bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome and prognostic factors in critically ill patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective study
Authors: Hsu Chia-Lin , Chen Kuan-Yu , Yeh Pu-Sheng , Hsu Yeong-Long , Chang Hou-Tai , Shau Wen-Yi , Yu Chia-Li , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: February 2005

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an archetypal autoimmune disease, involving multiple organ systems with varying course and prognosis. However, there is a paucity of clinical data regarding prognostic factors in SLE patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

From January 1992 to December 2000, all patients admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of SLE were included. Patients were excluded if the diagnosis of SLE was established at or after ICU admission. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and variables that were at least moderately associated (P < 0.2) with survival in the univariate analysis.

Results

A total of 51 patients meeting the criteria were included. The mortality rate was 47%. The most common cause of admission was pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intracranial haemorrhage occurring while the patient was in the ICU (relative risk = 18.68), complicating gastrointestinal bleeding (relative risk = 6.97) and concurrent septic shock (relative risk = 77.06) were associated with greater risk of dying, whereas causes of ICU admission and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score were not significantly associated with death.

Conclusion

The mortality rate in critically ill SLE patients was high. Gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage and septic shock were significant prognostic factors in SLE patients admitted to the ICU.
Common Polymorphism G(-248)A in the Promoter Region of the bax Gene Results in Significantly Shorter Survival in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Once Treatment Is Initiated
Authors: Starczynski Jane , Pepper Chris , Pratt Guy , Hooper Laura , Thomas Alun , Milligan Donald , Bentley Paul , Fegan Christopher
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the development of drug resistance. The underlying biologic and genetic reasons for this resistance are complex, but the bcl-2 gene family seems to play a critical role. This retrospective study assessed the clinical impact of a common single nucleotide polymorphism of the pro-apoptotic bax gene in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Patients and Methods

The frequency of the novel polymorphism, G(−248)A, in the promoter region of the bax gene and bax protein expression was assessed in 203 CLL patients. The results were correlated with clinical outcome.

Results

The polymorphism was found in 23% of the CLL cohort and 15% of normal controls with no significant difference in allele frequency between the two groups (P = .15). It was associated with lower Bax protein expression and a shorter overall survival, especially in the treated patient group (P = .03). Furthermore, the adverse impact of the polymorphism was accentuated when comparing survival from the date of first treatment rather than diagnosis (P = .012). No significant difference in age at diagnosis, stage of disease at presentation, lymphocyte doubling time, time to first treatment, or progression-free survival were observed.

Conclusion

The presence of this single nucleotide polymorphism in CLL critically influences the response to treatment and overall survival. Given the relatively high prevalence of this polymorphism in the normal population, further prospective studies in CLL and other human malignancies are indicated.
Thymidylate Synthase and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism in Normal Tissue As Predictors of Fluorouracil Sensitivity
Authors: Jakobsen Anders , Nielsen Jens Nederby , Gyldenkerne Niels , Lindeberg Jan
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To analyze thymidylate synthase (TS) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism with respect to fluorouracil (FU) sensitivity.

Patients and Methods

The study included a retrospective analysis of 88 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and a prospective trial with 51 patients also with measurable metastases. All patients were treated with FU and leucovorin. The analysis of gene polymorphism was performed on normal intestinal tissue and lymphocytes.

Results

The response rate was significantly higher in patients with TS 3R/3R or MTHFR 677 TT gene polymorphism compared with the other groups. The difference of response rate translated to a difference in time to progression. Similar results were observed in the retrospective analysis and the prospective confirmatory trial.

Conclusion

The analysis of gene polymorphism allows delineation of a group of patients (30%) with a response rate to a single drug of approximately 50%. This information should be used in the design of tailored treatment.
Gemcitabine, Epirubicin, and Paclitaxel Versus Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, and Cyclophosphamide As First-Line Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Central European Cooperative Oncology Group International, Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Phase III Trial
Authors: Zielinski Christoph , Beslija Semir , Mrsic-Krmpotic Zrinka , Welnicka-Jaskiewicz Marzena , Wiltschke Christoph , Kahan Zsuzsanna , Grgic Mislav , Tzekova Valentina , Inbar Moshe , Cervek Jozika , Chernozemsky Ivan , Szanto Janos , Spanik Stanislav , Wagnerova Maria , Ghilezan Nicolae , Pawlega Janusz , Vrbanec Damir , Khamtsov Dmitry , Soldatenkova Victoria , Brodowicz Thomas
Published: February 2005

Background

The objectives of this phase III trial were to compare the time to progressive disease (TtPD), overall response rate (ORR), overall survival, and toxicity of gemcitabine, epirubicin, and paclitaxel (GET) versus fluorouracil (FU), epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and Methods

Female patients aged 18 to 75 years with stage IV and measurable MBC were enrolled and randomly assigned to either gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2, days 1 and 4), epirubicin (90 mg/m2, day 1), and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2, day 1) or FU (500 mg/m2, day 1), epirubicin (90 mg/m2, day 1), and cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2, day 1). Both regimens were administered every 21 days for a maximum of eight cycles.

