Soft Lines Research Articles

Paralympic protest: athlete activism, apartheid South Africa, and the international sport boycott in British para sport, 1979–1981

ABSTRACT In October 1979, the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation (ISMGF) imposed a lifetime ban on Maggy Jones, a medal-winning British Paralympian. Her crime: distributing leaflets about the healthcare disparities in apartheid South Africa. Two years later, Bernard Leach, the British record holder in the freestyle swim, withdrew from the International Stoke Mandeville Games in protest when he learned that South Africa planned to send a team. ISMGF administrators took a softer line towards Leach, however, because the swimmer partnered with the British Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) to transform his withdrawal into a public relations weapon against Paralympic administrators. In recent years, historians have expanded our knowledge of the external struggle against apartheid, one of the most sustained and significant transnational movements of the twentieth century. This struggle, a notable antecedent of the Black Lives Matter movement, played out in all realms of sport, yet little has been written about campaigns of anti-apartheid solidarity within the Paralympic movement. This study of Paralympic protests and the politics of public critique adds to this literature, centres athlete agency in British disability sport, and offers an important perspective on sport, race, and protest to better understand the Black Lives Matter movement.

Spectroscopic modelling of two high-mass X-ray binaries, Cyg X–3 and 4U 1538–522

ABSTRACT We report a detailed modelling of soft X-ray emission lines from two stellar wind-fed Galactic high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) systems, Cyg X-3 and 4U 1538-522, and estimate physical parameters, e.g. hydrogen density, radiation field, chemical abundances, wind velocity, etc. The spectral synthesis code cloudy is utilized for this modelling. We model highly ionized X-ray spectral lines, such as Fe XXV (6.700 keV) and Fe XXVI (6.966 keV), and reproduce the observed line flux values. We find that for Cyg X–3 and 4U 1538-522, the inner radius of the ionized gas is at a distance of 1012.25 cm and 1010.43 cm, respectively, from the primary star, which is the main source of ionization. The densities of the ionized gas for Cyg X–3 and 4U 1538–522 are found to be ∼1011.35 cm−3 and 1011.99 cm−3, respectively. The corresponding wind velocities are 2000 km s−1 and 1500 km s−1. The respective predicted hydrogen column densities for Cyg X–3 and 4U 1538–522 are 1023.2 cm−2 and 1022.25 cm−2. In addition, we find that magnetic field affects the strength of the spectral lines through cyclotron cooling. Hence, we perform separate model comparisons including magnetic field for both the sources. Most of the parameters, except the hydrogen column density, have similar values with and without magnetic field. We estimate that the most probable strength of the magnetic field for Cyg X–3 and 4U 1538–522, where the Fe XXV and Fe XXVI lines originate, is ∼102.5 G.

Chemical and structural quality traits during postharvest ripening regulated by chromosome segments from a wild relative of tomato Solanum pennellii IL4-2 and IL5-1.

Tomato is usually harvested at an early ripening stage with high firmness suitable for storage and transportation but lacks many quality parameters such as sugars, organic acids, and phenolics. In a recent study, we have selected introgression lines (ILs) IL4-2 and IL5-1, developed from a cross between the Solanum pennellii and the Solanum lycopersicum M82, that exhibit differentiated postharvest shelf-life characteristics in the fruit compared to M82 and the rest of the ILs. Here, we first structurally and biochemically characterized IL4-2, IL5-1, and their parent M82 to decipher the cell wall mechanistic difference between soft (IL4-2) and firm (IL5-1) lines at two postharvest ripening periods. Generally, IL4-2 had more active cell wall modifications in terms of ripening-related gene expression, water-soluble pectin, and cell wall structure under the microscope, which probably makes this line softer than IL5-1. We also evaluated these lines based on commercial quality parameters, sugars, phenolics, organic, and amino acids to gain insight into their commercial and functional quality and reveal noticeable differences. In summary, the contribution of the S. pennellii IL5-1 and IL4-2 to the shelf life of the tomato was structurally characterized, and the component differences meeting the quality criteria were revealed.

