bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of refining processes on the total polyphenol and 1,2‐diphenol content of olive oil
Authors: NERGÍZ CEVDET
Published: July 2010

The effect of commerical olive oil refining processes on the total polyphenol and 1,2‐diphenol content of the oil was investigated. the mean losses of total polyphenols and 1,2‐diphenols of the crude oils were 84‐87% and 79‐88% respectively. There was no difference between the chemical and physical refining processes in reducing phenols in the oil samples.
Composition and microbiological and physical attributes of mawè, a fermented maize dough from Benin
Authors: HOUNHOUIGAN D. JOSEPH , NOUT M.J. ROBERT , NAGO COFFI M. , HOUBEN JAQUES H. , ROMBOUTS FRANK M.
Published: July 2010

Home‐scale and commerical mawè samples produced in urban Benin were very similar in composition, particle size, dough viscosity, and microbial loads, with titratable acidity 1.2‐1.4% w/w (as lactic acid); home‐produced mawè had a slightly higher pH (4.2), protein, fat, fibre, and ash than commercial mawè. Lactobacilli and yeasts predominated in both.
Changes in tomato pulp quality caused by lactic acid bacteria
Authors: PORRETTA SEBASTIANO , VICINI ENZO
Published: July 2010

The most important changes in physicochemical and sensory parameters taking place in tomato pulp (i.e. crushed, diced or chopped tomatoes with about 30% tomato juice as packing medium) were studied after inoculation with lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum). Microbial growth could be detected after 12h of storage at 30°C whilst only 6 h were necessary for the chemical and sensory variations. Multiple regression analysis and principal component analyses were performed to ascertain interdependence between sensory and chemical parameters as well as the contribution of each chemical to sensory variable. Off‐taste threshold ranges based on the content of some chemical parameters were calculated with the aim of replacing the limits of acceptability which are often empirically formulated in commercial contracts.
Optimization of experimental parameters for the EPR detection of the ‘cellulosic’ radical in irradiated foodstuffs
Authors: GOODMAN BERNARD A. , DEIGHTON NIGEL , GLIDEWELL SHEILA M.
Published: July 2010

Optimization of the EPR signal from the ‘cellulosic’ radical of irradiated plant materials can be achieved with an incident microwave power of approximately 250 μW. This is lower than previously recommended (0.5–2.0 mW) and results in signal intensities of up to 200% greater amplitude. the use of this recommended power in any future EPR‐based detection system will result in fewer false negatives, greater sensitivity, and is more likely to enforce compliance with existing labelling requirements.
Electron spin resonance spectra of γ‐irradiated citrus fruit skins, skin components and stalks
Authors: TABNER BRIAN J. , TABNER VIVIENNE A.
Published: July 2010

The ESR spectra of the stalks and skins of a number of non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated citrus fruits suggest that ESR spectroscopy could be used to establish the irradiation history. Two major spectral changes occur up on irradiation. Two additional features appear and are only observed in irradiated specimens (Features B and D, the latter separated by c. 5.9mT) and these are accompanied by an increase in the intensity of the main central signal (Feature A). Observations on the stability of Features A and D indicate that they arise from different radicals. Experiments on the meso‐ and exo‐carps indicate that Features B and D are located mainly in the former and Feature A mainly in the latter.
Characterization of the flow behaviour of sausage emulsions with a simple tube viscometer
Authors: JACOBS JOHANNA C.M. , HOUBEN JACQUES H. , VAN VLIET TON , VAN ROON PIETER S. , KROL BEREND
Published: July 2010

A specially designed tube viscometer was used to measure apparent viscosity during flow of Bologna type sausage emulsions moving through a pipe. Emulsions varied in fat content (from 21.8 to 44.3%) and in moisture/protein ratio (from 3.7 to 5.6), and the effects of added sodium chloride, sodium diphosphate, starch and blood plasma were investigated in a 36% fat, 3.7 moisture/protein emulsion.

The shear stresses determined as a function of shear rate were fitted by a power law. Yield stress of the emulsions was negligible relative to the applied stress. However, inspection of the flow profiles indicated that considerable slip of the sausage emulsion occurred at the pipe wall. Both emulsion flow and slip contribute to overall flow behaviour, so a kind of effective viscosity is determined. Intrinsic rheological properties and wall slip will both be affected by the composition of the sausage emulsion.
Use of analytical solutions of groups (ASOG) contribution method to predict water activity in solutions of sugars, polyols and urea
Authors: CORREA ANTONIO , COMESAÑA JOSE F. , SERENO ALBERTO M.
Published: July 2010

ASOG (Analytical Solutions of Groups) group contribution method was used to predict water activities in solutions of carbohydrates, polyalcohols and urea. Water activities for the systems water‐fructose, water‐fructose‐urea and water‐glucose‐urea at 25°C were measured with an electric hygrometer. A set of new ASOG groups was considered and their interaction parameters calculated by numerical non‐linear regression of published and measured experimental data. aw Values predicted by the proposed method agree with experimental data within 0.1–0.9%.
Application of taro flour in cookie formulations
Authors: NIP W.K. , WHITAKER C.S. , VARGO D.
Published: July 2010

