bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential routing of coexisting neuropeptides in vasopressin neurons
Authors: Landry Marc , Vila‐Porcile Evelyne , Hökfelt Tomas , Calas André
Published: November 2010

The functional implications of intraneuronal coexistence of different neuropeptides depend on their respective targeting to release sites. In the rat hypothalamic magnocellular neurons, we investigated a possible differential routing of the coexpressed galanin and vasopressin. The respective location of proteins and messengers was assessed with double immunogold and in situ hybridization combining confocal and electron microscope analysis. The various populations of labelled granules were quantitatively compared in three subcellular compartments: perikarya, local processes and posthypophyseal nerve endings. Three subpopulations of granules were detected in all three compartments, but their respective amount showed significant differences. Galanin alone was immunolocalized in some secretory granules, vasopressin alone in others, and both peptides in a third subpopulation of granules. The major part of the granules containing vasopressin, either alone or in association with galanin, is found in neurohypophyseal nerve endings. In contrast, galanin single‐labelled granules represent the most abundant population in dendritic processes, while double‐labelled granules are more numerous in perikarya. This indicates a preferential distribution of the two peptides in the different compartments of magnocellular neurons. Furthermore, galanin and vasopressin messenger RNAs were detected at different domains of the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that translation might also occur at different locations, thus leading to partial segregation of galanin and vasopressin cargoes between two populations of secretory granules. The present study provides, for the first time in mammals, evidence suggesting that galanin and vasopressin are only partly copackaged and undergo a preferential targeting toward dendrites or neurohypophysis, suggesting different functions, autocrine/paracrine and endocrine, respectively.
A hVIPR transgene as a novel tool for the analysis of circadian function in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: King V. M. , Chahad‐Ehlers S. , Shen S. , Harmar A. J. , Maywood E. S. , Hastings M. H.
Published: November 2010

A mouse bearing a novel transgene encoding the human VPAC2 receptor (hVIPR; Shen et al. (2000) PNAS, 97, 11575–11580) was used to investigate circadian function in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Neurons expressing hVPAC2R, detected by a beta‐galactosidase (β‐GAL) tag, have a distinct distribution within the SCN, closely matching that of neurophysin (NP) neurons and extending into the region of peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) cells. In common with NP and PHI cells, neurons expressing hVPAC2R are circadian in nature, as revealed by synchronous rhythmic expression of mPERIOD (mPER) proteins. A population of SCN cells not expressing PHI, NP or hVPAC2R exhibited circadian PER expression antiphasic with the rest of the SCN. Nocturnal light exposure induced mPER1 in the ventral SCN and mPER2 widely across the nucleus. Induction of nuclear mPER2 in hVPAC2R cells confirmed their photic responsiveness. Having established their circadian properties, we tested the utility of SCN neurons expressing the hVIPR transgene as functionally and anatomically explicit markers for SCN tissue grafts. Prenatal SCN tissue from hVIPR transgenic pups survived transplantation into adult CD1 mice, and expressed β‐GAL, PER and PHI. Over a series of studies, hVIPR transgenic SCN grafts restored circadian activity rhythms to 17 of 72 arrhythmic SCN lesioned recipients (23.6%). By using heterozygous hVIPR transgenic grafts on a heterozygous Clock mutant background we confirmed that restored activity rhythms were conferred by the donor tissue. We conclude that the hVIPR transgene is a powerful and flexible tool for examination of circadian function in the mouse SCN.
Inflation and Capacity Constraints in Australian Manufacturing Industry*
Authors: Shepherd David , Driver Ciaran
Published: November 2010

In the present paper we estimate a model of price‐cost inflation for Australia using business survey responses of firms in the manufacturing sector. The data allow us to circumvent a number of key statistical problems, related in particular to the measurement of costs and structural changes in the model. Equally important, the data allow a new and more detailed perspective on the nature of supply constraints affecting inflation in the manufacturing sector. A new finding is that capital constraints have been more important in generating inflationary pressure than labour constraints or general indicators of capacity utilisation.
A climatologically based long-range fire growth model
Authors: Anderson Kerry
Published: November 2010

A long-range fire growth model was developed to predict the potential size or probable extent of a wildfire if it was allowed to grow unimpeded for the course of the fire season. The model combines the probabilities of fire spread and of survival to produce a probable fire extent map. Probability of spread is determined from exponential distributions of potential rates of spread for various fuel types and eight compass directions, based on 30 years of fire weather data and elliptical fire growth. Probability of survival is determined from the probable evolution of the duff moisture code over the fire season predicted with Markov chains and a duff moisture code of extinction. A comparative study was conducted within Wood Buffalo National Park. The long-term model was compared with a distribution of fire perimeters predicted by repeated simulations using an hourly based, deterministic fire growth model. The study was conducted in stages, starting with a homogeneous fuel type and weather from one station. Later, fuels and weather were introduced to determine their effects on the model. The study showed a close agreement between the long-range model and the deterministic model, supporting the probabilistic approach used by the long-range model.
Spectral analysis of charcoal on soils: implicationsfor wildland fire severity mapping methods
Authors: Smith Alistair M. S. , Eitel Jan U. H. , Hudak Andrew T.
Published: November 2010

