bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters to fatty alcohols at supercritical conditions
Authors: Hark Sander van den , Härröd Magnus , Møller Poul 
Published: June 2007

AbstractExtremely rapid hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) to fatty alcohols (FOH) occurs when the reaction is conducted in a substantially homogeneous supercritical phase, using propane as a solvent, over a solid catalyst. At these conditions, the limitations of hydrogen transport are eliminated. At temperatures above 240°C, complete conversion of the starting material was reached at residence times of 2 to 3 s, which is several orders of magnitude shorter than reported in the literature. Furthermore, formation of by‐products, i.e., hydrocarbons, could be prevented by choosing the right process settings. Hydrogen concentration turned out to be the key parameter for achieving the above two goals. As a result of the supercritical conditions, we could control the hydrogen concentration at the catalyst surface independently of the other process parameters. When methylated rapeseed oil was used as a substrate, the hydrogenation catalyst was deactivated rapidly. However, by using methylated sunflower oil, a catalyst life similar to that obtained in industrial processes was achieved. Our results showed that the hydrogenation of FAME to FOH at supercritical conditions is a much more efficient method than any other published process.
Effect of xanthan gum on enhancing the foaming properties of whey protein isolate
Authors: Mott C. L. , Hettiarachchy N. S. , Qi M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe foaming properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) in the presence of xanthan gum (XG) were investigated. XG dispersion did not exhibit any foaming properties. The optimal foaming overrun (FO), or the amount of air incorporated into the dispersion, was obtained from the dispersion of 5% WPI and 0.05% XG at 949%. This WPI‐XG dispersion had a significantly higher overrun than that of WPI (868%) or egg white (879%) (P<0.05). Optimal foam stability (FS) of 216 min was obtained at 5% WPI and 0.2% XG; however, the overrun was reduced slightly (844%). XG increased stability to 15 times that of WPI alone. The overrun of 5% WPI plus 0.05% XG was further increased to 1343% when 1 M NaCl was added (P<0.05). However, FS (51 min) was significantly reduced. A significant increase in the FO of 5% WPI plus 0.05% XG (1081%) was observed when pH was adjusted to 5.0 with no significant change in FS (56 min) (P<0.05). The FO (1457%) was significantly increased (P<0.05) when the WPI‐XG was heat treated (55°C for 5 min). WPI‐XG dispersions at acidic pH and temperatures below 85°C have a variety of potential applications in products such as protein beverages, angel food cake, and unique infant formulas.
Reconsidering the Linkage between Public Assistance and Public Opinion in the American Welfare State
Authors: SCHNEIDER SAUNDRA K. , JACOBY WILLIAM G. 
Published: June 2007

In an article published in this Journal, we have examined whether American welfare recipients possess beliefs and attitudes that differ from mainstream public opinion. Although our findings cast doubt on the existence of a widespread ‘culture of dependence’, we do show that programme beneficiaries exhibit self-interested support for government policies that provide assistance to needy segments of the population. However, our analysis – like most others on this topic – assumes that welfare participation affects opinions and not vice versa. This is problematic because there are theoretical reasons to believe that influences flow in the opposite direction, as well. Therefore, some important questions remain to be answered: is it really the case that welfare participation, itself, shapes the outlook of programme beneficiaries? Or do political attitudes affect reliance on public assistance in the first place?In this Research Note, we examine the underlying structure of the relationship between welfare participation and attitudes towards government activity. Our analysis uses the 1992 Center for Political Studies (CPS) National Election Study, the same dataset employed in the earlier article. But, we test a statistical model that allows for reciprocal influences between welfare and public opinion. The empirical results reinforce the earlier conclusion that welfare participation has an impact on mass attitudes. Conversely, political attitudes have no effect on whether citizens use public aid. Mirroring our earlier work, we find that people who rely on governmental assistance take rational, self-interested positions on the public policy issues which operate to their own direct benefit.
A survey of rate of victimization and attitudes towards physical violence among school‐aged children in Turkey
Authors: Deveci S. E. , Acik Y. , Ayar A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground  Violence of any type is a serious issue in the lives of many children from all racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, and is a topic of enormous societal concern in any society. The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of exposure to violence as victims, and attitudes towards physical violence among school‐aged children in eastern Turkey.Methods  All the basic education schools in Elazig, a typical eastern Anatolian city, were included. A total of 3725 fifth and sixth graders were asked to answer survey questions about the rate of physical violence exposure in their everyday lives and whether they thought the violence was an ‘acceptable’ behaviour.Results  The mean age of participants was 12.8 years with 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls, and their socio‐economic status ranged from low‐income to upper middle class. Seventy‐four per cent of school‐aged children reported exposure to at least one case of physical violence in their lives, and 43.4% reported experiencing physical violence within previous 12 months. Higher rates of exposure to physical violence were reported by boys than girls (P = 0.0001). Of the victims, 33.8% regarded physical violence as an acceptable or inevitable way of solution or responding to life events.Conclusions  Results from the self‐report of the receiving end of violent behaviours indicate that physical violent victimization is at an alarmingly high rate among children of eastern Turkey, and a significant per cent of these victims approves violence as a way of solution.
