bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray intravital microscopy for functional imaging in rat hearts using synchrotron radiation coronary microangiography
Authors: Umetani K. , Fukushima K.
Published: March 2013

An X-ray intravital microscopy technique was developed to enable in vivo visualization of the coronary, cerebral, and pulmonary arteries in rats without exposure of organs and with spatial resolution in the micrometer range and temporal resolution in the millisecond range. We have refined the system continually in terms of the spatial resolution and exposure time. X-rays transmitted through an object are detected by an X-ray direct-conversion type detector, which incorporates an X-ray SATICON pickup tube. The spatial resolution has been improved to 6 μm, yielding sharp images of small arteries. The exposure time has been shortened to around 2 ms using a new rotating-disk X-ray shutter, enabling imaging of beating rat hearts. Quantitative evaluations of the X-ray intravital microscopy technique were extracted from measurements of the smallest-detectable vessel size and detection of the vessel function. The smallest-diameter vessel viewed for measurements is determined primarily by the concentration of iodinated contrast material. The iodine concentration depends on the injection technique. We used ex vivo rat hearts under Langendorff perfusion for accurate evaluation. After the contrast agent is injected into the origin of the aorta in an isolated perfused rat heart, the contrast agent is delivered directly into the coronary arteries with minimum dilution. The vascular internal diameter response of coronary arterial circulation is analyzed to evaluate the vessel function. Small blood vessels of more than about 50 μm diameters were visualized clearly at heart rates of around 300 beats/min. Vasodilation compared to the control was observed quantitatively using drug manipulation. Furthermore, the apparent increase in the number of small vessels with diameters of less than about 50 μm was observed after the vasoactive agents increased the diameters of invisible small blood vessels to visible sizes. This technique is expected to offer the potential for direct investigation of mechanisms of vascular dysfunctions.
Model of magnetic reconnection in space and astrophysical plasmas
Authors: Boozer Allen H.
Published: March 2013

Maxwell's equations imply that exponentially smaller non-ideal effects than commonly assumed can give rapid magnetic reconnection in space and astrophysical plasmas. In an ideal evolution, magnetic field lines act as stretchable strings, which can become ever more entangled but cannot be cut. High entanglement makes the lines exponentially sensitive to small non-ideal changes in the magnetic field. The cause is well known in popular culture as the butterfly effect and in the theory of deterministic dynamical systems as a sensitive dependence on initial conditions, but the importance to magnetic reconnection is not generally recognized. Two-coordinate models are too constrained geometrically for the required entanglement, but otherwise the effect is general and can be studied in simple models. A simple model is introduced, which is periodic in the x and y Cartesian coordinates and bounded by perfectly conducting planes in z. Starting from a constant magnetic field in the z direction, reconnection is driven by a spatially smooth, bounded force. The model is complete and could be used to study the impulsive transfer of energy between the magnetic field and the ions and electrons using a kinetic plasma model.
Simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and heat capacity of bulk and thin film materials using frequency-dependent transient thermoreflectance method
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhu Jie , Tian Miao , Gu Xiaokun , Schmidt Aaron , Yang Ronggui
Published: March 2013

The increasing interest in the extraordinary thermal properties of nanostructures has led to the development of various measurement techniques. Transient thermoreflectance method has emerged as a reliable measurement technique for thermal conductivity of thin films. In this method, the determination of thermal conductivity usually relies much on the accuracy of heat capacity input. For new nanoscale materials with unknown or less-understood thermal properties, it is either questionable to assume bulk heat capacity for nanostructures or difficult to obtain the bulk form of those materials for a conventional heat capacity measurement. In this paper, we describe a technique for simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity κ and volumetric heat capacity C of both bulk and thin film materials using frequency-dependent time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) signals. The heat transfer model is analyzed first to find how different combinations of κ and C determine the frequency-dependent TDTR signals. Simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity is then demonstrated with bulk Si and thin film SiO2 samples using frequency-dependent TDTR measurement. This method is further testified by measuring both thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of novel hybrid organic-inorganic thin films fabricated using the atomic/molecular layer deposition. Simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and heat capacity can significantly shorten the development/discovery cycle of novel materials.
Rate limiting step for the switching kinetics in Cu doped Ge0.3Se0.7 based memory devices with symmetrical and asymmetrical electrodes
Authors: Soni R. , Meuffels P. , Petraru A. , Vavra O. , Kohlstedt H.
Published: March 2013

We report on the comparison of the resistance switching properties and kinetic behavior of Cu doped Ge0.3Se0.7 solid electrolyte based dual layer memory devices integrated with asymmetrical (Pt and Cu) and symmetrical electrodes (only Cu). In spite of the fact that the observed resistance switching properties and its parameters are quite similar for both memory devices, the dependence of the SET-voltage on the voltage sweep rate suggests different microscopic rate limiting factors for the resistance switching behavior. Additionally, in order to alleviate the cross talk problem in passive crossbar arrays, a dual layer oxide stack (TiO2/Al2O3) is integrated with Ge0.3Se0.7 based dual layer memory devices to achieve a specific degree of non-linearity in the overall resistance of the low resistance state.
Hydrogen plasma treatments for passivation of amorphous-crystalline silicon-heterojunctions on surfaces promoting epitaxy
Authors: Mews Mathias , Schulze Tim F. , Mingirulli Nicola , Korte Lars
Published: March 2013

