bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully automatic hippocampus segmentation and classification in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment applied on data from ADNI
Authors: Chupin Marie , Gérardin Emilie , Cuingnet Rémi , Boutet Claire , Lemieux Louis , Lehéricy Stéphane , Benali Habib , Garnero Line , Colliot Olivier
Published: May 2009

The hippocampus is among the first structures affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging volumetry is a potential biomarker for AD but is hindered by the limitations of manual segmentation. We proposed a fully automatic method using probabilistic and anatomical priors for hippocampus segmentation. Probabilistic information is derived from 16 young controls and anatomical knowledge is modeled with automatically detected landmarks. The results were previously evaluated by comparison with manual segmentation on data from the 16 young healthy controls, with a leave‐one‐out strategy, and eight patients with AD. High accuracy was found for both groups (volume error 6 and 7%, overlap 87 and 86%, respectively). In this article, the method was used to segment 145 patients with AD, 294 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 166 elderly normal subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. On the basis of a qualitative rating protocol, the segmentation proved acceptable in 94% of the cases. We used the obtained hippocampal volumes to automatically discriminate between AD patients, MCI patients, and elderly controls. The classification proved accurate: 76% of the patients with AD and 71% of the MCI converting to AD before 18 months were correctly classified with respect to the elderly controls, using only hippocampal volume. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal dynamics of mouse hippocampal clock gene expression support memory processing
Authors: Jilg Antje , Lesny Sandra , Peruzki Natalie , Schwegler Herbert , Selbach Oliver , Dehghani Faramarz , Stehle Jörg H.
Published: May 2009

Hippocampal plasticity and mnemonic processing exhibit a striking time‐of‐day dependence and likely implicate a temporally structured replay of memory traces. Molecular mechanisms fulfilling the requirements of sensing time and capturing time‐related information are coded in dynamics of so‐called clock genes and their protein products, first discovered and described in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus. Using real‐time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses, we show that in wildtype mice core clock components (mPer1/PER1, mPer2/PER2, mCry1/CRY1, mCry2/CRY2, mClock/CLOCK, mBmal1/BMAL1) are expressed in neurons of all subregions of the hippocampus in a time‐locked fashion over a 24‐h (diurnal) day/night cycle. Temporal profiling of these transcriptional regulators reveals distinct and parallel peaks, at times when memory traces are usually formed and/or consolidated. The coordinated rhythmic expression of hippocampal clock gene expression is greatly disordered in mice deficient for the clock gene mPer1, a key player implicated in both, maintenance and adaptative plasticity of circadian clocks. Moreover, Per1‐knockout animals are severely handicapped in a hippocampus‐dependent long‐term spatial learning paradigm. We propose that the dynamics of hippocampal clock gene expression imprint a temporal structure on memory processing and shape at the same time the efficacy of behavioral learning. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymer fibers as contact guidance to orient microvascularization in a 3D environment
Authors: Sukmana Irza , Vermette Patrick
Published: May 2009

We describe an in vitro culture process that uses 100‐μm diameter poly(ethylene terephthalate) monofilaments as contact guidance of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to orient the development of microvessels in a 3D environment. Untreated fibers, distanced either by 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, or 0.2 mm were first covered with HUVECs and then sandwiched between two layers of fibrin gel containing HUVECs. After 2 and 4 days of culture, cell connections and microvessels were evaluated. Cell connections formed massively along and in between adjacent fibers that were distanced by 0.05 and 0.1 mm, whereas with fibers separated by larger distances, connections were rare. After 4 days of culture, the optimum fiber‐to‐fiber distance to form microvessels was 0.1 mm. This study reveals that polymer fibers embedded in gel can be used as guides to direct the microvascularization process, with potential applications in cancer and cardiovascular research and tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Internet‐based treatment for social phobia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Berger Thomas , Hohl Eléonore , Caspar Franz
Published: May 2009

In this study conducted in the French‐speaking part of Switzerland, 52 individuals with social phobia were randomly assigned either to an Internet‐based cognitive–behavioral treatment with minimal contact with therapists via e‐mail or to a waiting‐list control group. Significant differences between the two groups were found at posttreatment on all primary outcome measures (social anxiety measures) and on two of the secondary outcome measures (general symptomatology, therapy goal attainment). On average, within‐groups effect sizes were large for the primary outcomes (Cohen's d=0.82) and for secondary outcomes (Cohen's d=1.04). Moreover, subjects in the treatment group fulfilled the criteria of clinically significant improvement significantly more often than subjects in the control group on all measured dimensions (58% vs. 20%). Users' acceptance of the program was high. The results from the present study lend further support to the hypothesis that Internet‐delivered interventions with minimal therapist contact are a promising treatment approach to social phobia. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–15, 2009.
‘The witness who saw, /he left little doubt’: a comparative consideration of expert testimony in mental disability law cases in common and civil law systems
Authors: Perlin Michael L. , Birgden Astrid , Gledhill Kris
Published: May 2009

