bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a 14C‐labeled FPTase inhibitor via a Pd‐catalyzed cyanation with Zn(14CN)2 and via bromo[14C]acetic acid
Authors: Ho Jonathan Z. , Elmore Charles S. , Braun Matthew P. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract14C‐Labeled farnesyl‐protein transferase inhibitor 1a was required for drug metabolism studies. The first approach was to synthesize 14C‐labeled 1b using Zn(14CN)2 in a Pd‐catalyzed cyanation. A second approach was to prepare labeled 1c with the 14C‐label in the piperazine ring. All metabolites from 1b were non‐radioactive whereas the same metabolites from 1c were all radioactive and quantifiable. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and characterisation of invertase inhibitor from sweet potato storage roots
Authors: Huang Guan‐Jhong , Sheu Ming‐Jyh , Chang Yuan‐Shiun , Lu Te‐Ling , Chang Heng‐Yuan , Huang Shyh‐Shyun , Lin Yaw‐Huei 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Plant invertases play important roles in sucrose metabolism. Cell wall invertase has been reported to participate in phloem loading and unloading. Soluble invertases are involved in hexose level regulation in mature tissues and in utilisation of stored sucrose within vacuoles. Invertase inhibitory proteins have been described as one of the possible components for invertase activity regulation in some plant species.RESULTS: In this work an invertase inhibitor (ITI) coding sequence was cloned by differential display from sweet potato (SP) storage roots. SPITI codes for a protein of 192 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 20 624 Da containing a 20‐amino‐acid signal peptide and four cysteines. Computer analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the conserved domain revealed that the protein belonged to the plant invertase/pectin methylesterase inhibitor. Both the corresponding mRNA and protein levels were found to be highest in storage roots, followed by veins. Recombinant SPITI protein from the storage root cDNA clone overproduced in Escherichia coli (M15) was purified by affinity chromatography. This protein effectively inhibited the invertase activity in a dose‐dependent manner. The results presented in the Lineweaver‐Burk plots indicated that the invertase inhibitor displayed a mode of competitive inhibition towards the invertase tested, with a Ki of 3.82 × 10−6 mol L−1.CONCLUSION: These results suggested that SPITI is a novel member of the ITI family in plants. SPITI genes of sweet potato storage roots display differential gene expression patterns, which may be associated with sucrose metabolism to cope with particular developmental requirements. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of subchronic exposure to transgenic papayas (Carica papaya L.) on liver and kidney enzymes and lipid parameters in rats
Authors: Powell Melissa , Wheatley Andrew , Omoruyi Felix , Asemota Helen , Williams Nadia P , Tennant Paula F 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Declines due to Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) are the primary constraint limiting production of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in tropical and subtropical regions. Given the lack of suitable sources of resistance in the genus, transgenic papayas carrying the coat protein gene of a local strain of PRSV were recently developed to manage the disease in Jamaica. For assurance of food safety, a 90 day subchronic whole‐food feeding study in rats was conducted with transgenic and non‐transgenic papayas.RESULTS: Male and female Wistar rats (N = 56) received diets containing transgenic or non‐transgenic papayas at twice the equivalent of the average daily human consumption of fresh papayas. No adverse effects on animal behaviour or differences in body weight and organ weight between the animal groups (P < 0.05) were observed during the study. Necropsy at the end of the study indicated that neither pathological nor histopathological abnormalities were present in the liver and kidneys of rats in the control and treated groups. In addition, the levels of activity of plasma, liver and kidney acid and alkaline phosphatases and alanine and aspartate transaminases were comparable (P < 0.05). Although significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the plasma and liver among animals of the treated groups, overall the values were comparable to those of the control.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that consumption of transgenic papayas may not have adverse effects in rats as regards the parameters considered in this study. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation and characterisation of trypsin from sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) viscera
