bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing species and community functional responses to environmental gradients: which multivariate methods?
Authors: Kleyer Michael , Dray Stéphane , Bello Francescode , Lepš Jan , Pakeman Robin J. , Strauss Barbara , Thuiller Wilfried , Lavorel Sandra
Published: March 2012

Question

How do multivariate methods perform in relating species‐ and community‐level trait responses to the environment?

Location

(1) Field data from grazed semi‐natural grasslands, NE Germany; (2) artificial data.

Methods

Research questions associated with trait–environment relationships were briefly reviewed and seven available methods evaluated. The main distinction between research questions is whether trait–environment relationships should be addressed at community or species level. A redundancy analysis (RDA) of mean trait values of species in a plot weighted by their abundances (CWM‐RDA) is exclusively suitable for the community level. The other six methods address the species level. A double inertia analysis of two arrays (RLQ) and double canonical correspondence analysis (doubleCCA) use combinations of ordinations to simultaneously analyse species and trait responses to the environment. A combination of the outlying mean index with generalized additive models (OMI‐GAM) predicts the response of species to environmental variables on trait gradients.RDA‐RegTree first analyses species responses to the environment withRDAand then uses a regression tree to classify trait expressions according to scores of species responses on the ordination axes. Cluster regression uses cluster analyses and logistic regression to search for trait combinations with the best response to the environmental variables. This method models the distribution of functional groups on environmental gradients. All methods and data are available as R scripts.

Results

All methods consistently revealed the main trait responses to environment in the field data set, namely that life history was associated with available phosphorus while grazing intensity was related to leafC:Nratio and canopy height. At community level,CWM‐RDAgave a good overview of trait–environment relationships, as also provided by the species‐based methodsRLQand doubleCCA.OMI‐GAMrevealed non‐linear relationships in the field data set. Field and artificial data gave that the number and stability of functional groups produced byCluster regression andRDA‐RegTree varied more strongly thanRLQ, doubleCCAandOMI‐GAM.

Conclusions

Each method addresses particular ecological concepts and research questions. If a user asks for the response of average trait expressions of communities to environmental gradients,CWM‐RDAmay be the first choice. However, species‐based methods should be applied to address questions regarding co‐existence of different life histories or to assess how groups of species respond to environmental changes. The artificial data set revealed that the methods differed in sensitivity to gradient lengths and random data.
Is foliar flammability of woody species related to time since fire and herbivory in northwest Patagonia, Argentina?
Authors: Blackhall Melisa , Raffaele Estela , Veblen Thomas T.
Published: March 2012

Question

In northwest Patagonia burning of fire‐resistant forests creates a community‐level positive feedback towards increased fire occurrence because of successional replacement by fire‐prone shrublands. We hypothesize that variability in plant traits related to time since last fire and to herbivory by cattle may affect foliar flammability, thus providing a flammability‐promoting mechanism operating at the level of individual plants. We examine how plant foliar traits affecting flammability vary across species and at sites recovering from recent fires (<15 yr) vs sites not affected by fire for > 50 yr, both in the presence and absence of cattle.

Location

Nahuel Huapi National Park, northwest Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

We measured four foliar traits expected to affect flammability: leaf moisture, leaf size, specific leaf area and leaf strength, and conducted tests of ignitability (time to ignition and duration of combustion) on leaves of six common tall shrub and small tree species: non‐palatable Lomatia hirsuta and Diostea juncea, moderately palatable Nothofagus antarctica and Schinus patagonicus and highly palatable Maytenus boaria and Ribes magellanicum. We used ANOVA and PCA to examine potential relationships among species flammability traits, time since fire and presence or absence of cattle.

Results

At plant level, variability in flammability‐related foliar properties is strongly and consistently related to time since last fire, whereas effects of cattle are more variable across species and treatments. In comparison with unburned forests, the dominant woody species at shrubland sites showed reduced leaf moisture, leaf size and specific leaf area. Under pressure from cattle, N. antarctica, one of the most important woody species in these shrublands, showed changes in some foliar traits expected to enhance flammability (e.g. shorter time to ignition) but overall the influence of cattle on flammability was not consistent.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates that plant foliar traits vary between recently burned and unburned sites, and that these variations may enhance foliar flammability in shrubland communities.
Investments in Marriage and Cohabitation: The Role of Legal and Interpersonal Commitment
Authors: Poortman Anne‐Rigt , Mills Melinda
Published: March 2012

Cohabiters have been shown to invest less in their relationship than married couples. This study investigated the role of legal and interpersonal commitment by examining heterogeneity within marital and cohabiting unions. Going beyond the dichotomy of cohabitation versus marriage, different union types were distinguished by their level of legal and interpersonal commitment, followed by an assessment of their association with joint investments (specialization, having children together, purchasing a home). Using panel data from The Netherlands (N =2,362), the authors found considerable heterogeneity within marital and cohabiting unions. Joint investments increased as interpersonal commitment increased, with cohabiters without marriage plans investing the least and couples who directly married without prior cohabitation investing the most. The relationship between investments and legal union types was less straightforward and often challenged expectations, prompting the authors to elaborate on alternative explanations for their findings.
Spousal Network Overlap as a Basis for Spousal Support
Authors: Cornwell Benjamin
Published: March 2012

