bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of chronic gestational treatment with the adenosine A1receptor agonist R‐phenylisopropyladenosine on metabotropic glutamate receptors/phospholipase C pathway in maternal and fetal brain
Authors: León David A. , Albasanz José L. , Castillo Carlos A. , Iglesias Inmaculada , Martín Mairena 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPregnant Wistar rats were orally treated with the adenosine receptor agonist R‐phenylisopropyladenosine (R‐PIA) throughout the gestational period, and the status of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor/phospholipase C transduction pathway from maternal and fetal brain was analyzed. In mothers' brains, radioligand binding assays revealed a significant decrease in the Bmax value, without any significant alteration in Kd value. Similar results were observed in the steady‐state level of mGlu1and mGlu5receptors assayed by Western blot, suggesting that both receptor subtypes were modulated by chronic R‐PIA treatment. mRNA coding mGlu1or mGlu5receptors was not altered, suggesting a posttranscriptional modulation as a possible mechanism of the loss of mGlu1and mGlu5receptors at the membrane surface. Moreover, phospholipase C stimulated by (R,S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), a selective agonist of group I mGlu receptors, was also significantly decreased after R‐PIA treatment, suggesting a heterologous desensitization of group I mGlu/PLC pathway in maternal brain. Western blot and RT‐PCR assays showed that neither αGq/11nor PLCβ1was affected by R‐PIA treatment. In fetal brain, no significant differences in mGlu receptors/PLC transduction pathway were observed after R‐PIA treatment. These results suggest that chronic R‐PIA intake during pregnancy modulates group I mGlu receptor signalling pathway in maternal brain, promoting a down‐regulation of mGlu1and mGlu5receptors and a heterologous desensitization of the mGlu/PLC system. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships between autumn precipitation anomalies in southeastern South America and El Niño event classification
Authors: Antico P. L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe classification of El Niño events was performed based on the time evolution of sea surface warming in the tropical Pacific Ocean during the period 1950–2000. Two sets of events were constructed: one in which the warming core migrates eastward along the tropical Pacific until April–June of the following year, and another one in which it evolves westward until November–January. The first type has associated positive precipitation anomalies over southeastern South America during April–June. It results from a favourable combination of cyclonic vorticity advection and humidity convergence. At high levels, cyclonic vorticity advection is explained in terms of an eastward extension of the subtropical jet. Enhanced humidity advection takes place by an increased low‐level northwesterly flow to the east of the Andes. It provides enough moisture availability that, in combination with the upper‐level cyclonic vorticity advection, supports heavy precipitation during April–June. The second type of event exhibits slight negative or near‐normal precipitation anomalies over the same region. Both low and high‐level circulation anomalies are also weaker in this case. The 1997–1998 El Niño is analysed separately because it cannot be classified into any of the previously described event types.The observed distribution of both types of events along the analysed period changes after the 1970s. Comparison with other authors' results suggests the influence of low‐frequency processes such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Negative ridge regression parameters for improving the covariance structure of multivariate linear downscaling models
Authors: Cannon Alex J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA downscaling model for multivariate data, e.g. weather elements recorded at multiple sites, should not only be able to fit each of the observed series well, but it should also be able to reproduce observed relationships between the variables. In a linear sense, this means accurately simulating the observed covariance matrix. Multivariate ridge regression with negative ridge parameters is introduced as a means of accomplishing this goal. The procedure is conceptually similar to expanded downscaling: both force the covariance structure of the predictions to match that of observations. Unlike expanded downscaling, an explicit constraint on the covariance matrix is not added to the regression cost function. Instead, regression coefficients are estimated directly via a matrix equation, while ridge parameters, which are free to take positive or negative values, are adjusted iteratively such that the discrepancy between modelled and observed covariance matrices is minimized. Results from multi‐site temperature and precipitation data suggest that the proposed method is capable of constraining the predicted covariance matrix to closely match the observed. © Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Variation of the chemical composition of tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) according to resistance against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)
