bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Oxytocin Receptors in the Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurones in Female Rats: A Possible Direct Action of Oxytocin on GnRH Neurones
Authors: Caligioni C. S. , Oliver C. , Jamur M. C. , Franci C. R.
Published: May 2007

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones constitute the final output pathway of a neuronal network that controls the preovulatory luteinising hormone (LH) surge and ovulation. Throughout the reproductive cycle, several neurotransmitters stimulate and inhibit the activity of GnRH neurones, including oxytocin. The central administration of oxytocin antiserum abolishes the pro‐oestrous LH surge whereas oxytocin stimulates GnRH secretion from hypothalamic explants suggesting an oxytocin central action. Within the GnRH neuronal population in the rat, GnRH cells in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) are activated at the time of the LH surge. Thus, we hypothesised that GnRH neurones in the MPOA may express oxytocin receptors, and that oxytocin neurones in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) may be differentially activated during the oestrous cycle. Oxytocin receptors mRNA was detected in the MPOA using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. In animals in either metoestrus or pro‐oestrus, double‐label immunofluorescence indicated that approximately 10% of GnRH neurones in the MPOA coexpressed oxytocin receptors and that a few oxytocin fibres are located in the vicinity of these GnRH neurones. However, other neurones positive for the oxytocin receptors were found near GnRH neurones. At both oestrous stages, double‐label immunofluorescence revealed that approximately 30% of oxytocin neurones in the SON were Fos‐positive whereas oxytocin neurones in the PVN were consistently Fos‐negative. Together, these data suggest that oxytocin may directly control neuronal activity in a subpopulation of GnRH neurones. Moreover, both oxytocin neuronal activity and the oxytocin receptor expression on GnRH cells are not influenced by oestrogen.
Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids with imaging follow up
Authors: Jain TP , Srivastava DN , Sahu RP , Thulkar S , Sharma S , Mittal S , Dadhwal V
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a primary treatment method in treatment of symptomatic fibroids, whether there are any preembolization MRI characteristics of fibroid predictive of reduction in volume and assess reduction in uterine and dominant fibroid volumes using ultrasound (US) and MRI. Study was carried out in total of 32 patients aged 25–49 years (mean 40.9 years). Uterine and dominant fibroid volume were determined using US and MRI before UAE, MRI and US at 3 months and US alone at 6 and 12 months post‐UAE, supplemented by clinical evaluation at interval of 3, 6 and 12 months. Procedure was carried out through unilateral femoral puncture using poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) particles 355–500 μm in size. All 32 patients had successful procedures. Overall, 25 patients responded, giving a clinical success rate of 78.12%. Mean reduction in volume of uterus and fibroid was 33 and 59.7% and 48.9 and 75.5% on US at 3 and 12 months respectively, and 33.3 and 58.6% on MRI at 3 months. Volume reduction on US and MRI at 3 months was highly correlative. There was no statistical difference in size reduction in volume of fibroids, which were hypointense or hyperintense on T2‐weighted image (T2WI) on pre‐UAE MRI. Uterine artery embolization leads to good technical success and fibroid volume reduction. Ultrasound alone may be used for follow up of patients post‐UAE. Preprocedure signal characteristics on T2WI are not predictors of volume reduction after UAE.
Activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ inhibits cell growth via apoptosis and arrest of the cell cycle in human colorectal cancer
Authors: LIN Mao Song , CHEN Wei Chang , BAI Xia , WANG Ya Dong
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)γ and the effects of PPARγ ligands on cells growth in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line HT‐29, and to explore whether the activation of PPARγ by its selective ligand can induce apoptosis and the arrest of the cell cycle in these cells.

METHODS:  A CRC cell line, HT‐29, was used in this study. PPARγ mRNA and the protein expressions were measured by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The HT‐29 cells were treated with two specific PPARγ ligands: rosiglitazone and 15‐d‐PGJ2. The effects of PPARγ activated by rosiglitazone and 15‐d‐PGJ2 on the anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent growth of the cells were assessed by methylthiazolyl terazolium (MTT) and soft agar colony assay, respectively. Apoptosis was measured by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry (FCM) assay by CaspSCREEN™ Flowcytometric Apoptosis Detection Kit (BioVision, Palo Alto, USA). Furthermore, the caspase‐3 expression was determined by a immunocytochemical staining method before and after treatment with rosiglitazone and 15‐d‐PGJ2 for 48 h. The cell cycles were measured by flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide (PI).

