bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a swallowing disturbance questionnaire for detecting dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Manor Yael , Giladi Nir , Cohen Alma , Fliss Dan M. , Cohen Jacob T.
Published: June 2007

Underreporting of swallowing disturbances by Parkinson's disease (PD) patients may lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment, alerting the physician to an existing dysphagia only after the first episode of aspiration pneumonia. We developed and validated a swallowing disturbance questionnaire (SDQ) for PD patients and compared its findings to an objective assessment. Fifty‐seven PD patients (mean age 69 ± 10 years) participated in this study. Each patient was queried about experiencing swallowing disturbances and asked to complete a self‐reported 15‐item “yes/no” questionnaire on swallowing disturbances (24 replied “no”). All study patients underwent a physical/clinical swallowing evaluation by a speech pathologist and an otolaryngologist. The 33 patients who complained of swallowing disturbances also underwent fiberoptic endoscopyic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). According to the ROC test, the “optimal” score (where the sensitivity and specificity curves cross) is 11 (sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 81.3%). Using the SDQ questionnaire substantially reduced Type I errors (specifically, an existing swallowing problem missed by the selected cutoff point). On the basis of the SDQ assessment alone, 12 of the 24 (50%) noncomplaining patients would have been referred to further evaluation that they otherwise would not have undergone. The SDQ emerged as a validated tool to detect early dysphagia in PD patients. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A progressive, fatal dystonia‐Parkinsonism syndrome in a patient with primary immunodeficiency receiving chronic IVIG therapy
Authors: Papapetropoulos Spiridon , Friedman Jennifer , Blackstone Craig , Kleiner Gary I. , Bowen Brian C. , Singer Carlos
Published: June 2007

X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder caused by a mutation in the Bruton agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase gene that results in severe B‐cell deficiency. So far, neurological complications of XLA have been primarily related to acute and/or chronic central nervous system enteroviral infections. In the last few years a progressive neurodegenerative syndrome of unknown etiology has been described in XLA patients. We describe and present a video of an XLA patient who developed a fatal dementing, dystonia‐Parkinsonism syndrome 14 years into his immune disorder. Physician awareness of this rare syndrome may lead to its better characterization and management. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Magnetic resonance imaging and T2 relaxometry of human median nerve at 7 Tesla
Authors: Gambarota G. , Veltien A. , Klomp D. , Van Alfen N. , Mulkern R.V. , Heerschap A.
Published: June 2007

Measurements of T2 relaxation times in tissues have provided a unique, noninvasive method to investigate the microenvironment of water molecules in vivo. As more clinical imaging is performed at higher field strengths, tissue relaxation times need to be reassessed in order to optimize tissue contrast. The purpose of this study was to investigate the water proton T2 relaxation time in human median nerve at 7 T. High‐resolution images of the wrist were obtained using a home‐built dedicated microstrip coil. Gradient echo images provided a good anatomical delineation of the wrist structure, with a clear definition of the median nerve, tendons, bone, and connective tissue within the wrist in an acquisition time of 2 min. Measurements of the T2 relaxation time were performed with a spin echo imaging sequence. The T2 relaxation time of the median nerve was 18.3 ± 1.9 ms, which is significantly shorter than the T2 measured in previous studies performed at 1.5 T and 3 T. Further, the T2 relaxation time of the median nerve is shorter than the T2 relaxation time of other tissues, such as brain tissue, at the same field strength. Since the T2 relaxation time of water protons is sensitive to the water microenvironment, relaxation measurements and, in general, a more quantitative magnetic resonance imaging approach might help in detecting and investigating diseases of peripheral nervous system, such as compressive and inflammatory neuropathies, in humans. Muscle Nerve, 2007
An anisotropic strength criterion for jointed rock masses and its application in wellbore stability analyses
Authors: Chen X. , Yang Q. , Qiu K. B. , Feng J. L.
Published: June 2007

In this paper, an anisotropic strength criterion is established for jointed rock masses. An orientation distribution function (ODF) of joint connectivity, is introduced to characterize the anisotropic strength of jointed rock masses related to directional distributed joint sets. Coulomb failure condition is formulated for each plane of jointed rock masses by joint connectivity, where the friction coefficient and cohesion of the jointed rock mass are related to those of the intact rock and joint and become orientation dependent. When approximating joint connectivity by its second‐order fabric tensor, an anisotropic strength criterion is derived through an approximate analytical solution to the critical plane problem. To demonstrate the effects of joint distribution on the anisotropic strength of jointed rock masses, the failure envelopes are worked out for different relative orientations of material anisotropy and principal stress axes. The anisotropic strength criterion is also applied to wellbore stability analyses. It is shown that a borehole drilled in the direction of the maximum principal in situ stress is not always the safest due to the anisotropic strength of the jointed rock mass. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kronecker product approximations for dense block Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel matrices
Authors: Kilmer M. E. , Nagy J. G.
Published: June 2007