Application of taro flour in cookie (biscuit) formulations was tested. Snap‐type cookie formulations with taro flour as one of the major ingredients were developed by first modifying the taro flour and wheat flour ratios, followed by modification of the taro flour, wheat flour, sugar and shortening ratios. A formulation with the same proportion of taro flour, shortening and sugar, a lesser amount of wheat flour and good dough handling was selected for sensory evaluation. A drop‐type chocolate chip cookie formulation was developed by replacing 51% of the wheat flour with taro flour in a commercial formulation. Both cookie formulations developed were subjected to taste evaluation and were found to be highly acceptable.
Comparison of chemical measurements to differentiate oxidative stability of frozen minced tilapia fish muscle
Authors: ERICKSON MARILYN C. , THED SWEE T.
Published: July 2010

Blue tilapia (BT) and red tilapia (RT) were subjected to fluctuating frozen temperatures (‐18°C to −6°C) for periods up to 9 months. During early stages of storage (0–3 months), measurement of tocopherol losses was not useful in differentiating between the oxidative stabilities of the two muscle samples. During this same time period, quantities of the headspace volatile, propanal, generated by RT was greater than that generated by BT reflecting RT's reduced levels of the antioxidants, tocopherol and zinc. In subsequent stages of storage (6–9 months), measurement of hydroperoxides, headspace volatiles, aqueous fluorescent, pigments, and losses of both α‐ and γ‐tocopherols indicated a lower oxidative stability by BT relative to RT and may be attributed to the greater peroxidizability of the triacylglycerol fraction in BT's tissue and/or BT's higher iron content.
Mashing of rice with barley malt under non‐conventional process conditions for use in food processes
Authors: MOE TINA , ADLER‐NISSEN JENS
Published: July 2010

Non‐conventional mashing conditions are relevant in the development of a lactic acid‐fermented soymilk beverage where mashed rice is the source of carbohydrates for the fermentation and sweetness of the beverage. Advantages in the process layout could be achieved by mashing at higher pH and lower malt concentrations than normally used in the brewing industry. the work reported here assessed the consequences of mashing under non‐conventional conditions. Malt concentration in the cereal part was varied from 25% to 70% (w/w), pH was varied within 5.3 to 7.1, and prolongation of the holding times at 50°C and 62°C was investigated. Regression equations have been established for predicting yields of soluble protein, low molecular weight sugars and total fermentability as functions of pH and malt concentration. the results showed that the maltose yield was constant while glucose, maltotriose and total fermentable sugar yields decreased slightly with increasing pH and decreasing malt concentration. Prolonged mash holding times at 50°C and 62°C gave minor increases in protein yields only. It is concluded that it is quite acceptable to use non‐conventional mashing conditions when a mashing step is integrated in other food processes.
Phospholipase A2‐mediated synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine containing highly unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: HOSOKAWA MASASHI , TAKAHASHI KORETARO , HATANO MUTSUO , EGI MAKOTO
Published: July 2010

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), which contains highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) specifically in sn‐2 position, was synthesized by porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2‐catalysed esterification of lysophosphatidylethanolamine with HUFA. the use of glycerol containing only a little water as solvent was the important key to this reaction. A 27% yield of up to 94.5%sn‐2 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)‐containing PE was obtained using >99% EPA as a substrate HUFA.
Enhanced accumulation of toxic compound in yeast cells having high glycolytic activity: a case study on the safety of genetically engineered yeast
Authors: INOSE TOMOKO , MURATA KOUSAKU
Published: July 2010

The cellular level of methylglyoxal (MG), a highly toxic 2‐oxoaldehyde, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells transformed with genes for some of the glycolytic enzymes was determined as an index of the safety of genetically engineered yeast and the level was compared with that in non‐transformed control cells. the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) activities significantly increased in the transformants and were approximately five‐, three‐ and sevenfold higher, respectively, than those in the control. When these transformed cells were used for alcohol fermentation from glucose, they accumulated MG in cells at a level sufficient to induce mutagenicity. These results illustrate that careful thought should be given to the potential metabolic products and their safety when a genetically engineered yeast is applied to food‐related fermentation processes.
Evaluation of diffusion coefficients in osmotic concentration of bananas (Musa Cavendish Lambert)
Authors: MAURO MARIA APARECIDA , MENEGALLI FLORENCIA CECILIA
Published: July 2010

The effect of time of exposure, solution concentration and temperature on the osmotic concentration of banana (slices of 11 mm thickness) was studied in aqueous sucrose solutions. the selectivity of the cellular tissues was reduced by steam blanching the banana slices before osmotic treatment. Effective diffusion coefficients for the loss of water and the increase in sucrose content were determined according to Fick's Law applied to a two‐dimensional body; calculated on the basis of the concentration of various components in the liquid phase impenetrating the fruit. These coefficients revealed values similar to binary diffusion coefficients for pure sucrose solutions.
Determination of total solids in dairy products using the microwave‐oven method
Authors: MARQUEZ MAGDALENA FERNANDEZ , RUIZ BELEN GARCIA‐VILLANOVA , RUIZ‐LOPEZ MA. DOLORES
Published: July 2010

