bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospects for using marker‐assisted breeding to improve maize production in Africa
Authors: Stevens Robyn 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) production in sub‐Saharan Africa has historically been constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, including drought, insects, disease, and weeds. New agricultural research involving genomics and molecular markers may assist plant breeders in developing new varieties that will benefit producers and consumers in this region. Over the past few decades, plant breeders have used molecular markers to identify numerous genomic regions affecting maize production and nutritional value. Marker‐assisted selection (MAS) presents the potential to improve the efficiency of plant breeding by allowing for the transfer of these specific genomic regions of interest and accelerating the recovery of the elite parent background. However, to this point, few examples of successful MAS in breeding programs, particularly those with benefits in Africa, have been noted. This review discusses the use of molecular markers in the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the production and nutritional quality of maize, as well as the potential to use the results from the vast number of QTL studies that have been performed in MAS breeding programs. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Biochemical and nutritional evaluation of Jatropha protein isolate prepared by steam injection heating for reduction of toxic and antinutritional factors
Authors: Devappa Rakshit K , Swamylingappa Bhagya 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Jatropha kernel contains 400–600 g oil kg−1, and the cake obtained after oil extraction is rich in protein. The use of Jatropha cake/meal in food or feed is limited owing to the presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents. The main objective of the present study was to prepare protein isolates with reduced toxic and antinutritional factors and improved nutritional quality.RESULTS: The yield of protein isolates was 70–77%, with a protein content of 955–970 g kg−1. The trypsin inhibitor activity was reduced by 90–97% and the phytate, tannin and saponin contents were reduced by 90, 85 and 98% respectively in the isolates, while phorbol esters and cyanogenic glucosides decreased to undetectable levels. The chemical scores for the meals and isolates were similar; methionine and cystine were the limiting amino acids. The in vitro digestibility and calculated nutritional indices (essential amino acid index, predicted biological value, nutritional index and computed protein efficiency ratio) of the protein isolates were higher than those of the meals. Protein quality as indicated by the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score was 1.0.CONCLUSION: Jatropha protein isolate prepared by steam injection has markedly reduced toxic and antinutritional constituents and hence has great potential as a rich source of protein. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Probabilistic intake assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and omega‐3 fatty acids through fish consumption
Authors: Sioen Isabelle , Bilau Maaike , Verdonck Frederik , Verbeke Wim , Willems Jan L. , De Henauw Stefaan , Van Camp John 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFood intake is one of the principal exposure routes of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in humans. This study focuses on fish consumption as a PBDE exposure route. A probabilistic intake assessment of PBDEs and healthy long chain omega‐3 PUFAs (LC n‐3 PUFAs) was conducted for Belgian fish consumers in order to study the balance of the intake of LC n‐3 PUFAs and PBDEs. Based on the observed fish consumption level in the sample, the mean intake of brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)‐28, 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154 via fish was 0.85 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day and the intake of LC n‐3 PUFAs was 3.45 mg/kg bw/day, being low compared to the recommendations. Scenario analyses showed that consuming 150 g salmon twice a week is advisable to achieve the recommended LC n‐3 PUFA intake with a rather low PBDE intake. When replacing 150 g salmon by herring, the PBDE intake is higher without an increase in LC n‐3 PUFAs. In contrast, the combination of cod and salmon leads to a similar PBDE intake compared to twice a week salmon, but to a lower LC n‐3 PUFA intake. In conclusion, the methodology presented in the paper allows balancing benefits and risks related to fish consumption.
Consumption of fish from a contaminated lake strongly affects the concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in serum
Authors: Thomsen Cathrine , Knutsen Helle K. , Liane Veronica H. , Frøshaug May , Kvalem Helen E. , Haugen Margaretha , Meltzer Helle M. , Alexander Jan , Becher Georg 
Published: January 2008

AbstractVery high concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) have been reported in fish from Lake Mjøsa in Norway. This study was performed to examine the serum concentrations of PBDE and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in consumers of fish from this lake and to investigate possible relationships between serum concentrations, self‐reported fish intake and calculated total dietary PBDE exposure. Serum concentrations of the sum of the seven PBDE (BDE‐28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) were significantly higher than those of a reference group of Norwegians eating only food with background levels of contamination (medians: 18 ng/g lipids men, 8.4 ng/g lipids women). The median dietary intake of Sum 7 PBDE was 2549 ng/day (30 ng/kg body weight/day), the highest dietary intake of PBDE reported. The contribution from fish caught from the contaminated lake comprised 98.7% of the total dietary exposure. For men, serum levels of PBDE were strongly correlated with the calculated dietary exposure, except for BDE‐209. This suggests that sources other than the diet are important for human BDE‐209 exposure. The median serum HBCD concentration was 4.1 and 2.6 ng/g lipids for men and women, respectively, and was also found to be associated with consumption of fish from Lake Mjøsa.
