bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of different single‐strain starter cultures for their effects on ripening and grading of Beyaz cheese
Authors: Hayaloglu A. A.
Published: November 2007

The performance and relative contribution of four single strains of lactococci (UC317, NCDO763, HP or SK11) as starters for cheese‐making and ripening properties of Beyaz cheeses were compared. Gross composition, secondary proteolysis (water‐soluble, 12% trichloroacetic acid‐soluble, 5% phosphotungstic acid‐soluble nitrogen fractions and total free amino acid contents), lipolysis (acid degree values, ADV) and cheese grading were monitored during 90 days of ripening. Chemical composition of whey samples obtained during cheese‐making were found to be quite similar; however, whey samples obtained from NCDO763 or HP cheeses had the highest and the lowest pH values, respectively (P < 0.05). Acidity and pH developments were low levels in the cheeses made with NCDO763 than those of other cheeses during ripening (P < 0.05), however gross composition of all experimental cheeses were similar during ripening. Water‐soluble, 12% trichloroacetic acid‐soluble, 5% phosphotungstic acid‐soluble nitrogen fractions and total free amino acid contents were significantly influenced by use of different strains of lactococci and cheese age (P < 0.05). However, ADV of the cheeses were not significantly influenced (P > 0.05). The highest concentrations of soluble nitrogen and total free amino acid contents were observed in the cheeses made with NCDO763. The cheeses made with different strains of lactococci showed marked differences in cheese proteolysis during ripening.
Mixed tropical fruit nectars with added energy components
Authors: De Sousa Paulo H. M. , Maia Geraldo A. , De Azeredo Henriette M. C. , De Souza Filho Men de Sá M. , Garruti Deborah dos S. , De Freitas Claisa A. S.
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this work was to develop energy drinks from mixed tropical fruit nectars with added caffeine or guarana. The nectars were formulated from puree blends, consisting of cashew apple, acerola, papaya, passion fruit and guava. Firstly, a mixture design was carried out by varying the puree proportions, in order to establish the most accepted formulation of the mixed nectar. Higher proportions of guava and papaya purees resulted in better acceptance scores, while passion fruit puree impaired the product acceptance. The most accepted formulation was that with the following puree contents: passion fruit, 3.9%; papaya, 5.7%; guava, 5.7%; and acerola, 5.7%. This formulation was defined as the control for the difference‐from‐control sensory tests, conducted to compare the control added with energy components (guarana or caffeine) with the control itself. Although both energy drinks were significantly different from the control, they were well accepted, indicating their potential for being commercialised.
Spinning of protein fibres from blue squat lobster (Cervimunida jhoni) industry by‐products
Authors: Pérez‐Won Mario , Madrid Daniela , Briones Vilbet , Cortés Cecilia , Oliva Mónica , Cortés Pablo , Cifuentes Antonio
Published: November 2007

The fresh whole crustaceans by‐products from blue squat lobster (Cervimunida jhoni) were minced and the protein was solubilised with 0.1 m of NaOH. Then the solution was centrifuged and the supernatant was precipitated using 0.1 m of HCl. The dope was prepared with 4% of protein, solid NaOH and coadjutant (sodium alginate or carragenan). The dope was extruded through the trial‐spinning machine and the fibre was formed. The results showed that the best condition of protein extraction was 90 min and pH 12.5 when 58.4% of protein from whole crustacean by‐products could be extracted. The protein isolate was obtained at pH 4.0. The best fibres were obtained when the ratios protein/NaOH, and protein/coadjutant were 10:1 and 1:1 respectively. Rheological measurements of all dopes exhibited non‐Newtonian behaviour and the experimental data were described by the power law model. The consistency index (k) of the dopes containing carragenan seem to be a parameter to evaluate dope spinnability.
The effect of pH, ethanol volume and acid washing time on the yield of pectin extraction from peach pomace
Authors: Faravash Ram Sanati , Ashtiani Farzin Zokaee
Published: November 2007

An experimental study has been conducted to determine the effects of extraction time and pH variation on the yield of pectin isolation from pomace of peento peaches. Ethanol volume (EV) and pectin solution (extract) evaporation were defined to investigate their influence on the precipitation pH and the yield of pectic substances extraction. The yield rose as a result of the increase in initial pH, time of extraction and EV at pH less than 3.5. In contrast, further increase in pH resulted in a drop in the yield. The maximum yield of pectin extraction, 7.03% ± 0.2%, was obtained at initial pH 2.5, EV of 1.5 and acid washing time of 120 min. In addition, the effect of EV on the degree of esterification (DE) and ash content of extracted pectic substances was determined by FTIR and ashing methods, respectively. Results indicated that EV can affect DE strongly.
Influence of gender and spawning on thermal stability and proteolytic degradation of proteins in Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) muscle stored at 2 °C
Authors: Kong Baohua , Xiong Youling L. , Chen Gong , Webster Carl D.
Published: November 2007