Recent studies in the Western United States have supported climate scenarios that predict a higher occurrence of large and severe wildfires. Knowledge of the severity is important to infer long-term biogeochemical, ecological, and societal impacts, but understanding the sensitivity of any severity mapping method to variations in soil type and increasing charcoal (char) cover is essential before widespread adoption. Through repeated spectral analysis of increasing charcoal quantities on six representative soils, we found that addition of charcoal to each soil resulted in linear spectral mixing. We found that performance of the Normalised Burn Ratio was highly sensitive to soil type, whereas the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index was relatively insensitive. Our conclusions have potential implications for national programs that seek to monitor long-term trends in wildfire severity and underscore the need to collect accurate soils information when evaluating large-scale wildland fires.
Fine tuning host responses in the face of infection: emerging roles and clinical applications of host defence peptides.
Authors: Mayer M. L. , Easton D. M. , Hancock R. E. W.
Published: November 2010

Host defence peptides (HDPs) are powerful modulators of human innate immunity, and can modify the outcome of the endogenous host response to infection. The progressive development of pathogen resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents has lead to a new appreciation of HDPs for their ability to fight infection, enhance vaccine responses, limit infl ammation and promote wound healing, within the context of human disease. HDPs are a family of cationic, short, amphipathic peptides that include the classical mammalian antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidins and defensins, as well as non-antimicrobial peptides with similar immunomodulatory properties. This chapter reviews our current basic understanding of the anti-infective and immunomodulatory properties of both endogenous HDPs and synthetic derivatives (termed innate defence regulators) with regard to their ability to selectively fine tune the responses of host cells and physiology. The clinical application of these molecules is also discussed, with a focus on past and ongoing clinical trials of HDPs and innate defence regulators as novel therapeutics for infectious and infl ammatory diseases.
Lamb and ac Stark shifts in cavity quantum electrodynamics*
Authors: Nguyen Bich Ha
Published: November 2010

A quantum system consisting of a single-mode microcavity and a two-level quantum dot or atom placed inside this microcavity, the interaction of monoenergetic photons in the microcavity with the electron in the two-level quantum dot or atom being the allowed electrical dipole transition between two energy levels, is a basic element of prospective devices for quantum information processing. Its time evolution is governed by cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED). The photon–electron coupling induces the shifts of energy levels of the electron in the two-level quantum dot or atom. If there is no photon in the microcavity, then the shift of electron energy levels is induced by the radiative corrections and it is called the Lamb shift. The presence of photons in the microcavity induces another type of electron energy level shift—the ac Stark shift. In this paper, we present the exact derivation of the formulae for the Lamb and ac Stark shifts of electron energy levels in the two-level quantum dot or atom placed inside a single-mode microcavity.
The osmotolerant fructophilic yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii employs two plasma-membrane fructose uptake systems belonging to a new family of yeast sugar transporters
Authors: Leandro Maria José , Sychrová Hana , Prista Catarina , Loureiro-Dias Maria C.
Published: November 2010

Owing to its high resistance to weak-acid preservatives and extreme osmotolerance, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii is one of the main spoilage yeasts of sweet foods and beverages. In contrast with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Z. rouxii is a fructophilic yeast; it consumes fructose faster than glucose. So far, to our knowledge, no specific Z. rouxii proteins responsible for this fructophilic behaviour have been characterized. We have identified two genes encoding putative fructose transporters in the Z. rouxii CBS 732 genome. Heterologous expression of these two Z. rouxii ORFs in a S. cerevisiae strain lacking its own hexose transporters (hxt-null) and subsequent kinetic analysis of sugar transport showed that both proteins are functionally expressed at the plasma membrane: ZrFfz1 is a high-capacity fructose-specific facilitator (K
m∼400 mM and V
max∼13 mmol h−1 g−1) and ZrFfz2 is a facilitator transporting glucose and fructose with similar capacity and affinity (K
m∼200 mM and V
max∼4 mmol h−1 g−1). These two proteins together with the Zygosaccharomyces bailii Ffz1 fructose-specific transporter belong to a new family of sugar transport systems mediating the uptake of hexoses via the facilitated diffusion mechanism, and are more homologous to drug/H+ antiporters (regarding their primary protein structure) than to other yeast sugar transporters of the Sugar Porter family.
Phase I clinical trial of survivin‐derived peptide vaccine therapy for patients with advanced or recurrent oral cancer
Authors: Miyazaki Akihiro , Kobayashi Junichi , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Yamamoto Takashi , Yamaguchi Akira , Asanuma Hiroko , Takahashi Akari , Michifuri Yoshitaka , Nakamori Kenji , Nagai Itaru , Sato Noriyuki , Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi
Published: November 2010

