bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FUNGI AND PATULIN IN APPLES AND THE ROLE OF PROCESSING ON PATULIN LEVELS IN JUICES: A STUDY ON NATURALLY CONTAMINATED APPLES
Authors: WELKE JULIANE ELISA , HOELTZ MICHELE , DOTTORI HORACIO ALBERTO , NOLL ISA BEATRIZ
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the predominant fungal species, including toxigenic strains, patulin levels in apples used for juice production and in produced juices. The possibility of use of apple highly contaminated with patulin to produce juice with lower patulin levels than the limit permitted by Codex Alimentarius was also checked. Sixteen lots of apples and juices were analyzed. The most prevalent fungal population was Penicillium spp. (93%) followed by the Aspergillus spp. (3.5%) and the Rhizopus spp. (3.5%). The mycoflora of apples was composed mainly of species that produce patulin. P. expansum was identified as the most frequently isolated species (66%). Species able to produce patulin were P. expansum and P. griseofulvum. Patulin levels in apples from cold storage ranged from 254.6 to 653.4 µg/kg. Apple juice processing caused average reduction of 95% in patulin levels. Patulin levels ranged from 14.3 to 46.7 µg/L in apple juices. In all samples were found patulin levels lower than the limit of 50 µg/L considered acceptable by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study was performed to define the mycoflora of apples and patulin levels in apples that were used for juice production. This approach is useful to evaluate the quality of apples and the effect of processing on patulin to determine if the toxin level can be managed through postharvest procedures. Besides, information about patulin levels in juices is important to contribute for establishing national regulation.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SANITIZING METHODS AND INCUBATION TIME AND TEMPERATURE ON INACTIVATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ON LETTUCE
Authors: ÖLMEZ H.
Published: February 2010

The goal of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activities of different sanitizing treatments and to assess the effects of incubation time and temperature on the efficacy of ozone treatment against Escherıchıa coli attached to lettuce. Lettuce leaves were inoculated to contain a predetermined initial level of E. coli, held overnight at 4C, and treated with the following sanitizers: 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite; 0.25% citric acid plus 0.50% ascorbic acid; bubbling ozone; and 1.5 ppm ozone. The combination of citric acid and ascorbic acid dip for 2 min resulted in the least microbial reduction. Dipping into 1.5 ppm ozonated water proved to be less effective than bubbling ozone for 2 min. Moreover, treatment with bubbling ozone was found to be as effective as sodium hypochlorite solution. It was observed that, for short exposure times (2–5 min), the temperature (4–20C) of the washing water did not have a significant effect on the activity of ozone in terms of E. coli inactivation. Prior incubation time and temperature of inoculated lettuce leaves were shown to have a significant effect on the efficacy of the sanitizing treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images were used to visualize the E. coli populations on lettuce.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The effects of incubation time and incubation temperature on the efficacy of sanitizing treatments applied in artificially inoculated lettuce samples were evaluated using E. coli as the model microorganism. This study demonstrates the importance of the inoculation method applied in assessing the effectiveness of a sanitizing method. Moreover, the effect of ozone treatment in comparison with the sodium hypochlorite and organic acid treatments that are currently being used by the industry for the disinfection of fresh‐cut vegetables were evaluated.
PREDICTING THE COMBINED EFFECT OF ZATARIA MULTIFLORA ESSENTIAL OIL, PH AND TEMPERATURE ON THE GROWTH OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: RAOUFY MOHAMMAD REZA , GHARIBZADEH SHAHRIAR , RADMEHR BEHRAD , KHAKSAR RAMIN , HOSSEINI HEDAYAT
Published: February 2010

Zataria multiflora is a plant belonging to the Laminaceae family that grows in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Although artificial neural network is a sophisticated novel method in predictive microbiology, no study has been fulfilled on Z. multiflora. Therefore, the present study is undertaken to predict the effects of Z. multiflora essential oil (EO), temperature and pH on the probability percentage of growth initiation of Staphylococcus aureus using artificial neural network. For validating the artificial neural network, we used test data which were not utilized for training. For determining the ability of artificial neural network, we obtained the Pearson's correlation between artificial neural network output and experimental log P% (r = 0.998 and P < 0.0001). In conclusion, taking into consideration the importance of S. aureus in food microbiology and the antimicrobial effects of the EOs which are commonly used for flavoring, the development of artificial neural network models are beneficial in order to predict the effects of Z. multiflora EO, temperature and pH on the probability percentage of growth initiation of S. aureus.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen in food safety. Staphylococcal food poisoning is widespread and quite frequent. It is also among the four most common causes of foodborne illnesses. One of the most important purposes of food safety is inhibition of this microorganism growth.

