bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociative electron attachment to gas phase valine: A combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Papp Peter , Urban Jan , Matejčík Štefan , Stano Michal , Ingolfsson Oddur
Published: November 2006

Using a crossed electron/molecule beam technique the dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to gas phase L-valine, (CH3)2CHCH(NH2)COOH, is studied by means of mass spectrometric detection of the product anions. Additionally, ab initio calculations of the structures and energies of the anions and neutral fragments have been carried out at G2MP2 and B3LYP levels. Valine and the previously studied aliphatic amino acids glycine and alanine exhibit several common features due to the fact that at low electron energies the formation of the precursor ion can be characterized by occupation of the π* orbital of the carboxyl group. The dominant negative ion (M–H)− (m∕Z=116) is observed at electron energies of 1.12eV. This ion is the dominant reaction product at electron energies below 5eV. Additional fragment ions with m∕Z=100, 72, 56, 45, 26, and 17 are observed both through the low lying π* and through higher lying resonances at about 5.5 and 8.0–9.0eV, which are characterized as core excited resonances. According to the threshold energies calculated here, rearrangements play a significant role in the formation of DEA fragments observed from valine at subexcitation energies.
Reactions with thioethoxide ion in dimethylformamide. I. Selective demethylation of aryl methyl ethers
Authors: Feutrill GI , Mirrington RN
Published: November 2006

Recent methods for demethylating aryl methyl ethers have been briefly reviewed, especially
methods involving the use of nucleophilic reagents. Sodium thioethoxide
dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide
has been developed as a powerful new reagent for demethylating
aryl methyl ethers cleanly and rapidly in high yield. The reaction conditions
can be controlled so that aromatic bromo substituents or isolated olefinic bonds are unaffected. Of special interest has
been the selective monodemethylation of the methyl
ethers of di- and tri-hydric
phenols, exemplified by the isolation in high yield of orcinol
monomethyl ether, p-methoxyphenol, guaiacol, and phloroglucinol dimethyl ether
from the respective fully O-methylated
compounds. An exception was pyrogallol trimethyl ether which afforded
pyrogallol 1-monomethyl ether in high yield.
Terpenoid chemistry. XIX. Dehydro- and Dehydroiso-myodesmone, toxic furanoid sesquiterpene ketones from Myoporum deserti
Authors: Blackburne ID , Sutherland MD
Published: November 2006

A further essential-oil
variety (the Theodore variety) of Myoporum deserti A. Cunn. yields an essential
oil which contains c.50% of a mixture (1 : 1 to 2 : 1) of two previously undescribed furanoid
sesquiterpene ketones which are (-)-1'S,5'S-1-[2'-(β-furyl)-5'-methylcyclopent-2'-enyl]-3-methylbut-2-en-l-one
(4),b.p. 117�/1 mm, m.p. 26-27�, [x]D -254�,
and (-)-5'S-1-[2'-(β-furyl)-5'-ethylcyclopent-l'-enyl]-3-methylbut-2-en-1-one
(3), b.p. 118�/1 mm, [x]D -67�, and are dehydro
derivatives of ketones known from the Jackson variety of M. desertz.
The structures (3) and (4), deduced from spectral evidence, are confirmed by
the base-catalysed equilibration of (3) and (4), the hydrogenation of (4) to dihydroisomyodesmone, and the oxidation of (3) to (+)-2-methylglutaric
acid. The ketones are toxic to
mice and have been recognized in M. deserti oils from plants growing in central Queensland in
the vicinity of Theodore, Augathella, Tambo, and Jackson.
Synthetic studies related to mycobactins. I. Synthesis of 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxazoline-4-carboxylic acid and related compounds
Authors: Black DSC , Wade MJ
Published: November 2006

Several methods for the preparation
of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxazoline-4-carboxylic acid are described, together
with an investigation of the chemical reactivity of
2-(2'-hydroxypheny1)-2-oxazoline.
Dynamic assembly of end-joining complexes requires interaction between Ku70/80 and XRCC4
Authors: Mari Pierre-Olivier , Florea Bogdan I. , Persengiev Stephan P. , Verkaik Nicole S. , Brüggenwirth Hennie T. , Modesti Mauro , Giglia-Mari Giuseppina , Bezstarosti Karel , Demmers Jeroen A. A. , Luider Theo M. , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , van Gent Dik C.
Published: November 2006

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) requires the assembly of several proteins on DNA ends. Although biochemical studies have elucidated several aspects of the NHEJ reaction mechanism, much less is known about NHEJ in living cells, mainly because of the inability to visualize NHEJ repair proteins at DNA damage. Here we provide evidence that a pulsed near IR laser can produce DSBs without any visible alterations in the nucleus, and we show that NHEJ proteins accumulate in the irradiated areas. The levels of DSBs and Ku accumulation diminished in time, showing that this approach allows us to study DNA repair kinetics
in vivo
. Remarkably, the Ku heterodimers on DNA ends were in dynamic equilibrium with Ku70/80 in solution, showing that NHEJ complex assembly is reversible. Accumulation of XRCC4/ligase IV on DSBs depended on the presence of Ku70/80, but not DNA-PK
CS
. We detected a direct interaction between Ku70 and XRCC4 that could explain these requirements. Our results suggest that this assembly constitutes the core of the NHEJ reaction and that XRCC4 may serve as a flexible tether between Ku70/80 and ligase IV.
Gastric Mucosal Damage Following Repeat Administration of Melanocortin Subtype-4 Receptor Ligands to Fischer 344 Rats
Authors: Williams Tracy M. , Donnelly Kevin B.
Published: November 2006