Transfer of Thinopyrum elongatum chromosome-specific 1EL.1AS translocation to hard wheat could not improve targeted bread-making quality - Failure and lessons learned

The end processing quality of bread wheat is affected by several parameters such as grain texture, grain protein content, and gluten protein composition. Gluten proteins (glutenins and gliadins) are associated with bread-making quality, and among gluten proteins, high molecular weight-glutenins (HMW-GS) are considered the major determinant of bread-making quality. Wild varieties of wheat serve as sources of the novel HMW-GS alleles that can be explored to improve wheat processing quality. HMW-GS specific to one such wild relative of wheat Thinopyrum elongatum has been reported to enhance the processing quality in the background of soft textured Japanese cultivar Norin61. In this study, we tried to transfer HMW-GS from Th. elongatum to hard textured, high yielding Indian cultivar PBW621. Two lines with different seed textures (Hard-TL and Soft-TL) were developed carrying 1EL.1AS translocation in PBW621 background. The effect of 1EL.1AS translocation on various quality parameters and bread-making quality was studied. Dough mixing properties, extensibility properties, and other quality parameters improved in hard and soft translocation lines. Comparing bread loaf volumes and bread quality scores suggested no significant differences in the improvement in individual quality parameters.

The impact of relining bar-implant retained overdenture on alveolar bone resorption in posterior mandible: A 5-years retrospective study.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of relining of mandibular implant retained overdenture with resilient liner on posterior mandibular ridge resorption. Material and methods. Twelve completely edentulous patients received 2 implants in the canine area of the mandible and connected with a Dolder bar. Patients were randomly divided in two groups: Group I (non-relined group), patients received bar/clip attachment and acrylic mandibular overdenture without relining. Group II (relined group), patient received bar attachment and acrylic mandibular overdenture totally relined with soft liner (around the bar and the distal extensions of the denture). Proportional measurements in terms of posterior area index (PAI) of the residual ridges were measured on panoramic images of Cone Beam computerized tomography taken after the overdenture insertion (base line, T0) and five years after the overdenture insertion (T5). Results. Group I demonstrated statistically significant higher mean change in PAI (bone loss) compared to group II. The amount of bone loss was 1.23mm (in group I) and .74mm (in group II) for each 1mm of the residual ridge length. Only group, mandibular bone height, and relining frequencies had a significant correlation with the change in PAI. No significant correlation between age or gender with change in PAI. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that relined implant retained mandibular overdentures with silicon soft liner over bar attachments is preferred on long term as it reduced posterior mandibular ridge resorption compared to unrelined overdentures

Sawangi's Presurgical Cartilage Molder in Infants with Type D Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective: The purpose of this article is to introduce a newer presurgical nasal cartilage molding device–Sawangi presurgical cartilage molder (SPCM) used extraorally for treating infants with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus; classified as type D according to the Daigavane and Hazarey classification. Methods: A 7-day-old male presented with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus categorized as type D according to the Daigavane and Hazarey classification. A head tape with a rectangular frame was used to support and mold the nasal cartilage with wireframe and nasal component fabricated with 0.8-mm stainless steel loaded with a soft liner nasal ball which was activated with the elastic. Discussion: The position of the nasal cartilaginous septum, nasal alar cartilage tip, medial and lateral crura were restored to normal. SPCM can be a helpful device in cleft lip ± alveolus to mold the cartilage and promote breastfeed simultaneously. It is easy to fabricate, less time-consuming, comfortable for the infant, and cost-effective.

A comparative study of patients satisfaction with conventional and relined mandibular complete dentures

Edentulous patients are usually satisfied with the service of a conventional maxillary denture but not the mandibular denture, particularly if the patients present with advanced atrophy of residual ridges, systemic diseases, chronic tissue soreness or maladaptive denture wearing experience. For such patients, the relining of hard heat cured mandibular dentures with long term resilient denture liners may be considered as a non-surgical alternative to pre-prosthetic procedures or implant supported prostheses. Purpose of The Study: The purpose of the study was to compare the satisfaction level of the patients provided with both conventional and relined mandibular dentures. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on fifteen edentulous patients. Each patient was provided with one maxillary and two mandibular complete dentures i.e. one conventional and another relined with long term silicone-based resilient liner (Molloplast-B). Patients’ general satisfaction with the two mandibular dentures was evaluated using questionnaire. The data so collected was compared and analyzed statistically. Results: The overall analysis of the results obtained from the study suggested that the use of soft liners may promote a more satisfying life for edentulous patients. There was an improvement in patients’ general satisfaction rating, ability to chew &speak, fit and comfort with relined mandibular dentures as compared to conventional acrylic resin mandibular dentures opposed by conventional maxillary dentures and the majority of patients had a preference for the relined mandibular dentures.

