bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociable contributions of the ventral hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex to decision‐making with a delayed or uncertain outcome
Authors: Abela Andrew R. , Chudasama Yogita
Published: November 2012

In this study, we examined how risk and delay influence rats' decision‐making, and the role of the ventral hippocampus (VHC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in the valuation of these two factors. We used a touchscreen testing method in which rats with VHC lesions, OFC lesions and sham control surgery made choices in two decision‐making tasks. In the delay discounting task, rats chose between two visual stimuli, one of which indicated a small, immediate reward, and the other of which indicated a large, delayed reward. In the probability discounting task, two stimuli indicated, instead, a small, certain reward or a large, uncertain reward. The two lesion groups showed a double dissociation with respect to the two tasks. Rats with VHC lesions were intolerant of delay, and were strongly biased towards the small, immediate reward. However, the same rats were indistinguishable from sham controls in the probability discounting task. The opposite pattern was observed for rats with OFC lesions; they performed normally in the delay discounting task, but showed a reduced tolerance for uncertainty as compared with sham‐operated controls. These data support the conclusion that the VHC and OFC contribute differentially to decision‐making that involves delayed or uncertain outcomes. This provides a means for understanding the neural basis of a range of neurological and psychiatric patients who show impaired decision‐making and executive dysfunction.
Temporal lobe epileptiform activity following systemic administration of 4‐aminopyridine in rats
Authors: Lévesque Maxime , Salami Pariya , Behr Charles , Avoli Massimo
Published: November 2012

Purpose:  The K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4AP) induces epileptiform synchronization in brain slices maintained in vitro without interfering with γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor–mediated inhibition and, actually, even enhancing it. The hypothesis that similar electrographic epileptiform patterns occur in vivo following systemic 4AP injection was tested here.

Methods:  Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 13) were implanted with bipolar electrodes aimed at the hippocampal CA3 region, entorhinal cortex, subiculum, dentate gyrus, and amygdala. They were then injected with a single dose of 4AP (4–5 mg/kg, i.p.), and video‐monitoring/electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were performed.

Key Findings:  4AP induced convulsive or nonconvulsive seizures in 12 of 13 rats, along with generalized fascicular twitching, wet‐dog shakes, and myoclonic jerks. On EEG, we observed in 7 (58.3%) of 12 animals long‐lasting interictal spikes from the subiculum before the occurrence of the first seizure. Once seizures had started, interictal spikes occurred in all areas with no fixed site of origin. Most seizures (41/60, 68.3%) were characterized by a low‐voltage fast‐activity onset pattern and were convulsive (48/60, 80%). 4AP also induced highly rhythmic theta (6–11 Hz) oscillations in CA3 and entorhinal cortex before seizure occurrence.

Significance:  Our study shows that systemic 4AP administration in vivo can enhance theta oscillations and induce slow interictal spikes and low‐voltage fast‐onset seizures similar to those reported in brain slices. We propose that these effects may reflect, at least in part, enhanced GABAA receptor–mediated inhibition as reported in in vitro studies.
An aberrant parasympathetic response: a new perspective linking chronic stress and itch
Authors: Kim Hei Sung , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: November 2012

Perceived stress has long been known to alter the dynamic equilibrium established between the nervous, endocrine and immune system and is widely recognised to trigger or enhance pruritus. However, the exact mechanism of how the major stress response systems, such as the hypothalamus‐pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system induce or aggravate chronic itch, has not been elucidated. The limbic regions of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are deeply involved in the regulation of the stress response and intersect with circuits that are responsible for memory and reward. According to the ‘Polyvagal Theory’, certain limbic structures that serve as a ‘higher brain equivalent of the parasympathetic nervous system’ play a foremost role in maintaining body homoeostasis by functioning as an active vagal brake. In addition, the limbic system has been postulated to regulate two distinct, yet related aspects of itch: (i) the sensory‐discriminative aspect; and (ii) the affective‐cognitive aspect. Chronic stress‐induced itch is hypothesised to be caused by stress‐related changes in limbic structure with subsequent rewiring of both the peripheral and central pruriceptive circuits. Herein, we review data suggesting that a dysfunctional parasympathetic nervous system associated with chronic stress may play a critical role in the regulatory control of key candidate molecules, receptors and brain structures involved in chronic itch.
In the Wake of Violence: Enacting and Witnessing Hope Among People
Authors: Kotzé Elmarie , Hulme Thérèse , Geldenhuys Tertius , Weingarten Kaethe
Published: November 2012

In the territory of violence and despair, hope is rare. Recent work on hope has shifted attention from hope as a feeling to hope as a practice that people can do together. This case report of a family exposed to domestic violence highlights the role played by a South African police officer in the mother's actions to separate from the context of violence. As a witness to the violence, the police officer acted from an ethic of justice and an ethic of compassion. Outsider witnessing of a counseling session resulted in the recruiting of a community of acknowledgement for the mother, the police officer, and an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Listening carefully and doing hope together gave rise to alliances against practices of violence. As a step of accountability, the authors used reflexive practices to question their responses and to avoid colonizing practices.
Regulation of insulin and type 1 insulin‐like growth factor signaling and action by the Grb10/14 and SH2B1/B2 adaptor proteins
Authors: Desbuquois Bernard , Carré Nadège , Burnol Anne‐Françoise
Published: November 2012

