bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The time revolution of 1859 and the stratification of the primeval mind
Authors: Gamble Clive , Moutsiou Theodora
Published: January 2011

Archaeologists regard the demonstration of human antiquity in 1859 as a major breakthrough in the development of prehistoric studies. However, the significance of this event, although acknowledged by other disciplines, is largely passed over. We investigate why this is so by examining the procedures that the antiquary John Evans and the geologist Joseph Prestwich used to make their argument. We present previously unreported documents from the Royal Society's Library that show how they built their case for a prehistory without history. Instead it fell to two other antiquaries-archaeologists, John Lubbock and General Augustus Lane-Fox, to flesh out the discovery of deep time. Lubbock supplied a contemporary human face for the makers of Palaeolithic stone tools in the form of Tasmanian aborigines, and Lane-Fox, through his artefact-based ‘philosophy of progress’, presented a model of a stratified mind that contained primeval elements. These events, which took place between 1859 and 1875, set the pattern for research into human origins for the next century.
‘Hurrah for the missing link!’: a history of apes, ancestors and a crucial piece of evidence
Authors: Kjærgaard Peter C.
Published: January 2011

In the nineteenth century the idea of a ‘missing link’ connecting humans with the rest of the animal kingdom was eagerly embraced by professional scientists and popularizers. After the publication of Charles Darwin's
Origin of Species
in 1859, many tied the idea and subsequent search for a crucial piece of evidence to Darwin and his formulation of the theory of evolution by natural selection. This article demonstrates that the expression was widely used and that the framework for discussions about human's relation to the apes and gaps in the fossil record were well in place and widely debated long before
Origin of Species
became the standard reference for discussing human evolution. In the second half of the century the missing link gradually became the ultimate prize in palaeoanthropology and grew into one of the most powerful, celebrated and criticized icons of human evolution.
Structures buckling under tensile dead load
Authors: Zaccaria D. , Bigoni D. , Noselli G. , Misseroni D.
Published: January 2011

Some 250 years after the systematic experiments by Musschenbroek and their rationalization by Euler, for the first time we show that it is possible to design structures (i.e. mechanical systems whose elements are governed by the equation of the elastica) exhibiting bifurcation and instability (‘buckling’) under tensile load of constant direction and point of application (‘dead’). We show both theoretically and experimentally that the behaviour is possible in elementary structures with a single degree of freedom and in more complex mechanical systems, as related to the presence of a structural junction, called ‘slider’, allowing only relative transversal displacement between the connected elements. In continuous systems where the slider connects two elastic thin rods, bifurcation occurs both in tension and in compression, and is governed by the equation of the elastica, employed here for tensile loading, so that the deformed rods take the form of the capillary curve in a liquid, which is in fact governed by the equation of the elastica under tension. Since axial load in structural elements deeply influences dynamics, our results may provide application to innovative actuators for mechanical wave control; moreover, they open a new perspective in the understanding of failure within structural elements.
Continental-scale patterns of
Cecropia
reproductive phenology: evidence from herbarium specimens
Authors: Zalamea Paul-Camilo , Munoz François , Stevenson Pablo R. , Paine C. E. Timothy , Sarmiento Carolina , Sabatier Daniel , Heuret Patrick
Published: January 2011

Plant phenology is concerned with the timing of recurring biological events. Though phenology has traditionally been studied using intensive surveys of a local flora, results from such surveys are difficult to generalize to broader spatial scales. In this study, contrastingly, we assembled a continental-scale dataset of herbarium specimens for the emblematic genus of Neotropical pioneer trees,
Cecropia
, and applied Fourier spectral and cospectral analyses to investigate the reproductive phenology of 35 species. We detected significant annual, sub-annual and continuous patterns, and discuss the variation in patterns within and among climatic regions. Although previous studies have suggested that pioneer species generally produce flowers continually throughout the year, we found that at least one third of
Cecropia
species are characterized by clear annual flowering behaviour. We further investigated the relationships between phenology and climate seasonality, showing strong associations between phenology and seasonal variations in precipitation and temperature. We also verified our results against field survey data gathered from the literature. Our findings indicate that herbarium material is a reliable resource for use in the investigation of large-scale patterns in plant phenology, offering a promising complement to local intensive field studies.
Cryptic female preference for genetically unrelated males is mediated by ovarian fluid in the guppy
Authors: Gasparini Clelia , Pilastro Andrea
Published: January 2011

As inbreeding is costly, it has been suggested that polyandry may evolve as a means to reduce the negative fitness consequences of mating with genetically related males. While several studies provide support for this hypothesis, evidence of pure post-copulatory mechanisms capable of biasing paternity towards genetically unrelated males is still lacking; yet these are necessary to support inbreeding avoidance models of polyandry evolution. Here we showed, by artificially inseminating a group of female guppies with an equal number of sperm from related (full-sib) and unrelated males, that sperm competition success of the former was 10 per cent lower, on average, than that of the unrelated male. The paternity bias towards unrelated males was not due to differential embryo survival, as the size of the brood produced by control females, which were artificially inseminated with the sperm of a single male, was not influenced by their relatedness with the male. Finally, we collected ovarian fluid (OF) from virgin females. Using computer-assisted sperm analysis, we found that sperm velocity, a predictor of sperm competition success in the guppy, was significantly lower when measured in a solution containing the OF from a sister as compared with that from an unrelated female. Our results suggest that sperm–OF interaction mediates sperm competition bias towards unrelated mates and highlight the role of post-copulatory mechanisms in reducing the cost of mating with relatives in polyandrous females.
Visual mimicry of host nestlings by cuckoos
Authors: Langmore Naomi E. , Stevens Martin , Maurer Golo , Heinsohn Robert , Hall Michelle L. , Peters Anne , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: January 2011

