bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF CALCIUM ON VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF FORTIFIED APPLE TISSUE
Authors: SALVATORI DANIELA M. , DOCTOROVICH ROMINA S. , ALZAMORA STELLA M.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this study was to analyze the linear viscoelastic behavior of calcium impregnated apples by creep and sinusoidal tests and to correlate the changes in rheological parameters with some structure features. The effect of different Ca concentrations of impregnation solutions (0, 0.1 and 0.53%, w/w), system pressure (vacuum or atmospheric) and process time was studied. All samples showed a viscoelastic solid behavior with the storage modulus (G′) dominating the viscoelastic response. Treated apple samples with or without calcium showed a pronounced decrease in G′as compared with fresh tissue. Instantaneous compliance (J0), decay compliances (J1 and J2) and fluidity significantly increased after treatments, while retardation times were approximately constant. Impregnation at high calcium concentrations provoked severe folding of walls and/or a general inner disruption of cells with plasmolysis and membrane breakage in a different way according to the pressure applied and the treatment time, explaining the viscoelastic behavior. Changes in compliances and storage modulus values were significantly lower for apples treated under vacuum than when the treatment was performed at atmospheric pressure, suggesting that vacuum impregnation is an effective methodology to fortify apple tissue avoiding serious damage in viscoelastic properties and presumably in texture.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Incorporation of physiologically active food components (PACs) into vegetable matrices to obtain functional foods opens new product opportunities for the food industry. Impregnation processes performed at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum conditions may be employed to incorporate PACs, among them calcium. Because of alterations in structure, these processes can strongly modify rheological properties and hence texture of fruits. The results of this research can help to select operative impregnation conditions that allow the incorporation of great calcium quantities in apple tissue minimizing changes in viscoelastic properties. This objective is of primordial interest when designing minimally processed “fortified apples” preserved by refrigeration and to be consumed as is.
RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY APPLIED TO THE EXTRACTION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROMJATROPHA CURCASLINN. LEAVES USING SUPERCRITICAL CO2WITH A METHANOL CO‐SOLVENT
Authors: MANPONG PATUMPORN , DOUGLAS SUPAPORN , DOUGLAS PETER L. , PONGAMPHAI SUWASSA , TEPPAITOON WITTAYA , KAEWPRAKAISANGKUL ORAWAN
Published: December 2009

Response surface methodology was used to analyze the results of experiments designed using the Box–Behnken method to extract three phenolic compounds, gallic acid (GA), corilagin (CG) and ellagic acid (EA), fromJatropha curcasLinn. leaves using supercritical CO2and methanol as a cosolvent. Experiments were carried out from 10 to 30 MPa, 40 to 80C and 30 to 70% (v/v) aqueous methanol. A 3 × 3 Box–Behnken design was used to design the experiments to determine the effects of pressure, temperature and concentration of methanol (MeOH) as well as their interaction on the extraction yield. Three nonlinear equations and 3‐D plots (one for each product) with 10 terms were developed. Analytical and numerical techniques were used to locate the optimal operating conditions. The highest experimental yields were obtained at 10 MPa, 60C and 30% (v/v) methanol modifier for GA; 20 MPa, 80C and 30% (v/v) methanol modifier for CG; and 30 MPa, 40C and 50% (v/v) methanol modifier for EA. The response surface models predicted that the maximum extraction yields of GA, CG and EA were 1,567.68 mg/kg of GA at 10 MPa, 80C and 30% (v/v) aqueous MeOH; 4,693.60 mg/kg of CG at 30 MPa, 80C and 30% (v/v) aqueous MeOH; and 1,089.02 mg/kg of EA at 10 MPa, 80C and 70% (v/v) aqueous MeOH, respectively. Because the theoretical optimum was on the limit of the range of the experiments, future work should focus on new experiments designed around the predicted optimum.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The purpose of this research was to study the extraction of gallic acid (GA), corilagin (CG) and ellagic acid (EA) fromJatrapha curcasLinn. leaves using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) with a methanol cosolvent. Polar organic cosolvents or modifiers can be used to enhance extraction yield of polar solutes by increasing the CO2polarity. Because methanol (MeOH) has a high polarity index, it was used to extract the three phenolic compounds (polar compounds) in the SCCO2process. In addition to extracting GA, CG and EA, this research determined the maximum yield and the effect of operating parameters (pressure, temperature and MeOH concentration) using a response surface quadratic model to determine the location of the optimum operating conditions.
EFFECT OF ULTRASONIC TREATMENT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF ENDOGENOUS TRANSGLUTAMINASE AND PROTEINASES IN TILAPIA (SAROTHERODON NILOTICA) SURIMI DURING GEL FORMATION
Authors: ZHANG YIN , ZENG QING‐XIAO , ZHU ZHI‐WEI
Published: December 2009