The effects of insulin and type 1 insulin‐like growth factor (IGF–1) on metabolism, growth and survival are mediated by their association with specific receptor tyrosine kinases, which results in both receptor and substrate phosphorylation. Phosphotyrosine residues on receptors and substrates provide docking sites for signaling proteins containing SH2 (Src homology 2) domains, including molecular adaptors. This review focuses on the regulation of insulin/IGF–1 signaling and action by two adaptor families with a similar domain organization: the growth factor receptor‐bound proteins Grb7/10/14 and the SH2B proteins. Both Grb10/14 and SH2B1/B2 associate with the activation loop of insulin/IGF–1 receptors through their SH2 domains, but association of Grb10/14 also involves their unique BPS domain. Consistent with Grb14 binding as a pseudosubstrate to the kinase active site, insulin/IGF‐induced activation of receptors and downstream signaling pathways in cultured cells is inhibited by Grb10/14 adaptors, but is potentiated by SH2B1/B2 adaptors. Accordingly, Grb10 and Grb14 knockout mice show improved insulin/IGF sensitivity in vivo, and, for Grb10, overgrowth and increased skeketal muscle and pancreatic β–cell mass. Conversely, SH2B1‐depleted mice display insulin and IGF–1 resistance, with peripheral depletion leading to reduced adiposity and neuronal depletion leading to obesity through associated leptin resistance. Grb10/14 and SH2B1 adaptors also modulate insulin/IGF–1 action by interacting with signaling components downstream of receptors and exert several tissue‐specific effects. The identification of Grb10/14 and SH2B1 as physiological regulators of insulin signaling and action, together with observations that variants at their gene loci are associated with obesity and/or insulin resistance, highlight them as potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.
Distinct and opposing roles for Rab27a/Mlph/MyoVa and Rab27b/Munc13‐4 in mast cell secretion
Authors: Singh Rajesh K. , Mizuno Koichi , Wasmeier Christina , Wavre‐Shapton Silene T. , Recchi Chiara , Catz Sergio D. , Futter Clare , Tolmachova Tanya , Hume Alistair N. , Seabra Miguel C.
Published: November 2012

Mediator release from mast cells is a critical step in allergic and inflammatory disease. However, the processes regulating the latter stages of granule release are yet to be fully understood. Rab27 small GTPases regulate release of secretory lysosomes in a variety of cells, including mast cell granules. In the present study, using murine bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMC) from Rab27‐deficient mutant mice, we found that, in contrast to Rab27b, Rab27a primarily plays an inhibitory role in regulating degranulation. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that resting Rab27a‐deficient (ashen) BMMCs display abnormal cortical F‐actin distribution. Actin disassembly prior to IgE cross‐linking increased wild‐type BMMC secretion to ashen levels, suggesting that changes in the integrity of cortical F‐actin underlie the ashen phenotype. Comparison of the secretory impairment of Rab27b knockout and Rab27a/b double knockout BMMCs highlighted a secondary positive role for Rab27a in enhancing degranulation. Rab27 is known to interact with actin via its effectors melanophilin (Mlph) and myosin Va (MyoVa) in other cell types. To better understand the differing roles of Rab27 proteins, we analysed the secretory phenotype of BMMCs derived from mice lacking Rab27 effector proteins. These experiments revealed that the phenotype of BMMCs deficient in Mlph (leaden) and BMMCs deficient in MyoVa (dilute) resembles the hyper‐secretion of ashen BMMCs, while Munc13‐4‐deficient (jinx) BMMCs phenocopy the Rab27b knockout and double Rab27a/b knockout secretory impairment. We conclude that Rab27a and Rab27b regulate distinct steps in the BMMC degranulation pathway, with Rab27a/Mlph/MyoVa regulating cortical actin stability upstream of Rab27a/b/Munc13‐4‐dependent granule exocytosis.
Resilient recreational fisheries or prone to collapse? A decade of research on the science and management of recreational fisheries
Authors: Post J. R.
Published: November 2012

Are recreational fisheries resilient to harvest or prone to collapse? This paper reviews research published since that question was posed by Post et al. (2002, Fisheries 27, 6–17). A number of patterns and processes have been identified that suggest understanding the risk of collapse requires knowledge of the fishing effort response, degree of depensation in the fishery and the life history of the harvested species. Processes involving the behaviour of fish, behaviour of anglers and management responses to declining quality can all impact the degree of resilience of recreational fisheries and their risk of collapse. The spatial context of an individual fishery can be important as they are often embedded in lake districts and joined by mobile anglers so their local dynamics are not independent from other fisheries. Typical regulations that restrict the behaviour of individual anglers in open‐access fisheries can provide some resilience but cannot prevent collapse if the fishing effort is too high. Many uncertainties remain related to the occurrence and intensity of the key processes and therefore adopting an adaptive experimental management approach might be the most useful approach to minimise the risk of collapse in recreational fisheries.
A single intramuscular injection of rAAV‐mediated mutant erythropoietin protects against MPTP‐induced parkinsonism
Authors: Dhanushkodi A. , Akano E. O. , Roguski E. E. , Xue Y. , Rao S. K. , Matta S. G. , Rex T. S. , McDonald M. P.
Published: November 2012