The impact of post-deposition hydrogen plasma treatment (HPT) on passivation in amorphous/crystalline silicon (a-Si:H/c-Si) interfaces is investigated. Combining low temperature a-Si:H deposition and successive HPT, a high minority carrier lifetime >8 ms is achieved on c-Si 〈100〉, which is otherwise prone to epitaxial growth and thus inferior passivation. It is shown that the passivation improvement stems from diffusion of hydrogen atoms to the heterointerface and subsequent dangling bond passivation. Concomitantly, the a-Si:H hydrogen density increases, leading to band gap widening and void formation, while the film disorder is not increased. Thus, HPT allows for a-Si:H band gap and a-Si:H/c-Si band offset engineering.
Optimization with genetic algorithm of a PV/T air collector with natural air flow and a case study
Authors: Shahsavar A. , Talebizadeh P. , Tabaei H.
Published: March 2013

Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems refer to the integration of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies into one single system. In a PV/T system, both useful heat energy and electricity are produced. This paper presents the results of performance optimization of a PV/T system with natural air flow operation. A theoretical model is developed and validated against experimental data and there has been good agreement between the predicted results and measured data were achieved. The validated model was then used to study the effect of the channel length, channel depth, and channel width on thermal and electrical efficiencies, PV cooling, and the outlet air temperature. Additionally, fast and elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) method was applied to find the optimum values of geometric characteristics of the studied PV/T system to achieve higher thermal and electrical efficiencies.
Determination of the optimum temperatures and mass ratios of steam injected into turbocharged internal combustion engines
Authors: Gonca Guven , Sahin Bahri , Ust Yasin , Parlak Adnan
Published: March 2013

Water injection method into the internal combustion engines is commonly used to improve performance and emissions. However, condensed water causes to deteriorate the lubrication oil, in-cylinder corrosion is carried out and also wear rate of moving parts of engine increases. In order to prevent this bad effect of condensed water, steam injection is proposed. Electronically controlled steam injected method has been used for naturally aspirated engines and successful results have been obtained in terms of performance and NOx emissions. However, supercharged engine systems are used in practical life. In this study, steam injection method is developed for turbocharged systems. The optimum temperatures and mass ratios are determined based on thermo dynamical analyses.
Development of vertical SU-8 microtubes integrated with dissolvable tips for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Xiang Zhuolin , Wang Hao , Pant Aakanksha , Pastorin Giorgia , Lee Chengkuo
Published: March 2013

Polymer-based microneedles have drawn much attention in the transdermal drug delivery resulting from their flexibility and biocompatibility. Traditional fabrication approach deploys various kinds of molds to create sharp tips at the end of needles for the penetration purpose. This approach is usually time-consuming and expensive. In this study, we developed an innovative fabrication process to make biocompatible SU-8 microtubes integrated with biodissolvable maltose tips as novel microneedles for the transdermal drug delivery applications. These microneedles can easily penetrate the skin's outer barrier represented by the stratum corneum (SC) layer. The drug delivery device of mironeedles array with 1000 μm spacing between adjacent microneedles is proven to be able to penetrate porcine cadaver skins successfully. The maximum loading force on the individual microneedle can be as large as 7.36 ± 0.48N. After 9 min of the penetration, all the maltose tips are dissolved in the tissue. Drugs can be further delivered via these open biocompatible SU-8 microtubes in a continuous flow manner. The permeation patterns caused by the solution containing Rhodamine 110 at different depths from skin surface were characterized via a confocal microscope. It shows successful implementation of the microneedle function for fabricated devices.
High-Q polymer resonators with spatially controlled photo-functionalization for biosensing applications
Authors: Beck Torsten , Mai Martin , Grossmann Tobias , Wienhold Tobias , Hauser Mario , Mappes Timo , Kalt Heinz
Published: March 2013

We demonstrate the applicability of polymeric whispering gallery mode resonators fabricated on silicon as biosensors. Optical measurements on the passive resonators in the visible spectral range yield Q-factors as high as 1.3×107. Local, covalent surface functionalization, is achieved by spatially controlled UV-exposure of a derivative of the photoreactive crosslinker benzophenone. Protein detection is shown using the specific binding of the biotin-streptavidin system.
Native spider silk as a biological optical fiber
Authors: Huby N. , Vié V. , Renault A. , Beaufils S. , Lefèvre T. , Paquet-Mercier F. , Pézolet M. , Bêche B.
Published: March 2013