Authors: Ben Khaled Hayet , Bougatef Ali , Balti Rafik , Triki‐Ellouz Yosra , Souissi Nabil , Nasri Moncef 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: In Tunisia, sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) catches totalled about 13 300 t in 2002. During processing, solid wastes including heads and viscera are generated, representing about 30% of the original raw material. Viscera, one of the most important by‐products of the fishing industry, are recognised as a potential source of digestive enzymes, especially proteases with high activity over a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. This paper describes the purification procedure and some biochemical characterisation of trypsin from S. aurita viscera.RESULTS: Trypsin from the viscera of sardinelle (S. aurita) was purified by fractionation with ammonium sulphate, Sephadex G‐75 gel filtration, Sepharose mono Q anion exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration and a second Sephadex G‐75 gel filtration, resulting in a 5.42‐fold increase in specific activity and 6.1% recovery. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 24 kDa using size exclusion chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme showed esterase‐specific activity on N‐α‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine ethyl ester (BAEE) that was four times greater than its amidase‐specific activity on N‐α‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide (BAPNA). The optimal pH and temperature for enzyme activity were pH 8 and 55 °C respectively using BAEE as a substrate. The trypsin kinetic constants Km and kcat on BAPNA were 1.67 mmol L−1 and 3.87 s−1 respectively, while the catalytic efficiency kcat/Km was 2.31 s−1 L mmol−1.CONCLUSION: Trypsin was purified from sardinelle (S. aurita) viscera. Biochemical characterisation of S. aurita trypsin showed that this enzyme can be used as a possible biotechnological tool in the fish‐processing and food industries. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermentation of soybean by Rhizopus promotes the calcium absorption ratio in rats
Authors: Watanabe Nakamichi , Aoki Hideyuki , Fujimoto Kenshiro 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Soy foods are generally considered to be an unfavourable source of calcium because soybean is rich in phytate, which retards the absorption of calcium. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of dietary fermented soybean, such as tempeh, on calcium absorption in rats. The rats were grouped into three dietary groups and fed the experimental diets for 4 weeks. Soybean, conventional tempeh prepared by aerobic fermentation with Rhizopus (tempeh), and novel tempeh prepared by aerobic and successive anaerobic fermentations (anaerobic tempeh) were used as the protein sources of the experimental diets.RESULTS: The order of the calcium absorption ratio for the 3 days before the end of the test period was as follows: tempeh group > anaerobic tempeh group > soybean group.CONCLUSION: The calcium absorption ratio of the tempeh group in particular was significantly higher than those of the other two groups. The high calcium absorption ratio of the tempeh group might be caused by both low phytate contents and peptides that are produced during the fermentation of soybean by Rhizopus. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of chitosan coating in preventing deterioration and preserving the quality of fresh‐cut papaya ‘Maradol’