Microwave‐oven and air‐oven methods were compared in the determination of total solids in various dairy products (plain yogurt, flavoured yogurt, soft cheese, aged cheese and butter). the microwave‐oven method considerably reduced drying time. For the cheeses and butter the drying times were 10 and 20 min respectively. Precision levels were not satisfactory in the case of yogurts.
Influence of temperature on crystallization of lactose in ice‐cream
Authors: LIVNEY YOAV D. , DONHOWE DANIEL P. , HARTEL RICHARD W.
Published: July 2010

Sandiness in ice‐cream due to lactose crystallization can still be a problem in many circumstances. Lactose crystallization occurs in ice‐cream as the unfrozen phase becomes supersaturated. However, the effects of storage temperature and temperature fluctuations on lactose crystallization have not been very well quantified. In this work, an accelerated storage apparatus was used to determine the effects of thermal fluctuations (from ±0.01°C to ±2.0°C), at several mean storage temperatures (from −5.0 to −20.0°C), on the onset of lactose nucleation and subsequent crystal growth in a standard vanilla ice‐cream. the induction time for nucleation initially decreased as temperature was lowered (for temperature oscillations of ±1.0°C), until a minimum induction time of 3 h was found between −10.0 and −12.0°C. Further decreases in storage temperature caused the induction time to increase. the induction time for nucleation increased as the extent of temperature fluctuations increased, from 0.01 to 2.0°C, while initial lactose crystal growth rate showed the opposite trend. the initial growth rate increased as temperature decreased between −5.0 and −10.0°C, but then decreased for temperatures below −10.0°C. At −20.0°C lactose crystals grew very slowly. At −10.0°C the rate of growth decreased with increasing amplitude of temperature oscillations.
Ohmic heating of Japanese white radish Rhaphanus sativus L.
Authors: IMAI TETSUYA , UEMURA KUNIHIKO , ISHIDA NOBUAKI , YOSHIZAKI SHIGERU , NOGUCHI AKINORI
Published: July 2010

Ohmic heating was applied to Japanese white radish, Rhaphanus sativus L. at 50 Hz‐10 kHz and 40 V cm−1 to examine the effects of frequency on the heat generation. Of the frequencies examined, 50 Hz gave the sharpest initial rise of temperature and the shortest time to raise the temperature at the mid‐part of radish to 80°C. The heating rates above 60°C were found to be almost the same and linear for all the frequencies. The pressurization (400 MPa, 25°C, for 10 min) of radish eliminated the sharp initial increase of temperature observed at 50 Hz, and gave an almost linear rise of temperature similar to those above 60°C. When radish was treated with a square wave (10 ms with 10 ms interval) of 45 V cm−1 for 30 s, its impedance decreased and never recovered even after storage at room temperature for 20 h. When radish was treated at 50 Hz and 40 V cm−1 until its mid‐part reached 30°C, or heated to 80°C in hot water and then cooled to 30°C, 1H‐NMR imaging analysis showed more free movement of liquid components than in untreated radish. These results suggest that the initial rapid heating up at low frequency is caused by the electroporation of radish tissue membrane, resulting in the reduction of its impedance.
Shear forces for dehulling, splitting and breaking raw and pretreated pigeonpeas
Authors: PHIRKE PRABHAKAR S. , BHOLE NIVRUTTI G. , ADHAOO SUDHAKAR H.
Published: July 2010

An instrument to measure the seed coat adhesion, cotyledon adhesion and shear strength of pigeonpea grain was constructed using a peizo‐electric transducer. Urea was applied to scarified and non‐scarified grain and part was then heat treated. Seed coat adhesion was slightly reduced by scarification of grain and further reduced by urea plus heat treatment. Cotyledon adhesion was slightly reduced by urea plus heat but shear strength was unaffected. Pretreatments may lead to an improved quality product (good quality splits and less breakage). The instrument may be useful in assessing improved cultivars.
Effects of formulation and processing conditions on easily extractable lipid and nitrogen components of wheat sourdoughs
Authors: COLLAR CONCEPCIÓN , MARTÍNEZ CLAUDIA S.
Published: July 2010

The changes in free lipid (neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids) and extractable nitrogen (amino acids, peptides, and proteins) components of unyeasted and yeasted wheat sourdoughs started with Lactobacillus plantarum B‐39 were investigated in samples under different processing conditions. A central composite surface response design was used with factor analysis to investigate the effect of flour extraction rate (ash content), added water, presence or absence of yeast, and fermentation temperature on readily extractable lipid and nitrogen components. Absolute values for extractable protein and non‐protein components were highly correlated with ash content of flour (factor 1); whereas phospholipids and neutral lipids were closely connected with added water (factor 2). Sixty sourdoughs were classified into three groups: 1) high‐ash fermented sourdoughs produced high (>350 mg kg−1) total non‐protein amino nitrogen and medium (<3 mg g−1) lipid levels; mid‐ash flour doughs had lower levels of both components; 2) low‐ash fermented sourdoughs produced low (<300 mg kg−1) levels of amino acids and peptides and medium lipids levels, and 3) unfermented sourdoughs had low (<250 mg kg−1) levels of non‐protein nitrogen components and most made with lowash flour had medium lipid levels; most made with medium and high‐ash flours had high (>4 mg g−1) neutral lipid levels and were largely separated from the low‐ash group. The most promising sourdoughs for bread were those with low added water, fermented from higher ash flour with maximum levels of extractable amino acids, peptides and proteins and medium to high polar and neutral lipid levels.
Heat‐resistant fungi in Nigerian heat‐processed fruit juices
Authors: OBETA JASON A. N. , UGWUANYI J. OBETA
Published: July 2010

