bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taro Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott Amylopectin Structure and Its Effect on Starch Functional Properties
Authors: Tattiyakul Jirarat , Pradipasena Pasawadee , Asavasaksakul Sukruedee 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFlour extracted from small‐, medium‐, and large‐corm taro Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott cultivated in central Thailand had similar proximate composition, comparable calcium oxalate and amylose content, but different starch granule size and average chain length of amylopectin. Starch from the larger corm taro had a smaller average granule size and a lower average amylopectin chain length (CLavg), a lower average external chain length (ECLavg), and a lower average internal chain length (ICLavg) when compared to that from the smaller corm taro. The solubility of taro starch was inversely proportional to CLavg, ECLavg, and ICLavg. Starch having a shorter CLavg, ECLavg, and ICLavg had a higher peak viscosity and breakdown. The onset (To), peak (Tp), and conclusion temperatures (Tc) of starch gelatinization and the extent of starch paste retrogradation did not correlate with the amylopectin structure.
Development of optimization methods for improvement of electromagnetic devices
Authors: Korovkin N. V. , Chechurin V. L. , Hayakawa M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a brief review of the inverse problems in electrical circuits and electromagnetic theory in our recent monograph. Statements and features of inverse problems in electrical engineering are considered, and different approaches to the solution of multicriterion optimization problems are compared. The main emphasis is on the problems of the application of discrete and continuous Lagrange multiplier methods to solve the optimization problems in the electric circuit theory and electromagnetic field theory. It is shown that the effectiveness of the application of the Lagrange method is related to the calculation of the gradient of the function under minimization with the computation of variables conjugate to the initial ones. A few examples of this kind of optimization problems in electrical engineering are presented. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Smooth switching control for transfer from the Automatic Traveling Mode to the Power Assist Mode of the Skill‐Assist
Authors: Lee Suwoong , Yoon Seong‐Sik , Hara Susumu , Yamada Yoji 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study is to verify a smooth switching control method for transfer from the automatic traveling mode (ATM) to the power assist mode (PAM) of Skill‐Assist. A control law including time‐varying impedance parameters is utilized to attain the objective. The experimental result shows that the transfer from ATM to PAM was successfully performed by the smooth switching control method. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Uptake of microcystins‐LR and ‐LF (cyanobacterial toxins) in seedlings of several important agricultural plant species and the correlation with cellular damage (lipid peroxidation)
Authors: Peuthert Anja , Chakrabarti Shumon , Pflugmacher Stephan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPlants used for agriculture may come into contact with cyanobacterial toxins via spray irrigation when surface water bodies containing cyanobacteria are used as the water source. As many of the bloom forming cyanobacteria are known to produce a variety of toxins, the possibility of uptake of toxins in these plants seems possible. With this study the uptake of two microcystins (MC‐LR and MC‐LF) as well as MC‐LR within a cyanobacterial crude extract in several important agricultural plants is presented. Especially high uptake values in roots of alfalfa and wheat, using an ELISA kit for microcystin detection, is shown. In general, concentrations in the shoot occur at a much lower level than in the root. The amount of toxin is correlated with cellular damage in the seedlings using lipid peroxidation as an indicator. Good correlation was shown between toxin uptake and lipid peroxidation in the seedlings. The exposure of agriculturally important crop plants to cyanobacterial toxins via spray irrigation or watering is a potential concern for human health, as these toxins may accumulate in plant tissues and may therefore be carried through the food chain. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 436–442, 2007.
Histopathological gill changes in wild leaping grey mullet (Liza saliens) from the Esmoriz‐Paramos coastal lagoon, Portugal
Authors: Fernandes Conceição , Fontaínhas‐Fernandes António , Monteiro Sandra Mariza , Salgado Maria Antónia 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe histopathological changes are among the most recognized responses to environmental stressors, namely heavy metals. Liza saliens were sampled, in the Portuguese Esmoriz‐Paramos coastal lagoon to assess their gill histopathological response to Cu and Zn contaminated sediments. A lesion prevalence index, severity, and extension scores of each lesion, as well as an assessment value (severity × extension), were determined to evaluate the effect of environmental heavy metal exposure. The main histopathological changes observed were aneurisms, hyperplasia, lifting, and vasodilation. A high prevalence for each lesion (65–85%) was found, in addition to a high number of simultaneous lesions. Vasodilation and hyperplasia were the lesions that showed higher prevalence indexes. Lifting, followed by hyperplasia, were the lesions with highest assessment value. The prevalence of the number of the lesions found in L. saliens collected from the Esmoriz‐Paramos lagoon was high when compared with mullet caught in the sea. A previous work revealed that fish collected in the lagoon showed elevated Cu and Zn levels in their gills, in a positive correlation with age. However, no positive correlation was observed between assessment value and gill metal levels. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 443–448, 2007.