The effects of ultrasonic treatment (UT) on the activities of endogenous transglutaminase (TGase) and proteinases in tilapia surimi were investigated. Surimi paste set at 40C with or without UT, prior to heating at 90C, resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in gel strength as setting time increased, the gel strength of surimi paste treated with UT was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control. A decrease in the solubility of surimi gels with UT suggested that the UT increased the formation of non‐disulfide covalent bonding which coincided with an increase in gel strength and a decrease in myosin heavy chain (MHC) polypeptide content. Surimi paste incubated at 65C with UT prior to heating at 90C resulted in a significant increase in gel strength (P < 0.05), compared with the control. A decrease in the trichloroacetic acid‐soluble peptides of surimi gels with UT coincided with an increase in gel strength and more retained MHC, suggesting that the endogenous proteinases were deactivated by UT.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Gel strength is important for the quality of surimi gel. Ultrasonic treatment (UT) was used to treat surimi sol when it was setting at 40C, the result showed that UT could increase the gel strength of tilapia surimi. In order to find the possible reason for the increase of gel strength as a result of UT, effect of UT on the activities of endogenous enzymes in tilapia was investigated. This will inspire the surimi product producers to improve the gel strength of surimi by using UT instead of adding food additives. UT can supply one new method of processing surimi product. This can obviate the potential danger brought by unsuitable addition of food additives.
“MIGHT NOT BE A TOMORROW”: A MULTIMETHODS APPROACH TO ANTICIPATED EARLY DEATH AND YOUTH CRIME*
Authors: BREZINA TIMOTHY , TEKIN ERDAL , TOPALLI VOLKAN
Published: December 2009

Several researchers point to the anticipation of early death, or a sense of “futurelessness,” as a contributing factor to youth crime. It is argued that young people who perceive a high probability of early death may have little reason to delay gratification for the promise of future benefits, as the future itself is discounted. Consequently, these young people tend to pursue high‐risk behaviors associated with immediate rewards, which include crime and violence. Although existing studies lend support to these arguments and show a statistical relationship between anticipated early death and youth crime, this support remains tentative. Moreover, several questions remain regarding the interpretation of this relationship, the meanings that offenders attach to the prospect of early death, and the cognitive processes that link anticipated early death to youth crime. In this article, we address the limitations of previous studies using a multimethods approach, which involves the analyses of national survey data and in‐depth interviews with active street offenders.
LAND USE AND VIOLENT CRIME*
Authors: STUCKY THOMAS D. , OTTENSMANN JOHN R.
Published: December 2009

Although research has shown specific land uses to be related to crime, systematic investigation of land uses and violent crime has been less common. This study systematically examines links between land uses and violent crime and assesses whether such links are conditioned by socioeconomic disadvantage. We employ geocoded Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data from the Indianapolis police department and information on 30 categories of land use and demographic information from the 2000 U.S. Census. We use land use variables to predict violent crime counts in 1,000 × 1,000‐feet grid cells using negative binomial regression models. Results indicate that, net of other variables, specific land uses predict variation in counts for individual violent crimes and aggregate rates. Some nonresidential land uses are associated with higher violent crime counts, whereas others are associated with lower counts. Specific land uses also condition the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on violent crime. The implications for routine activity/opportunity and social disorganization/collective efficacy theories of crime are discussed.
PUBLIC COOPERATION WITH THE POLICE IN GHANA: DOES PROCEDURAL FAIRNESS MATTER?*
Authors: TANKEBE JUSTICE
Published: December 2009

Recent criminological emphasis on the salience of normative concerns, such as procedural fairness and legitimacy, in understanding public law‐abiding behavior has been based on evidence from Anglo‐American studies. This article examines these issues in the African context based on general survey data from Accra, Ghana. The results show a lack of empirical validity, in the Ghanaian context, of the Sunshine–Tyler legitimacy scale. The results also show that public cooperation with the police in Ghana is shaped by utilitarian factors such as perceptions of current police effectiveness infighting crime. It is argued that the importance of perceived police effectiveness to public cooperation is a result of police legitimation deficits and the public's alienation from the Ghana police, which in turn are traced to the colonial history of the police and current poor police performance.
CO‐OFFENDING AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DELINQUENT CAREER*
Authors: CARRINGTON PETER J.
Published: December 2009

This article examines the role of co‐offending in the development of the delinquent career. Hypotheses derived from Reiss's (1986, 1988) taxonomic theory of co‐offending are tested, using police‐reported data on the delinquent careers and co‐offending of 55,336 Canadian offenders. Support is found for a taxonomic theory and for age‐related and functional theories of co‐offending. The taxonomy consists of two types of offenders—high activity (3 percent) and low activity (97 percent)—whose co‐offending patterns differ during the teenage years but not during childhood. For low‐activity offenders as teenagers, the proportion of co‐offenses decreases with criminal experience. The rate of co‐offending by high‐activity offenders as teenagers is lower at onset than for low‐activity offenders, and it varies little with criminal experience. For both offender types, the proportion of co‐offenses decreases with age, is slightly less in males, and varies with the type of offense. For both offender types, the proportion of co‐offenses in childhood offending is greater than in the teenage years and is unrelated to the offender's age or criminal experience.
Effects of short‐term food deprivation on orexin‐A‐induced intestinal bicarbonate secretion in comparison with related secretagogues
Authors: Flemström G. , Bengtsson M. W. , Mäkelä K. , Herzig K. H.
Published: December 2009

