bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(E)-1-Ferrocenyl-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Long Shi-Jia , Liu Xiao-Lan , Liu Yong-Hong
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, [Fe(C5H5)(C15H13O2)], a conjugated substituent group bridges a five-membered η5-C5H4 ring and a benzene ring. In the ferrocene unit, the substituted (Cps) and unsubstituted (Cp) cyclopentadienyl rings are eclipsed and almost parallel [Cps—Fe—Cps angle = 176.1 (2)°]. The molecule is linked into an S(5) motif via intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The molecules are arranged into a three-dimensional framework by five intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds and one intermolecular C—H...π(Cps) interaction.
(E,E)-2,5-Bis(4-tert-butylbenzylidene)cyclopentanone
Authors: Wei Jian , Liang Guang , Gai Yuhong , Lu Jingmei
Published: August 2008

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C27H32O, contains two and a half molecules. In the crystal structure, one of the molecules lies on a crystallographic twofold rotation axis. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings are 12.17 (6), 16.29 (11) and 51.24 (8)° for the three molecules. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings of each molecule in the asymmetric unit are 12.17 (6) and 16.29 (11)°
Naphthalene-2,3-diol–imidazole (1/1)
Authors: Wang Yong-Tao , Tang Gui-Mei , Wan Wen-Zhu
Published: August 2008

In the title cocrystal, C10H8O2·C3H4N2, intermolecular O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the naphthalene-2,3-diol and imidazole molecules into a two-dimensional supramolecular framework.
Piperidinium 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate
Authors: Wang Yong-Tao , Tang Gui-Mei , Zhang Yong-Chun , Wan Wen-Zhu
Published: August 2008

The crystals of the title salt, C5H12N+·C11H7O3
−, were obtained from a methanol/water solution of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and piperidine at room temperature. In the crystal structure, the piperidinium cations display a chair conformation and link with hydroxynaphthoate anions via N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. An intramolecular O—H...O interaction is also present.
Tetraaqua(1,10-phenanthroline)zinc(II) 3,6-dicarboxybicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,5-dicarboxylate
Authors: Yu Chun-Hui
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, [Zn(C12H8N2)(H2O)4](C12H10O8), each ZnII atom is six-coordinated by two N atoms from one phenanthroline molecule and by four O atoms from four water molecules in a distorted octahedral environment. In the crystal structure, ions are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Personality, habitat use, and their consequences for survival in North American red squirrels Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Authors: Boon Adrienne K. , Réale Denis , Boutin Stan
Published: August 2008

Personality affects many aspects of an individual's behaviour, life history and fitness, and has been shown to be moderately heritable in wild populations. Correlations between personality and risk‐taking that lead to life history tradeoffs could act to maintain variation in personality within a population, but this has not yet been tested. In this study, we used females from a marked population of North American red squirrels in Kluane, Yukon, to determine whether personality predicts risk‐taking in the wild, and whether these risk‐taking behaviours result in life history tradeoffs. We measured personality in open field and mirror image stimulation tests and extracted two traits, activity and aggressiveness, using principal component analysis and mixed model techniques. Using trapping records for individuals from February to September 2005, we obtained three measures of risk‐taking: the number of trapping events, the number of different trapping locations, and the maximum distance between the home territory and a trapping event. We used GLMs to determine whether the activity and aggressiveness of individuals are related to these risk‐taking behaviours, and found that active squirrels were trapped significantly more frequently and at a greater number of locations. There was also a significant interaction between activity and aggressiveness to affect the maximum capture distance. To determine if there are fitness tradeoffs associated with these risk‐taking behaviours, we examined female bequeathal behaviour and survival. Bequeathing a territory increases offspring probability of overwinter survival, and we found that an increasing number of trapping locations was associated with an increasing tendency to bequeath. Active females were less likely to survive until the following spring. Risk‐taking is therefore predicted by personality in this population, and they affect both survival and territorial bequeathal. These fitness tradeoffs may therefore lead to the maintenance of variation in personality.
Response of lotic producer and consumer trophic levels to gradients of resource supply and predation pressure
Authors: Kiffney Peter M.
Published: August 2008