Curcumin in cancer management: Recent results of analogue design and clinical studies and desirable future research
Authors: Steward William P. , Gescher Andreas J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe ability of the curry constituent curcumin to delay the onset of cancer has been the topic of extensive research for many years. Abundant literature is devoted to mechanisms by which curcumin may mediate this activity. These insights have prompted investigations in which curcumin as lead molecule serves as a scaffold for synthetic chemical attempts to optimize pharmacological potency. Among the published analogues with notable efficacy are dimethylcurcumin, 1,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)‐1,4‐pentadien‐3‐one and 3,5‐bis‐(2‐fluorobenzylidene)‐piperidinium‐4‐one acetate. Results of a small number of clinical pilot studies conducted with curcumin at doses of up to 12 g suggest tentatively that it is safe in humans. Prevention of adenoma recurrence constitutes a clinical paradigm worthy of further investigation for curcumin. Future clinical study should include measurement of mechanism‐based pharmacodynamic parameters.
Temporal trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in milk from Stockholm mothers, 1980–2004
Authors: Fängström Britta , Athanassiadis Ioannis , Odsjö Tjelvar , Norén Koidu , Bergman Åke 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEnvironmental and human exposures to brominated flame retardants (BFR) have been of emerging concern since some BFR are persistent and bioaccumulative compounds. Among those, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) have frequently been reported in low to high ng/g concentrations in human blood around the world while hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) only occasionally has been reported and then in the low ppb concentrations in human blood. The present study concerns PBDE congener and HBCDD concentrations in human milk from Stockholm from 1980 to 2004. HBCDD concentrations has increased four to five times since 1980 until 2002 but seems to have stabilized at this concentration in the last years (2003/04). Similarly, BDE‐153 has continued to increase at least to 2001, after which it has stabilized in the mother's milk. Other PBDE congeners with four to five bromine substituents peaked 5 years earlier (1995) and are all decreasing. DecaBDE (BDE‐209) is not a suitable biomarker for time trend studies according to the present results, showing no changes over time. This is likely due to its short apparent half‐life in humans and poor transfer from blood to milk.
Optimal capacity in a coordinated supply chain
Authors: Chao Xiuli , Seshadri Sridhar , Pinedo Michael 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe consider a supply chain in which a retailer faces a stochastic demand, incurs backorder and inventory holding costs and uses a periodic review system to place orders from a manufacturer. The manufacturer must fill the entire order. The manufacturer incurs costs of overtime and undertime if the order deviates from the planned production capacity. We determine the optimal capacity for the manufacturer in case there is no coordination with the retailer as well as in case there is full coordination with the retailer. When there is no coordination the optimal capacity for the manufacturer is found by solving a newsvendor problem. When there is coordination, we present a dynamic programming formulation and establish that the optimal ordering policy for the retailer is characterized by two parameters. The optimal coordinated capacity for the manufacturer can then be obtained by solving a nonlinear programming problem. We present an efficient exact algorithm and a heuristic algorithm for computing the manufacturer's capacity. We discuss the impact of coordination on the supply chain cost as well as on the manufacturer's capacity. We also identify the situations in which coordination is most beneficial. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Comparative proteomics and correlated signaling network of rat hippocampus in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Liu Xin‐Yu , Yang Jin‐Liang , Chen Li‐Juan , Zhang Ying , Yang Ming‐Li , Wu Yong‐Yang , Li Fu‐Qiang , Tang Ming‐Hai , Liang Shu‐Fang , Wei Yu‐Quan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the seizure origin typically involves the hippocampal formation. The pilocarpine‐induced TLE provides a model to investigate the molecular and functional characterization of epileptogenesis by mimicking the human epileptic condition. Here, we employed a 2‐D gel‐based proteomic technique to profile proteome changes in the rat hippocampus after pilocarpine treatment. Using MALDI MS and MS/MS, 57 differentially expressed proteins were identified, which were found either up‐regulated and/or down‐regulated at the two time points 12 h (acute period; Ap) and 72 h (silent period; Sp) compared with the control. These proteins can be related to underlying mechanism of pilocarpine‐induced TLE, indicating cytoskeleton modification, altered synaptic function, mitochondrial dysfunction, changed ion channel, and chaperone. Five of the identified proteins, synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP25), synapsin‐2 (SYN2), homer protein homolog 2 (HOMER2), α‐internexin (INA), and voltage‐dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) were investigated by semiquantitative RT‐PCR, and SNAP25 and INA were further validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. Furthermore, association of these pilocarpine‐induced proteins with biological functions using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool showed that nucleic acid metabolism, system development, tissue and cell morphology were significantly altered. IPA of the canonical networks indicated that six membrane proteins (e.g., SNAP25, SYN2, and HOMER2) participated in three biological networks as starting proteins. Our results offer a clue to identify biomarkers for the development of pharmacological therapies targeted at epilepsy.
