bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional distribution of tocopherols and fatty acids within soybean seeds
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Takagi Sachiko , Ienaga Hiroyuki , Tsuchiya Chiharu
Published: August 2007

Seed coat, axis, and sections of cotyledons in three soybean cultivars were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography for tocopherols, and by gas‐liquid chromatography for acyl lipids. Tocopherols were predominantly detected in axis, followed by cotyledons and seed coat. With a few exceptions, dominant components were γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols, with much smaller amounts of α‐ and β‐tocopherols. However, α‐tocopherol was higher (P<0.05) for the Mikawajima cultivar than for Okuhara and Tsurunoko in all tissues. Triacylglycerols (TAG) were the major fraction of total lipids, representing 70% in axis and coat and 94% in cotyledons. A small difference (P<0.05) occurred in fatty acid composition of TAG when comparing seed coat to the axis. The fatty acid composition of phosphatidylinositol (PI) differed (P<0.05) from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in each tissue. Principally, the percentage of palmitic acid was higher, especially in axis and coat. In PE and PC, linoleic was greater, followed by palmitic, in all samples except for seed coat tissue in Mikawajima. The percentages of palmitic acid in both phospholipids were significant higher in the seed coat tissue from this cultivar than in cotyledon or axis of the other varieties. These results suggest that the differences in soybean cultivars could be appreciable, based on the distribution of tocopherols and fatty acids in each component part within soybean seeds.
The impact of furanoid fatty acids and 3‐methylnonane‐2,4‐dione on the flavor of oxidized soybean oil
Authors: Kao Jian‐Wen , Wu Xiangdong , Hammond Earl G. , White Pamela J.
Published: August 2007

Oils from soybeans with high or low contents of furanoid fatty acids were evaluated during storage for flavor intensity of soybean oil (SBO) off‐flavor, but no significant differences were found. In addition, the compound 3‐methylnonane‐2,4‐dione (MND), a breakdown product of furanoid fatty acids suggested by other researchers to contribute to reversion flavor of SBO, was evaluated for its contribution to off‐flavor. The compound was synthesized in the laboratory and purified by gas chromatography (GC) on a Silar 10 C column. GC analysis of the purified MND on a nonpolar SPB‐1 column showed two well‐separated main peaks that have been suggested to represent keto and enol forms. Between these two peaks, a bridge of poorly resolved compounds may have represented various possible enol forms or an equilibration among these forms during the GC separation. MND had an intense straw‐like and frulty odor when evaluated at the outlet of a gas chromatograph. Sensory evaluation of MND in a mineral oil/water emulsion system showed that its flavor intensity increased almost imperceptibly with increased concentration (from 0.09 to 2.56 ppm). An explanation for this unusual flavor response may be that, when molecularly dispersed in air, MND has an intense odor, but when placed in a mineral oil or soybean oil emulsion, MND may exist in a form with relatively low flavor intensity, or it may be bound by the media. The concentrations of MND in SBO at various peroxide values were measured at 0 to 0.804 ppb, which were far less than concentrations tested in mineral oil/water emulsions during sensory evaluation and below published odor threshold values for MND in oil. Therefore, these results do not support the theory that furanoid fatty acids or MND contribute strongly to the reversion flavor of SBO.
Role of minor constituents in the photooxidation of virgin olive oil
Authors: Rahmani M. , Csallany A. Saari
Published: August 2007

Virgin olive oil was photooxidized at 2 and 40°C and at fluorescent light intensities of 0, 620, 2710, and 5340 lux. As expected, higher fluorescent light intensities induced higher peroxide formation in the oil. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were found to be good indicators of photooxidation during the early stage of the reaction. Pheophytin A and β‐carotene were light‐ and temperature‐sensitive, whereas α‐tocopherol and total polyphenols were mostly affected by light. Pheophytin A functioned as a photosensitizer, resulting in rapid oxidation of the oil. β‐Carotene was a strong natural inhibitor of photooxidation for all light intensities at 2°C, suggesting quenching properties for singlet oxygen. However, β‐carotene antioxidant activity was reduced at 40°C because of its rapid destruction.
Neutral lipids of chickpea flour and protein isolates
Authors: Sánchez‐Vioque Raúl , Clemente Alfonso , Vioque Javier , Bautista Juan , Millán Francisco
Published: August 2007

The neutral lipids composition of defatted chickpea flour and two types of protein isolates has been studied. The main compounds in neutral lipids are triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, and diacylglycerols. Other compounds present are wax esters, free fatty alcohols, and free sterols. The main fatty acids in neutral lipids are C18:2 and C18:1 among the unsaturated, and C16:0 and C18:0 among the saturated acids. Free and esterified alcohols range from C16:0 to C28:0, the majority being those with an even number of carbon atoms. Sterols observed are β‐sito‐sterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and δ‐5‐avenasterol. Triacyl‐glycerols are partially hydrolyzed, and the amounts of unsaturated sterols and unsaturated fatty acids are reduced as a result of the chemical treatment during production of the protein isolates.
Extended analyses of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway: Robustness and oscillatory behaviour
Authors: Wawra Christian , Kühl Michael , Kestler Hans A.
Published: July 2007

The Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway is evolutionarily conserved across many species and plays important roles during embryogenesis. The Lee–Heinrich model (to recognize the contributions of R. Heinrich we will refer to the work proposed by Lee et al. [Lee, E., Salic, A., Krüger, R., Heinrich, R., Kirschner, M.W. (2003) The roles of APC and axin derived from experimental and theoretical analysis of the Wnt pathway. PloS Biol. 1, 116–132] as the Lee–Heinrich model) describes this pathway by use of coupled ordinary differential equations. Here, we extend this model by introducing negative feedback loops of the pathway using time‐delay differential equations. Single‐ and multiple‐parameter perturbations suggest a very robust behaviour of this pathway that can also demonstrate oscillatory behaviour. These findings are of biological significance as Wnt pathway components show oscillations during vertebrate somitogenesis.
Eosinophilic leukaemia in a cat
Authors: Sharifi Hassan , Nassiri Seyed Mahdi , Esmaelli Hossein , Khoshnegah Javad
Published: August 2007

A 14-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented to Tehran University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a persistent fever, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, weight loss and weakness. The main clinical signs were pale mucous membranes, dehydration and splenomegaly. The complete blood count and serum biochemistry tests revealed non-regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for feline leukaemia virus was negative. Blood film and bone marrow examination revealed a large number of immature eosinophils with variable sizes and numbers of faintly azurophilic granules. Cytochemical staining of blood film demonstrated 70% positive cells for ALP activity. Four percent CD34 positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. As eosinophilic leukaemia is difficult to identify by light microscopy, well-defined diagnostic criteria and the use of flow cytometry and cytochemical staining can improve the ability to correctly diagnose this type of leukaemia in cats.
Did the Events of 9/11 Change the Field of Middle East Studies? Pensée 1: Of Course—But How?
Authors: LOCKMAN ZACHARY
Published: August 2007

The short answer to the question as posed is, Yes, of course, 9/11 changed the field of Middle East studies. However, the next question we need to ask is, In what ways have the events of 9/11 (and all that they set in motion, in the United States and internationally, including the U.S. invasion of Iraq) actually affected our work as scholars, students, teachers, resource specialists, and so forth, whose primary focus is the Middle East and/or the Muslim world, as well as the institutions, networks, and field(s) with which we are engaged? Space limitations allow me to offer only a few brief thoughts.
A STATEMENT FROM THE EDITOR ON THE JOURNAL'S RECUSAL POLICY
Authors: TUCKER JUDITH
Published: August 2007

IJMES follows the standard academic practice of assuming that anyone who has played a substantive role in the prepublication preparation of a book manuscript—as a major adviser to the author or as a reviewer for the publisher, for example—will accordingly decline the invitation to review the book for IJMES.
Shadows on the Hudson: Isaac Bashevis Singer on the Prospects for Faith and Virtue in Modern America
Authors: Kessler Sanford
Published: August 2007

Isaac Bashevis Singer's posthumously published novel Shadows on the Hudson contains his deepest, most sustained reflections on the moral and religious character of modernity. Using America as his paradigm, Singer argues that modern religious skepticism has destroyed the moral authority of the Ten Commandments. This depletion of moral capital has led to the growth of a powerful “underworld” culture that fosters the idolatrous worship of material well-being, reason, and Eros. Singer believes that ultra-orthodox Judaism is the only religion now able to check this evil in principle. Yet he fears that this religion can do little more in our post-biblical world than to highlight modernity's moral flaws. Thus, he offers an uncommonly bleak prognosis for the future unless modern poets can create a new religion that better meets the needs of our time.
Coalgebraic description of generalised binary methods
Authors: HONSELL FURIO , LENISA MARINA , REDAMALLA REKHA
Published: August 2007

We extend the coalgebraic account of specification and refinement of objects and classes in object-oriented programming given by Reichel and Jacobs to(generalised) binary methods. These are methods that take more than one parameter of a class type. Class types include products, sums and powerset type constructors. To allow for classconstructors, we model classes asbialgebras. We study and compare two solutions for modelling generalised binary methods, which use purely covariant functors.

In the first solution, which applies when we already have a class implementation, we reduce the behaviour of a generalised binary method to that of a bunch of unary methods. These are obtained byfreezingthe types of the extra class parameters to constant types. If all parameter types arefinitary, thebisimilarity equivalenceinduced on objects by this model yields thegreatest congruencewith respect to method application.

In the second solution, we treat binary methods asgraphsinstead of functions, thus turning contravariant occurrences in the functor into covariant ones.

We show the existence offinal coalgebrasin both cases.
Boxed ambients with communication interfaces
Authors: GARRALDA PABLO , BONELLI EDUARDO , COMPAGNONI ADRIANA , DEZANI-CIANCAGLINI MARIANGIOLA
Published: August 2007

We defineBACI(Boxed Ambients with Communication Interfaces), an ambient calculus with a flexible communication policy. Traditionally, typed ambient calculi have a fixed communication policy determining the kind of information that can be exchanged with a parent ambient, even though mobility changes the parent.BACIlifts that restriction, allowing different communication policies with different parents during computation. Furthermore,BACIseparates communication and mobility by making the channels of communication between ambients explicit. In contrast with other typed ambient calculi where communication policies are global, each ambient inBACIis equipped with a description of the communication policies ruling its information exchange with parent and child ambients. The communication policies of ambients increase when they move: more precisely, when an ambient enters another ambient, the entering ambient and the host ambient can exchange their communication ports and agree on the kind of information to be exchanged. This information is recorded locally in both ambients.