Authors: González‐Aguilar Gustavo A , Valenzuela‐Soto Elisa , Lizardi‐Mendoza Jaime , Goycoolea Francisco , Martínez‐Téllez Miguel A , Villegas‐Ochoa Mónica A , Monroy‐García Imelda N , Ayala‐Zavala J Fernando 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Chitosan can form antimicrobial, semi‐permeable barriers that limit gas exchange and reduces water loss in fruits. Consumer interest in fresh‐cut papaya fruit is leading to increasing demand because of its sensorial and antioxidant properties. However, papaya is a highly perishable product that is prone to loss of weight, loss of firmness and microbial attack. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan coatings on the overall quality of fresh‐cut papaya. Chitosan coatings of low (LMWC), medium (MMWC) and high (HMWC) molecular weights, at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.02 g mL−1, were applied to fresh‐cut papaya cubes. The treated cubes were stored at 5 °C and changes in quality were evaluated.RESULTS: MMWC maintained the highest color values (L* and b*) and firmness. Chitosan coatings suppressed mesophilic plate count, and the growth of molds and yeast, compared to controls. The MMWC coatings at 0.02 g mL−1 resulted in the highest antimicrobial activity and decreased the activity of the enzymes polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase, followed by low and high MW chitosan coatings at 0.02 g mL−1.CONCLUSION: The application of the MMWC treatment at 0.02 g mL−1 could be used to reduce deteriorative processes, maintain quality and increase the shelf life of fresh‐cut papaya stored at 5 °C. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Soil and vegetable compositional relationships of eight potentially toxic metals in urban garden fields from northern Nigeria
Authors: Agbenin John O. , Danko M , Welp Gerphard 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Human exposure to heavy metals is attributed to consumption of vegetables raised in polluted soil environment. We examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soils and lettuce (Latuca sativa) and amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus) in 15 garden fields under long‐term wastewater irrigation.RESULTS: The concentrations of As (0.3–2.1 mg kg−1), Cd (0.07–0.3 mg kg−1), Co (4.6–9.1 mg kg−1) and Cr (21.6–36.2 mg kg−1) in the gardens were consistent with background concentrations in soils, but Ni (12.6–25.7 mg kg−1), Cu (12.5–24.6 mg kg−1), Pb (25.7–71.6 mg kg−1) and Zn (52.3–158 mg kg−1) concentrations were double the concentrations normally encountered in arable fields in the region. The concentrations of Cd and As in the vegetables were within safe limits, but Co (0.14–0.67 mg kg−1 fresh weight (fw)) and Ni (1.0–2.7 mg kg−1 fw) concentrations in lettuce were relatively high for leaf vegetables. The concentration of Pb (0.65–4.80 mg kg−1 fw) was above safe limit of 0.3 mg kg−1 fw, while the concentrations of Cu (1.3–2.7 mg kg−1 fw and Zn (10.2–23.6 mg kg−1 fw) were close to the unsafe limits for leaf vegetables. There were no strong linear correlations between soil metal concentrations and bio‐concentrations in the vegetable crops.CONCLUSION: We surmise that leaf vegetables can accumulate metals in their tissues to unsafe levels even when total metal concentrations in these soils are below the allowable concentrations in agricultural soils. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficient protocol for purification of diosgenin and two fatty acids from Rhizoma dioscoreae by SFE coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection
Authors: Xu Youwei , Han Xu , Dong Deshi , Xu Lina , Qi Yan , Peng Jinyong , Zhan Libin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSupercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used to extract diosgenin, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid following acid hydrolysis from Rhizoma dioscoreae, a famous traditional Chinese medicine. The process was performed using a preparative SFE system under 35 MPa of pressure, 65°C of temperature, and modified CO2 with 95% ethanol for 180 min dynamic extraction. Then, the crude extract was successfully isolated and separated by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). A two‐phase solvent system composed of n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water was used for HSCCC separation in a stepwise elution mode. The upper phase of the solvent system at the volume ratio of 1:1:1.4:0.6 by volume was used as the stationary phase, and the mobile phase after 200 min was changed into the lower phase of the solvent system at the volume ratio of 1:1.2:1.4:0.6 by volume. The separation produced a total of 20.8 mg diosgenin, 12.1 mg linoleic acid, and 18.4 mg linolenic acid from 300 mg crude extract in one‐step purification. The purities of the products were 98.9, 99.0, and 99.4%, respectively, as determined by HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by MS, UV, and the standards.
Managerial incentives for process innovation
Authors: Overvest Bastiaan M. , Veldman Jasper 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCost‐reducing investments by firms are often not publicly observable. This lack of observability would preclude a strategic use of process innovation. However, we show that an observable and verifiable contract that provides direct monetary incentives for cost reductions — an innovation incentive contract — can act as a strategic commitment device. Our model predicts that manager‐led firms are more innovative than owner‐led firms and that these contracts become less prevalent as product market competition intensifies. Both predictions are consistent with recent empirical evidence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social norms, coordination and collaboration in heterogeneous teams
Authors: Antonetti Marilyne , Rufini Alexandra 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper considers the coordinating role of social norms in a heterogeneous team of workers. We define an optimal unit of production as a form of organisation involving several teams and members, with the following properties: (i) a social norm operating to coordinate individual efforts; (ii) a team with heterogeneous skills, enabling generation of synergies. Our model suggests that competences of the best worker are transferred to his or her peers. This collaborative process enhances team efficiency but only if there is an implicit ex ante coordinating device based on social norms that discourage free riding. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicators and indexes of directional output loss and input allocative inefficiency
Authors: Fukuyama Hirofumi , Weber William L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe extend Grosskopf et al.'s method and create an output loss indicator using directional output distance functions that allows non‐radial efficiency gains in output. We compare our new output loss indicator with an indicator of input allocative inefficiency and derive the necessary and sufficient condition for equivalence between the two indicators. We also present an output loss index and corresponding input allocative inefficiency index and consider how indexes are related. Then we extend our analysis to productivity change and derive the necessary and sufficient condition for an output loss change indicator to be equivalent to an indicator of input allocative inefficiency change. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pricing by state‐owned enterprises: the case of postal services
Authors: Geddes R. Richard 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSappington and Sidak develop a model of state‐owned enterprise (SOE) pricing behavior in which firms maximize a weighted average of revenues and profits. The model predicts that SOEs will lower prices in more‐elastic markets and raise them in less‐elastic markets if the weight they place on profit is positive. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 relaxed the institutional constraints on pricing by the US Postal Service, which allows a test of the Sappington–Sidak model. The model's predictions are broadly confirmed. Congress passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act in 2006, which may help address some anticompetitive concerns in this industry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of managerial quality on organizational performance: evidence from German soccer
Authors: Frick Bernd , Simmons Robert 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper we use a novel panel data set from the German premier soccer league (Bundesliga) as a case to show how variations in managerial compensation impact positively upon organizational (team) success. Using stochastic frontier analysis, we find that a team that hires a better quality coach can expect to achieve a higher league points total by reducing technical inefficiency. However, our results also suggest that the market for head coaches may be allocatively inefficient in that coaches are paid below their marginal revenue products. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral approaches to optimal FDI incentives
Authors: Rosenboim M. , Luski I. , Shavit T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCountries attempt to attract foreign investors by offering them a set of incentives. The most common types of foreign direct investment incentives are grants and tax relief. Although the amount of the grant is independent of future situations, the value of a tax relief depends on future profits. Our study used the behavioral approach to test experimentally the preferences of managers regarding the desired types of incentives under various conditions. We found, ‘Regret Effect’, ‘Statues Quo Bias’, and ‘Insurance Effect’ in subjects' decision making. A country can improve the incentives it offers by considering the various behavioral biases of the companies' managers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life in early Parkinson's disease treated with levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone
Authors: Fung Victor S.C. , Herawati Lilie , Wan Ying ,   Movement Disorder Society of Australia Clinical Research and Trials Group,   on behalf of the QUEST‐AP Study Group
