bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological Detection of Grapevine leafroll virus 2 Using an Antiserum Developed against the Recombinant Coat Protein†
Authors: Ling K.‐S. , Zhu H.‐Y. , Petrovic N. , Gonsalves D.
Published: January 2007

Grapevine leafroll associated virus 2 (GLRaV 2) is one of the important components in the leafroll disease complex. The coat protein gene of GLRaV 2 was cloned into a protein expression vector pMAL‐c2x and the recombinant protein, consisting of the maltose binding protein (MBP) and GLRaV 2 coat protein (CP), was expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant MBP‐CP was used to raise a high quality antiserum. When used in Western blot analysis, the anti‐MBP‐CP antiserum produced specific reaction to the recombinant protein as well as to the viral coat protein of GLRaV 2. In Immunosorbent electron microscopy study, the anti‐MBP‐CP antibodies strongly decorated the GLRaV 2 virions. Using the newly developed antiserum, an indirect plate‐trapped antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method was developed and successfully implemented for virus detection. A field survey was conducted to evaluate the virus infection status by GLRaV 2 and GLRaV 3 using antibodies developed against their respective recombinant coat proteins.
Biochemical Investigations of Sclerotial Exudates of Sclerotium rolfsii and their Antifungal Activity
Authors: Pandey M. K. , Sarma B. K. , Singh D. P. , Singh U. P.
Published: January 2007

Exudates from sclerotia of two Sclerotium rolfsii isolates (one causing collar rot in Cicer arietinum, isolate VC971, and the other leaf spots in Rauvolfia serpentina, isolate VL016) were assayed for their antifungal activity against 26 fungi consisting of plant parasites as well as saprophytes. Spore germination of all the test fungi was affected by the exudates reaching 100% in some cases. Foliar spray with exudates of isolate VL016 significantly reduced disease incidence of balsam (Impatiens balsamina) powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe cichoracearum and pea (Pisum sativum) powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi, under field conditions. Characterization of exudates from 25 isolates of S. rolfsii revealed pH ranging from 3.8 to 5.3 and colour from light yellow to deep yellow. Among the phenolic acids found in the exudates were tannic, gallic, caffeic, vanillic, ferulic, chlorogenic and cinnamic acids. Oxalic acid was also found in varied amounts. Among the phenolic acids, ferulic acid was found to be present at high concentration in exudates of most isolates (3.9–153.4 μg/ml). The antioxidant properties of phenolics, which generally inhibit fungal morphogenesis including spore germination along with the antifungal nature of some phenolics are chiefly attributed to the inhibitory effect of sclerotial exudates of S. rolfsii. Additionally, both the isolates VC971 and VL016 showed almost similar antifungal activities despite they are of different origin and thereby demonstrate the antifungal nature of sclerotial exudates.
Interaction between Rhynchosporium secalis and Pyrenophora teres in the Field and Identification of Genotypes with Double Resistance in a Doubled‐haploid Barley Population
Authors: Cherif M. , Rezgui S. , Devaux P. , Harrabi M.
Published: January 2007

Net blotch [Pyrenophora teres (Died.) Drechsl.] and scald [Rhynchosporium secalis (Oudem.) J.J. Davis] are the two most important foliar diseases of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Tunisia. The use of cultivars with double resistance is the most effective method in controlling both diseases. A doubled‐haploid barley population derived from Tunisian cultivars was evaluated to both net blotch and scald during two growing seasons in the field. Mass disease index (MDI), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and apparent infection type (r) were used to assess disease reaction. MDI of net blotch and scald reached up to 65% and 90% respectively. Least significant difference (LSD) test and comparison of the reaction of the doubled haploid (DH) lines to the overall population mean value were efficient in identifying lines with double resistance to both diseases. From the 59 DH lines screened, lines 21, 33, 37, 46 and 47 showed the best level of adult plant resistance to both diseases and may be used in a breeding program for diseases resistance. Interactions between R. secalis and P. teres were investigated at the level of the whole plant under variable epidemic conditions. Under low epidemic conditions, net blotch and scald developments were usually independent, but positively associated for tolerant lines for both diseases. Under high epidemic conditions, competition effects were obtained for susceptible and resistant genotypes. This competition seems to be an exploitation competition that is associated with decreasing resource availability as it occurs only with high levels of infestation or/and when susceptible lines are infected. This study demonstrates the variability of net blotch and scald interaction with epiphytotic conditions and group of resistance.
The Effects of Inorganic Elements on the Reduction of Phytophthora Stem Rot Disease of Soybean, the Growth Rate and Zoospore Release of Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Sugimoto T. , Watanabe K. , Yoshida S. , Aino M. , Matsuyama M. , Maekawa K. , Irie K.
Published: January 2007