The role social network structure plays in facilitating flows of support between spouses is often overlooked. This study examined whether levels of support between spouses depended on the degree of overlap between spouses' networks. Network overlap may enhance spouses' support capacities by increasing their understanding of each other's support needs and their ability to coordinate support for each other. Data on 1,490 married older adults from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project were examined. Analyses revealed that when one's spouse had more contact with one's other network members, one was more likely to (a) view the spouse as a reliable source of support, (b) open up to the spouse, and (c) discuss health issues with the spouse. These results suggest that spousal support is not only a function of relationship quality or obligations—it also is a structural phenomenon that depends on spouses' connectedness to each other's networks.
Premarital Cohabitation and Marital Dissolution: An Examination of Recent Marriages
Authors: MANNING WENDY D. , COHEN JESSICA A.
Published: March 2012

An ongoing question remains for family researchers: Why does a positive association between cohabitation and marital dissolution exist when one of the primary reasons to cohabit is to test relationship compatibility? Drawing on recently collected data from the 2006–2008 National Survey of Family Growth, the authors examined whether premarital cohabitation experiences were associated with marital instability among a recent contemporary (married since 1996) marriage cohort of men (N = 1,483) and women (N = 2,003). They found that a dichotomous indicator of premarital cohabitation was in fact not associated with marital instability among women and men. Furthermore, among cohabitors, marital commitment prior to cohabitation (engagement or definite plans for marriage) was tied to lower hazards of marital instability among women, but not men. This research contributes to our understanding of cohabitation, marital instability, and broader family change.
PEP‐1‐heat shock protein 27 protects from neuronal damage in cells and in a Parkinson’s disease mouse model
Authors: Lee Yeom Pyo , Kim Dae Won , Kang Hye Won , Hwang Jae Hyeok , Jeong Hoon Jae , Sohn Eun Jeong , Kim Mi Jin , Ahn Eun Hee , Shin Min Jea , Kim Duk‐Soo , Kang Tae‐Cheon , Kwon Oh‐Shin , Cho Sung‐Woo , Park Jinseu , Eum Won Sik , Choi Soo Young
Published: March 2012

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a highly conserved family of proteins that are induced in response to various environmental stressors including reactive oxygen species. HSP27 is a chaperone protein with the ability to increase cell survival in response to oxidative stress. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons. Although the mechanism of PD remains unclear, oxidative stress is known to be important in its pathogenesis. This study investigated the protective effects of PEP‐1‐HSP27 on neuronal damage induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl pyridinium (MPP+) in SH‐SY5Y cells and in a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced PD mouse model. PEP‐1‐HSP27 rapidly entered the cells and protected them against MPP+‐induced toxicity by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species levels and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, transduced PEP‐1‐HSP27 prevented dopaminergic neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra of MPTP‐induced PD mouse models. These results demonstrate that PEP‐1‐HSP27 provides a potential strategy for therapeutic delivery against various diseases and is a potential tool for the treatment of PD.
Ceramide profiles in the brain of rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin
Authors: Car Halina , Żendzian‐Piotrowska Małgorzata , Prokopiuk Sławomir , Fiedorowicz Anna , Sadowska Anna , Kurek Krzysztof , Sawicka Diana
Published: March 2012

Diabetes is associated with disturbances of brain activity and cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that ceramides may constitute an important contribution to diabetes‐linked neuro‐dysfunction. In our study we used rats injected with streptozotocin (STZ) as a model of severe hyperglycemia. Using the gas–liquid chromatography technique we found a significant increase of ceramide content in brains and a decrease in plasma of diabetic rats. The inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase, myriocin, reduced ceramide generation in hyperglycemic brains, although injected alone it exerted a paradoxical effect of ceramide upregulation. Myriocin had no impact on ceramide concentration in the plasma of either control or diabetic rats. The level of ceramide saturated fatty acids was elevated whereas the level of ceramide poly‐unsaturated fatty acids was downregulated in brains of all experimental groups. The concentration of ceramide mono‐unsaturated fatty acids remained unchanged. The pattern of individual ceramide species was altered depending on treatment. We noted an STZ‐evoked increase of brain ceramide C16:0, C18:0 and C20:0 and a strong decline in ceramide C18:2 fatty acid levels. Some changes of brain ceramide pattern were modified by myriocin. We found a decreased amount of total ceramide‐ω‐6 fatty acids in STZ‐treated rat brains and no changes in ceramide‐ω‐3 concentration. We conclude that ceramides may be important mediators of diabetes‐accompanied brain dysfunction.
The plastidial glucan, water dikinase (GWD) catalyses multiple phosphotransfer reactions
Authors: Hejazi Mahdi , Steup Martin , Fettke Joerg
Published: March 2012