Authors: Suárez Marcos Hernández , Pallarés Jordi Rull , Mesa Domingo Ríos , Rodríguez Elena Rodríguez , Romero Carlos Díaz 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Tomato producers are looking for alternatives to protect their crops against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), including replacement of cultivars with other more resistant ones. Major chemical components, sugars, mineral composition, organic acids, lycopene, total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids were determined in six tomato cultivars, three of them (Boludo, Dorothy and Tyna) resistant, and the other three (Daniela, Dominique and Thomas), non‐resistant against TYLCV.RESULTS: The Daniela cultivar showed the greatest difference with respect to the others, mostly due to the higher content of soluble solids. The major significant differences between the mean values according to the cultivar and resistance against the TYLCV were observed for total soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid, total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids. High coefficients of correlation were found between glucose and fructose, and among ferulic, caffeic and p‐coumaric acids.CONCLUSION: Linear discriminant analysis made it possible to differentiate tomato samples according to the cultivar. A clear varietal influence on the chemical composition was observed; however, resistance or non‐resistance against TYLCV does not seem to influence the chemical composition. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes of mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the lactic fermented soymilk after exposure to acid, bile salt and heating
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Li , Lo Pei‐Ren , Yu Roch‐Chui , Chou Cheng‐Chun 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Fermented soymilk, prepared with co‐culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis, possessed enhanced antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Considering the possible alternation in functional properties, the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the prepared fermented soymilk against 4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide (4‐NQO) and 3,2′‐dimethyl‐4‐aminobiphenyl (DMAB) as influenced by acid (pH 2.0), bile salt and heat treatments were investigated using the Ames test.RESULTS: Untreated‐ and treated‐fermented soymilk showed no mutagenic activity. After exposure to a pH of 2.0 for 20 or 60 min, the antimutagenicity of the fermented soymilk on 4‐NQO and DMAB decreased, while still possessing ca 25.9–33.9% and 61.8–67.9%, respectively, of its original activity. Exposure of fermented soymilk to 1% bile salt resulted in a 10.8% reduction, and no reduction of antimutagenicity, against 4‐NQO and DMAB, respectively. Heating the fermented soymilk at 55 °C or higher for 10 min caused a significant reduction in antimutagenicity on DMAB, while the antimutagenicity against 4‐NQO remained stable until the temperature was raised to 65 °C.CONCLUSION: The fermented soymilk still possessed antimutagenicity after exposure to all the treatments examined. This further demonstrates the potential utilization of fermented soymilk as an ingredient in the preparation of healthy foods. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in the fermentative process of must by high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection
Authors: Vaquero‐Fernández Luis , Sáenz‐Hernáez Ana , Sanz‐Asensio Jesús , Fernández‐Zurbano Purificación , Sainz‐Ramírez Miguel , Pons‐Jubera Begoña , López‐Alonso Miguel , Epifanio‐Fernández Sara‐Isabel , Martínez‐Soria María‐Teresa 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: A quantitative, selective and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the analysis of new fungicides cyprodinil, fludioxonil and their commercial formulation Switch in model solutions of must and wine, as well as samples during alcoholic fermentation. A study of the dissipation of residues was carried out.RESULTS: The proposed method is based on liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection. Dichloromethane was the most appropriate solvent for extracting cyprodinil and fludioxonil in samples. Quality parameters of the proposed method presented good recovery (ca. 97% for almost all compounds) and precision (between 4.8% and 5.4%), and limits of quantification were lower than maximum residue limits (MRLs) in grapes.CONCLUSIONS: There is no matrix effect in the analysis of cyprodinil and fludioxonil. The application of the fermentative process on cyprodinil and fludioxonil fungicides causes a decrease in the concentrations of these compounds. This decrease is slightly higher, the higher the initial concentration, without observing the appearance of any product in degradation. Fludioxonil shows a higher reduction when the compounds are presented together in Switch. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Protected Designation of Origin in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): towards an objective approach based on sensory and agromorphological properties
Authors: del Castillo Roser Romero , Almirall Antoni , Valero Jordi , Casañas Francesc 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The concession of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) often depends more on historical criteria rather than on objective descriptions of the products to be protected. Only in a few cases (e.g., wines) are the characteristics that justify the concession of PDO starting to be scientifically documented. The present study aimed to determine whether sensory and commercial differences in beans could be used to objectively define PDOs. As a model we studied beans from two areas in Catalonia that market similar products and that are applying for PDO recognition (‘Mongetes del Ganxet Vallès‐Maresme’ and ‘Fesols de Santa Pau’).RESULTS: Sensory panel studies and agronomical measurements showed that beans from the two PDO candidates can be clearly differentiated both on appearance and sensory qualities. Furthermore, some sensory differences related to soil variation were detected within the PDO ‘Mongetes del Ganxet Vallès‐Maresme’, the larger and more heterogeneous of the two PDOs. This would enable commercial differentiation within the PDO according to the different gastronomical properties of the product.CONCLUSION: An objective approach based on sensory and agromorphological traits can be used to objectively delimitate PDOs in beans and better protect their markets. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Tribological performance of distilled biomass oil from rice straw by pyrolysis process