The effects of several inorganic elements contained in B5 medium on Phytophthora stem rot disease reduction of Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Chusei‐Hikarikuro, fungal growth of Phytophthora sojae isolate and zoospore release were investigated. Application of B5 solution and macro inorganic nutrients in the B5 medium prior to inoculation significantly inhibited infection, compared with controls. Various concentrations of KNO3, (NH4)2SO4, MgSO4, CaCl2 and NaH2PO4 in the presence of macro inorganic nutrients were investigated in an effort to determine the elements most effective in suppressing the incidence of disease. A concentration of 2.47–24.7 mm KNO3 and 0.1–10.2 mm CaCl2 greatly inhibited infection. Although mycelium growth of the isolate was affected by the potassium and calcium concentration, no significant relationship was observed between inhibition of the growth rate and disease reduction at 2.47 mm KNO3 and 0.1–5.1 mm CaCl2 application. Disease suppression recorded in laboratory experiments using pathogen mycelium was due to the response of plant tissues rather than a direct inhibition of pathogen fungal growth by the application of potassium or calcium. The extent of disease reduction was related to an increased potassium and calcium uptake by plants, suggesting that the effective elements in reducing Phytophthora stem rot were potassium and calcium. The presence of 2.47–247 mm KNO3 and 5.1–10.2 mm CaCl2 decreased the release of zoospores, although 0.1–2.5 mm CaCl2 significantly induced zoospore release. These results suggest that applying a solution containing more than 2.47 mm of potassium and 5.1 mm of calcium can decrease the incidence of disease in agricultural fields by the inhibition of zoospore release.
First Report of Hop stunt viroid and Citrus exocortis viroid on Fig with Symptoms of Fig Mosaic Disease
Authors: Yakoubi S. , Elleuch A. , Besaies N. , Marrakchi M. , Fakhfakh H.
Published: January 2007

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used for the detection of Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) and Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) in nucleic acid extracts of infected fig leaf tissues. RT‐PCR results were confirmed by cDNA sequencing. This is the first report of CEVd and HSVd infecting fig in Tunisia. Alignments and phylogenetic analysis classify the HSVd Tunisian isolates in the plum‐type group. CEVd Tunisian isolates are very closely related to the CEVd tomato hybrid callus isolate and to CEVd Gynura isolate from the USA.
Imaging of renal and prostate carcinoma with refractive index radiology
Authors: Yoon Cheol Yong , Sung Duck Je , Lee Ju Han , Kim Ae Ri , Oh Chil Whan , Je Jung Ho , Weon Byung Mook , Seol Seung Kwon , Pyun Aram , Hwu Yeukuang , Margaritondo Giorgio , Joo Kwan Joong , Yoon Duck Ki
Published: January 2007

Aim:  Having better edge enhancement and penetrating power, refractive index radiology is suitable for the imaging of weakly absorbing objects such as tissue specimens. In this study the potential of refractive index radiology was evaluated for the imaging of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and prostate cancer (PCA).

Methods:  Specimens were cut in 3 mm and 4 µm thickness for X‐ray radiology and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, respectively. Radiographic images of RCC and PCA were obtained using the synchrotron hard X‐rays from the 7B2 beam‐line of the Pohang Light Source (PLS). The imaging technique applied was phase‐contrast radiology based on the refraction enhancement mechanism. The resulting radiographic images were analyzed in correlation with those of optical microscopy.

Results:  Using unmonochromatized hard X‐rays, it was possible to obtain images with clear edge enhancement and relatively large field of view (6 cm × 6 cm). Even with overlapping signals from thick samples (more than 700‐fold thicker than microscopic images), radiographic images clearly showed histological information of organelles in normal kidney such as glomeruli, tubules, and collecting ducts. Histological information of RCC including tumor subtypes and minute changes such as cystic degeneration could be identified without difficulty. The radiographic images of the prostate were comparable with those of low magnification optical microscopy, providing good visualization of normal microstructures such as adenoma, smooth muscle, and normal glands, or differentiation of tiny tumors from surrounding normal tissues.

Conclusions:  These results suggest the potential of refractive index radiology to provide a new way of imaging biological tissues with low absorption contrast such as RCC and PCA.
Clinical efficacy of alternative antiandrogen therapy in Japanese men with relapsed prostate cancer after first‐line hormonal therapy
Authors: Okihara Koji , Ukimura Osamu , Kanemitsu Noriyuki , Mizutani Yoichi , Kawauchi Akihiro , Miki Tsuneharu ,   Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Prostate Cancer Research Group
Published: January 2007

Background:  To confirm the effectiveness of alternative antiandrogen therapy (AAT) in Japanese patients with prostate cancer relapse after first‐line hormonal therapy.

Methods:  A total of 80 patients who had successive serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression after first‐line hormonal therapy (luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone agonist alone: 21 cases; combined antiandrogen blockade therapy: 59 cases) were enrolled. We evaluated the positive ratio of antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome (AWS), the PSA responses with second‐ and third‐line AAT, and cause‐specific survival in terms of the effectiveness of AAT.