The question of how courts assess expert evidence—especially when mental disability is an issue—raises the corollary question of whether courts adequately evaluate the content of the expert testimony or whether judicial decision making may be influenced by teleology (‘cherry picking’ evidence), pretextuality (accepting experts who distort evidence to achieve socially desirable aims), and/or sanism (allowing prejudicial and stereotyped evidence). Such threats occur despite professional standards in forensic psychology and other mental health disciplines that require ethical expert testimony. The result is expert testimony that, in many instances, is at best incompetent and at worst biased. The paper details threats to competent expert testimony in a comparative law context—in both the common law (involuntary civil commitment laws and risk assessment criminal laws) and, more briefly, civil law. We conclude that teleology, pretextuality, and sanism have an impact upon judicial decision making in both the common law and civil law. Finally, we speculate as to whether the new United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is likely to have any impact on practices in this area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of Toll‐like receptors inhibits herpes simplex virus‐1 infection of human neuronal cells
Authors: Zhou Yu , Ye Li , Wan Qi , Zhou Lin , Wang Xu , Li Jieliang , Hu Shuxian , Zhou Dunjin , Ho Wenzhe
Published: May 2009

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play an essential role in initiating intracellular type I interferon (IFN)‐mediated innate immunity against viral infections. We examined whether human neuronal cells (primary human neurons, NT2‐N and CHP‐212 cells) express TLRs and mount type I IFN‐mediated innate immunity against herpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1) infection. Human neuronal cells expressed TLR family members 1–10 and IFN‐α/β. The activation of TLR3 or TLR8 by double‐stranded RNA (poly‐I:C) or single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA) induced IFN‐α/β expression. In addition, HSV‐1 infection of human neuronal cells induced IFN‐α expression. Investigation of the mechanisms showed that poly‐I:C or ssRNA treatment enhanced the expression of several IFN regulatory factors. Importantly, the activation of TLR3 or TLR8 by poly‐I:C or ssRNA prior to HSV‐1 infection reduced the susceptibility of the neuronal cells to infection. These observations indicate that human neuronal cells possess intracellular TLR‐mediated innate immune protection against HSV‐1 infection. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traumatic brain injury results in disparate regions of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expression that are temporally limited
Authors: Harris N.G. , Carmichael S.T. , Hovda D.A. , Sutton R.L.
Published: May 2009

Axonal injury is a major hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it seems likely that therapies directed toward enhancing axon repair could potentially improve functional outcomes. One potential target is chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which are major axon growth inhibitory molecules that are generally, but not always, up‐regulated after central nervous system injury. The current study was designed to determine temporal changes in cerebral cortical mRNA or protein expression levels of CSPGs and to determine their regional localization and cellular association by using immunohistochemistry in a controlled cortical impact model of TBI. The results showed significant increases in versican mRNA at 4 and 14 days after TBI but no change in neurocan, aggrecan, or phosphacan. Semiquantitative Western blot (WB) analysis of cortical CSPG protein expression revealed a significant ipsilateral decrease of all CSPGs at 1 day after TBI. Lower CSPG protein levels were sustained until at least 14 days, after which the levels began to normalize. Immunohistochemistry data confirm previous reports of regional increases in CSPG proteins after CNS injury, seen primarily within the developing glial scar after TBI, but also corroborate the WB data by revealing wide areas of pericontusional tissue that are deficient in both extracellular and perineuronal net‐associated CSPGs. Given the evidence that CSPGs are largely inhibitory to axonal growth, we interpret these data to indicate a potential for regional spontaneous plasticity after TBI. If this were the case, the gradual normalization of CSPG proteins over time postinjury would suggest that this may be temporally as well as regionally limited. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Senescence marker protein 30 is up‐regulated in kainate‐induced hippocampal damage through ERK‐mediated astrocytosis
Authors: Son Tae Gen , Park Hee Ra , Kim So Jung , Kim Keunho , Kim Min‐Sun , Ishigami Akihito , Handa Setsuko , Maruyama Naoki , Chung Hae Young , Lee Jaewon
Published: May 2009

Senescence maker protein 30 (SMP30) is decreased in an androgen‐independent manner in kidney and liver with age. However, regulation of SMP30 expression in the brain has not been examined in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate SMP30 expression in the brain, we utilized aging and kainate (KA)‐induced neurodegenerative disease models. Interestingly, expression of SMP30 was unlikely to decrease in the aged brain, but total levels of SMP30 protein were increased at 4 weeks after KA injury. Increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) with elevated SMP30 expression was observed at the same time post‐KA, indicating that regulation of SMP30 expression in the brain may be associated with astrocytosis. We confirmed that KA induced GFAP expression with increased SMP30 in rat astrocyte cells. Moreover, we found that ERK1/2 activation was involved in the up‐regulation of SMP30 in astrocytes. Our results suggest that elevated SMP30 in activated astrocytes plays an important supportive role after brain damage. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term antiepileptic drug administration during early life inhibits hippocampal neurogenesis in the developing brain
Authors: Chen Jin , Cai Fangcheng , Cao Jie , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Sixiu
Published: May 2009

Certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that are commonly used to treat seizures in children also affect cognition, and these effects can persist into adulthood, long after drug withdrawal. Widespread enhancement of apoptosis may be one mechanism underlying these lasting cognitive changes. Whether AEDs affect other processes in brain development during early postnatal life has not, however, been systematically analyzed. Here we determined whether chronic administration of common AEDs during early life alters cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Postnatal day 7 (P7) rats received phenobarbital, clonazepam, carbamazepine, valproate, topiramate, or vehicle for 28 days. Bromodeoxyuridine was administered on P34 to label dividing cells. Cell proliferation was assessed 24 hr later, and cell survival and differentiation were assessed 28 days later. Phenobarbital and clonazepam significantly inhibited cell proliferation by 63% and 59%, respectively, and doublecortin immunoreactivity (indicator of neurogenesis) in the dorsal hippocampus was also significantly decreased by 26% and 24%, respectively. Survival of new cells steadily decreased in phenobarbital and clonazepam groups over 28 days. Reduced cell proliferation and survival resulted in fewer new neurons in the dentate gyrus, as confirmed by neuronal counting on P62. There were, however, no differences in cell distribution pattern or differentiation toward neuron and glial cells when phenobarbital and clonazepam groups were compared with controls. There were no changes in rats exposed to carbamazepine, valproate, or topiramate. Thus, inhibiting cell proliferation, survival, and neurogenesis in the developing hippocampus may be another potential mechanism underlying brain impairment associated with certain AED therapies in early life. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Yin and Yang of Sox proteins: Activation and repression in development and disease
Authors: Chew Li‐Jin , Gallo Vittorio
Published: May 2009

The general view of development consists of the acquisition of committed/differentiated phenotypes following a period of self‐renewal and progenitor expansion. Lineage specification and progression are phenomena of antagonistic events, silencing tissue‐specific gene expression in precursors to allow self‐renewal and multipotentiality, and subsequently suppressing proliferation and embryonic gene expression to promote the restricted expression of tissue‐specific genes during maturation. The high mobility group‐containing Sox family of transcription factors constitutes one of the earliest classes of genes to be expressed during embryonic development. These proteins not only are indispensable for progenitor cell specification but also are critical for terminal differentiation of multiple cell types in a wide variety of lineages. Sox transcription factors are now known to induce or repress progenitor cell characteristics and cell proliferation or to activate the expression of tissue‐specific genes. Sox proteins fulfill their diverse functions in developmental regulation by distinct molecular mechanisms. Not surprisingly, in addition to DNA binding and bending, Sox transcription factors also interact with different protein partners to function as coactivators or corepressors of downstream target genes. Here we seek to provide an overview of the current knowledge of Sox gene functional mechanisms, in an effort to understand their roles in both development and pathology. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interannual and interdecadal variations of tropical cyclone activity in the South China Sea
Authors: Goh Andy Zung‐Ching , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: May 2009

This study attempts to identify the factors affecting annual tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the South China Sea (SCS) using data during the period 1965–2005. The results indicate that the total number of TCs and number of TCs entering the SCS from the Western North Pacific are below normal in El Niño events but above normal during La Niña events. However, for TCs formed inside the SCS, the difference in numbers between the two phases of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is not as obvious. In addition, the positive phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) generally favours less TCs in all categories, while the negative PDO phase favours more. These results may be explained by the fact that the ENSO and the PDO affect TC behaviour through altering the conditions in the WNP to be favourable or unfavourable for TC genesis and movement into the SCS. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Evaluation of compositional and nutritional equivalence of genetically modified rice to conventional rice using in situ and in vitro techniques
Authors: Lin Bo , Tan Zhiliang , Xiao Guoying , Wang Min , Cong Zhihui , Wang Shuiping , Tang Shaoxun , Zhou Chuanshe , Sun Zhihong , Wang Wenjuan
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Concerns that genetically modified (GM) rice may pose nutritional risks have led to the need for studies comparing its nutritional composition with that of its isogenic counterpart. The present study explored the compositional and nutritional equivalence of rice grains and straw derived from a glufosinate herbicide‐tolerant GM rice (Bar68), its non‐transgenic conventional counterpart (D68) and a transgenic hybrid generation (X125S/Bar68) of Bar68 with conventional rice X125S.