Thermal stability and proteolytic degradation of male (M), nonspawning female (F) and spawning female (SF) red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) muscle proteins during refrigerated storage (2 °C) were investigated. The thermal transition temperatures (Tmax) of myosin and actin remained relatively constant during storage, but their enthalpies of denaturation (ΔH) increased, especially in SF samples. SF muscle proteins were more heat‐stable (greater Tmax and ΔH values, P < 0.05) than M and F muscle proteins. Protein degradation occurred in all muscle groups, more rapidly in M and F muscles than in SF muscle. The diminishments of a 69‐kDa component and troponin‐I and the appearance of a 55‐kDa polypeptide represented the most salient proteolytic changes. The results suggested that the spawning status was a more significant factor than gender in affecting the quality of red claw muscle proteins and their changes during refrigerated storage.
Exposure assessment to Sudan dyes through consumption of artificially coloured chilli powders in India
Authors: Mishra Krishn K. , Dixit Sumita , Purshottam Shakendra K. , Pandey Ram C. , Das Mukul , Khanna Subhash K.
Published: November 2007

In view of detection of Sudan dyes in chillies, the Spices Board of India formulated a mandatory testing programme in all chilli consignments exported from India. However, no surveillance data on use and levels of Sudan dyes in domestic chilli products are available in India. Hence chilli powders were monitored to check the magnitude of artificial coloration and the likely exposure assessment of Sudan dyes. Among 800 non‐branded, loose chilli powder samples, over 66% were found to employ artificial colouration while only 33% were free from Sudan dyes. None of the branded chilli powder samples was found to contain Sudan dyes. The maximum content of Sudan I noted was as high as 11.8 mg g−1, which at the rough per capita consumption estimates of 0.5–1.0 g chilli powder per day amounts to an intake of 5.8–11.8 mg of Sudan I. This may lead to unwarranted health consequences, hence regular monitoring of the chilli powder samples is advisable to safeguard the health of unsuspecting consumers.
Anti‐Fenton reaction activity of three taxa of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.)
Authors: Wang Tsu‐Shing , Lii Chong‐Kuei , Chang Jen‐Yun , Kuo Chung‐Ing , Chen Hsin‐Pin
Published: November 2007

In the present study, we compared the anti‐Fenton reaction activity of three taxa of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.): DS2, TN2 and PSY [D. alata L. var. purpurea (Roxb.) M. Pouch]. Anti‐Fenton reaction activity was evaluated by measuring the damage inflicted on calf thymus DNA by copper ions combined with hydrogen peroxide with the use of an ethidium bromide binding assay and agarose gel electrophoresis. We found that extracts of tuber pulp from all three taxa of yam had significant anti‐Fenton reaction activity. The protection pattern of the three tuber pulp extracts was similar to that of EDTA, a typical divalent metal ion chelator, which displayed a significant protection lag‐phase. With the use of thin‐layer chromatography, we found that a common, major ansialdehyde‐sulphuric acid stained spot (possibly a polysaccharide mucilage) with an Rf of 0.09 may be the most likely contributor to the anti‐Fenton reaction activities of the yam tuber extracts investigated. The present study identifies the mechanism of the health benefit of the Dioscorea family. The copper‐chelating and absorbing capability of yam tuber pulp extracts may be useful in functional screening.
Assessment of film‐forming potential and properties of protein and polysaccharide‐based biopolymer films
Authors: Wang Lizhe Z. , Liu Li , Holmes Justin , Kerry John F. , Kerry Joe P.
Published: November 2007

This study assessed the film‐forming abilities of six types of proteins, as well as six types of polysaccharides at various concentrations (proteins: 0–16%; polysaccharides: 0–4%) and heating temperatures (60–80 °C). Biopolymer films evaluated included: sodium caseinate (SC), whey protein isolate (WPI), gelatine (G); caboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA) and potato starch (PS). Screening trials showed that optimal film‐forming conditions were achieved using SC and G (4% and 8%), WPI (8% and 12%), PS, CMC (2% and 3%) or SA (1% and 1.5%) solutions heated to 80 °C in combination with 50% (w/w) glycerol. Films manufactured from 1.5% SA, 8% G and 3% CMC had the highest tensile strength (24.88 MPa); flexibility (89.69%)/tear strength (0.30 N) and puncture resistance (22.66 N), respectively. SC, WPI and G‐based films were more resistant to solvent than SA, CMC and PS. Film permeability to water vapour and oxygen decreased in the order: 12% WPI to 1% SA and 12% WPI to 1% SA. All films tested were impermeable to oil.
Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 with prebiotic substrates using a hybridisation system
Authors: Ann Eun Y. , Kim Younghoon , Oh Sejong , Imm Jee‐Young , Park Dong‐Jun , Han Kyoung S. , Kim Sae H.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic substrates on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 and to investigate the utilisation of these prebiotic substrates as coating materials for microencapsulation. The cell growth of L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 was significantly increased in the presence of fructooligosaccharide, lactulose and raffinose. The microencapsulation of L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 cells was carried out by dry surface reforming process (hybridisation) using the selected prebiotic substrates and the enteric coating material, SuretericTMsans. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the double‐microencapsulated bacteria exhibited smooth, rounded external surfaces, with a thick external coating composed of the prebiotic substrates and the Sureteric. The acid (artificial gastric juice) or heat tolerance (55 °C) of the double‐microencapsulated preparations (prebiotic and enteric coating) was significantly higher than that of the uncoated and single‐coated (enteric coating) preparation at prolonged acid (5 h) or heat exposure (3 h). On the contrary, no significant differences were found in salt tolerance. During the storage up to 20 days at 25 and 37 °C, the stability of L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 was significantly improved by double‐microencapsulation.
Understanding dementia amongst people in minority ethnic and cultural groups
Authors: La Fontaine Jenny , Ahuja Jyoti , Bradbury Nicola M. , Phillips Sue , Oyebode Jan R.
Published: November 2007