Since the melanocortin system plays a role in the central control of feeding, melanocortin receptor ligands may be efficacious in treating human obesity. Ten structurally similar melanocortin subtype-4 receptor (MC4R) ligands from an aryl piperazine chemical platform were evaluated in female Fischer 344 rats to assess the toxicity of this class of compounds. Rats were orally gavaged with 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg of each compound in 10% acacia and purified water daily for 4 days. In treated rats, notable clinical observations included a dose-dependent decrease in mean body weight and food consumption. A morphologically unique compound-related histologic lesion occurred in the nonglandular gastric mucosa. The lesions consisted of multiple, raised, sometimes ulcerated, white foci which, microscopically, were discrete, intraepithelial vesicles containing dense accumulations of neutrophils continuous with inflammation in the submucosa. Ruptured vesicles resulted in ulcers and occasionally gastric perforation. The morphologic characteristics of this acute lesion were described and concluded to be a direct toxicity of the compounds unrelated to melanocortin-mediated pharmacology.
Regulating Telecommunications Interception and Access in the Twenty‐first Century: Technological Evolution or Legal Revolution?
1
Authors: Bronitt Simon , Stellios James
Published: November 2006

This article reviews the expansion of federal telecommunications interception powers, focusing on the watershed reforms enacted in 2006. The new statutory frameworks governing interception of ‘live’ and ‘stored communications’ are compared and contrasted, with a particular focus on their impact on human rights such as privacy and the fair trial. The article identifies significant regulatory loopholes and deficiencies in this new system, casting doubt on the usefulness of adopting a ‘balancing’ model to guide either macro‐level policy development or micro‐level decision‐making relating to individual warrants.
Conceptualisation of Terrorism in Modelling Tools: Critical Reflexive Approach
Authors: Resnyansky Lucy
Published: November 2006

This paper outlines a critical reflexive approach to an assessment of modelling/simulation tools. The concepts of terrorism and terrorism threat in modelling literature are analysed and compared with the contesting definitions of terrorism in political science and counter‐terrorism discourse. Possible social implications of using particular concepts of terrorism and terrorism threat are identified. This study discusses how modellers provide better support to counter‐terrorism analysis and decision making, by taking the above‐mentioned approach.
NvMap: automated analysis of NMR chemical shift perturbation data
Authors: Fukui Lisa , Chen Yuan
Published: November 2006

Summary: NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments are widely used to define binding sites in biomolecular complexes. Especially in the case of high throughput screening of ligands, rapid analysis of NMR spectra is essential. NvMap extends NMRViewJ and provides a means for rapid assignments and book-keeping of NMR titration spectra. Our module offers options to analyze multiple titration spectra both separately and sequentially, where the sequential spectra are analyzed either two at a time or all simultaneously. The first option is suitable for slow or intermediate exchange rates between free and bound proteins. The latter option is particularly useful for fast exchange situations and can compensate for the lack of indicators for overlapped peaks. Our module also provides a simple user interface to automate the analysis process from dataset to peak list. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our program using NMR spectra of SUMO in complexes with three different peptides.

Availability: NvMap is available on the web at

Contact:  ychen@coh.org

Supplemental information: Manual pages and test spectra will be available on the web at the above site.
Transient alterations in granule cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration in postnatal developing cerebellum of CRMP1−/– mice
Authors: Charrier Emmanuelle , Mosinger Bedrich , Meissirel Claire , Aguera Michèle , Rogemond Véronique , Reibel Sophie , Salin Paul , Chounlamountri Naura , Perrot Valérie , Belin Marie‐Françoise , Goshima Yoshio , Honnorat Jérôme , Thomasset Nicole , Kolattukudy Pappachan
Published: November 2006

Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) consist of five homologous cytosolic proteins that participate in signal transduction involved in a variety of physiological events. CRMP1 is highly expressed during brain development; however, its functions remains unclear. To gain insight into its function, we generated CRMP1−/– mice with a knock‐in LacZ gene. No gross anatomical changes or behavioral alterations were observed. Expression of CRMP1 was examined by the expression of the knocked‐in LacZ gene, in situ hybridization with riboprobes and by imunohistochemistry. CRMP1 was found to be highly expressed in the developing the cerebellum, olfactory bulbs, hypothalamus and retina. In adults, expression level was high in the olfactory bulbs and hippocampus but very low in the retina and cerebellum and undetectable in hypothalamus. To study potential roles of CRMP1, we focused on cerebellum development. CRMP1−/– mice showed a decrease in the number of granule cells migrating out of explants of developing cerebellum, as did treatment of the explants from normal mice with anti‐CRMP1 specific antibodies. CRMP1−/– mice showed a decrease in granule cell proliferation and apoptosis in external granule cell layers in vivo. Adult cerebellum of CRMP1−/– did not show any abnormalities.
Female infertility in mice deficient in midkine and pleiotrophin, which form a distinct family of growth factors
Authors: Muramatsu Hisako , Zou Peng , Kurosawa Nobuyuki , Ichihara‐Tanaka Keiko , Maruyama Kiyoko , Inoh Kazuhiko , Sakai Takayuki , Chen Lan , Sato Masahiro , Muramatsu Takashi
Published: November 2006