Light, nutrients and predators can constrain primary producers and consumers; however, the ecological effects of these factors have rarely been tested simultaneously in open systems. To partly address this knowledge gap, primary producer biomass and consumer abundance and biomass were quantified on nutrient‐diffusing substrata along a light gradient created by four riparian reserve treatments (forested controls, 30‐m wide riparian reserve, 10‐m reserve, clear‐cut) each replicated twice in headwater streams of southwestern British Columbia in 2001 and 2002. Predation pressure, as estimated by trout abundance varied among streams, and was treated as a covariate, with nutrient enrichment and riparian reserve width as fixed effects. Primary producer and consumer biomass were limited by light flux as determined by reserve width, and nutrients, especially phosphorus. In 2002, nutrient effects on algal biomass were conditional upon reserve width: chlorophyll a biomass was higher on P‐ and N+P‐amended pots compared to controls, but only in the 10‐m reserve and clear‐cut treatments or when light flux was greater than 75 μmol m−2 s−1. The effects of fish predators on primary consumers were also conditional upon reserve width, with strong predator effects occurring in the 10‐m and clear‐cut riparian treatments. The interactive effects of light flux, nutrient supply and predator abundance in constraining lower trophic levels may be common in nature. My results, therefore, suggest interactive effects were manisfested above a specific threshold condition. The interactive effects of light flux, nutrient supply and predator abundance in constraining lower trophic levels may be common in nature. Results from my study support this hypothesis and suggest that variation in light flux was an important condition dictating the strength of nutrient limitation and redation pressure in these headwater streams.
Dispersal and seed limitation affect diversity and productivity of montane grasslands
Authors: Stein Claudia , Auge Harald , Fischer Markus , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Prati Daniel
Published: August 2008

So far, seed limitation as a local process, and dispersal limitation as a regional process have been largely neglected in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning research. However, these processes can influence both local plant species diversity and ecosystem processes, such as biomass production. We added seeds of 60 species from the regional species pool to grassland communities at 20 montane grassland sites in Germany. In these sites, plant species diversity ranged from 10 to 34 species m−2and, before manipulation, diversity was not related to aboveground biomass, which ranged from 108 to 687 g m−2. One year after seed addition, local plant species richness had increased on average by six species m−2(29%) compared with control plots, and this increase was highest in grasslands with intermediate productivity. The increased diversity after adding seeds was associated with an average increase of aboveground biomass of 36 g m−2(14.8%) compared with control plots. Thus, our results demonstrate that a positive relationship between changes in species richness and productivity, as previously reported from experimental plant communities, also holds for natural grassland ecosystems. Our results show that local plant communities are dispersal limited and a hump‐shaped model appears to be the limiting outline of the natural diversity–productivity relationship. Hence, the effects of dispersal on local diversity can substantially affect the functioning of natural ecosystems.
Measurements of area and the (island) species–area relationship: new directions for an old pattern
Authors: Triantis Kostas A. , Nogués‐Bravo David , Hortal Joaquín , Borges Paulo A. V. , Adsersen Henning , María Fernández‐Palacios José , Araújo Miguel B. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: August 2008

The species–area relationship is one of the strongest empirical generalizations in geographical ecology, yet controversy persists about some important questions concerning its causality and application. Here, using more accurate measures of island surface size for five different island systems, we show that increasing the accuracy of the estimation of area has negligible impact on the fit and form of the species–area relationship, even though our analyses included some of the most topographically diverse island groups in the world. In addition, we show that the inclusion of general measurements of environmental heterogeneity (in the form of the so‐called choros model), can substantially improve the descriptive power of models of island species number. We suggest that quantification of other variables, apart from area, that are also critical for the establishment of biodiversity and at the same time have high explanatory power (such as island age, distance, productivity, energy, and environmental heterogeneity), is necessary if we are to build up a more predictive science of species richness variation across island systems.
Bias in population growth rate estimation: sparse data, partial life cycle analysis and Jensen's inequality
Authors: Grear Jason S. , Elderd Bret D.
Published: August 2008

Demographic matrix models have become an integral part of population viability analysis for threatened and endangered species, but their use is often limited by data availability. A common solution to this problem is to assume constant annual rates within a multi‐year stage. Partial life cycle analysis (PLC), which incorporates only juvenile and adult stages, is a noteworthy example of this approach because it has been described in the literature as a reliable approximation of age‐structured populations. However, we predict from Jensen's Inequality that the required lumping of age classes leads to over‐ or underestimation of population fitness when survival rates are truly age‐dependent. We illuminate this problem by comparing fitness estimates from Leslie matrix and PLC models for theoretical populations having different levels of age‐dependence in their survival rates. We also propose a modification of the PLC approach to address this problem and demonstrate its applicability using data from a published long‐term study of red deer Cervus elephas.
Alterations in biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in active acromegaly
Authors: Boero L. , Manavela M. , Gómez Rosso L. , Insua C. , Berardi V. , Fornari M. C. , Brites F.
Published: August 2008

Objectives  In acromegalic patients, cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities contribute to enhance mortality. Available data on the lipoprotein profile of these patients are controversial. Our aim was to characterize the lipoprotein profile and emergent biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in active acromegalic patients in comparison with sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls.

Patients  Eighteen patients with active acromegaly and 18 controls were studied.

Measurements  Glucose levels, hormonal status, lipoprotein profile and C reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated by standardized methods. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) were measured by radiometric techniques, endothelin‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and leucocytes CD18, CD49d and CD54 by flow cytometry.

