bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microwave heat treatment of leek: drying kinetic and effective moisture diffusivity
Authors: Dadali Gökçe , Özbek Belma 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe effect of microwave drying technique on moisture ratio, drying time and effective moisture diffusivity of white and green parts of leek (Allium porrum) were investigated. By increasing the sample amount (100–300 g) at constant microwave output power of 180 W, the drying time increased from 52 to 130 min and increased from 55 to 135 min for white and green parts of leek, respectively. Effective moisture diffusivity values for white and green parts of leek ranged from 0.618 × 10−10 to 2.128 × 10−10 m2.s−1 and 0.256 × 10−10 to 0.611 × 10−10 m2 s−1, respectively. Among the models proposed, Midilli et al. model gave a better fit for all drying conditions applied. The activation energy for microwave drying of white and green parts of leek was calculated using an exponential expression based on Arrhenius equation; found as 0.9530 and 1.2045 W g−1, respectively. The dependence of drying rate constant on effective moisture diffusivity gave a linear relationship.
Functional properties of hydrolysates from Phaseolus lunatus seeds
Authors: Betancur‐Ancona David , Martínez‐Rosado Rogelio , Corona‐Cruz Alma , Castellanos‐Ruelas Arturo , Jaramillo‐Flores Ma Eugenia , Chel‐Guerrero Luis 
Published: June 2008

SummaryUse of low degree of hydrolysis (DH < 10%) with enzymatic treatment can produce protein hydrolysates with functional properties superior to the raw material. Suspensions of Phaseolus lunatus protein isolate (PPI) were treated with one of two commercial enzymes (Alcalase or Flavourzyme) at 50 °C and pH 8.0. DH with Alcalase was greater than Flavourzyme at 5 or 15 min of reaction. Alcalase‐prepared hydrolysates had more peptides than those prepared with Flavourzyme. All the hydrolysates had higher solubility than the PPI, the highest being for the Alcalase‐prepared hydrolysate at 15 min reaction time. Overall, the Alcalase‐prepared hydrolysates had better solubility characteristics, whereas the Flavourzyme‐prepared hydrolysates had better film properties (maximum emulsifying capacity and the highest foam formation values). This is probably because of the greater ease of movement toward the interface as shown by their high surface hydrophobicity values. The Alcalase‐prepared hydrolysates had generally low or nonexistent film properties.
Assessment of genetic diversity in the critically endangered Australian corroboree frogs, Pseudophryne corroboree and Pseudophryne pengilleyi, identifies four evolutionarily significant units for conservation
Authors: MORGAN MATTHEW J. , HUNTER DAVID , PIETSCH ROD , OSBORNE WILLIAM , KEOGH J. SCOTT 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe iconic and brightly coloured Australian northern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne pengilleyi, and the southern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne corroboree are critically endangered and may be extinct in the wild within 3 years. We have assembled samples that cover the current range of both species and applied hypervariable microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences to assess the levels and patterns of genetic variation. The four loci used in the study were highly variable, the total number of alleles observed ranged from 13 to 30 and the average number of alleles per locus was 19. Expected heterozygosity of the four microsatellite loci across all populations was high and varied between 0.830 and 0.935. Bayesian clustering analyses in structure strongly supported four genetically distinct populations, which correspond exactly to the four main allopatric geographical regions in which the frogs are currently found. Individual analyses performed on the separate regions showed that breeding sites within these four regions could not be separated into distinct populations. Twelve mtND2 haplotypes were identified from 66 individuals from throughout the four geographical regions. A statistical parsimony network of mtDNA haplotypes shows two distinct groups, which correspond to the two species of corroboree frog, but with most of the haplotype diversity distributed in P. pengilleyi. These results demonstrate an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in both species. Our data have important implications for how the genetic diversity is managed in the future. The four evolutionarily significant units must be protected and maintained in captive breeding programmes for as long as it is possible to do.
Habitat‐specific natural selection at a flowering‐time QTL is a main driver of local adaptation in two wild barley populations
Authors: VERHOEVEN K. J. F. , POORTER H. , NEVO E. , BIERE A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic basis of local adaptation requires insight in the fitness effects of individual loci under natural field conditions. While rapid progress is made in the search for genes that control differences between plant populations, it is typically unknown whether the genes under study are in fact key targets of habitat‐specific natural selection. Using a quantitative trait loci (QTL) approach, we show that a QTL associated with flowering‐time variation between two locally adapted wild barley populations is an important determinant of fitness in one, but not in the other population's native habitat. The QTL mapped to the same position as a habitat‐specific QTL for field fitness that affected plant reproductive output in only one of the parental habitats, indicating that the genomic region is under differential selection between the native habitats. Consistent with the QTL results, phenotypic selection of flowering time differed between the two environments, whereas other traits (growth rate and seed weight) were under selection but experienced no habitat‐specific differential selection. This implies the flowering‐time QTL as a driver of adaptive population divergence. Our results from phenotypic selection and QTL analysis are consistent with local adaptation without genetic trade‐offs in performance across environments, i.e. without alleles or traits having opposing fitness effects in contrasting environments.
