bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abwesenheit‐Schweigen‐Tötung: Die Möglichkei‐ten der Frau? Lessings Funktionalisierung litera‐rischer Klischees
Authors: Wurst Karin A.
Published: August 2007

Die relative Abwesenheit und Einflußlosigkeit der Frau im Drama des achtzehnten Jahrhunderts ist ein von bestimmten Gattungs‐erwägungen geprägtes Klischee von dem Lessing sich, trotz schein‐barer Übernahme, in seinem Subtext distanziert. Die Arbeit rekon‐struiert zunächst das Frauenbild als ideale Repräsentation des zeitgenössischen bürgerlichen Tugendverständnisses mit seiner emanzipatorisch verstandenen privaten Innerlichkeit. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden die möglichen Gründe fuUr die Ausklamme‐rung der Frau als Verkörperung dieses Ideals erwogen. Um der Idealität willen, so meine These, sind die gesellschaftlichen Realitä‐ten, so auch die Arbeit der Frau an diesem tugendhaften Humani‐tätsideal, ausgegrenzt. Als Textgrundlagen dienen Der junge Ge‐lehrte, Der Misogyn, Die Juden, Miss Sara Sampson und Emilia Galotti. Im Laufe seiner Entwicklung als Dramatiker distanziert sich Lessing in zunehmendem MaBe von diesem die Konfliktträch‐tigkeit des Humanitätsideals der Privatsphäre ignorierenden Klischee der Abwesenheit der Frau. Es geht ihm immer weniger um die Übernahme und die Darstellung eines bestimmten Werte‐systems als vielmehr um dessen Problematisierung. Mit seiner Funktionalisierung der Klischees stellt Lessing deren inhärentes Konfliktpotential dar. E.st durch seine kritische Differenzierung der Konventionalitat kann eine sinnvolle Revision ermöglicht werden.
Alice in Wonderland and Utopia
Authors: Hadomi Leah , Elbaz Robert
Published: August 2007

In this paper we study the ways in which Alice in Wonderland simultaneously reaffirms and transgresses the Utopian structure through the consideration of the three basic productive modes of Utopia: the games, the language, and the dream which are essential to the Utopian generic structure as a whole. Alice, we claim, constitutes an insecure form on the very limits of the literary production, and as such, it hovers between sense and nonsense, repetition and difference.
The Biographical Mode in the Novels of Virginia Woolf
Authors: Saariluoma Liisa
Published: August 2007

Although Virginia Wooirs modernist novels abandon the plot and characterization of the traditional Victorian novel, they use and modify in different ways its biographical mode. Her modernist novels can be seen as a dialogue with this mode in that several of them follow it in their external framework or actual contents and even the rest of them deal with problems connected with it. Her interest in the biographical mode comes from her individualist way of looking at life: the only way in which we can give shape to life is by trying to form a whole of the experiences of the individual. In Jacob's Room, the biographical mode provides the external frame of the novel but this mode is hollowed out from within because the protagonist and his life are lacking in coherence. In her one‐day novel, Mrs Dalloway, the capturing of the wider perspective of the life and personality of the main character is achieved by a “tunnelling process.” In The Waves, the outer framework is the life‐time of six people who are all of the same age, but their life‐stories are not told; instead, their sense of living at various phases of their lives is vividly conveyed. The Years appears to be a family novel, but it is really the lives of the separate individuals which are the focus of attention in this novel.
Diderot, Falconet and the Theology of Art the Testimony of the Correspondence
Authors: Ages Arnold
Published: August 2007

The debate over Diderot's views about religion no longer causes dispute. By his middle years Diderot was no longer vacillating between agnosticism and atheism; he had opted for a strictly materialistic, atheistic view of the cosmos.

It is somewhat ironical therefore, that in his correspondence with the famous sculptor, Falconet, over the question of posterity and artistic fame, Diderot introduces a level of discourse which resonates with theological images and vocabulary.

In the argument with Falconet, who denigrated the idea of posthumous reward, Diderot constructs a secular eschatology, a kind of mirror image of the Judeo‐Christian vision which he uses in order to explain and justify artistic creativity.

Diderot's eschatology is, of course, terrestrial and is based on an optimism which is pre‐nuclear. His emphasis on the imperishable nature of artistic genius, however, is uncannily close to theological surmise about the immortality of the soul.

Perhaps the strongest argument in Diderot's arsenal is the view that the future rectifies the errors of the past. The great artist who suffers for his métier will be rehabilitated by the opinion of posterity. This idea dovetails with the bliss which the faithful will experience in paradise, despite the sufferings they endured on earth.
Narrative Situation in Tonomine Shosho monogatari
Authors: Miyake Lynne K.
Published: August 2007