Midkine and pleiotrophin form a family of growth factors. Mice deficient in one of the genes show few abnormalities on reproduction and development. To understand their roles in these processes, we produced mice deficient in both genes; the double deficient mice were born in only one third the number expected by Mendelian segregation and 4 weeks after birth weighed about half as much as wild‐type mice. Most of the female double deficient mice were infertile. In these mice, the numbers of mature follicles and of ova at ovulation were reduced compared to numbers in wild‐type mice. Both midkine and pleiotrophin were expressed in the follicular epithelium and granulosa cells of the ovary. The expression of these factors in the uterus was dramatically altered during the estrous cycle. The diestrus and proestrus periods were long and the estrus period was short in the double deficient mice, indicating the role of the factors in the estrous cycle. Furthermore, vaginal abnormality was found in about half of the double deficient mice. These abnormalities in combination resulted in female infertility. Therefore, midkine and pleiotrophin, together with their signaling receptors, play important roles in the female reproductive system.
Obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors in Iranian children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: HAMIDI ANAHITA , FAKHRZADEH HOSSEIN , MOAYYERI ALIREZA , POUREBRAHIM RASSUL , HESHMAT RAMIN , NOORI MASOUMEH , REZAEIKHAH YALDA , LARIJANI BAGHER
Published: November 2006

Background: Obesity is a growing public health problem in developing countries considering its association with cardiovascular risk factors. Relationship between childhood obesity and these risk factors has not been attested in the Iranian population before. The aim of the present study was to investigate frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and their association with severity of obesity in a sample of Iranian obese children.

Methods: A total of 13 086 children aged 7–12 years were screened and those with waist circumference = 90th percentile of their age were invited for further evaluations. Participants were divided into two groups of overweight or obese according to International Obesity Task Force criteria. Cardiovascular risk factors were defined as high fasting total cholesterol, high low density lipoprotein, low high density lipoprotein, high triglycerides, and systolic or diastolic hypertension. These factors were compared between obese and overweight children and their correlations with body mass index and other measures of obesity were tested.

Results: Of 532 children (274 boys, mean age 9.5 ± 1.3) enrolled in the study, 194 were overweight and 338 were obese. Mean levels of triglyceride and Apo‐lipoprotein B in obese children were significantly higher than overweight participants. A total of 81.9% of obese children and 75.4% of overweight children had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. There were significant correlations between body mass index and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, and Apo‐lipoprotein B levels (P values <0.01).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese children and positive correlation of these factors with severity of obesity emphasizes the need for prevention and control of childhood obesity from early stages.
Skin test reactivity to molds in pre‐school children with newly diagnosed asthma
Authors: KORHONEN KAJ , MÄHÖNEN SAARA , HYVÄRINEN ANNE , NEVALAINEN AINO , HUSMAN TUULA , PEKKANEN JUHA , KORPPI MATTI
Published: November 2006

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to molds and to house dust mites (HDM) in pre‐school children with newly‐diagnosed asthma.

Methods: From 1996 to 2000, 122 children 1 to 6 years of age with fresh asthma treated in the Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland, were recruited in the study; 94% attended. Skin prick tests were performed to common inhalant allergens and to 10 molds. The homes were surveyed for moisture damage.

Results: A majority of the houses had signs of dampness and moisture. One‐third of the children reacted to inhalant allergens. There were 11 positive reactions to molds in five children who all reacted to at least one animal dander or seasonal pollen. Aspergillus fumigatus, Botrytis cinerea, and Cladosporium herbarum were the most common mold allergens. There were only two children with positive reactions to HDM, and none of them reacted to molds. No associations were found between the presence or degree of moisture problems at home and mold or HDM allergy.

Conclusion: Sensitization to molds seems to play only a minor role in pre‐school children with newly‐diagnosed asthma in a northern climate where the incidences of mold and HDM allergies are rather low.
Gastrointestinal perforation in very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: KAWASE YASUHIRO , ISHII TETSUYA , ARAI HIROKO , UGA NAOKI
Published: November 2006

Background: Spontaneous isolated gastrointestinal perforation (SIP) in very low‐birthweight infants has been reported as a different disease entity from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of NEC and SIP.

Methods: The authors reviewed the medical records of very low‐birthweight infants who were admitted to Toho University Perinatal Center, Tokyo, Japan, between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 2002. The diagnosis of NEC was made with the finding of bloody gastric fluid or stool, abdominal distention, and abnormal abdominal X‐ray findings such as pneumatosis intestinalis or fixed dilated intestinal loops. SIP was defined at laparotomy as the presence of an isolated gastrointestinal perforation surrounded by normal appearing bowel.