In this study, we demonstrate the use of eco-friendly native spider silk as an efficient optical fiber in air, highly bent fibers, and physiological liquid. We also integrated the silk filament in a photonic chip made of polymer microstructures fabricated by UV lithography. The molding process is non-destructive for silk and leads to an efficient micro-optical coupling between silk and synthetic optical structures. These optical performances combined with the unique biocompatibility, bioresorbability, flexibility, and tensile strength of silk filaments pave the way for new applications in biological media and for original biophotonic purposes.
Superelastic carbon spheres under high pressure
Authors: Li Meifen , Guo Junjie , Xu Bingshe
Published: March 2013

We report a superelastic deformation behavior of carbon spheres by the in situ Raman spectroscopy in a high-pressure diamond anvil cell. The carbon spheres produced by arc discharging in toluene have a mean diameter of 200 nm and an onion-like multilayer graphitic structure. We find that the elastic coefficients, during both the compression and decompression processes, remain a constant up to 10 GPa, indicating a superior high-pressure structural stability. Such superelastic behavior is related to the isotropic and concentric configuration of carbon spheres and provides additional insight into improving the microscopic mechanical properties of small-scale particles.
Synthesis and Electroluminescence of Thieno-[3,4-b]-pyrazine-cored Molecule with Fluorinated Shell
Authors: Liu Di , Li Qing , Wang Renjie
Published: March 2013

A thieno-[3,4-b]-pyrazine-based molecule, F-DTP, was designed and synthesized for application as a red emitter in non-doped organic light-emitting diodes. F-DTP was designed with thieno-[3,4-b]-pyrazine as the luminescent core and pentaphenylphenylene (i.e. polyphenyl) groups as side arms. The peripheral phenyls on the polyphenyl arms were replaced by pentafluorophenyl rings to lower the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level and thus enhance the electron-injecting feature of F-DTP. The photophysical, thermal, and electrochemical properties were investigated. F-DTP is characterized by a large Stokes shift of 113 nm. The bulky polyphenyl groups provide a site-isolating effect on the planar emissive core and thus effectively suppress unwanted intermolecular interactions. F-DTP was used as a non-doped emitter to fabricate an organic light-emitting diode by a vacuum evaporation technique. Red electroluminescence was obtained with a brightness of 1282 cd m–2 and a luminance efficiency of 0.7 cd A–1.
PD-1 promotes immune exhaustion by inducing antiviral T cell motility paralysis
Authors: Zinselmeyer Bernd H. , Heydari Sara , Sacristán Catarina , Nayak Debasis , Cammer Michael , Herz Jasmin , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Davis Simon J. , Dustin Michael L. , McGavern Dorian B.
Published: March 2013

Immune responses to persistent viral infections and cancer often fail because of intense regulation of antigen-specific T cells—a process referred to as immune exhaustion. The mechanisms that underlie the induction of exhaustion are not completely understood. To gain novel insights into this process, we simultaneously examined the dynamics of virus-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the living spleen by two-photon microscopy (TPM) during the establishment of an acute or persistent viral infection. We demonstrate that immune exhaustion during viral persistence maps anatomically to the splenic marginal zone/red pulp and is defined by prolonged motility paralysis of virus-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Unexpectedly, therapeutic blockade of PD-1–PD-L1 restored CD8+ T cell motility within 30 min, despite the presence of high viral loads. This result was supported by planar bilayer data showing that PD-L1 localizes to the central supramolecular activation cluster, decreases antiviral CD8+ T cell motility, and promotes stable immunological synapse formation. Restoration of T cell motility in vivo was followed by recovery of cell signaling and effector functions, which gave rise to a fatal disease mediated by IFN-γ. We conclude that motility paralysis is a manifestation of immune exhaustion induced by PD-1 that prevents antiviral CD8+ T cells from performing their effector functions and subjects them to prolonged states of negative immune regulation.
The thymic medulla is required for Foxp3+ regulatory but not conventional CD4+ thymocyte development
Authors: Cowan Jennifer E. , Parnell Sonia M. , Nakamura Kyoko , Caamano Jorge H. , Lane Peter J.L. , Jenkinson Eric J. , Jenkinson William E. , Anderson Graham
Published: March 2013

A key role of the thymic medulla is to negatively select autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes, a process important for T cell tolerance induction. However, the involvement of the thymic medulla in other aspects of αβ T cell development, including the generation of Foxp3+ natural regulatory T cells (nTreg cells) and the continued maturation of positively selected conventional αβ T cells, is unclear. We show that newly generated conventional CD69+Qa2− CD4 single-positive thymocytes mature to the late CD69−Qa2+ stage in the absence of RelB-dependent medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Furthermore, an increasing ability to continue maturation extrathymically is observed within the CD69+CCR7−/loCCR9+ subset of conventional SP4 thymocytes, providing evidence for an independence from medullary support by the earliest stages after positive selection. In contrast, Foxp3+ nTreg cell development is medullary dependent, with mTECs fostering the generation of Foxp3−CD25+ nTreg cell precursors at the CD69+CCR7+CCR9− stage. Our results demonstrate a differential requirement for the thymic medulla in relation to CD4 conventional and Foxp3+ thymocyte lineages, in which an intact mTEC compartment is a prerequisite for Foxp3+ nTreg cell development through the generation of Foxp3−CD25+ nTreg cell precursors.
Existence of polynomials on subspaces without extension
Authors: Fernández-Unzueta Maite
Published: March 2013