Substitution of traditional food preservatives by natural ones is a growing interest in food safety. Essential oils are aromatic oily liquid obtained from plant material. Plant essential oils (EOs) have varying degrees of antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, predictive microbiology is an essential element of modern food microbiology and offers to provide a scientific foundation to meet the ongoing needs of food safety. Over the last few years, artificial neural networks have been proposed as nonlinear modeling techniques in predictive microbiology.
OCCURRENCE OF AFLATOXINS IN PISTACHIO NUTS IN ESFAHAN PROVINCE OF IRAN
Authors: POUR R. SARHANG , RASTI M. , ZIGHAMIAN H. , GARMAKHANI A. DARAEI
Published: February 2010

Aflatoxins (AFs) are highly toxic and carcinogenic secondary fungal metabolites and have been detected in various food commodities including pistachio nuts. One hundred samples of pistachio nuts, purchased from retail shops and local markets in Esfahan province of Iran from September to November 2007, were analyzed for AFs content by immunoaffinity column (IAC) cleanup with liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Results showed that the frequency of total AFs (AFT), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin G2 in pistachio samples were 95, 95, 42, 64 and 28%, respectively. Thirty‐six and 29% of pistachio nuts exceeded the maximum tolerable limit (5 and 15 µg/kg) set for AFB1 and AFT by European Union regulations, respectively. The present paper is the first report on the natural occurrence of AFs in available pistachio nuts from retail shops in Esfahan province of Iran.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The goal of the Health and Hygienic Ministry of Iran is to increase public health and so they schedule programs such as Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point to achieve this goal. Pistachio nut is one of the popular commodities that are consumed in high amounts during special periods (Norows holiday), and so, the exposure of this product increased. In this work, we determined the amount of aflatoxin contamination in Esfahan pistachio nuts samples that were gathered from retail shops and local markets by high‐performance liquid chromatography method. This work showed that keeping nuts under uncontrolled condition will lead to contamination. Our work showed the necessity of full consideration and permanent supervision of local markets. It is useful as a set‐up method for the determination of aflatoxin contamination in nuts and it can be used for other nuts and dried fruits sample.
The CAP and EU Enlargement: A Missed Opportunity  La PAC et l’élargissement de l’Union européenne : une opportunité manquée  Die GAP und die EU‐Erweiterung: Eine verpasste Gelegenheit
Authors: Hubbard Carmen , Gorton Matthew , Hubbard Lionel
Published: February 2010

The CAP and EU Enlargement: A Missed Opportunity

Accession of Central and Eastern European countries failed to prompt a widespread review of agricultural and rural policy within the European Union. Despite the unprecedented scale and scope of the accession, the existing policy regime was preserved. Rather than fostering European integration through mutual adaptation, a process of emulation ensured that it was the task of acceding countries to adjust to the EU. Under the Common Agricultural Policy, the centrality of Pillar I and its main instrument, direct payments, remain intact. Even under Pillar II, farm‐centric measures dominate. This fosters a poor match between the CAP and the real rural development needs of the New Member States. Mitigation of the structural problems confronting rural areas in CEE is critical to meeting the challenge of effective EU integration. Insufficient reform prior to accession is likely to entrench, at least in the short to medium term, a farm‐centric CAP in CEE, delivering minimal benefits to those most in need, and hindering wider adjustment of EU agricultural and rural policy. That these issues have not been adequately addressed reflects a failure of the EU to adjust its outlook from being exclusively West European to pan‐European.
Taxonomic issues in bears: impacts on conservation in zoos and the wild, and gaps in current knowledge
Authors: KITCHENER A. C.
Published: February 2010

Taxonomy is essential for underpinning conservation science and action, and the international and national implementation of protective legislation. However, many of the current scientific species and subspecies names for bears have a poor scientific basis. Poor understanding of ursid taxonomy could compromise conservation both in the wild and in captivity; all eight ursid species are listed on the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and 75% are Endangered or Vulnerable. Although there has been much molecular research on ursids in recent years, this has mainly focused on phylogenetic relationships, including resolution of whether the Giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca is an ursid. Some phylogeographical studies have provided new insights into geographical variation of some bear species, but these studies are often only regional, or lack sufficient samples, or use only mtDNA. There is an urgent need for integrated molecular and morphological studies of geographical variation of all bear species in order to establish a robust taxonomy for the Ursidae for enhanced conservation management and action.
Rehabilitation and reintroduction of captive‐reared bears: feasibility and methodology for European brown bears Ursus arctos
Authors: HUBER D.
Published: February 2010

Bears need to learn appropriate survival and behavioural skills in the first 1 or 2 years of life. They can acquire those skills fully only if raised by their mothers in the natural habitat. Releasing captive‐born and/or hand‐reared cubs threatens their life expectancy because individuals will have problems finding food and shelter, and experience intra‐ and inter‐specific predation. Additionally, bears reared in captivity may cause behavioural and genetic pollution of the indigenous free‐living population. The release of bears cannot be called ‘reintroduction’. The surplus of bears currently in captivity should be resolved by control of reproduction and investment in efforts to prevent situations whereby wild‐born bears become orphaned and captive. The existing captive population should be given the best possible care and be used as ambassadors to raise public awareness about situation of free‐living conspecifics. The above statements are corroborated by experiences with European brown bears Ursus arctos.
Swift fox Vulpes velox reintroductions: a review of release protocols
Authors: WATERS S. S.
Published: February 2010