Erythropoietin (Epo) is neuroprotective in a number of preparations, but can lead to unacceptably high and even lethal hematocrit levels. Recent reports show that modified Epo variants confer neuroprotection in models of glaucoma and retinal degeneration without raising hematocrit. In this study, neuroprotective effects of two Epo variants (EpoR76E and EpoS71E) were assessed in a model of Parkinson's disease. The constructs were packaged in recombinant adeno‐associated viral (rAAV) vectors and injected intramuscularly. After 3 weeks, mice received five daily injections of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and were killed 5 weeks later. The MPTP‐lesioned mice pretreated with rAAV.eGFP (negative control) exhibited a 7‐ to 9‐Hz tremor and slower latencies to move on a grid test (akinesia). Both of these symptomatic features were absent in mice pretreated with either modified Epo construct. The rAAV.eGFP‐treated mice lesioned with MPTP exhibited a 41% reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive neurons in the substantia nigra. The rAAV.EpoS71E construct did not protect nigral neurons, but neuronal loss in mice pretreated with rAAV.EpoR76E was only half that of rAAV.eGFP controls. Although dopamine levels were normal in all groups, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was significantly reduced only in MPTP‐lesioned mice pretreated with rAAV.eGFP, indicating reduced dopamine turnover. Analysis of TH‐positive fibers in the striatum showed normalized density in MPTP‐lesioned mice pretreated with rAAV.EpoS71E, suggesting that enhanced sprouting induced by EpoS71E may have been responsible for normal behavior and dopaminergic tone in these mice. These results show that systemically administered rAAV‐generated non‐erythropoietic Epo may protect against MPTP‐induced parkinsonism by a combination of neuroprotection and enhanced axonal sprouting.
Novel PRRT2 mutations in paroxysmal dyskinesia patients with variant inheritance and phenotypes
Authors: Liu X.‐R. , Wu M. , He N. , Meng H. , Wen L. , Wang J.‐L. , Zhang M.‐P. , Li W.‐B. , Mao X. , Qin J.‐M. , Li B.‐M. , Tang B. , Deng Y.‐H. , Shi Y.‐W. , Su T. , Yi Y.‐H. , Tang B.‐S. , Liao W.‐P.
Published: November 2012

Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are a group of episodic movement disorders with marked variability in clinical manifestation and potential association with epilepsy. PRRT2 has been identified as a causative gene for PDs, but the phenotypes and inheritance patterns of PRRT2 mutations need further clarification. In this study, 10 familial and 21 sporadic cases with PDs and PDs‐related phenotypes were collected. Genomic DNA was screened for PRRT2 mutations by direct sequencing. Seven PRRT2 mutations were identified in nine (90.0%) familial cases and in six (28.6%) sporadic cases. Five mutations are novel: two missense mutations (c.647C>G/p.Pro216Arg and c.872C>T/p.Ala291Val) and three truncating mutations (c.117delA/p.Val41TyrfsX49, c.510dupT/p.Leu171SerfsX3 and c.579dupA/p.Glu194ArgfsX6). Autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance was observed in most of the familial cases. In the sporadic cases, inheritance was heterogeneous including recessive inheritance with compound heterozygous mutations, inherited mutations with incomplete parental penetrance and de novo mutation. Variant phenotypes associated with PRRT2 mutations, found in 36.0% of the affected cases, included febrile convulsions, epilepsy, infantile non‐convulsive seizures (INCS) and nocturnal convulsions (NC). All patients with INCS or NC, not reported previously, displayed abnormalities on electroencephalogram (EEG). No EEG abnormalities were recorded in patients with classical infantile convulsions and paroxysmal choreoathetosis (ICCA)/paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). Our study further confirms that PRRT2 mutations are the most common cause of familial PDs, displaying both dominant and recessive inheritance. Epilepsy may occasionally occur in ICCA/PKD patients with PRRT2 mutations. Variant phenotypes INCS or NC differ from classical ICCA/PKD clinically and electroencephalographically. They have some similarities with, but not identical to epilepsy, possibly represent an overlap between ICCA/PKD and epilepsy.
Long‐term amelioration of acidity accelerates decomposition in headwater streams
Authors: Jenkins Gareth B , Woodward Guy , Hildrew Alan G
Published: November 2012

