bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SLC23 family of ascorbate transporters: ensuring that you get and keep your daily dose of vitamin C
Authors: May James M
Published: March 2011

The ascorbate transporters SVCT1 and SVCT2 are crucial for maintaining intracellular ascorbate concentrations in most cell types. Although the two transporter isoforms are highly homologous, they have different physiologic functions. The SVCT1 is located primarily in epithelial cells and has its greatest effect in reabsorbing ascorbate in the renal tubules. The SVCT2 is located in most non‐epithelial tissues, with the highest expression in brain and neuroendocrine tissues. These transporters are hydrophobic membrane proteins that have a high affinity and are highly selective for ascorbate. Their ability to concentrate ascorbate inside cells is driven by the sodium gradient across the plasma membrane as generated by Na+/K+ ATPase. They can concentrate ascorbate 20 to 60‐fold over plasma ascorbate concentrations. Ascorbate transport on these proteins is regulated at the transcriptional, translational and post‐translational levels. Available studies show that transporter function is acutely regulated by protein kinases A and C, whereas transporter expression is increased by low intracellular ascorbate and associated oxidative stress. The knockout of the SVCT2 in mice is lethal on day 1 of life, and almost half of SVCT1 knockout mice do not survive to weaning. These findings confirm the importance both of cellular ascorbate and of the two transport proteins as key to maintaining intracellular ascorbate.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Transporters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐7
Childhood Tinea Incognito Caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale Mimicking Pustular Psoriasis
Authors: KAWAKAMI YOSHIO , OYAMA NORITAKA , SAKAI ERIKA , NISHIYAMA KYOKO , SUZUTANI TATSUO , YAMAMOTO TOSHIYUKI
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Tinea incognito refers to fungal infection whose clinical appearance is modified or aggravated by administration of systemic or topical corticosteroids. We report a case of pustular psoriasis‐like tinea incognito caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale under topical corticosteroid therapy. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region, in addition to the D1D2 domain of the 26S ribosomal RNA gene, was helpful in identifying the fungal species.
A Comparative Analysis of PRA and Intelligent Adversary Methods for Counterterrorism Risk Management
Authors: Merrick Jason , Parnell Gregory S.
Published: March 2011

In counterterrorism risk management decisions, the analyst can choose to represent terrorist decisions as defender uncertainties or as attacker decisions. We perform a comparative analysis of probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) methods including event trees, influence diagrams, Bayesian networks, decision trees, game theory, and combined methods on the same illustrative examples (container screening for radiological materials) to get insights into the significant differences in assumptions and results. A key tenent of PRA and decision analysis is the use of subjective probability to assess the likelihood of possible outcomes. For each technique, we compare the assumptions, probability assessment requirements, risk levels, and potential insights for risk managers. We find that assessing the distribution of potential attacker decisions is a complex judgment task, particularly considering the adaptation of the attacker to defender decisions. Intelligent adversary risk analysis and adversarial risk analysis are extensions of decision analysis and sequential game theory that help to decompose such judgments. These techniques explicitly show the adaptation of the attacker and the resulting shift in risk based on defender decisions.
Critical Review and Uncertainty Analysis of Factors Influencing Influenza Transmission
Authors: Jones Rachael M.
Published: March 2011

Influenza remains a significant threat to public health, yet there is significant uncertainty about the routes of influenza transmission from an infectious source through the environment to a receptor, and their relative risks. Herein, data pertaining to factors that influence the environmental mediation of influenza transmission are critically reviewed, including: frequency, magnitude and size distribution and virus expiration, inactivation rates, environmental and self‐contact rates, and viral transfer efficiencies during contacts. Where appropriate, two‐stage Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis is used to characterize variability and uncertainty in the reported data. Significant uncertainties are present in most factors, due to: limitations in instrumentation or study realism; lack of documentation of data variability; or lack of study. These analyses, and future experimental work, will improve parameterization of influenza transmission and risk models, facilitating more robust characterization of the magnitude and uncertainty in infection risk.
Bankruptcy and the Collateral Channel
Authors: BENMELECH EFRAIM , BERGMAN NITTAI K.
Published: March 2011

Do bankrupt firms impose negative externalities on their nonbankrupt competitors? We propose and analyze a collateral channel in which a firm's bankruptcy reduces the collateral value of other industry participants, thereby increasing their cost of debt financing. We identify the collateral channel using novel data of secured debt tranches issued by U.S. airlines that include detailed descriptions of the underlying collateral pools. Our estimates suggest that industry bankruptcies have a sizeable impact on the cost of debt financing of other industry participants. We discuss how the collateral channel may lead to contagion effects that amplify the business cycle during industry downturns.
Noncontact Mapping Guided Ablation of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Ectopy in a Patient with Interruption of the Inferior Vena Cava and Azygos Continuation
Authors: VALVERDE IRENE , ARYA A. , BEN‐ SIMON RON , McCREADY JACK M. , HERREY ANNA , LAMBIASE PIER D.
Published: March 2011

