bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water sorption isotherms of pistachio nut paste
Authors: Hayoglu Ibrahim , Faruk Gamli Omer
Published: November 2007

Moisture sorption isotherms of pistachio nut paste were determined at 4 and 20 °C by using gravimetric method with saturated salt solutions. The moisture content of pistachio nut paste increased sharply at higher water activities as the temperature increased. Mathematical models of Brunauer et al., Anderson, Oswin, Halsey, Henderson, Kühn, Filonenko & Chuprin and Peleg were evaluated to determine the best fit for the experimental data. In this study, Peleg model was found to be adequate model for pistachio nut paste. By using Clausius–Clapeyron equation, the heat of sorption was determined. As moisture content increased the heat of sorption decreased.
Current and potential uses of thermally treated olive oil waste
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Kassaveti Aikaterini , Stefanatos Stelios
Published: November 2007

The ongoing stricter policy rules on environmental issues, recent changes in consumer towards the environmental effects of food production, and even stricter regulations voted by the European Union towards reduction of the use of natural resources initiated a great amount of research towards improving the thermal waste treatment methodology. The olive oil industry continues to be one of the most heavily polluting ones among the food industries. Along this line, various thermal processes, such as pyrolysis, combustion and gasification, were investigated. Another crucial issue is the fate of treated waste. This review, apart from the presentation of various thermal treatment waste methodologies summarises the uses (either currently ongoing or having potential in the future): biodiesel, activated carbon and briquette production. Ten figures and four tables illustrated in this article provide comprehensive idea of the waste treatment methodologies, their effectiveness and uses of thermally waste treated olive materials.
A conjoint study of quantitative and semi‐quantitative assessment of failure in a strudel manufacturing plant by means of FMEA and HACCP, Cause and Effect and Pareto diagram
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Varzakas Theodoros H.
Published: November 2007

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) model was applied for the risk assessment of strudel manufacturing. A tentative approach of FMEA application to the strudel industry was attempted in order to identify the potential failures in the flow diagram and to compare them with the critical control points in the strudel processing. Preliminary Hazard Analysis was employed towards analysing and predicting the occurring failure modes in a food chain system (strudel processing plant), based on the functions, characteristics and/or interactions of the ingredients or the processes, upon which the system depends. Critical control points were identified and implemented in the Cause and Effect diagram (also known as Ishikawa, tree diagram and fishbone diagram) in order to reveal the underlying causes of failures. Finally, Pareto diagrams were employed in an attempt to optimise the detection potential of FMEA.
Effect of enzymatic cross‐linking of milk proteins on properties of ice cream with different composition
Authors: Elsayed Metwally Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed
Published: November 2007

Transglutaminase enzyme (TGase) treatment has been reported to increase the viscosity of milk and gel stiffness of yoghourt and the treatment has been suggested to replace part of the fat and proteins in dairy products. In this study, the effects of TGase on some physical, rheological and sensory properties of ice cream with different fat and stabiliser contents were studied. Five ice‐cream mixes were prepared. Three of them were regular‐fat mixes with 10% fat but vary in the stabiliser (0.7% and 0.2%). The other two mixes were low‐fat mixes, (5% fat and 0.7% stabiliser), a control and treated sample. The mixes were pasteurised (80 °C for 15 min), cooled to 50 °C, homogenised (13.8/3.4 MPa) treated with the enzyme (at 45 °C for 2.5 h) and aged for 24 h at 5 °C before freezing. The viscosity, yield stress and consistency index (k) of all mixes were increased by the TGase treatment. The flow behaviour index (n) of regular‐fat mixes changed from non‐Newtonian shear thinning (n = 0.9) to non‐Newtonian shear thicking or dialtant behaviour (n = 1.26). The flow behaviour index (n) of low‐fat mixes did not change by the treatment. On the other hand, the time‐viscosity curves at a constant shear rate of all the enzyme‐treated mixes have changed from thixotropic to rheopectic (time‐thickening) flow. The TGase treated ice creams were superior in all physical and organolyptic properties than their corresponding controls. The enzyme treatment compensated the low‐fat or low‐stabiliser in the ice cream. Moreover, tailored physical properties of ice cream could be obtained by manipulating the mix‐enzyme reaction conditions and amount and type of stabiliser.
Primary recovery of acid food colorant
Authors: Cabrera Rosa Beatriz , Fernandez‐Lahore Hector Marcelo
Published: November 2007

The sorption behaviour of the natural colorant carminic acid onto a macroporous type weak anion‐exchanger was evaluated in a finite bath contactor. Sorption equilibrium and kinetics were studied to characterise the system. Adsorption isotherms were found to be of the favourable type and to follow a Langmuir expression. Sorption kinetics profiles were obtained as a function of the stirrer speed, resin load and dye concentration in the liquid phase. Analytical equations were found for quantitative description of the system and to further assist in process scale‐up. Fluid‐side mass transfer phenomena, as well as, intraparticle resistance mechanisms were revealed. This was described in terms of a film mass transport coefficient and a (modified) pore diffusivity. Calculated Biot number for the system showed combined mass transfer resistance effects. A high quality carminic acid preparation was attained showing no allergenic properties and having no content of metal ions.
The effects of modified atmospheres, edible coating and storage temperatures on the sensory quality of carrot discs
Authors: Cliffe‐Byrnes Valerie , O'Beirne David
Published: November 2007