A sensor histidine kinase co‐ordinates cell wall architecture with cell division in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Fukushima Tatsuya , Szurmant Hendrik , Kim Eun‐Ja , Perego Marta , Hoch James A. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe concerted interconnection between processes driving DNA synthesis, division septum formation and cell wall synthesis and remodelling in rapidly growing bacteria requires precise co‐ordination by signalling mechanisms that are, for the most part, unknown. The YycG (sensor histidine kinase)–YycF (response regulator/transcription factor) two‐component system of Bacillus subtilis controls the synthesis of enzymes and their inhibitors that function in cell wall remodelling and cell separation. Here it is shown that the YycG sensor histidine kinase is a component of the division septum in growing cells. RT‐PCR quantification of YycF∼PO4‐regulated gene transcription, in wild type and FtsZ‐depleted, septum‐less cells, indicated that YycG kinase activity on YycF is dependent on YycG localization to a division septum. The data support a model in which the YycG sensor kinase perceives information at the division septum and regulates the reciprocal synthesis of autolysins and autolysin inhibitors to co‐ordinate growth and division with cell wall restructuring.
Targeted mutagenesis of the ring‐exported protein‐1 of Plasmodium falciparum disrupts the architecture of Maurer's cleft organelles
Authors: Hanssen Eric , Hawthorne Paula , Dixon Matthew W. A. , Trenholme Katharine R. , McMillan Paul J. , Spielmann Tobias , Gardiner Donald L. , Tilley Leann 
Published: June 2008

SummaryMature red blood cells have no internal trafficking machinery, so the intraerythrocytic malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, establishes its own transport system to export virulence factors to the red blood cell surface. Maurer's clefts are parasite‐derived membranous structures that form an important component of this exported secretory system. A protein with sequence similarity to a Golgi tethering protein, referred to as ring‐exported protein‐1 (REX1), is associated with Maurer's clefts. A REX1–GFP chimera is trafficked to the Maurer's clefts and preferentially associates with the edges of these structures, as well as with vesicle‐like structures and with stalk‐like extensions that are involved in tethering the Maurer's clefts to other membranes. We have generated transfected P. falciparum expressing REX1 truncations or deletion. Electron microscopy reveals that the Maurer's clefts of REX1 truncation mutants have stacked cisternae, while the 3D7 parent line has unstacked Maurer's clefts. D10 parasites, which have lost the right end of chromosome 9, including the rex1 gene, also display Maurer's clefts with stacked cisternae. Expression of full‐length REX1–GFP in D10 parasites restores the 3D7‐type unstacked Maurer's cleft phenotype. These studies reveal the importance of the REX1 protein in determining the ultrastructure of the Maurer's cleft system.
Deletion of the Mycoplasma genitalium MG_217 gene modifies cell gliding behaviour by altering terminal organelle curvature
Authors: Burgos Raul , Pich Oscar Q. , Querol Enrique , Piñol Jaume 
Published: June 2008

SummaryMotility is often a virulence factor of pathogenic bacteria. Although recent works have identified genes involved in gliding motility of mycoplasmas, little is known about the mechanisms governing the cell gliding behaviour. Here, we report that Mycoplasma genitalium MG217 is a novel protein involved in the gliding apparatus of this organism and it is, at least, one of the genes that are directing cells to move in narrow circles when they glide. In the absence of MG_217 gene, cells are still able to glide but they mainly move drawing erratic or wide circular paths. This change in the gliding behaviour correlates with a rearrangement in the terminal organelle disposition, suggesting that the terminal organelle operates as a guide to steer the mycoplasma cell in a specific direction. Immunogold labelling reveals that MG217 protein is located intracellular at the distal end of the terminal organelle, between the cell membrane and the terminal button. Such location is consistent with the idea that MG217 could act as a modulator of the terminal organelle curvature, allowing cells to move in specific directions.
Recurrent nodule on the nasal columella: a good reason to re‐biopsy
Authors: Vujevich Justin J. , Goldberg Leonard H. , Kimyai‐Asadi Arash , Law Robert 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  A 15‐year‐old Caucasian male presented with 9‐month history of a recurrent nodule on the nasal columella. The previous biopsy was reported as a neurofibroma.Methods  Frozen sections revealed a spindle cell neoplasm. Permanent section immunohistochemistry sections stained positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin and negative for S100 and CD34, confirming the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma.Results  The tumor was removed using Mohs micrographic surgery. Radiological work‐up revealed no distant metastasis. There has been no local recurrence to date.Conclusions  Leiomyosarcoma is a difficult diagnosis to make clinically and requires histological confirmation. Re‐biopsy of a “benign” growth may be necessary if clinicopathological correlation does not match with the clinical behavior of the tumor in question. Finally, Mohs micrographic surgery is a useful treatment modality for leiomyosarcomas, particularly those located in cosmetically‐sensitive regions of the body such as the nose.