The plant genome encodes at least two distinct and evolutionary conserved plastidial starch‐related dikinases that phosphorylate a low percentage of glucosyl residues at the starch granule surface. Esterification of starch favours the transition of highly ordered α‐glucans to a less ordered state and thereby facilitates the cleavage of interglucose bonds by hydrolases. Metabolically most important is the phosphorylation at position C6, which is catalysed by the glucan, water dikinase (GWD). The reactions mediated by recombinant wild‐type GWD from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtGWD) and from Solanum tuberosum (StGWD) were studied. Two mutated proteins lacking the conserved histidine residue that is indispensible for glucan phosphorylation were also included. The wild‐type GWDs consume approximately 20% more ATP than is required for glucan phosphorylation. Similarly, although incapable of phosphorylating α‐glucans, the two mutated dikinase proteins are capable of degrading ATP. Thus, consumption of ATP and phosphorylation of α‐glucans are not strictly coupled processes but, to some extent, occur as independent phosphotransfer reactions. As revealed by incubation of the GWDs with [γ‐33P]ATP, the consumption of ATP includes the transfer of the γ‐phosphate group to the GWD protein but this autophosphorylation does not require the conserved histidine residue. Thus, the GWD proteins possess two vicinal phosphorylation sites, both of which are transiently phosphorylated. Following autophosphorylation at both sites, native dikinases flexibly use various terminal phosphate acceptors, such as water, α‐glucans, AMP and ADP. A model is presented describing the complex phosphotransfer reactions of GWDs as affected by the availability of the various acceptors.

Structured digital abstract

 StGWD autophosphorylates by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 AtGWD autophosphorylates by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale
Authors: REJEH Nahid , HERAVI‐KARIMOOI Majideh , MONTAZERI Ali , FOROUGHAN Mahshid , VAISMORADI Mojtaba
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties “validity” and “reliability” of the Iranian version of Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale (KAOPS).

Methods:  The participants consisted of 350 nurses working in five teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The scale was translated using the forward–backward translation technique. A two‐phase data collection design was used in 2 weeks following the first completion. Exploratory factor analysis, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and stability–reliability was employed to check the scale's psychometric properties.

Results:  The scale total scores were between 42 and 188. All of the 34 items were found to have significant item‐to‐total correlations (P < 0.05). Two factors were extracted –“prejudice' and “appreciation”– which contributed to the scale variance of 32.83% and 25.93%, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.83 for the total scale as 0.83 for “prejudice” and 0.86 for “appreciation”. In addition, the scale stability was reported to be 0.90 and 0.83 for “prejudice” and “appreciation”, respectively. The average content validity was 0.95, and construct validity was in an acceptable range.

Conclusion:  The Iranian version of the KAOPS was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring nurses' knowledge about elders. This scale can be used in future studies to gather high‐quality data for improving elder care.
“Blurred Boundaries”? Rethinking the Concept of Craft and its Relation to Art and Design
Authors: Shiner Larry
Published: March 2012

Art world talk of “blurred boundaries” and “hybrids” between art and craft, suggests that the philosophy of art needs to rethink the concept of craft. This can best be done by adopting four strategies: first, distinguish between craft as a set of disciplines, and craft as a process and practice; second, keep in mind the differences among craft practices such as studio, trade, ethnic, amateur, and DIY; third, recognize that craft’s relationship with design is as important as its relationship to art; fourth, attend to the role digital design and fabrication are playing in craft and art today. At the core of the craft process are three contested characteristics found in most craft practices: hand, material, and skill, although these are better understood as body, medium, and mastery. After discussing a fourth contested characteristic of many craft and design practices, function, I show that none of the four characteristics is a requisite condition for artistic practice today, yet none are excluded from contemporary (fine) art, despite its current “post‐studio” or “post‐disciplinary” tendencies. I conclude that the boundary between art and craft conceived as a set of disciplines defined by materials and techniques has not become blurred, it has all but disappeared. On the other hand, I show through an analysis of some references to “mere craft” by Stephen Davies and Arthur Danto, that craft conceived as a process and practice can be understood as distinct from art, but in a non‐invidious sense.
The Political Dimension of Confucius’s Idea of Ren
Authors: Luo Shirong
Published: March 2012

This essay argues that there is a political dimension to Confucius’s idea of ren. This thesis is based on a careful analysis of what may be called the definitional passages in the Analects. The author contends that contrary to what may be called the unqualified egalitarian claim, ren is not applicable to every human being because its political aspect requires some degree of constraint in its application.
Doublethink and District Judges: High Court precedent in the county court
Authors: Morgan Phillip
Published: March 2012

