bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lycopene Accumulation Affects the Biosynthesis of Some Carotenoid‐related Volatiles Independent of Ethylene in Tomato
Authors: Gao Hongyan , Zhu Hongliang , Shao Yi , Chen Anjun , Lu Chengwen , Zhu Benzhong , Luo Yunbo
Published: August 2008

For elucidating the regulatory mechanism of ethylene on carotenoid‐related volatiles (open chain) compounds and the relationship between lycopene and carotenoid‐related volatiles, transgenic tomato fruits in which ACC synthase was suppressed were used. The transgenic tomato fruit showed a significant reduction of lycopene and aroma volatiles with low ethylene production. 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol and geranylacetone, which were suspected to be lycopene degradation products, were lower than those in wild type tomato fruits. In order to identify whether lycopene accumulation effects the biosynthesis of some carotenoid‐related volatiles independent of ethylene in tomato or not, the capability of both wild type and transgenic tomato fruits discs to convert lycopene into carotenoid‐related volatiles was evaluated. The data showed that external lycopene could convert into 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol in vivo, indicating that the strong inhibition of ethylene production had no effect on enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of some carotenoid‐related volatiles. Therefore, in ACS‐suppression transgenic tomato fruits, the low levels of 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol was due to decreased lycopene accumulation, not ethylene production. Ethylene only affected the accumulation of lycopene, and then indirectly influenceed the level of lycopene‐related volatiles.
Difference in Tree Growth Responses to Climate at the Upper Treeline: Qilian Juniper in the Anyemaqen Mountains
Authors: Peng Jianfeng , Gou Xiaohua , Chen Fahu , Li Jinbao , Liu Puxing , Zhang Yong , Fang Keyan
Published: August 2008

Three ring‐width chronologies were developed from Qilian Juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.) at the upper treeline along a west‐east gradient in the Anyemaqen Mountains. Most chronological statistics, except for mean sensitivity (MS), decreased from west to east. The first principal component (PC1) loadings indicated that stands in a similar climate condition were most important to the variability of radial growth. PC2 loadings decreased from west to east, suggesting the difference of tree‐growth between eastern and western Anyemaqen Mountains. Correlations between standard chronologies and climatic factors revealed different climatic influences on radial growth along a west‐east gradient in the study area. Temperature of warm season (July–August) was important to the radial growth at the upper treeline in the whole study area. Precipitation of current May was an important limiting factor of tree growth only in the western (drier) upper treeline, whereas precipitation of current September limited tree growth in the eastern (wetter) upper treeline. Response function analysis results showed that there were regional differences between tree growth and climatic factors in various sampling sites of the whole study area. Temperature and precipitation were the important factors influencing tree growth in western (drier) upper treeline. However, tree growth was greatly limited by temperature at the upper treeline in the middle area, and was more limited by precipitation than temperature in the eastern (wetter) upper treeline.
A Genetic Map Constructed Using a Doubled Haploid Population Derived from Two Elite Chinese Common Wheat Varieties
Authors: Zhang Kun‐Pu , Zhao Liang , Tian Ji‐Chun , Chen Guang‐Feng , Jiang Xiao‐Ling , Liu Bin
Published: August 2008

Genetic mapping provides a powerful tool for the analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) at the genomic level. Herein, we report a new genetic linkage map developed from an F1‐derived doubled haploid (DH) population of 168 lines, which was generated from the cross between two elite Chinese common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, Huapei 3 and Yumai 57. The map contained 305 loci, represented by 283 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 22 expressed sequence tag (EST)‐SSR markers, which covered a total length of 2141.7 cM with an average distance of 7.02 cM between adjacent markers on the map. The chromosomal locations and map positions of 22 new SSR markers were determined, and were found to distribute on 14 linkage groups. Twenty SSR loci showed different chromosomal locations from those reported in other maps. Therefore, this map offers new information on the SSR markers of wheat. This genetic map provides new opportunities to detect and map QTLs controlling agronomically important traits. The unique features of this map are discussed.
Genetic diversity and biogeography of red turpentine beetleDendroctonus valensin its native and invasive regions
Authors: Cai Yan‐Wen , Cheng Xin‐Yue , Xu Ru‐Mei , Duan Dong‐Hong , Kirkendall Lawrence R.
Published: August 2008

Sequences of 479 bp region of the mitochondrial COI gene were applied to detect population genetic diversity and structure ofDendroctonus valenspopulations. By comparing the genetic diversity between native and invasive populations, it was shown that the genetic diversity of Chinese populations was obviously lower than that of native populations with both indices of haplotype diversity and Nei's genetic diversity, suggesting genetic bottleneck occurred in the invasive process ofD. valens, and was then followed by a relatively quick population buildup. According to phylogenetic analyses of haplotypes, we suggested that the origin of the Chinese population was from California, USA. Phylogenetic and network analysis of native populations ofD. valensrevealed strong genetic structure at two distinct spatial and temporal scales in North America. The main cause resulting in current biogeographic pattern was supposedly due to recycled glacial events. Meanwhile, a cryptic species might exist in the Mexican and Guatemalan populations.
Isolation of microsatellite loci in the pollinating fig wasp of Ficus hispida, Ceratosolen solmsi
Authors: Yu Hao , Zhang Tong‐Xin , Hu Hao‐Yuan , Niu Li‐Ming , Xiao Hui , Zhang Yan‐Zhou , Huang Da‐Wei
Published: August 2008