A reintroduction programme is a way to restore a species that has become extirpated from a part or all of its range. The Swift fox Vulpes velox has been the focus of a number of reintroductions over areas of Canada and the northern United States from which it had previously been extirpated. A common problem of reintroduction programmes is the lack of published information about the technical aspects of actually capturing, handling, transporting and releasing animals. This information is useful for finding ways to mitigate stress and thus improve the post‐release survival of individuals. This review gathers together the available literature along with unpublished reports on previous Swift fox reintroductions and recommends improvements to release protocols from initial capture and/or handling and post‐release strategies so as to lessen stress and potentially increase survival of reintroduced Swift fox.
The role of the Species Survival Plan in Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus conservation
Authors: SONGSASEN N. , RODDEN M. D.
Published: February 2010

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan (MWSSP) was established almost 25 years ago. The goals of the MWSSP are to (1) maintain a viable self‐sustaining captive population in North America, (2) enhance health and well‐being of individuals living in North American zoos and (3) promote conservation of this species through education and field‐conservation initiatives. Since its inception, the MWSSP and member institutions have supported studies on nutrition, medical management, behaviour and reproductive biology, and published a husbandry manual, which serves as a guide for captive management of Maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus in North and South American zoos. Furthermore, the MWSSP has provided funding for field studies aimed at identifying potential threats to wild populations in range countries, including Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as for the first Population and Habitat Viability Assessment Workshop for this species. Finally, the MWSSP has played an active role in promoting education and outreach efforts in both the United States and range countries. In this paper, we review and discuss the roles of the MWSSP in ex situ and in situ conservation of the Near Threatened Maned wolf.
African zoos: partnering a necessary renaissance
Authors: MORGAN D. R.
Published: February 2010

There are c. 200 zoos, or zoo‐type facilities, in 48 countries on the continent of Africa. These vary in standards from world‐class facilities to the world's worst examples of zoos. This diversity of operational standard is discussed and elements of the ensuing ethical issues associated with zoo operation in Africa scrutinized. The need for active engagement with African zoos by the international zoo community as represented by World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is reinforced.
Enriching the lives of bears in zoos
Authors: LAW G. , REID A.
Published: February 2010

Bears have a long history in captivity and, in recent times, various enrichment techniques have been developed to stimulate the complex behavioural repertoire of these species. Enrichment strategies, where possible, should allow for an expression of natural behaviours observed in the wild. Enclosure design is critically important and enrichment should not be used to compensate for poorly designed architecture. Good enclosure design should work in harmony with well‐planned environmental enrichment strategies that maximize the potential of the bear within the enclosure. Provision of nest‐building material, a range of feeding techniques and species‐specific considerations will enable keepers to provide for different behavioural strategies. Enclosure and den design may be species‐specific depending on the natural range of the bears to be managed. Gender differences, based on the physical capabilities of the sexes, should also be considered. Feeding strategies can be adapted for different species (e.g. scatter feeds vs food piles) and frequency of feeds may be relevant. Mixed‐species exhibits may be one way to provide a more stimulating environment for the bears and their enclosure mates. A combination of strategies for offering food, encouraging exercise and the provision of appropriate enclosure area, design and landscaping, all with a species‐specific and gender‐considered focus, can be used to provide bears in captivity with more stimulating surroundings to encourage a wider range of natural behaviours.
Evaluation of hand‐rearing records for Spix's macaw Cyanopsitta spixii at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation from 2005 to 2007
Authors: TSCHUDIN A. , RETTMER H. , WATSON R. , CLAUSS M. , HAMMER S.
Published: February 2010

This investigation evaluates the feeding and growth of 14 Spix's macaw Cyanopsitta spixii at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation from 2005 to 2007. The follow‐up period lasted for up to c. 6 months. The average weight of the chicks, the mean brooder temperature, the number of feedings per day, the formula fed, the ratio of the total amount fed per body weight and the number of regurgitating chicks per day were analysed. Four different feeding strategies (differences in feeding formula and amount fed) are compared with regard to the weight gain. Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 were fed more restrictively than Group 1 and, therefore, reached a lower peak weight, although all four groups finally reached the same weight level around day 100. An association between non‐restrictive feeding and the number of regurgitations is suggested in the data set. All chicks survived and were weaned successfully. The investigation indicates the importance of a restrictive feeding strategy and individual control.
Case studies of infant development in two guenons, the Wolf's guenon Cercopithecus pogonias wolfi and Allen's swamp monkey Allenopithecus nigroviridis, at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Authors: FULLER G. , LUKAS K. E.
Published: February 2010