This paper will discuss the development of a hybrid form of poetry and prose which became the norm of prose works in classical Japanese literature and the effect such prose and the abundance of epistles and dialogue had on the narrative structure of a tenth century tale, Tonomine Shosho monogatari (The Tale of the Lesser Captain of Tonomine). At first such narrative techniques seem to yield a narration in the first person. However, upon closer examination one realizes that it is not a first person narrative in the usual sense of the term. The narrator is not a well delieneated personality, let alone a character in the tale; she is a kind of “communal story‐telling persona,”“a voice of an undifferentiated narrative self,” placed in the text more out of linguistic necessity than aesthetic, authorial choice. An ever present persona, not even effaced when her characters are on stage, the narrator has her characters speak through her, using her voice, much as the ventriloquist “talks” for his doll. One scholar terms this unique narrative point of view, “the speaker's point of view,” for the narration seems to occur only from the perspective of a narrator who necessarily sees, participates in, or hears about the events, and whose perspective exhibits a psychological, conceptual, and perceptual uniformity with character, reader, and even author.
Antony and Cleopatra: A Mythological Perspective
Authors: MacKenzie Clayton G.
Published: August 2007

Several critics have sought to interpret Antony and Cleopatra as a mythological mirror of certain classical myth motifs and characters. The present paper argues that identifications with Hercules, Omphale, Juno, Venus and Mars, and with stories pertaining to them, are nuanced but not substantiated consistently in the play. In fact, Shakespeare presents us with mythological parallels that are deliberately undermined in order to delineate a movement away from a dour Roman perspective of the world and towards a fresh and vibrant world view. The new mythology emerges as a tenuous ideal, founded upon half truths and the imagination, but admirable in its celebration of a human bond of love independent of conventional Roman mythologies.
Le statut des Lettres portugaises dans les formes épistolaires du XVII siècle
Authors: Beaulieu Jean‐Philippe
Published: August 2007

Les Lettres portugaises de Guilleragues occupent une position historique des plus intéressantes puisque ce texte, publié en 1669, a grandement contribuéà imposer une nouvelle forme littéraire, le roman épistolaire, qui a connu une très nette popularité au siècle suivant. Lorsqu'on examine de pres ce groupe de cinq lettres amoureuses attribuées è une religieuse portugaise, on se rend compte qu'il s'y crée un nouvel équilibre des propriétés formelles de l'épistolarité. Au XV siècle et au début du XVII, les recueils épistolaires à caractere amoureux representaient souvent des exer‐cices rhétoriques moins préoccupés par la vraisemblance émotive que par l'adresse oratoire de l'eApistolier. Les véritables épitres amoureuses, quant à elles, étaient généralement considérées trop intimes pour ètre publiées. Les Lettres portugaises, grèce è la mobilité narrative et affective qui les caractérise, ont fait accéder l'expression du sentiment amoureux à un statut littéraire nouveau. Par son utilisation systématiquc de procédés narratifs soulignant la sincérité de l'expression, l'ouvrage de Guilleragues a ainsi parti‐cipé a l'établissement d'une nouvelle rhétorique de la passion, caractérisée par un équilibre dynamique entre les obligations de la bienséance et les besoins de l'authenticité.
Thomas Bernhards Korrektur. Ein Untergang
Authors: Jeutter Ralf
Published: August 2007

In diesem Artikel zu Thomas Bernhards 1975 erschienen Roman Korrektur sollen zwei methodische Anzatze zusammengefuhrt wer‐den, die in der Thomas Bernhard Forschung in Konflikt miteinan‐der stehen: Es wird behauptet, daß der Roman einerseits dem poetologischen Kernsatz Bernhards von der Kunstlichkeit alien Geschehens in seinen Biichern gerecht wird, indem er extrem selbstreferntiell ist, d.h. der Roman problematisiert auf vielen Ebenen den spezifischen Schreibprozess Thomas Bernhards. Auf der anderen Seite erlaubt es die interpretatorische Limitation auf diesen Aspekt nicht, das eigentliche Thema des Romans, namlich den Untergang Roithamers, zu deuten. Unter Verwendung eines psychologischen Ansatzes soil deutlich gemacht werden, daB dem individuellen Sprachgestus Bernhards eine spezifische psychische Befindlichkeit des Protagonisten Roithamers korreliert, die erkla‐ren kann, warum die in diesem Roman entwickelte Kunstutopie nicht realisiert werden kann.

Der Versuch Bernhards, den in der Korrektur etablierten Kunstkosmos gegen alle störenden Tendenzen von außen abzu‐schließen, weist dezidiert paranoische Tendenzen auf. Allerdings schließen sich diese Tendenzen nicht zu einem (Wahn‐) System, so daß der Kiinstler Roithamer am Ende an einem ästhetischen Absolutheitsanspruch scheitert, der von der modernen Kunst nicht mehr eingefordert werden kann.

Es ist jeweils die Welt des Dichters, die zugrunde geht, und zwar eine erdichtete Welt, die von vornher‐ein gezeichnet und zum Untergang bestimmt ist, ein Reich, das geschaffen ist, um zu vergehen, eine Welt des Verfalls und des Untergangs (H. Petriconi: Das Reich des Untergangs: Bemerkun‐gen über ein mythologisches Thema. Hoffmann & Campe, S. 15. (Hamburg 1958)
Bone healing in critical‐size defects treated with platelet‐rich plasma: a histologic and histometric study in rat calvaria
Authors: Messora M. R. , Nagata M. J. H. , Mariano R. C. , Dornelles R. C. M. , Bomfim S. R. M. , Fucini S. E. , Garcia V. G. , Bosco A. F.
Published: August 2007

Background and Objective:  The purpose of this study was to analyze histologically the influence of autologous platelet‐rich plasma on bone healing in surgically created critical‐size defects in rat calvaria.