Microsatellite loci were isolated for Ceratosolen solmsi, pollinator of the dioecious Ficus hispida. We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci based on the method of polymerase chain reaction isolation of microsatellite arrays (PIMA). Enrichment of genomic libraries was performed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A subset of 38 positive clones was sequenced; 15 clones showed microsatellite loci. We tested 15 designed primer pairs and nine of them produced polymorphic amplification in 48 individual wasps collected from different fruits of the dioecious host fig Ficus hispida in China. Among the 48 individuals, 49 alleles were obtained at the nine loci. The observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.357 and 0.634.
Effect of Verticillium lecanii on biological characteristics and life table of Serangium japonicum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predator of whiteflies under laboratory conditions
Authors: Fatiha Lazreg , Huang Zhen , Ren Shun‐Xiang , Ali Shaukat
Published: August 2008

Effects of entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii on biological characteristics and life table of Serangium japonicum, a predator of whiteflies against five different conidial concentrations (1×104, 1×105, 1×106, 1×107, and 1×108 conidia/mL) were studied under laboratory conditions. The developmental periods for all immature stages (from eggs, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th instar nymph and pupae up to emergence) among the treatments were significantly different when compared to that of control, and the longest development period was observed as treated with 1×108 spore/mL. However, no significant difference on the percent survival of all immature stages was observed among the treatments and control. Also, there were no significantly different effects of V. lecanii on mean generation time, intrinsic rate, the finite rate of increase and longevity of S. japonicum among the treatments and control.
Spatial distributions of the leafminer Ophiomyia maura (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in host plant Aster ageratoides
Authors: Ayabe Yoshiko , Shibata Ei'ichi
Published: August 2008

The seasonal occurrence and among‐plant and within‐plant spatial distribution of the multivoltine leafminer Ophiomyia maura Meigen (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on the herbaceous plant Aster ageratoides Turcz. subsp. ovatus (Asteraceae) were investigated in the field. O. maura has at least four generations a year and mines per leaf fluctuate with a mean of 0.007 throughout the occurrence period. Seasonal occurrence is associated with abundance of new host leaves, suggesting O. maura females prefer to oviposit in newly emerged leaves. The among‐plant distribution of O. maura is described by a Poisson distribution early in the season but tends to be weakly clumped later. The within‐plant vertical distribution of larval mines increased from middle to upper leaves during plant development, because mined leaves in the middle position early in the season move downward with the emergence of new leaves, shifting mined leaves from the position where O. maura oviposits eggs. Later in the season, mined leaves remain where they are deposited because few new leaves emerge. The spatial distribution of O. maura, resource utilization patterns, and host plant characteristics are discussed.
Colonization patterns of the red turpentine beetle,Dendroctonus valens(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in the Luliang Mountains, China
Authors: Liu Zhudong , Zhang Longwa , Shi Zhanghong , Wang Bo , Tao Wan Qiang , Sun Jiang‐hua
Published: August 2008

The alien red turpentine beetle (RTB),Dendroctonus valensLeConte, is one of the most economically destructive forest pests in China, having killed more than 6 million pines in recent years. There is a need to understand the basic biology and ecology of the beetle in order to develop an effective monitoring and management strategy. In this study, the effects of hillside exposure (south‐ and north‐facing), host‐tree locations according to relief (valley, mid‐slope, and ridge‐top) and tree diameters on RTB colonization were investigated in one valley (3 sites). The results showed that (i) RTB clearly preferred colonizing pines growing on south‐facing hillsides, especially in the valley; (ii) RTB preferred to colonize the pines growing at the valley rather than pines growing at mid‐slope or on ridge‐top; (iii) RTB preferred to colonize trees with large diameter over small and medium‐sized pines; (iv) the attack density of RTBs (measured by pitch tubes/pine) was obviously higher on larger trees standing in the valley than other trees standing at other places. We conclude from RTB colonization patterns, that RTB prefers to attack large trees in the valley, which may be useful in developing a pest‐management strategy.
Similarities and differences in the peering‐jump behavior of three grasshopper species (Orthoptera: Caelifera)
Authors: Kral Karl
Published: August 2008

The peering‐jump behavior was studied for the common field grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus, the meadow grasshopper C. parallelus and the alpine grasshopper Miramella alpina (Orthoptera, Caelifera). It was found that immediately before jumping M. alpina executes primarily unilateral object‐related peering movements, with approximately twice the amplitude and velocity of the predominantly bilateral object‐related peering movements of the other two species. Whereas M. alpina almost always jumped toward the black stripes in the experimental arena, the other species jumped toward both the black stripes and the white spaces between them. All three species preferred the same pattern of black stripes, which permitted them to view one black stripe frontally, with an additional black stripe to the left and right, in the lateral visual field. The similarities and differences in the peering‐jump behavior of the three grasshopper species is discussed with regard to visual perception (parallax cues) and environmental adaptation.
CAPILLARY EXTRUSION VISCOMETER FOR THE VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT OF FISH PROTEIN PASTE
Authors: KIM BYUNG Y. , PARK JAE W.
Published: August 2008