Evaluating the Effect of Artemisia Aerial Parts Extracts on Candida albicans growth and Shear Bond Strength of Soft Denture Liner

After a period of use in the oral cavity the bond between denture base and soft denture liner weaken or fails creating a suitable environment for fungal colonization. Traditional medical plants that have antifungal agents are considered more safe and with few side effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil and ethanol extracts of Artemisia aerial parts on Candida albicans growth and shear bond strength of soft denture liner. Candida albicans species were isolated and diagnosed, oil and ethanol extracts of Artemisia were prepared, the effect of the extracts on Candida albicans were tested by agar well diffusion test and micro dilution test. Finally, 30 specimens of soft denture liner were prepared for testing shear bond strength by Universal Instron machine before and after incorporation of the extracts. The results showed that all the concentrations of oil extract inhibit the growth of Candida albicans except (12.5 mg/ml) and there were significant differences (P≤0.05) between all concentrations compared with Nystatin except between (100 and Nystatin) mg/ml in which there were no significant difference. In ethanol extract only the concentrations (100 and 75) mg/ml inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and there were significant differences between all concentrations (P≤0.05) with Nystatin, while shear bond strength was increased in ethanol extract and there were significant differences with the control (P≤0.05), but it was not affected in oil extract and there were no significant differences with the control (P>0.05). Interestingly, it’s concluded that oil and ethanol extracts of Artemisia aerials parts had an effect on Candida albicans, while shear bond strength was not affected by oil extract but increased in ethanol extract.

Uncovering candidate genes involved in postharvest ripening of tomato using the Solanum pennellii introgression line population by integrating phenotypic data, RNA-Seq, and SNP analyses

Fruit shelf life in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and many other fleshy fruits is determined by several factors including cell wall structure, turgor, and cuticle properties. In this study, an introgression line (IL) population derived from a cross between Solanum pennellii (LA0716) and the S. lycopersicum cultivar M82 was used to identify candidate genes (CGs) that might be responsible for controlling tomato shelf life. IL4-2 and IL4-3-2 were identified as soft lines, IL5-1 and IL9-1-3 as firm lines based on their Br7 and Br14 firmness and shelf-life performance. To gain deeper insights into the genes that might play a regulatory key role in tomato shelf-life, transcriptome profiling was performed for the four ILs and M82 as the reference genome. A total of 5,580 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) with 2,333 up-regulated and 3,247 down-regulated genes, were differentially expressed in IL4-2 vs M82, IL4-3-2 vs M82, IL5-1vs M82, and IL9-1-3 vs M82 combinations. Forty-two DEGs were selected as putative ripening related genes. The expression of nine genes potentially involved in ripening/softening process out of 42 DEGs was verified by qPCR. The RNA-Seq data was also used to discover SNPs between the ILs and the reference genome. The SNPs on CGs were converted to Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence (CAPS) markers which could be used in breeding programs in the future.

Phenotyping Anther Extrusion of Wheat Using Image Analysis

Phenotyping wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is time-consuming and new methods are necessary to decrease labor. To develop a heterotic pool of male wheat lines for hybrid breeding, there must be an efficient way to measure both anther extrusion and the size of anthers. Five hundred and ninety-four soft red winter wheat lines in two replications of randomized complete block design were phenotyped for anther extrusion, a key trait for hybrid wheat production. A device was constructed to capture images using a mobile device. Four heads were sampled per line when anthesis was evident for half the heads in the plot. The extruded anthers were scraped onto a surface, their image was captured, and the area of the anthers was taken via ImageJ. The number of anthers extruded was estimated by counting the number of anthers per image and dividing by the number of heads sampled. The area per anther was taken by dividing the area of anthers per spike by the number of anthers per spike. A significant correlation (R=0.9, p<0.0001) was observed between the area of anthers per spike and the number of anthers per spike. This method is proposed as a substitute for field ratings of anther extrusion and to quantitatively measure the size of anthers.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles within Soft Denture Liners against Oral Pathogens.

Objectives Soft denture liners provide a favorable environment for adhesion and colonization of microorganisms. This in vitro study aimed to examine the efficacy of different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) incorporation into soft denture liner on the biofilm formation of the microbial species. Methods Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images from NPs were recorded. Antifungal susceptibility testing of CuO NPs against five standard strains of Candida albicans (CBS 10261, 1905, 1912, 1949, 2730), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC35668), Streptococcus sobrinus (ATCC27607), and Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC9222) was performed by the broth microdilution method with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute reference method. The biofilm inhibition percentages of CuO NPs on the soft denture liners were determined by XTT assay. Results The characterization of CuO NPs by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses confirmed the synthesis of NPs with appropriate structure and size with a mean diameter of 18.3 ± 9.1 nm. The CuO NPs successfully inhibited the growth of the tested standard strains of C. albicans and Streptococcus spp. at concentrations ranging from 64 to 128 µg mL−1. Indeed, incorporation of CuO NPs at a concentration of 500 µg mL−1 into the soft denture liners exhibited a significant activity (75%) in inhibition of C. albicans. biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. The biofilm formation of C. albicans in the presence of CuO NPs was lower than Streptococcus spp. in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Incorporation of CuO NPs significantly decreased the colonization and plaque formation of the oral pathogens, especially C. albicans accumulation. These NPs may be useful as a promising agent for the antimicrobial management of soft denture liner materials.

