bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential role of the C‐terminus in Melanocarpus  albomyces laccase for enzyme production, catalytic properties and structure
Authors: Andberg Martina , Hakulinen Nina , Auer Sanna , Saloheimo Markku , Koivula Anu , Rouvinen Juha , Kruus Kristiina
Published: September 2009

The C‐terminus of the fungal laccase from Melanocarpus albomyces (MaL) is processed during secretion at a processing site conserved among the ascomycete laccases. The three‐dimensional structure of MaL has been solved as one of the first complete laccase structures. According to the crystal structure of MaL, the four C‐terminal amino acids of the mature protein penetrate into a tunnel leading towards the trinuclear site. The C‐terminal carboxylate group forms a hydrogen bond with a side chain of His140, which also coordinates to the type 3 copper. In order to analyze the role of the processed C‐terminus, site‐directed mutagenesis of the MaL cDNA was performed, and the mutated proteins were expressed in Trichoderma reesei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Changes in the C‐terminus of MaL caused major defects in protein production in both expression hosts. The deletion of the last four amino acids dramatically affected the activity of the enzyme, as the deletion mutant delDSGL559 was practically inactive. Detailed characterization of the purified L559A mutant expressed in S. cerevisiae showed the importance of the C‐terminal plug for laccase activity, stability, and kinetics. Moreover, the crystal structure of the L559A mutant expressed in S. cerevisiae showed that the C‐terminal mutation had clearly affected the trinuclear site geometry. The results in this study clearly confirm the critical role of the last amino acids in the C‐terminus of MaL.
The distribution of wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella) lineages in Australia and their potential to transmit wheat streak mosaic virus
Authors: Schiffer M. , Umina P. , Carew M. , Hoffmann A. , Rodoni B. , Miller A.
Published: September 2009

The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella, is an eriophyid pest of cereals, and the vector responsible for the transmission of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). In a previous study, the taxonomic status of A. tosichella in Australia was assessed using molecular markers. A. tosichella was shown to consist of two genetically distinct lineages likely to represent different species. Here we show that both lineages occupy similar distributions, occurring throughout the entire Australian wheat belt, and that the lineages are often found in sympatry. CLIMEX analysis suggests that tolerance to heat and desiccation limit the distribution of A. tosichella. In the laboratory, only one WCM lineage transmitted WSMV virus under controlled conditions. These results have implications for the management of WCM and WSMV within Australia.
Allometric growth relationships of East Africa highland bananas (Musa AAA‐EAHB) cv. Kisansa and Mbwazirume
Authors: Nyombi K. , Van Asten P.J.A. , Leffelaar P.A. , Corbeels M. , Kaizzi C.K. , Giller K.E.
Published: September 2009

Highland bananas are an important staple food in East Africa, but there is little information on their physiology and growth patterns. This makes it difficult to identify opportunities for yield improvement. We studied allometric relationships by evaluating different phenological stages of highland banana growth for use in growth assessment, understanding banana crop physiology and yield prediction. Pared corms of uniform size (cv. Kisansa) were planted in a pest‐free field in Kawanda (central Uganda), supplied with fertilizers and irrigated during dry periods. In addition, tissue‐cultured plants (cv. Kisansa) were planted in an adjacent field and in Ntungamo (southwest Uganda), with various nutrient addition treatments (of N, P, K, Mg, S, Zn, B and Mo). Plant height, girth at base, number of functional leaves and phenological stages were monitored monthly. Destructive sampling allowed derivation of allometric relationships to describe leaf area and biomass distribution in plants throughout the growth cycle. Individual leaf area was estimated as LA (m2) = length (m) × maximum lamina width (m) × 0.68. Total plant leaf area (TLA) was estimated as the product of the measured middle leaf area (MLA) and the number of functional leaves. MLA was estimated as MLA (m2) = −0.404 + 0.381 height (m) + 0.411 girth (m). A light extinction coefficient (k = 0.7) was estimated from photosynthetically active radiation measurements in a 1.0 m grid over the entire day. The dominant dry matter (DM) sinks changed from leaves at 1118 °C days (47% of DM) and 1518 °C days (46% of DM), to the stem at 2125 °C days (43% of DM) and 3383 °C days (58% of DM), and finally to the bunch at harvest (4326 °C days) with 53% of DM. The allometric relationship between above‐ground biomass (AGB in kg DM) and girth (cm) during the vegetative phase followed a power function, AGB = 0.0001 (girth)2.35 (R2 = 0.99), but followed exponential functions at flowering, AGB = 0.325 e0.036(girth) (R2 = 0.79) and at harvest, AGB = 0.069 e0.068(girth) (R2 = 0.96). Girth at flowering was a good parameter for predicting yields with R2 = 0.7 (cv. Mbwazirume) and R2 = 0.57 (cv. Kisansa) obtained between actual and predicted bunch weights. This article shows that allometric relationship can be derived and used to assess biomass production and for developing banana growth models, which can help breeders and agronomists to further exploit the crop's potential.
FLUIDIZED BED DRYING OF CORN, BEAN AND CHICKPEA
Authors: CIL BEHLUL , TOPUZ ADNAN
Published: September 2009