To overcome various limitations of conventional viscometers in measuring salted or unsalted surimi paste, a capillary extrusion viscometer was developed. The viscosity of surimi paste was measured as a function of moisture content (MC) (75–80%), salt content (2–4%) and liquid egg white (LEW) content (2–4%). As moisture, salt and LEW contents increased, viscosity gradually decreased. The viscosity values, as affected by MCs, showed a highly negative relationship with fracture properties of surimi gel, especially shear stress from the torsion test, indicating that MC is linearly correlated to the strength of gels at fracture. This easy and quick viscosity measurement can effectively facilitate the production control of comminuted muscle foods, including surimi paste.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There had been a difficulty to measure the exact viscosity of comminuted muscle food pastes when conventional viscometers were used. This was due to the non‐linearity between dilution rates and viscosity of muscle paste, or limited range of shear rate during viscosity measurement. New developed small capillary extrusion viscometer can measure a wide range of comminuted muscle paste viscosity. When using this capillary viscometer, flow behavior of non‐Newtonian surimi paste and other comminuted muscle paste can be well defined.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF TURKISH ALMOND PASTE
Authors: CAPANOGLU ESRA , BOYACIOGLU DILEK
Published: August 2008

Almond paste is an economically valuable product produced from almonds, sugar and a small amount of water. Oxidative rancidity and oil separation are the major problems that are encountered in the paste products affecting the shelf life. Another problem appears to be drying on the surface of the product resulting in poor consumer acceptability. In this study, the formulation of product was altered by adding a commercial stabilizer, antioxidant mixture and maltose syrup to prevent undesirable quality changes during storage at 4C and 30C. Peroxide value, free fatty acid and Rancimat analysis showed that the addition of antioxidant mixture prevented oxidation effectively and improved sensory scores significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Although stabilizer addition had a detrimental effect on the textural properties, samples that have maltose had high sensory scores. The results showed that incorporation of maltose syrup and antioxidant may improve the texture and shelf life of almond paste.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The available literature on almond paste is mainly focused on the microbiological quality of the product and the prevention of spoilage reactions by modifying packaging materials. However, there is no report on the optimization of the composition to extend the shelf life of almond paste. Turkish almond paste, a healthy and expensive dessert, is a specialty product that is manufactured by using traditional grinding equipment. However, the limited shelf life of this product decreases its export potential resulting in economical losses. Therefore, improved shelf life and quality of the product is of importance from the economical point of view. In our study, we aimed to improve the quality and shelf life of Turkish almond paste by modifying its formulation in order to minimize the undesirable changes that occur during storage.
QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF CORN NOODLES CONTAINING GELATINIZED STARCH, TRANSGLUTAMINASE AND GUM
Authors: YALCIN SEDA , BASMAN ARZU
Published: August 2008

Effects of gelatinized corn flour addition level (40, 60 and 80%), gum (locust bean gum or xanthan gum, 3%) and/or transglutaminase (TG, 0.5%) on quality characteristics of corn noodle were investigated. Gelatinized corn flour was used as a binder for remaining untreated corn flour (60, 40 and 20%). Corn noodles were evaluated in terms of cooking properties (cooking loss, total organic matter (TOM), water absorption, swelling volume and maximum force), color, sensory and pasting properties. Noodle sample containing gelatinized corn flour at level of 80% exhibited best cooking and sensory properties. Gum and/or TG were added to this noodle formula. Gum improved noodle quality in terms of some cooking properties. Improving effect of xanthan gum was more obvious. Covalent crosslinks catalyzed by TG caused significantly lower cooking loss and TOM values. Gums generally caused increases in Rapid ViscoAnalyzer viscosity values of noodles. Gum and/or TG show great promise in processing of gluten‐free corn noodle.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Celiac disease occurs in about one in 300 people in Europe. Lack of gluten in cereals that are safe for gluten‐free food causes major problems in dough processing and product quality. Technological difficulties in production and lack of awareness of number of celiac patients in need of gluten‐free products might restrict researches related to gluten‐free food. In recent years, various approaches to overcome the technological problems are arising. Searching for ingredients that have ability to mimic properties of gluten in production of gluten‐free food is the most common approach. We report herein beneficial effects of gelatinization, gum (locust bean gum, xanthan gum) and/or transglutaminase (TG) in gluten‐free corn noodle production. They have major improving effects in noodle quality and show great promise as a processing aid in bulk manufacture of gluten‐free corn noodle. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study investigating utilization of TG in gluten‐free corn noodles.
TENDERNESS, pH AND ACCEPTABILITY OF MEAT FROM PODOLIAN AND LIMOUSINE × PODOLIAN YOUNG BULLS
Authors: BRAGHIERI A. , CARLUCCI A. , GIROLAMI A. , NAPOLITANO F.
Published: August 2008