Material and Methods:  Thirty‐two rats were divided into two groups: the control group (group C) and the platelet‐rich plasma group. An 8‐mm‐diameter critical‐size defect was created in the calvarium of each animal. In group C the defect was filled by a blood clot only. In the platelet‐rich plasma group, 0.35 mL of platelet‐rich plasma was placed in the defect and covered by 0.35 mL of platelet‐poor plasma. Both groups were divided into subgroups (n = 8) and killed at either 4 or 12 wk postoperatively. Histometric (using image‐analysis software) and histologic analyses were performed. The amount of new bone formed was calculated as a percentage of the total area of the original defect. Percentage data were transformed into arccosine for statistical analysis (analysis of variance, Tukey, p < 0.05).

Results:  No defect completely regenerated with bone. The platelet‐rich plasma group had a statistically greater amount of bone formation than group C at both 4 wk (17.68% vs. 7.20%, respectively) and 12 wk (24.69% vs. 11.65%, respectively) postoperatively.

Conclusion:  Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that platelet‐rich plasma placed in the defects and covered by platelet‐poor plasma significantly enhanced bone healing in critical‐size defects in rat calvaria.
Melatonin protects against common deletion of mitochondrial DNA‐augmented mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Jou Mei‐Jie , Peng Tsung‐I , Yu Pai‐Zu , Jou Shuo‐Bin , Reiter Russel J. , Chen Jin‐Yi , Wu Hong‐Yueh , Chen Chih‐Chun , Hsu Lee‐Fen
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Defected mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC), in addition to causing a severe ATP deficiency, often augments reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in mitochondria (mROS) which enhances pathological conditions and diseases. Previously, we demonstrated a potent endogenously RC defect‐augmented mROS associated dose‐dependently with a commonly seen large‐scale deletion of 4977 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), i.e. the common deletion (CD). As current treatments for CD‐associated diseases are rather supplementary and ineffective, we investigated whether melatonin, a potential mitochondrial protector, provides beneficial protection for CD‐augmented mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis particularly upon the induction of a secondary oxidative stress. Detailed mechanistic investigations were performed by using laser scanning dual fluorescence imaging microscopy to provide precise spatial and temporal resolution of mitochondrial events at single cell level. We demonstrate, for the first time, that melatonin significantly prevents CD‐augmented mROS formation under basal conditions as well as at early time‐points upon secondary oxidative stress induced by H2O2 exposure. Thus, melatonin prevents mROS‐mediated depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and subsequent opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and cytochrome c release. Moreover, melatonin prevents depletion of cardiolipin which appears to be crucial for postponing later MPTP opening, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane and apoptosis. Finally, the protection provided by melatonin is superior to those caused by the suppression of mitochondrial Ca2+ regulators including the mitochondrial Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger, the MPTP, and the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter and by antioxidants including vitamin E and mitochondria‐targeted coenzyme Q, MitoQ. As RC defect‐augmented endogenous mitochondrial oxidative stress is centrally involved in a variety of pathological conditions and diseases, melatonin thus may serve as a therapeutic drug to benefit many clinical conditions that involve malfunction of the mitochondria.
Intracellular Trafficking of PseudomonasExoS, a Type III Cytotoxin
Authors: Deng Qing , Zhang Yue , Barbieri Joseph T.
Published: August 2007

Pseudomonas aeruginosaExoS is a bifunctional type III cytotoxin that disrupts Ras‐ and Rho‐signaling pathways in mammalian cells. A hydrophobic region (residues 51–77, termed the membrane localization domain) targets ExoS to the plasma membrane (PM) and late endosomes of host cells. In the current study, metabolic inhibitors and dominant‐negative proteins that disrupt known vesicle‐trafficking pathways were used to define the intracellular trafficking of ExoS. Release of ExoS from PM was independent of dynamin and ADP ribosylation factor 6 but inhibited by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, a cholesterol‐depleting reagent, and perinuclear localization of ExoS was disrupted by nocodazole. p50 dynamitin, a dynein inhibitor partially disrupted perinuclear localization of ExoS. Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and nocodazole inhibited the ability of type‐III‐delivered ExoS to ADP‐ribosylated Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum‐resident Ras. Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin also relocated ExoS from the perinuclear region to the PM, indicating that ExoS can cycle through anterograde as well as through retrograde trafficking pathways. These findings show that ExoS endocytosis is cholesterol dependent, and it utilizes host microtubules, for intracellular trafficking. Understanding how type III cytotoxins enter and traffic within mammalian cells may identify new targets for therapeutic intervention of gram‐negative bacterial pathogens.
Growth Control of Golgi Phosphoinositides by Reciprocal Localization of Sac1 Lipid Phosphatase and Pik1 4‐Kinase
Authors: Faulhammer Frank , Kanjilal‐Kolar Suparna , Knödler Andreas , Lo Jennifer , Lee Yerim , Konrad Gerlinde , Mayinger Peter
Published: August 2007