We prove the existence of a polynomial of degree

d
d

defined on a closed subspace that cannot be extended to the Banach space

E
E

(in particular, the existence of a nonextendible polynomial) in the following cases: (1)

d
≥
2

d\geq 2

and

E
E

does not have type

p
p

for some

1
>
p
>
2

1>p>2

; (2) the space

ℓ
k

\ell _k

,

k
∈

N

k\in \mathbb {N}

,

2
>
k
≤
d

2>k\leq d

, is finitely representable in

E
E

. In each of these cases we prove, equivalently, the existence of a closed subspace

F
⊂
E

F\subset E

such that the subspace

⊗
^

s
,
π

d

F

\hat {\otimes }^{d}_{s,\pi }{F}

is not closed in

⊗
^

s
,
π

d

E

\hat {\otimes }^{d}_{s,\pi }{E}

.
Magazine or journal—what is the difference? The role of the monitoring editor
Authors: Bretscher Anthony
Published: March 2013

Scientific communication, career advancement, and funding decisions are all dependent on research publications. The way manuscripts are handled by high-visibility, professionally edited magazines differs from the way academic journals evaluate manuscripts, using active scientists as monitoring editors. In this essay, I discuss the benefits that come with the involvement of active scientists. I enumerate the decisions a monitoring editor has to make, and how he or she goes about making them. Finally, I indicate ways in which authors can help to make the process a smoother and more positive experience.
What Influences Farm Size Growth? An Illustration in Southwestern France
Authors: Akimowicz Mikaël , Magrini Marie‐Benoît , Ridier Aude , Bergez Jacques‐Eric , Requier‐Desjardins Denis
Published: March 2013

Farm size in industrialized countries grew significantly over the second half of the twentieth century. Using several econometric models, this article examines factors that influence farm size, the probability of an increase in farm size, and the intensity of farm growth. We find that farm structural characteristics, farmer's age, the existence of a successor, and spatial factors approximating urban influences have a significant impact on farm size, whereas human capital variables do not. This study considers a representative sample of 5,000 professional farms in the Midi‐Pyrénées region between 2000 and 2007.
Christian Reunion, the Anglo-French Alliance and the English Catholic Imagination, 1660–72
Authors: Glickman Gabriel
Published: March 2013

The Anglo-French Treaty of Dover has acquired notoriety due to its secret ‘Catholic’ clauses: the promised conversion of Charles II and the declared goal of reconciliation between the churches of England and Rome. Hitherto, these terms have been examined either as a cynical diplomatic gambit by Charles II or the start of a push towards catholic absolutism by a Stuart court faction. This article aims alternatively to locate the treaty within the ideological traditions of the English Catholic community, concentrating on the circle of priests and scholars connected to Lord Treasurer Thomas Clifford, whose writings incubated the vision of a grand reunion of Christendom. It argues that the new alliance was envisaged as an opportunity not merely to change the English religious settlement but to promote reform within the catholic world, unravelling Tridentine standards of uniformity to accommodate the practices of national churches. The project was designed to respond to trends in international diplomacy, to engage points of intellectual attraction between England and France, and, above all, to raise awareness of shared principles that could unite Gallican Catholicism with the Church of England. Yet the conception of French religion presented by the architects of the treaty was drawn out of encounters with an irenic minority within the Paris convents and seminaries, unrepresentative of the attitudes of church and state. As the treaty became exposed to public scrutiny, the disjuncture between this image and the reality embodied by Louis XIV brought serious implications for those English Catholics who had invested so heavily in the reputation of the kingdom of France.
Impact of Bran Addition on Water Properties and Gluten Secondary Structure in Wheat Flour Doughs Studied by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bock Jayne E. , Connelly Robin K. , Damodaran Srinivasan
Published: March 2013