The relationships between meat pH, sensory tenderness and acceptability for Podolian (P) and Limousine × Podolian (LP) beef were investigated. Negative linear relationships between pH measured at each of 1, 24 and 48 h post mortem and sensory tenderness were found at 2 (P < 0.001) and 7 days of ageing (P < 0.05). At 7 days of ageing, sensory tenderness was higher (P < 0.001) than that at 2 days of ageing. LP beef showed higher sensory tenderness (P < 0.001) than P. The regression between perceived tenderness and acceptability was separately calculated for LP and P beef. Both were significant (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, a significant difference was observed between the two regression coefficients (P < 0.05), indicating that the two variables were more associated for P than LP beef.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Meat acceptability is obviously related to tenderness. More interestingly, other factors (e.g., familiarity, age, etc.) can affect product acceptability. In fact, the same product can be perceived by some consumers as being tough, whereas it can be considered tender by others, corresponding to low and high levels of acceptability, respectively. Therefore, along with treatments aimed to increase tenderness (e.g., ageing), information about the product, age and familiarity of consumers, etc., can increase the acceptability of meats, which are less tender because of their intrinsic properties.
QUALITY CHANGES OF “SHIRO” YELLOW PLUMS IN RESPONSE TO TREATMENT WITH 1‐METHYLCYCLOPROPENE
Authors: DeELL J.R. , MURR D.P. , EHSANI‐MOGHADDAM B.
Published: August 2008

The overall objective of this study was to assess the effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on the quality of yellow “Shiro” plums. During 2 years of study, plums were harvested from commercial orchards and exposed to 1 µL/L of 1‐MCP for 24 h at 0C. Following treatment, the fruit were held at 0C for 0, 2 or 4 weeks and then evaluated for quality during a 2‐week ripening period at 22C. In general, plums treated with 1‐MCP were firmer, had higher soluble solids concentration (SSC) and retained more green color than non‐treated fruits. The effect of 1‐MCP on firmness was greater in plums from earlier harvests and in those stored for 4 weeks at 0C. 1‐MCP treatment also reduced CO2production, ethylene and hydrophobic total volatiles in “Shiro” plums but these effects were reduced or lost with longer storage time.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The use of 1‐MCP could be beneficial for extending the marketing window of “Shiro” plums, since firmness retention is improved and the color change from green to yellow is delayed. The limited effect of 1‐MCP on CO2and ethylene production may be advantageous in that these are delayed and not completely inhibited. In climacteric fruits such as plum, the limited period of 1‐MCP effectiveness could be a benefit when successful 1‐MCP application requires a delay, rather than irretrievable inhibition of the ripening processes, which reduces marketability.
AN EFFICIENT DNA‐EXTRACTION PROTOCOL FOR NUT SEEDS
Authors: AKKAK AZIZ , BOCCACCI PAOLO , BOTTA ROBERTO
Published: August 2008

Establishing genetic origin of food products allows verification of the authenticity of valuable foods and discourages adulteration with material of lower cost and value. This is particularly important for food products that have obtained European recognition. The use of molecular markers could be a solution for species and cultivar identification and for the genetic traceability. The development of efficient DNA‐extraction protocols is an essential step for the procedure. In this work, a method for total DNA isolation was developed for hazelnut, almond and walnut seeds. The efficiency and reliability of the method was tested by assessing quantity and quality of the extracted DNA, and by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, using two decamer primers and three universal primer pairs designed on the chloroplast DNA. The success of amplifications confirmed the presence of both nuclear and chloroplast DNA in the extracted sample.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Cultivar identification of nuts, based on morphological traits only, is often difficult, and adulterations with seeds of lower cost and quality are easy, above all when they are sold as shelled kernel, as is common for hazelnut. The genetic identification of cultivars is nowadays a routine practice, because of the development of DNA‐typing techniques based on molecular markers. An efficient DNA‐extraction procedure for hazelnut, almond and walnut seeds is a preliminary step required for enabling the recognition of the cultivar of origin of the nuts and fighting commercial frauds. It will also be useful in marker‐assisted selection, applied in breeding.
The CAP and its Reform – Half a Century of Change? Die GAP und ihre Reform – 50 Jahre im Wandel? La PAC et sa réforme – Un demi‐siècle de changement?
Authors: Ackrill Robert
Published: August 2008

The CAP and its Reform – Half a Century of Change?