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, is abundantly expressed in most malignancies, but is hardly detectable in normal adult tissues. Previously we have identified a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A24‐restricted antigenic peptide, survivin‐2B80‐88 (AYACNTSTL), recognized by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Survivin‐2B80‐88‐specific CTL were induced efficiently from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of oral cancer patients after stimulation with the peptide in vitro. We conducted a phase I clinical study to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of survivin‐2B80‐88 peptide vaccination in HLA‐A24‐positive patients with advanced or recurrent oral cancer. The vaccines were given subcutaneously or intratumorally six times at 14‐day intervals. Eleven patients were enrolled and 10 patients completed the vaccination protocol. No adverse events were observed in any patients. In two patients, the levels of serum squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen decreased transiently during the period of vaccination. Tumor regression that was compatible with a partial response (PR) was noted in one patient. The remaining nine patients experienced progressive disease (PD). Immunologically, an increase of the peptide‐specific CTL frequency was detected in six of the eight patients evaluated by HLA‐A24/peptide tetramer analysis. The present clinical trial revealed that survivin‐2B peptide vaccination was safe and had therapeutic potential for oral cancer patients. However, subsequent clinical trials in combination with various adjuvant drugs will be required to improve the immunological and therapeutic efficacy. This trial was registered with University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) number UMIN000000976. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 324–329)
Changes in the mucosa of the Roux‐limb after gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Spak Emma , Björklund Per , Helander Herbert F , Vieth Michael , Olbers Torsten , Casselbrant Anna , Lönroth Hans , Fändriks Lars
Published: November 2010

Spak E, Björklund P, Helander H F, Vieth M, Olbers T, Casselbrant A, Lönroth H & Fändriks L (2010) Histopathology 57, 680–689 Changes in the mucosa of the Roux‐limb after gastric bypass surgery

Aims:  Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery is the most efficient treatment of morbid obesity, but the mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the Roux‐limb mucosa after gastric bypass surgery, focusing upon basic morphology and inflammation.

Methods and results:  Jejunal mucosal samples from the Roux‐limb were gathered from eight patients at time of surgery and 6–8 months postsurgery. Histological evaluation of inflammation and morphometric investigations were performed, cell proliferation was assessed using immunohistochemistry and inflammatory markers and angiotensin (Ang) II receptors were detected using Western blot. Cell proliferation increased and villous surface area decreased in the Roux‐limb mucosa but no signs of active inflammation were observed after surgery. Protein analyses showed increased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐oxidase, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the Ang II type 1(AT1) receptor after surgery, whereas the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine and the Ang II type 2(AT2) receptor remained constant.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the phenotype of the jejunal mucosa changes once exposed to undigested food and the increased microbial load in the Roux‐limb after surgery.
Codeswitching in English Courses in Chinese Universities
Authors: VAN DER MEIJ HANS , ZHAO XIAOGUANG
Published: November 2010

This study examines the views of teachers and students on the frequency of teacher codeswitching in English major courses in Chinese universities. An important distinction made in the inquiry is the difference between believed and desired presence in short or long moments of codeswitching. Lessons were recorded to assess the accuracy of teachers' beliefs on codeswitching frequency. The data indicate that teachers felt comfortable with their current practices. They were unaware, however, that their actual codeswitching practice was 7 times more frequent and took 10 times longer than believed. Students wanted (even) more and longer switches. Both teachers and students perceive the classroom as a compound bilingual space in which teacher codeswitching is desirable and functional. The conclusion further discusses the factors that presumably affect the diverse outcomes that many studies, including this one, report for codeswitching frequency.
Initial stability and bone strain evaluation of the immediately loaded dental implant: an in vitro model study
Authors: Huang Heng‐Li , Chang Yin‐Yu , Lin Dan‐Jae , Li Yu‐Fen , Chen Kuan‐Ting , Hsu Jui‐Ting
Published: November 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cortical bone thickness and trabecular bone elastic modulus on the strain in the bone surrounding an immediately loaded implant. We also examined the correlations between bone structure and the following indices of primary implant stability: insertion torque value (ITV), Periotest value (PTV), and implant stability quotient (ISQ).

Material and methods: The ITV, PTV, and ISQ were measured in 24 artificial jaw bone models representing cortical bone with four thicknesses (0, 1, 2, and 3 mm) and trabecular bone with four elastic moduli (137, 47.5, 23, and 12.4 MPa). Two loading conditions were applied (force of 130 N applied vertically and at 45° laterally), and the strains in the crestal region were measured by rosette strain gauges with a data acquisition system.

Results: When the cortical bone thickness and the elastic modulus of trabecular bone decreased, the bone strains increased by 10.3–52.1% and 39–73.1%, respectively, for vertical loading and by 35–62% and 42.4–56.2% for lateral loading. The cortical bone thickness has a stronger correlation (R2=0.95–0.71) with ITV, PTV, and ISQ than the elastic modulus of trabecular bone (R2=0.89–0.59).

Conclusions: The initial stability at the time of implant placement is influenced by both the cortical bone thickness and the elastic modulus of trabecular bone; however, these parameters are not totally linearly correlated with ITV, PTV, and ISQ. The placement of an immediately loaded implant in cases with thin cortical bone and/or weak trabecular bone can induce extreme bone strains and may increase the risk of implant failure.

To cite this article:
 Huang H‐L, Chang Y‐Y, Lin D‐J, Li Y‐F, Chen K‐T, Hsu J‐T. Initial stability and bone strain evaluation of the immediately loaded dental implant: an in vitro model study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 691–698 doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01983.x
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Reduces Mortality in Acute Iron Intoxication in Rats
Authors: Youngster Ilan , Abu‐Kishk Ibrahim , Kozer Eran , Braunstein Rony , Bar‐Haim Adina , Berkovitch Matitiahu
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Acute iron intoxication is one of the leading causes of overdose morbidity and mortality in children. The toxicity of iron has been postulated to be related to free radical formation and subsequent lipid peroxidation. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment can result in a number of beneficial biochemical, cellular and physiological effects, and has recently been shown to induce cellular protection against ischaemia, and in some cases against free radical formation. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on mortality in acute iron intoxication in rats. After iron administration, 57 animals were divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment (n = 30) and a control group (n = 27), and followed for 48 hr for signs of severe intoxication. In the second part of the study, 21 animals were divided into a treatment group receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment (n = 10) and a control group (n = 11), and markers of oxidative stress were evaluated. We showed a significant reduction in mortality in hyperbaric oxygen‐treated animals from 17 of 27 (62.9%) among untreated rats to 6 of 30 (20%). Surprisingly, in the treatment group, levels of oxidative stress markers were higher. We postulate that hyperbaric oxygen has a potentially beneficial effect in acute iron intoxication.
Satisfaction Profiles in Men Using Intracavernosal Injection Therapy
Authors: Hsiao Wayland , Bennett Nelson , Guhring Patricia , Narus Joseph , Mulhall John P.
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Intracavernosal injection therapy (ICI) is a well-established second-line therapy used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Controversy exists as to whether oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) or injection therapy lead to higher satisfaction.

Aim

This study addressed ICI satisfaction in a modern cohort of patients in the PDE5i era.

Methods

Patients on ICI for at least 6 months were included in our study. Patients were administered the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at the initial visit. On subsequent visits, patients were administered the IIEF and the Erection Hardness Scale (EHS).

Main Outcome Measures

Study end points were change in baseline scores in the satisfaction domains (SD) of the IIEF, type of injection medication used, and predictors of satisfaction. Multiple logistic regressions were performed for predictors of satisfaction.

Results

One hundred twenty-two patients met inclusion criterion. Mean time to follow-up was 25 ± 12 months (range 6–106 months). Sixty-five percent of patients continued injections at the time of follow-up. When SD scores were examined, intercourse SD scores increased from 4.8 ± 1.7 at baseline to 12.3 ± 3.1 (P < 0.01); overall SD scores increased from 4.1 ± 1.8 to 7.2 ± 2.0 (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, predictors of satisfaction included older age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1), younger partner age (OR = 2.5), clinically significant increase in the erectile function domain score (OR = 3.1), and attainment of a “fully rigid” erection (EHS 4) (OR = 6.8).

Conclusions

We have evaluated satisfaction in a modern cohort of ICI patients. While dropout rates are significant, for those patients who continue to inject, we have found high levels of satisfaction using the IIEF, the gold standard for evaluation of erectile function. On multivariate analysis, we found that older age, younger partner age, and fully rigid erections were predictors of increased satisfaction. ICI remains a robust second-line therapy in the treatment of ED even in the era of PDE5i.
The Impact of Oral ED Medication on Female Partners’ Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: McCabe Marita P. , O’Connor Elodie J. , Conaglen John V. , Conaglen Helen M.
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Research has demonstrated that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a couple’s problem, and that treatment for this condition is likely to impact on the man and his partner.

Aim

The current study utilized a qualitative approach to evaluate the impact of treatment for ED on the female partner’s perception of changes in the relationship.

Main Outcome Measures

Analyses of the transcripts from the interviews.

Methods

In total, 96 men were treated for ED using tadalafil and then sildenafil (or vice versa) each for 3 months. Their female partners were interviewed 3 months after the commencement of treatment.

Results

The findings demonstrated an overall positive effect of the treatment. Female partners perceived improvements in emotional closeness, and communication, and reported that their relationship was more loving, less stressful, and more stable.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the positive effects of treatment for ED on the female partner; in particular, on her perception of the quality of her relationship.
Five-Year Follow-Up of Peyronie’s Graft Surgery: Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Chung Eric , Clendinning Eric , Lessard Lauren , Brock Gerald
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Graft surgery for Peyronie’s disease (PD) is associated with significant long-term risks.

Aim

To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of graft repairs with a minimum of 5-year follow-up.

Methods

A retrospective review of database and third party telephone survey was undertaken in all men who underwent reconstructive graft procedures for PD between May 1999 and May 2005.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient demographics, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores, and penile Doppler ultrasonography were performed preoperative. Follow-up assessments included surgical outcomes and overall patient satisfactions.

Results

A total of 86 patients with an average age of 54.6 (34 to 73) years underwent Peyronie’s graft repair. The average follow-up was 98 (61 to 120) months. Twenty patients received dermal graft whereas 33 patients underwent Tutoplast graft and 33 patients had Stratasis small intestinal submucosa graft. Penile curvature greater than 60 degrees was more common in the Tutoplast and Stratasis groups. Twelve patients used phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or intracavenous agents preoperatively. At the time of review, only 46 (53%) patients were able to be contacted and consented for telephone interview. Although 6 months of postoperative follow-up showed excellent resolution, or significantly less, penile curvature, this figures decreased to 50% in dermal, 87% in Tutoplast, and 76% in Stratasis patients. Further penile length shortening was also reported on patient self-assessment at the recent follow-up. Worsening of IIEF-5 scores were noted with the development of erectile dysfunction was more pronounced in the diabetic cohort (P < 0.01). The overall satisfaction on a 5-point scale was 2.6 with more than 65% of patients dissatisfied with the outcomes of the Peyronie’s graft surgery.

Conclusions

The recurrence of penile curvature, penile length loss, and the new-onset of ED are not uncommon sequelae and are associated with a significant patient dissatisfaction rate when a 5-year follow-up is achieved.
Measuring Acceptance of Milk and Milk Substitutes Among Younger and Older Children
Authors: Palacios Orsolya M. , Badran Joseph , Spence Lisa , Drake Mary Anne , Reisner Michele , Moskowitz Howard R.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Appropriate nutrient‐dense foods and beverages are crucial for children for proper growth and development and to develop healthful lifelong habits. This study investigated children's (ages 8 to 16 y old) perception of sensory intensity, attribute liking and overall liking of unflavored and chocolate lactose‐free cow's milk and soy beverages. Products were not identified as to whether they were soy or milk. Children showed greater acceptance of lactose‐free cow's milk compared to milk substitute beverages, within flavor category. No differences in acceptance emerged by ethnic group (Caucasian, African American, Hispanic), but a large difference emerged by age group. All product acceptance differences perceived by older children reoccurred among the younger children and in the same direction, but the older children used a larger range of numbers, especially at the lower end, rather than at the higher end of acceptance. The effect of age is not a simple scaling bias but may suggest a reduced criticism by younger respondents of less‐acceptable products.

Practical Application:  Appropriate nutrient‐dense foods and beverages are crucial for children. The prevalence of actual or self‐perceived lactose intolerance is a barrier for traditional fluid milk intake. This study evaluated acceptance by children of different ages for lactose free cow's milk and milk substitute soy beverages. While no differences in acceptance emerged by ethnic group (Caucasian, African American, Hispanic), large differences were noted among the age groups. Liking scores for lactose‐free cow's milk were higher than scores for milk substitute beverages, when the nature of the product was not identified. Younger children (ages 8 to 12 y old) tend to rate unacceptable products less critically, which means that manufacturers may mistakenly accept a poor tasting product based on these ratings.
Consumer Preferences for Fresh Tomato at the European Scale: A Common Segmentation on Taste and Firmness
Authors: Causse Mathilde , Friguet Chloé , Coiret Clément , Lépicier Mélanie , Navez Brigitte , Lee Monica , Holthuysen Nancy , Sinesio Fiorella , Moneta Elisabetta , Grandillo Silvana
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Although tomato flavor has not been a major goal for breeders, nowadays it becomes important as it is a subject of consumer complaint. A better knowledge of tomato consumer preferences, at the European level, should provide the basis for improvement of fruit quality and for market segmentation. In the framework of a large European project, 806 consumers from 3 countries, The Netherlands, France, and Italy, were presented with a set of 16 varieties representing the diversity of fresh tomato offer in order to evaluate their preferences. In parallel, sensory profiles were constructed by expert panels in each country. Preference maps were then constructed in each country revealing the structure of consumer preferences and allowing identification of the most important characteristics. Then a global analysis revealed that preferences were quite homogeneous across countries. This study identified the overall flavor and firmness as the most important traits for improving tomato fruit quality. It showed that consumer preferences from different European countries, with different cultures and food practices, are segmented following similar patterns when projected onto a common referential plan. Moreover, the results clearly showed that diversification of taste and texture is required to satisfy all consumers’ expectations as some consumers preferred firm tomatoes, while others preferred melting ones and were more or less demanding in terms of sweetness and flavor intensity. Detailed comparisons also showed the importance of the fruit appearance in consumer preference.

Practical Application:  The consumer preferences for fresh market tomato were studied in 3 European countries. The main descriptors for further breeding for consumer satisfaction were identified. Four clusters of consumers were identified in the overall analysis, the 3 countries contributing the same way to each cluster. The impact of appearance in the preferences was also underlined.
Application of the Chinese Steamed Bun Starter Dough (CSB‐SD) in Breadmaking
Authors: Keeratipibul Suwimon , Luangsakul Naphatrapi , Otsuka Shinya , Sakai Shigeru , Hatano Yasushi , Tanasupawat Somboon
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The application of Chinese steamed bun starter dough (CSB‐SD) in breadmaking was investigated. The activation of CSB‐SD to activate the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and to increase the number of yeast, prior to making bread, was conducted by mixing CSB‐SD with wheat flour and water and then incubating for 24 h. Wheat flour was then substituted by this activated CSB‐SD (aCSB‐SD) at 10%, 30%, and 50% (w/w) to make bread. Dough and bread properties were studied comparing to the control (without aCSB‐SD). From the farinograph results, a high aCSB‐SD substitution level resulted in a less stability in dough with a higher degree of softening. Extensigraph results suggested that after aging, all the substituted dough yielded a greater resistance to extension with lower extensibility values than the control. Substitutions with 30% and 50% (w/w) aCSB‐SD significantly increased the total CO2 gas generation. Scanning electron microscopy SEM images of the 30% and 50% (w/w) substituted dough showed a well‐developed gluten matrix. The 50% (w/w) substituted breads obtained a greater risen volume, finer crumb grain, and retained more softness after 5‐d storage than the control. In addition, both the 30% and 50% (w/w) substituted breads showed a slightly increased mold stability, as compared to the 0% and 10% (w/w) substituted breads.
Enumeration of Fungi in Fruits by the Most Probable Number Method
Authors: Watanabe Maiko , Tsutsumi Fumiyuki , Lee Ken‐ichi , Sugita‐Konishi Yoshiko , Kumagai Susumu , Takatori Kosuke , Hara‐Kudo Yukiko , Konuma Hirotaka
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  In this study, enumeration methods for fungi in foods were evaluated using fruits that are often contaminated by fungi in the field and rot because of fungal contaminants. As the test methods, we used the standard most probable number (MPN) method with liquid medium in test tubes, which is traditionally used as the enumeration method for bacteria, and the plate‐MPN method with agar plate media, in addition to the surface plating method as the traditional enumeration method for fungi. We tested 27 samples of 9 commercial domestic fruits using their surface skin. The results indicated that the standard MPN method showed slow recovery of fungi in test tubes and lower counts than the surface plating method and the plate‐MPN method in almost all samples. The fungal count on the 4th d of incubation was approximately the same as on the 10th d by the surface plating method or the plate‐MPN method, indicating no significant differences between the fungal counts by these 2 methods. This result indicated that the plate‐MPN method had a number agreement with the traditional enumeration method. Moreover, the plate‐MPN method has a little laborious without counting colonies, because fungal counts are estimated based on the number of plates with growing colonies. These advantages demonstrated that the plate‐MPN method is a comparatively superior and rapid method for enumeration of fungi.

Practical Application:  This article would give the benefit for application of techniques for food safety of fungi, because this article indicated that the plate‐MPN method is a superior and rapid method for enumeration of fungi.
GC‐MS Determined Distribution of Urinary Equol Producers as Affected by Age, Gender, and Repeated Ingestions of Soymilk
Authors: Ko Ting‐Fu , Tsai Hui‐Su , Lin Shu‐Mei , Liu Chi‐Dong , Learn Show‐Phon , Chiou Robin Y.Y.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Status of equol excretion is likely a reflection of incidence risk of sex‐hormone related diseases and deserves research attention. In this study, urine samples collected from 182 volunteers after soymilk ingestion were subjected to equol quantification using GC‐MS. As categorized into male, female, and both genders and each category further classified into 6 age (year) categories, namely, <20, 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, >51 and overall, a trend indicating that the younger age the higher equol producer ratio was observed. For the >51 subjects, the corresponding producer ratios of males and females were 35.3% and 50.0%, respectively. Among the volunteers, 20 nonproducers were further recruited to ingest 1000 mL soymilk weekly for 16 wk and urines were analyzed bi‐weekly. As resulted, 8 of 20 nonproducers were induced to become equol producers. The observed change of nonproducers to equol producers induced by repeating ingestions of soymilk is of merit from the viewpoint of healthcare.

Practical Application:  Excretion of equol after ingestion of isoflavones‐containing foods is likely to bear lower incidence risk of sex‐hormone related diseases, which attracts public attention. Based on observed possibility that nonproducers could be induced to become equol producers by repeating ingestions of soymilk, frequent intake of soybean‐derived foods is recommended.
Hydrolysis of Chlorella by Cellulomonas sp. YJ5 Cellulases and Its Biofunctional Properties
Authors: Yin Li‐Jung , Jiang Shann‐Tzong , Pon Shen‐Hwei , Lin Hsin‐Hung
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Both 10% and 20% (w/w) Chlorella suspensions were hydrolyzed by 150 to 350 U/mL of cellulases from a 3‐d cultivation of Cellulomonas sp. YJ5. Higher chlorophyll, reducing sugars and soluble proteins, and lower residual insoluble solid were observed on both samples after 30‐min hydrolysis by various concentrations of cellulases at 50 °C. Decrease in insoluble solid, increases in soluble proteins, peptides and chlorophyll contents, and microscopic observation indicated obvious lysis of cell walls occurred during 60‐ to 180‐min hydrolysis. Significant increases in soluble proteins, peptides, Fe2+ chelating ability, trolox equivalent antioxidation capacity (TEAC), and reducing power was obtained after 3‐h hydrolysis by 150 U/mL of cellulase. These data suggested that cellulolysis technology has high application potential in Chlorella industry.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coating and Low‐Dose Gamma Irradiation Improves Storage Quality and Shelf Life of Pear (Pyrus Communis L., Cv. Bartlett/William)
Authors: Hussain Peerzada R. , Meena Raghuveer S. , Dar Mohd A. , Wani Ali M.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coatings alone and in combination with gamma irradiation were tested for maintaining the storage quality and extending shelf life of pear. Matured green pears were CMC coated at levels 0.25% to 1.0% w/v and gamma irradiated at 1.5 kGy. The treated fruit including control was stored under ambient (temperature 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70%) and refrigerated (temperature 3 ± 1 °C, RH 80%) conditions. Irradiation alone at 1.5 kGy gave 8 and 4 d extension in shelf life of pear following 45 and 60 d of refrigeration, respectively. CMC coating at 1.0% w/v was effective in giving 6 and 2 d extension in shelf life of pear following 45 and 60 d of refrigeration, respectively. All combinatory treatments delayed the decaying of pear during postrefrigerated storage, but combination of 1.0% w/v CMC and 1.5 kGy irradiation proved significantly (P≤ 0.05) effective in maintaining the storage quality and delaying the decaying of pear. The above combinatory treatment gave an extension of 12 and 6 d in shelf life of pear during postrefrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70% following 45 and 60 d of refrigeration.

Practical Application:  Among the Pear varieties grown in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, William pear has 2nd leading position next to apple both in terms of cultivation and production. Being a climacteric fruit, it has short shelf life due to its fast ripening behavior. The short shelf life is a major constraint in the marketing chain of the produce. Microbial contamination of the produce also results in losses and poses potential health risks. We have evaluated the use of combinatory treatment of carboxymethyl cellulose coating (1.0% w/v CMC) and low‐dose gamma irradiation (1.5 kGy) to extend the shelf life of William pear. We found that the combinatory treatment of CMC coating (1.0% w/v) and low‐dose irradiation (1.5 kGy) appears to be promising method for improving the storage quality and extending the shelf life of the William pear. The combinatory treatment can be applied so as to facilitate servicing to farther markets.
Dropwise Condensation Underneath Chemically Textured Surfaces: Simulation and Experiments
Authors: Sikarwar Basant Singh , Battoo Nirmal Kumar , Khandekar Sameer , Muralidhar K.
Published: November 2010

Experimental observations of dropwise condensation of water vapor on a chemically textured surface of glass and its detailed computer simulation are presented. Experiments are focused on the pendant mode of dropwise condensation on the underside of horizontal and inclined glass substrates. Chemical texturing of glass is achieved by silanation using octyl-decyl-tri-chloro-silane (C18H37C13Si) in a chemical vapor deposition process. The mathematical model is built in such a way that it captures all the major physical processes taking place during condensation. These include growth due to direct condensation, droplet coalescence, sliding, fall-off, and renucleation of droplets. The effects arising from lyophobicity, namely, the contact angle variation and its hysteresis, inclination of the substrate, and saturation temperature at which the condensation is carried out, have been incorporated. The importance of higher order effects neglected in the simulation is discussed. The results of model simulation are compared with the experimental data. After validation, a parametric study is carried out for cases not covered by the experimental regime, i.e., various fluids, substrate inclination angle, saturation temperature, and contact angle hysteresis. Major conclusions arrived at in the study are the following: The area of droplet coverage decreases with an increase in both static contact angle of the droplet and substrate inclination. As the substrate inclination increases, the time instant of commencement of sliding of the droplet is advanced. The critical angle of inclination required for the inception of droplet sliding varies inversely with the droplet volume. For a given static contact angle, the fall-off time of the droplet from the substrate is a linear function of the saturation temperature. For a given fluid, the drop size distribution is well represented by a power law. Average heat transfer coefficient is satisfactorily predicted by the developed model.
MHD Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow Toward a Stagnation Point on a Vertical Surface With Induced Magnetic Field
Authors: Ali F. M. , Nazar R. , Arifin N. M. , Pop I.
Published: November 2010

