bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation and implications of cadmium, cobalt and manganese in soils and vegetables irrigated with city effluent
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Ghafoor Abdul , Qadir Manzoor 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: In most parts of Pakistan, untreated city effluent is utilised for growing vegetables around large urban settlements such as Faisalabad. Farmers use it as a source of irrigation water and plant nutrients. However, its continuous use may have serious environmental implications, since it also contains heavy metals. In this study the Faisalabad city effluent was examined for irrigation quality and its impact on irrigated soils and vegetables.RESULTS: Irrigation hazard of the effluent was moderate (electrical conductivity (EC) 1.1–1.7 dS m−1, Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 5.9–17.4 mmol1/2 L−1/2, Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) 1.0–2.1 mmolc L−1) at site 1 and strong (EC 3.7–4.1 dS m−1, SAR 16.1–21.8 mmol1/2 L−1/2, RSC 4.0–9.1 mmolc L−1) at site 2. Mean concentrations of ammonium bicarbonate/diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (AB/DTPA)‐extractable Cd, Co and Mn at upper soil depth (0.0–0.2 m) were respectively 0.080, 0.057 and 217.4 mg kg−1 at site 1 and 0.101, 0.076 and 164.1 mg kg−1 at site 2.CONCLUSION: The concentrations of Cd and Mn were above the permissible limits but that of Co was below the permissible limit for irrigation. The concentrations of Cd, Co and Mn tended to decrease with increasing soil depth. Accumulation of metals was higher in leaves irrespective of whether leaves were the edible or non‐edible component of shoots. Use of untreated city effluent for irrigation without risk assessment and management could be a serious hazard, impacting soil and crop quality and ultimately human health. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of Nanostructure in Resistant Starch Type III during Thermal Treatments and Cycling
Authors: Zabar Shiran , Shimoni Eyal , Bianco‐Peled Havazelet 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effect of recrystallization temperature on the lamellar structure of RSIII samples was studied using XRD and SAXS. The polymorph type could be manipulated in a controlled manner, independently of the plant source. In RSIII from corn starch and from high‐amylose corn starch, retrogradation at a low temperature led to the formation of polymorph B with lamellas arranged in long‐range periodicity, whereas retrogradation at a high temperature led to the formation of polymorphs A and V with no defined periodicity. The retrogradation temperature of wheat starch did not have a major effect on its nanostructure. For both polymorphs, the enzymatic degradation decreased as the degree of order within the crystal increased.magnified image
Selectivity of PEO‐block‐PPO Diblock Copolymers in the Microwave‐Accelerated, Anionic Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Propylene Oxide with PEG as Initiator
Authors: Malik Muhammad Imran , Trathnigg Bernd , Kappe C. Oliver 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDiblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) were synthesized by the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of propylene oxide (PO), with controlled microwave heating in sealed vessels. A detailed study was carried out to investigate the effects of different parameters on the formation of unwanted byproducts. Parameters that were considered include temperature; the concentration of NaH, monomer and hydroxy groups in the feed; and the polarity of the reaction medium. A continuous decrease of internal pressure during the sealed‐vessel experiment reflected the consumption of PO monomer and the completion of the reaction was confirmed by a drop of the internal pressure to zero when reactions were performed in bulk. The products were characterized by using different chromatographic techniques. A comparison of the reaction times and composition of the polymers prepared by microwave and conductive heating is given.magnified image
Self‐Assembly of ATRP‐Synthesized PCH‐b‐PtBA‐b‐PCH Triblock Copolymers Observed by Time‐Resolved SAXS
Authors: Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Cerrada María L. , Fernández‐García Marta 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe phase behavior of PCH‐b‐PtBA‐b‐PCH triblock copolymers has been studied. Measurements in the wide‐angle region probed the existence of microphase segregation through variation of block mobility and thermal expansion coefficients. SAXS experiments pointed out that most copolymers present ordered nanostructures, mostly hexagonally packed cylinders, the morphology being confirmed by AFM. An unusual disorder‐to‐order transition is observed in one copolymer synthesized from a macroinitiator with intermediate length and the highest outer‐block molecular weight, whereas none of the copolymers shows an order‐to‐disorder transition upon heating over the temperature range analyzed.magnified image