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe aimed to investigate whether treatment with levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone when compared with levodopa/carbidopa improves quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with no or minimal, nondisabling motor fluctuations. This is a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind study. One hundred eighty‐four patients on 3 to 4 equal doses of 100/25 to 200/50 mg levodopa/carbidopa or levodopa/benserazide, 0 to 3 hours of nondisabling OFF time over a 48 hour period and no dyskinesia were randomized to levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone or levodopa/carbidopa treatment for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was quality of life as assessed by the PDQ‐8. Secondary outcome measures were the UPDRS parts I–IV, and the Wearing Off Card. Treatment with levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone resulted in significantly greater improvements in PDQ‐8 scores compared to treatment with levodopa/carbidopa (mean difference 1.4 points, P = 0.021). Statistically significant improvements were seen predominantly in nonmotor domains (depression, personal relationships, communication, stigma, all P < 0.05; dressing P = 0.056). Patients who were randomly assigned to levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone also showed significantly greater improvement in UPDRS part II scores (P = 0.032) with UPDRS part III scores showing borderline significance. Differences in UPDRS parts I and IV and Wearing Off Card scores were not significant. Treatment with levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone results in improved quality of life compared with levodopa/carbidopa in PD patients with mild or minimal, nondisabling motor fluctuations. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Spatial dispersion modelling of SO2 according to the atmospheric circulation in a coastal city: Sfax (Tunisia)
Authors: Khlaifi A. , Dahech S. , Beltrando G. , Ionescu A. , Candau Y. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIt is well‐known that weather conditions are a crucial factor influencing pollution dispersion. In very industrialized and crowded coast cities, such as Sfax (on the eastern coast of Tunisia), anticyclonic situations contribute to higher levels of pollution due to atmospheric stability, and, in particular, the occurrence of strong thermal inversion layers. The present work deals with the spatial distribution of the principal pollutant (SO2) emitted by the most polluting factory in Sfax. An easy‐to‐implement model (based on the Gaussian model of Pasquil) has been developed to calculate spatial distributions of SO2 in the vicinity of this pollution source. This model has been applied to develop iso‐concentration maps for each weather type at different times of the day. Local breeze situations, notably during the transition from diurnal to nocturnal flow, proved to be the most favourable to the formation of strong pollutant concentrations. The simulated SO2 concentrations were then overlaid on land cover maps, using a GIS, in order to identify the most vulnerable areas. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Exposure of infants to fumonisins in maize‐based complementary foods in rural Tanzania
Authors: Kimanya Martin E. , Meulenaer Bruno De , Baert Katleen , Tiisekwa Bendantunguka , Van Camp John , Samapundo Simbarashe , Lachat Carl , Kolsteren Patrick 
Published: October 2008

AbstractFeeding children with maize may expose them to fumonisins (FBs). This study assessed FB exposure for infants consuming maize in Tanzania by modeling maize consumption data (kg/kg body weight (bw)/day) with previously collected total FB contamination (μg/kg) patterns for sorted and unsorted maize harvested in 2005 and 2006. Consumption was estimated by twice conducting a 24 h dietary recall for 254 infants. The exposure assessment was performed with the @RISK analysis software. Of the infants, 89% consumed maize from 2.37 to 158 g/person/day (mean; 43 g/person/day ± 28). Based on the contamination for sorted maize; in 2005, the percentage of infants with FB exposures above the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 2 μg/kg (bw) (26% (95% confidence interval (CI); 23–30)) was significantly higher than the level of 3% (90% CI; 2–12) in 2006. Pooling the datasets for sorted maize from the two seasons resulted in a seemingly more representative risk (10% (95% CI; 6–17)) of exceeding the PMTDI. However, infants who might have consumed unsorted maize would still be at a significantly higher risk (24% (95% CI; 15–34)) of exceeding the PMTDI. Sorting and other good maize management practices should be advocated to farmers in order to minimize FB exposure in rural areas.
Synbiotic promotion of epithelial proliferation by orally ingested encapsulated Bifidobacterium breve and raffinose in the small intestine of rats
Authors: Ishizuka Satoshi , Iwama Ami , Dinoto Achmad , Suksomcheep Akarat , Maeta Kohshi , Kasai Takanori , Hara Hiroshi , Yokota Atsushi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium breve JCM1192T and/or raffinose on epithelial proliferation in the rat small and large intestines. WKAH/Hkm Slc rats (4 wk old) were fed a control diet, a diet supplemented with either encapsulated B. breve (30 g/kg diet, 1.5×107 colony‐forming unit/g capsule) or raffinose (30 g/kg diet), or a diet supplemented with both encapsulated B. breve and raffinose, for 3 wk. Epithelial proliferation in the small intestine, as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry, was increased only in the B. breve plus raffinose‐fed group. We determined the number of bifidobacteria in cecal contents using fluorescence in situ hybridization and confirmed the presence of ingested B. breve only in the B. breve plus raffinose‐fed group. This suggests that the ingested B. breve cells used raffinose and were activated in the small intestine, where they subsequently influenced epithelial proliferation. In conclusion, we found a prominent synbiotic effect of encapsulated B. breve in combination with raffinose on epithelial proliferation in rat small intestine but not in large intestine. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a synbiotic that affects epithelial proliferation.