Compartment‐specific control of phosphoinositide lipids is essential for cell function. The Sac1 lipid phosphatase regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate [PI(4)P] in response to nutrient levels and cell growth stages. During exponential growth, Sac1p interacts with Dpm1p at the ER but shuttles to the Golgi during starvation. Here, we report that a C‐terminal region in Sac1p is required for retention in the perinuclear ER, whereas the N‐terminal domain is responsible for Golgi localization. We also show that starvation‐induced shuttling of Sac1p to the Golgi depends on the coat protein complex II and the Rer1 adaptor protein. Starvation‐induced shuttling of Sac1p to the Golgi specifically eliminates a pool of PI(4)P generated by the lipid kinase Pik1p. In addition, absence of nutrients leads to a rapid dissociation of Pik1p, together with its non‐catalytical subunit Frq1p, from Golgi membranes. Reciprocal rounds of association/dissociation of the Sac1p lipid phosphatase and the Pik1p/Frq1p lipid kinase complex are responsible for growth‐dependent control of Golgi phosphoinositides. Sac1p and Pik1p/Frq1p are therefore elements of a unique machinery that synchronizes ER and Golgi function in response to different growth conditions.
Side effects of HIV therapy
Authors: Esser Stefan , Helbig Doris , Hillen Uwe , Dissemond Joachim , Grabbe Stephan
Published: August 2007

The use of highly active effective antiretroviral therapies (ART) has dramatically decreased the morbidity and mortality of the HIV infection. Over 20 anti‐retroviral substances are available in four different classes. Side effects of HIV therapy are common and may influence the prognosis, as the medications are required lifelong for the still incurable infection. ART‐associated allergic reactions, lipodystrophy syndrome and immune reconstitution syndrome are side effects frequently seen by dermatologists. Exanthems are challenging as drug reactions must be separated from immune reconstitution, syphilis and viral exanthems and then the causative agent must be identified from a long list of medications. Non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors typically cause allergic exanthems. Mitochondrial toxicity caused by nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors is responsible for lipoatrophy and fatty changes in the liver. Protease inhibitors cause diarrhea, abnormalities of glucose and fat metabolism and lipohypertrophy. Before other medications or surgical measures are undertaken to address side effects of ART, the regimen should be adjusted to include alternative but equally effective agents.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis: Clinical report of two cases and review of the recent literature
Authors: Valesky Eva Maria , Thaçi Diamant , Meissner Markus , Beier Christian , Wolter Manfred , Schöfer Helmut , Kaufmann Roland
Published: August 2007

With 1–1.5 million cases reported every year cutaneous leishmaniasis represents an increasing health problem. The course of cutaneous leishmaniasis varies from a single self‐healing ulcer to a persistent ulcer or progressive mucosal disease with nasopharyngeal destruction. An enormous array of topical and systemic treatment modalities has been endorsed. The response to treatment depends on the species of parasite as well as the host's immunological and genetic status. Species‐specific treatment guidelines based on evidence from controlled studies are highly desirable. We present two cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, one in a child and one during pregnancy, reviewing various diagnostic and therapeutic measures with special attention to problems in young and pregnant patients.
A woman with a dangling digit
Authors: Roesch Alexander , Kinner Bernd , Schaechinger Ulrich , Obermann Ellen C. , Landthaler Michael , Hohenleutner Ulrich
Published: August 2007

Ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea) is a distinct clinical and radiological disorder of dark‐skinned people characterized by a progressive development of a constricting band encircling the toe which usually results in spontaneous amputation. Ainhum mainly occurs in African natives, but in times of global migration and tourism, Ainhum is likely to be more often encountered outside Africa. Even though the clinical presentation can mimic more common entities such as arthritis and trauma, the correct diagnosis and treatment is easy if one knows this unusual entity.
Embolia cutis medicamentosa following subcutaneous injection of glatiramer acetate
Authors: Harde Viola , Schwarz Thomas
Published: August 2007

Embolia cutis medicamentosa (ECM) is a rare side effect observed primarily after intramuscular injections. It is associated with localized, sometimes extensive necrosis of the skin. Reflex vasospasm induced by the injection trauma may be etiologically involved. It is a potentially serious reaction which is little influenced by which drug is injected. A patient developed typical ECM after subcutaneous selfinjection of glatiramer acetate for multiple sclerosis. This case is remarkable since 1) ECM developed after subcutaneous and not after intramuscular injection, 2) the injection was given by the patient himself, and 3) glatiramer acetate can induce skin necrosis as a side effect. ECM can be easily differentiated from the latter by its typical clinical features.
Diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor lesions
Authors: Driemel Oliver , Kunkel Martin , Hullmann Markus , Eggeling Ferdinand von , Müller‐Richter Urs , Kosmehl Hartwig , Reichert Torsten E.
Published: August 2007