In the agricultural industry, drying is a very important process to preserve food products. Also, fluidized bed drying is the most common preferred process due to its advantages. In this paper, the effects of the fluidizing air temperature and velocity on the drying performance of corn, beans and chickpeas were investigated by carrying out a series of tests. Laboratory‐scaled fluidized bed drying apparatus was used. Batch drying experiments were conducted by applying three different air temperature and two different air velocities. In addition, the Henderson and Pabis model was used to compare experimental and model results. Lastly, activation energy values were determined for the particles. Results revealed that the drying air temperature has the greatest effect on the drying kinetics of particles, whereas air velocity has a small effect. It was also observed that bean, corn and chickpea particles have different drying curves during the drying period (5,400 s). Mean absolute errors, root mean square errors and mean absolute percentage error were used as performance criterion between experimental and model results. The activation energy values of the particles showed the same pace as similar studies in the literature.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Drying is energy‐intensive and has a negative environmental impact due to fact that most of the thermal energy needed is obtained by combusting fossil fuels. From 12–25% of national industrial energy consumption is attributed to thermal dehydration in industrial nations. As global economies prosper, the demand for energy for drying will increase. Thus, there is need to understand this operation well and to ensure that it is carried out as efficiently as possible within the economic constraints of the market. It is also important to keep abreast with the current drying technologies, as well as the emerging new ones. The drying of various feedstocks is needed for one or several of the following reasons: need for easy‐to‐handle free‐flowing solids, preservation and storage, reduction in cost of transportation, achieving desired quality of product, etc. In many processes, improper drying may lead to irreversible damage to product quality, and hence a nonsalable product.
PACKAGING EVALUATION FOR HIGH‐PRESSURE HIGH‐TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION OF SHELF‐STABLE FOODS
Authors: KOUTCHMA TATIANA , SONG YOONSEOK , SETIKAITE ILONA , JULIANO PABLO , BARBOSA‐CÁNOVAS GUSTAVO V. , DUNNE C. PATRICK , PATAZCA EDUARDO
Published: September 2009

The integrity of flexible packages during high‐pressure (HP) sterilization is of critical importance to the safety and shelf life of food products. For HP‐sterilization, packaged products need to be preheated to a target temperature before HP processing. Preheating efficiency can be affected by the packaging material utilized. The objectives were to quantify the impact of packaging materials on the rate of heat penetration into foods during preheating, and to evaluate the effects of preheating and HP processing (at 688 MPa and 121C) on package integrity, oxygen permeability and mechanicalproperties for commercially available packaging materials. Commercial scrambled egg patties were vacuum‐sealed in pouches. Four plastic‐laminated materials (nylon/coextruded ethylene‐vinyl alcohol, nylon/polypropylene [PP], polyethylene terephthalate [PET]/aluminum oxide/casted PP [CPP] and PET/polyethylene) and two aluminum foil‐laminated pouches (PET/aluminum [Al]/CPP and nylon/Al/PP) were tested. Selected packaging materials also were evaluated after thermal retort (TR) treatment and HP low temperature processing. The results demonstrated that foil‐laminated materials provided shorter preheating time than thinner polymeric materials. HP treatment at high temperatures (HP‐HT) increased seal strength of foil‐laminated pouches. However, the HP‐HT process did not significantly contribute to changes in seal strength of plastic‐laminated pouches. It was found that the HP‐HT process altered the oxygen barrier of the composite packaging materials. However, the increase in permeability observed during the HP‐HT process was attributed to thermal damage occurring during preheating. TR processing increased oxygen permeability to a higher extent than HP‐HT processing. It was concluded that the selected packaging materials could provide the required oxygen barrier for HP‐HT treated shelf‐stable foods.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Research reporting the effects of high‐pressure/high‐temperature (HP‐HT) processing on packaging materials is limited. The results of this study demonstrated that foil‐laminated materials provided shorter preheating time prior to HP‐HT treatment than thinner polymeric materials. In addition, it was shown that foil‐laminated packages are a viable option for packaging materials for use in HP‐HT processing of shelf‐stable low‐acid food (LAF) products in terms of their overall appearance, seal strength and oxygen permeability rate. Among plastic pouches, HP‐HT treatment showed the lowest impact on EVOH packages. This study is useful for not only researchers who are working in the area of HP processing of shelf stable LAF, but also in research and development of HP treatment of extended shelf life foods. The results may be successfully used in the design and performance evaluation of new laminated packaging materials suitable for HP treatments at high and moderate temperatures.
KINETIC DRYING EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR SWEET CHERRIES (PRUNUS AVIUM)
Authors: MABELLINI ALEJANDRA , VULLIOUD MABEL BEATRIZ , MÁRQUEZ CARLOS ALBERTO , MICHELIS ANTONIO DE
Published: September 2009