In the fifty years since the Stresa Conference, the CAP has undergone many changes. Its presence, however, has been one of the most prominent and constant features of the ‘European project’. This article outlines how the policy has changed and identifies the key pressures driving that change, in the context of unchanging formal objectives for the policy. Having established price support as the primary means of supporting farm incomes, crucial elements of the EU budget process then combined with rising production and surpluses to put the CAP on a path that led inexorably to financial crisis. As the EU began to deal with these pressures, so price support was already taking the policy towards another pressure point – growing subsidised exports and, ultimately, clashes in the GATT over trade‐distorting policies and their effects on other countries. In the reforms since 1992, designed to address both budget and trade concerns, the direction the policy has taken has also been influenced by newly‐emerging issues, notably the welfare and health of the environment, animals and consumers. Yet despite all these changes and the vast sums spent, the extent to which the farm income problem has been resolved remains unclear. Despite the centrality of income concerns to the CAP, data on farm household incomes remain limited – and there exists considerable political opposition to changing this situation.
Rising Food Prices: What Should Be Done? Steigende Nahrungsmittelpreise: Was sollte getan werden? La hausse des prix alimentaires : Que doit‐on faire?
Authors: Von Braun Joachim
Published: August 2008

Rising Food Prices: What Should Be Done?

The sharp increase in world food prices has raised serious concerns about the food and nutrition situation of poor people in developing countries, about inflation, and about civil unrest in some countries. This article briefly examines the causes of these price increases, the consequences especially for the world’s poorest households and the policy responses so far in the developing world. It argues that facing the new challenges to world agriculture requires a set of sound short‐ and longer‐term policy actions in three main areas. Firstly, developing‐country governments should expand social protection programs, and aid donors should increase food‐related development aid, where needed. Secondly, investment in agriculture, particularly in agricultural science and technology and for improved market access of small farmers, at a national and global scale, to address the long‐term problem of boosting supply. Thirdly, agriculture trade and energy policy reforms, in which developed countries would revise their grain‐based biofuel policies and agricultural trade policies; and developing countries would stop the new trade‐distorting policies with which they are damaging each other. In the face of rising food prices, both developing and developed countries have a role to play in creating a world where all people have enough food for a healthy and productive life.
Antibacterial Activity of Synthesized 2,4,5‐Trisubstituted Imidazole Derivatives
Authors: Khan Mohd Sajid , Siddiqui Shafi Ahmad , Siddiqui Mohammad Shaik Rafi Ahmad , Goswami Usha , Srinivasan Kumar Venkatraman , Khan Muhammad Islam
Published: August 2008

Some novel chemically synthesized 2,4,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles from aryl aldehydes and 1,2‐diketones or α‐hydroxyketone were screened against eight different human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Seven compounds were found to be active against different bacteria. These compounds showed variation in activity and were found to be active against Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative bacteria. Compound 4‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)‐phenol, 3d was the only compound which showed activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae while rest of the compounds did not show significant activity against this micro‐organism. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were in the range of 0.50 to 6.1 μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration ranges from 1.11 to 12.9 μg/mL. The candidature of active compounds to be an effective and novel drug was examined based on Lipinski’s rule of Five which explained ClogP, LogS, H‐bond acceptors, H‐Bond donors and rotational bonds. Compounds 3a–d and 3f satisfies Lipinski’s rule of Five and could be proposed as potent new antibacterial drugs.
The Neuroprotection with Statin Therapy for Acute Recovery Trial (Neustart): An Adaptive Design Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of High-Dose Lovastatin in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Sacco Ralph L. , MacArthur Robert B. , Fink Daniel J. , Peerschke Ellinor , Andrews Howard , Neils Greg , Stillman Josh , Corporan Tania , Leifer Dana , Cheung Ken
Published: August 2008

There is growing experimental and clinical evidence that by reducing downstream products of the mevalonate pathway other than cholesterol, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (‘statins’) have beneficial effects on endothelial function, coronary and cerebral blood flow, inflammation, and hemostasis. Statins have been shown in rodent models of acute ischemic stroke to reduce neuronal injury and infarct size in a dose-dependent fashion. The objective of this early phase trial will be to determine the maximal-tolerated dose of lovastatin for short-term acute stroke therapy. In this multicenter phase 1B dose-escalation and dose-finding study, 33 patients with acute ischemic stroke will be administered lovastatin in increasing doses from one to 10 mg/kg daily for 3 days beginning within 24 hours after symptom onset. The primary safety outcome will be occurrence of myotoxicity
Burden of Stroke in Israel
Authors: Koton S. , Tanne D. , Bornstein N. M.
Published: August 2008

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in Israel, similar to the United States and Europe. A decline in stroke mortality rates for the Israeli population is evident in the last decades. However, stroke is still a major health and economical burden in Israel and has recently been recognized by the Israeli health-care policy planners as a top priority disease. Action plans are being taken in order to establish a comprehensive infrastructure for the treatment of acute stroke patients.
Ischemic Perinatal Stroke: Challenge and Opportunities
Authors: Raju Tonse N. K.
Published: August 2008

The second highest risk group for developing a cerebral stroke is the perinatal period, generally defined as 20 weeks of gestation through 28th postnatal day of age. In this commentary, a brief overview of ischemic perinatal strokes is presented. Ischemic perinatal stroke (IPS) occurs at a rate of 1: 2300 to 1:5000 births, accounting for 30% of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Thus, IPS is the most common known cause for CP [1–3]. Although they occur frequently, much remains to be studied about perinatal strokes in general and the ischemic variety in particular.
Medical Management of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Rinkel Gabriel J. E.
Published: August 2008