We show the type-soundness ofBACI, proving that it satisfies the subject reduction property, and we study its behavioural semantics by means of a labelled transition system.
Comparison of percentages of tissues and nutrients between parents and F3offspring ofOreochromis aurea×Siniperca chuatsi
Authors: Jin-Long Wang , Hong Yang , Ting-Ting Wu
Published: August 2007

This research focused on the effect of distant hybridization to improve the flesh quality of offspring fromOreochromis aurea(♀)×Siniperca chuatsi(♂). The proportions of different tissues and percentages of nutrient components were compared between fish of the F3generation andO. aureaandS. chuatsi. The results showed that the proportion of flesh in F3hybrids was significantly lower than that inO. aurea. Crude lipid content was lower and crude protein content significantly higher in the F3generation. Concentrations of four kinds of amino acids important for flavour (DAA) were higher in the F3generation than inO. aurea, and the total DAA was significantly higher. Furthermore, the other amino acid contents and essential amino acid index of the F3generation were intermediate betweenO. aureaandS. chuatsi. We conclude that some effects of hybridization have induced flesh quality improvement.
Cloning and sequence analysis of complete cDNA of chitin deacetylase from Mucor racemosus
Authors: Xia-Yun Jiang , Shu-Ming Zou , Pei-Gen Zhou
Published: August 2007

A complete chitin deacetylase (CDA) complementary DNA (cDNA) from Mucor racemosus was cloned and sequenced by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification cDNA end (RACE) with gene special conserved primers. The cDNA sequence was submitted to GenBank (DQ538514). The complete cDNA with full-length of 1506 bp contained a 67 bp 5′-untranslated region, an open reading frame of 1344 bp and 95 bp 3′-untranslated region including tailing site AATAAA. The gene encoded a sequence of 448 amino acid residues and consisted of core nucleotides encoding a polysaccharide deacetylase domain covering 32% of the entire sequence. The CDA gene shared sequence homology with those of several fungi. The corresponding homology of the deduced amino acid sequences varied from 21 to 69%. Phylogenetic analysis according to the deduced amino acid sequences matched the classical fungi taxonomy. The three-dimensional structure of this protein was predicted. The protein had a whole CDA functional domain and a polysaccharide deacetylase domain.
Environmental impact and risk management strategies of Bt cotton commercialization in China
Authors: Kong-Ming Wu
Published: August 2007

Transgenic cotton expressing the Cry1Ac toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis has been planted widely in China since 1997, and reached 70% of the total cotton area in 2006. The results of monitoring the environmental impact of Bt cotton commercialization indicated that the target pests, cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), were effectively controlled while the mirids (Hemiptera: Miridae) evolved to be key pests in the cotton system. There were no significant changes in resistance gene frequency of field populations of cotton bollworm, but a shift toward increased tolerance was apparent in the area of intensive planting of Bt cotton, indicating that the potential risk of resistance of the target pest has become a major threat for sustainable planting of Bt cotton. Considering the factors associated with the evolution of resistance, risk management strategies are discussed in this paper.
Tomato yellow leaf curl disease in Guangdong is caused by Tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus
Authors: Zi-Fu He , Hao Yu , Ming-Jie Mao , Fang-Fang Luo , Yi-Han Lin , Sui-Tao Wang
Published: August 2007

A yellow leaf curl disease with chlorotic and yellowish leaves, upward leaf curling and stunting symptoms was observed on tomato in Shantou city of Guangdong province. A virus isolate BS was obtained from a diseased tomato plant. The complete DNA-A sequence of the virus isolate BS was determined to be 2740 nucleotides long, with all the characteristic features of begomovirus genome organization. BS DNA-A encoded six potential open reading frames (ORFs), with two (AV1 and AV2) in virus sense and four (AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC4) in complementary sense, and contained an intergenic region of 269 nucleotides. The results of BLAST searches showed that BS DNA-A had higher sequence identity with reported begomoviruses in Asia than with those in America and Africa. Further sequence comparisons indicated that BS was most closely related to the isolate of Tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus (ToLCTWV-[Taiwan]) with a sequence identity of 97.7%. Nucleotide sequence identities of AV1, AV2, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 and intergenic region (IR) between BS and ToLCTWV-[Taiwan] were 98.6, 98.0, 98.0, 97.5, 96.3, 98.6 and 96.6%, respectively, while that of the six ORF-encoded proteins between BS and ToLCTWV-[Taiwan] were 97.7, 99.1, 97.5, 95.6, 91.8 and 99.0%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA-A sequences has also indicated that BS is most closely related to ToLCTWV-[Taiwan], forming a branch with ToLCTWV-[Taiwan], Tomato leaf curl Guangdong virus and Tomato yellow leaf curl Guangdong virus. The above results demonstrate that BS is an isolate of ToLCTWV.
Ice core records as sea ice proxies: An evaluation from the Weddell Sea region of Antarctica
Authors: Abram Nerilie J. , Mulvaney Robert , Wolff Eric W. , Mudelsee Manfred
Published: August 2007