RESULTS: The chemical and nutritional composition, in vitro fermentation and in situ nylon bag degradation parameters were employed. Statistical comparisons to test the equivalence between D68, Bar68 and X125S/Bar68 were made with a criterion of maximum differences (scaled by D68) not exceeding 20%. The chemical and amino acid components of Bar68 and X125S/Bar68 were equivalent to those of D68, with the exception of Ca, P, K, Zn, cysteine and phenylalanine contents of grains and P and Mn contents of straw. Bar68 and X125S/Bar68 were equivalent to D68 in terms of in vitro fermentation and in situ degradation parameters of grains and straw, with the exception of the rapidly degradable component of neutral detergent fibre and the potentially degradable component of acid detergent fibre of straw. The maximum differences in some chemical components and nutritional indices were noted between D68 and X125S/Bar68.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that grains and straw of the glufosinate herbicide‐tolerant GM rice Bar68 and its transgenic hybrid generation X125S/Bar68 were essentially equivalent in chemical composition and nutritive value to those of its non‐transgenic counterpart D68. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Albumin stabilizes (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate in human serum: Binding capacity and antioxidant property
Authors: Bae Min‐Jung , Ishii Takeshi , Minoda Kanako , Kawada Yukiko , Ichikawa Tatsuya , Mori Taiki , Kamihira Miya , Nakayama Tsutomu
Published: May 2009

(–)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is the major component of green tea and is known to show strong biological activity, although it can be easily oxidized under physiological conditions. In this study, we indicate that EGCg is stable in human serum and that human serum albumin (HSA) stabilizes EGCg under aerobic condition. Although EGCg is usually decomposed within 1 h in aqueous solution at neutral pH, EGCg in serum and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing HSA was stable over 1 h, even at neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Under these conditions, EGCg binds to HSA non‐covalently. The sulfhydryl group acts as an antioxidant for EGCg oxidation. Incubation of EGCg with HSA is accompanied by the oxidation of a free sulfhydryl group in HSA. These results suggest that the antioxidant property and the binding capacity of HSA contribute to the stabilization of EGCg in human serum.
Mass spectrometric characterisation and quantitation of selected low molecular mass compounds from the venom of Haplopelma lividum (Theraphosidae)
Authors: Moore Sara , Smyth W. Franklin , Gault Victor A. , O'Kane Edmund , McClean Stephen
Published: May 2009

Arachnid venoms present a diverse and complex matrix for investigation, with their latent potential for innovative drug and pesticide design largely unrealised. The characterisation and quantification of selected low molecular mass compounds isolated from the crude venom of the Cobalt blue tarantula (Haplopelma lividum) were the objectives of this study. Fractionation of the crude venom was performed using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, with compound identification using both electrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Four compounds were identified, and quantification on a percentage dry weight basis was achieved by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry based on the formation of their corresponding product ions. Of these the most abundant component was glutamic acid, present at a level of 0.97%. Histamine and adenosine were detected at 0.14% and 0.10% dry weight, respectively, with the polyamine spermine noted in trace amounts at 0.002%. The limits of detection and quantification were established for each of the identified components. The fragmentation profile for histamine has also been proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confectionery fats. I. Preparation by interesterification and fractionation of pilot‐plant scale
Authors: Spadaro J. J. , Lovegren N. V. , Feuge R. O. , Patton E. L.
Published: May 2009

A cocoa butter‐like fat has been prepared on a pilot plant scale by the interesterification of hydrogenated cottonseed oil and a triolein product or olive oil followed by fractional crystallization from acetone at two different temperatures. The coproducts舒a fraction which consists primarily of trisaturates and is obtained by fractionation at 20 to 28ŶC., and a fraction which is primarily di‐ and triunsaturates and is obtained from the low temperature (0ŶC.) filtrate舒are reused in the process. In five of the six pilot plant runs conducted, 100 pounds of 70蝘30 or 75蝘25 mixtures of the hard fat and liquid oil were used as starting materials. In the sixth run, 140 pounds were used. Yields varied from 25 to 35%.

Characteristics of the cocoa butter‐like fat products are discussed. Variations in the products were made by changing the ratio of starting materials to 75蝘25 and by lowering the first crystallization temperature from about 28Ŷ to about 19ŶC.

Operational data obtained show that the process has commerical feasibility. Solvent‐to‐fat ratio was only 4 to 1. Filtration rates based on production of dry solids were 9 to 44 pounds per hour per square foot of filter area, respectively, for the first and second crystallizations. Although time to attain crystallization temperature was about 4 hours in the pilot plant oeprations, laboratory data indicate that comparable products can be obtained for crystallization times as low as one‐half hour. The shorter crystallization time would be more applicable for commercial consideration. The steps in the process are considered conventional in commercial processing.
Confectionery fats. II. Characterization of products prepared by interesterification and fractionation
Authors: Landmann Werner , Lovegren N. V. , Feuge R. O.
Published: May 2009

Several cocoa butter‐like fats, which had been prepared by fractional crystallization of the reaction product obtained on interesterifying highly‐hydrogenated cottonseed oil and a triolein product or olive oil, were characterized and compared with cocoa butter.

The fats, as obtained by fractional crystallization from acetone solutions, contained varying amounts of glycerides melting above 37ŶC., an undesirable feature which caused the fats to thicken too much when used in chocolate type compositions under the same conditions employed with cocoa butter. The higher‐melting glycerides could be removed by filtration, or their proportions could be decreased by changing the fractionation temperatures. The fats melted mostly over the same temperature range associated with cocoa butter, and the best of the fats resembled cocoa butter closely over the temperature range 0Ŷ to 30ŶC.

The cocoa butter‐like fats resembled cocoa butter in hardness at all test temperatures.

