as a consequence of the treatment received. Japanese BC survivors are generally not provided with standardised information about risks, early signs and symptom management. The effects of (in)adequate information on the problem‐solving processes among Japanese BC survivors with lymphoedema symptoms have not been investigated.Purpose:  The aim of this study was to explore how the provision of medical information by doctors affected the problem‐solving processes of Japanese BC survivors with lymphoedema symptoms.Method:  Ten Japanese BC survivors participated in audio‐taped focus group discussions. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.Results:  Analysis identified two phases during which participants attempted to address problems with managing their lymphoedema symptoms – a help‐seeking phase and an evaluation phase. Perceptions of information provision affected emotional responses to the onset and cognitive appraisals of lymphoedema symptoms (seen as accepted or burden). However, perceptions of information provision did not affect help‐seeking behaviours from surgeons or adherence behaviours. Participants often perceived compression sleeves as inefficient and not worth continuing.Conclusion:  This study suggests that information provision is a key process in helping BC patients to adjust to symptoms of lymphoedema. In order to promote effective symptom management, doctors and nurses should provide support not only during the help‐seeking phase but also the evaluation phase. Further research on the most effective ways to change negative treatment beliefs should be conducted.
Effect of an anesthesia with propofol compared with desflurane on free radical production and liver function after partial hepatectomy
Authors: Laviolle Bruno , Basquin Cédric , Aguillon David , Compagnon Philippe , Morel Isabelle , Turmel Valérie , Seguin Philippe , Boudjema Karim , Bellissant Eric , Mallédant Yannick 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPropofol has shown antioxidant properties, but no study has focused on liver resection surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an anesthesia with propofol compared with desflurane on oxidative stress and hepatic function during and after partial hepatectomy. This was a prospective randomized study performed on two parallel groups. The primary endpoint was malondialdehyde (MDA) plasma concentration 30 min after hepatic vascular unclamping. Hepatic damages were evaluated by plasma levels of alpha‐glutathione S‐transferase (α‐GST) 120 min after hepatic vascular unclamping and of aminotransferases at 120 min and on days 1, 2, 5, and 10. Liver function recovery was assessed by monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) formation 15 min after lidocaine injection on day 2 and by prothrombin time and plasma factor V at 120 min and on days 1, 2, 5, and 10. Thirty patients were analyzed (propofol group: 17; desflurane group: 13). There was no significant difference between groups for MDA plasma concentration 30 min after hepatic vascular unclamping (mean ± standard‐deviation: 1.28 ± 0.40 and 1.21 ± 0.29 in propofol and desflurane groups, respectively, P = 0.608). Plasma levels of α‐GST at 120 min were lower in propofol than in desflurane group (142.2 ± 75.4 vs. 205.7 ± 66.5, P = 0.023), and MEGX on day 2 was higher (0.092 ± 0.096 vs. 0.036 ± 0.020, P = 0.007). No differences between groups were observed with regard to plasma levels of aminotransferases, prothrombin time, and plasma factor V. Our study showed that in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy, propofol did not reduce MDA formation but seemed to display a protective effect on hepatic damages and liver function when compared to desflurane.
Vaginal prolapse – perceptions and healthcare‐seeking behavior among women prior to gynecological surgery
Authors: PAKBAZ MOJGAN , ROLFSMAN EWA , MOGREN INGRID , LÖFGREN MATS 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjective. To investigate perceptions of vaginal prolapse and healthcare‐seeking behavior in women prior to gynecological surgery. Design. Prospective, cross‐sectional study using a web‐based questionnaire. Setting. Clinics including patients in the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery (Gynop‐register). Population. 214 women with vaginal prolapse and 347 women without prolapse as reference patients. Methods. A questionnaire was developed for assessment of women's perception of prolapse and their healthcare‐seeking behavior. Data were collected through the Gynop‐register. For comparisons between the study groups, Student's t‐test and the chi‐squared test were used. Main outcome measures. Perceptions of prolapse, healthcare‐seeking behavior, and source of information. Results. The most common definition of prolapse reported by the women was presence of a vaginal bulge. Reasons for seeking healthcare were interference with physical activity and increasing symptoms. One in five women with prolapse could not relate the symptoms to prolapse. Participants in the prolapse group gained less information on their own condition from brochures and public media compared to participants in the reference group (p<0.001). Conclusion. There appeared to be a lack of information on pelvic organ prolapse in the public domain. Healthcare professionals have a significant role to play in informing women about symptoms related to the condition and the available treatment options.
The evaluation of oral health in stroke patients
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Murakami Tsuneji , Yoshimura Osamu , Akagawa Yasumasa 
Published: June 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00505.xThe evaluation of oral health in stroke patientsObjective:  As tooth loss has been suggested as a potential risk factor for stroke, oral examinations were carried out on stroke patients to review the oral condition of those patients.Method:  The subjects were patients consecutively discharged from the recovery rehabilitation unit of Hiroshima City General Rehabilitation Center between April 2008 and December 2009. All patients were offered oral examination and 358 of 443 patients accepted. Patients receiving dental examination were divided into two groups: one group comprising stroke patients and the second, patients with other disorders. These two groups were then compared for the number of remaining teeth by age group.Results:  Among the examined patients, the number of remaining teeth in stroke patients in their 50s and 60s was significantly lower than for patients in corresponding age groups (18.4 ± 9.4 vs. 24.5 ± 5.4 and 18.3 ± 9.2 vs. 22.2 ± 7.2, respectively, with p < 0.05 for both age groups) who were hospitalised for other conditions. In addition, the number of remaining teeth in stroke patients in their 50s was also significantly lower than the number reported in the Survey of Dental Diseases (24.1 ± 6.1; p < 0.05).Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest an association between tooth loss and early occurrence of stroke.