Ice core records of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) from three sites around the Weddell Sea are investigated for their potential as sea ice proxies. It is found that the amount of MSA reaching the ice core sites decreases following years of increased winter sea ice in the Weddell Sea; opposite to the expected relationship if MSA is to be used as a sea ice proxy. It is also shown that this negative MSA‐sea ice relationship cannot be explained by the influence that the extensive summer ice pack in the Weddell Sea has on MSA production area and transport distance. A historical record of sea ice from the northern Weddell Sea shows that the negative relationship between MSA and winter sea ice exists over interannual (∼7‐year period) and multidecadal (∼20‐year period) timescales. National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data suggest that this negative relationship is most likely due to variations in the strength of cold offshore wind anomalies traveling across the Weddell Sea, which act to synergistically increase sea ice extent (SIE) while decreasing MSA delivery to the ice core sites. Hence our findings show that in some locations atmospheric transport strength, rather than sea ice conditions, is the dominant factor that determines the MSA signal preserved in near‐coastal ice cores. A cautious approach is thus required in using ice core MSA for reconstructing past sea ice conditions, including the need for networks of ice core records and multiproxy studies to assess the significance of past MSA changes at different locations around Antarctica.
Links between bacterial production, amino-acid utilization and community composition in productive lakes
Authors: Bertilsson Stefan , Eiler Alexander , Nordqvist Anneli , Jørgensen Niels Ole Gerslev
Published: August 2007

Influence of distribution and abundance of bacterial taxa on ecosystem function are poorly understood for natural microbial communities. We related 16S rRNA-based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism to bacterial production and arginine uptake kinetics to test if functional features of bacterioplankton in four lakes could be predicted from community composition. Maximum arginine uptake rate (arginine Vmax) ranged from 10% to 100% of bacterial production. Owing to high growth efficiencies on arginine (63–77%), the bacterial community could potentially saturate its carbon demand using this single organic substrate, for example, during sudden surges of free amino acids. However, due to low in situ concentrations of arginine in these lakes (<0.9 μg l−1), actual uptake rates at ambient concentrations rarely exceeded 10% of Vmax. Bacterial production and arginine Vmax could be predicted from a subset of bacterial ribotypes, tentatively affiliated with several bacterial divisions (Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria). Multivariate statistical analysis indicates that there were both highly important and less important ribotypes for the prediction of bacterial production and arginine Vmax. These populations were either negatively or positively related to the respective functional feature, indicating contrasting ecological roles. Our study provides a statistically robust demonstration that, apart from environmental conditions, patterns in bacterial community composition can also be used to predict lake ecosystem function.
Comparison between the Landau–Teller and flux-flux methods for computing vibrational energy relaxation rate constants in the condensed phase
Authors: Navrotskaya Irina , Geva Eitan
Published: August 2007

The calculation of vibrational energy relaxation (VER) rate constants in the condensed phase is usually based on the Landau–Teller formula, which puts them in terms of the Fourier transform, at the vibrational frequency, of the autocorrelation function of the force exerted on the relaxing mode by the bath modes. An alternative expression for the VER rate constant puts it in terms of the autocorrelation function of the vibrational energy flux. In this paper, we compare the predictions obtained via those two methods in the case of iodine in liquid xenon. We find that the computational cost underlying both methods is comparable and that they predict similar VER rates. However, while the calculation of the VER rate via the Landau–Teller formula is somewhat more direct, the predictions obtained via the flux-flux formula are in somewhat better agreement with the VER rates obtained from nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
Accuracy of recent potential energy surfaces for the He–N2 interaction. I. Virial and bulk transport coefficients
Authors: Dham Ashok K. , McCourt Frederick R. W. , Dickinson Alan S.
Published: August 2007

A new exchange-Coulomb semiempirical model potential energy surface for the He–N2 interaction has been developed. Together with two recent high-level ab initio potential energy surfaces, it has been tested for the reliability of its predictions of second-virial coefficients and bulk transport phenomena in binary mixtures of He and N2. The agreement with the relevant available measurements is generally within experimental uncertainty for the exchange-Coulomb surface and the ab initio surface of Patel et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 119, 909 (2003)], but with slightly poorer agreement for the earlier ab initio surface of Hu and Thakkar [J. Chem. Phys. 104, 2541 (1996)].
Self-diffusion of reversibly aggregating spheres
Authors: Babu Sujin , Gimel Jean Christophe , Nicolai Taco
Published: August 2007

Reversible diffusion limited cluster aggregation of hard spheres with rigid bonds was simulated and the self-diffusion coefficient was determined for equilibrated systems. The effect of increasing attraction strength was determined for systems at different volume fractions and different interaction ranges. It was found that the slowing down of the diffusion coefficient due to crowding is decoupled from that due to cluster formation. The diffusion coefficient could be calculated from the cluster size distribution and became zero only at infinite attraction strength when permanent gels are formed. It is concluded that so-called attractive glasses are not formed at finite interaction strength.
On-chip hot spot cooling using silicon thermoelectric microcoolers
Authors: Wang Peng , Bar-Cohen Avram
Published: August 2007

