bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato Fruit Photosynthesis Is Seemingly Unimportant in Primary Metabolism and Ripening But Plays a Considerable Role in Seed Development
Authors: Lytovchenko Anna , Eickmeier Ira , Pons Clara , Osorio Sonia , Szecowka Marek , Lehmberg Kerstin , Arrivault Stephanie , Tohge Takayuki , Pineda Benito , Anton Maria Teresa , Hedtke Boris , Lu Yinghong , Fisahn Joachim , Bock Ralph , Stitt Mark , Grimm Bernhard , Granell Antonio , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: October 2011

Fruit of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), like those from many species, have been characterized to undergo a shift from partially photosynthetic to truly heterotrophic metabolism. While there is plentiful evidence for functional photosynthesis in young tomato fruit, the rates of carbon assimilation rarely exceed those of carbon dioxide release, raising the question of its role in this tissue. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of lines exhibiting a fruit-specific reduction in the expression of glutamate 1-semialdehyde aminotransferase (GSA). Despite the fact that these plants contained less GSA protein and lowered chlorophyll levels and photosynthetic activity, they were characterized by few other differences. Indeed, they displayed almost no differences in fruit size, weight, or ripening capacity and furthermore displayed few alterations in other primary or intermediary metabolites. Although GSA antisense lines were characterized by significant alterations in the expression of genes associated with photosynthesis, as well as with cell wall and amino acid metabolism, these changes were not manifested at the phenotypic level. One striking feature of the antisense plants was their seed phenotype: the transformants displayed a reduced seed set and altered morphology and metabolism at early stages of fruit development, although these differences did not affect the final seed number or fecundity. Taken together, these results suggest that fruit photosynthesis is, at least under ambient conditions, not necessary for fruit energy metabolism or development but is essential for properly timed seed development and therefore may confer an advantage under conditions of stress.
SCAR Mediates Light-Induced Root Elongation inArabidopsisthrough Photoreceptors and Proteasomes
Authors: Dyachok Julia , Zhu Ling , Liao Fuqi , He Ji , Huq Enamul , Blancaflor Elison B.
Published: October 2011

The ARP2/3 complex, a highly conserved nucleator of F-actin, and its activator, the SCAR complex, are essential for growth in plants and animals. In this article, we present a pathway through which roots of Arabidopsis thaliana directly perceive light to promote their elongation. The ARP2/3-SCAR complex and the maintenance of longitudinally aligned F-actin arrays are crucial components of this pathway. The involvement of the ARP2/3-SCAR complex in light-regulated root growth is supported by our finding that mutants of the SCAR complex subunit BRK1/HSPC300, or other individual subunits of the ARP2/3-SCAR complex, showed a dramatic inhibition of root elongation in the light, which mirrored reduced growth of wild-type roots in the dark. SCAR1 degradation in dark-grown wild-type roots by constitutive photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) E3 ligase and 26S proteasome accompanied the loss of longitudinal F-actin and reduced root growth. Light perceived by the root photoreceptors, cryptochrome and phytochrome, suppressed COP1-mediated SCAR1 degradation. Taken together, our data provide a biochemical explanation for light-induced promotion of root elongation by the ARP2/3-SCAR complex.
Effects of temperature on infection and subsequent development of clubroot under controlled conditions
Authors: Gossen B. D. , Adhikari K. K. C. , McDonald M. R.
Published: October 2011

Controlled‐environment studies were conducted on two Brassica crops (canola, Brassica napus; and Shanghai pak choi, B. rapa subsp. chinensis var. communis) to examine the effects of temperature on infection and subsequent development of clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. In the first experiment, canola seedlings were grown in infested soil for 3 weeks at 14–26°C to assess the impact on primary and secondary infection and transferred to 20°C for 3 weeks to assess symptom development under uniform conditions, or started at 20°C for 3 weeks and then placed at the treatment temperatures for the final 3 weeks to assess the impact of temperature on symptom development. A second experiment examined a wider range of temperatures (10–30°C). Similar experiments were also conducted on Shanghai pak choi. The studies demonstrated that clubroot severity was affected by temperature during both infection and vegetative development of the crop. Both early and late in crop development, little or no clubroot developed at temperatures at or below 17°C, and development was slower above 26°C than at 23–26°C for both crops throughout the study. In canola, the high levels of inoculum used in the study resulted in a high incidence of clubroot irrespective of temperature, but in pak choi incidence showed the same pattern as severity. This is the first study to demonstrate under controlled conditions that temperature during vegetative growth of the crop affects symptom development of clubroot.
Criteria for prick test using soy sauce
Authors: Sugiura Keiji , Sugiura Mariko
Published: October 2011

Background  We previously reported four cases of soy sauce allergy and noted that new criteria are necessary for the prick test. Soy sauce contains histamine and often causes false‐positive reactions in the skin tests. It is important to discuss how to interpret the results of prick tests.