In this paper, we consider the approximation of dense block Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel matrices by sums of Kronecker products of Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel matrices. We present an algorithm for efficiently computing the matrix approximation that requires the factorization of matrices of much smaller dimension than that of the original. The main results are described for block Toeplitz matrices with Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel blocks, but the algorithms can be readily adjusted for other related structures that arise in image processing applications, such as block Toeplitz with Toeplitz blocks and block Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel with Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel blocks. Our work extends the techniques in Kamm and Nagy (SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 2000; 22:155–172) and Nagy et al. (SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 2004; 25:829–841), which consider similar matrices, but with the added restriction that the matrices have a banded/block‐banded structure. We illustrate the effectiveness of our
algorithm by using the output of the algorithm to construct preconditioners for systems from two different applications: diffuse optical tomography and atmospheric image deblurring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chain extension as a strategy for the development of improved reverse thermo‐responsive polymers
Authors: Cohn Daniel , Sosnik Alejandro , Malal Ram , Zarka Revital , Garty Shai , Levy Avi
Published: June 2007

The hypothesis that chain extension can be harnessed to the generation of improved reverse thermo‐responsive polymers was tested by following two basic synthetic pathways: (1) the polymerization of poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(propylene oxide)‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO‐PPO‐PEO) triblocks using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as chain extender and (2) the covalent binding of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol) chains, using phosgene as the connecting molecule. While in the former, the basic amphiphilic repeating unit is known for its own RTG behavior, the latter polymers consist of segments incapable of exhibiting a reverse thermal gelation (RTG) of their own. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed that the nanostructures formed by the chain extended polymers were markedly larger than those generated by PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblocks. While the size of Pluronic F127 micelles ranged from 15 to 20 nm, the higher molecular weight amphiphiles generated much larger nanostructures (20–400 nm). The chain extended polymers achieved much higher viscosities and their gels displayed enhanced long‐term stability at 37°C. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lethal drug probe in China: the case of Xinfu clindamycin
Authors: Jing Yonghua , Kelton Christina ML , Li Xing , Guo Jeff Jianfei
Published: June 2007

In China, antibiotics are prescribed frequently, not only for bacterial infections but also for viruses, including the common cold, as well as other illnesses.1, 2 Chinese people tend to believe that antibiotics are a cure for many diseases from skin infections to life‐threatening lung ailments; and antibiotics are their first choice when they think about buying medication.3 Antibiotic abuse is particularly severe in small‐ and medium‐sized towns and rural areas where doctors are not as well educated as in the large cities. Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that the use of antibiotics in Chinese hospitals can be as high as 80 percent of overall cases, compared with the international average of 30 percent.3 Besides being one source of the specific public health disaster described in the remainder of this article, overprescribing generally leads to building up of resistance to antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat bacterial infections in the future. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring‐opening polymerization of lactones using zirconocene catalytic systems: Block copolymerization with methyl methacrylate
Authors: Kostakis Konstantinos , Mourmouris Stylianos , Karanikolopoulos Giorgos , Pitsikalis Marinos , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: June 2007

The ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) and δ‐valerolactone (δ‐VL) using nine catalytic systems consisting of a combination of three C2v zirconocene complexes and three borate cocatalysts is discussed. The polymerizations proceed in a well‐controlled manner, producing polymers with relatively high molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. Kinetic experiments of the polymerization of ε‐CL with the catalytic system Cp2ZrMe2/B(C6F5)3 (1) showed a linear dependence between polymerization yield and molecular weight with time, as well as between the molecular weight with the molar ratio of the monomer over the catalyst [ε‐CL]/[Zr], indicating sufficient control of the polymerization reaction. The catalytic system (1) was utilized for the synthesis of well‐defined block copolymers of MMA with ε‐CL and δ‐VL. All samples were characterized by size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3524–3537, 2007
Laryngeal sensitivity in the neonatal period: From bench to bedside
Authors: Reix Philippe , St‐Hilaire Marie , Praud Jean‐Paul
Published: June 2007

Laryngeal sensitivity in the newborn has been a subject of great interest for both researchers and clinicians for a number of years. From a clinical standpoint, laryngeal sensitivity is essential for both preventing foreign substances from entering into the lower airway and for finely tuning upper airway resistance. However, heightened reflexes originating from the laryngeal receptors in newborns and infants, due to neural immaturity, can lead to potentially dangerous cardiorespiratory events. The latter have been linked to apneas of prematurity, apparent life‐threatening events, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). From a physiological standpoint, many mechanisms pertaining to reflexes originating from laryngeal receptors are yet to be fully understood. This short review is an attempt to summarize current knowledge on laryngeal sensitivity and its potential consequences upon control of breathing abnormalities encountered within the first weeks of life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:674–682. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accounting for uncertainty in pedotransfer functions in vulnerability assessments of pesticide leaching to groundwater
Authors: Stenemo Fredrik , Jarvis Nicholas
Published: June 2007