Models for food particle and dryer design should be as simple as possible. A dryer can be visualized as formed by a number of thin layer beds, ideally one particle deep. Therefore, thin‐layer dehydration studies are an essential step to developing methods for industrial equipment design. In this work, drying curves were experimentally determined for sweet cherry fruits, using air temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80C; air relative humidities of 5 and 50%; and air velocities of 1, 2, 3 and 5 m/s. A short time analytic predictive model for diffusion inside solids, fast to run on the computer, was selected to interpret the data with satisfactory accuracy. By this fitting procedure, diffusion coefficients of water in sweet cherries were determined to vary between 6.814 × 10−11(50C) and 3.474 × 10−10(80C) m2/s. The relationship of diffusivities with temperature was accounted for by using an Arrhenius‐type equation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The determination of intrinsic drying properties such as thin layers, which are kinetic parameters, becomes an important issue as far as industrial dryer design is concerned. In thin‐layer‐dryer analyses, the food particle whose transport (drying) properties need to be evaluated is exposed to constant drying air conditions for a given length of time, so all variations occur within the product, and so the drying parameters thus measured can be related to those constant air conditions. The conclusions obtained at the thin‐layer level, which are interesting in themselves as drying information, must be consistent enough to allow their application at the deep‐bed level, for equipment simulation and design. Therefore, thin‐layer dehydration studies are an essential step to developing methods for industrial equipment design.
PERFORMIC ACID AS A POTENTIAL DISINFECTANT AT LOW TEMPERATURE
Authors: HEINONEN‐TANSKI HELVI , MIETTINEN HARRI
Published: September 2009

We have tested disinfection effects of performic acid at 2.5C in order to know if this compound could be used in the food industry. Microorganisms tested were Escherichia coli ATCC 13706, E. coli O157 : H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria monocytogenes. The performic acid‐sensitive bacteria were eliminated within 5 min at 3–4 mg/L of performic acid and the most resistant strains at 20 mg/L. There was an initial threshold concentration, where practically no bacterial reduction occurred. This threshold concentration ranged from 1–3 mg/L up to 7 mg/L of performic acid (for E. coli O157 : H7). Above the threshold, a rapid, concentration‐dependent reduction was detected and performic acid could efficiently destroy bacteria spread by fecal bacteria tested. The resistance order from the most performic acid‐sensitive to the most resistant was: Campylobacter = Listeria < E. coli ATCC 13706 < S. Typhimurium < S. Enteritidis  < E. coli O157 : H7.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Performic acid was found to be as an interesting potential disinfectant in industrial processes, such as the meat industry, being effective at low temperature. The compound must be prepared for each day, but if there is an automatic mixer, this is not a problem in the industrial scale since the preparation is an easy mixing of two compounds. There should be more knowledge about its disinfection efficiency in the presence of organic matter, but it is possible to prepare concentrations so strong that total elimination of enteric bacteria could be reached.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A POWER OPERATED DECORTICATOR FOR PRODUCING WHITE PEPPER FROM BLACK PEPPER
Authors: CHITHRA G. , MATHEW SANTHI MARY , DEEPTHI C.
Published: September 2009

A power operated decorticator for producing white pepper from black pepper was tested and its performance evaluated. The major parts were grinding surfaces, feed hopper, cylindrical collecting tray, water distribution assembly, 0.5 hp motor and reduction gear of 5:1 ratio. The decortication of the pepper berries was performed by compressive and shearing forces between the grinding surfaces. The experiments were conducted at different soaking times and speeds using various grinding surfaces. A 2‐factor experiment in Completely Randomized Design with disc speed and soaking time as factors was adopted. The study showed that the disc speed and soaking time have significant influence on decorticating efficiency and mechanical damage. The mechanical damage showed an increasing trend at higher speeds. The quality of white pepper obtained using a grinding stone coupled with polyurethane was superior to that obtained by other surfaces used in the experiment. The decorticating efficiency was found at a maximum (69.52%) at 71 rpm and 17 h soaking period. The capacity of the developed machine was 1.23 kg/h.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

White pepper is the white inner core obtained after removing the outer skin or pericarp of ripe pepper berries. In some countries, white pepper is preferred over black pepper as its color matches with light‐colored food preparations, sauces and soups on which black specks are undesirable and onlya mild flavor is required. It fetches a high value because of charming creamy white color and low microbial load. Because of the growing world demand for white pepper, considerable expansion in the production of white pepper is the need of the hour. So a power‐operated black pepper decorticator for producing white pepper from black pepper was developed, tested and its performance evaluated.
DRYING OF PARSLEY LEAVES IN A SOLAR DRYER AND UNDER OPEN SUN: MODELING, ENERGY AND EXERGY ASPECTS
Authors: AKPINAR E. KAVAK
Published: September 2009

In this study, the thin layer drying characteristics in a solar dryer with forced convection and under open sun with natural convection of parsley was investigated, and energy analyses and exergy analyses of the solar drying process of parsley were performed. The drying data were fitted to the 10 different mathematical models. Among the models, the Wang and Singh model for the forced solar drying and the natural open sun drying were found to best explain thin layer‐drying behavior of parsley.

