bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐4‐Regulated Delivery of Glycoproteins to the Brush Border Membrane of Enterocyte‐Like Cells
Authors: Stechly Laurence , Morelle Willy , Dessein Anne‐Frédérique , André Sabine , Grard Georges , Trinel Dave , Dejonghe Marie‐José , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Drobecq Hervé , Trugnan Germain , Gabius Hans Joachim , Huet Guillemette
Published: January 2009

We have previously reported that silencing of galectin‐4 expression in polarized HT‐29 cells perturbed apical biosynthetic trafficking and resulted in a phenotype similar to the inhibitor of glycosylation, 1‐benzyl‐2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside (GalNAcα‐O‐bn). We now present evidence of a lipid raft‐based galectin‐4‐dependent mechanism of apical delivery of glycoproteins in these cells. First, galectin‐4 recruits the apical glycoproteins in detergent‐resistant membranes (DRMs) because these glycoproteins were depleted in DRMs isolated from galectin‐4‐knockdown (KD) HT‐29 5M12 cells. DRM‐associated glycoproteins were identified as ligands for galectin‐4. Structural analysis showed that DRMs were markedly enriched in a series of complex N‐glycans in comparison to detergent‐soluble membranes. Second, in galectin‐4‐KD cells, the apical glycoproteins still exit the Golgi but accumulated inside the cells, showing that their recruitment within lipid rafts and their apical trafficking required the delivery of galectin‐4 at a post‐Golgi level. This lectin that is synthesized on free cytoplasmic ribosomes is externalized from HT‐29 cells mostly in the apical medium and follows an apical endocytic–recycling pathway that is required for the apical biosynthetic pathway. Together, our data show that the pattern of N‐glycosylation of glycoproteins serves as a recognition signal for endocytosed galectin‐4, which drives the raft‐dependent apical pathway of glycoproteins in enterocyte‐like HT‐29 cells.
Dental hygiene education in Nepal
Authors: Knevel RJM , Luciak‐Donsberger C
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Aim:  This article provides information about the history, recent curriculum changes and the legal status of the dental hygiene education in Nepal. It also intends to show, how, even in a poor developing nation, the personal drive of a native Nepalese citizen with a vision and the proper connections can lead to the establishment of a new profession, until then unknown.

Method:  Data were obtained from the founder of the first dental hygiene school in Nepal through qualitative interviews, and through personal visits to two Nepalese dental hygiene schools in Kathmandu and in Pokhara. Since 2006, the first author serves as curricular advisor, allowing him access and input to drafts of the development of current curricular changes.

Results:  In 2000, the first dental hygiene course started in Kathmandu. Since then, dental hygiene education has been going through different stages of development and professionalization. In 2005, the programme was changed to 3 years in length in order for students to obtain an academic Certificate in Dental Hygiene. In 2006, the Nepalese Dental Hygienists Association was founded, resulting in greater recognition of the profession, especially by the powerful Nepalese Dental Association. Obscure rules and legislation results in eclectic specifications governing dental hygiene practice. Future challenges for the schools and the dental hygienists association are issues of quality insurance and scope of practice suitable for a developing country. Currently, Nepal is the only country worldwide with an almost equal gender distribution in the dental hygiene profession.
Smoking habits among Swedish dental hygienists: a 15‐year perspective (1987–2002)
Authors: Bergstrom J , Petrén V , Bark J , Preber H
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of the study was to explore the smoking habits of Swedish dental hygienists over a 15‐year period from 1987 through 2002, and compare these with the smoking habits of Swedish women in general during the same period.

Methods:  Random samples of dental hygienists in the age range 20–65 years representing 95% of the Swedish work force were collected based on professional membership. Smoking prevalence data for Swedish women in the general population were retrieved from national statistics.

Results:  The overall prevalence of current smokers among dental hygienists was 14.9%, 13.4% and 11.2% in 1994, 1998 and 2002, respectively, suggesting a slight decline during the period. The corresponding prevalence for Swedish women in general was 28.2%, 24.8% and 20.9% respectively. The observations indicate a considerably lower prevalence for dental hygienists than for women in general. For Metropolitan areas, the prevalence of current smokers among dental hygienists was 25.3%, 18.1%, 14.9% and 15.6% in 1987, 1994, 1998 and 2002, respectively, compared with 32.4%, 28.1%, 22.8% and 20.0%, respectively, of Swedish women in general, confirming a lower prevalence among dental hygienists. A vast majority of dental hygienists smokers consented to smoke a maximum of 10 cigarettes per day; a consumption that remained stable over the years studied.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of current smokers among Swedish dental hygienists was considerably lower than the corresponding prevalence among Swedish women in general during the years 1987 through 2002. A continuous decline in smoking prevalence was observed among dental hygienists as well as among women in general.
Evolutionary divergence of valosin‐containing protein/cell division cycle protein 48 binding interactions among endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation proteins
Authors: Morreale Giacomo , Conforti Laura , Coadwell John , Wilbrey Anna L. , Coleman Michael P.
Published: January 2009