RESULTS:  PPARγ mRNA and protein expressions were observed in the HT‐29 cells. The MTT assay showed that treatment of these cells with 0, 0.1, 1 or 10 µmol/L PPARγ activators rosiglitazone or 15‐d‐PGJ2 for 0, 24, 48 or 72 h resulted in the inhibition of anchorage‐dependent cell growth in a dosage‐ and time‐dependent way. Rosiglitazone treatment during cell growth resulted in the reduction of colony formation and the effects were not immediately reversible in the cell culture. TUNEL staining showed DNA fragmentation in positive cells after treatment with rosiglitazone and 15‐d‐PGJ2 for 48 h. In addition, FCM showed that the apoptosis rates were 14.8 ± 0.8% and 28.5 ± 1.3% or 15 ± 0.7% and 40 ± 1.2% after the cells were incubated with 10 µmol/L rosiglitazone or 15‐d‐PGJ2 for 24 h and 48 h, while the apoptosis rates of cells without treatment were 3.8 ± 0.4% and 8.8 ± 0.4%, respectively. Consistent with these results, the positivity rates of caspase‐3 expression in cells treated with rosiglitazone or 15‐d‐PGJ2 increased significantly when compared with the control group. To explore whether the regulation of the cell cycle was involved in the effect of PPARγ ligands on cell growth, FCM using PI staining was assessed. The ratio of G0 /G1 phase cells increased after incubated with 10 µmol/L rosiglitazone or 15‐d‐PGJ2 for 24 h and 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS:  Our results showed that PPARγ was expressed in HT‐29 cells and PPARγ activation could inhibit cell growth through inducing apoptosis and suppressing the cell cycle. PPARγ may be considered as a new therapeutic target for colon cancer in humans.
Vascular fluorescence casting and imaging cryomicrotomy for computerized three‐dimensional renal arterial reconstruction
Authors: Lagerveld Brunolf W. , Ter Wee Rene D. , De La Rosette Jean J.M.C.H. , Spaan Jos A.E. , Wijkstra Hessel
Published: May 2007

Authors from the Netherlands studied the use of a casting technique, cryomicrotome imaging and three‐dimensional computer analysis to visualise and reconstruct the arterial anatomy in a porcine kidney model. They found that this could be done satisfactorily to a resolution of 50 µm.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the combined use of a casting technique, cryomicrotomy imaging, and three‐dimensional (3D) computer analysis as a method for visualizing and reconstructing the arterial vascular tree in a porcine renal model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The arterial branches of two porcine kidneys were filled with a fluorescent cast, after which they were cut into slices of 50 µm in an imaging cryomicrotome. From each section, digital images of the cutting plane of the sample were taken and stored in the computer, after which stacks of images were rendered in 3D.

RESULTS

A 3D computerized reconstruction of the arterial vascular tree was constructed and showed the complete arterial anatomy up to arterioles of 50 µm.

CONCLUSION

With visualization by fluorescence imaging cryomicrotomy, the anatomical and 3D reconstruction of the renal arterial blood supply in a pig kidney is possible up to a resolution of 50 µm.
AN ARISTOTELIAN ACCOUNT OF VIRTUE ETHICS: AN ESSAY IN MORAL TAXONOMY
Authors: MCALEER SEAN
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  I argue that a virtue ethics takes virtue to be more basic than rightness and at least as basic as goodness. My account is Aristotelian because it avoids the excessive inclusivity of Martha Nussbaum's account and the deficient inclusivity of Gary Watson's account. I defend the account against the objection that Aristotle does not have a virtue ethics by its lights, and conclude with some remarks on moral taxonomy.
DEATH AND DEPRIVATION
Authors: WILLIAMS CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The view that death is the loss of a person's future is less defensible than many philosophers have thought, in part because it is often presented as a response to an indefensibly crude Epicurean doctrine. But the most direct argument for this view suffers from two sorts of ambiguity – the first concerning what it is to “have” a future to lose, the second concerning what the loss consists in. However, another conception of what is lost is possible, and this alternative, which is more congenial to the Epicurean outlook, does not depend on considerations about the future.
A novel mechanism underlying the susceptibility of neuronal cells to nitric oxide: the occurrence and regulation of protein S‐nitrosylation is the checkpoint
Authors: He J. , Wang T. , Wang P. , Han P. , Yin Q. , Chen C.
Published: May 2007

The susceptibility of neuronal cells to nitric oxide (NO) is a key issue in NO‐mediated neurotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. As a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐independent NO signaling pathway, S‐nitrosylation (or S‐nitrosation) has been suggested to occur as a post‐translational modification in parallel with O‐phosphorylation. The underlying mechanism of the involvement of protein S‐nitrosylation in the susceptibility of neuronal cells to NO has been little investigated. In this study, we focused on the role of S‐nitrosothiols (RSNO) in the susceptibility of a cerebellar cell line R2 to NO. Our results showed the following: (i) S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induced a burst of RSNO in GSH‐depleted R2 cells, the majority of which were primarily contributed by the S‐nitrosylation of proteins (Pro‐SNOs), and was followed by severe neuronal necrosis; (ii) the elevation in the level of Pro‐SNOs resulted from a dysfunction of S‐nitroglutathione reductase (GSNOR) as a result of its substrate, GSNO, being unavailable in GSH‐depleted cells. In the meantime, the suppression of GSNOR increased NO‐mediated neurotoxicity in R2 cells, as well as in cerebellar granule neurons; (iii) Our results also demonstrate that the burst of RSNO is the “checkpoint” of cell fate: if RSNO can be reduced to free thiol proteins, cells will survive; if they are further oxidized, cells will die; and (iv) GSH‐ethyl ester and Vitamin C protected R2 cells against GSNO neurotoxicity through two distinct mechanisms: by inhibiting the elevation of Pro‐SNOs and by reducing Pro‐SNOs to free thiol proteins, respectively. A novel mechanism underlying the susceptibility of neuronal cells to NO is proposed and some potential strategies to prevent the NO‐mediated neurotoxicity are discussed.
Partial pressure of end‐tidal CO2sampled via an intranasal catheter as a substitute for partial pressure of arterial CO2in dogs
Authors: Pang D. , Hethey J. , Caulkett N. A. , Duke T.
Published: May 2007

Objective:To demonstrate correlation and clinical usefulness of the partial pressure of end‐tidal CO2(ETCO2) measurement by nasal catheter placement in sedated dogs with and without concurrent nasal oxygen administration as a substitute for partial pressure of arterial CO2(PaCO2).