Thermal management of microprocessors has become an increasing challenge in recent years because of localized high flux hot spots which cannot be effectively removed by conventional cooling techniques. This paper describes the use of the silicon chip itself as a thermoelectric cooler to suppress the hot spot temperature. A three-dimensional analytical thermal model of the silicon chip, including localized thermoelectric cooling, thermoelectric heating, silicon Joule heating, hot spot heating, background heating, and conductive/convective cooling on the back of the silicon chip, is developed and used to predict the on-chip hot spot cooling performance. The effects of hot spot size, hot spot heat flux, silicon chip thickness, microcooler size, doping concentration in the silicon, and parasitic Joule heating from electric contact resistance on the cooling of on-chip hot spots, are investigated in detail.
Electric field and electron orbits near a triple point
Authors: Jordan Nicholas M. , Lau Y. Y. , French David M. , Gilgenbach R. M. , Pengvanich P.
Published: August 2007

Triple point, defined as the junction of metal, dielectric, and vacuum, is the location where electron emission is favored in the presence of a sufficiently strong electric field. In addition to being an electron source, the triple point is generally regarded as the location where flashover is initiated in high voltage insulation, and as the vulnerable spot from which rf breakdown is triggered. In this paper, we focus on the electric field distribution at a triple point of a general geometry, as well as the electron orbits in its immediate vicinity. We calculate the orbit of the first generation electrons, the seed electrons. It is found that, despite the mathematically divergent electric field at the triple point, significant electron yield most likely results from secondary electron emission when the seed electrons strike the dielectric. The analysis gives the voltage scale in which this electron multiplication may occur. It also provides an explanation on why certain dielectric angles are more favorable to electron generation over others, as observed in previous experiments.
Spectroscopic determination of phase in tetragonally strained Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films at room temperature
Authors: Alldredge L. M. B. , Woicik J. C. , Chang Wontae , Kirchoefer Steven W. , Pond Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2007

Sputter-deposited Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films on MgO(001) substrates with either in-plane (ca) tetragonal lattice structure distortions were characterized by polarization-dependent Ti K-edge x-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectroscopy and microwave dielectric measurements. Anisotropy between the in-plane and out-of-plane directions in the films as determined by XAFS provided evidence of spontaneous polarization, and the anisotropy varied with the type of structural distortion. These results explain microwave measurements in which the dielectric properties were significantly affected by lattice distortions and exhibited hysteresis in the in-plane dielectric constant with dc bias at room temperature, suggesting the presence of permanent dipoles.
Top-down and bottom-up through-thickness current anisotropy in a bilayer YBa2Cu3O7−x film
Authors: Chen Z. J. , Feldmann D. M. , Larbalestier D. C. , Holesinger T. G. , Li X. , Zhang W. , Rupich M. W.
Published: August 2007

The authors find the critical current anisotropy of a bilayer YBa2Cu3O7−δ film with different pinning structures in each layer is the sum of the anisotropy of the two individual layers, revealing that it is possible to tune the anisotropy of the composite through variation of an individual layer’s thickness and pinning structure. YBa2Cu4Ox intergrowths and Dy2O3 nanodots were the dominant pinning structures in the top and bottom layers, respectively. The bottom layer of the composite was isolated using traditional Ar+ ion milling and the top layer was isolated using a focused ion beam, allowing each layer to be studied independently.
Theoretical and experimental investigations on temperature induced wavelength shift of tapered laser diodes based on InGaAs∕GaAs quantum dots
Authors: Kaiser W. , Reithmaier J. P. , Forchel A. , Odriozola H. , Esquivias I.
Published: August 2007

The influence of the taper losses on the temperature induced wavelength shift of tapered quantum dot laser diodes emitting at 920nm was investigated. The experimentally obtained results of the taper losses were compared with simulations carried out by a self-consistent, complete steady-state electrical, thermal, and optical model. A good agreement between theory and experiment was found. The device geometry with a length of 3mm and a front facet width of 35μm yielded the best wavelength stability of 0.14nm∕K and exhibits an output power of more than 900mW with a beam-propagation factor M2 of 2.4.
Novel gamete storage
Authors: Dinnyes A. , Liu J. , Nedambale T. L.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this review is to outline recent advances in gamete storage that are beneficial for rescuing endangered species or for the breeding of companion animals. Much more information is available on the technical resolutions and practical applications of sperm cryopreservation in various species than of female gametes, reproductive tissues or organs. Mammalian sperm cryopreservation often works relatively efficiently; however, the ability of female gametes to be cryopreserved and still be viable for fertilisation is also essential for rescuing endangered species. For a proper evaluation of gamete cryopreservation possibilities in a given species, it is essential to understand the basic mechanism affecting the survival of cryopreserved cells, the technical and physical limitations, the available techniques and the new avenues to resolve the specific problems in that species. This paper is aimed to provide some help for this process. The limited length of this paper resulted in the omission of information on many important areas, including most data on teleosts, amphibian and insect cryopreservation.
Applications and interpretation of computer-assisted sperm analyses and sperm sorting methods in assisted breeding and comparative research
Authors: Holt William V. , O'Brien Justine , Abaigar Teresa
Published: August 2007