Dermoscopy: basic concepts
Authors: Campos‐do‐Carmo Gabriella , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDermoscopy is a very useful technique for the analysis of pigmented skin lesions. It represents a link between clinical and histological views, permitting an earlier diagnosis of skin melanoma. It also helps in the diagnosis of many other pigmented skin lesions, such as seborrheic keratosis, pigmented basal cell carcinoma, hemangioma, blue nevus, atypical nevus, and mole, which can often clinically simulate melanoma. In this article, dermoscopy is reviewed from its history to the basic concepts of the interpretation of dermoscopic images. The goal is to introduce this subject to those not yet familiar with it, in order to instigate and encourage the training and practice of this technique of growing importance for everyday usage.
Granular parakeratosis
Authors: Martín José M. , Pinazo Isabel , Molina Inmaculada , Monteagudo Carlos , Villalón Guillermo , Jordá Esperanza 
Published: June 2008

A healthy 62‐year‐old woman was referred to our dermatology department with a 1‐month history of a pruritic axillary eruption. On examination, multiple erythematous and brownish hyperkeratotic papules were seen in both axillae. Some of these lesions coalesced into plaques, with small areas of sparing, and a background erythematous color was also found in the axillary vaults (Fig. 1).Multiple erythematous and brownish hyperkeratotic papules in the axillary vaultsimage There was no involvement of other intertriginous sites and there were no associated systemic symptoms. The patient was not obese. The patient had removed the hair from her axillae with wax 3 weeks before the development of the eruption. Moreover, she had changed her antiperspirant 1 week before the onset of the lesions. A cutaneous biopsy for histologic analysis was performed. Histologically, the stratum corneum was thickened, with persistent nuclei together with countless small basophilic granules. The granular layer was preserved and, in some areas, hypergranulosis was found (Fig. 2). These findings were characteristic of granular parakeratosis.Countless small basophilic granules in a thickened stratum corneum (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification, ×400)image The cutaneous lesions resolved completely after 1 week of treatment with topical betamethasone dipropionate and gentamicin sulfate (twice daily). The patient was urged to discontinue her use of deodorants.
Lichen striatus in adults and pimecrolimus: open, off‐label clinical study
Authors: Campanati Anna , Brandozzi Giuliano , Giangiacomi Mirella , Simonetti Oriana , Marconi Barbara , Offidani Anna Maria 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  Lichen striatus is a well‐known, acquired, self‐healing, linear inflammatory dermatosis. Lichen striatus occurring in adults tends to be more extensive and itchy than in children, sometimes requiring symptomatic treatment. The therapeutic approach usually adopted is topical steroids, even though prolonged use may lead to several side‐effects, particularly cutaneous atrophy.Objective  To report the results of an open, off‐label study on the use of pimecrolimus 1% in the treatment of diffuse, nonresponsive forms of lichen striatus.Methods  Three adult patients suffering from relapsing or disseminated and itchy lichen striatus received topical application of pimecrolimus 1% cream (Elidel®, Novartis Pharma, Basle, Switzerland) twice daily for 6 weeks, or until complete disappearance of the cutaneous lesions.Results  All patients experienced rapid healing of the dermatosis, without any recurrence for at least 14 months.Conclusion  Our preliminary results show that pimecrolimus may represent a useful therapeutic alternative for lichen striatus, although further studies on a larger number of cases are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in the treatment of this condition.
Prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis in daily dermatologic practice
Authors: Vermaat Hester , Kirtschig Gudula 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  Systemic glucocorticoids (GCs) are often needed to treat dermatologic patients. The long‐term use of GCs, however, is associated with potentially severe side‐effects. GC‐induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the most serious complications, but the risk of the occurrence of GIO seems to be generally underestimated.Aim  To provide an update of the recent advances in the prevention of GIO in dermatologic practice.Methods  Review of the literature and several European and US guidelines up to August 2007.Results  Data regarding the prevention and treatment of GIO are limited and guidelines for the prevention of GIO are not fully consistent.Conclusion  The prophylaxis of osteoporosis needs to be started early during treatment with GCs. Calcium and vitamin D supplements in all patients on systemic GCs and bisphosphonates in patients who take GCs for more than 3 months are practical and effective measures.