The secondary production of culturally acidified streams is low, with a few species of generalist detritivores dominating invertebrate assemblages, while decomposition processes are impaired. In a series of lowland headwater streams in southernEngland, we measured the rate of cellulolytic decomposition and compared it with values measured three decades ago, when anthropogenic acidification was at its peak. We hypothesized that, if acidity has indeed ameliorated, the rate of decomposition will have accelerated, thus potentially supporting greater secondary production and the longer food chains that have been observed in some well‐studied recovering freshwater systems. We used celluloseShirley test cloth as a standardized bioassay to measure the rate of cellulolytic decomposition, via loss in tensile strength, for 31 streams in theAshdownForest over 7 days in summer 2011 and 49 days in winter 2012. We compared this with data from an otherwise identical study conducted in 1978 and 1979. In a secondary study, we determined whether decomposition followed a linear or logarithmic decay and, asShirley cloth is no longer available, we tested an alternative in the form of readily available calico. Overall meanpHhad increased markedly over the 32 years between the studies (from 6.0 to 6.7). In both the previous and contemporary studies, the relationship between decomposition andpHwas strongest in winter, whenpHreaches a seasonal minimum. As in the late 1970s, there was no relationship in 2011/2012 betweenpHand decay rate in summer. As postulated, decomposition in winter was significantly faster in 2011/2012 than in 1978/1979, with an average increase in decay rate of 18.1%. Recovery from acidification, due to decreased acidifying emissions and deposition, has led to an increase in the rate of cellulolytic decomposition. This response in a critical ecosystem process offers a potential explanation of one aspect of the limited biological recovery that has been observed so far, an increase in larger bodied predators including fish, which in turn leads to an increase in the length of food chains.
Climate changes influence free‐living stages of soil‐transmitted parasites of European rabbits
Authors: Hernandez Alexander D. , Poole Adam , Cattadori Isabella M.
Published: November 2012

Climate warming has been suggested to augment the risk of infectious disease outbreaks by extending the seasonal window for parasite growth and by increasing the rate of transmission. Understanding how this occurs in parasite‐host systems is important for appreciating long‐term and seasonal changes in host exposure to infection and to reduce species extinction caused by diseases. We investigated how free‐living stages of two soil‐transmitted helminths of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) responded to experimental changes in temperature by performing laboratory experiments with environmental chambers and field manipulations using open‐top‐chambers. This study was motivated by our previous observations that air temperature has increased over the last 30 years in our field site and that during this period intensity of infection of Graphidium strigosum but not Trichostrongylus retortaeformis was positively associated with this temperature increase. Laboratory and field experiments showed that both parasites accelerated egg development and increased hatching rate and larval survival in response to accumulating thermal energy. Both parasites behaved similarly when exposed to diverse temperature regimes, decadal trends, and monthly fluctuations, however, T. retortaeformis was more successful than G. strigosum by showing higher rates of egg hatching and larval survival. Across the months, the first day of hatching occurred earlier in warmer conditions suggesting that climate warming can lengthen the period of parasite growth and host exposure to infective stages. Also, T. retortaeformis hatched earlier than G. strigosum. These findings showed that seasonal changes in intensity, frequency, and duration of daily temperature are important causes of variability in egg hatching and larva survival. Overall, this study emphasizes the important role of climate warming and seasonality on the dynamics of free‐living stages in soil‐transmitted helminths and their contribution to enhance host exposure to parasitic infections. Yet, the ability to infect might ultimately depend on how hosts interact with parasites.
Modelling distribution in European stream macroinvertebrates under future climates
Authors: Domisch Sami , Araújo Miguel B. , Bonada Núria , Pauls Steffen U. , Jähnig Sonja C. , Haase Peter
Published: November 2012

Climate change is predicted to have profound effects on freshwater organisms due to rising temperatures and altered precipitation regimes. Using an ensemble of bioclimatic envelope models (BEMs), we modelled the climatic suitability of 191 stream macroinvertebrate species from 12 orders across Europe under two climate change scenarios for 2080 on a spatial resolution of 5 arc minutes. Analyses included assessments of relative changes in species’ climatically suitable areas as well as their potential shifts in latitude and longitude with respect to species’ thermal preferences. Climate‐change effects were also analysed regarding species’ ecological and biological groupings, namely (1) endemicity and (2) rarity within European ecoregions, (3) life cycle, (4) stream zonation preference and (5) current preference. The BEMs projected that suitable climate conditions would persist in Europe in the year 2080 for nearly 99% of the modelled species regardless of the climate scenario. Nevertheless, a decrease in the amount of climatically suitable areas was projected for 57–59% of the species. Depending on the scenario, losses could be of 38–44% on average. The suitable areas for species were projected to shift, on average, 4.7–6.6° north and 3.9–5.4° east. Cold‐adapted species were projected to lose climatically suitable areas, while gains were expected for warm‐adapted species. When projections were analysed for different species groupings, only endemics stood out as a particular group. That is, endemics were projected to lose significantly larger amounts of suitable climatic areas than nonendemic species. Despite the uncertainties involved in modelling exercises such as this, the extent of projected distributional changes reveals further the vulnerability of freshwater organisms to climate change and implies a need to understand the consequences for ecological function and biodiversity conservation.
Impact of tumor size, number of tumors and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in liver transplantation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikegami Toru , Yoshiya Shohei , Motomura Takashi , Mano Yohei , Muto Jun , Ikeda Tetsuo , Soejima Yuji , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: November 2012

Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is primarily treated with hepatic resection and/or locoregional therapy. When HCC recurs and further treatment is no longer possible owing to poor liver function, liver transplantation (LT) or living‐donor LT (LDLT) is considered. The aim of this study was to clarify risk factors for tumor recurrence after LDLT in patients with recurrent HCC.