Involving families who have deaf children using a Family Needs Survey: a multi‐agency perspective
Authors: Dalzell J. , Nelson H. , Haigh C. , Williams A. , Monti P. ,   [West Cheshire Hearing Advisory and Support Team (HAST)]
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground  Meeting the needs of deaf children and their families is multidisciplinary. Models of multi‐agency working are diverse, and there is little evidence on outcome for family and child. Effective collaboration is an essential part of multi‐agency working, and how this is achieved is an area that warrants research.Methods  An approach was developed to identify family needs using a need identification tool called a Family Needs Survey (FNS) in conjunction with a multi‐agency meeting. The FNS was introduced in a pilot study to involve parents of deaf children with services and to identify their needs from their perspective.Results and conclusions  A clear pathway was determined for application of the FNS. A model of multi‐agency working was developed that involves families directly with different services at one time. Outcomes were measured by uptake of the FNS, parental attendance at multi‐agency meetings, and completion of a parent evaluation questionnaire. Discussion of the FNS at a multi‐agency meeting facilitates communication between professionals and between professionals and parents. There is some evidence that the FNS may be a useful tool. The majority of parents completed a FNS before multi‐agency meetings and have indicated they are happy to share the information with other professionals
Observations towards early-type stars in the ESO-POP Survey – II. Searches for intermediate- and high-velocity clouds
Authors: Smoker J. V. , Hunter I. , Kalberla P. M. W. , Keenan F. P. , Morras R. , Hanuschik R. , Thompson H. M. A. , Silva D. , Bajaja E. , Poppel W. G. L. , Arnal M. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
We present Ca ii K and Ti ii optical spectra of early-type stars taken mainly from the ultraviolet and visual echelle spectrograph (UVES) Paranal Observatory Project, plus H i 21-cm spectra, from the Vila-Elisa and Leiden-Dwingeloo Surveys, which are employed to obtain distances to intermediate- and high-velocity clouds (IHVCs). H i emission at a velocity of −117 km s−1 towards the sightline HD 30677 () with column density ∼1.7 × 1019 cm−2 has no corresponding Ca ii K absorption in the UVES spectrum, which has a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 610 per resolution element. The star has a spectroscopically determined distance of 2.7 kpc, and hence sets this as a firm lower distance limit towards Anti-Centre cloud ACII. Towards another sightline (HD 46185 with ), H i at a velocity of +122 km s−1 and column density of 1.2 × 1019 cm−2 is seen. The corresponding Ca ii K spectrum has a S/N of 780, although no absorption is observed at the cloud velocity. This similarly places a firm lower distance limit of 2.9 kpc towards this parcel of gas that may be an intermediate-velocity (IV) cloud. The lack of IV Ca ii absorption towards HD 196426 () at a S/N of 500 reinforces a lower distance limit of ∼700 pc towards this part of complex gp, where the H i column density is 1.1 × 1019 cm−2 and velocity is +78 km s−1. Additionally, no IV Ca ii is seen in absorption in the spectrum of HD 19445, which is strong in H i with a column density of 8 × 1019 cm−2 at a velocity of ∼−42 km s−1, placing a firm although uninteresting lower distance limit of 39 pc to this part of IV South. Finally, no high-velocity Ca ii K absorption is seen towards HD 115363 () at a S/N of 410, placing a lower distance of ∼3.2 kpc towards the HVC gas at velocity of ∼+224 km s−1 and H i column density of 5.2 × 1019 cm−2. This gas is in the same region of the sky as complex WE (Wakker 2001), but at higher velocities. The non-detection of Ca ii K absorption sets a lower distance of ∼3.2 kpc towards the HVC, which is unsurprising if this feature is indeed related to the Magellanic System.