Clinical significance of dermoscopy in alopecia areata: analysis of 300 cases
Authors: Inui Shigeki , Nakajima Takeshi , Nakagawa Koichi , Itami Satoshi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective  To determine dermoscopic findings of alopecia areata (AA) from a large‐scale study that can be used as clinical indicators of disease.Methods  Dermoscopic examination of areas of hair loss on the scalp of 300 Asian patients with AA was performed using a DermLite® II pro, which can block light reflection from the skin surface without immersion gels. Using the Spearman rank‐order correlation coefficient by rank test, correlations between the incidence of each dermoscopic finding and the severity of disease and disease activity were examined. The sensitivity and specificity of the findings as diagnostic clues for AA were evaluated.Results  Characteristic dermoscopic findings of AA included black dots, tapering hairs, broken hairs, yellow dots, and clustered short vellus hairs (shorter than 10 mm) in the areas of hair loss. Black dots, yellow dots, and short vellus hairs correlated with the severity of disease, and black dots, tapering hairs, broken hairs, and short vellus hairs correlated with disease activity. For diagnosis, yellow dots and short vellus hairs were the most sensitive markers, and black dots, tapering hairs, and broken hairs were the most specific markers.Conclusion  Dermoscopic characteristics, such as black dots, tapering hairs, broken hairs, yellow dots, and clustered short vellus hairs, are useful clinical indicators for AA.
Use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis for persons with schizophrenia: A preliminary study
Authors: Aubin Ginette , Chapparo Christine , Gélinas Isabelle , Stip Emmanuel , Rainville Constant 
Published: June 2008

Background/aim:  Task analysis that targets information processing skills is an essential tool to understanding difficulties encountered by people with schizophrenia in their daily activities. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) System of Task Analysis for this clientele. The specific objectives were to describe information processing difficulties as measured by the PRPP and to examine preliminary evidence of construct validity and interrater reliability. Methods:  In the first part of this study, 10 participants with schizophrenia living in the community were assessed using the PRPP during both a simple and a complex meal preparation task. Community functioning was measured using the Independent Living Skills Survey. In the second part, interrater reliability was appraised using three trained raters, who scored 15 participants preparing the complex meal preparation task. Results:  Analysis of performance demonstrates that people with schizophrenia have difficulties especially in the Perceive and Plan quadrants of the PRPP and are more challenged in the complex task. The PRPP total score for the complex task is strongly related to the community functioning score. Results indicate good interrater reliability for the PRPP total score and moderate interrater reliability for the quadrant scores. Conclusion:  Despite the small sample size, results from this preliminary study support the use of the PRPP System of Task Analysis to further explore the impact cognitive deficits have on daily task performance and thus on community functioning in people with schizophrenia.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery in 143 consecutive patients with rectal adenocarcinoma: results from a Danish multicenter study
Authors: Baatrup G. , Breum B. , Qvist N. , Wille‐Jørgensen P. , Elbrønd H. , Møller P. , Hesselfeldt P. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective  The long‐term results are presented on total survival, cancer‐specific survival and recurrence in 143 consecutive patients treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for adenocarcinoma of the rectum.Method  Four Danish centres established in 1995 a database for registration of all TEM procedures. Data were supplemented from pathology reports and death certificates were checked in the Danish patient registry. Data were analysed with multivariance regression and survival analysis.Results  The T stage was as follows: T1 50%, T2 33%, T3 14%, and stage unknown 3%. TEM was performed with curative intent in 43%, for compromise in 52% and for palliation in 5%. Five‐year total survival was 66% and 5‐year cancer‐specific survival 87%. Cancer‐specific survival for T1 was 94%. The significant predictors for total survival were age and tumour size. For cancer‐specific survival T stage, radical resection, tumour size and recurrence were significant predictors. Eighteen per cent had recurrence and 15% had immediate reoperation.Conclusion  The TEM provides good long‐term results for pT1 cancers. In old patients and patients with co‐morbidity TEM may provide acceptable long‐term results for T2 cancers. Tumours larger than 3 cm should not be treated with TEM for cure.
DISTANT FRIENDS ONLINE? RURAL AND URBAN ADOLESCENTS’ COMMUNICATION ON THE INTERNET
Authors: DOORIS JOHN , SOTIRELI THOMAI , VAN HOOF SJEF 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTThis study explores how rural and urban adolescents use the Internet as a tool for communication in their social environment. It aims to analyse the differences in the use of the Internet to overcome environmental constraints between urban and rural adolescents. In this paper, environmental constraints are defined in two ways: (1) The lack of contacts that a person may have in his/her local environment and (2) The distance between the contacts that prevents him/her from having face‐to‐face social interaction. The empirical part of the research is a questionnaire‐based survey of two samples of pre‐university high school pupils in Den Bosch and Winterswijk in the Netherlands. The outcomes of the research show that pupils in the urban area find more emotional support in their physical environment than pupils from the rural area and that they also receive more emotional support via the Internet than their rural counterparts.