Results  After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), acromegalic patients presented a more atherogenic lipoprotein profile, consisting of higher levels of triglycerides and apolipoprotein B and alterations in the ratios which estimate insulin resistance and atherogenic risk. CETP activity was significantly increased in acromegalic patients as compared to controls (168 ± 17 vs. 141 ± 30% per ml h, respectively; P < 0·05). Endothelin‐1 levels evidenced an increase in the patients’ group (0·9 ± 0·2 vs. 0·7 ± 0·2 ng/l, respectively; P < 0·01) and showed positive and significant correlations with GH, IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 (r = 0·45, 0·42 and 0·44, respectively; P < 0·01 for all of them; with BMI as a fixed variable). Lymphocytes from acromegalic patients showed increased CD49d content (282 ± 59 vs. 246 ± 48 arbitrary units, respectively; P < 0·05).

Conclusions  Taken together, the alterations described seem to contribute to constituting a state of higher propensity for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which adds to the presence of specific cardiomyopathy.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1): its manifestations and effect of genetic screening on clinical outcome
Authors: Pieterman C. R. C. , Schreinemakers J. M. J. , Koppeschaar H. P. F. , Vriens M. R. , Rinkes I. H. M. Borel , Zonnenberg B. A. , Van Der Luijt R. B. , Valk G. D.
Published: August 2008

Objective  Effect of genetic screening on outcome in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) remains unclear. Expression of MEN1 is described using currently available diagnostic techniques. Manifestations and outcome are compared in patients diagnosed because of clinical expression with those diagnosed by genetic screening.

Design  Retrospective cohort study. Patients are divided into two groups: patients with a (i) clinical MEN1 diagnosis and (ii) MEN1 diagnosis by genetic screening.

Patients and measurements  Demographic and clinical data were collected on MEN1 patients treated in the UMCU up to 1 January 2008. Results of mutation analysis were obtained from the Department of Medical Genetics.

Results  A total of 74 patients was included (median follow‐up 5·5 year); 78% had hyperparathyroidism, 46% a pancreatic neuro‐endocrine tumour (NET), 38% a pituitary abnormality, 8% a NET of other origin and 16% an adrenal adenoma at the end of follow‐up. Of the patients 18% had no manifestation. All five MEN1‐related tumours were seen as first manifestation. Compared with patients identified by genetic screening, patients with a clinical MEN1 diagnosis had significantly more manifestations at diagnosis (P < 0·001) and at end of follow‐up (P = 0·002). Eleven of 30 patients with a genetic MEN1 diagnosis (mean age at diagnosis 30·0 years) already had manifestations at diagnosis. No malignancy or death was seen in genetically diagnosed patients.

Conclusions  MEN1 is a syndrome with high morbidity. Genetic diagnosis is associated with less morbidity at diagnosis and at follow‐up. Early genetic diagnosis might therefore lead to improvement of long‐term outcome.
Molecular analysis of novel PROP1 mutations associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD)
Authors: Kelberman D. , Turton J. P. G. , Woods K. S. , Mehta A. , Al‐Khawari M. , Greening J. , Swift P. G. F. , Otonkoski T. , Rhodes S. J. , Dattani M. T.
Published: August 2008

Objective  Homozygous mutations in the gene encoding the pituitary transcription factor PROP1 are associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) in both mice and humans with a highly variable phenotype with respect to the severity and time of initiation of pituitary hormone deficiency. We have ascertained three pedigrees with PROP1 mutations from a large cohort of patients with variable degrees of CPHD who were screened for mutations in PROP1.

Results  Affected individuals from all three pedigrees were found to harbour novel PROP1 mutations. We have identified two siblings in one family who were homozygous for an intronic mutation (c.343–11C > G) that disrupts correct splicing resulting in the loss of exon 3 from the PROP1 transcript. Two siblings from a second, unrelated family are compound heterozygotes for two point mutations in the coding region, a missense mutation (p.R125W) that leads to impaired transcriptional activation, and a deletion of a single nucleotide (c.310delC) resulting in a frameshift and nonfunctional mutant protein. Additionally, we identified a homozygous deletion of the PROP1 locus in two patients born to consanguineous parents.

Conclusion  Mutations in PROP1 are a frequent cause of familial CPHD. We have described four novel mutations in PROP1 in 3 pedigrees, all resulting in PROP1 deficiency by different mechanisms. The phenotypic variation observed in association with PROP1 mutations both within and between families, together with the evolving nature of hormone deficiencies and sometimes changing pituitary morphology indicates a need for continual monitoring of these patients.
Bond strength of AH Plus and Epiphany sealers on root dentine irradiated with 980 nm diode laser
Authors: Alfredo E. , Silva S. R. C. , Ozório J. E. V. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. , Brugnera‐Júnior A. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To evaluate the bond strength of AH Plus and Epiphany sealers to human root canal dentine irradiated with a 980 nm diode laser at different power and frequency parameters, using the push‐out test.

Methodology  Sixty canine roots were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction to provide 4‐mm‐thick dentine discs that had their root canals prepared with a tapered bur and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and distilled water. The specimens were assigned to five groups (n = 12): one control (no laser) and four experimental groups that were submitted to 980 nm diode laser irradiation at different power (1.5 and 3.0 W) and frequency (continuous wave and 100 Hz) parameters. Half of specimens in each group had their canals filled with AH Plus sealer and half with Epiphany. The push‐out test was performed and data (MPa) were analysed statistically by anova and Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). The specimens were split longitudinally and examined under SEM to assess the failure modes after sealer displacement.