Methods

The study comprised 104 patients who had undergone LDLT because of end‐stage liver disease with recurrent HCC. The recurrence‐free survival rates after the LDLT were calculated. Risk factors for tumor recurrence were identified.

Results

The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rates were 89.6%, 80.3% and 78.4%, respectively. By univariate analysis, the factors affecting recurrence‐free survival were the sum of the largest tumor size and number of tumors of 8 or more (P < 0.0001), des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin of more than 300 mAU/mL (P = 0.0001), and a neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 4 or more (P = 0.0002), α‐fetoprotein of more than 400 ng/mL (P = 0.0001) and bilobar tumor distribution (P = 0.046). A multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for post‐LDLT tumor recurrence including the sum of tumor size and number of tumors of 8 or more (P = 0.0004) and an NLR of 4 or more (P = 0.01). The 1‐ and 3‐ year recurrence‐free survival rates in the recipients who had both risk factors were 30.0% and 15.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

LDLT should not be performed for patients who have both independent risk factors after any treatments for HCC.
Randomized controlled trial of a new procedure of radiofrequency ablation using an expandable needle for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hirakawa Miharu , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Sezaki Hitomi , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: November 2012

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of a new ablation procedure for the stepwise hook extension technique using a SuperSlim needle for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a randomized controlled trial was performed.

Methods

Thirty patients with HCC measuring 20 mm or less were randomly treated with a conventional four stepwise expansion technique (group 1) and the new stepwise expansion technique (group 2; the electrode was closed in the shaft after the same three steps of the conventional procedure and then fully extended). All patients underwent the RFA procedure using a 10‐hook expandable electrode of 17‐G diameter (LeVeen SuperSlim 30 mm). We compared the ablation time, required energy and ablated lesions in the two groups.

Results

The long and short diameters of RFA‐induced necrosis were significantly larger in group 2 (37 and 28 mm) than group 1 (30 and 26 mm, P = 0.001 and =0.045, respectively). Irregular and small needle expansion resulting in the parachute‐like or irregularly shaped ablated zone was observed in more cases in group 1 than in group 2. The new technique made all tines expand uniformly and largely, which produced a near‐oval ablated zone of which the long axis is perpendicular to the needle shaft.

Conclusion

The two kinds of stepwise procedures allow the selection of a more suitable procedure according to the tumor size and shape in each RFA.
How theMarianaVolcanicArc ends in the south
Authors: Stern Robert J. , Tamura Yoshihiko , Masuda Harue , Fryer Patty , Martinez Fernando , Ishizuka Osamu , Bloomer Sherman H.
Published: November 2012

The southernMarianaArc–Trench system is rapidly deforming, resulting in unusual interactions between arc and back‐arc basin (BAB) magmatic systems. New geochemical data for volcanoes in this region are presented and explored.TraceySeamount, an extinct submarine volcano about 30 km northwest ofGuam, is the southernmost stratovolcano of theMarianaArc.Tracey is built about 125 km above the subducted slab and has erupted a bimodal suite of typical arc mafic and felsic lavas as recently as 0.527 ± 0.023 Ma (40Ar/39Ar age). An unusual cluster of small basaltic volcanoes, informally termed theAlphabetSeamountVolcanicProvince (ASVP), is found about where the next arc volcano to the southwest ofTraceySeamount should have grown. Samples from six of these volcanoes were studied here. At least twoASVPvolcanoes were recently active, as shown by hydrothermal activity. The lack of magmatic focusing to build a single stratovolcano where theASVPis situated reflects strong extension in theBAB. Construction of northernASVPvolcanoes is controlled by east–west extension accompanying opening of theMarianaTrough. In contrast, southernASVPvolcanoes are affected by north–south extension due to rapid rollback of a narrow slab ofPacific seafloor that is subducted along the east–west trendingChallengerDeep segment of theMarianaTrench to the south.ASVPlava compositions are distinct fromTraceySeamount and otherMarianaArc lavas, instead showing affinities withMarianaTroughBABbasalt (BABBs): they are mafic, tholeiitic, low‐K2O andLREE‐depleted, with low87Sr/86Sr, but show a subtle gradient from somewhat more arc‐like lavas closer to the trench toBABBs farther west. The unusual tectonic setting ofASVPprovides a unique perspective on how different arc magma batches reflect melting of mantle with strong compositional gradients which are mixed together beneath long‐lived arc volcanoes but here rise to form scattered smallASVPvolcanoes.
Optimisation of cake fat quantity and composition using response surface methodology
Authors: Ferrari Ilaria , Alamprese Cristina , Mariotti Manuela , Lucisano Mara , Rossi Margherita
Published: November 2012