Results: A total of 556 very low‐birthweight infants were included in this study. Of those, 15 infants were excluded because of major anomalies. Out of 541 infants, 14 were diagnosed to have NEC or gastrointestinal perforation. In total, 13 infants had gastrointestinal perforation and 10 were confirmed as SIP. Two SIP suggestive cases were included in SIP cases. There was only one case of NEC (0.2%) during 12 years in the authors’ institute. Eight SIP cases had antenatal nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID). The treatment with antenatal NSAID was significantly associated with the incidence of SIP (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The authors experienced only one proven case of NEC (0.2%), 12 cases of SIP (2.2%) among 556 very low‐birthweight infants admitted during 12 years. Antenenatal NSAID were strongly associated with SIP.
Modified symbolic play test for Oriental children
Authors: CHU MANDY MAN‐YEE , LEE WING‐CHEONG , LEUNG JOY LOK‐SUM , WONG VIRGINIA
Published: November 2006

Background:Symbolic play test (SPT) is a simple test for screening preverbal language in children. This test had been validated in English‐speaking children. However, the toys may not be useful for other cultures such as Orientals like Chinese, Japanese, Koreans or Thais as they use chopsticks and bowls as eating utensils rather than spoon, fork or knife. The aim of this study was to find a set of miniature toys suitable for children of Oriental ethnic origin in order to get a reliable language test.

Methods:Altogether 140 children were recruited into this study. This included 62 control children and 78 with idiopathic developmental delay. The original SPT was applied together with an additional set of miniature toys appropriate for Oriental culture (i.e. modified version of SPT) by modifying play items in situations 3 and 4 to suit the Chinese culture. The authors replaced the knife, fork and plate with chopsticks and bowl in situation 3 and replaced the tractor and trailer with train carts in situation 4. For the ease of comparison, the authors segregated the age groups with the same age range as the original English‐based SPT: less than 20 months (N= 11); 21–30 months (N= 45); 31–40 months (N= 43); 41–50 months (N= 21), and more than 50 months (N= 4).

Results:The mean scores of the cohort was higher (14.83) with the modified version of SPT than when the original SPT was used (13.64). A statistically significant increase in the mean score in situation 3 (3.67–3.24 = 0.43), situation 4 (3.76–3.36 = 0.40) and the overall score (14.83–13.64 = 1.19) was obtained when the modified SPT was used instead of the original SPT (all withP< 0.001).

Conclusion:The authors recommend replacing play items like spoon, knife, fork and plate with Oriental culture‐based items like chopsticks and bowl for the modified SPT (Oriental version). Users of the test should have a set of toy train carts available to supplement the tractor and trailer as these toys were not commonly seen in real life for Oriental children. The authors hope that the modified SPT can be used reliably to assess for preverbal ability of Oriental children, especially Chinese children.
“From This One Song Alone, I Consider Him to be a Holy Man”: Ecstatic Religion, Musical Affect, and the Global Consumer
Authors: HAGEDORN KATHERINE
Published: November 2006

This essay considers why studying ecstatic religious parctices that include music as an integral component of trance and possession performance might be productive for sociologists, praticularly in the context of globalization. As spirit possession practices become connected with global markets, and as specific musical genres associated with trance are reinterpreted within secular frameworks (Indo‐Pakistani Sufi qawwali singing and Afro‐Cuban Ocha batá drumming, for example), ecstatic religious contexts, and decreasing emphasis is placed on the culturally specific locales from which these performance practices emerge. Why are self‐identified nonbelievers interested in consuming musical genres that have their origins in ecstatic religious practices? What do these commodified and recontextualized ecstatic religious practices provide the people who consume them?
A Singing Citizenry: Popular Music and Civil Religion in America
Authors: MEIZEL KATHERINE
Published: November 2006

American popular music, politics, and religion have all, in some combination, inspired thorough research. However, there has been little investigative effort regarding the important co‐relationships among the three areas. One convenient site for such study is located in the idea of civil religion, where faith and patriotism converge—as Robert Bellah wrote in 1967—in a cultural network of “beliefs, symbols, and rituals.” This essay offers a contextual examination of two popular patriotic songs in relation to the dynamic state of civil religion from World War II to the Iraq War, from Tin Pan Alley to American Idol. Behind the endurance of songs like “God Bless America” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” lies a relentless need to define Americanness in civil‐religious terms. And as the nation, and the nation‐state, are reshaped in the currents of globalization, appreciation of these songs contributes to the crucial understanding of why America sings.
Appraising agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation potentials: effects of alternative assumptions
Authors: Schneider Uwe A. , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: November 2006

There is interest in society in general and in the agricultural and forestry sectors concerning a land‐based role in greenhouse gas mitigation reduction. Numerous studies have estimated the potential supply schedules at which agriculture and forestry could produce greenhouse gas offsets. However, such studies vary widely in critical assumptions regarding economic market adjustments, allowed scope of mitigation alternatives, and region of focus. Here, we examine the effects of using different assumptions on the total emission mitigation supply curve from agriculture and forestry in the United States. To do this we employ the U.S.‐based Agricultural Sector and Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Model and find that variations in such factors can have profound effects on the results. Differences between commonly employed methods shift economic mitigation potentials from –55 to + 85%. The bias is stronger at higher carbon prices due to afforestation and energy crop plantations that reduce supply of traditional commodities. Lower carbon prices promote management changes with smaller impacts on commodity supply.
SEGMENTATION OF BEEF JOINT IMAGES USING HISTOGRAM THRESHOLDING
Authors: ZHENG CHAOXIN , SUN DA‐WEN , ZHENG LIYUN
Published: November 2006