This paper considers an often ignored topic in the English system of precedent, the role of High Court precedent in the county court. In doing so it reveals the many weaknesses of the existing approach to lower court precedent. It is argued that the High Court, (generally) a first instance tribunal, which does not bind itself and can come to contradictory decisions in different cases, the later not overruling the earlier, should not bind any court below it. A model of how multi-tiered first instance tribunals, such as the High Court and county court, should interact is demonstrated by the approach taken between the Court of Session, Outer House, and inferior courts in Scotland.
From norms to programs: The United Nations Global Compact and global governance
Authors: Berliner Daniel , Prakash Aseem
Published: March 2012

Norms shape policy when they get translated into concrete programs. What if a widely shared norm gets translated into a weak program? How might this influence the program's legitimacy? We examine these issues in the context of the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary program that embodies the widely shared norm of corporate responsibility. While both international intergovernmental organization (IGO) and international non‐governmental organization (INGO) networks support this norm, they differ on the adequacy of the Compact's program design. We explore how this tension affects the diffusion of the Compact across countries, which vary in their levels of embeddedness in IGO and INGO networks. Our findings suggest that embeddedness in IGO networks encourages adoption, while embeddedness in INGO networks discourages it. Our analysis provides important lessons for sponsors of voluntary governance mechanisms. Widespread support for a norm does not automatically ensure support for a program that claims to embody it.
Insulin analogs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus: therapeutic applications of protein engineering
Authors: Berenson Daniel F. , Weiss Allison R. , Wan Zhu‐li , Weiss Michael A.
Published: March 2012

The engineering of insulin analogs represents a triumph of structure‐based protein design. A framework has been provided by structures of insulin hexamers. Containing a zinc‐coordinated trimer of dimers, such structures represent a storage form of the active insulin monomer. Initial studies focused on destabilization of subunit interfaces. Because disassembly facilitates capillary absorption, such targeted destabilization enabled development of rapid‐acting insulin analogs. Converse efforts were undertaken to stabilize the insulin hexamer and promote higher‐order self‐assembly within the subcutaneous depot toward the goal of enhanced basal glycemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Current products either operate through isoelectric precipitation (insulin glargine, the active component of Lantus®; Sanofi‐Aventis, Paris, France) or employ an albumin‐binding acyl tether (insulin detemir, the active component of Levemir®; Novo‐Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). To further improve pharmacokinetic properties, modified approaches are presently under investigation. Novel strategies have recently been proposed based on subcutaneous supramolecular assembly coupled to (i) large‐scale allosteric reorganization of the insulin hexamer (the TR transition), (ii) pH‐dependent binding of zinc ions to engineered His‐X3‐His sites at hexamer surfaces, or (iii) the long‐range vision of glucose‐responsive polymers for regulated hormone release. Such designs share with wild‐type insulin and current insulin products a susceptibility to degradation above room temperature, and so their delivery, storage, and use require the infrastructure of an affluent society. Given the global dimensions of the therapeutic supply chain, we envisage that concurrent engineering of ultra‐stable protein analog formulations would benefit underprivileged patients in the developing world.
Decreased Oligodendrocyte Nuclear Diameter in Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia
Authors: Gagyi Eva , Kormos Bernadett , Castellanos Karla J. , Valyi‐Nagy Klara , Korneff Dennis , LoPresti Patrizia , Woltjer Randy , Valyi‐Nagy Tibor
Published: March 2012

To better understand the pathogenesis of dementia, it is important to understand histopathologic changes in neurodegenerative diseases because they might highlight key aspects of the degenerative process. In this study, the nuclear diameter of neurons and oligodendrocytes in selected temporal lobe areas were determined in autopsy tissue sections from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD) and controls. Our morphometric studies targeted neurons in the CA4 region of the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus, neurons in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus and oligodendrocytes in parahippocampal white matter. Mean neuronal nuclear diameters were not different among the studied groups. However, our studies revealed a statistically significant reduction of mean oligodendrocyte nuclear diameter in AD and LBD relative to controls. The reduction of the mean nucleus diameter of oligodendrocytes in LBD was independent of the presence of associated AD pathology in LBD. These findings for the first time identify decreased oligodendrocyte nucleus diameter as a morphologic feature of AD and LBD and may lead to a better understanding of the role of oligodendrocytes in AD and LBD pathogenesis.
Extraction and Separation of Volatile and Fixed Oils from Seeds of Myristica fragrans by Supercritical CO2: Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic Activity on Caco‐2 Cancer Cells
Authors: Piras Alessandra , Rosa Antonella , Marongiu Bruno , Atzeri Angela , Dessì M. Assunta , Falconieri Danilo , Porcedda Silvia
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Isolation of volatile and fixed oils from nutmeg have been obtained by supercritical fractioned extraction with carbon dioxide. Extraction experiments were carried out at pressures of 90 and 250 bar and temperature of 40 °C. The extraction step performed at 90 bar produced a volatile fraction mainly formed by myristicin (32.8%), sabinene (16.1%), α‐pinene (9.8%), β‐pinene (9.4%), β‐phellandrene (4.9%), safrole (4.1%) and terpinen‐4‐ol (3.6%). The oil yield relative to this step of the process was 1.4% by weight of the charge. The last extraction step at 250 bar produced a butter‐like material (nutmeg butter). The yield of this step was 14.4% by weight. The most represented fatty acids of fixed oil from nutmeg were 14:0 (79.2%), 18:1 n‐9 (7.4%) and 16:0 (6.1%), and in particular the unsaturated fatty acids 18:1 n‐9 averaged 32.96 μg/mg of oil. The level of myristicin in the nutmeg essential and fixed oils was also directly quantified by reversed HPLC‐DAD. Moreover, the essential oil obtained from nutmeg, as well as myristicin, showed a significant in vitro inhibitory effect on the growth of a colon cancer cell line (undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells).