Results:  The overall positive AWS ratio after first‐line therapy was 33%, while that after second‐line therapy was 7%. There was no correlation between the first‐line PSA response and the positive AWS. Of the 10 positive and the 20 negative AWS cases, secondary antiandrogen administration was effective in 50% and 60% of cases, respectively. The positive PSA responders at second‐ and third‐line therapy were 51% and 13%, respectively. For second‐line therapy, the effective rates from steroidal to non‐steroidal, from non‐steroidal to non‐steroidal antiandrogen, and from non‐steroidal to steroidal were 83%, 43%, and 14%, respectively. The cause‐specific survival of the second‐line responders was significantly better than that of the non‐responders.

Conclusion:  There was a substantial number of patients who found second‐line AAT to be modestly effective. Flutamide was effective as an alternative antiandrogen for the patients' relapse treatment with bicalutamide in Japanese men.
Childhood body mass index and perioperative complications
Authors: NAFIU OLUBUKOLA O. , REYNOLDS PAUL I. , BAMGBADE OLUMUYIWA A. , TREMPER KEVIN K. , WELCH KATHY , KASA‐VUBU JOSEPHINE Z.
Published: January 2007

Background:  Our aim was to describe the incidence of quality assurance events between overweight/obese and normal weight children.

Methods:  This is a retrospective review of the quality assurance database of the Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan for the period January 2000 to December 2004. Using directly measured height and weight, we computed the body mass index (BMI) in 6094 children. Overweight and obesity were defined using age and gender‐specific cut off according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2000) growth charts. Frequency of quality assurance events were compared between normal weight, overweight, and obese children.

Results:  There were 3359 males (55.1%) and 2735 females (44.9%). The mean age for the entire population was 11.9 ± 5.2 while the mean BMI was 21.6 ± 6.7 kg·m−2. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 31.6%. Obesity was more prevalent in boys than girls (P = 0.016). Preoperative diagnoses of hypertension, type II diabetes, and bronchial asthma were more common in overweight and obese than normal weight children (P = 0.0001 for hypertension, P = 0.001 for diabetes and P = 0.014 for bronchial asthma). Difficult airway, upper airway obstruction in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and PACU stay longer than 3 h and need for two or more antiemetics were more common in overweight and obese than normal weight children (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of unplanned hospital admission following an outpatient surgical procedure between normal weight and overweight/obese children.

Discussion:  Studies on perioperative aspects of childhood overweight and obesity are rare. Our report shows a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this cohort of pediatric surgical patients. Certain perioperative morbidities are more common in overweight and obese than in normal weight children. There is a need for prospective studies of the impact of childhood overweight and obesity on anesthesia and surgical outcome.
Dexmedetomidine as a total intravenous anesthetic in infants
Authors: SHUKRY MOHANAD , KENNEDY KI
Published: January 2007

In this case report, we describe the use of dexmedetomidine as the sole anesthetic for four infants requiring general anesthesia for direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy with spontaneous ventilation. Surgical conditions were adequate and the hemodynamic and respiratory profiles of this technique are described.
Cardiac rhythm and left ventricular function of infants at 1 MAC sevoflurane and halothane
Authors: SAUDAN SONJA , BEGHETTI MAURICE , SPAHR‐SCHOPFER ISABELLE , MAMIE CHANTAL , HABRE WALID
Published: January 2007

Background:  The implementation of sevoflurane in pediatric anesthesia practice led to a decrease in the incidence of cardiac arrest previously reported with halothane. Nevertheless, the effects of sevoflurane on cardiac rhythm and function have not been systematically investigated in infants. Thus, we compared cardiac rhythm and left ventricular function at 1 MAC sevoflurane and halothane anesthesia and investigated the potential benefit effect of atropine.

Methods:  Twenty infants ASA physical status I or II were randomly assigned to have anesthesia induced with either sevoflurane (up to 5%) or halothane (up to 1.5%). After insertion of an i.v. line, anesthesia was maintained at 1 MAC sevoflurane (group S) or 1 MAC halothane (group H) with infants breathing spontaneously in 100% oxygen. Cardiac output and contractility were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Three sets of hemodynamic parameters were averaged prior to and after administration of 20 μg·kg−1 of i.v. atropine.

Results:  Infants breathing spontaneously 1 MAC halothane or 1 MAC sevoflurane were found to have comparable hemodynamic parameters. After atropine administration, heart rate and cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in both groups (19.6 ± 7.6% in group H and 21.3 ± 13.1% in group S, 18.6 ± 8.8% in group H and 17.7 ± 12% in group S respectively). Moreover, atropine induced an increase in left ventricular shortening fraction with no difference between groups. In contrast, only infants in group S presented a significant increase in ejection fraction.

Conclusions:  Indices of left ventricular function were comparable between groups with no clinically significant change following atropine administration. The present study confirms the favorable hemodynamic profile of sevoflurane in infants breathing spontaneously at 1 MAC concentration.
Should ileal pouch–anal anastomosis include mucosectomy?
Authors: Chambers W. M. , McC. Mortensen N. J.
Published: January 2007

Objective  Debate exists as to the benefits of performing mucosectomy as part of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Whilst mucosectomy results in a more complete removal of diseased mucosa, this benefit may be at the price of poorer function. We examined these issues.