Four histogram‐based thresholding methods, i.e., one‐dimensional (1‐D) histogram variance, 1‐D histogram entropy, two‐dimensional (2‐D) histogram variance and 2‐D histogram entropy, were proposed to segment the images of beef joints (raw, cooked and cooled) automatically from the background. The 2‐D histogram‐based methods incorporate a fast algorithm to reduce the calculation time, thus increasing the speed greatly. All the four methods were applied to 15 beef joint images captured from a video camera, and the methods including pixel classification, object overlap and object contrast for the evaluation of segmentation results were then employed to compare the performances or the abilities of the four different segmenting methods. Results indicate that the 2‐D histogram variance thresholding method can accomplish the segmentation task with the most satisfactory performance.
INACTIVATION OF LISTERIA INNOCUA AND PSEUDOMONAS FLUORESCENS BY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS IN SKIM MILK: ENERGY REQUIREMENTS
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐MOLINA JUAN J. , BERMÚDEZ‐AGUIRRE DANIELA , ALTUNAKAR BILGE , SWANSON BARRY G. , BARBOSA‐CÁNOVAS GUSTAVO V.
Published: November 2006

Pulsed electric field energy applied over a short duration of time was effective in the inactivation of Listeria innocua and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculated into 0.2% skim milk. Additionally, the energy consumption was reasonable for industry applications compared with the alternative of thermal pasteurization. The energy densities required to achieve three log reductions of the microorganisms were 120, 212 and 270 kJ/L for L. innocua corresponding to input voltages of 30, 35 and 40 kV, and 88, 105 and 128 kJ/L for P. fluorescens under the same input conditions. Treatment times were, respectively, 145 µs and 290 µs, and exponentially decaying wave pulses with time duration of 3 µs were selected. For L. innocua, the inactivation of viable cells was significantly different (P < 0.05) between energy inputs of 120, 212 and 270 kJ/L. Meanwhile, the inactivation of P. fluorescens exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) between energy inputs of 88 and 128 kJ/L, but not between inputs of 105 and 128 kJ/L. These results consistently indicated that microbial inactivation in skim milk increased as the energy intensity and the treatment time increased.
IN‐LINE MONITORING OF TOMATO CONCENTRATE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES DURING EVAPORATION
Authors: JIN CHOI YOUNG , MILCZAREK REBECCA R. , FLECK CHARLES E. , CASEY GARVEY T. , MCCARTHY KATHRYN L. , MCCARTHY MICHAEL J.
Published: November 2006

This work continues the development of an ultrasonic sensor system for in‐line measurement of the physical properties of fluid foods. The test system was a semi‐batch evaporator in which juice from three varieties of processing tomatoes was concentrated from 5 to 24 Brix. The physical properties of the tomato concentrates were measured and correlated to ultrasound properties. Speed of sound was linearly correlated with density, soluble solids content and total solids content of the tomato concentrates. Shear viscosity of the tomato concentrates flowing in viscometric pipe flow was evaluated using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV). The UDV technique combines a fluid velocity profile and a simultaneous pressure drop to create a rheogram. Simple shear viscosity was modeled as power law behavior for tomato concentrates as a function of solids content for the three processing varieties. Off‐line measurements of apparent viscosity were well correlated to the in‐line measurements.
CONTROL OF A FOOD PROCESS BASED ON SENSORY EVALUATIONS
Authors: KUPONGSAK S. , TAN J.
Published: November 2006

Sensory evaluation is often the ultimate measure of food quality, but food process control relies on instrumental measurements. In this research, a strategy for using sensory evaluations in food process control was explored on the basis of a rice cake production process. Important sensory attributes were first modeled as functions of instrumental variables (manipulated or instrumentally measurable variables) to determine the potential controllability of the sensory variables. Neural networks were used to convert sensory quality targets into process control set points. Trained neural networks effectively predicted the instrumental measurements or process set points that resulted in certain sensory qualities. The neural networks were used to determine the best process set points for a given set of sensory targets, and the set point values were used to produce new product samples. The sensory attributes of the new rice cakes were close to those defined as the targets. The results demonstrated the effectiveness and potential of the method.
As-Built Modeling of Objects for Performance Assessment
Authors: Kokko Edwin J. , Martz Harry E. , Chinn Diane J. , Childs Henry R. , Jackson Jessie A. , Chambers David H. , Schneberk Daniel J. , Clark Grace A.
Published: November 2006