The aim of this work was to elucidate the underlying physical mechanism(s) by which bran influences whole grain dough properties by monitoring the state of water and gluten secondary structure in wheat flour and bran doughs containing 35–50% moisture and 0–10% added bran. The system was studied with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy. Comparison of the OH stretch band of water in flour dough with that in H2O‐D2O mixtures having the same water content revealed the formation of two distinct water populations in flour dough corresponding to IR absorption frequencies at 3,600 and 3,200 cm–1. The band intensity at 3,200 cm–1, which is related to water bound to the dough matrix, decreased and shifted to lower frequencies with increasing moisture content of the dough. Addition of bran to the dough caused redistribution of water in the flour and bran dough system, as evidenced by shifts in OH stretch frequency in the 3,200 cm–1 region to higher frequencies and a reduction in monomeric water (free water). This water redistribution affected the secondary structure of gluten in the dough, as evidenced by changes in the second‐derivative ATR‐FTIR difference spectra in the amide I region. Bran addition caused an increase in β‐sheet content and a decrease in β‐turn (β‐spiral) content. However, this bran‐induced transconformational change in gluten was more significant in the 2137 flour dough than in Overley flour dough. This study revealed that when bran is added to flour dough, water redistribution among dough components promotes partial dehydration of gluten and collapse of β‐spirals into β‐sheet structures. This transconformational change may be the physical basis for the poor quality of bread containing added bran.
Deep Sequencing of Recombinant Virus Populations in Transgenic and Nontransgenic Plants Infected withCucumber mosaic virus
Authors: Morroni Marco , Jacquemond Mireille , Tepfer Mark
Published: March 2013

Recombination is a major source of virus variability, and the question of whether novel recombinant viruses would emerge in transgenic plants expressing viral sequences has been a biosafety issue. We describe the results of pyrosequencing the recombinant viral RNAs appearing in transgenic plants expressing the coat protein (CP) gene and 3′ noncoding region of Cucumber mosaic virus RNA3, as well as in nontransgenic controls. The populations of recombinants in both transgenic and nontransgenic plants were similar to those previously described from Sanger sequencing but many more recombinant types were observed, including a novel class of large deletions removing all or nearly the entire CP gene. These results show that populations of recombinant viral genomes arising de novo can be characterized in detail by pyrosequencing, and confirm that the transgenic plants did not harbor novel recombinants of biosafety concern.
Presymptomatic Fibrous Root Decline in Citrus Trees Caused by Huanglongbing and Potential Interaction with Phytophthora spp.
Authors: Graham J. H. , Johnson E. G. , Gottwald T. R. , Irey M. S.
Published: March 2013

Huanglongbing (HLB), associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, was first detected in Florida in late 2005 and is now widely distributed throughout the commercial citrus-growing regions. In recent seasons, concurrent with freeze and drought episodes, symptomatic HLB-infected trees were much more affected by the extremes of temperature and moisture than trees without HLB. Symptoms exhibited by the stressed trees were excessive leaf loss and premature fruit drop even when HLB-infected trees were managed with good nutritional and irrigation practices recommended to support health of HLB-affected trees. This stress intolerance may be due to a loss of fibrous roots. To assess root status of HLB-infected trees on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo rootstock (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata), blocks of 2,307 3-year-old ‘Hamlin’ orange trees and 2,693 4-year-old ‘Valencia’ orange trees were surveyed visually and with a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to determine ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ infection status. The incidence of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-infected trees (presymptomatic: ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’+, visually negative; and symptomatic: ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’+, visually positive) trees was 89% for the Hamlin block and 88% for the Valencia block. ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’+ trees had 30 and 37% lower fibrous root mass density for presymptomatic and symptomatic trees, respectively, compared with ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’– trees. In a second survey, 10- to 25-year-old Valencia trees on Swingle citrumelo or ‘Carrizo’ citrange (C. sinensis (L.) × P. trifoliata) rootstock were sampled within 3 to 6 months after identification of visual HLB status as symptomatic (‘Ca. L. asiaticus’+, visually positive) or nonsymptomatic (‘Ca. L. asiaticus’-, visually negative) in orchards located in the central ridge, south-central, and southwest flatwoods. Pairs of HLB symptomatic and nonsymptomatic trees were evaluated for PCR status, fibrous root mass density, and Phytophthora nicotianae propagules in the rhizosphere soil. ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’+ trees had 27 to 40% lower fibrous root mass density and, in one location, higher P. nicotianae per root but Phytophthora populations per cubic centimeter of soil were high on both ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’+ and ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’– trees. Fibrous root loss from HLB damage interacted with P. nicotianae depending on orchard location and time of year.
Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot of Zucchini Squash in Almería, Spain
Authors: Gómez J. , Pérez A. , Serrano Y. , Aguilar M. I. , Gómez R.
Published: March 2013