Much of what is known about development in cercopithecine primates is derived from studies of baboons Papio sp and macaques Macaca sp. Two closely spaced births at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo enabled us to describe the development of single infants representing two little‐studied species: the Wolf's guenon Cercopithecus pogonias wolfi and Allen's swamp monkey Allenopithecus nigroviridis. Chance provided controls for variables known to affect mother–infant relations including environmental quality, maternal parity and experience, and infant gender. We examined the development of infant behaviour and spatial independence over the first year of life. The infants exhibited developmental trends similar to those reported for other guenons. Both infants were largely capable of feeding themselves by their third month. Both infants gradually spent more time away from their mothers as they aged and both played a dominant role in regulating proximity relationships with their mothers from their first month. Several proximity measures indicate that the Allen's swamp monkey attained spatial independence more rapidly than the Wolf's guenon, a result that could be owing to the higher levels of aggression within the Wolf's guenon group. In addition to informing husbandry practices for guenon breeding groups, these data demonstrate the power of zoos for contributing basic information of this nature.
Notes on the development and behaviour of two Binturong Arctictus binturong litters born at Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Authors: ABRA L.
Published: February 2010

Binturongs Arctictus binturong have been maintained at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia, since 1958 and the species bred there for the first time in 1962. In 2005, an unrelated pair were acquired from Singapore Zoo with the intention of establishing a breeding pair. A new purpose‐built facility was constructed with suitable space and climbing opportunities. The Binturong pair underwent an introduction programme and they first mated 4 weeks after the initial introduction. A birth plan was formulated, which included the installation of surveillance cameras and not separating the ♂ from the ♀. In 2007, two litters of cubs [0.1 and 2.1 (♂.♀)] were born and developmental data were collected. The data were reviewed and, based on four shared categories, were evaluated and discussed.
Planting Sugar palms Borassus flabellifer as a means to offset the CO2 load of Apenheul Primate Park, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
Authors: DE BOER L. E. M.
Published: February 2010

Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands has calculated annual CO2 emissions from internal activities (e.g. heating, lighting, food preparation) and emissions caused by the fossil‐fuel cars the visitors use to and from the Park. Cars caused c. 77% of all emissions and some practical way of offsetting this CO2 load was sought. At Samboja Lestari in Indonesia, research has shown that Sugar palm Borassus flabellifer plantations can be planted and harvested successfully on land previously overrun with Alang‐alang Imperata cylindrica grass, which renders the land unsuitable for other forms of cultivation or grazing. The only harvest from Sugar palms is sugar sap and, because sugar is produced from CO2 and H2O, this contains no minerals, phosphate or nitrogen. The sugar can be used for human consumption or, after undergoing a fermentation process, for bio‐ethanol, which can then be used as a renewable source of energy. It is predicted that by 2015, Apenheul will be able to offset a substantial proportion of its carbon load from 50 ha of Sugar palms in which it has invested.
Canids and ursids in mixed‐species exhibits
Authors: DORMAN N. , BOURNE D. C.
Published: February 2010

The establishment of mixed‐species exhibits in zoological gardens is now a fairly standard management tool, which is notably successful with several taxa, including primates, ungulates, birds and fish. Carnivorous mammals, however, have been included in such exhibits far less frequently, although with careful planning and management there is no reason why they should not be as successful. This paper explores the fundamental principles that should be considered when planning a mixed‐species exhibit and looks at several examples, both successful and less so, which include carnivores with particular focus towards canids and ursids.
Differential age‐related changes in motor unit properties between elbow flexors and extensors
Authors: Dalton B. H. , Jakobi J. M. , Allman B. L. , Rice C. L.
Published: February 2010

Aim:  Healthy adult ageing of the human neuromuscular system is comprised of changes that include atrophy, weakness and slowed movements with reduced spinal motor neurone output expressed by lower motor unit discharge rates (MUDRs). The latter observation has been obtained mostly from hand and lower limb muscles. The purpose was to determine the extent to which elbow flexor and extensor contractile properties, and MUDRs in six old (83 ± 4 years) and six young (24 ± 1 years) men were affected by age, and whether any adaptations were similar for both muscle groups.

Methods:  Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation, twitch contractile properties, force–frequency relationship and MUDRs from sub‐maximal to maximal intensities were assessed in the elbow flexors and extensors.

Results:  Both flexor and extensor MVCs were significantly (P < 0.05) less (∼42% and ∼46% respectively) in the old than in the young. Contractile speeds and the force–frequency relationship did not show any age‐related differences (P > 0.05). For the elbow flexors contraction duration was ∼139 ms and for the extensors it was ∼127 ms for both age groups (P > 0.05). The mean MUDRs from 25% MVC to maximum were lower (∼10% to ∼36%) in the old than in the young (P < 0.01). These age‐related differences were larger for biceps (Cohen’s d = 8.25) than triceps (Cohen’s d = 4.79) brachii.

Conclusion:  Thus, at least for proximal upper limb muscles, mean maximal MUDR reductions with healthy adult ageing are muscle specific and not strongly related to contractile speed.
Visual outcomes of treated periocular capillary haemangiomas in childhood: a 10‐year review
Authors: Gawley Sandra D. , Bingham Elizabeth A. , McGinnity Gerry
Published: February 2010

Purpose:  To report our experiences of treating periocular capillary haemangioma with particular emphasis on visual outcomes.

Methods:  Patients who underwent treatment for periocular capillary haemangioma were identified, and a chart review was performed.