The influence of fat quantity and composition on the characteristics of a chemically leavened baked product was investigated, applying a central composite design combined with response surface methodology. Fats were blends of palm oil and palm olein with different slip melting points (from 36.3 to 11.3 °C, in dependence of increasing olein content). Fat content (from 5.3% to 30.7% on batter) and percentage of olein in the fat blend (from 42.7% to 92.2%) were varied. The increase of fat quantity enhanced cake softness, while lowering the volume; higher olein contents also decreased cake firmness. An optimised formulation containing 19.7% fat with 92% olein in the fat blend and showing good structural properties, comparable to those of a 18% butter reference cake, was identified. The optimised and the butter cake showed specific volume of 2.25 and 2.23 cm3 g−1, respectively, and load at 25% strain of 7.68 and 5.63 N. These results demonstrated the possibility to replace butter with a liquid vegetable fat blend, thus increasing unsaturated fat content and reducing total cholesterol in the product.
Effect of heat treatment on physiochemical, colour, antioxidant and microstructural characteristics of apples during storage
Authors: Li Li , Li Xihong , Wang AiLi , Jiang Yuqian , Ban Zhaojun
Published: November 2012

Changes in qualities of ‘Red Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples in response to different heat treatments (45 and 60 °C) following cold storage were investigated. Quality indices including firmness, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, colour parameters and microstructure were measured. Results indicated heat treatment at both temperatures for 3‐h hastened loss of titratable acidity in ‘Red Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples, but maintained firmness in both cultivars. However, heat treatment at lower temperature (45 °C) best maintained total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in ‘Red Fuji’ apples throughout storage, whereas there was no difference between heat treatments in ‘Golden Delicious’ apples. Examination by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the effect of heat treatment at different temperatures on ‘Red Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples was structurally different. Apple tissue that had been heat treated at elevated temperature (60 °C) for 3 h was associated with fractured cell walls and collapse of cells.
Estimation of sweet cherry antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content during ripening by artificial neural network–assisted image processing technique
Authors: Taghadomi‐Saberi Saeedeh , Omid Mahmoud , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra , Ahmadi Hojjat
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a new approach for estimating antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content at ripening stages of sweet cherry by combining image processing and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. The system was consisted of a CCD camera, fluorescent lights, capture card and MATLAB software. Anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were determined by pH differential and 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl methods, respectively. It was found that anthocyanin content was constantly increased during ripening stages, and antioxidant activity decreased during the early stages of development but increased from stage five. Several ANN models were designed and tested. Among these networks, a two hidden layer network with 11‐6‐20‐1 architecture had the highest correlation coefficient (R = 0.965) and the lowest value of mean square error (MSE) (215.4) for modelling anthocyanin content. Similarly, a two hidden layer network with 11‐14‐9‐1 architecture had the highest correlation coefficient (R = 0.914) and the lowest value of MSE (0.070) for modelling antioxidant activity.
Properties of encapsulated wasabi flavour and its application in canned food
Authors: Ratanasiriwat Phuthiya , Worawattanamateekul Wanchai , Klaypradit Wanwimol
Published: November 2012

The encapsulated wasabi flavour prepared from 100% modified starch (HICAP™ 100), HICAP™ 100: maltodextrin (1:1), HICAP™ 100:CAPSUL (1:1) at various flavouring agent concentrations (10, 15 or 20% w/w) was determined for physicochemical properties. All encapsulated treatments were stored at various relative humidity (RH) levels (11%, 33% and 52% RH) and intervally evaluated for encapsulation efficiency (EE) during 60 days of storage. Microcapsules of 20% wasabi flavour derived from the mixture of HICAP™ 100 with maltodextrin and HICAP™ 100 with CAPSUL demonstrated excellent properties including low moisture content, acceptable flowing properties, surface appearance and EE. The release rate of encapsulated flavour increased as the RH increased for most encapsulated treatments. A difference‐from‐control test was conducted to evaluate the magnitude of wasabi‐flavour retention added in the canned tuna spread. The intensity of wasabi‐flavour retention in the canned tuna spread with encapsulated flavour agents added was higher than that of the samples without flavour encapsulation.
Physicochemical and functional properties of flours from three Black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.) cultivars
Authors: Wani Idrees A. , Sogi Dalbir S. , Gill Balmeet S.
Published: November 2012