Materials and methods  Eight female patients with soy sauce allergy and four female volunteers as controls were given the prick test using 15 sauces and were evaluated according to nine criteria. The volume of histamine in 15 sauces was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results  The conventional criteria resulted in nine different reactions. Some of the control subjects showed false‐positive reactions according to the conventional criteria. Histamine was detected in 11 sauces and was not detected in four sauces. The positive ratios of these four sauces were low; there were no positive reactions in controls according to the new criteria. Regardless of patients or controls, the positive ratio evaluated using the conventional criteria was higher than that evaluated using the new criteria in the sauces containing histamine.

Discussion  It is difficult to evaluate the results of the prick test using soy sauce with the conventional criteria because the results were different depending on each criterion. Our new criteria are more suitable for evaluating the results of the prick test using soy sauce than the conventional criteria, and they could decrease the number of false‐positive reactions. Common diagnostic criteria are needed for prick testing using pseudoallergens.
Getting Real About Food Prices
Authors: Dorward Andrew
Published: October 2011

The 2008 spike in world grain prices is widely recognised to have had serious impacts on food security and poverty, but these high grain prices are commonly described as low in historical terms – an inconsistency resulting from the use of advanced‐ and global‐economy price indices in calculating real prices. This ignores the high share of food in poor people's expenditures and the indirect effects of income growth on expenditure patterns of rich consumers. Poor consumers have not experienced the same falls in real food prices and are more vulnerable to price shocks. Different price indices must be developed to take account of differences between consumer groups.
Newcomers to Like‐Minded Aid and Donor Darlings: The Strange Case of Spain in Vietnam
Authors: Olivié Iliana
Published: October 2011

This article analyses the motives behind the relations between Spain as a donor and Vietnam as a recipient of international aid. The main hypothesis is that this relationship does not respond to the traditional causes for international aid, as identified by the academic literature. On the basis of qualitative data collected in interviews with elites, the article suggests instead that a ‘learning factor’ and an ‘image factor’ might be at play in the Spanish presence, as well as herd behaviour on the part of the donor community.
The Decisional Balance Sheet to Promote Healthy Behavior Among Ethnically Diverse Older Adults
Authors: Geller Karly S. , Mendoza Ilora D. , Timbobolan Jasah , Montjoy Holly L. , Nigg Claudio R.
Published: October 2011

Objective

The rising health care costs and increasing older adult population in the United States make preventive medicine for this age group especially crucial. Regular physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption may prevent or delay the onset of many chronic conditions that are common among older adults. The decisional balance sheet is a promotional tool targeting the perceived pros and cons of behavior adoption. The current study tested the efficiency and effectiveness of a single‐day decisional balance sheet program, targeting increased physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake among older adults.

Design and Sample

Participating adults (N = 21, age = 72.2) who represented a diverse population in Hawaii (Japanese = 5, Filipino = 4, Caucasian = 4, Native American = 1, Native Hawaiian = 1, Hispanic = 1, and Others = 5) were recruited from housing communities and randomized to a decisional balance sheet program adapted for physical activity or fruit and vegetable consumption.

Measures

Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, and daily fruit and vegetable intake with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey single item instrument. Baseline and follow‐up data were collected.

Results

Both programs were implemented efficiently, and participants in both groups improved their daily physical activity. The decisional balance sheet for fruit and vegetable consumption appeared less effective.

Conclusions

Specific suggestions for similar programs are reported.
Ambition Gone Awry: The Long‐Term Socioeconomic Consequences of Misaligned and Uncertain Ambitions in Adolescence
Authors: Sabates Ricardo , Harris Angel L. , Staff Jeremy
Published: October 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether misaligned or uncertain ambitions in adolescence influence the process of socioeconomic attainment.

Methods

Using 34 years of longitudinal data from the British Cohort Study (BCS70), we considered whether youth with (1) misaligned ambitions (i.e., those who either over‐ or underestimate the level of education required for their desired occupation), (2) both low occupational aspirations and educational expectations (low‐aligned ambitions), and (3) uncertainty with regard to their future occupations (uncertain ambitions) at age 16 experienced more unemployment spells, lower educational attainment, and lower hourly wages in adulthood compared to youth with high occupational aspirations and educational expectations (high‐aligned ambitions).

Results

Youth who hold misaligned or uncertain aspirations show long‐term deficits in employment stability and educational attainment, which in turn leads to lower wage attainments at age 34.

Conclusion

Misaligned and uncertain ambitions in adolescence compromise the construction of life paths and the realization of long‐term educational and occupational goals.
Comparing the Ethical Attitudes of Business and Criminal Justice Students
Authors: Segal Lydia , Gideon Lior , Haberfeld M. R.
Published: October 2011

Objectives

To compare and explain differences in the ethical attitudes of criminal justice (CJ) and business students, and explore their ethical malleability.

Methods

Students rated the ethical acceptability of 25 scenarios using a self‐administered survey. A cross‐sectional comparison of the ethical responses of sophomores and seniors measured their ethical malleability.

Results

Business students were less willing to condemn unethical conduct than were criminal justice students, but were more receptive to corporate charity. Business students were also moderately receptive to the inculcation of ethical principles.

Conclusions

Self‐selection and socialization are important factors explaining, respectively, ethical differences between CJ and business students and the latter's ethical malleability. However, the assumption underlying many studies that business attracts morally compromised individuals because it is immoral cannot easily accommodate conflicting findings such as that businesspeople can be charitable and ethically malleable. A more nuanced understanding of how self‐selection works in business is proposed.
Why the Giant Sleeps So Deeply: Political Consequences of Individual‐Level Latino Demographics
Authors: de la Garza Rodolfo O. , Jang Seung‐Jin
Published: October 2011

Objectives

We seek to examine what common characteristics Latino voters share distinctively from nonvoting Latinos and how they differ from those of non‐Latino voters.

Methods

We use the method of classification tree to find what variables best describe the shared characteristics of Latino and non‐Latino voters.

Results

The results indicate that age, the strength of partisanship, and the level of education characterize both Latino and non‐Latino voters. However, there is a sharp difference in how age interacts with other the two variables. In the Latino sample, the overwhelming majority of younger people do not turn out to vote, and it is among older Latinos that education and partisanship play an important role in distinguishing voters and nonvoters. By contrast, among non‐Latinos, it is younger people whose participation is sensitive to the level of education or strength of partisanship, while the older are overwhelmingly voters regardless of other factors.

Conclusions

At the individual level, Latinos in the United States still face substantial barriers in political incorporation: in contrast to non‐Latinos, they do not seem to develop the habit of voting even after they have aged enough, unless they are helped by higher levels of education or stronger partisanship. At the aggregate level, the pool of Latino likely voters is relatively small, which in turn emphasizes the potential significance of the GOTV campaigns in increasing participation rates among Latinos.
Pathophysiology, staging and therapy of severe sepsis in baboon models
Authors: Taylor Fletcher B. , Kinasewitz Gary T , Lupu Florea
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Modeling the shock/disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) variant of severe sepsis using the LD100 baboon model of E. coli sepsis

‐ Principles arising from the studies carried out in the LD100E. coli model

Studies of severe sepsis‐induced organ failure using the LD50 baboon model of E. coli sepsis

‐ Ischemia‐reperfusion and oxidative stress as drivers of the second stage

‐ Therapeutic targets during the second stage of sepsis

  ‐ Complement activation

  ‐ Circulating histones

Lessons learned from the baboon models of sepsis

We review our baboon models of Escherichia coli sepsis that mimic, respectively, the shock/disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and organ failure variants of severe sepsis, and analyse the pathophysiologic processes that are unique to each. The multi‐stage, multi‐factorial characteristics of severe sepsis develop as a result of the initial insult, which – depending on its intensity – activates components of the intravascular compartment leading to overwhelming shock/DIC; or initiates a sequence of events involving both the intra‐ and extravascular (tissues) compartments that lead to organ failure. In the latter case, the disorder passes through two stages: an initial inflammatory/coagulopathic intravascular first stage triggered by E. coli, followed by an extravascular second stage, involving components unique to each organ and triggered by ischemia/reperfusion (oxidative stress and histone release). Although a myriad of overlapping cellular and molecular components are involved, it is the context in which these components are brought into play that determine whether shock/DIC or organ failure predominate. For example, inflammatory and thrombotic responses amplified by thrombin in the first case whereas similar responses are amplified by complement activation products in the second. Rather than blocking specific mediators, we found that attenuation of the thrombin and complement amplification pathways can effectively reverse the shock/DIC and organ failure exhibited by the LD100 and LD50 E. coli models of severe sepsis, respectively. Translation of these concepts to successful intervention in the respective baboon models of E. coli sepsis and the application to their clinical counterparts is described.
Duodenal expression of iron transport molecules in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis or iron deficiency
Authors: Dostalikova‐Cimburova Marketa , Kratka Karolina , Balusikova Kamila , Chmelikova Jitka , Hejda Vaclav , Hnanicek Jan , Neubauerova Jitka , Vranova Jana , Kovar Jan , Horak Jiri
Published: October 2011

Disturbances of iron metabolism are observed in chronic liver diseases. In the present study, we examined gene expression of duodenal iron transport molecules and hepcidin in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) (treated and untreated), involving various genotypes (genotypes which represent risk for HHC were examined), and in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Gene expressions of DMT1, ferroportin, Dcytb, hephaestin, HFE and TFR1 were measured in duodenal biopsies using real‐time PCR and Western blot. Serum hepcidin levels were measured using ELISA. DMT1, ferroportin and TFR1 mRNA levels were significantly increased in post‐phlebotomized hemochromatics relative to controls. mRNAs of all tested molecules were significantly increased in patients with IDA compared to controls. The protein expression of ferroportin was increased in both groups of patients but not significantly. Spearman rank correlations showed that DMT1 versus ferroportin, Dcytb versus hephaestin and DMT1 versus TFR1 mRNAs were positively correlated regardless of the underlying cause, similarly to protein levels of ferroportin versus Dcytb and ferroportin versus hephaestin. Serum ferritin was negatively correlated with DMT1 mRNA in investigated groups of patients, except for HHC group. A decrease of serum hepcidin was observed in IDA patients, but this was not statistically significant. Our data showed that although untreated HHC patients do not have increased mRNA levels of iron transport molecules when compared to normal subjects, the expression is relatively increased in relation to body iron stores. On the other hand, post‐phlebotomized HHC patients had increased DMT1 and ferroportin mRNA levels possibly due to stimulated erythropoiesis after phlebotomy.
Ten‐year longitudinal study of gingival recession in dentists
Authors: Matas Francesc , Sentís Joan , Mendieta Carlos
Published: October 2011

Aim

To assess the prevalence and progression/regression of gingival recession in a population sample with a high standard of oral hygiene and broad knowledge of the role of traumatic tooth brushing in the aetiology of gingival recession.

Material & Methods

Forty dental students in their final year at Dental School were examined for gingival recession in 1994 and 10 years later by the same examiner. Tooth brushing habits were ascertained in a questionnaire. Clinical parameters recorded for each recession were: recession height, probing depth, width of keratinized gingiva and bleeding on probing. Full‐mouth plaque index was recorded using the modified Quigley & Hein index.

Results

The prevalence of gingival recession was 85% and did not change after 10 years. A total of 210 recessions found at the initial examination and 299 at the second were valid for longitudinal evaluation. Statistical differences between recessions at both examinations were found in several clinical parameters. Subjects had a significant increase in the plaque index at the second examination despite very few changes in their oral hygiene habits (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In dentists, after 10 years, mean number of gingival recession per person and mean recession height increased while plaque control decreased.
Analysis of patch test referrals: influence of appropriateness of referrals on sensitization rate
Authors: Corazza Monica , Borghi Alessandro , Mantovani Lucia , Virgili Annarosa
Published: October 2011

Background. Few studies have addressed the frequency and the consequences of the appropriateness of referrals for patch testing.

Objectives. To analyse the appropriateness of referrals for patch testing among patients seen in the Allergy Unit, University of Ferrara, and to evaluate whether this selection influences the results of the test.

Patients and methods. One thousand six hundred and twenty‐seven consecutive patients were enrolled, and 1528 patients were patch tested. On the basis of the history and clinical picture, the appropriateness of referrals for patch testing was judged.

Results. Of the patients, 82.30% attended the Allergy Unit with a clinical presentation and/or history considered to be an appropriate indication for patch testing. The rate of appropriate referrals for patch testing from dermatologists was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that for referrals from other physicians. The sensitization rate was significantly higher among the appropriate referrals than among the inappropriate ones, both in the entire sample (p < 0.001) and in atopic patients (p = 0.012).

Conclusions. Clinical experience was seen to be crucial for the appropriate selection of patients. Furthermore, appropriate referral for patch testing was shown to influence the sensitization rate.
Analysis of the Potential Role of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism in Genetic Predisposition to Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Rynekrova Jitka , Kasparova Dita , Adamkova Vera , Fait Tomas , Hubacek Jaroslav A.
Published: October 2011

Citation Rynekrova J, Kasparova D, Adamkova V, Fait T, Hubacek JA. Analysis of the potential role of apolipoprotein E polymorphism in genetic predisposition to spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 179–183

Problem  Up to 20% of pregnancies end in the first trimester by spontaneous abortion, but a significant number remains unexplained. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of variants within the gene for apolipoprotein E (APOE) in the genetic determination of spontaneous abortions.

Method of study  We collected DNA from 410 tissue samples of spontaneous abortions, and APOE was genotyped by PCR–RFLP method. The frequencies were compared with a population sample of adults (N = 2606) and with a positive control (1060 women with at least two children).

Results  The frequencies of the APOE genotypes in abortions (APOE2E2 + E3E2 = 0.132; APOE3E3 = 0.661; APOE3E4 + E4E4 = 0.195; APOE4E2 = 0.012) did not significantly differ (P = 0.604) from the frequencies in analyzed adult population study (APOE2E2 + E3E2 = 0.132; APOE3E3 = 0.686; APOE3E4 + E4E4 = 0.169; APOE4E2 = 0.014) or from the positive control (APOE2E2 + E3E2 = 0.133; APOE3E3 = 0.691; APOE3E4 + E4E4 =0.166; APOE4E2 = 0.010; P = 0.592).

Conclusion  Our study suggests that APOE may not be associated with spontaneous abortions in Caucasians.
VALIDATING A GRAPH THEORETIC SCREENING APPROACH TO FOOD ITEM COMBINATIONS
Authors: NESTRUD MICHAEL A. , ENNIS JOHN M. , FAYLE CHARLES M. , ENNIS DANIEL M. , LAWLESS HARRY T.
Published: October 2011

Tools from the mathematical field of graph theory potentially allow the consumer scientist to efficiently analyze large numbers of combinations of food items, such as components on a salad. In this study, we tested the validity of such an approach. We began by asking subjects whether or not pairs of ingredients would be appropriate to combine on a salad. Next, using graph theoretic methods, we predicted which combinations of 3–8 components should go together, and perhaps more importantly, which combinations should not. Subjects were then asked whether or not particular combinations were appropriate to combine on a salad. A paired Wilcoxon test between the predicted and nonpredicted combinations was significant for all combination sizes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A consumer‐driven graph theory methodology provides a screening tool to quickly and efficiently reduce a vast number of combinations of food items down to a reasonable number, which can then be evaluated by the consumer scientist using suitability criteria together with more traditional tools. In the case of salads, we screened over 1.7 million combinations and determined all but a handful were unsuitable. This methodology has potential in menu development, portfolio design and individual product formulations. The advantage to the researcher is that the method can be inexpensively performed, is nonbiased and is comprehensive. This study validates the use of this approach in a particular screening application.
Mix of Fiscal and Monetary Policy Rules and Inflation Dynamics in China
Authors: Guo Qingwang , Jia Junxue , Zhang Yongjie , Zhao Zhiyun
Published: October 2011

The present paper examines the role of the mix of fiscal and monetary policy rules in determining inflation dynamics using fiscal and monetary policy reaction functions and Markov‐switching vector autoregression methods based on quarterly data in the period 1992–2007. Our results show that fiscal and monetary policies in China can be adequately described using some simple rules, and that significant regime shifts took place around 1998. Fiscal policy tended to be active and countercyclical in the pre‐1998 period, then switched to be passive and more countercyclical, whereas monetary policy was characterized as passive and procyclical in the pre‐1998 period, and switched to be active and countercyclical afterwards. The mix of fiscal and monetary policy rules can explain inflation dynamics better than the monetary policy rule alone. Therefore, price stability requires not only appropriate monetary policy but also appropriate fiscal policy.
Navigating the Impact of Globalization on Bank Efficiency in China
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: October 2011

The paper provides for the first time empirical evidence on the impact of economic globalization on bank efficiency in a developing economy. Using the data envelopment analysis method, we compute the efficiency of the Chinese banking sector during 2000–2007. The empirical findings suggest that the inefficiency of the Chinese banking sector stems largely from scale rather than pure technical inefficiencies. Examining different components of economic globalization, we find that greater economic integration through higher trade flows, cultural proximity and political globalization have significant and positive influence on bank efficiency levels. The empirical findings suggest that liberalization (restrictions) of the capital account exerts a negative (positive) influence on bank efficiency levels in China.
Essential Oils and Their Principal Constituents as Antimicrobial Agents for Synthetic Packaging Films
Authors: Kuorwel Kuorwel K. , Cran Marlene J. , Sonneveld Kees , Miltz Joseph , Bigger Stephen W.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Spices and herbal plant species have been recognized to possess a broad spectrum of active constituents that exhibit antimicrobial (AM) activity. These active compounds are produced as secondary metabolites associated with the volatile essential oil (EO) fraction of these plants. A wide range of AM agents derived from EOs have the potential to be used in AM packaging systems which is one of the promising forms of active packaging systems aimed at protecting food products from microbial contamination. Many studies have evaluated the AM activity of synthetic AM and/or natural AM agents incorporated into packaging materials and have demonstrated effective AM activity by controlling the growth of microorganisms. This review examines the more common synthetic and natural AM agents incorporated into or coated onto synthetic packaging films for AM packaging applications. The focus is on the widely studied herb varieties including basil, oregano, and thyme and their EOs.
Rheology of Milk Foams Produced by Steam Injection
Authors: Jimenez‐Junca Carlos A. , Gumy Jean C. , Sher Alexander , Niranjan Keshavan
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Rheology of milk foams generated by steam injection was studied during the transient destabilization process using steady flow and dynamic oscillatory techniques: yield stress (τy) values were obtained from a stress ramp (0.2 to 25  Pa) and from strain amplitude sweep (0.001 to 3 at 1 Hz of frequency); elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli were measured by frequency sweep (0.1 to 10 Hz at 0.05 of strain); and the apparent viscosity (ηa) was obtained from the flow curves generated from the stress ramp. The effect of plate roughness and the sweep time on τy was also assessed. Yield stress was found to increase with plate roughness whereas it decreased with the sweep time. The values of yield stress and moduli—G′ and G″—increased during foam destabilization as a consequence of the changes in foam properties, especially the gas volume fraction, ϕ, and bubble size, R32 (Sauter mean bubble radius). Thus, a relationship between τy, ϕ, R32, and σ(surface tension) was established. The changes in the apparent viscosity, η, showed that the foams behaved like a shear thinning fluid beyond the yield point, fitting the modified Cross model with the relaxation time parameter (λ) also depending on the gas volume fraction. Overall, it was concluded that the viscoelastic behavior of the foam below the yield point and liquid‐like behavior thereafter both vary during destabilization due to changes in the foam characteristics.

Practical Application:  Studying the transient rheology of milk foams during destabilization contributes to our knowledge of the relationships between the changes in foam properties: texture and mouth feel during the consumption of hot foamed beverages.
Characterization of a 12 kDa Thermal‐Stable Antigenic Protein in Bovine Blood
Authors: Ofori Jack Appiah , Hsieh Yun‐Hwa Peggy
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  We have previously developed an immunoassay based on monoclonal antibody (MAb) Bb1H9 for quantitative detection of ruminant blood in processed food and feedstuffs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the unknown 12 kDa thermal‐stable ruminant‐specific antigenic protein recognized by MAb Bb1H9 in order to better define the application scope of the developed assay. Extracts obtained from raw and heat‐treated bovine blood‐derived products were analyzed with indirect ELISA and Western blot. Target proteins resolved by 2D electrophoresis were subjected to N‐terminal sequencing. Results indicated that the 12 kDa protein is a monomer of the tetrameric hemoglobin molecule (64.5 kDa) and that the heme group is not required for its binding with MAb Bb1H9. This MAb can be utilized as a probe for red blood cell derived products of ruminant origin in raw or processed food and feedstuffs to enforce labeling regulations and to address consumer concerns.

Practical Application:  MAb Bb1H9 represents the first antibody with the capacity to recognize bovine hemoglobin both in the absence and presence of the heme group, regardless of the heat treatment. MAb Bb1H9 can therefore be utilized in immunoassays by manufacturers and regulators to detect any ingredients containing hemoglobin or globin (hemoglobin without the heme group) in both raw and processed food and feed materials for product quality control and labeling law enforcement.
Central Composite Design for the Optimization of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid Extraction of Fatty Acids from Borago Officinalis L. Flower
Authors: Ramandi Negin Fasih , Najafi Nahid Mashkouri , Raofie Farhad , Ghasemi Ensieh
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  In the present study, fatty acids and essential oils of the flower of borage (Borago officinalis L.) were obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction under different conditions. The extracts obtained were compared to oils of borage flower oil isolated by hydrodistillation. The obtained oils were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra. The experimental parameters of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were optimized using a central composite design after a full factorial experimental design. Extraction yields based on SFE varied in the range of 0.02% to 1.96% (w/w), and the oil yield based on the hydrodistillation was 0.05% (v/w). The optimum conditions of  SFE were obtained at a pressure of 350 atm, a temperature of 65 °C, a methanol modifier volume of 100 μL, and static and dynamic extraction time of 10 min. Main components of the extracts under optimum SFE conditions were palmitic acid, linoleic acid, γ‐linolenic acid, and oleic acid. The results indicated that by using the suitable extraction conditions, SFE is more effective than the conventional hydrodistillation method in the extraction of fatty acids and the preservation of its quality.

Practical Application:  SFE is a good technique for the extraction of oils from plants. The extraction yields by SFE are more than the conventional method. SFE is used on a large scale for production of essential oils and pharmaceutical products from plants.
In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Different Cultivars of Banana Flower (Musa paradicicus L.) Extracts Available in India
Authors: China Ratna , Dutta Sanjukta , Sen Sauradip , Chakrabarti Rajarshi , Bhowmik Debajit , Ghosh Santinath , Dhar Pubali
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Six different cultivars of banana flowers (Musa paradicicus) (Kathali, Bichi, Shingapuri, Kacha, Champa, and Kalabou) were analyzed for the content of polyphenol expressed as gallic acid equivalent and flavonoid expressed as quercetein equivalent, and the in vitro total antioxidative activities of the flower extracts were compared with standard and expressed as trolox equivalent. The reducing power, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS•+) scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a linoleic acid emulsion system, and liposome peroxidation system were measured and compared with respective standard antioxidants. Iron‐mediated Fenton reaction was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of the extract of banana flower (Kacha cultivar) against H2O2‐induced DNA damage. The Kacha variety contains the maximum amount of polyphenol (11.94 ± 0.03 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dry weight) and flavonoid (0.174 ± 0.001 g of quercetin equivalent/g of polyphenol). It also has the highest total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity with a least EC50 value of 0.051 mg/mL. Hepatic cell damage in iron‐mediated Fenton reaction caused by free radicals is reduced by the banana flower extract. On the basis of the results obtained, the banana flowers are found to be a potential source of natural antioxidants. This is the first report on the antioxidant properties of the extracts from banana flowers. The study suggests that the flowers of M. paradicicus that are found in India and consumed as vegetable can provide valuable functional ingredients that help in the prevention of oxidative stress.
ICSH recommendations for the measurement of Haemoglobin A2
Authors: STEPHENS A. D. , ANGASTINIOTIS M. , BAYSAL E. , CHAN V. , FUCHAROEN S. , GIORDANO P. C. , HOYER J. D. , MOSCA A. , WILD B. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE STANDARDISATION OF HAEMATOLOGY (ICSH)
Published: October 2011

Although DNA analysis is needed for characterization of the mutations that cause β‐thalassaemia, measurement of the Hb A2 is essential for the routine identification of people who are carriers of β‐thalassaemia. The methods of quantitating Hb A2 are described together with pitfalls in undertaking these laboratory tests with particular emphasis on automated high‐performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.
Novel primers for complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing in mammals
Authors: NAIDU ASHWIN , FITAK ROBERT R. , MUNGUIA‐VEGA ADRIAN , CULVER MELANIE
Published: October 2011

Sequence‐based species identification relies on the extent and integrity of sequence data available in online databases such as GenBank. When identifying species from a sample of unknown origin, partial DNA sequences obtained from the sample are aligned against existing sequences in databases. When the sequence from the matching species is not present in the database, high‐scoring alignments with closely related sequences might produce unreliable results on species identity. For species identification in mammals, the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene has been identified to be highly informative; thus, large amounts of reference sequence data from the cyt b gene are much needed. To enhance availability of cyt b gene sequence data on a large number of mammalian species in GenBank and other such publicly accessible online databases, we identified a primer pair for complete cyt b gene sequencing in mammals. Using this primer pair, we successfully PCR amplified and sequenced the complete cyt b gene from 40 of 44 mammalian species representing 10 orders of mammals. We submitted 40 complete, correctly annotated, cyt b protein coding sequences to GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first single primer pair to amplify the complete cyt b gene in a broad range of mammalian species. This primer pair can be used for the addition of new cyt b gene sequences and to enhance data available on species represented in GenBank. The availability of novel and complete gene sequences as high‐quality reference data can improve the reliability of sequence‐based species identification.
Theoretical Investigation of Couple Stress Squeeze Films in a Curved Circular Geometry
Authors: Manivasakan Vimala , Sumathi Govindarajan
Published: October 2011

A theoretical investigation of the laminar squeeze flow of a couple-stress fluid between a flat circular static disk and an axisymmetric curved circular moving disk has been carried out using modified lubrication theory and microcontinuum theory. The combined effects of fluid inertia forces, curvature of the disk and non-Newtonian couple stresses on the squeeze film behavior are investigated analytically. Each of these effects and their combinations show a significant enhancement in the squeeze film behavior, and these are studied through their effects on the squeeze film pressure and the load carrying capacity of the fluid film as a function of time. Two different forms of the gapwidth between the disks have been considered, and the results have been shown to be in good agreement with the existing literature.
Theoretical Investigation of the Influence of Liquid Physical Properties on Effervescent Atomization Performance
Authors: Qian Lijuan , Lin Jianzhong , Xiong Hongbing , Leung Chan Tat
Published: October 2011

Background. A comprehensive model in the Eulerian-Lagrangian scheme is used to investigate the performance of the gas-droplet two-phase flow for a typical effervescent atomization spray with different atomized liquids. Method of Approach. Based on the particle tracking method, the droplet primary and secondary breakup, droplets collision and coalescence are taken into consideration. Results. The predicted droplet mean size is compared well with the published experimental data. The influences of liquid physical properties are discussed not only on droplet mean size, but also on droplet velocity, distribution, events of breakup and collision, Weber number, Ohnesorge number and their evolutions. Conclusions. Results show liquid viscosity has a slight effect on the droplet size and its distribution. While a decrease in liquid surface tension serves to get finer droplets and wider droplet spatial distribution. Small liquid density, surface tension and viscosity are benefit for getting higher atomized droplet velocity.
Numerical Simulations and Experimental Characterization of Heat Transfer From a Periodic Impingement of Droplets
Authors: Trujillo Mario F. , Alvarado Jorge , Gehring Eelco , Soriano Guillermo S.
Published: October 2011

In this combined experimental and simulation investigation, a stream of HFE-7100 droplets striking a prewetted surface under constant heat flux was studied. An implicit free surface capturing technique based on the Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) approach was employed to simulate this process numerically. Experimentally, an infrared thermography technique was used to measure the temperature distribution of the surface consisting of a 100 nm ITO layer on a ZnSe substrate. The heat flux was varied to investigate the heat transfer behavior of periodic droplet impingement at the solid–liquid interface. In both experiments and simulations, the morphology of the impact zone was characterized by a quasi-stationary liquid impact crater. Comparison of the radial temperature profiles on the impinging surface between the experiments and numerical simulations yielded reasonable agreement. Due to the strong radial flow emanating from successive droplet impacts, the temperature distribution inside the crater region was found to be significantly reduced from its saturated value. In effect, the heat transfer mode in this region was governed by single phase convective and conductive heat transfer, and was mostly affected by the HFE-7100 mass flow rates or the number of droplets. At higher heat fluxes, the minimum temperature, and its gradient with respect to the radial coordinate, increased considerably. Numerical comparison between average and instantaneous temperature profiles within the droplet impact region showed the effect of thermal mixing produced by the liquid crowns formed during successive droplet impact events.
Performance Evaluation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Engines Integrated With Single/Dual-Spool Turbochargers
Authors: Oh So-Ryeok , Sun Jing , Dobbs Herb , King Joel
Published: October 2011