Sixty packaged heat‐processed Nigerian fruit juices consisting of 15 each of mango, orange, pineapple and tomato, were screened for the presence of heat‐resistant fungi after storage at approximately 28°C for 30 days. The resulting fungal growth was purified on potato dextrose agar. Approximately 17% of all the fruit juice packages and 27% of mango and tomato juices contained heat‐resistant fungi. These were identified as Paecilomyces variotii, Aspergillus tamarii, A. flavus and A. ochraceus, the latter being predominant.
Influence of large solid spherical particles on the residence time distribution of the fluid in two‐phase tubular flow
Authors: BAPTISTA PAULO N. , OLIVEIRA FERNANDA A. R. , CUNHA LUÍS M. , OLIVEIRA JORGE C.
Published: July 2010

The effect of large solid particles on the residence time distribution of the fluid in two‐phase flow was studied in a pilot scale continuous tubular system. The residence time distribution was characterized with four parameters: the normalized minimum and mean residence time, the normalized standard deviation and the skewness. The effect of particle concentration (1 and 3%) and particle diameter (diameters approximately 0.3 and 0.4 of the tube diameter) were analysed for fluids with different viscosities and at different flow rates. It was observed that the presence of particles, even at very low concentration, has a significant effect, increasing the mean residence time and decreasing the standardized dispersion. This effect was attributed to particles breaking the velocity profile of the fluid and causing some localized mixing due to their rotational velocity. Although the presence of particles affected the results, their concentration (or number) was not relevant, in the range tested, which is very low for particulate foods.
An NMR pulsed field gradient study of the electrical and conventional heating of carrot
Authors: STAPLEY ANDREW G. F. , GONÇALVES JOSÉ A. SOUSA , HOLLEWAND MICHAEL P. , GLADDEN LYNN F. , FRYER PETER J.
Published: July 2010

Experiments have been carried out using pulsed field gradient NMR to characterize the self‐diffusion of water within samples of carrot, both uncooked and cooked by either volumetric electrical or conventional heating. The method detected the presence of structure within uncooked carrot, and the disappearance of the structure on cooking. The NMR data were fitted to two models: (i) an analytical solution for diffusion between impermeable barriers and (ii) a numerical solution to the more physically realistic situation of diffusion between permeable barriers. The barrier spacings obtained with raw carrot data using both methods (i) and (ii) were consistent with cell sizes found in carrots. The effect of cooking on the model fit was either an increase in barrier spacing (method i), or an increase in barrier permeability (method ii). There was a statistically significant difference between samples cooked electrically and conventionally, but this was much less than the difference between cooked and uncooked material.
Estimation of confidence interval of pasteurizing values of conduction‐heated Sous Vide food in a combination oven
Authors: XIE GUOZHONG , SHEARD MICHAEL A.
Published: July 2010

The thermal diffusivity of potato and the apparent heat transfer coefficients (h) in a conduction chiller and in a combination oven at 85, 90 and 95°C and vario‐steaming mode were determined experimentally. Based on K‐S tests and assumption, the variabilities of all six parameters (thermal diffusivity, h values for heating and cooling, initial food temperature, process medium temperatures and z value) were represented by normal distribution only (model A) or by both normal and gamma distributions (model B). The mean P70 values and their 95% confidence intervals for three oven temperatures, estimated from experimental temperature histories, were 1510 ± 101, 1590 ± 131 and 1590 ± 170 min (for each oven temperature, n= 100) respectively. Good agreement was obtained between these estimations and those predicted using the Monte Carlo procedure and models A and B.
New strategies for kiwifruit processing
Authors: STEELE R.J. , JOHNSON R.L.
Published: July 2010

Improved strategies are presented for recovering the chloroplast fraction from kiwifruit. One strategy is to extract chlorophyll from the ‘peel’, i.e. the outer 29% of the fruit, the remainder being processed to juice by conventional methods with the sacrifice of its chlorophyll content. This strategy recovers two‐thirds of the chlorophyll content of the fruit and speeds the overall processing. A second strategy facilitates processing by washing the screens used for separating fruit tissues from chloroplast‐containing juice. the washing with fine water jets cleans the screens in situ of the kiwifruit slime. It was also shown that chloroplast extracts when stored in a domestic freezer are stable for at least one year. Recombined frozen kiwifruit products such as sorbet and ice‐cream are chlorophyll‐colour stable for at least 7 months.
Use of polysorbate 80 to reduce cholesterol in dehydrated egg yolk
Authors: PARASKEVOPOULOU ADAMANTINI , KIOSSEOGLOU VASSILIS
Published: July 2010

The lipid and cholesterol contents of freeze‐ and spray‐dried egg‐yolk were substantially reduced by extraction with 1% polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan mono‐oleate (polysorbate 80) in 10/90, 20/80, 50/50 and 80/20 (v/v) ethanol/water mixtures. the functionally important phospholipid content of the resulting yolk‐protein concentrate was only marginally reduced when low ratio mixtures were used, but total yields were reduced. the influence of polysorbate 80 is attributed to the weakening of protein‐protein bonds responsible for the stabilization of egg lipoprotein structures and subsequent release of lipids.
Resource allocation to defence and growth are driven by different responses to generalist and specialist herbivory in an invasive plant
Authors: Huang Wei , Siemann Evan , Wheeler Gregory S. , Zou Jianwen , Carrillo Juli , Ding Jianqing
Published: July 2010

1. Invasive plants often have novel biotic interactions in their introduced ranges. These interactions, including less frequent herbivore attacks, may convey a competitive advantage over native plants. Invasive plants may vary in defence strategies (resistance vs. tolerance) or in response to the type of herbivore (generalists vs. specialists), but no study to date has examined this broad set of traits simultaneously.