Using the first law of thermodynamics, the energy analyses throughout the drying process were estimated. However, exergy analyses during the drying process were determined by applying the second law of thermodynamics. Energy utilization ratio (EUR) values of the drying cabinet varied in the ranges between 8.57–41.56%. The values of exergy inflow and exergy outflow were found to be in the range of 0.263–0.680 kJ/kg and 0.187–0.378 kJ/kg, respectively. The values of exergy loss and exergy efficiency were found to be in the range of 0.0347–0.399 kJ/kg and 35.76–86.79%, respectively. EUR decreased with increasing drying time while exergy efficiency increased.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Drying is widely used in a variety of thermal energy applications ranging from food drying to wood drying. Drying can either be done by traditional sun drying or industrially, through the use of solar dryers or hot‐air drying. The solar dryers could be an alternative to the hot‐air drying and open sun drying methods, especially in locations with good sunshine during the harvest season. This study is useful not only for producers of dry parsley, but also for all producers of dry herbs. It may be successfully used in the design, modeling, analysis and performance evaluation of solar and sun drying.
BIOFILM FORMATION UNDER LAMINAR FLOW CONDITIONS OF YEAST ISOLATED FROM AN APPLE JUICE PROCESSING PLANT
Authors: BRUGNONI L.I. , CUBITTO M.A. , LOZANO J.E.
Published: September 2009

The attachment of microorganisms to a surface is a critical step of biofilm fouling in food processing equipment. The goal of this research was to determine the potential of four yeast strains isolated from an apple juice processing plant, to initiate biofilm formation on stainless steel surfaces (SSS) both under static and laminar flow conditions. The isolated yeasts were Kluyveromyces marxianus, Candida krusei, Zygosaccharomyces sp. and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Micro‐colonies, indicating the starting of biofilm formation, were observed after 16 h. Cell numbers per SSS significantly changed with yeast strain and time. Results seem to indicate that adhesion and colonization of the studied yeast under laminar flow conditions differed from that observed under static conditions. Particularly, when adhesion of K. marxianus, C. krusei and R. mucilaginosa was reduced one log cycle, Zygosaccharomyces sp. increased 0.5 log units as compared with the assays made under static conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The persistence of microorganisms in biofilms is a serious hygienic problem in the food industry. Moreover, the microbial attachment greatly reduces the heat transfer and operating efficiency of the processing equipment. For example, biofilm formation greatly reduces the permeability of filtration membranes. We observed that the yeast strains more frequently isolated from concentrated apple juice processing plants present a rapid capacity of adhesion to stainless steel (the most commonly used surface in food processing plants), after a short time of contact, both under static or laminar flow conditions. The fruit juice industry should be alert to the fast colonization rate of yeast on the surfaces involved in the production processes.
LOW‐COST GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY FOR DRYING ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) SLICES
Authors: KADAM DATTATREYA M. , NANGARE D.D. , SINGH RAJBIR , KUMAR S.
Published: September 2009

The performance of the greenhouse solar heat collector was highly dependent on the solar radiation, ambient temperature and relative humidity. Increase in air temperature inside greenhouse varied from 0.7 to 19.0C, and relative humidity inside greenhouse varied from −16 to 25.7% by air exchange at a flow rate of 6.1 m3/s. The average midday thermal efficiency was around 20.82%. The cured red onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs were cleaned, outer layer was peeled and trimmed manually, and washed in water to remove dirt and infection. Edible bulb of onion was sliced into 3‐mm thick slices by using manual stainless steel slicer. The onion slices were pretreated with sodium chloride, and potassium metabisulphite, for 5 min in three concentration levels (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%) and drained onion slices were spread in thin layers in trays before keeping them in greenhouse for drying. Onion slices were dried in 19 sunshine hours. Preservatives used as pretreatment in 3‐mm sliced onion were found to be significantly different (probability, P < 0.05) from each other. It was found that 0.50% potassium metabisulphite was best.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Availability of solar energy is abundant in the Indian subcontinent and drying of agricultural produce using low cost greenhouse is one of the latest developments when crop production is not possible in greenhouse duringsummer season. Low cost greenhouse can be utilized to dry the onion slice asalternative to conventional mechanical dryers. Greenhouse drying can be used for the preparation of shelf‐stable dehydrated onion slices for the purpose of use during off‐season. The quality of dehydrated onions is good and it can be stored for months together. Dried onion slices can be used same as fresh onion after rehydration, apart from this, it can be added directly into soups, etc., before cooking.
PHYSICO‐CHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF PROTEINS OF TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS)
Authors: MURTHY L.N. , PANDA S.K. , SHAMASUNDAR B.A.
Published: September 2009