The fats were reasonably compatible with cocoa butter, that is, in mixtures of the two, one did not cause extensive premelting of the other.

According to their cooling curves, the cocoa butter‐like fats did not supercool as cocoa butter does. The former contain not only the 2‐oleodisaturated glycerides of cocoa butter but also positional isomers of these glycerides. When the fats were molded under the same conditions employed with cocoa butter, linear shrinkage was only about one‐third that of cocoa butter.
Minor components of olive oils. I. Triterpenoid acids in an acetone‐extracted orujo oil
Authors: Vioque E. , Morris L. J.
Published: May 2009

Two triterpenoid acids have been isolated from an acetone extracted orujo oil (sulfur olive oil). One of these, amounting to 0.1% of this oil, has been shown to be oleanolic acid, 3ॆ‐hydroxyolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid. The other, amounting to 0.4% of the oil, has not been completely characterized, but is apparently a novel dihydroxy triterpenoid acid.
Minor components of olive oils. II.trans‐9Ų10‐epoxystearic acid in orujo oil
Authors: Vioque E. , Morris L. J. , Holman R. T.
Published: May 2009

An orujo oil (sulfur olive oil) has been shown to contain several elasses of oxygenated fatty acids amounting to more than 10% of the total oil. Epoxy acids amount to 3.6% of the fatty acids of this oil and monohydroxy acids constitute a turther 6%. The major epoxy acid has been proven to betrans‐9Ų10‐epoxystearic acid.
Gas‐Liquid partition chromatography and ultraviolet absorption of oils before and after hydrogenation
Authors: Kauffman F. L. , Weiss T. J. , Lee G. D. , Rockwood B. N.
Published: May 2009

Analyses of various natural fats and oils have been compared by G.L.P.C. and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Good agreement was found for linoleic acid in unhydrogenated samples. The ultraviolet method gave lower results for linolenic acid. For hydrogenated oils the ultraviolet method gave lower results for both linoleic and linolenic acids in most instances where an appreciable amount of these components was present.

It is known that the ultraviolet method measures only the naturally occurring isomers of the unsaturated fatty acids while the G.L.P.C. analysis includes all the isomers. This would account for the difference in responce between unhydrogenated and hydrogenated oils by the two methods of analysis.
Determination of germicide mixtures in soaps and detergents
Authors: Jungermann E. , Beck E. C.
Published: May 2009

A method has been developed for determining qualitatively and quantitatively all commonly used soap germicides. It includes the halogenated salicylanilides, halogenated carbanilides and bisphenols both alone and in mixtures. Elimination of interfering substances is accomplished by extraction with dimethylformamide followed by evaporation to dryness. The residue is then taken up in both acidic alcohol and basic alcohol. The ultraviolet patterns obtained under these conditions are typical of the various germicides and are used to identify them.
Peanut storage studies: Effect of storage moisture on three varieties of runner peanuts
Authors: Davis Norman D.
Published: May 2009

Unshelled Dixie Runner, Early Runner, and Virginia Runner G‐26 peanuts were stored 31/2 months at moisture contents ranging from 4.8 to 11.2% kernel dry weight. Seed were analyzed quantitatively for various components. Initial composition was determined for each variety. Changes during storage were qualitatively the same for the three varieties but quantitatively different for some components. Oil content iodine value, tocopherols, total and protein nitrogen, and total sugar content were not influenced by storage moisture. Carbonyl compounds, free fatty acids, and peroxide values varied directly as storage moisture. Early Runner and Virginia Runner G‐26 appeared less susceptible to the development of oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity than Dixie Runner. However, the degree of difference was slight and occurred only at higher storage moistures. Initial composition of the three varieties differed slightly. Early Runner had a slightly greater initial oil percentage and lower total sugar content than either Dixie or Virginia G‐26. Virginia Runner G‐26 had a slightly lower total nitrogen percentage than either of the other two varieties.
Large neutral amino acids supplementation in phenylketonuric patients
Authors: Rocha J. C. , Martel F.
Published: May 2009

Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of amino acid metabolism that results in severe mental retardation if not treated early and appropriately. The traditional treatment, consisting of a low‐phenylalanine diet, is usually difficult to maintain throughout adolescence and adulthood, resulting in undesirable levels of blood phenylalanine and consequent neurotoxicity. The neurotoxicity of phenylalanine is enhanced by its transport mechanism across the blood‐brain barrier, which has the highest affinity for phenylalanine compared with the other large neutral amino acids that share the same carrier. The supplementation of large neutral amino acids in phenylketonuric patients has been showing interesting results. Plasma phenylalanine levels can be reduced, which may guarantee important metabolic and clinical benefits to these patients. Although long‐term studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of large neutral amino acids supplements, the present state of knowledge seems to recommend their prescription to all phenylketonuric adult patients who are non‐compliant with the low‐phenylalanine diet.
Production of FAME from acid oil model using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase
Authors: Watanabe Yomi , Pinsirodom Praphan , Nagao Toshihiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Nishida Yutaka , Takagi Yoshiaki , Shimada Yuji
Published: May 2009