Results  The specimens irradiated with the diode laser and filled with AH Plus had significantly higher bond strength values (8.69 ± 2.44) than those irradiated and filled with Epiphany (3.28 ± 1.58) and the nonirradiated controls (3.86 ± 0.60). The specimens filled with Epiphany did not differ significantly to each other or to the control (1.75 ± 0.69). There was a predominance of adhesive failures at Epiphany–dentine interface (77%) and mixed failures at AH Plus–dentine interface (67%).

Conclusions  The 980 nm diode laser irradiation of root canal dentine increased the bond strength of AH Plus sealer, but did not affect the adhesion of Epiphany sealer.
An audit of the technical quality of primary orthograde root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students
Authors: Adams N. S. , Tanday A. X. , Lumley P. J.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To investigate the technical quality of primary orthograde root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students.

Methodology  A retrospective radiographic analysis of the technical standard of root canal treatment performed over 1 year of the undergraduate course was undertaken. All primary root canal treatments performed by late 4th and final year students between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 were evaluated. All students had completed an introductory laboratory course using stainless steel hand instruments and Gates Glidden drills and a subsequent course using Nickel titanium instruments. Additionally, some students completed a voluntary one‐term special study module (Endodontics) for 12 sessions. All radiographs of completed root canal treatments were assessed as to the technical quality of the root filling. Two calibrated observers assessed the radiographs under standard conditions using a lightbox and SDI radiograph viewer. The root fillings in each canal were assessed by length, satisfactory being within 0–2 mm of the radiographic apex, quality of obturation (absence of voids) classified as satisfactory, and taper, with the radiographic appearance of a uniform taper classed as satisfactory. The type of clinic, either a general restorative or endodontic was also recorded.

Results  A total of 266 root canals were evaluated in 149 teeth. The final radiograph was unsuitable in four teeth and one tooth was extracted shortly after canal preparation. The remaining sample size was 253 canals in 144 teeth (61 anterior, 37 premolar, 46 molar). No endodontic instruments were fractured during the study. Overall, 163 individual root canals (64.4%) and 87 teeth (60.4%) were classed as satisfactory. Fifty‐five canals and 21 teeth (one lower anterior, five premolars, 15 molars) were treated on the endodontic clinic, 46 canals (83.6%) and 15 teeth (71.4%) of these were satisfactory. A total of 198 canals in 123 teeth (60 anterior, 32 premolar, 31 molar) were treated on the restorative clinic with 117 canals (59.1.6%) and 72 teeth (58.5%) being satisfactory.

Conclusions  Overall, 60.4% of teeth met the criteria of root filling within 2 mm of the radiographic apex, no voids and uniform taper. A higher percentage of compliance was noted on the endodontic special study module.
The effect of conditioning films on colonization of root canal dentine by endodontic bacterial isolates
Authors: Flynn D. , Ready D. R. , Mordan N. , Pratten J. , Gulabivala K.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To determine if conditioning films have an effect on the initial attachment of primary colonisers to root canal pre‐dentine.

Methodology  Noncarious, unrestored, extracted human teeth with single root canals were prepared to expose the pre‐dentine. Half of the samples (n = 50) were untreated (native), whilst the other half (n = 50) were treated with 2.5% NaOCl for 10 min and 17% EDTA for 2 min. The samples were then soaked in a designated conditioning solution; artificial saliva, human saliva, serum or blood for 90 min at 37 °C. The samples were then placed into a Constant Depth Film Fermentor and inoculated with either single [Streptococcus oralis (E01‐07‐008)] or dual species clinical isolates [S. oralis and Actinomyces naeslundii (E01‐07‐007)]. After 4 h, the samples were removed and prepared for SEM and viable counts to assess the bacterial attachment on their surfaces.

Results  Bacteria were observed on all samples when incubated with S. oralis. NaOCl/EDTA‐treated surfaces had less S. oralis colonization for all conditioning films. The number of bacteria ranged up to 4.4 × 104 CFU per sample; specimens not chemically treated but soaked in artificial saliva exhibited the most colonization. This was 17.4‐fold higher than the serum/chemically treated group. Colonization of specimens was over 90% lower with dual species than with a single isolate. Blood or serum‐treated surfaces had greater colonization (24‐fold difference in CFUs) for dual isolates than those treated with artificial saliva. Streptococcus oralis and A. naeslundii were capable of invading dentinal tubules within 4 h. Streptococcus oralis colonization was more common than that by A. naeslundii at the selected time interval. There was a random distribution of bacteria over the entire pre‐dentine surface but more bacterial attachment was observed in ‘secluded areas’ such as ‘giant tubules’, in voids in the conditioning film or around debris.

