bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health biomarkers in a rat model after intake of organically grown carrots
Authors: Jensen Maja Melballe , Jørgensen Henry , Halekoh Ulrich , Watzl Bernhard , Thorup‐Kristensen Kristian , Lauridsen Charlotte 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Organic food is perceived as being of better quality and healthier than conventional foods although the scientific research on organic foodstuffs is highly contradictory. The aim of the present study was to investigate if intake of carrots from four different cultivation systems grown in two consecutive years would influence various biomarkers of health in a rat model. All rats were fed a diet with 40% carrot content. The carrots were grown under conventional (C), ‘minimalistic’ organic (O1), organic (O2), or ‘very’ organic cultivation systems (O3). A control group (CO) being fed standard rat chow was included.RESULTS: The plasma α‐tocopherol concentration was higher in the O2 carrot‐based diet group than in the C carrot based‐diet group in one year, while all other health biomarkers or nutrient content differences were observed between the CO diet and the carrot‐based diets.CONCLUSION: This well‐controlled field study demonstrated no clear influence of cultivation methods or harvest year on the nutritional quality of carrots or effect of cultivation methods on health‐related biomarkers in a sensitive rat model. However, the experimental set‐up and selected biomarkers could be used as a framework for further studies of health in relation to organic foodstuff. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Production, health aspects and potential food uses of dairy prebiotic galactooligosaccharides
Authors: Lamsal Buddhi P 
Published: April 2012

AbstractGalactooligosaccharides are sugars composed of 3‐10 molecules of galactose and glucose via a transgalactosylation reaction mediated by the enzyme β‐galactosidase. Prebiotics are non‐digestible food ingredients that pass through the upper digestive system relatively intact and ferment in the lower colon, producing short‐chain fatty acids that support the growth of supplemented or indigenous colonic microbiota. Galactooligosaccharides and other prebiotic ingredients are increasingly being recognized as useful dietary tools for the modulation of the colonic microflora toward a healthy balance. Galactooligosaccharides compare well to other oligosaccharides in terms of their prebiotic, immunomodulation, and functional properties in foods. This review elucidates the galactooligosaccharide production process from refined lactose and/or cheese whey permeates, galactooligosaccharide market share and economic value, their health properties, and potential food applications. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Microkinetic model for NO–CO reaction: Model reduction
Authors: Ravikeerthi T. , Thyagarajan Raghuram , Kaisare Niket S. , Aghalayam Preeti 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe objective of this work is to elucidate controlling mechanisms in NOx reduction, develop reduced‐order reaction models, and analyze the reactor performance using the reduced‐order reaction model for the NO–CO reaction. We start with the microkinetic model on platinum, which describes the mechanism of catalytic reduction of NO by CO. The formation of the main product N2O and the competitive formation of the side product N2 are accounted for in the microkinetic model. Sensitivity and reaction path analysis have been carried out to determine the rate‐limiting steps as well as the most abundant reactive intermediates in the system. Owing to the differences between system performance at high and low temperatures, the model has been analyzed in detail in these temperature regimes. Two closed‐form expressions, corresponding to the two global reactions involved, have been derived. The characteristic features of the microkinetic model such as the sharp increase in NO conversion and the selectivity to N2O are captured well by the reduced model. The reduced‐order model has been extended to the rhodium catalyst as well. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 577–585, 2012
Cancer of unknown primary: Does treatment modality make a difference?
Authors: Balaker Ashley E. , Abemayor Elliot , Elashoff David , St. John Maie A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:We systematically reviewed the published experience on the treatment outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer of unknown primary (CUP) to determine if treatment modality affects survival outcomes.Study Design:Meta‐analysis.Methods:A comprehensive literature search was performed for articles reporting survival outcomes for CUP in the head and neck published within the last 12 years.Results:Eighteen studies with 1,726 patients met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported at least 5‐year survival outcomes. Thirteen of the 18 studies also reported 5‐year survival based on N stage, and six reported 5‐year survival based on presence of extracapsular extension (EC). Overall 5‐year survival in the entire group was 48.6%. Five‐year survival based on N stage was as follows: N1 = 60.8%, all N2 = 51.1%, N2a = 63.6%, N2b = 42.5%, N2c = 37.5%, and N3 = 26.3%, with P < .001 on multivariate analysis. Patients who underwent surgical treatment with either postoperative radiation or chemoradiation had a 5‐year survival of 52.4% compared to 46.6% for those treated with chemoradiation alone; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Patients with EC had a 5‐year disease‐specific survival of 56.9% compared to 81.5% for those without EC (P = .01).Conclusions:In patients with CUP, survival outcomes are most significantly influenced by clinical stage at time of diagnosis. No significant 5‐year survival difference was seen between patients treated with radiation or chemoradiation alone when compared to patients who also received surgical treatment.