The goal of “as-built” computational modeling is to incorporate the most representative geometry and material information for an (fabricated or legacy) object into simulations. While most engineering finite element simulations are based on an object’s idealized “as-designed” configuration with information obtained from technical drawings or computer-aided design models, as-built modeling uses nondestructive characterization and metrology techniques to provide the feature information. By incorporating more representative geometry and material features as initial conditions, the uncertainty in the simulation results can be reduced, providing a more realistic understanding of the event and object being modeled. In this paper, key steps and technology areas in the as-built modeling framework are: (1) inspection using nondestructive characterization and metrology techniques; (2) data reduction (signal and image processing including artifact removal, data sensor fusion, and geometric feature extraction); and (3) engineering and physics analysis using finite element codes. We illustrate the process with a cylindrical phantom and include a discussion of the key concepts and areas that need improvement. Our results show that reasonable as-built initial conditions based on a volume overlap criteria can be achieved and that notable differences between simulations of the as-built and as-designed configurations can be observed for a given load case. Specifically, a volume averaged difference of accumulated plastic strain of 3% and local spatially varying differences up to 10%. The example presented provides motivation and justification to engineering teams for the additional effort required in the as-built modeling of high value parts. Further validation of the approach has been proposed as future work.
A Dimension-Independent Representation for Multiresolution
Nonmanifold Meshes
Authors: De Floriani Leila , Hui Annie
Published: November 2006

We consider the problem of representing and manipulating nonmanifold objects of any dimension and at multiple resolutions. We present a modeling scheme based on (1) a multiresolution representation, called the vertex-based nonmanifold multitessellation, (2) a compact and dimension-independent data structure, called the Simplified Incidence Graph (SIG), and (3) an atomic mesh update operator, called vertex-pair contraction/vertex expansion. We propose efficient algorithms for performing the vertex-pair contraction on a simplicial mesh encoded as a SIG, and an effective representation for encoding this multiresolution model based on a compact encoding of vertex-pair contractions and vertex expansions.
The role of mediation in collisions and related analogs
Authors: Bashkansky E. , Netzer N.
Published: November 2006

We analyze the problem of one-dimensional collisions between a target mass m and the incident mass M and a third object, the mediator. The concept of an optimal mediator that yields the most efficient energy transfer between the incident and target objects is introduced. A mediator consisting of a chain of colliding particles with masses that follow a geometric progression is considered. A paradox that arises when the number of particles in the chain goes to infinity is discussed. In this case a complete energy transfer from the incident to the target mass can be achieved for any mass ratio M∕m. The analogs of this problem in multilayer optics and quantum mechanics are also discussed.
Finite line of charge
Authors: Rowley Robert J.
Published: November 2006

A finite line of uniform charge is either ignored or handled incompletely in most textbooks. New simple and practical expressions are presented for the electric potential and electric field for this charge distribution. The equipotentials are shown to be prolate ellipsoids and the electric field lines follow hyperboloids confocal to the ellipsoids. The common foci are shown to be the endpoints of the charged line segment. These geometries are demonstrated with simple VPython programs.
Millikan Award Lecture, 2006: Physics For All
Authors: Hobson Art
Published: November 2006

We physics teachers must broaden our focus from physics for physicists and other scientists to physics for all. The reason, as the American Association for the Advancement of Science puts it, is that “[w]ithout a scientifically literate population, the outlook for a better world is not promising.” Physics for all (including the first course for scientists) should be conceptual, not technical. It should describe the universe as we understand it today, including special and general relativity, quantum physics, modern cosmology, nuclear physics, the standard model of particles and interactions, and quantum fields. Many science writers have shown that this description is possible. It should emphasize the scientific process and include such societal topics as global warming, nuclear weapons, and pseudoscience, because citizens need to vote intelligently on such issues.
Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of Linezolid in Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Myrianthefs Pavlos , Markantonis Sophia L. , Vlachos Konstantinos , Anagnostaki Maria , Boutzouka Eleni , Panidis Dimitris , Baltopoulos Georgios
Published: November 2006

Linezolid is a new antimicrobial agent effective against drug-resistant gram-positive pathogens commonly responsible for central nervous system (CNS) infections in neurosurgical patients hospitalized in intensive care units. In order to study the penetration of this antimicrobial into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of such patients, the disposition of linezolid in serum and CSF was studied in 14 neurosurgical patients given linezolid at 600 mg twice daily (1-h intravenous infusion) for the treatment of CNS infections caused by gram-positive pathogens or for prophylactic chemotherapy. Serum and CSF linezolid steady-state concentrations were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and the concentration-time profiles obtained were analyzed to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) linezolid maximum and minimum measured concentrations were 18.6 ± 9.6 μg/ml and 5.6 ± 5.0 μg/ml, respectively, in serum and 10.8 ± 5.7 μg/ml and 6.1 ± 4.2 μg/ml, respectively, in CSF. The mean ± SD areas under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) were 128.7 ± 83.9 μg · h/ml for serum and 101.6 ± 59.6 μg · h/ml for CSF, with a mean penetration ratio for the AUC for CSF to the AUC for serum of 0.66. The mean elimination half-life of linezolid in CSF was longer than that in serum (19.1 ± 19.0 h and 6.5 ± 3.6 h, respectively). The serum and CSF linezolid concentrations exceeded the pharmacodynamic breakpoint of 4 μg/ml for susceptible target pathogens for the entire dosing interval in the majority of patients. These findings suggest that linezolid may achieve adequate concentrations in the CSF of patients requiring antibiotics for the management or prophylaxis of CNS infections caused by gram-positive pathogens.
Mutations in the E9L Polymerase Gene of Cidofovir-Resistant Vaccinia Virus Strain WR Are Associated with the Drug Resistance Phenotype
Authors: Kornbluth Richard S. , Smee Donald F. , Sidwell Robert W. , Snarsky Victoria , Evans David H. , Hostetler Karl Y.
Published: November 2006