Title.  Understanding dementia amongst people in minority ethnic and cultural groups

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore perceptions of ageing, dementia and ageing‐associated mental health difficulties amongst British people of Punjabi Indian origin.

Background. People from ethnic minorities are often under‐represented in mental health services. Contributing factors may include lack of knowledge of dementia in these communities, lack of detection in primary care, expectations of family care and lack of appropriate services. For this to change, greater knowledge is needed about awareness and conceptualization of dementia in minority ethnic communities.

Method. A focus‐group study was conducted between 2001 and 2003 with 49 English‐, Hindi‐ and Punjabi‐speaking British South Asians, aged 17–61 years. Views of ageing and ageing‐associated difficulties were explored in initial groups. In a second set of groups, vignettes were used for more specific exploration of awareness and understanding of dementia. Data were subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings. Ageing was seen as a time of withdrawal and isolation, and problems as physical or emotional; cognitive impairment was seldom mentioned. There was an implication that symptoms of dementia partly resulted from lack of effort by the person themselves and possibly from lack of family care. Therefore people should overcome their own problems and family action might be part of the solution. There was a sense of stigma and a lack of knowledge about mental illness and services, alongside disillusionment with doctors and exclusion from services.

Conclusion. Health promotion and health interventions delivered with respect for the cultural context are needed, as well as education of healthcare professionals about South Asian conceptualizations of dementia.
Nursing’s ways of knowing and dual process theories of cognition
Authors: Paley John , Cheyne Helen , Dalgleish Len , Duncan Edward A. S. , Niven Catherine A.
Published: November 2007

Title. Nursing’s ways of knowing and dual process theories of cognition

Aim.This paper is a comparison of nursing’s patterns of knowing with the systems identified by cognitive science, and evaluates claims about the equal‐status relation between scientific and non‐scientific knowledge.

Background.Ever since Carper’s seminal paper in 1978, it has been taken for granted in the nursing literature that there are ways of knowing, or patterns of knowing, that are not scientific. This idea has recently been used to argue that the concept of evidence, typically associated with evidence‐based practice, is inappropriately restricted because it is identified exclusively with scientific research.

Method.The paper reviews literature in psychology which appears to draw a comparable distinction between rule‐based, analytical cognitive processes and other forms of cognitive processing which are unconscious, holistic and intuitive.

Findings.There is a convincing parallel between the ‘patterns of knowing’ distinction in nursing and the ‘cognitive processing’ distinction in psychology. However, there is an important difference in the way the relation between different forms of knowing (or cognitive processing) is depicted. In nursing, it is argued that the different patterns of knowing have equal status and weight. In cognitive science, it is suggested that the rule‐based, analytical form of cognition has a supervisory and corrective function with respect to the other forms.

Conclusions.Scientific reasoning and evidence‐based knowledge have epistemological priority over the other forms of nursing knowledge. The implications of this claim for healthcare practice are briefly indicated.
The use of nurses' and carers’ observations in the identification of poststroke depression
Authors: Lightbody C. Elizabeth , Auton Malcolm , Baldwin Robert , Gibbon Bernard , Hamer Samantha , Leathley Michael J. , Sutton Chris , Watkins Caroline L.
Published: November 2007

Title.  The use of nurses' and carers’ observations in the identification of poststroke depression

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine the accuracy and utility of an observational screening tool (Signs of Depression Scale), when rated by nurses and carers for detecting depression in patients who have recently had a stroke.

Background.  Depression following a stroke is common and adversely affects recovery and rehabilitation. Identifying depression when patients have communication and cognitive difficulties is especially problematic. Screening tools which rely solely on observation may be beneficial in this group.

Method.  A cross‐sectional study of people admitted with an acute stroke compared a clinical diagnosis of depression by a psychiatrist (the gold standard) with the Signs of Depression Scale completed by nurses and carers. The agreement between nurses’ and carers’ ratings was also explored. Data were collected over 10 months (December 2004–October 2005).