Improvement of survival rate and quality of life after treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma as well as cost reduction requires reliable early diagnosis of the tumor and its precursor lesions. Four different screening methods are primarily employed: toluidine blue staining (visually detected lesions: sensitivity 70–100%, specificity 25–67%), photodynamic diagnosis (sensitivity 94–99%, specificity 60–89%), autofluorescence (no data published so far) and modern oral cytology (sensitivity 80%,specificity 95–100%).Additional analytic procedures such automated image analysis, DNA image cytometry and immunocytochemistry can be used to enhance the low sensitivity of conventional oral cytology.While these methods have achieved sensitivity and specificity approaching 100%, the studies involved clearly‐defined entities such as large oral squamous cell carcinomas and aphthae. The modern and methodenhanced oral cytology is a simple, value‐based and inexpensive tool for early diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor lesions. Surgical biopsy and histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.
Anaphylactic reaction to lupine flour
Authors: Brennecke Sabine , Becker Wolf‐Meinhard , Lepp Ute , Jappe Uta
Published: August 2007

Roasted lupine seeds have been used as snack food in Mediterranean countries for years. Since the 1990s, lupine flour has been used as a substitute for or additive to other flours in countries of the European Union; usually the amount is so low that no declaration is required. Since 1994, a number of cases of immediate‐type allergy to lupine flour‐containing products have been published. A 52‐year‐old woman developed facial and mucosal edema, followed by dizziness and shortness of breath a few minutes after ingestion of a nut croissant con‐taining lupine flour; she required emergency care. Allergy diagnostic tests revealed a total IgE of 116 kU/l, a highly elevated concentration of IgE specific for lupine seed (42.9 kU/l) and birch pollen IgE of 2.57 kU/l. Skin prick test with native lupine flour was strongly positive. Allergy against lupine seeds may develop de novo or via cross‐reactivity to legumes, particularly peanuts, the latter being detectable in up to 88% of cases, founded on a strong sequence similarity between lupine and peanut allergens. In our patient, no cross‐reactivity could be detected via immunoblotting, indicating a rare monovalent sensitization to lupine flour. Treatment consists of avoidance of lupine flour‐containing products. Patients with proven peanut allergy should also avoid lupine flour because of the major risk of cross‐reaction.
Cost‐effectiveness of psoriasis therapy with etanercept in Germany
Authors: Heinen‐Kammerer Tatjana , Daniel Dietmar , Stratmann Lioba , Rychlik Reinhard , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning
Published: August 2007

Background: We estimated the cost‐effectiveness of intermittent therapy with etanercept in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis in comparison to non‐systemic therapy in Germany.

Patients and Methods: We performed a cost‐utility analysis using the endpoint costs per quality‐adjusted life year gained (costs/QALY). For this purpose, we adapted a UK‐based Markov model by means of resource use data that we derived from a German cost study. Efficacy data, information on frequency of adverse events and changes in quality of life were derived from three pooled clinical trials. We extrapolated the further course of the disease and its treatment over a 10 year course.

Results: For patients with an initial Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) > 10 and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) > 10 the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for etanercept compared to non‐systemic therapy was 45,491 €/QALY. For patients with PASI and DLQI > 15 costs/QALY were 32,058 € and among patients with severe plaque psoriasis (DLQI and PASI > 20) 18,154 € .

Conclusions: According to internationally accepted levels of cost‐effectiveness thresholds, the intermittent treatment of (moderate to) severe plaque‐type psoriasis with etanercept is a cost‐effective measure within the German healthcare system.
Phosphorylation modulates the local conformation and self‐aggregation ability of a peptide from the fourth tau microtubule‐binding repeat
Authors: Du Jin‐Tang , Yu Chun‐Hui , Zhou Lian‐Xiu , Wu Wei‐Hui , Lei Peng , Li Yong , Zhao Yu‐Fen , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: August 2007

Phosphorylation of tau protein modulates both its physiological role and its aggregation into paired helical fragments, as observed in Alzheimer's diseased neurons. It is of fundamental importance to study paired helical fragment formation and its modulation by phosphorylation. This study focused on the fourth microtubule‐binding repeat of tau, encompassing an abnormal phosphorylation site, Ser356. The aggregation propensities of this repeat peptide and its corresponding phosphorylated form were investigated using turbidity, thioflavin T fluorescence and electron microscopy. There is evidence for a conformational change in the fourth microtubule‐binding repeat of tau peptide upon phosphorylation, as well as changes in aggregation activity. Although both tau peptides have the ability to aggregate, this is weaker in the phosphorylated peptide. This study reveals that both tau peptides are capable of self‐aggregation and that phosphorylation at Ser356 can modulate this process.
Prospective evaluation of cognitive function in patients with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: RUZICH Michelle , RYAN Brigid , OWEN Cathy , DELAHUNTY Anne , STUART‐HARRIS Robin
Published: August 2007

Aim:  To assess cognitive function prospectively in women with early breast cancer before, during and after the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods:  Between May 2000 and November 2001, 35 assessable patients were entered into the study. Thirty‐one received oral cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil (CMF) and four received epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by CMF ((cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil)). Testing consisted of the completion of a battery of neuropsychological and psychological inventories and was performed prior to chemotherapy and repeated after 3 (n = 31) and 6 months (n = 30) of chemotherapy and also 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy (n = 27).

Results:  Prior to chemotherapy a proportion of the patients already exhibited some evidence of impairment of cognitive function. However, on completion of chemotherapy, the neuropsychological scores for short‐term verbal memory and verbal learning were significantly lower than prior to, or 6 months after chemotherapy. In all other domains, cognitive function either remained constant or even appeared to improve. Symptom scales showed that fatigue, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhea were worst half way through the chemotherapy. Quality of life scales indicated that functioning was best after completion of chemotherapy.