Design:Prospective, cross‐over trial.

Setting:University of Saskatchewan veterinary research laboratory.

Animals:Six cross‐breed dogs with a mean (±SD) weight of 29.1±4.03 kg.

Interventions:All dogs were sedated with 5 μg/kg medetomidine intravenously (IV) and an arterial catheter was placed in a dorsal pedal artery for removal of blood for gas analysis. A nasal catheter was placed in the ventral meatus and connected to a capnometer for ETCO2measurements in all dogs. Dogs receiving supplemental nasal oxygen had a second nasal catheter placed in the contralateral naris.

Measurements and main results:In the group without nasal oxygen supplementation, the ETCO2measurement underestimated (negative bias) the PaCO2by −2.20 mmHg with limits of agreement (95% confidence interval) of −5.79, 1.39 mmHg. In the group receiving oxygen supplementation, ETCO2measurement underestimated (negative bias) the PaCO2by −2.46 mmHg with limits of agreement (95% confidence interval) of −8.42, 3.50 mmHg.

Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate that ETCO2monitoring via a nasal catheter provides a clinically acceptable substitute to arterial blood gas analysis as a means of monitoring ventilation in healthy, sedated dogs. The limits of agreement were within acceptable limits with and without concurrent insufflation of oxygen.
Bullous Dermatoses in Childhood: Part II
Authors: Kalil Célia , Fachinello Fernanda Zatti , Cignachi Stela , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia
Published: May 2007

Bullous dermatoses are commonly encountered in childhood practice. Much confusion exists among clinicians because of the similarity of clinical lesions, paucity of relevant literature, and varied nomenclature used for these diseases. For a better understanding of the proposed classification, this second part is a review of diseases with nonhereditary characteristics of subepidermal cleavage and hereditary characteristics with intraepidermal and subepidermal cleavage.
Posture Regulations Following Botulinum Toxin Injection: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Wolf Ronni , Landau Marina , Davidovici Batya
Published: May 2007

Case 1. A 52‐year‐old woman underwent botulinum toxin (BTX) injection for the glabellar folds. After the early afternoon treatment, she asked whether it would be all right for her to have her usual afternoon nap and the physician (RW) consented. There were no complications whatsoever. Case 2. A 55‐year‐old airplane pilot underwent BTX injection for the treatment of glabellar and forehead lines. He returned directly to work afterward, with no negative sequelae to his treatment results.
Clinical Presentation of Cutaneous Manifestations in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Type 1)
Authors: Kandi Basak , Kaya Arzu , Turgut Dilara , Ozgocmen Salih , Cicek Demet
Published: May 2007

Objective. Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) is a primary polymorphic condition of persistent pain and swelling that frequently occurs secondary to trauma associated with vasomotor disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous findings in patients with CRPS I.

Methods. Eighteen patients with CRPS I were included in the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results. Of the 18 patients with CRPS I, 9 (50%) had hyperhidrosis, while hypohidrosis was present in 2 patients (11.1%). Eight patients (44.4%) had hypertrichosis, and 1 patient (5.6%) had hypotrichosis. Five of the patients (27.8%) had nail changes.