Comparative study of pathological lesions induced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes in lungs of mice by intratracheal instillation and inhalation
Authors: Li Jun‐Gang , Li Wen‐Xin , Xu Jing‐Ying , Cai Xiao‐Qing , Liu Rui‐Li , Li Yong‐Jun , Zhao Qun‐Fen , Li Qing‐Nuan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe pathological lesions induced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in bronchi and alveoli of mice were studied by intratracheal instillation and inhalation. In instillation groups, the dose was 0.05 mg MWCNTs/mouse. Similar size clumps of MWCNTs were distributed in bronchi and alveoli. The clumps led to inflammation to the lining wall of bronchi and severe destruction to alveolar netted structure around them. In the inhalation groups, the mice were exposed to aerosolized MWCNTs with mean concentration of 32.61 mg/m3, the intralung deposition dose were roughly 0.07, 0.14, and 0.21 mg in the 8‐day group, 16‐day group, and 24‐day group, respectively. Most of aggregations of MWCNTs in the alveoli were smaller than that in bronchi. The aggregations induced proliferation and thickening of alveolar walls. With the exception of these moderate pathological lesions, the general alveolar structure was still remained. The preliminary study demonstrated a difference in lung pathological lesions induced by instilled MWCNTs and inhaled ones, which may be due to the different size and distribution of aggregations of MWCNTs in lung. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 415–421, 2007.
Cadmium induced oxidative stress influence on glutathione metabolic genes of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze
Authors: Mohanpuria Prashant , Rana Nisha K. , Yadav Sudesh Kumar 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGlutathione, a tripeptide with sulfhydryl (‐SH) group is a very crucial compound primarily involved in redox balance maintenance of the cellular environment. In this study, we monitored the influence of Cd exposure on the transcript levels of glutathione metabolic genes in bud tissues, the youngest leaf, of Camellia sinensis L. In addition, some physiochemical parameters were also studied. Cd exposure decreased chlorophyll and protein contents, while increase was observed in lipid peroxidation upon Cd treatments. These changes were found to be concentration and duration dependent, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress upon Cd exposure. The transcript levels of glutathione biosynthetic genes viz. γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ‐ECS) and glutathione synthetase (GSHS) increased upon Cd exposure. Furthermore, transcript levels of glutathione reductase (GR), an enzyme involved in reduction of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH), also showed upregulation on Cd exposure. However, the transcript levels of glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), an enzyme involved in forming metal–GSH complex and help in sequestration of high levels of metal ions to vacuole, did not show any change on Cd treatment. This study document that Cd exposure induces oxidative stress in Camellia sinensis and the upregulation in transcript levels of glutathione metabolic genes except GST have suggested the role of these enzymes in the protection of plants from high level Cd exposure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 368–374, 2007.
Effects of co‐culture of amoebae with indoor microbes on their cytotoxic and proinflammatory potential
Authors: Yli‐Pirilä Terhi , Huttunen Kati , Nevalainen Aino , Seuri Markku , Hirvonen Maija‐Riitta 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFree‐living amoebae are ubiquitous environmental protozoa found in both natural and man‐made environments, including moisture‐damaged buildings. Furthermore, the interaction between amoebae and bacteria has been shown to enhance the virulence and pathogenicity of some bacteria. While the inhabitants of moisture damaged buildings are known to be at risk of suffering adverse health effects, the exact causative agents and mechanisms are still obscure. To examine the possible role of amoebae in the health effects associated with moisture damages, the effects of amoebae on the cytotoxicity and proinflammatory potential of nonpathogenic microbes common in moisture‐damaged buildings were investigated. First, two bacterial and three fungal strains were cultured both individually and in coculture with Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Then, mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to the cocultures as well as the individually grown bacteria, fungi, and amoebae. Finally, cell viability and production of proinflammatory mediators, i.e., nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and interleukin 6 (IL‐6), were measured in macrophages after the exposure. The results revealed that cocultivation with amoebae increased the cytotoxicity of the bacterium Streptomyces californicus and the fungus Penicillium spinulosum. Moreover, the macrophages produced up to 10 times higher concentrations of NO after the exposure to these cocultures than after the exposure to individually grown microbes. Finally, the production of the cytokines was up to two orders of magnitude higher (IL‐6) and up to four times higher (TNF‐α) after exposure to the cocultures when compared to individually grown microbes. We conclude that amoebae are able to potentiate the cytotoxicity and proinflammatory properties of certain microbes associated with moisture damages. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 357–367, 2007.
A new morphospecies of Microcystis sp. forming bloom in the Cheffia dam (Algeria): Seasonal variation of microcystin concentrations in raw water and their removal in a full‐scale treatment plant
Authors: Nasri Hichèm , Bouaïcha Noureddine , Harche Merieme Kaid 
Published: July 2007

AbstractToxic cyanobacterial blooms are an increasing problem in Algeria. The production of cyanotoxins (microcystins) and their presence in drinking water represent growing hazards to human health. In this study, seasonal variations in the concentrations of total microcystins and physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, orthophosphate, and chlorophyll‐a) were analyzed in the Cheffia dam (Algeria), mainly used to supply drinking water. The removal of cyanobacterial cells and microcystins was also evaluated in full‐scale plant associated with the Cheffia reservoir. The levels of microcystins (MCYSTs) in both raw and drinking water were evaluated using the protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) inhibition test as MCYST‐LR equivalents. Identification of microcystin variants was achieved by LC/MS/MS. During the period of study (March–December 2004), microscopic observation showed the dominance in the autumn months (September–November) of a new morphospecies of Microcystis sp. The MCYST‐LR equivalent concentrations in raw water varied between 50.8 and 28,886 ng L−1. The highest level of toxins was observed in October 2004 and was significantly correlated with the chlorophyll‐a. Three variants of microcystins assigned as microcystin‐YR (MCYST‐YR), microcystin‐LR (MCYST‐LR), and 6Z‐Adda stereoisomer of MCYST‐LR were observed in the crude extract of the Microcystis sp. bloom sample. During the bloom period, total elimination of Microcystis sp. and toxins were achieved through a classical treatment plant comprised of coagulation and flocculation, powdered activated carbon at 15 mg L−1, slow sand filtration and chlorination before storage. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 347–356, 2007.
Transperineal three‐dimensional ultrasound in evaluating anal sphincter muscles
Authors: Lee J. H. , Pretorius D. H. , Weinstein M. , Guaderrama N. M. , Nager C. W. , Mittal R. K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectives To evaluate whether transperineal three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound can be used to depict normal anal sphincter anatomy and to measure the thickness of muscle layers and the anteroposterior length of the levator hiatus.Methods The study included 22 normal nulliparous female volunteers. Transperineal 3D sonographic evaluation of the anal canal included assessment of sphincter shape, echogenicity, marginal definition and muscle thickness. Measurements of the thickness of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and puborectalis muscle (PRM) were determined with the women at rest and during squeezing by two observers, and interobserver reliability was determined. The anteroposterior length of the levator hiatus at rest and during squeezing was measured.Results The proximal end of the anal canal (towards the rectum) consisted of overlapping IAS and PRM, and the distal end (towards the anus) consisted of overlapping IAS and external anal sphincter (EAS). At the PRM level, the mean ± SD IAS thickness was 2.3 ± 0.5 mm at rest and 2.5 ± 0.4 mm during squeezing, and at the mid‐EAS level it was 2.9 ± 0.5 mm at rest and 2.8 ± 0.5 mm during squeezing. The PRM thickness was 6.5 ± 1.0 mm at rest and 6.4 ± 1.2 mm during squeezing. The difference in muscle thickness of the sphincter layers with the woman at rest and during squeezing was not significant. The anteroposterior length of the levator hiatus was 51.7 ± 5.0 mm at rest and 47.4 ± 4.1 mm during squeezing (P < 0.01).Conclusion Transperineal 3D ultrasound may be useful in evaluating the anatomy of the anal canal. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transients in collection grids of large offshore wind parks
Authors: Liljestrand Lars , Sannino Ambra , Breder Henrik , Thorburn Stefan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this paper, transients that can occur in collection grids of large offshore wind parks (WPs) are investigated. Issues concerning modeling of components, such as cables and circuit breakers, for transient studies are discussed. A WP including 80 wind turbines for a total rated power of 160MW is simulated with PSCAD/EMTDC (Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). Examples of transient events occurring in the WP are presented. Both switching operations in normal conditions, such as energizing feeders, and faults are considered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using evaluation to improve program quality based on the BELL model
Authors: Phalen Earl Martin , Cooper Tiffany M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBuilding Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) is a national not‐for‐profit organization whose mission is to increase the educational achievements, self‐esteem, and life opportunities of elementary school children living in low‐income urban communities. BELL has been engaged in formal evaluation, internally and externally, for more than five years and has built internal evaluation capacity by investing in a specialized full‐time evaluation team. As part of a continuous program improvement model of evaluation, BELL uses the data to refine program implementation and replicate successful elements of the services and operations. In this chapter, the authors highlight best practices from the field by outlining BELL's approach to using evaluation data for continuous program improvement. Key strategies include (1) carefully identifying intended users of the evaluation throughout the organization and among its external stakeholders, then working closely with intended users throughout the evaluation process, ensuring full engagement at every step of the process; (2) reporting findings in a readable, user‐friendly format and timing the reporting so that it is aligned with programmatic decision making and planning cycles; and (3) making and supporting explicit recommendations for the next program cycle, where intended users have agreed to recommendations and ownership is assigned. BELL's successful use of data for improvement is evidenced by the consistently strong outcomes for the students it serves as well as increased efficiency and satisfaction related to service delivery that has supported the replication of BELL's programs nationally.
How Do Relationships Support Parenting? Effects of Attachment Style and Social Support on Parenting Behavior in an At‐Risk Population
Authors: Green Beth L. , Furrer Carrie , McAllister Carol 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe importance of supportive relationships for new parents has been the focus of both research and parenting interventions. Attachment style, typically viewed as a relatively stable trait reflecting one's comfort in social relationships, as well as social support, or one's perception of the social context, have both been found to be important for fostering engaged, involved parenting. Less is known, however, about how these variables work together to influence parenting behavior, especially in families at higher risk for negative child outcomes. Data were collected from 152 urban, predominantly African American, low‐income parents when their children were 14 and 36 months of age. Results suggest that parents with more social support show greater increases in the frequency of positive parent–child activities over time, but that this effect is mediated by mothers’ attachment style, specifically, their level of anxious/ambivalent attachment. Mothers with more social support tended to be less anxious/ambivalent about close relationships, and this in turn led to increases over time in the frequency of parent–child interactions. Mothers’ tendency to avoid close relationships, however, while correlated with social support, was unrelated to changes in parenting behavior. Implications of these findings for program development, parenting, and the malleability of attachment style based on social context are discussed.
Third-codon transversion rate-based Nymphaea basal angiosperm phylogeny -- concordance with developmental evidence
Authors: Yang Xiaohan , Tuskan Gerald , Tschaplinski Timothy , Cheng Zong-Ming 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFlowering plants (angiosperms) appeared on Earth rather suddenly approximately 130 million years ago and underwent a massive expansion in the subsequent 10-12 million years. Current molecular phylogenies have predominantly identified Amborella, followed by Nymphaea (water lilies) or Amborella plus Nymphaea, in the ANITA clade (Amborella, Nymphaeales, Illiciaceae, Trimeniaceae and Austrobaileyaceae) as the earliest angiosperm. However, developmental studies suggest that the earliest angiosperm had a 4-cell/4-nucleus female gametophyte and a diploid endosperm represented by Nymphaea, suggesting that Amborella, having an 8-cell/9-nucleus female gametophyte and a triploid endosperm, cannot be representative of the basal angiosperm. This evolution-development discordance is possibly caused by erroneous inference based on phylogenetic signals with low neutrality and/or high saturation. Here we show that the 3rd codon transversion (P3Tv), with high neutrality and low saturation, is a robust high-resolution phylogenetic signal for such divergences and that the P3Tv-based land plant phylogeny cautiously identifies Nymphaea, followed by Amborella, as the most basal among the angiosperm species examined in this study. This P3Tv-based phylogeny contributes insights to the origin of angiosperms with concordance to fossil and stomata development evidence.
Pharmacological activators of AMP‐activated protein kinase have different effects on Na+ transport processes across human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Woollhead A M , Sivagnanasundaram J , Kalsi K K , Pucovsky V , Pellatt L J , Scott J W , Mustard K J , Hardie D G , Baines D L 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by metformin, phenformin, and the AMP mimetic, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR). We have completed an extensive study of the pharmacological effects of these drugs on AMPK activation, adenine nucleotide concentration, transepithelial amiloride‐sensitive (Iamiloride) and ouabain‐sensitive basolateral (Iouabain) short circuit current in H441 lung epithelial cells.Experimental approach:H441 cells were grown on permeable filters at air interface. Iamiloride, Iouabain and transepithelial resistance were measured in Ussing chambers. AMPK activity was measured as the amount of radiolabelled phosphate transferred to the SAMS peptide. Adenine nucleotide concentration was analysed by reverse phase HPLC and NAD(P)H autofluorescence was measured using confocal microscopy.Key results:Phenformin, AICAR and metformin increased AMPK (α1) activity and decreased Iamiloride. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C prevented the action of metformin and AICAR but not phenformin. Phenformin and AICAR decreased Iouabain across H441 monolayers and decreased monolayer resistance. The decrease in Iamiloride was closely related to Iouabain with phenformin, but not in AICAR treated monolayers. Metformin and phenformin increased the cellular AMP:ATP ratio but only phenformin and AICAR decreased cellular ATP.Conclusions and implications:Activation of α1‐AMPK is associated with inhibition of apical amiloride‐sensitive Na+ channels (ENaC), which has important implications for the clinical use of metformin. Additional pharmacological effects evoked by AICAR and phenformin on Iouabain, with potential secondary effects on apical Na+ conductance, ENaC activity and monolayer resistance, have important consequences for their use as pharmacological activators of AMPK in cell systems where Na+K+ATPase is an important component.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1204–1215; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707343