Packaging within a microperforated oriented polypropylene (OPP) film PA‐60 generated useful modified atmospheres (MAs), which resulted in retention of good textural, aroma and flavour characteristics, but allowed surface whitening and a loss of headspace aroma volatiles to occur. By contrast, plain OPP film generated anaerobic atmospheres that resulted in an overall poor sensory quality with tissue softening and excess surface moisture, a loss of aroma acceptability and production of ethanol. Use of an edible coating (Natureseal) treatment had beneficial effects on visual quality. It significantly improved sensory scores, which appeared to be caused by a reduction in surface whitening and moisture loss. Increasing storage temperature from 4 to 8 °C resulted in a shorter shelf‐life in both films. Principal component analysis showed that MAs had the biggest influence on quality, but Natureseal treatment could further help extend shelf‐life. Of the packaging films examined, PA‐60 film was better at maintaining the sensory quality. However, the additional use of a Natureseal treatment and storage at 4 °C was most effective in extending shelf‐life.
Low‐salt restructured fish products using low‐value fish species from the gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ramírez José A. , Ángel Alfredo del , Uresti Rocio M. , Velazquez Gonzalo , Vázquez Manuel
Published: November 2007

Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and mexican flounder (Cyclopsetta chittendenni) are two abundant fish species in the north of the Gulf of Mexico. Both species are caught in large volume but their flesh is underutilised. The objective of this work was to determine the feasibility of obtaining restructured product from both fishes and their mixture (1:1) using two levels of salt (10 or 20 g kg−1). Changes in mechanical properties (texture profile analysis and puncture test), expressible water and colour attributes were measured. Gels from both fish species produced good gels at both levels of salt. Gels obtained from the mixture had lower mechanical properties than gels from each fish species alone. Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) was used as binder to improve mechanical properties of the mixture. The gels showed higher darkness and redness in the following order: striped mullet, mixture (1:1) striped mullet:mexican flounder, mexican flounder. The use of MTGase at 3 g kg−1 was appropriated to improve mechanical properties of restructured products from the mixture (1:1) of striped mullet:mexican flounder.
Curing‐induced water mobility and distribution within intra‐ and extra‐myofibrillar spaces of three pork qualities
Authors: Andersen Rikke H. , Andersen Henrik J. , Bertram Hanne C.
Published: November 2007

This study introduces the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry in the elucidation of the curing‐induced water mobility and distribution within pork. Fresh meat samples of three different meat qualities [normal; pale, soft and exudative (PSE); dark, firm and dry (DFD)] were cured by using different curing conditions (0.9–9% NaCl and 6% NaCl + 10 mm Na4P2O7). Distributed NMR T2 relaxation data revealed the presence of three distinct water populations (T2b, T21, T22), with the T21 population being most influenced by the curing conditions, which was reflected by strong correlations between the salt‐induced swelling and the mean relaxation time of the T21 population. Consequently, the T21 population reflects the myofibrillar swelling, and is an excellent indicator of myofibrillar geometry upon curing. Both the NMR data and the salt‐induced swelling capacity were highly dependent on fresh meat quality. Independent of brine composition, the DFD meat had a significantly higher swelling capacity than the two other meat qualities. A higher response to NaCl concentration on the swelling capacity was observed for PSE and normal meat than for DFD meat, which suggests interactions between the pH of the meat and NaCl‐induced swelling.
Thin‐layer drying characteristics of kurut, a Turkish dried dairy by‐product
Authors: Karabulut Ihsan , Adnan Hayaloglu Ali , Yildirim Hasan
Published: November 2007

Kurut, which is made in villages of Eastern part of Turkey, is a sun‐dried dairy product. Thin‐layer drying behaviour of kurut at a temperature range of 35–60 °C, with 5 °C increments, and constant thickness of 0.5 cm and drying air velocity of 1.5 m s−1 was determined in a convective type dryer. The data of sample weight, dry and wet‐bulb temperatures were recorded continuously during each experiment and drying curves obtained. The drying process took place in the falling rate period. Drying curves were then fitted to eleven mathematical models available in the literature to estimate a suitable model for drying of kurut. Two‐term model gave better predictions than other models and satisfactorily described the thin‐layer characteristics of kurut. The effective diffusivity varied from 2.444 × 10−9 to 3.597 × 10−9 m2 s−1 over the temperature range. The temperature dependence of diffusivity coefficient was described by the Arrhenius‐type relationship. The activation energy for moisture diffusivity was found to be 19.88 kJ mol−1.
Physicochemical characteristics, textural properties and volatile compounds in comminuted sausages as affected by various fat levels and fat replacers
Authors: Yoo Seung S. , Kook Sung H. , Park Sung Y. , Shim Jae H. , Chin Koo B.
Published: November 2007

Physicochemical and textural properties, and volatile compounds of comminuted sausages with various added fat levels and fat replacers were evaluated. Sausages without added fat had higher expressible moisture and texture values, but their lightness and yellowness values were lower, as compared with sausages with 5%, 10%, or 15% fat. Increased fat levels with constant amounts of lean meat and added water increased the lightness and yellowness values, but tended the redness values tended to be similar. Low‐fat sausages (LFSs, <3%) containing non‐meat proteins, except egg white protein, had reduced texture values similar to those of regular‐fat counterparts (RFC). The addition of non‐meat proteins, except egg white protein, as components of fat replacers in LFS improved the textural characteristics, making them similar to those of RFC. LFSs containing sodium caseinate had reduced concentrations of pentadecanal and octadecanal, resulting in similar volatile compositions to those of RFC. Thus, sodium caseinate was the best non‐meat protein for the improvement of both texture and flavour of LFSs.
Characterization of Sultaniye grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana) polyphenol oxidase
Authors: Ümit Ünal Mustafa , Şener Aysun , Şen Kemal
Published: November 2007