A 58‐year‐old woman with symptomatic multiple monomorphic premature ventricular beats of a right ventricular outflow tract origin was referred for ablation. An inferior vena cava interruption with azygos continuation was discovered during catheter placement. This case describes positioning of the noncontact mapping array and successful radiofrequency ablation in this challenging anatomy. (PACE 2013; 36:e129–e131)
Yoked Catheter Positioning in Transseptal Endocardial Left Ventricular Lead Placement
Authors: LAU ERNEST W.
Published: March 2011

Background: Transseptal (TS) endocardial left ventricular (LV) lead placement may be needed for cardiac resynchronization therapy, and often requires crossing a preformed puncture in the interatrial septum (IAS) with a lead delivery catheter inserted from an upper body vein (UBV), which can be difficult or impossible to achieve by manipulation from its hub. Consequently, yoked superior approach TS catheterization was developed.

Methods: A loop snare housed in a deflectable delivery catheter inserted from an UBV captured the guide wire extending out of a TS sheath inserted from the right femoral vein into the inferior vena cava (IVC). After the IAS had been punctured, the guide wire was left in the left atrium (LA) and the TS sheath withdrawn into the IVC. The delivery catheter was advanced over the snare onto the guide wire, and then pushed by the TS sheath across the IAS puncture into the LA. The snare released the guide wire and was withdrawn. The delivery catheter was manipulated to point toward the LV for lead deployment. If that was not possible, the IAS puncture was dilated with an electrophysiology (EP) catheter housed in a second TS sheath alongside the first one. The EP catheter was captured by the snare and manipulated across the IAS puncture into the LV. The delivery catheter was advanced over the EP catheter directly into the LV.

Results: The technique was tried in four patients with challenging anatomy and allowed successful endocardial LV lead placement in all.

Conclusions: Yoked catheter positioning facilitates TS endocardial LV lead placement. (PACE 2011; 34:884–893)
Normal Pulmonary Veins Anatomy is Associated with Better AF‐Free Survival after Cryoablation as Compared to Atypical Anatomy with Common Left Pulmonary Vein
Authors: KUBALA MACIEJ , HERMIDA JEAN‐SYLVAIN , NADJI GEORGES , QUENUM SERGE , TRAULLE SARAH , JARRY GENEVIÈVE
Published: March 2011

Background: Pulmonary vein cryoablation (PVC) is a new approach in the treatment of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Computed tomography (CT) can be used to evaluate the left atrium anatomy and PVs dimensions to facilitate the procedure. In radiofrequency procedures, some anatomic variants such as common left (CLPV) or right (CRPV) PV were reported as factors associated with technical procedure difficulties and potential long‐term complications. We hypothesized that the absence of CLPV as determined by CT would predict better AF‐free survival after PVC.

Methods and results: We included 118 consecutive patients (mean age 56 ± 10 years; 77% males) with drug refractory paroxysmal (72%)/persistent (28%) AF, with more than 6 months follow‐up, who underwent PVC. On CT scanning images performed within 1 month prior to ablation, we evaluated PV anatomic patterns: presence of CLPV or CRPV. Each patient was evaluated by 24‐hour Holter monitoring within 1 and 3 months and all patients were periodically evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Patients were asked to record their 12‐lead electrocardiogram whenever they experienced symptoms suggestive of AF. Recurrence was defined as AF that lasted at least 30 seconds. CLPV was present in 30 (25%) patients and no patients with CRPV were identified. At the end of the 13 months follow‐up, patients with normal PVs had significantly better AF‐free survival compared to patients with CLPV (67% vs 50%, P = 0.02). The difference was present in patients with paroxysmal AF (P = 0.008) but not in patients with persistent AF (P = 0.92).

Conclusion: In patients undergoing cryoballoon PV isolation for AF, the presence of normal PVs pattern is associated with better AF‐free survival as compared to atypical PV anatomy with CLPV, particularly in patients with paroxysmal AF. (PACE 2011; 34:837–843)
Enhancement of the Electrical Stability of ZnO Varistors by a Novel Immersion Process
Authors: Meng Lei , Zheng Liaoying , Cheng Lihong , Zheng Yao , Li Guorong , Bernik Slavko
Published: March 2011

A novel immersion process was carried out to improve the electrical stability of ZnO varistors under a dc electrical field. It was performed by dipping the conventionally sintered ZnO varistor samples in a bismuth nitrate solution with a subsequent heat treatment. The results showed that this process could improve the electrical stability and the nonlinearity of the ZnO varistors simultaneously. All the immersed specimens exhibited a reduced leakage current and a stable nonlinearity in the dc degradation test. The optimum concentration of the immersion solution was found to be 1.0–2.0M. The microstructure and the electrical performance of the immersed ZnO varistors were investigated. This process generates an effective penetration of molten Bi2O3 from the surface into the interior, which compensates the near‐surface bismuth loss that resulted from its vaporization during sintering. The extraneously penetrated molten Bi2O3 plus inherently molten Bi‐rich phase facilitate the reconstruction of an intergranular layer and fills more grain boundaries with the γ‐Bi2O3 phase. It is the abundant γ‐Bi2O3 intergranular phase that improves the electrical stability by restraining the oxygen desorption at the grain boundary. The enhanced nonlinearity is related to the modification of the defect structure and the component distribution in the intergranular region.
Elastodynamic Erosion of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Wang Man , Fleck Norman A. , Evans Anthony G.
Published: March 2011