Acid oil is a by‐product in the neutralization step of vegetable oil refining and is an alternative source of biodiesel fuel. A model substrate of acid oil, which is composed of TAG and FFA, was used in experiments on the conversion to FAME by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase. FFA in the mixture of TAG/FFA were efficiently esterified with methanol (MeOH), but the water generated by the esterification significantly inhibited methanolysis of TAG. We thus attempted to convert a mixture of TAG/FFA to FAME by a two‐step process comprising methyl esterification of FFA and methanolysis of TAG by immobilized C. antarctica lipase. The first reaction was conducted at 30°C in a mixture of TAG/FFA (1∶1, wt/wt) and 10 wt% MeOH using 0.5 wt% immobilized lipase, resulting in efficient esterification of FFA. The reaction mixture after 24 h was composed of 49.1 wt% TAG, 1.3 wt% FFA, 49.1 wt% FAME, and negligible amounts of DAG and MAG (<0.5 wt%). The reaction mixture was then dehydrated and used as a substrate for the second reaction, which was conducted at 30°C in a solution of the dehydrated mixture and 5.5 wt% MeOH using 6 wt% immobilized lipase. The activity of the lipase increased gradually when the reaction was repeated by transferring the enzyme to a fresh substrate mixture. The activity reached a maximum after 6 cycles, and the content of FAME achieved was >98.5 wt% after a 24‐h reaction. The immobilized lipase was very stable in the first‐and second‐step reactions and could be used for >100 d without significant loss of activity.
Monooxygenase system of Bacillus megaterium ALA2: Studies on palmitic acid oxidation products
Authors: Hou Ching T.
Published: May 2009

We identified many novel oxygenated FA produced from linoleic acid by microbial strain ALA2: 12,13,17‐trihydroxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (12,13,17‐THOA); 12,13,16‐trihydroxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (12,13,16‐THOA); 12‐hydroxy‐13,16‐epoxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid; and 12,17;13,17‐diepoxy‐16‐hydroxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid. 12,13,17‐THOA, the main product, inhibits the growth of some plant pathogenic fungi. Recently, we reclassified strain ALA2 as Bacillus megaterium ALA2 NRRL B‐21660 and opened a possible link with the well‐studied catalytically self‐sufficient P450 monooxygenase of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14581 (NRRL B‐3712) and B. subtilis strain 168 (NRRL B‐4219). Now we have found that strain ALA2 also oxidizes palmitic acid into three oxygenated products: 13‐, 14‐, and 15‐hydroxy palmitic acids. This indicates that strain ALA2 also possesses a monooxygenase system similar to the abovementioned well‐known strains. These data facilitate studies on the oxygenase system of strain ALA2.
Correlation between small-scale velocity and scalar fluctuations in a turbulent channel flow
Authors: ABE HIROYUKI , ANTONIA ROBERT ANTHONY , KAWAMURA HIROSHI
Published: May 2009

Direct numerical simulations of a turbulent channel flow with passive scalar transport are used to examine the relationship between small-scale velocity and scalar fields. The Reynolds number based on the friction velocity and the channel half-width is equal to 180, 395 and 640, and the molecular Prandtl number is 0.71. The focus is on the interrelationship between the components of the vorticity vector and those of the scalar derivative vector. Near the wall, there is close similarity between different components of the two vectors due to the almost perfect correspondence between the momentum and thermal streaks. With increasing distance from the wall, the magnitudes of the correlations become smaller but remain non-negligible everywhere in the channel owing to the presence of internal shear and scalar layers in the inner region and the backs of the large-scale motions in the outer region. The topology of the scalar dissipation rate, which is important for small-scale scalar mixing, is shown to be associated with the organized structures. The most preferential orientation of the scalar dissipation rate is the direction of the mean strain rate near the wall and that of the fluctuating compressive strain rate in the outer region. The latter region has many characteristics in common with several turbulent flows; viz. the dominant structures are sheetlike in form and better correlated with the energy dissipation rate than the enstrophy.
Large-eddy simulation of separated flow over a three-dimensional axisymmetric hill
Authors: GARCÍA-VILLALBA M. , LI N. , RODI W. , LESCHZINER M. A.
Published: May 2009

The paper examines, by means of highly resolved large-eddy simulations, the fluid mechanic behaviour of an incompressible, turbulent flow separating from an axisymmetric, hill-shaped obstacle. The hill is subjected to a turbulent flat-plate boundary layer of thickness half of the hill height, developing within a large duct in which the hill is placed. The Reynolds number based on the hill height and the free-stream velocity is 130000, and the momentum-thickness Reynolds number of the boundary layer is 7300. Extensive and detailed experimental data are available for these same conditions, and these are compared with the simulations. Two entirely independent simulations are reported, undertaken by different groups with different codes and different grids. They are shown to agree closely in most respects, and any differences are carefully identified and discussed. Mean-flow properties, pressure distributions and turbulence characteristics are reported and compared with the experimental data, with particular emphasis being placed on the separation region that is formed in the leeward of the hill and on the near wake. The connection between the wall topology of the mean flow and the secondary motions in the wake is discussed in detail. Finally, some aspects of the unsteady flow are analysed, including the unsteadiness of the separation process and structural features and coherent motions in the wake.
Observation of laminar–turbulent transition of a yield stress fluid in Hagen–Poiseuille flow
Authors: GÜZEL B. , BURGHELEA T. , FRIGAARD I. A. , MARTINEZ D. M.
Published: May 2009

