bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF SUCROSE ON THE MECHANICAL AND ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF FREEZE‐DRIED AGAR, K‐CARRAGEENAN AND GELLAN GELS1
Authors: NUSSINOVITCH AMOS , CORRADINI MARIA G. , NORMAND MARK D. , PELEG MICHA
Published: February 2007

Agar, K‐carrageenan and gellan gels (2%) with and without infused sucrose (5, 10 and 12.5%) were freeze dried and the mechanical and acoustic signatures of the resulting solid sponges recorded. For comparison, agar gels with 5 and 10% starch were also prepared and likewise tested. The presence of the sugar, or starch, in the dried gels increased their density in a manner that could not be predicted from the corresponding stoichiometric relations between the gum and additive indicating that the sugar, or starch, were not inert fillers. In general, the presence of the sucrose in the dried gel solid matrix increased the brittleness of the sponges. The effect could be quantified in terms of the increase in the mechanical signature's apparent fractal dimension (Richardson's and Kolmogorov's). The more brittle dried gels also had a “richer” acoustic signature whose apparent fractal dimension was determined with the “blanket” algorithm. Despite the irregular and jagged appearance of all the dry gels stress‐strain relationships, they could be described by the same kind of a three parameter empirical model originally derived for soft baked products and polymeric foams. Although the added sugar, or starch, stiffened the dehydrated gels the effect could not be quantified unambiguously because of the differences in the density and in the overall shape of the stress‐strain curve.
RHEOLOGY OF MULBERRY PEKMEZ
Authors: KAYA A.
Published: February 2007

The rheological behavior of mulberry pekmez (concentrated mulberry juice, °Brix = 72.0) with different solid contents (62.8, 55.8 and 46.0) was studied over the temperature range of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60C using a Controlled Stress Rheometer. Mulberry pekmez was found to exhibit Newtonian behavior. The effect of temperature can be described by means of Arrhenius equation. The activation energies for flow of samples vary from 53.11 to 12.73 kJ/mol depending on soluble solid contents. The effect of soluble solids on viscosity can be described by an exponential equation. The best model to describe the combined effects of temperature and soluble solids content on viscosity is η= 3.40 X 10‐10 exp (0.12C + 3723/T).
FULL UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION CURVES FOR PREDICTING SENSORY TEXTURE QUALITY OF COOKED POTATOES
Authors: THYBO ANETTE K. , BERG FRANS VAN DEN
Published: February 2007

The prediction of six different sensory texture attributes of twenty‐seven potato samples based on uniaxial compression curve features and full uniaxial compressions curves is reported. The data set comprised five varieties, sorted in dry matter bins, and sampled at two storage times. The predictions of most of the sensory texture attributes from full compression curves performed better than just using curve features. Furthermore, force‐deformation curves are shown to give slightly better predictions than stress‐strain curves. For most of the texture attributes better predictions were obtained using uniaxial compression data from raw potato samples as compared to cooked samples. This study is meant to open up a debate on interpreting the information in uniaxial compression curves in relation to sensory texture quality. Multivariate analysis can handle this and can further give insight about where in the curve the information relevant for the predictions of the sensory attributes is found.
ROTATIONAL RHEOMETRY USING COMPLEX GEOMETRIES—A REVIEW
Authors: CULLEN P.J. , O'DONNELL C.P. , HOUŠKA M.
Published: February 2007

There has been significant growth in the use of complex geometries in rotational rheometry over the last decade. This article reviews the recent technical advances in both the theory and application of such geometries in the rheological measurement of fluid foods. Applications reviewed include the rheological characterization of complex fluids, scale‐up analysis and the simulation of mixing or reactor unit processes. Novel techniques to overcome the principal limitation associated with use of complex geometries, namely ill‐defined shear rates, are discussed in detail. Obtaining rheological measurements using complex geometries offers numerous benefits in fluid food analysis, facilitating improved product characterization and the provision of previously unmeasurable data.
RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIORS OF GINSENG EXTRACTS IN STEADY AND DYNAMIC SHEAR
Authors: YOO B.
Published: February 2007

The steady and dynamic rheological properties of ginseng extracts were evaluated at 60.6–69.8% total solid contents. Ginseng extracts at 20C showed a very low shear‐thinning flow behavior (n = 0.94 ‐ 0.98) with low consistency index (K = 0.39 ‐ 5.02 Pa.sn). Over the temperature range of 5 ‐ 50C, the magnitudes of K and apparent viscosity (ηa,100) decreased with increase in temperature. The apparent viscosity obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship; the activation energies for flow of ginseng extracts were in the range of 56.9 ‐ 85.9 kJ/mol. The exponential type relationship between total solids and apparent viscosity was found to be more suitable than a power type relationship. Viscosity data at various temperatures could be reduced to a composite viscosity curve using a reduced apparent viscosity (ηaR). Magnitudes of storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli increased with increase in total solids. Magnitudes of G″ were much higher than those of G′ over the entire range of frequencies (ω) with the high dependence on ω.
EFFECT OF SAMPLE THICKNESS ON THE BITE FORCE FOR APPLES
Authors: DAN HARUKA , WATANABE HIROTAKA , KOHYAMA KAORU
Published: February 2007