Conclusions. These cutaneous changes are not rare in CRPS I and generate difficulties for the patient; therefore, they should be prevented during the early stages of CRPS I with use of an effective treatment.
The Response of Contractile and Non‐Contractile Vacuoles of Paramecium calkinsi to Widely Varying Salinities
Authors: CRONKITE DONALD L. , NEUMAN JODY , WALKER DONNA , PIERCE SIDNEY K.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Paramecium calkinsi from tidal marshes survive a wide salinity range. Fluid output of contractile vacuoles of these cells decreased as salinity of the medium to which they were acclimated increased, and both pulse rate and vacuole volume were used to regulate output. When cells were first exposed to more dilute medium, contractile vacuoles greatly increased volume so that fluid output increased even though pulse rate decreased. In cells shifted to a more concentrated medium, contractile vacuole output decreased by decreasing pulse rate. The contractile vacuole is surrounded by a set of collecting structures which change form as the salinity changes. Distensible ampullae are found in media of low salinity and collecting canals are found in media of high salinity. When cells are shifted from high salinity to low, the number of ampullae increases and the number of canals decreases. When cells are shifted from low salinity to high, the number of ampullae decreases and the number of canals decreases. Other non‐contracting vacuoles also appear in response to a hypoosmotic shock. These include vacuoles within the cell as well as “blisters” on the surface. The number and frequency of blisters increases with the size of the hypoosmotic shock. They detach from cells without resulting in any visible loss of cytoplasm. Non‐contractile vacuoles may play a role in sequestering and removing excess water that the contractile vacuoles cannot handle.
Magnetic Separation of Phagosomes of Defined Age from Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: VOSKÜHLER CHRISTIAN , TIEDTKE ARNO
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. We describe a new mass isolation procedure for both pure and stage‐specific phagosomes from Tetrahymena thermophila. We prepared magnetic iron dextran particles about 1 μm in diameter to label the phagosomes. The oral apparatus of the cells concentrated these particles so readily that after 1 min the majority of the cells had formed a single phagosome. A short wash removed non‐ingested particles, enabling us to follow the age‐dependent changes of a single labeled phagosome through the cell. Phagosomes of different ages, including very young and nascent phagosomes, were removed easily from the non‐magnetic cell debris of mechanically homogenized cells by means of a permanent magnet. The isolated phagosomes are pure as tested by enzymatic assays and light and electron microscopy. Since the yield of pure phagosomes of all ages is high (∼ 90%), this method could be generally applied for phagosome isolation from ciliates.
The Evolution of the Vahlkampfiidae as Deduced from 16S‐like Ribosomal RNA Analysis
Authors: HINKLE GREGORY , SOGIN MITCHELL L.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. The amoebae, a phenotypically diverse, paraphyletic group of protists, have been largely neglected by molecular phy‐logeneticists. To better understand the evolution of amoebae, we sequenced and analyzed the 16S‐like ribosomal RNA genes of three vahlkampfiid amoebae: Paratetramitus jugosus, Tetramitus rostratus and Vahlkampfia lobospinosa. The Vahlkampfiidae lineage is monophyletic, branches early along the eukaryotic line of descent, and is not a close relative of the multicellular amoebae that also reversibly transform from amoebae to flagellates.
The Protozoan Phylum Opalozoa
Authors: CAVALIER‐SMITH THOMAS
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. The recently established protozoan phylum Opalozoa Cavalier‐Smith 1991 includes all those zooflagellates with tubular mitochondrial cristae that never have cortical alveoli or rigid tubular ciliary hairs (retronemes), and also the opalinids, proteomyxids sensu stricto, and plasmodiophorids. Opalozoa totally lack plastids but usually (though not invariably) have peroxisomes. They always have well‐developed Golgi dictyosomes. The trophic phase is a unicellular ciliated phagotroph except in the only intracellular parasites, the plasmodiophorids, where it is a non‐phagotrophic and non‐ciliated microplasmodium, and in the proteomyxids where it is an amoeboflagellate (which may sometimes be nonciliated) or a multicellular meroplasmodium. Unlike the phagotrophic Mycetozoa, opalozoans do not form aerial fruiting bodies, but encystation is common. The first detailed classification of the phylum is presented here. It is divided into four subphyla (three new), eight classes (four new, one emended), three subclasses (all new), three superorders (all new) and 22 orders of which 12 are new and one is emended. Diagnoses of these taxa are given, as well as lists of the 31 families (11 new) and 62 genera included within them. Opalozoa, which include Cercomonas and Heterornita, the commonest soil flagellates, are ecologically and evolutionarily important.
Quantitative Analyses of Interbreeding in Populations of vannus‐Morphotype Euplotes, with Special Attention to the Nominal Species E. vannus and E. crassus
Authors: CAPRETTE CHRISTOPHER L. , GATES MICHAEL A.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Classical genetic techniques were applied to clonal cultures of the Euplotes vannus‐crassus‐minuta sibling species complex in an effort to provide some resolution to the species problem among these hypotrichs. Complex mating interactions were observed among clonal stock cultures derived from samples collected from sympatric and allopatric populations in a wide geographic survey. These results suggested that the classical model for the mating type inheritance and determination in these Euplotes is necessary but not sufficient to describe the mating mating interactions among populations of these ciliates. Successful conjugation between the nominal species E. crassus and E. vannus was observed routinely, and crosses between these two nominal species did not differ significantly from those among the other clonal stock cultures with respect to mating intensity and exconjugant survival. Data from backcrosses suggests that E. vannus and E. crassus can and do exchange genes. Based upon these data, we conclude that E. vannus and E. crassus comprise a single, highly polymorphic species with countless small populations, among which incomplete genetic exchange takes place.
Discrimination Amongst Leishmania by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Hybridization with Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA Derived Oligonucleotides
Authors: ULIANA SILVIA R. B. , NELSON KIMBERLYN , BEVERLEY STEPHEN M. , CAMARGO ERNEY P. , FLOETER‐WINTER LUCILE M.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. A method for discriminating among Leishmania is described, based upon small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence differences. The method was to amplify the entire 2.2 kb small subunit rDNA by polymerase chain reaction using conserved primers specific for the 5′ and 3′ termini of the small subunit ribosomal RNA, and then hybridize the product dotted onto nylon membranes with labeled oligonucleotides. The design of the hybridization probes was based upon complete small subunit rDNA sequences from L. amazonensis, L. major and L. guyanensis and partial sequences of L. mexicana, L. braziliensis, L. tropica and L. chagasi. A high degree of sequence similarity (> 99%) among species was found. However, sufficient sequence divergence occurred to permit the design of internal oligonucleotide probes specific for species complexes. This procedure successfully discriminated amongst a wide range of Leishmania isolates. The method detected as few as 10 cultured organisms and detected parasites in tissue samples from experimentally infected animals. Non‐radioactive labeling showed the same specificity and sensitivity as radioactive probes.
A cdc2‐Like Kinase Associated with Commitment to Division in Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: TANG LIREN , PELECH STEVEN L. , BERGER JAMES D.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Cell division in higher eukaryotes is mainly controlled by p34cdc2 or related kinases and by other components of these kinase complexes. We present evidence that cdc2‐like kinases also occur in Paramecium. Two polypeptides reacted with an antibody directed against the perfectly conserved PSTAIR region found in cdc2 kinases in other eukaryotes. Only the less abundant peptide bound to p13suc1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Using centrifugal elutriation to select cells on the basis of size, we isolated highly synchronous Paramecium G1 cells. With this procedure, we demonstrated that the p13suc1‐associated cdc2‐like histone H1 kinase was activated before cell division at the point of commitment to division in Paramecium. Further, we show that Paramecium cdc2‐like proteins occurred principally as monomers and that these monomers were active as histone H1 kinases in vitro.
Glass Formation and Properties of Chalcogenides in a GeSe2–As2Se3–PbSe System
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhang Xianghua , Ren Jing , Yunxia Yang , Chen Guorong , Ma Hongli , Adam J. L.
Published: May 2007