Method  Using Medline, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane database searches papers were identified relating to the outcome following pouch surgery with and without mucosectomy. Potential reasons for functional problems were investigated, as were rates of ‘cuffitis’, dysplasia, polyposis and cancer in the ileal pouch and anal canal.

Results  The available evidence suggests that performing a mucosectomy leads to a worse functional outcome. Meta‐analysis suggested that nighttime seepage of stool and resting and squeeze pressure were worse after mucosectomy. The most likely reason for functional impairment following pouch surgery was the degree of anal manipulation. Mucosectomy does seem to confer benefit in terms of disease control but this benefit does not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion  Stapled anastomosis avoiding mucosectomy is the approach of choice for ileal pouch anal anastomosis because this leads to superior functional outcome. Performing mucosectomy results in some clinical benefits in terms of lower rates of inflammation and dysplasia in the retained mucosa in UC patients and lower rates of cuff polyposis in FAP patients. However, on the basis of available evidence mucosectomy is only indicated in those cases where the patient is at a high risk of disease in the retained rectal cuff.
Young adults with severe congenital hypothyroidism: Cognitive event related potentials (ERPs) and the significance of an early start of thyroxine treatment
Authors: OERBECK BEATE , REINVANG IVAR , SUNDET KJETIL , HEYERDAHL SONJA
Published: January 2007

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has devastating effects upon brain development if left untreated. Despite early start of thyroxine treatment, patients still show subtle cognitive deficits compared to controls. We aimed to study auditory event related potentials (ERPs) in young CH adults (N = 12) to verify previous reports of normal attention functions measured by P3 in CH children. We also include ERP components (P1, N1, P2) allowing assessment of a wider range of auditory processing functions. No significant change in P3 latency or amplitude was found in the CH group, but a more subtle change in amplitude topography. A later start of thyroxine treatment was related to increased P3 latency and reduced amplitude. Group differences were found in early ERP components tapping sensory processing, sensory gating and selective attention. The results suggest persisting abnormalities in auditory processing and selective attention that may have influenced cognitive development.
Modelling Concurrency of Events in On-Line Auctions via Spatiotemporal Semiparametric Models
Authors: Jank Wolfgang , Shmueli Galit
Published: January 2007

We introduce a semiparametric approach for modelling the effect of concurrent events on an outcome of interest. Concurrency manifests itself as temporal and spatial dependences. By temporal dependence we mean the effect of an event in the past. Modelling this effect is challenging since events arrive at irregularly spaced time intervals. For the spatial part we use an abstract notion of ‘feature space’ to conceptualize distances among a set of item features. We motivate our model in the context of on-line auctions by modelling the effect of concurrent auctions on an auction's price. Our concurrency model consists of three components: a transaction-related component that accounts for auction design and bidding competition, a spatial component that takes into account similarity between item features and a temporal component that accounts for recently closed auctions. To construct each of these we borrow ideas from spatial and mixed model methodology. The power of this model is illustrated on a large and diverse set of laptop auctions on eBay.com. We show that our model results in superior predictive performance compared with a set of competitor models. The model also allows for new insight into the factors that drive price in on-line auctions and their relationship to bidding competition, auction design, product variety and temporal learning effects.
Using a Mixture Model for Multiple Imputation in the Presence of Outliers: The ‘Healthy for Life’ Project
Authors: Elliott Michael R. , Stettler Nicolas
Published: January 2007

We consider the problem of obtaining population-based inference in the presence of missing data and outliers in the context of estimating the prevalence of obesity and body mass index measures from the ‘Healthy for life’ study. Identifying multiple outliers in a multivariate setting is problematic because of problems such as masking, in which groups of outliers inflate the covariance matrix in a fashion that prevents their identification when included, and swamping, in which outliers skew covariances in a fashion that makes non-outlying observations appear to be outliers. We develop a latent class model that assumes that each observation belongs to one of K unobserved latent classes, with each latent class having a distinct covariance matrix. We consider the latent class covariance matrix with the largest determinant to form an ‘outlier class’. By separating the covariance matrix for the outliers from the covariance matrices for the remainder of the data, we avoid the problems of masking and swamping. As did Ghosh-Dastidar and Schafer, we use a multiple-imputation approach, which allows us simultaneously to conduct inference after removing cases that appear to be outliers and to promulgate uncertainty in the outlier status through the model inference. We extend the work of Ghosh-Dastidar and Schafer by embedding the outlier class in a larger mixture model, consider penalized likelihood and posterior predictive distributions to assess model choice and model fit, and develop the model in a fashion to account for the complex sample design. We also consider the repeated sampling properties of the multiple imputation removal of outliers.
Systematic review of effects of low–moderate prenatal alcohol exposure on pregnancy outcome
Authors: Henderson J , Gray R , Brocklehurst P
Published: January 2007

Objective  The aim of this study was to review systematically the available evidence on studies in humans on the effects of low–moderate levels of prenatal alcohol consumption (up to 10.4 UK units or 83 g/week) compared with consumption of no alcohol on pregnancy outcome.

Design  Systematic review.

Population  Pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant.