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐associated degradation (ERAD) is a cell‐autonomous process that eliminates large quantities of misfolded, newly synthesized protein, and is thus essential for the survival of any basic eukaryotic cell. Accordingly, the proteins involved and their interaction partners are well conserved from yeast to mammals, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae is widely used as a model system with which to investigate this fundamental cellular process. For example, valosin‐containing protein (VCP) and its yeast homologue cell division cycle protein 48 (Cdc48p), which help to direct polyubiquitinated proteins for proteasome‐mediated degradation, interact with an equivalent group of ubiquitin ligases in mouse and in S. cerevisiae. A conserved structural motif for cofactor binding would therefore be expected. We report a VCP‐binding motif (VBM) shared by mammalian ubiquitin ligase E4b (Ube4b)–ubiquitin fusion degradation protein 2a (Ufd2a), hydroxymethylglutaryl reductase degradation protein 1 (Hrd1)–synoviolin and ataxin 3, and a related sequence in Mr 78 000 glycoprotein–Amfr with slightly different binding properties, and show that Ube4b and Hrd1 compete for binding to the N‐terminal domain of VCP. Each of these proteins is involved in ERAD, but none has an S. cerevisiae homologue containing the VBM. Some other invertebrate model organisms also lack the VBM in one or more of these proteins, in contrast to vertebrates, where the VBM is widely conserved. Thus, consistent with their importance in ERAD, evolution has developed at least two ways to bring these proteins together with VCP–Cdc48p. However, the differing molecular architecture of VCP–Cdc48p complexes indicates a key point of divergence in the molecular details of ERAD mechanisms.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 modulated JNK activation is critical for apoptosis induced by inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase
Authors: Takeuchi Kenji , Shin‐ya Tomohiro , Nishio Kazuto , Ito Fumiaki
Published: January 2009

Alterations resulting in enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression or function have been documented in a variety of tumors. Therefore, EGFR‐tyrosine kinase is a promising therapeutic target. Although in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the anti‐tumor activity of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors against various tumor types, little is known about the mechanism by which such inhibitors effect their anti‐tumor action. AG1478 is known to selectively inhibit EGFR‐tyrosine kinase. In this study, we showed that AG1478 caused apoptosis and apoptosis‐related reactions such as the activation of caspase 3 in human non‐small cell lung cancer cell line PC‐9. To investigate the signaling route by which AG1478 induced apoptosis, we examined the activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase p38 in AG1478‐treated PC‐9 cells. JNK, but not p38, was significantly activated by AG1478 as determined by both immunoblot analysis for levels of phosphorylated JNK and an in vitro activity assay. Various types of stimuli activated JNK through phosphorylation by the dual‐specificity JNK kinases, but the dual‐specificity JNK kinases MKK4 and MKK7 were not activated by AG1478 treatment. However, JNK phosphatase, i.e. mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1), was constitutively expressed in the PC‐9 cells, and its expression level was reduced by AG1478. The inhibition of JNK activation by ectopic expression of MKP‐1 or a dominant‐negative form of JNK strongly suppressed AG1478‐induced apoptosis. These results reveal that JNK, which is activated through the decrease in the MKP‐1 level, is critical for EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor‐induced apoptosis.
Fatal reactions and methaemoglobinaemia after silver nitrate irrigation of hydatid cyst
Authors: Rajabi Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2009

Background:  Hydatid cyst remains an important public health problem in endemic areas including Isfahan, Iran. The mainstay of treatment for hydatid disease is surgery. Surgical approaches depend on the location, size and complications of the cyst. To prevent recurrence, inactivation of the scolex with scolicides prior to opening or removing the cyst is strongly recommended. Silver nitrate has been a common scolicidal agent in hydatid surgery for many years. Methaemoglobinaemia and morbid reactions are rare complications in individuals exposed to silver nitrate.

Methods:  This is a case series presentation from a retrospective view over an 11‐year period (1990–2001) on the clinical records of nine patients referred to the committee of mortality and morbidity studies of Isfahan Medical University, who manifested methaemoglobinaemia and morbid reactions during or after the injection of silver nitrate into hydatid cysts.

Results:  Regarding the complications, the patients were allocated into three groups; in the first group after the injection of silver nitrate 0.5%, two patients manifested intraoperative shock and cardiovascular collapse; one died in the operating room and the other in the recovery room 4 h after the operation. The second group included four patients whose manifestations were less severe than the first group. They responded to resuscitation but faced significant complications including renal failure and liver insufficiency. The third group included three patients who had neither shock nor significant cardiovascular disturbances intraoperatively, but experienced postoperative dyspnoea, cyanosis and hypotension.

