bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association weight matrix for the genetic dissection of puberty in beef cattle
Authors: Fortes Marina R. S. , Reverter Antonio , Zhang Yuandan , Collis Eliza , Nagaraj Shivashankar H. , Jonsson Nick N. , Prayaga Kishore C. , Barris Wes , Hawken Rachel J.
Published: July 2010

We describe a systems biology approach for the genetic dissection of complex traits based on applying gene network theory to the results from genome-wide associations. The associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) that were individually associated with a primary phenotype of interest, age at puberty in our study, were explored across 22 related traits. Genomic regions were surveyed for genes harboring the selected SNP. As a result, an association weight matrix (AWM) was constructed with as many rows as genes and as many columns as traits. Each {
i
,
j
} cell value in the AWM corresponds to the
z
-score normalized additive effect of the
i
th gene (via its neighboring SNP) on the
j
th trait. Columnwise, the AWM recovered the genetic correlations estimated via pedigree-based restricted maximum-likelihood methods. Rowwise, a combination of hierarchical clustering, gene network, and pathway analyses identified genetic drivers that would have been missed by standard genome-wide association studies. Finally, the promoter regions of the AWM-predicted targets of three key transcription factors (TFs), estrogen-related receptor γ (ESRRG), Pal3 motif, bound by a PPAR-γ homodimer, IR3 sites (PPARG), and Prophet of Pit 1, PROP paired-like homeobox 1 (PROP1), were surveyed to identify binding sites corresponding to those TFs. Applied to our case, the AWM results recapitulate the known biology of puberty, captured experimentally validated binding sites, and identified candidate genes and gene–gene interactions for further investigation.
Deep phenotyping to predict live birth outcomes in in vitro fertilization
Authors: Banerjee Prajna , Choi Bokyung , Shahine Lora K. , Jun Sunny H. , O’Leary Kathleen , Lathi Ruth B. , Westphal Lynn M. , Wong Wing H. , Yao Mylene W. M.
Published: July 2010

Nearly 75% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments do not result in live births and patients are largely guided by a generalized age-based prognostic stratification. We sought to provide personalized and validated prognosis by using available clinical and embryo data from prior, failed treatments to predict live birth probabilities in the subsequent treatment. We generated a boosted tree model, IVF
BT
, by training it with IVF outcomes data from 1,676 first cycles (C1s) from 2003–2006, followed by external validation with 634 cycles from 2007–2008, respectively. We tested whether this model could predict the probability of having a live birth in the subsequent treatment (C2). By using nondeterministic methods to identify prognostic factors and their relative nonredundant contribution, we generated a prediction model, IVF
BT
, that was superior to the age-based control by providing over 1,000-fold improvement to fit new data (
p
 < 0.05), and increased discrimination by receiver–operative characteristic analysis (area-under-the-curve, 0.80 vs. 0.68 for C1, 0.68 vs. 0.58 for C2). IVF
BT
provided predictions that were more accurate for ∼83% of C1 and ∼60% of C2 cycles that were out of the range predicted by age. Over half of those patients were reclassified to have higher live birth probabilities. We showed that data from a prior cycle could be used effectively to provide personalized and validated live birth probabilities in a subsequent cycle. Our approach may be replicated and further validated in other IVF clinics.
Alterations in the immuno-skeletal interface drive bone destruction in HIV-1 transgenic rats
Authors: Vikulina Tatyana , Fan Xian , Yamaguchi Masayoshi , Roser-Page Susanne , Zayzafoon Majd , Guidot David M. , Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Weitzmann M. Neale
Published: July 2010

Osteoporosis and bone fractures are increasingly recognized complications of HIV-1 infection. Although antiretroviral therapy itself has complex effects on bone turnover, it is now evident that the majority of HIV-infected individuals already exhibit reduced bone mineral density before therapy. The mechanisms responsible are likely multifactorial and have been difficult to delineate in humans. The HIV-1 transgenic rat recapitulates many key features of human AIDS. We now demonstrate that, like their human counterparts, HIV-1 transgenic rats undergo severe osteoclastic bone resorption, a consequence of an imbalance in the ratio of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, the key osteoclastogenic cytokine, to that of its physiological decoy receptor osteoprotegerin. This imbalance stemmed from a switch in production of osteoprotegerin to that of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand by B cells, and was further compounded by a significantly elevated number of osteoclast precursors. With the advancing age of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, low bone mineral density associated with HIV infection is likely to collide with the pathophysiology of skeletal aging, leading to increased fracture risk. Understanding the mechanisms driving bone loss in HIV-infected individuals will be critical to developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Multirelational organization of large-scale social networks in an online world
Authors: Szell Michael , Lambiotte Renaud , Thurner Stefan
Published: July 2010