Comprehensive Laboratory Measurements Resolving the LMM Dielectronic Recombination Satellite Lines in Ne-like Fe xvii Ions

Abstract We investigated experimentally and theoretically dielectronic recombination (DR) populating doubly excited configurations (LMM) in Fe xvii, the strongest channel for soft X-ray line formation in this ubiquitous species. We used two different electron beam ion traps and two complementary measurement schemes for preparing the Fe xvii samples and evaluating their purity, observing negligible contamination effects. This allowed us to diagnose the electron density in both EBITs. We compared our experimental resonant energies and strengths with those of previous independent work at a storage ring as well as those of configuration interaction, multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock calculations, and many-body perturbation theory. This last approach showed outstanding predictive power in the comparison with the combined independent experimental results. From these we also inferred DR rate coefficients, unveiling discrepancies from those compiled in the OPEN-ADAS and AtomDB databases.

Genome-wide association mapping of the 'super-soft' kernel texture in white winter wheat.

The novel super-soft kernel phenotype has the potential to improve wheat processing and flour quality. We identified genomic regions associated with this kernel texture in white winter wheat. Grain hardness is a key determinant of wheat milling and baking quality. The recently discovered 'super-soft' kernel phenotype has the potential to improve wheat processing and flour quality. However, the genetic basis underlying the super-soft trait in wheat is not yet well understood. In this study, we investigated the phenotypic and genotypic structure of the super-soft trait in a collection of 172 advanced soft white winter wheat breeding lines and cultivars adapted to the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. This collection had a continuous distribution for grain hardness index (single-kernel characterization system). Ten super-soft genotypes showed hardness index ≤ 12 including the cultivar Jasper. Over 98,000 SNP markers from genotyping-by-sequencing were used for association mapping (GWAS). The GWAS identified 20 significant markers associated with grain hardness. These significant SNPs corresponded to seven QTL on chromosomes 2B, 3A, 3B, 5A, 6B,7A, and one unaligned chromosome. Two of these QTL, QSKhard.wql-3A and QSKhard.wql-5A, had large effects and distinguished between the normal soft and the super-soft classes. QSKhard.wql-3A and QSKhard.wql-5A reduced the hardness index by 11.7 and 13.1 on average, respectively. The remaining QTL had small effects and reduced grain hardness within the normal soft range. QSKhard.wql-2B, QSKhard.wql-3A, QSKhard.wql-3B, and QSKhard.wql-6B were not previously reported to be in genomic regions of grain hardness-related genes/QTL. The identified super-soft genotypes as well as the SNPs associated with lower grain hardness will be useful to assist breeding for this grain texture trait.

Effect of mandibular complete dentures relining on occlusal force distribution using T-scan system

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of mandibular complete dentures relining using soft relining material on the distribution of various occlusal forces using T-Scan system. Fifty completely edentulous patients having their conventional complete dentures earlier fabricated and utilized were selected for this study. Patients were controlled diabetics, characterized by having their residual alveolar ridges moderately developed and lined with firm mucoperiosteum. Mandibular complete dentures were relined with soft denture liner and T-Scan device was used for occlusal force distribution measurement prior to denture relining and three months thereafter the relinning procedure.ResultsComparison between occlusal forces percentages before and after denture relining revealed that occlusal forces percentages was significantly lower after denture relining in anterior area, significantly higher after denture relining in right posterior area, where it was insignificantly higher after relining in left posterior area.ConclusionsOur findings revealed that the use of soft denture liner for mandibular complete denture relining significantly improved the occlusal load distribution.Clinical trial registration Trial registration NCT, NCT04701970. Registered 23/11/2020—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04701970