Conclusion:  Surgeons dealing with hydatid cyst must be aware that this scenario can be very dangerous with other scolicidal agents concerning the extensive absorbing surface of the peritoneum and raw surfaces.
Congenital malformation of the diaphragm and left colon: Strangulated Bochdalek hernia in an adult
Authors: Ubee Sarvpreet S. , Gokul Krishnan , Artioukh Dmitri Y.
Published: January 2009

An unusual adult case of non‐traumatic diaphragmatic hernia through the foramen of Bochdalek is reported. Congenital abnormality of the diaphragm remained undetected until the emergency presentation in the sixth decade of life. It was associated with absence of the phrenicocolic ligament and extreme mobility of the left colon, which allowed its herniation into the thorax. The association of these embryological abnormalities of the diaphragm and the hindgut has not been previously described.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ORIGANUM ONITES L. ESSENTIAL OILS AND EXTRACTS
Authors: KORUKLUOGLU MIHRIBAN , GURBUZ OZAN , SAHAN YASEMIN , YIGIT AYCAN , KACAR OYA , ROUSEFF RUSSELL
Published: January 2009

Essential oils (EOs) and extracts (methanol, acetone and diethyl ether) of fresh and dried oregano (Origanum onites L.) were used to determine the antifungal effect on Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus (two strains), Aspergillus niger (two strains), Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium semitectum, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor racemosus and Penicillium roqueforti by disk diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of all samples were determined. The antifungal activity of the fresh herb was greater than that of the dried herb. MIC values for fresh and dried methanol extracts were 150–950 µg/mL and 750–950 µg/mL, respectively. MFC values for methanol extracts were determined between 300 and 1200 µg/mL for fresh oregano and between 750 and 1100 µg/mL for dried oregano. The EOs of fresh and dried oregano totally inhibited test fungi. EOs produced the lowest MIC and MFC values: 8.5 µg/mL and 9.0 µg/mL, respectively (P < 0.005). The highest extract activity was exhibited by fresh oregano against A. alternata (24 mm) followed by P. roqueforti (20 mm). The greatest total antifungal effect was observed from methanol extracts. The chemical composition of fresh oregano EO and extracts was examined using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Over 80 volatiles were detected, of which 42 were positively identified by matching both MS fragmentation patterns with standardized retention characteristics. p‐Cymene, thymol and carvacrol were the most prominent, followed by α‐pinene, camphor and borneol.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In the past decade interest in natural antimicrobial plant extracts has been growing. Various plants have historically been used for the purposes of food preservation and flavor enhancement as well as medicinal purposes. An example is oregano, the leafy part of the plant belonging to the Labiatae family. It has been used to improve the flavor and the organoleptic properties of many foods from numerous cultures. It has also been used to prolong the storage life of foods probably because of antifungal properties. The preservative nature of fresh oregano has been employed in many food applications, including meat and fish products, as well as in pharmaceuticals, alternative medicines and natural therapies.
EFFECT OF BITING BEFORE DIPPING (DOUBLE‐DIPPING) CHIPS ON THE BACTERIAL POPULATION OF THE DIPPING SOLUTION
Authors: TREVINO JUDITH , BALLIEU BRAD , YOST RACHEL , DANNA SAMANTHA , HARRIS GENEVIEVE , DEJONCKHEERE JACKLYN , DIMITROFF DANIELLE , PHILIPS MARK , HAN INYEE , MOORE CHLOE , DAWSON PAUL
Published: January 2009

The effect of “double‐dipping” crackers/chips on the transfer of bacteria from the mouth to the dipping solution was determined in three separate experiments. In experiment 1, eight subjects dipped crackers either three or six times into sterilized water either without biting or biting before each dip. The dipping solutions had higher (P ≤ 0.05) bacterial populations when crackers were bitten before dipping compared with when no double‐dipping occurred. The second experiment utilized sterile water dipping solutions with pHs of 4, 5 and 6, and tested the solutions at 0 and 2 h after dipping. There was again significant (P ≤ 0.05) bacterial transfer due to biting then dipping; however, the pH 4 dipping solution had initially lower bacterial populations than the higher pH solutions and even lower populations after 2 h. In the third experiment, three dipping solutions (salsa, chocolate sauce and cheese) were tested, and higher initial populations (P ≤ 0.05) were transferred to the salsa compared with chocolate and cheese; however, the salsa had lower levels of bacteria after 2 h of hold time at room temperature. Three experiments determined that the bacterial population of food dips increased due to the practice of “double‐dipping,” and that dip type can influence the dip's bacterial population.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The practical application of these results to food safety will be similar to studies on hand washing. It is clear that foodborne disease can be spread by both practices (double‐dipping and improper hand washing), and showing this is true using controlled studies may change the behavior of some people some of the time. But like hand washing, a no double‐dip policy will not prevent the practice nor prevent the spread of disease. By determining that the bad practice of double‐dipping does in fact transfer oral bacteria to a food dip, the practice may be reduced, subsequently reducing the spread of harmful microorganisms to some degree.
OFFSETTING BEHAVIOR AND THE BENEFITS OF FOOD SAFETY REGULATION
Authors: MILJKOVIC DRAGAN , NGANJE WILLIAM , ONYANGO BENJAMIN
Published: January 2009