The glass‐forming region in a GeSe2–As2Se3–PbSe system was determined, and the dependence of properties on the composition as a formula of 20 GeSe2–(80−x)As2Se3−xPbSe (x=0–30) was investigated. Measurements include density, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, Vis‐NIR, and IR transmission spectra. A fairly large glass‐forming region was obtained where the higher lead content could be introduced into the system in the As2Se3‐rich region than in the GeSe2‐rich region. With the introduction of PbSe, the density of glass increased and the calculated molar volume decreased while the crystallization tendency increased, which was indicated by the decreasing ΔT (Tx−Tg). The activation energy of crystallization and the Avrami exponents were also obtained using the modified Ozawa equation. Under proper annealing conditions, suitable IR transmittance glass–ceramics were obtained.
Anisotropic Microstructural Development During the Constrained Sintering of Dip‐Coated Alumina Thin Films
Authors: Guillon Olivier , Weiler Ludwig , Rödel Jürgen
Published: May 2007

Alumina thin films were manufactured from aqueous slurries by dip coating. Film thickness as function of substrate withdrawal velocity could be correctly modeled by Landau and Levich's theory. Samples were sintered on a rigid substrate at 1350°C for different isothermal times to achieve relative densities from 84% to 97%. Microstructural analysis of polished cross sections revealed a continuous development of pore alignment, as expected by theoretical considerations. With increasing density pores become more anisometric and orientate along the thickness direction. A further preferential orientation of pores was found in the normal plane, apparently due to the coating process. Constraining conditions had less influence on the size and shape of the grains; they tend to become more equiaxed in the constrained plane, presumably due to the biaxial tensile stress state.
Relaxation and Glass Transition in an Isostatically Compressed Diopside Glass
Authors: Wondraczek Lothar , Behrens Harald , Yue Yuanzheng , Deubener Joachim , Scherer George W.
Published: May 2007

Relaxation of isostatically compressed CaMgSi2O6 (diopside) glass is explored by ex situ differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) experiments. A diopside melt was compressed above its glass transition temperature under isostatic conditions at a pressure of 500 MPa. DSC analysis was performed at ambient pressure after slowly cooling the compressed melt under pressure (i.e., after freezing‐in the densified state). Compression‐induced enhancement of the overshoot in heat capacity was observed in the glass transition region. This indicates that a densified, quenched glass possesses a lower apparent fictive temperature, TfA, than a glass that was cooled under ambient pressure at the same cooling rate. However, a thermodynamic analysis indicates that the fictive temperature produced under pressure, Tf0, is actually much higher than that determined from DSC experiments at ambient pressure (Tf0>TfA).
New Method for the Preparation and Stabilization of Nanoparticulate t‐ZrO2 by a Combined Sol–Gel and Solvothermal Process
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Mennig Martin , Schmidt Helmut
Published: May 2007

Nonstabilized and silica‐stabilized zirconia (ZrO2) crystallites with sizes between 3 and 4 nm were synthesized by a novel combined sol–gel and solvothermal process. After adding zirconium n‐propoxide to a solution of isobutanol, propionic acid, and water, a transparent nanoparticulate sol was synthesized by a sol–gel process. The average hydrodynamic diameter of the amorphous ZrO2 nanoparticles was approximately 5 nm. A following solvothermal process led to a crystalline fraction of the powder consisting of 31 wt% tetragonal (t) phase ZrO2. This fraction was doubled to 61 wt% by adding 10 mol% 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS) and increased to 96 wt% by a subsequent calcination at 800°C. The crystallite sizes were also confirmed by means of Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Lanthanum Strontium Manganite Powders Synthesized by Gel‐Casting for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathode Materials
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zhang Yujun , Zhen Y. D. , Jiang San Ping
Published: May 2007

Lanthanum strontium manganite ((La0.8Sr0.2)0.9MnO3; LSM) powder was successfully synthesized by an aqueous gel‐casting technique, using carbonaceous precursors. Both thermal and X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the gel‐casting LSM powder formed a single perovskite phase at 850°C, which is 100°–150°C lower than that of the LSM powder prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction route. The significantly reduced phase formation temperature of the gel‐casting LSM powder is most likely due to the homogeneously distributed and immobilized precursor particles in a polymeric network, promoting the sintering and crystallization process. The LSM electrode prepared by the gel‐cast LSM powder showed good electrocatalytic activity for the O2 reduction reaction for solid oxide fuel cells.
Rapid Hydrolysis of Organophosphorous Esters Induced by Nanostructured, Fluorine‐Doped Titania Replicas of Diatom Frustules
Authors: Lee Seung‐Jin , Huang Ching‐Hua , Shian Samuel , Sandhage Kenneth H.
Published: May 2007