PREPARATION FOR PALATOPLASTY SURGERY WITH AN ACRYLIC FEEDING OBTURATOR: A CASE REPORT

ABSTRACTBackground: Clefts on the lips and palate are common cases to be found frequently in the field of dentistry. This gap connects the oral cavity and the nasal cavity so that it interferes with the nutritional intake in patients. The age and size of the oral cavity in patients become particular challenges for prosthetic rehabilitation. Another challenge lies at the impression procedure, because it is an essential part in the making of obturator. Objective: To provide information on the management of patient with cleft palate using feeding obturator from acrylic material. Case: A 13-months-old male patient arrived at Prof. Soedomo Gadjah Mada University Dental Hospital with his parents and was seeking for prosthetic therapy to cover the cleft on his palate because it had been muddling with food and beverage intake. Patient had undergone cheiloplasty surgery and further arranged for palatoplasty procedure. Intraoral examination exhibited a cleft extended from hard palate, soft palate, and uvula. Case management: Upper jaw impression was performed for individual tray fabrication, followed by impression procedure in an upright straight position until the patient bawled. The impression result was casted to construct an obturator using acrylic heat cure material. Fitting surface was covered with soft liner. Treatment result showed that the obturator was retentive, stable and able to assist the nutritional intake in patient. Conclusion: Acrylic feeding obturator can recover the condition in patient with cleft palate and improve nutritional intake as well as body weight to prepare patient for palatoplasty surgery.Keywords: Cleft Palate, Feeding Plate, Obturator

440 A Multi-Center Preference study of a Novel Oral Appliance Design and Material

Abstract Introduction AASM guidelines for OAT advise sleep medicine physicians to consider patient preference when determining the treatment modality for mild and moderate OSA. This investigation evaluates patient preference for a novel OAT device in comparison with CPAP and other legacy OAT devices. Methods A novel OA (ProSomnus EVOTM, Pleasanton, CA) was manufactured from digital records of U/L impressions and bite registrations. 31 Patients (all with one or more legacy OAs and 20 previous CPAP users) across 7 dentists were surveyed regarding preferences of this novel OA using a 0–10 scale. Samples were analyzed for stainability by mustard at 37C for 10 days against representative predicates using colorimetry. Results Patient Survey 100% Preferred the novel OA over CPAP, would wear it and easier to clean and preferred over their previous appliance This novel OA was comfortable and smaller 9.3 Easier to close my lips together 8.8 Confident in device durability/will not break 9.1 No crowns were removed/damaged Dentists Survey 81% no adjustment interventions for fit at delivery, average adjustment time was 3.1 min. 100% Would prescribe this novel OA again and recommend to colleagues This novel OA was easier to deliver than other devices 9.1 Retention was just right at delivery 8.9 Would use this novel OA on wider range of patients 9.8 This monolithic novel OA would be easy to keep clean 9.8 Stain Testing in □E from Colorimetry Milled PMMA 3.06 Milled novel OA 3.20 CPAP Mask plastic 7.54 Milled PMMA w/soft Liner/Fulcrum Strap 8.27 CPAP Mask silicone 11.60 PMMA +Liner Anterior Hook 19.05 PMMA with Liner Herbst 32.05 Nylon/Airway 90.70 Nylon/Strap 96.99 Conclusion Patients preferred this novel OA over CPAP and all other devices similarly designed for comfortable easy fit and delivery (soft liners and printed nylon) without compromising the comfort, cleanability or strength. Liner-less milled devices outperform all other devices with less staining. Color stability from mustard was significantly better for the milled PMMA and this Novel OA materials than all other combinations Support (if any) None

Antifungal Efficacy of a Permanent Silicon Soft Liner Containing Silver Nanoparticles.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of addition of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) to Mucopren® silicone soft liner material. Materials and Methods: Twenty disc samples (8 × 2 mm) of Mucopren® silicone soft liner containing 0wt% (control), 0.5wt%, 1wt%, 2wt%, and 3wt% SNPs were fabricated. Samples were powdered and added to 150 mL of Sabouraud dextrose agar culture medium and placed on separate culture dish plates. Each plate was inoculated with 106 colony forming units per milliliter (CFUs/mL) of Candida albicans (PTCC 5027) according to the CLSI protocol, and incubated at 37℃. The colony count was verified at 24 h, and the antifungal effect of the samples was evaluated according to the percentage of viable cells in the 2 subgroups with/without thermocycling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 via ANOVA and t-test (P<0.05). Results: All experimental groups showed higher antifungal activity than the control group, and this effect was dose-dependent (P<0.05). The lowest colony count was recorded in the 3wt% group. Thermocycling had no significant effect on the antifungal efficacy, except in 0.5wt% concentration of SNPs (P=0.013). Conclusion: Addition of SNPs to Mucopren soft liner conferred antifungal effects. Further mechanical stability and toxicity studies are still required.