Conclusions  Bacterial colonization of pre‐dentine surfaces appeared to be influenced by species, surface pre‐treatment and conditioning agent.
Cutting ability of a KiS 2D tip with varying powers and loads
Authors: Tabiat‐Pour S. , Tomson P. L. M. , Lumley P. J. , Walmsley A. D. , Lea S. C.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To correlate the vibrations of a retro tip under a range of loads and generator powers with its cutting ability.

Methodology  A scanning laser vibrometer was used to measure the maximum vibration displacement amplitude of a KiS 2D tip (Obtura Spartan, USA) under loads of 10–50 g (10 g increments). Loads were applied by contacting the tip against a polished root dentine surface (1200 grit) and were measured using a load cell (RDP Electronics, UK). A calibrated scale was placed over the power dial of the generator (Piezon Master 400; EMS, Switzerland) which enabled incremental power settings (1–5) to be selected between minimum and quarter power of the total generator output. Ten repeat scans were made for each load and generator power combination. The retro tip was then used to create cavities in polished dentine surfaces. The tip was operated using the same experimental conditions as described above (five power settings, 10–50 g loads). For each condition, the tip was contacted against surfaces for 5 s and used to make 10 repeat cavities. Cavities were scanned with a 3D laser profilometer (TaiCaan, UK), enabling the maximum width and length of the cavity to be measured. The same generator and handpiece were used throughout the experiment.

Results  Load significantly reduced tip vibration displacement amplitude at 30–50 g (P < 0.0001) when compared with 10 and 20 g. Conversely, it was found that loads of 30–50 g led to either no significant difference (P = 0.242) or even significant increases (P < 0.02) in the length and width of the cavities produced when compared with those obtained at 10 and 20 g. Profile views of the cavities, obtained through laser profilometry, suggest that greater loads may cause chipping of the dentine near the surface.

Conclusions  It is clinically recommended that low loads are exerted on tips to reduce the incidence of fracture. This recommendation is supported by this work which showed that, at loads greater than 20 g, tip vibration displacement amplitude was significantly reduced. Although the length and width of the cavities produced increased at greater loads, it is suggested that the instrument breaks up dentine distant to the periphery of the instrument with a chipping action, potentially causing the instrument to be less precise.
The influence of bisphosphonates on bone generation using a chick femur model
Authors: Wei W. L. L. , Gellynck K. , Ng Y.‐L. , Gulabivala K. , Buxton P.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To determine the effect of a bisphosphonate (pamidronate) delivered using one of two carriers on bone generation, using a chick femur model supported by the chorio‐allantoic membrane of a chick egg.

Methodology  Twenty chick femurs freshly harvested from fertilized eggs were randomly allocated into two groups: (i) Affi‐Gel blue bead carrier (n = 10); and (ii) hydroxyapatite bead carrier (n = 10). The femurs in each group were further randomly divided into control (n = 4) and experimental (n = 6) subgroups. Carriers charged with PBS solution and 0.1 mol L‐1 pamidronate were delivered into the bone marrow of each femur at its mid portion via a needle puncture. Each femur was then implanted onto the chorio‐allantoic membrane of a chick egg and incubated for 7 days. From each control subgroup femur, four consecutive histological sections were obtained after processing at the mid‐portion of the puncture site to act as the inter‐bone control. From each experimental subgroup femur, two consecutive histological sections were obtained after processing at a distance of 400–450 μm from both ends of the puncture site to act as the intra‐bone control; and four consecutive histological sections were obtained from the mid portion of the puncture site to act as the tests. Bone generation was quantified and the ratio of cross‐sectional area of bone marrow to circumference of bone (outcome ratio) was determined amongst different groups using a software package, Image‐Pro®Plus. The data were analysed using Mann–Whitney tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results  The outcome ratio in the test group was significantly (P < 0.001) smaller than the inter‐bone and intra‐bone control groups. There was evidence of bone formation directly over the carriers charged with pamidronate.

Conclusions  The successfully developed test model was able to establish that local deposition of pamidronate had a positive effect on bone generation within a period of 7 days, regardless of the carrier used.
Safety evaluation of individual non‐fried and fried sunflower oil, paraffin oil, jojoba oil and their binary mixtures on rat health
Authors: Farag Radwan S. , Farag Mostafa M. , Basuny Amany M. , Mohammed Rehab F.
Published: August 2008

Sunflower, jojoba, paraffin oils and binary oil mixtures of sunflower, jojoba and sunflower–paraffin oils were continuously heated at 180 °C for 12 h. Aliquots of potato chips were fried in the aforementioned oil samples. Organoleptic tests were performed on fried chips and safety limits of the oil samples were measured by certain biochemical tests. Histopathological examinations of rat liver and kidney tissues were microscopically done. Organoleptic results for fried potato chips indicate that all types of chips obtained from heated oils were categorised good. Histopathological examinations indicate changes in rat tissues of liver and kidney paralleled the biochemical data. In general, the results suggest that paraffin oil alone and in mixtures with sunflower oil have to ban its use in frying processes.
A mechanistic simulation model of seed dispersal by animals
Authors: Will Heidrun , Tackenberg Oliver
Published: August 2008

In order to investigate seed dispersal by animals on a landscape scale, we developed the spatially explicit, individual‐based mechanistic model SEED (Simulation of Epi‐ and Endozoochorous Seed Dispersal). The purpose of the model is to predict patterns and densities of seeds dispersed by animals (especially mammals) within a simulated landscape.