Cidofovir (CDV) is an effective drug against viruses of theOrthopoxviridaefamily and is active in vitro against variola virus, the cause of smallpox. However, CDV-resistant poxviruses can be generated by repeated in vitro passage in the presence of suboptimal concentrations of CDV. To determine if mutations in the E9L polymerase gene could confer resistance to this nucleoside analog, this gene was sequenced from CDV-resistant vaccinia virus and found to encode five amino acid changes, centered on an N-terminal region associated with 3′→5′ exonuclease activity. Transfer of this mutant E9L gene into wild-type vaccinia virus by marker rescue sufficed to confer the resistance phenotype. E9L polymerase mutations occurred sequentially during passage in CDV, and an H296Y/S338F double mutant that conferred an intermediate CDV resistance phenotype was identified. In vitro, the marker-rescued CDV-resistant vaccinia virus containing all five mutations grew nearly as well as wild-type vaccinia virus. However, the virulence of this virus for mice was reduced, as 10- to 30-fold more CDV-resistant virus than wild-type virus was required for lethality following intranasal challenge. Cidofovir and hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir gave partial protection to mice infected with the virus when used at 50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight given as single treatments 24 h after virus exposure, whereas 2-amino-7-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]purine (compound S2242) was completely protective at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day when given daily for 5 days. These findings suggest that drug therapy for poxviruses may be complicated by drug resistance but that treatment of the infection with currently known compounds is possible.
Pharmacokinetics of CS-023 (RO4908463), a Novel Parenteral Carbapenem, in Healthy Male Caucasian Volunteers
Authors: Shibayama Takahiro , Matsushita Yoko , Hirota Takashi , Ikeda Toshihiko , Kuwahara Shogo
Published: November 2006

The CS-023 concentration in plasma after administration by infusion to healthy volunteers at a dose of 700 mg was decreased, with a half-life of 1.7 h, and the cumulative urinary excretion was 59.4% of the dose. The total clearance, renal clearance, and volume of distribution were 8.12 liters/h, 4.14 liters/h, and 17.2 liters, respectively.
Utility of Alkylaminoquinolinyl Methanols as New Antimalarial Drugs
Authors: Dow G. S. , Heady T. N. , Bhattacharjee A. K. , Caridha D. , Gerena L. , Gettayacamin M. , Lanteri C. A. , Obaldia N. , Roncal N. , Shearer T. , Smith P. L. , Tungtaeng A. , Wolf L. , Cabezas M. , Yourick D. , Smith K. S.
Published: November 2006

Mefloquine has been one of the more valuable antimalarial drugs but has never reached its full clinical potential due to concerns about its neurologic side effects, its greater expense than that of other antimalarials, and the emergence of resistance. The commercial development of mefloquine superseded that of another quinolinyl methanol, WR030090, which was used as an experimental antimalarial drug by the U.S. Army in the 1970s. We evaluated a series of related 2-phenyl-substituted alkylaminoquinolinyl methanols (AAQMs) for their potential as mefloquine replacement drugs based on a series of appropriate in vitro and in vivo efficacy and toxicology screens and the theoretical cost of goods. Generally, the AAQMs were less neurotoxic and exhibited greater antimalarial potency, and they are potentially cheaper than mefloquine, but they showed poorer metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics and the potential for phototoxicity. These differences in physiochemical and biological properties are attributable to the “opening” of the piperidine ring of the 4-position side chain. Modification of the most promising compound, WR069878, by substitution of an appropriate N functionality at the 4 position, optimization of quinoline ring substituents at the 6 and 7 positions, and deconjugation of quinoline and phenyl ring systems is anticipated to yield a valuable new antimalarial drug.
Molecular Analysis of a Chromosome-Carried
erm
(B) Gene and Its Flanking Insertion Points in
Lactobacillus johnsonii
G41
Authors: Flórez Ana Belén , Ammor Mohammed Salim , Delgado Susana , Mayo Baltasar
Published: November 2006

An
erm
(B) gene carried on the
Lactobacillus johnsonii
G41 chromosome and the upstream and downstream regions were fully sequenced. Apparently, a 1,495-bp segment of pRE25 from
Enterococcus faecalis
carrying the
erm
(B) gene became inserted, by an unknown mechanism, into the
L. johnsonii
chromosome.
Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Multidrug-Resistant
Acinetobacter
sp. Isolates from Military and Civilian Patients Treated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Authors: Hujer Kristine M. , Hujer Andrea M. , Hulten Edward A. , Bajaksouzian Saralee , Adams Jennifer M. , Donskey Curtis J. , Ecker David J. , Massire Christian , Eshoo Mark W. , Sampath Rangarajan , Thomson Jodi M. , Rather Philip N. , Craft David W. , Fishbain Joel T. , Ewell Allesa J. , Jacobs Michael R. , Paterson David L. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: November 2006

