bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution longitudinal MRI of the transition to heart failure
Authors: Costandi Peter N. , McCulloch Andrew D. , Omens Jeffrey H. , Frank Lawrence R.
Published: March 2007

The development of heart failure (HF) is an evolving process that entails both structural and functional changes through time. While the physiological state of cardiac pathologies has been well characterized, less is known about the transition from a normal to a maladaptive state. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technique that facilitates longitudinal experiments to follow the progression of cardiac structural and physiological disorders over time. Transgenic murine models of cardiac disease, such as the muscle LIM protein‐deficient strain used in this study, offer populations of a reproducible phenotype that readily lend themselves to serial studies. In this longitudinal study, high spatial and temporal resolution time‐course MR images revealed an abrupt and brief phase of major anatomical restructuring during which the ventricular chamber dilated and the wall thinned. The ability of MRI to acquire spatially and temporally resolved images enabled the 3D estimation of cavity volume and wall mass changes with time. It was concluded that, using an imaging protocol of high temporal resolution, MRI has the adequate spatial and temporal imaging resolution to allow for the detection and quantification of rapidly occurring transitional phases in a single mouse heart as it progresses toward failure. Magn Reson Med 57:714–720, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual gradient‐echo MRI of post‐contraction changes in skeletal muscle blood volume and oxygenation
Authors: Damon Bruce M. , Hornberger Jennifer L. , Wadington Megan C. , Lansdown Drew A. , Kent‐Braun Jane A.
Published: March 2007

Analysis of post‐contraction MRI signal intensity (SI) transients may allow noninvasive studies of microvascular reactivity and blood oxygenation recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological basis for post‐contraction changes in short‐echo (6 ms) and long‐echo (46 ms) gradient‐echo (GRE) MRI signals (S6 and S46, respectively). Six healthy subjects were studied with the use of dual GRE MRI and near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). S6, S46, total hemoglobin concentration ([THb]), and oxyhemoglobin saturation (%HbO2) were measured before, during, and after 2 and 8 s dorsiflexion maximal voluntary contractions, and 5 min of proximal arterial occlusion. The changes in S6 and [THb] after the 2‐s contractions were similar to those following 8‐s contractions, but changes in %HbO2 and S46 were greater following 8‐s contractions than after the 2‐s contractions. [THb] and S6 did not change during and following 5 min of arterial occlusion, but %HbO2 and S46 were both significantly depressed at similar occlusion durations. Also, distance measures indicated similarity between S6 and [THb] and between S46 and %HbO2. We conclude that following brief human skeletal muscle contractions, changes in S6 primarily reflect changes in blood volume and changes in S46 primarily reflect changes in blood oxygenation. Magn Reson Med 57:670–679, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
31P‐{1H} echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging of the human brain in vivo
Authors: Ulrich M. , Wokrina T. , Ende G. , Lang M. , Bachert P.
Published: March 2007

Echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) is one of the fastest spectroscopic imaging (SI) methods. It has been applied to 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS) studies of the human brain in vivo. However, to our knowledge, EPSI with detection of the 31P nucleus to monitor phosphorus‐containing neurometabolites has not yet been considered. In this work, eight different 31P‐{1H} EPSI sequence versions with spectral widths ranging from 313 Hz to 2.27 kHz were implemented on a clinical 1.5T whole‐body MR tomograph. The sequence versions utilized the heteronuclear nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) for 31P signal enhancement. The sensitivity observed in experiments with model solutions was in good agreement with theoretical predictions. In vivo measurements performed on healthy volunteers (N = 16) demonstrated the feasibility of performing two‐dimensional (2D) 31P‐{1H} EPSI in the human brain, and the technique enabled fast acquisition of well‐resolved localized spectra. Magn Reson Med 57:784–790, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced expression of mast cell growth factor and mast cell activation in the bladder following the resolution of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis in female rats
Authors: Liang Ruomei , Ustinova Elena E. , Patnam Radhika , Fraser Matthew O. , Gutkin Dmitriy W. , Pezzone Michael A.
Published: March 2007

Aims

Chronic pelvic pain disorders often overlap. We have shown that acute colonic irritation can produce acute irritative micturition patterns and acutely sensitize bladder afferent responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli. We hypothesize that with time, colonic irritation can lead to neurogenic changes in the bladder and the development of chronic bladder sensitization.

Methods

Micturition patterns were measured in rats 60–90 days after the induction of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis in the resolution phase of this model. Total and activated mast cells (MCs) were quantified in the bladder, while mRNA levels of stem cell factor (SCF; a.k.a. MC growth factor) and nerve growth factor (NGF; a MC and nociceptive C‐fiber stimulator) were quantified in the bladder and L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG).

Results

Following intra‐rectal TNBS, voiding volume was reduced (P < 0.005), while voiding frequency was increased (P < 0.05), both by ∼50%. Furthermore, both the percentage and density of activated bladder MCs were significantly elevated (P < 0.05), although total MC counts were not statistically increased. At the molecular level, urinary bladder SCF expression increased twofold (P < 0.005), as did NGF (P < 0.01), while L6‐S1 DRG levels were not significantly elevated.