Epidemiology of Down syndrome
Authors: Sherman Stephanie L. , Allen Emily G. , Bean Lora H. , Freeman Sallie B. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDown syndrome (DS) is the most commonly identified genetic form of mental retardation and the leading cause of specific birth defects and medical conditions. Traditional epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence, cause, and clinical significance of the syndrome have been conducted over the last 100 years. DS has been estimated to occur in ∼1 in 732 infants in the United States, although there is some evidence that variability in prevalence of estimates exist among racial/ethnic groups. Progress has been made in characterizing the specific types of chromosome errors that lead to DS and in identifying associated factors that increase the risk of chromosome 21 malsegregation, i.e., advanced maternal age and recombination. Studies to examine the variability of the presence of specific DS‐associated birth defects and medical conditions provide evidence for genetic and environmental modifiers. Here, we provide a brief survey of studies that address the current state of the field and suggest gaps in research that can soon be filled with new multidisciplinary approaches and technological advances. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:221–227.
Families of persons with Down syndrome: New perspectives, findings, and research and service needs
Authors: Hodapp Robert M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTo understand the families of offspring with Down syndrome, this article begins by describing the change in orientation—from “negative” to “stress‐and‐coping” perspectives—in studies of families of offspring with disabilities. In reviewing the existing studies, mothers, fathers, and siblings cope slightly better than family members of persons with other disabilities, a phenomenon called the “Down syndrome advantage.” Beyond this more general finding, however, much remains unknown. Most studies examine only parental or sibling levels of stress or coping, leaving unknown the marital, occupational, health, educational, and other “real‐world” outcomes for these family members. Increased research attention is needed to understand the life‐span needs of families of persons with Down syndrome and the impact of cultural and sociocultural diversity on family outcomes. It will also be important to relate family outcomes to differences in the offspring's behaviors, development, relationships, medical conditions, psychopathology, and the presence (and effectiveness) of needed support services. Although these families have received some research attention over the past several decades, we now need to make family research in Down syndrome more concrete, more life‐span, and more tied to characteristics of the individual with the syndrome and the family's surrounding support system. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:279–287.
Voluntary activation during knee extensions in severely deconditioned patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Benefit of endurance training
Authors: Vivodtzev Isabelle , Flore Patrice , Lévy Patrick , Wuyam Bernard 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAs a consequence of hypoxemia or detraining, a deficit in voluntary activation may contribute to the reduction of strength in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This was studied in 13 severely deconditioned COPD patients and eight healthy subjects. Exercise tolerance, fat‐free mass, and quadriceps maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) were evaluated. Magnetic stimulation was used to measure maximal quadriceps twitch tension (TwQp) at rest and during a voluntary contraction (superimposed twitch: TwQs). A maximal recruitment fraction (MRF) was assessed by the ratio of the true MVC to the maximal achievable strength (using regression of TwQs vs. volitional strength at four submaximal intensities). MRF was significantly lower in COPD than in controls (89 ± 20 vs. 109 ± 6%, P < 0.01). Seven COPD patients completed 3‐month endurance training. After rehabilitation, patients had greater MVC (+24 ± 26 N), associated with a slightly greater MRF (+10 ± 11%). Changes in MRF were independently associated with changes in MVC (r = 0.85, P = 0.03). Deficit in voluntary activation of quadriceps muscle may therefore contribute to muscle weakness in severe COPD patients and is reversed by training. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Myogenesis in human denervated muscle biopsies
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Mittelbronn Michel , Bornemann Antje 
Published: October 2007