The capacity to collect fingerprints of individuals in online media has revolutionized the way researchers explore human society. Social systems can be seen as a nonlinear superposition of a multitude of complex social networks, where nodes represent individuals and links capture a variety of different social relations. Much emphasis has been put on the network topology of social interactions, however, the multidimensional nature of these interactions has largely been ignored, mostly because of lack of data. Here, for the first time, we analyze a complete, multirelational, large social network of a society consisting of the 300,000 odd players of a massive multiplayer online game. We extract networks of six different types of one-to-one interactions between the players. Three of them carry a positive connotation (friendship, communication, trade), three a negative (enmity, armed aggression, punishment). We first analyze these types of networks as separate entities and find that negative interactions differ from positive interactions by their lower reciprocity, weaker clustering, and fatter-tail degree distribution. We then explore how the interdependence of different network types determines the organization of the social system. In particular, we study correlations and overlap between different types of links and demonstrate the tendency of individuals to play different roles in different networks. As a demonstration of the power of the approach, we present the first empirical large-scale verification of the long-standing structural balance theory, by focusing on the specific multiplex network of friendship and enmity relations.
A genetically modulated, intrinsic cingulate circuit supports human nicotine addiction
Authors: Hong L. Elliot , Hodgkinson Colin A. , Yang Yihong , Sampath Hemalatha , Ross Thomas J. , Buchholz Brittany , Salmeron Betty Jo , Srivastava Vibhuti , Thaker Gunvant K. , Goldman David , Stein Elliot A.
Published: July 2010

Whole-genome searches have identified nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α5-α3-β4 subunit gene variants that are associated with smoking. How genes support this addictive and high-risk behavior through their expression in the brain remains poorly understood. Here we show that a key α5 gene variant Asp398Asn is associated with a dorsal anterior cingulate–ventral striatum/extended amygdala circuit, such that the “risk allele” decreases the intrinsic resting functional connectivity strength in this circuit. Importantly, this effect is observed independently in nonsmokers and smokers, although the circuit strength distinguishes smokers from nonsmokers, predicts addiction severity in smokers, and is not secondary to smoking per se, thus representing a trait-like circuitry biomarker. This same circuit is further impaired in people with mental illnesses, who have the highest rate of smoking. Identifying where and how brain circuits link genes to smoking provides practical neural circuitry targets for new treatment development.
Signatures of quantum criticality in pure Cr at high pressure
Authors: Jaramillo R. , Feng Yejun , Wang J. , Rosenbaum T. F.
Published: July 2010

The elemental antiferromagnet Cr at high pressure presents a new type of naked quantum critical point that is free of disorder and symmetry-breaking fields. Here we measure magnetotransport in fine detail around the critical pressure,
P

c

 ∼ 10 GPa, in a diamond anvil cell and reveal the role of quantum critical fluctuations at the phase transition. As the magnetism disappears and
T
 → 0, the magntotransport scaling converges to a non-mean-field form that illustrates the reconstruction of the magnetic Fermi surface, and is distinct from the critical scaling measured in chemically disordered Cr∶V under pressure. The breakdown of itinerant antiferromagnetism only comes clearly into view in the clean limit, establishing disorder as a relevant variable at a quantum phase transition.
Extremely slow intramolecular diffusion in unfolded protein L
Authors: Waldauer Steven A. , Bakajin Olgica , Lapidus Lisa J.
Published: July 2010

A crucial parameter in many theories of protein folding is the rate of diffusion over the energy landscape. Using a microfluidic mixer we have observed the rate of intramolecular diffusion within the unfolded B1 domain of protein L before it folds. The diffusion-limited rate of intramolecular contact is about 20 times slower than the rate in 6 M GdnHCl, and because in these conditions the protein is also more compact, the intramolecular diffusion coefficient decreases 100–500 times. The dramatic slowdown in diffusion occurs within the 250 μs mixing time of the mixer, and there appears to be no further evolution of this rate before reaching the transition state of folding. We show that observed folding rates are well predicted by a Kramers model with a denaturant-dependent diffusion coefficient and speculate that this diffusion coefficient is a significant contribution to the observed rate of folding.
Aggregation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into 3D spheroids enhances their antiinflammatory properties
Authors: Bartosh Thomas J. , Ylöstalo Joni H. , Mohammadipoor Arezoo , Bazhanov Nikolay , Coble Katie , Claypool Kent , Lee Ryang Hwa , Choi Hosoon , Prockop Darwin J.
Published: July 2010

Previous reports suggested that culture as 3D aggregates or as spheroids can increase the therapeutic potential of the adult stem/progenitor cells referred to as mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Here we used a hanging drop protocol to prepare human MSCs (hMSCs) as spheroids that maximally expressed TNFα stimulated gene/protein 6 (TSG-6), the antiinflammatory protein that was expressed at high levels by hMSCs trapped in the lung after i.v. infusion and that largely explained the beneficial effects of hMSCs in mice with myocardial infarcts. The properties of spheroid hMSCs were found to depend critically on the culture conditions. Under optimal conditions for expression of TSG-6, the hMSCs also expressed high levels of stanniocalcin-1, a protein with both antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. In addition, they expressed high levels of three anticancer proteins: IL-24, TNFα-related apoptosis inducing ligand, and CD82. The spheroid hMSCs were more effective than hMSCs from adherent monolayer cultures in suppressing inflammatory responses in a coculture system with LPS-activated macrophages and in a mouse model for peritonitis. In addition, the spheroid hMSCs were about one-fourth the volume of hMSCs from adherent cultures. Apparently as a result, larger numbers of the cells trafficked through the lung after i.v. infusion and were recovered in spleen, liver, kidney, and heart. The data suggest that spheroid hMSCs may be more effective than hMSCs from adherent cultures in therapies for diseases characterized by sterile tissue injury and unresolved inflammation and for some cancers that are sensitive to antiinflammatory agents.
Regulator of G protein signaling 5 protects against cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis during biomechanical stress of pressure overload
Authors: Li Hongliang , He Chengwei , Feng Jinhua , Zhang Yan , Tang Qizhu , Bian Zhouyan , Bai Xue , Zhou Heng , Jiang Hong , Heximer Scott P. , Qin Mu , Huang He , Liu Peter. P. , Huang Congxin
Published: July 2010