Results

Between October 1999 and November 2002, 259 patients (GET, n = 124; FEC, n = 135) were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were well balanced across treatment arms. After a median of 20.4 months of follow-up, median TtPD was 9.1 months and 9.0 months in the GET and FEC arms, respectively (P = .557). The ORR was 62.3% in the GET arm (n = 114) and 51.2% in the FEC arm (n = 129; P = .093). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, stomatitis, neurosensory toxicity, and allergy, occurred significantly more often in the GET arm.

Conclusion

No significant differences in terms of TtPD and ORR were observed between the two treatment arms. Treatment-related toxicity was higher in the GET arm.
Significant factors in the dimensional accuracy of fused deposition modelling
Authors: Pennington R. C. , Hoekstra N. L. , Newcomer J. L.
Published: February 2005

This project investigated the dimensional accuracy of parts produced using the rapid prototyping method of fused deposition modelling (FDM). Parts with six features common to products were created on a Stratasys FDM2000 out of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and then measured with a coordinate measurement machine and digital micrometers. An analysis of 12 different dimensions on parts produced using FDM identified that part size, location in the work envelope, and envelope temperature had a significant effect on the dimensional accuracy of FDM.
The decommissioning of the nuclear research reactor and associated facilities at the Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre
Authors: Banford H. M. , Scott R. D. , Robertson I , McCool T
Published: February 2005

The decommissioning of a 300 kW Argonaut type universities research reactor and associated facilities has been completed at the Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre. The strategy adopted for the demolition of the reactor and its ancillary plant and buildings is discussed. One of the principal areas of the work was the effort expended on the determination of the radioisotope abundance of the reactor structure and thereby its impact on the characterization of waste for disposal and the radiation dose budget for personnel. Extensive use was made of remotely operated vehicles to minimize this dose.
Alternative to traditional systems of vibration control of rotating machinery
Authors: Ambrosini R. D. , Curadelli R. O. , Danesi R. F.
Published: February 2005

The main objective of this paper is the comparison between the efficiency of vibration control systems of rotating machinery, in order to present alternatives for the cases in which it is not possible or convenient to use traditional systems. Moreover, the formulation of the theoretical dynamic load that should be used in the dynamic analysis is discussed. An experimental and numerical study is presented considering as an alternative system of vibration absorption the incorporation of masses on the support structure. Masses of 5, 10, and 15 per cent of the total mass of the vibrating machinery are included in the analysis. A set of tests about a case study on the spring (traditional) and built-in masses (alternative) systems is presented. Moreover, a linear dynamic analysis of the models with a finite element code was carried out. The behaviour of the built-in masses system is very good, reducing the acceleration response on the support structure to levels comparable to traditional systems.
The management of fatigue crack growth in railway axles
Authors: Hillmansen S , Smith R A
Published: February 2005

Railway axles are safety-critical components. Designing failsafe mechanisms is very difficult and the safety of the component is determined though a good understanding of the structural integrity and through effective management policies. This article first reviews from a historical viewpoint the development of the design and management of railway axles and then outlines state-of-the-art methodologies to be employed in the successful management of railway axles. Advancements in fatigue fracture mechanics have permitted the development of statistical techniques that enhance the understanding of axle failures which occur relatively infrequently. Because of the extremely low number of in-service failures, there exists a possibility to modify the non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection regime. This will reduce the maintenance costs without compromising safety. It is also shown that the probability of failure of an axle is profoundly influenced by the probability of missing a large fatigue crack during an NDT inspection. This crack may be growing rapidly and failure will ensue before the next inspection. The sensitivity of NDT techniques to small cracks is less important since these cracks will be growing relatively slowly and are not a threat to the structural integrity of the axle.
Railway axle failure investigations and fatigue crack growth monitoring of an axle
Authors: Hoddinott D S
Published: February 2005

Railway axles have typically been designed for an infinite life, with a normal maximum service life of 40 years. However, some axles have failed in service. This paper describes five axles that have failed in service and the consequences of the failures, and suggests causes of the failures. Most had resulted from the slow growth of fatigue cracks across the axles. Electrical arcing, corrosion and stress corrosion cracking had initiated the fatigue cracks. An axle containing small cracks has been returned to service and the crack sizes regularly monitored. It is concluded that more information on axles is required and it is recommended that information on the loads, stresses and materials data should be obtained so that guidance for the design of axles can be updated. It is also recommended that earth return brush seats should be regularly tested for cracks and all axles regularly visually inspected for corrosion.
Richtlinie: Labormedizinische Diagnostik bei der Therapie mit TPMT (Thiopurin-S-Methyltransferase)-abhängigen Pharmaka. Guidelines for the laboratory management of thiopurine drug therapy
Authors: Deufel (Vorsitz) Thomas , Geßner Reinhard , Lackner Karl J. , Schwab Matthias , Steimer Werner , Steiner Michael , von Ahsen Nicolas , Kiehntopf Michael
Published: February 2005

Zusammenfassung Thiopurine (Azathioprin, 6-Mercaptopurin, 6-Thioguanin) werden als Immunsuppressiva und Zytostatika eingesetzt. Bei Patienten mit einer genetisch bedingten kompletten Defizienz der Thiopurin-S-Methyltransferase (TPMT) kommt es regelmäßig zu schwerwiegenden myelotoxischen Nebenwirkungen. Aus diesem Grund muss eine komplette TPMT-Defizienz vor Beginn der Therapie ausgeschlossen werden.

Dazu können eine Bestimmung der TPMT-Aktivität in Erythrozyten (Phänotypisierung) oder eine Mutationsanalyse des TPMT-Gens (Genotypisierung) vorgenommen werden. Bei Beachtung geltender Limitationen können beide Methoden alternativ verwendet werden. Die Beurteilung komplexer Befundkonstellationen erfordert die Überprüfung des vorliegenden Befundes mit der jeweils alternativen Methode (Genotypisierung/Phänotypisie-rung).
Von Willebrand Faktor spaltende Protease und thrombotische Mikroangiopathien. Von Willebrand factor cleaving protease and thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Budde Ulrich , Schneppenheim Reinhard
Published: February 2005

Zusammenfassung Die thrombotisch thrombozytopenische Purpura (TTP) ist durch das generalisierte Auftreten von hyalinen Thromben in der Mikrozirkulation gekennzeichnet. Die hyalinen Thromben enthalten neben den Plättchen überwiegend von Willebrand Faktor (VWF). Bei allen bisher bekannten Fällen der angeborenen TTP ist die von Willebrand Faktor spaltende Protease (VWF-CP) stark vermindert. Auch bei einem derzeit noch umstrittenen Prozentsatz der Patienten mit erworbener TTP ist die Protease infolge Autoantikörper-Bildung nicht nachweisbar oder stark vermindert (<10%). Daher sind neben der konventionellen Diagnostik die Untersuchung der VWF-CP und der Nachweis von Antikörpern gegen die Protease ein wichtiger Bestandteil der diagnostischen Aufarbeitung von Fällen mit thrombotischer Mikroangiopathie. Dagegen treten Surrogat-Marker wie der Nachweis supranormaler Multimere mehr und mehr in den Hintergrund. Allen Methoden zum Nachweis der VWF-CP gemeinsam ist der initiale Verdau des Substrates (gereinigter VWF, rekombinanter VWF, Plasma, dessen endogene VWF-CP zerstört wurde, Fragmente, die die spezifische Spaltstelle enthalten oder das Patientenplasma mit dessen endogener Protease). Der Nachweis des erfolgten Verdaus geschieht mittels Analyse der residualen Multimere, des Auftretens spezifischer Spaltprodukte, der Bestimmung der residualen VWF:CB oder des residualen VWF:RCo, oder mit Hilfe von fragmentspezifischen monoklonalen Antikörpern. In einer sogenannten Schnellmethode wird das Patientenplasma im denaturierenden Puffer dialysiert und die VWF:CB vor und nach der Dialyse bestimmt. Wirklich schnell (<30 Minuten) funktioniert die Messung im Cone and Plate(let) Aggregometer. Hier kommt es nach Zusatz einer geringen Plasmamenge eines Patienten mit TTP zu einer starken Erhöhung von Adhäsion und Aggregation der Thrombozyten einer Normalperson, während bei den übrigen thrombotischen Mikroangiopathien beide durch den Verdünnungseffekt absinken. Die Molekulargenetik spielt eine wichtige Rolle für die Unterscheidung der angeborenen und erworbenen TTP.
Interaktion des von Willebrand Faktors mit Thrombozyten und der Gefäßwand. Interaction of von Willebrand factor and platelets at the vessel wall
Authors: Reininger Armin J. , Spannagl Michael
Published: February 2005

Zusammenfassung Thrombozyten patroullieren ständig die Gefäßinnenwand auf der Suche nach Defekten, um sie zu verschließen und so ein Ausbluten zu verhindern. In der Abfolge der Prozesse kommt es dabei zunächst zum Abbremsen und ersten Anhaften der Thrombozyten, gefolgt von permanenter Adhäsion und anschließender Plättchen-Plättchen-Reaktion, der Aggregation. Im arteriellen Gefäß system ist der erste Schritt nicht ohne den von Willebrand Faktor möglich. Im der folgenden Übersicht werden die einzelnen Aspekte des komplexen Zusammenspiels von Blut und Strömung – mit Fokus auf von Willebrand Faktor und Thrombozyten – anhand von experimentellen Daten erläutert und diagnostische Laborverfahren vorgestellt, die sie teilweise abbilden.
Validierung des MELISA®-Tests zum Nachweis einer Metallüberempfindlichkeit. Validity of MELISA® for metal sensitivity testing
Authors: Valentine-Thon Elizabeth , Schiwara Hans-Walter
Published: February 2005

Zusammenfassung In dieser Studie wurden Reproduzierbarkeit, Sensitivität, Spezifität und Zuverlässigkeit des MELISA®-Tests zum Nachweis von Metallüberempfindlichkeiten bei Patienten mit klinischen Symptomen einer Typ IV-Allergie gegen Metalle untersucht.