Studies of gastrointestinal physiology in humans and intact animals are usually conducted after overnight fast. We compared the effects of orexin‐A, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), melatonin, serotonin, uroguanylin, ghrelin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on duodenal bicarbonate secretion in fed and overnight fasted animals. This review is a summary of our findings. Secretagogues were administered by intra‐arterial infusion or luminally (PGE2). Enterocyte intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) signalling was studied by fluorescence imaging. Total RNA was extracted, reverse transcripted to cDNA and expression of orexin receptors measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. Orexin‐A stimulates the duodenal secretion in continuously fed animals but not in food‐deprived animals. Similarly, short‐term fasting causes a 100‐fold decrease in the amount of the muscarinic agonist bethanechol required for stimulation of secretion. In contrast, fasting does not affect secretory responses to intra‐arterial VIP, melatonin, serotonin, uroguanylin and ghrelin, or that to luminal PGE2. Orexin‐A induces [Ca2+]i signalling in enterocytes from fed rats but no significant [Ca2+]i responses occur in enterocytes from fasted animals. In addition, overnight fasting decreases the expression of mucosal orexin receptors. Short‐term food deprivation thus decreases duodenal expression of orexin receptors and abolishes the secretory response to orexin‐A as well as orexin‐A‐induced [Ca2+]i signalling. Fasting, furthermore, decreases mucosal sensitivity to bethanechol. The absence of declines in secretory responses to other secretagogues tested strongly suggests that short‐term fasting does not affect the secretory capacity of the duodenal mucosa in general. Studies of intestinal secretion require particular evaluation with respect to feeding status.
Hypothermia‐Induced Neurite Outgrowth is Mediated by Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha
Authors: Schmitt Katharina R. L. , Boato Francesco , Diestel Antje , Hechler Daniel , Kruglov Andrei , Berger Felix , Hendrix Sven
Published: December 2009

Systemic or brain‐selective hypothermia is a well‐established method for neuroprotection after brain trauma. There is increasing evidence that hypothermia exerts beneficial effects on the brain and may also support regenerative responses after brain damage. Here, we have investigated whether hypothermia influences neurite outgrowth in vitro via modulation of the post‐injury cytokine milieu.

Organotypic brain slices were incubated: deep hypothermia (2 h at 17°C), rewarming (2 h up to 37°C), normothermia (20 h at 37°C). Neurite density and cytokine release (IL 1beta, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐alpha) were investigated after 24 h. For functional analysis mice deficient in NT‐3/NT‐4 and TNF‐alpha as well as the TNF‐alpha inhibitor etanercept were used. Hypothermia led to a significant increase of neurite outgrowth, which was independent of neurotrophin signaling. In contrast to other cytokines investigated, TNF‐alpha secretion by organotypic brain slices was significantly increased after deep hypothermia. Moreover, hypothermia‐induced neurite extension was abolished after administration of the TNF‐alpha inhibitor and in TNF‐alpha knockout mice. We demonstrate that TNF‐alpha is responsible for inducing neurite outgrowth in the context of deep hypothermia and rewarming. These data suggest that hypothermia not only exerts protective effects in the CNS but may also support neurite outgrowth as a potential mechanism of regeneration.
Impact of Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles on the Sensory Properties of Concord and Niagara Grape Juice
Authors: Weekes Luan N. , Walsh Douglas , Ferguson Holly , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  The presence of Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (MALB) in grape juice is increasingly problematic. The overall objective of this study was to determine the specific sensory impacts of MALB on Concord and Niagara grape juice. The aroma threshold for MALB‐taint in both juices was determined and expressed as the best estimate threshold (BET). The aroma BET for MALB‐taint in Concord grape juice was 1.8 and 0.65 MALB/L Niagara grape juice. The specific sensory attributes of the grape juices influenced by the presence of MALB were then described. In Concord grape juice, trained panelists (n = 9) found significant increases in vegetal aroma and earthy flavor as MALB concentration increased from 0.45 to 7.2 MALB/L. In Niagara grape juice, with increasing MALB concentration, trained panelists (n = 8) indicated significant decreases in honey and sweetness with corresponding increases in sourness, astringency, and vegetal and earthy aromas and flavors (P < 0.05). For both aroma and flavor, consumer rejection studies were performed using paired preference comparisons of control juice to MALB‐tainted grape juice. For Concord grape juice, consumers (n = 60) rejected the aroma of MALB‐tainted juice at 1.8 MALB/L and the taste/flavor of the MALB‐tainted juice at 3.6 MALB/L. For Niagara juice, consumers rejected the aroma of the juice at 3.6 MALB/L. This study demonstrated the presence of MALB negatively impacts the sensory properties of Concord and Niagara grape juice. Grape juice processors may use this research for quality control measures and for establishing tolerance limits.