Findings.  Seventy‐one patients were included in the study, median age 70 [inter‐quartile ranges (IQR) 59–76], including 40 (56·3%) males. The psychiatrist classified 25/71 (35·2%) patients as depressed. Using the recommended cut‐point of 2 or more on the Signs of Depression Scale, the nurse and carer respectively rated 27/71 (38·0%) and 18/30 (60·0%) patients as potentially depressed. The proportion of patients correctly identified as depressed by the test (sensitivity) when rated by nurses was 64%, and the proportion of patients not depressed who were correctly identified by the test (specificity) was 61%, whereas carers achieved sensitivity 90% and specificity 35%. The optimal cut‐point for carers was higher at 4 or more. Inter‐rater agreement on the Signs of Depression Scale between nurses and carers was fair (ICC = 0·43, 95% CI: 0·09–0·68).

Conclusion.  The Signs of Depression Scale is easily completed by clinical staff, although we found the sensitivity when completed by nurses to be low. Information from carers shows potential to improve screening and it is important for nurses to value the knowledge and skills of carers in detecting depression following a stroke. Further refinement of the Signs of Depression Scale, with accompanying research, is required.
Organism size promotes the evolution of specialized cells in multicellular digital organisms
Authors: WILLENSDORFER M.
Published: November 2007

Specialized cells are the essence of complex multicellular life. Fossils allow us to study the modification of specialized, multicellular features such as jaws, scales, and muscular appendages. But it is still unclear what organismal properties contributed to the transition from undifferentiated organisms, which contain only a single cell type, to multicellular organisms with specialized cells. Using digital organisms I studied this transition. My simulations show that the transition to specialized cells happens faster in organism composed of many cells than in organisms composed of few cells. Large organisms suffer less from temporarily unsuccessful evolutionary experiments with individual cells, allowing them to evolve specialized cells via evolutionary trajectories that are unavailable to smaller organisms. This demonstrates that the evolution of simple multicellular organisms which are composed of many functionally identical cells accelerates the evolution of more complex organisms with specialized cells.
In vitro and in vivo effects of potassium and magnesium on storage up to 7 days of apheresis platelet concentrates in platelet additive solution
Authors: Diedrich B. , Sandgren P. , Jansson B. , Gulliksson H. , Svensson L. , Shanwell A.
Published: November 2007

Background and Objective  Prolonged storage of platelets up to 7 days provides improved availability, logistical management and decreased wastage. Beside methods of bacterial detection, addition of magnesium and potassium to the platelet storage solution (SSP+) may further improve the quality of platelets with extended storage.

Materials and Methods  Apheresis platelets from 10 donors were divided and stored in two different platelet additive solutions (PAS) (Intersol and SSP+) for a paired comparison. A variety of in vitro platelet function and metabolic assays were performed both on day 1 and after 7 days of storage. For in vivo study, platelets were labelled with either 111Indium or 51Chromium after 7 days of storage and were injected into the corresponding donor. Serial blood samples were drawn for recovery and survival measurements.

Results  In vitro parameters for SSP+ showed significantly reduced glycolysis (lower glucose consumption and decreased production of lactate), a higher hypotonic shock response (HSR) and the extent of shape change reactivity and a lower degree of platelet activation by means of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal, T cell‐expressed, and secreted), CD62p and CD63 expression. Platelet recovery on day 7 was higher for Intersol as compared to SSP+, 65 ± 11 vs. 53 ± 13% (P = 0·023), and survival showed no difference 4·2 ± 1·9 vs. 3·6 ± 1·4 days.

Conclusion  In vitro characteristics of platelets stored in PAS with addition of potassium and magnesium indicated higher quality, but this could not be verified by the in vivo parameters by means of recovery and survival.
Species richness of the genus Molgolaimus (Nematoda) from local to ocean scale along continental slopes
Authors: Fonseca Gustavo , Muthumbi Agnes W. , Vanreusel Ann
Published: November 2007

This study investigated the distribution of Molgolaimus species (Nematoda) at different hierarchical spatial scales and observed the turnover of species along bathymetrical transects and among transects in two separate geographical regions. Samples from six transects (200–2000 m) from the Southern Oceans (SO) and four bathymetric transects (50–2000 m) from the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) were compared. Of the 30 species recorded, only one was common to both regions. WIO had higher local species richness than the SO. In both regions, the local scale was the greatest contributor to the total species richness. In the SO, there was no difference between species turnover at the different spatial scales, however, in the WIO, the turnover along bathymetrical transects was higher than among separated transects. For the particular genus studied, the evidence suggests that the study area in WIO has more widespread species and was better sampled, while the SO has many restricted species and it is most probably characterized by different biogeographical provinces. At the ocean scale (i.e. WIO versus SO), evolutionary histories may have strongly influenced nematodes species composition, while at local and regional scales, ecological processes are probably promoting species co‐existence and speciation. The high co‐existence of certain species at local scale is partially explained by species preference for different sediment layers.
Adult butterfly communities in coffee plantations around a protected area in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Dolia J. , Devy M. S. , Aravind N. A. , Kumar A.
Published: November 2007