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is intensively cropped in approximately 4,500 ha of plastic houses in southern Spain. In 2008 to 2009, Consul, Cronos, and Tosca zucchini plants showed symptoms of leaf wilting, basal stem necrosis, and plant death. Incidences of dead plants were 20 to 30% and these plants were distributed in clusters. Phytophthora capsici Leonian was isolated from the basal stems of symptomatic plants, using PDA and cornmeal agar amended with a pimaricin, ampicillin, and rifampicin. Five resultant isolates (PCl-211, PCl-221, PCl-611, PCl-612, and PCl-811) on lima beans agar (LBA) produced white mycelia with lemon-shaped and papillate sporangia borne on long pedicels, but no oospores or chlamydospores. These isolates had an identical ribosomal DNA ITS sequence, matching with that of P. capsici in GenBank. The sequences of two representative isolates, PCl-211 and PCl-811, were deposited in GenBank with accession nos. KC662328 and KC688317, respectively. The pathogenicity of these five isolates was tested on zucchini cv. Consul in 1-liter containers filled with vermiculite in May and September of 2009. Plants were inoculated at the 2 to 3 true-leaf stage. Plates with LBA fully covered with colony of each isolate were separately blended and homogenized with 300 ml of sterile distilled water. Inocula were poured around stem at 50 ml per plant. Each experiment had three replicates and four plants per replicate. Treatments with different isolates were arranged in a randomized complete block design. In both experiments, 12 uninoculated plants served as controls. Test plants were maintained for a month following inoculation in a greenhouse with mean temperatures ranging from 21.9 to 27.9°C and from 20.7 to 24.6°C for the May and September experiments, respectively. The first wilting occurred 5 days after inoculation. At the end of the May experiment, all control plants and those inoculated with PCl-221 remained asymptomatic while 83.3% of those inoculated with PCl-211 and 100% of those with the other isolates were dead. Inoculated plants exhibited crown and root rots, excluding the secondary roots. In the September experiment, 83.3% and 33.3% of plants inoculated with PCl-211 and PCl-221, respectively, were symptomatic, while all plants inoculated with the other isolates were dead. The control plants remained healthy. The pathogen was consistently recovered from symptomatic plants in both experiments. Although P. capsici was reported in peppers (Capsicum annuum) in several provinces of Spain (1), to our knowledge, this is the first report of P. capsici as the causal agent of crown rot in zucchini plants in plastic houses in the Almería Province of Spain, one of the world's largest concentrations of greenhouses.

Reference: (1) J. L. Andrés et al. Span J Agric Res 3:326, 2005.
Chaperone-like activity of the AAA+ proteins Rvb1 and Rvb2 in the assembly of various complexes
Authors: Nano Nardin , Houry Walid A.
Published: March 2013

Rvb1 and Rvb2 are highly conserved and essential eukaryotic AAA+ proteins linked to a wide range of cellular processes. AAA+ proteins are ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities and are characterized by the presence of one or more AAA+ domains. These domains have the canonical Walker A and Walker B nucleotide binding and hydrolysis motifs. Rvb1 and Rvb2 have been found to be part of critical cellular complexes: the histone acetyltransferase Tip60 complex, chromatin remodelling complexes Ino80 and SWR-C, and the telomerase complex. In addition, Rvb1 and Rvb2 are components of the R2TP complex that was identified by our group and was determined to be involved in the maturation of box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) complexes. Furthermore, the Rvbs have been associated with mitotic spindle assembly, as well as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinase (PIKK) signalling. This review sheds light on the potential role of the Rvbs as chaperones in the assembly and remodelling of these critical complexes.
Ero1–PDI interactions, the response to redox flux and the implications for disulfide bond formation in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Benham Adam M. , van Lith Marcel , Sitia Roberto , Braakman Ineke
Published: March 2013

The protein folding machinery of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ensures that proteins entering the eukaryotic secretory pathway acquire appropriate post-translational modifications and reach a stably folded state. An important component of this protein folding process is the supply of disulfide bonds. These are introduced into client proteins by ER resident oxidoreductases, including ER oxidoreductin 1 (Ero1). Ero1 is usually considered to function in a linear pathway, by ‘donating’ a disulfide bond to protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and receiving electrons that are passed on to the terminal electron acceptor molecular oxygen. PDI engages with a range of clients as the direct catalyst of disulfide bond formation, isomerization or reduction. In this paper, we will consider the interactions of Ero1 with PDI family proteins and chaperones, highlighting the effect that redox flux has on Ero1 partnerships. In addition, we will discuss whether higher order protein complexes play a role in Ero1 function.
C-terminal interactions mediate the quaternary dynamics of αB-crystallin
Authors: Hilton Gillian R. , Hochberg Georg K. A. , Laganowsky Arthur , McGinnigle Scott I. , Baldwin Andrew J. , Benesch Justin L. P.
Published: March 2013

αB-crystallin is a highly dynamic, polydisperse small heat-shock protein that can form oligomers ranging in mass from 200 to 800 kDa. Here we use a multifaceted mass spectrometry approach to assess the role of the C-terminal tail in the self-assembly of αB-crystallin. Titration experiments allow us to monitor the binding of peptides representing the C-terminus to the αB-crystallin core domain, and observe individual affinities to both monomeric and dimeric forms. Notably, we find that binding the second peptide equivalent to the core domain dimer is considerably more difficult than the first, suggesting a role of the C-terminus in regulating assembly. This finding motivates us to examine the effect of point mutations in the C-terminus in the full-length protein, by quantifying the changes in oligomeric distribution and corresponding subunit exchange rates. Our results combine to demonstrate that alterations in the C-terminal tail have a significant impact on the thermodynamics and kinetics of αB-crystallin. Remarkably, we find that there is energy compensation between the inter- and intra-dimer interfaces: when one interaction is weakened, the other is strengthened. This allosteric communication between binding sites on αB-crystallin is likely important for its role in binding target proteins.
Comparison of nutritional status of university students of two Asian countries
Authors: Muzaffar Ali Khan Khattak Muhammad , Draman Samsul , Khan Alam , Usman Khattak Muhammad
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare energy and macro‐nutrients intake in university hostel students in two countries of Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Female students from the hostels of International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus and NWFP, Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan were assessed for energy and macro‐nutrients intake. A total of 140 students were registered who volunteered to participate in this study. The age range of the registered students was 22‐26 years. On the day of the registration, age, height and weight were recorded; also, food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were provided. The participants were asked to record alternately for three days whatever they ate during the prescribed week. Out of 140 students 139 returned the FFQs. From the anthropometry, the BMI was used to assess the under, ideal, over‐weight and obese students. From the FFQs, energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using the food composition tables for Malaysia and Pakistan and compared with the recommended nutrients intakes (RNIs).