Authors: Hu Xianguo , Xu Yufu , Wang Qiongjie , Jiang Shaotong , Zhu Xifeng 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe biomass oil pyrolysed from rice straw was refined through distillation process under one atmosphere pressure. Four distilled fractions were obtained in the temperature ranges of 54–64, 72–80, 84–92 and 96–100 °C respectively. Their chemical components and special group structures were analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The tribological performances of the prepared fractions were evaluated by MQ‐800 four‐ball tribometer as well. The results showed that both density and acid number of the biomass oil increased with the distillation temperature and that the total distillation yield was 55.7%. Every distillation fraction had different anti‐wear and friction reduction. Their average friction coefficients were 0.185, 0.227, 0.179 and 0.293 in 30 minutes, and the average wear scar diameters were 1.035, 0.958, 0.870 and 0.983 mm under a rotation speed of 1450 rpm respectively. It was found that the fraction distilled in the temperature range of 84–92 °C showed better friction reduction and wear resistance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the oxidative properties of vegetable oils as base stocks for industrial lubricants using spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses
Authors: Jayadas N. H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper presents the study of the oxidative behaviour of vegetable oils using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) techniques. The properties of vegetable oils were determined by their fatty acid (FA) composition. A high content of polyunsaturated FAs, like linoleic and linolenic acids, decreases thermal‐oxidative stability. FTIR spectroscopy can be used as a quick method to measure the degree of unsaturation in vegetable oils in a qualitative manner. NMR spectroscopy can be used to quantitatively evaluate the degree of unsaturation in vegetable oils. TGA/DTA techniques were used to evaluate the oxidative properties of vegetable oils. In the present study, TGA/DTA analyses was performed on different vegetable oils under isothermal conditions at 150 °C for 3 hours. TGA/DTA thermograms showed weight changes and thermal activities in terms of exothermic or endothermic heat flows during the oxidative reactions. The oxidative degradation was evaluated in terms of the weight gain by the respective vegetable oils under the test conditions, due to the formation of oxidative polymerization products and the value of exothermic peaks as obtained from the DTA. The comparative study of the oxidative performance of different vegetable oils showed that the higher the degrees of unsaturation, the higher are the weight gains and the exothermic peaks. The evaluation of the effect of a chosen antioxidant showed marked improvement on the oxidative stability of vegetable oils. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of T and N stage on long‐term survival of rectal cancer patients in the community
Authors: Kozak Kevin R. , Moody John S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesUse of the TNM staging system has been encouraged for rectal cancer patients. This study examined the impact of T and N stages on long‐term survival as well as the performance of associated risk classification systems.MethodsPatients who underwent surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma from 1988 to 2004 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed for subgroups of patients defined by T and N stage.ResultsFor the overall population of 30,826 patients, both T and N stage significantly impacted overall survival (P < 0.001). N stage variably affected survival for subgroups of patients based on T stage, whereas T stage significantly affected survival regardless of N stage. A previously developed risk classification system that assigns one of four risk levels outperformed AJCC group staging in this cohort. Based on long‐term outcomes, a modified risk classification system was constructed which was highly prognostic for long‐term overall survival (P < 0.001).ConclusionsRectal cancer patients experience widely varying survival rates based on extent of disease. A new risk classification system is proposed that provides better prognostic information than AJCC group staging, suggesting current rectal cancer staging systems may be improved with appropriate revisions. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:161–166. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in optical angular momentum
Authors: Franke‐Arnold S. , Allen L. , Padgett M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSome 16 years ago, Allen et al. [Phys. Rev. A45, 8185 (1992)] recognised that laser beams which carried an angular momentum additional to photon spin, could be realized in the laboratory. Such beams have helical phase fronts and so have an azimuthal component to the Poynting vector, which results in angular momentum along the beam axis. This orbital angular momentum, very often combined with spin to make optical angular momentum, has given rise to many developments. These range from optical spanners for driving micro‐machines to high dimensional quantum entanglement and new opportunities in quantum information processing. The concept of orbital angular momentum is now leading to new understanding of a wide range of phenomena, including fundamental processes in Bose‐Einstein condensates, while the associated technologies have led to new applications in optical tweezing and microscopy.