AbstractElectron microscopic studies of long‐term denervated rat muscles have identified very small, immature myofibers that are believed to arise from detached satellite cells that have fused to form new fibers within the interstitial space. At present, it is unknown whether and to what extent equivalent fibers exist in denervated human muscle. Serial sections of muscle biopsies from 66 patients diagnosed with polyneuropathy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were immunolabeled with anti‐NCAM and anti‐neonatal myosin heavy chain monoclonal antibodies that are both neurally and developmentally regulated. We evaluated 200 myofibers in each section. Of the biopsy specimens, 75% contained small myofibers that showed a thin perinuclear cytoplasmic rim. Small fibers expressing neonatal myosin heavy chain (MHCn+) were found in all of these biopsies (100%) and NCAM+ fibers in 98%. The percentage of MHCn+ small fibers averaged 82% and NCAM+ small myofibers averaged 40%. The percentage of NCAM+ small fibers was significantly lower than that of MHCn+ fibers. In contrast, the percentage of MHCn+ vs. NCAM+ angular atrophic fibers did not show a significant difference. A substantial subset of neurogenic biopsies showed small fibers that differ from angular atrophic fibers both in size and expression pattern of MHCn and NCAM. Myogenesis appears to be a frequent finding in neurogenic atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Angle‐Resolved XPS Study of Plasma‐Deposited Polystyrene Films after Oxygen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Haïdopoulos Marie , Horgnies Matthieu , Mirabella Frédéric , Pireaux Jean‐Jacques 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPlasma oxidation of plasma deposited polystyrene (pPS) films was performed in an inductively coupled plasma reactor. Reconstruction of the oxygen concentration depth profiles based on angle‐resolved XPS data showed that two competitive mechanisms (functionalization and etching) happened during the oxygen plasma treatment. Static water contact angle measurements confirmed this result. Oxidized pPS films were also not stable with time; a loss of hydrophilicity was observed and reorganization of the topmost functionalized surface occurred involving diffusion of oxygen groups from the surface towards the bulk and re‐contamination by reaction of trapped radicals with hydrocarbon molecules present in ambient air.magnified image
Biological control of terrestrial molluscs usingPhasmarhabditis hermaphrodita—progress and prospects
Authors: Rae Robbie , Verdun Cyrille , Grewal Parwinder S , Robertson Jamie F , Wilson Michael J 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPhasmarhabditis hermaphroditaSchneider (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) is a nematode that parasitises a wide range of slug and snail species. It has been formulated into a biological control agent (Nemaslug®) and was commercialised in 1994. It is now available in fourteen European countries. A review is given of all research onP. hermaphrodita,including basic biology, mass cultivation, formulation, host range, application strategies, field efficacy and effects on non‐target organisms. The many critical gaps in present knowledge are highlighted, and future research is proposed that will lead to greater understanding of this unusual parasite and may enable its more widespread use in the management of mollusc pests. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Delaying weed adaptation to herbicide by environmental heterogeneity: a simulation approach
Authors: Roux Fabrice , Paris Margot , Reboud Xavier 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Environmental heterogeneity in space or time can drive the evolutionary trajectory of an adaptive trait. This concept could be of practical significance in pesticide resistance management that aims to delay the evolution of a resistance allele. Using a population genetics model, the dynamics of herbicide resistance in a weed species was simulated in a heterogeneous environment with alternation of two unrelated herbicides in time, in space or in both time and space. The level of the environmental heterogeneity (habitat grain) was simulated by a variation in the size of the herbicide‐treated areas.RESULTS: The model confirms that several strategies based on habitat heterogeneity efficiently slow down and even prevent resistance evolution. For a recessive resistant trait in outcrossing species, a medium level of environmental heterogeneity (intermediate habitat grain) was found to be the best for delaying herbicide resistance, as previously observed for insecticide resistance management. In selfing species or for a dominant resistant trait in outcrossing species, a low level of environmental heterogeneity (coarse‐grained habitat) was more efficient in delaying resistance evolution when heterogeneity in both space and time were considered.CONCLUSION: This model suggests that the choice of optimal tactics for delaying herbicide resistance by enhanced heterogeneity in space or time firstly depends on the interactions between the breeding system and the dominance of the resistance allele in the presence of herbicide, then on the value of the fitness cost and lastly on the dominance of this fitness cost. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological evaluation of neopeptins isolated from a Streptomyces strain