A simulation tool for site‐specific vulnerability assessments of pesticide leaching to groundwater was developed, based on the pesticide fate and transport model MACRO, parameterized using pedotransfer functions and reasonable worst‐case parameter values. The effects of uncertainty in the pedotransfer functions on simulation results were examined for 48 combinations of soils, pesticides and application timings, by sampling pedotransfer function regression errors and propagating them through the simulation model in a Monte Carlo analysis. An uncertainty factor, fu, was derived, defined as the ratio between the concentration simulated with no errors, csim, and the 80th percentile concentration for the scenario. The pedotransfer function errors caused a large variation in simulation results, with fu ranging from 1.14 to 1440, with a median of 2.8. A non‐linear relationship was found between fu and csim, which can be used to account for parameter uncertainty by correcting the simulated concentration, csim, to an estimated 80th percentile value. For fine‐textured soils, the predictions were most sensitive to errors in the pedotransfer functions for two parameters regulating macropore flow (the saturated matrix hydraulic conductivity, Kb, and the effective diffusion pathlength, d) and two water retention function parameters (van Genuchten's N and α parameters). For coarse‐textured soils, the model was also sensitive to errors in the exponent in the degradation water response function and the dispersivity, in addition to Kb, but showed little sensitivity to d. To reduce uncertainty in model predictions, improved pedotransfer functions for Kb, d, N and α would therefore be most useful. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Current mechanism in SbSeI crystals based on phonon‐assisted tunnelling emission
Authors: Audzijonis A. , Sereika R. , Lapeika V. , Žaltauskas R.
Published: June 2007

Single crystals of SbSeI were grown by the vapour phase technique. Reverse current–voltage (I –V) characteristics of Ag/SbSeI/Ag system have been measured in the temperature range from 273 to 363 K. Analyses of experimental results are explained on the basis of phonon‐assisted electron tunnelling from the local levels in the metal–crystal interface to the conduction band. Calculated values: electron–phonon interaction, depth of the trap and effective mass of the polaron enabled us to estimate the electron tunnelling probability. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vertical transport in all‐binary GaAs/AlAs short‐period superlattices and carrier trapping and detrapping dynamics by different quantum wells
Authors: Fujiwara K. , Satake A. , Schrottke L. , Hey R. , Grahn H. T.
Published: June 2007

Dynamics of vertical transport in all‐binary GaAs/AlAs short‐period superlattices (SPSs) have been investigated as a function of temperature by steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) experiments. When two different, enlarged quantum wells are embedded in the SPSs, photoexcited carriers compete to be trapped into various localized exciton states and a variety of exciton radiative recombination dynamics appears accompanied by phonon heating. Redistribution of carrier population in the different wells by phonon scattering is significantly influenced by vertical miniband transport in the SPSs. Three different transport regimes are pointed out: (i) tunnelling transport affected by irreversible carrier cooling into deep localized states, (ii) interplay of carrier relaxation and phonon‐assisted activation mediated by an efficient miniband Bloch transport, and (iii) thermalization processes. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hysteresis loops of a bilayer superlattice
Authors: Essaoudi I. , Ainane A. , Saber M. , de Miguel J. J.
Published: June 2007

We apply the effective field theory with a probability distribution technique to study the effects of the interfacial coupling constant and the thickness on the hysteresis of the bilayer. A ferroelectric bilayer with an antiferroelectric interfacial coupling is investigated within the framework of the spin –1/2 Ising model. The effects of the interfacial coupling on the susceptibility and the pyroelectric coefficient are also examined. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A driving simulator with driver monitor system
Authors: Adachi Kazumasa , Kobayashi Fumikazu , Itoh Michimasa , Yamasaki Hatsuo , Nakano Tomoaki , Tsugawa Sadayuki , Yamamoto Shin
Published: June 2007

The driving simulators hitherto developed were intended for investigation of active safety techniques, verification of vehicle movement models, etc., without using an actual vehicle. But there subsequently arose a need for a system that could be used to investigate ways of providing driving and safety assistance to drivers in the aging society of the future. There has been no driving simulator available for such evaluations. The authors have developed a driving simulator for evaluation of driver‐assistance systems with the following installations. A driver monitor camera is installed in the inner mirror unit of the car, and the level of consciousness of the driver is estimated by video processing. A technique for measuring the gaze direction is installed. Techniques for character size transformation in the display and warnings are investigated with reference to the lowered visual acuity of elderly drivers. A verification experiment is performed on braking distance, which is affected by the increased reaction time when the level of consciousness is low. The effectiveness of the system as verified by experiment is reported. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(10): 69– 80, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20469
Spectrum conversion using prosodic information
Authors: Mochizuki Ryo , Okubo Tadashi , Kobayashi Tetsunori
Published: June 2007