The thickness of a piece of food and its mechanical properties affected the bite force. A multiple‐point sheet sensor was used to measure the bite force applied to apple specimens of various thicknesses during the first bite with incisors. The results of wedge penetration tests on the same samples were compared with results of the bite measurements. The maximum bite force increased with the sample thickness for two apple varieties, though the maximum load measured by the wedge penetration test did not change. Therefore, it is important to consider that not only the mechanical properties but also the thickness of the sample affects the required bite force.
EFFECT OF GUM ARABIC ON THE RHEOLOGY OF CORN FLOUR DOUGHS AND FRIED PRODUCT QUALITY
Authors: BHATTACHARYA SILA , NARASIMHA H.V. , BHATTACHARYA SUVENDU
Published: February 2007

Small deformation stress relaxation studies were performed on corn flour dough at 48–62%, wet basis moisture and 0–2% gum Arabic contents. Corn doughs were sensitive to moisture contents that were reflected by the values of the elastic and viscous components. The instrumental stickiness of the dough increased markedly when the moisture content was increased. The stress decay curves were modeled by using 3‐element spring‐dashpot models as evidenced by low values of root mean square error. Sensory assessment of the dough as well as fried products were conducted to relate the parameters obtained from stress relaxation studies.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WEAK LOCUST BEAN GUM (LBG) GELS UNDER CONTROLLED RAPID FREEZE‐THAWING
Authors: ZEIRA A. , NUSSINOVITCH A.
Published: February 2007

Locust bean gum (LBG) solutions and gels were studied in compression, and stress‐relaxation was monitored by an Instron universal testing machine (UTM). The strength of the formed gels under freeze‐thaw treatment was dependent upon the freezing and thawing rates and the temperature of freezing. LBG solution which froze at a rate of 50C/min was stiffer than those samples which froze at a rate of 1C/min. LBG solution thawed at a rate of 1C/min was stiffer than those samples which were thawed at 10C/min. Very high freezing rates may reduce the size of the formed ice crystals (less disturbance to network formation), while slow thawing may induce the favored gelation. LBG solutions frozen to ‐60C were stiffer than those frozen to ‐20C. A short holding time (up to 90 min) at the freezing temperature did not influence the strength of the cryogels. These parameters are important in building products which require a priori knowledge of their texture.
TORSION ANALYSIS OF FRESH AND AGED CHEESES1
Authors: TUNICK MICHAEL H. , VAN HEKKEN DIANE
Published: February 2007

Six cheese varieties encompassing a wide compositional and age range were analyzed fresh and after aging to determine correlations between casein proteolysis products, fat content, moisture content, and torsion results. Shear stress, a measure of the strength of the casein matrix, was dependent on the amount of intact αsl‐casein. Shear strain, a measure of the cohesiveness of a structure, exhibited a negative correlation with fat content and a positive correlation with moisture content. Shear strain was also correlated with the ratio of moisture to protein, an indication of the interaction between casein particles. Torsion tests provide information on the level of degradation of the casein network in cheese, which can be used by manufacturers to alter storage conditions to optimize the quality of their aged cheese., April 10, 2003
CHEWING BEHAVIOR OBSERVED AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF MASTICATION FOR SIX FOODS, STUDIED BY ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND JAW KINEMATICS IN YOUNG AND ELDERLY SUBJECTS
Authors: KOHYAMA KAORU , MIOCHE LAURENCE
Published: February 2007

i
The Effect of Buyer‐Imposed Bidding Requirements and Bundle Structure on Purchase Performance
Authors: Schoenherr Tobias , Mabert Vincent A.
Published: February 2007

Many requests for quotation (RFQs) consist of a group of different stock‐keeping units (SKUs), bundled together in a single order lot. How this lot is structured and whether suppliers are required to adhere strictly to its composition (i.e., quote on all items in the bundle versus a subset) may significantly impact the competitiveness of the bidding and the buyer's perceived performance of the purchase. To better understand bundling practices and experiences, a survey of purchasers that aggregate several SKUs into a single bundled RFQ was undertaken. Within this context, respondent replies are categorized by buyer‐imposed bidding requirements according to whether suppliers are required to submit bids on all items in the bundle, merely encouraged, or free to bid on any item combination in the bundle. The resulting bundle structure is examined and its impact on purchase (bundle) performance, as perceived by the buying company, is explored. Results are discussed, with managerial insights provided for purchasing professionals.
EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY: SHOULD UNION‐APPOINTED OR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES BE THE MODEL FOR THE UK?
Authors: Kidger Peter
Published: February 2007

Peter Kidger, Lecturer in Human Resource Management at the new Salford Management School, considers whether the offshore health and safety system, under which employees have the statutory right to elect safety representatives irrespective of union membership, could serve as a model for an elective system applicable in all workplaces. He reviews the conditions necessary for representation to be effective, the arguments for restricting representation to union appointments, and some of the criticisms of the 1977 SRSC Regulations. He concludes that there is a case for having safety representatives in all workplaces, but draws attention to enforcement and implementation problems which an elective system would face.
Management Development In Europe: A Study In Cultural Contrast
Authors: Lawrence Peter
Published: February 2007