Authors: Kim Yun Sung , Kim Hyeong Min , Chang Cheol , Hwang In Cheon , Oh Hyuncheol , Ahn Jong Seog , Kim Ki Deok , Hwang Byung Kook , Kim Beom Seok 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Microbial secondary metabolites are a rich source of antifungal agents and have merit as alternatives to synthetic fungicides. To develop disease control agents against powdery mildew, the lipopeptide antibiotic neopeptins were identified from the culture broth of a Streptomyces sp., and in vivo control efficacy of the compounds was evaluated on cucumber plants under glasshouse conditions.RESULTS: The Streptomyces sp. KNF2047 antagonistic against powdery mildew development in cucumber plants was isolated from a soil sample. Antifungal compounds were purified from the culture broth and identified as neopeptin A and B. In vitro microtitre assays revealed the inhibitory activities of the compounds in the range 128–512 µg mL−1 against the mycelial growth of Alternaria mali, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium cucumerinum, Colletotrichum lagenarium, Didimella bryoniae and Magnaporthe grisea. Although neither compound showed remarkable in vitro antifungal activity against other plant pathogenic fungi, a mixture of neopeptins (484 mg of neopeptin A and 290 mg of neopeptin B per gram of partially purified powder) showed potent protective and curative activity against cucumber powdery mildew in vivo. The disease control activity of the neopeptins at a concentration of 2.4 mg L−1 was 92.1%, which was similar to that of the commercial fungicide fenarimol (89.3% at 63 mg L−1) and that of the commercial biocontrol agent Actinovate (67.4% at 2 × 107 cfu L−1).CONCLUSION: Neopeptin mixtures isolated from Streptomyces sp. KNF2047 showed potent disease control activity against powdery mildew development on cucumber plants. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression of garlic leaf lectin under the control of the phloem‐specific promoter Asus1 from Arabidopsis thaliana protects tobacco plants against the tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae)
Authors: Sadeghi Amin , Broeders Sylvia , De Greve Henri , Hernalsteens Jean‐Pierre , Peumans Willy J , Van Damme Els JM , Smagghe Guy 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: To check for correlation between the insecticidal properties and the specificity of lectins, a comparative study was made of the insecticidal activities of two garlic lectins with different biological activities.RESULTS: The insecticidal activity of the garlic (Allium sativum L.) leaf lectin ASAL and bulb lectin ASAII towards the tobacco aphid Myzus nicotianae Blackman was studied using bioassays with transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin 38). Bioassays were started with newborn nymphs of the tobacco aphid. Although during the first 7–8 days when nymphs developed to adults there were no apparent effects, part of the nymphal population was found to develop into winged (alate) forms. Later it became clear that transgenic plants expressing ASAL and ASAII had a significant effect on the reproduction capacity of the resulting adults, with a reduction of up to 40%. Different life table parameters such as prereproductive time, intrinsic rate of natural increase, generation time and doubling time were significantly affected (P < 0.05) in aphids grown on transgenic plant material expressing ASAL and ASAII.CONCLUSION: Bioassays with tobacco plants expressing ASAL and ASAII demonstrated a significant impact on the population growth of M. nicotianae. Therefore, both lectins can be considered as valuable candidate aphid control agents. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving the TDDFT calculation of low‐lying excited states for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using the Tamm–Dancoff approximation
Authors: Wang Yi‐Lei , Wu Guo‐Shi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFull TDDFT combined with the commonly used hybrid functional B3LYP has been known to greatly underestimate the 1La excitation energies of large linear acenes. This has cast doubt on the TDDFT results for the similar 1La‐type state in other conjugated π‐systems. Although increasing the amount of Hartree–Fock (HF) exchange energy in the employed functional could improve the excitation energy estimation of the 1La state, it would worsen the results for another lowest‐lying excited state,1Lb. Calculations of absorption and emitting energies relative to the 1La states for a series of linear acenes showed that a TDDFT scheme incorporating the Tamm–Dancoff approximation (TDDFT/TDA) could decrease the estimation errors by a factor of about 50%, but keep the levels of 1Lb states almost unchanged. Thus, the TDDFT/TDA scheme gives an overall description for the low‐lying excited states of linear acenes significantly better than the full TDDFT does. Furthermore, 16 nonlinear polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with various structures were examined to confirm the superiority of the TDDFT/TDA over the full TDDFT in its ability to describe the 1La states for conjugated π‐systems of large size. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Monte Carlo computation of ground‐state energy derivatives