Prevalence of over‐the‐counter and complementary medication use in the otolaryngology preoperative patient: A patient safety initiative
Authors: Sugumaran Manikandan , Cohen Justin C. , Kacker Ashutosh 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To determine the prevalence of over‐the‐counter and complementary and alternative medication use in the preoperative otolaryngology patient population.Study Design:Cross‐sectional survey.Methods:Data were collected from preoperative surveys given to all patients undergoing surgery by a single physician with an academic practice over a 6‐month period from March to September 2010. Responses were compiled and combined with demographic information obtained from the computer‐based chart system.Results:A total of 92 patients, with ages ranging from 5 to 84 years old (average, 41), completed the survey. Fifty‐three (58%) patients were female, and 39 (42%) were male. Forty‐two (46%) patients reported the use of nonprescription medications, and 48% reported the use of multiple medications. Of those who reported using medication, 11 (26%) were male and 31 (74%) were female. The average age of nonprescription medication users was 49 years. The most commonly reported over‐the‐counter medications were aspirin and ibuprofen. The most commonly reported complementary and alternative medications were green tea, fish oil, and vitamin E.Conclusions:The use of nonprescription medications in the otolaryngology preoperative population is very common, especially in the female patient. The most commonly reported medications are associated with serious potential complications, and awareness of their use is critical before the patient undergoes surgery.
The effect of flashlamp pulsed dye laser on the expression of connective tissue growth factor in keloids
Authors: Yang Qiaorong , Ma Ying , Zhu Rongyi , Huang Guiqing , Guan Ming , Avram Mathew M. , Lu Zhong 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression before and after pulsed dye laser (PDL, 595 nm) treatment, and to better understand the mechanism of PDL treatment of keloids.MethodTwenty‐six patients with keloids were recruited for this study. For each patient, two keloids of similar anatomic location, duration, texture, and appearance were chosen for study; one of these keloids was treated and the other served as a control. Three sessions of PDL treatment, with pulse duration of 1.5 milliseconds, spot size 7 mm, DCD duration 20 milliseconds/delay 10 milliseconds and fluence of 10 J/cm2, were performed on the keloids at 3‐ to 4‐week intervals. Punch biopsies were performed both on the treated and untreated keloids prior to the first treatment and after the final treatment. The specimens underwent realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate the CTGF mRNA and protein expression after PDL treatment.ResultsAccording to realtime PCR, the CTGF mRNA was significantly down‐regulated after PDL treatment in 80.77% of patients as compared to the control group. IHC investigation showed that after treatment the CTGF positive cells also significantly decreased in number as compared to the control group in 80.77% of patients. Using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), there was an average decrease of 20.85 ± 12.33% after PDL treatment.ConclusionsPulsed dye laser treatment of keloids significantly down‐regulates the expression of CTGF in most cases. This may partially explain the mechanism of action of PDL treatment of keloids. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 377–383, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extended scaling invariance of one‐dimensional models of liquid dynamics in a horizontal capillary
Authors: Fazio Riccardo , Iacono Salvatore , Jannelli Alessandra , Cavaccini Giovanni , Pianese Vittoria 
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we consider the adaptive numerical solution of one‐dimensional models of liquid dynamics in a horizontal capillary. The bulk liquid is assumed to be initially at rest and is put into motion by capillarity: the smaller is the capillary radius, the steeper becomes the initial transitory of the meniscus location derivative, and as a consequence, the numerical solution to a prescribed accuracy becomes harder to achieve. Therefore, in order to solve a capillary problem effectively, it would be advisable to apply an adaptive numerical method.Here, we show how an extended scaling invariance that can be used to define a family of solutions from a computed one. In the viscous case, the similarity transformation involves solutions of liquids with different density, surface tension, viscosity, and capillary radii, whereas in the inviscid case, we can generate a family of solutions for the same liquid and capillaries with different radii. With our study, we are able to prove that the monitor function, used in the adaptive algorithm, is invariant with respect to the considered scaling group. It follows, from this particular results, that all the solutions within the generated family verify the adaptive criteria used for the computed one. Moreover, all the solutions have the same order of accuracy even if the maximum value of the step size varies under the action of the scaling group. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite element semi‐Lagrangian method with L2 interpolation
Authors: El‐Amrani Mofdi , Seaïd Mohammed 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYHigh‐order accurate methods for convection‐dominated problems have the potential to reduce the computational effort required for a given order of solution accuracy. The state of the art in this field is more advanced for Eulerian methods than for semi‐Lagrangian (SLAG) methods. In this paper, we introduce a new SLAG method that is based on combining the modified method of characteristics with a high‐order interpolating procedure. The method employs the finite element method on triangular meshes for the spatial discretization. An L2 interpolation procedure is developed by tracking the feet of the characteristic lines from the integration nodes. Numerical results are illustrated for a linear advection–diffusion equation with known analytical solution and for the viscous Burgers’ equation. The computed results support our expectations for a robust and highly accurate finite element SLAG method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alder‐ene addition of maleic anhydride to polyisobutene: nuclear magnetic resonance evidence for an unconventional mechanism