2. Here, we examined resistance and tolerance of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) populations from the introduced and native ranges to generalist (Cnidocampa flavescens) and specialist herbivores (Gadirtha inexacta) in the native range.

3. In a field common‐garden test of resistance, caterpillars of each species were raised on plants from native and invasive populations. We found the specialist grew larger on and consumed more mass of invasive plant populations than native populations, while the generalist showed the same performance between them. The results were consistent with our laboratory bioassay using excised leaves. Chemical analyses showed that the invasive plants had lower tannin content and higher ratio of carbohydrate to protein than those of their native counterparts, suggesting that plants from invasive populations have altered chemistry that has a larger impact on specialist than on generalist resistance.

4. To test for differences in herbivore tolerance, plants were first defoliated by specialist or generalist herbivory and then allowed to regrow for 100 days in a field common garden. We found that plants from invasive populations had greater herbivore tolerance than native populations, especially for tolerance to generalists. They also grew more rapidly than native counterparts in the absence of herbivory.

5. Synthesis.The results of these experiments indicate that differences in selective pressures between ranges have caused dramatic reductions in resistance to specialist herbivores and those changes in plant secondary chemistry likely underlie these differences. The greater tolerance of invasive populations to herbivory appears to at least partly reflect an increase in growth rate in the introduced range. The greater tolerance to generalist herbivores suggests the intriguing possibility of selection for traits that allow plants to tolerate generalist herbivores more than specialist herbivores.
Male Effect Pheromone Tickles the Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Pulse Generator
Authors: Okamura H. , Murata K. , Sakamoto K. , Wakabayashi Y. , Ohkura S. , Takeuchi Y. , Mori Y.
Published: July 2010

In sheep and goats, the primer pheromone produced by the male induces out‐of‐seasonal ovulation in anoestrous females, the so‐called ‘male effect.’ Because the initial endocrine event following reception of the pheromone is the stimulation of pulsatile luteinising hormone (LH) secretion, the central target of the pheromone is considered to be the putative gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator. Using electrophysiological techniques to record multiple‐unit activity (MUA) in close proximity to kisspeptin neurones in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of Shiba goats, we found that bursts (volleys) of MUA occur at regular intervals, and repetitive bursts are invariably associated with discrete pulses of LH, suggesting that the ARC kisspeptin neurones may be the intrinsic source of the GnRH pulse generator. A brief exposure of female goats to the pheromone immediately elicited an instantaneous rise in MUA, which is followed by an MUA volley and an accompanying LH pulse, indicating that the pheromone signal is transmitted to a subset of the ARC kisspeptin neurones to activate them. Because it has been suggested that the neurokinin B and dynorphin coexpressed in those neurones play critical roles in generating rhythmic bursts, they may be involved in the intracellular pheromone actions that are responsible for inducing the GnRH pulse.
Serum KL‐6 level and the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Haberman Brent , Doan Minh L. , Smith E. O’Brian , Schecter Marc G. , Mallory George B. , Elidemir Okan
Published: July 2010

Haberman B, Doan ML, Smith EO, Schecter MG, Mallory GB, Elidemir O. Serum KL‐6 level and the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:903–908. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  KL‐6 is a glycoprotein expressed by pulmonary epithelial cells, and its serum level has been used as a marker of disease activity in a variety of respiratory illnesses. Previously, we showed that KL‐6 was elevated in lung transplant recipients diagnosed with BOS. In this study, we followed serum KL‐6 levels and lung functions prospectively in lung transplant recipients who were within the first five‐yr post‐transplant and had no evidence of BOS at the time of study entry. Mean peak KL‐6 levels were 596.16 ± 309.32 U/mL in the nine recipients who developed BOS compared to 352.41 ± 140.68 in 36 recipients who did not (p = 0.05). Six of the nine patients with BOS had an absolute rise in KL‐6 above baseline level >200 U/mL compared to two of the 37 who had the same increase in KL‐6 but did not develop BOS. Using the 200 U/mL elevation of KL‐6 from baseline as a threshold for a positive test would produce a sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 95%, PPV of 75%, and a NPV of 92%. In addition, mean KL‐6 levels of patients during acute rejection were not significantly elevated compared to the prerejection mean KL‐6 levels (p = 0.71). We conclude that serum KL‐6 is a relatively specific marker of BOS in lung transplant recipients.
Perspective on Physiological/Endocrine and Nutritional Factors Influencing Fertility in Post‐partum Dairy Cows
Authors: Thatcher WW , Santos JEP , Silvestre FT , Kim IH , Staples CR
Published: July 2010