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was extracted from Sultaniye grapes grown in Turkey, and its characteristics in terms of pH and temperature optima, thermal inactivation, kinetic parameters and potency of some PPO inhibitors were studied. Optimum pH and temperature for grape PPO were found to be 3.4 and 30 °C, using catechol as substrate. Km and Vmax values were found to be 44.5 ± 5.47 mm and 0.695 ± 0.0353 OD410 min−1, respectively. Four inhibitors were tested in this study and the most potent inhibitor was sodium metabisulphite, followed by ascorbic acid. From the thermal inactivation studies in the range of 65–80 °C, the half‐life values of the enzyme ranged between 2.6 and 49.5 min. Activation energy (Ea) and Z values were calculated to be 208.5 kJ mol−1 (r2 = 0.9544) and 10.95 °C (r2 = 0.9517), respectively.
On the gelation of mungbean starch and its composites
Authors: Hongsprabhas Parichat
Published: November 2007

Light microscopy and the concentration dependence of the elastic modulus of mungbean starch (MB) gel indicate that the gelation of MB is mainly governed by a close‐packing mechanism. The mechanical property of the entire network is influenced by the strength of swollen amylose‐rich discrete gel particles rather than the surrounding matrix. However, when the physicochemical properties of the surrounding matrix is altered by the presence of flour fillers possessing lower gelatinisation temperature and enthalpy, both the stress‐related and strain‐related parameters of MB‐based mixed flour gels were reduced (P < 0.05). Addition of iota‐carrageenan (1.0% w/v), in both the absence and presence of calcium lactate (0–20 mm), further reduced both the stress‐related and strain‐related parameters of the composite gels. This study shows the detrimental effect of the anionic hydrocolloids and divalent cation addition on the mechanical properties of a composite structure stabilised by close‐packing mechanism.
Intramuscular fatty acid profile of longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscle from Kundi steers fed on pasture with cottonseed cake supplement
Authors: Talpur Farah N. , Bhanger Muhammad I. , Khuhawar Muhammad Y.
Published: November 2007

The present study was accomplished to evaluate the intramuscular fatty acid (FA) composition of different muscles taken from Kundi steers (n = 15), which were approximately 24 months old, fed on a cottonseed cake supplement, and were made to graze on alfalfa pasture for 95 days prior to slaughter. The samples were taken from longissimus dorsi region (loin and ribeye portion) and distal region of semitendinosus muscle for intramuscular FA analysis. Saturated FA, comprising 49.48–52.09% of total FA composition, in all the muscles were studied. Ribeye portion of longissimus dorsi muscle contain relatively higher (P > 0.05) amount of trans FA (3.37%) as compared with loin portion of longissimus dorsi muscle (3.1%) and distal region of semitendinosus muscle (2.84%). The sum of monounsaturated FA in all the muscles studied was estimated in the range of 32.21–34.64%, while polyunsaturated FA contribute 11.39–12.39% of total FA. The mean conjugated linoleic acid was found to be 0.28, 0.35 and 0.41 in ribeye and loin portion of longissimus dorsi muscle and distal region of semitendinosus muscle, respectively.
Effects on quality attributes of commercial veal pieces under different ageing treatments
Authors: Moreno Teresa , Pérez Nuria , Oliete Bonastre , Carballo Juan A. , Franco Daniel , Monserrat Lorenzo
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of freezing on quality attributes of four commercial beef pieces of the ‘pistola’ under three ageing treatments: only refrigeration (T1), and refrigeration before (T2) and after (T3) freezing. Eight young calves with a low fatness score from the ‘Galician Blond’ × ‘Holstein‐Friesian’ breed cross were studied. Six steaks from each piece were allocated to treatments. Water–holding capacity (refrigeration and thawing expressible juice, and cooking losses), tenderness (shear force) and chemical composition (fat, moisture, ash and protein) were measured. Freezing produced higher total juice losses than only refrigeration; however, freezing did not improve the tenderness of beef with low fat content. Sequential order of freezing and refrigeration (T2 and T3) did not affect juice losses. The ribeye piece was the most tender veal piece and produced the lowest juice loss. Veal fat content was inversely related to juice losses and directly related to tenderness. Commercial pieces with low fat content are suggested not to be overcooked because of higher juice losses which reduce tenderness.
Use of macroporous adsorption resin for simultaneous desalting and debittering of whey protein hydrolysates
Authors: Cheison Seronei C. , Wang Zhang , Xu Shi‐Ying
Published: November 2007