Conclusions

Chronic cystitis in the rat as evidenced by changes in micturition patterns and the recruitment of activated MCs can occur during the resolution phase of TNBS colitis. These changes, of which MCs may play an important role, appear to be maintained over time and may occur via stimulation of convergent pelvic afferent input resulting in the upregulation of neurotrophic factors in the target organ. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:887–893, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technical note: Worst‐case performance of power‐of‐two policies for serial inventory systems with incremental quantity discounts
Authors: Rieksts Brian Q. , Ventura José A. , Herer Yale T. , Sun Daning
Published: March 2007

This study presents power‐of‐two policies for a serial inventory system with constant demand rate and incremental quantity discounts at the most upstream stage. It is shown that an optimal solution is nested and follows a zero‐inventory ordering policy. To prove the effectiveness of power‐of‐two policies, a lower bound on the optimal cost is obtained. A policy that has a cost within 6% of the lower bound is developed for a fixed base planning period. For a variable base planning period, a 98% effective policy is provided. An extension is included for a system with price dependent holding costs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Morphological features of TMPRSS2–ERG gene fusion prostate cancer
Authors: Mosquera J‐M , Perner S , Demichelis F , Kim R , Hofer MD , Mertz KD , Paris PL , Simko J , Collins C , Bismar TA , Chinnaiyan AM , Rubin MA
Published: March 2007

The TMPRSS2–ETS fusion prostate cancers comprise 50–70% of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐screened hospital‐based prostate cancers examined to date, making it perhaps the most common genetic rearrangement in human cancer. The most common variant involves androgen‐regulated TMPRSS2 and ERG, both located on chromosome 21. Emerging data from our group and others suggests that TMPRSS2–ERG fusion prostate cancer is associated with higher tumour stage and prostate cancer‐specific death. The goal of this study was to determine if this common somatic alteration is associated with a morphological phenotype. We assessed 253 prostate cancer cases for TMPRSS2–ERG fusion status using an ERG break‐apart FISH assay. Blinded to gene fusion status, two reviewers assessed each tumour for presence or absence of eight morphological features. Statistical analysis was performed to look for significant associations between morphological features and TMPRSS2–ERG fusion status. Five morphological features were associated with TMPRSS2–ERG fusion prostate cancer: blue‐tinged mucin, cribriform growth pattern, macronucleoli, intraductal tumour spread, and signet‐ring cell features, all with p‐values < 0.05. Only 24% (n = 30/125) of tumours without any of these features displayed the TMPRSS2–ERG fusion. By comparison, 55% (n = 38/69) of cases with one feature (RR = 3.88), 86% (n = 38/44) of cases with two features (RR = 20.06), and 93% (n = 14/15) of cases with three or more features (RR = 44.33) were fusion positive (p < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates a significant link between a molecular alteration in prostate cancer and distinct phenotypic features. The strength of these findings is similar to microsatellite unstable colon cancer and breast cancer involving BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The biological effect of TMPRSS2–ERG overexpression may drive pathways that favour these common morphological features that pathologists observe daily. These features may also be helpful in diagnosing TMPRSS2–ERG fusion prostate cancer, which may have both prognostic and therapeutic implications. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anionically prepared copolymers and small molecules
Authors: Cunliffe A. V. , Davis A. , Richards D. H. , Scilly N. F.
Published: March 2007

Further kinetic studies on an anionic condensation polymerisation system have been carried out. It has been found that the model compound approach is valid for this system, particularly when dienes are used as monomers. The technique is useful, not only as an analytical tool but also as a means of preparing novel hydrocarbons and diols. The effect on the resulting copolymers of reducing the proportion of dihalide linking agent to monomer is discussed.
Organic isocyanates and their utilisation in the production of polymeric materials
Authors: Buist J. M. , Lowe A.
Published: March 2007

The use of isocyanates in conjunction with polyesters and polyethers to produce polyurethanes is reviewed. The manufacturing conditions and hazards involved in the production of flexible and rigid foams are discussed. Surface coating applications and the production of elastomers are also reviewed.
Polymerisation and block copolymerisation of cyclic sulphides
Authors: Morton M. , Kammereck R. F. , Fetters L. J.
Published: March 2007

The organolithium‐initiated ring‐opening polymerisation of cyclic sulphides in polar, aprotic solvents was investigated. It was found that at −78°C thiiranes are attacked at the sulphur atom by the carbanion of the organolithium. This reaction is followed by elimination of an olefin and formation of a lithium alkylthiolate. The polymerisation reaction then involves bimolecular nucleophilic displacement at a carbon atom of the monomer by the propagating thiolate. Similarly, the initiation of the thietanes takes place through reaction of the carbanion at the sulphur atom. This is followed by ring‐opening and the formation of a new carbanion rather than the thiolate‐lithium species.