Although large areas of relatively undisturbed forests are essential for preserving biodiversity, opportunities for conservation in human‐dominated landscapes must not be overlooked. Agroforestry systems such as shaded coffee plantations are known to be more compatible with biodiversity conservation than other, more drastic, land transformations. In recent times, however, modernization of coffee cultivation has influenced its conservation values adversely. We evaluated adult butterfly diversity in 12 coffee plantations around a protected area (PA) in the Western Ghats, India. We sampled 25 transects that varied in distance from the PA and in proportion of silver oak Grevillea robusta, an exotic timber species. We also had two transects within the PA. We used a combination of line transects and fruit bait traps to sample butterflies. Micro‐climatic variables (temperature, humidity and light intensity) and other habitat variables (e.g. canopy cover, tree diversity, herb species richness) were recorded for each transect. We analyzed the effect of these variables on the abundance and species richness of butterflies, overall as well as in different families, feeding guilds and size classes. Proximity to the PA significantly influenced the abundance and richness of butterflies in coffee plantations, with transects close to the PA having higher abundance and richness than transects further away. Also, in terms of butterfly species composition, similarity to forest declined with increasing distance. Among the habitat variables, only canopy cover had a significant effect on abundance and richness, and the effect was negative. These patterns, with some exceptions, were also reflected for different families and feeding guilds. The proportion of silver oak had no apparent effect on butterflies. This study demonstrates that coffee plantations can act as a buffer for butterfly fauna within a certain radius of a PA. They have great potential as auxiliary tools and can significantly complement conservation efforts that are currently centered on PAs.
Habitat quality predicts the distribution of a lizard in fragmented woodlands better than habitat fragmentation
Authors: Santos T. , Díaz J. A. , Pérez‐Tris J. , Carbonell R. , Tellería J. L.
Published: November 2007

Organisms often face a higher risk of local extinction in fragmented than in continuous habitat. However, whether populations are affected by reduced size and connectivity of the habitat or by changes in habitat quality in fragmented landscapes remains poorly investigated. We studied the regional distribution and microhabitat selection of the lacertid lizardPsammodromus algirusin a fragmented landscape where the existence of deciduous and evergreen woodlands brought about variation in habitat quality. Lizards never occupied any fragment smaller than 0.5 ha. However, above that limit fragment size no longer predicted lizard occurrence, which was explained by woodland type instead, with lizards being more frequently found in deciduous than in evergreen woodlands. Lizards selected microhabitats that had structural features favouring thermoregulation, foraging and predator avoidance, and we identified better conditions for thermoregulation and food acquisition in deciduous than in evergreen woodlands. Our results support the idea that variation in habitat quality can sometimes override the effect of habitat fragmentation on animal populations. We consider the implications of our study for the conservation of Mediterranean lizards, discussing our results in a broader context framed by previous studies conducted in nearby areas.
Periodontal disease as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Agueda Anna , Ramón Josep Ma , Manau Carolina , Guerrero Adrian , Echeverría José J.
Published: November 2007

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between periodontitis and the incidence of preterm birth (PB), low birth weight (LBW) and preterm low birth weight (PLBW)

Material and Methods: One thousand and ninty‐six women were enrolled. Periodontal data, pregnancy outcome variables and information on other factors that may influence adverse pregnancy outcomes were collected. Data were analysed using a logistic regression model.

Results: The incidence of PB and LBW was 6.6% and 6.0%, respectively. The incidence of PLBW was 3.3%. PB was related to mother's age, systemic diseases, onset of prenatal care, previous PBs, complications of pregnancy, type of delivery, the presence of untreated caries and the presence of periodontitis (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.88). LBW was related to mother's smoking habits, ethnicity, systemic diseases, previous LBW babies, complications of pregnancy and type of delivery. PLBW was related to mother's age, onset of prenatal care, systemic diseases, previous LBW babies, complications of pregnancy and type of delivery.

Conclusions: The factors involved in many cases of adverse pregnancy outcomes have still not being identified, although systemic infections may play a role. This study found a modest association between periodontitis and PB. Further research is required to establish whether periodontitis is a risk factor for PB and/or LBW.
Epidermal chemokines and modulation by antihistamines, antibiotics and antifungals
Authors: Tokura Yoshiki , Kobayashi Miwa , Kabashima Kenji
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Growing evidence has demonstrated that chemokines released from epidermal cells control inflammatory skin diseases. Keratinocytes elaborate both Th1‐ and Th2‐associated chemokines, although the former is more abundantly produced than the latter. Downmodulation of keratinocyte production of chemokines is one of the therapeutic approaches for cutaneous inflammatory disorders. Recent observations have shown that keratinocyte chemokine production can be modulated by well‐used drugs, including antihistamines, antibiotics and antifungals. Utilization of the beneficial side effects of these drugs may by clinically valuable.
The older population and changing housing careers: Implications for housing provision
Authors: Faulkner Debbie
Published: November 2007