The development of cardiac hypertrophy in response to increased hemodynamic load and neurohormonal stress is initially a compensatory response that may eventually lead to ventricular dilation and heart failure. Regulator of G protein signaling 5 (Rgs5) is a negative regulator of G protein-mediated signaling by inactivating Gα(q) and Gα(i), which mediate actions of most known vasoconstrictors. Previous studies have demonstrated that Rgs5 expresses among various cell types within mature heart and showed high levels of Rgs5 mRNA in monkey and human heart tissue by Northern blot analysis. However, the critical role of Rgs5 on cardiac remodeling remains unclear. To specifically determine the role of Rgs5 in pathological cardiac remodeling, we used transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of human Rgs5 gene and Rgs5
−/−
mice. Our results demonstrated that the transgenic mice were resistant to cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis through inhibition of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling, whereas the Rgs5
−/−
mice displayed the opposite phenotype in response to pressure overload. These studies indicate that Rgs5 protein is a crucial component of the signaling pathway involved in cardiac remodeling and heart failure.
Distinct roles for two synaptotagmin isoforms in synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release at zebrafish neuromuscular junction
Authors: Wen Hua , Linhoff Michael W. , McGinley Matthew J. , Li Geng-Lin , Corson Glen M. , Mandel Gail , Brehm Paul
Published: July 2010

An obligatory role for the calcium sensor synaptotagmins in stimulus-coupled release of neurotransmitter is well established, but a role for synaptotagmin isoform involvement in asynchronous release remains conjecture. We show, at the zebrafish neuromuscular synapse, that two separate synaptotagmins underlie these processes. Specifically, knockdown of synaptotagmin 2 (syt2) reduces synchronous release, whereas knockdown of synaptotagmin 7 (syt7) reduces the asynchronous component of release. The zebrafish neuromuscular junction is unique in having a very small quantal content and a high release probability under conditions of either low-frequency stimulation or high-frequency augmentation. Through these features, we further determined that during the height of shared synchronous and asynchronous transmission these two modes compete for the same release sites.
Combined agonist–antagonist genome-wide functional screening identifies broadly active antiviral microRNAs
Authors: Santhakumar Diwakar , Forster Thorsten , Laqtom Nouf N. , Fragkoudis Rennos , Dickinson Paul , Abreu-Goodger Cei , Manakov Sergei A. , Choudhury Nila Roy , Griffiths Samantha J. , Vermeulen Annaleen , Enright Anton J. , Dutia Bernadette , Kohl Alain , Ghazal Peter , Buck Amy H.
Published: July 2010

Although the functional parameters of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been explored in some depth, the roles of these molecules in viral infections remain elusive. Here we report a general method for global analysis of miRNA function that compares the significance of both overexpressing and inhibiting each mouse miRNA on the growth properties of different viruses. Our comparative analysis of representatives of all three herpesvirus subfamilies identified host miRNAs with broad anti- and proviral properties which extend to a single-stranded RNA virus. Specifically, we demonstrate the broad antiviral capacity of miR-199a-3p and illustrate that this individual host-encoded miRNA regulates multiple pathways required and/or activated by viruses, including PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK signaling, oxidative stress signaling, and prostaglandin synthesis. Global miRNA expression analysis further demonstrated that the miR-199a/miR-214 cluster is down-regulated in both murine and human cytomegalovirus infection and manifests similar antiviral properties in mouse and human cells. Overall, we report a general strategy for examining the contributions of individual host miRNAs in viral infection and provide evidence that these molecules confer broad inhibitory potential against multiple viruses.
Sodium selenate mitigates tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and functional deficits in Alzheimer's disease models
Authors: van Eersel Janet , Ke Yazi D. , Liu Xin , Delerue Fabien , Kril Jillian J. , Götz Jürgen , Ittner Lars M.
Published: July 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains are characterized by amyloid-β-containing plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs); however, in frontotemporal dementia, the tau pathology manifests in the absence of overt amyloid-β plaques. Therapeutic strategies so far have primarily been targeting amyloid-β, although those targeting tau are only slowly beginning to emerge. Here, we identify sodium selenate as a compound that reduces tau phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, chronic oral treatment of two independent tau transgenic mouse strains with NFT pathology, P301L mutant pR5 and K369I mutant K3 mice, reduces tau hyperphosphorylation and completely abrogates NFT formation. Furthermore, treatment improves contextual memory and motor performance, and prevents neurodegeneration. As hyperphosphorylation of tau precedes NFT formation, the effect of selenate on tau phosphorylation was assessed in more detail, a process regulated by both kinases and phosphatases. A major phosphatase implicated in tau dephosphorylation is the serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that is reduced in both levels and activity in the AD brain. We found that selenate stabilizes PP2A-tau complexes. Moreover, there was an absence of therapeutic effects in sodium selenate-treated tau transgenic mice that coexpress a dominant-negative mutant form of PP2A, suggesting a mediating role for PP2A. Taken together, sodium selenate mitigates tau pathology in several AD models, making it a promising lead compound for tau-targeted treatments of AD and related dementias.
Argonaute 2 in dopamine 2 receptor–expressing neurons regulates cocaine addiction
Authors: Schaefer Anne , Im Heh-In , Venø Morten T. , Fowler Christie D. , Min Alice , Intrator Adam , Kjems Jørgen , Kenny Paul J. , O’Carroll Donal , Greengard Paul
Published: July 2010