Whey protein isolate (WPI) was hydrolysed to whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) of degree of hydrolysis equal to 15% using Protease N ‘Amano’ G (IUB 3.4.24.28) in a batch reactor at 55 °C and pH 7.0 according to the pH‐stat procedure. Ash was removed by adsorbing WPH onto macroporous adsorption resins (MAR). Following rinsing with deionised water, desorption was achieved by washing with 20%, 40% and 75% alcohol (v v−1) to obtain the three fractions HS20, HS40 and HS75. Ash reduced from 15.71% (WPH) to 4.38% (HS20), 2.02% (HS40) and 2.38% (HS75). Similarly, the protein content was enriched from a low of 64.89% (WPH) to 94.74% (HS20), 95.32% (HS40) and 92.00% (HS75). The fractions were analysed for surface hydrophobicity (SHo), angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, emulsifying activity index, total amino acids composition and molecular weight distribution. Fraction HS75 was objectionably bitter, showed superior ACE inhibition (lowest IC50), had the highest content of hydrophobic and essential amino acids and contained about 71% of <600 Da with no fractions exceeding 4142 Da. Desorption with alcohol weakened the hydrophobic interaction forces between the peptides and resins and hence eluted the peptides, with the bitter HS75 being extracted.
Imaging food freezing using X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Mousavi Reza , Miri Taghi , Cox Philip W. , Fryer Peter J.
Published: November 2007

X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (X‐ray micro‐CT) has been applied to visualise ice crystal structures formed during freezing of a number of foods. Materials were frozen unidirectionally at −5 °C and then freeze‐dried to remove the ice crystal structure and leave voids that can be measured by the X‐ray. The system reconstructs the 3‐D image based on a set of 2‐D images, and is capable of micrometre‐scale visualisation. This study demonstrates the capability of the technique to characterise the internal ice crystal microstructure of a range of frozen materials; meat, fish, chicken, potato, cheese and carrot. Results show the voids corresponding to the ice crystals formed within these materials at different directions to the heat flux and various axial positions. Electron microscopy of the same materials, both fresh and frozen at −5 °C, indicates the same shape of voids seen by the tomographic technique. Ice crystal parameters such as size, area and width can be quantified by the technique. Ice crystals in carrot were larger than in the other materials, while cheese and potato had the lowest values. The ice crystal distribution of all the experimental materials varied with axial distance from cooling surface; the closer the measurement was to the cooling surface, the smaller the crystal size. The results demonstrate that X‐ray micro‐CT might be useful in the analysis of frozen foods.
The effect of test conditions on failure parameters during uniaxial compression of potato tissue
Authors: Canet Wenceslao , Alvarez M. Dolores , Gil Manuel Juan
Published: November 2007

Uniaxial compression tests were performed on potato flesh. Cylindrical samples of diameters (19.05 and 25.4 mm) and heights (5, 10, 15 and 20 mm) were tested under non‐lubricated, lubricated and increased friction conditions. The deformation rate effect was also examined by performing compression tests at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mm min−1. In the present study, parameters derived from compression to failure were failure strain (ε), engineering stress (F/A0), true stress (F/Af), apparent elastic modulus (E) and energy at failure (Uv). As compared with non‐lubricated friction condition, lubrication increased significantly the average ε value and decreased significantly the average F/Af value, but appears to have lower significant effect on the average F/A0, E and Uv values. Failure strain, engineering stress and energy at failure increased with deformation rate, whereas true stress and apparent elastic modulus decreased. Failure strain increased with sample diameter and decreased significantly with sample height, whereas the rest of the failure parameters decreased when both sample dimensions increased. As compared with non‐lubricated friction condition, lubrication results in a higher influence of deformation rate on the averageε, F/A0 and Uv values, a similar influence of sample diameter on the average F/Af and E values, but a lower influence of sample height on all the failure parameters. In turn, increased friction results in a higher influence of deformation rate and mainly the sample height on the averageε, F/A0 and Uv values, but a lower influence of sample diameter on all the failure parameters. Principal components analyses showed that principal component 1 is determined by ε, F/A0 and Uv, and is strongly influenced by sample height, whereas component 2 is dominated by E, and is mainly influenced by sample diameter.
A numerical approach revealing the impact of rheological properties on mouthfeel caused by food
Authors: Mathmann Katrin , Kowalczyk Wojciech , Petermeier Hannes , Baars Albert , Eberhard Michael , Delgado Antonio
Published: November 2007

In contrast to the static chemoreceptor‐related flavour perception, texture of food capable of flow is detected dynamically with oral mechanoreceptors while the food is manipulated in the mouth. The resulting sensation called mouthfeel strongly depends on the different physical properties of food. Aim of the current study is to determine numerically the occurring fluid mechanical forces in food suspensions using a simplified tongue‐palate model system consisting of two parallel plates. For this purpose, the equations of fluid and particle motion are numerically solved by using structured overlapping grids. In the computational experiment, a density neutral fluid system between the plates is compressed by moving the upper plate with constant velocity down to the other one. It has been found that suspended particles move with the fluid flow but have only minor effect on the global flow field in the applied concentration.
1600–1500 Ma hotspot track in eastern Australia: implications for Mesoproterozoic continental reconstructions
Authors: Betts Peter G. , Giles David , Schaefer Bruce F. , Mark Geordie
Published: November 2007