Conclusion:  Patients with early breast cancer may have impaired cognitive function before chemotherapy. Although transient deteriorations in verbal memory and verbal learning were observed on completion of chemotherapy, overall, cognitive function did not decline. It is likely that practice effects influenced our findings.
Effect of vitamin E on chemotherapy‐induced mucositis and neutropenia in leukemic patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation
Authors: GHOREISHI Zohreh , SHIDFAR Farzad , IRAVANI Masoud , ESFAHANI Ali , GHAVAMZADEH Ardeshir
Published: August 2007

Aim:  This study was conducted to investigate the effect of oral vitamin E on mucositis and neutropenia in patients with leukemia.

Methods:  This was a randomized double‐blind placebo controlled clinical trial of 60 patients with leukemia (acute lymphoblastic, acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia) who were consecutive recipients of allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), randomly assigned to receive 400 mg vitamin E twice daily (supplemented group) or placebo (control). The incidence and severity of mucositis and the mean duration of neutropenia were compared.

Results:  The mean duration of neutropenia and the incidence of the mucositis between the two groups was the same (P = 1.0). The difference between the placebo group and mucositis grade 1 (P = 0.31), grade 2 (P = 0.25), grade 3 (P = 0.93) and grade 4 (P = 0.32) was not statistically significant. Moreover the variables of age, sex, BMI and underlying disease had no effect.

Conclusion:  In this study supplementation with oral vitamin E had no effect on mucositis and neutropenia in patients with leukemia who were recipients of allogenic BMT. More interventional trials are warranted.
Coordinate confusion in conformal cosmology
Authors: Lewis Geraint F. , Francis Matthew J. , Barnes Luke A. , James J. Berian
Published: August 2007

A straightforward interpretation of standard Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) cosmologies is that objects move apart because of the expansion of space, and that sufficiently distant galaxies must be receding at velocities exceeding the speed of light. Recently, however, it has been suggested that a simple transformation into conformal coordinates can remove superluminal recession velocities, and hence the concept of the expansion of space should be abandoned. This work demonstrates that such conformal transformations do not eliminate superluminal recession velocities for open or flat matter-only FLRW cosmologies, and all possess superluminal expansion. Hence the attack on the concept of the expansion of space based on this is poorly founded. This work concludes by emphasizing that the expansion of space is perfectly valid in the general relativistic framework; however, asking the question of whether space really expands is a futile exercise.
J0316+4328: a probable ‘asymmetric double’ lens
Authors: Boyce E. R. , Myers S. T. , Browne I. W. A. , Stroman W. J. , Jackson N. J.
Published: August 2007

We report a probable gravitational lens J0316+4328, one of 19 candidate asymmetric double lenses (two images at a high flux density ratio) from CLASS. Observations with the Very Large Array (VLA), MERLIN and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) imply that J0316+4328 is a lens with high confidence. It has two images separated by 0.40 arcsec, with 6-GHz flux densities of 62 mJy and 3.2 mJy. The flux density ratio of ∼19 (constant over the frequency range 6–22 GHz) is the largest for any two-image gravitational lens. High-resolution optical imaging and deeper VLBI maps should confirm the lensing interpretation and provide inputs to detailed lens models. The unique configuration will give strong constraints on the lens galaxy's mass profile.
GLUTEN QUALITY PREDICTION AND CORRELATION STUDIES IN SPRING WHEATS
Authors: PASHA IMRAN , ANJUM FAQIR MUHAMMAD , BUTT MASOOD SADIQ , SULTAN JAVED IQBAL
Published: August 2007

Gluten, “cohesive, viscoelastic, proteinaceous material prepared as a by‐product of the starch isolation from wheat flour” and the storage and dough‐forming protein of wheat flour, is the key to the unique ability of wheat to suit the production of leavened products. Wet gluten was only affected by wheat varieties, while dry gluten was affected by wheat varieties, crop years and their interaction. The wet and dry gluten ranged 8.0–43.13% and 2.58–14.55%, respectively, and were positively correlated with Zeleny value, sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation value and falling number. The gluten content was higher in Pavon, SA 42 and Faisalabad 85, while Zeleny value was higher in GA 02 and C 518, resulting in better gluten quality. Zeleny value was negatively correlated with crude protein content (r = –0.1857*). The lowest amount of wet and dry gluten was detected in Triticale and durum wheats as compared to common wheats. Zeleny value and sedimentation value may be used as indicators of gluten content and quality while working on wheats. The information thus collected will be valuable for cereal chemists and wheat breeders for improvements in their future breeding programs.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research work will be a breakthrough and helpful for wheat breeders, growers, millers and bakers for their intended uses as every consumer demand specific wheat quality characteristics for their end products.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND PACKAGING FILM ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF FRESH‐CUT SWEET POTATOES
Authors: ERTURK ELIF , PICHA DAVID H.
Published: August 2007