Evaluation of consumer properties of grain of spring soft wheat selection lines

The article presents the results of studying 10 numbers of competitive variety testing in the Ryazan region in order to identify new breeding lines of spring soft wheat with high technological and baking indicators. The assessment carried out in 2017-2019 revealed that according to the yield the breeding lines 1036-09Н21 and 898-09Н125 exceeded the Agata standard variety (4.47 t/ha) by 0.61 t/ha and 0.48 t ha, respectively (LSD05 = 0.34 t/ha). Over the years of the research, the variety samples formed a glassy well-made grain with the nature of 770-817 g/l, with the protein content in the grain of 14.1-16.0 % and the mass fraction of raw gluten in the flour of 29-41 % of high quality (IDK 45-75 units). The greatest potential for protein accumulation in grain was possessed by the varieties Agata, RIMA, lines 539-10H163, 543-13H163 – 16.8-19.3 %. On the average, the falling number was relatively high 264-331 s, corresponding for wheat of the first and second classes. Lines 543-13H163, 539-10H163 and 898-09H125 exceeded the standard in terms of sedimentation value by 15-17 ml or 35-40 %. The specific work of the dough deformation in the samples varied from 305 a.u. up to 421 a.u., corresponding to the standards of strong or valuable wheat. It has been established that the volumetric yield of bread for lines 509-13Н148, 539-10Н163 and 543-13Н163 was 1633-1647 cm3, higher than the Agat standard variety by 16-17 %. Valuable material 539-10N163 and 898-09N125 that meets the requirements of flour-grinding and bakery enterprises has been developed. It has the following varietal characteristics: grain nature is more than 800 g/l, protein content in grain is 15-16 %, gluten in flour is 33-34 %, with the sedimentation indicator of 58-60 ml, the deformation energy of the dough of 389-421 a.u, the volumetric bread yield of 1523-1647 cm3.

Investigating conditions that induce late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) using Northwestern US spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

AbstractThe wheat industry rejects grain with unacceptably high α-amylase enzyme levels due to the risk of poor endproduct quality. There are two main causes of elevated grain α-amylase: (1) preharvest sprouting in response to rain before harvest and (2) late maturity α-amylase (LMA) induction in response to a cool temperature shock during late grain development. LMA induction was detected in a panel of 24 Northwestern US spring wheat lines. Thus, this problem previously described in Australian and U.K. varieties also exists in U.S. varieties. Because LMA induction results were highly variable using published methods, a characterization of LMA-inducing conditions was conducted in an LMA-susceptible soft white spring wheat line, WA8124. Problems with elevated α-amylase in untreated controls were reduced by raising the temperature, 25°C day/18°C night versus 20°C day/10°C night. LMA induction was not improved by colder temperatures (15°C day/4°C night) versus moderately cold temperatures (18°C day/7.5°C night or 10°C day/10°C night). While previous studies observed LMA induction by heat stress, it failed to induce LMA in WA8124. Thus, not all LMA-susceptible cultivars respond to heat. The timing of LMA susceptibility varied between two cultivars and within a single cultivar grown at slightly different temperatures. Thus, variability in LMA induction likely results from variability in the timing of the grain developmental stage during which cold shock induces LMA. Thus, it was concluded that the visual inspection of grain is needed to correctly identify LMA-sensitive spikes at the soft dough stage of grain development (Zadok's stage 85).

Influence of monomer type, plasticizer content, and powder/liquid ratio on setting characteristics of acrylic permanent soft denture liners based on poly(ethyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate) and acetyl tributyl citrate.

We evaluated the influence of monomer type, plasticizer content, and powder/liquid (P/L) ratio on the setting characteristics of light-cured acrylic permanent soft denture liners based on poly(ethyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate). Two monomers, iso-butyl methacrylate (i-BMA) and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (2-EHMA), that contained various concentrations of the plasticizer acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and trace amounts of the photo initiator and reducing agent were used. The P/L ratio was 1.0 or 1.2. The gelation time was measured using a controlled stress rheometer. Materials with i-BMA had shorter gelation times than those for materials with 2-EHMA. The gelation time increased exponentially with increasing plasticizer content. A higher P/L ratio led to a shorter gelation time. The effects of monomer type and plasticizer content were larger than that for the P/L ratio. These results show that 2-EHMA is a suitable monomer for soft denture liners and that the setting characteristics can be controlled via ATBC content.