The model was parameterized for sheep, cattle and deer as vectors but may be applied to other animals if data for parameterization is available. The model data base currently includes parameter values for about 100 plant species.

Seed attachment to and seed detachment from the fur, as well as seed excretion after passage through the gut, are explicitly simulated by drawing randomly from distributions that were determined by standardized experiments. Animal movement is simulated as a correlated random walk, but to increase reality of the model, radio‐tracking data of animals can also be used.

A sensitivity analysis of SEED was conducted to identify the relative importance of plant and animal traits. The analysis highlighted where the main gaps in our knowledge of seed dispersal processes lie. Even though in our study endozoochorous dispersal had the higher potential for long‐distance dispersal compared to epizoochory, there is only scarce knowledge about seed production and especially about the proportion of seeds eaten by an animal, parameters which were shown to be of major importance for dispersal.

A comparison of variation in plant and animal traits, respectively, showed that dispersal kernels depend more on changes in the animal vector than on the comparably little variation a particular plant species can exhibit. For this reason, animal movement is, from all the dispersal‐relevant parameters, the one for which more exact data is most urgently needed.

Synthesis. The newly developed simulation model will help to understand, quantify and predict long‐distance seed dispersal by animals. The possibility to incorporate real landscapes and movement data from very different animals makes the model generalizable and possibly applicable to a wide range of scientific and applied questions.
Tumor escape mechanisms: potential role of soluble HLA antigens and NK cells activating ligands
Authors: Campoli M. , Ferrone S.
Published: August 2008

The crucial role played by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigens and natural killer (NK)‐cell‐activating ligands in the interactions of malignant cells with components of the host’s immune system has stimulated interest in the characterization of their expression by malignant cells. Convincing evidence generated by the immunohistochemical staining of surgically removed malignant lesions with monoclonal antibodies recognizing HLA antigens and NK‐cell‐activating ligands indicates that the surface expression of these molecules is frequently altered on malignant cells. These changes appear to have clinical significance because in some types of malignant disease they are associated with the histopathological characteristics of the lesions as well as with disease‐free interval and survival. These associations have been suggested to reflect the effect of HLA antigen and NK‐cell‐activating ligand abnormalities on the interactions of tumor cells with antigen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and with NK cells. Nevertheless, there are examples in which disease progresses in the face of appropriate HLA antigen and/or NK‐cell‐activating ligand as well as tumor antigen expression by malignant cells and of functional antigen‐specific CTL in the investigated patient. In such scenarios, it is likely that the tumor microenvironment is unfavorable for CTL and NK cell activity and contributes to tumor immune escape. Many distinct escape mechanisms have been shown to protect malignant cells from immune recognition and destruction in the tumor microenvironment. In this article, following the description of the structural and functional characteristics of soluble HLA antigens and NK‐cell‐activating ligands, we will review changes in their serum level in malignant disease and discuss their potential role in the escape mechanisms used by tumor cells to avoid recognition and destruction.
Inhibitory NKG2A and activating NKG2D and NKG2C natural killer cell receptor genes: susceptibility for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Park K. S. , Park J. H. , Song Y. W.
Published: August 2008

The inhibitory (NKG2A) and activating (NKG2D and NKG2C) natural killer (NK) cell receptors are expressed on a subset of NK and T cells. They regulate the innate and adaptive immune systems related to cytotoxicity and cytokine production that are involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The role of inhibitory and activating NK cell receptor genes might contribute to chronic inflammation and destruction of bone and cartilage in RA. Therefore, we investigated the association of the NKG2A, NKG2C, and NKG2D genotypes with RA. NKG2A (KLRC1) NKG2C (KLRC2), and NKG2D (KLRK1, D12S249E) genes were genotyped in 210 unrelated patients with RA and 298 controls using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. We further investigated the relationships between the genotypes of each single nucleotide polymorphism and the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibody (ANA), and bony erosions in RA patients. The major NKG2A c.338‐90*A/*A, NKG2C102*Ser/*Ser, and NKG2D72*Ala/*Ala genotypes in RA were significantly associated compared with controls [P = 0.013, odds ratio (OR) = 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.44–0.91; P < 0.0001, OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.44–2.96; and P = 0.019, OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.45–0.93, respectively]. The minor NKG2A c.338‐90*G/*G, NKG2C102*Phe/*Phe, and NKG2D72*Thr/*Thr genotypes showed a risk of RA (P = 0.010, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.17–3.54; P < 0.0001, OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.12–0.48; and P = 0.032, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.05–5.01, respectively) compared with controls. No significance was observed between the inhibitory (NKG2A) or activating (NKG2C and NKG2D) receptor genotypes and the presence of RF, ANA, or bony erosions in RA.
Epitope mapping of mAbs to denatured human testicular ACE (CD143)
Authors: Balyasnikova I. V. , Metzger R. , Franke F. E. , Conrad N. , Towbin H. , Schwartz D. E. , Sturrock E. D. , Danilov S. M.
Published: August 2008