Practical Application: The Multicolored Asian Ladybeetle (MALB), initially used for biocontrol, has been shown in previous literature to impact the sensory properties of wines. The presence of MALB in grape juice is now becoming problematic; however, there is little research describing the specific sensory impacts of MALB on grape juice. This study examined the sensory impact of MALB on both Concord and Niagara grape juice. While the threshold and trained panel evaluations from this study provide valuable sensory profile information, grape juice processors may be particularly interested in the consumer rejection of MALB‐tainted grape juice as they can use this research for quality control measures and for establishing tolerance limits.
Sensory Quality of Fresh French and Dutch Market Tomatoes: A Preference Mapping Study with Italian Consumers
Authors: Sinesio Fiorella , Cammareri Maria , Moneta Elisabetta , Navez Brigitte , Peparaio Marina , Causse Mathilde , Grandillo Silvana
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Sensory properties are important elements to evaluate the qualities of vegetable products and are also determinant factors in purchasing decision. Here we report the Italian results of a preference mapping study conducted within a larger European project with the aim of describing the preferences of European consumers in regard to the diversity of traditional and modern tomato varieties, available on the market. This study has allowed the assessment of fruit quality at 3 levels: objective description of sensory properties, consumer preference tests, and physicochemical measurements. A set of 16 tomato cultivars, with different fruit sizes and shapes, was described and classified according to 18 sensory attributes including flavor, appearance, and texture characteristics. The same cultivars were evaluated by 179 consumers in a “preference mapping” experiment with the goal of identifying the preferred varieties and the reasons for the choice. The consumer data are referred to hedonic ratings (aspect liking and overall liking), familiarity for the analyzed cultivars, and individual features collected by a questionnaire. A hierarchical analysis of the clusters allowed to distinguish, within the sampled Italian consumers, 4 segments with different preferences which represented 19%, 25%, 41%, and 15% of the population, respectively. A partial least square regression model allowed the identification of the sensory attributes that best described consumer cluster preferences for tomato cultivars. Both texture and flavor descriptors were important drivers of consumer preferences, but the relevance (predictive value) of individual descriptors to model tomato liking was different for each consumer segment. Information on demographic and behavioral characteristics, usage habits, and factors relevant for purchasing were also provided on the 4 groups of consumers.
Moderate Fish Consumption is Associated with Lower Likelihood of Developing Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Kastorini C.‐M. , Chrysohoou C. , Aggelopoulos P. , Panagiotakos D. , Pitsavos C. , Stefanadis C.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between fish consumption and the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients who have had an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). During 2006 to 2009, 934 consecutive ACS patients were included in the study; 437 patients who developed LVSD, 347 male (64 ± 13 y) and 90 female (71 ± 12 y), and 497 patients with preserved systolic function, 388 male (62 ± 12 y) and 109 female (66 ± 12 y). Detailed information regarding their medical records, anthropometric data, physical activity, and smoking habits were recorded. Nutritional habits were assessed using a semiquantitative food‐frequency questionnaire. Multi‐adjusted analysis revealed that moderate fish consumption was associated with 53% (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.97) lower likelihood of developing left ventricular systolic dysfunction, compared to no/rare consumption, after adjustment for various confounding factors. Furthermore, moderate fish consumption was associated with lower values of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (P = 0.05) and oxidized LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02) in patients who did not develop left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Moderate fish consumption seems to offer significant protection against the development of systolic dysfunction in post ACS patients, merely attributed to its beneficial effect on oxidation process and endothelial function.
Malolactic Fermentation as a Technique for the Deacidification of Hard Apple Cider
Authors: Reuss R.M. , Stratton J.E. , Smith D.A. , Read P.E. , Cuppett S.L. , Parkhurst A.M.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Malolactic fermentation (MLF), the conversion of malate to lactate, is an important process leading to the deacidification of hard apple cider. MLF is dependent on the levels of inhibitory factors such as sulfur dioxide and ethanol. To assess the effect of these 2 factors on MLF, hard apple cider was produced from pasteurized, unfiltered apple cider (Malus domestica cvs Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, and Fuji). Apple cider was treated with 2 levels of sulfur dioxide (50 and 80 ppm) and then fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae montrachet. After the primary fermentation, 1 set of the samples remained unadjusted and 100% ethyl alcohol was used to adjust other sets of samples to 7%, 9%, or 11% (v/v) ethanol. Following the ethanol adjustment, Oenococcus oeni MCW was used to initiate the MLF in half of the samples. Cider parameters monitored throughout the fermentations included organic acid content, titratable acidity, pH, ethanol production, and sugar content. Since samples containing either sulfur dioxide level had similar sugar utilization rates and ethanol production it was concluded that sulfur dioxide had no effect on the primary fermentation. Sulfur dioxide content was shown to have an impact on MLF. There was no difference in the rate of malic acid consumption, but lactic acid production was faster in the 50‐ppm sulfur dioxide samples. MLF was not inhibited by ethanol content.
Contributions of Muscles of Various Color Stabilities to the Overall Color Stability of Ground Beef
Authors: Raines Christopher R. , Hunt Melvin C. , Unruh John A.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Ground high (HCS), intermediate (ICS), and low color stability (LCS) cow muscles were used to investigate effects of blending muscles of different color stabilities on ground beef display color. Six formulations at 90% and 80% lean points combining HCS, ICS, and LCS muscles were: 50% HCS + 50% ICS; 50% HCS + 50% LCS; 50% ICS + 50% LCS; 33.3% HCS + 33.3% ICS + 33.3% LCS; 75% HCS + 25% LCS; and 25% HCS + 75% LCS. Patties were packaged in a high oxygen (80% O2, 20% CO2) modified atmosphere, held in dark storage for 5 d, then displayed for 4 d. The 80% lean patties containing ≥ 50% HCS had the brightest red initial visual color. During display 75% HCS + 25% LCS at both lean points had the most cherry‐red display color. Patties containing a greater proportion of HCS had greater metmyoglobin reducing ability throughout display. HCS, ICS, and LCS muscle can be mixed without adverse color affects, provided LCS muscle is ≤ 25%, and HCS muscle is ≥ 50% of the blend.
Phosphate Type Affects the Quality of Injected Catfish Fillets
Authors: Kin S. , Schilling M.W. , Smith B.S. , Silva J.L. , Jackson V. , Kim T.J.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Catfish fillets were injected to 115% over green weight prior to tray‐packing and storage at 4 °C for 1, 4, 8, and 11 d. Fillets were evaluated for yields, surface color, pH, cooking loss, tenderness, purge loss, and shelf‐life. All phosphate treatments increased (P < 0.05) fillet tenderness, but the agglomerated blend of sodium phosphates (AGSP) increased (P < 0.05) pH and yields, and decreased (P < 0.05) CIE L* and CIE b* values. Psychrotrophic plate counts (PPC) of fillets treated with the agglomerated blend of polyphosphates (AGPP) were lower (P < 0.05) than the control at each storage time, but PPC of all samples reached 7 log CFU/g by day 8 of storage. All agglomerated phosphates and STP (sodium tripolyphosphate) improved yields and quality when compared to the nonmarinated control. However, AGSP was the most effective phosphate at increasing pick‐up and yields and decreasing cooking loss due to the pH effect that causes more water to be trapped within the food system. Major quality differences may not have occurred between STP and agglomerated phosphates (other than AGSP) since injection relies solely on pH and ionic strength for marinade pickup, whereas tumbling also relies on mechanical action, which relies more on the presence of various phosphate chain lengths and solubility to impact yields. All phosphate treatments improved the quality of tray‐packed, refrigerated catfish fillets that were enhanced through multineedle injection. However, AGSP also increased fillet pH, optimized yields, and improved color.

