bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil microbial communities adapt to genetic variation in leaf litter inputs
Authors: Madritch Michael D. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: May 2011

Plant genotypes can have important community‐ and ecosystem‐level effects. However, whether the extended phenotypes of plants feed back to influence the fitness of causal genotypes through soil processes remains unknown. We investigated whether aspen genotypes create distinct soil microbial communities that could potentially affect plant fitness. Using naturally occurring aspen stands in an old‐field system, we set up reciprocal litter transplants among ten genetically distinct aspen clones and tracked decomposition and changes in belowground nutrients and microbial communities for three years. We found that belowground microbial communities became adapted to process specific genotypes of aspen litter to the extent allowable by environment and litter chemistry. Belowground processes were driven by a combination of little quality and prior exposure to specific genotypes of litter. In general, litter from aspen genotypes native to the soil community decomposed more rapidly than did litter from foreign aspen genotypes (i.e. a home‐field advantage existed). While home‐field advantages have been documented to occur among litters of different species, we show that intraspecific variation can elicit similar, albeit weak, effects within a single species. Because rapid decomposition and nutrient cycling is likely to benefit fast‐growing, early‐successional species such as aspen, genotype‐mediated selection for soil microbial communities may feed back to positively affect plant fitness. In addition, belowground communities exhibited significant shifts in response to leaf litter inputs. When exposed to foreign litter, microbial communities changed to become more similar to the microbial community beneath the foreign litter's origin, indicating that belowground microbial communities are predictable given the genotype of the aboveground aspen clone.
Trait diversity on the phylogeny of cerrado woody species
Authors: Batalha Marco Antônio , Silva Igor Aurélio , Cianciaruso Marcus Vinicius , de Carvalho Gustavo Henrique
Published: May 2011

During the Neogene, the Brazilian cerrado became established as a large‐scale vegetation type. Cerrado lineages started to diversify less than 10 million years ago, coinciding with the rise to dominance of flammable C4grasses and the expansion of the savanna biome. Cerrado lineages are strongly associated with adaptations to fire and have sister groups in fire‐free nearby forests, implying that the cerrado formed in situ via adaptive shifts to resist fire. By including phylogeny into the analysis of biological traits, we investigated trait diversity of cerrado woody species in a phylogenetic context, sampling a cerrado site in central Brazil. Decomposing trait diversity along the nodes of a phylogenetic tree of cerrado woody species, we found that the rate of trait diversification was higher in the past, coinciding with the major species diversification of angiosperms in mid‐Cretaceous, long before the cerrado originated. Some more recent adaptive shifts to resist fire, however, must have occurred during the origin and expansion of the cerrado woody flora. Analysing values of each trait separately at the tips of the phylogenetic tree, we found that most trait values were randomly distributed, probably because we analysed only species that had already been filtered by drought, fire, and soil. Analysing values of all traits simultaneously at the tips, we found close to root events and broad, macro‐evolutionary patterns, called ‘global structures’, opposing some lineages, especially Fabaceae and Myrtaceae, with different ecological strategies. Fabaceae presented compound, large, tender leaves, with high nitrogen content due to symbiosis with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria, and Myrtaceae presented simple, small, tough leaves, with low nitrogen and high potassium content. We also found relatively recent events that induced divergence of the evolutionary strategies close to the tips, called ‘local structures’, involving more recent changes in most lineages.
Paediatric functional abdominal pain: significance of child and maternal health A prospective study
Authors: Helgeland Helene , Van Roy Betty , Sandvik Leiv , Markestad Trond , Kristensen Hanne
Published: May 2011

Aim:  First, to what extent do general paediatric outpatients with functional abdominal pain experience other somatic and mental health symptoms compared with children in a population‐based sample? Second, to what extent are such symptoms in both patients and their mothers associated with persistent child abdominal pain and functional disability?

Methods:  Ninety‐four referred patients [mean age (SD) 11.1 (1.9) years, 62% girls] were assessed by questionnaires and a paediatric consultation at baseline and at follow‐up after 6–9 months (94% follow‐up participation). At baseline, somatic and mental health symptoms in the patients were compared with a population‐based sample of 14 000 school children. Outcome at follow‐up was patient self‐reported abdominal pain and disability. Prognostic factors explored included patient and maternal somatic and mental health symptoms.

Results:  The patients experienced significantly more somatic [e.g. headache (OR: 9.2; 95% CI: 5.9–14.6)] and emotional symptoms than the school children. Patient’s older age and peer problems at baseline were significantly associated with more abdominal pain at follow‐up, whereas patient’s older age, emotional symptoms, prosocial behaviour and maternal somatic symptoms were associated with disability.

Conclusion:  Our results highlight the importance of focusing wider than just the patient’s symptoms of abdominal pain in clinical practice and research.
Resonance frequency analysis of overdenture retainer implants with immediate loading
Authors: da Silva Ronaldo José , Semprini Marisa , da Silva Cláudia Helena Lovato , Siéssere Selma , Chimello Daniela Thomazatti , Bataglion César , Savaris Cristiane , Regalo Simone Cecilio Hallak
Published: May 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00488.x
 
Resonance frequency analysis of overdenture retainer implants with immediate loading

Objective:  To evaluate 16 patients of both sexes with lower overdenture and upper complete dentures, by analysing the resonance frequency of the initial and late stability of implants used to retain the overdenture under immediate loading.