Practical Application:  In this study, the chemical characterization and the anticancer activity of nutmeg oils obtained by supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide were investigated. This is important for their potential application in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Fatty Acid Profile and Sensory Characteristics of Table Eggs from Laying Hens Fed Hempseed and Hempseed Oil
Authors: Goldberg Erin M. , Gakhar Naveen , Ryland Donna , Aliani Michel , Gibson Robert A. , House James D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Hempseed (HS) is rich in omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with approximately 17% of total fatty acids as alpha‐linolenic acid. As such, HS and its oil may be used in hen diet formulations to produce eggs enriched in essential fatty acids. Because omega‐3 eggs have the potential for unpleasant aromas and flavors, the current study was designed to assess the fatty acid profile and sensory attributes of eggs procured from hens consuming diets containing hempseed oil (HO) or HS. A total of 48 individually caged White Bovan hens received 1 of 6 diets containing 4%, 8%, 12% HO, 10%, 20% HS or 0% hemp (w/w) for 12 wk. Total omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in the 12% HO group (15.3 mg/g of yolk) compared to the control (2.4 mg/g of yolk). Trained panellists (n= 8) found no significant differences (P≥ 0.05) in aroma or flavor between cooked eggs from different dietary treatments, with the exception of sweet flavor. The 4% HO group yielded the least sweet eggs compared to the 20% HS group, which was highest. For yolk color, L*, a*, and b* values (Mean ± SEM) for control eggs were 61.2 ± 0.10, 1.1 ± 0.05, and 43.0 ± 0.22, respectively. Addition of hemp led to significant (P < 0.001) reductions in L*, and significant increases in a* and b*, with the largest changes observed in the 20% HS treatment (L*= 58.7 ± 0.10; a*= 5.8 ± 0.05; b*= 60.5 ± 0.22). The results show that hemp use in hen diets leads to increased omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content and color intensity of egg yolks, but does not have adverse effects on the sensory profiles of the cooked eggs.

Practical Application:  This study provides evidence that HS and hempseed oil (HO) can safely be utilized as feed ingredients for laying hens to produce table eggs that are enriched in essential fatty acids. Additionally, the eggs procured from these hens had similar aroma and flavor compared to eggs from hens not fed any hemp. The greater the dietary hemp inclusion, the more pigmented the resulting yolks became in terms of darkness, redness, and yellowness.
Detection of Ricin Contamination in Liquid Egg by Electrochemiluminescence Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Brandon David L. , Korn Anna M. , Yang Lily L.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  A monoclonal antibody‐based electrochemical luminescence method was developed for detecting and quantifying ricin in liquid egg, with a limit of detection of 0.2 ng/mL. Because this highly toxic protein, present in the seeds of Ricinus communis (castor), has been used for intentional poisoning in the past, it is important to have sensitive and reliable analytical methodology to detect ricin in food matrices such as liquid egg. The detection of this quantity of pure or crude ricin spiked into commercial samples of liquid egg provides approximately 50000‐fold greater sensitivity than required to detect a toxic dose of ricin (>1 mg) in a 100 g sample.

Practical Application:  Because ricin has been used for intentional poisoning, there is a need for analytical methodology to detect ricin in food matrices to assure a safe food supply. Using monoclonal antibodies to ricin developed in our laboratory, we explored an assay readout system known as electrochemiluminescence. This technique afforded sensitive and specific analysis of ricin intentionally added to liquid egg and could potentially be used to monitor egg‐based vaccine production.
Effect of Roasting Conditions on Color and Volatile Profile Including HMF Level in Sweet Almonds (Prunus dulcis)
Authors: Agila Amal , Barringer Sheryl
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Microwave, oven, and oil roasting of almonds were used to promote almond flavor and color formation. Raw pasteurized almonds were roasted in a microwave for 1 to 3 min, in an oven at 177 °C for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min; and at 135 and 163 °C for 20 min, and in oil at 135, 163, and 177 °C for 5 min and 177 °C for 10 min. Volatile compounds were quantified in the headspace of ground almonds, both raw and roasted, by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry. Strong correlations were found between L value, chroma, and 5‐(hydroxy methyl)‐2‐ furfural; and were independent of roasting method. Raw almonds had lower concentrations of most volatiles than roasted almonds. Conditions that produced color equivalent to commercial samples were 2 min in the microwave, 5 min at 177 °C in the oven, and 5 min at 135 °C in oil. Microwave heating produced higher levels of most volatiles than oven and oil roasting at commercial color. Sensory evaluation indicated that microwave‐roasted almonds had the strongest aroma and were the most preferred. Oil‐roasted almonds showed significantly lower levels of volatiles than other methods, likely due to loss of these volatiles into the oil. Alcohols such as benzyl alcohols and strecker aldehydes including benzaldehyde and methional were at higher concentrations than other volatiles in roasted almonds. The oxidation of lipids to form alkanals such as nonanal and degradation of sugars to form furan type compounds was also observed. The Maillard reaction contributed to the formation of more of the total volatiles in almonds than the lipid oxidation reaction.

