bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early phase of maternal skin carcinogenesis recruits long‐term engrafted fetal cells
Authors: Huu Sau Nguyen , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Oster Michèle , Moguelet Philippe , Espié Marie‐Josée , Aractingi Sélim
Published: September 2008

During pregnancy, fetal cells enter the maternal circulation. These may be mesenchymal stem cells, haematopoietic or endothelial progenitors, which may persist for decades and be recruited to damaged maternal tissues. Recently, fetal cells were also identified in tumour tissues such as cervical cancer and breast carcinomas. However, the timing of malignant tumour infiltration was not demonstrated. In this study, we used two step carcinogenesis to assess the presence of fetal cells in early phases of skin tumour formation in previously pregnant mice. Wild‐type female C57/BL6 mice were bred to transgenic mice for EGFP. After delivery, skin papillomas were induced by two‐step carcinogenesis. The tumours were dissected 9 months after gestation. Fetal cells were identified in 75% of cutaneous papillomas (9/12 tumours), but never in normal skin from the same mice. Fetal cells expressed von‐Willebrand factor, and less frequently CD45 or cytokeratin but did not express the tumoral epidermal keratins. Our study shows that long‐term engrafted fetal cells home to early stage skin tumours where they participate in formation of the stroma. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pooled analysis of melanocytic nevus phenotype and the risk of cutaneous melanoma at different latitudes
Authors: Chang Yu‐mei , Newton‐Bishop Julia A. , Bishop D. Timothy , Armstrong Bruce K. , Bataille Veronique , Bergman Wilma , Berwick Marianne , Bracci Paige M. , Elwood J. Mark , Ernstoff Marc S. , Green Adèle C. , Gruis Nelleke A. , Holly Elizabeth A. , Ingvar Christian , Kanetsky Peter A. , Karagas Margaret R. , Marchand Loïc Le , Mackie Rona M. , Olsson Håkan , Østerlind Anne , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Reich Kristian , Sasieni Peter , Siskind Victor , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Titus‐Ernstoff Linda , Zens Michael S. , Ziegler Andreas , Barrett Jennifer H.
Published: September 2008

An abnormal nevus phenotype is associated with an increased risk of melanoma. We report a pooled analysis conducted using individual nevus data from 15 case‐control studies (5,421 melanoma cases and 6,966 controls). The aims were to quantify the risk better and to determine whether relative risk is varied by latitude. Bayesian unconditional logistic random coefficients models were employed to study the risk associated with nevus characteristics. Participants with whole body nevus counts in the highest of 4 population‐based categories had a greatly increased risk of melanoma compared with those in the lowest category (pooled odds ratio (pOR) 6.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.4, 11.2) for those aged <50 years and pOR 5.1 (95% CI: 3.6, 7.5) for those aged ≥50). The pOR for presence compared with absence of any clinically atypical nevi was 4.0 (95% CI: 2.8, 5.8). The pORs for 1–2 and ≥3 large nevi on the body compared with none were 2.9 (95% CI: 1.9, 4.3) and 7.1 (95% CI: 4.7, 11.6), respectively. The relative heterogeneities among studies were small for most measures of nevus phenotype, except for the analysis of nevus counts on the arms, which may have been due to methodological differences among studies. The pooled analysis also suggested that an abnormal nevus phenotype is associated most with melanomas on intermittently sun‐exposed sites. The presence of increased numbers of nevi, large nevi and clinically atypical nevi on the body are robust risk factors for melanoma showing little variation in relative risk among studies performed at different latitudes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of cytotoxic and inflammatory responses of photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles with silicon micron‐sized particles in RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Choi Jonghoon , Zhang Qin , Reipa Vytas , Wang Nam Sun , Stratmeyer Melvin E. , Hitchins Victoria M. , Goering Peter L.
Published: September 2008

Photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles have a bright and stable fluorescence and are promising candidates for bio‐imaging, cell staining and drug delivery. With increasing development of nanotechnology applications for biomedicine, an understanding of the potential toxicity of nanoparticles is needed to assess safety concerns for clinical applications. The objective of this study was to compare biological responses of silicon nanoparticles (SNs, 3 nm diameter) with silicon microparticles (SMs, ∼100–3000 nm diameter) in cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) using standard protocols for assessing cytotoxicity/cell viability and inflammatory responses developed for micron‐sized particles. SNs and SMs were exposed to macrophages with and without addition of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a positive inducer of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and nitric oxide (NO). Cytotoxicity was assayed using the dye exclusion and MTT assays. Cell supernatants were assayed for production TNF‐α, IL‐6 and NO. SNs at concentrations ≤20 µg ml−1 exhibited no cytotoxicity or inflammatory responses; however, SNs and SMs >20 and 200 µg ml−1, respectively, increased cytotoxicity compared with controls. SMs induced concentration‐related increases in TNF‐α and IL‐6 production; in contrast, the production of these cytokines was shown to decrease with increasing concentrations of SNs. NO production was not induced by SNs or SMs alone. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that SNs were associated with the macrophages, either internalized or attached to cell membranes. In conclusion, evaluating differences in biological responses for nanoparticles compared with microparticles of the same material may help improve tests to assess biological responses of nanoparticles that may be used in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 171 tolerant to organic solvents
Authors: Choi Hye Jung , Kim Seon‐A , Kim Dong Wan , Moon Ja Young , Jeong Yong Kee , Joo Woo Hong
Published: September 2008