Peter Lawrence is Professor of Comparative Management at Loughborough University and a member of the Human Resource and Change Management Research Unit. He argues that management development is less formalised and explicit in the countries of Continental Europe than it is in the Anglo‐Saxon world. Using France and Germany as the main examples, he shows how their very different ways of making managers are shaped by cultural factors. Lawrence goes further by suggesting that these countries have a different conception of what management ‘is all about’. He implies that much of the recent talk of ‘internationalism’ is, in consequence, premature.
European Management Education: the Prospects For Unification
Authors: Easterby‐Smith Mark
Published: February 2007

Mark Easterby‐Smith is Head of the Department of Management Learning at Lancaster University. In his article he takes a detailed look at the similarities and differences in management education in France and the UK. He also describes the pattern in Spain, Holland, Italy and Germany. His central purpose is to assess how far the trend towards European integration at the political and economic levels can, and should, be matched in management education. the article neatly complements Peter Lawrence's in that it focuses on institutional arrangements whereas Lawrence concentrates on cultural aspects. Easterby‐Smith considers the strategies being pursued by institutions to increase their European exposure through changes to course content and student and faculty exchanges as well as other measures. He contends that while there are strong arguments for increased integration, there is aslo a case for retaining diversity.
Human Resource Management In Building Societies: Making the Transformation?
Authors: Snape Ed , Redman Tom , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: February 2007

Ed Snape, Tom Redman and Adrian Wilkinson examine the implications of the changing competitive environment for the management of staff in building societies. In particular, they draw on the results of a detailed case study to discuss attempts to introduce policies and practices associated with ‘HRM’. the conclusion is that the competitive pressures which led to the demand for these policies and practices may also make their successful implementation especially dificult.

Ed Snape is a Lecturer in the Department of Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde, Tom Redman a Lecturer at Teesside Business School, and Adrian Wilkinson a Lecturer at the Manchester School of Management (UMIST).
The Use (And Abuse) of Psychometric Tests In British Industry and Commerce
Authors: Newell Sue , Shackleton Viv
Published: February 2007

Sue Newell, from the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, and Viv Shackleton, from Aston University Business School, report on a survey of the use of psychometric tests in selection and in training and development. They argue that, while the majority of test users appear to have recognised the importance of training those who administer and interpret test results, the provision of discussion time, or even simple feedback of test results, is not universally practised. This is especially so in the case of tests used in selection.
How Big A Step Is ‘Next Steps’? Industrial Relations Developments In Civil Service Executive Agencies
Authors: Corby Susan
Published: February 2007

Susan Corby, who is Senior Lecturer in Industrial Relations at the Manchester Metropolitan University, looks at industrial relations developments in the new ‘Next Steps’ Civil Service agencies which carry out the executive functions of government. She argues that the initiative is turning out to be a very large ‘step’ indeed. There is a trend towards agency autonomy on terms and conditions and away from Service‐wide prescription. Against this, however, are countervailing pressures. Thus Treasury control for macro‐economic reasons sits uneasily with agency autonomy. Collectivist traditions operate against the new individualism and the public services ethos operates against entrepreneurial management.
Quality Measurements: Who Is Using the Sums and For What Purpose?
Authors: Preece David , Wood Michael
Published: February 2007

This article by David Preece and Michael Wood examines the deployment of quality measurements in organisational and inter‐organisational contexts. Four main issues are addressed: i) the arguments for measuring quality; ii) the managerial objectives which inform quality measurement utilisation; iii) the processes of introduction of quality measurements; and iv) the implications of all of the above for the orientation of the quality measurement (and quality management, where relevant) programme. the article draws on data from case studies of quality measurement adoption, implementation and usage and from empirically‐based secondary material – in particular the emerging sociology of work and organisations literature on TQM. the findings point to the importance of locating the analysis of quality measurement utilisation within the wider organisational regimes of adoption and implementation. Issues relating to social control and organisational change are found to be of particular significance.
Cashing In On Quality? Pay Incentives and the Quality Culture
Authors: Snape Ed , Wilkinson Adrian , Redman Tom
Published: February 2007

In this article, the authors explore the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and financial incentives in British manufacturing industry. In particular, they examine the view of some of the most influential quality management ‘gurus’ that there is an incompatibility between incentive pay and TQM. Drawing on survey and case study evidence, they show that TQM is being implemented in the presence of financial incentives. Furthermore, those organisations which had such incentives did not appear to have less success in implementing TQM. On the basis of the evidence presented, the authors conclude that it is not possible to rule out a role for financial incentives in implementing TQM, although incentives are only likely to form one element in a broader implementation strategy.
A chameleon function? HRM in the ‘90s
Authors: Hope‐Hailey Veronica , Gratton Lynda , McGovern Patrick , Stiles Philip , Truss Catherine
Published: February 2007