The homopolymerisation of thiiranes and thietanes is essentially free of termination and chain‐transfer reactions. Thus, it is possible to prepare polythioethers of well‐defined molecular characteristics. In addition, block polymers of poly‐α‐methylstyrene‐poly(propylene sulphide)‐poly‐α‐methylstyrene were synthesised using phosgene to couple the active lithium thiolate chain ends. Molecular weight measurements and gel permeation chromatograms indicate that block polymers were prepared possessing predictable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. Several other block polymers involving cyclic sulphides were also synthesised.
A novel catalyst for the cure of carboxy‐terminated polybutadienes
Authors: Uri N.
Published: March 2007

The catalysis of the reaction between carboxylic acids and epoxides was examined in general and with special reference to the cure of carboxy‐terminated polybutadienes. It was established that the most active catalysts were the chromium chelates of salicylic acid or substituted salicylic acids. 3,5‐Diiso‐propylsalicylato chelates were studied in detail because of their solubility advantages. Reaction mechanisms are proposed which are in agreement with the kinetic data. A variety of applications were established for the new chelate catalyst. They include: synthesis of hydroxyalkyl carboxylic acids; efficient low‐temperature cure of liquid rubbers with possible regulation of chain extension and crosslinking; and use of the catalytic system for room‐temperature‐cured, midly acid adhesives of high strength and rubber‐modified epoxy resins.
Decomposition products of PVC for studies of fires
Authors: Woolley W. D.
Published: March 2007

Approximately seventy‐five organic materials have been detected by gas chromatography in the thermal decomposition products of PVC and are shown by mass spectrometry and retention studies to consist mainly of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Weight‐loss experiments and time‐resolved chromatography indicate that these products are formed mainly during dehydrochlorination. The products are modified by the presence of oxygen but no oxygenated organic species have been detected.

Experiments to specifically monitor the production of phosgene from the decomposition of both a rigid PVC sheet and a PVC polymer in air are recorded. Phosgene has not been detected and direct seeding techniques have been used to investigate the detection limits of this material.

PVC is known to release the toxic gases, carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride, when involved in fires. It is shown that the minor products, including phosgene, make little or no contribution to the overall toxicity of the decomposition products.
Toxic products from the combustion and pyrolysis of polyurethane foams
Authors: Napier D. H. , Wong T. W.
Published: March 2007

Products from the thermal decomposition of four polyurethane foams heated to temperatures in the range 220 to 400 °C, in atmospheres of nitrogen, of 6% oxygen in nitrogen and of air were examined for some of the anticipated toxic materials. When phosphorus‐containing inhibitors were added to or chemically incorporated in the foams, phosphorus compounds were evolved under most of the conditions employed. Other materials detected were hydrogen cyanide, isocyanate, urea, halogenated compounds and alkenes. A brief discussion is given of the hazard presented by polyurethane foams decomposing under these conditions.
Effect of annealing on transport properties of organic vapours in drawn polyethylene
Authors: Peterlin A. , Williams J. L.
Published: March 2007

Drawing of quenched polyethylene at 60°C transforms the spherulitic sample into a material with fibrous structure. As a consequence, the sorption and still more the diffusion of C2Cl4 vapours are drastically reduced. Annealing at 120 and 125°C increases the crystallinity and hence reduces the amount of the amorphous component. In spite of that, it enormously increases the transport properties. It restores the sorption per unit volume of amorphous component to a value which, corresponding to completely relaxed amorphous component, is even higher than that of the starting undrawn but quenched material. The diffusion constant after annealing is a little smaller than in the undeformed original sample and shows the same small dependence on concentration in striking contrast with the drawn material. One concludes that the restoration by annealing of the sorption and diffusion coefficients for drawn polyethylene to the values of the undrawn material is a consequence of the complete relaxation of polyethylene chains, in particular of tie molecules, in the amorphous component which completely overcompensates the effects of a reduced amorphous fraction and the increase in crystal perfection.
High pressure polymerisation of acetylenic compounds
Authors: Bartlett R. K. , O'Neill G. , Turner H. S. , Wall W. F.
Published: March 2007

Acetylenic compounds have been polymerised by heating at pressures up to 23.5 kbar in the absence of initiators. The products are either low melting or intractable solids. 2‐Butyne copolymerises with tetramethylethylene and trimethylethylene. Propiolic acid gives carbon dioxide and a mixture of aromatic acids as well as an amorphous polymeric acid.
Selectivity of nitro versus fluoro substitution in arenes in their reactions with charged O‐ and S‐nucleophiles
Authors: Khalfina Irina A. , Vlasov Vladislav M.
Published: March 2007