Theoretical and practical knowledge of sperm function is an essential requirement in almost every aspect of modern reproductive technology, if the overarching objective is the eventual production of live offspring. Artificial insemination (AI) techniques depend on the availability of high quality semen, whether fresh, diluted and stored, or frozen. Assessing such semen for quality and the likelihood of fertility is therefore also important, as much time, resources and effort can easily be wasted by using poor samples. Some semen technologies are aimed not at quality assessment, but at attempting to skew the breeding outcomes. Sex preselection by separating the male- and female-bearing spermatozoa using flow cytometry is now practised routinely in the agricultural industry, but speculatively it may eventually be possible to use other genetic markers besides the sex chromosomes. A moment’s reflection shows that although sex-biasing flow cytometry technology is well developed and generally fulfils its purpose if presorting of sperm quality is adequate, other technologies aimed specifically at semen assessment are also sophisticated but provide inadequate data that say little about fertility. This is especially true of instrumentation for objective sperm motility assessment. Here we aim to examine this technological paradox and suggest that although the sperm assessment equipment might be sophisticated, the shortcomings probably lie largely with inappropriate objectives and data interpretation. We also aim to review the potential value and use of sperm sexing technology for non-domestic species, arguing in this case that the limitations also lie less with the technology itself than with the applications envisaged. Finally, the potential application of a sorting method directed at motility rather than sperm DNA content is discussed.
Ovarian and testicular tissue xenografting: its potential for germline preservation of companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species
Authors: Paris Monique C. J. , Schlatt Stefan
Published: August 2007

In the present paper we aim to review the development of both ovarian and testicular xenografting with specific emphasis on its usage for companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species. Ovarian and testicular tissue xenografting has been used successfully across a variety of species for the harvesting of mature gametes and subsequent fertilisation. It has become a novel and promising tool to explore various aspects of testicular development and function and was useful for determination of gonadotoxic treatments on xenografted gonads. In rodent animal models live births have been reported using gametes from xenografted gonadal tissue. Live births were also reported after grafting of human ovarian tissue. We envisage that it will not be long before the first live births across other species, including companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species, will be achieved.
Foreword: A perspective on the role of emerging technologies for the propagation of companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species
Authors: Paris Monique C. J. , Mastromonaco Gabriela F. , Paris Damien B. B. P. , Krisher Rebecca L.
Published: August 2007

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been used successfully in humans, domestic and laboratory species for many years. In contrast, our limited knowledge of basic reproductive physiology has restricted the application of ART in companion animal, non-domestic and endangered species (CANDES). Although there are numerous benefits, and in some cases a necessity, for applying ART for the reproductive and genetic management of CANDES, the challenges encountered with even the most basic procedures have limited the rate of progress. In this foreword we discuss the status of conventional ART, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation, as well as their benefits and inherent difficulties when applied to CANDES. It is upon these techniques, and ultimately our knowledge of basic reproductive physiology, that the success of emerging technologies, such as those described in this special issue, are dependent for success.
Recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase from milk of transgenic animals to protect against organophosphate poisoning
Authors: Huang Yue-Jin , Huang Yue , Baldassarre Hernan , Wang Bin , Lazaris Anthoula , Leduc Martin , Bilodeau Annie S. , Bellemare Annie , Côté Mélanie , Herskovits Peter , Touati Madjid , Turcotte Carl , Valeanu Loredana , Lemée Nicolas , Wilgus Harvey , Bégin Isabelle , Bhatia Bhim , Rao Khalid , Neveu Nathalie , Brochu Eric , Pierson Janice , Hockley Duncan K. , Cerasoli Douglas M. , Lenz David E. , Karatzas Costas N. , Langermann Solomon
Published: July 2007

Dangerous organophosphorus (OP) compounds have been used as insecticides in agriculture and in chemical warfare. Because exposure to OP could create a danger for humans in the future, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has been developed for prophylaxis to these chemicals. Because it is impractical to obtain sufficient quantities of plasma BChE to treat humans exposed to OP agents, the production of recombinant BChE (rBChE) in milk of transgenic animals was investigated. Transgenic mice and goats were generated with human BChE cDNA under control of the goat β-casein promoter. Milk from transgenic animals contained 0.1–5 g/liter of active rBChE. The plasma half-life of PEGylated, goat-derived, purified rBChE in guinea pigs was 7-fold longer than non-PEGylated dimers. The rBChE from transgenic mice was inhibited by nerve agents at a 1:1 molar ratio. Transgenic goats produced active rBChE in milk sufficient for prophylaxis of humans at risk for exposure to OP agents.
Disappearance of Vimentin in Sertoli Cells: A Mono(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Effect
Authors: Tay Tat Wei , Andriana Bibin Bintang , Ishii Maki , Tsunekawa Naoki , Kanai Yoshiakira , Kurohmaru Masamichi
Published: July 2007