This article examines the changing role of the HR function in large corporations in the 1990s. It draws on data collected from a multi‐sector case study research project – the Leading Edge Forum Consortium. Activities are analysed along three dimensions: access to strategic decision making, shift of responsibilities to the line, and the function's perceived contribution to business performance. It concludes that devolution to the line remains problematic, and that access to strategic decision making is still contingent on the personal influencing skills of senior HR managers or directors. Nevertheless the recognition of the strategic importance of HRM as a contributor to business performance has risen.
Spatial release from masking of aerial tones in pinnipeds
Authors: Holt Marla M. , Schusterman Ronald J.
Published: February 2007

In most masking experiments, target signals and sound intended to mask are located in the same position. Spatial release from masking (SRM) occurs when signals and maskers are spatially separated, resulting in detection improvement relative to when they are spatially co-located. In this study, SRM was investigated in a harbor seal, who naturally lacks pinnae, and California sea lion, who possesses reduced pinnae. Subjects had to detect aerial tones at 1, 8, and 16kHz in the presence of octave bands of white noise centered at the tone frequency. While the masker occurred in front of the subject (0°), the tone occurred at 0, 45, or 90° in the horizontal plane. Unmasked thresholds were also measured at these angles to determine sensitivity differences based on source azimuth. Compared to when signal and masker where co-located, masked thresholds were lower by as much as 19 and 12dB in the harbor seal and sea lion, respectively, when signal and masker were separated. Masked threshold differences of the harbor seal were larger than those previously measured under water. Performance was consistent with some measurements collected on terrestrial animals but differences between subjects at the highest frequency likely reflect variations in pinna anatomy.
Speech intelligibility in free field: Spatial unmasking in preschool children
Authors: Garadat Soha N. , Litovsky Ruth Y.
Published: February 2007

This study introduces a new test (CRISP-Jr.) for measuring speech intelligibility and spatial release from masking (SRM) in young children ages 2.5–4 years. Study 1 examined whether thresholds, masking, and SRM obtained with a test designed for older children (CRISP) and CRISP-Jr. are comparable in 4 to 5-year-old children. Thresholds were measured for target speech in front, in quiet, and with a different-sex masker either in front or on the right. CRISP-Jr. yielded higher speech reception thresholds (SRTs) than CRISP, but the amount of masking and SRM did not differ across the tests. In study 2, CRISP-Jr. was extended to a group of 3-year-old children. Results showed that while SRTs were higher in the younger group, there were no age differences in masking and SRM. These findings indicate that children as young as 3 years old are able to use spatial cues in sound source segregation, which suggests that some of the auditory mechanisms that mediate this ability develop early in life. In addition, the findings suggest that measures of SRM in young children are not limited to a particular set of stimuli. These tests have potentially useful applications in clinical settings, where bilateral fittings of amplification devices are evaluated.
Impact of the Molecular Form of Immunoglobulin A on Functional Activity in Defense againstStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Fasching Claudine E. , Grossman Tracy , Corthésy Blaise , Plaut Andrew G. , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Janoff Edward N.
Published: February 2007

Antibodies of the immunoglobulin A (IgA) class react with capsular polysaccharides ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeand support complement-dependent opsonophagocytosis (OPC) of the organism by phagocytes. We characterized the biologic impact of the molecular forms of human monoclonal capsule-specific IgA (monomeric IgA [mIgA], polymeric IgA [pIgA], and secretory IgA [SIgA]) on OPC and susceptibility to cleavage by IgA1 protease. The efficiency of SIgA in support of OPC ofS. pneumoniaewas comparable to that of pIgA, and both forms exceeded that of mIgA by a fivefold margin. This structure-function relationship was associated with three factors. First, the avidities, or functional affinities, of both pIgA and SIgA for pneumococcal capsules exceeded those of mIgA. Second, both pIgA and SIgA required less complement to achieve similar levels of bacterial OPC than did mIgA, indicating that secretory component does not hinder the effect of complement. Third, both pIgA and SIgA mediated agglutination of the organism, whereas mIgA did not. All three forms of capsule-specific IgA showed comparable susceptibilities to cleavage and functional inhibition by bacterial IgA1 protease, demonstrating that secretory component does not prevent the proteolytic degradation of IgA1 by IgA1 protease. IgA1 cleavage results in formation of identical Fab fragments for each of the molecular forms, thereby abolishing the contribution of multivalence of pIgA and SIgA. In summary, the polymeric forms of IgA (both pIgA and SIgA) provide a substantial advantage in binding, agglutination, and OPC of the organism.
The evolution of eccentric training as treatment for patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee): a critical review of exercise programmes
Authors: Visnes Håvard , Bahr Roald
Published: February 2007

Background and aim:Eccentric training has become a popular treatment for patellar tendinopathy. Our purpose was to review the evolution of eccentric strength training programmes for patellar tendinopathy with a focus on the exercise prescriptions used, to help clinicians make appropriate choices and identify areas needing further research.

Methods:A computerised search of the entire MEDLINE database was performed on 1 September 2006 to identify prospective and randomised clinical trials with a focus on clinical outcome of eccentric training for patellar tendinopathy.