Practical Application: Use of an agglomerated phosphate blend with a high pH (AGSP) maximized the yield of catfish fillets that were marinated through multineedle injection. In addition, STP and agglomerated phosphate blends increased the yield and tenderness of catfish fillets when compared to the nonmarinated control.
Acacetin Inhibits TPA‐Induced MMP‐2 and u‐PA Expressions of Human Lung Cancer Cells Through Inactivating JNK Signaling Pathway and Reducing Binding Activities of NF‐κB and AP‐1
Authors: Fong Yaou , Shen Kun‐Hung , Chiang Tai‐An , Shih Yuan‐Wei
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: Acacetin (5,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methoxyflavone), a flavonoid compound, has antiperoxidative and antiinflammatory effects. The effect of acacetin on 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced MMPs and u‐PA expressions in human lung cancer A549 cells was investigated. First, the result demonstrated acacetin could inhibit TPA‐induced the abilities of the adhesion, invasion, and migration by cell‐matrix adhesion assay and Boyden chamber assay. Data also showed acacetin could inhibit phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1 and 2 (JNK1/2) involved in the down‐regulating protein expressions and transcriptions of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (u‐PA) induced by TPA. Next, acacetin also strongly inhibited TPA‐stimulated the nuclear levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), c‐Fos, and c‐Jun. Also, a dose‐dependent inhibition on the binding abilities of NF‐κB and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) by acacetin treatment was further observed. Further, the treatment of specific inhibitor for JNK (SP600125) to A549 cells could inhibit TPA‐induced MMP‐2 and u‐PA expressions along with an inhibition on cell invasion and migration. Taken together, these results suggest the antimetastatic effects of acacetin on the TPA‐induced A549 cells might be by reducing MMP‐2 and u‐PA expressions through inhibiting phosphorylation of JNK and reducing NF‐κB and AP‐1 binding activities.
Identification of a Specific IgE‐Binding Protein from Narrow‐Leafed Lupin (L. Angustifolius) Seeds
Authors: Kłos Patrycja , Poręba Elżbieta , Springer Ewa , Lampart‐Szczapa Eleonora , Józefiak Anna Goździcka
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Since lupin has been introduced as a food ingredient on the market there are more and more reports concerning its allergenic properties. However, only few narrow‐leafed lupin proteins have yet been characterized as specific IgE‐binding molecules and identified. The aim of the study has been to find and identify the main narrow‐leafed lupin globulins that bind to specific IgEs from the sera of lupin‐allergic people. Isolated lupin globulins were subjected to immunoblotting with the sera from people who suffered from lupin allergy. Incubation with α‐methyl‐D‐galactopyranoside was performed to eliminate possible binding of unspecific human IgEs. The proteins binding specific IgEs from lupin‐allergic patients' sera were identified by means of mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis revealed 2 signals corresponding to lupin globulins that bound to specific IgEs from the sera of people allergic to lupin. The globulins were identified as conglutin‐γ and its smaller subunit. The results suggested that individuals that displayed lupin allergy symptoms reacted to conglutin‐γ.