Correlation between Chemical and Solid‐State Structures and Enzymatic Hydrolysis in Novel Biodegradable Polyesters. The Case of Poly(propylene alkanedicarboxylate)s
Authors: Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Papageorgiou George Z. , Giliopoulos Dimitrios J. , Stergiou Charalampos A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA series of seven fast‐biodegrading aliphatic polyesters were prepared from 1,3‐propanediol and aliphatic diacids with increasing number of methylene units (x). Melting points decreased from PPSu to PPAd and then increased again to PPAz and PPSeb. Crystallization rates and thermal stability increased steadily with increasing x. Glass transition temperatures decreased steadily to PPPim and subsequently increased. Enzymatic degradation of the polymers in the presence of a mixture of Rhizopus delemar and Pseudomonas cepacia lipases was much faster than that of poly(ε‐caprolactone). All the polyester specimens were almost disintegrated within 36 h. PPSub exhibited the fastest enzymatic hydrolysis rates, PPAd and PPSuc the slowest.magnified image
Nanocomposites of Genipin‐Crosslinked Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticles ‐ Structural Reinforcement and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Liu Bai‐Shuan , Huang Tsung‐Bin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis study investigates the feasibility of a novel nanocomposite (GC/Ag) of a genipin‐crosslinked chitosan (GC) film in which was embedded various amounts of Ag nanoparticles for wound‐dressing applications. In situ UV‐vis results revealed that adding chitosan solution did not affect the characteristics of Ag nanoparticles. The water uptake ratios and surface hydrophilicity of the GC/Ag nanocomposite were better and the degradation rates slightly lower than those of the pure GC film. The presence of Ag nanoparticles enhanced L929 cell attachment and growth. Its function as an anti‐microbial agent in a GC/Ag nanocomposite was assessed for Ag contents of over 100 ppm. In conclusion, silver ions had dual functions ‐ structural reinforcement and provision of antimicrobial properties to a biocompatible polymer.magnified image
Synthesis of New Cellobiose‐Based Glycopolysiloxanes and their Use as Polymer Stabilizers in Miniemulsion Polymerisation
Authors: Berson Solenn , Viet D. , Halila Sami , Driguez Hugues , Fleury Etienne , Hamaide Thierry 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNew glycopolysiloxanes were synthesized from cellobiose and commercially available reactive silicone oils or MD′M precursors. Their synthesis is based on the hydrosilylation of allyl‐functionalized cellobiose onto the reactive silicone oil, after protection of the hydroxyl functions. The subsequent deprotection step leads to a redistribution of the silicon chain to yield oligomers with around 5 or 6 silicon atoms. Two water‐dispersible glycosiloxanes were used for the steric stabilisation of vinyl acetate (VAc) miniemulsion polymerisation with up to 10% Miglyol® as the hydrophobic component. The best performances were obtained by using a mixture of non‐ionic triblock copolymer and glycopolysiloxane. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) latex with particle sizes around 200 nm were obtained, displaying colloidal stabilisation upon long‐time storage.magnified image
2‐Naphthoxymethyl‐Substituted Polystyrenes for Homeotropic Liquid‐Crystal Alignment Layers
Authors: Kang Hyo , Park Jin Seol , Kang Daeseung , Lee Jong‐Chan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA series of 2‐naphthoxymethyl‐substituted polystyrenes (P2NAP) were prepared by the reaction of poly(chloromethylstyrene) with different amounts of 2‐naphthol to investigate the liquid‐crystal (LC) alignment properties of these polymer films. P2NAP with only 2‐naphthoxymethyl side groups (100% conversion of chloromethyl to 2‐naphthoxymethyl) was obtained when 180 mol‐% of naphthol was used in the reaction at 80 °C for 12 h. LC cells fabricated with unrubbed P2NAP films exhibited a homeotropic LC alignment behavior with a pretilt angle of approximately 90°. The homeotropic LC alignment behavior of the unrubbed LC cell of the P2NAP film was ascribed to the head‐on type incorporation of a nonpolar bulky 2‐naphthoxymethyl group into the phenyl side group of the polystyrene.magnified image
Gender‐related changes in increase of dopaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb of Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Huisman Evelien , Uylings Harry B.M. , Hoogland Piet V. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractGender differences in dopaminergic related neurodegenerative diseases have hardly been studied until now. It is generally accepted that more men than women suffer from Parkinson's disease. One of the most prevalent symptoms in Parkinson's patients, hyposmia, does not show gender differences, while normally the sense of smell is better developed in females. Whether the change in dopamine in the olfactory bulb contributes equally to hyposmia in male and female Parkinson's patients is the subject of the present study. In a stereological study the total number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons in the olfactory bulbs of male and female Parkinson's patients and age‐matched controls has been estimated. The present stereological study shows that the number of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells in control females is significantly lower than those in control males. The number of dopaminergic cells in the olfactory bulbs of both male and female Parkinson's patients equals that of healthy males of the same age group. We therefore conclude that the hyposmia in Parkinson's disease patients cannot simply be ascribed to dopamine in the olfactory bulb. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society