This study investigates the performance and operating characteristics of 5kW-class solid oxide fuel cell and gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid systems for two different configurations, namely single- and dual- spool gas turbines. Both single and dual spool turbo-chargers are widely used in the gas turbine industry. Even though their operation is based on the same physical principles, their performance characteristics and operation parameters vary considerably due to different designs. The implications of the differences on the performance of the hybrid SOFC/GT have not been discussed in literature, and will be the topic of this paper. Operating envelops of single and dual shaft systems are identified and compared. Performance in terms of system efficiency and load following is analyzed. Sensitivities of key variables such as power, SOFC temperature, and GT shaft speed to the control inputs (namely, fuel flow, SOFC current, generator load) are characterized, all in an attempt to gain insights on the design implication for the single and dual shaft SOFC/GT systems. Dynamic analysis are also performed for part load operation and load transitions, which shed lights for the development of safe and optimal control strategies.
Effects of Damaged Boundaries on the Free Vibration of Kirchhoff Plates: Comparison of Perturbation and Spectral Collocation Solutions
Authors: Sari Ma’en , Nazari Morad , Butcher Eric A.
Published: October 2011

In order to compare numerical and analytical results for the free vibration analysis of Kirchhoff plates with both partially and completely damaged boundaries, the Chebyshev collocation and perturbation methods are utilized in this paper, where the damaged boundaries are represented by distributed translational and torsional springs. In the Chebyshev collocation method, the convergence studies are performed to determine the sufficient number of the grid points used. In the perturbation method, the small perturbation parameter is defined in terms of the damage parameter of the plate, and a sequence of recurrent linear boundary value problems is obtained which is further solved by the separation of variables technique. The results of the two methods are in good agreement for small values of the damage parameter as well as with the results in the literature for the undamaged case. The case of mixed damaged boundary conditions is also treated by the Chebyshev collocation method.
Coupling Continuous and Discontinuous Descriptions to Model First Body Deformation in Third Body Flows
Authors: Cao Hong-Phong , Renouf Mathieu , Dubois Frédéric , Berthier Yves
Published: October 2011

The present paper proposes an extension of the classical discrete element method used to study third body flows. Based on the concept of the tribological triplet proposed by Godet and Berthier, the aim of this work is to enrich description, by accounting for the deformation of the first body and investigating its influence on third-body rheology. To achieve this, a novel hybrid approach that combines continuous and discontinuous descriptions is used. To illustrate the advantage of such modeling, comparisons with the classical approach, which considers the first body as rigid, are performed in terms of macroscopic friction coefficient and velocity and stress profiles.
Nonlinear Parameter Identification in Multibody Systems Using Homotopy Continuation
Authors: Vyasarayani Chandrika P. , Uchida Thomas , McPhee John
Published: October 2011

The identification of parameters in multibody systems governed by ordinary differential equations, given noisy experimental data for only a subset of the system states, is considered in this work. The underlying optimization problem is solved using a combination of the Gauss–Newton and single-shooting methods. A homotopy transformation motivated by the theory of state observers is proposed to avoid the well-known issue of converging to a local minimum. By ensuring that the response predicted by the mathematical model is very close to the experimental data at every stage of the optimization procedure, the homotopy transformation guides the algorithm toward the global minimum. To demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm, parameters are identified for pendulum-cart and double-pendulum systems using only one noisy state measurement in each case. The proposed approach is also compared with the linear regression method.
Orientation Order Analysis of Spherical Four-Bar Mechanisms
Authors: Tipparthi H. , Larochelle P.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we present a novel methodology for orientation order analysis of spherical RR dyads. The methodology is a spherical generalization of the recent works of Myszka, Murray, and Schmiedeler for assessing position order of planar RR dyads. The objective of the methodology is to determine if a prescribed fixed axis location for a spherical RR dyad will result in the dyad guiding a moving rigid-body through a set of finitely separated spherical orientations in the desired order (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). The planar propeller methodology of Myszka, Murray, and Schmiedeler is extended to yield a spherical hoop methodology. The result is a useful tool to determine if a given spherical RR dyad will guide a moving body through a set of prescribed orientations in the desired order. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the hoop method for order analysis of spherical RR dyads in two case studies.