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE; CD143) has two homologous enzymatically active domains (N and C) and plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation and vascular remodeling. A wide spectrum of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to different epitopes on the N and C domains of human ACE have been used to study different aspects of ACE biology. In this study, we characterized a set of nine mAbs, developed against the C domain of human ACE, which recognize the denatured forms of ACE and thus are suitable for the detection and quantification of somatic ACE (sACE) and testicular ACE (tACE) using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry on paraffin‐embedded human tissues. The epitopes for these mAbs were defined using species cross‐reactivity, phage display library screening, Western blotting and ACE mutagenesis. Most of the mAbs recognized common/overlapping region(s) on both somatic and testicular forms of human ACE, whereas mAb 4E10 was relatively specific for the testicular isoform and mAb 5B9 mainly recognized the glycan attached to Asn 731. This set of mAbs is useful for identifying even subtle changes in human ACE conformation because of denaturation. These mAbs are also sensitive tools for the detection of human sACE and tACE in biological fluids and tissues using proteomic approaches. Their high reactivity in paraffin‐embedded tissues provides opportunities to study changes in the pattern of ACE expression and glycosylation (particularly with mAb 5B9) in different tissues and cells.
Mannose‐binding lectin cord blood levels and respiratory symptoms during infancy: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Schlapbach Luregn Jan , Latzin Philipp , Regamey Nicolas , Kuehni Claudia E. , Zwahlen Marcel , Casaulta Carmen , Aebi Christoph , Frey Urs
Published: August 2008

Respiratory infections cause considerable morbidity during infancy. The impact of innate immunity mechanisms, such as mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), on respiratory symptoms remains unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate whether cord blood MBL levels are associated with respiratory symptoms during infancy and to determine the relative contribution of MBL when compared with known risk factors. This is a prospective birth cohort study including 185 healthy term infants. MBL was measured in cord blood and categorized into tertiles. Frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms were assessed weekly until age one. Association with MBL levels was analysed using multivariable random effects Poisson regression. We observed a trend towards an increased incidence rate of severe respiratory symptoms in infants in the low MBL tertile when compared with infants in the middle MBL tertile [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–2.66; p = 0.076]. Surprisingly, infants in the high MBL tertile suffered significantly more from severe and total respiratory symptoms than infants in the middle MBL tertile (IRR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.20–3.25; p = 0.008). This association was pronounced in infants of parents with asthma (IRR = 3.64; 95% CI: 1.47–9.02; p = 0.005). The relative risk associated with high MBL was similar to the risk associated with well‐known risk factors such as maternal smoking or childcare. In conclusion the association between low MBL levels and increased susceptibility to common respiratory infections during infancy was weaker than that previously reported. Instead, high cord blood MBL levels may represent a so far unrecognized risk factor for respiratory morbidity in infants of asthmatic parents.
Self‐Discrimination in Meadow Voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus
Authors: Ferkin Michael H. , Pierce Andrew A. , Franklin Stan
Published: August 2008

Particular features of the signaling characteristics of the scent marks of temperate zone, seasonally breeding mammals may reflect differences in their reproductive state and, hence, be variable. Consequently, an individual’s perception of self may depend more on the condition independent than on the condition‐dependent signaling characteristics of the scent marks. Yet, we do not know whether an individual responds to changes in the signaling characteristics of its own scent marks, such as those associated with changes in an individual’s reproductive state. Such changes may affect how and where an animal scent marks. Here we report on a series of experiments designed to test the hypothesis that individual meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, distinguish between scent marks they deposited when they were in different reproductive states. Results showed that voles discriminated their own scent marks from those of unfamiliar, same‐sex conspecifics, and the scent marks of siblings. Voles did not behave as if they could distinguish between their own scent marks if the marks were deposited when the voles were in the same reproductive state, although the two scent marks used as stimuli differed in age by 30 d. However, they did so distinguish if they were exposed to scent marks taken when they were in different reproductive states. Overall, these findings suggest that voles behave as if their novel and familiar scent marks shared the similar signaling features. If, however, the reproductive condition of the voles differed when it provided the two scent marks, they behaved as if their own scent marks had different signal characteristics, which may have induced voles to treat the two scent marks as not being the same or having been deposited by two different donors. We speculate that the scent marks of individuals may have unique signaling characteristics that may be associated with that individual’s ‘current template for self’.
Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Kirby N. A. , Hester S. L. , Rees C. A. , Kennis R. A. , Zoran D. L. , Bauer J. E.
Published: August 2008