Treating patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage is taking care of acutely ill patients, and should be performed in centres where a multidisciplinary team is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and where enough patients are managed to maintain and improve standards of care. There is no medical management that improves outcome by reducing the risk of rebleeding, therefore occlusion of the aneurysm, nowadays preferably by means of coiling, remains an important goal in treating patients with aneurysms. Because the poor outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage is caused to a large extent by complications other than rebleeding, proper medical management to prevent and treat these complications is therefore essential. On basis of the available evidence, oral (not intravenous) nimodipine should be standard care in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. It is rational to refrain from treating hypertension unless cardiac failure develops and to aim for normovolaemia, even in case of hyponatraemia. There is no evidence for prophylactic hypervolaemia, and the strategy of hypervolaemia and hypertension in patients with secondary cerebral ischaemia is based on case reports and uncontrolled observational series of patients. Magnesium sulphate and statins are promising therapies, and large trials on effectiveness in improving clinical outcome are underway. There is no evidence for prophylactic use of anti epileptic drugs, and routine use of corticosteroids should be avoided.
Stroke volume decreases during mild dynamic and static exercise in supine humans
Authors: Elstad M. , Nådland I. H. , Toska K. , Walløe L.
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The contributions of cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance to changes in arterial blood pressure are debated and differ between dynamic and static exercise. We studied the role stroke volume (SV) has in mild supine exercise.

Methods:  We investigated 10 healthy, supine volunteers by continuous measurement of heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure, SV (ultrasound Doppler) and femoral beat volume (ultrasound Doppler) during both dynamic mild leg exercise and static forearm exercise. This made it possible to study CO, femoral flow (FF) and both total and femoral peripheral resistance beat‐by‐beat.

Results:  During a countdown period immediately prior to exercise, HR and mean arterial pressure increased, while SV decreased. During mild supine exercise, SV decreased by 5–8%, and most of this was explained by increased mean arterial pressure. Dynamic leg exercise doubled femoral beat volume, while static hand grip decreased femoral beat volume by 18%. FF is tightly regulated according to metabolic demand during both dynamic leg exercise and static forearm exercise.

Conclusion:  Our three major findings are, firstly, that SV decreases during both dynamic and static mild supine exercise due to an increase in mean arterial pressure. Secondly, femoral beat volume decreases during static hand grip, but FF is unchanged due to the increase in HR. Finally, anticipatory responses to exercise are apparent prior to both dynamic and static exercise. SV changes contribute to CO changes and should be included in studies of central haemodynamics during exercise.
Immunophenotyping and remodeling process in small airways of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: functional and prognostic significance
Authors: Parra E. R. , Noleto G. S. , Tinoco L. J. M. , Capelozzi V. L.
Published: August 2008

Background and Aims:  To test whether different degrees of immunologic and fibrotic airway remodeling processes occur in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), with impact on functional tests and survival, we studied the collagen/elastic system and immune cell density in the bronchiolar interstitium of lungs with the major types of IIPs.

Materials and Methods:  Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis were used to evaluate collagen/elastic fibers and immune cells in the bronchiolar interstitium of open lung biopsies of patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia [COP/organizing pneumonia (OP) = 10], acute interstitial pneumonia [AIP/diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) = 20], nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP/NSIP = 20) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) = 20.

Results:  OP lungs presented a significant increase in collagenous/elastic fibers and in the total density of immune cells in the bronchiolar interstitium compared to controls, DAD, NSIP and UIP. We observed a significant increase in CD4, CD8 and CD20 lymphocytes, as well as in neutrophils, macrophages and plasma cells in OP. The increased amount of elastic fibers in the bronchiolar interstitium from OP lungs has a direct association with forced vital capacity (FVC) (rs = 0.99, P = 0.03). The most important survival predictor was CD20+ lymphocytes in the bronchiolar interstitium. In decreasing order, patients with UIP [Odds Ratio (OR) = 35.01], high forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC FVC (OR = 7.01), increased CD20+ lymphocytes (OR = 4.44) and collagenous/elastic fiber densities (OR = 2.03 and OR = 1.49, respectively) in the bronchiolar interstitium were those who had the greatest risk of death, followed by those with AIP, NSIP and COP.

Conclusion:  Different degrees of immunologic and fibroelastotic airway remodeling processes occur in the major types of IIPs with impact on physiological tests and survival.