Many regulatory, safety and health policies are adopted to reduce harm to potential victims from accidents and other harmful events. Attenuation and, sometimes, even reversal of the direct policy effect on expected harm may occur because of offsetting behavior (OB) by potential victims, as they reduce care in response to the policy. This research determines that OB in consumers may be responsible for an increase in food poisoning cases after new, more stringent food safety policies are enacted and implemented in the food processing sector. This behavioral anomaly indicates serious deviation from rational choice and possibly helps explain the growing gap between the decrease in pathogen bacteria level recorded in meat processing plants and the increasing number of outbreaks of food poisoning cases caused by these bacteria.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Changes in subjects' preferences for level of cooking of hamburger as a result of positive and negative messages regarding food safety was measured. The results of this experiment suggest that people exhibit offsetting behavior as a reaction to policies enacted to improve food safety record and protect consumers from getting ill by some of the deadly bacteria found in ground beef. Policy action was introduced ex post, i.e., after subjects in the study adjusted their preferences accounting for knowledge about the food safety problem. The information, although true, was also at least partially irrelevant, since it is related to food safety measures in meat processing plants rather than in retail stores, restaurants or households, and meat contamination is quite possible to occur at any segment between the moment when meat leaves the processing facility until it is consumed in households or restaurants. This behavioral anomaly helps explain the growing gap between the decrease in pathogen bacteria level recorded in meat processing plants and the increasing number of outbreaks of food poisoning cases caused by these bacteria.
IMS USING IN‐HOUSE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY‐COATED MAGNETIC BEADS ASSOCIATED TO PCR ASSAY FOR DETECTION OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM IN RAW MEATS
Authors: MOREIRA ÂNGELA NUNES , CONCEIÇÃO FABRICIO ROCHEDO , CONCEIÇÃO RITA DE CÁSSIA S. , DIAS CLARICE NUNES , CARVALHAL JOSÉ BEIRO , DELLAGOSTIN ODIR ANTONIO , ALEIXO JOSÉ ANTONIO G.
Published: January 2009

An immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique and a PCR assay were developed for use in detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in meat samples. To prevent false‐negative results, an internal amplification control was developed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for an omp gene sequence of Salmonella spp has shown 100% sensitivity and specificity and a detection limit of 104 cfu/mL. The IMS‐PCR methods using PCR immediately after IMS and using 6 h postenrichment in brain heart infusion between IMS and PCR resulted in detection limits of 103 cfu/mL and 1–10 cfu/mL, respectively. The lowest level of S. Typhimurium that could be detected by the IMS‐PCR method in the presence of natural microbiota from inoculated meat samples was 1–10 cfu/25 g. When samples were analyzed using enrichment protocols without IMS, several false‐negative results were obtained.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The immunomagnetic separation‐polymerase chain reaction (IMS‐PCR) method developed enabled a rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in inoculated meat samples. Monoclonal antibody (Mab)‐coated magnetic beads prepared in‐house were efficient in concentrating and separating the bacteria from the food matrix, thus improving detection limit and avoiding false‐negatives. The internal amplification control (IAC), now mandatory in PCR assays, using the same primers of the target DNA further prevented false‐negative results. Therefore, the IMS‐PCR method developed in this study could be used in the future by the Brazilian food industry as a substitute for the expensive imported kits for Salmonella detection in foods. We are now developing a panel of Mabs against conserved antigens of Salmonella for use in the IMS‐PCR method in order to extend its applicability for detection of other serovars.
EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATE AND SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDES ON SPORULATION AND HEAT RESISTANCE OF BACILLUS CEREUS
Authors: MAZAS M. , FERNÁNDEZ A. , ÁLVAREZ A. , LÓPEZ M. , BERNARDO A.
Published: January 2009

The effects of the addition of sodium and potassium chlorides and phosphate (sodium phosphate di‐basic/potassium phosphate monobasic) up to 0.25 mol/L in the sporulation medium on the percentages of sporulation and heat resistance of Bacillus cereus (ATCC 7004, 4342, 9818) were investigated. In all cases the sporulation rates varied between 85–95%, except for the ATCC 4342 strain when sodium and potassium chlorides were added at the highest level obtaining a 40 and 70% sporulation, respectively. Neither NaCl nor KCl had any significant effect on the heat resistance of the spores produced, obtaining D100 values of 0.04 ± 0.01, 0.31 ± 0.03 and 7.5 ± 0.4 min for strains 7004, 4342 and 9818, respectively. In all cases, as phosphate concentrations increased, decimal reduction times obtained gradually increased. However, the magnitude of the increase was dependent on the strain tested. While the strain 9818 exhibited about a 1.5‐fold increase in D103 values, the 4342 and 7004 strains showed D100 values that were about 6‐fold higher. No statistical significant differences were detected in z values, obtaining mean values of 7.3, 8.2 and 9.3C for 7004, 4342 and 9818 strains, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this article the thermal characteristics of three strains of Bacillus cereus with different sensitivity to heat produced in media with different content of phosphate (sodium phosphate dibasic/potassium phosphate dibasic) and sodium and potassium chlorides were evaluated. Data obtained showed that the supplementation of sporulation medium with phosphate allows for the development of B. cereus spores with increased heat resistance. These results have a great practical significance and could help to explain the presence of this microorganism in some heated foods.
SENSITIVE AND RAPID DETECTION OF ENTEROBACTER SAKAZAKII IN INFANT FORMULA BY LOOP‐MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION METHOD
Authors: LIU CHAO , ZHENG WENJIE , ZHANG HONGWEI , HOU YANMEI , LIU YIN
Published: January 2009