An organic solvent‐tolerant bacterium, designated as Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 171, was isolated from industrial wastewater in Korea, on the basis of its ability to survive in the presence of benzene, toluene, propylbenzene and xylenes. Its tolerance limits were 8 mM in phenol, 20 mM in benzene and 60 M in toluene. The log P value of phenol was approximately 1.5, which indicates that Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 171 exhibits the highest tolerance to organic solvents. Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 171, a relative of P. putida, P. mosselii and P. moteillii based on phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA sequences, was designated as a new sp. that is tolerant to a wide spectrum of organic solvents, especially xylene isomers. These findings may facilitate the understanding of organic solvent tolerance in bacterial cells. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synergistic effect of beneficial rhizosphere microflora in biocontrol and plant growth promotion
Authors: Kannan Vijayaragahavan , Sureendar Raman
Published: September 2008

Biological systems are getting more relevance than chemical control of plant pathogens as they are not only eco‐friendly and economic in approach but are also involved in improving the soil consistency and maintenance of natural soil flora. Plant growth promoting rhizosphere microorganisms were isolated from three different tree rhizospheres using selective culture media. Five microorganisms were selected from each rhizosphere soil based on their efficiency and screened for their ability to promote plant growth as a consortium. Each of the developed consortium has a phosphate solubilizer, nitrogen fixer, growth hormone producer, heterotrophic member and an antagonist. The plant growth promoting ability of the microbial members present in the consortium was observed by estimating the IAA production level and also by the nitrogenase activity of the nitrogen fixers. The biocontrol potentiality of the consortium and the antagonist present in the consortium were checked by both dual plate assay and cross‐streaking technique. Consortial treatments effected very good growth promotion in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill and the treated plants also developed resistance against wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici though the effect was well pronounced with consortium developed from Santalum album. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Acquisition of deeper knowledge on the human plasma fatty acid profile exploiting comprehensive 2‐D GC
Authors: Quinto Tranchida Peter , Costa Rosaria , Donato Paola , Sciarrone Danilo , Ragonese Carla , Dugo Paola , Dugo Giovanni , Mondello Luigi
Published: September 2008

The present research is focused on the use of comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) for the elucidation of the human plasma fatty acid (FA) profile. The enhanced sensitivity, increased separation power and the formation of group‐type patterns provided by GC×GC enabled the identification and quantification of a high number of both well known and unexpected FAs, for a total of 65 components. Peak assignment was, in most cases, supported by using pure standard compounds. The results attained demonstrated the usefulness of the multidimensional GC method in this fundamental field of research.
Post‐traumatic stress in survivors of an airplane crash‐landing: A clinical and exploratory research intervention
Authors: Sloan Patrick
Published: September 2008

Post‐traumatic stress in 30 male survivors of an airplane crash‐landing was studied through interviews and questionnaires based on a nonpathological model of preventive psychological intervention and monitoring. Five questionnaires were given initially 12 days after the event and repeated at 2, 5, 10, and 12 months. Two of the brief measures were given weekly from 2 to 8 weeks after the event. As a group, the survivors experienced high levels of stress initially, which decreased rapidly and leveled off over time. There was, however, significant variability among individuals in this seemingly homogeneous group of college basketball players and supportive personnel in their experience of stress to the same traumatic event. There was also a marked contrast between group questionnaire results and individual verbal descriptions of their reaction to an unrelated, fatal airplane crash on the campus of the survivors 1 month after their own crash‐landing. Questionnaire data are presented descriptively and discussed in relation to other normative data in the literature and to the methods of observation in this study. Recommendations are offered for professionals attempting this type of field study.
Crystallization Behavior of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Grafted onto Cellulose Alkyl Esters: Effects of Copolymer Composition and Intercomponent Miscibility
Authors: Kusumi Ryosuke , Teramoto Yoshikuni , Nishio Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2008

Graft copolymers of CA and CB with PCL were prepared at compositions rich in PCL. Kinetic DSC data were analyzed in terms of a folded‐chain crystallization formula expanded for a binary mixing system of amorphous/crystalline polymers. The order of crystallization rates was plain PCL > CA‐g‐PCL (DS = 2.98) > CB‐g‐PCL (DS = 2.1–2.95) > CA‐g‐PCL (DS = 2.1–2.5), and the fold‐surface free energy of the PCL crystals obeyed the reverse order. POM revealed a generally tardy growth of spherulites for all the graft copolymers. The slower crystallization process may be ascribed primarily to the compulsory effect of anchoring PCL chains onto the semi‐rigid cellulose backbone. Intercomponent miscibility of the CA/PCL and CB/PCL pairs was also taken into consideration.