The relative mobility of nitro and fluoro substituents in 1,3‐dinitro‐ and 1‐fluoro‐3‐nitrobenzenes, 3,5‐dinitro‐ and 3‐fluoro‐5‐nitrobenzotrifluorides under the action of the nucleophiles (2ArYH)·K2CO3 and ArY−K+ in solution and the nucleophiles ArYH·K2CO3 (Y = O, S) under heterogeneous conditions was studied by a competitive method in DMF at 40–140 °C. The unique dependences of ΔΔH≠ on ΔΔS≠ and ΔΔH≠ on ΔΔG≠ were determined for all the substrates and nucleophiles. The dependence of the mechanistic pathway on the nucleophile is discussed. Two results are relevant to the reactions studied: (i) substituent effects in the nucleophiles (2ArYH)·K2CO3 and ArYH·K2CO3 on the activation entropies suggest that the entropy favours the displacement of nitro group; (ii) the negative signs of ΔΔH≠ and ΔΔS≠ for the reactions of the nucleophiles ArY−K+ indicate that the enthalpy determines the displacement of nitro group. It is concluded that the selectivity of the reactions with aryloxide and arylthioxide ions cannot be explained by the hard–soft acid–base principle only. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical conducting behaviors in polymeric composites with carbonaceous fillers
Authors: Zhu Dan , Bin Yuezhen , Matsuo Masaru
Published: March 2007

Several kinds of polymer composites with carbonaceous fillers such as carbon black (CB), vapor‐grown carbon fiber (CF), and carbon nanotube (CNT) are prepared by a gelation/crystallization process or a melt mixing method. The electrical phenomena, changes of electrical conductivities with different filler's type, filler's concentration and temperatures, and the mechanism of electron transport in these carbon‐filled polymer composites are directly influenced by the geometric grain shape and aggregating morphology of the fillers dispersed in the polymer matrix. For the composites of CB and CF, long‐range macroscopic conduction are governed by the percolation phenomenon, the conduction is behaved through the conductive path formed by the conductors' contacting, and the thermal expansion changes the physical dimensions of the entire electrical network and leads to the changes in the electrical phenomenon. Microscopic conduction between conductive elements is influenced by the tunneling barrier or tunneling voltage, which varies with the temperature change, explaining the apparent observation of the temperature dependence of the composites. In comparison with fillers of CB and CF, the CNT performs unique electric properties for their nonspherical geometry and morphology as a three‐dimensional network (high structures), which has been visually proved by SEM photos in our former research, leading to the percolation threshold lower than 1% in the volume fraction and much less temperature dependence in its composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1037–1044, 2007
The relationship between coping strategies and anxiety in women from families with familial breast–ovarian cancer in the absence of demonstrated mutations
Authors: Geirdal Amy Østertun , Dahl Alv A.
Published: March 2007

This is a cross‐sectional study of coping strategies in 174 healthy women who fulfill clinical criteria for familial breast/ovarian cancer in the absence of demonstrated mutations (ADM) compared to 68 healthy women with BRCA1 carrier status. Both groups got a mailed questionnaire after genetic counseling and testing, respectively. The questionnaire included demographic and cancer‐related variables as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Scale (COPE). In both groups 24% of the women had an anxiety disorder. Coping strategies which helped the women to accept and make the best out of their situation were most frequently applied in both the ADM and the carrier groups. Compared to the carrier group, the ADM group had higher mean levels on both emotion‐focused and problem‐focused strategies. The emotion‐focused strategies were all significantly associated with presence of HADS‐defined anxiety disorder in the ADM group. In the carrier group problem‐focused strategies were significantly associated with increased prevalence of such anxiety disorder. In multivariate analysis ‘focus on emotions’ was significantly associated with increased prevalence of HADS‐defined anxiety disorder in both groups, and ‘acceptance’ was associated with reduced prevalence in both groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p‐type conduction in stacking‐fault‐free m ‐plane GaN
Authors: McLaurin Melvin , Speck James S.
Published: March 2007

Transport measurements of p‐type m ‐plane GaN films grown on low extended‐defect density, free‐standing m ‐plane (10$ \bar 1 $0) GaN substrates are presented. No significant anisotropy in in‐plane mobility was found for hole concentrations between 2.45 × 1017 and 8.7 × 1018 cm–3. Since faulted, heteroepitaxial m ‐plane films showed significant anisotropy in electron and hole mobility a microstructural feature with anisotropic distribution (basal plane stacking faults) is discussed as a possible source of anisotropic scattering in non‐polar and semi‐polar films. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil,Eugenia caryophyllata(Syzigium aromaticumL. Myrtaceae): a short review
Authors: Chaieb Kamel , Hajlaoui Hafedh , Zmantar Tarek , Kahla‐Nakbi Amel Ben , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Mahdouani Kacem , Bakhrouf Amina
Published: March 2007

The essential oil extracted from the dried flower buds of clove,Eugenia caryophyllataL. Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae), is used as a topical application to relieve pain and to promote healing and also finds use in the fragrance and flavouring industries. The main constituents of the essential oil are phenylpropanoids such as carvacrol, thymol, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. The biological activity ofEugenia caryophyllatahas been investigated on several microorganisms and parasites, including pathogenic bacteria,Herpes simplexand hepatitis C viruses. In addition to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal and antiviral activity, clove essential oil possesses antiinflammatory, cytotoxic, insect repellent and anaesthetic properties. This short review addresses the chemical composition and biological effects of clove essential oil, and includes new results from GC/MS analysis and a study of its antimicrobial activity against a large number of multi‐resistantStaphylococcus epidermidisisolated from dialysis biomaterials. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the equivalence of some medical cost estimators with censored data
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Bang Heejung , Wang Hongkun , Pfeifer Phillip E.
Published: March 2007