Coevolution between antagonistic species has produced instances of exquisite mimicry. Among brood-parasitic cuckoos, host defences have driven the evolution of mimetic eggs, but the evolutionary arms race was believed to be constrained from progressing to the chick stage, with cuckoo nestlings generally looking unlike host young. However, recent studies on bronze-cuckoos have confounded theoretical expectations by demonstrating cuckoo nestling rejection by hosts. Coevolutionary theory predicts reciprocal selection for visual mimicry of host young by cuckoos, although this has not been demonstrated previously. Here we show that, in the eyes of hosts, nestlings of three bronze-cuckoo species are striking visual mimics of the young of their morphologically diverse hosts, providing the first evidence that coevolution can select for visual mimicry of hosts in cuckoo chicks. Bronze-cuckoos resemble their own hosts more closely than other host species, but the accuracy of mimicry varies according to the diversity of hosts they exploit.
Provisioning offspring and others: risk–energy trade-offs and gender differences in hunter–gatherer foraging strategies
Authors: Codding Brian F. , Bird Rebecca Bliege , Bird Douglas W.
Published: January 2011

Offspring provisioning is commonly referenced as the most important influence on men's and women's foraging decisions. However, the provisioning of other adults may be equally important in determining gender differences in resource choice, particularly when the goals of provisioning offspring versus others cannot be met with the acquisition of the same resources. Here, we examine how resources vary in their expected daily energetic returns and in the variance or risk around those returns. We predict that when available resources impose no trade-off between risk and energy, the targets of men's and women's foraging will converge on high-energy, low-risk resources that allow for the simultaneous provisioning of offspring and others. However, when minimizing risk and maximizing energy trade-off with one another, we expect men's foraging to focus on provisioning others through the unreliable acquisition of large harvests, while women focus on reliably acquiring smaller harvests to feed offspring. We test these predictions with foraging data from three populations (Aché, Martu and Meriam). The results uphold the predictions, suggesting that men's and women's foraging interests converge when high-energy resources can be reliably acquired, but diverge when higher-energy resources are associated with higher levels of risk. Social factors, particularly the availability of alloparental support, may also play a major role.
Worldwide patterns of genetic differentiation imply multiple ‘domestications’ ofAedes aegypti, a major vector of human diseases
Authors: Brown Julia E. , McBride Carolyn S. , Johnson Petrina , Ritchie Scott , Paupy Christophe , Bossin Hervé , Lutomiah Joel , Fernandez-Salas Ildefonso , Ponlawat Alongkot , Cornel Anthony J. , Black William C. , Gorrochotegui-Escalante Norma , Urdaneta-Marquez Ludmel , Sylla Massamba , Slotman Michel , Murray Kristy O. , Walker Christopher , Powell Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2011

Understanding the processes by which species colonize and adapt to human habitats is particularly important in the case of disease-vectoring arthropods. The mosquito speciesAedes aegypti, a major vector of dengue and yellow fever viruses, probably originated as a wild, zoophilic species in sub-Saharan Africa, where some populations still breed in tree holes in forested habitats. Many populations of the species, however, have evolved to thrive in human habitats and to bite humans. This includes some populations within Africa as well as almost all those outside Africa. It is not clear whether all domestic populations are genetically related and represent a single ‘domestication’ event, or whether association with human habitats has developed multiple times independently within the species. To test the hypotheses above, we screened 24 worldwide population samples ofAe. aegyptiat 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci. We identified two distinct genetic clusters: one included all domestic populations outside of Africa and the other included both domestic and forest populations within Africa. This suggests that human association in Africa occurred independently from that in domestic populations across the rest of the world. Additionally, measures of genetic diversity supportAe. aegyptiin Africa as the ancestral form of the species. Individuals from domestic populations outside Africa can reliably be assigned back to their population of origin, which will help determine the origins of new introductions ofAe. aegypti.
Religion, fertility and genes: a dual inheritance model
Authors: Rowthorn Robert
Published: January 2011

Religious people nowadays have more children on average than their secular counterparts. This paper uses a simple model to explore the evolutionary implications of this difference. It assumes that fertility is determined entirely by culture, whereas subjective predisposition towards religion is influenced by genetic endowment. People who carry a certain ‘religiosity’ gene are more likely than average to become or remain religious. The paper considers the effect of religious defections and exogamy on the religious and genetic composition of society. Defections reduce the ultimate share of the population with religious allegiance and slow down the spread of the religiosity gene. However, provided the fertility differential persists, and people with a religious allegiance mate mainly with people like themselves, the religiosity gene will eventually predominate despite a high rate of defection. This is an example of ‘cultural hitch-hiking’, whereby a gene spreads because it is able to hitch a ride with a high-fitness cultural practice. The theoretical arguments are supported by numerical simulations.
Information processing in miniature brains
Authors: Chittka L. , Skorupski P.
Published: January 2011

Since a comprehensive understanding of brain function and evolution in vertebrates is often hobbled by the sheer size of the nervous system, as well as ethical concerns, major research efforts have been made to understand the neural circuitry underpinning behaviour and cognition in invertebrates, and its costs and benefits under natural conditions. This special feature of
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
contains an idiosyncratic range of current research perspectives on neural underpinnings and adaptive benefits (and costs) of such diverse phenomena as spatial memory, colour vision, attention, spontaneous behaviour initiation, memory dynamics, relational rule learning and sleep, in a range of animals from marine invertebrates with exquisitely simple nervous systems to social insects forming societies with many thousands of individuals working together as a ‘superorganism’. This introduction provides context and history to tie the various approaches together, and concludes that there is an urgent need to understand the full neuron-to-neuron circuitry underlying various forms of information processing—not just to explore brain function comprehensively, but also to understand how (and how easily) cognitive capacities might evolve in the face of pertinent selection pressures. In the invertebrates, reaching these goals is becoming increasingly realistic.
HDAC inhibition modulates hippocampus-dependent long-term memory for object location in a CBP-dependent manner
Authors: Haettig Jakob , Stefanko Daniel P. , Multani Monica L. , Figueroa Dario X. , McQuown Susan C. , Wood Marcelo A.
Published: January 2011

Transcription of genes required for long-term memory not only involves transcription factors, but also enzymatic protein complexes that modify chromatin structure. Chromatin-modifying enzymes, such as the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) CREB (cyclic-AMP response element binding) binding protein (CBP), are pivotal for the transcriptional regulation required for long-term memory. Several studies have shown that CBP and histone acetylation are necessary for hippocampus-dependent long-term memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Importantly, every genetically modified Cbp mutant mouse exhibits long-term memory impairments in object recognition. However, the role of the hippocampus in object recognition is controversial. To better understand how chromatin-modifying enzymes modulate long-term memory for object recognition, we first examined the role of the hippocampus in retrieval of long-term memory for object recognition or object location. Muscimol inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus prior to retrieval had no effect on long-term memory for object recognition, but completely blocked long-term memory for object location. This was consistent with experiments showing that muscimol inactivation of the hippocampus had no effect on long-term memory for the object itself, supporting the idea that the hippocampus encodes spatial information about an object (such as location or context), whereas cortical areas (such as the perirhinal or insular cortex) encode information about the object itself. Using location-dependent object recognition tasks that engage the hippocampus, we demonstrate that CBP is essential for the modulation of long-term memory via HDAC inhibition. Together, these results indicate that HDAC inhibition modulates memory in the hippocampus via CBP and that different brain regions utilize different chromatin-modifying enzymes to regulate learning and memory.
A Three-Dimensional Multiscale Model for Gas Exchange in Fruit
Authors: Ho Quang Tri , Verboven Pieter , Verlinden Bert E. , Herremans Els , Wevers Martine , Carmeliet Jan , Nicolaï Bart M.
Published: January 2011

Respiration of bulky plant organs such as roots, tubers, stems, seeds, and fruit depends very much on oxygen (O2) availability and often follows a Michaelis-Menten-like response. A multiscale model is presented to calculate gas exchange in plants using the microscale geometry of the tissue, or vice versa, local concentrations in the cells from macroscopic gas concentration profiles. This approach provides a computationally feasible and accurate analysis of cell metabolism in any plant organ during hypoxia and anoxia. The predicted O2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure profiles compared very well with experimental data, thereby validating the multiscale model. The important microscale geometrical features are the shape, size, and three-dimensional connectivity of cells and air spaces. It was demonstrated that the gas-exchange properties of the cell wall and cell membrane have little effect on the cellular gas exchange of apple (Malus × domestica) parenchyma tissue. The analysis clearly confirmed that cells are an additional route for CO2 transport, while for O2 the intercellular spaces are the main diffusion route. The simulation results also showed that the local gas concentration gradients were steeper in the cells than in the surrounding air spaces. Therefore, to analyze the cellular metabolism under hypoxic and anoxic conditions, the microscale model is required to calculate the correct intracellular concentrations. Understanding the O2 response of plants and plant organs thus not only requires knowledge of external conditions, dimensions, gas-exchange properties of the tissues, and cellular respiration kinetics but also of microstructure.
Three-Dimensional Architecture of Grana and Stroma Thylakoids of Higher Plants as Determined by Electron Tomography
Authors: Austin Jotham R. , Staehelin L. Andrew
Published: January 2011

We have investigated the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the thylakoid membranes of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) with a resolution of approximately 7 nm by electron tomography of high-pressure-frozen/freeze-substituted intact chloroplasts. Higher-plant thylakoids are differentiated into two interconnected and functionally distinct domains, the photosystem II/light-harvesting complex II-enriched stacked grana thylakoids and the photosystem I/ATP synthase-enriched, nonstacked stroma thylakoids. The grana thylakoids are organized in the form of cylindrical stacks and are connected to the stroma thylakoids via tubular junctions. Our data confirm that the stroma thylakoids are wound around the grana stacks in the form of multiple, right-handed helices at an angle of 20° to 25° as postulated by a helical thylakoid model. The junctional connections between the grana and stroma thylakoids all have a slit-like architecture, but their size varies tremendously from approximately 15 × 30 nm to approximately 15 × 435 nm, which is approximately 5 times larger than seen in chemically fixed thylakoids. The variable slit length results in less periodicity in grana/stroma thylakoid organization than proposed in the original helical model. The stroma thylakoids also exhibit considerable architectural variability, which is dependent, in part, on the number and the orientation of adjacent grana stacks to which they are connected. Whereas some stroma thylakoids form solid, sheet-like bridges between adjacent grana, others exhibit a branching geometry with small, more tubular sheet domains also connecting adjacent, parallel stroma thylakoids. We postulate that the tremendous variability in size of the junctional slits may reflect a novel, active role of junctional slits in the regulation of photosynthetic function. In particular, by controlling the size of junctional slits, plants could regulate the flow of ions and membrane molecules between grana and stroma thylakoid membrane domains.
Cytokinin Regulates the Activity of Reproductive Meristems, Flower Organ Size, Ovule Formation, and Thus Seed Yield inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bartrina Isabel , Otto Elisabeth , Strnad Miroslav , Werner Tomáš , Schmülling Thomas
Published: January 2011

The size and activity of the shoot apical meristem is regulated by transcription factors and low molecular mass signals, including the plant hormone cytokinin. The cytokinin status of the meristem depends on different factors, including metabolic degradation of the hormone, which is catalyzed by cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) enzymes. Here, we show that CKX3 and CKX5 regulate the activity of the reproductive meristems of Arabidopsis thaliana. CKX3 is expressed in the central WUSCHEL (WUS) domain, while CKX5 shows a broader meristematic expression. ckx3 ckx5 double mutants form larger inflorescence and floral meristems. An increased size of the WUS domain and enhanced primordia formation indicate a dual function for cytokinin in defining the stem cell niche and delaying cellular differentiation. Consistent with this, mutation of a negative regulator gene of cytokinin signaling, ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTRANSFER PROTEIN 6, which is expressed at the meristem flanks, caused a further delay of differentiation. Terminal cellular differentiation was also retarded in ckx3 ckx5 flowers, which formed more cells and became larger, corroborating the role of cytokinin in regulating flower organ size. Furthermore, higher activity of the ckx3 ckx5 placenta tissue established supernumerary ovules leading to an increased seed set per silique. Together, the results underpin the important role of cytokinin in reproductive development. The increased cytokinin content caused an ~55% increase in seed yield, highlighting the relevance of sink strength as a yield factor.
Molecular and cellular effects of multi‐targeted cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibition in myeloma: biological and clinical implications
Authors: McMillin Douglas W. , Delmore Jake , Negri Joseph , Buon Leutz , Jacobs Hannah M. , Laubach Jacob , Jakubikova Jana , Ooi Melissa , Hayden Patrick , Schlossman Robert , Munshi Nikhil C. , Lengauer Christoph , Richardson Paul G. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Mitsiades Constantine S.
Published: January 2011

Cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), are appealing targets for multiple myeloma (MM) therapy given the increased proliferative rates of tumour cells in advanced versus early stages of MM. We hypothesized that a multi‐targeted CDK inhibitor with a different spectrum of activity compared to existing CDK inhibitors could trigger distinct molecular sequelae with therapeutic implications for MM. We therefore studied the small molecule heterocyclic compound NVP‐LCQ195/AT9311 (LCQ195), which inhibits CDK1, CDK2 and CDK5, as well as CDK3 and CDK9. LCQ195 induced cell cycle arrest and eventual apoptotic cell death of MM cells, even at sub‐μmol/l concentrations, spared non‐malignant cells, and overcame the protection conferred to MM cells by stroma or cytokines of the bone marrow milieu. In MM cells, LCQ195 triggered decreased amplitude of transcriptional signatures associated with oncogenesis, drug resistance and stem cell renewal, including signatures of activation of key transcription factors for MM cells e.g. myc, HIF‐1α, IRF4. Bortezomib‐treated MM patients whose tumours had high baseline expression of genes suppressed by LCQ195 had significantly shorter progression‐free and overall survival than those with low levels of these transcripts in their MM cells. These observations provide insight into the biological relevance of multi‐targeted CDK inhibition in MM.
Impact of reduced chemotherapy treatment for good risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on infectious morbidity*
Authors: van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Sanders Elisabeth A.M. , Nibbelke Elisabeth E. , Pieters Rob , Revesz Tom , Westers Paul , Wolfs Tom F.W. , Bierings Marc B.
Published: January 2011