Please cite this paper as: Parra ER, Noleto GS, Tinoco LJM, Capelozzi VL. Immunophenotyping and remodeling process in small airways of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: functional and prognostic significance. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 227–238.
Cleavage in the γ‐subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays an important role in the proteolytic activation of near‐silent channels
Authors: Diakov Alexei , Bera Katarzyna , Mokrushina Marianna , Krueger Bettina , Korbmacher Christoph
Published: August 2008

The mechanisms by which proteases activate the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) are not yet fully understood. We investigated the effect of extracellular proteases on rat ENaC heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Application of trypsin increased ENaC whole‐oocyte currents by about 8‐fold without a concomitant increase in channel surface expression. The stimulatory effect of trypsin was preserved in oocytes expressing αγ‐ENaC, but was abolished in oocytes expressing αβ‐ENaC. Thus, the γ‐subunit appears to be essential for channel activation by extracellular proteases. Site‐directed mutagenesis of a putative prostasin cleavage site in the extracellular loop of the γ‐subunit revealed that mutating the 181Lys residue to alanine (γK181A) increases ENaC baseline whole‐oocyte currents, decreases channel surface expression, and largely reduces the stimulatory effect of extracellular proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin and human neutrophil elastase). In single‐channel recordings from outside‐out patches we demonstrated that the γK181A mutation essentially abolishes the activation of near‐silent channels by trypsin, while a stimulatory effect of trypsin on channel gating is preserved. This apparent dual effect of trypsin on channel gating and on the recruitment of near‐silent channels was confirmed by experiments using the β518C mutant ENaC which can be converted to a channel with an open probability of nearly one by exposure to a sulfhydryl reagent. Interestingly, the γK181A mutation results in the spontaneous appearance of a 67 kDa fragment of the γ‐subunit in the plasma membrane which can be prevented by a furin inhibitor and also occurs after channel activation by extracellular trypsin. This suggests that the mutation promotes channel cleavage and activation by endogenous proteases. This would lower the pool of near‐silent channels and explain the constitutive activation and reduced responsiveness of the mutant channel to extracellular proteases. We conclude that the mutated site (K181A) affects a region in the γ‐subunit of ENaC that is functionally important for the activation of near‐silent channels by extracellular proteases.
Within‐step modulation of leg muscle activity by afferent feedback in human walking
Authors: Klint Richard af , Nielsen Jens Bo , Cole Jonathan , Sinkjaer Thomas , Grey Michael J.
Published: August 2008

To maintain smooth and efficient gait the motor system must adjust for changes in the ground on a step‐to‐step basis. In the present study we investigated the role of sensory feedback as 19 able‐bodied human subjects walked over a platform that mimicked an uneven supporting surface. Triceps surae muscle activation was assessed during stance as the platform was set to different inclinations (±3 deg, ±2 deg and 0 deg rotation in a parasagittal plane about the ankle). Normalized triceps surae muscle activity was significantly increased when the platform was inclined (2 deg: 0.153 ± 0.051; 3 deg: 0.156 ± 0.053) and significantly decreased when the platform was declined (−3 deg: 0.133 ± 0.048; −2 deg: 0.132 ± 0.049) compared with level walking (0.141 ± 0.048) for the able‐bodied subjects. A similar experiment was performed with a subject who lacked proprioception and touch sensation from the neck down. In contrast with healthy subjects, no muscle activation changes were observed in the deafferented subject. Our results demonstrate that the ability to compensate for small irregularities in the ground surface relies on automatic within‐step sensory feedback regulation rather than conscious predictive control.
Synaptic activity, visual experience and the maturation of retinal synaptic circuitry
Authors: Tian Ning
Published: August 2008

A fundamental feature of the synaptic organization of retina is the laminar‐specific structure, in which specific types of retinal neurons form highly selective synapses to transfer distinct synaptic signals. In mature vertebrate retina, the dendrites of most retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are narrowly stratified and ramified in specific strata of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of retina to synapse with distinct subtypes of bipolar cells (BCs). However, little is known of how retinal neurons form this laminar‐specific synaptic structure during development. Recent studies showed that the formation of retinal synaptic circuitry is regulated by both gene expression and neuronal activity. Here I will briefly discuss the recent advances in our understanding of how synaptic activity modulates the maturation of RGC synaptic connections.
Rheological and Hydraulic Properties of Welan Gum Fluids in Straight and Coiled Tubings
Authors: Asubiaro Adedeji , Shah Subhash N.
Published: August 2008

This study involves experimental investigation of the hydraulic characteristics of aqueous based welan gum fluids of concentrations 1.4kg∕m3, 2.9kg∕m3, 5.7kg∕m3, and 8.6kg∕m3 in both straight and coiled tubings at 21°C, with particular emphasis on the effect of polymer concentration and coiled tubing curvature ratio. The flow loop available at the Well Construction Technology Center of the University of Oklahoma, consisting of 1.27cm straight and coiled tubings (with curvature ratios of 0.01, 0.019, and 0.031), was utilized. It was observed that for all welan gum fluids investigated, friction losses in coiled tubing were significantly higher than those in straight tubing. In addition, increasing coiled tubing curvature ratio brings about higher friction loss for all fluids investigated. Rheological data for these fluids were obtained using a Model 35 Fann viscometer. Friction pressure data gathered from flow experiments are analyzed and correlations for friction pressure loss prediction of welan gum fluids have been developed for both straight and coiled tubings. These correlations, which represent the industry’s first attempt in the fundamental investigation of friction loss prediction of welan gum fluids, are found to provide good accuracy when compared to the experimental data. Flow behavior of welan gum fluids is compared with 4.9kg∕m3 guar fluid. It is found that in both straight and coiled tubings, the guar fluid exhibited higher drag reduction when compared to the welan gum fluids investigated in this study.
Computational Simulation on Performance Enhancement of Cold Gas Dynamic Spray Processes With Electrostatic Assist
Authors: Takana Hidemasa , Ogawa Kazuhiro , Shoji Tetsuo , Nishiyama Hideya
Published: August 2008