Practical Application:  The level of 5‐(hydroxy methyl)‐2‐ furfural (HMF), color, volatile profile, and sensory perception can be used to develop the best roasting method, time, and temperature for almonds. The rate of color development and the production of volatiles differ under different roasting conditions. Based on the color, volatile, and sensory assessments of the 3 almonds, the use of microwave technology as a process for roasting almonds reduces processing time and leads to an almond product with better flavor than oven or oil roasting.
Improving Surface Functional Properties of Tofu Whey‐Derived Peptides by Chemical Modification with Fatty Acids
Authors: Matemu Athanasia Oswald , Katayama Shigeru , Kayahara Hisataka , Murasawa Hisashi , Nakamura Soichiro
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Effect of acylation with saturated fatty acids on surface functional properties of tofu whey‐derived peptides was investigated. Tofu whey (TW) and soy proteins (7S, 11S, and acid‐precipitated soy protein [APP]) were hydrolyzed by Protease M ‘Amano’ G, and resulting peptide mixtures were acylated with esterified fatty acids of different chain length (6C to 18C) to form a covalent linkage between the carboxyl group of fatty acid and the free amino groups of peptide. Acylation significantly (P < 0.05) increased emulsifying properties of 7S, 11S, and APP peptides independent of fatty acid chain length. Acylation decreased water binding capacity although oil binding capacity of acylated tofu whey ultra filtered fraction (UFTW < 3 kDa), 7S‐ and 11S‐peptides were improved compared to native peptides. 7S peptides acylated with long chain fatty acids had shown significant higher surface hydrophobicity as in contrast with acylated UFTW < 3 kDa and APP peptides. Fluorescence spectra studies revealed structural conformation of acylated soy peptides as compared to native peptides. This study shows that chemical modification with fatty acids can further affect functional properties of soy proteins.
Hydrothermal Activity Events at Kairei Field, Central Indian Ridge 25°S
Authors: WANG Yejian , HAN Xiqiu , JIN Xianglong , QIU Zhongyan , MA Zhibang , YANG Haili
Published: March 2012

The Kairei hydrothermal field is located on the Central Indian Ridge at 70°02′E, 25°19'S, which was discovered in 2000. Eight representative hydrothermal product samples including massive sulfide, sulfide chimney and mineralized rock breccia samples collected from this field were age‐dated using the 230Th/234U and 210Pb/Pb methods. Four episodes of hydrothermal activity were determined: 94.5 to 96.3 ka (event I), 56.6 to 61.2 ka (event II), 8.4 to 10.6 ka (event III), and <180 a to present (event IV). Among them, event I is the oldest and is characterized by the low‐temperature mineralization of rock breccias which probably represents for the onset of the hydrothermal activity of the field. Events II to IV represent the episodic high‐temperature hydrothermal activities characterized by Cu and Zn‐rich sulfides. The recent hydrothermal activity has lasted for at least 180 a.
Videourodyanamic Examination and Tension‐free Vaginal Mesh/Transobturator Tape Surgery
Authors: NISHIZAWA Osamu , ICHINO Midori , ISHIKAWA Masakuni , TANABE Tomoaki , SUZUKI Hisanori , SAITO Tetsuichi , IMAMURA Tetsuya , ISHIZUKA Osamu
Published: March 2012

Most pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) before and after POP surgery. LUTS of POP patients consist of various storage and voiding symptoms from anatomical causes. Videourodynamic examination for POP patients provides accurate information about morphological findings of the bladder and urethra, and lower urinary tract (LUT) function. The leak point pressure (LPP) measurement at cough maneuver in the standing position is important to detect urodynamic stress urinary incontinences (UDS SUI). Prolapse reduction procedure is not perfect for the detection of SUI.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor and Erectile Dysfunction in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: ZHAO Chen , KWAN PARK Jong
Published: March 2012