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that exerts its effects by increasing the levels of released dopamine in the striatum, followed by stable changes in gene transcription, mRNA translation, and metabolism within medium spiny neurons in the striatum. The multiple changes in gene and protein expression associated with cocaine addiction suggest the existence of a mechanism that facilitates a coordinated cellular response to cocaine. Here, we provide evidence for a key role of miRNAs in cocaine addiction. We show that Argonaute 2 (Ago2), which plays an important role in miRNA generation and execution of miRNA-mediated gene silencing, is involved in regulation of cocaine addiction. Deficiency of Ago2 in dopamine 2 receptor (Drd2)–expressing neurons greatly reduces the motivation to self-administer cocaine in mice. We identified a distinct group of miRNAs that is specifically regulated by Ago2 in the striatum. Comparison of miRNAs affected by Ago2 deficiency with miRNAs that are enriched and/or up-regulated in Drd2-neurons in response to cocaine identified a set of miRNAs that are likely to play a role in cocaine addiction.
Optimal Rangeland Stocking Decisions Under Stochastic and Climate‐Impacted Weather
Authors: Ritten John P. , Frasier W. Marshall , Bastian Christopher T. , Gray Stephen T.
Published: July 2010

A Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) model is developed to analyze optimal stocking rates in the face of weather uncertainty and potential climate change projections. The model extends previous work modeling grazing as a predator‐prey relationship. Attention is given to profit maximizing decisions when growing season precipitation is unknown. Comparisons are made across results from a model that utilizes constant growing season precipitation in all years. Results suggest that optimal stocking rates and profitability decrease in climate change scenarios with increased precipitation variability as compared to the historical stochastic weather scenario.
Pioglitazone in the treatment of NASH: the role of adiponectin
Authors: Gastaldelli A. , Harrison S. , Belfort‐Aguiar R. , Hardies J. , Balas B. , Schenker S. , Cusi K.
Published: July 2010

Background  Plasma adiponectin is decreased in NASH patients and the mechanism(s) for histological improvement during thiazolidinedione treatment remain(s) poorly understood.

Aim  To evaluate the relationship between changes in plasma adiponectin following pioglitazone treatment and metabolic/histological improvement.

Methods  We measured in 47 NASH patients and 20 controls: (i) fasting glucose, insulin, FFA and adiponectin concentrations; (ii) hepatic fat content by magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and (iii) peripheral/hepatic insulin sensitivity (by double‐tracer oral glucose tolerance test). Patients were then treated with pioglitazone (45 mg/day) or placebo and all measurements were repeated after 6 months.

Results  Patients with NASH had decreased plasma adiponectin levels independent of the presence of obesity. Pioglitazone increased 2.3‐fold plasma adiponectin and improved insulin resistance, glucose tolerance and glucose clearance, steatosis and necroinflammation (all P < 0.01–0.001 vs. placebo). In the pioglitazone group, plasma adiponectin was significantly associated (r = 0.52, P = 0.0001) with hepatic insulin sensitivity and with the change in both variables (r = 0.44, P = 0.03). Increase in adiponectin concentration was related also to histological improvement, in particular, to hepatic steatosis (r = −0.46, P = 0006) and necroinflammation (r = −0.56, P < 0.0001) but importantly also to fibrosis (r = −0.29, P = 0.03).

Conclusions  Adiponectin exerts an important metabolic role at the level of the liver, and its increase during pioglitazone treatment is critical to reverse insulin resistance and improve liver histology in NASH patients.
QTL detection on porcine chromosome 12 for fatty‐acid composition and association analyses of thefatty acid synthase, gastric inhibitory polypeptideandacetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase alphagenes
Authors: Muñoz G. , Alves E. , Fernández A. , Óvilo C. , Barragán C. , Estellé J. , Quintanilla R. , Folch J. M. , Silió L. , Rodríguez M. C. , Fernández A. I.
Published: July 2010

Refinement of previous QTL on porcine chromosome 12 for fatty‐acid composition and a candidate gene association analysis were conducted using an Iberian × Landrace cross. The concentrations of ten fatty acids were assayed in backfat tissue from which four metabolic ratios were calculated for 403 F2animals. Linkage analysis identified two significant QTL. The first QTL was associated with the average chain length ratio and the percentages of myristic, palmitic and gadoleic acids. The second QTL was associated with percentages of palmitoleic, stearic and vaccenic acids. Based upon its position on SSC12,fatty acid synthasewas tested as a candidate gene for the first QTL and no significant effects were found. Similarly,gastric inhibitory polypeptide(GIP) andacetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase alpha(ACACA) were tested as candidate genes for the second QTL using three SNPs inGIPand 15 synonymous SNPs inACACAcDNA sequences. Two missense SNPs inGIPshowed significant effects with palmitoleic and stearic fatty‐acid concentration. Highly significant associations were found for two SNPs inACACAwith stearic, palmitoleic and vaccenic fatty‐acid concentrations. These associations could be due to linkage disequilibrium with the causal mutations.
Comparison of hurdle treatments for buffalo meat
Authors: Malik Altaf H. , Sharma Brahma Deo
Published: July 2010