Methods  The search strategy included Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PsychInfo for the years 1970–2005. Titles and abstracts were read by two researchers and inclusion/exclusion being decided according to prespecified criteria. All the included articles were then obtained and read in full by the two researchers to decide on inclusion. The articles were assessed for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scales.

Main outcome measures  Outcomes considered were miscarriage, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, birthweight, small for gestational age at birth and birth defects including fetal alcohol syndrome.

Results  The search resulted in 3630 titles and abstracts, which were narrowed down to 46 relevant articles. At low–moderate levels of consumption, there were no consistently significant effects of alcohol on any of the outcomes considered. Many of the reported studies had methodological weaknesses.

Conclusions  This systematic review found no convincing evidence of adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure at low–moderate levels of exposure. However, weaknesses in the evidence preclude the conclusion that drinking at these levels during pregnancy is safe.
Inhibition of mRNA translation extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pan Kally Z. , Palter Julia E. , Rogers Aric N. , Olsen Anders , Chen Di , Lithgow Gordon J. , Kapahi Pankaj
Published: January 2007

Protein synthesis is a regulated cellular process that links nutrients in the environment to organismal growth and development. Here we examine the role of genes that regulate mRNA translation in determining growth, reproduction, stress resistance and lifespan. Translational control of protein synthesis by regulators such as the cap‐binding complex and S6 kinase play an important role during growth. We observe that inhibition of various genes in the translation initiation complex including ifg‐1, the worm homologue of eIF4G, which is a scaffold protein in the cap‐binding complex; and rsks‐1, the worm homologue of S6 kinase, results in lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. Inhibition of ifg‐1 or rsks‐1 also slows development, reduces fecundity and increases resistance to starvation. A reduction in ifg‐1 expression in dauers was also observed, suggesting an inhibition of protein translation during the dauer state. Thus, mRNA translation exerts pleiotropic effects on growth, reproduction, stress resistance and lifespan in C. elegans.
The City of the Future revisited or, the lost world of Patrick Keiller
Authors: Clarke David B
Published: January 2007

Focusing on Patrick Keiller's 2005 feature‐length film, The City of the Future, this paper revisits the cinematic city. Keiller's film consists entirely of found footage, using intertitles to fashion a unified narrative from separate early actuality films. It involves a fictive journey around Britain, undertaken by an unseen narrator whom, we learn, has travelled back in time to avert an unspecified crisis. Deleterious consequences await Britain's future cities should his mission prove unsuccessful. This narrative device prompts the understanding that the projected crisis has now arrived. Yet by reproducing certain Romantic traits, Keiller risks reinforcing what he seeks to undermine.
China's Open Underground; Taiwan's Aperture
Authors: GARDELS NATHAN
Published: January 2007

Never before in history have China and Japan been great powers at the same time. Today they must figure out how to live together as equals. The promise of mutual prosperity ties them together; the remembrance of bad things past pushes them apart.

If that wary dance were not complicated enough, a nuclear provocateur from neighboring North Korea intrudes. A legendary figure of Japan's post‐war miracle, Tsuneo Watanabe, weighs in on these big questions. Hans Blix, a former UN arms inspector and the former South Korean prime minister and Nobel laureate, Kim Dae Jung, address the North Korean conundrum.
Prada Islam
Authors: ALI AYAAN HIRSI
Published: January 2007

If ever proof were needed of Samuel Huntington's idea that “relations between societies in the coming decades are most likely to reflect their cultural commitments” it can be found in Ayaan Hirsi Ali's experience as a woman standing up against traditional Islamic culture while living in Europe.

In this section, both Samuel Huntington and Ayaan Hirsi Ali discuss the continuing clash of cultures in what Hirsi Ali calls our “age of confrontation.”
The Clash of Civilizations Revisited
Authors: HUNTINGTON SAMUEL P.
Published: January 2007

If ever proof were needed of Samuel Huntington's idea that “relations between societies in the coming decades are most likely to reflect their cultural commitments” it can be found in Ayaan Hirsi Ali's experience as a woman standing up against traditional Islamic culture while living in Europe.

In this section, both Samuel Huntington and Ayaan Hirsi Ali discuss the continuing clash of cultures in what Hirsi Ali calls our “age of confrontation.”
An Asian community's perspective on facial profile attractiveness
Authors: Soh Jen , Chew Ming Tak , Wong Hwee Bee
Published: January 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To assess the facial profile preferences of laypersons in an Asian community and the influence of age, ethnic and gender on profile selection.

Methods:  A sample of 149 laypersons (65.1% Chinese, 21.5% Malays and 13.4% Indians), comprising of 112 females (75.2%) participated in the study. The mean age was 24.6 years (SD 4.4). A facial profile photograph and a lateral cephalometric radiograph of a Chinese male and female adult with a normal profile and a class I incisor and skeletal relationship were digitized to create a baseline template. Computerized digital photographic image modification was carried out on the template to obtain seven facial profiles [bimaxillary protrusion, protrusive mandible, retrusive mandible, normal profile (incisor and skeletal class I pattern), retrusive maxilla, protrusive maxilla and bimaxillary retrusion] for each gender. The laypersons were asked to rank the profiles of each gender on a scale of 1 (very attractive) to 7 (least attractive).