As Australia's population ages, housing is going to become an increasingly important issue for policy makers, developers, housing providers and service providers. Not only will there be demands for increasing numbers of houses but also increasing demands for greater choice, variety and greater expectations about the quality of that housing and the type of facilities associated with, or in close proximity to, that housing. Research emphasises an array of demographic, social, economic, personal and community factors along with cohort effects that influence the housing and living arrangement choices of older people. A clear understanding of these factors and the way they may interact in influencing housing decisions and transitions is essential if planning is to be effective. This paper provides an overview of our current understanding of the influences on the housing careers of the older population.
Protein crystallography for non‐crystallographers, or how to get the best (but not more) from published macromolecular structures
Authors: Wlodawer Alexander , Minor Wladek , Dauter Zbigniew , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: November 2007

The number of macromolecular structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank now exceeds 45 000, with the vast majority determined using crystallographic methods. Thousands of studies describing such structures have been published in the scientific literature, and 14 Nobel prizes in chemistry or medicine have been awarded to protein crystallographers. As important as these structures are for understanding the processes that take place in living organisms and also for practical applications such as drug design, many non‐crystallographers still have problems with critical evaluation of the structural literature data. This review attempts to provide a brief outline of technical aspects of crystallography and to explain the meaning of some parameters that should be evaluated by users of macromolecular structures in order to interpret, but not over‐interpret, the information present in the coordinate files and in their description. A discussion of the extent of the information that can be gleaned from the coordinates of structures solved at different resolution, as well as problems and pitfalls encountered in structure determination and interpretation are also covered.
Nitrogen use efficiency. 2. Amino acid metabolism
Authors: Lea P.J. , Azevedo R.A.
Published: November 2007

In a previous article, we highlighted the latest developments in the isolation and characterisation of genes involved in the uptake of nitrogen from the soil, which might be used to improve the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crop plants. In this article, we have concentrated on the genes controlling the enzymes of amino acid metabolism that may be involved in transferring nitrogen to the protein in the grain. Evidence is now accumulating from the use of knockout mutants, of the role of individual isoenzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, which are encoded by specific genes that are often members of a multigene family. In addition, a significant number of overexpressing plant lines have been obtained, which have increased activities of cytosol located, glutamine synthetase, asparagine synthetase and alanine aminotransferase that appear to have improved NUE.
Exogenous Hematin Alleviates Mercury‐induced Oxidative Damage in the Roots of Medicago sativa
Authors: Han Yi , Xuan Wei , Yu Tian , Fang Wen‐Bing , Lou Tian‐Ling , Gao Yin , Chen Xiao‐Yue , Xiao Xiao , Shen Wen‐Biao
Published: November 2007

In the present study, we evaluated the protective effect of exogenous heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1 EC 1.14.99.3) inducer hematin against mercury‐induced oxidative damage in the roots of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Plants exposed to mercury (HgCl2) exhibited a significant increase of lipid peroxidation, as well as inhibition of root elongation. However, hematin (50 μM) supplementation to HgCl2 (100 μmol/L) treated plants effectively reduced the lipid peroxidation and partially increased the root elongation. These responses were mimicked by the application of aqueous solution of carbon monoxide (CO) with 50% saturation. Also, treatment with hematin could result in the potent induction of HO‐1 transcript in the root tissues, as detected 12 h following treatment. Moreover, the activation of anti‐oxidant enzyme, including glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase and superoxide dismutase activities, and the decrease of lipoxygenase activity, were induced by hematin at 12 h or 24 h, which was further confirmed by histochemical staining for the detection of lipid peroxidation and loss of membrane integrity. Whereas, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase isozyme activities or their transcripts were reduced, respectively, indicating that hydrogen peroxide might act as a signal to mediate Hg‐tolerance at the beginning of treatment. The ameliorating effects of hematin were specific, since the CO scavenger hemoglobin differentially reversed the above actions. Taken together, our results suggested that hematin exhibits a vital role in protecting the plant against Hg‐induced oxidative damage.
Florigen (II): It is a Mobile Protein
Authors: Yang Yuejun , Klejnot John , Yu Xuhong , Liu Xuanming , Lin Chentao
Published: November 2007

The true identity of florigen – the molecule(s) that migrates from leaves to apical meristem to initiate flowering – was notoriously elusive, having made it almost the “Bigfoot” of plant biology. There was never a lack of drama in the field of florigen study, and florigen researchers have once again experienced such a swing in the last two years. We wrote a minireview last year in this journal (Yu et al. 2006) to excitedly salute, among other discoveries, the notion that the flowering locus T (FT) mRNA might be the molecular form of a florigen. However, this hypothesis was challenged in a little less than two years after its initial proposition, and the original paper proposed that the FT mRNA hypothesis was retracted (Huang et al. 2005; Bohlenius et al. 2007). Interestingly enough, the FT gene previously proposed to encode a florigen was never challenged. Rather, the FT protein, instead of the FT mRNA, is now believed to migrate from leaves to the apical meristem to promote floral initiation. In this update, we will share with our readers some entertaining stories concerning the recent studies of florigen in five different plant species. In addition to the published reports referenced in this update, readers may also refer to our previous minireview and references therein for additional background information (Yu et al. 2006).
ISO Best Practices in Reference Material Certification and Use in Geoanalysis
Authors: Kane Jean S. , Potts Philip J.
Published: November 2007