For speaker conversion with spectral conversion using GMM, a method is proposed for adding information relating to prosody to the characteristic values and improving conversion precision. In conventional spectral conversion using GMM, only the unaltered spectral parameters are used as input information. However, the voice spectrum is generally related to the closeness of the base frequencies during speech, and therefore, improvement in the quality of the converted voice can be expected with the consideration of prosodic information at the time of conversion. Thus, a method is proposed for spectrum conversion with good precision which assumes the application to actual synthesis by rule, and performs GMM training using the prosodic information of the conversion source and conversion target. Also, the proposed spectrum conversion is applied to speech conversion in a voice synthesis framework. At this time, a method is proposed for preparing triphone joint vectors to ensure training data of a greater number of prosodic conditions using a parallel corpus. A physical evaluation using the cepstrum distance indicates that the use of prosodic information is effective in improving the precision of spectrum conversion. An auditory evaluation was performed of voice quality and speech characteristics after conversion with a conventional method and the proposed method, and indicated that the proposed method is effective in an auditory sense as well. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(10): 12–20, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20667
Structural Color in Porous, Superhydrophilic, and Self‐Cleaning SiO2/TiO2 Bragg Stacks
Authors: Wu Zhizhong , Lee Daeyeon , Rubner Michael F. , Cohen Robert E.
Published: June 2007

Thin‐film Bragg stacks exhibiting structural color have been fabricated by a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition process involving the sequential adsorption of nanoparticles and polymers. High‐ and low‐refractive‐index regions of quarter‐wave stacks were generated by calcining LbL‐assembled multilayers containing TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. The physical attributes of each region were characterized by a recently developed ellipsometric method. The structural color characteristics of the resultant nanoporous Bragg stacks could be precisely tuned in the visible region by varying the number of stacks and the thickness of the high‐ and low‐refractive‐index stacks. These Bragg stacks also exhibited potentially useful superhydrophilicity and self‐cleaning properties.
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging in the antenatal diagnosis and management of hydrocolpos
Authors: Picone O. , Laperelle J. , Sonigo P. , Levaillant J.‐M. , Frydman R. , Senat M.‐V.
Published: June 2007

Hydrocolpos should be considered systematically when an abdominopelvic cystic mass is diagnosed in a female fetus. Because the prognosis and neonatal management of isolated hydrocolpos with spontaneous resolution differs greatly from that of hydrocolpos associated with a cloacal malformation, it is important to ascertain prenatally whether there are associated anomalies. We report the prenatal characteristics of three fetuses with hydrocolpos; in two cases there was spontaneous resolution and one infant was born with digestive tract atresia. The principal ultrasound findings were an oblong anechoic pelvic mass with or without a sagittal septum, located behind a normal bladder. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the cervical imprint on the vagina confirmed the diagnosis of hydrocolpos and helped to diagnose cloacal malformation by demonstrating the absence of meconium beside the bladder on T1 sequences. Our cases show that MRI is useful for differentiating isolated hydrocolpos from hydrocolpos associated with cloacal malformation. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Downstream Processes for Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Rapeseed Oil and Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Zhang Shao Bing , Wang Zhang , Xu Shi Ying
Published: June 2007

Downstream processes following aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) of rapeseed oil and protein hydrolysates were developed to enhance the oil and protein yields as well as to purify the protein hydrolysates. The wet precipitate (meal residue) from the AEE was washed with twofold water at 60 °C, pH 11 for 1 h. Emulsions from the AEE and the washing step were pooled and submitted to a stepwise demulsification procedure consisting of storage‐centrifugation and freezing–thawing followed by centrifugation. Aqueous phases were pooled and adsorbed onto macroporous adsorption resins (MAR) to remove salts and sugars. Following extensive rinsing with deionized water (pH 4), desorption was achieved by washing with 85% ethanol (v/v) to obtain crude rapeseed peptides (CRPs). In a separate experiment, stepwise desorption was carried out with 25, 55, and 85% ethanol to separate the bitter peptides from the other peptides. Using a combination of the AEE process, washing and demulsification steps, the yields of the total free oil and protein hydrolysates were 88–90% and 94–97%, respectively. The protein recovery was 66.7% and the protein content was enriched from 47.04 to 73.51% in the CRPs. No glucosinolates and phytic acid were detected in the CRPs. From the stepwise desorption, a non‐bitter fraction RP25 (containing 64–66% of total desorbed protein) had a bland color and significantly higher protein content (81.04%) and hence was the more desirable product.
Trans fatty acid determination in fats and margarine by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using a disposable infrared card
Authors: Ma Kangming , van de Voort F. R. , Sedman J. , Ismail A. A.
Published: June 2007

The use of a disposable polyethylene infrared (IR) card as a sample carrier for the quantitative determination of trans content of fats and oils and margarine by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy was investigated. Standards prepared by dissolving trielaidin in a zero‐trans oil were used to develop partial least squares (PLS) calibrations for both the IR card and a 100‐µm transmission flow cell. These calibrations were then used to predict a series of gas chromatographically‐preanalyzed unknowns, the trans predictions obtained using the card being comparable to those obtained with the transmission flow cell. Somewhat improved performance could be obtained when the spectral data from the card were normalized to compensate for inherent variations in path length and variability in sample loading. Both IR methods tracked the gas chromatographic reference trans values very well. A series of margarine samples was also analyzed by the card method, producing results similar to those obtained using a flow cell. For the analysis of margarines, the card method has the advantage that the trans analysis can be performed directly on microwave melted emulsions because moisture is not retained on the card. Overall, the disposable IR card was shown to work well and has the benefit of allowing trans analyses to be carried out without requiring investment in a heated flow cell or attenuated total reflectance accessory.
Quantitative determination of triacylglycerol profile of structured lipid by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography and high‐temperature gas chromatography
Authors: Lee Theresa W. , Hastilow Christine I.
Published: June 2007