Practical Application: The results of the study can contribute to identification of yet undetected allergens of narrow‐leafed lupin. This, in turn, can make lupin‐fortified products safer for the consumers.
Deferoxamine Iron Chelation Increases δ‐Aminolevulinic Acid Induced Protoporphyrin IX in Xenograft Glioma Model
Authors: Valdés Pablo A. , Samkoe Kimberley , O’Hara Julia A. , Roberts David W. , Paulsen Keith D. , Pogue Brian W.
Published: December 2009

Exogenous administration of δ‐aminolevulinic acid (δ‐ALA) leads to selective accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in brain tumors, and has shown promising results in increasing extent of resection in fluorescence‐guided resection (FGR) of brain tumors. However, this approach still suffers from heterogeneous staining and so some tumor margins may go undetected because of this variation in PpIX production. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that iron chelation therapy could increase the level of fluorescence in malignant glioma tumors. Mice implanted with xenograft U251‐GFP glioma tumor cells were given a 200 mg kg−1 dose of deferoxamine (DFO), once a day for 3 days prior to δ‐ALA administration. The PpIX fluorescence observed in the tumor regions was 1.9 times the background in animal group without DFO, and 2.9 times the background on average, in the DFO pre‐treated group. A 50% increase in PpIX fluorescence contrast in the DFO group was observed relative to the control group (t‐test P‐value = 0.0020). These results indicate that iron chelation therapy could significantly increase δ‐ALA‐induced PpIX fluorescence in malignant gliomas, pointing to a potential role of iron chelation therapy for more effective FGR of brain tumors.
Exclusive Observation of the (132R)‐Enantiomer of Chlorophyll‐c from a Diatom Chaetoseros calcitrans
Authors: Mizoguchi Tadashi , Kimura Yuki , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: December 2009

Chiral high‐performance liquid‐chromatography (HPLC) for quantitative analysis of optically active chlorophyll(Chl)‐c molecules, which are seen in many marine photosynthetic organisms, was developed. Chls‐c have a single asymmetric carbon at the 132‐position, so their stereoisomers are (132R)‐ and (132S)‐enantiomers. After the separation of each enantiomer, the stereochemistry was unambiguously characterized using its circular dichroism spectrum in comparison with that of the structure‐related compound, protochlorophyllide‐a. Moreover, Chls‐c were carefully extracted from the cells of a diatom Chaetoseros calcitrans without racemization and were subjected to the chiral HPLC. The results clearly demonstrated that naturally occurring Chl‐c molecules are enantiomerically pure (132R)‐forms, which are generally found in photosynthetically active chlorophyllous pigments.
Direct Antifungal Effect of Femtosecond Laser on Trichophyton rubrum Onychomycosis
Authors: Manevitch Zakhariya , Lev Dmitry , Hochberg Malka , Palhan Mila , Lewis Aaron , Enk Claes D.
Published: December 2009

Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophyte infection of the nail. Though laser energy has been shown to eliminate dermatophytes in vitro, direct laser elimination of onychomycosis is not successful due to difficulties in selectively delivering laser energy to the deeper levels of the nail plate without collateral damage. Femtosecond (fsec) infrared titanium sapphire lasers circumvent this problem by the nonlinear interactions of these lasers with biological media. This quality, combined with the deeply penetrating nature of the near‐infrared radiation, allows elimination of deeply seeded nail dermatopytes without associated collateral damage. Nail cuttings obtained from patients with onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum underwent fsec laser irradiation using increasing laser intensities with the focus scanned throughout the whole thickness of the nail specimen. The efficacy of the laser treatment was evaluated by subculture. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine fsec laser‐induced collateral damage. We found that a fsec laser fluence of 7 × 1031 photons m−2 s−1 or above successfully inhibited the growth of the fungus in all samples examined, whereas laser intensities above 1.7 × 1032 photons m−2 s−1 affected the structure of the nail plate. Our findings suggest that T. rubrum‐mediated onychomycosis may be treated by fsec laser technology.
U‐Pb Zircon Geochronology with an Integrated LA‐ICP‐MS Microanalytical Workstation: Achievements in Precision and Accuracy
Authors: Solari Luigi A. , Gómez‐Tuena Arturo , Bernal Juan Pablo , Pérez‐Arvizu Ofelia , Tanner Martin
Published: December 2009

Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) is a microanalytical tool especially suitable for providing fast and precise U‐Pb geochronological results on zircon grains. A new 193 nm excimer laser adapted to a micromachining workstation, equipped with a newly designed two‐volume ablation cell and coupled with a quadrupole ICP‐MS, is presented here. The system was tuned routinely to achieve sensitivities in the range of 3000 cps/μg g−1 for 238U (< 2% RSD), with a 34 μm spot size, at 5 Hz and ∼ 8 J cm−2, while ablating the NIST SRM 612 glass reference material. The system was capable of providing fast (< 1.5 minutes each analysis) and precise (generally < 1.5% 1s errors) 206Pb/238U zircon ages. The ages of widely used reference material zircons (Plesovice, 337 Ma; Temora, 416 Ma; R33, 418 Ma; Sri Lanka, 564 Ma; 91500, 1065 Ma) could be precisely matched, with an accuracy on isotopic ratios that ranged from ∼ 2 to ∼ 6%, depending on the homogeneity of the natural reference materials.
Use and exchange of aquatic genetic resources for food and aquaculture: Clarias catfish
Authors: Na‐Nakorn Uthairat , Brummett Randall E.
Published: December 2009