Authors: Balzano Federica , Pucci Andrea , Rausa Riccardo , Uccello‐Barretta Gloria 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this work, the thermal Alder‐ene functionalization of highly reactive, vinylidene‐terminated, polyisobutene (PIB) with stoichiometric amounts of maleic anhydride at 200 °C was investigated by NMR spectroscopy. The thorough interpretation of the complex NMR spectra of PIB derivatives collected at different reaction times (from 4 to 21 h) was based on the combined use of one‐ and two‐dimensional techniques which allowed the precise structure of all the reaction products as well as their relative content to be ascertained. The analysis evidenced the formation of large amounts of derivatives generated by the classic Alder‐ene mechanism and involving the more reactive vinylidene ‘exo’ double bonds of PIB. More interestingly, the investigation also the investigation allowed also to detect the formation of a noteworthy amount of not expected structure generated by the thermal maleination of the less reactive PIB ‘endo’ β‐form provided by the isomerization of residual PIB ‘exo’ α‐form during the functionalization reaction. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface analysis of chalcopyrite materials for photovoltaics
Authors: Rockett Angus 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTChalcopyrite‐structure semiconductors are leading candidates for photovoltaic applications. The nature of the surface of these materials is critical to determining the properties of the heterojunctions that collect current in the devices and can determine whether or not carrier recombination at the heterojunction limits device performance. This paper reviews the author's group work on surface microchemical and microstructural analysis of Cu(In1‐yGay)Se2 chalcopyrite alloys. This includes various scanning probe and electron microscopies, photoelectron spectroscopy, and other techniques. Results demonstrate mechanisms of growth of the material along with the nanostructure of surfaces. The close‐packed {112} type surfaces have the lowest surface energies. When the materials are grown using a multistage deposition process, the grain boundaries include significant void volume. The chemical bath deposition method used to form the junction then fills the grain boundaries with CdS and dopes all surfaces of the grains, including much of the grain boundaries, with Cd. The grain boundaries are also anion deficient in the final material. It is concluded that the final structure is effectively a self‐assembled radial‐junction solar cell and that this is the mechanism by which grain boundaries are rendered not only harmless but actually helpful to device performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A qualitative and quantitative post‐mortem analysis: Studying free‐radical initiation processes via soft ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Voll Dominik , Junkers Tanja , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe current article contains a review of the electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry characterization of polymers prepared via thermal‐ and photoinitiation processes. The used analysis method permits direct access to detailed endgroup information. For a qualitative and quantitative endgroup analysis, sophisticated methods have been developed which provide a detailed image of the incorporation propensity of thermally as well as photolytically generated radicals at the polymer chain termini. Such a post‐mortem analysis of polymeric materials specifically allows for the quantification of the ability of radical fragments to initiate polymerization processes. Herein, the most recent progress in the field of mass spectrometric radical reactivity mapping is outlined and open questions as well as future directions are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Controllable glycosylation of polyphosphazene via radical thiol–yne click chemistry
Authors: Ren Ning , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Huang Xu , Qian Yue‐Cheng , Wang Cang , Xu Zhi‐Kang 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe describe a versatile approach to synthesize glycosylated polyphosphazenes with controllable density of glycosyl groups. These glycopolymers have been synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution of poly(dichlorophosphazene) with propargylamine and subsequent “thiol–yne” click reaction between poly[di(propargylamine)phosphazene] and 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (SH‐GlcAc4). The polymers were characterized with FTIR and 1H NMR. We found that the high steric hindrance of SH‐GlcAc4 plays a key role in the overall reaction process, and ∼55% of the alkyne groups participate in the “thiol–yne” click reaction. About 8% of the alkyne groups convert to alkene groups at the end of click reaction. The substitution of alkyne/alkane mixture was conducted to reduce the alkyne density in the side groups of polyphosphazenes and minimize the influences of this steric effect. Mixed‐substituent polyphosphazene was synthesized with 2:3 ratio of alkyne and alkane. In this case, almost no alkyne group remains after the “thiol–yne” click reaction, and thus the glycosylated polyphosphazene is able to form into micelles through self‐assembly process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Polymerization shrinkage of (meth)acrylate determined by reflective laser beam scanning
