bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of formulation and processing variables on dry fish feed pellets containing fish waste
Authors: Das Himadri K , Hattula M Tapani , Myllymäki Olavi M , Mälkki Yrjö
Published: October 2006

A low‐cost preparation process starting from fish waste, pregelatinised wheat flour and soya flour was optimised with regard to the physical properties of the pellets, by using response surface modelling. Independent variables were the ratio of wheat flour to soya flour, quantity of added water, temperature of added water, and mixing time. Pellet quality attributes measured for each set of variables were bulk density, water absorption index, sinking velocity, residual moisture, and structural integrity in water. Mixing time played the most important role among the input variables in defining pellet quality. The results suggest that a dry fish feed pellet of good quality can be manufactured by a simple pressing method using a mixture of 50% fish waste, 30–35% pregelatinised wheat flour, and 15–20% soya meal mixed with water (30‐35% of the sum of other ingredients) of 60–65°C for 4–5 min. A method for determining structural integrity of pellets in turbulent water is presented.
Effect of chemical treatments of sugar beet fibre on their physico‐chemical properties and on their in‐vitro fermentation
Authors: Auffret A , Barry J‐L , Thibault J‐F
Published: October 2006

Chemically treated and dried sugar beet fibres were fermented in vitro in order to study the effects of chemical and physico‐chemical parameters of dietary fibre on their colonic fermentation. Sugar beet fibre was treated with dilute alkali, removing mainly acetyl and methyl ester groups, and/or with dilute acids eliminating arabinose, galactose and certain uronic acid residues. The chemical treatments led to an increase in the hydration properties and fermentability by improvement of the accessibility of the remaining polysaccharides. However, if the chemically treated fibres were dried under harsh conditions (100°C), their hydration properties and their fermentability were limited, probably because of structural collapse of the fibre matrix. Whatever the conditions for chemical treatments and drying of the sugar beet fibres, it was possible to predict their fermentability from the water‐binding capacity. Because of the relationship between the physiological effects of dietary fibres and the extent to which they are fermented, this result underlines the importance of the physico‐chemical characterisation of the fibre in order to acquire a better knowledge of their physiological effects.
Changes in carbohydrate composition of seeds of Litchi chinensis sonn during maturation
Authors: Kumari A , Jha A K , Prasad J S , Singh A K , Prasad U S
Published: October 2006

The accumulation of starch and total sugar, mainly as sucrose, is a feature of seeds of the litchi cultivars ‘Deshi’ and ‘Kasba’ up to the fully ripe stage of fruits. The precocious loss of food reserves, as evidenced by a decline in starch content in over‐mature seeds of senescing fruits, may be detrimental to loss of seed viability. Kinetin application leads to low contents of starch, sugar and lactic acid. This indicates that starch synthesis is possibly slowed down due to non‐availability of sugars resulting from the reversal of their translocation as a consequence of kinetin application, which also facilitates aerobic metabolism of pyruvate affecting the lactate level. By contrast, cycloheximide brings about initial decline but later accumulation of starch and sugars, through a rise in sucrose content indicating an enzymic pathway and that the enzymes need to be synthesised, but the synthesis is inhibited by cycloheximide application. Similarly, enzyme‐mediated lactate production is also interfered by cycloheximide application.
The newly extended maize internode: A model for the study of secondary cell wall formation and consequences for digestibility
Authors: Scobbie Lorraine , Russell Wendy , Provan Gordon J , Chesson Andrew
Published: October 2006

The upper five internodes were collected from maize (Zea mays L) inbred cell lines Co 125 and W401 harvested at the same developmental stage, 5 days after silking. Each internode was dissected into ten equal lengths labelled A (top) to J (base). The youngest cells were found in section J, which contained the intercalary meristem, and the oldest in section A. Internodes 1, 3 and 5 provided material for chemical analysis and internodes 2 and 4 for degradability measurements. Cell wall material accounted for one‐third of dry matter in section J, doubling to two‐thirds in the upper half of each internode. Only section J exhibited a polysaccharide profile typical of primary cell walls. In all other sections, 1,4‐linked glucose (± 46% of cell wall) and xylan largely free from side chains (± 25% of cell wall) predominated. Net accretion of cell wall polysaccharide reached a maximum by segment G and thereafter little additional carbohydrate was deposited. Lignification appeared to be separated from the biogenesis of structural carbohydrate and continued over much of each internode reaching a maximum in section C. Degradability measurements, made using a modified neutral‐detergent cellulase digestibility method, showed substantial differences between sections. In line Co 125, cell wall degradability fell from over 95% in the youngest section (J) to approximately 24% in section B. Internode 4 of line W401 failed to show the same pattern of degradabilities, probably because of a sequential rather than simultaneous pattern of internode elongation. Saponifiable p‐coumaric acid appeared to provide a more sensitive marker than lignin of the extent of secondary wall development. The inverse relationship between extent of lignification in each section and its degradability confirmed the value of the internode model for the study of secondary wall formation and its biological consequences.
Quantification of aroma vapours sorbed in polyethene films using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Johansson Fredrik , Leufvén Anders , Eskilson Mats
Published: October 2006

Extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide was used to quantity the amounts of seven different aroma vapours sorbed in polyethene films. The method was found to completely extract all aroma compounds from the films. The solution of aroma compounds in the polymer films decreased with increasing polymer density. Monoterpenes were always completely sorbed in the films, whereas aldehydes and ketones had a much lower affinity for the films. The sulphur‐containing compound, thiophene, was difficult to analyse due to its adsorption on metal surfaces.
A method for the detection of carbonyl compounds in wine: Glyoxal and methylglyoxal
Authors: De Revel Gilles , Bertrand Alain
Published: October 2006

Wine aldehydes were identified as O‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl)‐hydroxylamine derivatives by GC‐MS or with a GC‐electron‐capture detector. This method has been used to evaluate levels of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in wine. Reproducibility and linearity studies gave satisfying results. Glyoxal and methylglyoxal are formed during fermentation. Among the factors affecting their production, high musts pH increased the levels found in the corresponding wines. Various microorganisms of the wine such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Leuconostoc ænos can produce glyoxal and methylglyoxal. The concentrations in Sherry wines were particularly high. Because of the toxicological properties of these substances, their determination and the knowledge of their metabolism by wine microorganisms are very important.
L‐canavanine: A natural feed‐intake inhibitor for pigs (isolation, identification and significance)
Authors: Enneking Dirk , Giles Lynne C , Tate Max E , Davies Late Richard L
Published: October 2006

Abstract: A major feed‐intake inhibitor for pigs is present in seeds of Vicia villosa spp dasycarpa Roth cv Namoi. When the seed is fed for 4 days at only 80 g kg−1 of the diet, it produces a steady diminution in daily feed intake to 25% or less of their pre‐treatment consumption (P < 0·001), after the first feeding. The inhibitor has been isolated and identified as L‐canavanine. When analytically pure L‐canavanine dihydrochloride is supplied at an equivalent dietary concentration (13·0 mmol kg−1) to that supplied by 80 g kg−1 of Namoi vetch seed, it successfully mimics the response. The response is only observed after the first meal. A review of published literature showed the diversity of animal species exhibiting a feed‐inhibition response to canavanine‐containing seeds. These reports suggest that this well‐documented arginine analogue will be a useful molecule for the study of post‐ingestion feed‐intake regulation. An ambient temperature procedure for the large‐scale isolation of L‐canavanine dihydrochloride is described.
Chemical characteristics of canarium salomonense oil
Authors: Martin James , Harris Ron
Published: October 2006

Canarium salomonense (ngali nuts) had an oil content of 736 g kg−1 dry weight. The major fatty acids present were oleic (41–6%), palmitic (34–9%) and stearic (12–6% of the total fatty acids). The nuts produced a yellow oil which had a low free fatty acid content. The fatty acid composition of C salomonense is similar to palm oil and could be used as a general purpose cooking oil.
Enzymic degradation and nature of the endosperm cell walls of germinating sorghums and barley
Authors: Etokakpan Okokon U
Published: October 2006

β‐(1·3)(1·4)‐Glucans are the major components of isolated endosperm cell walls of both sorghum and barley grains and the concentration declines from 75% in unmalted barley walls to 32% in those of the 6‐day malts. In sorghums over the same period, the reduction was from 72 and 68% to 54 and 62% in varieties L187 and SK5912, respectively. Following germination wall pentosans, while enhanced in barley, decreased in sorghum. The enzymes which were unable to hydrolyse the walls of sorghum to release sugars (unlike those of barley) did so after the walls had been solubilised in alkali. Cellobiose accounted for 43% of the hydrolysates of the alkali‐solubilised walls when incubated with sorghum malt enzymes and 79% when barley enzymes were used. Laminaribiose was not detected in either case which indicates that the polysaccharide of the sorghum walls is largely of a ‘cellulosic’ nature. Preliminary evidence suggests that fuco‐xyloglucan may contribute to the resistance of the sorghum endosperm cell walls to enzymic attack during germination.
Influence of fatty acids of different unsaturation in the oxidation of purified vegetable oils during microwave irradiation
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi
Published: October 2006

Purified vegetable oils (soya bean, safflower and rapeseed) containing stearic, oleic, linoleic or linolenic acid at different levels (0.5–10.0 g kg−1), were exposed to microwave irradiation for several periods of time to study the contribution of fatty acids of different unsaturation to the oxidative stability of these oils. The evaluation of the oils was based on peroxide value or carbonyl and anisidine values as an indicator for the primary or secondary oxidation products, respectively. A pro‐oxidative effect of the added fatty acids was established. The extent of this effect depended on the degree of unsaturation of added fatty acids and/or purified vegetable oils. During microwave treatment the oxidative rate of purified vegetable oils was rapid in the presence of the unsaturated fatty acids, but comparatively lower for the corresponding saturated fatty acid or hydrocarbon. The oxidative state of the oils was lower in the rapeseed oil than in the soya bean oil or safflower oil. In assessing the propensity to oxidation particular attention should be paid to not only the type of free fatty acids, but also the difference of glyceride structure in the purified vegetable oils.
Flour, starch and alternative (wheatless) breadmaking quality of various cassava clones
Authors: Eggleston Gillian , Omoaka Paulyn E , Arowshegbe Aduni U
Published: October 2006

Alternative (wheatless) cassava breads were made with cassava flour from eight different cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) clones fortified with soya flour (200 g kg−1 total flour) using margarine and egg white, or xanthan, as additives. In this study, bread specific volumes were reliably predicted from only the diastatic activity and maximum paste viscosity of the cassava flour, although further variables still need to be investigated. Flours with diastatic activities above ∼ 145 mg of maltose, and indirectly low maximum paste viscosities, produced dense, pudding‐like structures with completely gelatinised crumbs. The flour diastatic activity was dependent on the moisture content of the freshly harvested tuberous root; above a critical threshold moisture (∼ 75 %) content the specific air intake of the loaves decreased sharply. The extent of starch gelatinisation and solubilisation did not critically affect loaf volumes but affected crumb structures.
Production of a Lactobacillus plantarum starter with linamarase and amylase activities for cassava fermentation
Authors: Giraud Eric , Gosselin Laurent , Raimbault M
Published: October 2006

Lactobacillus plantarum strain A6 isolated from cassava, cultured on cellobiose MRS medium showed a growth rate of 0.41 h−1, a biomass yield of 0.22 g g−1, and produced simultaneously an intracellular linamarase (76.4 U g−1 of biomass) and an extracellular amylase (36 U ml−1). The synthesis of both enzymes was repressed by glucose. The use of such a strain as a cassava fermentation starter for gari production had the following influences: a change from a hetero‐fermentative pattern observed in natural fermentation to a homofermentation, a lower final pH, a faster pH decline rate and a greater production of lactic acid (50 g kg−1 DM). However, this starter did not appear to play a significant role in cassava detoxification, since it was observed that the level of endogenous linamarase released during the grating of the roots was sufficient to permit the complete and rapid breakdown of linamarin.
Foliar catechol oxidase activity as a measure of copper nutrition of tomato plants
Authors: Onyezili Francis N , Harris Peter J
Published: October 2006

The diagnostic value of catechol oxidase assays as indices of copper nutritional status was investigated in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) receiving graded copper treatment in sand culture. Foliar copper concentrations ranged from 0.79 to 5.16 μg g−1 dry matter under various copper treatments but these results were misleading because copper‐inadequate plants concentrated the element in older leaves. A colorimetric assay based on catechol oxidase‐catalysed formation of measurable quinones in young tomato leaves discriminated sufficiently between the various copper treatments. The rates of invitro induction of this enzyme amounted to an expression of the plant growth response to copper supply and thus was indicative of the copper requirement of the plant. A paper strip‐based modification of the enzyme assay simplified it further for diagnostic use in field situations.
Glutathione and β‐amylase, peroxidase and o‐diphenolase activities during sprouting of minisett yams (Dioscorea sp)
Authors: Wellington M A , Ahmad M H
Published: October 2006

Glutathione, β‐amylase, o‐diphenolase (EC 1.10.3.1) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activities were assayed in minisetts derived from the head, middle and tail sections of sprouted Dioscorea alata (cv Sweet Yam) and D cayenensis (cv Round Leaf) yam tubers. In both tubers the head portions exhibited highest initial activities followed by the middle and tail, respectively. Minisetts obtained from the head, middle and tail sections of D alata sprouted uniformly whereas those obtained from D cayenensis tubers showed a much slower, sporadic sprouting pattern, with the head portions displaying dominant sprouting, The results revealed that sprouting initiation of the minisetts from both species correlated well with increased glutathione levels. High levels of peroxidase and reduced levels of o‐diphenolase seemed to enhance the sprouting of the minisetts.
Geographical classification of Greek virgin olive oil by non‐parametric multivariate evaluation of fatty acid composition
Authors: Tsimidou Maria , Karakostas Kostas ×
Published: October 2006

Fatty acid compositional data for Greek virgin olive oils from 24 years of harvest and various regions and cultivars were evaluated using chemometric methods. Non‐parametric discriminant analysis after proper transformation of the data seems to be a suitable approach to characterise the oils according to the geographical origin and may produce a scientific basis for the assignment of an ‘appellation d'origine’ trade mark.
Universal and discriminative detection using a miniaturized pulsed discharge detector in comprehensive two‐dimensional GC
Authors: Winniford Bill L. , Sun Kefu , Griffith James F. , Luong Jim C.
Published: October 2006

A miniaturized pulsed discharge detector (Mini‐PDD) has been successfully demonstrated for comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) analysis of pyrolysis gasoline and the pyrolysis GC×GC analysis of a polyethylene copolymer. The detector cell volume of the Mini‐PDD is reduced to 25% of the Valco plug‐in PDD D‐3. An n‐C11 peak width at base is 96 ms for the Mini‐PDD, about 23% larger than a peak width of 78 ms detected by a flame ionization detector (FID). The Mini‐PDD has sufficient response time for most GC×GC applications. When Mini‐PDD is operated in helium photoionization mode (Mini He‐PDD), it is a universal detector for both inorganic and organic compounds. This is especially useful when detection of water is needed in GC×GC applications. When krypton is doped in the helium discharge gas (Mini Kr‐PDD), it can suppress signals of compounds having higher ionization potentials and enhance relative signal intensities of aromatic compounds. The determination of aliphatic to aromatic hydrocarbon ratios is essential to the operation of petroleum crackers. Comparison of the signal from two modes of the Mini‐PDD is a simple and fast way to verify the location of aromatics in comprehensive 2‐D gas chromatograms.
Enantioseparation of phenylalanine analogs on a quinine‐based anion‐exchanger chiral stationary phase: Structure and temperature effects
Authors: Török Roland , Berkecz Robert , Péter Antal
Published: October 2006

Application of a cinchona alkaloid‐based chiral anion‐exchanger stationary phase for the direct high‐performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of N‐protected unusual phenylalanine analogs is reported. The N‐benzyloxycarbonyl, N‐3,5‐dinitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, N‐benzoyl and N‐3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl derivatives were well separable with high resolution. To achieve optimal separation of the enantiomers, the chromatographic conditions and temperature were varied. Linear van't Hoff plots were observed in the studied temperature range, 278–343 K, and the apparent changes in enthalpy, Δ(ΔH°), entropy, Δ(ΔS°), and Gibbs free energy, Δ(ΔG°), were calculated. The values of the thermodynamic parameters depended on the nature of the N‐acyl groups, on the structures of the compounds, and especially on the nature of the substituent on C3 of phenylalanine.
Separation and identification of the organic acids in Angelicae Radix and Ligustici Rhizoma by HPLC and CE
Authors: Huang Wen‐Ying , Sheu Shuenn‐Jyi
Published: October 2006

Angelicae Radix (AR) and Ligustici Rhizoma (LR) are both derived from the Umbelliferae plants and contain similar organic acids as their bioactive compounds. Nine of these organic acids, including nicotinic acid, protocatechuic acid, phthalic acid, folinic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, folic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were separated by HPLC and CE. Detection at 210 nm with a linear gradient containing 20 mM KH2PO4 (pH 3.5) and H2O–CH3CN in HPLC and with a buffer solution containing 10 mM LTAC, 2 mM Na2HPO4, 9 mM Na2B4O7 (pH 9.56), and CH3CN in CE were found to be the most efficient eluents for this separation. The contents of the nine components in crude extracts of either AR or LR could easily be determined within 60 min by LC and within 20 min by CE. The structures of the individual peaks in the LC chromatogram were identified by LC‐MS. The effects of buffers on the separation and validation of the two methods were examined.
An evaluation of GC‐MS and HPLC‐FD methods for analysis of protein binders in paintings
Authors: Přikryl Petr , Havlíčková Lenka , Pacáková Věra , Hradilová Janka , Štulík Karel , Hofta Petr
Published: October 2006

Two chromatographic methods have been compared for analysis of protein‐binding media used in paintings, namely, HPLC with fluorescence detection and GC‐MS. The proteins were hydrolyzed to the corresponding amino acids (AAs) by gaseous HCl and the AAs were derivatized with methyl chloroformate, followed by GC‐MS or by HPLC after derivatization with the AccQ fluorescence reagent. The hydrolysis, derivatization reactions and the chromatographic procedures have been optimized and applied to standard binding media, model and real samples of paintings. The methods have been compared and critically evaluated.
Magnetic IDA‐modified hydrophilic methacrylate‐based polymer microspheres for IMAC protein separation
Authors: Přikryl Petr , Horák Daniel , Tichá Marie , Kučerová Zdenka
Published: October 2006

Preparation of a new type of magnetic non‐porous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres with hydrophilic properties containing coupled iminodiacetic acid (IDA) is described. The prepared microspheres were used for the immobilization of Ni(II) or Fe(III) ions to show their application in protein binding studies. Human IgG was bound to magnetic Ni(II)‐IDA‐modified microspheres and conditions of its adsorption and elution were optimized. Non‐specific binding of the protein to magnetic microspheres in the absence of Ni(II) ions was low. Fe(III) ions immobilized on magnetic IDA‐modified microspheres were used for the specific binding of porcine pepsin, as a model phosphoprotein. The ability of phosphate buffer to release the adsorbed enzyme from the microspheres and a low adsorption of the dephosphorylated protein indicate the participation of phosphate groups in the pepsin interaction. The elaborated method represents a rapid technique that can be used not only for the separation of proteins but also for analytical purposes.
High‐speed analyses using rapid resolution liquid chromatography on 1.8‐μm porous particles
Authors: Yoshida Tatsunari , Majors Ronald E.
Published: October 2006

The potential of high‐speed analyses by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) and RRLC/MS on 1.8‐μm porous particles packed into short columns operated at high flow‐rate was investigated and compared with the performance of 5‐μm porous particles packed into conventional columns. Using similar chemistries, the ease of conversion from conventional HPLC to an RRLC method was demonstrated. In order to display the practicality of RRLC separations, the analysis of pesticides in crops and catechins in Japanese green tea was selected. Using the Japanese Food Hygiene Law method, which employs a conventional 5‐μm RP column (250 mm×4.6 mm) for quantification of pesticides in crops, the analysis time was 25 min under isocratic conditions. Using the RRLC method on the short (50 mm×4.6 mm) column packed with 1.8‐μm porous particles, the same separation could be performed in 0.8 min with the RRLC/MS method without a loss in resolution. At the highest flow rate, compared to the conventional method, the time could be reduced by a factor of 31. In gradient elution, the fastest separation of catechins in Japanese green tea was achieved by RRLC on 50‐mm×4.6‐mm id or 50‐mm×2.1‐mm id RRLC columns packed with 1.8‐μm particles. The analysis time at 5 mL/min was less than 1 min. Compared to the conventional HPLC method on a 150‐mm column packed with 5‐μm particles, time was reduced by a factor of 15. The effect of other experimental parameters such as the column temperature, acquisition rate of the detector and the influence of cell volume on chromatographic performance was also investigated. After the optimization, the analysis precision under the fastest RRLC conditions was examined. RSDs of retention time and peak area were 0.2% and 0.47%, respectively.
Validation in context of bioanalytical research papers
Authors: Rogatsky Eduard , Tomuta Vlad , Stein Daniel T.
Published: October 2006

We have noticed the growing amount of application papers, mainly focused on detailed description of analytical assay validation with limited discussion of method development and optimization in top‐ranked chromatographic journals. We analyze the implications of this trend and suggest a re‐emphasis on the intellectual component in method development.
Identification of a risk haplotype of the α‐synuclein gene in Japanese with sporadic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kobayashi Hideaki , Ujike Hiroshi , Hasegawa Junko , Yamamoto Mitsutoshi , Kanzaki Akihiro , Sora Ichiro
Published: October 2006

α‐Synuclein is one of the main components of Lewy bodies, a pathological marker of Parkinson's disease (PD). Certain missense mutations of the α‐synuclein gene cause familial PD, but the role of the gene in sporadic PD is still controversial. We scrutinized polymorphisms of the α‐synuclein gene in a Japanese population and investigated their associations with sporadic cases of PD. The 5′ flanking region to intron 2 of the α‐synuclein gene (3.8 kb) and two polymorphisms in intron 4 previously reported in Caucasian sporadic cases of PD were analyzed in 185 sporadic PD and 191 controls. Five novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 16 reported SNPs, and one reported polynucleotide polymorphism (PNP) were found. Most of the polymorphisms examined were in linkage disequilibrium. Significant associations with PD were found in 15 of 21 SNPs, especially in intron 1 (IVS1+155 TmAn PNP and the IVS1+719 C>T SNP, P < 0.0001). Haplotype analysis showed that T10A7‐A‐A and T11A6‐G‐G haplotypes at three loci (IVS1+155 – IVS1+273 – IVS1+608) were strongly negative and positive risk factors of sporadic PD, respectively (odds ratios were 0.23 [95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.32] and 1.51 [95% confidence interval, 1.29–1.75]). In conclusion, our findings indicate that genetic variations of the α‐synuclein gene affect the development of sporadic PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Rapidly progressive sporadic dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy with intracytoplasmic inclusions and no CAG repeat expansion
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Bergeron Catherine , Chen Robert , Lang Anthony E.
Published: October 2006

A 48‐year‐old man developed progressive hemidystonia and postural impairment with falls, followed by choreoathetosis, hyporeflexia, ataxia, supranuclear vertical gaze palsy, and dementia, lasting only 3.5 years from symptom onset to death. Family history and genetic testing were unrevealing. Neuropathology showed findings identical to genetic dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), except for the absence of intranuclear inclusions and the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions in the pons, striatum, thalamus, and subthalamic nucleus. This case expands the clinical and neuropathological spectrum of DRPLA and supports the hypothesis that aggregates may not be intrinsically pathogenic. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Short‐term effects of tetrabenazine on chorea associated with Huntington's disease
Authors: Kenney Christopher , Hunter Christine , Davidson Anthony , Jankovic Joseph
Published: October 2006

We sought to assess the short‐term clinical effects of tetrabenazine (TBZ) on choreic movements in Huntington's disease patients. A total of 10 patients on stable doses of TBZ were enrolled in this observational study. Patients took their evening dose of TBZ and presented the next day to the Baylor College of Medicine Movement Disorders Clinic without taking the usual morning dose. They were assessed using the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) motor assessment and Beck Depression Inventory. The usual morning dose of TBZ was then administered and patients were followed with serial UHDRS motor examinations approximately every 2 hours until choreic movements subsided and then returned. TBZ decreased the UHDRS chorea score on average 42.4% ± 17.8%. The duration of effect varied from a minimum of 3.2 hours to a maximum of 8.1 hours (mean = 5.4 ± 1.3). No patient experienced an adverse event related to TBZ or its withdrawal. During short‐term follow‐up after a single dose, TBZ improves chorea for approximately 5 hours. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Multinuclear NMR and microscopic MRI studies of the articular cartilage nanostructure
Authors: Shinar Hadassah , Navon Gil
Published: October 2006

Studies of the structure of articular cartilage by a number of NMR spectroscopic and imaging techniques are reviewed. Advantage is taken of the fact that the NMR investigations can be done non‐invasively on the intact tissue and do not require sectioning, slicing and decalcification as in the case of electron microscopy. The different contributions to 1H T2 relaxation are described and it is pointed out that ignoring the biexponential behavior of the transverse relaxation can lead to serious errors in the proton density measurements and the T2 characterization of the articular cartilage. A way to slow the transverse relaxation and to minimize its angular dependence by the use of dipolar echo is described. 2H double quantum filtered spectroscopic MRI is a powerful technique to follow the orientation and density of the collagen fibers in articular cartilage. Using this technique, it was found that attachment of the cartilage to the bone has a stabilizing effect on the collagen matrix and that the hydroxyapatite in the calcified zone resides near the collagen fibers but does not contribute to their order. In response to mechanical pressure, it was shown that the collagen fibers flatten near the surface and become crimped near the bone. A number of NMR techniques have been described for the measurement of 23Na residual quadrupolar interaction. It was found that this can serve as a very sensitive measure of the depletion of proteoglycans. Finally, a combination of the above techniques was used to study a maturation of articular cartilage in pigs. The increased order and density of the collagen fibers from newborn to adult pigs revealed itself as a shortening of T2 and significant increase of the residual quadrupolar interaction of both 2H and 23Na nuclei. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI assessment of cartilage ultrastructure
Authors: Gründer Wilfried
Published: October 2006

InT2‐weighted MRI images joint cartilage can appear laminated. The multilaminar appearance is visualized as zones of different intensity. This appearance is based on the dipolar interaction of water molecules within cartilage zones of different collageneous network structures. Therefore, the MR visualization of zones of anisotropic arrangement of the collagen fibers depends upon their orientation to the static magnetic field (magic‐angle effect). The aim of this article is to demonstrate the potential of high‐resolution MRI for characterizing cartilage network structuring and biomechanical properties. Information equivalent to that from polarization light microscopy can be derived noninvasively. Based on NMR microscopic (µMRI) data, potential new possibilities of MRI for quantitative assessment of collagen structuring and intracartilagenous load distribution are presented. These methods use MR intensity angle dependence and load influence on cartilage visualization. Alternatively to the determination of mechanical parameters from cartilage deformation, it is demonstrated that stress distribution and biomechanical properties can be derived in principle from the local intensity variation of anisotropic fiber orientation zones. The limitations with respect to a clinical application of the proposed methods are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium and T1ρ MRI for molecular and diagnostic imaging of articular cartilage
Authors: Borthakur Arijitt , Mellon Eric , Niyogi Sampreet , Witschey Walter , Kneeland J. Bruce , Reddy Ravinder
Published: October 2006

In this article, both sodium magnetic resonance (MR) and T1ρ relaxation mapping aimed at measuring molecular changes in cartilage for the diagnostic imaging of osteoarthritis are reviewed. First, an introduction to structure of cartilage, its degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) and an outline of diagnostic imaging methods in quantifying molecular changes and early diagnostic aspects of cartilage degeneration are described. The sodium MRI section begins with a brief overview of the theory of sodium NMR of biological tissues and is followed by a section on multiple quantum filters that can be used to quantify both bi‐exponential relaxation and residual quadrupolar interaction. Specifically, (i) the rationale behind the use of sodium MRI in quantifying proteoglycan (PG) changes, (ii) validation studies using biochemical assays, (iii) studies on human OA specimens, (iv) results on animal models and (v) clinical imaging protocols are reviewed. Results demonstrating the feasibility of quantifying PG in OA patients and comparison with that in healthy subjects are also presented. The section concludes with the discussion of advantages and potential issues with sodium MRI and the impact of new technological advancements (e.g. ultra‐high field scanners and parallel imaging methods). In the theory section on T1ρ, a brief description of (i) principles of measuring T1ρ relaxation, (ii) pulse sequences for computing T1ρ relaxation maps, (iii) issues regarding radio frequency power deposition, (iv) mechanisms that contribute to T1ρ in biological tissues and (v) effects of exchange and dipolar interaction on T1ρ dispersion are discussed. Correlation of T1ρ relaxation rate with macromolecular content and biomechanical properties in cartilage specimens subjected to trypsin and cytokine‐induced glycosaminoglycan depletion and validation against biochemical assay and histopathology are presented. Experimental T1ρ data from osteoarthritic specimens, animal models, healthy human subjects and as well from osteoarthritic patients are provided. The current status of T1ρ relaxation mapping of cartilage and future directions is also discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skeletal muscle energetics with PNMR: personal views and historic perspectives
Authors: Chance Britton , Im Joohee , Nioka Shoko , Kushmerick Martin
Published: October 2006

This article reviews historical and current NMR approaches to describing in vivo bioenergetics of skeletal muscles in normal and diseased populations. It draws upon the first author's more than 70 years of personal experience in enzyme kinetics and the last author's physiological approaches. The development of in vivo PNMR jointly with researchers around the world is described. It is explained how non‐invasive PNMR has advanced human exercise biochemistry, physiology and pathology. Further, after a brief explanation of bioenergetics with PNMR on creatine kinase, anerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, some basic and controversial subjects are focused upon, and the authors' view of the subjects are offered, with questions and answers. Some of the research has been introduced in exercise physiology. Future directions of NMR on bioenergetics, as a part of system biological approaches, are indicated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interval finite element method for dynamic response of closed‐loop system with uncertain parameters
Authors: Zhang Xiao Ming , Ding Han , Chen Su Huan
Published: October 2006

In practical engineering, it is difficult to obtain all possible solutions of dynamic responses with sharp bounds even if an optimum scheme is adopted where there are many uncertain parameters. In this paper, using the interval finite element (IFE) method and precise time integration (PTI) method, we discuss the dynamic response of vibration control problem of structures with interval parameters. With matrix perturbation theory and interval arithmetic, the algorithm for estimating upper and lower bounds of dynamic response of the closed‐loop system is developed directly from the interval parameters. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the application of the present method. The example 1 is used to show the applicability of the present method. The example 2 is used to show the validity of the present method by comparing the results with those obtained by the classical random perturbation method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo‐ and electroluminescent properties of a π‐conjugated copolymer containing 2,2′‐bipyridyl units
Authors: Deichmann Vitor Angelo Fonseca , Cirpan Ali , Karasz Frank E , Akcelrud Leni
Published: October 2006

The synthesis, structural characteristics, and photo‐ and electroluminescent properties of a soluble light‐emitting copolymer built up of regularly alternating segments of 1,4‐dihexyloxybenzene and 2,2′‐bipyridyl (PBPyDHB) are described and discussed. Optical properties of the polymer were investigated in solution and solid‐state conditions, demonstrating that in film form the predominant emission centers are inter‐macromolecular aggregates, either in photo‐ or electroluminescence. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that PBPyDHB has very high thermal stability, with a maximum decomposition rate around 400 °C and onset with 10% mass loss at 342 °C. The polymer is a blue emitter, and the good solubility, thermal behavior, and electroluminescence properties make it a promising material for electro‐optical applications. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Towards in silico lead optimization: Scores from ensembles of protein/ligand conformations reliably correlate with biological activity
Authors: Popov Veljko M. , Yee W. Atom , Anderson Amy C.
Published: October 2006

Accurately ranking protein/ligand interactions and distinguishing subtle differences between homologous compounds in a virtual focused library in silico is essential in a structure‐based drug discovery program. In order to establish a predictive model to design novel inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from the parasitic protozoa, Cryptosporidium hominis, we docked a series of 30 DHFR inhibitors with measured inhibition constants against the crystal structure of the protein. By including protein flexibility and averaging the energies of the 25 lowest protein/ligand conformers we obtained more accurate total nonbonded energies from which we calculated a predicted biological activity. The calculated and measured biological activities showed reliable correlations of 72.9%. Additionally, visual analysis of the ensemble of protein/ligand conformations revealed alternative ligand binding pockets in the active site. Using the same principles we then created a homology model of DHFR from Toxoplasma gondii and docked 11 inhibitors. A correlation of 50.2% between docking score and activity validates both the method and the model. The correlations presented here are particularly compelling considering the high structural similarity of the ligands and the fact that we have used structures derived from crystallographic data and homology modeling. These docking principles may be useful in any lead optimization study where accurate ranking of similar compounds is desired. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of a real‐time PCR for the quantitative estimation of a G143A mutation in the cytochrome bc1 gene of Pyrenophora teres
Authors: Kianianmomeni Arash , Schwarz Gerhard , Felsenstein Friedrich G , Wenzel Gerhard
Published: October 2006

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the cytochrome b gene confers resistance to strobilurin fungicides for several fungal pathogens. Therefore, on the basis of a change at amino acid position 143 from glycine to alanine, a real‐time PCR assay was established for the quantitative detection of the analogous SNP in the cytochrome b sequence of Pyrenophora teres Drechsler, which causes barley net blotch. Allelic discrimination was achieved by using allele specific primers with artificially mismatched nucleic acid bases and minor groove binding probes. Validation parameters for the lower limits of the working range, namely limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ), were statistically determined by the variance of calibration data, as well as by the variance of the 100% non‐strobilurin‐resistant allele DNA sample (blank values). It was found that the detection was limited by the variance of blank values (five in 801 458 copies; 0.0006%), whereas the quantification was limited by the variance of calibration data (37 in 801 458 copies; 0.0046%). The real‐time PCR assay was finally used to monitor strobilurin‐resistant cytochrome b alleles in barley net blotch field samples, which were already classified in in vivo biotests to be fully sensitive to strobilurins. All signals for strobilurin‐resistant cytochrome b alleles were below the LOD, and therefore the results are in total agreement with the phenotypes revealed by biotests. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a pheromone trap monitoring system for orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana, in the UK
Authors: Bruce Toby JA , Hooper Antony M , Ireland Lynda , Jones Owen T , Martin Janet L , Smart Lesley E , Oakley Jon , Wadhams Lester J
Published: October 2006

Field‐trapping experiments with synthetic 2,7‐nonadiyl dibutyrate, the female‐produced sex pheromone of the orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin), demonstrated that pheromone traps were highly attractive to males and caught very few non‐target organisms. Different formulations of pheromone were tested to identify the optimum release rate and dispenser type for use in pheromone traps in the UK. Key findings were that racemic pheromone was as effective as enantiomerically pure (2S,7R)‐2,7‐nonadiyl dibutyrate, that release rates higher than 0.5 µg day−1 were not necessary and that the optimal formulation was a 1 mg pheromone loading in a rubber septum. Pheromone traps gave a reliable indication of peak midge emergence, onset of flight and abundance of midges throughout the season. A strong correlation between maximum trap catch and crop infestation levels was obtained. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
First principle study of the structure of conjugated amides and thioamides
Authors: Velkov Zhivko , Velkov Yasen , Balabanova Elena , Tadjer Alia
Published: October 2006

On the basis of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the o‐coumaric amide and thioamide, the latter is found to have better delocalization. It is demonstrated that the thioamide function features stronger attraction for electron density from the conjugated residue. Therefore, the electronic distribution in the thioamide favors stable phenoxyl radical formation. This is a reason to expect better antioxidant activity of the thioamide. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Theoretical study of the structure and electronic spectra of fully protonated emeraldine oligomers
Authors: Zhekova H. , Tadjer A. , Ivanova A. , Petrova J. , Gospodinova N.
Published: October 2006

Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most studied conducting polymers. Obtained in its conducting form (known as “emeraldine salt”) by chemical or electrochemical oxidation of aniline in aqueous acidic medium, this polymer manifests an array of attractive properties. Nevertheless, these properties still need to be described at the molecular level. Intense theoretical investigations during the past few years aim at explaining the chain organization, conductivity mechanism, and other structural and spectral characteristics. Most studies adopt simplified models in which hydration effect is underestimated, since all simulations are performed either in vacuum or in the presence of a limited number of water molecules. The present computational study sheds light on the molecular organization of a number of model PANI hydrated clusters with different alignment and multiplicity, which can explain the experimentally recorded UV/VIS spectra. The influence of hydration and interaction with adjacent oligomers is estimated. Short‐chain doubly protonated emeraldine oligomers are used as model systems. The calculations are performed at the semi‐empirical (AM1) and/or molecular mechanics (AMBER96) level. Proper configurations of the clusters are selected using Monte Carlo simulations. Electron correlation (CIS) is accounted for upon evaluation of the absorption spectra of the clusters. The relative strength of the interchain coupling is estimated by simulation of PANI clusters consisting of two PANI tetramers in water. Comparison to experimental results is made. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Lieber die Taube auf dem Dach!
Authors: Greifeneder Rainer , Betsch Cornelia
Published: October 2006

Zusammenfassung: Menschen unterscheiden sich in ihrer individuellen Maximierungstendenz, dem Streben nach optimalen versus zufrieden stellenden Entscheidungen. Die hier vorgestellte Skala zur Erfassung der Maximierungstendenz stellt eine Übersetzung der maximizing scale dar, welche von Schwartz et al. (2002) für den angloamerikanischen Raum entwickelt wurde. Ebenfalls berichtet wird die Übersetzung einer Skala zur Erfassung von dispositionellem Bedauern, die zusammen mit der Maximierungsskala veröffentlicht wurde. In zwei Studien (N = 317, 219) wurden die Faktorenstruktur, die Reliabilität sowie die Validität der deutschen Version der Maximierungsskala untersucht. Erstmals konnte gezeigt werden, dass Maximierer im Vergleich zu Satisfizierern eher das Optimum anstreben und intensiver nach passenden Optionen suchen.
Die Effektivität von schriftlichen und graphischen Warnhinweisen auf Zigarettenschachteln
Authors: Petersen Lars-Eric , Lieder Falk
Published: October 2006

Zusammenfassung: In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Effektivität von furchterregenden Warnhinweisen bei jugendlichen Rauchern und Raucherinnen analysiert. 336 Raucher/-innen (Durchschnittsalter: 15 Jahre) wurden schriftliche oder graphische Warnhinweise auf Zigarettenpackungen präsentiert (Experimentalbedingungen; n = 96, n = 119), oder sie erhielten keine Warnhinweise (Kontrollbedingung; n = 94). Anschließend wurden die Modellfaktoren des revidierten Modells der Schutzmotivation ( Arthur & Quester, 2004 ) erhoben. Die Ergebnisse stützen die Hypothese, dass die Faktoren “Schweregrad der Schädigung” und “Wahrscheinlichkeit der Schädigung” die Verhaltenswahrscheinlichkeit, weniger oder leichtere Zigaretten zu rauchen, vermittelt über den Mediator “Furcht” beeinflussen. Die Verhaltenswahrscheinlichkeit wurde dagegen nicht von den drei experimentellen Bedingungen beeinflusst. Auch konnten die Faktoren “Handlungswirksamkeitserwartungen” und “Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen” nicht als Moderatoren des Zusammenhangs zwischen Furcht und Verhaltenswahrscheinlichkeit bestätigt werden.
Vesuvius before the 1631 eruption
Authors: Guidoboni Emanuela , Boschi Enzo
Published: October 2006

of which a printed transcription will shortly be published [Guidoboni, 2006], provided new data concerning the activity of Vesuvius 60 years prior to its last great eruption, on 16 December 1631. This activity, which had until now been unknown to modern science, calls for a re‐evaluation of the current conditions of the volcano and of possible precursors to the next major eruption.

Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world: Its activity can affect an area comprising 18 municipalities that are inhabited by more than 700,000 people in an area less than eight kilometers away from the volcano vent. The volcano has been dormant since 1944, but the history of Vesuvius has been punctuated by violent and destructive, albeit infrequent, Plinian‐type explosive eruptions, during which material is continuously ejected at a high velocity and at a great height (up to a few tens of kilometers) from the vent, forming a typical eruptive column with an umbrella cloud. In the past 3500 years, in between one Plinian eruption and the following one, several minor eruptive events have taken place, ranging from subplinian eruptions to more or less violent Strombolian activity and lava flow emissions.