Results:  Orthognathic Chinese male and female profiles were perceived to be the most attractive. A male orthognathic profile with normative Chinese cephalometric values was perceived to be more attractive than a ‘flatter’ bimaxillary retrusive profile. Bimaxillary retrusion and normal Chinese female profiles were perceived to be the most attractive. A male or female profile with a protrusive mandible was judged to be the least attractive. Age, gender and ethnicity were nonsignificant predictors for the most attractive female profile.

Conclusions:  Orthognathic Chinese male and female profiles were judged to be the most attractive by Asian adult laypersons. Male and female profiles with mandibular protrusion were judged to be the least attractive.
Provision of mouth‐care in long‐term care facilities: an educational trial
Authors: MacEntee M. I. , Wyatt C. C. L. , Beattie B. L. , Paterson B. , Levy‐Milne R. , McCandless L. , Kazanjian A.
Published: January 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a pyramid‐based education for improving the oral health of elders in long‐term care (LTC) facilities.

Methods:  Fourteen facilities matched for size were assigned randomly to an active or control group. At baseline in each facility, care‐aides in the active group participated with a full‐time nurse educator in a seminar about oral health care, and had unlimited access to the educator for oral health‐related advice throughout the 3‐month trial. Care‐aides in the control group participated in a similar seminar with a dental hygienist but they received no additional advice. The residents in the facilities at baseline and after 3 months were examined clinically to measure their oral hygiene, gingival health, masticatory potential, Body Mass Index and Malnutrition Indicator Score, and asked to report on chewing difficulties.

Results:  Clinical measures after 3 months were not significantly different from baseline in either group, indicating that education neither influenced the oral health nor the dental hygiene of the residents.

Conclusions:  A pyramid‐based educational scheme with nurses and care‐aides did not improve the oral health of frail elders in this urban sample of LTC facilities.
Does oral health affect self perceptions, parental ratings and video‐based assessments of children's smiles?
Authors: Patel Ruchir R. , Tootla Ruwaida , Inglehart Marita R.
Published: January 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To explore whether there is a relationship between children's objectively determined oral health status and their oral health‐related quality of life, specifically the evaluations of their smiles as assessed by the children, their parents, and through measurements of the children's videotaped smiles.

Methods:  Chart review data were collected from 99 children (56 boys, 43 girls; average age: 7.06 years; range: 4–12 years) to determine their oral health status. The children responded to the Michigan Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life Scale – Child Version (MOHRQOL‐C), and the parents responded to the Michigan Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life Scale – Parent Version (MOHRQOL‐P) to assess the smiling‐related aspect of the children's oral health‐related quality of life. Parents also responded to questions concerning their own evaluations of their child's smile. The children were videotaped while they watched a funny cartoon. Two independent raters measured the width and openness of the children's mouth plus the number of teeth shown at 25 predetermined time points during these taped sessions to assess the children's video‐based smiling patterns.

Results:  The children's self evaluated smile scores correlated with the video‐based ratings of the children's smiles, and with the number of positive adjectives parents chose to describe their children's smiles. There were significant relationships between several indicators of oral health status and all smile assessment scores. Children without caries evaluated their own smiles more positively, showed more teeth when smiling, and received more positive parent evaluations for their smiles than children with decay.

Conclusion:  Poor oral health is significantly related to children's smiling patterns and the way others perceived their smiles. Poor oral health may prevent children from expressing positive emotions, which can impact their social interactions and the way they feel about themselves.
The human pyridoxal kinase, a plausible target for ginkgotoxin from Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Kästner Uta , Hallmen Christian , Wiese Michael , Leistner Eckhard , Drewke Christel
Published: January 2007

Ginkgotoxin (4′‐O‐methylpyridoxine) occurring in the seeds and leaves of Ginkgo biloba, is an antivitamin structurally related to vitamin B6. Ingestion of ginkgotoxin triggers epileptic convulsions and other neuronal symptoms. Here we report on studies on the impact of B6 antivitamins including ginkgotoxin on recombinant homogeneous human pyridoxal kinase (EC 2.7.1.35). It is shown that ginkgotoxin serves as an alternate substrate for this enzyme with a lower Km value than pyridoxal, pyridoxamine or pyridoxine. Thus, the presence of ginkgotoxin leads to temporarily reduced pyridoxal phosphate formation in vitro and possibly also in vivo. Our observations are discussed in light of Ginkgo medications used as nootropics.
Information content in the halo-model dark-matter power spectrum — II. Multiple cosmological parameters
Authors: Neyrinck Mark C. , Szapudi István
Published: January 2007

We investigate the cosmological Fisher information in the non-linear dark matter power spectrum in the context of the halo model. We find that there is a plateau in information content on translinear scales which is generic to all cosmological parameters we tried. There is a rise in information on smaller scales, but we find that it is quite degenerate among different cosmological parameters (except, perhaps, the tilt). This suggests that it could be difficult to constrain cosmological parameters using the non-linear regime of the dark-matter power spectrum. We suggest ways to get around this problem, such as removing the largest haloes from consideration in survey analysis.
SENSORY EVALUATION METHODS FOR TACTILE PROPERTIES OF FABRICS
Authors: SÜLAR VİLDAN , OKUR AYŞE
Published: January 2007