The properties of total proteins from fresh tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) have been assessed. The meat had high moisture (81.34%) and low lipid (<1%) content. The nitrogen solubility index, with water as solvent, showed minimum solubility of 25.52% of total nitrogen at pH 6.0. The solubility profile of total proteins as a function of molar concentration of sodium chloride indicated maximum solubility at 0.8 M and thereafter it decreased. The total proteins comprised three different fractions as revealed by gel filtration profile. The high molecular weight component was more predominant. The sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern revealed multiple bands in the molecular weight range of 205–18 kDa. Higher value of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity (4.1 µg Pi/mg of protein/min) obtained in the present study may be due to combination of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar ATPase activity. High modori‐inducing proteases (MIPase) activity at 55C was observed in the muscle extract that might interfere in the gelling ability. The gel‐forming ability of tilapia meat was found to be moderate as indicated by large strain and small strain test.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tilapia is one of the growing aquacultured species all over the world. In India, the mossambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was introduced in inland water bodies like reservoirs to boost the production. Because of its prolific breeding habit and occupation of similar trophic niches, this species has overpopulated many bodies of water. Hence, there is growing need to utilize this species for surimi production and, consequently, generate more revenues for the inland fisheries sector. Knowledge of the physicochemical and functional properties of this species would help in understanding its suitability in surimi production. The rheological properties like dynamic viscoelastic behavior, flow profile, Ca‐ATPase activity, and MIPase activity would shed light on the final gel strength of the surimi prepared from this species, and also indicate the guidelines for ameliorating the quality of the gel by addition of different concentrations of cryoprotectants or change of washing cycles.
FIRMNESS CHANGES OF IMPREGNATED WHOLE PEELED PRICKLY PEAR
Authors: VALDEZ‐FRAGOSO AURORA , SOTO‐CABALLERO MAYRA CRISTINA , BLANDA GIAMPAOLO , WELTI‐CHANES JORGE , MÚJICA‐PAZ HUGO
Published: September 2009

The firmness of green prickly pear fruits (Opuntia ficus indica) impregnated with a sucrose isotonic solution (IS) was evaluated. Whole fresh‐peeled prickly pears were processed under different combinations of vacuum pressure (pv), vacuum application time (tv) and relaxation time (tr). Puncture test was applied to impregnated and fresh whole prickly pears. The maximum force (Fmax), average force (Fav) and the work (Wp) required to puncture 3 cm in the fruits were measured. Second order models provided good fits to the experimental data ofFmax(R2 = 0.754),Fav(R2 = 0.788) andWp(R2 = 0.792). Impregnation factorspv,tr,tv–trsignificantly affected firmness parameters (P ≤ 0.05). Firmness parameters of fresh‐peeled prickly pear wereFmax = 10.934 ± 1.571 N,Fav = 2.152 ± 0.270 N andWp = 5.930 × 10−2 ± 0.0054 Nm. Firmness reduction of impregnated fruits was linked to the IS impregnation levels and deformation‐relaxation phenomena.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of impregnation conditions on firmness of whole peeled prickly pear, as excessive softening is the main factor limiting consumer acceptability. This study helps to identify the better impregnation conditions for maintaining firmness. This information could be useful for the application of vacuum impregnation in the development of fruits and vegetables products, in which the impregnating solution is used as a carrier of active agents. To date, very limited studies have been conducted in whole fruits involving only peeling and impregnation operations.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF POMELO MATURITY USING MULTIVARIATE COMBINATION OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: TERDWONGWORAKUL ANUPUN , PUANGSOMBAT ARTHIT , PATHAVEERAT SIWALAK
Published: September 2009

The present study reports the use of multivariate data analysis in combining physical and chemical properties for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of pomelo maturity. Pomelos of “Thong Dee” variety were harvested at four stages of maturity: immature, early mature, late mature and over‐mature. The categories of maturity were classified with discriminant analyses on all variables and only nondestructive variables. The accuracy of classification using nondestructive variables (80.0%) was comparable to that using all variables (85.0%). For the estimation of the ratio of soluble solids content to acidity designated as a maturity measure, partial least squares regression models were developed based on either all remaining variables or nondestructive variables. The predictive performances by the two models were not significantly different. The acoustic response characterized by the third resonant frequency was shown to be the most important variable in qualitative and quantitative assessment of pomelo maturity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of the current study present a number of nondestructive parameters that are associated with pomelo maturity. They can be used to develop an on‐line grading machine for pomelos.
Treaty Norms and Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Moellendorf Darrel
Published: September 2009

Treaty Norms and Climate Change Mitigation

Darrel Moellendorf

Currently the international community is discussing the regulatory framework to replace the Kyoto Protocol after 2012. The unveiling of the new framework is scheduled to occur at the December 2009 COP in Copenhagen. The stakes are high, since any treaty will affect the development prospects of per capita poor countries and will determine the climate change–related costs borne by poor people for centuries to come. Failure to arrive at an agreement would have grave effects on the development prospects of poor countries, many of which will experience the most severe effects of climate change. The original UNFCCC treaty recognizes these kinds of concerns and requires that further treaty negotiation pay them heed. Any agreement will be required to conform to UNFCCC norms related to sustainable development and the equitable distribution of responsibilities. In this paper I argue that UNFCCC norms tightly constrain the range of acceptable agreements for the distribution of burdens to mitigate climate change. I conclude that any legitimate treaty must put much heavier mitigation burdens on industrialized developed countries. Of the various proposals that have received international attention, two in particular stand out as possibly satisfying UNFCCC norms regarding the distribution of responsibilities.
Justice and the Convention on Biological Diversity
Authors: Schroeder Doris , Pogge Thomas
Published: September 2009

Justice and the Convention on Biological Diversity

Doris Schroeder and Thomas Pogge

Benefit sharing as envisaged by the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a relatively new idea in international law. Within the context of non-human biological resources, it aims to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use by ensuring that its custodians are adequately rewarded for its preservation.