It is generally believed that diets containing increased amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) result in improved canine skin and hair coat (SHC). However, the extent to which dietary fat amount and type play a role remains to be systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of both increased dietary fat amount and type on SHC assessments of dogs. Improvements of SHC conditions were investigated after feeding three diets containing increased total dietary fat (i.e. 13% total fat) for 12 weeks in relation to a lower fat acclimation diet (i.e. 9% total fat). The higher fat diets varied in polyunsaturated and saturated fat types and amounts but total fat was kept constant. Skin and hair coat assessments were performed at selected intervals by a trained group of veterinarians and graduate students. In addition, hair lipids were fractionated by thin layer chromatography after extraction of plucked hair samples. Significant improvements were found in hair coat glossiness and softness in all dogs fed the higher fat diets in relation to the acclimation diet. Improvements as a result of fat type were also seen but only at 12 weeks. A parallel finding was a marked increase in hair cholesteryl ester content determined at the end of the study at which time SHC scores were significantly improved. Skin and hair coat condition improvements may thus be related to increased cholesteryl ester deposited on the hair shaft surface when high fat diets are fed. Whereas this finding is preliminary, hair lipid analysis may be a useful, non‐invasive technique with which to help assess dietary effects on canine SHC.
Intestinal function and gut microflora of broiler chickens as influenced by cereal grains and microbial enzyme supplementation
Authors: Shakouri M. D. , Iji P. A. , Mikkelsen L. L. , Cowieson A. J.
Published: August 2008

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of the key cereal grains and a microbial enzyme supplement on broiler chicken performance, gut microflora and intestinal function. Ingestion of the barley‐based diet was associated with low 28‐day body weight, decreased feed intake and high FCR. The supplemental enzyme increased feed intake and weight gain of the chickens on a wheat‐based diet. The pH of the gizzard and caecal contents varied with the grain type. Enzyme supplementation reduced ileal viscosity, particularly in birds that received the diet based on wheat. The birds on the barley‐based diet had lower ileal digestibility of dry matter, protein and energy than those given maize and sorghum‐based diets. The ileal digestibility of starch was increased by enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementation increased the number of total anaerobic bacteria in the gizzard of birds fed on sorghum and increased lactobacilli in the gizzard of those fed both sorghum and wheat. The birds fed the sorghum‐based diet had the lowest counts of caecal total anaerobic bacteria and lactobacilli. Jejunal villus height and villus:crypt ratio of birds fed the barley‐based diet were the lowest when compared with those fed the other diets. Enzyme application induced an increase in villus height and villus:crypt ratio of birds on wheat, crypt depth on barley and a reduction in crypt depth of chickens on the sorghum‐based diets. The highest activity of maltase and the lowest activity of sucrase were observed in tissue from birds fed on maize and sorghum‐based diets respectively. The differences in the performance of broilers on cereal grains could be explained by changes in intestinal morphology, enzyme activities and gut microflora as well as nutrient digestibility. The improved performance by supplemental enzyme in wheat‐fed chickens was associated with beneficial changes in intestinal morphology and digesta viscosity.
Effects of excessive selenium supplementation to diet contaminated with deoxynivalenol on blood phagocytic activity and antioxidative status of broilers
Authors: Placha I. , Borutova R. , Gresakova L. , Petrovic V. , Faix S. , Leng L.
Published: August 2008

This study examined the effects of excessive dietary supplementation with organic selenium on phagocytic activity and antioxidative status of chickens for fattening fed diet contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON). Sixty chickens of Ross 308 hybrids were at day of hatching divided into four groups with 15 birds in each. The background DON dietary levels in both negative and positive control groups were 0.2 mg/kg. The complete feed for positive control group was supplemented with Se dose 1 mg/kg in the form of Se‐yeast. Group 3 was fed diet with DON level 3 mg/kg while diet for group 4 combined DON level 3 mg/kg with a excessive supplement of Se‐yeast (Se dose 1 mg/kg). After 6 weeks of dietary intake, six randomly‐chosen chickens from each group were sampled. Feeding of contaminated diet resulted in significantly reduced blood phagocytic activity (19.5 ± 1.1% in the negative control vs. 12.8 ± 0.8% in the DON‐treated group, p < 0.05). Se‐yeast supplemented to the DON contaminated diet prevented suppression of phagocytic activity. Dietary intake of DON at levels 3 mg/kg did not influence the plasma α‐tocopherol level while excessive dietary Se dose reduced it in both Se supplemented groups. Neither the birds of DON‐treated group nor the birds from group 4 with DON and Se‐yeast showed any response in plasma γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity. Subtoxic dietary level of DON significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the duodenal mucosa, while additional Se supplementation prevented such a response to mycotoxin. On the other hand, both Se supplemented groups showed significantly elevated GPx activities in blood, liver and kidney, (p < 0.05). The results suggest a potential ability of excessive supplementation of organic selenium to prevent the blood phagocytic activity suppression and changes in GPx activity in duodenal tissue induced in broilers by subtoxic dietary levels of DON.