The finite element method is used to analyze the elastodynamic response of a columnar thermal barrier coating due to normal impact and oblique impact by an erosive particle. An assessment is made of the erosion by crack growth from preexisting flaws at the edge of each column: it is demonstrated that particle impacts can be sufficiently severe to give rise to columnar cracking. First, the transient stress state induced by the normal impact of a circular cylinder or a sphere is calculated in order to assess whether a 2D calculation adequately captures the more realistic 3D behavior. It is found that the transient stress states for the plane strain and axisymmetric models are similar. The sensitivity of response to particle diameter and to impact velocity is determined for both the cylinder and the sphere. Second, the transient stress state is explored for 2D oblique impact by a circular cylindrical particle and by an angular cylindrical particle. The sensitivity of transient tensile stress within the columns to particle shape (circular and angular), impact angle, impact location, orientation of the angular particle, and to the level of friction is explored in turn. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the effect of inclining the thermal barrier coating columns upon their erosion resistance.
IGF‐1 deficiency resists cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial contractile dysfunction: role of microRNA‐1 and microRNA‐133a
Authors: Hua Yinan , Zhang Yingmei , Ren Jun
Published: March 2011

This study was designed to examine the impact of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) deficiency on abdominal aortic constriction (AAC)‐induced cardiac geometric and functional changes with a focus on microRNA‐1, 133a and 208, which are specially expressed in hearts and govern cardiac hypertrophy and stress‐dependent cardiac growth. Liver‐specific IGF‐1‐deficient (LID) and C57/BL6 mice were subject to AAC. Echocardiographic and cardiomyocyte function were assessed 4 wks later. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to monitor myocardial morphology. Western blot and real‐time PCR were used to detect protein and miR expression, respectively. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were transfected with miRs prior to IGF‐1 exposure to initiate cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry and [3H] Leucine incorporation were used to detect cell surface area and protein abundance. C57 mice subject to AAC displayed increased ventricular wall thickness, decreased left ventricular end diastolic and end systolic dimensions and elevated cardiomyocyte shortening capacity, all of which were attenuated in LID mice. In addition, IGF‐1 deficiency mitigated AAC‐induced increase in atrial natriuretic factor, GATA binding protein 4, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and Akt phosphorylation. In contrast, neither AAC treatment nor IGF‐1 deficiency affected glycogen synthase kinase 3b, mammalian target of rapamycin, the Glut‐4 translocation mediator Akt substrate of 160 kD (AS160) and protein phosphatase. Levels of miR‐1 and ‐133a (but not miR‐208) were significantly attenuated by AAC in C57 but not LID mice. Transfection of miR‐1 and ‐133a obliterated IGF‐1‐induced hypertrophic responses in NRCMs. Our data suggest that IGF‐1 deficiency retards AAC‐induced cardiac hypertrophic and contractile changes via alleviating down‐regulation of miR‐1 and miR‐133a in response to left ventricular pressure overload.
RETRACTED: Crestal bone loss evaluation in osseotite expanded platform implants: a 5‐year study
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , López‐Marí Laura , Guardia Javier , Negri Bruno , Martínez‐González José María
Published: March 2011

Objective: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the survival rates at 5 years of expanded platform implants placed in the anterior zone of the maxilla and immediately restored with single crowns.

Materials and methods: Implants incorporating the platform‐switching concept were placed in fresh extraction sockets in the maxillary arch, with each patient receiving a provisional restoration immediately after implant placement. After 15 days, final screwed restorations were inserted. Mesial and distal bone heights were evaluated using digital radiography on the day following implant placement and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 months and 5 years. Primary stability was measured with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) using the Osstell Mentor device. Sixty‐four implants were placed in 32 men and 32 women ranging in age between 29 and 60 (mean: 39.64 ± 5.16 years).

Results: Mean mesial bone loss was 0.08 mm (SD 0.42). Mean distal bone loss was 0.14 mm (SD 0.56). Over the course of the 5 years, the mean RFA value was 72.5 ± 3.1 SD.

Conclusion: The platform‐switched implants remained stable over the course of 5 years and had an overall survival rate of 97.1%.

To cite this article:
 Calvo‐Guirado J L, Gómez‐Moreno G, López‐Marí L, Guardia J, Negri B, Martínez‐González J M. Crestal bone loss evaluation in osseotite expanded platform implants: a 5‐year study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. xx, 2011; 000–000 doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02130.x
The effect of combined delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 from biomimetic calcium‐phosphate‐coated implants on osseointegration
Authors: Ramazanoglu Mustafa , Lutz Rainer , Ergun Celaletdin , von Wilmowsky Cornelius , Nkenke Emeka , Schlegel Karl Andreas
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The delivery of growth factors for enhanced osseointegration depends on the effectiveness of the carrier systems at the bone–implant interface. This study evaluated the effect of solo and dual delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF165) from biomimetically octacalcium phosphate‐coated implants on osseointegration.

Materials and methods: Biomimetic implants, bearing either a single growth factor (BMP or VEGF) or their combination (BMP+VEGF), were established, and compared with acid‐etched (AE, control) and biomimetic implants without growth factor (CAP). Implants were placed into frontal skulls of nine domestic pigs. The quality of osseointegration was evaluated using microradiographic and histomorphometric analysis of bone formation inside four defined bone chambers of the experimental implant at 1, 2 and 4 weeks.

Results: Biomimetic implants, either with or without growth factor, showed enhanced bone volume density (BVD) values after 2 and 4 weeks. This enhancement was significant for the BMP and BMP+VEGF group compared with the control AE group after 2 weeks (P<0.05). All biomimetic calcium‐phosphate (Ca‐P) coatings exhibited significantly enhanced bone–implant contact (BIC) rates compared with the uncoated control surface after 2 weeks (P<0.05). However, the combined delivery of BMP‐2 and VEGF did not significantly enhance BIC at the final observation period.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the combined delivery of BMP‐2 and VEGF enhances BVD around implants, but not BIC. Therefore, it may be assumed that changes in the surface characteristics should be considered when designing growth factor‐delivering surfaces.

To cite this article:
 Ramazanoglu M, Lutz R, Ergun C, von Wilmowsky C, Nkenke E, Schlegel K A. The effect of combined delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 from biomimetic calcium‐phosphatecoated implants on osseointegration. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. xx, 2011; 000–000. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02133.x
Phylogenetic distance can predict susceptibility to attack by natural enemies
Authors: Ness J. H. , Rollinson E. J. , Whitney K. D.
Published: March 2011

If related species share enemies, variation in the damage experienced by species within a community may be predictable based on phylogeny. We examined the hypothesis that plant species more closely related to other community members experience greater herbivory by assessing leaf damage to native and exotic plants in two North American communities: an Eastern hardwood forest and a Rocky Mountain montane community. Pairwise phylogenetic distances between focal species and the hundreds of other native species in each community were calculated. We examined the influence of four measures of relatedness within each community: NND (phylogenetic distance to the nearest native neighbor), MPD (mean phylogenetic distance to the native species in the community), and two new metrics, MIPD (mean inverse phylogenetic distance) and INND (inverse nearest neighbor distance). These new metrics assume a nonlinear increase in interaction strength with relatedness; in the context of natural enemies, they posit that the sharing of enemies between any two species increases nonlinearly with their relatedness. Using regression models, we found that herbivore damage decreased with decreasing phylogenetic similarity of focal species to native species (as measured by MIPD) in both sites, although the pattern was significant only for native focal species in the montane community and exotic focal species in the hardwood forest. Similar decreases in herbivory with decreasing relatedness were detected using INND (montane natives) and MPD (hardwood forest exotics). There was no significant relationship between NND and herbivory for any of the four site by focal plant origin combinations. Our results are the first to support the hypothesis that native species can escape attack as a function of their phylogenetic dissimilarity to the larger community of native species, and to demonstrate that exotic species show these patterns in the wild (as opposed to in common gardens). We suggest that phylogenetic distance metrics assuming a nonlinear increase in interaction strength with relatedness show promise for broader application.
Enhanced diastolic reflections on arterial pressure pulse during exercise recovery
Authors: Dischl B. , Engelberger R. P. , Gojanovic B. , Liaudet L. , Gremion G. , Waeber B. , Feihl F.
Published: March 2011

During recovery from a maximal or submaximal aerobic exercise, augmentation of central (aortic) systolic pressure by reflected pressure waves is blunted in healthy humans. However, the extent to which reflected pressure waves modify the central pulse in diastole in these conditions remains unknown. We evaluated systolic and diastolic central reflected waves in 11 endurance‐trained athletes on recovery from a maximal running test on a treadmill (treadmill‐max) and a 4000 m run in field conditions. On both occasions in each subject, the radial pulse was recorded with applanation tonometry in the resting preexercise state and then 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 min after exercise termination. From the central waveform, as reconstructed by application of a generalized transfer function, we computed a systolic (AIx) and a diastolic index (AId) of pressure augmentation by reflections. At 5 min, both indices were below preexercise. At further time‐points, AIx remained low, while AId progressively increased, to overshoot above preexercise at 45 min. The same behavior was observed with both exercise types. Beyond the first few minutes of recovery following either maximal or submaximal aerobic exercise, reflected waves selectively augment the central pressure pulse in diastole, at least in endurance‐trained athletes.
Iron deficiency and Helicobacter pylori infection in children
Authors: Vendt N , Kool P , Teesalu K , Lillemäe K , Maaroos H‐I , Oona M
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To examine the relationship between iron deficiency (ID) and Helicobacter pylori infection in school‐aged children.

Methods:  Altogether 363 children from ambulatory admission were consecutively enrolled in the study. Haemoglobin (Hb), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), IgG against H. pylori and IgA against tissue transglutaminase were measured. The criteria for ID were sTfR > 5.7 mg/L in children aged 7–12 years and sTfR > 4.5 mg/L in older children, for anaemia Hb < 115 g/L in the younger group and Hb < 130 g/L for older boys and Hb < 120 g/L for girls.

Results:  Iron deficiency was found in 17% of the children, 5% had also anaemia. H. pylori colonization was detected in 27% and serum markers for coeliac disease in 0.6% of the children. The prevalence of ID and H. pylori seropositivity was higher in older children (23% and 29%, vs 9% and 22%, respectively). Children with H. pylori were significantly shorter [length SDS 1.0 (0.98–1.01) vs 0.98 (0.97–0.99)]. Older children had risk for ID (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.3, p = 0.03). Although the prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity was higher in the ID group, it was not significantly associated with ID in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:  Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was not associated with ID. The associated factor for ID was age.
Substrate preference and phosphatidylinositol monophosphate inhibition of the catalytic domain of the Per‐Arnt‐Sim domain kinase PASKIN
Authors: Schläfli Philipp , Tröger Juliane , Eckhardt Katrin , Borter Emanuela , Spielmann Patrick , Wenger Roland H.
Published: March 2011

The Per‐Arnt‐Sim (PAS) domain serine/threonine kinase PASKIN, or PAS kinase, links energy flux and protein synthesis in yeast, regulates glycogen synthesis and protein translation in mammals, and might be involved in insulin regulation in the pancreas. According to the current model, binding of a putative ligand to the PAS domain disinhibits the kinase domain, leading to PASKIN autophosphorylation and increased kinase activity. To date, only synthetic but no endogenous PASKIN ligands have been reported. In the present study, we identified a number of novel PASKIN kinase targets, including ribosomal protein S6. Together with our previous identification of eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1, this suggests a role for PASKIN in the regulation of mammalian protein translation. When searching for endogenous PASKIN ligands, we found that various phospholipids can bind PASKIN and stimulate its autophosphorylation. Interestingly, the strongest binding and autophosphorylation was achieved with monophosphorylated phosphatidylinositols. However, stimulated PASKIN autophosphorylation did not correlate with ribosomal protein S6 and eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1 target phosphorylation. Although autophosphorylation was enhanced by monophosphorylated phosphatidylinositols, di‐ and tri‐phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols inhibited autophosphorylation. By contrast, target phosphorylation was always inhibited, with the highest efficiency for di‐ and tri‐phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols. Because phosphatidylinositol monophosphates were found to interact with the kinase rather than with the PAS domain, these data suggest a multiligand regulation of PASKIN activity, including a still unknown PAS domain binding/activating ligand and kinase domain binding modulatory phosphatidylinositol phosphates.

Structured digital abstract

A list of the large number of protein‐protein interactions described in this article is available via the MINT article IDMINT‐8145255
The role of binding energies of neutron stars on the accretion-driven evolution
Authors: Bagchi Manjari
Published: March 2011

Millisecond pulsars are believed to descend from low-mass X-ray binaries. Observable parameters of binary millisecond pulsars, e.g. mass of the pulsar, mass of the companion, spin period of the pulsar, orbital period, orbital eccentricity, etc., are used to probe the past accretion history of the millisecond pulsars. However, unfortunately in these studies the binding energy of the neutron star is not commonly considered. We show that the effect of the binding energy is significant in the estimation of the amount of mass accretion, and thus should be incorporated in models for binary evolutions. Moreover, different equations of state for dense matter give different values for the accreted mass for the same amount of increase in the gravitational mass of the neutron star, implying the need of constraining dense matter equations of state even to understand the spin-up procedure properly.
Are cold flows detectable with metal absorption lines?
Authors: Kimm Taysun , Slyz Adrianne , Devriendt Julien , Pichon Christophe
Published: March 2011

Cosmological simulations have shown that dark matter haloes are connected to each other by large-scale filamentary structures. Cold gas flowing within this ‘cosmic web’ is believed to be an important source of fuel for star formation at high redshift. However, the presence of such filamentary gas has never been observationally confirmed despite the fact that its covering fraction within massive haloes at high redshift is predicted to be significant (∼25 per cent). In this Letter, we investigate in detail whether such cold gas is detectable using low-ionization metal absorption lines, such as Ciiλ1334, as this technique has a proven observational record for detecting gaseous structures. Using a large statistical sample of galaxies from the MareNostrumN-body+ adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) cosmological simulation, we find that the typical covering fraction of the dense, cold gas in 1012 M⊙ haloes at z∼ 2.5 is lower than expected (∼5 per cent). In addition, the absorption signal by the interstellar medium of the galaxy itself turns out to be so deep and so broad in velocity space that it completely drowns that of the filamentary gas. A detectable signal might be obtained from a cold filament exactly aligned with the line of sight, but this configuration is so unlikely that it would require surveying an overwhelmingly large number of candidate galaxies to tease it out. Finally, the predicted metallicity of the cold gas in filaments is extremely low (≤10−3 Z⊙). If this result persists when higher resolution runs are performed, it would significantly increase the difficulty of detecting filamentary gas inflows using metal lines. However, even if we assume that filaments are enriched to Z⊙, the absorption signal that we compute is still weak. We are therefore led to conclude that it is extremely difficult to observationally prove or disprove the presence of cold filaments as the favourite accretion mode of galaxies using low-ionization metal absorption lines. The Lyα emission route looks more promising but due to the resonant nature of the line, radiative transfer simulations are required to fully characterize the observed signal.
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF THE GHANAIAN VOLTA CLAM (GALATEA PARADOXA)
Authors: AMOAH CECILIA , BROWN CHARLES , OFORI‐DANSON P. K. , ODAMTTEN GEORGE T.
Published: March 2011

Microbiological quality of the Ghanaian Volta clam (Galatea paradoxa) was assessed by fecal coliform and total aerobic bacteria counts. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal eubacterial 16S and 23S rDNA primers was also used to show the presence of bacteria in samples of the gut fluid and mantle tissues. The clams were found to be laden with potential pathogenic bacteria identified by conventional methods. Twenty bacteria species were isolated. They were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella ornithinolytica, Flavobacterium meningosepticum, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. agglomerans, E. cloacae, Aeromonas sobria, Acinetobacter sp, Vibrio cholerae, Micrococcus radiodurans, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Chromobacterium violaceum, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella sp., Serratia marcescens and Yersinia intermedia. With PCR, bacterial DNA fragments were detected in 16.7% (2/12) of clam gut and 83.3% (10/12) of mantle tissues. Bacteria load in the clam mantle tissue was higher than in the gut.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The Volta clam is of high commercial interest in the Volta estuary. Information on the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria in this shellfish is thus very important to the food industry, especially in the shellfish‐eating community, where the shellfish is eaten in the semi‐processed ready‐to‐eat state. Data from this article will assist to ensure food safety.
AQUEOUS EXTRACTS FROM THE BULBS OF TULBAGHIA VIOLACEA ARE ANTIFUNGAL AGAINST ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS
Authors: BELEWA V. , BAIJNATH H. , SOMAI B.M.
Published: March 2011

Aspergillus flavus is a cosmopolitan fungal pathogen that is often implicated in food spoilage and in aspergillosis infections in immunocompromised individuals. The current study was undertaken to assess the effect of aqueous bulb extracts of Tulbaghia violacea on A. flavus spore survival. The broth dilution assay was used to determine that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract against A. flavus was 15 mg/mL and that the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was 20 mg/mL. During well diffusion assays A. flavus was inhibited by a minimal extract concentration of 60 mg/mL. As expected, inhibition zones during well diffusion assays increased with increasing extract concentrations. The 2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐5‐([phenylamino] carbonyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) assay showed a direct proportional decrease in metabolic activity of A. flavus with an increase in extract concentration. Inhibition of metabolic activity was quantifiable as early as 12 h after spore inoculation. This was in contrast to the broth dilution assay where inhibition only became clearly observable 48 h after spore inoculation. The antifungal nature of T. violacea aqueous bulb extracts against A. flavus 2527 shown here for the first time indicates a potential use of this extract as an effective antifungal agent against Aspergillus species. The extract could possibly be used in the future for reducing Aspergillus contamination of plant‐derived foods.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tulbaghia violacea (wild garlic) is a well‐known, indigenous ornamental plant in South Africa whose biological activities including a reduction in blood pressure has been previously documented. It is often eaten by African people for alleviating symptoms of high blood pressure including headaches. The plant is therefore safe to consume and appears to have no toxicological effects. With an ever‐increasing population and increasing cost of maintaining a constant and effective food supply, the natural antifungal agents found in aqueous extracts of T. violacea may provide an inexpensive means of reducing food spoilage by Aspergillus spp.
EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF BACILLUS CEREUS FOR ASSAY OF TETRACYCLINES IN CHICKEN MEAT
Authors: MWANGI WILLIAM WACHIRA , SHITANDI ANAKALO , NGURE RAPHAEL
Published: March 2011

In the Kenyan poultry industry, there is lack of affordable and easy‐to‐perform antibiotic residue screening methods. The aim of this study was to determine the limits of detection (LODs) of oxytetracycline (OTC) and evaluate whether it is reliably detectable at maximum residue limits (MRLs) in poultry tissues. Microbiological detection was achieved by agar well diffusion using Bacillus cereus, three medium pH and two poultry organs. Inhibition zones increased significantly (P < 0.001) when OTC was detected at a decreasing pH in both the liver and the kidney. OTC was detected below the MRLs of 600 ng/g in the liver and 1,200 ng/g in the kidney. However, growth media pH and antibiotic concentration affected the LODs. B. cereus plate at pH 7 can be used effectively for routine screening for OTC residues. The LODs were 131.3 ng/mL and 33.4 ng/mL, in the liver and the kidney, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Approximately 14.6 tons of active antibiotics are annually used in food animal production in Kenya. Most of the methods for screening of veterinary drugs in animal products are expensive. This is one of the factors that has contributed to the failure of observance of regulations regarding antibiotic residues in most developing countries. The described method can screen for residues of drugs in chicken meat inexpensively, quickly and with ease. This forms a basis for wider adaptability in the developing world so that unsafe samples can be selected from a majority of samples that do not contain drug residues for further quantitative testing.
AUTOMATED BACTERIAL DNA ISOLATION FROM FOOD AND FEED SAMPLES – A BIOPREPAREDNESS DESIGN
Authors: EHRS S. , ÅGREN P. , STEPHANSSON O. , GARBOM S. , ZUMPE A. LUNDIN
Published: March 2011

A high‐throughput biosafety level 3 suitable method is necessary for rapid discovery of unknown pathogens in complex matrices from the food chain. In this paper, three automated bacterial DNA extraction methods for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection were evaluated. The systems compared were the Magnatrix (NorDiag, Oslo, Norway) and the EZ1 (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), both based on purification with magnetic beads, and the ABI Prism™ 6100 Nucleic Acid PrepStation (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA), which is based on silica gel filtration. In the comparison, the detection of bacterial DNA from food and feed seeded with one Gram‐positive and one Gram‐negative bacterial species was compared. A wider range of matrices were successfully processed using the magnetic bead‐based DNA extraction robots compared with the silica gel filtration‐based robot. The limit of detection was 102–103 cfu/g matrix of both bacteria in powdered milk, minced meat, whole wheat and soypass using the EZ1 extraction robot.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A rapid, wide‐range method to discover unknown dangerous pathogens in complex matrices from the food chain is crucial to minimize the effects in the society of extraordinary events. These events are defined as accidents or unexpected disease outbreaks and deliberate spread of highly pathogenic bacteria. Gaining knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of extraction methods from complex matrices is important in the development of fast and reliable detection methods.
OCCURRENCE, VIRULENCE GENES AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157 IN BOVINE, CAPRINE, OVINE AND PORCINE CARCASSES IN GREECE
Authors: GOVARIS ALEXANDROS , ANGELIDIS APOSTOLOS S. , KATSOULIS KONSTANTINOS , POURNARAS SPYROS
Published: March 2011

One thousand and two hundred carcasses (620 bovine, 130 caprine, 230 ovine and 220 porcine) from several slaughterhouses throughout Greece were examined for the presence of Escherichia coli O157 after evisceration and before chilling. Twelve E. coli O157 strains (1.0%) were isolated of which eight were from bovine (1.3%), one from caprine (0.8%) and three from ovine (1.3%) meat. None was isolated from pork meat. Six out of the 12 E. coli O157 isolates (50.0%) could be classified as Shiga‐toxigenic based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), belonged to the E. coli O157:H7 serotype and were PCR‐positive for the stx1, stx2 and eae genes except one isolate that was stx1‐negative. The remaining six E. coli O157 isolates tested negative for Shiga‐toxin production, both by immunoassay and by PCR, were PCR‐negative for the eae gene, and all except one (strain LFH34, a bovine carcass isolate) were also PCR‐negative for the H7 flagellar gene. Among the 15 antimicrobials tested, the E. coli O157 isolates were the most frequently resistant to ticarcillin (9 out of the 12 isolates, 75%).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are severe human pathogens. Although the prevalence of STEC in bovine meat has been investigated in several countries worldwide, no such study has been conducted previously in Greece. In addition, very few studies in the literature have reported on the prevalence and characterization of STEC isolated from animal carcasses other than bovine. The findings of the present study are also useful for epidemiological purposes (monitoring the evolution and spread of STEC worldwide).
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF SEMI‐ AND SOFT‐SOLID FOODS
Authors: FOEGEDING E.A. , DAUBERT C.R. , DRAKE M.A. , ESSICK G. , TRULSSON M. , VINYARD C.J. , VAN DE VELDE F.
Published: March 2011

Foods such as starch‐ or gelatine‐based desserts, cheese, and processed meats are considered semi‐solid or soft‐solid, viscoelastic materials. Oral processing of these foods starts with either biting a portion from a larger piece or placing a piece in the mouth. Specific textural elements of a food are evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis; however, the time and costs of sensory analysis have motivated the empirical development of mechanical tests that correlate with sensory analysis of texture. While food scientists were evaluating mechanical properties to understand subjective texture, material scientists were developing rheological and fracture‐mechanics approaches to understand material properties in general. Still another group of scientists have focused on the biological mechanisms involved in mastication, oral processing and oral sensation. Understanding the integration of physical, physiological and psychophysical elements of soft‐solid food texture is a relative new area of research and therefore the current understanding of this multidisciplinary approach will be reviewed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Food texture is one of the key properties consumers evaluate when determining food quality and acceptability. Changing composition, such as decreasing fat content, is often associated with undesirable changes in texture. This article discusses the interrelationships among physical, physiological and psychophysical elements of soft‐solid food texture. If we could learn how food structure elicits a specific textural response, then a variety of molecules could be used to generate a specific structure and deliver the same texture but with different health implications.
IS THE MOUTHWATERING SENSATION A TRUE SALIVARY REFLEX?
Authors: ILANGAKOON Y. , CARPENTER G.H.
Published: March 2011

Although widely perceived, there is no clear physiological mechanism for the sensation known as “mouthwatering.” Previous studies conflict as to whether humans have a conditioned reflex to the sight or thought of food despite being well established in other animals. Parotid and submandibular/sublingual secretions to a set of standardized (taste, chewing, smell) stimuli were compared to mouthwatering samples elicited by handling (but not consuming) food. Handling food elicited a small, but measurable, increase in submandibular/sublingual and parotid salivas. Analyses revealed these salivas had a similar protein profile as a resting salivary sample. It is concluded that no true reflex secretion occurs in response to the thought or handling of food but that small amounts of saliva ejected into the mouth, possibly by muscle activity, is likely to be the cause of the mouthwatering sensation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The concept of mouthwatering is often used to promote or sell a food product and yet the physiological basis of this response is unclear. Unlike animals, and in particular Pavlov's dogs, humans are not able to salivate at the thought of food. Instead small volumes of saliva have been secreted/detected while handling real foods that may relate to the mouthwatering phenomenon.
THE EFFECT OF INULIN ON TRIBOLOGY AND SENSORY PROFILES OF SKIMMED MILK
Authors: MEYER D. , VERMULST J. , TROMP R.H. , DE HOOG E.H.A.
Published: March 2011

The effects of the addition of long‐ or medium‐chain length inulin (1, 3, 5%) on the friction coefficient and sensory profile of skimmed milk were determined and the correlation between these two sets of data was assessed. Tribological analysis showed that with inulin, the friction coefficient of skimmed milk could be decreased to the value of full fat milk, with long‐chain inulin being more effective than medium‐chain inulin. The addition of inulin had minor effects on mouthfeel; only attributes related to oral friction tended to be lower. Correlation analysis of the sensory and tribology data did not give a significant relationship. For milk with different fat contents trends were observed: a decrease in friction (due to a lowered fat content) tended to correlate with an increase in the attribute “creamy,” whereas the friction‐related attribute “thin as water” tended to be positively correlated with friction.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The data show that friction is an important aspect of creamy mouthfeel. Tribology measurements give information about this parameter and can thus be used to assess the potential of food ingredients such as inulin to improve creaminess in (low fat) food products.
Differences in Readiness Between Rural Hospitals and Primary Care Providers for Telemedicine Adoption and Implementation: Findings From a Statewide Telemedicine Survey
Authors: Martin Amy Brock , Probst Janice C. , Shah Kyle , Chen Zhimin , Garr David
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Published advantages of and challenges with telemedicine led us to examine the scope of telemedicine adoption, implementation readiness, and barriers in a southern state where adoption has been historically low. We hypothesized that rural hospitals and primary care providers (RPCPs) differ on adoption, readiness, and implementation barriers. We examined the degree to which they differ on (a) telemedicine adoption or readiness; (b) telemedicine training needs; (c) current use of technology for patient care; and (d) environmental concerns in facilities for telemedicine.

Methods: Paper surveys were sent to rural hospitals and RPCPs with response rates of 50% (n = 38) and 25.9% (n = 339), respectively. Three of 4 hospitals were represented. Chi‐square analyses were used to test for differences between rural hospitals and RPCPs.

Findings: Compared to RPCPs, rural hospitals were significantly more likely to report higher rates of telemedicine knowledge (P= .0007); planning for or implementing telemedicine (P < .0001); and reporting their disaster recovery data systems (P= .0002) and availability and location of outlets and connections (P= .03) as adequate for telemedicine. Rural hospitals were less likely to report having no telemedicine education needs (P= .04).

Conclusions: Telemedicine continues to be a viable solution for bridging geographic access gaps to a variety of specialty care. Users need assistance in understanding legal implications, care coordination, billing for services, and disaster data recovery. In rural areas, hospitals appear to best embody characteristics of facilities that successfully implement telemedicine and have the greatest degree of readiness.
New records of Isonychia formosana, Prosopistoma annamense and Prosopistoma sinense (Ephemeroptera) from Thailand
Authors: TUNGPAIROJWONG Nisarat , BOONSOONG Boonsatien
Published: March 2011

We describe the distribution and habitats of three new recorded mayfly species from Thailand: Isonychia formosana (Isonychidae), Prosopistoma annamense (Prosopistomatidae) and P. sinense. This is a new record from Thailand, reporting these species for the first time. A key to known larvae of Thai Prosopistoma species is provided.
First record of two cryptine generaCalaminusandEurycryptus(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Korea
Authors: OH Seung‐Ho , KIM Ki‐Beom , AN Seung‐Lak , LEE Jong‐Wook
Published: March 2011

Previously, 62 species under 37 genera of the subfamily Cryptinae were known from Korea. In this paper, two cryptine genera,CalaminusTownes, 1965 andEurycryptusCameron, are first recorded from Korea, based onC. hokkaidensis(Uchida) andE. unicolor(Uchida), respectively. Redescription, habitus photograph and illustration of the female head of each species are provided.