Enterobacter sakazakii is an emergent pathogen associated with ingestion of infant formula milk and was defined in category “A” of the hazard identification by FAO and WHO on microorganisms, which is based on the strength of evidence of a causal association between their presence in powdered infant formula and illness in infants. In this study, a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method has been developed for the detection of E. sakazakii in infant formula. The assay detected the species‐specific DNA sequence of the 16S‐23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer. The sensitivity of the detection is 1.2 cfu per 100 g infant formula with the selective enrichment. As the amplification is made under isothermal conditions, only a water bath or heating block is needed to maintain the required temperature. Thus, the method will be easily generalized and popularized in the future.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Enterobacter sakazakii is an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with meningitis, bacteria and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates. Powdered infant formulae have been implicated as the source of infection in neonatal meningitis. Thus, in order to minimize the hazard caused by E. sakazakii, it is of utmost importance to develop a rapid, sensitive and simple method for the early detection of this bacterium in infant formula.

In our study, the E. sakazakii was detected sensitively and rapidly in the infant formula by the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. LAMP is easy to perform once the appropriate primers are prepared. The LAMP method will be a simple and rapid method for the scene detection of E. sakazakii as only four primers, a Bst polymerase and a regular laboratory bath are needed.
STRESS‐INDUCED ADAPTIVE TOLERANCE RESPONSE AND VIRULENCE GENE EXPRESSION IN CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI
Authors: MA YUE , HANNING IRENE , SLAVIK MICHAEL
Published: January 2009

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis, but little is known concerning how this fastidious bacterium survives stressful conditions. C. jejuni strains were exposed to acid conditions (pH = 4.5), acid conditions and aerobic atmosphere, or starvation stress, allowed to recover, and again challenged with acid stress. The counts of acid‐adapted, acid‐ and aerobic‐adapted, and starvation‐adapted cells that survived further acid stress were higher than those of nonstressed cells in some strains, but adaptation and survival was time dependent. Expression of the virulence gene cadF was up‐regulated by starvation stress while cdtB and ciaB were down‐regulated. The proteomic study revealed that six proteins were synthesized due to starvation stress and eight proteins appeared to be absent. These results indicate C. jejuni surviving stress can increase chances of surviving further stress such as passage through the human gastrointestinal tract and stress may be a significant factor in inducing some virulence genes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The mechanisms of survival of Campylobacter jejuni outside the host are not fully understood. This research identifies adaptive tolerance responses (ATRs) as a mechanism of survival. Understanding how sub‐lethal treatments and stress may further promote the survival of C. jejuni is necessary for evaluating food preservation methods because some methods may have unwanted effects on bacterial virulence, such as inducing virulence gene expression. This research determined a correlation between virulence and stress in C. jejuni that could have an impact on food preservation methods chosen, disease outcome and subsequent treatment options. The molecular mechanisms of disease by C. jejuni are still not fully understood, but by studying the survival of C. jejuni in response to specific stresses, insight may be gained into mechanisms of colonization and virulence in the human host. Understanding mechanisms of survival by studying global response to stress is an effective way to develop methods of control and targets for therapeutic medicines.
RELIABILITY OF SENSORY ASSESSORS: ISSUES OF COMPLEXITY
Authors: BITNES JANNA , UELAND ØYDIS , MØLLER PER , MARTENS MAGNI
Published: January 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the sensory performance of assessors in a sensory panel maybe explained by complexity of evaluated product. We aimed to investigate whether we could observe a decline in sensory performance when increasing the complexity of the product. The products increased in number of constituents from mixtures of sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid and caffeine in water, to the foods ice tea and tomato soup constituting different levels of the same substances. Candidates who succeeded evaluating one product were not always successful evaluating others. Few subjects were successful in everything. The conclusion was that there is only minor systematic decline with increasing complexity of products. The authors emphasize that definition of complexity involves more than just counting number of constituents and taste sensations, and suggest that minor differences in the task given to the assessor might explain different performances.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Practical use of the research presented in the present paper is in a sensory evaluation context. It is important for the users of sensory data to find out how the profiling should be organized to achieve optimum output, and in specific, the need for extensive training when dealing with a more complex product. The present study hypothesized that sensory assessors would have more difficulties evaluating a more complex product. However, the results showed that panel leaders should be more concerned with the task variables in the sensory evaluation. Even a minor shift in task variables had a stronger impact on the performance and reliability of the assessors than increasing number of constituents and/or stimuli sensations of the product. This study did not demonstrate a need for extensive training when dealing with a more complex product as hypothesized.
CONSUMER'S COLOR ACCEPTANCE OF STRAWBERRY NECTARS FROM PUREE
Authors: GÖSSINGER M. , MAYER F. , RADOCHA N. , HÖFLER M. , BONER A. , GROLL E. , NOSKO E. , BAUER R. , BERGHOFER E.
Published: January 2009