Three types of shelf stable buffalo meat chunks (SBM) were prepared using three types of infusion solution formulations. These contained varying percentages of glycerol, sodium chloride, propylene glycol and honey, in addition to sodium nitrite @ 100 ppm and sorbic acid @ 0.2%. Meat chunks were pasteurised at 80 °C for 20 min and then desorbed under refrigeration, drained and dried at 80 °C. The SBM processed with ISF‐3 (glycerol 6.0, propylene glycol 1.00 and sodium chloride 6.00%) had significantly lower salt and moisture content and significantly higher protein and haem pigments than the other two products. The SBM processed with ISF‐1 (glycerol 9.5, propylene glycol 1.5, sodium chloride 7.5 and honey 2.0%) had significantly lower water activity but significantly higher yield and protein solubility than other two products. The SBM processed with ISF‐2 (glycerol 2.5, propylene glycol 2.5, sodium chloride 8.5 and honey 1.0%) had significantly higher salt content and Thiobarbituric acid values than the other two products. All the three types of products had very good sensory acceptability and satisfactory microbiological qualities.
Performance of different drying methods and their effects on the chemical quality attributes of raw cocoa material
Authors: Guehi Tagro Simplice , Zahouli Irié Bi , Ban‐Koffi Louis , Fae Monké Adrien , Nemlin Jean Gnopo
Published: July 2010

Studies were carried out to investigate the impact of different drying processes on the chemical quality traits of raw cocoa beans. The pH of less fermented cocoa is higher than the well‐fermented cocoa’s. The sun‐dried beans pH ranged from 4.5 to 5.5, while the pH of both oven‐ and mixed‐dried beans was between 3.8 and 5.2. The sun‐dried beans contained lower volatile acidity than oven‐dried beans. Artificially dried beans resulted in higher free acidity content when compared to both sun‐ and mixed‐dried beans. Ammonium nitrogen content in raw cocoa beans is not influenced by the drying methods. Free fatty acid content increases slowly but remains below the critical value of 1.75% whatever the drying processes. While oven‐dried beans show the FFA content above 0.70% both of sun‐ and mixed‐dried beans are associated with FFA content below 0.70%.
ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy and chemometric analysis applied to discrimination of landrace maize flours produced in southern Brazil
Authors: Kuhnen Shirley , Ogliari Juliana Bernardi , Dias Paulo Fernando , Boffo Elisangela Fabiana , Correia Isabel , Ferreira Antônio Gilberto , Delgadillo Ivonne , Maraschin Marcelo
Published: July 2010

This work aims at discriminating flours of 26 maize landraces from southern Brazil, by using the Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics (principal components analysis – PCA). PCA applied to the FTIR spectra in the 3‐600 (whole spectrum) and 1650–1500 cm−1 (fingerprint region of proteins) spectral windows clearly discriminated the Amarelão landrace. Quantitative and semi‐qualitative analysis of proteins showed a wide range among the fractions, mainly of prolamine (13.47–28.43 g Kg−1) and glutelin (5.57–30.98 g Kg−1) contents. Pixurum 6, Pixurum 5, and MPA1 landraces are of superior nutritional value for their albumin, globulin, and glutelin contents. PCA of the spectral dataset in the fingerprint region to carbohydrates (1200–950 and 1065–950 cm−1) also including commercial standards of amylose and amylopectin was able in separating the Moroti genotype, which grouped with the amylopectin standard. Thus, ATR‐FTIR and PCA showed to be useful tools for the quick screening and discrimination of maize with distinct chemical composition.
Resistance of industrial mango peel waste to pectin degradation prior to by‐product drying
Authors: Sirisakulwat Suparat , Sruamsiri Pittaya , Carle Reinhold , Neidhart Sybille
Published: July 2010

Susceptibility of industrial mango peel waste to pectin degradation during storage at ambient conditions (25 °C, 63% relative humidity) for up to 5 h before by‐product stabilisation by drying was explored. Depending on the interim storage period in the wet state, pectins were recovered from the dried peels by hot‐acid extraction. Most important, pectin degradation during the temporary storage of the wet peels was insignificant, as revealed by yields, composition, average molecular properties, and techno‐functional quality. Hardly acetylated (DAc 2.5–4.5%), rapid‐set high‐methoxyl pectins were obtained at starch‐corrected net yields of 14.1–15.6 g hg−1. Irrelevant de‐esterification during peel storage in the wet state was confirmed by overall uniform setting temperatures. Arabinogalactans, uniformly indicated by high molar galactose/rhamnose ratios of 13.8–16.9 mol/mol and an arabinose percentage of 9.5–14.4 mol hmol−1of galactose residues, affected the galacturonide contents, intrinsic viscosities, and gel strengths throughout. The wet peels, derived from widespread manual peeling in mango canning, tolerated intermediate storage for 5 h, thus facilitating by‐product stabilisation on smaller scales.
Effect of processing on the amino acid content of New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides Pall. Kuntze)
Authors: Słupski Jacek , Achrem‐Achremowicz Jacek , Lisiewska Zofia , Korus Anna
Published: July 2010