In this paper, the steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection stagnation point flow of an incompressible, viscous, and electrically conducting fluid over a vertical flat plate is investigated. The effect of induced magnetic field is taken into account. Numerical results are obtained using an implicit finite-difference scheme. Both assisting and opposing flows are considered. The results for skin friction, heat transfer, and induced magnetic field coefficients are obtained and discussed for various parameters. The velocity, temperature, and induced magnetic field profiles are also presented. For the case of the opposing flow, it is found that dual solutions exist for a certain range of the buoyancy parameter. Dual solutions are also obtained for the assisting flow.
Engineered Tissue Scaffolds With Variational Porous Architecture
Authors: Khoda A. K. M. B. , Ozbolat Ibrahim T. , Koc Bahattin
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a novel computer-aided modeling of 3D tissue scaffolds with a controlled internal architecture. The complex internal architecture of scaffolds is biomimetically modeled with controlled micro-architecture to satisfy different and sometimes conflicting functional requirements. A functionally gradient porosity function is used to vary the porosity of the designed scaffolds spatially to mimic the functionality of tissues or organs. The three-dimensional porous structures of the scaffold are geometrically partition into functionally uniform porosity regions with a novel offsetting operation technique described in this paper. After determining the functionally uniform porous regions, an optimized deposition-path planning is presented to generate the variational internal porosity architecture with enhanced control of interconnected channel networks and continuous filament deposition. The presented methods are implemented, and illustrative examples are presented in this paper. Moreover, a sample optimized tool path for each example is fabricated layer-by-layer using a micronozzle biomaterial deposition system.
Deformations and End Effects in Isolated Blood Vessel Testing
Authors: Monson Kenneth L. , Mathur Vishwas , Powell David A.
Published: November 2010

Blood vessels are commonly studied in isolation to define their mechanical and biological properties under controlled conditions. While sections of the wall are sometimes tested, vessels are most often attached to needles and examined in their natural cylindrical configuration where combinations of internal pressure and axial force can be applied to mimic in vivo conditions. Attachments to needles, however, constrain natural vessel response, resulting in a complex state of deformation that is not easily determined. As a result, measurements are usually limited to the midsection of a specimen where end effects do not extend and the deformation is homogeneous. To our knowledge, however, the boundaries of this uninfluenced midsection region have not been explored. The objective of this study was to define the extent of these end effects as a function of vessel geometry and material properties, loading conditions, and needle diameter. A computational fiber framework was used to model the response of a nonlinear anisotropic cylindrical tube, constrained radially at its ends, under conditions of axial extension and internal pressure. Individual fiber constitutive response was defined using a Fung-type strain energy function. While quantitative results depend on specific parameter values, simulations demonstrate that axial stretch is always highest near the constraint and reduces to a minimum in the uninfluenced midsection region. Circumferential stretch displays the opposite behavior. As a general rule, the length of the region disturbed by a needle constraint increases with the difference between the diameter of the needle and the equilibrium diameter of the blood vessel for the imposed loading conditions. The reported findings increase the understanding of specimen deformation in isolated vessel experiments, specifically defining considerations important to identifying a midsection region appropriate for measurement.
Volumetric Stress-Strain Analysis of Optohydrodynamically Suspended Biological Cells
Authors: Kohles Sean S. , Liang Yu , Saha Asit K.
Published: November 2010

Ongoing investigations are exploring the biomechanical properties of isolated and suspended biological cells in pursuit of understanding single-cell mechanobiology. An optical tweezer with minimal applied laser power has positioned biologic cells at the geometric center of a microfluidic cross-junction, creating a novel optohydrodynamic trap. The resulting fluid flow environment facilitates unique multiaxial loading of single cells with site-specific normal and shear stresses resulting in a physical albeit extensional state. A recent two-dimensional analysis has explored the cytoskeletal strain response due to these fluid-induced stresses [Wilson and Kohles, 2010, “Two-Dimensional Modeling of Nanomechanical Stresses-Strains in Healthy and Diseased Single-Cells During Microfluidic Manipulation,” J Nanotechnol Eng Med, 1(2), p. 021005]. Results described a microfluidic environment having controlled nanometer and piconewton resolution. In this present study, computational fluid dynamics combined with multiphysics modeling has further characterized the applied fluid stress environment and the solid cellular strain response in three dimensions to accompany experimental cell stimulation. A volumetric stress-strain analysis was applied to representative living cell biomechanical data. The presented normal and shear stress surface maps will guide future microfluidic experiments as well as provide a framework for characterizing cytoskeletal structure influencing the stress to strain response.
Multibeam scanning electron microscope: Experimental results
Authors: Mohammadi-Gheidari A. , Hagen C. W. , Kruit P.
Published: November 2010

The authors present the first results obtained with their multibeam scanning electron microscope. For the first time, they were able to image 196 (array of 14×14) focused beams of a multielectron beam source on a specimen using single beam scanning electron microscope (SEM) optics. The system consists of an FEI Novanano 200 SEM optics column equipped with a multielectron beam source module. The source module consists of the multibeam source and an accelerator lens. In the multibeam source, the wide angle beam of a high brightness Schottky source is divided into 196 beamlets and focused by an aperture lens array. The accelerator lens is positioned on the image plane of the multibeam source to direct the beams toward the SEM column. The array of source images is further imaged by the SEM magnetic lenses, and the beam opening angle is defined at the variable aperture of the SEM. The system is designed to deliver 14×14 arrays of beamlets with a minimum probe size of 1 nm. In this article, the performance of the system is examined for a fixed magnification case.