Authors: Vrbik Jan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMonte Carlo is a simple technique, which uses random numbers to compute ground‐state energies of small molecules (and quantum systems in general). The results always have a small statistical error, which poses a major obstacle when estimating properties defined as ground‐state‐energy derivatives (such as the molecule's geometry, its vibrational frequencies, polarizabilities, etc.). In this article, we present and demonstrate an approach that makes an accurate Monte–Carlo estimation of such derivatives possible. This is achieved by realizing that the simulation constitutes an autocorrelated stochastic process, whose proper analysis then enables us to estimate various energy derivatives as a combination of total correlation between readily computable quantities. The resulting procedure is a natural extension of the usual Monte Carlo algorithm for computing the ground‐state energy, with relatively small computational overhead. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Technology‐enhanced inquiry tools in science education: An emerging pedagogical framework for classroom practice
Authors: Kim Minchi C. , Hannafin Michael J. , Bryan Lynn A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractResearchers and practitioners have attempted to identify technologies that support students' scientific understanding, activities and support practices that facilitate students' inquiry processes, and methods to sustain technology‐enhanced innovations in everyday science classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the findings and implications of research on science inquiry tools on classroom teaching and learning practices. We summarize research on inquiry tools and present a framework for teaching and learning in technology‐enhanced, inquiry‐based science classes. In the framework, three dimensions are discussed: the macrocontext (systemic reform and educational standards), the teachers' community (physical or virtual context, where teachers share expertise and mentor each other), and the microcontext (classroom context, where learning and teaching occur). From this pedagogical framework, the interactions among the standards, teachers' community, and classroom contexts are key to exploring the role of technologies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Sci Ed,91:1010–1030, 2007
A 12-month comparison of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatment in subjects with generalised anxiety disorders in a community setting
Authors: Ferrero Andrea , Pierò Andrea , Fassina Simona , Massola Tiziana , Lanteri Antonello , Daga Giovanni Abbate , Fassino Secondo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLittle information is available on the use of brief psychotherapy among subjects with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) within community mental health services. This study compared results among subjects treated with brief Adlerian psychodynamic psychotherapy (B-APP), those treated with medication (MED), or those who experienced combined treatment (COM). Symptomatology and occupational functioning were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scales (HAM-A; HAM-D), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) at intake (T1) and at 3, 6, and 12 months later (T3, T6, T12). The study sample included 87 patients with GAD (B-APP 34; MED 33; COM 20), and an ANOVA was applied for analysing repeated measures while controlling for personality disorder. After 6 months, CGI, HAM-A, HAM-D, and SOFAS scores significantly improved independently from the type of treatment. Subjects with personality disorders treated with B-APP exhibited superior results to those treated using other methods only in SOFAS scores at T6. These results were generally maintained at T12. Remission rates among subjects (HAM-A scores <7) varied between 55% (MED) and 74% (B-APP) at T6 and between 63% (MED) and 78% (COM) at T12; no significant differences appeared between the three treatment groups. A logistic regression model predicted anxiety remission only by CGI at T1. This paper discusses these results in relation to the use of brief psychotherapy within community mental health services.