Contents

Increasing reproductive performance of post‐partum lactating dairy cows is a multi‐factorial challenge involving disciplines of production medicine, nutrition, physiology and herd management. Systems of programmed timed insemination have been fine‐tuned to achieve pregnancy per artificial inseminations (AI) approximating 45%. Systems have optimized follicle development, integrated follicle development with timing of induced corpus luteum regression and fine‐tuned sequential timing of induced ovulation and AI. Use of programmes for insemination have identified occurrence of anovulatory ovarian status, body condition, uterine health and seasonal summer stress as factors contributing to reduced herd fertility. Furthermore, programmes of timed insemination provide a platform to evaluate efficacy of nutritional and herd health systems targeted to the transition and post‐partum periods. The homeorhetic periparturient period, as cows deal with decreases in dry matter intake, results in a negative energy balance and is associated with a period of immunosuppression. Cows that transition well will cycle earlier and have a greater risk of becoming pregnant earlier post‐partum. The innate arms of the immune system (acute and adaptive) are suppressed during the periparturient period. Cows experiencing the sequential complex of disorders such as dystocia, puerperal metritis, metritis, endometritis and subclinical endometritis are subsequently less fertile. Targeted strategies of providing specific nutraceuticals that provide pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory effects, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic, eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic, conjugated linoleic acid), sequential glycogenic and lipogenic enrichment of diets, and organic selenium appear to differentially regulate and improve the immune and reproductive systems to benefit an earlier restoration of ovarian activity and increased fertility.
Preimplantation development of mouse: A view from cellular behavior
Authors: Fujimori Toshihiko
Published: July 2010

A mature animal body contains a variety of different cell types, and these cells are distributed in a well‐organized fashion along the body axes. One of the major questions in developmental biology is how cells acquire different characteristics. In addition, it is important to understand how the embryo forms the body axes and how cells are allocated along these axes during development. Among mammalian species, the molecular mechanisms that regulate embryonic development have been well analyzed and characterized in mice. Here, mouse preimplantation embryonic development is briefly summarized and our current understanding of this complex process based on recent observations is reviewed.
Adriamycin nephropathy: A model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: LEE VINCENT WS , HARRIS DAVID CH
Published: July 2010

Adriamycin nephropathy (AN) is a rodent model of chronic kidney disease that has been studied extensively and has enabled a greater understanding of the processes underlying the progression of chronic proteinuric renal disease. AN is characterized by podocyte injury followed by glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Genetic studies have demonstrated a number of loci that alter both risk and severity of renal injury induced by Adriamycin. Adriamycin‐induced renal injury has been shown in numerous studies to be modulated by both non‐immune and immune factors, and has facilitated further study of mechanisms of tubulointerstitial injury. This review will outline the pharmacological behaviour of Adriamycin, and describe in detail the model of AN, including its key structural characteristics, genetic susceptibility and pathogenesis.
Syphilitic retinitis and uveitis in HIV‐positive adults
Authors: Hughes Edward H , Guzowski Magdalena , Simunovic Matthew P , Hunyor Alex P , McCluskey Peter
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background:  The incidence of new infection with syphilis is increasing, particularly in men who have sex with men, with HIV co‐infection common. There has been a corresponding increase in ophthalmic manifestations that can be varied in presentation.

Methods:  Thirteen consecutive patients with syphilitic uveitis presenting to two ophthalmic departments in Sydney are described.

Results:  Twelve patients were male, of whom 10 were homosexual and six HIV‐positive. Peripheral retinitis with panuveitis was the commonest ophthalmic presentation (n = 7, 54%), and six cases were initially treated with vitreous tap and intravitreal foscarnet as a precaution in case of viral retinitis. Retinitis was present in six of six (100%) HIV‐positive and only one of seven (14%) HIV‐negative patients (χ210.6, P < 0.01). Other ophthalmic presentations included anterior uveitis, vitritis, multifocal choroiditis, scleritis and papillitis. All patients responded to 10–14 days' intravenous penicillin with good final visual outcomes (6/12 or better in all eyes).

Conclusions:  This case series reinforces the importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of many ocular presentations, but in particular retinitis. Retinitis appears to be the predominant presentation in HIV‐infected individuals, suggesting that HIV infection may somehow modulate the disease.
Modeling the Development of L1 and EFL Writing Proficiency of Secondary School Students
Authors: Schoonen Rob , van Gelderen Amos , Stoel Reinoud D. , Hulstijn Jan , de Glopper Kees
Published: July 2010