Two analytical methods have been developed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of triacylglycerol profile of structured lipid (SL)‐containing medium‐chain and long‐chain fatty acids. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was used in the first method. The SL was dissolved in chloroform/methanol, 95:5 (vol/vol), and analyzed directly using a super‐critical fluid chromatograph equipped with temperature and density programming capabilities. No derivatization was required for sample preparation. An SB‐methyl‐100 capillary column (10 m, 100 µ i.d., 0.25 µ film thickness) was used for the separation of the triacylglycerol species and a flame‐ionization detector (FID) was used for the detection. Supercritical fluid carbon dioxide was used as the mobile phase. In the second method, the SL was hydrogenated to complete saturation prior to analysis using gas chromatography at high temperatures of up to 375°C. A DB‐5HT capillary column (30 m × 0.32 mm i.d., 0.1 µ film thickness) was used for the separation. FID was used for the detection and helium gas was used as mobile phase. The triacylglycerol species were separated and identified based on their equivalent carbon number (ECN), the total carbon number of the acyl side chains. A calibration curve was constructed using a triacylglycerol mixture containing known amounts of monoacyltriacylglycerol standard materials ranging from ECN 18 (trihexanoin) to ECN 66 (tridocosanoin). The novel triacylglycerol species, ECN 32–43, created by the interesterification of medium‐chain triacylglycerol (MCT) and long‐chain triacylglycerol (LCT) were separated and identified based on their retention times. These triacylglycerols, ECN 32–43, were absent in the physical mixture of MCT and LCT. The unique triacylglycerol specieis, ECN 32‐43, were therefore selected as the fingerprinting region for the qualitative identification of the SL. Quantitation of the novel triacylglycerol species in the SL was achieved by using the integrated peak area of the new species. Both methods were employed successfully to distinguish the physical mixture from the corresponding interesterified SL. Results generated by the two methods were compared and found to be in good agreement.
Formation of a Δ7 triterpene alcohol in refined olive oils
Authors: Lanzón A. , Albi T. , Guinda A.
Published: June 2007

The triterpene alcohol fraction in several virgin olive oils and the corresponding oils refined by alkali and by physical processes was analyzed by gas chromatography. A Δ7 compound was detected in all refined olive oils but not in virgin olive oils. This compound was tentatively identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry as 24‐methyl‐5α‐lanosta‐7,24‐dien‐3β‐ol, a 24‐methylenecycloartanol isomer produced during the refining process by the opening of the 9, 19 cyclopropane ring with formation of a double bond in the Δ7 position and the translocation of a double bond in the side chain from the 24–28 to the 24–25 position.
Oxidative stability and AromaScan analyses of corn oils with altered fatty acid content
Authors: Shen N. , Duvick S. , White P. , Pollak L.
Published: June 2007

This project was designed to evaluate the oxidative stability of corn oils with increased total saturated fatty acid composition and to test the feasibility of using the AromaScan, an “electronic nose,” to detect the odors/aromas produced by oxidation. Corn oils with traditional (13.1%) and elevated (14.7 to 17.1%) total saturated fatty acid percentages were evaluated for their oxidative quality. Oils from five corn genotypes were extracted, refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) in the laboratory. Two replications, separated at the point of extraction, were evaluated for each genotype. The RBD corn oils (18.0 g) were stored in 50‐mL beakers at 60°C in the dark, and peroxide values were measured every other day for 8 d. Corn oils with elevated saturated fatty acid compositions were more stable (P<0.05) than the traditional corn oil. Aroma intensity of the oils was measured with an AromaScan at days 0, 4, and 8. The AromaScan provided a useful tool to detect odors/aromas produced by oxidation during an oxidative stability study; this tool might be used to partly replace human sensory panel evaluation of oxidized samples.
Heat‐resistant cocoa butter extenders from mahua (Madhuca latifolia) and kokum (Garcinia indica) fats
Authors: Jeyarani T. , Reddy S. Yella
Published: June 2007

Cocoa butter extenders with heat‐resistant properties were prepared using mahua and kokum fats. The stearin fraction [Fraction (Fr.) 1, 77–80% yield] obtained by solvent fractionation of 50:50 blends of these fats showed a steep melting profile with a higher solid fat content (SFC) at 32.5°C than cocoa butter, even after mixing with it at 25 or 50% levels. The solidification characteristics showed that the Fr. 1 had a supercooling property similar to cocoa butter, but showed higher temperature rise with less crystallization time on the cooling curve, which is advantageous for chocolate molding. Fr. 1 was compatible with cocoa butter at all proportions, as revealed by cooling curves and isothermal solid diagrams. The stearin fraction obtained by dry fractionation of mahua/kokum blend (Fr. 2, 77% yield), though, had similar solidification characteristics and showed lower SFC compared to that of Fr. 1. Fr. 1 and Fr. 2 have high levels of 2‐oleo‐distearin triacylglycerols (46–51%), which are responsible for better stand‐up property at high temperatures compared to cocoa butter. The suitability of the blends of mahua/kokum fats and mahua stearin/kokum fats as cocoa butter extenders was also evaluated. The isothermal solid diagrams showed complete miscibility of the two fats fractions. The results showed that a series of cocoa butter extenders with varying melting characteristics could be prepared by fractionating and by physical blending of mahua and kokum fats in selected proportions.
Antioxidant activity in soybean oil of extracts from thompson grape bagasse
Authors: Gámez‐Meza N. , Noriega‐Rodríguez J. A. , Medina‐Juárez L. A. , Ortega‐García J. , Cázarez‐Casanova R. , Angulo‐Guerrero O.
Published: June 2007