Sensory evaluation of tactile properties of fabrics is a subject many researchers have studied for years and which still has importance and is also open to improvements. Particularly for suitings, the sensory evaluation of fabric handle or of other tactile properties has a greater importance. This article explains sensory evaluation techniques for stiffness, thickness and smoothness, which are the components of fabric handle of suitings. These sensory techniques are introduced by the authors and studied in 100% worsted wool suitings. The concordances of sensory test results are investigated by Kendall's concordance test, and correlation analyses are carried out to examine the relations between sensory results.
EFFECT OF PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE ON PROFILING PERFORMANCE COMPARING VARIOUS SENSORY LABORATORIES
Authors: BITNES JANNA , RØDBOTTEN MARIT , LEA PER , UELAND ØYDIS , MARTENS MAGNI
Published: January 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the best organization/training of sensory panels performing different types of work. Five sensory panels having different types of product knowledge were compared with respect to their profiling performance. Four of the panels were internal panels from various food companies and one was an external panel from a research institute. The panels were categorized in three groups according to their product knowledge: specific product knowledge (SK), unspecific product knowledge (UK) and general product knowledge (GK). Particularly, SK from quality control testing was pointed out to be more beneficial for the ability to discriminate between samples than UK or GK from descriptive analysis of a large variety of products. These findings contribute to the explanation that sensory learning evolves from verbal learning and focus of attention rather than perceptual learning. It is most beneficial for food companies with a limited range of products to have panelists that are specifically trained for certain characteristics, rather than have judges that can easily adapt to unfamiliar products and characteristics.
CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF VEGETABLE SOUPS
Authors: DI MONACO ROSSELLA , CAVELLA SILVANA , TORRIERI ELENA , MASI PAOLO
Published: January 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate whether product label information “produced with organic ingredients” and “stabilization technology” affects consumer acceptability of vegetable soups. Three focus group interviews were preliminarily conducted in order to gain information about the appropriate terminology to use in the next consumer test. In all, 109 subjects were recruited by means of a background questionnaire. They were then divided into three groups according to age, gender and soup preference. Each group evaluated three different types of soup in two phases, first blind and then with information. At the end of the second phase, the participants filled in a conjoint analysis questionnaire. The results demonstrated that if consumers were informed that soup is prepared with organic ingredients, they would improve their acceptability scores, whatever the soup type. Stabilization technology information had no effect. Conjoint results revealed that consumers appreciate soups made with organic legumes and cereals and without seasoning. However, differences among subgroups were found.
EFFECT OF MEAT APPEARANCE ON SOUTH KOREAN CONSUMERS' CHOICE OF PORK CHOPS DETERMINED BY IMAGE METHODOLOGY
Authors: CHO SOOHYUN , PARK BEOMYOUNG , NGAPO TANIA , KIM JINHYOUNG , DRANSFIELD ERIC , HWANG INHO , LEE JONGMOON
Published: January 2007

The effect of appearance characteristics of fresh pork on Korean consumers' preferences was assessed using images of pork chops. Consumers (1015) in six provinces selected their preferred chop from 16 images modified systematically to give two levels each of fat cover, color, marbling and drip. Meat color was the most important characteristic; similar numbers of consumers chose the dark and light red meat colored pork. Almost two‐thirds of the consumers chose consistently the option without drip. A strong characteristic was that almost half of the Korean consumers chose the marbled pork, although fat cover was not an important selection criterion. Similar preferences were observed on a regional basis, except for color, which varied according to region. More female, particularly the married ones, than male consumers preferred the light red, no drip and marbled options.
Role of cholinergic‐activated KCa1.1 (BK), KCa3.1 (SK4) and KV7.1 (KCNQ1) channels in mouse colonic Cl− secretion
Authors: Matos J. E. , Sausbier M. , Beranek G. , Sausbier U. , Ruth P. , Leipziger J.
Published: January 2007

Aim:  Colonic crypts are the site of Cl− secretion. Basolateral K+ channels provide the driving force for luminal cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator‐mediated Cl− exit. Relevant colonic epithelial K+ channels are the intermediate conductance Ca2+‐activated KCa3.1 (SK4) channel and the cAMP‐activated KV7.1 (KCNQ1) channel. In addition, big conductance Ca2+‐activated KCa1.1 (BK) channels may play a role in Ca2+‐activated Cl− secretion. Here we use KCa1.1 and KCa3.1 knock‐out mice, and the KV7.1 channel inhibitor 293B (10 μm) to investigate the role of KCa1.1, KCa3.1 and KV7.1 channels in cholinergic‐stimulated Cl− secretion.

Methods:  A Ussing chamber was used to quantify agonist‐stimulated increases in short circuit current (Isc) in distal colon. Chloride secretion was activated by bl. forskolin (FSK, 2 μm) followed by bl. carbachol (CCH, 100 μm). Luminal Ba2+ (5 mm) was used to inhibit KCa1.1 channels.