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in older men and mostly induces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Multiple studies have shown that BPH inducing LUTS are intensely correlated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and that severity of LUTS was proportional to ED severity. Although a direct causal relationship has not been clarified, a tentative pathophysiology has been suggested to interpret the relationship between two disorders. Androgen plays an important role in the maintenance of the functional and structural integrity of the lower urinary tract and penis. Low testosterone, especially free testosterone, worsened detrusor overactivity and replacement of testosterone improved LUTS in the hypogonadal BPH patients. Nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide are decreased in the transition zone of the hyperplastic prostate but phosphodiesterase types 4, 5, 11 are prominent in transition zone of hyperplastic prostate. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor with a long half‐life could obtain the desired effect; therefore, tadalafil and undenafil frequently have been used to evaluate the effects in the two disorders. In clinical trials, tadalafil showed improvement of BPH‐induced LUTS, but few of the studies showed a significant improvement on uroflowmetry. PDE5 inhibitors increase the concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in plasma and smooth muscle, promoting erection of the penis, as well as relaxation of the bladder neck and prostate, leading to natural voiding. Sexual function and LUTS should be assessed and discussed with the patient when choosing the appropriate strategy and the patient's response to treatment should also be evaluated at the same time.
Detrusor Overactivity in Hyperchoelsterolemia Rats
Authors: SON Hwancheol , CHOI Woo Suk , PAICK Jae‐Seung , PARK Won Hee
Published: March 2012

Many theories attempt to explain the complex etiology of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), but the exact mechanisms of the pathophysiology have yet to be fully understood. Recent findings have suggested that hypercholesterolemia is related with detrusor overactivity (DO), which, in turn, is usually associated with OAB. The present report examines published studies that have associated hypercholesterolemia with DO to determine the grounds on which such studies were based. According to our analysis, OAB and DO are closely related with hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, DO and OAB may be affected not just by a single factor like hypercholesterolemia, but rather by all components of metabolic syndrome. Several mechanisms, including autonomic overactivity, artherosclerosis, ischemic change, alteration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/NO system and increased Rho‐kinase activity may have a role in the relationship between OAB and hypercholesterolemia. Further studies are warranted, however, to evaluate more about the pathophysiology of OAB.
Effect of the Renin‐Angiotensin System on the Obstructed Bladder
Authors: AIKAWA Ken , ISHIBASHI Kei , SAKAI takio , TAKAHASHI Norio , OGAWA Soichiro , KAWASHIMA Yohei , YAMAGUCHI Osamu
Published: March 2012

Bladder hypertrophy and dysfunction are well‐known bladder responses to outlet obstruction (i.e. urodynamic overload). Cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure are also caused by hemodynamic overload, and many basic and clinical studies suggest that the local renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) has a crucial role in load‐induced cardiac pathogenesis. The similarity of the response of the heart and the bladder to overload suggests that angiotensin II (AngII) may have a similar regulatory role in pathological remodeling, such as muscle growth and collagen production of the obstructed bladder. Previous in vitro studies show that angiotensin I is converted to AngII by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or chymase, which exists in the human bladder. In addition, many studies using contractile responses to AngII, autoradiography, radioreceptor assay and mRNA expression demonstrate the presence of AngII receptor in the bladder from various animals and the human. Recent evidence indicates that AngII is released from bladder smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in response to a repetitive stretch stimulus, and subsequently activates AT1 in an autocrine fashion. This AT1 activation has been shown to mediate heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor gene expression and to increase the DNA synthesis rate of bladder SMCs. Consistent with this in vitro study, previous studies and our preliminary data suggest the usefulness of AT1 antagonists or ACE inhibitor in bladder outlet obstruction of the rabbit and rat. Taken together, the local RAS contributes to structural and functional alterations in the bladder after obstruction.
Patient‐reported Goal and Goal Achievement: The Most Individualized Method of Outcome Assessment in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: LEE Young‐Suk , CHOO Myung‐Soo , CHO Won Jin , LEE Kyu‐Sung
Published: March 2012

Patients with lower urinary tract diseases often have a constellation of symptoms, and the degree of distress due to individual symptoms varies. In particular, some symptoms are more bothersome to patients and lead to treatment. However, traditional outcomes, such as urodynamic data, voiding diaries, and standardized patient‐reported outcomes, may fail to address the individual factors. In contrast, patient‐centered outcomes rely on patients to assess treatment outcomes in terms of their concerns or goals. Goal achievement is a patient‐centered outcome that was pioneered in prolapse surgery. Recently, this most individualized outcome measure has been evaluated in the context of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). According to the studies, most patients with LUTS have symptom‐related goals. After treatment, goal achievement in patients with overactive bladder or benign prostatic obstruction was low even when there were significant improvements in symptom severity in terms of traditional outcome measures. On the other hand, most women with stress incontinence achieved their treatment goals after midurethral sling surgeries. There are ongoing efforts to develop valid and reliable methods for assessing goal achievement that can facilitate the complex rating process and have responsiveness. Goal achievement shows a limited correlation with standardized patient‐reported outcomes and no significant correlation with objective outcomes. Thus, at the moment, it can be used as a complimentary outcome measure along with other traditional methods. Further research is needed to reveal the correlation between goal achievement and overall patient satisfaction and, ultimately, to determine if assessing goal achievement can enhance patient satisfaction.
The Classification of Glenoid Version and Its Relevance to Shoulder Instability
Authors: Mcmurray Dave , Monk Andrew Paul , Limb David , Soames Roger
Published: March 2012

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that the glenoid fossa can be anteverted or retroverted with respect to the scapular spine and that this may affect the propensity to dislocate, although clinical studies have provided conflicting evidence.