Mesoproterozoic A‐type magmatic rocks in the Gawler Craton, Curnamona Province and eastern Mount Isa Inlier, form a palaeo‐curvilinear belt for reconstructed plate orientations. The oldest igneous rocks in the Gawler Craton are the Hiltaba Granite Suite: c. 1600–1575 Ma. The youngest in the Mount Isa Inlier are the Williams‐Naraku Batholiths: c. 1545–1500 Ma. The belt is interpreted as a segment of a hotspot track that evolved between c. 1600 and 1500 Ma. This hotspot track may define a quasilinear part of Australia’s motion between 1636 and 1500 Ma, and suggests that Australia drifted to high latitudes. An implication of this interpretation is that Australia and Laurentia may not have been fellow travellers leading to the formation of Rodinia. A hotspot model for A‐type magmatism in Australia differs from geodynamic models for this style of magmatism on other continents. This suggests that multiple geologic processes may be responsible for the genesis of Proterozoic A‐type magmas.
Overweight and obesity in Portugal: national prevalence in 2003–2005
Authors: Do Carmo I. , Dos Santos O. , Camolas J. , Vieira J. , Carreira M. , Medina L. , Reis L. , Myatt J. , Galvão‐Teles A.
Published: November 2007

Obesity is an endemic health problem in most developed countries, requiring serious public health attention. The first Portuguese nationwide representative survey about obesity (with objective anthropometric measurement) was undertaken from 1995 to 1998. This paper presents data coming from the second and most recent nationwide representative study of obesity, with objective measurement of weight, height, waist and hip circumferences. Data were collected between January 2003 and January 2005. The survey collected objective body mass index (BMI) values of 8116 participants aged 18–64. Main findings were: 2.4% of the sample had low weight (BMI < 18.5), 39.4% were overweight (BMI between 25.0 and 29.9), and 14.2% obese (BMI ≥ 30). Waist circumference measurement showed that 45.6% of the sample suffers increased cardiovascular health risks associated with high waist circumference. The overall overweight/obesity prevalence increased from 49.6% (in 1995–1998) to 53.6% (in 2003–2005). These data suggest that although obesity was identified as a public health problem one decade ago, action to reduce it does not seem to have been very effective to date. Well‐defined public health intervention must be targeted to specific population groups where higher levels of obesity prevalence were found: low socioeconomic level groups and low‐education level groups.
‘BACK TO THE ROUGH GROUND!’ WITTGENSTEINIAN REFLECTIONS ON RATIONALITY AND REASON
Authors: Heal Jane
Published: November 2007

Wittgenstein does not talk much explicitly about reason as a general concept, but this paper aims to sketch some thoughts which might fit his later outlook and which are suggested by his approach to language. The need for some notions in the area of ‘reason’ and ‘rationality’ are rooted in our ability to engage in discursive and persuasive linguistic exchanges. But because such exchanges can (as Wittgenstein emphasises) be so various, we should expect the notions to come in many versions, shaped by history and culture. Awareness of this variety, and of the distinctive elements of our own Western European history, may provide some defence against the temptation of conceptions, such as that of ‘perfect rationality’, which operate in unhelpfully simplified and idealised terms.
T‐Wave Amplitude Attenuation/Augmentation in Patients With Changing Edematous States: Implications for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Madias John E.
Published: November 2007

Since peripheral edema impacts the entire electrocardiographic curve, it was hypothesized that it would also affect T waves. The amplitude of T waves were measured in all electrocardiographic leads and a sum (ΣT) was calculated in 28 patients with and 28 patients without peripheral edema (controls). For patients with peripheral edema, ΣT on admission was 21.9±10.6 mm and ΣT at peak weight was 8.3±6.3 mm (P=.0005). For patients with peripheral edema who subsequently lost weight, ΣT at peak weight was 7.2±6.1 mm and ΣT at the lowest weight was 14.1±12.2 (P=.006). For controls, ΣT from admission and ΣT from discharge were 24.4±16.9 mm and 24.7±15.7 mm (P=.82), respectively. Percent change (Δ%ΣT) from admission to peak weight correlated with Δ% in weight (r=0.58; P=.001) and Δ% in the sum of QRS complexes (ΣQRS) (r=0.71; P=.00005). Δ%ΣT from peak weight to the lowest weight correlated with the corresponding Δ%ΣQRS (r=0.65; P=.02). Changes in T waves with development and alleviation of peripheral edema mirror the changes shown by the QRS complexes and may be useful in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure or other edematous states.
Rosiglitazone and Heart Failure: The Controversy and Clinical Implications
Authors: Virk Imran S. , Ruby Rubinder S. , Tepper David
Published: November 2007

In this issue of Congestive Heart Failure, the editor of this department addresses a topic on which there is conflicting data. Dr Tepper selected 2 of the most relevant abstracts for review. His comments on the conflicting data—and the polarized viewpoints among physicians that often result—provide insights on the clinical implications of the controversy.
Regulation of the High‐Affinity Nitrate Transport System in Wheat Roots by Exogenous Abscisic Acid and Glutamine
Authors: Cai Chao , Zhao Xue‐Qiang , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Li Bin , Tong Yi‐Ping , Li Zhen‐Sheng
Published: November 2007