Military medical facilities treating patients injured in Iraq and Afghanistan have identified a large number of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates. In order to anticipate the impact of these pathogens on patient care, we analyzed the antibiotic resistance genes responsible for the MDR phenotype in
Acinetobacter
sp. isolates collected from patients at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). Susceptibility testing, PCR amplification of the genetic determinants of resistance, and clonality were determined. Seventy-five unique patient isolates were included in this study: 53% were from bloodstream infections, 89% were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics, and 15% were resistant to all nine antibiotics tested. Thirty-seven percent of the isolates were recovered from patients nosocomially infected or colonized at the WRAMC. Sixteen unique resistance genes or gene families and four mobile genetic elements were detected. In addition, this is the first report of
bla
OXA-58
-like and
bla
PER
-like genes in the U.S. MDR
A. baumannii
isolates with at least eight identified resistance determinants were recovered from 49 of the 75 patients. Molecular typing revealed multiple clones, with eight major clonal types being nosocomially acquired and with more than 60% of the isolates being related to three pan-European types. This report gives a “snapshot” of the complex genetic background responsible for antimicrobial resistance in
Acinetobacter
spp. from the WRAMC. Identifying genes associated with the MDR phenotype and defining patterns of transmission serve as a starting point for devising strategies to limit the clinical impact of these serious infections.
A New Evolutionary Variant of the Streptogramin A Resistance Protein, Vga(A)
LC
, from
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
with Shifted Substrate Specificity towards Lincosamides
Authors: Novotna G. , Janata J.
Published: November 2006

We found a new variant of the streptogramin A resistance gene,
vga
(A)
LC
, in clinical isolates of
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
resistant to lincomycin and clindamycin but susceptible to erythromycin and in which no relevant lincosamide resistance gene was detected. The gene
vga
(A)
LC
, differing from the gene
vga
(A) at the protein level by seven amino acid substitutions, was present exclusively in
S. haemolyticus
strains resistant to both lincosamides and streptogramin A (LS
A
phenotype). Antibiotic resistance profiles of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins Vga(A)
LC
and Vga(A) in the antibiotic-susceptible host
S. aureus
RN4220 were compared. It was shown that Vga(A)
LC
conferred resistance to both lincosamides and streptogramin A, while Vga(A) conferred significant resistance to streptogramin A only. Detailed analysis of the seven amino acid substitutions, distinguishing the two related ABC proteins with different substrate specificities, identified the substrate-recognizing site: four clustered substitutions (L212S, G219V, A220T, and G226S) in the spacer between the two ATP-binding cassettes altered the substrate specificity and constituted the lincosamide-streptogramin A resistance phenotype. A transport experiment with radiolabeled lincomycin demonstrated that the mechanism of lincosamide resistance in
S. haemolyticus
was identical to that of the reported macrolide-streptogramin B resistance conferred by Msr(A).
Expression of Phosphorylcholine by
Histophilus somni
Induces BovinePlatelet Aggregation
Authors: Kuckleburg Christopher J. , Elswaifi Shaadi F. , Inzana Thomas J. , Czuprynski Charles J.
Published: November 2006

Histophilus somni
-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by antagonists of
the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor but not inhibitors of PAF
synthesis. In addition,
H. somni
cells expressing phosphorylcholine (ChoP) induced aggregation, while ChoP
−
H. somni
cells did not. This suggests
that
H. somni
ChoP may induce platelet aggregation via
interactions with the PAF receptor.
Deficiency in angiotensin AT1a receptors prevents diabetes-induced hypertension
Authors: Wichi Rogerio B. , Farah Vera , Chen Yanfang , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Morris Mariana
Published: November 2006

The renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the etiology of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Our studies extend these findings to show a specific role for angiotensin AT1a receptors in mediating diabetes-induced hypertension. Male angiotensin AT1a knockout (AT1aKO) and wild-type (AT1aWT) mice with arterial telemetric catheters were injected with streptozotocin (STZ; 150 mg/kg ip). The STZ dose was selected on the basis of a dose-response experiment in C57/BL mice. Blood glucose, water intake, body weight, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were measured over a 2-wk period. Estimates of BP and HR variance (BPV and HRV) and their low- and high-frequency domains were also determined. STZ induced similar levels of hyperglycemia and polydypsia in the groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was increased from 100 ± 6 to 124 ± 6 mmHg in diabetic AT1aWT. MAP was unchanged in AT1aKO (80 ± 4 vs. 85 ± 5 mmHg, basal vs. STZ). Treatment with an ACE inhibitor, captopril, produced a greater reduction in MAP (−18%) in diabetic AT1aWT than in AT1aKO (−3.4%). BPV was lower in AT1aKO (19 ± 0.5 vs. 9 ± 2 mmHg2, AT1aWT vs. AT1aKO). Diabetes reduced BPV but only in AT1aWT (19 ± 0.5 vs. 8 ± 1 mmHg2, basal vs. STZ). There were no changes in HR in either group. In AT1aKO, STZ increased HRV and its high-frequency domain with no changes seen in AT1aWT. Results document that ANG AT1a receptors are critical in diabetes-induced hypertension and in cardiac autonomic responses.