Three‐dimensional microscale assemblies of fluorine‐doped titania nanoparticles were synthesized from silica‐based diatom microshells (frustules) via a shape‐preserving reactive conversion process (as per the method of Unocic et al.). The nanostructured F‐doped titania frustules were found to induce rapid hydrolysis of the organophosphorous esters, methyl paraoxon, and methyl parathion (insecticides and nerve agent mimics), under mild conditions (pH 4.5–7.9, 22°C) and in the absence of light. Fluorine doping of the titania frustules, which altered the surface Lewis acidity, was found to have a strong impact on the rate of hydrolysis.
Effect of Composition on Crystallization of Y/Yb–Si–Al–O–N B‐Phase Glasses
Authors: Menke Y. , Hampshire S. , Falk L. K. L.
Published: May 2007

The effect of a partial or full replacement of yttrium by ytterbium on the crystallization of an oxynitride B‐phase parent glass with composition (e/o) 35Y/Yb:45Si:20Al:83O:17N has been investigated by thermal analysis, X‐ray diffractometry and analytical transmission electron microscopy. Single B‐phase formation was extended to higher temperatures by low ytterbium:yttrium ratios, while a full replacement resulted in a two‐phase B‐ and J‐phase glass–ceramic. The B‐phase crystals took up a substantial range of composition that was dependent on the substitution level, and yttrium/ytterbium was always clearly anti‐correlated with silicon. Some aluminum was accommodated in the dendritic J‐phase crystals, and their yttrium/ytterbium content varied between 64 and 79 cation%.
Translucent Mg‐α‐Sialon Ceramics Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Xiong Yan , Fu Zhengyi , Wang Hao , Wang Weiming , Zhang Jinyong , Zhang Qingjie , Lee Soo Wohn , Niihara Koichi
Published: May 2007

The translucent Mg‐α‐sialon ceramics have been prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) α‐Si3N4 powder with AlN and MgO as the additives at 1850°C for 5 min. The sample possesses a uniform, dense microstructure under the rapid densification of SPS process. The translucent Mg‐α‐sialon ceramics achieve the maximum transmittance of 66.4% for the sample of 0.5 mm in thickness in the medium infrared region, which could be attributed to the equiaxed microstructure and few glassy phase confirmed by the observation of transmission electron microscopy. The material also exhibits good mechanical properties of high hardness (21.4±0.3 GPa) and fracture toughness (6.1±0.1 MPa·m1/2).
Evolution or revolution? Adapting to complexity in wound management
Authors: Harding Keith , Gray David , Timmons John , Hurd Theresa
Published: May 2007

Wound clinics are seeing an increase in the number of ‘complex’ wounds, which arise as the result of the interaction between multiple coexisting systemic pathologies, environmental factors and local wound factors. These complex wounds require an approach to diagnosis and management that can encapsulate all these factors. Unified wound assessment approaches such as HEIDI (History, Examination, Investigations, Diagnosis and management plan), wound bed preparation and applied wound management systems are essential to reach a definitive diagnosis and to ensure that management is agreed between the various clinical specialities that may be involved. A series of case histories is presented that illustrate the benefits of a unified approach to wound management. Results of a study into the cost‐effectiveness of an improved foam dressing are presented, and the problems of demonstrating the ability to make long‐term savings through short‐term expenditure are discussed.
Two New Sesquiterpenoid Glucosides from the Aerial Parts of Saussurea involucrate
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ling , Gesang Suo‐Lang , Jiao Wei , Liao Xun , Ding Li‐Sheng
Published: May 2007

Two new sesquiterpenoid glucosides, namely 6α‐hydroxycostic acid 6‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (compound 1) and 11βH‐11,13‐dihydrodehydrocostuslactone 8α‐O‐(6′‐acetyl)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (compound 2), along with 11 known sesquiterpenoids (compounds 3‐13) were isolated from the aerial parts of Saussurea involucrate (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.‐ Bip. The structures of the new sesquiterpenoid glucosides were established by one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analysis.

(Handling editor: Jin‐Zhong Cui)
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Associated Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Yang De‐Long , Jing Rui‐Lian , Chang Xiao‐Ping , Li Wei
Published: May 2007

Parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics (PCFKs) under drought stress condition are generally used to characterize instincts for dehydration tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Therefore, it is important to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PCFKs in wheat genetic improvement for drought tolerance. A doubled haploid (DH) population with 150 lines, derived from a cross between two common wheat varieties, Hanxuan 10 and Lumai 14, was used to analyze the correlation between PCFKs and chlorophyll content (ChlC) and to map QTLs at the grain‐filling stage under conditions of both rainfed (drought stress, DS) and well‐watered (WW), respectively. QTLs for these traits were detected by QTLMapper version 1.0 based on the composite interval mapping method of the mixed‐linear model. The results showed a very significant positive correlation between Fv, Fm, Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo. The correlation coefficients were generally higher under WW than under DS. Also, there was a significant or a highly significant positive correlation between Fv, Fm, Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo and ChlC. The correlation coefficients were higher in the DS group than the WW group. A total of 14 additive QTLs (nine QTLs detected under DS and five QTLs under WW) and 25 pairs of epistatic QTLs (15 pairs detected under DS and 10 pairs under WW) for PCFKs were mapped on chromosomes 6A, 7A, 1B, 3B, 4D and 7D. The contributions of additive QTLs for PCFKs to phenotype variation were from 8.40% to 72.72%. Four additive QTLs (two QTLs detected under DS and WW apiece) controlling ChlC were mapped on chromosomes 1A, 5A and 7A. The contributions of these QTLs for ChlC to phenotype variation were from 7.27% to 11.68%. Several QTL clusters were detected on chromosomes 1B, 7A and 7D, but no shared chromosomal regions for them were identified under different water regimes, indicating that these QTLs performed different expression patterns under rainfed and well‐watered conditions.