Domain‐specific and domain‐general precursors of mathematical achievement: A longitudinal study from kindergarten to first grade
Authors: Passolunghi Maria Chiara , Lanfranchi Silvia 
Published: June 2011

Background. Many contributing factors, both domain specific and domain general, influence children's performance in school achievement.Aims. This research aims to verify the importance of kindergarten measures of cognitive abilities and numerical competence in the role of predicting mathematical school achievement at the end of first grade.Sample and Methods. A total of 70 children (38 females and 32 males) took part in the study. We tested the children at the beginning of their last year of kindergarten (time 1) on the following cognitive abilities: IQ, phonology, counting skills, verbal short‐term memory, visuo‐spatial short‐term memory, working memory, and processing speed. Then, we tested the same children at end of their last year of kindergarten (time 2) on a measure of numerical competence and at the end of their first year of primary school (time 3) on a test of math achievement.Results. Path analysis models revealed the direct influence of working memory and processing speed on predicting numerical competence in pre‐schoolers and the influence of processing speed and verbal IQ on predicting math achievement in first graders. Moreover, this study found a direct link between numerical competence and math achievement.Conclusions. Both domain‐specific and domain‐general factors contribute to determining math achievement at the end of first grade.
Determination of equivalent breast phantoms for different age groups of Taiwanese women: An experimental approach
Authors: Dong Shang‐Lung , Chu Tieh‐Chi , Lin Yung‐Chien , Lan Gong‐Yau , Yeh Yu‐Hsiu , Chen Sharon , Chuang Keh‐Shih 
Published: June 2011

Purpose:Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) slab is one of the mostly used phantoms for studying breast dosimetry in mammography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the equivalence between exposure factors acquired from PMMA slabs and patient cases of different age groups of Taiwanese women in mammography.Methods:This study included 3910 craniocaudal screen/film mammograms on Taiwanese women acquired on one mammographic unit. The tube loading, compressed breast thickness (CBT), compression force, tube voltage, and target/filter combination for each mammogram were collected for all patients. The glandularity and the equivalent thickness of PMMA were determined for each breast using the exposure factors of the breast in combination with experimental measurements from breast‐tissue‐equivalent attenuation slabs. Equivalent thicknesses of PMMA to the breasts of Taiwanese women were then estimated.Results:The average ± standard deviation CBT and breast glandularity in this study were 4.2 ± 1.0 cm and 54% ± 23%, respectively. The average equivalent PMMA thickness was 4.0 ± 0.7 cm. PMMA slabs producing equivalent exposure factors as in the breasts of Taiwanese women were determined for the age groups 30–49 yr and 50–69 yr. For the 4‐cm PMMA slab, the CBT and glandularity values of the equivalent breast were 4.1 cm and 65%, respectively, for the age group 30–49 yr and 4.4 cm and 44%, respectively, for the age group 50–69 yr.Conclusions:The average thickness of PMMA slabs producing the same exposure factors as observed in a large group of Taiwanese women is less than that reported for American women. The results from this study can provide useful information for determining a suitable thickness of PMMA for mammographic dose survey in Taiwan. The equivalence of PMMA slabs and the breasts of Taiwanese women is provided to allow average glandular dose assessment in clinical practice.
Selection of Fecal Enterococci Exhibiting
tcrB
-Mediated Copper Resistance in Pigs Fed Diets Supplemented with Copper
Authors: Amachawadi R. G. , Shelton N. W. , Shi X. , Vinasco J. , Dritz S. S. , Tokach M. D. , Nelssen J. L. , Scott H. M. , Nagaraja T. G. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Copper, as copper sulfate, is increasingly used as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for growth promotion in weaned piglets. Acquired copper resistance, conferred by a plasmid-borne, transferable copper resistance (
tcrB
) gene, has been reported in
Enterococcus faecium
and
E. faecalis
. A longitudinal field study was undertaken to determine the relationship between copper supplementation and the prevalence of
tcrB-
positive enterococci in piglets. The study was done with weaned piglets, housed in 10 pens with 6 piglets per pen, fed diets supplemented with a normal (16.5 ppm; control) or an elevated (125 ppm) level of copper. Fecal samples were randomly collected from three piglets per pen on days 0, 14, 28, and 42 and plated on M-
Enterococcus
agar, and three enterococcal isolates were obtained from each sample. The overall prevalence of
tcrB-
positive enterococci was 21.1% (38/180) in piglets fed elevated copper and 2.8% (5/180) in the control. Among the 43
tcrB-
positive isolates, 35 were
E. faecium
and 8 were
E. faecalis
. The mean MICs of copper for
tcrB-
negative and
tcrB-
positive enterococci were 6.2 and 22.2 mM, respectively. The restriction digestion of the genomic DNA of
E. faecium
or
E. faecalis
with S1 nuclease yielded a band of ∼194-kbp size to which both
tcrB
and the
erm
(B) gene probes hybridized. A conjugation assay demonstrated cotransfer of
tcrB
and
erm
(B) genes between
E. faecium
and
E. faecalis
strains. The higher prevalence of
tcrB-
positive enterococci in piglets fed elevated copper compared to that in piglets fed normal copper suggests that supplementation of copper in swine diets selected for resistance.