Results:  There were seventeen patients in the study. The main indications for treatment were increased size of lesion with threat of amblyopia and partial or full pupil occlusion. Seven patients required more than one type of treatment. Fourteen patients had intralesional steroid treatment and six patients had oral steroids. Intralesional steroids gave variable results with minimal side‐effects, oral steroids were very effective but 4 out of 6 patients developed side‐effects. The average pretreatment astigmatism was 2.4D and post treatment this had reduced to 1.3D. Final visual outcomes were available for 15 patients, 13 had visual acuity of 6/7.5 or better, two were amblyopic with vision of 6/9‐2 and 6/18.

Conclusion:  In this study, intralesional steroids were used for localized lesions and oral steroids for diffuse haemangiomas with orbital involvement. Treatment especially with oral steroids was found to halt the proliferative phase and assist early haemangioma regression reducing ocular sequelae.
Temperature Gradient Mechanism on Laser Bending of Borosilicate Glass Sheet
Authors: Wu Dongjiang , Ma Guangyi , Niu Fangyong , Guo Dongming
Published: February 2010

The present work is a research on the laser forming process of borosilicate glass sheet. The laser forming mechanism was analyzed, and the temperature gradient mechanism was considered as the main forming mechanism of glass bending. According to the experimental results, a thermomechanical finite element (FE)-simulation was applied for investigating the temperature distribution and thermal stress in the thickness direction of the specimen. Cracks, as the primary defect, were summarized to three kinds: “Y” cracks, straight cracks, and arc cracks, while their forming mechanisms were proposed.
Develop a Robot-Aided Area Sensing System for 3D Shape Inspection
Authors: Shi Quan , Xi Ning , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2010

Dimensional inspection using a contact-based coordinate measurement machine (CMM) is time consuming because the part can only be measured point-by-point. A 3D sensor may replace the traditional CMM technology because it can measure a surface patch-by-patch. Therefore, the automotive industry has been seeking a practical solution for rapid surface inspection using a 3D sensor. However, the challenge is the capability to meet all the requirements including sensor accuracy, resolution, system efficiency, and system cost. In this paper, we develop a robot-aided 3D sensing system, which can automatically allocate sensor viewing points, measure the freeform part surface, and generate an error map for quality control. The measurement accuracy meets the industrial standards. This paper briefly describes the system architecture, design principle, calibration methods, and the present results.
Simulation of a Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding Process Using a Fully Coupled Thermo-Mechanical FEM Model
Authors: Muci-Küchler Karim H. , Kalagara Sindhura , Arbegast William J.
Published: February 2010

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is a solid state joining technology that has the potential to be a replacement for processes like resistance spot welding and rivet technology in certain applications. To optimize the process parameters and to develop FSSW tools, it is important to understand the physics of this complex process that involves frictional contact, high temperature gradients, and large deformations. This paper presents a fully coupled thermo-mechanical finite element model (FEM) model of the plunge phase of a modified refill FSSW. The model was developed in Abaqus/Explicit and the simulation results included the temperature, deformation, stress, and strain distributions in the plates being joined. An experimental study was also conducted to validate the temperatures predicted by the model. The simulation results were in good agreement with the temperatures measured in the experiment. Also, the model was able to predict in a reasonable fashion the stresses and plastic strains in the plates.
Melt Pool Temperature Control for Laser Metal Deposition Processes—Part I: Online Temperature Control
Authors: Tang Lie , Landers Robert G.
Published: February 2010

Melt pool temperature is of great importance to deposition quality in laser metal deposition processes. To control the melt pool temperature, an empirical process model describing the relationship between the temperature and process parameters (i.e., laser power, powder flow rate, and traverse speed) is established and verified experimentally. A general tracking controller using the internal model principle is then designed. To examine the controller performance, three sets of experiments tracking both constant and time-varying temperature references are conducted. The results show the melt pool temperature controller performs well in tracking both constant and time-varying temperature references even when process parameters vary significantly. However a multilayer deposition experiment illustrates that maintaining a constant melt pool temperature does not necessarily lead to uniform track morphology, which is an important criteria for deposition quality. The reason is believed to be that different melt pool morphologies may have the same temperature depending on the dynamic balance of heat input and heat loss.
Light-Controlled Self-Assembly of Semiconductor Nanoparticles into Twisted Ribbons
Authors: Srivastava Sudhanshu , Santos Aaron , Critchley Kevin , Kim Ki-Sub , Podsiadlo Paul , Sun Kai , Lee Jaebeom , Xu Chuanlai , Lilly G. Daniel , Glotzer Sharon C. , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: February 2010

Nanoparticles, Lightly Twisted

The helical structures that are widespread in natural macromolecules result from well-coordinated bonding interactions and affect their physical properties in striking ways. To obtain helical nanoparticles,

Srivastava
et al.