In clinical trials comparing different treatments and in health economics and outcomes research, medical costs are frequently analysed to evaluate the economical impacts of new treatment options and economic values of health‐care utilization. Since Lin et al.'s first finding in the problem of applying the survival analysis techniques to the cost data, many new methods have been proposed. In this report, we establish analytic relationships among several widely adopted medical cost estimators that are seemingly different. Specifically, we report
the equivalence among various estimators that were introduced by Lin et al., Bang and Tsiatis, and Zhao and Tian. Lin's estimators are formerly known to be asymptotically unbiased in some discrete censoring situations and biased otherwise, whereas all other estimators discussed here are consistent for the expected medical cost. Thus, we identify conditions under which these estimators become identical and, consequently, the biased estimators achieve consistency. We illustrate these relationships using an example from a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of implantable cardiac defibrillators in preventing death among people who had prior myocardial infarctions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Program testing versus proofs of correctness
Authors: Howden William E.
Published: March 2007

It is argued that the goal in verification and validation is not correctness, but the detection of the occurrence of errors in the program construction process. Different methods, such as proofs and testing, should not be viewed as competing techniques, but as complementary methods used to detect different kinds of error. Proofs, for example, are appropriate for the detection of logical errors made during algorithm design, but are not appropriate for detecting detailed programming errors. Testing is useful for detecting other kinds of error. Mutation testing, for example, can be used to detect “typographical errors”, such as the use of the wrong arithmetic operator. Functional static analysis can be used to detect decomposition errors in which a programmer working on one part of a system makes a false assumption about the properties of objects that are established in some other part of the system. A brief summary of different methods is given, along with a description of the kind of error classes for which they are appropriate. An integrated approach to verification and validation is suggested in which, error classes are characterized, and methods, identified as being particularly appropriate for such classes, are combined.
The mass spectrometry of iso and anteiso monoenoic fatty acids
Authors: Boon Jaap J. , van de Graaf B. , Schuyl P. J. W. , de Lange F. , de Leeuw J. W.
Published: March 2007

The normal, iso, and anteiso Δ8‐ and Δ9‐17:1 fatty acid methyl esters were synthesized and their electron impact‐induced fragmentation was studied by mass spectrometry. The mass spectra of the preterminal branched monoenoic fatty acid methyl esters present characteristic fragment ions, now understood to be indicative of the position of the methyl group. These fragment ions are in the iso compound m/e 227 [M‐55]+, m/e 195 [M‐87]+, and m/e 177 [M‐105]+, while in the anteiso compound these fragments are shifted by 14 mass units to m/e 213, m/e 181, and m/e 163. The 15‐D‐iso Δ8‐ and Δ9‐17:1 methyl esters were synthesized because the characteristic fragment ions in the methyl branched compounds indicated a key role of the tertiary hydrogen atom in the rearrangement process. A fragmentation mechanism consisting of a double bond migration triggered by the tertiary hydrogen and an allylic cleavage assuming a displacement mechanism is proposed.
Modification of the fatty acid composition of L1210 murine leukemia cells
Authors: Burns C. Patrick , Luttenegger Diana G. , Wei Shiao‐Ping L. , Spector Arthur A.
Published: March 2007

We have compared the effect of diets containing 16% sunflower seed oil (polyunsaturated fat‐rich) or 16% coconut oil (saturated fat‐rich) fed for 3–7 weeks on the composition of L1210 murine leukemia cells which were transplanted into the peritoneal cavity during the final week of feeding. The L1210 phospholipids of mice fed the sunflower oil diet contained 43% polyenoic fatty acids and an average of 1.5 double bonds per fatty acid molecule as compared to only 25% polyenoic fatty acids and 1.2 double bonds in the coconut oil group. In contrast, the cells from the sunflower oil group contained only 13% monoenoic fatty acids as compared to 33% in those from the coconut oil group. When compared to phospholipids of tumors from mice who were fed a commercial mouse chow, cells grown on sunflower oil had an 18% increase in polyenoic fatty acids and those grown on coconut oil a 31% decrease. The greatest changes occurred in the proportion of oleate and linoleate. There was only a small difference in the percentage of saturated fatty acids and in the mean fatty acid chain length among the tumor cells from animals on the experimental diets. The changes in the fatty acid composition of the L1210 cell neutral lipids and the lipids of the ascites fluid were similar to those observed in the phospholipids. A majority of the changes had occurred after 5 weeks of feeding the special diet. These results indicated that the fatty acid saturation of tumor cell phospholipids can be altered appreciably. The changes in fatty acid composition were not associated with any change in the sterol/phospholipid ratio of the cells. Therefore, our results suggest that it may be possible to alter the physical properties and function of a tumor cell membrane by dietary modification of its phospholipid composition.
Expanding the genetic potential of the soybean
Authors: Camacho L. H.
Published: March 2007