Results:  KCa1.1 WT and KO mice displayed identical FSK and CCH‐stimulated Isc changes, indicating that KCa1.1 channels are not involved in FSK‐ and cholinergic‐stimulated Cl− secretion. CCH‐stimulated ΔIsc was significantly reduced in KCa3.1 KO mice, underscoring the known relevance of this channel in the activation of Cl− secretion by an intracellular Ca2+ increasing agonist. The residual CCH effect observed in KCa3.1 KO mice suggests that yet another K+ channel is driving the CCH‐stimulated Cl− secretion. In the presence of the specific KV7.1 channel blocker 293B, the residual CCH effect was abolished.

Conclusions:  This demonstrates that both KCa3.1 and KV7.1 channels are activated by cholinergic agonists and drive Cl− secretion. In contrast, KCa1.1 channels are not involved in stimulated electrogenic Cl− secretion.
Evidence of pulmonary oedema triggered by exercise in healthy humans and detected with various imaging techniques
Authors: Zavorsky G. S.
Published: January 2007

This review summarizes current literature on pulmonary oedema triggered by above‐ground exercise in healthy humans from studies that use various imaging techniques to detect oedema. Eleven studies were identified, comprising of 137 subjects (mean age = 28 years). Eighty per cent (n = 110) were males, and 20% (n = 27) were female. The studies were grouped into three different categories according to the severity of the exercise protocol, which were either prolonged, submaximal exercise of 15‐min to 2 h in duration at approx. 50–75%V̇O2max and not to exhaustion (PROLONGED, n = 44), a V̇O2max test lasting 16–20 min in which the intensity of exercise was only maximum for about 2 min at the end of the test (GXT, n = 15), and maximum or near maximum effort exercise protocols at or near volitional exhaustion where the goal was to finish in the fastest possible time or maintain the highest possible workload (MAX EFFORT, n = 78). Only 16% of the subjects showed signs of oedema from PROLONGED exercise and no subjects (0%) showed signs of oedema from GXT exercise. Surprisingly, approx. 65% of the subjects showed signs of oedema triggered by MAX EFFORT exercise (χ2 test of association; P  0.01), which was independent of both sex, the level of hypoxia (inspired PO2 = 106–118 mmHg vs. 149 mmHg), the timing of the post‐exercise imaging (<10, >30 but <60 min, or >60 min) and V̇O2max (approx. 3.0 vs. approx. 4.8 L min−1). The data suggests that the chances of triggering pulmonary oedema from exhaustive MAX EFFORT exercise is 4× more compared with PROLONGED exercise. As well, the likelihood of triggering pulmonary oedema may be independent of lung size, sex, moderate levels of hypoxia, and aerobic fitness.
New challenges facing traditional nature reserves: Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) conservation in China
Authors: ZHANG Li , MA Lichao , FENG Limin
Published: January 2007

Traditional conservation strategies can effectively preserve biodiversity within nature reserves, but may fail to mitigate the conflicts between rural development and wildlife conservation. This paper discusses the magnitude of the conflict and its development over time, focusing on elephant conservation and land resource management within and around nature reserves. We suggest that regulations alone can satisfy neither the demands to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services nor the demands to achieve human welfare. More innovative tools such as informed land‐use planning and integrated conservation development projects are called for to reduce the agricultural interface with elephant range, and therefore to alleviate the damage caused by the conflict.
Corridor connecting giant panda habitats from north to south in the Min Mountains, Sichuan, China
Authors: YIN Kaipu , XIE Yan , WU Ning
Published: January 2007

The giant panda faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation and isolation. Currently, giant panda populations have been fragmented into 30 habitat patches. The disappearance of isolated small populations and studies on the genetic diversity of various populations have shown that small isolated panda populations are at a high risk of dying out completely. Habitat fragmentation has seriously impaired the ability of the giant panda to resist climate changes and other natural disasters, such as large‐scale, synchronous bamboo blooming. The Min Mountains have the largest population of pandas in China, numbering 581 individuals and accounting for 52% of the total (1114) in China. Geographic isolation means that giant pandas in the Min Mountains are divided into two populations (population A in the north and population B in the south). Population B, which had only 42 individuals in 1989, is severely threatened by high‐density human populations and the loss of genetic diversity. However, we have identified an important corridor connecting the two populations. This paper explains the importance and the feasibility of reestablishing this corridor. Due to the special geographic locations of these two populations (two rivers block the migration of giant pandas between south and north), the corridor is the only passage for giant pandas in the region. Recent studies have also shown an increase of giant panda activity in the area of the corridor. However, vegetation in the corridor has been severely degraded. Bamboo forest must be restored in this area to provide food for the pandas during migration. The effects of human activities must be reduced in order to maintain panda habitat. We believe that a restored corridor will be of great benefit to the survival of giant pandas in the Min Mountains, especially for population B. Successful re‐establishment of a corridor will be a valuable model for corridor construction in the future.