(p.
1355
, published online 11 February) slowly oxidized cadmium-tellurium under visible light and assembled ribbons of nanostructure. The ribbons were persuaded to twist into helices because they were doped with cadmium sulfide nanoparticles, which underwent surface oxidation and caused localized stresses that could only be relieved by a conformational change. The pitch of the twisted ribbons that were produced could be controlled by the intensity of illumination applied. This behavior offers promise for application in the development of materials with interesting optical properties.
Significant Acidification in Major Chinese Croplands
Authors: Guo J. H. , Liu X. J. , Zhang Y. , Shen J. L. , Han W. X. , Zhang W. F. , Christie P. , Goulding K. W. T. , Vitousek P. M. , Zhang F. S.
Published: February 2010

Cropland Acidification in China

China is experiencing increasing problems with acid rain, groundwater pollution, and nitrous oxide emissions. Rapid development of industry and transportation has accelerated nitrate (N) emissions to the atmosphere. Consequently, soil degradation, water shortage, and pollution, in addition to atmospheric quality decline are becoming major public concerns across China. Since the 1990s, China has become both the largest consumer of chemical N fertilizers and the highest cereal producer in the world, which has consequences for arable soil acidification.

Guo
et al.

(p.
1008
, published online 11 February) present a meta-analysis of a regional acidification phenomenon in Chinese arable soils that is largely associated with higher N fertilization and higher crop production. Such large-scale soil acidification is likely to threaten the sustainability of agriculture and affect the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients and also toxic elements in soils.
Doc2b Is a High-Affinity Ca
2+
Sensor for Spontaneous Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Groffen Alexander J. , Martens Sascha , Arazola Rocío Díez , Cornelisse L. Niels , Lozovaya Natalia , de Jong Arthur P. H. , Goriounova Natalia A. , Habets Ron L. P. , Takai Yoshimi , Borst J. Gerard , Brose Nils , McMahon Harvey T. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: February 2010

“Spontaneous” Release Trigger

Synaptic vesicle release occurs in different phases that can be tightly coupled to action potentials (synchronous), immediately following action potentials (asynchronous), or as stochastic events not triggered by action potentials (spontaneous). The vesicle protein synaptotagmin is thought to act as the Ca
2+
sensor in the synchronous phase, but for the other two phases, Ca
2+
sensors have not been identified.

Groffen
et al.

(p.
1614
, published online 11 February) now show that cytoplasmic proteins known as Doc2 (double C2 domain) proteins are required for spontaneous release. Doc2 proteins promote membrane fusion in response to exceptionally low increases in Ca
2+
, and are several orders of magnitude more sensitive to Ca
2+
than synaptotagmin. Doc2 and synaptotagmin compete for SNARE-complex binding during membrane fusion. A mutation that abolishes the Ca
2+
dependence of Doc2b also abolishes the Ca
2+
dependence of spontaneous release. Thus, Doc2 is a high-affinity Ca
2+
sensor for spontaneous release that competes with synaptotagmin for SNARE complex binding.
Effect of hydroxyurea on the transfusion requirements in patients with severe HbE-β-thalassaemia: a genotypic and phenotypic study
Authors: Italia Khushnooma Y , Jijina Farah F , Merchant Rashid , Panjwani Sangeeta , Nadkarni Anita H , Sawant Pratibha M , Nair Sona B , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Colah Roshan B
Published: February 2010

Background

Haemoglobin E (HbE)-β-thalassaemia has a very variable clinical presentation. The management of severe cases that are often transfusion dependent is similar to that of cases of β-thalassaemia major; however, this is often not possible in India because of its high cost and the lack of availability of safe blood at many places. Thus there was a need for a drug such as hydroxyurea, which is known to reduce the transfusion requirements of patients with thalassaemia intermedia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the response of Indian patients with HbE-β-thalassaemia to hydroxyurea.

Materials and methods

11 patients with HbE-β-thalassaemia receiving regular transfusion plus two less frequently transfused patients were selected for hydroxyurea therapy. Clinical and haematological evaluation was performed before and after treatment for 2 years. Molecular studies included β-globin genotype, β-globin gene haplotype, Xmn I polymorphism and α-genotyping.

Results

Four clinically severe patients became transfusion independent (responders) after hydroxyurea therapy, four patients showed a reduction in their transfusion requirements (partial responders), and three patients were non-responders. Responders showed a statistically significant increase in Hb, mean corpuscular volume, mean cell Hb, fetal Hb and F cells with a reduction in their transfusion requirements. A reduction in serum ferritin concentration was also seen in responders and non-responders.

Conclusions

Genetic markers such as Xmn I polymorphism and α-gene deletions were not always beneficial for the response to hydroxyurea therapy. Thus many more markers and a larger cohort need to be studied to predict the response in these patients.
Quick-multiplex-consensus (QMC)-PCR followed by high-resolution melting: a simple and robust method for mutation detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue
Authors: Fadhil Wakkas , Ibrahem Salih , Seth Rashmi , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: February 2010

Background

Mutation detection in tumours will become increasingly important in pathological diagnosis as ‘predictive’ mutations are identified. A cheap and reliable test that works on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is required.

Methods

The quick-multiplex-consensus (QMC)-PCR protocol was developed to be used with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. The assay was compared with Sanger sequencing. Robustness of the assay was tested in DNA from FFPE tissue.

