bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of post‐harvest brown rot on nectarine by Epicoccum nigrum and physico‐chemical treatments
Authors: Mari Marta , Torres Rosario , Casalini Lucia , Lamarca Neus , Mandrin Jean F , Lichou Jean , Larena Inmaculada , De Cal Maria A , Melgarejo Paloma , Usall Josep 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPost‐harvest physico‐chemical treatments—water at 40 °C or 60 °C (HW), and sodium bicarbonate at 1 or 2.5% (SBC) at 20, 40 and 60 °C—were tested on peaches and nectarines in order to control brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. and to select the best physico‐chemical treatment to be used in combination with pre‐harvest applications of the biological control agent Epicoccum nigrum (ATCC number 96794). Experiments were carried out in France, Italy and Spain in order to test different experimental conditions. Monilinia rot was reduced in peach and nectarine treated with HW (40 °C for 2 min) in all three countries, the percentage of rot reduction was similar for France, Italy and Spain (over 40%). A synergistic effect between HW at 40 °C during 150 s or at 60 °C during 20 s and SBC was observed in all three countries. After preliminary experiments post‐harvest treatment of HW (60 °C) + SBC (1%) during 20 s was selected to combine it with field treatments. Pre‐harvest treatments with fungicide or E. nigrum did not reduce brown rot in any country. However, pre‐harvest treatments with E. nigrum, chemical fungicide, and their integration followed by post‐harvest physico‐chemical treatment significantly reduced Monilinia rot compared to pre‐harvest untreated fruits followed by post‐harvest physico‐chemical treatment in Italy (over 70%). Post‐harvest treatments with E. nigrum were also tested in Italy on natural and artificial infections in nectarine over 3 years. E. nigrum, as fresh or formulated cells, at a concentration of 108 conidia mL−1 were effective, significantly reducing the incidence of brown rot compared to control, both under artificial and natural infection, from 43 to 100%. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for screening and quantitative analysis of C21 steroids in the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum paniculatum
Authors: Dou Jing , Li Ping , Song Yue , Qi Lian‐Wen , Bi Zhi‐Ming 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method is presented for the quantification of C21 steroids in the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum paniculatum. Eight C21 steroids, including five steroidal aglycones and three steroidal glycosides, were simultaneously analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The extracted ion current chromatograms were extracted from the total ion current chromatogram using characteristic ions produced by target compounds for peak determination. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 reversed‐phase column within 60 min, using an acetonitrile/water gradient. For comparision, six C. paniculatum samples from different locations were investigated by the established method, and the results indicated that the different geographical origin significantly influenced the C21 steroid composition. The method was observed to have the necessary sensitivity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy, and to be suitable for quality control of herbal medicines and their preparations.
Assessment of Chinese medicinal herb metabolite profiles by UPLC‐MS‐based methodology for the detection of aristolochic acids
Authors: Jacob Shana Sunny , Smith Norman William , Legido‐Quigley Cristina 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this study, aristolochic acid in different herbal medicines containing a mixture of varying herb species was identified through fingerprint pattern similarities. Aristolochic acid I and II are nephrotoxic compounds naturally present in the Aristolochia plant species that are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicines. Twenty‐four commercially available herbal formulations were extracted into an aqueous solution and injected into a UPLC‐MS system. All the samples were analysed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to check for the presence of aristolochic acids I and II. The same samples were then fingerprinted using two different gradient methods and the chromatograms deconvoluted into retention time (RT) and masses for the chemicals present taking concentration into account. Statistical analysis of this data revealed that samples were highly heterogeneous, and that the main differences between the preparations were concentrations of polar compounds. A model was constructed where the samples could be separated into two groups differentiated by the presence of the two forms of aristolochic acid.
Aggression among combat veterans: Relationships with combat exposure and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, dysphoria, and anxiety
Authors: Taft Casey T. , Vogt Dawne S. , Marshall Amy D. , Panuzio Jillian , Niles Barbara L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPrior research has revealed heightened aggressive behavior among veterans with PTSD. This study tested a model examining the interrelationships among combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, dysphoric symptoms, and anxiety symptoms in predicting aggressive behavior in a sample of 265 male combat veterans seeking diagnostic assessment of PTSD. Combat exposure was indirectly associated with aggression primarily through its relationship with PTSD symptoms. Symptoms of PTSD were directly related to aggression, and indirectly related to aggression through dysphoric symptoms. Results highlight the role of PTSD symptoms and dysphoric symptoms with respect to aggressive behavior among this population, and suggest the relevance of aggression theory to the study of combat veterans.