Nitrate is a major nitrogen (N) source for most crops. Nitrate uptake by root cells is a key step of nitrogen metabolism and has been widely studied at the physiological and molecular levels. Understanding how nitrate uptake is regulated will help us engineer crops with improved nitrate uptake efficiency. The present study investigated the regulation of the high‐affinity nitrate transport system (HATS) by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and glutamine (Gln) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots. Wheat seedlings grown in nutrient solution containing 2 mmol/L nitrate as the only nitrogen source for 2 weeks were deprived of N for 4 d and were then transferred to nutrient solution containing 50 μmol/L ABA, and 1 mmol/L Gln in the presence or absence of 2 mmol/L nitrate for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h. Treated wheat plants were then divided into two groups. One group of plants was used to investigate the mRNA levels of the HATS components NRT2 and NAR2 genes in roots through semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR approach, and the other set of plants were used to measure high‐affinity nitrate influx rates in a nutrient solution containing 0.2 mmol/L 15N‐labeled nitrate. The results showed that exogenous ABA induced the expression of the TaNRT2.1, TaNRT2.2, TaNRT2.3, TaNAR2.1, and TaNAR2.2 genes in roots when nitrate was not present in the nutrient solution, but did not further enhance the induction of these genes by nitrate. Glutamine, which has been shown to inhibit the expression of NRT2 genes when nitrate is present in the growth media, did not inhibit this induction. When Gln was supplied to a nitrate‐free nutrient solution, the expression of these five genes in roots was induced. These results imply that the inhibition by Gln of NRT2 expression occurs only when nitrate is present in the growth media. Although exogenous ABA and Gln induced HATS genes in the roots of wheat, they did not induce nitrate influx.
Genotypes of Heading Date of Middle Indica Rice in the Mid‐lower Region of the Yangtze River
Authors: Xu Jun‐Feng , Jiang Ling , Wei Xiang‐Jin , Zhang Wen‐Wei , Liu Shi‐Jia , Chen Liang‐Ming , Luo Lin‐Guang , Wan Jian‐Min
Published: November 2007

Middle indica cultivars are planted in the middle to lower regions of the Yangtze River. Hybrid combinations with these cultivars have a high yield potential but the presence of late‐transgressive‐segregants limits the further exploitation of heterosis. To understand the genetic basis of the heading date in these middle maturing cultivars, we carried out a genetic analysis of 10 typical middle‐season cultivars using a number of heading date isogenic lines under both long and short day conditions. The results showed that Teqing, 752, CDR22, Bo B, 9311 and II‐32B carry two photoperiod sensitive genes E1 or Se‐1 and E3, and Teqing, 752 and CDR22 carry a dominant early‐heading gene Ef‐1 while Bo B, 9311 and II‐32B carry a recessive late‐heading gene ef‐1. Based on the findings of the present and previous works on Guichao 2, Minghui 63, Nanjing 11 and Pei'ai64S, it was concluded that all of these middle indica cultivars carried the recessive allele hd2, which could inhibit the expression of E1 or Se‐1, and they formed rational combinations of genotype for heading date during a long period of evolution. The effects of the different combinations of genotype for heading date on rice cultivation and extension were discussed, and genetic basis of broad adaptability of hybrid middle indica cultivars was analyzed.
The Streptomycin-Sulfadiazine-Tetracycline Antimicrobial Resistance Element of Calf-Adapted
Escherichia coli
Is Widely Distributed among Isolates from Washington State Cattle
Authors: Khachatryan Artashes R. , Besser Thomas E. , Call Douglas R.
Published: November 2007

Association of specific antimicrobial resistance patterns with unrelated selective traits has long been implicated in the maintenance of antimicrobial resistance in a population. Previously we demonstrated that
Escherichia coli
strains with a specific resistance pattern (resistant to
s
treptomycin,
su
lfadiazine, and
t
etracycline [SSuT]) have a selective advantage in dairy calf intestinal environments and in the presence of a milk supplement commonly fed to the calves. In the present study we identified the sequence of the genetic element that confers the SSuT phenotype and show that this element is present in a genetically diverse group of
E. coli
isolates, as assessed by macrorestriction digestion and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This element was also found in
E. coli
isolates from 18 different cattle farms in Washington State. Using in vitro competition experiments we further demonstrated that SSuT strains from 17 of 18 farms were able to outcompete pansusceptible strains. In a separate set of experiments, we were able to transfer the antimicrobial resistance phenotype by electroporation to a laboratory strain of
E. coli
(DH10B), making that new strain more competitive during in vitro competition with the parental DH10B strain. These data indicate that a relatively large genetic element conferring the SSuT phenotype is widely distributed in
E. coli
from cattle in Washington State. Furthermore, our results indicate that this element is responsible for maintenance of these traits owing to linkage to genetic traits that confer a selective advantage in the intestinal lumens of dairy calves.
Elucidating the Function of an Ancient NF-κB p100 Homologue, CrRelish, in Antibacterial Defense
Authors: Fan Ze Hua , Wang Xiao Wei , Lu Jinhua , Ho Bow , Ding Jeak Ling
Published: November 2007

The family of NF-κB transcription factors essentially regulates immune-related gene expression. Recently, we isolated and characterized the classical NF-κB/inhibitor κB (IκB) homologues from a “living fossil,” the horseshoe crab,
Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda
. Interestingly, this ancient species also harbors another class I NF-κB p100 homologue,
C. rotundicauda
Relish (CrRelish). Similar to
Drosophila
Relish and the mammalian p100, CrRelish contains both the Rel-homology domains (RHD) and the IκB-like domain. In this study, we found that the RHD of CrRelish can recognize horseshoe crab and human κB response elements and activate the downstream reporter in vitro, thereby suggesting the evolutionary conservation of this molecule.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection transcriptionally upregulates CrRelish, which exhibits a dynamic protein profile over the time course of infection. Surprisingly, secondary infection reinduced an upsurge in CrRelish protein expression to a level which overrode the protein degradation at 12 h postinfection. These observations strongly suggest the involvement of CrRelish in antibacterial defense. Secondary infection causes (i) the maintenance of a favorable expression-competent sequence context of the CrRelish gene and/or (ii) the derepression or stabilization of the CrRelish transcript resulting from the primary infection to enable the more rapid expression and accumulation of the CrRelish protein, reflecting apparent signal/immune priming in a repeated infection.
Contribution of the Epstein–Barr virus to the molecular pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kapatai G , Murray P
Published: November 2007