There are 58 species of Clarias recognized in FishBase (as of January 2009), 33 in Africa and 25 in Asia. Aquaculture of clariids is important with 30 countries reporting a total production of over 300 000 t worth nearly US$400 million in 2006. Most production involves the African Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and three Asian species, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758), Clarias macrocephalus (Günther, 1864) and Clarias fuscus (Lacep'de, 1803). In much of Asia, hybrids of introduced C. gariepinus with native species dominate aquaculture and may pose threats to the purity and viability of wild populations. Many local strains have evolved within farms, some of which have been described and included in genetic management programs. Genetic variation among species and populations is significant, but to date little work on selective breeding of the group has been reported. Conservation efforts have so far focused on ex situ methods, primarily for farmed stocks, but these are few and expensive and farmed stocks are often of lower genetic diversity than wild stocks. In situ conservation of genetic material, both for aquaculture and for the maintenance of fitness in wild populations in light of changes occurring in the watershed, needs to be considered as a more viable long‐term strategy. The preservation of ecosystem functional integrity is thus a prerequisite for the long‐term conservation of Clarias genetic resources for food and aquaculture.
Use and exchange of aquatic resources relevant for food and aquaculture: common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Jeney Zsigmond , Jian Zhu
Published: December 2009

This review describes the genetic resources of common carp relevant for food through fisheries and aquaculture. Common carp is naturally distributed in a large part of Asia and Europe and has been introduced worldwide and is reputed to have been cultured for centuries. Its status in Asia and Europe is discussed in detail. The rich diversity of carp in Asian aquaculture is described, with an emphasis on China, the largest producer in the world. In Central and Eastern Europe common carp is the most important ‘freshwater species’, and 60 ‘national’ and 25 ‘foreign’ strains are described in the most recent Catalogue of Carp Breeds (Bogeruk 2008). There are different systems for the management and conservation of carp genetic diversity depending on the level of state involvement, and these systems are described for selected countries/regions, such as China and central and eastern European countries. The latter countries are in a current ‘transition period’ and a tendency of ‘state‐withdrawal’ is evident. However, it is not yet clear whether the market alone is able/ready to take over the responsibility and cost of the management and conservation of carp genetic diversity.
Use of Aspiration Method for Collecting Brain Samples for Rabies Diagnosis in Small Wild Animals
Authors: Iamamoto K. , Quadros J. , Queiroz L. H.
Published: December 2009

In developing countries such as Brazil, where canine rabies is still a considerable problem, samples from wildlife species are infrequently collected and submitted for screening for rabies. A collaborative study was established involving environmental biologists and veterinarians for rabies epidemiological research in a specific ecological area located at the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The wild animals’ brains are required to be collected without skull damage because the skull’s measurements are important in the identification of the captured animal species. For this purpose, samples from bats and small mammals were collected using an aspiration method by inserting a plastic pipette into the brain through the magnum foramen. While there is a progressive increase in the use of the plastic pipette technique in various studies undertaken, it is also appreciated that this method could foster collaborative research between wildlife scientists and rabies epidemiologists thus improving rabies surveillance.
Low Rate of Methicillin‐resistant Coagulase‐positive Staphylococcal Colonization of Veterinary Personnel in Hong Kong
Authors: Boost M. V. , So S. Y. C. , Perreten V.
Published: December 2009

Elevated rates of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage have been reported in veterinary personnel, suggesting an occupational colonization risk. Hong Kong veterinary personnel (n = 150) were sampled for coagulase‐positive staphylococci (CPS) nasal colonization. Risk factors for colonization were assessed by questionnaire. Isolates were identified and antibiotic susceptibility determined. All CPS isolates were investigated for mecA carriage, SCCmec type and PVL genes. Two subjects were colonized with methicillin‐resistant CPS: one with MRSA (spa type t002 (CC5), SCCmec type II) and one with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) (MLST type ST71, SCCmec type II‐III). MLST type ST71 S. pseudintermedius strain is the predominant MRSP clone circulating in dogs in Europe and in Hong Kong. The low MR‐CPS colonization rate may be associated with low levels of large animal exposure or low rates of MRSA colonization of companion animals in Hong Kong. Colonization with non‐aureus CPS, which may cause human infection, must also be considered in veterinary personnel.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Rabies Viruses from Burkina Faso, 2007
Authors: De Benedictis P. , Sow A. , Fusaro A. , Veggiato C. , Talbi C. , Kaboré A. , Dundon W. G. , Bourhy H. , Capua I.
Published: December 2009

Genetic characterization of 32 canine rabies viruses circulating in Burkina Faso in 2007 identified two clades both belonging to the Africa 2 lineage. Sequence homology data suggest that transboundary spread is the most likely means of introduction, highlighting an evolving epidemiological situation.
Epidemiological Study ofToxoplasma gondiiInfection in Ovine Breeding
Authors: Zedda M. T. , Rolesu S. , Pau S. , Rosati I. , Ledda S. , Satta G. , Patta C. , Masala G.
Published: December 2009