Methods

We have used a highly accurate, noncontact laser morphometric method of analysis to determine the precise shape of 59 glenoid fossae from shoulders, with no evidence of instability, arthritis or rotator cuff disease.

Results

We have shown that, at the mid-glenoid level, most fossae are retroverted, although some are anteverted. Furthermore, below this level, the glenoid can either twist into greater anteversion or retroversion. This forms the basis of a classification system that describes how much static restraint to dislocation is provided by the bony glenoid, and we have repeated the work to identify any contribution from variations in the thickness of overlying articular cartilage. Of 59 fossae, five were of type 1A, comprising an anteverted glenoid that becomes increasingly anteverted below its equator and provides least bony restraint to anterior dislocation.

Conclusions

We propose that this classification system is used to study the effect of glenoid shape on shoulder stability and options for reconstruction.
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream: Ay, There's the Rub
Authors: Blake Pieta-Lee , Ali Erden , Reilly Peter , Emery Roger
Published: March 2012

Sleep is a complex physiological process essential to sustain life. Very little is known about why we sleep, although evidence of the harmful effects of sleep disturbance to our health is rapidly emerging. Sleep disturbance is a distinct and debilitating symptom of shoulder pathology. The important relationship between sleep and pain is only beginning to be appreciated, and the physiological process underlying this feature in shoulder pain remains elusive. A number of theories have been explored; however, there is still no adequate solution to address this important symptom in painful conditions of the shoulder.
INVESTIGATING THE GENDER GAP IN SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP: A DECOMPOSITION ANALYSIS
Authors: NTULI MIRACLE
Published: March 2012

This paper investigates the gender difference in trade union membership among African men and women in South Africa. Using labour force survey data for 2001 and 2007, we show that at least two thirds of the gender gap is explained by differences in union‐related characteristics. When compared with gender differences in personal, household‐ and job‐related characteristics, disparities in job characteristics account for a larger proportion of the gender gap. These findings imply that women would have had higher unionisation rates than men if they possessed male endowments of union‐related characteristics, especially access to unionised jobs.
Duality for nonlinear simply laced groups
Authors: Adams Jeffrey , Trapa Peter E.
Published: March 2012

We establish a character multiplicity duality for a certain natural class of nonlinear (nonalgebraic) groups arising as two-fold covers of simply laced real reductive algebraic groups. This allows us to extend part of the formalism of the local Langlands conjecture to such groups.
Bigq-ample line bundles
Authors: Brown Morgan V.
Published: March 2012

A recent paper of Totaro developed a theory ofq-ample bundles in characteristic 0. Specifically, a line bundleLonXisq-ample if for every coherent sheaf ℱ onX, there exists an integerm0such thatm≥m0impliesHi(X,ℱ⊗𝒪(mL))=0 fori>q. We show that a line bundleLon a complex projective schemeXisq-ample if and only if the restriction ofLto its augmented base locus isq-ample. In particular, whenXis a variety andLis big but fails to beq-ample, then there exists a codimension-one subschemeDofXsuch that the restriction ofLtoDis notq-ample.
Continued fractions with low complexity: transcendence measures and quadratic approximation
Authors: Bugeaud Yann
Published: March 2012

We establish measures of non-quadraticity and transcendence measures for real numbers whose sequence of partial quotients has sublinear block complexity. The main new ingredient is an improvement of Liouville’s inequality giving a lower bound for the distance between two distinct quadratic real numbers. Furthermore, we discuss the gap between Mahler’s exponentw2and Koksma’s exponentw*2.
Conceptual Design and Static Analysis of Novel Planar Spring-Loaded Cable-Loop-Driven Parallel Mechanisms
Authors: Liu Hanwei , Gosselin Clément , Laliberté Thierry
Published: March 2012

Two novel architectures of planar spring-loaded cable-loop-driven parallel mechanisms that do not require actuation redundancy are introduced in this paper. In order to avoid redundancy in the cable-driven parallel mechanisms and require only N actuators to control N-DOF motion, a new spring-loaded cable-loop-driven mechanism is proposed. By attaching springs to the cable loops, two degrees of freedom can be controlled using only two actuators and spools are eliminated in this mechanism. Therefore, the control method can be simplified compared with conventional cable-driven mechanisms making use of spools and actuation redundancy. The mechanisms can be actuated using either linear sliders or rotary actuators driving the motion of a cable or belt loop. Kinematic and static analyses are presented for the new architectures. It is verified that the cables and springs can be kept in tension within a certain workspace. Results of numerical simulations are also given in order to provide insight into the design issues.