This longitudinal study investigates the development of writing proficiency in English as a foreign language (EFL), in contrast to the development of first language (L1) writing proficiency in Dutch L1, in a sample of almost 400 secondary school students in the Netherlands. Students performed several writing tasks in both languages in three consecutive years. Furthermore, data were collected about students’ metacognitive and linguistic knowledge (grammar, vocabulary, and spelling) and their fluency in lexical retrieval and sentence building (reaction times). Analyses, using structural equation modeling, show that EFL writing was more strongly correlated to linguistic knowledge and linguistic fluency than L1 writing was and that, over the course of the two years investigated, students’ EFL writing proficiency improved to a greater extent than did their L1 writing proficiency. Furthermore, through the modeling of L1 and EFL writing proficiency, a strong relation between the two constructs could be established, with metacognitive knowledge and general fluency mediating this relation. This finding is paralleled by the study ofVan Gelderen, Schoonen, Stoel, De Glopper, and Hulstijn (2007)showing a strong relationship between L1 and EFL reading proficiency. Taken together, the findings of these studies call for the inclusion of the constructs of L1 proficiency, linguistic fluency (speed of processing of lexical and grammatical information), and language‐general metacognition in theories of the acquisition of L2 proficiency.
The Effects of Marginal Employment on Subsequent Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Böheim René , Weber Andrea
Published: July 2010

Unemployed workers in Austria do not lose their unemployment benefits (UI) if they work in a job where their earnings are below a certain threshold [‘marginal employment’ (ME)]. ME might improve their labour market status by signalling effort, or worsen it through reduced job-search effort. Those who work in ME while claiming UI have less employment and lower earnings afterwards than those who do not. The penalty lessens over time but is still present after three years.
Growth in adolescent delinquency and alcohol use in relation to young adult crime, alcohol use disorders, and risky sex: a comparison of youth from low‐ versus middle‐income backgrounds
Authors: Alex Mason W. , Hitch Julia E. , Kosterman Rick , McCarty Carolyn A. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , David Hawkins J.
Published: July 2010

Background: This study examined adolescent delinquency and alcohol use in relation to young adult crime, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and risky sex. Analyses further examined the influences of late childhood involvement in these problem behavior outcomes, with mediation through teen delinquency and alcohol use, and examined differences in the pathways for youth from low‐ compared to middle‐income backgrounds.

Method: Multiple‐group latent growth curve modeling was conducted using data collected from a sample of 808 youth followed from age 10 to age 24. Self‐report assessments included delinquent involvement, alcohol use, and sexual activity in late childhood; delinquency and alcohol use in adolescence; and crime, AUDs, and risky sex in early adulthood.

Results: Late childhood delinquent involvement was associated with young adult crime, AUDs, and risky sex indirectly through adolescent delinquency, and had a persistent direct effect on crime. Adolescent delinquency also mediated the relation between early sex onset and crime. Early alcohol use predicted a higher level of, and a faster rate of increase in, adolescent drinking, which predicted, in turn, young adult AUDs and risky sex. Significant group differences indicated stronger associations between adolescent delinquency and each young adult outcome for youth from low‐ compared to those from middle‐income backgrounds.

Conclusions: Early intervention may help prevent the development of crime, AUDs, and risky sex behaviors, especially among disadvantaged youth.
Executive control and response expectancy: A Laplacian ERP study
Authors: Meckler Cedric , Allain Sonia , Carbonnell Laurence , Hasbroucq Thierry , Burle Boris , Vidal Franck
Published: July 2010

The event‐related potential called “Error Negativity” (Ne, ERN), which appears when subjects commit errors in choice reaction time tasks, is a marker of response monitoring. By introducing a response probability bias, we show that the Ne is sensitive to response expectancy. We further show that the small negativity evoked by correct responses (Ne‐like, CRN) is also sensitive to response expectancy: On unexpected responses, the former decreases while the latter increases to such an extent that the amplitudes of the two components are in the same range of magnitude. Although the sensitivity of the Ne to response expectancy is compatible with the current models accounting for the Ne, the common sensitivity of the Ne and the Ne‐like supports the idea that they reflect functionally similar monitoring processes.
Effect of Temperature on the Residual Stresses in an Integral Structure with a Crack‐Retarding Patch
Authors: Liljedahl C. D. M. , Fitzpatrick M. E. , Zanellato O. , Edwards L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  The application of bonded ‘straps’ has been proposed for extending the fatigue life of aircraft structures, particularly for integral structures with low inherent crack‐retarding capability. A potential disadvantage in the use of bonded crack retarders is the difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion between the strap and substrate materials, which causes residual stresses when the temperature deviates from the curing or assembly temperature. The evolution of these stresses in flight is important to take into account to accurately assess the fatigue crack growth behaviour of the structure. In this work, the residual strains in an aluminium compact‐tension sample adhesively reinforced with a titanium strap have been measured with neutron diffraction and modelled with a finite element approach at room temperature and at −50 °C. It was found that a linear elastic approach could accurately be used to predict the residual stresses. The residual stresses were found to be about twice as large at −50 °C as at room temperature.
Identification of a novel snake peptide toxin displaying high affinity and antagonist behaviour for the α2‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Rouget Céline , Quinton Loïc , Maïga Arhamatoulaye , Gales Céline , Masuyer Geoffrey , Malosse Christian , Chamot‐Rooke Julia , Thai Robert , Mourier Gilles , De Pauw Edwin , Gilles Nicolas , Servent Denis
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMuscarinic and adrenergic G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the targets of rare peptide toxins isolated from snake or cone snail venoms. We used a screen to identify novel toxins fromDendroaspis angusticepstargeting aminergic GPCRs. These toxins may offer new candidates for the development of new tools and drugs.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHIn binding experiments with3H‐rauwolscine, we studied the interactions of green mamba venom fractions with α2‐adrenoceptors from rat brain synaptosomes. We isolated, sequenced and chemically synthesized a novel peptide, ρ‐Da1b. This peptide was pharmacologically characterized using binding experiments and functional tests on human α2‐adrenoceptors expressed in mammalian cells.