Prior to the adoption of the CBD, access to biological resources was frequently regarded as a free-for-all. Bioprospectors were able to take resources out of their natural habitat and develop commercial products without sharing benefits with states or local communities. This paper asks how CBD-style benefit-sharing fits into debates of justice. It is argued that the CBD is an example of a set of social rules designed to increase social utility. It is also argued that a common heritage of humankind principle with inbuilt benefit-sharing mechanisms would be preferable to assigning bureaucratic property rights to non-human biological resources. However, as long as the international economic order is characterized by serious distributive injustices, as reflected in the enormous poverty-related death toll in developing countries, any morally acceptable means toward redressing the balance in favor of the disadvantaged has to be welcomed. By legislating for a system of justice-in-exchange covering nonhuman biological resources in preference to a free-for-all situation, the CBD provides a small step forward in redressing the distributive justice balance. It therefore presentsjustlegislation sensitive to the international relations context in the 21st century.
Experience‐dependent plasticity in hypocretin/orexin neurones: re‐setting arousal threshold
Authors: Gao X.‐B. , Wang A. H.
Published: September 2009

The neuropeptide hypocretin is synthesized exclusively in the lateral hypothalamus and participates in many brain functions critical for animal survival, particularly in the promotion and maintenance of arousal in animals – a core process in animal behaviours. Consistent with its arousal‐promoting role in animals, the neurones synthesizing hypocretin receive extensive innervations encoding physiological, psychological and environmental cues and send final outputs to key arousal‐promoting brain areas. The activity in hypocretin neurones fluctuates and correlates with the behavioural state of animals and intensive activity has been detected in hypocretin neurones during wakefulness, foraging for food and craving for addictive drugs. Therefore, it is likely that hypocretin neurones undergo experience‐dependent changes resulting from intensive activations by stimuli encoding changes in the internal and external environments. This review summarizes the most recent evidence supporting experience‐dependent plasticity in hypocretin neurones. Current data suggest that nutritional and behavioural factors lead to synaptic plasticity and re‐organization of synaptic architecture in hypocretin neurones. This may be the substrate of enhanced levels of arousal resulting from behavioural changes in animals and may help to explain the mechanisms underlying the changes in arousal levels induced by physiological, psychological and environmental factors.
Oligonucleotide Probe Array for p53 Gene Alteration Analysis in DNA from Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Breast Cancer Tissues
Authors: Lumachi Franco , Marino Filippo , Varotto Sergio , Basso Umberto
Published: September 2009

Mutations in the TP53 tumor‐suppressor (p53) gene represent the most common molecular changes in various malignancies, including breast cancer (BC). We sequenced the p53 gene in DNA extracted from archival paraffin‐embedded BC tissues and compared the results obtained from direct sequencing with those obtained by oligonucleotide probe array (OPA). DNA was extracted from 34 samples. OPA correctly detected 13 genetic alterations in 14 cases, with a mutation frequency of 41.2%. No changes were detected in exons 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 and no polymorphisms were found. Direct manual sequencing in which DNA was amplified by PCR showed 21 genetic mutations in 19 (55.9%) cases. Eight mutations were identified by both OPA and PCR methods. Although OPA detected fewer gene alterations than direct sequencing, the difference was not significant (P= 0.11). In conclusion, the OPA may be safely used to identify individual genetic variations of human p53 gene in BC specimens.
Development of Antisense‐Mediated Exon Skipping as a Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Heemskerk Hans , de Winter Christa L. , van Ommen Gert‐Jan B. , van Deutekom Judith C.T. , Aartsma‐Rus Annemieke
Published: September 2009

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle‐wasting disease caused by frame shifting and nonsense mutations in the dystrophin gene. Through skipping of an (additional) exon from the pre‐mRNA, the reading frame can be restored. This can be achieved with antisense oligonucleotides (AONs), which induce exon skipping by binding to splice sites or splice enhancer sites. The resulting protein will be shorter but at least partially functional. So far, exon skipping has been very successful in cell cultures, in mouse and dog models, and even in a first exploratory study in patients. Current research mainly focuses on optimization of systemic AON delivery. Here we give an overview of the available mouse models. To obtain the most informative results for future clinical application, research may have to move from the currently preferred mdx mouse to mouse models more comparable to patients, such as the utrophin/dystrophin‐negative mouse and the hDMD mouse models. Further, we briefly discuss two AON backbone chemistries that are currently in clinical trials for DMD exon skipping. We propose that different chemistries should be further developed in parallel in order to hasten the transfer of the exon skipping therapy to the clinic.
Ligand‐Targeted Delivery of Small Interfering RNAs to Malignant Cells and Tissues
Authors: Thomas Mini , Kularatne Sumith A. , Qi Longwu , Kleindl Paul , Leamon Christopher P. , Hansen Michael J. , Low Philip S.
Published: September 2009