In two surveys (600 consumers) (1) the importance of color on a consumer's decision to buy strawberry nectar and jam, (2) the consumer's color acceptance of strawberry nectars from puree and adequate products containing colorants from the market as well as specially prepared samples and (3) the associated attributes to these samples were studied. In addition, a test was carried out in order to (4) characterize strawberry color and its changes during storage sufficiently with one value.

Color has a big impact on a consumer's decision to buy strawberry nectars as well as strawberry jam. Neither gender nor age or consumption habits of consumers had a significant impact on color acceptance. For color assessment, an “acceptance factor” (AF) was calculated from colorimetric data that provides processors the prediction of color quality of nectars from puree. Nectars with an AF lower than 0.4 were not accepted, whereas nectars with an AF higher than about 0.7 were described as excellent.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this study show the first time that it is possible to characterize the color of strawberry products by means of the calculation of an “acceptance factor” (AF = a*/h), and to predict whether the color will be accepted from the consumers or not (excellent [AF > 0.7], acceptable [AF > 0.4] or not acceptable [AF < 0.4]). This data could be used as basis for the production of new strawberry nectars (containing colorants) and the assessment for the stability and shelf life of strawberry products from puree.
DEVELOPMENT OF A HYBRID MODEL PREDICTING THE MOUTHFEEL OF YOGURT
Authors: MATHMANN KATRIN , KOWALCZYK WOJCIECH , DELGADO ANTONIO
Published: January 2009

Texture perception and mouthfeel are sensory variables that still need further clarification. A reliable method to describe mouthfeel quantitatively by means of physicochemical measurements is missing so far. The current study focuses on a better understanding of the texture perception of yogurt. The final aim of the study consists of the development of a novel hybrid model, which is able to predict mouthfeel sensations objectively. For this purpose, cognitive methods are used in order to merge underlying data pools with respect to process parameters and the composition of dry matter content. These employed data pools result from rheological characterizations as well as sensory analyses of yogurt and from numerical simulations of fluid flow in a simplified anatomical model of the human mouth. This paper introduces the exact procedure of the study. Furthermore, the methods for generating the underlying data pools are described, and the results are presented.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The in‐mouth model is based on fluid mechanics and enables the investigation of human consumption processes that accompany fluid flow in the oral cavity. Here, it reveals mechanical stimuli, which occur because of the movement of the tongue during deglutition. Therewith, the ongoing study affords a new approach to understand factors influencing the popularity and consumer acceptance of several products as their behavior in the mouth can be clarified. Having the software development completed, this innovation represents a great potential for the food industry. While supporting future sensory analyses, it both shortens development cycles of new products and optimizes existing foodstuff.
INTERPRETATION OF THE FORCE–DEFORMATION CURVES OF COOKED RED LENTILS (LENS CULINARIS)
Authors: ROSS K.A. , ALEJO‐LUCAS D. , MALCOLMSON L. , ARNTFIELD S.D. , CENKOWSKI S.
Published: January 2009

The effect of cooking time on the textural properties of red lentils was determined using an Instron universal testing machine equipped with an Ottawa texture cell. A sigmoid‐shaped force–deformation curve was observed for all samples. As cooking time increased, texture changes, in terms of undercooked and optimally cooked, were identified by changes in slope and plateau force values of the force–deformation curves. At short cooking times, the samples were undercooked, and slope and plateau force values were high. At prolonged cooking times, slope and plateau force values decreased to a certain point and became independent of cooking time as values leveled off. However, significant textural changes as determined with sensory methods continued. Cooking time affected the location of the inflection point on the force–deformation curve. Deformation at inflection was a parameter that successfully determined textural differences between cooked samples and overcooked samples. Force–deformation curves can describe cooking quality of red lentils.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There is little information available on the instrumental methods used to measure the texture of red lentils despite the fact that red lentils account for the majority of world lentil production and trade. Thus, there is a need to demonstrate how the force–deformation curves resulting from the instrumental measurement of red lentil texture are affected by cooking. A detailed interpretation of a force–deformation curve would allow for investigation of the effects of biochemical differences in red lentils because of genotype, agronomic practices and postharvest handling on the cooking quality. This work used an Instron universal testing machine equipped with an Ottawa texture cell to obtain force–deformation curves that were interpreted and used to explain the effects of cooking on the textural properties of red lentils.
2 > 1 + 1? The Impact of Contact with Gay and Lesbian Couples on Attitudes about Gays/Lesbians and Gay‐Related Policies
Authors: BARTH JAY , PARRY JANINE
Published: January 2009