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Putting Electrospun Nanofibers to Work for Biomedical Research
Authors: Xie Jingwei , Li Xiaoran , Xia Younan
Published: September 2008

Electrospinning has been exploited for almost one century to process polymers and related materials into nanofibers with controllable compositions, diameters, porosities, and porous structures for a variety of applications. Owing to its high porosity and large surface area, a non‐woven mat of electrospun nanofibers can serve as an ideal scaffold to mimic the extracellular matrix for cell attachment and nutrient transportation. The nanofiber itself can also be functionalized through encapsulation or attachment of bioactive species such as extracellular matrix proteins, enzymes, and growth factors. In addition, the nanofibers can be further assembled into a variety of arrays or architectures by manipulating their alignment, stacking, or folding. All these attributes make electrospinning a powerful tool for generating nanostructured materials for a range of biomedical applications that include controlled release, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

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Personality dimensions measured using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and NEO‐FFI on a Polish sample
Authors: Mikołajczyk Elżbieta , Ziȩtek Joanna , Samochowiec Agnieszka , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: September 2008

The results of two self‐administered, paper‐and‐pencil tests based on biosocial theory of personality have been compared simultanously: the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI). The stability of the personality dimensions was assessed across age, sex and education level samples in a group of 406 Polish adults with major mental diseases excluded by use of PRIME‐MD questionnaire. Significant effects of age, sex, and education have been found while comparing personality dimensions in both temperamental (novelty seeking, NS; harm avoidance, HA; reward dependence, RD; persistence, P) and character scales (cooperativeness, C; self‐transcendence, ST) in TCI. Among subscales of temperament only NS1, RD4 were stable according to concerning factors. All converted to their age and sex norms NEO‐FFI dimensions were stable according to sex. Extraversion scale was changeable depending on age (p = 0.04). Neuroticism dimension was a little higher in lower educated group (p = 0.035).

To sum up, it was concluded that sex‐ and age‐specific norms for the dimensions of the Polish version of TCI are necessary considering the established significant differences. Particular personality genetic studies should account for age, sex and also educational differences in their methods of associative studies.

Conclusions: In the exploration of personality dimensions on healthy volunteers the Polish version of NEO‐FFI corresponds better than TCI to theory of stability and genetic determinants of human personality. As the study included persons with excluded major mental diseases, the sample is appropriate to provide a control group in the reaserch of psychiatric patients using both TCI and NEO‐FFI.

Significant Outcomes: TCI scores for persons with excluded mental disease are highly changeable depending on age, sex and education. Adjusted to sex and age scores NEO‐FFI corresponded better than TCI to stability and genetic determinants of human personality. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of Long‐Chain Branched Polyolefins with Two Single‐Site Catalysts: Comparing CSTR and Semi‐Batch Performance
Authors: Mehdiabadi Saeid , Soares João B. P. , Dekmezian Armenag H.
Published: September 2008

We developed a mathematical model to describe the solution polymerization of olefins with two single‐site catalysts in a series of two CSTRs. The model was used to simulate processes where semi‐crystalline macromonomers produced in the first reactor are incorporated as long chain branches onto amorphous (or lower crystallinity) chains in the second reactor (cross‐products). The simulation results show that CSTRs are more efficient to make chains with high LCB density and high weight percent of cross‐products. The model can also predict the polydispersity index, average chain lengths, and fractions of the different polymer populations, and help the polymer reactor engineer formulate new products with complex microstructures.

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Structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical studies of a very short OHO hydrogen bond in bis(4‐(N‐methylpiperidinium)‐butyrate) hydrobromide
Authors: Bartoszak‐Adamska Elżbieta , Dega‐Szafran Zofia , Jaskolski Mariusz , Szafran Mirosław
Published: September 2008

The molecular structure of bis(4‐(N‐methylpiperidinium)‐butyrate) hydrobromide, (MPBu)2HBr, has been characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, infrared and NMR spectroscopies, and by DFT calculations. The crystals of the title compound at 140 K are monoclinic, space group C2/c, with a = 11.7118(4), b = 7.8737(2), c = 23.9240(8) Å3 , β = 90.431(3)°, V = 2206.1(1) Å3, and Z = 4. Two 4‐(N‐methylpiperidinium)‐butyrate moieties are joined by a very short and centrosymmetric O.H.O hydrogen bond of 2.436(2) Å3 . The piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation with the methyl group in the equatorial and the bulky (CH2)3COO substituent in the axial position. The broad absorption band below 1500 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum confirms the existence of a very short O H O hydrogen bond. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra are interpreted on the basis of 2D experiments and the calculated GIAO/B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) magnetic isotropic shielding tensors. In the optimized structure of the complex, a 4‐(N‐methylpiperidinium)‐butyrate zwitterion interacts with a 4‐(N‐methylpiperidinium)‐butyric acid cation forming an O .HO hydrogen bond of 2.580 Å3 . Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembly of N‐carboxyethylchitosan near the isoelectric point
Authors: Mincheva Rosica , Bougard François , Paneva Dilyana , Vachaudez Magali , Manolova Nevena , Dubois Philippe , Rashkov Iliya
Published: September 2008