Potential clinical applications of small interfering RNA (siRNA) are hampered primarily by delivery issues. We have successfully addressed the delivery problems associated with off‐site targeting of highly toxic chemotherapeutic agents by attaching the drugs to tumor‐specific ligands that will carry the attached cargo into the desired cancer cell. Indeed, several such tumor‐targeted drugs are currently undergoing human clinical trials. We now show that efficient targeting of siRNA to malignant cells and tissues can be achieved by covalent conjugation of small‐molecular‐weight, high‐affinity ligands, such as folic acid and DUPA (2‐[3‐(1, 3‐dicarboxy propyl)‐ureido] pentanedioic acid), to siRNA. The former ligand binds a folate receptor that is overexpressed on a variety of cancers, whereas the latter ligand binds to prostate‐specific membrane antigen that is overexpressed specifically on prostate cancers and the neovasculature of all solid tumors. Using these ligands, we show remarkable receptor‐mediated targeting of siRNA to cancer tissues in vitro and in vivo.
Ablation vs Medical Therapy in the Setting of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Choi Andrew D. , Hematpour Khashayar , Kukin Marrick , Mittal Suneet , Steinberg Jonathan S.
Published: September 2009

Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:10–14. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Small, single‐center studies suggest that catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) can improve ventricular function and reduce symptoms in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, ablation has not been compared with a pharmacologic strategy for AF. The authors evaluated patients with AF and symptomatic LV dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤45%) referred for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). They compared these patients with a matched cohort treated medically for AF and LV dysfunction via a retrospective case‐control method. Fifteen patients (14 men, 56±11 years, 10 [67%] paroxysmal AF) with AF for 4±3 years underwent PVI. Baseline ejection fraction was 37%±6% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was 2.0±1.0. Fifteen controls (13 men, 63±14 years, 11 [73%] paroxysmal AF) with AF for 5±4 years were treated medically for AF. Baseline ejection fraction was 34%±11% and NYHA class was 2.0±0.7. The groups were similar in all respects. During a follow‐up of 16±13 months after complete PVI, ejection fraction improved (P=.001) to 50%±13% and normalized in 8 patients (53%). NYHA class improved to 1.3±0.5 (P=.01). In the medically treated group, after follow‐up of 16±12 months, no improvement in ejection fraction (36%±12%) or NYHA class (1.8±0.7) was seen. Compared with pharmacologic therapy, PVI significantly improved LV function and NYHA class in patients with AF and symptomatic LV dysfunction. These provocative findings provide potent rationale for a randomized clinical trial comparing ablation with pharmacologic therapy.
Hydrology and management of turloughs (temporary lakes) affect marsh fly (Sciomyzidae: Diptera) communities
Authors: WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER D. , SHEAHAN JEROME , GORMALLY MIKE J.
Published: September 2009

Abstract.  1. Hydrology and management affect dipteran communities in wetlands and they, themselves, have the potential to influence prey communities.

2. Turloughs are temporary lakes unique to Ireland. Their vegetation is ecotonal on a dry‐wet continuum and, due to differing summer management practises, shows a diversity of vegetation lengths. Marsh flies (Sciomyzidae), a taxon that has potential as wetland bio‐indicators, were chosen to investigate management, hydrological and prey effects on turloughs.

3. Summer collections of Sciomyzidae were made on 24 homogeneous zones across ten turloughs. At each position that flies were collected, vegetation surveys were conducted to utilise Ellenberg indices as surrogate environmental variables. Winter collections of Molluscs were made on 21 zones.

4. Sciomyzidae showed maximum total abundance and species richness at sites intermediate on the dry‐wet gradient, supporting the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.

5. Indicator species analysis gave site‐specific preferences: most species favoured the site with the longest vegetation, but the smallest species showed a significant preference for the site with the shortest vegetation. Across the full hydrological gradient, known terrestrial snail‐killers were indicators of drier poor‐grasslands and known hygrophilous species were indicators of the wettest zones.

6. Generalised linear models for abundance of the dominant species consistently showed negative relationships with total prey abundance. However, sciomyzid communities showed no significant co‐structure with prey communities, but did with sampling conditions, and management/hydrological variables.

7. Sciomyzid communities change qualitatively and quantitatively with vegetation structure and hydrology and correlative evidence for predation pressure by the dominant species highlights the potential of Sciomyzidae to control the intermediate host of fascioliasis.
La restitution du patrimoine culturel Groenlandais
Authors: Thorleifsen Daniel
Published: September 2009

Durant sa période coloniale (1721–1953), le Groenland compta dans sa population un nombre assez important de citoyens danois et norvégiens. Dans le même temps, des scientifiques étrangers acquirent des quantités significatives de matériel ethnographique et d’autres objets qui furent acheminés vers des collections royales et des musées au Danemark et dans toute l’Europe, y compris le Musée national du Danemark. En 1979, le Groenland obtint un régime d’autonomie interne dit le Home Rule. Puis, le 1er janvier 1981, il devint seul responsable de toutes les questions relatives aux musées et à la protection des anciens monuments, ce qui eut notamment pour conséquence la création du Musée national du Groenland. Ce dernier entama ensuite des discussions avec le Musée national danois afin de faire rapatrier une partie de ses collections. La restitution de tels objets répond à un désir partagé des Groenlandais, qui ont perdu des aspects fondamentaux de leur patrimoine culturel durant l’époque coloniale. Elle est inextricablement liée à la restauration de la fierté et de l’identité culturelles du pays. Les instruments juridiques qui définissent la relation entre le Groenland et le Danemark n’englobent cependant pas le restitution, si bien que les Groenlandais invoquent à la place des considérations éthiques et postcoloniales.
Impact et signification de la statue d’Ur‐Ningirsu
Authors: Aruz Joan
Published: September 2009