Results

QMC-PCR with HRM could detect a minimum of 2.5% of mutant alleles (compared with 20% detectable for Sanger sequencing). Ten mutation hotspots inKRAS,BRAF,PIK3CAandCDC4were screened in 29 cell lines with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Forty-three FFPE colorectal tumours were sequenced for hotspots inKRASandPIK3CAand then screened by QMC-PCR. There was 100% sensitivity, although, of 21 mutations detected by QMC-PCR, 16 were confirmed by sequencing (71% specificity, positive predictive value 76%). All 43 samples were then screened for mutations in all 10 hotspots. Of 430 tests, 43 (10%) showed aberrant melting and 36 were confirmed mutant (positive predictive value 84%). As our technique is more sensitive than direct sequencing, the remaining seven tests are probably sequencing false-negatives. Precision tests showed that there was little intra-assay and interassay variation.

Conclusions

QMC-PCR with HRM is a simple, robust and inexpensive technique which had greater sensitivity than Sanger sequencing. It allows multiple mutation hotspots to be rapidly screened and is thus highly suited to mutation detection in DNA derived from FFPE tissues.
Calculi and intracellular ochronosis in the submandibular tissues from a patient with alkaptonuria
Authors: Taylor A M , Wilson P J M , Ingrams D R , Helliwell T R , Gallagher J A , Ranganath L R
Published: February 2010

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase, resulting in widespread deposition of oxidised homogentisic acid (HGA) polymer, primarily in joint tissues but also in other connective tissues. Macroscopic pigmentation of connective tissues in AKU is well documented and is the end point of a process that is not understood. Deposition in less common regions may provide clues to the pigment formation process. This is the first report of detection of ochronotic pigment in acinar cells and lumina in the submandibular gland of a patient with AKU. Deposition was noted in the apical region of the cells. A lobar duct presented a large calculus with unusual deposits possibly associated with calcium salts. This report highlights the effect that local and intracellular factors may have on converting HGA into polymeric derivatives in the absence of an extracellular matrix.
DECAY OF MASSLESS DIRAC FIELD AROUND THE BORN–INFELD BLACK HOLE
Authors: FERNANDO SHARMANTHIE
Published: February 2010

In this paper we investigate the perturbations by a massless Dirac spinor of a Born–Infeld black hole. The decay rates of the spinor field which is given by the quasinormal mode frequencies are computed using the sixth-order WKB approximation. The behavior of the quasinormal modes with the nonlinear parameter, temperature and charge of the black hole are analyzed in detail. We also compare the decay rates of the Born–Infeld black hole with its linear counterpart Reissner–Nordstrom black hole.
MORE ON META-STABLE BRANE CONFIGURATIONS BY DUALIZING THE MULTIPLE GAUGE GROUPS
Authors: AHN CHANGHYUN
Published: February 2010

We reexamine the [Formula: see text] supersymmetric gauge theories with product gauge groups by adding the mass terms and the quartic terms for the flavors: two-gauge group theory with fundamentals, bifundamentals and adjoints, three-gauge group theory with fundamentals and bifundamentals, and their orientifold 4-plane generalizations. By moving the branes appropriately, we obtain the corresponding dual gauge theories. By analyzing the dual superpotentials, we present the type IIA nonsupersymmetric meta-stable brane configurations.
A NOTE ON THE NEW GLIMM FUNCTIONAL FOR GENERAL SYSTEMS OF HYPERBOLIC CONSERVATION LAWS
Authors: HUA JIALE , YANG TONG
Published: February 2010

For systems of hyperbolic conservation laws, a new Glimm functional was recently constructed when the linearly degenerate manifold in each characteristic field is either the whole space or it consists of a finitely many smooth and transversal manifolds of codimension one. This new functional leads to the neat consistency and convergence rate estimation of the Glimm scheme. In this paper, by the motivation of the result in Ref. 2, we show that the corresponding new Glimm functional can be constructed for general systems only under the strict hyperbolicity assumption.
ENERGY-TRANSPORT LIMIT OF THE HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL FOR SEMICONDUCTORS
Authors: XU JIANG
Published: February 2010

This paper is mainly devoted to study the energy-transport limit of a non-isentropic hydrodynamic model with momentum relaxation time τ and energy relaxation time σ. Inspired by the Maxwell iteration, we construct a new approximation under the assumption τσ = 1, and show that periodic initial-value problems of a certain scaled hydrodynamic model have unique smooth solutions in a finite time interval independent of τ. Furthermore, it is also obtained that as τ tends to zero, the smooth solutions converge to the smooth solutions of energy-transport models at the rate of τ2. The proof of these results is based on a continuation principle.
Putative anion transporter-1 (Pat-1, Slc26a6) contributes to intracellular pH regulation during H+-dipeptide transport in duodenal villous epithelium
Authors: Simpson Janet E. , Walker Nancy M. , Supuran Claudiu T. , Soleimani Manoocher , Clarke Lane L.
Published: February 2010