A mass spectrometry‐based strategy for detecting and characterizing endogenous proteinase activities in complex biological samples
Authors: Robinson Sarah , Niles Richard K. , Witkowska H. Ewa , Rittenbach Kirsten J. , Nichols Robert J. , Sargent Jonathan A. , Dixon Scott E. , Prakobphol Akraporn , Hall Steven C. , Fisher Susan J. , Hardt Markus 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEndogenous proteinases in biological fluids such as human saliva produce a rich peptide repertoire that reflects a unique combination of enzymes, substrates, and inhibitors/activators. Accordingly, this subproteome is an interesting source of biomarkers for disease processes that either directly or indirectly involve proteolysis. However, the relevant proteinases, typically very low abundance molecules, are difficult to classify and identify. We hypothesized that a sensitive technique for monitoring accumulated peptide products in an unbiased, global manner would be very useful for detecting and profiling proteolytic activities in complex biological samples. Building on the longstanding use of 18O isotope‐based approaches for the classification of proteolytic and other enzymatic processes we devised a new method for evaluating endogenous proteinases. Specifically, we showed that upon ex vivo incubation endogenous proteinases in human parotid saliva introduced 18O from isotopically enriched water into the C‐terminal carboxylic groups of their peptide products. Subsequent peptide sequence determination and inhibitor profiling enabled the detection of discrete subsets of proteolytic products that were generated by different enzymes. As a proof‐of‐principle we used one of these fingerprints to identify the relevant activity as tissue kallikrein. We termed this technique PALeO. Our results suggest that PALeO is a rapid and highly sensitive method for globally assessing proteinase activities in complex biological samples.
Proteomic analysis of the pH response in the fungal pathogen Candida glabrata
Authors: Schmidt Pia , Walker Janet , Selway Laura , Stead David , Yin Zhikang , Enjalbert Brice , Weig Michael , Brown Alistair J. P. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMicro‐organisms must adapt to environmental change to survive, and this is particularly true for fungal pathogens such as Candida glabrata. C. glabrata is found both in the environment and in diverse niches in its human host. The ambient pH of these niches varies considerably, and therefore we have examined the response of C. glabrata to changes in ambient pH using a proteomic approach. Proteins expressed in C. glabrata cells growing at pH 4.0, 7.4 or 8.0 were compared by 2‐DE, and 174 spots displaying reproducible and statistically significant changes in expression level were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting, thereby extending our 2‐DE map of the C. glabrata proteome to a total of 272 identified spots. Proteins involved in glucose metabolism, the TCA cycle, respiration and protein synthesis were expressed at lower levels during growth at pH 7.4 and/or 8.0, whereas proteins involved in stress responses and protein catabolism were expressed at higher levels under these alkaline conditions. Our data suggest that C. glabrata perceives low pH as less stressful than higher pH. This contrasts with another opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans, Candida albicans
Matrix formalism for site‐specific binding of unstructured proteins to multicomponent lipid membranes
Authors: Teif Vladimir B. , Harries Daniel , Lando Dmitri Y. , Ben‐Shaul Avinoam 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe describe a new approach to calculate the binding of flexible peptides and unfolded proteins to multicomponent lipid membranes. The method is based on the transfer matrix formalism of statistical mechanics recently described as a systematic tool to study DNA–protein–drug binding in gene regulation. Using the energies of interaction of the individual polymer segments with different membrane lipid species and the scaling corrections due to polymer looping, we calculate polymer adsorption characteristics and the degree of sequestration of specific membrane lipids. The method is applied to the effector domain of the MARCKS (myristoylated alanine rich C kinase substrate) protein known to be involved in signal transduction through membrane binding. The calculated binding constants of the MARCKS(151–175) peptide and a series of related peptides to mixed PC/PS/PIP2 membranes are in satisfactory agreement with in vitro experiments. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional fertility differences in Turkey: persistent high fertility in the southeast
Authors: Yüceşahin M. Murat , Özgür E. Murat 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate regional fertility differences in Turkey at a provincial level, with a particular focus on high fertility in the eastern and southeastern regions. Furthermore, the study discusses the reasons for fertility fluctuations in eight southeastern provinces over the past two decades. This study offers maps showing the total fertility rates of the provinces between 1980 and 2000, and probes the ways in which regional fertility differences have arisen. A multiple regression analysis is also carried out in order to explain determinants of high fertility in southeastern Turkey. The study relies on population statistics issued by the State Institute of Statistics as well as Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys. The findings of this study underline that ethnicity and cultural factors are definitive of high fertility in southeastern Turkey. The use of local languages and the dominance of traditional cultural norms in the undeveloped eastern and southeastern regions with a large Kurdish (and partially Arab) population have created linguistic and cultural barriers. Thereby, unlike other regions where Turkish is the dominant language, the eastern and southeastern regions have mainly fallen outside the social interaction process that secures the adoption by individuals of modern reproductive behaviour, and these regions have persistently maintained a high level of fertility. Recent fertility fluctuations in eight provinces of southeastern Turkey are largely a consequence of the population's reduced access to family planning services due to the conflict between Turkish security forces and separatist Kurdish groups in the region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fragmentation study of two compounds related to 4′‐demethylepipodophyllotoxin in negative ion electrospray ionization by MSn ion‐trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Qianrong , Yan Guoquan , Ge Tiefei 