We investigate experimentally the transition to turbulence of a yield stress shear-thinning fluid in Hagen–Poiseuille flow. By combining direct high-speed imaging of the flow structures with Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV), we provide a systematic description of the different flow regimes from laminar to fully turbulent. Each flow regime is characterized by measurements of the radial velocity, velocity fluctuations and turbulence intensity profiles. In addition we estimate the autocorrelation, the probability distribution and the structure functions in an attempt to further characterize transition. For all cases tested, our results indicate that transition occurs only when the Reynolds stresses of the flow equal or exceed the yield stress of the fluid, i.e. the plug is broken before transition commences. Once in transition and when turbulent, the behaviour of the yield stress fluid is somewhat similar to a (simpler) shear-thinning fluid. Finally, we have observed the shape of slugs during transition and found their leading edges to be highly elongated and located off the central axis of the pipe, for the non-Newtonian fluids examined.
Stability of fluid flow through deformable neo-Hookean tubes
Authors: GAURAV  , SHANKAR V.
Published: May 2009

The linear stability of fully developed Poiseuille flow of a Newtonian fluid in a deformable neo-Hookean tube is analysed to illustrate the shortcomings of extrapolating the linear elastic model for the tube wall outside its domain of validity of small strains in the solid. We show using asymptotic analyses and numerical solutions that a neo-Hookean description of the solid dramatically alters the stability behaviour of flow in a deformable tube. The flow-induced instability predicted to exist in the creeping-flow limit based on the linear elastic approximation is absent in the neo-Hookean model. In contrast, a new low-wavenumber (denoted by k) instability is predicted in the limit of very low Reynolds number (Re ≪ 1) with k ∝ Re1/2 for purely elastic (with ratio of solid to fluid viscosities ηr = 0) neo-Hookean tubes. The first normal stress discontinuity in the neo-Hookean solid gives rise to a high-wavenumber interfacial instability, which is stabilized by interfacial tension at the fluid–wall interface. Inclusion of dissipation (ηr ≠ 0) in the solid has a stabilizing effect on the low-k instability at low Re, and the critical Re for instability is a sensitive function of ηr. For Re ≫ 1, both the linear elastic extrapolation and the neo-Hookean model agree qualitatively for the most unstable mode, but show disagreement for other unstable modes in the system. Interestingly, for plane-Couette flow past a deformable solid, the results from the extrapolated linear elastic model and the neo-Hookean model agree very well at any Reynolds number for the most unstable mode when the wall thickness is not small. The results of this study have important implications for experimental investigations aimed at probing instabilities in flow through deformable tubes.
Directional locking and deterministic separation in periodic arrays
Authors: FRECHETTE JOELLE , DRAZER GERMAN
Published: May 2009

We investigate the dynamics of a non-Brownian sphere suspended in a quiescent fluid and moving through a periodic array of solid obstacles under the action of a constant external force by means of Stokesian dynamics simulations. We show that in the presence of non-hydrodynamic, short-range interactions between the solid obstacles and the suspended sphere, the moving particle becomes locked into periodic trajectories with an average orientation that coincides with one of the lattice directions and is, in general, different from the direction of the driving force. The locking angle depends on the details of the non-hydrodynamic interactions and could lead to vector separation of different species for certain orientations of the external force. We explicitly show the presence of separation for a mixture of suspended particles with different roughness, moving through a square lattice of spherical obstacles. We also present a dilute model based on the two-particle mobility and resistance functions for the collision between spheres of different sizes. This simple model predicts the separation of particles of different size and also suggests that microdevices that maximize the differences in interaction area between the different particles and the solid obstacles would be more sensitive for size separation based on non-hydrodynamic interactions.
Radiation of acoustic and gravity waves and propagation of boundary waves in the stratified fluid from a time-varying bottom boundary
Authors: WATADA SHINGO
Published: May 2009