Although the morphology of the pathognomonic Reed–Sternberg cells of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) was described over a century ago, it was not until recently that their origin from B lymphocytes was recognised. The demonstration that a proportion of cases of HL harbour the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and that its genome is monoclonal in these tumours suggests that the virus contributes to the development of HL in some cases. This review summarises current knowledge of the pathogenesis of HL with particular emphasis on the association with EBV.
ASPECTS OF HADRONS AT FINITE BARYONIC DENSITY
Authors: BRAGHIN FÁBIO L.
Published: November 2007

The linear sigma model at finite baryonic density with a massive classical vector field is investigated considering that all the bosonic fields develop non zero expected classical values, eventually corresponding to dynamical symmetry breakings. The densities involving baryons are calculated using the solutions of the Dirac equation coupled to the classical vector and scalar field. The stability and ground state conditions are analyzed with particular (variational-like) prescriptions. Some aspects of relevance for states containing anti-hadrons and also for the restoration of chiral symmetry are discussed.
CONSTRAINTS ON THE HYPERON-SIGMA MESON COUPLING BY GW OBSERVATIONS
Authors: MARRANGHELLO GUILHERME F. , RAZEIRA MOISÉS , BODMANN BARDO , DE ARAUJO JOSÉ C. N.
Published: November 2007

The next generation of gravitational wave observatories are promissing candidates to make the first detections. Once the detection occurs the GW characteristics permit to extract some information about the gravitational wave source. In the present work we focus on waves produced by neutron stars which can give stringent constraints on the nuclear matter equation of state. The microscopic description is based on a nonlinear field-theoretical model in order to construct such an equation of state. The model has free parameters, which from actual knowledge may not be pinned down by direct nuclear matter experiments. An important example is the hyperon-sigma meson coupling constant, currently determined by the spin-isospin SU(6) scheme. The coupling constant is of significant relevance for the structure of the equation of state, controlling its rigidity and, consequently, the properties of neutron stars and gravitational wave signals. We show, in this work, how one can constrain the hyperon-sigma meson coupling constant assuming the detection of a gravitational wave.
X(3872) AS TETRAQUARKS IN QCD SUM RULES
Authors: MATHEUS R. D. , NIELSEN M.
Published: November 2007

QCD spectral sum rules is used to test the nature of the meson X(3872), assumed to be an exotic four-quark [Formula: see text] state with JPC = 1++. For definiteness, the current proposed recently by Maiani et al1 is used, at leading order in αs, considering the contributions of higher dimension condensates. The value MX = (3.94 ± 0.17) GeV is found which is compatible, within the errors, with the experimental candidate X(3872). The uncertainties of our estimates are mainly due to the one from the c quark mass.
DIFFERENTIAL OPERATORS FOR SCATTERING AMPLITUDES
Authors: MENON MÁRCIO JOSÉ , ÁVILA REGINA FONSECA
Published: November 2007

We discuss novel dispersion relations in differential form, connecting real and imaginary parts of elastic scattering amplitudes and formally valid at any energy above the physical threshold. By means of fits to total cross section data from proton-proton and antiproton-proton scattering, we evaluate the corresponding ratio ρ between the real and imaginary parts of the forward amplitudes. We show that the results are exactly the same as those obtained through standard integral dispersion relations.
COMPARING PURE YANG–MILLS SU(2) AND SU(3) PROPAGATORS
Authors: CUCCHIERI A. , MENDES T. , OLIVEIRA O. , SILVA P. J.
Published: November 2007

The infrared behavior of gluon and ghost propagators in Yang–Mills gauge theories is of central importance for the understanding of confinement in QCD. While analytic studies using Schwinger–Dyson equations predict the same infrared exponents for the SU(2) and SU(3) gauge groups, lattice simulations usually assume that the two cases are different, although their qualitative infrared features may be the same. We carry out a comparative study of lattice (Landau) propagators for both gauge groups. Our data were especially produced with equivalent lattice parameters to allow a careful comparison of the two cases.
GLUONIC SCREENING MASSES FOR SU(2) GAUGE THEORY
Authors: SOUSA R. , CHIAPPARINI M. , MENDES T. , CUCCHIERI A.
Published: November 2007

We study the spectrum of gluon screening masses in lattice Yang–Mills theory as a function of the lattice size, for the gauge group SU(2) and near the deconfinement temperature. We obtain values for the mass ratios consistent with predictions from universality arguments.
TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF A MESON GAS
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-FRAILE D. , NICOLA A. GÓMEZ
Published: November 2007