An outbreak of toxoplasmosis occurring in a typical farm of 524 ovines was monitored for 1 year after the occurrence of 31 abortions. Abortion events involved 7.2% of 430 pregnant sheep. Presence of antibodies toToxoplasma gondiiin sheep sera was investigated by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A total of 422 ewes were bled four times during the year, and an epidemiological analysis was performed on all serology data collected in this subgroup. The prevalence of IgG positives ranged from 31.52% (133/422) at the first sampling to 62.56% (264/422) at the fourth sampling. Incidence of IgG antibodies was 38.75% at the second sampling, 14.92% at the third and 29.28% at the fourth sampling. At the beginning of the study, prevalence was 70.7% in primiparous sheep and 20.9% in sheep older than 5 years; at the third sampling, prevalence was stable at 70% in pluriparous sheep. The mean prevalence of IgM antibodies was 14.87%. A total of 147 out of all 524 ovines of the flock tested positive for IgM in more than one sampling. After an initial positivity, 60 sheep tested negative for IgG at the following serological controls (4 between the first and the second sampling, 30 between the second and the third and 28 between the third and the fourth sampling). One stray cat was positive for IgG, with a titre of 1 : 320. Moreover, one of the farmers was also positive, with a titre of 1 : 160 for IgG. A positive PCR result forT. gondiiDNA was also observed in aliquots of grain and pellets taken from feed stocks amassed inside the sheds without protection, suggesting that an adequate management of the farm might be useful, if not essential, for controllingT. gondiioutbreaks in ovine flocks.
Cryptosporidium Recovered from Musca domestica, Musca sorbens and Mango Juice Accessed by Synanthropic Flies in Bahirdar, Ethiopia
Authors: Fetene T. , Worku N. , Huruy K. , Kebede N.
Published: December 2009

The study was conducted to determine the role of house flies, Musca domestica and Musca sorbens to carry Cryptosporidium species in natural environment and filth flies potential for contamination of food item they visited using acid‐fast stain technique. Cryptosporidium was identified from flies collected in dairy cow barns, butchery, market and defecating grounds. Musca domestica captured from dairy cow barns and M. sorbens from defecating ground were found carrying more oocyst of Cryptosporidium parvum. Oocyst load per fly for M. domestica and M. sorbens was 5.84 and 3.42, respectively. Flies’ population dynamics in each month had little relation to the monthly oocyst frequency, r = 0.06 and 0.02 for M. domestica and M. sorbens, respectively. Cryptosporidium species oocysts were isolated from frozen mango juice, which filth flies visited in dairy farm barn. Load of oocysts in the mango juice was dependent on time contact of flies with mango juice and more oocysts were recovered (P < 0.05) in mango juice samples accessed by filth flies for longer period. Role of filth flies to carry and deposit Cryptosporidium species oocyst for development of food‐borne cryptosporidiosis is signified.
On the probabilities of local behaviors in abelian field extensions
Authors: Wood Melanie Matchett
Published: December 2009

For a number fieldKand a finite abelian groupG, we determine the probabilities of various local completions of a randomG-extension ofKwhen extensions are ordered by conductor. In particular, for a fixed prime℘ofK, we determine the probability that℘splits intorprimes in a randomG-extension ofKthat is unramified at℘. We find that these probabilities are nicely behaved and mostly independent. This is in analogy to Chebotarev’s density theorem, which gives the probability that in a fixed extension a random prime ofKsplits intorprimes in the extension. We also give the asymptotics for the number ofG-extensions with bounded conductor. In fact, we give a class of extension invariants, including conductor, for which we obtain the same counting and probabilistic results. In contrast, we prove that neither the analogy with the Chebotarev probabilities nor the independence of probabilities holds when extensions are ordered by discriminant.
Symmetry Properties in the Symmetry-Breaking of Nonsmooth Dynamical Systems
Authors: Ageno Alessio , Sinopoli Anna
Published: December 2009

In this paper, the block simply supported on a harmonically moving ground is assumed as a system well representing a typical nonsmooth dynamical behavior. The aim of the work is to carry out the existence conditions of asymmetric responses; an analysis that comes first in any stability investigation. By using simple definitions belonging to the symmetry group theory, it is possible to completely clarify the relationships between the various initial conditions that allow simple asymmetric responses, and to develop tools, which will be very useful in the stability analysis of more complex asymmetric responses.
Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of a Circular Track-Guided Tripod
Authors: Li Yuwen , Xi Fengfeng , Finistauri Allan Daniel , Behdinan Kamran
Published: December 2009

To enlarge the workspace and improve the motion capability of a parallel robot, the base of the robot can be guided to move along a linear or curved track. This paper aims at analyzing how the motion of the base affects the dynamics of a parallel robot. For this purpose, kinematic and dynamic equations are developed for a circular track-guided tripod parallel robot. For kinematics, the motion of the base is incorporated into the analytical formulations of the position and velocity of the tripod. For dynamics, equations of motion are derived using the Lagrangian formulation, and influence factors are defined to provide a quantitative means to measure the effects of the velocity and acceleration of the base on the actuator forces of the tripod. As an application of the above method, a circular track-guided tripod is proposed for the automatic riveting in the assembly of an aircraft fuselage. Simulation studies are carried out to investigate the tripod dynamics. It is found that the motion of the base has a strong impact on the actuator forces. The dynamic model provides a useful tool for the design and control of the circular track-guided tripod.