Background:  Oral rehabilitation treatment with complete dentures using implants has been increasingly more common among the specialists in the oral rehabilitation area. This is an alternative for obtaining retention and stability in treatments involving conventional complete dentures, where two implants are enough to retain the overdenture satisfactorily.

Materials and methods:  The Osstell™ Mentor device was used for the analysis in the initial period (primary stability), 3 and 15 months after the installation of the lower overdenture (secondary stability). The statistical analysis was performed with the repeated measures model (p < 0.01).

Results:  The implant stability quotients were observed to increase after 15 months of the rehabilitating treatment.

Conclusion:  The use of overdentures over two lower implants should become the treatment of choice for individuals who have a fully edentulous mandible.
Recent Advances in the Regulation of Brassinosteroid Signaling and Biosynthesis PathwaysF
Authors: Ye Huaxun , Li Lei , Yin Yanhai
Published: May 2011

Yanhai Yin (Corresponding author)

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play important roles in plant growth, development and responses to environmental cues. BRs signal through plasma membrane receptor BRI1 and co‐receptor BAK1, and several positive (BSK1, BSU1, PP2A) and negative (BKI1, BIN2 and 14–3‐3) regulators to control the activities of BES1 and BZR1 family transcription factors, which regulate the expression of hundreds to thousands of genes for various BR responses. Recent studies identified novel signaling components in the BR pathways and started to establish the detailed mechanisms on the regulation of BR signaling. In addition, the molecular mechanism and transcriptional network through which BES1 and BZR1 control gene expression and various BR responses are beginning to be revealed. BES1 recruits histone demethylases ELF6 and REF6 as well as a transcription elongation factor IWS1 to regulate target gene expression. Identification of BES1 and BZR1 target genes established a transcriptional network for BR response and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Recent studies also revealed regulatory mechanisms of BRs in many developmental processes and regulation of BR biosynthesis. Here we provide an overview and discuss some of the most recent progress in the regulation of BR signaling and biosynthesis pathways.
The discovery of the T8.5 dwarf UGPS J0521+3640
Authors: Burningham Ben , Lucas P. W. , Leggett S. K. , Smart R. , Baker D. , Pinfield D. J. , Tinney C. G. , Homeier D. , Allard F. , Zhang Z. H. , Gomes J. , Day-Jones A. C. , Jones H. R. A. , Kovács G. , Lodieu N. , Marocco F. , Murray D. N. , Sipőcz B.
Published: May 2011

We have carried out a search for late-type T dwarfs in the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey Galactic Plane Survey 6th Data Release. The search yielded two persuasive candidates, both of which have been confirmed as T dwarfs. The brightest, UGPS J0521+3640, has been assigned the spectral type T8.5 and appears to lie at a distance of 7–9 pc. The fainter of the two, UGPS J0652+0324, is classified as a T5.5 dwarf and lies at an estimated distance of 28–37 pc. Warm-Spitzer observations in IRAC channels 1 and 2, taken as part of the GLIMPSE360 Legacy Survey, are available for UGPS J0521+3640 and we used these data with the near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate its properties. We find best-fitting solar metallicity BT-Settl models for Teff= 600 and 650 K and log g= 4.5 and 5.0. These parameters suggest a mass between 14 and 32MJ for an age between 1 and 5 Gyr. The proximity of this very cool T dwarf, and its location in the Galactic plane, makes it an ideal candidate for high-resolution adaptive optics imaging to search for cool companions.
Analytical relation between two chaos indicators: FLI and MEGNO
Authors: Mestre M. F. , Cincotta P. M. , Giordano C. M.
Published: May 2011

We report an intrinsic relation between the mean exponential growth factor of nearby orbits (MEGNO) and the fast Lyapunov indicator (FLI), two variational methods that have been widely applied to stability issues in astronomy. For both continuous-time and discrete-time systems, we arrive at an analytic formula that expresses the MEGNO in terms of the FLI and its time-average. This connection, unknown for more than 10 years, allows us to understand the differences and similarities in the performance of both indicators.
Recombinant WNTs differentially activate β‐catenin‐dependent and ‐independent signalling in mouse microglia‐like cells
Authors: Kilander M. B. C. , Halleskog C. , Schulte G.
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of different recombinant, commercially available Wingless/Int‐1 (WNTs) with regard to WNT/β‐catenin signalling, dishevelled (DVL) and G protein activation and the induction of cell proliferation in a microglia‐like cell line called N13.

Methods:  For detection of activated signalling molecules, cell lysates are analysed by immunoblotting. Furthermore, we used a [γ35S] GTP binding assay to monitor the exchange of GDP for GTP in heterotrimeric G proteins in N13 membrane preparations. Cell proliferation was assessed by the 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay measuring mitochondrial function, which is proportional to the amount of viable cells.

Results:  Of the WNTs tested (WNT‐3A, ‐4, ‐5A, ‐5B, ‐7A,‐9B), only WNT‐3A activated WNT/β‐catenin signalling in N13 cells. All WNTs induced the formation of Phosphorylated and Shifted DVL (PS‐DVL) and the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins with variable efficacies. WNT‐5A and WNT‐9B, which had the highest efficacy in the G protein assay, also induced N13 cell proliferation.

Conclusion:  WNTs show significant differences in their efficacy to activate β‐catenin‐dependent and ‐independent signalling. The WNTs tested are present during maturation of the central nervous system and/or in the adult brain and are thus potential regulators of microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation.
Purification of Polyphenoloxidase from the Purple‐fleshed Potato (Solanum tuberosum Jasim) and its Secondary Structure
Authors: Jang J. , Song K.B.
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT: Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) was purified from purple‐fleshed potatoes (Solanum tuberosum Jasim) using membrane concentration, ammonium sulfate fractionation, Resource Q ion exchange chromatography, and Sephacryl S‐200 HR gel permeation chromatography. PPO was purified 78‐fold from a crude extract. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results showed that the purified enzyme has a major subunit molecular weight of 40 kDa. To elucidate the secondary structure of the purified PPO, circular dichroism (CD) was performed. The CD spectrum of the purified enzyme showed that PPO contains 35% α‐helix, 30% β‐turn, and 35% random coil structure.
Fatty Acids Released from Milk Fat by Lipoprotein Lipase and Lipolytic Psychrotrophs
Authors: Ouattara GC , Jeon IJ , Hart‐Thakur RA , Schmidt KA
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT: The ability of 13 different strains of psychrotrophs to release free fatty acids in milk was evaluated by using GC analysis. The 13 strains could be categorized into 3 groups: Group 1 consisted of bacteria that grew well and released large quantities of free fatty acids, group 2 consisted of bacteria that grew well but released low amounts of free fatty acids, and group 3 consisted of bacteria that did not grow well nor released large quantities of fatty acids. In group 1, 3 strains were determined to be highly lipolytic, releasing short‐chain fatty acids in amounts greater than reported threshold values. Group 3 consisted of 2 strains, which did not grow well in heat‐treated milk, and the subsequent release of free fatty acids was minor during the 10‐d monitoring time. The other 8 strains tested showed no specific pattern of fatty acid release and quantities of short‐chain fatty acids were not large, despite the ability to grow to high numbers in the treated milk. This work indicates that the lipolytic activity of psychrotrophs common in raw milk is specific to the species and a general prediction of free fatty acid release may not be possible.
Treatment of Grape Juice by Osmotic Evaporation
Authors: Versari A. , Ferrarini R. , Tornielli G.B. , Parpinello G.P. , Gostoli C. , Celotti E.
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT: Osmotic evaporation (OE) was applied to grape juice to increase the sugar content and thus to improve the quality of wine obtained after fermentation. The use of aqueous solutions of glycerol as extractant avoids corrosion and scaling, which are the main problems in OE with brines. Preliminary experiments were performed on lab scale using water or glucose solutions as feed, and NaCl or glycerol as extractant. The runs with NaCl allowed measurement of the membrane transport properties, whereas glycerol was used to quantify the concentration polarization phenomena involved. The extract side concentration polarization severely limited the flux achievable for glycerol concentration above 50% wt, while the extract side concentration was negligible in the OE with NaCl. The feed side concentration polarization played a minor role for glucose content up to 40% wt. Experiments with grape juice were performed on pilot scale equipped with plate and frame modules. The performance were in good agreement with lab results on glucose model solutions, the lower flux observed was due only to the low temperature of operation. The process was tested on 3 types of grape juice (white, rosé, and red). Treated and control juices were fermented, and corresponding wines were analyzed for selected parameters and evaluated by sensory analysis. The OE treatment removed water from grape juice and increased both the total soluble solids and sugar content of juice, thus ethanol content and dry extract in wine always increased. The osmotic evaporation significantly improved sensory quality of red wine that was judged as having a full body, more structure, and persistence.
Developing a Descriptive Analysis Procedure for Evaluating the Sensory Characteristics of Soy Sauce
Authors: Jeong S.‐Y. , Chung S.‐J. , Suh D.‐S. , Suh B.‐C. , Kim K.O.
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT: The intense and complex flavor characteristics of soy sauce makes it very difficult to obtain a comprehensive sensory profiling, and an effective descriptive analysis protocol for soy sauce products has not yet been established. The aims of this study were (1) to establish an objective, effective, and powerful descriptive analysis procedure that can be used to understand the sensory characteristics of soy sauce products and (2) to evaluate the sensory characteristics of 6 fermented type soy sauces with high market share in Korea. The test procedures, reference standards, and definitions for the descriptive terms of soy sauces were developed by 8 trained panelists. Panelists developed 11 aroma attributes, 10 flavor attributes, and 1 mouth feel attribute for evaluating the sensory characteristics of soy sauces. The data set were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and principal component analysis. There were significant differences among the soy sauce samples in the intensity of all the sensory attributes. The 1st and 2nd principal component (PC) explained 53.6% and 23.5% of the total variation, respectively. The basic taste attributes and fermented/chemical attributes were the dominant attributes defining PC1 and PC2 axes, respectively.
Effect of Pilot‐Scale Aseptic Processing on Tomato Soup Quality Parameters
Authors: Colle Ines J.P. , Andrys Anna , Grundelius Andrea , Lemmens Lien , Löfgren Anders , Van Buggenhout Sandy , Van Loey Ann , Hendrickx Marc
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Tomatoes are often processed into shelf‐stable products. However, the different processing steps might have an impact on the product quality. In this study, a model tomato soup was prepared and the impact of pilot‐scale aseptic processing, including heat treatment and high‐pressure homogenization, on some selected quality parameters was evaluated. The vitamin C content, the lycopene isomer content, and the lycopene bioaccessibility were considered as health‐promoting attributes. As a structural characteristic, the viscosity of the tomato soup was investigated. A tomato soup without oil as well as a tomato soup containing 5% olive oil were evaluated. Thermal processing had a negative effect on the vitamin C content, while lycopene degradation was limited. For both compounds, high‐pressure homogenization caused additional losses. High‐pressure homogenization also resulted in a higher viscosity that was accompanied by a decrease in lycopene bioaccessibility. The presence of lipids clearly enhanced the lycopene isomerization susceptibility and improved the bioaccessibility.

Practical Application:  The results obtained in this study are of relevance for product formulation and process design of tomato‐based food products.
Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Lantana and Sweet Pepper Seeds and Nabak Seed Kernels
Authors: Embaby Hassan El‐Sayed , Mokhtar Sayed Mohamed
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Chemical analysis was carried out on lantana (Lantana camara) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds and nabak (Zizyphus spina‐christi) seed kernels. The proximate analysis (on dry weight basis) of sweet pepper seeds, lantana seeds, and nabak seed kernels showed the following composition: moisture 70.95%, 17.27%, and 4.22%; ash 4.88%, 1.81%, and 3.51%; fat 19.57%, 11.0%, and 30.19%; crude protein 19.28%, 6.3%, and 38.2%; and carbohydrate 56.3%, 80.9%, and 28.1%, respectively. For minerals, potassium was the most abundant element, followed by phosphorus and sodium. Also, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese were detected. Analysis of amino acids revealed that the first limiting amino acid was valine, for both lantana and sweet pepper seeds, but it was threonine for nabak seed kernels. Antinutritional compounds, including, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor, and tannins, were detected in all seeds. Results of fatty acid compositions showed that the major fatty acid was oleic acid in both lantana (48.73%) and nabak oils (53.25%), but it was linoleic acid in sweet pepper oil (71.55%). Moreover, the degree of unsaturation of these oils was close to that of common vegetable oils. In all oils, there was absorbance in the ultraviolet (UV)‐B and UV‐C ranges with potential for use as broad spectrum UV protectants. It can be inferred that the seeds investigated are good sources of crude fat, crude protein, ash, carbohydrate, and some minerals. Furthermore, the oil extracts could be useful as edible oils and for industrial applications.

Practical Application:  The nutritional composition of the investigated seeds suggested that they could be used to meet part of the nutritional requirements of animal feeds. Also, they could be regarded as good sources of food ingredients and as new sources of edible oils.
Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitors Separated from Oiltea Camellia by High‐Speed Counter‐Current Chromatography
Authors: Chen Qiuping , Luo Xiaowei , Ma Xiaofeng , Jiang Tianjia , Lu Baiyi , Shen Jianfu , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  The inhibitory effects of oiltea camellia extracts (OCEs) and its active components on fatty acid synthase (FAS) were investigated. OCE potently inhibited the activity of FAS with an half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.30 μg/mL. The inhibition kinetic results showed that OCE and acetyl‐CoA competitively inhibited FAS but these compounds exhibited mixed inhibition against malonyl‐CoA and NADPH. Further study uncovered that the active components of OCE, ellagic acid (EA) and 3‐O‐methylellagic acid 4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (MEAG), which were isolated and purified by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) using a 2‐phase solvent system of chloroform‐ethanol‐water‐acetic acid (4:3:2:0.01, v/v/v/v), inhibited FAS with IC50 of 2.50 and 37.73 μg/mL, respectively. Their inhibition kinetics were different from that of OCE. Both of them exhibited uncompetitive inhibition for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and decreased the FAS activity through inactivation of acetyl/malonyl transferase on FAS. These results suggest that OCE could be a valuable resource for bioactive substances.

Practical Application:  With the gradual increase in tea oil production, it was in urgent need of dealing with Camellia fruit hull, which was always discarded because of low economic benefits. Camellia fruit hull has been shown to have significant antioxidant effects including 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging ability and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power. This study found that the ethanolic extract of Camellia fruit hull at low concentration efficiently inhibited FAS activity, which is a potential therapy target of both obesity and cancer. These results suggest that OCE could be a valuable resource for bioactive substances.
Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Production of the Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) Spirit Using the Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Duarte Whasley Ferreira , Amorim Juliana Cunha , de Assis Lago Lilian , Dias Disney Ribeiro , Schwan Rosane Freitas
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  The jabuticaba tree (Brazilian grape tree) is a tree native to Brazil that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. The jabuticaba fruit is used in some regions of Brazil to produce juices, jams, wine, and ice cream. In this work, the fermentation conditions (temperature and °Brix) for producing jabuticaba distillate were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for fermentation were found to be 20 °C and 22 °Brix. In repeated experiments to validate the model, experimental data exhibited good agreement with the predicted data. The distillate jabuticaba beverage showed a peculiar chemical composition with 20 volatile compounds that were identified and quantified. Isoamyl alcohols (2‐methyl‐1‐butanol + 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol) were the most abundant volatile compounds identified in jabuticaba spirit. Sensory analysis by tasters showed overall approval of jabuticaba distillate. In principal component analysis, when the beverage was evaluated by panelists under 24 y old tended to give favorable ratings of aroma and taste, as well as high overall scores. The group of panelists between the ages of 25 and 53 y old generally gave high marks for appearance in the principal component analysis.

Practical Application:  This study describes the study of fermentation conditions of jabuticaba pulp for production of jabuticaba spirit. Based on the results of this work, the proposed method can be an alternative for the use of the jabuticaba fruit, and may provide a new industrial outlet for this fruit.
Determination of Lactic Microflora of Kefir Grains and Kefir Beverage by Using Culture‐Dependent and Culture‐Independent Methods
Authors: Kesmen Zülal , Kacmaz Nazife
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  In this study, we investigated the bacterial compositions of kefir grains and kefir beverages collected from different regions of Turkey by using culture‐independent and culture‐dependent methods. In the culture‐independent detection, 10 different species of bacteria were detected in total by using the polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene V3 region. Among these species, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens was the most dominant one in the kefir grains, while Lactococcus lactis was found to be significantly prevalent in the kefir beverages. In the culture‐dependent detection, the primary differentiation and grouping of the isolates from kefir beverages and kefir grains were performed using repetitive sequence‐based PCR (rep‐PCR) fingerprinting, and the results were validated by 16S rDNA full‐length sequencing. According to the results of culture‐dependent methods, the most frequently isolated species were L. lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Lactobacillus kefiri, respectively. Only 3 species, which are L. lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus, were detected with both culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. This study showed that the combination of both methods is necessary for a detailed and reliable investigation of microbial communities in kefir grains and kefir beverages.

Practical Application:  Due to their artisan‐ and region‐dependent microflora, kefir products can be a source of interesting lactic acid bacteria, either new taxa or strains with specific functional properties, which might be used for the development of new starter cultures and innovative food products. Therefore, an increasing demand exists for new strains that show desirable effects on the product characteristics Artisan dairy products are a candidate source of such microorganisms. For this reason, in this study, the bacterial compositions of kefir grains and kefir beverages obtained from different regions of Turkey were studied using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent molecular methods.
Online Shear Viscosity Measurement of Starchy Melts Enriched in Wheat Bran
Authors: Robin Frédéric , Bovet Nicolas , Pineau Nicolas , Schuchmann Heike P. , Palzer Stefan
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Addition of wheat bran to flours modifies their expansion properties after cooking extrusion. This can be attributed to changes in the melt shear viscosity at the die. The effect of wheat bran concentration added to achieve 2 levels of dietary fibers of 12. 6% and 24.4%, and process conditions on the shear viscosity of wheat flour was therefore assessed using an online twin‐slit rheometer. The shear viscosity measured at 30 s−1 ranged from 9.5 × 103 to 53.4 × 103 Pa s. Regardless of the process conditions and bran concentration, the extruded melts showed a pseudoplastic behavior with a power law index n ranging from 0.05 to 0.27. Increasing the barrel temperature of the extruder from 120 to 180 °C, the water content from 18% to 22% or the screw speed from 400 to 800 rpm significantly decreased the melt shear viscosity at the extruder exit. The addition of bran significantly increased the melt shear viscosity only at the highest bran concentration. The effect was process condition dependant. Mathematical interpretations, based upon observations, of the experimental data were carried out. They can be used to predict the effect of the process conditions on the melt shear viscosity at the die of extruded wheat flour with increasing bran concentration. The viscosity data will be applied in future works to study the expansion properties of extruded wheat flour supplemented with bran.

Practical Application:  Incorporation of wheat bran, a readily available and low cost by‐product, in extruded puffed foods is constrained due to its negative effect on the product texture. Understanding the effect of wheat bran on rheological properties of extruded melts, driving the final product properties, is essential to provide solutions to the food industry and enhance its use.
Mild Protein Oxidation Enhanced Hydration and Myofibril Swelling Capacity of Fresh Ground Pork Muscle Packaged in High Oxygen Atmosphere
Authors: Delles Rebecca M. , Xiong Youling L. , True Alma D.
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  This study investigated the influence of an oxygen‐enriched modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx: 80% O2/20% CO2) in comparison with air‐permeable polyvinylchloride (PVC) wrapping and partial vacuum (VP: 60%) packaging on the ability of myofibrils to imbibe water during retail display of fresh ground pork at 2 to 4 °C. Both HiOx and PVC muscles after 4 d showed maximum myofibril swelling and A‐band dissolution when isolated myofibrils were subjected to a graded series of salt solutions (0.2→0.4 M NaCl with 10‐mM sodium pyrophosphate, pH 6.2), while VP samples exhibited no remarkable change. Protein carbonyl content increased substantially from day 0 to 4 in all muscle samples. For HiOx, muscle hydration capacity increased linearly (P < 0.05) during storage up to 14 d, corresponding to protein carbonyl production. No significant changes in hydration properties were noted in VP muscle samples, which also maintained lower levels of protein oxidation, during storage up to 21 d. These results indicated that packaging in modified atmosphere with high levels of oxygen could result in increased protein oxidation but enhanced hydration capacity of fresh meat.

Practical Application:  Packaging of fresh meat, including ground pork, under an oxygen‐enriched atmosphere condition is widely used in the industry to preserve red color of meat. Results from the present study indicate that high oxygen packaging has a discordant effect on fresh ground pork: it enhances hydration but decreases water‐binding, and this seems to be caused by increased swelling of muscle fibers due to mild protein oxidation. Hence, it is advisable to employ a water‐binding agent in this type of packaging system so as to retain the moisture in stored fresh pork products while maintaining the color stability.
The intrinsic fluorescence spectrum of dilute gastric juice as a novel diagnostic tool for gastric cancer
Authors: ZHOU Li Ya , LIN San Ren , LI Yuan , GENG Qiu Ming , DING Shi Gang , MENG Ling Mei , SUN Xiao Ning , WANG Jing Tong , XU Zhi Jie , GUO Hui Lan , LI Cheng Gang , CUI Rong Li
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the intrinsic fluorescence spectrum of gastric juice as a diagnostic method for gastric cancer.

METHODS:  We collected gastric juice by gastroscopy in 1870 patients from May 2001 to March 2006, of whom 202 were involved in a preliminary test, 162 in experimental optimization and 1506 in clinical verification. The best dilution and pH value were chosen in the experimental optimization phase. Clinical verification was based on optimized samples. Intrinsic fluorescence spectra were measured in all samples with a fluorescence spectrophotometer using an excitation wavelength of 288 nm.

RESULTS:  The first peak of fluorescence intensity (P1FI) of the intrinsic fluorescence spectrum was significantly higher in gastric juice from patients with gastric cancer than from those with benign lesions. There was no significant difference in the P1FI differences between patients with benign and malignant lesions with samples diluted by 20‐fold to 80‐fold and from pH 9 to pH 11. Clinical verification in 1506 patients showed that P1FI ≥ 76.5 was the optimal cut‐off on the receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosing gastric cancers: sensitivity was 83.2%, specificity 80.7% and accuracy 82.0%.

CONCLUSIONS:  P1FI of the intrinsic fluorescence at 288 nm is significantly higher in patients with gastric cancers than in individuals with benign lesions. As a clinical indicator of gastric cancer, its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were high.
The effect of fundoplication on proliferative and anti‐apoptotic activity of esophageal mucosa in gastroesophageal reflux disease: 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: RANTANEN Tuomo , OKSALA Niku , HONKANEN Teemu , RÄSÄNEN Jari , SIHVO Eero , MATTILA Jorma , PAIMELA Hannu , PAAVONEN Timo , SALO Jarmo
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:  The capacity of fundoplication to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma is controversial. Development of cancer is associated with proliferation and anti‐apoptosis, for which little data exist as to their response to fundoplication. Therefore, we wanted to clarify the effect of fundoplication on the magnitude of Ki‐67 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) during 48 months of follow up.

METHODS:  Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 were assessed quantitatively from biopsies of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and from the distal and proximal esophagus of 20 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated by fundoplication. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months for 20 patients and 48 months for 16 patients, respectively. Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 were compared to those of 7 controls.

RESULTS:  Compared to the preoperative level, Ki‐67 was elevated in the distal (P = 0.012) and proximal (P = 0.007) esophagus at 48 months. Compared to control values, Ki‐67 was lower at 6 months in the EGJ (P = 0.037) and the proximal esophagus (P = 0.003) and higher at 48 months in the distal esophagus (P = 0.002). Compared to control values, Bcl‐2 was lower at 6 months in the EGJ (P = 0.038). Correlations between Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 were positive in the EGJ (P > 0.001) and in the distal (P = 0.001) and proximal esophagus (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION:  Proliferative activity after fundoplication increased during long‐term follow up in the distal esophagus despite a normal fundic wrap and objective healing of GERD.
Visualization studies on evidence‐based medicine domain knowledge (series 2): structural diagrams of author networks
Authors: Shen Jiantong , Yao Leye , Li Youping , Clarke Mike , Gan Qi , Fan Yi , Li Yifei , Gou Yongchao , Zhong Dake , Wang Li
Published: May 2011

Objective To investigate the output of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) researchers in China and elsewhere by examining the EBM domains they work within and the networks that exist among them; using visualization methods to analyze these relationships. This maps the current situation and helps with the identification of areas for future growth.

Methods We used co‐citation matrixes with Pathfinder networks and hierarchical clustering algorithms, and constructed a co‐author matrix which were analyzed with a whole network approach. The analyzed matrixes were visualized with the UCINET program.

Results Much of the development of EBM has been centered around three authors, David Sackett, Gordon Guyatt and L Manchikanti, within three different clusters. The main authors of EBM articles in China were divided into nine academic domains. The relations among core authors of articles indexed by the Science Citation Index (SCI) was loose. There was a stronger co‐authorship network among core authors in the Chinese literature, with three groups and 21 cliques. Nine distinct academic communities appeared to have formed around Li Youping, Liu Ming and Zhang Mingming.

Conclusion The EBM literature contains several key clusters, with universities in high‐income countries being the source of the majority of articles. Outside China, McMaster University in Canada, the original home of EBM, is the dominant producer of EBM publications. In China, Sichuan University is the main source of EBM publications. The EBM cooperation network in China is comprised of three major groups, the largest and most productive in this sample is led by Li Youping with Liu Ming, Zhang Mingming, Li Jing, Wang Li, Wu Taixiang, and Liu Guanjian as central members.
Robotic thymectomy: The Hong Kong experience
Authors: Hsin Michael K.Y. , Wan Innes Y. P.
Published: May 2011

Thymectomy is widely employed as part of the management for generalized myasthenia gravis. The surgical approach has evolved over the years, and although there is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical approach, minimally invasive techniques such as video‐assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy have gained popularity. Robotic‐assisted surgical systems have been employed in recent years to perform thymectomies as the robotic arm allows extra wrist action of the instruments which provide seven degrees of movement, giving improved dexterity compared to the conventional thoracoscopic approach. Here we describe our early experience with the da Vinci system in thymectomy. Between April 2006 and November 2009, 12 robotic‐assisted complete thymectomy procedures were performed with no need for conversion to open procedures. Operation times ranged from 100 minutes to 200 minutes (mean time 140 minutes). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Nearly all chest drains were removed on postoperative day 1 and the mean hospital stay was 4 days. The follow‐up period ranged from 2 to 44 months. Early postoperative evaluations showed one patient had complete remission of symptoms (DeFilippi class 1) and 11 patients became asymptomatic or less symptomatic with a decreased medication requirement (DeFilippi class 2 and 3). Our early experience suggests that robotic thymectomy is comparable to video‐assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy, and our results appear to be comparable to those reported in the literature. A larger number of cases and more extended follow up is needed to fully evaluate the merits of robotic thymectomy.
Agarose gel serum protein electrophoresis in cats with and without lymphoma and preliminary results of tandem mass fingerprinting analysis
Authors: Gerou‐Ferriani Magda , McBrearty Alix R. , Burchmore Richard J. , Jayawardena Kamburapola G.I. , Eckersall P. David , Morris Joanna S.
Published: May 2011

Background:Serum electrophoretic profiles in cats are poorly characterized with respect to the proteins that comprise the globulin fractions, and interpretation of the electrophoretograms is routinely done in the absence of information about identity of the proteins found within each fraction.

Objectives:The aims of this study were to compare protein fractions separated by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in healthy cats and in cats with lymphoma and to confirm some component proteins in the major fractions following SPE using tandem mass fingerprinting analysis (TMFA).

Methods:Total protein concentration was measured and agarose gel SPE performed on serum from 14 healthy cats and 14 cats with lymphoma. The absolute protein concentration within each fraction was compared between the 2 groups. Bands corresponding to the SPE fractions were excised from the gels of 2 control cats and 1 cat with lymphoma and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Results were compared with sequences in the National Center for Biotechnology Information protein database.

Results:Median albumin concentrations were significantly decreased and median β‐globulin concentrations were significantly increased in cats with lymphoma. Narrow electrophoretic spikes were present in the β/γ‐globulin fraction in 3 cats with lymphoma. Following TMFA, multiple proteins were identified in each fraction, and their mobility agreed with results from previous studies generated using alternative techniques. Inter‐α (globulin) inhibitor 4 was identified in feline serum for the first time.

Conclusions:Cats with lymphoma had lower albumin and higher β‐globulin concentrations than did healthy cats. Despite limitations of one‐dimensional agarose gel SPE, TMFA provided preliminary data to confirm the protein components of the various fractions.
An integrated model of habitat and species occurrence dynamics
Authors: MacKenzie Darryl I. , Bailey Larissa L. , Hines James E. , Nichols James D.
Published: May 2011

1. Relationships between animal populations and their habitats are well known and commonly acknowledged to be important by animal ecologists, conservation biologists and wildlife managers. Such relationships are most commonly viewed as static, such that habitat at time t is viewed as a determinant of animals present at that same time, t, or sometimes as a determinant of animal population or occurrence dynamics (e.g. between t and t+1).

2. Here, we motivate interest in simultaneous dynamics of both habitat and occupancy state (e.g. species presence or absence) and develop models to estimate parameters that describe the dynamics of such systems.

3. The models permit inference about transition probabilities for both habitat and focal species occupancy, such that habitat transitions may influence focal species transitions and vice versa.

4. Example analyses using data from salamanders in the eastern United States are presented for (i) the special case in which habitat is characterized as either suitable or unsuitable and (ii) the more general case in which different habitat states are expected to influence occupancy dynamics in a less extreme manner (occupancy is possible in the various habitat states).

5. We believe that the integrated inference methods presented here will be useful for a variety of ecological and conservation investigations and attain special relevance in the face of habitat dynamics driven by such factors as active management, land use changes and climate change.
The phase diagram of cetomacrogol 1000—water–benzaldehyde in the presence of gallate antioxidants
Authors: NIXON J R , HAQUE R S UL , CARLESS J E
Published: May 2011

The phase equilibria of the system cetomacrogol 1000–water–benz-aldehyde have been examined in the presence of a homologous series of gallates. Differential scanning calorimetry indicates that a bonded complex is formed in solution between the cetomacrogol and the gallate. The surface-active agent has, therefore, been considered as being the total amount of cetomacrogol and gallate in the system and different ratios have been used to prepare the phase diagrams. As the proportion of gallate increases, the liquid crystal phases become smaller and eventually disappear. It is suggested that this is because the bulky cetomacrogol 1000-gallate complex is unable to form the highly orientated liquid crystal micelles.
The buccal absorption of some barbiturates
Authors: BECKETT A H , MOFFAT A C
Published: May 2011

The buccal absorptions of five barbiturates have been determined over the pH range 3 to 9. The absorptions increased as the pH decreased until pH 5.5 when they remained constant. No correlation between the absorptions and chloroform–0.1n HCl partition coefficients was apparent, indicating that the adsorptive power of the buffer-buccal membrane interface may represent more exactly the real affinity of the membrane for barbiturates than do partition coefficients with chloroform.
The effects of pentobarbitone sodium on the carbon dioxide response and production, and oxygen consumption of the rabbit
Authors: PLEUVRY BARBARA J , HUNTER A R
Published: May 2011

The effect of intravenous doses of pentobarbitone sodium on the ventilatory response to CO2, CO2 production and O2 consumption were investigated in the rabbit. Pentobarbitone sodium depressed the ventilatory response to CO2, but the time course of this effect showed a biphasic character whereas depression of unchallenged minute volume did not. O2 consumption and CO2 production were reduced by pentobarbitone, but although the degree and duration of the depression increased with increasing dose, the values returned to control values before depression of respiratory minute volume and response to CO2. The possibility that these results may explain the lack of progressive depression of respiratory minute volume with increasing dose of barbiturate, previously reported by the authors, is discussed.
A new approach to the study of serum concentrations of orally administered cephalexin
Authors: O'CALLAGHAN CYNTHIA H , TOOTILL J P R , ROBINSON W D
Published: May 2011

Studies of cephalexin in man showed that the conventionally constructed average serum level curves could give misleading results, with the average peak serum level from the curve being lower than the peak titres of the individual curves contributing to it. It was also difficult to determine whether there were significant differences between such curves obtained from different preparations. Smooth curves were constructed from the observed data by computer methods; they were then arranged by the computer to have their peaks coincident in time and then averaged to give a curve much more similar in shape to its components. After the computer had fitted the smooth curve for each individual, it was possible to calculate a number of different parameters for each volunteer. Analysis of variance could then be done on these parameters, and thus significant differences between the results from tests on different preparations could readily be determined.
Relationship of metacognition, absorption, and depersonalization in patients with auditory hallucinations
Authors: Perona‐Garcelán Salvador , García‐Montes José M. , Ductor‐Recuerda María J. , Vallina‐Fernández Oscar , Cuevas‐Yust Carlos , Pérez‐Álvarez Marino , Salas‐Azcona Rosario , Gómez‐Gómez María T.
Published: May 2011

Objectives. The purpose of this work was to study the relationship of metacognition, absorption, and depersonalization in hallucinating patients.

Design. A within‐subjects correlational design was employed.

Methods. We formed four groups from a clinical population (schizophrenic patients with hallucinations, schizophrenic patients with no hallucinations but with delusions, schizophrenic patients recovered from positive symptoms, and patients with a non‐psychotic psychiatric disorder) and a non‐clinical control group. All participants were given the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ‐30, Wells & Cartwright‐Hatton, 2004), the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS, Tellegen & Atkinson, 1974) and the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS, Sierra & Berrios, 2000).

Results. Schizophrenic subjects with hallucinations scored significantly higher on the depersonalization scale than any other group, and significantly higher on the absorption scale than any group except for the clinical patient controls. Schizophrenic patients with hallucinations also had significantly more dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs than subjects with no psychiatric pathology. It was further found that the metacognition variable correlated positively with the absorption and depersonalization variables, and that these variables in turn correlated positively with each other. Finally, it should be stressed that the variables that best predict hallucination severity are depersonalization and the MCQ‐30 subscale `Need to control thoughts’.

Conclusions. We discuss the role of metacognitive and dissociative variables in understanding hallucinations and suggest some approaches to their treatment.