The primary center of genetic dispersion of the soybean probably is in northeastern China. The soybean plant traveled from its area of origin to Korea and Japan in ancient times and to Europe and America more recently. Although soybeans were confined to the Far East for many centuries, the western world now produces more than 80% of the total, and the United States and Brazil are the main producers. The increased expansion of soybeans in Latin America is largely a result of the advances of genetic and agronomic technology, which have permitted the development of adapted cultivars and improved management systems for the subtropical and tropical areas of this region. The USDA soybean germplasm collection—particularly the gene bank maintained in Mississippi—has been the most important genetic resource for the developing commercial cultivars in Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. Germplasm from other countries, e.g., Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and some African countries, also has contributed to the enrichment of the soybean gene pools in Latin America, mainly through the International Soybean Program (INTSOY). The International Soybean Variety Evaluation Experiment (ISVEX) of INTSOY has been planted in more than 1,200 locations and in more than 107 countries since 1973. In Latin America in 1978, this experiment was planted in 29 locations of 11 countries. The experiment was designed to (a) test the adaptation of cultivars, (b) compare local and introduced cultivars, (c) provide new germplasm for local breeding programs, (d) identify potential areas for soybean production, and (e) evaluate cultivar performance in different environments.
Techniques for flavor and odor evaluation of soy oil
Authors: Jackson H. W.
Published: March 2007

Means of evaluating soybean oil for flavor on a “now” basis and on a “predictive” basis are presented. Emphasis is placed on more recent objective methodology for measuring oil volatiles and using their correlation with flavor. Applications of a modified volatile technique for use with soy isolates or soy proteins is shown. The importance of sensory analysis and a summary of methodology currently being used are discussed.
Codex alimentarius commission
Authors: Hlavacek R. J.
Published: March 2007

The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established to facilitate international trade in foods through the development of specifications which assure the identity and quality of the item. The history, accomplishments and current status of Codex Alimentarius deliberations on fats and oils is reviewed through the Eleventh Meeting held in London during June 1980.
History of the development of soy oil for edible uses
Authors: Dutton H. J.
Published: March 2007

In the early 1940s, soybean oil was considered neither a good industrial paint oil nor a good edible oil. The history of soybean oil is a story of progress from a minor, little‐known, problem oil to a major source of edible oil proudly labeled on premium products in the 1980s. It is also a story of cooperative government research and industrial implementation of research findings. After 3‐1/2 decades, soybean oil, “the number one problem of the soybean industry,” has become the source of choice for edible oil products in the U.S., moreover, increasing outlets appear to be assured in the world markets of the future.
Soya protein and athersclerosis
Authors: Carroll K. K.
Published: March 2007

Cholesterol‐free, semipurified diets produce hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in rabbits when casein is used as dietary protein, but not when the casein is replaced by soya protein. In general, animal proteins produce higher levels of plasma cholesterol in rabbits than plant proteins. At least part of this difference appears to be related to differences in the amino acid composition of the proteins. Rabbits fed soya protein had a faster turnover of plasma cholesterol, absorbed cholesterol from the intestine less readily, and excreted more fecal neutral sterols and bile acids than rabbits fed casein. Differences in composition and turnover of plasma lipoproteins were also observed. Some, but not all, studies on humans with either normal or elevated levels of plasma cholesterol have shown that these levels can be lowered by replacing animal protein in the diet by soya protein. Epidemiological data have also provided evidence of an association between coronary heart disease and amount of animal protein in the diet. Relatively small changes in the diet can substantially decrease the ratio of animal to plant protein, and this may offer a means of lowering serum cholesterol levels and decreasing the high incidence of coronary heart disease in industrialized countries. The use of soya protein for this purpose minimizes the risk of essential amino acid deficiency, because its amino acid composition tends to complement that of cereal proteins, which are the major source of plant protein in most human diets.
Determination of soya protein in processed foods
Authors: Eldridge A. C.
Published: March 2007

Many qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures for determining vegetable proteins in processed foods have been studied by researchers throughout the world, but each technique seems to have limitations. Several analytical procedures that have potential for both qualitative and quantitative determination of soya protein in foods are reviewed.
Phytic acid in soybeans
Authors: Jaffe G.
Published: March 2007

Phytic acid, the hexaphosphate of myo‐inositol, is the most important phosphate reserve compound in many plant seeds, but many of its salts are poorly digested by animals. It can form complexes with seed proteins, some of which sequester metal ions, making them unavailable for the animal organism. Soya protein isolates may be higher in phytate content than the soya flour from which they are obtained. Zinc is the mineral of most concern because its bioavailability from some soya products is quite low and because of its marginal levels in some human diets. The availability of iron from soya flour and soya isolates is higher than that from some other plant foods with lower phytate contents. Processes for removing the larger part of the tightly bound phytates from soya protein isolates are described.
Monte carlo technique to simulate aflatoxin testing programs for peanuts
Authors: Whitaker T. B. , Dickens J. W. , Wiser E. H.
Published: March 2007