The majority of dietary amino acids are absorbed via the H+-di-/tripeptide transporter Pept1 of the small intestine. Proton influx via Pept1 requires maintenance of intracellular pH (pHi) to sustain the driving force for peptide absorption. The apical membrane Na+/H+exchanger Nhe3 plays a major role in minimizing epithelial acidification during H+-di-/tripeptide absorption. However, the contributions of HCO3−-dependent transporters to this process have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigate the role of putative anion transporter-1 (Pat-1), an apical membrane anion exchanger, in epithelial pHiregulation during H+-peptide absorption. Using wild-type (WT) and Pat-1(−) mice, Ussing chambers were employed to measure the short-circuit current ( Isc) associated with Pept1-mediated glycyl-sarcosine (Gly-Sar) absorption. Microfluorometry was used to measure pHiand Cl−/HCO3−exchange in the upper villous epithelium. In CO2/HCO3−-buffered Ringers, WT small intestine showed significant Gly-Sar-induced Iscand efficient pHiregulation during pharmacological inhibition of Nhe3 activity. In contrast, epithelial acidification and reduced Iscresponse to Gly-Sar exposure occurred during pharmacological inhibition of Cl−/HCO3−exchange and in the Pat-1(−) intestine. Pat-1 interacts with carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), and studies using CAII(−) intestine or the pharmacological inhibitor methazolamide on WT intestine resulted in increased epithelial acidification during Gly-Sar exposure. Increased epithelial acidification during Gly-Sar exposure also occurred in WT intestine during inhibition of luminal extracellular CA activity. Measurement of Cl−/HCO3−exchange in the presence of Gly-Sar revealed an increased rate of Cl−OUT/HCO3−INexchange that was both Pat-1 dependent and CA dependent. In conclusion, Pat-1 Cl−/HCO3−exchange contributes to pHiregulation in the villous epithelium during H+-dipeptide absorption, possibly by providing a HCO3−import pathway.
Ac-SDKP inhibits transforming growth factor-β1-induced differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts
Authors: Peng Hongmei , Carretero Oscar A. , Peterson Edward L. , Rhaleb Nour-Eddine
Published: February 2010

N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) inhibits collagen production and cell proliferation in cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts, but its effect on differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is not known. High amounts of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) have been found in fibrotic cardiac tissue. TGF-β1 converts fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which produce more extracellular matrix proteins than fibroblasts. We hypothesized that 1) Ac-SDKP inhibits TGF-β1-induced differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts; and 2) this effect is mediated in part by blocking phosphorylation of small-mothers-against-decapentaplegic (Smad) 2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. For this study, we used human fetal cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs), which do not spontaneously become myofibroblasts when cultured at low passages. We investigated the effect of Ac-SDKP on TGF-β1-induced HCF transformation into myofibroblasts, Smad2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, Smad7 expression, cell proliferation, and collagen production. We also investigated TGF-β1 production by HCFs stimulated with endothelin-1 (ET-1). As expected, HCFs treated with TGF-β1 transformed into myofibroblasts as indicated by increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin and a higher proportion of the embryonic isoform of smooth muscle myosin compared with untreated cells. TGF-β1 also increased Smad2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation but did not affect Smad7 expression. In addition, TGF-β1 stimulated HCF proliferation as indicated by an increase in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and collagen production (hydroxyproline assay). Ac-SDKP significantly inhibited all of the effects of TGF-β1. It also inhibited ET-1-stimulated TGF-β1 production. We concluded that Ac-SDKP markedly suppresses differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, probably by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and thus mediating its anti-fibrotic effects.
Bleomycin induces the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in pulmonary endothelial cells
Authors: Mungunsukh Ognoon , Griffin Autumn J. , Lee Young H. , Day Regina M.
Published: February 2010

Bleomycin, a chemotherapeutic agent, can cause pulmonary fibrosis in humans and is commonly used to induce experimental pulmonary fibrosis in rodents. In cell culture, bleomycin causes single- and double-stranded DNA breaks and produces reactive oxidative species, both of which require iron (Fe2+) and O2. The mechanism of bleomycin-induced apoptosis is controversial due to its complexity. We investigated bleomycin apoptotic signaling events in primary pulmonary endothelial cells. Time course experiments revealed that bleomycin induced apoptosis within 4 h. Caspase-8, the initiator caspase for the extrinsic pathway, was activated within 2 h and preceded activation of the effector caspases-3 and -6 (4 h). Caspase-9, the initiator of the intrinsic pathway and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria were not detected at these time points. Bleomycin induced the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 family member proteins that protect cells from the mitochondria-dependent intrinsic apoptosis. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR results demonstrated that, at 4–8 h, bleomycin induced expression of TNF and TNF receptor family genes known to induce the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Silencing of the death receptor adaptor protein Fas-associated death domain by short interfering RNA significantly reduced bleomycin-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was also abrogated by caspase-8 inhibition, but only slightly reduced by caspase-3 inhibition. Together, these data suggest that bleomycin initiates apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway.