bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flame retardancy study on magnesium hydroxide associated with clays of different morphology in polypropylene matrix
Authors: Marosfoi B. B. , Garas S. , Bodzay B. , Zubonyai F. , Marosi G.
Published: May 2008

Fire retardancy behavior of polypropylene–magnesium hydroxide–clay composites of different morphologies is presented. Layer‐ and needle‐like clay nanoparticles in natural and organically surface modified form have been compared. Fire retardant performance of the composites was evaluated by conical combustor and by horizontal burning test, while the structure was characterized by SEM. Rheological analysis of varied temperature provided further information about the strength of the formed combustion residue. The results confirm that fibrous and layered clay nanofillers act synergistically and can be combined with MH microfillers advantageously for improving the flame retardancy of PP composites. Significant improvements were observed in combustion parameters, as well as in flammability classifications. Combination of montmorillonite and sepiolite type of clays resulted in the increased time to ignition, and markedly decreased heat release rate. These advancements are ascribed to the char stabilizer effect of nanofillers leading to increased strength of the residue. It is also concluded that not only the interaction between micro‐ and nanofillers, but also the nanofillers–nanofillers interaction plays a key role in fire retardant mechanism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel two‐dimensional donor–acceptor conjugated polymers containing quinoxaline units: Synthesis, characterization, and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Huo Lijun , Tan Zhan'ao , Wang Xiang , Zhou Yi , Han Minfang , Li Yongfang
Published: May 2008

Novel two‐dimensional donor–acceptor (D–A) structured conjugated polymers, P1–P4, were designed and synthesized by introducing electron‐deficient quinoxaline as core and electron‐rich alkoxyl‐phenylenevinylene in side chains and p‐phenylenevinylene, triphenylamine, or thiophene in main chain. Benefited from the D–A structures, the polymers possess low bandgaps of 1.75 eV, 1.86 eV, 1.59 eV, and 1.58 eV for P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively, and show broad absorption band in the visible region: the shorter wavelength absorption peak at ∼400 nm ascribed to the conjugated side chains and the longer wavelength absorption peak between 500 nm and 750 nm belonging to the absorption of the conjugated main chains. Especially, the absorption band of P4 film covers the whole visible range from 300 nm to 784 nm. The power conversion efficiencies of the polymer solar cells based on P1–P4 as donor and PCBM as acceptor are 0.029%, 0.14%, 0.46%, and 0.57%, respectively, under the illumination of AM 1.5, 100 mW/cm2. The polymers with the low bandgap and broad absorption band are promising photovoltaic materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4038–4049, 2008
Understanding the roles of amino acid residues in tertiary structure formation of chignolin by using molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Terada Tohru , Satoh Daisuke , Mikawa Tsutomu , Ito Yutaka , Shimizu Kentaro
Published: May 2008

Chignolin is a 10‐residue peptide (GYDPETGTWG) that forms a stable β‐hairpin structure in water. However, its design template, GPM12 (GYDDATKTFG), does not have a specific structure. To clarify which amino acids give it the ability to form the β‐hairpin structure, we calculated the folding free‐energy landscapes of chignolin, GPM12, and their chimeric peptides using multicanonical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Cluster analysis of the conformational ensembles revealed that the native structure of chignolin was the lowest in terms of free energy while shallow local minima were widely distributed in the free energy landscape of GPM12, in agreement with experimental observations. Among the chimeric peptides, GPM12(D4P/K7G) stably formed the same β‐hairpin structure as that of chignolin in the MD simulation. This was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A comparison of the free‐energy landscapes showed that the conformational distribution of the Asp3‐Pro4 sequence was inherently biased in a way that is advantageous both to forming hydrogen bonds with another β‐strand and to initiating loop structure. In addition, Gly7 helps stabilize the loop structure by having a left‐handed α‐helical conformation. Such a conformation is necessary to complete the loop structure, although it is not preferred by other amino acids. Our results suggest that the consistency between the short‐range interactions that determine the local geometries and the long‐range interactions that determine the global structure is important for stable tertiary structure formation. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of urinary incontinence in older people
Authors: Gadgil Shashi , Wagg Adrian
Published: May 2008

Our series Prescribing in older people gives practical advice for successful management of the special problems experienced by this patient group. Here, the authors describes the drug management of urinary incontinence. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Evolution of the MTA architecture: the impact of security
Authors: Hafiz Munawar , Johnson Ralph E.
Published: May 2008

As the Internet matured, security became more important and formerly adequate designs became inadequate. One of the victims of the increased need for security wassendmail. This paper shows how its competitors improved on its design in response to the increased need for security. The designers ofqmailandPostfixused well‐known patterns to achieve better security without affecting performance; these patterns can be used by the designers of other systems with an increased need for security. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproducibility of fetal renal pelvis volume measurement using three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Duin L. K. , Willekes C. , Vossen M. , Beckers M. , Offermans J. , Nijhuis J. G.
Published: May 2008

Objective

To assess the reproducibility of fetal renal pelvis volume measurement in hydronephrotic kidneys using transabdominal three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound.

Methods

The fetal renal pelvis volume was measured using 3D ultrasound in one kidney in each of 15 fetuses with hydronephrosis in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Hydronephrosis was diagnosed when the fetus had an anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter ≥ 5 mm. After volume acquisition by one of the observers, the repeatability of volume calculation with manual delineation of the fetal renal pelvis was assessed by six different observers using the Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) imaging program. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and within‐ and between‐observer repeatability coefficient (r) were calculated and Bland–Altman plots were constructed.

Results

Both intra‐ and interobserver reliability of the fetal renal pelvis volume measurements were considered to be very good. For intraobserver reliability, the ICC was 0.996 and the CV was 10.8%. For the overall interobserver reliability, the ICC was 0.998 and the CV was 15.7%; the interobserver reliability between pairs of observers had ICCs between 0.994 and 0.999, and CVs between 19.5% and 7.6% for inexperienced and experienced observers, respectively.

Conclusion

With 3D ultrasound using the VOCAL imaging program, it is technically feasible to reproduce fetal renal pelvis volume measurements. Further research to establish the clinical applications of this technology is warranted. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability analysis of pitch‐regulated, variable‐speed wind turbines in closed loop operation using a linear eigenvalue approach
Authors: Riziotis V. A. , Politis E. S. , Voutsinas S. G. , Chaviaropoulos P. K.
Published: May 2008

A multi‐body aeroelastic design code based on the implementation of the combined aeroelastic beam element is extended to cover closed loop operation conditions of wind turbines. The equations of a controller for variable generator speed and pitch‐controlled operation in high wind speeds are combined with the aeroelastic equations of motion for the complete wind turbine, in order to provide a compound aeroservoelastic system of equations. The control equations comprise linear differential equations for the pitch and generator torque actuators, the control feedback elements (proportional–integral control) and the various filters acting on the feedback signals. In its non‐linear form, the dynamic equations are integrated in time to provide the reference state, while upon linearization of the system and transformation in the non‐rotating frame, the linear stability equations are derived. Stability results for a multi‐MW wind turbine show that the coupling of the controller dynamics with the aeroelastic dynamics of the machine is important and must be taken into account in view of defining the controller parameters. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rational Choice Models of Crimes by Youth
Authors: Phillips Llad , Votey Harold L.
Published: May 2008

This article presents research findings from three analyses of criminal activity among youth. The data set used in all three is the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Americans, a data set that is particularly appropriate for this type of analysis. The work examined the relationship between criminal behavior and family and moral influences; the impact of legitimate labor market activity on participation in crime; and the effect of school enrollment on criminal activity. The findings confirm the hypothesis that black and white differences in criminal participation partially reflect differences in economic opportunity.
Political Business Cycles and Imprisonment Rates in Italy: Report on a Work in Progress
Authors: Melossi Dario
Published: May 2008

Sociologists have shown the presence of statistically significant associations between changing economic conditions and rates of imprisonment in a number of countries characterized by common law systems. Furthermore, these associations do not seem to be mediated by changing rates of criminal behavior. This article considers the possibility that the same relationships exist in a civil law society, Italy, for the period 1896–1965. It then goes on to highlight an hypothesis and possible test to explain the nature of these associations, based on the intervening role of public opinion.
Bernam bleachability test method for palm oil
Authors: Krishnan S.
Published: May 2008

A bleachability test method called the Bernam method is proposed for crude palm oil, based upon the percentage of color removed on the original color, as measured on a Lovibond 1 in. cell. The test uses absorption bleaching by 3% activated fuller's earth (Fulmont 237) at 150 C under inert gas blanket. It shows improved sensitivity over two existing bleach‐ability methods and to both primary and secondary oxidation of palm oil, as measured by the peroxide, anisidine, and total oxidation values. It has been applied successfully to detect changes in the quality of palm oil during production, storage, and shipment to the consumer. In view of its encouraging response to oxidation, it should be possible for the consumer to relate the method to process conditions in the refining of palm oil.
High performance liquid chromatography of fatty methyl esters: Analytical separations
Authors: Scholfield C. R.
Published: May 2008

Fatty methyl esters are separated on the basis of unsaturation and chain length on an analytical scale by high performance liquid chromatography with a C18/Corasil column and aqueous acetonitrile solvent. Analysis by this method includes polymerized and oxidized esters which may not be detected by gas chromatography.
Effect of minor constituents and additives upon peroxidation of oil in peanut butter
Authors: St. Angelo Allen J. , Ory Robert L.
Published: May 2008

Metalloproteins and ionic iron and copper salts are major catalysts of fatty acid peroxidation, but chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid in water, can retard or reduce this catalytic effect. To extend shelf‐life and retain the high quality of peanut butter, methods to prevent or decrease the catalytic effect of these metalloproteins and salts were conducted. Chelating agents suspended in inert solvents (mineral oil) were not as effective as when they were added in water. Depending upon the concentration, water can act as a prooxidant or an antioxidant in peanut butter.
Studies on detergent phosphate replacements: I. Aerobic biodegradation of sodium 2‐hydroxyethyliminodiacetate
Authors: Lynn J. B. , Fries C. E. , Homberg O. A.
Published: May 2008

The biodegradation of sodium 2‐hydroxyethyliminodiacetate, a potential substitute for detergent phosphate, has been studied under aerobic conditions. The biodegradation of this material has been demonstrated in both river water die‐away tests and in an activated sludge system which approximated an actual municipal sewage treatment plant. In the latter instance, degradation in excess of 90% has been observed in less than 6 hr.
Distribution of aflatoxins in various fractions separated from raw peanuts and defatted peanut meal
Authors: Natarajan K. R. , Rhee K. C. , Cater C. M. , Mattil K. F.
Published: May 2008

The present investigation is the first definitive study of the distribution of aflatoxins in a wet‐milling process of raw peanuts. The results show that the majority of the aflatoxins originally present in the peanuts remained in the solid fractions, particularly the protein fraction, during wet‐milling. In the protein concentrate preparation, the concentrates carried 81–89% of the total toxin; crude oil, 5–8%; and whey fraction, 3–14%. In the case of protein isolate preparation, 51–56% of the total toxin remained with the isolates, 22–26% with the residue, 11–17% with the whey, and 7–8% with the crude oil. Distribution of aflatoxins in the preparation of protein isolates from defatted peanut meal showed that 55–65% of the total toxin originally present in the meal remained with the protein isolates, 20–28% with the residue, and 10–20% with the whey fraction. Changes in extraction pHs for the preparation of protein isolates either from raw peanuts or defatted meal did not alter the distribution pattern mentioned above. A new approach based upon charge‐transfer (electron acceptor‐donor) complex formation is suggested to shift this aflatoxin distribution from protein products to disposable whey or residue fraction during the processing of raw peanuts and defatted meal for protein products.
Characteristics of date pit oil
Authors: Mehran Mostafa , Filsoof Mehrzad
Published: May 2008

Date pit oils of three Iranian varieties of dates were examined for their fatty acid composition and some of their characteristics. The properties and compositions of the pit oils did not differ significantly from each other or from previously published literature values.
Safety evaluation and biochemical behavior of monotertiarybutylhydroquinone
Authors: Astill B. D. , Terhaar C. J. , Krasavage W. J. , Wolf G. L. , Roudabush R. L. , Fassett D. W. , Morgareidge K.
Published: May 2008

The safety of monotertiarybutylhydroquinone as an oil‐soluble food grade antioxidant was evaluated in acute studies with rats and dogs, in subacute feedings in rats, in rat reproductive efficiency and placental transfer studies, and in subacute feedings with monotertiarybutylhydroquinone heated in vegetable oil. In lifetime feedings in rats and 2 year feedings in dogs, wt gain, feed consumption, behavior, mortality, hemograms, clinical chemistries, gross, microscopic, and electron microscopy were evaluated. There were no toxic or untoward effects. Monotertiarybutylhydroquinone was handled similarly by rats, dogs, and humans. Rats eliminated single oral 0.1–0.4 g/kg doses mostly in the urine in 3–4 days as the 4‐0‐sulfate (57–80%) and the 4‐0‐glucuronide (4%) and with 4–12% unchanged. 2,3,5,6‐14C‐Monotertiarybutylhydroquinone was eliminated similarly with <0.1% as14CO2 and <0.2% remaining in the animal after 4 days. Oral 0.1 g/kg doses to dogs gave a somewhat higher glucuronide contribution. The elimination pattern was little altered in long term feedings. Humans eliminated 0.002 g/kg single doses (high fat vehicle) almost completely in the urine in 2–3 days, with <0.1% unchanged, 73–88% as the 4‐0‐sulfate, and 15–22% as the 0‐glucuronide. Monotertiarybutylhydroquinone residues in most tissues of long term animals were below lower detection limits or negligible. Monotertiarybutylhydroquinone did not induce liver microsomal mixed function oxidases in short and long term rat and dog feedings. The feeding studies and comparative biochemical studies showed monotertiarybutylhydroquinone to be safe for its intended use.
The invariant subalgebra and anti-invariant submodule of K*K(p)
Authors: Johnson Keith
Published: May 2008

Bases are constructed for the homogeneous components of the invariant subalgebra and anti-invariant submodule of the algebra K*K(p) of cooperations for p-local complex K-theory.
Modernity and Jewish Orthodoxy: Nietzsche and Soloveitchik on Life-Affirmation, Asceticism, and Repentance
Authors: Rynhold Daniel , Harris Michael J.
Published: May 2008

Much ink has been spilt over the question of “Nietzsche and the Jews” ever since the distortion of Nietzsche's manuscripts by his sister, Elizabeth Förster-Nietzsche, forged the links with Nazism that would be further developed by the likes of Alfred Bäumler into a “carefully orchestrated cult.” Though it is a portrait long dismissed in the academic world, a combination of Nazi propaganda and some subsequent scholarship has ensured that the picture of Nietzsche as a virulent anti-Semite who provided Nazism with its conceptual underpinnings lingers in the popular mind. Most scholars, however, now accept at worst a more ambivalent picture. Others go beyond ambivalence, with Weaver Santaniello turning the accusation of anti-Semitism on its head by arguing that Nietzsche's contempt for anti-Semitism was one of the driving forces behind his critique of liberal Christianity, which in its use of “conservative theological concepts . . . perpetuate[s] anti-Semitism.” Even Crane Brinton, arguably one of those scholars most responsible for perpetuating the misrepresentation of Nietzsche as an anti-Semite, insisted that he had never maintained “that Nietzsche was a ‘proto-Nazi’.” But whilst Nietzsche is almost universally exonerated from the charge of personal anti-Semitism, Brinton's claim that “occasionally [Nietzsche] comes very close indeed to the Nazi program,” though based on poor use of Nietzsche's writings and rightly dismissed by Walter Kaufmann, continues to find echoes even amongst more careful Nietzsche scholars, who claim that he “did have some responsibility for Nazi crimes.”
Characterization of homofermentative lactobacilli isolated from kefir grains: potential use as probiotic
Authors: Golowczyc Marina A , Gugliada Maria J , Hollmann Axel , Delfederico Lucrecia , Garrote Graciela L , Abraham Analía G , Semorile Liliana , De Antoni Graciela
Published: May 2008

Considering that several health promoting properties are associated with kefir consumption and a reliable probiotic product requires a complete identification of the bacterial species, the present work evaluates several proved markers of probiotic potential of eleven isolates of homofermentative lactobacilli isolated from kefir grains and molecular identification and genotypic diversity. Using restriction analysis of amplified ribosomal DNA (ARDRA) and analysis of the 16S–23S rRNA internal spacer region we confirmed that all homofermentative lactobacilli belong to the speciesLactobacillus plantarum. RAPD-PCR analysis allowed the discrimination of lactobacilli in five clusters. All isolates exhibited high resistance to bile salt. High survival after one hour of exposure to pH 2·5 was observed inLb. plantarumCIDCA 8313, 83210, 8327 and 8338. All isolates were hydrophilic and non autoaggregative. Isolate CIDCA 8337 showed the highest percentage of adhesion among strains. All tested lactobacilli had strong inhibitory power againstSalmonella typhimuriumandEscherichia coli. Seven out of eleven isolates showed inhibition againstSal. entericaand five isolates were effective againstSal. gallinarum. Only CIDCA 8323 and CIDCA 8327 were able to inhibitSal. sonnei. We did not find any correlation between the five clusters based on RAPD-PCR and the probiotic properties, suggesting that these isolates have unique characteristics.
Oral administration of dahi containing probioticLactobacillus acidophilusandLactobacillus caseidelayed the progression of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats
Authors: Yadav Hariom , Jain Shalini , Sinha Pushpalata Ravindra
Published: May 2008

In this study, the effect of dahi containing probioticLactobacillus acidophilusNCDC14 andLactobacillus caseiNCDC19 (∼73×108 cfu/g) on progression of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats (15 g/day/rat) for 28 days was investigated. Feeding of probiotic dahi significantly suppressed the incremental peaks and area under the curve and delayed reduction of insulin secretion during oral glucose tolerance test more than skim milk or control dahi. The feeding of milk products reduced the total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels (P<0·05). Moreover, probiotic dahi significantly suppressed STZ-induced oxidative damage in pancreatic tissues by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation and formation of nitric oxide, and preserving antioxidant pool such as glutathione content and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The results suggest that the supplementation of probioticLb. acidophilusandLb. caseiwith dahi cultures increased the efficacy of dahi to suppress STZ-induced diabetes in rats by inhibiting depletion of insulin as well as preserving diabetic dyslipidemia, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and nitrite formation. This may empower antioxidant system of β-cells and may slow down the reduction of insulin and elevation of blood glucose levels.
Regional accretion of gelatinase B in mammary gland during gradual and acute involution of dairy animals
Authors: Weng Ming H , Yu Ting C , Chen Shuen E , Peh Ho C , Liu Wen B , Chen Ming T , Nagahata Hajemi , Chang Chai J
Published: May 2008

The level of gelatinases in surrounding body fluids of actively remodelling tissue is indicative of basement membrane and extracellular matrix degradation under various physiological and pathological circumstances. To elucidate the association of gelatinase with mammary tissue remodelling during gradual or acute involution, in the first trial, goats milked twice daily (lactation) and goats receiving decreased milking frequency (involution) served to provide a total of 12 milk samples and 11 mammary secretion samples, respectively. In the second trial, 6 cows served to provide samples of dry secretion in 3 consecutive weeks immediately following milk stasis. Gelatin zymography was applied for gelatinase phenotyping and quantification on milk, plasma and the degranulation medium/lysate of milk somatic cells. Results indicated that the most prevalent gelatinase subtype switched from gelatinase A in milk to gelatinase B in involution secretion. Mammary secretion of goats during involution contained marginally higher protein level, significantly lower casein ratio and greater specific capacity of gelatinase B compared with those of milk during lactation. Specific capacities of gelatinases A and B in plasma of goats were similar during lactation and involution, while gelatinase B capacity in degranulation medium/lysates based on unit number of goat somatic cell was significantly higher during involution than during lactation. Milk stasis of cows induced a significant increase in specific capacity of gelatinase B, but not gelatinase A, of dry secretion up to the third week. Results of both trials agree that regional selective accretion of gelatinase B in milk might have played a role in mammary tissue remodelling during involution induced by either decreasing milking frequency or milk stasis. It is suggested that infiltrated polymorphonuclear neutrophils are one of the potential contributors responsible for the accumulation of gelatinase B during involution.
Detection and identification ofLactobacillus helveticusbacteriophages by PCR
Authors: Zago Miriam , Rossetti Lia , Reinheimer Jorge , Carminati Domenico , Giraffa Giorgio
Published: May 2008

A PCR protocol for detection ofLactobacillus helveticusbacteriophages was optimized. PCR was designed taking into account the sequence of thelysgene of temperate bacteriophage Φ-0303 and optimized to obtain a fragment of 222 bp using differentLb. helveticusphages from our collection. PCR was applied to total phage DNA extracted from 53 natural whey starters used for the production of Grana cheese and all gave the expected fragment. The presence of actively growing phages in the cultures was verified by traditional tests. Several PCR products of thelysgene were sequenced and aligned. The resulting sequences showed variable heterogeneity between the phages.
Dairy maturation of milk used in the manufacture of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: effects on physico-chemical characteristics, rennet-coagulation aptitude and rheological properties
Authors: Malacarne Massimo , Summer Andrea , Formaggioni Paolo , Franceschi Piero , Sandri Sandro , Pecorari Mauro , Vecchia Paola , Mariani Primo
Published: May 2008

The aim of this research was to study the effects of dairy maturation on the physico-chemical characteristics and technological properties of milk used for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese manufacture. Three different operating conditions (CF1, CF2 and CF3) were considered. Full cream milk from the evening milking was stored on the farm and delivered to the cheese factory in churns (CF1) or in thermoregulated tanks at a temperature not lower than 18°C (CF2 and CF3). The natural creaming (10–12 h overnight) was performed in a traditional large flat vat containing 10–12 hl (CF1 and CF2) or in thermoregulated large flat vats containing 60 hl at about 15°C (CF3). Twenty-four, 24 and 22 maturation trials were performed in CF1, CF2, and CF3, respectively, during 2 consecutive years. A significant increase (P⩽0·05) in pH during the maturation of milk was observed in CF1 and CF2. The increase of pH was higher (P⩽0·05) in CF1 than CF2 and CF3. The values of titratable acidity were higher (P⩽0·05) in partially skimmed evening (PS) milk than in full cream (FC) milk in each operative condition. The increase observed in CF2 was higher than those reported in CF1 and CF3. Compared with FC milk, PS milk showed lower values (P⩽0·05) of casein and casein number and higher contents (P⩽0·05) of whey proteins and, particularly, proteose-peptone. The increase of proteose-peptone – per 100 g SNF or 100 g casein – was significantly higher (P⩽0·05) in CF1 than in CF2 and, in particular, than in CF3. A higher increase (P⩽0·05) of resistance to compression was observed in CF1 with respect to CF3. CF2 variation was not different with respect to either CF1 or CF3. Variation of the difference between PS and FC milks (PS-FC) in pH, TBC and fat were clearly lower in CF3 than CF1. This means that the control of milk temperature throughout the whole maturation phase offers a greater control of both microbial development and extent of creaming.
Characteristics of reduced fat Cheddar cheese made from ultrafiltered milk with an exopolysaccharide-producing culture
Authors: Agrawal Panna , Hassan Ashraf N
Published: May 2008

In a previous study, ultrafiltration (UF) at 1·2×reduced residual chymosin activity and bitterness in exopolysaccharide (EPS)-positive reduced fat Cheddar cheese. The objective of this research was to study the effect of this level of concentration on the textural and functional characteristics of the reduced fat cheese. Ultrafiltration (1·2×) did not affect the hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and gumminess of EPS-positive cheese. The 6-month old UF cheeses were springier than non-UF cheeses. However, the springiness of the EPS-positive cheese made from UF milk was much lower than that of the EPS-negative cheeses. Texture of the EPS-negative cheese was more affected by UF than that of the EPS-positive cheese. Differences were seen in the extent of flow between UF and non-UF cheeses at 1 and 3-months but not after 6 months ripening. Ultrafiltration increased the elastic modulus in the 6-month old EPS-positive cheeses. Higher body and texture scores were given to EPS-positive cheeses than the EPS-negative ones. Sensory panelists found the body of the UF and non-UF cheeses to be similar.
Parasite interactions in natural populations: insights from longitudinal data
Authors: TELFER S. , BIRTLES R. , BENNETT M. , LAMBIN X. , PATERSON S. , BEGON M.
Published: May 2008

The physiological and immunological state of an animal can be influenced by current infections and infection history. Consequently, both ongoing and previous infections can affect host susceptibility to another parasite, the biology of the subsequent infection (e.g. infection length) and the impact of infection on host morbidity (pathology). In natural populations, most animals will be infected by a succession of different parasites throughout the course of their lives, with probably frequent concomitant infections. The relative timing of different infections experienced by a host (i.e. the sequence of infection events), and the effects on factors such as host susceptibility and host survival, can only be derived from longitudinal data on individual hosts. Here we review some of the evidence for the impact of co-infection on host susceptibility, infection biology and pathology focusing on insights obtained from both longitudinal studies in humans and experiments that explicitly consider the sequence of infection. We then consider the challenges posed by longitudinal infection data collected from natural populations of animals. We illustrate their usefulness using our data of microparasite infections associated with field vole (Microtus agrestis) populations to examine impacts on susceptibility and infection length. Our primary aim is to describe an analytical approach that can be used on such data to identify interactions among the parasites. The preliminary analyses presented here indicate both synergistic and antagonistic interactions between microparasites within this community and emphasise that such interactions could have significant impacts on host-parasite fitness and dynamics.
Immune responses during helminth-malaria co-infection: a pilot study in Ghanaian school children
Authors: HARTGERS FRANCA C. , OBENG BENEDICTA B. , BOAKYE DANIEL , YAZDANBAKHSH MARIA
Published: May 2008

Malaria and helminth infections have a shared geographical distribution and therefore co-infections are frequent in tropical areas of the world. Human populations of helminth and malaria co-infection have shown contradictory results for the course of malarial infection and disease, possibly depending on the type of helminth studied, the intensity of helminth infection and the age of the study population. Although immunological studies might clarify the underlying mechanisms of protection or increased susceptibility, there are very few studies that have looked at immunological parameters in helminth and malaria co-infection. After discussing the available immunological data on co-infection, we describe a pilot study performed in Ghanaian school children where we compare anti-malarial responses in children living in an urban area, where the prevalence of helminth andPlasmodium falciparuminfections was low, with that of children living in a rural area with high prevalence of helminth andPlasmodium falciparuminfections.
Frequency ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in sheep from a tropical zone of Mexico and temporal analysis of the humoral response changes
Authors: CABALLERO-ORTEGA H. , QUIROZ-ROMERO H. , OLAZARÁN-JENKINS S. , CORREA D.
Published: May 2008

An indirect ELISA and an immunoblot were standardized to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in sheep, and were compared with a commercial ELISA as reference. Sensitivity was 92·0 and 96·0%, and specificity 88·0 and 75·0%, respectively. Then the serum samples of 103 sheep on a ranch located in the Eastern region of Mexico were analysed. A frequency ranging from 77 to 84% was observed, with a heterogeneous pattern among the animals by immunoblotting. Ten months later 56 sheep were sampled and tested again. Six animals became negative while 1 case was negative the first time and strongly positive 10 months later. Considering this to be a new case we calculated an incidence rate of 2·1% (CI95%0·6–4·8%). IgG avidity ELISA was performed on 36 positive samples, 33 being of high-avidity at both times; slight increases in 2 samples and conservation of low-avidity in 1 sheep were also observed. Higher prevalence rates of toxoplasmosis in a moist warm compared to a cold atmosphere was attributed to the long viability ofT. gondiioocysts. This may explain the high frequency ofT. gondiiin this region, which apparently has favourable climatic conditions for the transmission of this protozoan, besides the presence of both domestic and wild cats.
Haemophilus influenzae colonization and its risk factors in children aged <2 years in northern India
Authors: SEKHAR S. , CHAKRABORTI A. , KUMAR R.
Published: May 2008

The disease burden and the age group of children most affected by Haemophilus influenzae remain controversial particularly in many countries of South Asia. Nasopharyngeal carriage of H. influenzae can indicate the transmission dynamics in these settings. In a prospective population-based study, nasopharyngeal swabs from 1000 children aged <2 years, belonging to various socioeconomic groups from rural and urban areas of northern India were taken. The prevalence of H. influenzae carriage was found to be 11·2%. Among these isolates, 69% belonged to type b and the rest were non-typable. The age group most affected was 18–21 months. The carriage rate was influenced by age and socioeconomic factors namely type of housing, overcrowding, and season. Hib carriage is quite common in northern India and it is associated with age, type of housing, overcrowding, and season. Since carriage gets established early, Hib vaccination should target children in early infancy.
Enteric outbreaks in long-term care facilities and recommendations for prevention: a review
Authors: GREIG J. D. , LEE M. B.
Published: May 2008

Outbreaks of enteric illness in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) were reviewed to identify preventative recommendations. Systematic review methodology identified outbreak reports of gastrointestinal illness in LTCFs either published or that occurred from January 1997 to June 2007. The inclusion criteria captured 75 outbreaks; 23 (31%) associated with bacterial agents and 52 (69%) with viral agents. Transmission was mainly foodborne (52%) for those of bacterial origin and person-to-person (71%) for viral outbreaks. Norovirus infection was associated with 58% of hospitalizations. Sixty deaths were reported, about half from Salmonella infections. Recommendations for foodborne outbreaks emphasized appropriate sourcing and preparation of eggs, staff training, and temperature control during food preparation. Recommendations from outbreaks transmitted person-to-person centred on controlling residents' movements, effective environmental cleaning and disinfection, cancelling social events and restricting visitors, excluding ill staff, encouraging effective hand hygiene, and preventing cross-contamination through gloving and gowning. In none of the 75 published outbreak reports were the suggested recommendations evaluated for effectiveness in controlling the outbreak. Applied research of this type could greatly help in the acceptance of prevention and control strategies.
METALLURGY, MAYAPAN, AND THE POSTCLASSIC MESOAMERICAN WORLD SYSTEM
Authors: Paris Elizabeth H.
Published: May 2008

Residents of Mayapan produced and consumed metal artifacts through long-distance commercial exchange networks in the Postclassic Mesoamerican world system. In this paper, I perform a stylistic and typological analysis of metal artifacts and debris from lost-wax casting from recent excavations at Mayapan, with reference to previously excavated collections by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC. The distribution of metal artifacts suggests that metal objects were not sumptuary goods restricted to elites, but luxury goods availble to those who could afford them. I then compare Mayapan with other sites in the Postclassic Mesoamerican world system that were involved in the interregional distribution of metal artifacts. Although Mayapan did not have local sources of native metal or a longstanding traditions of metalworking, it was able to use its economic influence in the world system to obtain and create metal objects specific to its needs.
Morphological diversity in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) germplasm accessions
Authors: Kumar Gunjeet , Meena B. L. , Kar Ranjan , Tiwari Shailesh K. , Gangopadhyay K. K. , Bisht I. S. , Mahajan R. K.
Published: May 2008

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important solanaceous vegetable in many countries of Asia and Africa. It is a good source of minerals and vitamins in the tropical diets. Assessment of genetic resources is the starting point of any crop improvement programme. In India, the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources is the nodal institute for management of germplasm resources of crop plants and holds more than 2500 accessions of brinjal in its genebank. In the present study, morphological diversity in a set of 622 accessions, comprising 543 accessions from indigenous sources and 79 accessions of exotic origin, was assessed. Wide range of variations for 31 descriptors, 13 quantitative and 18 qualitative, were recorded. The wide regional variations for plant, flower and fruit descriptors revealed enough scope for improvement of yield characters by selection. The genetic differences among the landraces are potentially relevant to breeding programmes in that the variability created through hybridization of the contrasting forms could be exploited.
Search for extrasolar planets with high-precision relative astrometry
by ground-based and single-aperture observations
Authors: Roell Tristan , Seifahrt Andreas , Neuhäuser Ralph
Published: May 2008

We present our search program for substellar companions using high-precision
relative astronomy. Due to its orbital motion around the star, an unseen
substellar companion would produce a periodic “wobble” of
the host star, which is the astrometric signal of the unseen companion. By
measuring the separation between the components of stellar double and triple
systems, we want to measure this astrometric signal of a possible unseen
companion indirectly as a relative and periodic change of these separations.
Using a new observation mode (the “cube-mode”) where the
frames were directly saved in cubes with nearly no loss of time during the
readout, an adaptive optics system to correct for atmospheric noise and an
infrared narrow band filter in the near infrared to suppress differential
chromatic refraction (DCR) effects we achieve for our first target (the double
star HD 19994) a relative precision for the separation measurements of about
100. . . 150μas per epoch. To reach a precision in the μas-regime, we use a statistical approach. We take
several thousand frames per target and epoche and after a verification of a
Gaussian distribution the measurement precision can be calculated as the
standard deviation of our measurements divided by the square root of the number
of Gaussian distributed measurements. Our first observed target is the stellar
binary HD 19994 A & B, where the A component has a known radial
velocity planet candidate.
Closure phase studies toward direct detection of light from hot Jupiters
Authors: Zhao Ming , Monnier John D. , ten Brummelaar Theo , Pedretti Ettore , Thureau Nathalie
Published: May 2008

Precision closure phase measurements obtained with ground-based long baseline optical interferometers is a promising way to directly detect light from nearby hot Jupiters. Here we present our closure phase simulations for the CHARA array for several bright hot Jupiters, υ And b, 51 Peg b, and τ Boo b. The maximum possible closure phase signals from these hot Jupiters are very small, for example, only ∼0.17 degrees for υ And b, requiring very high precision and stable closure phase measurements. We present preliminary results of a closure phase study on test object β Tau and hot Jupiter system υ And, both obtained with the MIRC instrument at the CHARA array. We demonstrate that directly detecting the light from hot Jupiters is feasible using high precision closure phase measurements obtained by CHARA-MIRC along with its sub-milli-arcsecond resolution, although challenges remain.
Photometric observation of the transiting exoplanet WASP-1b
Authors: Wang Xiao-bin , Cameron Andrew Collier , Gu Sheng-hong , Zhang Li-yun
Published: May 2008

The extra-solar planet WASP-1b, discovered by SuperWASP consortium in 2006, was observed through R filter using the 1-meter telescope with CCD camera at Yunnan Observatory on November 11, 2006. The systematic errors in photometric data were reduced by means of Tamuz et al. (2005) and Collier Cameron et al. (2006)'s algorithms. In order to estimate the parameters of the system, the MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) analysis is applied to fit the observed light curve. The following parameters of the system are derived: Rp=1.44RJ, Mp=0.88MJ, R*=1.52R⊙, a=0.0396AU. The new parameters of the planet imply its low density, which agrees to the previous results.
Observational window functions in planet transit searches
Authors: von Braun Kaspar , Ciardi David R.
Published: May 2008

Window functions describe, as a function of orbital period, the probability that an existing planetary transit is detectable in one's data for a given observing strategy. We show the dependence of this probability upon several strategy and astrophysical parameters, such as length of observing run, observing cadence, length of night, and transit duration. The ability to detect a transit is directly related to the intrinsic noise of the observations. In our simulations of the window function, we explicitly address non-correlated (white) noise and correlated (red) noise and discuss how these two different noise components affect window functions in different manners.
Cadence optimisation and exoplanetary parameter sensitivity
Authors: Kane Stephen R. , Ford Eric B. , Ge Jian
Published: May 2008

To achieve maximum planet yield for a given radial velocity survey, the observing strategy must be carefully considered. In particular, the adopted cadence can greatly affect the sensitivity to exoplanetary parameters such as period and eccentricity. Here we describe simulations which aim to maximise detections based upon the target parameter space of the survey.
The astrometric data reduction software (ADRS) and error budget for PRIMA
Authors: Elias N. M. , Tubbs R. N. , Köhler R. , Reffert S. , Stilz I. , Launhardt R. , de Jong J. , Quirrenbach A. , Delplancke F. , Henning Th. , Queloz D. ,   ESPRI Consortium
Published: May 2008

The Astrometric Data-Reduction Software (ADRS) processes fringe, delay, environmental, and calibration data for PRIMA narrow-angle astrometry. It is automated software designed to provide fully-calibrated differential delays and separation angles. The ADRS is divided into on-line and off-line processing. The former deals with calibration and data compression, while the latter applies corrections and calculates science quantities. PRIMA is the first VLTI instrument that may require removal of long-term environmental trends. The trend identification and fitting routines are not part of the distributed on-line and off-line processing software. Instead, files containing fit parameters will be updated regularly. Coding is presently underway. The PRIMA error budget summarizes the principal sources of error in PRIMA astrometric observations.
Unveiling exoplanet families
Authors: Marchi Simone , Ortolani Sergio
Published: May 2008

The discovery of an increasing number of extrasolar planets (EPs) prompts the development of a planetary taxonomy. Such analysis, as in many other fields of research, is useful to identify groups of objects sharing similar traits. When applied to extrasolar planets, the taxonomy may provide a valid support for disentangling the role of the several physical parameters (semimajor axis, metallicity etc.) involved in the planetary formation processes and subsequent evolution. We present the state-of-the-art for exoplanets taxonomy obtained with hierarchical algorithms and the definition of robust clusters of planets (this is an update of the taxonomy published in Marchi 2007). The physical relevance of the exoplanet clusters along with their implications for the formation theories are also discussed. Finally, we comment on the future improvements of such analysis taking into account new algorithms and new input variables.
Thermal evolution and magnetism of terrestrial planets.
Authors: Tachinami Chihiro , Senshu Hiroki , Ida Shigeru
Published: May 2008

We evaluate a numerical model on the thermal evolution of terrestrial planets to estimate life-time of planetary intrinsic magnetic field for various mass planets. In this model, we take into account the pressure-dependency of density profile of the planet by using Birch-Murnaghun equation of state, and simulate thermal evolution of the planet by means of mixing length theory. According to our numerical results, the planetary mass must be between 0.1 and 1.4 Earth mass to sustain the intrinsic magnetic field for 4.5Gyr. If existence of intrinsic magnetic field were a key factor to make the planet habitable, the mass range above indicates that super-Earths would not be habitable.
Terrestrial planet formation in extra-solar planetary systems
Authors: Raymond Sean N.
Published: May 2008

Terrestrial planets form in a series of dynamical steps from the solid component of circumstellar disks. First, km-sized planetesimals form likely via a combination of sticky collisions, turbulent concentration of solids, and gravitational collapse from micron-sized dust grains in the thin disk midplane. Second, planetesimals coalesce to form Moon- to Mars-sized protoplanets, also called “planetary embryos”. Finally, full-sized terrestrial planets accrete from protoplanets and planetesimals. This final stage of accretion lasts about 10-100 Myr and is strongly affected by gravitational perturbations from any gas giant planets, which are constrained to form more quickly, during the 1-10 Myr lifetime of the gaseous component of the disk. It is during this final stage that the bulk compositions and volatile (e.g., water) contents of terrestrial planets are set, depending on their feeding zones and the amount of radial mixing that occurs. The main factors that influence terrestrial planet formation are the mass and surface density profile of the disk, and the perturbations from giant planets and binary companions if they exist. Simple accretion models predicts that low-mass stars should form small, dry planets in their habitable zones. The migration of a giant planet through a disk of rocky bodies does not completely impede terrestrial planet growth. Rather, “hot Jupiter” systems are likely to also contain exterior, very water-rich Earth-like planets, and also “hot Earths”, very close-in rocky planets. Roughly one third of the known systems of extra-solar (giant) planets could allow a terrestrial planet to form in the habitable zone.
Observational tests of planet formation models
Authors: Sozzetti A. , Latham D. W. , Torres G. , Carney B. W. , Laird J. B. , Stefanik R. P. , Boss A. P. , Charbonneau D. , ODonovan F. T. , Holman M. J. , Winn J. N.
Published: May 2008

We summarize the results of two experiments to address important issues related to the correlation between planet frequencies and properties and the metallicity of the hosts. Our results can usefully inform formation, structural, and evolutionary models of gas giant planets.