The effects of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on 21-day-old C57Bl/6N mice and their Sertoli cell cultures were studied. Mice were given a single dose of 800 mg/kg MEHP by oral gavage and sacrificed 24 h later. At the same time, testes were harvested from another batch of mice for Sertoli cell cultures. Cultures were subsequently exposed to 0, 1, and 100 nmol/ml MEHP for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. An antivimentin antibody was used to detect intermediate filament changes in Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, detection of preapoptotic signals and presence of apoptotic cells were done using annexin V–FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) and TUNEL (deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) analyses, respectively. In vivo results showed a correlation between the increase in TUNEL-positive cells and the vimentin disruption in treated mice. Toluidine blue staining of the Sertoli cell cultures showed the increased number and size of vacuoles in Sertoli cell cytoplasm. Vimentin immunohistochemistry showed gradual disappearance of vimentin in Sertoli cell cultures as time and dose increased. Some Sertoli cells were found to be annexin V–FITC positive, but no TUNEL-positive cells were found. Taken together, these results show that the appearance of vacuoles and the vimentin disappearance caused by MEHP in the Sertoli cells are related with each other and can be observed in relation to time. This can be used as an indicator of the loss of mechanical support for spermatogenic cells, which in the end causes apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.
Monitored Naltrexone without Counseling for Alcohol Abuse/Dependence in Schizophrenia‐Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Batki Steven L. , Dimmock Jacqueline A. , Wade Michael , Gately Paul W. , Cornell Martha , Maisto Stephen A. , Carey Kate B. , Ploutz‐Snyder Robert
Published: July 2007

This clinical trial assessed the effects of monitored naltrexone treatment in 19 subjects with schizophrenia spectrum and alcohol use disorders in an eight‐week prospective open pilot study. Naltrexone was directly administered to subjects in oral doses of 100 mg on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 150 mg on Fridays. Subjects received reimbursement for attending the three weekly study visits. Subjects continued to receive their usual psychiatric care with no added alcohol counseling provided. Alcohol use was assessed by self‐report and biomarkers. Psychosis severity was measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Subjects reported significant reductions in their number of drinks per week, drinks per drinking day, days of drinking to intoxication, and alcohol craving. Subjects also showed significant reductions in Addiction Severity Index (ASI) alcohol composite scores and in PANSS positive, negative and general psychopathology scores.
Experimentally‐Induced Spontaneous Opiate Withdrawal: Relationship to Cigarette Craving and Expired Air Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Lofwall Michelle R. , Walsh Sharon L. , Bigelow George E. , Strain Eric C.
Published: July 2007

Smoking often increases after opioid use among those addicted to both opioids and nicotine, but the relationship between smoking and experimentally induced spontaneous opioid withdrawal (OW) has not been characterized. Six inpatient opioid‐dependent smokers were stabilized on morphine 15 mg SC QID. Expired air carbon monoxide levels and smoking craving were measured for each participant on ten days when spontaneous OW was experimentally induced and on ten separate days in the absence of OW. Spontaneous OW was associated with significantly reduced carbon monoxide levels and smoking craving. Interestingly, craving was only reduced for items related to the positive reinforcing effects of smoking. These preliminary results suggest that OW may be a favorable context to initiate smoking cessation treatment interventions.
Implications of Co‐Occurring Alcohol Abuse for Role Impairment, Health Problems, Treatment Seeking, and Early Course of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Mojtabai Ramin , Singh Prameet
Published: July 2007

This article explores the nosological and clinical implications of co‐occurring alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence and examines the hierarchical relationship between these diagnostic categories in the DSM‐IV. Among 2,307 alcohol‐dependent participants in the 2003 US National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1,646 (68.1%) additionally met the criteria for alcohol abuse. In multivariate analyses, alcohol‐dependent participants with alcohol abuse reported an earlier age of first alcoholic drink compared to those without alcohol abuse. They also reported a higher prevalence of health problems, non‐alcohol drug use, impairment, treatment seeking, and early remission. The two groups had different symptom profiles. Revisions to future DSM editions are proposed to better capture these differences.
Methamphetamine Dependence: A Closer Look at Treatment Response and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Route of Administration in Outpatient Treatment
Authors: Rawson Richard A. , Gonzales Rachel , Marinelli‐Casey Patricia , Ang Alfonso
Published: July 2007

Relatively little is known about the clinical treatment response characteristics associated with route of methamphetamine (MA) administration. We examined sociodemographic, drug use, treatment response, as well as psychiatric and medical characteristics associated with route of administration among 974 methamphetamine abusers in outpatient treatment during 1999–2001. Injectors had the poorest treatment prognosis: poorer treatment engagement, greater drug use during treatment, lower treatment completion rates, and more MA use at 12 months post‐admission than did smokers and intranasal users. On many treatment response measures, MA smokers were almost as severely impaired as injectors, and in general, intranasal users were least impaired. Psychological and medical impairment, before and after treatment, was also highest among injectors. This study contributes new insights about clinical treatment response and outcomes associated with route of administration among MA‐dependent users.
Early Abstinence in Cocaine Dependence: Influence of Comorbid Major Depression
Authors: Rubin Eric , Aharonovich Efrat , Bisaga Adam , Levin Frances R. , Raby Wilfrid N. , Nunes Edward V.
Published: July 2007