For the first time the possibility to obtain nanostructures by self‐assembly of chitosan polyampholytic derivative was demonstrated. The self‐assembly of N‐carboxyethylchitosan (CECh) took place only near its isoelectric point (pH 5.0–5.6). Out of the pH range 5.0–5.6, CECh aqueous solutions behaved as real solutions. Dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy analyses revealed that spherically shaped or rod/worm‐like nanosized assemblies were formed depending on the polymer molar mass, pH value, and polymer concentration. CECh of two different molar masses was studied in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/mL. The structures from CECh of weight‐average molar mass (Mw) 4.5 × 103 g/mol were spherical regardless the pH and polymer concentration. In contrast, CECh of high molar mass (HMMCECh, Mw = 6.7 × 105 g/mol) formed self‐assemblies with spherical shape only at pH 5.0 and 5.6. At pH 5.2 spherical nanoparticles were obtained only at polymer concentration 0.01 mg/mL. The mean hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of the obtained nanoparticles was in the range from 30 to 980 nm. On increasing the concentration, aggregation of the nanoparticles appeared, and at HMMCECh concentration 0.1 mg/mL, rod/worm‐like structures were obtained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6712–6721, 2008
The reliability, responsiveness and clinical utility of the proximat: A new tool for measuring hip range of movement in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pott Patricia , Selley Andrea , Tyson Sarah F.
Published: September 2008

Background and Purpose. Monitoring range of movement is a key aspect of managing hip problems in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility, reliability and responsiveness of a new measurement tool, the Proximat, for hip range of movement. Method. Passive hip abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation were measured by using the Proximat on 26 children with cerebral palsy attending three special schools: 16 of whom are boys, mean age = 7 years and 6 months (standard deviation = 4.2 years), range 2–15 years. Testing was undertaken by two physiotherapists to assess interrater reliability and repeated the following day to assess test–retest reliability. Total, random and systematic errors were calculated for interrater and test–retest. Results. The Proximat was quick and easy to use and acceptable to the children. High reliability was found for all movements (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83–0.93) with reasonable responsiveness; total error was 2.5–12 degrees. Most of the error was random with little evidence of systematic bias. Conclusions. The Proximat is a reliable, responsive and acceptable method of measuring passive hip movements in children with cerebral palsy in day‐to‐day clinical practice. A change of 8–12 degrees is needed to overcome measurement error and to indicate that a ‘true’ change in range of movement has occurred. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and functioning of membrane lipids in fungi and infected plants
Authors: Lösel Dorothy M.
Published: September 2008

The synthesis and functioning of membrane lipids in saprotrophic fungi and in the physiological relationships between pathogenic fungi and host plants are reviewed briefly. The roles of lipids in membranes of infected plant tissue are discussed in more detail, with particular reference to the host—pathogen interface in biotrophic infections.
Photoconductance‐calibrated photoluminescence lifetime imaging of crystalline silicon
Authors: Herlufsen Sandra , Schmidt Jan , Hinken David , Bothe Karsten , Brendel Rolf
Published: September 2008

We use photoluminescence (PL) measurements by a silicon charge‐coupled device camera to generate high‐resolution lifetime images of multicrystalline silicon wafers. Absolute values of the excess carrier density are determined by calibrating the PL image by means of contactless photoconductance measurements. The photoconductance setup is integrated in the camera‐based PL setup and therefore identical measurement conditions are realised. We demonstrate the validity of this method by comparison with microwave‐detected photoconductance decay measurements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atmospheric radiation and atmospheric humidity
Authors: Harries J. E.
Published: September 2008

This paper presents a report of some aspects of the effect of the dominant greenhouse gas in the earth's atmosphere, water vapour, on the radiative balance of the planet. Results from two satellite experiments which provide data on the concentration of water vapour in the upper and middle troposphere are presented. the first is the HALogen Occultation Experiment, HALOE, on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite, for which retrievals of humidity have been made down to levels of about 150 hPa. These data reveal a number of interesting features in terms of the space and time variability of water vapour in the lower stratospherehpper troposphere. Comparison of HALOE measurements with the water vapour fields calculated in one general circulation climate model reveal substantial differences, which could significantly affect calculations of radiative balance. A second source of global data is the Television Infra‐red Observation Satellite's Operational Vertical Sounder, TOVS, which uses infrared vertical soundings. Considerable variability of upper tropospheric humidity is revealed by TOVS measurements, and an interesting relationship between brightness temperature and relative humidity, identified by other workers, is discussed. Sensitivity studies are presented of the effect on the outgoing‐radiation spectrum of varying the amount of water vapour throughout the troposphere. It is shown that uncertainties of only a few percent in knowledge of the humidity distribution in the atmosphere could produce changes to the outgoing spectrum of similar magnitude to that caused by doubling carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Errors in the water vapour amounts generated in model simulations of the climate could, therefore, be significant in climate change calculations.
A group‐sequential design for clinical trials with treatment selection
Authors: Stallard Nigel , Friede Tim
Published: September 2008