Reducing infectious morbidity is an important goal to improve childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) survival. To explore the impact of chemotherapy reduction on infectious morbidity, we compared outpatient and inpatient infectious morbidity of reduced versus intensive (conventional) chemotherapy. One hundred and seventy‐one children newly diagnosed with ALL between 2004 and 2007 and treated according to the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL 10 protocol were prospectively followed during the 2‐year treatment course. Stratified by minimal residual disease, 54 patients received reduced (standard risk; SR) and 117 patients received intensive (medium risk; MR) intensification/maintenance treatment. SR outpatients had a median of 1 febrile episode versus 4 in MR outpatients (P = 0·002). SR patients had fewer hospitalizations for fever. They were admitted a median of 0 times, with a median of 0 days of hospitalization, median 0 days of fever, median 0 times chemotherapy interruption and median 0 times intravenous antibiotics. MR patients were admitted for fever median 2 times (P < 0·001) with 10 days of hospitalization (P < 0·001), 2 days of fever (P < 0·001), one chemotherapy interruption (P < 0·001) and two intravenous antibiotics administration (P < 0·001). These data indicate that reduced intensification/maintenance compared to conventional intensive intensification/maintenance chemotherapy for good risk childhood ALL resulted in major decrease of infectious morbidity.
Erythropoiesis failure due to RPS19 deficiency is independent of an activated Tp53 response in a zebrafish model of Diamond–Blackfan anaemia
Authors: Torihara Hidetsugu , Uechi Tamayo , Chakraborty Anirban , Shinya Minori , Sakai Noriyoshi , Kenmochi Naoya
Published: January 2011

Diamond–Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is a cancer‐prone genetic disorder characterized by pure red‐cell aplasia and associated physical deformities. The ribosomal protein S19 gene (RPS19) is the most frequently mutated gene in DBA (∼ 25%). TP53‐mediated cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis in erythroid cells have been suggested to be major factors for DBA development, but it is not clear why mutations in the ubiquitously expressed RPS19 gene specifically affect erythropoiesis. Previously, we showed that RPS19 deficiency in zebrafish recapitulates the erythropoietic and developmental phenotypes of DBA, including defective erythropoiesis with severe anaemia. In this study, we analysed the simultaneous loss‐of‐function of RPS19 and Tp53 in zebrafish to investigate the role of Tp53 in the erythroid and morphological defects associated with RPS19 deficiency. Co‐inhibition of Tp53 activity rescued the morphological abnormalities, but did not alleviate erythroid aplasia in RPS19‐deficient zebrafish. In addition, knockdown of two other RP genes, rps3a and rpl36a, which result in severe morphological abnormalities but only mild erythroid defects, also elicited an activated Tp53 response. These results suggest that a Tp53‐independent but RPS19‐dependent pathway could be responsible for defective erythropoiesis in RPS19‐deficient zebrafish.
Enhanced ex vivo inhibition of platelet function following addition of dipyridamole to aspirin after transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke: First results from the TRinity AntiPlatelet responsiveness (TrAP) study
Authors: Tobin William Oliver , Kinsella Justin A. , Collins Daniel Ronan , Coughlan Tara , O’Neill Desmond , Egan Bridget , Tierney Sean , Feeley Thomas Martin , Murphy Raymond P. , McCabe Dominick J. H.
Published: January 2011

Ex vivo dipyridamole ‘non‐responsiveness’ has not been extensively studied in ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. Platelet surface marker expression, leucocyte‐platelet complex formation and inhibition of platelet function at high shear stress as detected by the PFA‐100® Collagen‐Adenosine‐diphosphate (C‐ADP) and Collagen‐Epinephrine cartridges was assessed in 52 patients within 4 weeks of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ischaemic stroke on aspirin, and then 14 d (14 d) and >90 d (90 d) after adding dipyridamole. A novel definition of ‘Dipyridamole non‐responsiveness’ was used. The median C‐ADP closure time increased following addition of dipyridamole, remained elevated at 90 d (P ≤ 0·03), and was unaffected by aspirin dose. 59% at 14 d and 56% at 90 d were ‘dipyridamole non‐responders’ on the PFA‐100. The proportion of non‐responders at 14 and 90 d was similar (P = 0·9). Compared with baseline (4·6%), median monocyte‐platelet complexes increased at 14 d (5·0%, P = 0·03) and 90 d (4·9%, P = 0·04). Low C‐ADP closure times were associated with increased monocyte‐platelet complexes at 14 d (r = −0·32, P = 0·02) and 90 d (r = −0·33, P = 0·02). Monocyte‐platelet complexes increased in the subgroup of dipyridamole non‐responders on the PFA‐100 (P ≤ 0·045), but not in responders (P ≥ 0·5), at 14 and 90 d versus baseline. Additional inhibition of platelet function has been detected with the PFA‐100 when dipyridamole is added to aspirin. Elevated monocyte‐platelet complexes may contribute to ex vivo dipyridamole non‐responsiveness.
The non‐relapse mortality rate for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma is greater than relapse mortality 8 years after autologous stem cell transplantation and is significantly higher than mortality rates of population controls
Authors: Hill Brian T. , Rybicki Lisa , Bolwell Brian J. , Smith Stephen , Dean Robert , Kalaycio Matt , Pohlman Brad , Tench Shawnda , Sobecks Ronald , Andresen Steven , Copelan Edward , Sweetenham John
Published: January 2011

High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the preferred treatment modality for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To assess long‐term outcomes of these patients, we retrospectively analysed data from 309 consecutive patients who underwent ASCT for DLBCL between 1994 and 2006. We found that non‐relapse mortality (NRM) became the major cause of death beginning approximately 8 years after ASCT. The most common causes of NRM during the study period were respiratory failure (31%), infection (13%), cardiac toxicity (15%) and secondary malignancy (15%). The strongest predictor of relapse mortality (RM) was disease status at transplant: patients who were in second or greater complete or partial remission had a higher risk of RM than those in first complete or partial remission [hazard ratio (HR) 3·7, P < 0·001], as did those who were relapsed or refractory (HR 4·9, P < 0·001). We describe the longest reported follow‐up of a large cohort of DLBCL patients uniformly‐treated with ASCT. Although relapse was initially the more likely cause of death, NRM exceeded RM after 8 years. After ASCT, surviving patients have significantly increased risk mortality rates relative to the general population and this excess risk persists over time.
The effects of the combination of freezing and the use of natural antioxidant technology on the quality of frozen sardine fillets (Sardinella aurita)
Authors: Ozogul Yesim , Durmuş Mustafa , Balıkcı Esra , Ozogul Fatih , Ayas Deniz , Yazgan Hatice
Published: January 2011

The effects of combination of freezing and the use of antioxidant technology on the quality of frozen sardine fillets were investigated in terms of sensory, biochemical [thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acids (FFA)] and microbiological analyses [total viable count (TVC)]. Fish were filleted and divided into three groups. The first group was used as the control (C) without rosemary extract, the second group was treated with 1% rosemary extracts for 2 min (R1) and the third was treated with 2% rosemary extracts for 2 min (R2). All groups were frozen at −18 °C over the storage period of 6 months. The results obtained from this study showed that the combination of antioxidant and frozen storage resulted in significant reduction of bacterial growth and stabilised the biochemical characteristics, especially for R2. However, the use of antioxidant at the level of 2% (R2) gave a bitter taste according to sensory assessment whereas the panellists mostly preferred R1.
Flaxseed proteins: food uses and health benefits
Authors: Rabetafika Holy Nadia , Van Remoortel Vinciane , Danthine Sabine , Paquot Michel , Blecker Christophe
Published: January 2011

Flaxseed proteins are potent multi‐functional ingredients for food formulation owing to their techno‐functionalities, food preservation capacity, and health benefits. A possible synergistic effect with mucilage on their functionalities could be valuable even though this co‐product in flaxseed may limit the protein yield during their production processes. Their techno‐functional properties could also be considered in mixture with other flax bioactive components such as lignans and fibre to enhance the value of the flaxseed meal. The present paper reviews flaxseed protein uses in food and their health benefits. New perspectives according to consumers’ demand for products with health promoting bioactive components are also suggested.
Ripening temperature affects the content and distribution of isoflavones in sufu, a fermented soybean curd
Authors: Huang Yung‐Hsin , Lu Ting‐Jang , Chou Cheng‐Chun
Published: January 2011

Sufu, a fermented soybean curd, was prepared by ripening the salted tofu cubes in theAspergillus oryzae‐fermented rice–soybean koji mash at 25, 35 or 45 °C for a period of 16 days. It showed that the 16‐day ripened sufu contains less total isoflavone content (629.29–739.68 μg g−1dried matter) than the salted tofu before ripening (942.59 μg g−1dried matter). Regardless of ripening temperature, ripening causes a major reduction in the content of β‐glucoside and malonylglucoside isoflavones along with a significant increase of aglycone isoflavone content. These changes were enhanced as the ripening period extended. Among the various treatments examined, sufu ripened at 45 °C showed the greatest increase in aglycone content coupled with the greatest decrease in malonylglucosides. The distribution of malonylglucosides decreased from an initial 40.32% in the tofu cube to 9.78% after 16 days of ripening at 45 °C. Meanwhile, the distribution of aglycone increased from 13.17% to 39.88%.
Provitamin‐A and xanthophyll carotenoids in vegetables and food grains of nutritional and medicinal importance
Authors: Mamatha Bangera Sheshappa , Sangeetha Ravi Kumar , Baskaran Vallikannan
Published: January 2011

This study reports carotenoid composition of vegetables (n = 56), cereals (n = 12), pulses and legumes (n = 12), analysed by HPLC. It was hypothesised that food grains, like vegetables may be good sources of carotenoids. Amongst vegetables, higher level (mg/100 g dry weight) of lutein (210–419) was detected in green/red/capsicum and yellow zucchini, whilst zeaxanthin was dominant in kenaf (4.59). β‐Carotene (mg/100 g dry weight) was higher in green capsicum and kenaf (48,159) whilst carrot, ivy gourd and green capsicum contain α‐carotene (22–110). Amongst food grains, chickpea, split red gram and flaxseed contain higher levels (μg/100 g dry weight) of lutein (185–200) whilst zeaxanthin level was highest in puffed chickpea (1.8). Red unpolished parboiled rice was richest (μg/100 g dry weight) in β‐carotene (67.6) whilst whole black gram contained higher levels of α‐carotene (52.7). Thus, results indicate that chickpea and red unpolished parboiled rice are good sources of carotenoids. These carotenoid‐rich vegetables and grains may be exploited to meet the lutein and β‐carotene requirement.
Inhibition of lipid oxidation in fried chips and cookies by Majorana syriaca
Authors: Al‐Bandak Ghada , Oreopoulou Vassiliki
Published: January 2011

This study evaluates the antioxidant effectiveness of a natural extract obtained from Majorana syriaca in fried and baked foods. Majorana syriaca was extracted with ethyl acetate (yield 129 g kg−1, dry basis) and the extract was added to refined corn oil at a concentration of 500 ppm. The oil was used in deep frying of potato chips at 185 °C and in making baked cookies. Potato chips and cookies were further subjected to accelerated oxidation at 70 °C. The protection of the frying oil was moderate as indicated by the polar content and conjugated dienes (CD) measurements, however, a remarkable improvement of the oxidative stability of the fried chips was observed through the decrease of peroxide value (PV) and CD by 59–72% and 51–79%, respectively, compared to samples with no additive. Also, the PV and CD of cookies decreased by 79% and 72%, respectively.
Changes in the chemical composition of traditional Chinese‐type soy sauce at different stages of manufacture and its relation to taste
Authors: Gao Xianli , Cui Chun , Ren Jiaoyan , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Qiangzhong , Zhao Mouming
Published: January 2011

Chemical composition of traditional Chinese‐type soy sauce (TCSS) at different stages of manufacture (moromi fermentation and pasteurisation) were analysed. Results showed that total nitrogen, formaldehyde nitrogen, total titratable acid, reducing sugar, NaCl, water soluble peptides, free amino acids (FAAs) and Maillard reaction products in TCSS changed significantly during manufacture. Most of FAAs were released during initial stage (0–15 days) of moromi fermentation, peptides (1–5 kDa) kept dominant (69.34–80.88%) among all peptides during manufacture and Maillard reaction products increased progressively during moromi fermentation and increased sharply during pasteurisation. According to hierarchical cluster analysis and sensory evaluation, there were obvious correlation between FAAs and sensory score of over‐all in TCSS during manufacture, which indicated that balanced FAAs composition might be mainly responsible for the taste formation of TCSS. Besides, pasteurisation can further improve the over‐all taste of TCSS.
Compositional analysis and antimicrobial activity of various honey types of Pakistan
Authors: Gulfraz Muhammad , Iftikhar Farida , Imran Muhammad , Zeenat Asiya , Asif Saira , Shah Imam
Published: January 2011

Antibacterial activities of various honey samples were assessed by using clinical isolates like S. aureus (Gram‐positive), E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumonia (Gram‐negative). It was observed that acacia and citrus honey has inhibited growth of all bacterial strains as compared to standard antibiotics (Gentamicine). Inhibition zones for S. aureus (27.4 ± 0.5 mm), E. coli (26.5 ± 0.7 mm), K. pneumonia (24.4 ± 0.5 mm) and P. aeruginosa (22.4 ± 0.2 were observed. Minimum inhibitory concentration of S. aureu (0.068 mg mL−1), E. coli (0.072 mg mL−1), P. aeruginosa (0.084 mg mL−1) and K. pneumonia (0.085 mg mL−1) was obtained for various types of honey samples. Pronounced antibacterial activities as well as standard values of various quality parameters of honey samples are scientifically proven for its use in traditional medicine since ancient time throughout the world.
Possible use of texture characteristics of winegrapes as markers for zoning and their relationship with anthocyanin extractability index
Authors: Segade Susana Río , Vázquez Elvira Soto , Orriols Ignacio , Giacosa Simone , Rolle Luca
Published: January 2011

Ribeira Sacra Denomination of Origin is a steep slope viticulture area located in Galicia (northwest of Spain), and it is divided into five different subzones. Taking into account that grape composition depends not only on the grape cultivar used but also on the environmental factors and cultural practices, texture analysis has been proposed to assess the grape mechanical properties of those subzones. With the aid of principal component analysis, berry skin break energy measured on bottom side and berry cohesiveness have been suggested as the best mechanical properties for the subzones differentiation. Moreover, significant correlations among mechanical parameters and anthocyanin extractability index were found. A regression hyperplane allowed estimating anthocyanin extractability from berry skin thickness and Young′s modulus measured on the lateral side of grapes. The speed of mechanical analysis facilitates the planning and management of pressing and maceration processes as a consequence of the drastic reduction in sample treatment time.
Effect of Maillard reaction conditions on radical scavenging activity of porcine haemoglobin hydrolysate–sugar model system
Authors: Sun Qian , Luo Yongkang
Published: January 2011

Radical scavenging activity (RSA) of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) made up from porcine haemoglobin hydrolysate (PHH)–sugar model system was tested. RSA of MRPs derived from PHH–xylose system was about fourfold and threefold higher than that of PHH and PHH–glucose MRPs, respectively, which was because of the cyclic form of the xylose. The increase in RSA of MRPs was attributable not only to the sugar type and concentration, but also to the buffer type and temperature. Phosphate buffer was more efficient than citrate or Tris–HCl buffers. As the temperature increase, RSA of MRPs increased and some intermediates polymerised to form brown pigments. Generally, RSA exhibited a significant correlation with the intermediates formation and browning development (P < 0.05). Electrophoresis study revealed that molecular rearrangements could be involved in the improvement of the RSA. Conjugating PHH with xylose by Maillard reaction is a promising method to improve the RSA of PHH.
Glutaminase‐induced deamidation and hydrolysis of casein and metal‐chelating or ACE‐inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates in vitro
Authors: Li Dan , Zhao Xin‐Huai
Published: January 2011

Glutaminase (EC 3.5.1.2) was applied in this work to induce deamidation and hydrolysis of casein. Some reaction conditions based on casein deamidation were studied. Three casein hydrolysates with degree of deamidation of 2.8%, 5.8% and 8.5%, or degree of hydrolysis of 2.5%, 3.4% and 4.9%, respectively, were prepared at casein concentration 5% (w/v), glutaminase addition level 400 U kg−1 casein, reaction temperature 37 °C and reaction times 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively. Evaluation results showed that when iron (II) was added at 60 μm, iron (II)‐chelating powers of three hydrolysates were 41.1, 45.4 and 55.3%, while that of original casein and EDTA were 36.1 and 13.6%. Calcium (II)‐chelating power of three hydrolysates was 1.23, 1.41 and 1.49 mmol g−1 casein, whereas that of original casein was 1.05 mmol g−1 casein. Three hydrolysates also had ACE‐inhibitory activity in vitro, with IC50 values from 0.75 to 2.34 mg mL−1.
α‐l‐Rhamnosidase from Aspergillus flavus MTCC‐9606 isolated from lemon fruit peel
Authors: Yadav Vinita , Yadav Sarita , Yadava Sudha , Yadav Kapil D.S.
Published: January 2011

An α‐l‐rhamnosidase producing fungal strain has been isolated from decaying lemon fruit. The fungal strain has been identified as Aspergillus flavus. The α‐l‐rhamnosidase has been purified from the culture filtrate of the fungal strain using ultra filtration and cation exchange chromatography on carboxy methyl (CM) cellulose. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme determined by SDS–PAGE analysis was 41 kDa. The Km values of the enzyme using p‐nitrophenyl‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside and naringin as the substrates were 1.89 and 1.6 mm respectively. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 11.0 and 50 °C respectively. The effects of various chemical species present in grape fruit juice and wine on the activity of the enzyme have been determined.
Concentration of selenium by precipitating proteins from potato juice
Authors: Wu Wenbiao
Published: January 2011

The selenium concentration of potato tubers (cv. Mira) obtained from Shuan He, Enshi, Hubei, China is 0.16 mg kg−1 by fresh weight (0.64 mg kg−1 dry weight), but it is as high as 20–40 mg kg−1 on dry basis in various concentrates of potato protein. The experimental results indicated a linear relationship between the amount of the protein precipitated and that of selenium coprecipitated from potato juice. Selenium concentrations in ultrafiltration, ferric chloride and citric phosphate buffer concentrates are 5.12, 5.92 and 8.08 times higher than those in potato powder when their protein contents are concentrated 6.10, 6.65 and 7.08 times, respectively. These results are important relating to the production of valuable dietary supplements, e.g. pills, capsules or foods with Se‐level being accurately controlled applicable to selenium‐deficient areas. Recovery of selenium by precipitating proteins from potato juice is a time‐ and energy‐saving method may be applied to the establishment of a large‐scale processing plant.
A comparative study of submicron‐ and micron‐sized rice particles: enzymatic hydrolysis in vitro and food efficiency ratio in vivo
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Ae , Ryu Min‐Ju , Kim Moo‐Sung , Kang Wie‐Soo , Ko Sanghoon , Shin Malshick , Chung Ha‐Sook
Published: January 2011

Hydrolysis and absorption properties of submicron‐ (below 1 μm) and micron‐sized (over 100 μm) powders of raw rice, heat‐gelatinized rice, fermented rice and wheat were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Nutrient content such as protein, carbohydrate or vitamin C in the samples was not different significantly between submicron‐ and micron‐sized powders, but it showed difference according to processed type of the powders. Submicron‐sized powders were hydrolyzed more easily than micron‐sized powders by α‐amylases such as industrial, human salivary and porcine pancreatic α‐amylase but not by α‐glucosidase in all the tested samples. Patterns of blood glucose change were investigated in rats. The highest glucose levels were obtained at 30 min after oral administration in both submicron‐and micron‐sized powders, but the levels were decreased drastically in groups administered submicron‐sized powders, while they were slow and gradual in groups administered micron‐sized powders. On the contrary, the body weight gained and food efficiency ratios showed a tendency to be decreased slightly in mice fed with submicron‐sized rice powders compared to those with micron‐sized rice powder.
Effect of in‐package gaseous ozone treatment on shelf life of blanched potato strips during refrigerated storage
Authors: Oner Manolya E. , Walker Paul N. , Demirci Ali
Published: January 2011

The effect of in‐package gaseous ozone treatment on microbiological and colour quality of blanched potato strips was investigated. Potato strips were first blanched in 0.5% CaCl2 solution at 60 °C for 10 min, second blanched in boiling water for 5 min, then exposed to room air for 30 min and packaged. Ozone gas (5%, wt/wt) was injected into each bag. Strips were subjected to a batch ozone treatment for 20 s or a continuous ozone treatment for 5, 15 or 30 min. Microbial growth was observed on day one for bags with no ozone treatment. Continuous ozone treatment was effective in extending the shelf life of potato strips compared to batch ozone treatment, and there was no microbial growth for 30‐ and 15‐min continuous ozone‐treated strips after 28 and 21 days of refrigerated storage, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the colour of blanched strips and ozone‐treated blanched strips. These results indicate that in‐package gaseous ozone treatment can be used for maintaining quality and improving shelf life of blanched potato strips.