Contact with individual lesbians and gay men leads to more positive evaluations of the group and more support for pro‐LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) public policies. Increasingly, gay rights activists are making “gay families” central to their communications to the public about gay issues and policies. This prompts a new question in the area of contact theory: does contact with same‐sex couples have a different impact on attitudes about gays/lesbians and gay‐related public policies than contact with gay/lesbian individuals? On general attitudes, the two versions of contact perform similarly, but in specific policies, divergence shows itself. Contact with couples is a stronger force in shaping support for expansion of same‐sex partnership recognition. However, while contact with individual gay men and lesbians is a significant indicator, contact with couples is not on other issues raising questions about the effectiveness of the focus on “gay families” for the broader goals of the contemporary LGBT movement.
Discourses on the Sex Trade: Implications for Policies and Practice
Authors: JYRKINEN MARJUT
Published: January 2009

This article addresses the construction of policies on the sex trade through an analysis of interviews with key policy officials in Finland. It focuses on how the links between gender, geopolitics, and economic imperatives reflect policies that are constantly (re)constructed through discourses by policy officials. The central research questions concern what the main discourses on the sex trade are in Finland among the professional elite, and how these discourses relate to policies and practice. Data from semistructured interviews with 30 members of the Finnish professional elite (18 men, 16 women) were examined using discourse analysis. Three metadiscourses and several mesodiscourses and microdiscourses were identified; these are discussed in terms of the covert or overt reference to gender in the interviewees' talk and in terms of revealing personal experiences with the sex trade. This article considers the implications of these developments and attitudes for policies and practices.
Presidents, Bureaucracy, and Housing Discrimination Policy: The Fair Housing Acts of 1968 and 1988
Authors: LAMB CHARLES M. , WILK ERIC M.
Published: January 2009

Housing segregation and discrimination remain contemporary American problems despite 40 years of policy initiatives aimed at combating them. Since strong presidential support and active bureaucratic enforcement of fair housing laws should reduce these problems, we investigate variation over time in presidential support for the Fair Housing Acts of 1968 and 1988 (Title VIII) and their enforcement. Our findings first indicate that President Nixon's interpretation of Title VIII notably weakened its scope and enforcement, but the most liberal outcomes in Title VIII policy and enforcement since the 1960s ironically surfaced during the Reagan years. Then merging two unique databases, we explore variations in Title VIII enforcement and find some fluctuation across enforcement indicators. Our study suggests that housing discrimination and segregation can be expected to continue absent strong presidential support and active bureaucratic enforcement of Title VIII that encourages a significant role for state and local civil rights agencies.
Going Global: The Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1945
Authors: KIRSHNER ORIN
Published: January 2009

The Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (RTAA) of 1945 revolutionized U.S. trade policy and global economic order. Based upon a new conception of the United States' national trade interest and role in world economic affairs, the RTAA of 1945 initiated the nation's postwar drive to construct an open world trading system. Yet despite its epoch‐making character, the history of this statute has not been subjected to sustained analysis. Building upon the three dominant political science explanations for U.S. trade politics and policy formation—system, society, and state—this study traces the origins of the RTAA of 1945 to the impact of World War II on the formulation and enactment of this statute at the domestic level. It argues that it is impossible to explain the genesis of the RTAA of 1945 absent a consideration of the influence of World War II on the pattern of domestic politics that produced it.
Effect of pH on Microstructure and Characteristics of Cream Cheese
Authors: Monteiro R.R. , Tavares D.Q. , Kindstedt P.S. , Gigante M.L.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT:  This study evaluated the effect of pH on the microstructure of cream cheese and compared pH‐induced changes in its microstructure with concomitant changes in cheese firmness and meltability. On 4 different days, experimental batches of cultured hot pack cream cheese were manufactured and analyzed for initial chemical composition. The cheeses were then sectioned into samples that were randomly assigned to 7 different treatment groups. Three groups were exposed to ammonia vapor for 1, 3, and 5 min to increase the pH; 3 groups were exposed to acetic acid vapor for 30, 60, and 90 min to decrease the pH; and 1 unexposed group served as the control. After equilibration at 4 °C, samples were analyzed for pH, firmness, meltability, and microstructure by scanning electron microscopy. The effects of experimental treatments on cheese pH, firmness, and meltability were analyzed by randomized complete block analysis of variance (ANOVA). Relationships between cheese pH and firmness and meltability were evaluated by regression. Experimental treatments significantly affected cheese pH, firmness, and meltability. Cheese firmness decreased and meltability increased with increasing pH from about pH 4.2 to 6.8. Cheese microstructure also changed dramatically over the same approximate pH range. Specifically, the volume of the protein network surrounding the fat droplets increased markedly with increasing pH, presumably due to casein swelling. These data support the hypothesis that protein‐to‐water interactions increased as the cheese pH increased, which gave rise to progressive swelling of the casein network, softer texture, and increased meltability.
Fluorescence Study on the Interaction Between Hypericin and Lens Protein “α‐Crystallin”
Authors: Youssef Tareq
Published: January 2009