La statue d’Ur‐Ningirsu, le fils du célèbre prince Gudea de Lagash, a été acquise par le Louvre en 1924 et a retrouvé sa tête cinquante ans plus tard. Le présent article s’intéresse à l’impact des circonstances de sa découverte il y a plus d’un siècle sur l’étude et l’appréciation de l’art antique du Proche‐Orient.
La déclaration de l’ICOM sur la revendication de biens culturels
Authors: Gößwald Udo
Published: September 2009

Les musées ont longtemps connu diverses pressions sur leurs collections, particulièrement de la part de communautés sources (beaucoup appartenant aujourd’hui à des états‐nations modernes) qui ont subi une déperdition extrême de leur patrimoine sous le colonialisme. On peut affirmer qu’une grande partie de l’archéologie et de l’anthropologie mondiales des dix‐neuvième et vingtième siècles – même exercées de la manière la plus honorable – a progressé dans des conditions scandaleusement inéquitables vis‐à‐vis de la capacité des peuples et des cultures du monde à pérenniser et à protéger leur propre patrimoine. Au pire, il y eut des violences brutales contre les hommes et des pillages incontrôlés. La destruction culturelle et la dislocation sociale ont prévalu dans nombre des transferts historiques d’objets de leurs communautés d’origine à des collections privées et des musées. Le bilan est particulièrement lourd à travers le continent africain, en Chine avec un million d’objets manquants, et dans toutes les régions du monde liées à des peuples autochtones.1 S’éloignant de s’inquiéter de la « Déclaration universelle des musées », événement politiquement mal venu qui a fait plus de mal que de bien, l’ICOM est intéressé par une approche allant au‐delà de l’attaque ou de la répression sévère du discours de l’universalisme. Une réponse plus réfléchie est requise –à savoir, mettre ce discours‐même au défi de se dégager des dix‐huitième et dix‐neuvième siècles (où il reste confiné) et de développer sa légitimité et son potentiel constants d’autotransformation dans l’environnement du vingt‐et‐unième siècle.
Retour et restitution des biens culturels à la suite de la convention de 1970
Authors: Bouchenaki Mounir
Published: September 2009

Au cours des dernières décennies, le trafic illicite des biens culturels est, malheureusement, devenu un problème aux dimensions épidémiques, comparable au trafic international de la drogue avec lequel il partage certaines caractéristiques. Le fait que nous parvenions ou non à mieux protéger les biens culturels à l’avenir dépend de changements d’attitude de grande ampleur. Une manifestation tangible de ce changement d’attitude graduel mais certain est l’adoption de codes professionnels de déontologie par de nombreux musées et marchands d’arts, qui reflète une conscience accrue des implications et des problèmes liés à ce trafic illicite. Le trafic illicite de biens culturels est un problème international et seule la coopération internationale, en particulier par l’adoption et le respect des conventions internationales, permettra un meilleur niveau de contrôle dans ce domaine. Pour endiguer le trafic illicite des biens culturels, davantage de pays doivent ratifier la Convention de l’UNESCO de 1970 sur les mesures à prendre pour interdire et empêcher l’importation, l’exportation et le transfert de propriété illicites des biens culturels, ainsi que la Convention de 1995 d’UNIDROIT et les autres accords multilatéraux et bilatéraux en rapport. Pourtant, à moins que ces conventions ne soient soutenues par une législation nationale adéquate et par un programme complet de protection et de préservation du patrimoine culturel, les conventions internationales ne peuvent avoir qu’un effet limité. Après la période de décolonisation des années 1970, les États membres de l’UNESCO ont reconnu que l’absence d’application rétroactive des instruments internationaux existants aboutissait à ce que de nombreux États « victimes » n’aient aucun recours légal pour réclamer le retour ou la restitution des biens culturels acquis de manière illicite.
Objets culturels dans les contextes culturels : la contribution des institutions universitaires
Authors: Chaniotis Angelos
Published: September 2009

Les cursus universitaires en histoire de l’art et en humanités ont tendance à considérer les objets culturels comme les produits d’un contexte culturel particulier, et à ignorer leur signification ultérieure pour leurs pays d’origine. De ce fait, ils négligent les problèmes de déontologie, de droit et de politique culturelle. Une approche holistique est par conséquent nécessaire – une approche couvrant une gamme de problèmes, de la création des objets culturels à leur signification dans des environnements culturels changeants, en incluant les questions de provenance et le commerce illicite d’antiquités. La coopération en vue du retour des objets culturels à leurs pays d’origine devrait être fondée sur la réciprocité et le respect. Il existe toute une gamme de possibilités par lesquelles les objets culturels peuvent être exposés dans leur pays d’origine sans porter atteinte à la mission des musées internationaux (donations, prêts renouvelables, prêts permanents, échanges et expositions périodiques).