The light stress‐induced protein ELIP2 is a regulator of chlorophyll synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tzvetkova‐Chevolleau Tzvetelina , Franck Fabrice , Alawady Ali E. , Dall’Osto Luca , Carrière Frédéric , Bassi Roberto , Grimm Bernhard , Nussaume Laurent , Havaux Michel 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe early light‐induced proteins (ELIPs) belong to the multigenic family of pigment‐binding light‐harvesting complexes. ELIPs accumulate transiently and are believed to play a protective role in plants exposed to high levels of light. Constitutive expression of the ELIP2 gene in Arabidopsis resulted in a marked reduction of the pigment content of the chloroplasts, both in mature leaves and during greening of etiolated seedlings. The chlorophyll loss was associated with a decrease in the number of photosystems in the thylakoid membranes, but the photosystems present were fully assembled and functional. A detailed analysis of the chlorophyll‐synthesizing pathway indicated that ELIP2 accumulation downregulated the level and activity of two important regulatory steps: 5‐aminolevulinate synthesis and Mg‐protoporphyrin IX (Mg‐Proto IX) chelatase activity. The contents of glutamyl tRNA reductase and Mg chelatase subunits CHLH and CHLI were lowered in response to ELIP2 accumulation. In contrast, ferrochelatase activity was not affected and the inhibition of Heme synthesis was null or very moderate. As a result of reduced metabolic flow from 5‐aminolevulinic acid, the steady state levels of various chlorophyll precursors (from protoporphyrin IX to protochlorophyllide) were strongly reduced in the ELIP2 overexpressors. Taken together, our results indicate that the physiological function of ELIPs could be related to the regulation of chlorophyll concentration in thylakoids. This seems to occur through an inhibition of the entire chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway from the initial precursor of tetrapyrroles, 5‐aminolevulinic acid. We suggest that ELIPs work as chlorophyll sensors that modulate chlorophyll synthesis to prevent accumulation of free chlorophyll, and hence prevent photooxidative stress.
Genetic analysis of racing performance in Irish greyhounds
Authors: Täubert H. , Agena D. , Simianer H. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to analyse racing performance data in Irish greyhounds with regard to genetic and environmental variation. Estimation of heritabilities for racing time (RT) and ranking, and the prediction of breeding values for all greyhounds in the investigated data were carried out. Data from 42 785 races in Ireland in the years 2000–2003 were available. These results were obtained from 42 880 greyhounds on 20 race tracks over a distance of 480 m. Three traits were analysed, RT, ranking and a scaled logarithmic function for RT (ART), which was used to adjust racing time to be normally distributed. The data were analysed with a bivariate animal model. The estimated heritabilities were moderate for RT (0.31) and ART (0.38), but very low for ranking (0.10). The repeatabilities were 0.56 (RT), 0.51 (ART) and 0.13 (ranking). The genetic correlations were very high, 0.99 (RT–ranking) and 0.96 (ART–ranking), while the phenotypic correlation was lower, 0.60 (RT–ranking) and 0.62 (ART–ranking). The genetic trend for the traits as well as the phenotypic change of the average RT was positive.
Possibility of selecting racehorses on jumping ability based on their steeplechase race results in France, the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Bokor Á. , Blouin C. , Langlois B. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to detect Thoroughbred mare families and sire lines, in France, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, whose offspring may be successful in steeplechase races and can be recommended therefore for sport horse breeding. Race results were collected from all steeplechase races in these countries between 1998 and 2003, which contained the results of 17 355 horses from 12 861 dams and 2452 sires. In France, non‐Thoroughbred horses were also included in the analysis because they race and mate together with Thoroughbreds. Performance was measured with two criteria: earnings and ranks after mathematical transformation. The effects of year, sex, age and race were considered as fixed, animal, permanent environment and maternal environment as random. Precorrection for the effect of race was done to avoid computational difficulties. Maternal environmental components for ranks were 0.02 in France and zero in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Estimated heritabilities for the ranking criteria were 0.18 (repeatability 0.33) in France and 0.06 (repeatability 0.19) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The high genetic correlation between the two criteria of measurement (0.94 and 0.97 respectively) gives the opportunity to choose the most suitable criteria for breeding value estimation. The ranking value, after statistical normalization has a great advantage for comparison between the countries.
Genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits and their relationships with growth and carcass traits in Duroc pigs
Authors: Hoque M.A. , Suzuki K. , Kadowaki H. , Shibata T. , Oikawa T. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryGenetic parameters for feed efficiency traits of 380 boars and growth and carcass traits of 1642 pigs (380 boars, 868 gilts and 394 barrows) in seven generations of Duroc population were estimated. Feed efficiency traits included the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and nutritional (RFInut), phenotypic (RFIphe) and genetic (RFIgen) residual feed intake. Growth and carcass traits were the age to reach 105‐kg body weight (A105), loin eye muscle area (EMA), backfat (BF), intra‐muscular fat (IMF) and meat tenderness. The mean values for RFIphe and RFIgen were close to zero and for RFInut was negative. All the measures of feed efficiency were moderately heritable (h2 = 0.31, 0.38, 0.40 and 0.27 for RFInut, RFIphe, RFIgen and FCR respectively). The heritabilities for all growth and carcass traits were moderate (ranged from 0.37 to 0.45), except for BF, which was high (0.72). The genetic correlations of RFIphe and RFIgen with A105 were positive and high. Measures of RFI were correlated negatively with EMA. BF was more strongly correlated with measures of RFI (rg  0.73) than with FCR (rg = 0.52). Selection for daily gain, EMA, BF and IMF caused favourable genetic changes in feed efficiency traits. Results of this study indicate that selection against either RFIphe or RFIgen would give a similar correlated response in carcass traits.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization mapping of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene in donkey
Authors: Bugno M. , Klukowka‐Rötzler J. , Słota E. , Witarski W. , Gerber V. , Leeb T. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe physical localization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene was performed on donkey chromosomes. Bacterial artificial chromosome DNA containing the equine EGFR gene was used to map this gene by fluorescent in situ hybridization on donkey metaphase chromosomes. The gene was mapped on donkey 1q21.1 region.