Published: January 2008

AbstractHigh‐resolution electrospray ionization multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS1–7) in negative ion mode was used to determine the accurate masses and fragmentation pathways of two compounds, 4′‐demethylepipodophyllotoxin and 4′‐demethyl‐4‐azido‐4‐deoxyepipodophyllotoxin, which are key intermediate compounds for the preparation of podophyllotoxin‐type anti‐cancer drugs. The deprotonated molecules [MH]− of both compounds were readily observed in the conventional single‐stage mass spectra due to the presence of the phenolic hydroxyl group in the molecules. Abundant information on the product ions was obtained from tandem mass spectra (MS2–7) in negative ion mode. Based on the exact masses acquired from 14 different tandem mass spectra, a similar MSn fragmentation pathway was proposed for both compounds. A characteristic product ion produced in the MS2–4 product ion scan experiments is the cyclohexylenetrione anion [MH2MeRH]− or [MHRH2Me]− at m/z 351 (C19H11O7) formed by the consecutive losses of two CH3 radicals at the 3′‐ and 5′‐positions and the neutral loss of RH, where R = a 4‐substituted group (OH or N3), from the [MH]− ion. This anion may be considered as diagnostic for the presence of this type of compound. The other common cleavages are the neutral losses of CO at least two times in the MS6,7 product ion spectra. The results of this work could serve as an effective tool for the detection or determination of other derivatives of 4′‐demethyl‐4β‐substituted podophyllotoxin, which are widely used as intermediates for the preparation of anti‐tumor drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite element analysis of rough surfaces based on ultimate‐stress asperity concept
Authors: Abdo Jamil 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAn improved mathematical elastic–plastic model for the contact of rough surfaces that is based on an accurate finite element solution of a deformable single asperity and a rigid flat surface is developed to provide dimensionless expressions for the contact area and contact load. This model differs from the existing models, in that it accounts for the level of interference beyond expected failure. The finite element solution is used to define the limits at which failure occurs. A fictitious ultimate‐stress asperity is introduced to facilitate the derivation of the contact model. This model considers a realistic picture of elastic–plastic deformation where elastic, plastic and failure behaviors can occur simultaneously for an asperity. Subsequent comparison of the results for estimating contact area and load using the present model and the earlier methods shows identical results for pure elastic contacts with plasticity index values at about 0.5 but substantial difference for the net elastic–plastic contacts having plasticity index values above 0.8. When plasticity index reaches 6 and beyond, the three models predict similar total contact area and load values and that the contact is purely plastic. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of cleaning and amino‐ silanization protocols for Si wafers to be used as platforms for biochip microarrays by surface analysis (XPS, ToF‐SIMS and NEXAFS spectroscopy)
Authors: Graf Nora , Yeğen Eda , Lippitz Andreas , Treu Dieter , Wirth Thomas , Unger Wolfgang E. S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIt is known that aminosilanized Si wafers may be used as microarray platforms. Results of an XPS study of a cleaning applied to Si wafers prior to aminosilanization are presented and discussed. Furthermore, the results of an aminosilanization protocol optimized in terms of nitrogen chemistry are described. After optimization of the protocol a free amine content of 94% was reached. The surface chemistry was investigated in this study by using XPS, time of flight (ToF)‐SIMS and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Reference to aminosilanization protocols reported in the literature has been made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A resonant photoelectron spectroscopy study of Sn(Ox) doped CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Matolín V. , Cabala M. , Cháb V. , Matolínová I. , Prince K. C. , Škoda M. , Šutara F. , Skála T. , Veltruská K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe interaction of tin with cerium oxide thin film and cerium oxide nanosized powder was studied using XPS and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES) in the Ce 4d–4f photoabsorption region. A strong tin–ceria interaction led to partial Ce4+→ Ce3+ transition and Sn+ ion formation. A corresponding increase of the Ce 4f state occupancy was observed as a giant 4f resonance enhancement. In the case of powder catalyst a strong CeO2Sn interaction lead to formation of CeSnO mixed oxide system characterized by Ce3+ ion concentration enhancement and increase of Ce 4f occupation. It explains generally higher catalytic activity of the CeSnO mixed oxide catalysts when comparing with the individual oxides. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.