(Handling editor: Yong‐Biao Xue)
Linkage Map Construction and Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis for Bolting Based on a Double Haploid Population of Brassica rapa
Authors: Yang Xu , Yu Yang‐Jun , Zhang Feng‐Lan , Zou Zhi‐Rong , Zhao Xiu‐Yun , Zhang De‐Shuang , Xu Jia‐Bing
Published: May 2007

Early bolting of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) during spring cultivation often has detrimental effects on the yield and quality of the harvested products. Breeding late bolting varieties is a major objective of Chinese cabbage breeding programs. In order to analyze the genetic basis of bolting traits, a genetic map of B. rapa was constructed based on amplified fragment‐length polymorphism (AFLP), sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), simple sequence repeat (SSR), random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and isozyme markers. Marker analysis was carried out on 81 double haploid (DH) lines obtained by microspore culture from F1 progeny of two homozygous parents: B. rapa L. ssp. pekinensis (BY) (an extra‐early bolting Chinese cabbage line) and B. rapa L. ssp. rapifera (MM) (an extra‐late bolting European turnip line). A total of 326 markers including 130 AFLPs, 123 SRAPs, 16 SSRs, 43 RAPDs and 14 isozymes were used to construct a linkage map with 10 linkage groups covering 882 cM with an average distance of 2.71 cM between loci. The bolting trait of each DH line was evaluated by the bolting index under controlled conditions. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted using multiple QTL model mapping with MapQTL5.0 software. Eight QTLs controlling bolting resistance were identified. These QTLs, accounting for 14.1% to 25.2% of the phenotypic variation with positive additive effects, were distributed into three linkage groups. These results provide useful information for molecular marker‐assisted selection of late bolting traits in Chinese cabbage breeding programs.

(Handling editor: Yong‐Biao Xue)
Characterization and Fine Mapping of the ibf Mutant in Rice
Authors: Cui Jiajun , Fan Shengci , Shao Tian , Huang Zejun , Zheng Dali , Tang Ding , Li Ming , Qian Qian , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: May 2007

The pigment is an important character in plant development. In the present study, we characterized and fine mapped one inhibitor for brown furrows gene (ibf) in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In the ibf mutant, brown pigments specifically accumulate in the furrows of hulls as seeds mature and reach a maximum level in dry seeds. Genetic analysis showed that the mutant phenotype is controlled by one recessive nuclear gene, which was finally mapped in a 90‐kb region on the long arm of chromosome 9. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting analysis revealed that there was a 26 kb deletion in the 90‐kb region in the mutant. Since all the open reading frames outside the gap in the delimited region had no detectable difference in DNA sequence with the wild‐type, we postulated that the ibf locus should be located in the gap. Through gene annotation and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis, we selected OsKF1 encoding a kelch repeat‐containing F‐box family protein as the candidate gene of ibf.

(Handling editor: Tai Wang)
Variations of Water‐Soluble Carbohydrate Contents in Different Age Class Modules of Leymus chinensis Populations in Sandy and Saline‐Alkaline Soil on the Songnen Plains of China
Authors: Ding Xue‐Mei , Yang Yun‐Fei
Published: May 2007

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. is a rhizomatous perennial herbage of Gramineae. Reproduction is mainly by vegetative reproduction. Tillering nodes and rhizomes of L. chinensis serve as organs for both vegetative reproduction and nutrient storage. Water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents were measured in tillering nodes, nodes and internodes of rhizomes of different age classes of L. chinensis populations at three development stages, namely the dough ripe stage, the vegetative growth stage after full ripeness, and the withering stage, in two habitats: sandy soil and saline‐alkaline soil. The results showed that WSC content in tillering nodes of the three age classes of L. chinensis were all markedly decreased with increasing age in both sandy soil and saline‐alkaline soil. A similar trend of changes in WSC contents was observed in the nodes and internodes of rhizomes in different age classes in both habitats. The highest WSC contents were in 2‐age‐class nodes and internodes of rhizomes, followed by those in the 1 age class, with the lowest WSC contents found in 3‐age‐class nodes and internodes of rhizomes at the dough ripe and vegetative growth stages after full ripening. In turn, WSC contents decreased with increasing age at the withering stage in both habitats. The WSC content in each age class of internode was higher than that in the node of rhizome at three development stages in both habitats.

(Handling editor: Jian‐Xin Sun)
EVALUATION OF BITTERNESS AND ASTRINGENCY OF (+)‐CATECHIN AND (‐)‐EPICATECHIN IN RED WINE AND IN MODEL SOLUTION
Authors: KALLITHRAKA S. , BAKKER J. , CLIFFORD M.N.
Published: May 2007