A group‐sequential design for clinical trials that involve treatment selection was proposed by Stallard and Todd (Statist. Med.2003;22:689–703). In this design, the best among a number of experimental treatments is selected on the basis of data observed at the first of a series of interim analyses. This experimental treatment then continues together with the control treatment to be assessed in one or more further analyses. The method was extended by Kellyet al.(J. Biopharm. Statist.2005;15:641–658) to allow more than one experimental treatment to continue beyond the first interim analysis. This design controls the familywise type I error rate under the global null hypothesis, that is in the weak sense, but may not strongly control the error rate, particularly if the treatments selected are not the best‐performing ones. In some cases, for example when additional safety data are available, the restriction that the best‐performing treatments continue may be unreasonable. This paper describes an extension of the approach of Stallard and Todd that enables construction of a group‐sequential design for comparison of several experimental treatments with a control treatment. The new method controls the type I error rate in the strong sense if the number of treatments included at each stage is specified in advance, and is indicated by simulation studies to be conservative when the number of treatments is chosen based on the observed data in a practically relevant way. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frailty modelling for clustered recurrent incidence of diarrhoea
Authors: Elgmati E. , Fiaccone R. , Henderson R. , Mohammadi M.
Published: September 2008

Recurrent incidence of infant diarrhoea is studied, using daily data collected in Salvador, Brazil, from 754 children over 455 days. Aalen's additive intensity model is taken as the basis of the modelling strategy and a frailty extension is proposed. The idea is to estimate the frailty dynamically as time proceeds and information accrues. This provides an alternative to the inclusion of dynamic covariates based on individual event patterns. Simulation results indicate good performance of the estimation methods. In our first analysis, there is no account taken in the natural clustering of the children into 21 different districts of the city. The model is therefore extended to incorporate the possibility of spatial or spatio‐temporal clustering effects, possibly caused by unobserved environmental factors or infectivity. Significant frailty and significant clustering are both identified in the data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sweating the small stuff: how different types of hassles result in the experience of stress
Authors: McIntyre Kevin P. , Korn James H. , Matsuo Hisako
Published: September 2008

The current study examines the level of stress caused by different types of daily hassles. Using an open‐ended response format, participants (n = 164) described hassles that they were currently experiencing in their lives, and then rated their hassles on dimensions of perceived control, negative emotions, importance, as well as the overall amount of stress that they associated with each hassle. Reported hassles were coded into one of four types (interpersonal, intrapersonal, school/work, everyday living), and relationships between control, negative emotions and importance on stress by type of hassle were examined. Results indicate that for all types of hassles, the amount of negative emotions that a hassle evokes is the strongest predictor of stress. In addition, hassles' importance significantly predicts stress for intrapersonal hassles, school/work hassles and everyday living hassles. Perceived control, however, only predicts stress due to everyday living hassles. Gender differences in the experience of different types of hassles were also found, with female participants reporting a greater number of interpersonal hassles and associating interpersonal hassles with more negative emotions than males. This study extends the literature on hassles by describing the conditions under which different types of everyday events become stressful. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of oil content of maize by wide‐line NMR
Authors: Alexander D. E. , Silvela L. S. , Collins F. I. , Rodgers R. C.
Published: September 2008

A series of experiments to define feasibility, accuracy, and precision of wide‐line nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a nondestructive analytical tool for the oil content of living seeds is described. Corn samples, ranging from single seeds to 25 g, were scanned by NMR and gravimetrically analyzed. A high positive correlation (r = 0.99+) was invariably encountered. Single, 30‐sec NMR scans on 25‐g corn samples gave estimates within ŷ33 ing of the “true” oil content 95% of the time. Error associated with single, 30‐sec scans of individual corn kernels amounted to ŷ1.3 mg of oil at the same confidence level. Samples containing more than 4.5% moisture contribute to the NMR signal, and therefore oil content is overestimated.

A new dimension is added to the breeding and genetics of oil crops by the application of the NMR technique in that the process is non‐destructive and feasible even for single seeds. The usefulness of the technique in studies involving the nature of water and its surrounding medium is suggested.
Viscosity characteristics of aqueous solutions of block copolymers of propylene and ethylene oxides
Authors: Schmolka Irving R. , Bacon Leslie R.
Published: September 2008

Brookfield viscosity measurements were made on aqueous solutions of surface‐active agents composed of block copolymers of propylene and ethylene oxides in which the molecular weights of the polymers varied from 1100 to over 15,000. The hydrophobia bases were polyoxypropylene glycols varying in molecular weight from 940 to 4000. To these were added varying amounts of ethylene oxide so that the polyoxyethylene hydrophil comprised from 15 to 80% of the surfactant total weight.

This work has materially expanded previous viscosity studies of aqueous solutions of nonionic surfactants by using a unique type of hydrophobe, two ethylene oxide chains, and far higher molecular weights of hydrophobe and of hydrophil, up to 280 moles of ethylene oxide.

The surface‐active agents with hydrophobe base molecular weights from 940 to 1100, and in which the polyoxyethylene sections comprised from 15 to 80% of the total weight, did not form gels in aqueous solution. Some surfactants with a hydrophobe base molecular weight of 1750 to 2750, to which varying amounts of polyoxyethylene were added, formed gels in water at a surfactant concentration range of 40% to 80%. With a hydrophobe molecular weight of 3250, gels formed at from 30% to 90% surfactant concentration, while with one nonionic derived from a 4000 molecular weight hydrophobe, a gel formed at only 20% polyol concentration.

Two viscosity maxima were found in some cases, as reported occasionally for other systems. An increase in temperature from 0C to 50C generally reduced the viscosity of systems based on hydrophobes of 1175 and lower molecular weights, and increased it in systems based on hydrophobes of 1750 and higher molecular weights.

The behavior of these surfactants in forminggels is explained on the basis of hydrogen bonding, micellar aggregation and water entrapment. The moles of water per ethylene oxide group in the adduct varied with the hydrophobe base weight and with the polyoxyethylene hydrophil, and within systems showing maximum viscosities, ranged from 0.3 to 17.1, at 25C, which is much higher than observed in other nonionics.
Sulfur dichlonde diadducts of unsaturated fatty derivatives. II reactions with nucleophiles
Authors: Grimm Robert A.
Published: September 2008

The chloro groups in the bis‐9(10)‐[alkyl‐10 (9)‐chlorooetadecanoate]‐sulfides described previously (9) underwent reaction with water, alcohols, ammonia, amines, cyanides, cyanates, thiocyanates, and azides. The rates of these reactions were such that the chloro groups were completely replaced before significant attack on the ester group occurred. Without exception, the products of these reactions were the open‐chain disubstituted‐sulfide diesters, e.g. bis‐9(10)‐[ethyl‐10 (9)‐aminooctadecanoate]‐sulfide, and no evidence was found for cyclic,e.g. thiomorpholine, structures. The sulfur dichloride diadducts fromcis‐2‐butene andtrans‐ 2‐ butene were also subjected to hydrolysis and ammonolysis and again, only the open‐chain sulfides, e.g. bis‐2‐[3‐amino‐butyl]‐sulfide, were formed. The diol‐sulfides from m‐olefins differed from the diol‐sulfides oftrans‐ olefins in both physical and special properties. A similar difference was noted in the diamino‐sulfides. Several of the fatty products were oxidized to the corresponding disubstituted sulfone diesters.
Recovery of volatile compounds from butter oil
Authors: Forss D. A. , Holloway Gwenda L.
Published: September 2008

Three methods for the isolation of volatile compounds from oils and fats were compared using small concentrations (approximately 1 ppm) of added C3–12n‐alkan‐2‐ones and C2–10n‐alkan‐1‐ols in commercial butter oil. These were : high vacuum degassing, cold‐finger molecular distillation and reduced pressure steam distillation. Several modifications were incorporated. The highest yields of all compounds were obtained by cold‐finger molecular distillation but difficulties were encountered in subsequent analysis. It was more convenient to recover compounds boiling below 150C by either high vacuum degassing or reduced pressure steam distillation. The latter was more efficient for the higher boiling compounds. Extraction with organic solvents was not required in any of these techniques.

The combination of high vacuum degassing and cold‐finger molecular distillation was found to be the best method of analyzing the complete range of model compounds.
Estimation of crude fiber in dehulled soybeans
Authors: Anderson R. E. , Holt K. E.
Published: September 2008

The determination of crude fiber in soybeans is a lengthy and time‐consuming procedure which requires extraction, digestion, and incineration and is not suitable as a routine processing‐control tool. A short control procedure has been developed, employing photomicroscopy, which is based on the characteristics of soybean hull cellulose to rotate plane‐polarized light. The sample is mounted on a microscope slide, treated with trichloro‐acetic acid, and placed in a polarizing projection microscope; the image is compared with a series of standard photomicrographs. The amount of hulls present in the sample is measured quantitatively, and an estimation is made on the crude fiber. The crude fiber estimation on de‐hulled soybeans can be made in 15 min compared with 8 to 12 hr by using the official crude fiber method.
What Patients and Their Relatives Think About Testing for BMPR2
Authors: Jones Diana L. , Sandberg Joanne C. , Rosenthal Mary J. , Saunders Robert C. , Hannig Vickie L. , Clayton Ellen W.
Published: September 2008

Clinical genetic testing is available for mutations in BMPR2 associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aim of this study is to assess attitudes of individuals affected by or at risk for PAH regarding genetic testing. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 119 individuals affected by or at risk for PAH recruited from pulmonary hypertension clinic at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt familial PAH registry, attendees at 2006 PHA meeting, and a local PAH support group. Sixty‐four percent reported knowing little or nothing about BMPR2 testing. Predictors of greater self‐assessed knowledge included having an affected family member and learning about BMPR2 testing through the internet. Most respondents reported that while they spent some time thinking about being tested for BMPR2, they had little trouble deciding. The most frequently cited reason for testing was to provide information for their children. About 20% said they had been tested, even though <5% have actually received clinical testing. Although patients with PAH and their at‐risk relatives typically feel relatively uninformed about testing for mutations in BMPR2 and at times are confused about their testing status, they nonetheless report that it is easy to decide about testing.
Effects of milk-derived bioactives: an overview
Authors: Shah Nagendra P.
Published: September 2008

Milk contains various components with physiological functionality. Peptides derived from caseins and whey proteins including opioid peptides, antihypertensive peptides, casein phosphopeptides, α- and β-lactorphins and albutensin have been shown to possess various bioactive properties. This review considers an overview of the bioactive components in milk proteins and whey and their physiological function.
Biological activities of bovine glycomacropeptide
Authors: Brody Ernest P.
Published: September 2008

Biological activity of bovine κ-caseino glycomacropeptide (GMP) has received much attention in recent years. Research has focused on the ability of GMP to bind cholera andEscherichia colienterotoxins, inhibit bacterial and viral adhesion, suppress gastric secretions, promote bifidobacterial growth and modulate immune system responses. Of these, protection against toxins, bacteria, and viruses and modulation of the immune system are the most promising applications.
Nucleosides and nucleotides: natural bioactive substances in milk and colostrum
Authors: Schlimme Eckhard , Martin D. , Meisel H.
Published: September 2008

Nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleobases belong to the non-protein-nitrogen (NPN) fraction of milk. The largest amounts of ribonucleosides and ribonucleotides – ribose forms only were considered in this review – were measured directly after parturition in bovine milk and other ruminants as well as in the milk of humans. Generally, concentrations of most of the nucleos(t)ides tend to decrease gradually with advancing lactation period or nursing time. The species-specific pattern of these minor constituents in milk from different mammals is a remarkable property and confirms, at least, the specific physiological impact of these minor compounds in early life. The physiological capacity of these compounds in milk is given by the total potentially available nucleosides. The main dietary sources of nucleos(t)ides are nucleoproteins and nucleic acids which are converted in the course of intestinal digestion into nucleosides and nucleobases the preferred forms for absorption in the intestine. Thus, nucleosides and nucleobases are suggested to be the acting components of dietary and/or supplemented nucleic acid-related compounds in the gut. They are used by the body as exogenous trophochemical sources and can be important for optimal metabolic functions. Up to 15 % of the total daily need for a breast-fed infant was calculated to come from this dietary source. Concerning their biological role they not only act as metabolites but are also involved as bioactive substances in the regulation of body functions. Dietary nucleotides affect immune modulation, e.g. they enhance antibody responses of infants as shown by a study with more than 300 full-term healthy infants. Dietary nucleos(t)ides are found to contribute to iron absorption in the gut and to influence desaturation and elongation rates in fatty acid synthesis, in particular long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in early stages of life. Thein vitromodulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis has been described by ribonucleosides, in particular by modified components using human cell culture models. Due to the bio- and trophochemical properties of dietary nucleos(t)ides, the European Commission has allowed the use of supplementation with specific ribonucleotides in the manufacture of infant and follow-on formula. From the technochemical point of view, the ribonucleoside pattern is influenced by thermal treatment of milk. In addition ribonucleosides are useful indicators for quantifying adulterations of milk and milk products.
Milk immunoglobulins and complement factors
Authors: Korhonen Hannu , Marnila P. , Gill H. S.
Published: September 2008

The importance of colostrum for the growth and health of newborn offspring is well known. In bovine colostrum, the antibody (immunoglobulin) complement system provides a major antimicrobial effect against a wide range of microbes and confers passive immunity until the calf's own immune system has matured. Bovine serum and lacteal secretions contain three major classes of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgM and IgA. The immunoglobulins are selectively transported from the serum into the mammary gland, as a result of which the first colostrum contains very high concentrations of immunoglobulins (40–200 mg/ml). IgG1 accounts for over 75 % of the immunoglobulins in colostral whey, followed by IgM, IgA and IgG2. All these immunoglobulins decrease within a few days to a total immunoglobulin concentration of 0.7–1.0 mg/ml, with IgG1 representing the major Ig class in milk throughout the lactation period. Together with the antibodies absorbed from colostrum after birth, the complement system plays a crucial role in the passive immunisation of the newborn calf. The occurrence of haemolytic or bactericidal complement activity in bovine colostrum and milk has been demonstrated in several studies. This review deals with the characteristics of bovine Igs and the complement system to be exploited as potential ingredients for health-promoting functional foods.
Immunomodulatory properties of milk
Authors: Cross Martin L. , Gill H. S.
Published: September 2008

There is increasing commercial interest in the production of functional foodstuffs which have health-promoting properties. Over the last five to ten years, significant progress has been made in the identification and characterisation of bovine milk components that can affect the function of the immune system. This review outlines the major components of bovine milk that have been shown to modulate immune function, and discusses experimental approaches to the identification of various facets of the immune response that are known to be affected by milk-derived proteins.
Mineral-binding milk proteins and peptides; occurrence, biochemical and technological characteristics
Authors: Vegarud Gerd E. , Langsrud T. , Svenning C.
Published: September 2008

Minerals and trace elements in cow's milk occur as inorganic ions and salts or form complexes with proteins and peptides, carbohydrates, fats and small molecules. The main mineral binder or chelators of calcium are the caseins, αs1-casein, αs2-casein, β-casein and κ-casein, but also whey proteins and lactoferrin bind specific minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, sodium and potassium. Less documented is the binding of trace elements. Peptides obtained byin vitroorin vivohydrolysis act as mineral trappers through specific and non-specific binding sites. They may then function as carriers, chelators, of various minerals and thus enhance or inhibit bioavailability. Peptides from milk proteins have found interesting new applications in the food industry as products with improved functionality or as ingredients of dietary products, or used in pharmaceutical industry. Fortification of foods with minerals in a low concentration has for a long time been used in some countries to overcome mineral deficiency, which is an increasing problem in humans. These types of foods are being used to create a new generation of super foods in the industry today.
Invivoantimicrobial and antiviral activity of components in bovine milk and colostrum involved in non-specific defence
Authors: van Hooijdonk Antonius C. M. , Kussendrager K. D. , Steijns J. M.
Published: September 2008

Thein vivoevidence of the antimicrobial and antiviral activity of bovine milk and colostrum derived components are reviewed with special emphasis on lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase. Their mode of action and the rationale for their application in efficacy trials with rodents, farm animals, fish and humans, to give protection against infectious agents, are described. A distinction is made between efficacy obtained by oral and non-oral administration of these non-specific defence factors which can be commercially applied in large quantities due to major achievements in dairy technology. From thein vivostudies one can infer that lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase are very promising, naturally occurring antimicrobials for use in fish farming, husbandry, oral hygiene and functional foods. Other promising milk-derived compounds include lipids, from which anti-infective degradation products are generated during digestion, and antimicrobial peptides hidden in the casein molecules.
Bovine milk antibodies for health
Authors: Korhonen Hannu , Marnila P. , Gill H. S.
Published: September 2008

The immunoglobulins of bovine colostrum provide the major antimicrobial protection against microbial infections and confer a passive immunity to the newborn calf until its own immune system matures. The concentration in colostrum of specific antibodies against pathogens can be raised by immunising cows with these pathogens or their antigens. Immune milk products are preparations made of such hyperimmune colostrum or antibodies enriched from it. These preparations can be used to give effective specific protection against different enteric diseases in calves and suckling pigs. Colostral immunoglobulin supplements designed for farm animals are commercially available in many countries. Also, some immune milk products containing specific antibodies against certain pathogens have been launched on the market. A number of clinical studies are currently in progress to evaluate the efficacy of immune milks in the prevention and treatment of various human infections, including those caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. Bovine colostrum-based immune milk products have proven effective in prophylaxis against various infectious diseases in humans. Good results have been obtained with products targeted against rotavirus,Shigella flexneri,Escherichia coli,Clostridium difficile,Streptococcus mutans,Cryptosporidium parvumandHelicobacter pylori. Some successful attempts have been made to use immune milk in balancing gastrointestinal microbial flora. Immune milk products are promising examples of health-promoting functional foods, or nutraceuticals. This review summarises the recent progress in the development of these products and evaluates their potential as dietary supplements and in clinical nutrition.
Bioactive substances in milk with properties decreasing risk of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Pfeuffer Maria , Schrezenmeir J.
Published: September 2008

Milk is often seen as a potential promotor of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease because it is a source of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids. But there are several studies indicating that milk and milk products may not affect adversely blood lipids as would be predicted from its fat content and fat composition. There are even factors in milk and milk products which may actively protect from this condition by improving several risk factors. Calcium, bioactive peptides and as yet unidentified components in whole milk may protect from hypertension, and folic acid, vitamin B6(pyridoxine) and B12(cyanocobalamin) or other unidentified components of skim milk may contribute to low homocysteine levels. Conjugated linoleic acid may have hypolipidaemic and antioxidative and thus antiatherosclerotic properties. Epidemiological studies suggest that milk and milk products fit well into a healthy eating pattern emphasizing cereals and vegetables.
Anticancer properties of bovine milk
Authors: Gill Harsharnjit S. , Cross M. L.
Published: September 2008

Improved means of cancer prevention and treatment remain key goals of global health programmes. This is particularly true in Western society, where the elderly represent a large proportion of the population, and where the likelihood of tumour development is compounded by risk factors such as poor fibre/high fat diets and environmental pollution. Dietary intervention represents an attractive, non-invasive means of providing anticancer preventative and therapeutic benefits to at-risk individuals. This review focuses on the evidence for anticancer properties of bovine milk and milk-derived components. Evidence of a role for whole milk constituents, as well as purified minor components, in combating tumorigenesis is outlined. Shortcomings in current studies are highlighted, and future opportunities for targeted research to characterize important anticancer properties of milk are discussed.