In vitro selection and plant regeneration of copper‐tolerant plants from leaf explants of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. ‘Xanthi’
Authors: Rout G. R. , Sahoo S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCopper tolerance of Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Xanthi in vitro was achieved through plant regeneration from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA, 0.1–0.25 mg/l IAA and 60 μm Cu. Tolerant organogenic calli showed more vigorous growth in medium containing 60 μm Cu than the non‐tolerant calli. Standard growth parameters such as fresh and dry weight of organogenic callus, growth tolerance index (GTI), enzyme activity (peroxidase and catalase) and copper accumulation were used as indicators of copper tolerance. The activities of peroxidase and catalase as well as estimation of protein, total amino acid and chlorophyll were greater in tolerant calli than non‐tolerant ones. The GTI in the 4 weeks after the beginning of treatments yielded significant differences among the tolerant and non‐tolerant organogenic callus cultures. The accumulation of copper in the tolerant calli increased significantly with an increase in copper concentration in the medium. Shoot bud regeneration was achieved in both tolerant and non‐tolerant organogenic calli on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l BA and 0.1 mg/l IAA. The tolerant regenerated shoots were rooted on half‐strength basal MS medium with 60 μm Cu for selection of tolerant clones. This study may help in the selection and characterization of Cu‐tolerant lines of N. tabacum cv. ‘Xanthi’ for building conservation strategies and also for phytoremediation programmes.
Drought effects on yield and its components in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Chauhan J. S. , Tyagi M. K. , Kumar A. , Nashaat N. I. , Singh M. , Singh N. B. , Jakhar M. L. , Welham S. J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEffects of drought on yield and yield components were investigated during the spring season 2000–2001 by growing 14 Indian mustard genotypes under irrigated and rain‐fed conditions at Bharatpur and Jobner. A disease and pest management schedule was followed when required. The drought susceptibility index (DSI) for seed yield and component characteristics was calculated to characterize the relative tolerance of genotypes. Plant height, primary branches, secondary branches per plant, 1000‐seed weight and seed yield were reduced under rain‐fed conditions. The top five genotypes at Bharatpur that showed tolerance to moisture stress for seed yield, as indicated by their lowest DSI, were, in descending order PSR‐20, PRO‐97024, JMMWR‐941, IS‐1787 and PCR‐7, whereas at Jobner these were JMMWR‐941, RC‐1446, PSR‐20, RH‐819 and ‘Varuna’. Of these, PSR‐20 and JMMWR‐941 were among the top six at both locations. These genotypes also showed relatively low DSI for one or more characteristics, such as primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant, harvest index and seed : husk ratio. Genotypes with the lowest DSI, particularly for seed yield at both locations, would serve as useful donors in the breeding programme for improving the drought tolerance of existing Indian mustard cultivars.
Moderate Seasonality in Testis Function of Domestic Cat
Authors: Blottner S , Jewgenow K 
Published: June 2007

ContentsAdult male domestic cats are known to produce sperm throughout the year, although sexual activity is influenced by geographical location. In the northern hemisphere, feral domestic cats reproduce usually between January and July. Thus, seasonality in testicular activity might be suggested. The aim of the present study was to investigate gametogene and endocrine activity of cat testis throughout the entire year. Testes and epididymides (n = 10–12 per month) were collected after castration. Spermatogenesis was quantified by assessment of testicular sperm per testis and by flow cytometric analysis of the cells with different DNA content. Sperm from cauda epididymis were evaluated according to motility and morphological integrity. Testicular testosterone concentration was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Testis mass and sperm production varied moderately throughout the year. Significant seasonal variations were observed in the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase of cell cycle (p = 0.004) and the meiotic transformation (ratio of haploid : tetraploid cells; p = 0.021). Changes in testicular testosterone concentration were more pronounced and showed periods with high (spring) and significantly reduced testosterone levels (autumn). A marked seasonal alteration (p < 0.001) with a peak in March was assessed in the percentage of progressively motile sperm. The proportion of morphological intact sperm was also significantly higher in spring compared with winter time (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the study suggests moderate seasonal changes in quantity of sperm, more pronounced annual variation in hormone production and a distinct seasonal influence on functional sperm parameters in domestic cat.