Two stereoisomeric phenolic compounds, (+)‐catechin and (‐)‐epicatechin, were rated for perceived intensity of oral astringency and bitterness by trained judges using the scalar method. Mouth drying and mouth roughening were also assessed, since they are often associated with astringency. Amounts of 375, 750 and 1500 mg/L of each compound were tasted in red wine, and in a model system, similar in composition to a dry table wine. Preliminary tests showed that these concentrations were above the threshold level but within the range found in wine. A control sample (model solution or wine without the addition of the above phenolic compounds) was also evaluated. The results showed that the two compounds were both bitter and astringent. The high (‐)‐epicatechin concentration was significantly more bitter and astringent than the equal concentration of (+)‐catechin in the model solution. Mouth drying and roughening ratings showed a similar increasing pattern with the ratings of astringency particularly at the higher concentrations. However, these attributes were rated differently from astringency suggesting that although they contribute to astringency, they are not subsumed by it.
CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT AND EVALUATION OF GREEN PEAS1
Authors: JUHL HANS JØRN , BECH ANNE C. , KRISTENSEN KAI , POULSEN CARSTEN STIG , HANSEN MERETE
Published: May 2007

This paper reports the effect of consumer involvement on overall acceptance of frozen peas used in green salad and the effect of consumer involvement on the consumer's ability to perceive variations in a set of physical/chemical characteristics such as AIS (Alcohol Insoluble Solids) and color. The results reveal that consumers with high involvement evaluate 16 experimentally varied pea samples more in accordance with quality indicators used in the industry than consumers with low involvement. In our study 61% of the consumers were highly involved. For low involved consumers there was no relation between average acceptance and the quality indicators used by producer/retailer and retailer/consumer. High involved consumers could identify more of the physical/chemical variation in the pea samples than the low involved consumers. The results stress the importance of a preliminary segmentation of consumers. The low involved consumers do not seem to have any specific preferences for any of the samples included in the study although samples are varied considerably with respect to size, color and amount of sucrose. It may be considered as indifference. An obvious conclusion to draw from the results of this study is to concentrate on the highly involved consumers in further product development.
SENSORY THRESHOLDS: CONCEPTS AND METHODS
Authors: BI JIAN , ENNIS DANIEL M.
Published: May 2007

A sensory threshold can be defined generally as a stimulus intensity that produces a response in half of the trials. The definition of the population threshold is discussed. Five main classical statistical procedures for estimating thresholds are reviewed. They are the probit, the logistic, the Spearman‐Karber, the moving average and the up‐and‐down procedures. Some new developments in statistical methods for estimating thresholds are outlined. The newly developed methods include the generalized probit and logistic models, the model based on the Beta‐Binomial distribution, the trimmed Spearman‐Karber method, the kernel method and the sigmoidally constrained maximum likelihood estimation method. The authors propose a new procedure based on the Beta‐Binomial distribution for estimating population threshold.
COMPARISON OF TWO SIMPLE METHODS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF DETECTION THRESHOLDS FOR BASIC, UMAMI AND METALLIC TASTES
Authors: VIÑAS M.A. GONÁZLEZ , SALVADOR M.D. , MARTIN‐ALVAREZ P.J.
Published: May 2007

Two simple methods were followed to determine detection thresholds for the taste of substances in aqueous solution. The methods applied were: a modification of the ascending method of limits and a method based on the use of scales. Detection thresholds were calculated for the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, acid, and bitterness), umami and metallic. Reference substances for each taste were sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, caffeine, monosodium glutamate and iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate and the results of the two methods were compared. We found that the threshold values calculated by method ASTM‐679 was within the range of concentrations identified with the scales method.
EFFECT OF YOGURT SWEETNESS ON SENSORY SPECIFIC SATIETY
Authors: VICKERS ZATA , HOLTON ELIZABETH , WANG JIAN
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to determine if hedonically different sweetness levels in yogurt, determined by the ideal‐relative rating methods, affected the consumption of yogurt in a sensory specific satiety test. Fifteen subjects attended a preliminary session, six taste tests and three sensory specific satiety tests. During each taste test, subjects rated yogurt with one of the three levels of sweetness (high, optimum, and low) for six attributes. During each sensory specific satiety test, subjects were offered a large serving of yogurt with one of the sweetness levels. Liking for optimum or high sweet yogurts decreased more after consumption than the liking for the low sweet yogurt, however, the consumption of optimum and high sweet yogurts was also greater, thus confounding the experiment.
COMPARISONS OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS RELEASED DURING CONSUMPTION OF A COMPLEX FOOD BY DIFFERENT ASSESSORS WITH EXPRESSIONS OF PERCEIVED FLAVOR DETERMINED BY FREE CHOICE PROFILING
Authors: O'RIORDAN P.J. , DELAHUNTY C.M. , SHEEHAN E.M. , MORRISSEY P.A.
Published: May 2007

Comparisons of volatile compounds released during consumption by different assessors with individual differences in the assessors’chewing patterns, saliva production rates and ultimately their expressions of perceived flavor have received little research attention to date, although such comparisons are fundamental to the understanding of flavor. To address this, eight untrained assessors were chosen and each consumed six Cheddar cheeses during Buccal Headspace Analysis of the volatile compounds released, while in parallel measures of each assessor's mastication behavior using Electromyography, their stimulated saliva production during consumption and their sensory perceptions of the cheeses flavor during Free Choice Profiling were determined. Relationships between the volatile compounds released and the sensory and physiological measures were investigated using Principal Components Analysis, Generalised Procrustes Analysis and Partial Least Squares regression. It was found that although there were differences between assessors’mastication behavior and saliva production rates, the assessors’individual volatile profiles obtained by Buccal Headspace Analysis were similar for each cheese examined. Also, Partial Least Squares was successful in predicting the most important flavor differences between cheeses from the volatile compounds released during their consumption by different assessors.