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of processing on the amino acid content and protein quality of New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides Pall. Kuntze). In this research, fresh and cooked New Zealand spinach as well as two frozen products prepared for consumption, one obtained using the traditional method (blanching–freezing–storage–cooking) and the other a convenience food product obtained using a modified process (cooking–freezing–storage–defrosting and heating in a microwave oven), were analysed. Glutamic acid was the dominant amino acid in fresh New Zealand spinach, and the limiting amino acids were cystine and methionine. Technological and culinary processing caused a significant increase in amino acid content in 100 g of edible portion, with the exception of methionine and cystine in frozen products prepared for eating. Changes in amino acid content expressed in g/16 g of N (which corresponded to 100 g tissue protein) were not significant, with the exception of the lower glutamic acid content in the frozen product obtained using traditional processing method.
Mango film coated for fresh‐cut mango in modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Sothornvit Rungsinee , Rodsamran Patratip
Published: July 2010

Mango puree is known to have good oxygen barrier properties. Therefore, mango film on its own might be useful to extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut mango. In this study, fresh‐cut mango was wrapped with mango film and packed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Each package was stored at 30 °C or 5 °C and sensory evaluation was performed to determine its quality and shelf life. The shelf life of uncoated and coated fresh‐cut mango pieces was 6 days for each at 5 °C and was 3 and 4 days, respectively, at 30 °C. The sensory evaluation indicated that coated fresh‐cut mango was slower to produce an off‐flavour and maintained better visual quality than uncoated mango at 30 °C. Nonetheless, coated fresh‐cut mango was softer than uncoated mango because of the hydrophilic nature of the mango film. No significant difference in the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations was observed between coated and uncoated fresh‐cut mango. Coating fresh‐cut mango with mango film showed a similar effect to MAP in prolonging the shelf life of the fresh produce. The use of the coating will enhance fruit quality and lead to better acceptance by consumers.
Equilibrium moisture content and heat of desorption of saffron
Authors: Gazor Hamid Reza , Chaji Hossein
Published: July 2010

The equilibrium moisture contents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas were determined experimentally using the standard gravimetric method at temperatures 30, 45 and 60 °C and water activity ranging from 11% to 83%. The sorption isotherm curves of saffron were sigmoidal in shape and decreased with increased temperature at constant relative humidity. Five selected isotherm models GAB, modified Henderson, modified Chung‐Pfost, modified Halsaey and modified Oswin were tested to fit the experimental isotherm data. Modified Oswin and modified Henderson models were found acceptable for predicting desorption moisture isotherms and fitting to the experimental data, respectively. The isosteric heats of desorption, determined from equilibrium data using the Clausius‐Clapeyron equation, were found to be a function of moisture content. The net isosteric heat of desorption of saffron varied between 1.38 and 5.38 kJ mol−1 at moisture content varying between 2% and 20% (d.b).
Use of visible spectroscopy to assess colour development during ageing of fresh pork from different quality classes
Authors: Castro‐Giráldez Marta , Fito Pedro J. , Toldrá Fidel , Fito Pedro
Published: July 2010

The objective of this research was to study the entire visible spectra evolution during meat ageing in different pork meat quality classes (PSE, DFD and RFN). The potential use of the visible spectra for discriminating low meat quality classes during the 24 hours postmortem (hpm) was also analysed. For these purposes, 26 pork loins were used: 3 PSE (pale, soft and exudative), 3 DFD (dark, firm and dry) and 20 RFN (red, firm and non‐exudative). At 12, 24, 48 h and 7 days postmortem, reflectance spectra (400–700 nm) were obtained by a spectrocolorimeter Minolta CM‐3600D after one and a half hour of blooming time. It was demonstrated that the ageing time has an influence in colour parameters and in blooming ability of RFN loins. The evolution of visible spectra was influenced by ageing time in PSE and RFN loins, while the visible spectra of DFD loins showed no variation with postmortem time. The results showed the possibility of separating PSE meats from the other classes by using visible reflectance spectra at 24 hpm.
Effect of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) flour addition on the quality of wheat‐based cake
Authors: Chinma Chiemela Enyinnaya , Abu Joseph Oneh , Abubakar Yusuf Aisha
Published: July 2010

The effect of substituting tigernut flour for wheat flour on the proximate, mineral and pasting properties of the resultant blends and cake quality were studied. The proximate composition of flour blends increased with increasing level of tigernut. Protein increased from 22.30 to 26.93% and fat from 4.17 to 7.21% resulting in an increase in energy value from 342.09 to 390.93 kcal. The pasting properties of the flour blends were affected significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by tigernut substitution. Pasting peak time and temperature decreased with increasing level of tigernut. Mineral elements such as iron and calcium increased from 3.13 to 4.19 and 54.01 to 56.41 (mg 100 g−1) respectively, with tigernut substitution. The weight and volume of cakes increased with tigernut level while batter density and volume index decreased. Acceptable cakes can be made with up to 30% tigernut flour substitution. Such composite cakes may help in reducing protein energy and micronutrient deficiencies.
Response surface optimisation for the extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from a pink guava puree industrial by‐product
Authors: Kong Kin‐Weng , Ismail Abdul Razak , Tan Seok‐Tyug , Nagendra Prasad Krishna Murthy , Ismail Amin
Published: July 2010