Flours processed from three black gram cultivars (Mash1‐1, PU‐19 and T‐9) were studied for proximate composition, physicochemical and functional properties. Protein, fat, ash and crude fibre content varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 24.5 – 28.4%, 1.1–1.4%, 2.7–3.3% and 2.7–3.4%, respectively, among the cultivars. Significant differences were also observed in other physicochemical properties. Pasting properties like peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity and setback viscosity were in the range of 2078.7–2473.0 cP, 644.0–863.7 cP and 588.3–804.0 cP, respectively. Textural profile analysis of flour gels displayed significant differences in hardness (13.0–18.9 g), gumminess (2.8–5.9 g), chewiness (2.0–5.7 g) and adhesiveness (21.0–40.9 g). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed starch gelatinisation from 63.5 to 75.6 °C and amylose lipid complex melting from 105.0 to 136.1 °C. Protein solubility profile in the pH range of 2–9 varied from 6.3 to 97.3%. Emulsifying activity index and Emulsifying stability index at pH 3, 5 and 7 varied correspondingly from 6.0 to 14.5 m2 g−1 and 18.8 to 64.9 min. Foaming capacity of 2% flour suspensions at pH 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 varied significantly from 67.3 to 130% among the cultivars. Foam stability varied at different pH and was observed between 0 and 70.8% among the cultivars.
Optimisation of acid extraction of pectin from sweet potato residues by response surface methodology and its antiproliferation effect on cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Yan , Mu Tai‐Hua , Zhang Miao
Published: November 2012

The response surface methodology was employed to study the acid extraction of pectin from sweet potato residues. The effects of extraction temperature, extraction time, solutionpHand liquid/solid ratio on yield and galacturonic acid content of pectin were investigated. Experimental data were fitted to quadratic polynomial models and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The determined optimum conditions were extraction temperature 93 °C, extraction time 2.2 h, solutionpH1.7 and liquid/solid ratio (v/w) 30:1. Under these conditions, the experimental extraction yield and galacturonic acid content of pectin were 5.09% and 70.03% (w/w), which were in good agreement with predicted values, 5.08% and 69.40%, respectively. In addition, sweet potato pectin exhibited remarkable antiproliferation effects on human colon cancer cells HT‐29 and human breast cancer cells Bcap‐37 by 46.64% and 42.64% at 1.00 mg mL−1separately, indicating that it could potentially be used as a natural supplement in functional foods.
Effect of heating fatty fish: Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on lipid oxidation and contents of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids
Authors: Domiszewski Zdzislaw
Published: November 2012

In this study, analyses were carried out to establish the impact of heating three species of fatty fish: trouts, herrings and sprats, on the lipids oxidation and on contents of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. The comminuted fish tissue was heated at restricted access of oxygen at temperature of 60, 100 and 160 °C for 15–120 min. Lipids, extracted with the Bligh‐Dyer method, were determined for peroxide value (PV) and anisidine value (AV). The Fatty acid methyl esters were prepared directly from the tissue, whereas contents of EPA and DHA were determined with the GC/MS method. Depending on the temperature applied, 15‐min heating of fish meat tissue caused 30–80% decrease of PN and 20–40% decrease of AV, on average. Generally, the continued heat treatment caused successive decreases in both PV and AV and the rate of this process was observed to increase along with an increasing temperature. The heating of trout and sprats at temperature of 60, 100 and 160 °C even for 1–2 h did not evoke losses either in EPA or in DHA content. In turn, in the case of herring caught during the pre‐spawning season, ca. 90–120 min of heat treatment contributed to ca. 20–25% decrease in contents of these fatty acids.
A study of variation in the tendency for postharvest discoloration in a lettuce (Lactuca sativa) diversity set
Authors: Atkinson Laura D. , Hilton Howard W. , Pink David A. C.
Published: November 2012

Lettuce as a component of processed salad packs often suffers from pinking or browning discoloration on leaf surfaces within a few days after harvest limiting product shelf life. A lettuce diversity set representing the primary gene pool was used to investigate phenotypic variation for postharvest discoloration. Discoloration of minimally processed lettuce was assessed using material harvested from a replicated field trial. Significant variation for pinking and browning was recorded (P < 0.001). Rates of discoloration were specific to lettuce type, however potential for pinking or browning within a type varied. Interestingly, accessions were significantly more susceptible to browning (P < 0.05) early postharvest (day 1) but significantly more susceptible to pinking (P < 0.05) during later stages (days 6, 9 and 13). The results indicate that there is a genetic basis for this phenotypic variation and this natural allelic variation could be exploited through breeding to develop discoloration resistant cultivars, consequently minimising pre‐ and postharvest treatments and reducing food wastage.
Latest treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunction: Therapeutic agents and mechanism of action
Authors: Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: November 2012