Posttraumatic appraisals in the development and persistence of posttraumatic stress symptoms
Authors: O'Donnell Meaghan L. , Elliott Peter , Wolfgang Bronwyn Jones , Creamer Mark 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCognitive models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) posit that appraisal plays an important role in the development and persistence of PTSD. This study examined posttraumatic appraisals and their relationship to the development and course of PTSD symptoms. Two hundred fifty‐three injury survivors were assessed for PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic cognitions across a 12‐month period. A path analytic modeling approach showed that posttraumatic appraisals were important direct and indirect predictors of later PTSD severity. The findings suggest that appraisals made in the aftermath of trauma have a significant influence on subsequent psychological adjustment.
Emotional numbing weakens abused inner‐city women's resiliency resources
Authors: Johnson Dawn M. , Palmieri Patrick A. , Jackson Anita P. , Hobfoll Stevan E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractConservation of resources theory (S. E. Hobfoll, 1988, 1999) hypothesizes that loss of resiliency resources can contribute to abused women's posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, which, in turn, contribute to a further loss of resources, which can make abused women even more vulnerable to future stressors. This study investigates the impact of PTSD symptoms on abused women's future loss of resources—resources that women both value and need to aid their ongoing adjustment. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms contributed to future resource loss in abused women, even when controlling for the effects of prior resource loss and depression. Emotional numbing symptoms of PTSD accounted most for women's resource loss. Findings highlight the importance of research and intervention that more directly examines the link between emotions and resource loss.
Investigation of a CuII–Poly(γ‐Glutamic Acid) Complex in Aqueous Solution and its Insulin‐Mimetic Activity
Authors: Karmaker Subarna , Saha Tapan K. , Sakurai Hiromu 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe complexation between cupric ions (CuII) and poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) in aqueous solutions (pH 3–11) has been studied by UV‐visible absorption and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. Formation of the CuII‐γ‐PGA complex is confirmed by the observation of the blue shift of the absorption band in the visible region, anisotropic line shapes in the ESR spectrum at room temperature, and a computer simulation of the visible absorption spectrum of the complex. The structure of the CuII‐γ‐PGA complex, depending on the pH, has been determined. The in vitro insulin‐mimetic activity of the CuII‐γ‐PGA complex is examined by determining both inhibition of free fatty acid release and glucose uptake in isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine, in which the concentration of the CuII‐γ‐PGA complex for 50% inhibition of free fatty acid release is very similar to that of CuSO4. However, it is significantly lower than that of a previously reported insulin‐mimetic bis(3‐hydroxypicolinato)copper(II), [Cu(3hpic)2], complex.magnified image
Fabrication and Characterization of Zein‐Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds by an Electrospinning Method
Authors: Jiang Hongliang , Zhao Pengcheng , Zhu Kangjie 
Published: April 2007

AbstractElectrospun zein membranes were prepared using DMF as solvent. By changing the solution concentration, the electrospinning voltage and the distance between the spinneret and collector, nanofibrous meshes without bead defects could be obtained. In order to improve the mechanical strength of the hydrated zein meshes, core‐shell‐structured nanofibrous membranes with PCL as the core material and zein forming the shell were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. The core‐shell structure of the composite fibers was confirmed by SEM characterization of the fibers, either extracted with chloroform to remove the inner PCL, or elongated to expose their cross‐section. The composition and average diameter of the composite fibers could be modulated by the feed rate of the inner PCL solution. It was found that the core‐shell fibrous membranes have similar wettability to the electrospun zein mesh. The presence of PCL in the fibers could significantly improve the mechanical properties of the zein membrane.magnified image
Artificial Polymeric Flavonoids: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Uyama Hiroshi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFlavonoids, one of the most numerous and best studied groups of plant polyphenols, are well known to exhibit various biological and pharmacological effects. Functional artificial polymeric flavonoids, flavonoid polymers and amine containing polymer‐flavonoid conjugates have been developed. The acid‐catalyzed polymerization of catechin and aldehydes proceeds regioselectively to produce catechin‐aldehyde polycondensates. Peroxidases and laccases catalyze the oxidative coupling of flavonoids and oxidative conjugation with polyamines. The resulting polymers show much higher antioxidant activities than the flavonoid monomers. In addition, these polymeric flavonoids efficiently inhibit disease related enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase, collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase. Based on these results, the molecular design for amplification of the biological and pharmacological properties of flavonoids is proposed.magnified image
Reinforcement of Nylon‐6 Filaments with SiO2 Nanoparticles and Comparison of Young's Modulus with Theoretical Bounds
Authors: Mahfuz Hassan , Hasan Mohammad M. , Rangari Vijaya K. , Jeelani Shaik 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSpherical silica nanoparticles were infused into nylon‐6 and drawn into filaments through a melt‐extrusion process. The idea was to improve the strength and stiffness of the resulting filaments by utilizing the interactions between the nanoparticles and the polymer. The focus was to increase the fracture strain of the filaments, as this had not been possible earlier with the infusion of carbon nanotubes. It has been observed that with the infusion of silica nanoparticles, the strength and Young's modulus of the nylon filament can be enhanced in the 28 to 36% range without any loss of fracture strain. The source of this improvement has been traced to the formation of stronger amide and carbonyl bonds, nucleated by the presence of SiO2 nanoparticles during polymerization. Moreover, calculations based on basic theories of inclusions show that the Young's modulus of the nanophased filament is within 5% of the upper bound predicted by the micromechanical theory.magnified image
Production of Narrow‐Size‐Distribution Polymer‐Pigment‐Nanoparticle Composites via Electrohydrodynamic Atomization
Authors: Widiyandari Hendri , Hogan Christopher J. , Yun Ki Myoung , Iskandar Ferry , Biswas Pratim , Okuyama Kikuo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNear‐monodisperse, size‐controllable, poly(methyl methacrylate)‐pigment nanoparticle composites were produced using electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA). The geometric mean diameters of the composite particles were in the 0.91 to 1.90 µm‐diameter range with geometric standard deviations of approximately 1.05 to 1.12. Increasing the polymer volume fraction and liquid flow‐rate resulted in an increase in the diameter of the composite particles, which agreed well with droplet scaling relations for EHDA. The results here demonstrate that EHDA can be used for polymer‐nanoparticle‐composite production and as an alternative to conventional inkjet printing.magnified image
Effect of Lignin on the Heat and Light Resistance of Lignocellulosic Fibers
Authors: Reddy Narendra , Salam Abdus , Yang Yiqi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe existence of lignin in lignocellulosic fibers increases the loss in breaking tenacity and elongation of fibers when they are exposed to heat and light. Delignification by sulfonation helps to remove some of the lignin from the fibers without affecting the breaking tenacity. The delignified fibers have higher resistance to heat and light exposure compared to the raw fibers. The effect of lignin on the heat and light resistance of kenaf and cornhusk fibers with three different lignin contents was studied in comparison to cotton at various periods of heat and light exposure. The changes in the breaking tenacity, breaking elongation and yellowness of the samples were studied.magnified image
Copolymerization Behavior of Acid‐Base Monomer Systems and Properties of their Corresponding Polymers
Authors: Schmidt Christian , Merz Friederike , Jiang Shaoqun , Drache Marco , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe copolymerization behavior of mixtures of an acidic and a basic monomer were studied as a function of the monomer feed composition. The four systems investigated in this way comprised APSA/1‐VIm, APSA/4‐VP, APSA/DAMA, and SSA/1‐VIm. The corresponding polyelectrolytes were obtained by free radical polymerization of the monomer mixtures in solution, while the isolated monomeric salts of equivalent amounts of both monomers were prone to spontaneous polymerization. For APSA/1‐VIm, APSA/4‐VP, and APSA/DAMA, a donor‐acceptor relationship was found, whereas for SSA/1‐VIm the SSA was favorably incorporated over all feed ratios. High Tg and complex viscosity data indicated a considerable degree of ionic, thermally reversible crosslinking within the polymers that were thermally stable up to at least 230 °C.magnified image
Preparation of Novel Fluoroalkyl End‐Capped Oligomer/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites
Authors: Sawada Hideo , Takashima Hiroki , Iwaki Ken‐Ichi , Furukuwa Rika , Takishita Katsuhisa 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNovel fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomer/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites have been easily prepared by the reaction of disodium hydrogenphosphate and calcium chloride in the presence of self‐assembled molecular aggregates formed by fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers in aqueous media. The fluorinated hydroxyapatite nanocomposites thus obtained were found to exhibit a good dispersibility in a variety of media, and were applied to the surface modification of glass.magnified image
Prostaglandin E2 induces vascular endothelial growth factor secretion in prostate cancer cells through EP2 receptor‐mediated cAMP pathway
Authors: Wang Xingya , Klein Russell D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractProstaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been shown to induce expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other signaling molecules in several cancers. PGE2 elicits its functions though four G‐protein coupled membrane receptors (EP1–4). In this study, we investigated the role of EP receptors in PGE2‐induced molecular events in prostate cancer cells. qRT‐PCR analysis revealed that PC‐3 cells express a substantially higher level of EP2 and moderately higher EP4 than DU145 and LNCaP cells. LNCaP cells had virtually no detectable EP2 mRNA. EP1 and EP3 mRNAs were not detected in these cells. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with PGE2 (1 nM–10 µM) increased both VEGF secretion and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Levels of induction in PC‐3 cells were greater than in DU145 and LNCaP cells. The selective EP2 agonist CAY10399 also significantly increased VEGF secretion and cAMP production in PC‐3 cells, but not in DU145 and LNCaP cells. Moreover, PGE2 and CAY10399 increased mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MAPK/Erk) and Akt phosphorylation in PC‐3 and DU145 cells, but not in LNCaP cells. However, neither the MAPK/Erk inhibitor U0126 nor the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 abolished PGE2‐induced VEGF secretion in PC‐3 cells. We further demonstrated that the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and the cAMP anologue 8‐bromo‐cAMP mimicked the effects of PGE2 on VEGF secretion in PC‐3 cells. Meanwhile, the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2′5′‐dideoxyadenosine, at concentrations that inhibited PGE2‐induced cAMP, significantly blocked PGE2‐induced VEGF secretion in PC‐3 cells. We conclude that PGE2‐induced VEGF secretion in prostate cancer cells is mediated through EP2‐, and possibly EP4‐, dependent cAMP signaling pathways. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High dose levodopa therapy is not toxic in multiple system atrophy: Experimental evidence
Authors: Stefanova Nadia , Köllensperger Martin , Hainzer Monika , Cenci Angela , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor Karl 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLevodopa is generally regarded the first choice therapy for parkinsonism associated with multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P). However, MSA‐P patients often show a poor or unsustained levodopa response which inflicts high dose therapy. This is generally attributed to progressive striatal degeneration with loss of dopamine receptors. Experimental evidence suggests that dopaminergic stimulation may accelerate the striatal disease process in MSA, possibly by pro‐oxidative mechanisms. Intact nigrostriatal dopamine release augments striatal lesion size in the unilateral nigral and striatal double lesion rat model of MSA‐P. Further, neuronal vulnerability to exogenous oxidative stress is increased in a transgenic MSA mouse model with oligodendroglial α‐synuclein inclusions. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether high dose levodopa delivery in the transgenic MSA model is associated with neurotoxicity exacerbated by the presence of oligodendroglial α‐synuclein inclusion pathology. Control and transgenic MSA mice underwent pulsatile treatment with either vehicle, low or high dose levodopa for a period of 1 month. Behavioral and neuropathological indices failed to show evidence for neurotoxic effects of high‐dose levodopa in this α‐synuclein transgenic MSA model. These findings support the idea that high dose levodopa therapy in MSA is not detrimental to the underlying neuropathological process. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Management of status dystonicus: Our experience and review of the literature
Authors: Mariotti Paolo , Fasano Alfonso , Contarino M. Fiorella , Della Marca Giacomo , Piastra Marco , Genovese Orazio , Pulitanò Silvia , Chiaretti Antonio , Bentivoglio Anna Rita 
Published: April 2007

AbstractStatus dystonicus (SD) is a life threatening disorder that develops in patients with both primary and secondary dystonia, characterized by acute worsening of symptoms with generalized and severe muscle contractions. To date, no information is available on the best way to treat this disorder. We review the previously described cases of SD and two new cases are reported, one of which occurring in a child with static encephalopathy, and the other one in a patient with pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration. Both patients were admitted to an intensive care unit and treated with midazolam and propofol. This approach proved to be useful in the former while the progressive nature of the dystonia of the second patient required the combination of intrathecal baclofen infusion and bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation. We believe that a rapid and aggressive approach is justified to avoid the great morbidity and mortality which characterize SD. Our experience, combined with the data available in the literature, might permit to establish the best strategies in managing this rare and severe condition. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Levodopa‐induced dyskinesias
Authors: Fabbrini Giovanni , Brotchie Jonathan M. , Grandas Francisco , Nomoto Masahiro , Goetz Christopher G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLevodopa‐induced dyskinesias (LID) are common and difficult to treat. This review focuses on three issues related to LID: clinical features, classification and rating, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, and management. The three primary clinical syndromes are OFF‐period dystonia, peak‐dose dyskinesia, and diphasic dyskinesia. Several other forms also occur, making the evaluation and choice of treatment complicated. A core component of the pathophysiology of LID is overactivity of the direct striatal output pathway. This pathway provides a direct GABAergic connection by which the striatum inhibits the output regions of the basal ganglia, i.e., the internal globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Altering dopaminergic dosing and timing can abate dyskinesias, but usually impact the control of parkinsonism. Putative therapies to reduce the problem of dyskinesias could focus on the glutamatergic, GABAergic, α2 adrenergic, serotonergic (5HT1A, 5HT2A), opioid, histamine H3, adenosine A2A receptors, the monoamine transport or cannabinoid CB1 receptors systems. The only currently available drug with an evidence‐based recommendation on efficacy for dyskinesia is amantadine. Therapy goals include the prevention of dyskinesia and treatment of dyskinesias that are troublesome clinically. New rating measures to assess severity and disability related to dyskinesia are in the process of development and clinimetric testing. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society