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has published many guides, or technical standards, of great value to analytical geochemists. Two of particular importance are Guide 33 (Uses of Certified Reference Materials) and Guide 35 (Certification of Reference Materials). Both were first developed in the 1980s and undergo regular review and updating by the Reference Materials Committee (REMCO) that operates within ISO. Recent revisions have focused on adding statistical rigour to both guides. Although this offers significant advantages for use by professional metrologists, there are consequent issues of comprehension by the analytical chemists who in fact have the greatest need of them. A major focus of Guide 35 is the development of reference material uncertainties that are in full compliance with the Guide on Measurement Uncertainty (GUM), jointly issued by ISO, IUPAC and others. Guide 35 details handling of uncertainty due to (1) degradation on the shelf and in transport, (2) sample heterogeneity and (3) inter‐method and inter‐laboratory bias, as well as within‐laboratory repeatability. The International Association of Geoanalysts has developed a protocol for reference material certification that applies Guide 35 to the specific needs of the geoanalytical community. The approach being taken by the IAG in developing GUM‐compliant uncertainties for its certified values is presented. Recommendations made in Guide 33 for how a laboratory should compare its own results with certified values in assessing laboratory accuracy are outlined. Additionally, the subject of misusing reference materials is discussed. The apparent misuse occurs because so few CRMs exist that meet critical measurement needs of geoanalytical laboratories and that also meet the rigorous metrological demands of the latest editions of the ISO Guides. All of the focus of the IAG certification programme has been to undertake certifications that would fill gaps in CRM availability and thus serve to limit this misuse.
Temporal dynamics in non‐additive responses of arthropods to host‐plant genotypic diversity
Authors: M. Crutsinger Gregory , D. Collins Michael , A. Fordyce James , J. Sanders Nathan
Published: November 2007

Genotypic diversity within host‐plant populations has been linked to the diversity of associated arthropod communities, but the temporal dynamics of this relationship, along with the underlying mechanisms, are not well understood. In this study, we employed a common garden experiment that manipulated the number of genotypes within patches of Solidago altissima, tall goldenrod, to contain 1, 3, 6 or 12 genotypes m−2 and measured both host‐plant and arthropod responses to genotypic diversity throughout an entire growing season. Despite substantial phenological changes in host plants and in the composition of the arthropod community, we detected consistent positive responses of arthropod diversity to host‐plant genotypic diversity throughout all but the end of the growing season. Arthropod richness and abundance increased with genotypic diversity by up to∼65%. Furthermore, arthropod responses were non‐additive for most of the growing season, with up to 52% more species occurring in mixtures than the number predicted by summing the number of arthropods associated with component genotypes in monoculture. Non‐additive arthropod responses were likely driven by concurrent non‐additive increases in host‐plant aboveground biomass. Qualitative differences among host‐plant genotypes were also important early in the season, when specialist herbivores dominated the arthropod community. Neither arthropod diversity nor flower number was associated with genotypic diversity at the end of the growing season, when generalist floral‐associated herbivores dominated. Taken together, these results show that focusing on the temporal dynamics in the quantity and quality of co‐occurring host‐plant genotypes and associated community composition can help uncover the mechanisms that link intraspecific host‐plant diversity to the structure of arthropod communities. Furthermore, consistent non‐additive effects in genotypically diverse plots may limit the predictability of the arthropod community based solely on the genetic make‐up of a host‐plant patch.
Constraints on Anaerobic Respiration in the Hyperthermophilic Archaea
Pyrobaculum islandicum
and
Pyrobaculum aerophilum
Authors: Feinberg Lawrence F. , Srikanth R. , Vachet Richard W. , Holden James F.
Published: November 2007

Pyrobaculum islandicum
uses iron, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur for anaerobic respiration, while
Pyrobaculum aerophilum
uses iron and nitrate; however, the constraints on these processes and their physiological mechanisms for iron and sulfur reduction are not well understood. Growth rates on sulfur compounds are highest at pH 5 to 6 and highly reduced (<−420-mV) conditions, while growth rates on nitrate and iron are highest at pH 7 to 9 and more-oxidized (>−210-mV) conditions. Growth on iron expands the known pH range of growth for both organisms.
P. islandicum
differs from
P. aerophilum
in that it requires direct contact with insoluble iron oxide for growth, it did not produce any extracellular compounds when grown on insoluble iron, and it lacked 2,6-anthrahydroquinone disulfonate oxidase activity. Furthermore, iron reduction in
P. islandicum
appears to be completely independent of
c
-type cytochromes. Like that in
P. aerophilum
, NADH-dependent ferric reductase activity in
P. islandicum
increased significantly in iron-grown cultures relative to that in non-iron-grown cultures. Proteomic analyses showed that there were significant increases in the amounts of a putative membrane-bound thiosulfate reductase in
P. islandicum
cultures grown on thiosulfate relative to those in cultures grown on iron and elemental sulfur. This is the first evidence of this enzyme being used in either a hyperthermophile or an archaeon.
Pyrobaculum arsenaticum
and
Pyrobaculum calidifontis
also grew on Fe(III) citrate and insoluble iron oxide, but only
P. arsenaticum
could grow on insoluble iron without direct contact.
Kelch Repeat Protein Clakel2p and Calcium Signaling Control Appressorium Development inColletotrichum lagenarium
Authors: Sakaguchi Ayumu , Miyaji Toshihiko , Tsuji Gento , Kubo Yasuyuki
Published: November 2007

Kelch repeat proteins are important mediators of fundamental cellular functions and are found in diverse organisms. However, the roles of these proteins in filamentous fungi have not been characterized. We isolated a kelch repeat-encoding gene ofColletotrichum lagenarium ClaKEL2, aSchizosaccharomyces pombe tea1homologue. Analysis of theclakel2mutant indicated thatClaKEL2was required for the establishment of cellular polarity essential for proper morphogenesis of appressoria and that there is a plant signal-specific bypass pathway for appressorium development which circumventsClaKEL2function. Clakel2p was localized in the polarized region of growing hyphae and germ tubes, and the localization was disturbed by a microtubule assembly blocker. Theclakel2mutants formed abnormal appressoria, and those appressoria were defective in penetration hypha development into cellulose membranes, an artificial model substrate for fungal infection. Surprisingly, theclakel2mutants formed normal appressoria on the host plant and retained penetration ability. Normal appressorium formation on the artificial substrate by theclakel2mutants was restored when cells were incubated in the presence of CaCl2or exudates from cucumber cotyledon. Furthermore, calcium channel modulators inhibited restoration of normal appressorium formation. These results suggest that there could be a bypass pathway that transduces a plant-derived signal for appressorium development independent ofClaKEL2and that a calcium signal is involved in this transduction pathway.
Binding of the Wheat Germ Lectin to
Cryptococcus neoformans
Suggests an Association of Chitinlike Structures with Yeast Budding and Capsular Glucuronoxylomannan
Authors: Rodrigues Marcio L. , Alvarez Mauricio , Fonseca Fernanda L. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: November 2007

The capsule of
Cryptococcus neoformans
is a complex structure whose assembly requires intermolecular interactions to connect its components into an organized structure. In this study, we demonstrated that the wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), which binds to sialic acids and β-1,4-
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) oligomers, can also bind to cryptococcal capsular structures. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that these structures form round or hooklike projections linking the capsule to the cell wall, as well as capsule-associated structures during yeast budding. Chemical analysis of capsular extracts by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and high-pH anion-exchange chromatography suggested that the molecules recognized by WGA were firmly associated with the cell wall. Enzymatic treatment, competition assays, and staining with chemically modified WGA revealed that GlcNAc oligomers, but not sialic acids, were the molecules recognized by the lectin. Accordingly, treatment of
C. neoformans
cells with chitinase released glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) from the cell surface and reduced the capsule size. Chitinase-treated acapsular cells bound soluble GXM in a modified pattern. These results indicate an association of chitin-derived structures with GXM and budding in
C. neoformans
, which may represent a new mechanism by which the capsular polysaccharide interacts with the cell wall and is rearranged during replication.
Pneumococcal Virulence Gene Expression and Host Cytokine Profiles during Pathogenesis of Invasive Disease
Authors: Mahdi Layla K. , Ogunniyi Abiodun D. , LeMessurier Kim S. , Paton James C.
Published: November 2007

Pneumococcal disease continues to account for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. For the development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against the disease spectrum, a complete understanding of pneumococcal behavior in vivo is necessary. We evaluated the expression patterns of the proven and putative virulence factor genesadcR,cbpA,cbpD,cbpG,cpsA,nanA,pcpA,piaA,ply,psaA,pspA, andspxBafter intranasal infection of CD1 mice with serotype 2, 4, and 6A pneumococci by real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Simultaneous gene expression patterns of selected host immunomodulatory molecules, CCL2, CCL5, CD54, CXCL2, interleukin-6, and tomor necrosis factor alpha, were also investigated. We show that pneumococcal virulence genes are differentially expressed in vivo, with some genes demonstrating niche- and serotype-specific differential expression. The in vivo expression patterns could not be attributed to in vitro differences in expression of the genes in transparent and opaque variants of the three strains. The host molecules were significantly upregulated, especially in the lungs, blood, and brains of mice. The pneumococcal-gene expression patterns support their ascribed roles in pathogenesis, providing insight into which protein combinations might be more appropriate as vaccine antigens against invasive disease. This is the first simultaneous comparison of bacterial- and host gene expression in the same animal during pathogenesis. The strategy provides a platform for prospective evaluation of interaction kinetics between invading pneumococci and human patients in culture-positive cases and should be feasible in other infection models.