Findings

The body weight for the required height among the Malaysian students was lower by 7.81 per cent than the reference value, whereas the body weight of Pakistani students matched to the reference weight for height. The Malaysian students were 28.0, 61.0, 5.5 and 0.9 per cent under, ideal, over‐weight and obese, respectively, whereas Pakistani students were 100 per cent in the category of ideal‐body weight. The total energy consumption was higher among Malaysian students by 9.93 per cent compared to the reference requirements, whereas the Pakistani students claimed to meet the requirements. In terms of nutrients balancing the Malaysian students were having the ideal combination of the macro‐nutrients and it was within the recommended range of 55‐60, 15‐20 and 25‐30 per cent for carbohydrates, protein and fat, respectively; whereas the balancing of the macro‐nutrients was poor among the Pakistani students and met the energy requirements at the expense of fat consumption.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that there is imbalance in macro‐nutrients intake among the students.
Healthcare foodservice workers' knowledge of the dysphagia diet
Authors: Broz Charles C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey current nutrition/foodservice‐related healthcare professionals to determine their level of knowledge about dysphagia, and their perceptions of dysphagic patients and their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A data collection instrument in the form of a questionnaire was developed to obtain an idea of the perceptions and knowledge‐level of diet/foodservice‐related healthcare workers about dysphagia. Subjects included foodservice workers, including food preparers and food deliverers at a large healthcare facility in the Southwestern United States. A total sample size of n=51 surveys was collected and analyzed.

Findings

Given the means from this sample group, healthcare foodservice workers are lacking in some areas of knowledge concerning dysphagia patients, and their dietary needs. Education and training seem indicated, as the number of patients suffering from some degree of dysphagia is only going to increase as the US population ages.

Originality/value

Millions of Americans currently suffer from at least some degree of dysphagia. This number is expected to increase as the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age. The USA will be populated by more elderly people than ever before, and will thus host more individuals suffering from swallowing impairment. This paper adds insights to the subject.
Soursop (Annona muricata L.) and sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.)
Authors: Moreno Luzia Débora Maria , Jorge Neuza
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the soursop and sugar apple seeds as to its composition, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of seeds extract and characterize the oil extracted from them, regarding the fatty acids profile and content of tocopherols.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain the extracts, dried and crushed seeds were extracted with ethanol for 30 minutes, at a ratio of 1:3 (m/m, seed: ethyl alcohol) under continuous stirring at room temperature. Then, the mixture was filtered and the supernatants subjected to rotoevaporator at 40°C aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the yields of dry extracts.

Findings

According to the results, the soursop and sugar apple seeds constituted significant sources of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and can therefore be used in food and feed, and offer relevant antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds. The oil seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acids and they have significant amounts of total tocopherol.

Research limitations/implications

Implications are the identification of bioactive compounds extracted from seeds of tropical and subtropical fruits, and to prevent certain types of diseases.

Practical implications

The information presented might be directly used for developing of functional foods such as fruits.

Originality/value

The article tries to identify new source of compounds extracted from fruits.
The Mediterranean diet – a review of evidence relevant to the food and drink industry
Authors: Poole Simon , Blades Mabel
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform readers of the cultural and scientific basis of the Mediterranean diet.

Design/methodology/approach

This review was compiled using peer reviewed articles and with the support of Oldways, the non‐profit organisation responsible for designing the Mediterranean diet pyramid in association with Harvard School of Public Health. It is designed to create a resource, which could be disseminated within the food industry to stimulate debate and an understanding of the commercial opportunities for products based on the Mediterranean diet.

Findings

From the review of information on the subject there is compelling evidence of the benefits of a Mediterranean diet having a beneficial effect on health status with a reduction in conditions such as coronary heart disease and cancers.

Research limitations/implications

This is a literature review based on large studies of the Mediterranean diet and is not an intervention study.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the food industry can consider the scientific and market research evidence presented and, through innovation and new brand development, offer the possibility of products, which will promote choice and access to increasingly healthy foods.