Authors: Jian Yu , He Yong , Jiang Tongzhou , Li Chunguang , Yang Wantai , Nie Jun 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe real‐time study of the shrinkage during UV‐curing of (meth)acrylate monomers is limited due to the very fast curing rate, their thin sample geometry (<100 μm), and low viscosity. We report a reflective laser scanning system for direct measurement of UV‐curing shrinkage. A low‐power laser beam at a wavelength of 650 nm, different from the polymerization wavelength (395 nm), was used. This noncontact method of measurement makes it possible to analyze the thin liquid monomer with a very low shrinkage (measuring accuracy 0.02 μm), and very fast curing rate (fast sampling speed of 50 KHz). Eight different kinds of UV monomers were tested using 2–5 mg specimens, and the shrinkage process was examined. The results proved that this new method was accurate and precise, and could be applied to different kinds of (meth)acrylates. Furthermore, the shrinkage capability of acrylic double bonds was determined as 23.98 mL/mol using this novel method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Prostasomes are heterogeneous regarding size and appearance but affiliated to one DNA‐containing exosome family
Authors: Ronquist Göran K. , Larsson Anders , Stavreus‐Evers Anneli , Ronquist Gunnar 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDProstate acinar epithelial cells release microvesicles (prostasomes) that possess pleiotropic biological effects relevant for successful fertilization. Prostasomes are formed in a similar way as exosomes but are heterogeneous as regards size and appearance. Like exosomes they are thought to be mediators of intercellular communication.METHODSWe prepared seminal prostasomes in accordance with the prevailing protocol for exosome preparation including passage through a 0.2 µm filter and centrifugation in a sucrose gradient.RESULTSWe compared the “filterable prostasomes” with those trapped on the filter (“nonfilterable prostasomes”) and, qualitatively, no conspicuous differences were apparent regarding ultrastructure and SDS–PAGE banding pattern. Moreover, both types of prostasomes contained DNA fragments and Western blot revealed presence of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), CD38, and annexin A1.CONCLUSIONSReasonably, prostasomes could be included in the exosome family and be regarded as one entity containing chromosomal DNA. Prostate 72:1736–1745, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aerosol delivery of trail pheromone disrupts the foraging of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Suckling David Maxwell , Stringer Lloyd D , Corn Joshua E , Bunn Barry , El‐Sayed Ashraf M , Vander Meer Robert K 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is one of the most aggressive and invasive species in the world. The trail pheromone Z,E‐α‐farnesene (91% purity) was prepared, and disruption of worker trail orientation was tested using an ethanol‐based aerosol formulation presenting a single puff of this compound by airbrush and compressed air. Trail‐following behaviour was recorded by overhead webcam and ants digitised before and after presentation of the aerosol treatment at four rates (1.6, 16, 160 and 1600 ng cm−2).RESULTS: Ants preferred 110 ng cm−1 over 11, 1.1 and 0.11 ng cm−1 for trail following. Within seconds of presentation of 1600 ng cm−2, the highest dose tested, trail disruption was observed. Disruption was evident as reduced arrival success and reduction in the trail integrity statistic (r2), as well as increased deviation from the trail (deg). The distribution of walking track angles was also flattened.CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of using aerosol for delivery of trail pheromone was demonstrated, but the need for high purity combined with the difficulty of commercial supply makes this technique impractical. However, the commercial production of Z,E‐α‐farnesene of high purity by industrial biotechnology or from (E)‐nerolidol may be possible in future, which would facilitate further development of trail pheromone disruption of S. invicta. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Insect growth regulators as potential insecticides to control olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae Rossi): insect toxicity bioassays and molecular docking approach
Authors: Bengochea Paloma , Christiaens Olivier , Amor Fermín , Viñuela Elisa , Rougé Pierre , Medina Pilar , Smagghe Guy 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is a key pest in olive orchards, causing serious economic damage. To date, the pest has already developed resistance to the insecticides commonly applied to control it. Thus, in searching for new products for an accurate resistance management programme, targeting the ecdysone receptor (EcR) might provide alternative compounds for use in such programmes.RESULTS: Residual contact and oral exposure in the laboratory of B. oleae adults to the dibenzoylhydrazine‐based compounds methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide and RH‐5849 showed different results. Methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide did not provoke any negative effects on the adults, but RH‐5849 killed 98‐100% of the treated insects 15 days after treatment. The ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the EcR of B. oleae (BoEcR‐LBD) was sequenced, and a homology protein model was constructed. Owing to a restricted extent of the ligand‐binding cavity of the BoEcR‐LBD, docking experiments with the three tested insecticides showed a severe steric clash in the case of methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide, while this was not the case with RH‐5849.CONCLUSION: IGR molecules similar to the RH‐5849 molecule, and different from methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide, might have potential in controlling this pest. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry