bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of L protein of Hantaan virus 84FLi strain and its application for recovery of minigenomes
Authors: ZHANG YE , LI XIN‐HONG , JIANG HONG , HUANG CHANG‐XING , WANG PING‐ZHONG , MOU DAN‐LEI , SUN LI , XU ZHE , WEI XIN , BAI XUE‐FAN
Published: December 2008

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is an Old World hantavirus associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). To visualize the localization of the L protein of HTNV strain 84FLi within cells, a fusion protein composed of enhanced green fluorescent protein and L protein, EGFP‐L, was expressed in Vero cells. The 273 KDa expressed fusion protein of EGFP‐L localized in the perinuclear region. We also described the development of a reverse genetics system for HTNV strain 84FLi. The RNA polymerase I (pol I)‐mediated transcription system was used to generate artificial viral RNA genome segments (minigenomes), which contained the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene in antisense (virus RNA) or sense (virus‐complementary RNA) orientation flanked by the noncoding regions of HTNV 84FLi L segment. CAT could be detected in cells after transfection, indicating the successful encapsidation, transcription and replication of the pol I‐derived minigenomes. The passaged transfer of CAT demonstrates that recombinant virus containing packaged pol I‐derived minigenomes has been produced. This system may be helpful in studying the gene function and pathogenesis of HTNV.
Organ‐confined clear cell renal cell carcinoma: the prognostic impact of microvascular invasion, nuclear grade and tumour size
Authors: ZUBAC D. P. , BOSTAD L. , KIHL B. , EIDE J. , WENTZEL‐LARSEN T. , HAUKAAS S. A.
Published: December 2008

The frequency of diagnosed and treated organ‐confined renal cell carcinoma is increasing. The prognosis of this group of tumours is difficult to predict. The main purpose of this study was to examine the prognostic significance of microvascular invasion, tumour size and nuclear grade in a complete cohort of 76 consecutive patients with organ‐confined clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with radical nephrectomy. Patient ages ranged from 39 to 88 years (mean 66 years). Median follow‐up was 10.2 years (range 0.1–19.4 years). The tumours were graded according to Fuhrman. Representative histological sections were stained for CD31, which decorates endothelial cells, in order to assess microvascular invasion (MVI). In univariate analysis, microvascular invasion (p<0.01), tumour size (TS) (p=0.01), TNM stage (p=0.01) and Fuhrman nuclear grade (p=0.02) were significant predictors of cancer‐specific survival. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, revealed that microvascular invasion, tumour size and nuclear grade were independent covariates. According to our findings microvascular invasion is a strong independent prognostic predictor, and including this in the histopathology report should be considered together with nuclear grade and tumour size.
Expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules in human coronary artery endothelial cells infected with Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae
Authors: HÖGDAHL M. , SÖDERLUND G. , KIHLSTRÖM E.
Published: December 2008

Chlamydia pneumoniae has during recent years been associated with cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Chemokines, leukocyte adhesion proteins and metalloproteinases are significant for chemotaxis and attachment of leukocytes to vessel walls, and for stability of atherosclerotic plaques. To determine the ability of C. pneumoniae to elicit inflammation in a relevant target host cell, we infected human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) with a clinical isolate of C. pneumoniae. Extracellular release of five chemokines, two adhesion proteins and a metalloproteinase was measured at different time points after infection using a cytometric bead assay and ELISA. Secretion of IL‐8, MCP‐1, MIG, IP‐10 and ICAM‐1 was significantly increased 48 h after C. pneumoniae infection of HCAEC in comparison with uninfected controls. Release of RANTES occurred already 6 h after infection. C. pneumoniae did not elicit release of E‐selectin or MMP‐1. We conclude that C. pneumoniae induces expression of proinflammatory components in HCAEC, which would promote migration of leukocytes towards endothelial cells. This suggests that C. pneumoniae initiates and propagates vascular inflammation in ways that contribute to coronary artery disease.
National case‐control study on risk of death andNeisseria meningitidissequence types in Denmark, 2000–2007
Authors: HOWITZ MICHAEL , LAMBERTSEN LOTTE , MØLBAK KÅRE , CHRISTENSEN JENS JØRGEN
Published: December 2008

In the past decades efforts to further diminish the case‐fatality rate from meningococcal disease have proven challenging due to the often rapid progression of the disease in patients. In this study our objective was to characterise a subset ofNeisseria meningitidisisolates to establish which sequence types were associated with increased mortality in Denmark during the period 2000–2007. We designed a matched case control and performed serogrouping, serotyping, serosubtyping and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on 100 isolates. The clonal complex ST‐32/ET‐5 was found in 36% of the isolates, followed by the ST‐11/ET‐37 complex (14%) and ST‐41/44 complex/Lineage 3 (14%). Eight new sequence types were found. None of the clonal complexes were significantly associated with increased mortality. Phenotype B:15:P1.7,16 tended to be a better predictor of death than ST‐32. Although the numbers were low, the present study indicates that phenotyping may be a better predictor of mortality than MLST, which suggests that each typing method has its advantages and disadvantages. If this notion can be confirmed by other studies, it may stimulate additional research regarding the pathogenesis of severe illness, for example, if certain surface molecules trigger a cytokine storm more than others.
Imipramine‐induced hyperpigmentation: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: D’Agostino Mark L. , Risser Jessica , Robinson‐Bostom Leslie
Published: December 2008

Imipramine‐induced hyperpigmentation is rare with only 13 cases reported in the literature to date. We report a 64‐year‐old female who presented with blue‐gray discoloration on her face present for 4–5 years. The patient’s medications included imipramine for depression for approximately 23 years. Physical examination revealed slate‐gray hyperpigmented discrete and coalescing macules of the malar cheeks and the bilateral temples and periorbitally. She also had diffuse gray pigmentation of the bilateral dorsal hands. Histologic examination revealed an unremarkable epidermis with golden‐brown round globules clustered in the superficial dermis, which stained strongly positive with a Fontana‐Masson stain. Prussian blue stain for hemosiderin was negative. A diagnosis of imipramine‐induced hyperpigmentation was made. Imipramine‐induced hyperpigmentation as well as a detailed review of drug‐induced hyperpigmentation is discussed.
Light and electron microscopy of eruptive collagenoma
Authors: De Almeida Hiram L. , Breunig Juliano de A. , Wolter Manfred , De Castro Luis Antônio S. , Rocha Nara M.
Published: December 2008

Connective tissue nevi may be multiple or solitary, sporadic or familial. Eruptive collagenoma is a variant of the acquired collagenomas characterized by multiple sclerotic papules with an acute onset. A 13‐year‐old girl reported that in the past year, small asymptomatic lesions began to appear in her skin, 30 lesions were seen in the trunk, 5 in the cervical region and 1 in the face. Light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining showed sparse collagen fibers, with Weigert staining diminished elastic tissue was observed. Scanning electron microscopy of the dermis showed individualized collagen fibers forming waved compact masses and not bundles. Transmission electron microscopy also showed sparse and loose collagen fibers with different diameters in cross sections.
Studies on the role of the receptor protein motifs possibly involved in electrostatic interactions on the dopamine D1 and D2 receptor oligomerization
Authors: Łukasiewicz Sylwia , Faron‐Górecka Agata , Dobrucki Jerzy , Polit Agnieszka , Dziedzicka‐Wasylewska Marta
Published: December 2008

We investigated the influence of an epitope from the third intracellular loop (ic3) of the dopamine D2 receptor, which contains adjacent arginine residues (217RRRRKR222), and an acidic epitope from the C‐terminus of the dopamine D1 receptor (404EE405) on the receptors’ localization and their interaction. We studied receptor dimer formation using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Receptor proteins were tagged with fluorescence proteins and expressed in HEK293 cells. The degree of D1–D2 receptor heterodimerization strongly depended on the number of Arg residues replaced by Ala in the ic3 of D2R, which may suggest that the indicated region of ic3 in D2R might be involved in interactions between two dopamine receptors. In addition, the subcellular localization of these receptors in cells expressing both receptors D1–cyan fluorescent protein, D2–yellow fluorescent protein, and various mutants was examined by confocal microscopy. Genetic manipulations of the Arg‐rich epitope induced alterations in the localization of the resulting receptor proteins, leading to the conclusion that this epitope is responsible for the cellular localization of the receptor. The lack of energy transfer between the genetic variants of yellow fluorescent protein‐tagged D2R and cyan fluorescent protein‐tagged D1R may result from differing localization of these proteins in the cell rather than from the possible role of the D2R basic domain in the mechanism of D1–D2 receptor heterodimerization. However, we find that the acidic epitope from the C‐terminus of the dopamine D1 receptor is engaged in the heterodimerization process.
Improving thermostability and catalytic activity of pyranose 2‐oxidase from Trametes multicolor by rational and semi‐rational design
Authors: Spadiut Oliver , Leitner Christian , Salaheddin Clara , Varga Balázs , Vertessy Beata G. , Tan Tien‐Chye , Divne Christina , Haltrich Dietmar
Published: December 2008

The fungal homotetrameric flavoprotein pyranose 2‐oxidase (P2Ox; EC 1.1.3.10) catalyses the oxidation of various sugars at position C2, while, concomitantly, electrons are transferred to oxygen as well as to alternative electron acceptors (e.g. oxidized ferrocenes). These properties make P2Ox an interesting enzyme for various biotechnological applications. Random mutagenesis has previously been used to identify variant E542K, which shows increased thermostability. In the present study, we selected position Leu537 for saturation mutagenesis, and identified variants L537G and L537W, which are characterized by a higher stability and improved catalytic properties. We report detailed studies on both thermodynamic and kinetic stability, as well as the kinetic properties of the mutational variants E542K, E542R, L537G and L537W, and the respective double mutants (L537G/E542K, L537G/E542R, L537W/E542K and L537W/E542R). The selected substitutions at positions Leu537 and Glu542 increase the melting temperature by approximately 10 and 14 °C, respectively, relative to the wild‐type enzyme. Although both wild‐type and single mutants showed first‐order inactivation kinetics, thermal unfolding and inactivation was more complex for the double mutants, showing two distinct phases, as revealed by microcalorimetry and CD spectroscopy. Structural information on the variants does not provide a definitive answer with respect to the stabilizing effects or the alteration of the unfolding process. Distinct differences, however, are observed for the P2Ox Leu537 variants at the interfaces between the subunits, which results in tighter association.
WHAT WE KNOW NOW: FINDINGS FROM DEPENDENCY MEDIATION RESEARCH
Authors: Thoennes Nancy
Published: December 2008

After approximately 15 years of research on court‐based dependency mediation programs, answers have emerged for many, but not all, of the questions that surround dependency mediation. This article explores what has been learned about court‐based dependency mediation through research and what new and persisting questions remain. The article reviews empirical studies of child protection mediation. The topics considered include what we have learned about the organization and structure of mediation programs, what have we learned about settlement in mediation, and whether there are benefits to mediation beyond the mere fact that settlements are reached.
A GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE CHILD PROTECTION MEDIATION: LESSONS FROM 25 YEARS OF PRACTICE
Authors: Giovannucci Marilou , Largent Karen
Published: December 2008

What are the essential elements of a successful child protection mediation program? What outcomes are we seeking? How do we define success? How do these inform or direct program development so that it supports these outcomes? How do we know if it is working? And, how do we start out on the right foot? We are in the enviable position now, after 25 or so years, to benefit from lessons learned from the experiences of many programs. This article provides a 25‐year perspective on key elements that have contributed to the success of child protection mediation programs.
BUILDING A CHILD PROTECTION MEDIATION PROGRAM IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: McHale M. Jerry , Robertson Irene , Clarke Andrea
Published: December 2008

Effective implementation of mediation programs on a large scale is a complex challenge. This article describes the process of design and implementation of a child protection mediation model and highlights the challenges and successes involved in leading fundamental culture shifts within the child welfare system over a period of eleven years.
RECENT STUDIES ON THE HPV VACCINE GARDASIL: ADDENDUM TO OCTOBER 2008 NOTE
Authors: Aguanno Giuseppe
Published: December 2008

This Note advocates that states require all females entering the sixth grade to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine Gardasil, as a means of preventing cervical cancer deaths in the United States. States that do pass such a mandate would receive federal funding to help disperse the cost of the expensive three‐dose vaccine, especially to those females most in need. Subject to each individual state's mandate, parents would be allowed to opt their children out of such a mandate for either, religious, medical, and/or philosophical reasons.
The Expression of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Gene from Nelumbo nucifera Responds Strongly to Chilling and Oxidative Stresses
Authors: Li Wen , Qi Lin , Lin Xiaodong , Chen Huhui , Ma Zhanqi , Wu Keqiang , Huang Shangzhi
Published: December 2008

A manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) gene, NnMSD1, was identified from embryonic axes of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). The NnMSD1 protein contains all conserved residues of the Mn‐SOD protein family, including four consensus metal binding domains and a signal peptide for mitochondrial targeting. Southern blot analysis suggests the existence of two Mn‐SOD genes in sacred lotus. NnMSD1 was highly expressed in developing embryonic axes during seed development, but appeared in cotyledons only at the early stage of development and became undetectable in the cotyledons during late embryogenesis. The expression of the NnMSD1 gene in germinating embryonic axes, in response to various stresses such as heat shock, chilling, and exposure to stress‐related chemicals, was also studied. Heat shock strongly inhibited the expression of the NnMSD1 gene, whereas the NnMSD1 transcript level increased strongly in chilling stress treatment. An increase in expression was also highly induced by H2O2 in germinating embryonic axes. The results suggest that the expression pattern of the NnMSD1 gene differed between developing axes and cotyledons, and that the NnMSD1 gene expression responds strongly to chilling and oxidative stress.
Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan as of 31 December 2006
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Masakane Ikuto , Akiba Takashi , Shigematsu Takashi , Yamagata Kunihiro , Watanabe Yuzo , Iseki Kunitoshi , Itami Noritomo , Shinoda Toshio , Morozumi Kunio , Shoji Tetsuo , Marubayashi Seiji , Morita Osamu , Kimata Naoki , Shoji Tatsuya , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Tsuchida Kenji , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Hamano Takayuki , Yamashita Akihiro , Wakai Kenji , Wada Atsushi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu
Published: December 2008

A statistical survey of dialysis patients for the year 2006 was carried out for 4051 medical facilities across Japan, and responses were received from 3985 (98.37%) facilities. There were 264 473 dialysis patients (including 9003 peritoneal dialysis patients) in Japan at the end of 2006, which showed an increase of 6708 (2.6%) from the end of 2005. The number of patients per million population was 2069.9. The crude mortality rate during 2006 was 9.2%. The mean age of the patients who began dialysis (in 2006) was 66.4 years, and the mean age of the entire dialysis population was 64.4 years. The primary renal diseases of the patients who began dialysis were diabetic nephropathy (42.9%), chronic glomerulonephritis (25.6%), and nephrosclerosis (9.4%). Of the 3488 facilities that participated in the survey on the dialysate water quality, 2873 facilities (82.4%) measured the endotoxin concentration in the dialysate; and 1197 facilities (37.1%) out of 3228 measured the bacterial count in the dialysate. The mean hemoglobin concentration in the dialysis population at the end of 2006 was 10.23 ± 1.33 g/dL, which was equal to that at the end of 2005 (10.23 ± 1.37 g/dL). The mean concentration of serum creatinine in 15 853 patients who started dialysis during 2006 was 8.37 ± 3.58 mg/dL. The estimated glomerular filtration rate, which was calculated with formula modified for the Japanese population from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, was 5.46 ± 6.60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Efficacy of Once‐weekly Intravenous Administration of Epoetin‐β as a Maintenance Treatment for Anemia in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter, Open‐label Clinical Study
Authors: Shigematsu Takashi , Takami Hiroya , Shimizu Tatsuo , Shimoyama Hiromi , Kim Songsu , Hirose Satoru , Sakai Takehiko , Kono Takashi , Mochizuki Takahiro , Nishio Kyosuke , Degawa Hisakazu , Motomiya Yoshihiro
Published: December 2008

Epoetin‐β is extremely useful as a drug for treating anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients and is widely used for that purpose. The aim of this study was to determine whether once‐weekly intravenous administration of epoetin‐β is as effective in maintaining hemoglobin (Hb) concentration as the same weekly dose administered 2 or 3 times per week as maintenance treatment of anemia in HD patients. The subjects were stable HD patients who had been receiving HD for at least 12 months. Using a fixed weekly dose of 3000 or 6000 IU of epoetin‐β, this study evaluated maintenance of improvement of anemia by comparing Hb concentration in the study period (once‐weekly) with Hb concentration in the prestudy period (2 or 3 times per week). Of the 112 patients treated with epoetin‐β, 111 patients (full analysis set; 3000 IU, 52 patients; 6000 IU, 59 patients) were evaluated, after excluding one patient whose dose was changed immediately before study initiation. The change in the Hb concentration was maintained within ±1.5 g/dL in 89.2% of patients (3000 IU, 88.5%; 6000 IU, 89.8%). The mean Hb concentration was 10.42 ± 0.73 g/dL at study initiation and 10.14 ± 1.00 g/dL at study completion. Adverse reactions occurred in 9.8% of patients (11 out of 112 patients). The main adverse reactions were malaise and increased blood pressure. Once‐weekly intravenous administration of epoetin‐β is useful as maintenance treatment of anemia in HD patients and may be a treatment option.
Multivariate Analysis for Factors Predicting Rapid Response of Leukocytapheresis in Patients With Steroid‐resistant Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Prospective Open‐label Study
Authors: Matsumoto Takayuki , Andoh Akira , Okawa Kiyotaka , Ito Hiroaki , Torii Ayao , Yoshikawa Syusaku , Nakaoka Ryosuke , Okuyama Yusuke , Oshitani Nobuhide , Nishishita Masakazu , Watanabe Kenji , Fukunaga Ken , Ohnishi Kunio , Kusaka Takeshi , Yokoyama Yoko , Sasaki Masaya , Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Aoki Tetsuya , Kusaka Toshihiro , Takeda Yasuhiro , Umehara Yasushi , Nakamura Shiro , Fujiyama Yoshihide
Published: December 2008

Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) has been advocated as a treatment for moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. To clarify the predictive factors for a rapid response to LCAP treatment, we conducted a multicenter prospective open‐label study. A total of 105 patients with UC were analyzed. LCAP was performed using a Cellsorba EX column once a week for 5–10 sessions. The response was evaluated by the clinical activity index (CAI). When the CAI score decreased to less than half the pretreatment value or to less than 5 points within 3 weeks, the patient was considered to be a rapid responder. The average CAI significantly decreased from 11.7 to 4.2 (P < 0.01). Seventy‐four percent of the patients responded to the therapy, and 53% of these patients were rapid responders. The following significant factors correlated with the rapid LCAP response: (i) steroid resistance (P < 0.05), (ii) severe disease indicated by a CAI score greater than 11 (P = 0.05), (iii) disease duration of less than 1 year (P < 0.05), and (iv) C‐reactive protein levels before treatment (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the early initiation of LCAP is beneficial in patients with steroid‐resistant UC.
A Case Report of an Adult With Severe Hyperlipidemia During Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Induction Therapy Successfully Treated With Plasmapheresis
Authors: Nakagawa Masaru , Kimura Syogo , Fujimoto Keiji , Atumi Hirokatsu , Imura Jyunko , Chikazawa Yoshihiro , Imamura Hidetsugu , Okuyama Hiroshi , Yamaya Hideki , Fukushima Toshihiro , Nakagawa Atsushi , Asaka Mitsuhiro , Yokoyama Hitoshi
Published: December 2008

Plasmapheresis for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia has previously been performed in patients with sudden onset severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis; however, only a few reports of this procedure have been published. We report here on a case showing severe hypertriglyceridemia during asparaginase (Asp) treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and give an overview of a lipid‐lowering apheresis therapy. To prevent the complication of pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia, we performed plasma exchange (PE) three times using fresh frozen plasma. PE remarkably reduced both serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels from 5430 mg/dL to 403 mg/dL and from 623 mg/dL to 204 mg/dL, respectively. The causes of severe hyperlipidemia in this patient were considered to include: the Asp treatment for ALL, and a genetic background with a heterozygote of familial lipoprotein lipase (LPL) defect syndrome, because the patient's plasma LPL level after intravenous heparin injection was low at 137 ng/mL. Hence, PE using fresh frozen plasma may be useful not only to remove lipoproteins, but also to supply defective factors, such as LPL, in similar cases.
The XMM–Newton long look of NGC 1365: uncovering of the obscured X-ray source
Authors: Risaliti G. , Salvati M. , Elvis M. , Fabbiano G. , Baldi A. , Bianchi S. , Braito V. , Guainazzi M. , Matt G. , Miniutti G. , Reeves J. , Soria R. , Zezas A.
Published: December 2008

We present an analysis of the extreme obscuration variability observed during an XMM–Newton 5-d continuous monitoring of the active galactic nuclei (AGN) in NGC 1365. The source was in a reflection-dominated state in the first ∼1.5 d, then a strong increase in the 7—10 keV emission was observed in ∼10 h, followed by a symmetric decrease. The spectral analysis of the different states clearly shows that this variation is due to an uncovering of the X-ray source. From this observation, we estimate a size of the X-ray source DS < 1013 cm, a distance of the obscuring clouds R∼ 1016 cm and a density n∼ 1011 cm−3. These values suggest that the X-ray absorption/reflection originates from the broad-line region clouds. This is also supported by the resolved width of the iron narrow Kα emission line, consistent with the width of the broad Hβ line.
Transit infrared spectroscopy of the hot Neptune around GJ 436 with the Hubble Space Telescope
Authors: Pont F. , Gilliland R. L. , Knutson H. , Holman M. , Charbonneau D.
Published: December 2008

The nearby transiting system GJ 436b offers a unique opportunity to probe the structure and atmosphere of an extrasolar ‘hot Neptune’. In this Letter, we present the main results of observations covering two transit events with the Near Infrared Camera and Multi Object Spectrograph (NICMOS) camera on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The data consist in high-cadence time series of grism spectra covering the 1.1–1.9 µm spectral range. We find Rpl= 4.04 ± 0.10 R⊕ and R*= 0.446 ± 0.011 R⊙ for the planet and star radius, confirming and improving earlier measurements with a ground-based photometry and a Spitzer light curve at 8 µm, as opposed to a much higher value obtained with the Fine Guidance Sensor on the HST. We measure no departure from strict periodicity in the transits to the level of ∼7 s. This strongly disfavours the proposed explanation of the orbital eccentricity of GJ 436b in terms of the perturbation by another close-by planet. We measure a flat transmission spectrum at the level of a few parts per 10 000 in flux, with no significant signal in the 1.4-µm water band to a level comparable to the maximum amplitude of the effect predicted by planetary atmosphere models.
Discovery of a 30-d period in the supergiant fast X-ray transient SAX J1818.6–1703
Authors: Bird A. J. , Bazzano A. , Hill A. B. , McBride V. A. , Sguera V. , Shaw S. E. , Watkins H. J.
Published: December 2008

SAX J1818.6–1703 has been characterized as a supergiant fast X-ray transient system on the basis of several INTEGRAL/IBIS detections since the original BeppoSAX Wide Field Camera detection. Using IBIS/ISGRI, Swift/BAT and archival observations, we show that, in fact, SAX J1818.6–1703 exhibits emission on a period of 30 ± 0.1 d, with a high degree of recurrence. SAX J1818.6–1703 is therefore the second supergiant fast X-ray transient shown to exhibit periodic outbursts, but with a considerably shorter period than the other known system, IGR J11215–5952.
TeV variability in blazars: how fast can it be?
Authors: Ghisellini G. , Tavecchio F. , Bodo G. , Celotti A.
Published: December 2008

Recent Cerenkov observations of the two BL Lac objects PKS 2155–304 and Mkn 501 revealed TeV flux variability by a factor of ∼2 in just 3–5 min. Even accounting for the effects of relativistic beaming, such short time-scales are challenging simple and conventional emitting models, and call for alternative ideas. We explore the possibility that extremely fast variable emission might be produced by the particles streaming at ultra-relativistic speeds along magnetic field lines and inverse-Compton scattering any radiation field already present. This would produce extremely collimated beams of TeV photons. While the probability for the line of sight to be within such a narrow cone of emission would be negligibly small, one would expect that the process is not confined to a single site, but can take place in many very localized regions, along almost straight magnetic lines. A possible astrophysical setting realizing these conditions is magneto-centrifugal acceleration of beams of particles. In this scenario, the variability time-scale would not be related to the physical dimension of the emitting volume, but might be determined by either the typical duration of the process responsible for the production of these high-energy particle beams or by the coherence length of the magnetic field. It is predicted that even faster TeV variability — with no X-ray counterpart — should be observed by the foreseen more sensitive Cerenkov telescopes.
Magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in supernova remnants
Authors: Roy Nirupam , Bharadwaj Somnath , Dutta Prasun , Chengalur Jayaram N.
Published: December 2008

We present estimates of the angular power spectra of the synchrotron radiation intensity fluctuations at 6 and 20 cm for the shell-type supernova remnant Cas A and the filled-centre Crab supernova remnant. We find that the intensity fluctuations of both the sources have a power-law power spectrum with index −3.24 ± 0.03. This power-law power spectrum is consistent with the magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in the synchrotron emitting plasma. For Cas A, there is a break in the power spectrum and the power-law index changes from −3.2 to −2.2 at large angular scale. This transition occurs at an angular scale that corresponds to the shell thickness of Cas A. We interpret this as a transition from three- to two-dimensional turbulence on scales that are, respectively, smaller and larger than the shell thickness.
Cores and cusps in the dwarf spheroidals
Authors: Evans N. W. , An J. , Walker M. G.
Published: December 2008

We consider the problem of determining the structure of the dark halo of nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) from the spherical Jeans equations. Whether the dark haloes are cusped or cored at the centre is an important strategic problem in modern astronomy. The observational data comprise the line-of-sight velocity dispersion of a luminous tracer population. We show that when such data are analysed to find the dark matter density with the spherical Poisson and Jeans equations, then the generic solution is a dark halo density that is cusped like an isothermal (ρD∝r−2). Although milder cusps (like the Navarro–Frenk–White ρD∝r−1) and even cores are possible, they are not generic. Such solutions exist only if the anisotropy parameter β and the logarithmic slope of the stellar density γℓ satisfy the constraint γℓ= 2β at the centre or if the radial velocity dispersion falls to zero at the centre. So, for example, a dSph with an exponential light profile can exist in Navarro–Frenk–White halo and have a flat velocity dispersion, but anisotropy in general drives the dark halo solution to an isothermal cusp. The identified cusp or core is therefore a consequence of the assumptions (particularly of spherical symmetry and isotropy), and not the data.
Impact of subsolar metallicities on photometric redshifts
Authors: Kotulla Ralf , Fritze Uta
Published: December 2008

With the advent of deep photometric surveys the use of photometric redshifts, obtained with a variety of techniques, has become more and more widespread. Giving access to galaxies with a wide range of luminosities out to high redshifts, these surveys include many faint galaxies with significantly subsolar metallicities.

We use our chemically consistent (CC) galaxy evolutionary synthesis code galev to produce a large grid of template spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for galaxies of spectral types E and Sa through Sd – one accounting in a CC way for the increasing initial metallicities of successive stellar generations, the other one for exclusively solar metallicities – for comparison.

We use our new photometric redshift code gazelle based on the comparison of observed and model SEDs. Comparing the photometric redshifts obtained using solar-metallicity templates when working on a catalogue of artificially created CC SEDs, typical for low-metallicity local late-type galaxies and for intrinsically low-luminosity, and hence low-metallicity, galaxies in the high-redshift universe, we find a significant bias resulting from this metallicity mismatch. This bias consists of a systematic underestimate of the photometric redshift by typically Δz≈ 0.1…0.2 until z≈ 1.2, depending on galaxy type, of distant, faint and low-metallicity galaxies if analysed with solar-metallicity templates.
Formation of the off-centre bar in the Large Magellanic Cloud: a collision with a dark satellite?
Authors: Bekki Kenji
Published: December 2008

Recent observations of the structural properties of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) based on the Deep Near-Infrared Southern Sky Survey and Two Micron All-Sky Survey have revealed that the LMC has an off-centre bar even in the older stellar populations. Previous dynamical models including tidal interaction between the LMC, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and the Galaxy, however, did not reproduce the older off-centre bar so well. Here, we show that the off-centre bar can be formed if the LMC with an already-existing bar can collide with a low-mass Galactic subhalo as massive as ∼5 × 108M⊙ (roughly corresponding to a few per cent of the LMC mass). The simulated stellar distribution after the collision appears to show an ‘off-centre bar’, not because the centre of the bar significantly deviates from the dynamical centre of the LMC, but because the underlying stellar distribution of the disc is significantly asymmetric with respect to the centre of the bar. We discuss whether off-centre bars observed in Magellanic-type dwarf galaxies can be formed as a result of tidal interaction with low-mass haloes with no or little visible matter.
Gamma-ray burst optical afterglow and redshift selection effects: the learning curve effect at work
Authors: Coward D. M.
Published: December 2008

We show how the observed gamma-ray burst (GRB) optical afterglow (OA) and redshift distributions are changing in time from selection effects. For a subset of Swift triggered long-duration bursts, we show that the mean time taken to acquire spectroscopic redshifts for a GRB OA has evolved to shorter times. We identify a strong correlation between the mean time taken to acquire a spectroscopic redshift and the measured redshift. This correlation reveals that shorter response times favour smaller redshift bursts. This is compelling evidence for a selection effect that biases longer response times with relatively brighter high-redshift bursts. Conversely, for shorter response times, optically fainter bursts that are relatively closer are bright enough for spectroscopic redshifts to be acquired. This selection effect could explain why the average redshift, 〈z〉≈ 2.8 measured in 2005, has evolved to 〈z〉≈ 2, by mid 2008. Understanding these selection effects provides an important tool for separating the contributions of intrinsically faint bursts, those obscured by host galaxy dust and bursts not seen in the optical because their OAs are observed at late times. The study highlights the importance of rapid response telescopes capable of spectroscopy, and identifies a new redshift selection effect that has not been considered previously, namely the response time to measure the redshift.
COOKING CHARACTERISTICS OF CHEVON MARINATED WITH GINGER RHIZOME EXTRACT IN DIFFERENT STORAGE PERIODS
Authors: PAWAR V.D. , MACHEWAD G.M. , MULE B.D.
Published: December 2008

The biceps femoris muscles of 12‐month‐old Osmanabadi goats in the prerigor state were chilled for 24 h at 4 ± 1C, and then cut in 3 × 3 cm chunks and randomly divided into five groups. The chunks were marinated in ginger rhizome extract (GRE) at 1, 3, 5 and 7% along with 600 ppm of ascorbic acid, 2% sodium chloride and 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate. The samples were packed in low‐density polyethylene bags and stored at refrigerated storage condition at 4 ± 1C for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. After storage, samples were drawn and the cooking characteristics were determined following the related storage periods. The marination of chevon chunks at 5% GRE improved the cooking yield (83.5–87.9%), cooked density (0.86–0.94%) and gain in height (10.4–8.9%), whereas reduction in diameter (10.1–8.8%) and emulsion stability (12.5–10.44%) were lower than other levels of GRE at all periods of storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Chevon is mostly stored at refrigeration conditions to increase its shelf life. However, there is not a limit of acceptability of chevon for the psychrophilic microorganisms that are important to estimate spoilage of refrigerated foods and also its texture. Marination of chevon with ginger rhizome extract at the 5% level along with 600 ppm of ascorbic acid, 2% sodium chloride and 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate, and then storage at a refrigerated condition could prevent the spoilage and improve the texture. These levels of marination will be helpful in further studies to decide how long the chevon could be kept safe and tender.
A RESEARCH NOTE: EFFECT OF CITRIC ACID AND/OR ROSEMARY EXTRACT ON COLOR OF AN IRRADIATED BEEF MYOGLOBIN MODEL SYSTEM
Authors: STETZER ANDREA J. , NOVAKOFSKI JAN E. , BREWER M. SUSAN
Published: December 2008

To determine the effect of antioxidants and irradiation on meat color, myoglobin (Mb) was extracted from beef hearts. Mb was treated with one of four antioxidants (control, citric acid [CA], rosemary extract [RE] or combination of citric acid and rosemary extract [CA/RE]) and irradiated at 0.00 (Control), 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2.00 kGy. Samples were then evaluated for thiobarbituric reactive substances, pH, L*, a*and b*values, hue angles, and Chroma. RE‐ and CA‐containing samples had the highest postirradiation L*, a*and b*values, indicating they were lighter, redder and more yellow than controls. In terms of hue angles, all samples treated with antioxidants were much closer to the true red axis (a* = 0) of the CIE color space, both before and after irradiation, than was the control. The only color attribute affected by irradiation dose was L*value. Samples irradiated at 2.0 kGy were significantly lighter (L* = 5.27) than samples that had not been irradiated (L* = 1.28).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Irradiation is an effect method for extending the shelf life and improving the safety of fresh meat products; however, it can cause undesirable color changes at the surface of the meat, which appear to be the result of oxidative processes – therefore, reducing oxidation could effectively reduce color change. Studying pigment preservation is difficult in intact muscle tissue, so a myoglobin model system was developed for this purpose. Natural antioxidants were evaluated in this system. Rosemary extract and citric acid maintained color lightness and redness. Surface application of these antioxidants has the potential to preserve red meat color during irradiation.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FATS ON THE QUALITY OF GOAT MEAT PATTIES INCORPORATED WITH FULL‐FAT SOY PASTE
Authors: DAS ARUN K. , ANJANEYULU A.S.R. , THOMAS RAJENDRAN , KONDAIAH N.
Published: December 2008

Effect of different fats such as goat fat, chicken fat, combination of goat and chicken fat and refined mustard oil (RMO) were evaluated in goat meat patties (GMPs). Patties with 10% RMO contributed significantly (P < 0.05) better emulsion stability compared with others. There were no significant effects of different fats on physicochemical and textural attributes of patties. Patties with RMO had significantly (P < 0.05) lower cholesterol content than other groups. GMPs with RMO, chicken fat and chicken and goat fat combination rated higher for all sensory attributes than patties with goat fat, which had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mouth coating and lower overall acceptability. Flavor and overall acceptability were higher in patties with chicken fat. Histological study showed improper dispersion of goat fat in continuous phase of meat protein matrix (emulsion) compared with others.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Utilization of hard fats from goat, sheep and buffalo in emulsion‐based meat products decreases emulsion stability because of its poor dispersibility, and consequently its cooking yield. Goat fat also contributes to a smeary and greasy mouth‐coating problem and reduces the palatability of meat products. Alternatively, chicken fat disperses well in meat emulsion because of its high unsaturation and enhances the flavor of the products. However, the efficient utilization of goat fat is essential to support an economical goat meat production system and for developing meat products. The present study showed successful utilization of goat fat when combined with chicken fat, and the products had similar sensory attributes and acceptability as in meat products with chicken fat and refined mustard oil. This study would also help in better use of excess fat from spent hens in other meat products.
THE EFFECT OF RACTOPAMINE AND INTRAMUSCULAR FAT CONTENT ON SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF PORK FROM PIGS OF SIMILAR GENETICS
Authors: RINCKER P.J. , KILLEFER J. , MATZAT P.D. , CARR S.N. , MCKEITH F.K.
Published: December 2008

The objective of this research was to determine how marbling influences sensory properties of pork. Fresh boneless pork loins were collected from 229 barrows of the same genetic line over a 2‐day period from a commercial slaughter facility. Live phase treatments included a control diet and the control diet supplemented with ractopamine (RAC) at 5 ppm for the final 28 days. Multiple 2.54‐cm chops were cut for determination of proximate composition, cook loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force and sensory analysis. RAC minimally affected pH and objective color, but had no effect on other pork quality measurements. Additionally, the relationship between extractable lipid and sensory properties or shear force was weak. These results suggest that the level of intramuscular fat has little to do with the eating quality in this population of pigs.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The interest in highly marbled pork is based upon historical research that indicated increased marbling was beneficial to shear force values and sensory properties. Our research demonstrates that within a single genetic line, marbling does not dramatically affect sensory properties. Research of this type will help guide both consumers and the pork industry in a positive direction to determine factors that affect palatability and ultimately consumer satisfaction.
THE INFLUENCE OF POLYPHOSPHATE MARINATION ON SIMMENTAL BEEF SHEAR VALUE AND ULTRASTRUCTURE
Authors: XU SHU QIN , ZHOU GUANG HONG , PENG ZENG QI , ZHAO LI YAN , YAO RUI
Published: December 2008

The beef semitendinosus muscles were marinated for 1, 2 or 3 days with every polyphosphate at concentration of 1, 3 and 5%. Disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate significantly increased (P < 0.01) soluble collagen content compared with the other polyphosphates; tetrosodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) disrupted myofibrillar structure completely; Z‐disks disappeared under transmission electron microscope (TEM); and myofibril bundles collapsed together. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) disrupted myofibrillar structure as well, but Z‐disks were still perceptible under TEM. TSPP dissolved perimysium into collagen fibers and collagen fibrils, which arranged loosely and looked like dispersed silk. Perimysium was separated into collagen fibers and collagen fibrils by STPP and SHMP, but collagen fibrils were in close contact with each other. Polyphosphates all decreased shear force significantly compared with controls (P < 0.05).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The tenderness and juiciness of meat are the most important focus of consumers. Food additives, especially polyphosphates, are generally added into fresh retail cuts as well as further processed products to improve water‐holding capacity and tenderness by meat industries. The article compared the different effects of polyphosphates and the effect of concentration on the ultrastructure and shear force of meat samples, thereby offering a theoretic guidance for the practical application of polyphosphates.
THE EFFECT OF ADDITION OF HAZELNUT OIL ON SOME QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF TURKISH FERMENTED SAUSAGE (SUCUK)
Authors: ILIKKAN HANDE , ERCOŞKUN HÜDAYI , VURAL HALIL , ŞAHİN EKIN
Published: December 2008

The effects on chemical and physical quality of the addition of beef fat with hazelnut oil were studied in sucuk. Two sucuk formulations were prepared by the addition of 2.5 and 5% hazelnut addition in which 11.11 and 20% of beef fat was substituted with hazelnut oil. The addition of hazelnut oil increased total fat of the product that affected the chemical, physical and sensorial characteristics of products. Added hazelnut oil decreased protein content but increased free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values. The formulation with 2.5% hazelnut oil, corresponding to 11.11% substitution of beef fat with hazelnut oil, was judged as similar to control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results suggest that the addition of hazelnut oil in the production of sucuk could give a healthier option to consumers. This study showed that substitution of animal fat with hazelnut oil in fermented sausages is a useful application to develop a functional fermented meat product. Additionally, this study indicated that the hazelnut oil was found to be a good oil in fermented sausage and opened the door for new research with a different nut.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF PATTIES USING OKARA POWDER
Authors: TURHAN SADETTIN , TEMIZ HASAN , SAGIR INCI
Published: December 2008

Four different levels of okara powder (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%) were used to obtain beef patties that were compared with controls with 10 and 20% fat. Okara addition affected some quality parameters of beef patties. Although the protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents of raw beef patties increased by the addition of okara, moisture content decreased. The same trends (except protein content) were observed after cooking. The addition of okara reduced the cholesterol content by about 2–28% for raw beef patties and 6–23% for cooked beef patties. However, addition of okara increased the energy values for raw and cooked beef patties with respect to control with 10% fat. The WHC, cook loss and shrinkage of beef patties improved by the addition of okara. The addition of okara increased the pH, L*and b*values of raw beef patties, but did not affect a*value. The effect of okara on the sensory properties was statistically significant and the overall acceptability scores of samples decreased after more than 7.5% okara powder addition. According to these results, addition of okara powder up to 7.5% can be recommended as an extender in beef patties production to improving certain quality parameters.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Okara is an abundant by‐product of the soy and tofu industries and contains valuable components, including proteins, lipids, fibers and isoflavonoids. The addition of okara powder to beef patties reduces the cholesterol content and improves WHC, cook loss, shrinkage and sensory quality of the products. Okara powder can be added up to 7.5% for the production of patties.
Parameter Estimation/Sensitivity Analysis for an Aquifer Test with Skin Effect
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ju , Yeh Hund‐Der
Published: December 2008

Aquifer information carried by aquifer test data may be affected by the presence of a finite thickness skin around the wellbore. The mathematical treatment for an aquifer accounting for the skin zone can be characterized by five parameters, that is, the outer radius of the skin zone and the transmissivity and storativity for each of the skin and aquifer zones. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the ground water flow behavior in the skin and aquifer zones in terms of the constant‐head test (CHT) data. The simulated annealing procedure was applied to simultaneously determine the skin and aquifer parameters from the analysis of CHT data. Toward the previously mentioned goals, four suites of CHT data were analyzed in this article. The analyses of wellbore flow rate at the test well and the specific drawdown at the observation well gave accurate estimates for the skin and aquifer parameters, respectively. Only the skin thickness and both the skin and the aquifer diffusivities could be accurately estimated from the analysis of drawdown data in the observation well. The estimates for all skin and aquifer parameters from the composite analysis of flow rate and drawdown data were the most accurate. The results of sensitivity analyses and parameter estimations provide instructive references in the analysis of the skin‐affected CHT data.