Von 250 Patienten wurde Blut im MELISA® gegen bis zu 20 Metalle in 2 bis 3 verschiedenen Konzentrationen getestet. Häufigkeit und Verteilung positiver Testergebnisse, Sensitivität und Spezifität des Tests bei Patienten mit und ohne gesicherte oder vermutete Nickelallergie sowie die Bedeutung der Lymphozytenzahl und der Konzentration von anorganischem Quecksilber im Testsystem wurden untersucht. Darüberhinaus wurden für die Reproduzierbarkeitstestung 196 MELISA®-Tests im Doppelansatz durchgeführt und die Intra- und Interassay-Variationen bei Patienten mit positivem Epikutan-Test für die entsprechenden Metalle bestimmt.

Von den 250 Patienten reagierten 26% gegen kein Metall, 36% gegen 1, 15% gegen 2, 12% gegen 3, 6% gegen 4 und 5% gegen ≥5 Metalle positiv im MELISA®-Test. Die positiven Ergebnisse gegen die einzelnen Metalle wiesen folgende Häufigkeiten auf: Nickel (73%), Titan (42%), Cadmium (18%), Gold (17%), Palladium (13%), Blei (11%), Beryllium (9%), anorganisches Quecksilber (8%), Zinn (8%) und Phenylquecksilber (6%). Alle Patienten, bei denen eine Nickelallergie vermutet oder gesichert wurde (n=15), reagierten im MELISA®-Test positiv, während Patienten ohne Verdacht auf eine Nickelallergie entweder negativ (n=6) oder sehr schwach positiv (n=4) reagierten. Die Reaktivität des MELISA®-Tests hängt von der Lymphozytenkonzentration ab: je höher die Lymphozytenkonzentration im Test, desto stärker die Reaktion. Eine Konzentration von >0,5 μg/ml anorganischem Quecksilber verursacht bei den meisten Patienten eine nicht antigen-spezifische (mitogene) Reaktion. Die Reproduzierbarkeit betrug 94% bei einem Stimulationsindex von ≥3 und 99% bei einem Index von ≥5 als Cut-off. Während die absoluten Intra- und Interassay-Stimulations-Indices variieren können, sind die qualitativen Ergebnisse in hohem Grade reproduzierbar.

Der MELISA®-Test ist also reproduzierbar, sensitiv, spezifisch und zuverlässig für den Nachweis einer Metall-unverträglichkeit bei gegen Metalle sensibilisierten Patienten.
Interspecies pharmacokinetic scaling of oltipraz in mice, rats, rabbits and dogs, and prediction of human pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bae Soo K. , Lee Shin J. , Kim Yoon G. , Kim So H. , Kim Jin W. , Kim Taekrho , Lee Myung G.
Published: February 2005

Dose‐independent pharmacokinetics of oltipraz after intravenous and/or oral administration at various doses to mice, rats, rabbits and dogs were evaluated. After both intravenous and/or oral administration of oltipraz to mice (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg for intravenous and 15, 30 and 50 mg/kg for oral administration), rats (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg for intravenous and 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for oral administration), rabbits (5, 10 and 30 mg/kg for intravenous administration) and dogs (5 and 10 mg/kg for intravenous and 50 and 100 mg/kg for oral administration), the total area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) values of oltipraz were dose‐proportional in all animals studied. Animal scale‐up of some pharmacokinetics parameters of oltipraz was also performed based on the parameters after intravenous administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg to mice, rats, rabbits and dogs. Linear relationships were obtained between log time‐averaged total body clearance (Cl) × maximum life‐span potential (MLP) (1 year/h) and log species body weight (W) (kg) (r=0.999; p=0.0015), log Cl (l/h) and log W (kg) (r=0.979; p=0.0209), and log apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) (l) and log W (kg) (r=0.999; p=0.0009). The corresponding allometric equations were Cl×MLP=49.8 W0.861, Cl=5.20 W0.523 and Vss=4.46 W0.764. Interspecies scale‐up of plasma concentration‐time data for the four species using pharmacokinetic time of dienetichron resulted in similar profiles. In addition, concentrations of oltipraz in a plasma concentration‐time profile for humans predicted using the four animal data fitted to the dienetichron time transformation of animal data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioequivalence of two oral formulations of nizatidine capsules in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Lockyer Marilyn , Al‐Dgither Saleh , Al‐Gaai Eman , Yousuf Ahmed , Hammami Muhammad M.
Published: February 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized, crossover study was to compare the bioavailability of a generic and an innovator formulation of nizatidine 300 mg capsules under fasting conditions.

Methods: Twenty blood samples per period were collected from 20 healthy, Arab male volunteers over 16 h, plasma nizatidine concentrations were determined by HPLC assay, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by the non‐compartmental method.

Results: Mean±SD Cmax, Tmax, AUC0→t, AUC0→∞, and t1/2 were 2.96±0.54 and 3.28±0.68 µg/ml, 1.31±0.70 and 0.93±0.38 h, 9.04±1.66 and 9.03±1.94 µg.h/ml, 9.17±1.64 and 9.12±1.94 µg.h/ml, and 1.64±0.21 and 1.58±0.22 h for the generic and innovator formulation, respectively. The parametric 90% confidence intervals on the mean of the difference between log‐transformed values were 98.06% to 103.21%, 98.74% to 103.71%, and 83.37% to 101.34%, for AUC0→t, AUC0→∞, and Cmax, respectively.

Conclusion: The results indicate that these two formulations are equivalent in the rate and extent of absorption. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of Bacillus thuringiensis‐based biopesticides in batch and fed batch cultures using wastewater sludge as a raw material
Authors: Yezza A , Tyagi RD , Valéro JR , Surampalli RY
Published: February 2005

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp kurstaki was grown in batch and fed batch cultures using wastewater sludge as a raw material. A simple fed batch strategy based on dissolved oxygen measurement during the fermentation cycle was developed in this work. It was established that while shifting the process strategy from batch to fed batch, the maximum spore concentration was increased from 5.62 × 108 to 8.6 × 108 colony forming units per cm3 and resulted in an increase of entomocidal activity from 13 × 109 to 18 × 109 spruce budworm potency units per dm3. Higher entomotoxicity was recorded at low spore concentration using wastewater sludge as a raw material whereas low entomotoxicity was reported at high spore concentration in synthetic medium. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure investigation of maltacine B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b: cyclic peptide lactones of the maltacine complex from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hagelin Gunnar
Published: February 2005

A new complex of cyclic peptide lactone antibiotics from Bacillus subtilis, which we named maltacines, has recently been described. The structure elucidation of four of them is reported in this paper. The amino acid sequences and structures of the peptides were found by MSn of the ring‐opened linear peptides that gave uninterrupted sequences of Bn and Y″n ions. The identities of three unknown residues in the sequences were solved by a combination of derivatization with phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC), high‐resolution mass spectrometry and H/D exchange. The nature and position of the cyclic structure were revealed by a chemoselective ring opening with Na18OH and was found to be a lactone formed between a hydroxyl of residue number 4 and the C‐terminal amino acid number 12. For verification of the structure of the B2+ ion, peptides with different combinations of P/Q and P/K at the N‐terminus were synthesized. The structures of the four peptides were found to be as follows: B1a/B2a, cyclo‐4,12(P‐Q‐Y‐HNLeu‐A‐E‐T‐Y‐Orn‐103‐Y‐I‐OH); and B1b/B2b, cyclo‐4,12(P‐Q‐Y‐HNLeu‐A‐E‐T‐Y‐K‐103‐Y‐I‐OH). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of browning by antibrowning agents and phenolic acids or cinnamic acid in the glucose–lysine model
Authors: Kwak Eun‐Jung , Lim Seong‐Il
Published: February 2005

The effects of antibrowning agents and phenolic acids or cinnamic acid on the inhibition of browning were investigated with a glucose–lysine model. Six antibrowning agents (cysteine, glutathione, sodium sulfite, pentasodium tripolyphosphate, citric acid and oxalic acid) and four phenolic acids (ferulic, hydroxybenzoic, syringic and vanillic acids) were used. In order to investigate the antibrowning capacity of these agents, model solutions containing glucose, lysine and an antibrowning agent were heated at 50 °C in the presence of FeCl2, before being stored in nitrogen or air at 4 °C or 30 °C. Browning was accelerated to some degree during storage in air at 30 °C. In the case of storage at 4 °C, however, no browning was detected in nitrogen after four weeks. Citric acid was the most efficient antibrowning agent during storage in air at 30 °C and inhibited browning to 36% after four weeks. However, its antibrowning capacity was increased by 8–15% in the presence of any of the phenolic acids or cinnamic acid, essentially independently of concentration in the range 10 µM to 10 mM or the type of phenolic acid. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of storage in controlled atmosphere on post‐harvest infections of Phytophthora brassicae and chilling injury in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L pekinensis (Lour) Hanelt)
Authors: Hermansen Arne , Hoftun Halldor
Published: February 2005

Heads of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L pekinensis (Lour) Hanelt) were inoculated with Phytophthora brassicae De Cock and Man in't Veld and stored at 1.5 °C in the following concentrations of CO2/O2: 0.5%/20.5% (control), 0.5%/1.5% or 3.0%/3.0%. In experiments with cv ‘Nerva’, stored for 94–97 days, the infection caused by P brassicae was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments than in the control. However, in vitro growth of P brassicae on agar was slower (p < 0.001) in the CA treatments than in the control. Chilling injury (brown midribs) found in cv ‘Parkin’ was highest in heads from the control. Storage in 0.5% CO2/1.5% O2 significantly (p < 0.001) reduced this disorder, and the lowest percentage of brown midribs was found in 3.0% CO2/3.0% O2. No chilling injury was found in cv ‘Nerva’. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of tannic acid to protect barley meal against ruminal degradation
Authors: Martínez Tomás F , Moyano Francisco J , Díaz Manuel , Barroso Fernando G , Alarcón Francisco J
Published: February 2005

The inefficiency of starch utilisation by ruminants fed readily fermentable cereal grains, such as barley, decreases the metabolic potential of such feeds and can cause serious dysfunctions related to acidosis or pre‐acidosis status in animals with higher energy requirements. The rate and extent of ruminal disappearance of grain dry matter (DM) are determined largely by the morphological features of the seed endosperm, but the presence of polyphenols may also constitute a limiting factor in ruminal hydrolysis. To assess the impact of tannins on the rate and extent of ruminal fermentation of barley grain, commercial grade tannic acid (TA) was included at 0, 1.0, 2.5 or 5.0% (wt/wt, DM basis) with ground barley grain in incubation in situ, and disappearance of DM and crude protein were monitored over 48 h. A dose‐dependent effect of TA on in situ degradation of barley meal was observed; significance was attained (p < 0.05) at the 5% treatment level. Scanning electron microscopy revealed limited microbial hydrolysis of endosperm cell walls in TA‐treated samples, although TA did not prevent microbial attachment to or hydrolysis of starch granules. Tannins may be effective for slowing ruminal disappearance of barley to improve starch utilisation by ruminants. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Water‐saving approaches for improving wheat production
Authors: Deng Xi‐Ping , Shan Lun , Inanaga Shinobu , Inoue Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2005

The greatest fear of global climate change is drought. World‐wide, 61% of countries receive rainfall of less than 500 mm annually; domestication of wheat first occurred in such a semiarid region of southwestern Asia, and it seems that wheat foods originally came from dryland gardens. Wheat plants respond to drought through morphological, physiological and metabolic modifications in all plant parts. At the cellular level, plant responses to water deficit may result from cell damage, whereas other responses may correspond to adaptive processes. Although a large number of drought‐induced genes have been identified in a wide range of wheat varieties, a molecular basis for wheat plant tolerance to water stress remains far from being completely understood. The rapid translocation of abscissic acid (ABA) in shoots via xylem flux, and the increase of ABA concentration in wheat plant parts correlate with the major physiological changes that occur during plant response to drought. It is widely accepted that ABA mediates general adaptive responses to drought. For a relatively determinate target stress environment, and with stable genotype × environment interaction, the probability for achieving progress is high. This approach will be possible only after we learn more about the physiology and genetics of wheat plant responses to water stress and their interactions. The difficulties encountered by molecular biologists in attempting to improve crop drought tolerance are due to our ignorance in agronomy and crop physiology and not to lack of knowledge or technical expertise in molecular biology. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Unifloral honeys of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentine
Authors: Malacalza Néstor H , Caccavari Marta A , Fagúndez Guillermina , Lupano Cecilia E
Published: February 2005

Samples of 63 unifloral honeys of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Eucalyptus spp, Lotus spp, Helianthus annuus, Melilotus albus, Brassicaceae, clovers other than Lotus and Melilotus, and Sagittaria montevidensis, were obtained by cold extraction at the laboratory. The frequencies of occurrence of pollen types, and the moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural, ash, acidity and proline contents were determined. Electrical conductivity, pH and colour were also analysed. Honey presented a high percentage (about 40%) of unifloral honey. The most frequent unifloral honeys were from Eucalyptus spp, Lotus spp and Helianthus annuus. Samples had a low pollen diversity with six to 19 pollen types, the most important nectariferous taxa being those that characterized the unifloral honeys. All samples presented moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural, ash and free acidity contents according to international standards. The colour of the honey was from water white to light amber, and all samples had a very low ash content. Significant differences at the 5% level in the hydroxymethylfurfural content, electrical conductivity, colour and proline content were observed among honeys from different floral origins. However, a high variability between samples from the same floral origin was observed, indicating that other factors such as accompanying pollen and geographical origin affect the physicochemical characteristics of honey. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Derivatization of fatty acids and its application for conjugated linoleic acid studies in ruminant meat lipids
Authors: Aldai Noelia , Murray Brendan E , Nájera Ana I , Troy Declan J , Osoro Koldo
Published: February 2005

Conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11 CLA) is a dietary fatty acid produced mainly by ruminant animals and exhibits promising health‐promoting biological effects. For lipid fatty acid composition analyses, including CLA, lipids must be pre‐treated so that the free and esterified fatty acids (triacylglycerols, phospholipids, etc) are available for determination. The most common treatments involve fatty acid methyl ester derivatives from relatively simple chemical reactions, but this becomes complicated when esterification of CLA is involved because of potential changes in its positional and geometrical isomers by reaction with certain reagents. In this review we explain concisely the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular methods (acid‐ and base‐catalysed methods) generally employed for total fatty acid derivatization and their determination on a gas chromatograph. Based on our experiences we put forward the (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane method as an alternative and successful approach for ruminant tissue lipid determinations. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Rehydration process of Boletus edulis mushroom: characteristics and modelling
Authors: García‐Pascual Pablo , Sanjuán Nieves , Bon José , Carreres José E , Mulet Antonio
Published: February 2005

Rehydration of air‐dried Boletus edulis mushrooms was investigated at six temperatures (25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C). To describe the rehydration kinetics, two empirical equations, Peleg and Weibull, and a diffusion model for a slab were considered. The empirical models described the rehydration process properly, while the diffusion model also described experimental data adequately when considering the moisture‐dependent effective diffusion coefficient. The equilibrium moisture content increased in line with temperature up to 60 °C, then decreased. The kinetics constants of the Peleg and Weibull models, k1 and β respectively, were affected by temperature. This influence of temperature can be expressed in term of an Arrhenius relationship, with an average activation energy of 19.2 kJ mol−1. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen form affects yield and taste of tomatoes
Authors: Heeb Anuschka , Lundegårdh Bengt , Ericsson Tom , Savage Geoffrey P
Published: February 2005

Different nitrogen forms in organic or mineral fertilizers affect yield, quality and taste of tomatoes. Tomato plants were grown in a greenhouse for 10 weeks and fertilized with two different organic fertilizers (manure or grass and clover mulch) or with three different mineral nutrient solutions (NO3−:NH4+) ratios 4:1 or 1:4). In an attempt to mimic the nutrient supply of the organic production systems, mineral fertilizers with ammonium as the dominating N‐source were combined with two chloride levels. Total nitrogen supply was 650 mg N plant−1week−1in all treatments. There was no difference in the yield of red tomatoes between the treatments (mean 1.95 kg FW plant−1). However, the yield of green tomatoes at the final harvest was significantly higher in the mineral nutrient treatments (mean 1.37 kg FW plant−1) compared with the organic treatments (mean 0.88 kg FW plant−1). Plant biomass was higher for the mineral nutrient treatments (mean 1.05 kg FW plant−1) compared with the organic treatments (0.89 kg and 0.72 kg FW plant−1in the manure and the grass and clover mulch treatments, respectively). Significantly higher scores were achieved for sweetness, acidity, flavour and acceptance for the tomatoes grown with the organic or the ammonium‐dominated treatments compared with the tomatoes grown with the nitrate dominated nutrient solution. It is suggested that ammonium is an equivalent nitrogen source for tomato plants compared with nitrate and that, when tomato plants are supplied with reduced nitrogen forms such as ammonium or organic nitrogen, an improved tomato fruit taste can be observed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzyme activities, dietary fibre components and rheological properties of wholemeal flours from rye cultivars grown in Finland
Authors: Salmenkallio‐Marttila Marjatta , Hovinen Simo
Published: February 2005

Total and soluble dietary fibre, total and soluble pentosan and β‐glucan contents, activities of α‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and endo‐β‐xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) and viscous properties of aqueous suspensions of wholemeal flours during heating were determined in nine winter rye cultivars (Secale cereale L) grown in Finland in 1998–2001. There was marked annual and varietal differences in grain quality. In the rainy summer 1998 the yield was low, grains were small and dietary fibre content of the grains was high. Xylanase activity of the grains was high, which corresponded to the high content of soluble pentosans. In the dry summer of 1999, the pentosan content of the grains was low and β‐glucan content high. The effect of weather conditions and cultivar were also apparent in the differences in falling numbers, amylogram and swelling curve results. The two hybrid rye cultivars Esprit and Picasso had consistently highest falling numbers and amylogram peak viscosities. The activities of α‐amylase and xylanase had a moderate positive correlation with total pentosan content and the content of soluble pentosan. Xylanase activity had better correlation with the viscous properties of flour–water suspensions than α‐amylase. Surprisingly, α‐amylase activity had only a moderate negative correlation with falling number. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of benzyl isothiocyanate on tomato fruit infection development by Alternaria alternata
Authors: Troncoso‐Rojas R , Sánchez‐Estrada A , Ruelas C , García Hugo S , Tiznado‐Hernández ME
Published: February 2005

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is known to be a strong antifungal compound in vitro against different fungi. The effectiveness of benzyl isothiocyanate to control Alternaria alternata growth in vitro and in vivo was tested. BITC in vitro activity was evaluated in A alternata growing on potato dextrose agar and exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 mg ml−1. In vivo activity was evaluated by exposing A alternata‐inoculated tomato fruits for either 18 or 36 h to 0.28 or 0.56 mg ml−1 BITC packed on low‐density polyethylene film (LDPF) bags. Additionally, the effect of BITC on post‐harvest physiology and tomato quality throughout storage at 20 °C was evaluated daily by monitoring respiration rate and ethylene production, whereas total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and fresh weight loss were measured every 3 days. Results showed that the minimal inhibitory concentration of BITC in vitro was 0.1 mg ml−1. A combined use of 0.56 mg ml−1 BITC with LDPF for 18 h was the optimum treatment to control Alternaria rot in packed tomato fruit. No effect of BITC on respiration rate, ethylene production, total soluble solids, pH, weight loss and titratable acidity was observed. Results suggest that BITC can be used as a post‐harvest treatment to control Alternaria rot in tomato fruit without detrimental effects on the tomato post‐harvest quality. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of okra (Hibiscus esculentus L) seeds
Authors: András Csaba D , Simándi Béla , Örsi Ferenc , Lambrou Charalambos , Missopolinou‐Tatala Doukeni , Panayiotou Costas , Domokos János , Doleschall Fruzsina
Published: February 2005

Pilot‐scale supercritical fluid extraction of okra seeds was carried out, using carbon dioxide as solvent, at temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 °C and pressures of 150, 300 and 450 bar. Laboratory‐scale Soxhlet extraction of the ground seeds was carried out with ethanol and n‐hexane. The yields of supercritical fluid extraction and n‐hexane Soxhlet extractions were similar. The ethanol Soxhlet extraction gave the highest yield, but the concentrations of β‐sitosterol and tocopherols in this extract were lower than in the supercritical fluid extraction product. The fatty acid profiles of the extracts were determined, and a high unsaturated/saturated ratio was observed. The fatty acid compositions were only slightly different for oils obtained by the different extraction methods. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Stochastic modelling of migration from polyolefins
Authors: Helmroth Erika , Varekamp Chris , Dekker Matthijs
Published: February 2005

A method is presented to predict diffusion coefficients in polyolefins using stochastic modelling. A large number of experimental diffusion coefficients, published in the literature as one dataset, was used to derive probability distributions of diffusion coefficients in the polymers low‐density polyethylene and linear low‐density polyethylene, medium‐ and high‐density polyethylene, and polypropylene. An equation is proposed to describe the diffusion coefficient as a function of the molar mass of the migrant. Model parameters and standard deviations are predicted by minimizing the sum of squared errors and the residuals are used to check the assumed types of probability distribution. The experimental data can be described by a log–normal distribution. It is shown how the derived probability distributions can be used as input for migration predictions. The method presented provides information about the most likely migration results for a given packaging–food simulant combination. This is important for prediction of the probability that a given migration limit may be exceeded. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Composing and constructing value focused influence diagrams: a specification for decision model formulation
Authors: Maxwell Daniel T. , Buede Dennis M.
Published: February 2005

Over the past three decades, significant improvements in the computer and computational sciences have enabled automated support for increasingly complex decision situations. One example of this progress is the influence diagram, which is simultaneously a graphical and mathematical model of a decision situation. Influence diagrams are a proven asset in the tool kit of decision analysts and they are making the power of decision analytic modelling more accessible to professionals in other disciplines.

To develop influence diagrams, decision analysts guide decisionmakers and subject matter experts through a discovery process that necessarily migrates from the unstructured to the structured. These highly complex decision situations often require inputs from many different people with diverse expertise. One shortcoming of influence diagrams (and other methods) is that they do not specify a cohesive and comprehensive process for structuring the interactions of options, values, and uncertainties during the initial development of a decision model. This complicates (and sometimes precludes) the process of developing a comprehensive model because the model reaches a level of complexity that is very difficult for individual domain experts to think about.

This paper introduces a formally specified method for eliciting influence diagram structure. We extend influence diagram notation to include special categories of value nodes that more explicitly define fundamental objectives hierarchy components. We then provide provably correct methods for decomposing the model, eliciting additional detail, and reassembling the model into a single graph. These methods make two important contributions to the modelling science: first, it is a necessary step toward providing automated model elicitation tools; second, it is an example of technology transfer from Bayesian Belief Networks to Influence Diagrams. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Son, Ltd.
Static vector optimization in welfare economics
Authors: Islam S. M. N. , Craven B. D.
Published: February 2005

This paper presents a vector optimization approach to social choice in the form of the determination of social welfare optimum. While such applications of vector optimization are well developed within the economics literature, this paper shows that some useful extensions are possible. These extensions involve the adoption of some theory and concepts developed in modern mathematics including weak Pareto optimality, quasimax, weak quasimax, locally proper weak quasimax, and invexity. These extensions make the choice of social welfare optimum less restrictive. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale parallel finite‐element analysis using the internet: a performance study
Authors: Shioya Ryuji , Yagawa Genki
Published: February 2005

This paper describes a parallel finite‐element system implemented using the domain decomposition method on a cluster of remote computers connected via the Internet. This technique is also readily applicable to a grid computing environment. A three‐dimensional finite‐element elastic analysis involving more than one million degrees of freedom was solved using this system, and a good approximate solution was obtained with high parallel efficiency of over 90% using remote computers located in three different countries. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An energy‐conserving scheme for dynamic crack growth using the eXtended finite element method
Authors: Réthoré J. , Gravouil A. , Combescure A.
Published: February 2005

This paper proposes a generalization of the eXtended finite element method (X‐FEM) to model dynamic fracture and time‐dependent problems from a more general point of view, and gives a proof of the stability of the numerical scheme in the linear case. First, we study the stability conditions of Newmark‐type schemes for problems with evolving discretizations. We prove that the proposed enrichment strategy satisfies these conditions and also ensures energy conservation. Using this approach, as the crack propagates, the enrichment can evolve with no occurrence of instability or uncontrolled energy transfer. Then, we present a technique based on Lagrangian conservation for the estimation of dynamic stress intensity factors for arbitrary 2D cracks. The results presented for several applications are accurate for stationary or moving cracks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electro‐optic materials: hyperbranched chromophores attached linear polyimide and dendritic polyesters
Authors: Do Jung Yun , Park Seung Koo , Ju Jung‐Jin , Park Suntak , Lee Myung‐Hyun
Published: February 2005

Hyperbranched chromophores were introduced to a polyimide for a high chromophore concentration. The optical non‐linearity of the polyimides increased in proportion to the rise in chromophore concentration. A dendritic structure was developed to increase the concentration and overall attached with optical chromophores on its surface reactive sites. The dendrimer showed optical film‐formable property and proved to be a good material with a similar optical non‐linearity to the side chain polyimides. An electro‐optic coefficient of a dendrimer (G‐DAIDC) was measured to afford 38.3 pm/V at 1550 nm wavelength. The optical stability of polarized polyimides and dendrimers films was examined at high temperatures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.