A real-time computational simulation on the entire cold spray process is carried out by the integrated model of compressible flow field, splat formation model, and coating formation model, in order to provide the fundamental data for the advanced high performance cold gas dynamic spray process with electrostatic acceleration. In this computation, viscous drag force, flow acceleration added mass, gravity, Basset history force, Saffman lift force, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and electrostatic force are all considered in the particle equation of motion for the more realistic prediction of in-flight nano∕microparticle characteristics with electrostatic force and also for the detailed analysis of particle-shock-wave-substrate interaction. Computational results show that electrostatic acceleration can broaden the smallest size of applicable particle diameter for successful adhesion; as a result, wider coating can be realized. The utilization of electrostatic acceleration enhances the performance of cold dynamic spray process even under the presence of unavoidable shock wave.
Numerical and Experimental Study on Metal Organic Vapor-Phase Epitaxy of InGaN∕GaN Multi-Quantum-Wells
Authors: Kim Changsung Sean , Hong Jongpa , Shim Jihye , Kim Bum Joon , Kim Hak-Hwan , Yoo Sang Duk , Lee Won Shin
Published: August 2008

A numerical and experimental study has been performed to characterize the metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of InGaN∕GaN multi-quantum-wells. One of the major objectives of the present study is to predict the optimal operating conditions that would be suitable for the fabrication of GaN-based light-emitting diodes using three different reactors, vertical, horizontal, and planetary. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations considering gas-phase chemical reactions and surface chemistry were carried out and compared with experimental measurements. Through a lot of CFD simulations, the database for the multiparametric dependency of indium incorporation and growth rate in InGaN∕GaN layers has been established in a wide range of growth conditions. Also, a heating system using radio frequency power was verified to obtain the uniform temperature distribution by simulating the electromagnetic field as well as gas flow fields. The present multidisciplinary approach has been applied to the development of a novel-concept MOVPE system as well as performance enhancement of existing commercial reactors.
Galerkin Least-Squares Multifield Approximations for Flows of Inelastic Non-Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Zinani Flávia , Frey Sérgio
Published: August 2008

The aim of this work is to investigate a Galerkin least-squares (GLS) multifield formulation for inelastic non-Newtonian fluid flows. We present the mechanical modeling of isochoric flows combining mass and momentum balance laws in continuum mechanics with an inelastic constitutive equation for the stress tensor. For the latter, we use the generalized Newtonian liquid model, which may predict either shear-thinning or shear-thickening. We employ a finite element formulation stabilized via a GLS scheme in three primal variables: extra stress, velocity, and pressure. This formulation keeps the inertial terms and has the capability of predicting viscosity dependency on the strain rate. The GLS method circumvents the compatibility conditions that arise in mixed formulations between the approximation functions of pressure and velocity and, in the multifield case, of extra stress and velocity. The GLS terms are added elementwise, as functions of the grid Reynolds number, so as to add artificial diffusivity selectively to diffusion and advection dominant flow regions—an important feature in the case of variable viscosity fluids. We present numerical results for the lid-driven cavity flow of shear-thinning and shear-thickening fluids, using the power-law viscosity function for Reynolds numbers between 50 and 500 and power-law exponents from 0.25 to 1.5. We also present results concerning flows of shear-thinning Carreau fluids through abrupt planar and axisymmetric contractions. We study ranges of Carreau numbers from 1 to 100, Reynolds numbers from 1 to 100, and power-law exponents equal to 0.1 and 0.5. Besides accounting for inertia effects in the flow, the GLS method captures some interesting features of shear-thinning flows, such as the reduction of the fluid stresses, the flattening of the velocity profile in the contraction plane, and the separation of the boundary layer downstream the contraction.
Confined Swirling Flows of Aqueous Surfactant Solutions Due to a Rotating Disk in a Cylindrical Casing
Authors: Tamano Shinji , Itoh Motoyuki , Yoshida Mitsunori , Yokota Kazuhiko
Published: August 2008

In this study, confined swirling flows of an aqueous surfactant solution due to a rotating disk in a cylindrical casing were investigated using a sectional flow visualization technique and a two-component laser Doppler velocimetry system. The concentrations of aqueous surfactant solutions (C14TASal) are 0.4wt%, 0.8wt%, and 1.2wt%. Rheological properties such as shear viscosity and first normal stress difference of the surfactant solution were measured with a rheometer. The patterns of secondary flow were classified using the Reynolds and elasticity numbers. We revealed that the projection formed near the center of the rotating disk moved up and down at a constant frequency for C14TASal0.8wt% and 1.2wt%, which has not been reported as far as we know. The effects of the Reynolds number, elasticity number, and aspect ratio on the velocity profiles were clarified. It was also found that the region of rigid body rotation existed at the higher Reynolds number tested for C14TASal0.4wt%.