Fresh‐cut sweet potato slices were packaged in low (PD900), medium (PD961) and high permeability (PD941) film bags and stored at 2 or 8C for 14 days. Weight loss of slices stored at 8C was twofold greater than at 2C. Weight loss was significantly higher in slices packaged with PD941 film bags than other film bags. The type of packaging bag did not significantly affect the carbohydrate composition or nutritional content of the slices during storage. Dry matter and alcohol‐insoluble solids (AIS) and mineral content decreased, but fructose, sucrose, total sugar and total carotenoid content increased during storage. The increases in sugars and decrease in AIS content were higher at 8C than at 2C. Glucose and crude protein content was not affected by storage temperature and duration and film bag type.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

“The demand for fresh‐cut sweet potato products is significantly increasing in the U.S., in both retail and foodservice markets. Consumers are placing increasing importance on the nutritional quality of food products in making their purchasing decisions. Therefore, the information pertaining to the composition of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes is of commercial importance. This manuscript also provides practical information on the appropriate semi‐permeable polymeric film bag and holding temperature for optimum fresh‐cut sweet potato quality. The use of optimum modified atmosphere packaging material and maintenance of proper storage temperature is critical in influencing edible quality and nutritional composition of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes. Commercial foodservice firms targeting fresh‐cut sweet potatoes as a convenience food will potentially benefit from the information in this manuscript.”
SHELF LIFE OF MEAT FROM PODOLIAN YOUNG BULLS IN RELATION TO THE AGING METHOD
Authors: BRAGHIERI A. , GIROLAMI A. , CIFUNI G.F. , RIVIEZZI A.M. , PACELLI C. , NAPOLITANO F.
Published: August 2007

In order to achieve an adequate level of tenderness while reducing chilling and technological losses, the effect of two aging methods (on the carcass or under vacuum packaging) on the shelf life (5‐day retail display) of meat from eight Podolian young bulls (16–18 months old) was assessed. Most of the recorded variables were not affected by the interaction aging method × time of display (P > 0.05). These results indicate that the shelf life of meat from Podolian cattle was not influenced by the aging method. In both aging methods, redness a* increased after 1 day of display and subsequently decreased (P < 0.001). Lipid oxidation and total aerobic mesophilic count increased significantly during retail display (P < 0.001). We concluded that vacuum packaging may be conveniently used for the maturation of primal cuts from Podolian carcasses to save energy and space, and prevent chilling and technological losses.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The aging under vacuum of individual bovine primal cuts can save energy and space as well as prevent chilling and technological losses generally occurring when meat is aged on carcass. This method had no negative effects on meat shelf life. Thus, it may be conveniently used to apply sufficiently extended maturation periods to the meat, which are needed to increase tenderness to a level, which is not prejudicial to product acceptability.
WAVELENGTH SELECTION FOR PREDICTING PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF APPLE FRUIT BASED ON NEAR‐INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: QING Z. , JI B. , ZUDE M.
Published: August 2007

Instrumental evaluation tools for fruit quality monitoring are important in the production and postharvest processes as well as in marketing. In the present study, near‐infrared spectroscopy (600–1,100 nm) was applied to study the correlation with fruit soluble solid content (SSC ), fruit flesh firmness and water content of apples (cv. “Fuji”). Genetic algorithm and correlation coefficient (r) method were used to select the most sensitive wavelength combinations, and partial least squares regression analysis was applied to calibrate fruit quality parameter. The validation of models based on the most sensitive wavelengths gave good predictions with an r value of 0.94 and a standard error of cross validation (SECV) of 0.85°Brix for SSC; r = 0.89 and SECV = 7.54 N/cm2 for firmness; and r = 0.96 and SECV = 0.92% for water content. The reduced data set of sensitive wavelengths were found feasible for predicting internal fruit quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Soluble solid content, firmness and water content are important quality attributes of apples. A nondestructive measurement technique will be valuable for monitoring and sorting apple fruit so that high quality, uniform fresh products can be delivered to the marketplace. In the present study, fruit analyses using the entire near‐infrared fruit spectra or a reduced data set of sensitive wavelengths were compared. The results demonstrate that the selected combinations of sensitive wavelengths were feasible for measuring apple quality properties. The recent research findings provide researchers and instrumentation engineers with information on the performance of different methods to select appropriate wavelengths for reducing the amount of data, e.g., in developing portable or online sensing systems.
“DELICIOUS PILAFA” APPLE DENSITY CHANGES AS A QUALITY INDEX OF MASS LOSS DEGRADATION DURING STORAGE
Authors: MITROPOULOS D. , LAMBRINOS G.
Published: August 2007

Since many years, the mass density of many agricultural products has been used as a quality‐sorting criterion, and automatic machines have been developed for that purpose. According to the literature, apple flesh density seems to be related to flesh stiffness, but this behavior is not common among all cultivars. However, there is a lack of information on the evolution of apple density during storage.

This study aims to investigate changes of “Delicious Pilafa” apple density during storage. Fruits have been preserved at 0, 10 and 16C. Experiments have been repeated for three successive storage periods. Linear equations between density and mass loss have been developed for two ranges of storage temperatures, 0–10C and 10–16C. Moreover, an efficient multifactor linear equation that relates density to storage time and mass loss has also been calculated.