Pink guava puree industry produces huge amount of by‐products that have potential as sources for polyphenols. Response surface methodology was implemented to optimise the extraction conditions for phenolics (Y1) and flavonoids (Y2) from a by‐product of the guava industry. A three‐factor inscribed central composite design was employed to determine the effects of three independent variables, namely pH (X1: 2–6), temperature (X2: 40–60 °C) and time (X3: 1–5 h), on the response variables. The corresponding predicted values for phenolics and flavonoids were 336.30 and 427.35 mg 100 g−1, respectively. Predicted values for extraction rates of phenolics agreed well with experiment values; R2 of 0.902. However, the model derived for flavonoids extraction was less reliable; R2 of 0.983. Increase in time and temperature was found significant in increasing the extraction rate. The optimum conditions for extracting phenolics by ethanolic solvent occurred at a pH of 2 and 60 °C for a 5‐h extraction.
A metabolic switch is involved in lifestyle decisions in Photorhabdus luminescens
Authors: Lango Lea , Clarke David J.
Published: July 2010

Photorhabdus luminescens is a species of Gram‐negative bacteria that is pathogenic to insects while also maintaining a mutualistic association with nematodes from the family Heterorhabditis. P. luminescens elaborates an extensive secondary metabolism during the post‐exponential phase of growth that includes the production of an antibiotic called 3‐5‐dihydroxy‐4‐isopropylstilbene (ST), an anthraquinone pigment (AQ) and bioluminescence. In this study we identified a mutant that was unable to produce ST, AQ and light. This mutation was found to be in the mdh gene, encoding malate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Interestingly the mdh mutant was unaffected in virulence but was unable to support nematode growth and development in vivo or in vitro. This clearly establishes that secondary metabolism in P. luminescens is required for the mutualistic interaction with the nematode. Furthermore, the construction of mutations in key genes in other central metabolic pathways confirmed the critical role for the TCA cycle in both secondary metabolism and mutualism, but not in virulence. Therefore, we conclude that the TCA cycle is required for the transition of P. luminescens from pathogen to mutualist implicating the involvement of a metabolic switch in the regulation of lifestyle decisions in this bacterium.
A single qrr gene is necessary and sufficient for LuxO‐mediated regulation in Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Miyashiro Tim , Wollenberg Michael S. , Cao Xiaodan , Oehlert Dane , Ruby Edward G.
Published: July 2010

All members of the Vibrionaceae harbour LuxO, a response regulator that integrates outputs from various signalling systems, ultimately controlling specific traits that are crucial to the distinct biology of each species. LuxO is phosphorylated in response to low cell density, activating the transcription of a family of small RNAs called Qrrs, which in turn, control the levels of a global regulatory protein conserved within the Vibrionaceae. Although the function of each Qrr is similar, the number of qrr genes varies among the different species. Using a bioinformatics approach, we have determined the number of qrr genes in fully sequenced Vibrionaceae members. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the most recent common ancestor of all Vibrionaceae shared a single, ancestral qrr gene, which duplicated and diverged into multiple qrr genes in some present‐day vibrio lineages. To demonstrate that a single qrr gene is sufficient to mediate repression of LitR, the global regulator in Vibrio fischeri, we have performed a series of genetic and phenotypic analyses of the LuxO pathway and its output. Our studies contribute to a better understanding of the ancestral state of these pathways in vibrios, as well as to the evolution and divergence of other sRNAs within different bacterial lineages.
Costs and Benefits of Sociality Differ Between Female Guanacos Living in Contrasting Ecological Conditions
Authors: Marino Andrea
Published: July 2010

According to current theory, anti‐predator benefits promote group formation in open‐dwelling ungulates. An inverse relationship between vigilance effort and group size has been documented frequently and thought to reflect the consequent decrease in perceived predation risk as group size increases. In contrast, competition costs are supposed to set the upper limit to the number of individuals that can forage together. As anti‐predator behavior is no longer functional in the absence of predation and competition costs might be affected by resource distribution, the net benefit of aggregation will depend on the particular combination of predation risk and habitat structure experienced by the individual. To test this hypothesis, group‐size effects on female time allocation and within‐group aggression rate were compared between two guanaco populations exposed to contrasting levels of puma predation. Habitat structure within both sites consisted of mosaics of shrublands and grasslands, and group‐size effects were also compared between these habitat types. Females under predation risk showed a strong reduction in vigilance as the number of adults in the group increased, whereas females from the predator‐free population showed overall low levels of vigilance, regardless of group size. These results emphasize the anti‐predator significance of the group‐size effect on female vigilance, as well as guanaco plasticity to adjust time allocation to local conditions. On the other hand, within‐group aggression rate increased with the number of adults in the group. Aggression rate was almost null within groups located in grasslands but was significantly higher in shrublands, regardless of predation risk, suggesting that the more heterogeneous distribution of shrubs increases the interference competition level. These results strengthen the notion of predation pressure and habitat structure as major determinants of the balance between costs and benefits of group living, and highlight the potential of individual behavioral patterns to make qualitative predictions about group‐size variation within territorial ungulates.
Development of new DNA markers linked to the Fusarium wilt resistance locus Fom‐1 in melon
Authors: Tezuka T. , Waki K. , Kuzuya M. , Ishikawa T. , Takatsu Y. , Miyagi M.
Published: July 2010