KEY RESULTSρ‐Da1b, a 66‐amino acid peptide stabilized by four disulphide bridges, belongs to the three‐finger‐fold peptide family. Its synthetic homologue inhibited 80% of3H‐rauwolscine binding to the three α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes, with an affinity between 14 and 73 nM and Hill slopes close to unity. Functional experiments on α2A‐adrenoceptor demonstrated that ρ‐Da1b is an antagonist, shifting adrenaline activation curves to the right. Schild regression revealed slopes of 0.97 and 0.67 and pA2values of 5.93 and 5.32 for yohimbine and ρ‐Da1b, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSρ‐Da1b is the first toxin identified to specifically interact with α2‐adrenoceptors, extending the list of class A GPCRs sensitive to toxins. Additionally, its affinity and atypical mode of interaction open up the possibility of its use as a new pharmacological tool, in the study of the physiological roles of α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes.
Activation of µ‐opioid receptors and block of KIR3 potassium channels and NMDA receptor conductance byl‐ andd‐methadone in rat locus coeruleus
Authors: Matsui Aya , Williams John T.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMethadone activates opioid receptors to increase a potassium conductance mediated by G‐protein‐coupled, inwardly rectifying, potassium (KIR3) channels. Methadone also blocks KIR3 channels and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. However, the concentration dependence and stereospecificity of receptor activation and channel blockade by methadone on single neurons has not been characterized.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHIntracellular and whole‐cell recording were made from locus coeruleus neurons in brain slices and the activation of µ‐opioid receptors and blockade of KIR3 and NMDA channels withl‐ andd‐methadone was examined.

KEY RESULTSThe potency ofl‐methadone, measured by the amplitude of hyperpolarization was 16.5‐fold higher than withd‐methadone. A maximum hyperpolarization was caused by both enantiomers (∼30 mV); however, the maximum outward current measured with whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording was smaller than the current induced by [Met]5enkephalin. The KIR3 conductance induced by activation of α2‐adrenoceptors was decreased with high concentrations ofl‐ andd‐methadone (10–30 µM). In addition, methadone blocked the resting inward rectifying conductance (KIR). Bothl‐ andd‐methadone blocked the NMDA receptor‐dependent current. The block of NMDA receptor‐dependent current was voltage‐dependent suggesting that methadone acted as a channel blocker.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSMethadone activated µ‐opioid receptors at low concentrations in a stereospecific manner. KIR3 and NMDA receptor channel block was not stereospecific and required substantially higher concentrations. The separation in the concentration range suggests that the activation of µ‐opioid receptors rather than the channel blocking properties mediate both the therapeutic and toxic actions of methadone.
Anxiety Disorders among Methamphetamine Dependent Adults: Association with Post‐Treatment Functioning
Authors: Glasner‐Edwards Suzette , Mooney Larissa J. , Marinelli‐Casey Patricia , Hillhouse Maureen , Ang Alfonso , Rawson Richard ,   Methamphetamine Treatment Project Corporate Authors
Published: July 2010

Although anxiety is one of the most prominent psychiatric complaints of methamphetamine (MA) users, little is known about the association between anxiety disorders and treatment outcomes in this population. Using data from 526 adults in the largest psychosocial clinical trial of MA users conducted to date, this study examined psychiatric, substance use, and functional outcomes of MA users with concomitant anxiety disorders 3 years after treatment. Anxiety disorders were associated with poorer alcohol and drug use outcomes, increased health service utilization, and higher levels of psychiatric symptomatology, including suicidality. Addressing anxiety symptoms and syndromes in MA users may be helpful as a means of optimizing treatment outcomes. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–6)
Low frequency stimulation decreases seizure activity in a mutation model of epilepsy
Authors: Kile Kara Buehrer , Tian Nan , Durand Dominique M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose:  To investigate brain electrical activity in Q54 mice that display spontaneous seizures because of a gain‐of‐function mutation of the Scn2a sodium channel gene, and to evaluate the efficacy of low frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) for seizure frequency reduction.

Methods:  Electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and hippocampal deep electrodes were implanted into Q54 mice expressing an epileptic phenotype (n = 6). Chronic six channel recordings (wideband, 0.1–300 Hz) were stored 24 h a day for more than 12 days. Low frequency stimulation (LFS) (3 Hz, square wave, biphasic, 100 μs, 400 μA) was applied to the ventral hippocampal commissure (VHC) in alternating 5 min cycles (on or off) 24 h a day for a period of 4 days.

Results:  LFS (3 Hz) resulted in a significant reduction in seizure frequency and duration (21% and 35%, p < 0.05), when applied to the VHC of epileptic Q54 mice (n = 6). Seizure frequency was not directly affected by stimulation state (“on” vs. “off”).

Conclusion:  LFS applied at a frequency of 3 Hz significantly reduced seizure frequency and duration in the Q54 model. Furthermore, the reduction of seizure frequency and duration by LFS was not immediate but had a delayed and lasting effect, supporting complex, indirect mechanisms of action.