Cocaine dependence (CD) is often accompanied by major depressive disorder (MDD). The comorbid condition (CD + MDD) is especially difficult to treat, with relapse possibly made more likely by intensified dysphoria during abstinence in the setting of MDD. We studied treatment‐seeking CD + MDD volunteers, currently depressed, and a comparison CD group over three days of inpatient monitored abstinence. At admission, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and anxiety scores differed significantly between groups. By Day 3, BDI scores improved for both CD and CD + MDD groups. The mood response to cocaine cessation among CD + MDD individuals resembled that of CD participants, contrary to some expectations.
Developmental Toxicity of Thiodiglycol in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Houpt John T. , Crouse Lee C. B. , Angerhofer Richard A. , Leach Glenn J. , Reddy Gunda
Published: July 2007

Thiodiglycol (TG), a hydrolysis product of sulfur mustard (HD), is a potential contaminant of soil and water at certain military sites. To establish developmental toxicity criteria for TG, an oral developmental toxicity study was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats. Neat thiodiglycol (99.9 %) was administered orally to mated female rats from gestation days (GDs) 5 through 19. The day of positive mating was considered day 0. A pilot study was conducted with TG at dose levels 250, 500, 1000, 2000, or 5000 mg/kg to select suitable doses for the main study. In the main study, three groups of rats (25/group) received TG by gavage at dose levels of 430, 1290, or 3870 mg/kg/day. A fourth group served as a sham control. On day 20 of gestation, all females were euthanized and a cesarean section performed. Litters were examined for soft tissue and skeletal alterations. Maternal toxicity was limited to dams receiving TG at 3870 mg/kg/day. At this dose, body weights and food consumption were reduced during certain periods of gestation. Fetuses derived from those dams exhibited a nonstatistically significant increased incidence of variations when compared to controls. Fetal body weights in the 3870 mg/kg/day group were significantly lower than controls. There was no increased incidence of anomalies when thiodiglycol-treated fetuses were compared to controls. It was concluded that TG did not produce terata. Developmental toxicity (decreased fetal weights and associated delays in development) occurred only at the maternally toxic dose of 3870 mg/kg. It appears that 1290 mg/kg/day could be considered no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for oral developmental toxicity. The lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 3870 mg/kg for maternal toxicity.
A Review of the Histopathology of Cigarette Smoke–Induced Lung Cancer in Rats and Mice
Authors: Hahn Fletcher F. , Gigliotti Andrew P. , Hutt Julie A. , March Thomas H. , Mauderly Joe L.
Published: July 2007

In the past several years an increased number of lung tumors has been reported in laboratory studies of rats and mice after lifetime exposure to mainstream cigarette smoke. Proliferative epithelial lesions are present in the lungs of both species and are apparent antecedent lesions to benign and malignant tumors. Both species have alveolar epithelia hyperplasia, alveolar adenomas, and alveolar carcinomas. The incidence of all three are more in the rats. In addition, mice also have bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia and bronchial papillomas not found in rats. Rats have a low incidence of squamous cyst that is not found in mice. Lung tumors in rats and mice are found at the end of the life span and rarely metastasize. The characteristics of the lung tumors, and the proliferative changes associated with the tumors, are important in helping understand the mechanisms of lung cancer induction. These studies in rats and mice allow new approaches to the study of cigarette smoke–induced changes in the lung.
Amifostine Protects Bone Marrow from Benzene-Induced Hematotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Yu Kang , Yang Kai-Yan , Ren Xing-Zhou , Chen Yi , Liu Xin-Hua
Published: July 2007

Benzene is one of the most widely used industrial chemical agents. Long-term benzene exposure causes bone marrow aplasia and leads to a wide range of hematopoietic disorders including aplastic anaemia (AA). There are currently no effective approaches to protect people from benzene-induced hematotoxicity and AA. In addition, current treatments for AA have limitations with short- and long-term risks. Protective agents and new therapeutic approaches, therefore, are needed to prevent and treat the disease. Amifostine is a well-known cytoprotective agent and has been widely used in clinical for protecting normal tissues from the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The authors utilized an established mouse model to determine the protective effect of amifostine on benzene-induced bone marrow hematotoxicity. Whole-blood cell count, morphological and histopathological alterations in the bone marrow and spleen, as well as the production of inducible toxic oxidative species were examined and compared among the mouse groups. Amifostine treatment in benzene-exposed mice significantly improved blood cell counts, and morphological and histopathological signs of hematotoxicity in the bone marrow as well as in the spleen. Moreover, amifostine prevented benzene-induced bone marrow and spleen cell apoptosis and rescinded the inhibition of cell proliferation induced by benzene exposure. Finally, amifostine significantly inhibited the levels of reactive oxidative species and lipid peroxidation induced by benzene exposure. These data suggest that amifostine appears to have substantial protective effect on benzene-induced bone marrow hematotoxicity.