With 5 figures and 2 tables

Use of resistance genes would be the most effective way to address Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis in melon. In this study, based on the BAC 31O16 sequence which contains the cluster of melon resistance gene homologue, we developed four new DNA markers linked to Fom‐1, a dominant resistance gene against F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis races 0 and 2. Linkage analysis using 125 F2 plants derived from the cross between P11 (fom‐1fom‐1) and MR‐1 (Fom‐1Fom‐1) indicated that Fom‐1 was located between CAPS markers C‐MRGH12 and 62‐CAPS at a distance of 0.4 and 1.2 cM, respectively. Map position of Fom‐1 was confirmed using another mapping population consisting of 104 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross P11 × MR‐1. The analysis of 43 fixed lines and 27 commercial F1 hybrids showed that the developed DNA markers linked to Fom‐1 correctly predicted the genotype in relation to the variety, suggesting that the region around the Fom‐1 locus is very polymorphic or there is no linkage disequilibrium between the locus and the marker loci.
Cattle, weather and water: mapping Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections in humans in England and Scotland
Authors: Money P. , Kelly A. F. , Gould S. W. J. , Denholm‐Price J. , Threlfall E. J. , Fielder M. D.
Published: July 2010

Entero‐haemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen, responsible for a relatively small number of food poisoning and illness outbreaks each year, when compared with other food‐borne bacteria capable of causing infections in the population. Nevertheless, E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterial pathogen associated with severe human illnesses including bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uremic syndrome occurring in both outbreak and sporadic settings. In England and Wales approximately 1% of all laboratory‐confirmed cases of food poisoning are the result of E. coli O157:H7; however, in Scotland this figure increases to 3%. When the size of the population is taken into account and the rate of E. coli O157:H7 confirmed cases per 100 000 population is examined, the rate of E. coli 0157:H7 infections in Scotland is much greater than England and Wales. The routes of transmission have changed over time, with new routes of transmission such as farm visits emerging. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 has a seasonal dependency, with greater faecal shedding of the organism in the warmer months; this is directly mirrored in the increased reporting of E. coli O157:H7 infection among hospitalized patients. This review attempts to suggest why this phenomenon occurs, paying particular attention to weather, animal movement and private water supplies.
Improvement of stress tolerance of wheat and barley by modulation of expression of DREB/CBF factors
Authors: Morran Sarah , Eini Omid , Pyvovarenko Tatiana , Parent Boris , Singh Rohan , Ismagul Ainur , Eliby Serik , Shirley Neil , Langridge Peter , Lopato Sergiy
Published: July 2010

Transcription factors have been shown to control the activity of multiple stress response genes in a coordinated manner and therefore represent attractive targets for application in molecular plant breeding. We investigated the possibility of modulating the transcriptional regulation of drought and cold responses in the agriculturally important species, wheat and barley, with a view to increase drought and frost tolerance. Transgenic wheat and barley plants were generated showing constitutive (double 35S) and drought‐inducible (maizeRab17) expression of theTaDREB2andTaDREB3transcription factors isolated from wheat grain. Transgenic populations with constitutive over‐expression showed slower growth, delayed flowering and lower grain yields relative to the nontransgenic controls. However, both theTaDREB2andTaDREB3transgenic plants showed improved survival under severe drought conditions relative to nontransgenic controls. There were two components to the drought tolerance: real (activation of drought‐stress‐inducible genes) and ‘seeming’ (consumption of less water as a result of smaller size and/or slower growth of transgenics compared to controls). The undesired changes in plant development associated with the ‘seeming’ component of tolerance could be alleviated by using a drought‐inducible promoter. In addition to drought tolerance, bothTaDREB2andTaDREB3transgenic plants with constitutive over‐expression of the transgene showed a significant improvement in frost tolerance. The increased expression ofTaDREB2andTaDREB3lead to elevated expression in the transgenics of 10 otherCBF/DREBgenes and a large number of stress responsiveLEA/COR/DHNgenes known to be responsible for the protection of cell from damage and desiccation under stress.
Fertility and Social Change: The Neglected Contribution of Men's Approaches to Becoming Partners and Parents
Authors: Jamieson Lynn , Milburn Kathryn Backett , Simpson Roona , Wasoff Fran
Published: July 2010

Attitude survey and interview data are mobilised to address neglect of men's contribution to low fertility and wider social change in families and relationships. Men's attitudes are as relevant as women's to understanding fertility behaviour. However, fertility behaviour can only be understood in the context of a package of changes in gender relations and family life. Data from a random sample of men aged 18–49 surveyed in the Scottish Social Attitudes (SSA) survey 2005/06 are combined with in-depth interviews conducted in 2007 with 75 men aged 25–44 identified through the Scottish Household Survey as not living in co-resident partnership arrangements. Both datasets encompass the age span conventionally associated with having children and men who were the potential partners of women delaying a first child until their 30s. They allow consideration of the impact of social contact with parents and children on men's fertility intentions and how the role of provider features in men's views about parenting. The interviews focus on men who have fallen out of, or have not entered, co-resident partnerships and examine the relationship between partnering and parenting. In combination the data suggest how men act as a complementary or contradictory downward drag on women's fertility and that their role has been underestimated in understanding the package of family change of which low fertility is a part.