Results:7 articles with a total of 162 patients and in which eccentric training was one of the interventions, all published after 2000, were included. The results were positive, but study quality was variable, with small numbers or short follow-up periods. The content of the different training programmes varied, but most were home-based programmes with twice daily training for 12 weeks. A number of potentially significant differences were identified in the eccentric programmes used: drop squats or slow eccentric movement, squatting on a decline board or level ground, exercising into tendon pain or short of pain, loading the eccentric phase only or both phases, and progressing with speed then loading or simply loading.

Conclusion:Most studies suggest that eccentric training may have a positive effect, but our ability to recommend a specific protocol is limited. The studies available indicate that the treatment programme should include a decline board and should be performed with some level of discomfort, and that athletes should be removed from sports activity. However, these aspects need further study.
Treat the patient not the blood test: the implications of an increase in cardiac troponin after prolonged endurance exercise
Authors: Whyte G , Stephens N , Senior R , George K , Shave R , Wilson M , Sharma S
Published: February 2007

Collapse after prolonged endurance exercise is common and usually benign. This case study reports a triathlete who suffered a vaso-vagal associated collapsed after exercise. Misdiagnosis of myocardial injury in the presence of elevated cardiac troponins and ECG anomalies led to inappropriate management and highlights the difficulty in treating the collapsed athlete following arduous exercise.
Development and Validation of Yin-Deficiency Questionnaire
Authors: Lee Sangjae , Park Jongbae , Lee Hyangsook , Kim Kwangho
Published: February 2007

This study describes development and validation of a questionnaire as an adjunct to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis of Yin-Deficiency Syndrome (Yin-DS). The Yin-Deficiency Questionnaire 1 (Yin-DQ1) consists of 10 items. Seventy-nine healthy volunteers and 44 patients diagnosed with Yin-DS were enrolled for the evaluation of discriminant validity and factorial validity. Another group of 83 healthy volunteers participated for test-retest reliability test. Internal consistency was high in both groups (Cronbach's α = 0.8615). Test-retest reliability (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient) ranged from 0.54 to 0.79 ( p < 0.01). Factor analysis demonstrated that a two factor solution best explained the variance in responses (51.62%). The scores of all items in patients diagnosed with Yin-DS were significantly higher compared with those of healthy volunteers. The data show the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and strong discriminative properties of the Yin-DQ1. Further research determining the optimal cut-off score for Yin-DS and testing its usage as an outcome measure in a clinical trial is needed.
β-Blocker and Other Analogous Treatments that Affect Bone Mass and Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Zhang Wenping , Kanehara Masayuki , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Xiaoming , Ishida Torao
Published: February 2007

We investigated whether treatments with beta-blockers or other administrations that have similar actions to β-blockers, such as Chinese herbs or needling, were effective in treating osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Female Wister rats were divided into five groups: a sham-operated control group treated with vehicle (Sham, n = 8), an ovariectomized (OVX) group treated with vehicle (Model, n = 8), an OVX group administered with propranolol (Pro, n = 10), an OVX group administered an ethanol extract of Fructus Citri Sarcodactylis (Fcs, n = 9), and an OVX punctured at Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Neiguan (PC-6) (Needling, n = 8). The treatment started when rats were 12 weeks old and continued for 24 weeks. Serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) levels were upregulated in rats in response to OVX, together with a significantly decreased BMD and trabecular bone area. The Pro, Fcs and Needling treatment improved the decreased BMD and the trabecular area, increased the trabecular number, lowered the trabecular separation to some extent as well as significantly depressed the urinary Dpd levels ( p < 0.05). The bone formation markers, such as the mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate were not significantly changed, along with a slightly higher trend of osteocalcin levels when compared with the Model rats. The slower heart rate and lower plasma NE levels in these therapeutic groups were also found. Our results suggested that propranolol, Fcs and needling on Sanyinjiao (SP-6) and Neiguan (PC-6) may improve the bone mass of OVX rats, and it provides an alternative and potential therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Effect ofBauhinia racemosaStem Bark on N-nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats
Authors: Kumar Ramanathan Sambath , Sunderam Rajagopal Shanmuga , Sivakumar Thangavel , Sivakumar Palanivel , Sureshkumar Raman , Kanagasabi Rengaswamy , Vijaya Manickum , Perumal Baskaran Perumal , Gupta Malaya , Mazumdar Upal Kanti , Kumar Mani Senthil , Kumar Kuppuswamy Asok
Published: February 2007

The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant defense system induced by the methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa L.(MEBR) against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister albino rats. The effects of MEBR on surface visible macroscopic (Morphometry) liver lesions (neoplastic nodules) and the levels of serum enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were evaluated in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.In rats treated, with NDEA, significantly elevated levels of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), bilirubin and decreased levels of protein and uric acid were observed. Significantly elevated amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipidperoxidation, indicated higher levels of lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by significantly decreased levels of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of MEBR was able to suppress nodule development/hepatocellular lesion formation in rats. The extract treatment increases in antioxidant levels and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation levels. MEBR also produced a protective effect by decreasing the level of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increased the protein and uric acid levels. The results suggest that MEBR exert chemopreventive effects by suppressing nodule development and decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of antioxidants in NDEA carcinogenesis by reducing the formation of free radicals.
PREDICTIONS OF AN A4 MODEL WITH A FIVE-PARAMETER NEUTRINO MASS MATRIX
Authors: LAVOURA L. , KÜHBÖCK H.
Published: February 2007