The phenolic compounds of Thompson grape bagasse were extracted using a 95:5 (vol/vol) ethanol/water mixture. Measurement of the antioxidant activity in refined soybean oil of bagasse grape extract was performed by using two different methods, the Rancimat method and the Schaal oven method in conjunction with peroxide value determination. The antioxidant activity of the extract was compared to the tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) activity. The bagasse grape extract showed similar antioxidant activities in both methods employed. At all concentrations tested [0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% of total phenols (TP)] the extract exhibited appreciable activity, which exceeded the activity of BHA. At some concentrations (0.3 and 0.5% TP) the extract exhibited activity comparable to that of TBHQ. Bagasse is a byproduct with a high content of phenolic compounds and is a good source of natural antioxidants.
Soybean drying in fluidized bed. effect on the hydratable and nonhydratable phosphatide concentration in crude and degummed crude oil
Authors: Tosi Enzo A. , Cazzoli Ampelio , Ré Edmundo , Tapiz Luis
Published: June 2007

The content of nonhydratable phosphatides in soybean crude oil is increased by phospholipase D activity during the oil‐making process. Enzyme inhibition would allow to minimize them. Recently harvested soybeans with high moisture levels require adequate drying to store safely. Simultaneous soybean drying and phospholipase D inactivation in a single operation when applying a thermal treatment by the fluidized‐bed technique was evaluated. The process conditions for performing the drying and a complete enzyme inhibition on soybeans, with an initial moisture content between 7.4 and 20.6% wet basis, similar to that at the time of the harvest, were fluidizing and drying medium temperature between 110 and 140°C, and a drying time between 1 and 2 min. For the treated soybeans, the phosphorus content increased up to 223% in crude oil and decreased 17% in degummed crude oil with regard to the values of the control sample.
Synthesis of geranyl and citronellyl esters of coconut oil fatty acids through alcoholysis by Rhizomucor miehei lipase catalysis
Authors: De B. K. , Chatterjee T. , Bhattacharyya D. K.
Published: June 2007

Synthesis of geranyl and citronellyl esters of mixed fatty acids has been investigated by alcoholysis of coconut oil (CNO) using Rhizomucor miehei lipase. CNO fatty acid esters of geraniol and citronellol have unique mild flavors that can be used in food materials. Both geraniolysis and citronellolysis of CNO produce flavor esters in good yield. Depending on substrate concentration the molar yield is more than 50%. The optimized reaction conditions were: pressure, atmospheric; temperature, 50°C; incubation period, 5 h; and Lipozyme, 10% (w/w).
Studies on the enzymatic synthesis of lipophilic derivatives of natural antioxidants
Authors: Stamatis H. , Sereti V. , Kolisis F. N.
Published: June 2007

The esterification of some natural antioxidants such as cinnamic acid derivatives and ascorbic acid in non‐aqueous media, catalyzed by immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica and Rhizomucor miehei, was investigated. The alcohol chain length affected the rate of esterification of cinnamic acids by both lipases. Higher reaction rates were observed when the esterification was carried out with medium‐ or long‐chain alcohols. The rate also depended on aromatic acid structure. The reactivity of the carboxylic function of the cinnamic acids was affected by electron‐donating substituents in the aromatic ring. Higher yields were observed for the esterification of p‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (97%) catalyzed by C. antarctica lipase and for the esterification of cinnamic acid (59%) catalyzed by R. miehei lipase. Candida antarctica lipase was more suitable for producing ascorbic acid fatty esters, catalyzing with a relatively high yield (up to 65% within 24 h) the regioselective esterification of ascorbic acid with various fatty acids in 2‐methyl‐2‐propanol. The reaction rate and yield depended on the fatty acid chain length and on the molar ratio of reactants. All ascorbic acid fatty esters produced by this procedure exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in a micellar substrate composed of linoleic acid.
The [NiFeSe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough is a bacterial lipoprotein lacking a typical lipoprotein signal peptide
Authors: Valente Filipa M.A. , Pereira Patrícia M. , Venceslau Sofia S. , Regalla Manuela , Coelho Ana V. , Pereira Inês A.C.
Published: June 2007

Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough has a membrane‐bound [NiFeSe] hydrogenase whose mode of membrane association was unknown since it is constituted by two hydrophilic subunits. This work shows that this hydrogenase is a bacterial lipoprotein bound to the membrane by lipidic groups found at the N‐terminus of the large subunit, which is unusual since it is missing the typical lipoprotein signal peptide. Nevertheless, the large subunit has a conserved four residue lipobox and its synthesis is sensitive to the signal peptidase II inhibitor globomycin. The D. vulgaris [NiFeSe] hydrogenase is the first example of a bacterial lipoprotein translocated through the Tat pathway.
Physical and functional interaction between a nucleolar protein nucleophosmin/B23 and adenovirus basic core proteins
Authors: Samad Mohammad Abdus , Okuwaki Mitsuru , Haruki Hirohito , Nagata Kyosuke
Published: June 2007

We identified nucleophosmin/B23 as a component of template‐activating factor‐III that stimulates the DNA replication from the adenovirus DNA complexed with viral basic core proteins. Here, we have studied the functional interaction of B23 with viral core proteins. We found that B23 interacts with viral basic core proteins, core protein V and precursor of core protein VII (pre‐VII), in infected cells. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that B23 suppresses formation of aggregates between DNA and core proteins and transfers pre‐VII to DNA. These results indicate that B23 functions as a chaperone in the viral chromatin assembly process in infected cells.
Prediction of three different isoforms of the human UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase
Authors: Reinke Stefan O. , Hinderlich Stephan
Published: June 2007

The bifunctional enzyme UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) is the key enzyme of the biosynthesis of sialic acids, terminal components of glycoconjugates associated with a variety of cellular processes. Two novel isoforms of human GNE, namely GNE2 and GNE3, which possess extended and deleted N‐termini, respectively, were characterized. GNE2 was also found in other species like apes, rodents, chicken or fish, whereas GNE3 seems to be restricted to primates. Both, GNE2 and GNE3, displayed tissue specific expression patterns, therefore may contribute to the complex regulation of sialic acid metabolism.
Zebrafish short fin mutations in connexin43 lead to aberrant gap junctional intercellular communication
Authors: Hoptak-Solga Angela D. , Klein Kathryn A. , DeRosa Adam M. , White Thomas W. , Iovine M. Kathryn
Published: June 2007

Mutations in the zebrafish connexin43 (cx43) gene cause the short fin phenotype, indicating that direct cell–cell communication contributes to bone length. Three independently generated cx43 alleles exhibit short segments of variable sizes, suggesting that gap junctional intercellular communication may regulate bone growth. Dye coupling assays showed that all alleles are capable of forming gap junction channels. However, ionic coupling assays revealed allele‐specific differences in coupling efficiency and gating. For instance, oocyte pairs expressing the weakest allele exhibited much higher levels of coupling than either of the strong alleles. Therefore, measurable differences in Cx43 function may be correlated with the severity of defects in bone length.
Reticulon‐like proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana: Structural organization and ER localization
Authors: Nziengui Hugues , Bouhidel Karim , Pillon David , Der Christophe , Marty Francis , Schoefs Benoît
Published: June 2007

Reticulons are proteins that have been found predominantly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum in yeast and mammalian cells. While their functions are still poorly understood, recent findings suggest that they participate in the shaping of the tubular endoplamic reticulum (ER). Although reticulon‐like proteins have been identified in plants, very little is known about their cellular localization and functions. Here, we characterized the reticulon‐like protein family of Arabidopsis thaliana. Three subfamilies can be distinguished on the basis of structural organization and sequence homology. We investigated the subcellular localization of two members of the largest subfamily, i.e. AtRTNLB2 and AtRTNLB4, using fluorescent protein tags. The results demonstrate for the first time that plant reticulon‐like proteins are associated with the ER. Both AtRTNLB proteins are located in the tubular ER but AtRTNLB4 is also found in the lamellar ER cisternae, and in ER tubules in close association with the chloroplasts. Similarity in protein structure and subcellular localization between AtRTNLB2 and mammalian reticulons suggests that they could assume similar basic functions inside the cell.
X-ray diffraction patterns and anatomical properties of claw tissues of beef and dairy cattle
Authors: BROWNE M. P. , HUKINS D. W. L. , SKAKLE J. M. S. , KNIGHT C. H. , HENDRY K. A. K. , WILDE C. J. , GALBRAITH H.
Published: June 2007

Medial claws from the right hind feet were obtained post mortem from four 19–20-month-old beef heifers and from four 28-month-old first-calving dairy heifers 3–4 days postpartum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were undertaken on samples of soft and hard (cornified) integumental tissues of dorsal wall, sole and heel (bulb) for varying sites and planes of exposure. The measurements were interpreted as defining diffraction patterns and intermolecular spacings of cytoskeletal and extracellular fibrous structural proteins. The orientation of these proteins was examined in relation to physical characteristics and function including bearing of body weight by these tissues.

Physical measurements taken included impression hardness which showed typically greater values for wall than sole and variable differences between horn of dairy and beef origin and husbandry systems. Claws from dairy heifers had significantly smaller values for toe (dorsal wall) angle, claw height and heel height and thickness of solear horn and heel soft tissue. Although few were studied, the results reflected typical husbandry origins and indicated the susceptibility to the lesion formation well recognized in postpartum dairy cattle.