A computer model that accounts for sampling, subsampling, and analytical variability was developed to simulate aflatoxin testing programs. Monte Carlo solution techniques were employed to account for conditional probabilities that arise from multiple samples, subsamples, and/or analyses being used in testing programs. The aflatoxin testing program to be used on the 1974 peanut crop was evaluated by use of the described model.
Effect of varying levels of dietary protein on tumor development and lipid metabolism in rats exposed to aflatoxin
Authors: Wells P. , Aftergood L. , Alfin‐Slater R. B.
Published: March 2007

Reports in the literature concerning the relationship of protein nutrition to aflatoxicosis are contradictory. In an attempt to elucidate this relationship more clearly, we have examined the effects of low, normal, and high protein‐containing diets on tumor incidence and development, as well as on several biochemical indices, in rats which have been exposed to low levels of aflatoxin in a “chronic” rather than “acute” situation. In our study, male weanling rats were place for 3 months on otherwise adequate diets containing either 8, 22, or 30% casein with and without aflatoxin B1 at 1.7 ppm. Half of the animals in each group received diets which were further supplemented with the amino acid, cystine, at 0.6% of the diet. (Sulfur‐containing amino acids are the most limiting amino acids in casein, and the addition of cystine to the diet serves to improve the biological quality of the protein source.) After 3 months the animals were fed control diets without aflatoxin until they were killed at 1 year. Weight gain was markedly decreased and liver weights increased in response to aflatoxin in all groups except those on the low protein diets, where aflatoxin had no effect on these protein diets, where aflatoxin had no effect on these indices. No tumors were found in the livers of rats fed the low protein, aflatoxin‐supplemented diet. In the other groups, the severity of the liver involvement increased progressively with increased protein levels in the diet. When cystine was included in the diet, tumors were observed also in the animals fed the low protein diet; furthermore, the livers of those animals on “normal” and high protein diets were much more severely involved than were the livers of animals on non‐cystine supplemented diets. Plasma cholesterol levels were increased in response to aflatoxin when the diets containing 22 and 30% protein were fed and when cystine was included in the 8% protein diet. Liver cholesterol levels were increased in response to aflatoxin in all groups except in those receiving the low protein diets. Among these latter animals, aflatoxin administration had no effect on liver cholesterol values. Changes as a result of aflatoxin administration were also observed in the fatty acid composition of sterol esters, triglycerides, and phospholipids of liver and tumor tissue.
Aqueous solvents for extracting glanded cottonseed protein without gland rupture
Authors: Muller L. L. , Jacks T. J. , Hensarling T. P.
Published: March 2007

The presence of pigment glands has thwarted attempts to extract edible cottonseed protein aqueously from glanded seeds or gland‐rich meals, probably because of the widely held belief that glands rupture on contact with aqueous media. We found several aqueous salt solutions in which glands did not rupture. Glands remained intact in saturated (2m) sodium sulfate, but not in saturated 2m or 4m solutions of sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates of other Group IA elements as well as sodium chloride and sodium nitrate. Glands also remained intact in saturated solutions of sulfates of aluminum, ammonium, cadmium, copper, magnesium, nickel, and zinc, and chlorides of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Some of these solutions were diluted to <50% saturation before glands started rupturing. Cottonseed protein in the liquid cyclone underflow fraction (gland‐rich fraction) was soluble in sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate, but not in calcium chloride or sodium phosphate. Its solubility in sodium sulfate was investigated further with the following results: Alkalinity of sodium sulfate solution had no effect on solubility; ratio of solid to solvent had no effect in the range of 1:3.5–1:60 (wt:vol); 80% saturated sodium sulfate was optimal for solubility without gland rupture; the period of contact of meal and solvent had no effect on protein solubility in the range of a few minutes to 2 hr. These results indicate that the extraction of cottonseed protein with aqueous solvents in the presence of pigment glands appears technically feasible.
Study of the seed oil ofSolanum platanifolium sims
Authors: Puri R. K. , Bhatnagar J. K.
Published: March 2007

Seed oils from species ofSolanum such asS. ferox (1),S. indicum (2),S. nudiflorum (3), andS. chacoense (4,5) have been shown to contain mainly linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. The seed oil fromS. platanifolium contains palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and hexadecenoic acids, and a mixture of C20‐C31 alkanols and sterols.
Increasing dietary linoleic acid in young rats increases and then decreases docosahexaenoic acid in retina but not in brain
Authors: Su Hui‐Min , Keswick Lisa A. , Thomas Brenna J.
Published: March 2007