We consider a model with an A4 flavor symmetry, recently proposed by Ma,1 and make a numerical study, through scatter plots, of its neutrino mass matrix.
HEAT KERNEL OF NONMINIMAL GAUGE FIELD KINETIC OPERATORS ON MOYAL PLANE
Authors: STRELCHENKO ALEXEI
Published: February 2007

We generalize the Endo formula1 originally developed for the computation of the heat kernel asymptotic expansion for nonminimal operators in commutative gauge theories to the noncommutative case. In this way, the first three nonzero heat trace coefficients of the nonminimal U (N) gauge field kinetic operator on the Moyal plane taken in an arbitrary background are calculated. We show that the nonplanar part of the heat trace asymptotics is determined by U (1) sector of the gauge model. The nonplanar or mixed heat kernel coefficients are shown to be gauge-fixing dependent in any dimension of space–time. In the case of the degenerate deformation parameter the lowest mixed coefficients in the heat expansion produce nonlocal gauge-fixing dependent singularities of the one-loop effective action that destroy the renormalizability of the U (N) model at one-loop level. Such phenomenon was observed at first in Ref. 2 for spacelike noncommutative ϕ4 scalar and U (1) gauge theories. The twisted-gauge transformation approach is discussed.
Renewable Energy Futures: Targets, Scenarios, and Pathways
Authors: Martinot Eric , Dienst Carmen , Weiliang Liu , Qimin Chai
Published: February 2007

Scenarios for the future of renewable energy through 2050 are reviewed to explore how much renewable energy is considered possible or desirable and to inform policymaking. Existing policy targets for 2010 and 2020 are also reviewed for comparison. Common indicators are shares of primary energy, electricity, heat, and transport fuels from renewables. Global, Europe-wide, and country-specific scenarios show 10% to 50% shares of primary energy from renewables by 2050. By 2020, many targets and scenarios show 20% to 35% share of electricity from renewables, increasing to the range 50% to 80% by 2050 under the highest scenarios. Carbon-constrained scenarios for stabilization of emissions or atmospheric concentration depict trade-offs between renewables, nuclear power, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) from coal, most with high energy efficiency. Scenario outcomes differ depending on degree of future policy action, fuel prices, carbon prices, technology cost reductions, and aggregate energy demand, with resource constraints mainly for biomass and biofuels.
AMP-activated protein kinase agonists increase mRNA content of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases MAFbx and MuRF1 in C2C12 cells
Authors: Krawiec Brian J. , Nystrom Gerald J. , Frost Robert A. , Jefferson Leonard S. , Lang Charles H.
Published: February 2007

The hypothesis of the present study was that exposure of differentiated muscle cells to agonists of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) would increase the mRNA content of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1). C2C12 cells were incubated with incremental doses of 5-aminoimidazol-4-carboximide ribonucleoside (AICAR) or metformin for 24 h. Both MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA increased dose dependently in response to these AMPK activators. AICAR, metformin, and 2-deoxy-d-glucose produced time-dependent alterations in ubiquitin ligase expression, typified by a biphasic pattern of expression marked by an acute repression followed by a sustained induction. AMPK-activating treatments in conjunction with dexamethasone produced a pronounced synergistic effect on ligase mRNA expression at later time points. This cooperative response occurred in the absence of a dexamethasone-dependent increase in AMPK expression or activity, as determined by immunoblotting for phosphorylation and expression of AMPKα and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). These responses elicited by AMPK activation singly or in combination with dexamethasone did not extend to the mRNA expression of the UBR box family E3s UBR1/E3αI and UBR2/E3αII. Treatment with the AMPK inhibitor compound C prevented increases in MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA in response to serum deprivation, as well as AICAR and dexamethasone treatment individually or jointly. Stimulation of AMPK activity in vivo via AICAR injection increased both MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA in murine skeletal muscle. These data suggest that activation of AMPK in skeletal muscle results in a specific upregulation of MAFbx and MuRF1, responses that are reminiscent of the proposed atrophic transcriptional program executed under various conditions of skeletal muscle wasting. Therefore, AMPK may be a critical component of the intercalated network of signaling pathways governing skeletal muscle atrophy, where its input acts to modify anti- and proatrophic signals to influence gene expression in reaction to catabolic perturbations.
Combination Antiplatelet Therapy with Aspirin and Clopidogrel: The Role of Antecedent and Concomitant Doses of Aspirin
Authors: Serebruany Victor L. , Malinin Alex I. , Atar Dan
Published: February 2007

Background: Numerous randomized studies have shown that the combination of clopidogrel with aspirin yields better clinical outcomes than monotherapy in patients with acute vascular events. However, the impact of the aspirin dose on the antiplatelet potency of clopidogrel is unclear. We sought to compare the antiplatelet profile of aspirin 81 mg (n = 252) versus aspirin 325 mg (n = 459) before and during conventional clopidogrel loading (300 mg), and/or clopidogrel maintenance (75 mg/daily) therapy. Methods: Secondary post hoc analysis of an existing dataset consisting of 711 patients after coronary stenting (n = 601) and ischemic stroke (n = 110) treated previously with aspirin for at least 1 month, and then with aspirin + clopidogrel for at least 7 days was performed. Platelet assessments include conventional and whole blood aggregometry, rapid cartridge-based analyzers, and expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, P-selectin, and GPIIb/IIIa activity by flow cytometry measured before and after addition of clopidogrel. Results: There was a small but consistent yet non-significant trend towards more potent platelet inhibition with aspirin 325 mg compared to aspirin 81 mg for every platelet activation parameter before addition of clopidogrel. However, after loading and/or 1 week of chronic treatment with clopidogrel + aspirin, measured platelet parameters became very similar between the groups, and identical for collagen-induced aggregation and PFA-100 analyzer readings. Conclusions: Before addition of clopidogrel, aspirin 325 mg has a tendency to provide stronger platelet inhibition than aspirin 81 mg. However, when clopidogrel and aspirin are used in combination, the higher aspirin dose does not translate into superior antiplatelet action. Given that the existing body of evidence supports the comparable efficacy and, particularly, superior safety of lower versus higher doses of aspirin, aspirin 81 mg should be the dose used in combination with clopidogrel.
Architectonic Arrangement of the Vasa Vasorum of the Human Great Saphenous Vein
Authors: Kachlik David , Baca Vaclav , Stingl Josef , Sosna Bohumil , Lametschwandtner Alois , Minnich Bernd , Setina Marek
Published: February 2007

Objective: The detailed spatial arrangement of the vasa vasorum (VV) of the human great saphenous vein (HGSV) was demonstrated in qualitative and quantitative terms. Materials and Methods: Segments of the HGSV taken from cadavers 12–24 h post mortem and from patients undergoing aortocoronary bypassing were studied by light microscopy of India-ink-injected specimens and by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. Results: Arterial feeders were found to approach the HGSV from nearby arteries every 15 mm forming a rich capillary network within the adventitia and the outer two thirds of the media in normal HGSV, while in HGSV with intimal hyperplasia capillary meshes extended into the inner layers of the media. Within the media, capillary meshes ran circularly. Postcapillary venules drained centrifugally towards the adventitial venous vessels which finally formed venous drainers running adjacent to the arterial feeders. Three-dimensional morphometry of vascular corrosion casts of VV revealed that diameters of (i) arterial VV ranged from 11.6 to 36.6 µm, (ii) capillary VV from 4.7 to 11.6 µm and (iii) venous VV ranged from 11.6 to 200.3 µm. Conclusions: The 3D network of VV suggests these layers are metabolically highly active and therefore require a continuous blood supply. We conclude, therefore, that the VV network must be preserved during in situ bypassing.
Comorbidity Measurement in Patients with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Castro Mario A.F. , Dedivitis Rogério A. , Ribeiro Karina C.B.
Published: February 2007

Introduction: The evaluation of a cancer patient can be affected by many factors. Cancer patients often have other diseases or medical conditions in addition to their cancer. These conditions are referred to as comorbidities. They can influence the treatment option, the rate of complications, the outcome, and can confound the survival analysis. Objective: It was the aim of this study to measure comorbidities in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods: Ninety adult patients treated for newly diagnosed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were studied. We measured comorbid illness applying the following validated scales: the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), the Kaplan-Feinstein Classification (KFC), the Charlson index, the Index of Coexistent Disease (ICED), the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27), the Alcohol-Tobacco-Related Comorbidities Index (ATC), and the Washington University Head and Neck Comorbidity Index (WUHNCI). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method (with the log-rank test value being used to compare groups). The Cox proportional hazards model was chosen to identify independent prognostic factors. Results: The mean age was 62.3 years. The majority of patients (36.7%) had early tumors. Forty patients were treated by surgery only, while the remaining 49 patients also received postoperative radiation therapy. Only 5 patients (5.6%) were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up time was 42.5 months. The 4-year overall survival was 63%. There was a statistically significant difference between survival rates according to clinical stage (CS I 87.3%, CS II 48.9%, CS III 74.7%, CS IV 23.9%; p < 0.001). Patients treated by surgery only presented a better survival rate (79.6%) than those receiving postoperative radiation therapy (48.9%; p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference in survival rates was also noted when patients were analyzed according to the type of surgical procedure. In a univariate analysis, comorbidity had impact on prognosis, no matter which scale was utilized: CIRS (p = 0.008), ACE-27 (p = 0.010), ATC (p = 0.004), WUHNCI (p = 0.003), Charlson index (p = 0.020), KFC (p = 0.001), and ICED (p = 0.010). However, in the multivariate analysis, only CIRS and TNM staging were identified as independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: The comorbidity is an independent prognostic factor in patients with surgically treated laryngeal cancer. In the univariate analysis, all indexes were able to stratify patients. However, in the multiple analysis, only the CIRS was predictive of death. Comorbidities are an important factor in the analysis of overall survival.
Association of GABABR1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Bayazit Yildirim A. , Yılmaz Metin , Kokturk Oguz , Erdal M. Emin , Ciftci Tansu , Gokdogan Tuba , Kemaloglu Yusuf , İleri Fikret
Published: February 2007

Objective: GABABR (gamma-amino butyric acid B receptor)-mediated neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. GABABR1 gene variants were identified by single-strand conformation analysis. The nucleotide exchanges cause a substitution of alanine to valine in exon 1a1 (Ala20Val), a substitution of glycine to serine in exon 7 (Gly489Ser) and a silent C to G nucleotide exchange encoding the amino acid phenylalanine in exon 11 (Phe658Phe). The significance of GABABR1a gene polymorphism in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as well as the association of these polymorphisms with the polysomnography findings in OSAS patients are not known. In this study, we aimed to assess the significance of 3 different GABABR1 gene polymorphisms (Ala20Val, Gly489Ser and Phe658Phe) in OSAS. Methods: Seventy-five patients (23 female and 52 male) with OSAS and 99 healthy volunteers (51 female, 48 male) were included in the study to assess Ala20Val, Gly489Ser and Phe658Phe polymorphisms of the GABABR1 gene. Results: For the Ala20Val variants, there was no significant difference between the genotypes and allele frequencies of the patients and controls, nor between both genders (p > 0.05). For Phe658Phe polymorphism, there was no significant difference between genotypes and allele frequencies of the patients and controls (p > 0.05). However, the C/C genotype was overrepresented and the T/C genotype was less frequent in male than female patients (p = 0.03). The C/C genotype was overrepresented and the T/C genotype was less frequent in male patients than male controls (p = 0.01). For GABABR1-Gly489Ser polymorphism, all of the patients and controls had G/G genotype. The apnea arousal index scores of the male patients with C/C genotype were significantly higher than in the patients with C/T genotype (p = 0.01). The percent total sleep time in non-REM 1 scores of the male patients with T/T genotype were significantly higher than in the patients with T/C genotype (p = 0.021). The percent total sleep time in non-REM 2 scores of the female patients with C/C genotype were significantly higher than in the patients with C/T genotype (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The Ala20Val polymorphism of the GABABR1 gene may be associated with OSAS, whereas Gly489Ser polymorphism does not seem to be involved in OSAS. The C/C variant of the Phe658Phe polymorphism GABABR1 gene seems associated with the occurrence of OSAS and is also associated with some sleep related parameters (apnea arousal index and percent total sleep time in non-REM) recorded by polysomnography.
Evaluation of Cochlear Nerve Imaging in Severe Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Komatsubara Sachiko , Haruta Atsushi , Nagano Yuki , Kodama Takao
Published: February 2007

The route of the cochlear nerve can be imaged using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To gain information about the cochlear nerve, we conducted a trial measuring the width of the cochlear nerve canal (CNC) using CT. When we examined images of the route of the cochlear nerve on MRI, both in ears with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and normal ones, we found that in ears in which the CNC was narrower than 1.5 mm with CT, images of cochlear nerve deficiency could be seen in that ear with MRI.
Dysregulation of the Circulating and Tissue-Based Renin-Angiotensin System in Preeclampsia
Authors: Herse Florian , Dechend Ralf , Harsem Nina K. , Wallukat Gerd , Janke Jürgen , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Hering Lydia , Muller Dominik N. , Luft Friedrich C. , Staff Anne C.
Published: February 2007

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) participates in preeclampsia; however, the relative contributions from the circulating RAS and the tissue-based, uteroplacental RAS are unknown. We hypothesized that the tissue-based uteroplacental RAS is dysregulated in preeclampsia. We performed microarray and gene expression studies and confirmed the findings on the protein level by immunohistochemistry in ureteroplacental units from 10 preeclamptic women and 10 women with uneventful pregnancies. All of the women were delivered by cesarean section. We also analyzed plasma renin activity and circulating agonistic angiotensin II type 1 (AT
1
) receptor autoantibodies. In preeclampsia, we found that the angiotensin II AT
1
receptor gene was 5-fold upregulated in decidua (maternal origin). We also found AT
1
autoantibodies in preeclamptic women and in their offspring by neonatal cardiomyocyte bioassay compared with women with normal pregnancies and their infants (mother: 17.5±2.2 versus 0.05±0.4; fetus: 14.5±1.8 versus 0.5±0.5 Δbpm). Gene expressions for renin (35.0-fold), angiotensin-converting enzyme (2.9-fold), and angiotensinogen (8.9-fold) were higher in decidua than placenta (fetal origin) in both control and preeclamptic women, whereas the AT
1
receptor was expressed 10-fold higher in placenta than in decidua in both groups. Our findings elucidate the ureteroplacental unit RAS in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. We found that, in preeclampsia, the AT
1
receptor expression is particularly high in decidua, combined with pregnancy-specific tissue RAS involving decidual angiotensin II production and AT
1
autoantibodies. We also showed that AT
1
autoantibodies cross the ureteroplacental barrier. These components could participate in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.