Typical XRD patterns for horn samples showed defined arcs of reflectance on the equatorial axis consistent with findings for the presence of α-helices in fibrils reported to occur in other hard-keratin-containing integumental tissues. However, reflectance on the meridional axis also reported for these other tissues was not detected. A similar defined pattern was obtained for less than 0·10 of samples of internal soft pre-cornified epidermal and attached dermal tissue although the values for intermolecular ‘d’ spacing for these were consistent with those reported for type I collagen. Diffuse reflection patterns were thus evident for the majority of samples of soft tissue epidermis and dermis and also for adipose tissue of the digital cushion.

The formation of defined arcs of reflectance allowed the determination of fibril alignment in wall and solear horn. For the orientated samples of dorsal wall horn tissue, the outer layer showed a longitudinal angle of orientation essentially maintained proximal to distal. This pattern was maintained throughout the depth of horn at the proximal site. In contrast, layers in mid-wall and towards the distal edge showed a greater circumferential (horizontal) orientation in sections collected anterior to posterior towards the inner corial, including laminar, tissues. The orientation of fibrils in inner wall horn appears to relate to the direction of load-bearing forces in connecting horn to the distal phalanx. Horizontal alignment of fibrils was observed in the sole. In presenting the long axis of cells to the ground surface this orientation may facilitate erosive forces and contribute to the thinning of cornified sole horn under adverse underfoot conditions.
Early predictors of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder in assault survivors
Authors: KLEIM BIRGIT , EHLERS ANKE , GLUCKSMAN EDWARD
Published: June 2007

Background

Some studies suggest that early psychological treatment is effective in preventing chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is as yet unclear how best to identify trauma survivors who need such intervention. This prospective longitudinal study investigated the prognostic validity of acute stress disorder (ASD), of variables derived from a meta-analysis of risk factors for PTSD, and of candidate cognitive and biological variables in predicting chronic PTSD following assault.

Method

Assault survivors who had been treated for their injuries at a metropolitan Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department were assessed with structured clinical interviews to establish diagnoses of ASD at 2 weeks (n=222) and PTSD at 6 months (n=205) after the assault. Candidate predictors were assessed at 2 weeks.

Results

Most predictors significantly predicted PTSD status at follow-up. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that a set of four theory-derived cognitive variables predicted PTSD best (NagelkerkeR2=0·50), followed by the variables from the meta-analysis (NagelkerkeR2=0·37) and ASD (NagelkerkeR2=0·25). When all predictors were considered simultaneously, mental defeat, rumination and prior problems with anxiety or depression were chosen as the best combination of predictors (NagelkerkeR2=0·47).

Conclusion

Questionnaires measuring mental defeat, rumination and pre-trauma psychological problems may help to identify assault survivors at risk of chronic PTSD.
Distributed control of modular and reconfigurable robot with torque sensing
Authors: Liu Guangjun , Abdul Sajan , Goldenberg Andrew A.
Published: June 2007

A major technical challenge in controlling modular and reconfigurable robots is associated with the kinematics and dynamic model uncertainties caused by reconfiguration. In parallel, conventional model uncertainties such as uncompensated joint friction still persist. This paper presents a modular distributed control technique for modular and reconfigurable robots that can instantly adapt to robot reconfigurations. Under the proposed control method that is based on joint torque sensing, a modular and reconfigurable robot is stabilized joint by joint, and modules can be added or removed without the need to adjust control parameters of the other modules of the robot. Model uncertainties associated with link and payload masses are compensated using joint torque sensor measurement. The remaining model uncertainties, including uncompensated dynamic coupling and joint friction, are compensated by a decomposition-based robust controller. Simulation results have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Incidence and completeness of notification of Legionnaires' disease in The Netherlands: covariate capture–recapture analysis acknowledging regional differences
Authors: VAN HEST N. A. H. , HOEBE C. J. P. A. , DEN BOER J. W. , VERMUNT J. K. , IJZERMAN E. P. F. , BOERSMA W. G. , RICHARDUS J. H.
Published: June 2007

To estimate incidence and completeness of notification of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in The Netherlands in 2000 and 2001, we performed a capture–recapture analysis using three registers: Notifications, Laboratory results and Hospital admissions. After record-linkage, 373 of the 780 LD patients identified were notified. Ascertained under-notification was 52·2%. Because of expected and observed regional differences in the incidence rate of LD, alternatively to conventional log-linear capture–recapture models, a covariate (region) capture–recapture model, not previously used for estimating infectious disease incidence, was specified and estimated 886 LD patients (95% confidence interval 827–1022). Estimated under-notification was 57·9%. Notified, ascertained and estimated average annual incidence rates of LD were 1·15, 2·42 and 2·77/100 000 inhabitants respectively, with the highest incidence in the southern region of The Netherlands. Covariate capture–recapture analysis acknowledging regional differences of LD incidence appears to reduce bias in the estimated national incidence rate.