Recent studies suggest that antimuscarinics might suppress bladder afferent activity by blocking muscarinic receptors in the urothelium, myofibroblasts and detrusor, thereby improving overactive bladder symptoms. β3‐Adrenoceptors are predominantly expressed in the human bladder and mediate relaxation of detrusor muscle. β3‐Adrenoceptor agonists increase bladder capacity and prolong micturition interval. It is assumed that β3‐adrenoceptor agonists could exert an inhibitory effect on bladder afferent through β3‐adrenoceptors in the urothelium and detrusor, which eventually improve the symptom of urgency. Mirabegron is a potent and selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist. A Japanese phase 3 study showed that mirabegron has excellent efficacy and safety for treating overactive bladder. α1‐Adrenoceptor antagonists (α1‐blockers) have become a mainstay of male lower urinary tract symptoms treatment. The α1A subtype is known to mediate functional obstruction as a result of benign prostatic enlargement. Recent studies have suggested that α1A‐adrenoceptors are additionally involved in the generation of storage symptoms. The α1D subtype is thought to play a role in the facilitation of voiding reflex; that is; storage symptoms. α1‐Blockers often fail to alleviate overactive bladder symptoms. In this context, combination therapy with α1‐blockers and antimuscarinics has been recommended. Treatment with 5α‐reductase inhibitor for 1 year improves urinary symptoms and flow rate by reducing prostatic volume in men with benign prostatic enlargement. A pooled analysis showed that the long‐term (2 or 4 years) treatment with 5α‐reductase inhibitor reduced the rate of progression to acute urinary retention and surgery. Combination therapy with 5α‐reductase inhibitor and α1‐blocker was shown to provide a rapid improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms, and reduce the relative risk of acute urinary retention and benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related surgery. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors might target a nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in the prostate, urethra and bladder. Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors (sildenafil or tadalafil) were shown to provide clinically relevant improvements in both male lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction.
Crossing Borders, Crossing Seas: The Philippines, Gender and the Bounding of Cumulative Causation
Authors: Loebach Peter , Korinek Kim
Published: November 2012

In this study, we assess how the composition of migrant workers varies with migration prevalence within Filipino communities. Specifically, we test the hypothesis of past cumulative causation scholars that increased migration prevalence results in a decline in migrant selectivity. The Philippines has a social, political and geographical context that differs from that of many other countries characterized by high migration. In this study, we consider whether these different contexts and contingencies might alter the process by which the social phenomenon of cumulative causation occurs. Multiple fixed‐effects models were estimated at the municipality level, with the dependent variable in each model being a demographic characteristic related to the propensity to migrate: marital status, age, sex and years of education. We find, consistent with cumulative causation theory as posited by Douglas S. Massey, that increased migration prevalence did yield a decline in selectivity for education and marital status. However, migration prevalence had no effect on the gender composition of migrants, while time did impact the gender composition, suggesting sustained selectivity by gender attributable to global demand for specifically gendered, migrant labour.
Internal Migration and Spanish Regional Convergence (1972–1998)
Authors: Larramona Gemma , Sanso Marcos
Published: November 2012

The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between internal migration and Spanish regional convergence between 1972 and 1998, a period between the mass emigration prior to the 1970s and the mass immigration of the end of the twentieth century. The main results indicate that internal migration led to a fall in Spanish regional development gaps. However, internal migration did not lead to the disappearance of these gaps in the long term. Some regions will always receive workers, others will send them out and a third group will experience a sequence of migration reversals. The econometric methodology used allows us to identify structural breaks and to differentiate between long‐ and short‐term effects. This approach enables predictions to be made for internal migration flows in the long term in the absence of shocks.
Compensatory growth, condition and food utilization in barbel Barbus barbus juveniles reared at different feeding periodicities with a dry diet
Authors: Myszkowski L.
Published: November 2012

In a 40 day experiment, barbel Barbus barbus juveniles were fed a dry diet continuously, or food was withheld for 2, 5 or 10 days, and then resumed feeding. Improved feed utilization efficiency allowed fish deprived of food for 2 or 5 days to fully compensate for body mass loss. Short‐term food deprivation as a method of preventing negative effects of overfeeding in intensive rearing of juvenile B. barbus is proposed.
New mtDNA data reveal a wide distribution of the Japanese ginbuna Carassius langsdorfii in Europe
Authors: Kalous L. , Rylková K. , Bohlen J. , Šanda R. , Petrtýl M.
Published: November 2012

In this study, records on the occurrence of the Japanese ginbuna Carassius langsdorfii from northern Germany, north‐western Italy and southern Bosnia and Herzegovina are presented. The new findings, in addition to former studies reported in the Czech Republic and Greece, show that C. langsdorfii is much more widespread in Europe than was previously believed.
Adhesion of Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli to human and bovine surface mucus cells in vitro
Authors: NILIUS M. , BODE G. , BÜCHLER M. , MALFERTHEINER P.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Helicobacter pylori shows in vivo a specific affinity for epithelial surface mucus cells (SMC) of the human stomach. We studied the in vitro adhesion of five different H. pylori strains and one non‐pathogenic Escherichia coli‐strain to (a) human antral SMC, obtained during gastroscopy; (b) human tumour SMC, from a carcinoma cell line (CRL 1739 AGS); and (c) bovine SMC, obtained from the abomasum. SMC of different origin were characterized by means of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, and showed similar main features: all cells showed intra‐cellular structures like zymogens and PAS‐positive mucin granules. HSMC were antibody‐positive against epithelial cell markers. All five H. pylori strains adhered to human SMC (HSMC) and tumour SMC (TSMC). Only one strain additionally adhered to bovine SMC (BSMC). No adhesion to any of these cells was observed with E. coli. Adhesion in vitro is characterized by a close membrane‐to‐membrane association between H. pylori and the target cells. This phenomenon suggests a specific receptor—ligand interaction.