Energy flow and radiation of linearized acoustic–gravity waves and propagation of boundary waves in a gravitationally stratified isothermal compressible inviscid semi-infinite fluid from a time-varying bottom boundary are investigated in the frequency–wavenumber domain. Impedance Z, the ratio of the bottom vertical displacement to the fluid pressure above it, is a function of the frequency and horizontal wavenumber (ω, k) of the bottom boundary undulation. The amplitude and phase of Z at the bottom boundary divide the (ω, k) coordinates into wave-type regimes. In contrast to the pure acoustic or gravity wave case, the phase of Z is continuous but changes quickly across the regime boundaries between the propagating waves and trapped waves at the bottom, except for the Lamb wave branch along which the amplitude is infinite and across which the phase jumps by π. The phase of Z determines the efficiency of the work against the fluid by the deforming bottom boundary, showing reduced upward wave-energy flow from the bottom near the regime boundaries in which the phase of Z approaches ±π/2. For precise modelling of pressure waves and the energy flow of acoustic and gravity waves in the fluid originating from a time-dependent bottom-surface deformation with an apparent phase velocity comparable to the speed of sound in the fluid, it is necessary to include the dependency on (ω, k) of impedance Z.
Stable manifolds and the transition to turbulence in pipe flow
Authors: VISWANATH D. , CVITANOVIĆ P.
Published: May 2009

Lower branch travelling waves and equilibria computed in pipe flow and other shear flows appear intermediate between turbulent and laminar motions. We take a step towards connecting these lower branch solutions to transition by deriving a numerical method for finding certain special disturbances of the laminar flow in a short pipe. These special disturbances cause the disturbed velocity field to approach the lower branch solution by evolving along its stable manifold. If the disturbance were slightly smaller, the flow would relaminarize, and if slightly larger, it would transition to a turbulent state.
Streamwise-travelling waves of spanwise wall velocity for turbulent drag reduction
Authors: QUADRIO MAURIZIO , RICCO PIERRE , VIOTTI CLAUDIO
Published: May 2009

Waves of spanwise velocity imposed at the walls of a plane turbulent channel flow are studied by direct numerical simulations. We consider sinusoidal waves of spanwise velocity which vary in time and are modulated in space along the streamwise direction. The phase speed may be null, positive or negative, so that the waves may be either stationary or travelling forward or backward in the direction of the mean flow. Such a forcing includes as particular cases two known techniques for reducing friction drag: the oscillating wall technique (a travelling wave with infinite phase speed) and the recently proposed steady distribution of spanwise velocity (a wave with zero phase speed). The travelling waves alter the friction drag significantly. Waves which slowly travel forward produce a large reduction of drag that can relaminarize the flow at low values of the Reynolds number. Faster waves yield a totally different outcome, i.e. drag increase (DI). Even faster waves produce a drag reduction (DR) effect again. Backward-travelling waves instead lead to DR at any speed. The travelling waves, when they reduce drag, operate in similar fashion to the oscillating wall, with an improved energetic efficiency. DI is observed when the waves travel at a speed comparable with that of the convecting near-wall turbulence structures. A diagram illustrating the different flow behaviours is presented.
Turbulent characteristics of a shallow wall-bounded plane jet: experimental implications for river mouth hydrodynamics
Authors: ROWLAND JOEL C. , STACEY MARK T. , DIETRICH WILLIAM E.
Published: May 2009

Jets arising from rivers, streams and tidal flows entering still waters differ from most experimental studies of jets both in aspect ratio and in the presence of a solid bottom boundary and an upper free surface. Despite these differences, the applicability of experimental jet studies to these systems remains largely untested by either field or realistically scaled experimental studies. Here we present experimental results for a wall-bounded plane jet scaled to jets created by flow discharging into floodplain lakes. A characteristic feature of both our prototype and experimental jets is the presence of large-scale meandering turbulent structures that span the width of the jets. In our experimental jets, we observe self-similarity in the distribution of mean streamwise velocities by a distance of six channel widths downstream of the jet outlet. After a distance of nine channel widths the velocity decay and the spreading rates largely agree with prior experimental results for plane jets. The magnitudes and distributions of the cross-stream velocity and lateral shear stresses approach self-preserving conditions in the upper half of the flow, but decrease in magnitude, and deviate from self-preserving distributions with proximity to the bed. The presence of the meandering structure has little influence on the mean structure of the jet, but dominates the jet turbulence. A comparison of turbulence analysed at time scales both greater than and less than the period of the meandering structure indicates that these structures increase turbulence intensities by 3–5 times, and produce lateral shear stresses and momentum diffusivities that are one and two orders of magnitude greater, respectively, than turbulence generated by bed friction alone.
Property rights conflict, customary institutions and the state: the case of agro-pastoralists in Mieso district, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Fekadu
Published: May 2009

This paper examines inter-ethnic conflict over grazing land previously accessed as common property. It presents results of a study undertaken in Mieso district of eastern Ethiopia where two ethnic groups maintain different production systems – pastoral and agropastoral. The historical change in land use by one of the ethnic groups, resource scarcity, violation of customary norms, power asymmetry and livestock raids are among the factors that have contributed to the recurrence of conflict. Particularly important is the role of raids in triggering conflict and restricting access to grazing areas. Socio-economic and political factors are responsible for power asymmetry and the increasing scale of raids. An increase in the frequency of violence and a decline in the capacity of customary authority in conflict management advance the role of the state in establishing enforceable property rights institutions. This will succeed only if policies and interventions are redirected at suppressing incentives for violence, establishing new institutional structures in consultation with clan elders of both parties, and building internal capacity to monitor conflict-triggering events.