Social implications

The compilation of evidence citing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet supports an easily adapted and flavourful diet with numerous health benefits. For the food industry it provides an original concept designed to support the research and development of new initiatives to promote healthy food products.

Originality/value

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are shown to have significant benefits on health and are easily implemented.
Antioxidant activity of ginger extract (zingiber officinale) in soybean oil under thermoxidation
Authors: Jorge Neuza , Andreo Denise
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of ginger ethanol extract in soybean oil under thermoxidation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of four treatments were used: soybean oil free of synthetic antioxidants, soybean oil containing 2,500 mg/kg of ginger extract, soybean oil containing 50 mg/kg of TBHQ, soybean oil containing the mixture of natural extract, and TBHQ in the before‐cited concentration. The treatments were discontinuously submitted to plates heated at 180°C, for 20 hours. Samples were removed in the times of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 hours of heating and they were analyzed as to their oxidative stability, total polar compounds, peroxide and conjugated diene values.

Findings

The results showed the efficiency of the ginger extract in protecting the oil against lipid oxidation. It could be concluded that ginger extract might be indicated as an additive that acts against lipid oxidation and, consequently, increases shelf life of food.

Practical implications

These studies may prove to be beneficial to the exploitation of natural antioxidant sources for the preservation and/or extension of raw and processed food shelf life. Therefore, they could also be applied in the area of pharmaceuticals for the protection of human life.

Originality/value

This study offers information on the use of natural antioxidants as an alternative to the use of synthetic antioxidants, which might be considered toxic.
Nutritional evaluation of baby corn (zea mays)
Authors: Hooda Santosh , Kawatra Asha
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study nutritional composition of HM‐4 variety of baby corn.

Design/methodology/approach

Baby corn was analysed for proximate composition, available carbohydrates, dietary fiber constituents, in vitro digestibility, minerals, anti‐nutrients, vitamin and amino acids.

Findings

Baby corn contained 90.03, 17.96, 2.13, 5.30 and 5.89 percent moisture, protein, fat, ash and crude fibre, respectively. Total soluble sugars content was 23.43 g/100 gm and reducing sugars was 1.96 g/100 g. It contained 8.10 g/100 g of cellulose and 5.41 g/100 g of lignin. In vitro starch and protein digestibility was 28.80 mg maltose released per gram and 72.18 percent, respectively. Baby corn contained 5.43 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid and 670 μg/100 g of β‐carotene. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content of baby corn was 95.00, 345.00 and 898.62 mg/100 g, respectively, baby corn contained 0.05, 2.85 and 0.675μg/g of methionine, isoleucine and leucine, respectively.

Originality/value

The study indicated that baby corn is good source of various nutrients like protein, crude fibre, carbohydrates and dietary fibres and its nutritional quality is at par or even superior to many other commonly used vegetables.
Nutrition; effects of the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Authors: Hartwell Heather , van Teijlingen Edwin , Parker Jonathon
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review one aspect, impact of the forthcoming assessment of research in UK universities, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and to examine its meaning and potential for enhanced partnerships between practitioners and academia.

Design/methodology/approach

This article debates the increasing requirement of practitioner and academic collaboration as well as outlining how we, as a contributing University, are grappling with the evidence needed to develop a framework that will demonstrate impact outside of formal academia.

Findings

It is difficult to establish the link between cause and effect and to assume that the potential changes in behaviour are the result of certain interventions; capturing learning or useful data which contributes to evidenced based policy is challenging. The problem is compounded by the diversity of funding sources, each with its own scrutinising requirements. The importance of REF for the integration of evidenced based practice is evident and demonstrates the major role that practitioners could play in the future.

Originality/value

A considerable amount of UK research is publically funded, hence fuelling the Government's drive to determine impact on society. This paper debates for the first time that practitioners have a role to play in its creation and identification.
Physiological changes in Karanda (Carissa carandus L.) fruit during growth and ripening
Authors: Patel Prakash R. , Ramana Rao T.V.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Increased reliance on major food crops has caused shrinking of the food basket. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to introduce underutilised fruit of Karanda (Carissa carandus L.) for its commercial exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study elucidates the physiological changes that prevail in the fruits of Karanda during its successive stages of growth and ripening. Changes in sugars, starch, proteins, phenols, amino acids, role of various enzymes and rate of ethylene and respiration has been used as parameters to access the physiological changes taking place.

Findings

Notable change was observed in its colour from green to deep blue/black, accumulation of sugars and proteins, degradation of starch, phenols and free amino acids. Cell wall degrading enzymes (polygalactouronase and pectin methylesterase) and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) showed their active role, while that of cell wall degrading enzyme cellulase and hydrolyzing enzymes (amylase and invertase) were not active during the growth and ripening of the fruit. Increased levels of respiration and ethylene production determined it to be a climacteric type of fruit.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not provide information regarding the other nutritional parameters of the fruits like vitamins and minerals.

Originality/value

The physiological changes in relation to growth and ripening would be useful in determining the maturity indices for harvesting and utilization of this underutilised Karanda fruit.