We present recent results on a systematic method to calculate transport coefficients for a meson gas (in particular, we analyze a pion gas) at low temperatures in the context of Chiral Perturbation Theory. Our method is based on the study of Feynman diagrams with a power counting which takes into account collisions in the plasma by means of a non-zero particle width. In this way, we obtain results compatible with analysis of Kinetic Theory with just the leading order diagram. We show the behavior with temperature of electrical and thermal conductivities and shear and bulk viscosities, and we discuss the fundamental role played by unitarity. We obtain that bulk viscosity is negligible against shear viscosity near the chiral phase transition. Relations between the different transport coefficients and bounds on them based on different theoretical approximations are also discussed. We also comment on some applications to heavy-ion collisions.
POINT-COUPLING AND NONLINEAR WALECKA MODELS CONNECTION
Authors: LOURENÇO O. , DUTRA M. , DELFINO A. , AMARAL R. L. P. G.
Published: November 2007

In the context of infinite nuclear matter, the equation of states obtained from the Walecka model turn out to be the same as those constructed from point-coupling models in which the nucleons interact with each other only when they are in contact.1 Nonlinear point-coupling models have been applied sucessfully to describe infinite nuclear matter and finite nuclei spectra properties.2 A theoretical support for this was presented on the basis of naturalness and naive dimensional analysis.3 For the usual linear Walecka model the infinite meson masses limit leads to a point-coupling model. From this, a quite natural question arises, whether the same kind of masses limit taken in a nonlinear Walecka model would provide a point-coupling model. We construct a modified nonlinear Walecka model Lagrangian in which the infinite meson masses limit can be taken exactly and leads to the contact nonlinear model. This modified nonlinear Walecka model includes higher order couplings. Although the modified and the nonlinear Walecka model at a mean field approach lead to distinct equations of state, the physically relevant content of the models are the same.
MODEL REAL-TIME QUANTUM DYNAMICAL SIMULATIONS OF PROTON TRANSFER IN THE GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (GFP)
Authors: ZHANG HONG , SMITH SEAN C.
Published: November 2007

In this paper, we present the results from model real-time quantum dynamical calculations of the proton transfer in green fluorescent protein (GFP) regarding four electronic states (labeled A, A*, I, I*). A coupled-states quantum wavepacket method has been used, which involves split-operator and fast FFT algorithms. The model potential energy surfaces are based upon data derived from experimental results with some modifications. Several important processes in GFP have been simulated, which include the photo-absorption and proton transfer in the excited state, the isotope effect and the recurrence time for proton motion in the excited state. The origin of the early-time (prompt) stimulated emission is tentatively explained in terms of off-resonance excitation as well as the contribution from the fastest component for proton transfer in GFP.
THEORETICAL STUDIES ON HEATS OF FORMATION FOR SOME THIOL COMPOUNDS BY DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AND CBS-Q METHOD
Authors: LI XIAO-HONG , ZHANG RUI-ZHOU , ZHANG XIAN-ZHOU , CHENG XIN-LU , YANG XIANG-DONG
Published: November 2007

The heats of formation (HOFs) for 15 thiol compounds are calculated by employing the hybrid density functional theory (B3LYP, B3PW91, B3P86) methods with 6-311G** basis set and the complete basis set (CBS-Q) method. It is demonstrated that the B3P86 and CBS-Q methods are accurate to compute the reliable HOFs for thiol compounds. In order to test whether the B3P86 method has a low basis set sensitivity, the HOFs for six thiol compounds are also calculated by using the B3P86 method with 6-31+G*, 6-31+G**, and 6-311+G** basis sets for comparison. We also extend our study by employing the nonlocal BLYP method together with 6-31+G* basis set to calculate the HOFs for thiol compounds. The obtained results are compared with the experimental results. It is noted that the B3P86 method is not sensitive to the basis sets. Considering the inevitably computational cost of CBS-Q method and the reliability of the B3P86 calculation, the B3P86 method with a moderate or a larger basis set such as 6-311G** and 6-311+G** may be more suitable to calculate the HOFs of thiol compounds. In addition, we believe that the maximum error associated with the calculated HOFs is less than 6 kcal/mol for the B3P86/6-311G** method and it is expected that the error bar is more likely 1–5 kcal/mol for the HOFs of thiol compounds.
FIRM PATENT STRATEGIES IN US TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
Authors: HEMPHILL THOMAS A.
Published: November 2007

The focus of this article is on exploring the business competitive consequences of firm patent strategies in the United States de jure technology standard development processes. An analytic framework ("Firm Patent Strategies Matrix") is created which formally identifies a set of firm patent strategies applicable in the de jure technology standard development process. This Firm Patent Strategies Matrix is predicated on two key variables relevant to the standard development process: first, firms are either active participants in standard-setting committees, or they are non-participants, and second, firms are either disclosing appropriate information on potentially relevant patented technology (or patent pending applications on such technology), or they are not disclosing such potentially relevant patented information on technology (or patent pending applications on such technology), in the standard development process. The Firm Patent Strategies Matrix identifies the following four generic strategic choices for a technology-driven firm to choose among concerning the disposition of its patents: (1) Disclosure/Participation, (2) Disclosure/Non-Participation, (3) Non-Disclosure/Participation, and (4) Non-Disclosure/Non-Participation. Public policy issues, relevant to these Firm Patent Strategies, are identified (e.g., RAND licencing terms, patent ambush and submarine patents) and recommended policy solutions are offered (e.g., instituting Ex Ante royalty discussions, vigorous federal antitrust enforcement against patent ambush and the wider use of firm patent liability insurance, respectively).