“Delicious Pilafa” apples are characterized by a high mass loss rate during storage. Thus, the relationships developed in this study could be useful for quality assessment of stored fruits according to their mass loss.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Mass loss of “Delicious pilafa” apple during storage can be estimated via fruit density and storage time using the developed equations that refers to a variety of storage conditions. Fruit density can be easily measured as well as storage time can be accurately estimated at a certain moment of storage.

Such mass loss correlation is important for “Delicious pilafa” apples, characterized from high mass loss rates during storage and thus this prediction procedure could be very useful as an objective quality criterion during storage.

Equations that relate mass loss and storage time with fruit density could be also useful for the estimation of fruit's volume. This is particularly important for respiration rate measurements, where fruits volume is required. Using such relations the estimation of volume is feasible only with weighting and without immersing fruits in water that could affect respiration activity and favor spoilage development.
CHANGES IN APPARENT VISCOSITY AND VITAMIN C RETENTION DURING THERMAL TREATMENT OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH (CUCURBITA MOSCHATA DUCH) PULP: EFFECT OF RIPENING STAGE
Authors: ROURA S.I. , DEL VALLE C.E. , AGUERO L. , DAVIDOVICH L.A.
Published: August 2007

The effects that ripening stage have on the apparent viscosity and ascorbic acid retention in squash pulp exposed at cooking process were analyzed. Total soluble solids contents were taken as indicative of ripening degree. In the raw material, water contents ranged from 79 to 96%, but no significant differences were observed among samples grouped as unripe, ripe and overripe.

The ascorbic acid contents of pulp increase with increases in soluble solids contents. Pulp from unripe and ripe squash had similar apparent viscosity values; however, lower viscosity values were obtained in pulp from overripe squash.

During heat treatment, significant changes in the apparent viscosity values of pulp from unripe and ripe squash were observed. Heat penetration properties of squash pulp indicate correlation between the inverse slope of the straight portion in the heat penetration curves on a semilog plot (fh) and thermal diffusivity values (α) with dry matter content, but no correlation was found with squash maturity degree. High ascorbic acid retention (82%) in pulp held for 30 min at 95C was found independently of squash maturation degree.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Knowing the rheological behaviour and the ascorbic acid retention of butternut squash pulp during cooking process could be used as a valuable information previously to make decisions for use this crop as a food supply.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND NUTRACEUTICAL ANALYSIS TO ENHANCE THE VALUE OF DRIED FRUIT
Authors: THRELFALL RENEE , MORRIS JUSTIN , MEULLENET JEAN‐FRANCOIS
Published: August 2007

Value‐added fruit products suitable for production by small‐scale farmers and processors were developed and evaluated. Apples, blueberries, peaches and strawberries from local growers were processed into a dried fruit product. The total phenolics, total anthocyanins and oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) were determined. Drying the fruit concentrated total phenolics, total anthocyanins and ORAC levels as compared to fresh fruit. The nutraceutical components of the blueberries, peaches and strawberries of the local dried fruit were higher than those of commercial dried fruit purchased at a natural food store. The dried fruit from both the local and commercial fruits was used to create a fruit pie filling for consumer evaluation. Consumer acceptance of fruit pie filling from dried fruit grown locally and dried commercial fruits was evaluated using a 9‐point verbal hedonic scale and a 5‐point Just About Right scale. In terms of consumer evaluation, the pie fillings made from local dried fruits were either better or at parity with those from commercial products. In addition to the nutraceutical benefits, the pie fillings were consumer acceptable products that could represent an avenue for small‐scale farmers to add value to surplus fruit.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Complete utilization of fruit crops is a key component to the success of small farm operations. Excess fruit crops can be dried (or processed in other manners) and used to create many value‐added products. Increased consumer awareness of healthy food products provides a niche market for these fruit products. In this research, the nutraceutical benefits of fresh and dried apples, blueberries, peaches and strawberries were investigated and the consumer overall acceptance of a pie filling produced from these dried fruit was shown.
AN ASSESSMENT OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF A RICE GROWING COMMUNITY AND ASSOCIATED CANCER RISK
Authors: FRENCH JOHN A. , CECH IRINA
Published: August 2007

A study to assess possible exposure to carcinogenic metabolites (aflatoxins) from a mold Aspergillus flavus has been conducted in a rice producing area of Brazoria County, Texas. One hundred samples of unmilled rice were analyzed by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) for the amount of aflatoxin produced by the mold during rice growth and storage. Two well water samples and two rice elevator dust samples were also checked for possible aflatoxin content. The cancer mortality rates (gastrointestinal and urinary tracts cancers) in the rice‐growing and nonrice‐growing areas of the same county were compared.

No aflatoxin was detected by TLC methods in rice, rice dusts or water samples. When extracts of rice dusts were checked for mutagenesis by the Ames Salmonella assay as a supplement to the TLC analysis, the results suggested that these dusts might have contained mutagenic material. This observation notwithstanding, we found no evidence that the rice produced in the studied part of the Gulf Coast had a problem of aflatoxin contamination. Also, cancer mortality rates for two major organ systems were not found to differ for rice‐producing and nonrice‐producing areas of rural Brazoria County.