The accumulation of fatty acids in retina, brain, liver, and plasma of 30‐day‐old rat pups consuming various levels of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) and constant α‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) is reported. Dams were fed graded levels of LA during gestation and lactation, and the pups were maintained on the diet of their dams until the end of the brain growth spurt at 30 d of life. Milk, and pup brain, retina, liver, and plasma were analyzed quantitatively for fatty acid profile. The percentage of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) in retina increased from an LA‐deficient dietary level, peaked at the 9:1 (LA/ALA) level, then fell for the 41:1 and 69:1 levels. In contrast, the brain DHA percentage was unaffected by dietary LA levels. Retinal unsaturated fatty acid levels paralleled liver and plasma levels. The milk fatty acid composition mirrored the diets. These data show that the retinal fatty acid composition responds sensitively to dietary fatty acid composition, similar to liver and plasma, while the brain unsaturate composition is nearly independent of dietary composition.
Spectrochemical determination of iron and copper in commercial oils
Authors: Melvin E. H. , Hawley J. E.
Published: March 2007

Application of the internal standard method to the spectrochemical analysis of oils in conjunction with the use of a modified ashing technique has been shown to permit quantitative determination of copper to 0.001 p.p.m. and of iron to 0.01 p.p.m.

The procedure has been tested by the addition of known amounts of copper and iron to oils and recovery has been found satisfactory.

Results on several commercial oils are given to illustrate the range over which the method is applicable.
Attraction of mosquitoes to domestic cats in a heartworm enzootic region
Authors: Gomes Luciana AM , Serrão Maria Lucia , Duarte Rosemere , Bendas Alexandre , Labarthe Norma
Published: March 2007

Heartworm disease is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite that can affect many different mammalian species and has worldwide distribution. The agent, Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy 1856), infect mainly dogs but feline infection have been frequently reported in the last decade. Feline heartworm infection is difficult to detect, therefore, low reported prevalence could reflect true low prevalence or poor diagnostic efficiency. As mosquitoes are known to be attracted differently by different mammalian species, mosquitoes were collected from both a cattery and a contiguous home located in a canine heartworm enzootic area in Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For 14 months, mosquitoes were collected weekly for genus identification, speciation when possible, and for individual blood meal identification. Culex species mosquitoes were the most captured and those most frequently found with feline blood meal, followed by Aedes species that, although captured in lower numbers, also fed on feline blood. While Culex species mosquitoes have been reported as potential secondary heartworm vectors for dogs and primary vectors for cats, the present results suggest that Aedes species mosquitoes may also be involved in feline heartworm transmission in a larger proportion than previously thought.
Food security status in households of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a Ugandan urban setting
Authors: Bukusuba John , Kikafunda Joyce K. , Whitehead Roger G.
Published: March 2007

Because HIV/AIDS negatively impacts on the food security status of households, it is crucial to identify how households respond to these impacts, in order to identify positive food security entry points and design strategies that can effectively alleviate food insecurity among the households of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). A cross-sectional study was thus undertaken to establish how HIV affected households in an urban Ugandan setting in terms of response to food shortages and the interrelations between the practice of agriculture by PLWHA households within and around town, food security, access to food aid and dietary diversity among these households. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using quantitative methods from 144 randomly recruited households of PLWHA (aged 15–49 years) residing in Jinja town in Eastern Uganda. The study showed that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has increased the inability of affected households in the study area to put enough food on the table, possibly because of the continued decreased productivity in these households and the high expenditure on medical costs. Various coping mechanisms identified in the households of PLWHA may contribute to poor adherence to antiretroviral regimes and poor quality of life for all household members. However, the practice of agriculture by PLWHA households was one of the positive coping mechanisms to alleviate food insecurity.
The importance of time of spraying, desiccant type and harvest time on industrial fibre production from stand-retted fibre flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Authors: BENNETT S. J. , WRIGHT D. , EDWARDS-JONES G.
Published: March 2007

Even and successful retting of flax through application of a desiccating herbicide and stand-retting is a major constraint to increasing its incorporation in industrial products. With the release of a new form of glyphosate based on the isopropylamine (IPA) salt with biactivator (Roundup Biactive, Monsanto Ltd), a field trial was planted using three flax varieties with differing levels of ease of desiccation at the Henfaes Research Centre, University of Wales Bangor in 2004. The crop was sprayed at four different times of maturity: mid-point of flowering plus 7 days (MPF+7), MPF+14, MPF+21 or MPF+28 using two different herbicide treatments; Roundup Biactive (Monsanto PLC) or Roundup Biactive+Restore (40% ammonium sulphate, AmegA Sciences PLC). Fibre quality was assessed following retting and the ease of decortication was measured. The highest fibre yields were obtained from the MPF+28 spray date, and from the Biactive herbicide treatment. Although lower yields were recorded with the Biactive+Restore treatment, the stems were easier to decorticate. It is suggested that an early sowing date and the use of the IPA salt-based glyphosate with biactivator, and careful monitoring of the crop during the retting process, contributed to the early and successful harvest from the MPF+28 plots, allowing mature seeds as well as fibre to be harvested from the flax plants.