Hypericin has been reported as a potent photosensitizing agent exhibiting antiviral, antibacterial, antineoplastic activities. Although its photophysics and mode of action are strongly modulated by the binding protein, detailed information about its mechanism of interaction with possible cellular targets, including proteins, is still lacking. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that hypericin can be uptaken by intact lens and is able to bind to the major lens protein “α‐crystallin.” In this study, the mechanism of interaction of this potent drug with α‐crystallin was studied using the chemical denaturant guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) and the hydrophobic surface probe, 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS). Fluorescence measurements showed that the increased exposure of tryptophan resulting from partial unfolding of α‐crystallin incubated with 1.0 mol L−1 of GdnHCl corresponds to the maximum accessibility of hydrophobic sites to ANS at the same GdnHCl concentration. Interestingly at this additional hydrophobicity of the protein, hypericin exhibited its maximum fluorescence intensity. This in vitro study implied that hydrophobic sites of α‐crystallin play a significant role in its interaction with hypericin. The binding between α‐crystallin and hypericin was found to be enhanced by partial perturbation of the protein.
Characterization of 155 EST‐derived microsatellites from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and validation for linkage mapping
Authors: HIGGINS B. , HUBERT S. , SIMPSON G. , STONE C. , BOWMAN S.
Published: January 2009

Microsatellite markers for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were identified from a collection of 30 630 expressed sequence tags. Primers were designed for 395 microsatellites and 155 were successfully amplified. Allele number varied from 1 to 26 (average 6.34). Average observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.50 and 0.54, respectively. A subset of 105 microsatellites tested for Mendelian segregation showed no significant distortion of segregation when correcting for multiple tests. Null alleles were detected at four loci. Significant blastx matches were found for 23 loci. These microsatellites will be used to create a linkage map to enhance genetic selection in commercial cod breeding.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the Brazil nut tree Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl. (Lecythidaceae)
Authors: REIS ALESSANDRA M. M. , BRAGA ALINE C. , LEMES MARISTERRA R. , GRIBEL ROGÉRIO , COLLEVATTI ROSANE G.
Published: January 2009

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), one of the most valuable non‐timber forest products from the Amazon, based on enrichment protocol. Six to 18 (mean 10.4) alleles per locus were identified and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.663 to 0.923 based on a screen of 40 individuals from one population of B. excelsa. The combined probabilities of genetic identity (8.39 × 10−17) and paternity exclusion (0.999999) indicated that multilocus genotypes are likely to be unique allowing precise analyses of genetic structure, gene flow, and mating system of this economically important species.
Microsatellite markers for the diploid basidiomycete fungus Armillaria mellea
Authors: BAUMGARTNER K. , GRUBISHA L. C. , FUJIYOSHI P. , GARBELOTTO M. , BERGEMANN S. E.
Published: January 2009

We isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite markers for two North American populations (California, Pennsylvania) of Armillaria mellea, a fungal pathogen responsible for Armillaria root disease of numerous woody plants. Allele frequency ranged from two to nine alleles per locus, and gene diversity ranged from 0.05 to 0.86. Of the 12 loci, eight loci were polymorphic in the California and Pennsylvania populations, and showed no evidence of heterozygote deficiencies or severe linkage disequilibrium. Our results suggest that we have isolated and characterized variable loci to estimate genotypic diversity, gene flow and migration, and to determine population structure of North American A. mellea.
Microsatellite loci for the white‐dotted mosquito (Culex restuans), a principal vector of West Nile virus in North America
Authors: FONSECA DINA M. , OKADA KENLI , KRAMER LAURA D.
Published: January 2009

We characterized the first microsatellite loci in the white‐dotted mosquito, Culex restuans, a critical early spring West Nile virus vector. An enrichment protocol yielded 960 positive clones of which we sequenced 300. We designed primers to amplify 29 unique di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellites and chose 17 that amplified consistently across populations and were polymorphic. We developed three multiplex primer combinations for all 17 loci. A survey of 44 individuals revealed two to 20 alleles across loci, and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.17 to 0.89. These markers will allow examination of the life history of this mysterious early season encephalitis vector.
Eskimo Education in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Hobart Charles W.
Published: January 2009

En premier lieu cet article inventorie la litterature traitant des caracteristiques des enseignants, du programme d'etude et des techniques pedagogiques en au‐tant que ces elements sont efficaces dans l'education des jeunes indiens et esqui‐maux. Par apres, en s'appuyant sur l'ensemble des publications sur le sujet et sur les propres etudes nordiques de l'auteur a printemps 1969 on cherche a savoir jusqu'a quel point ces caracteristiques ideales du professeur, du programme et des techniques pedagogiques se retrouvent dans les salles de cours du nord. II semble que les enseignants autochtones esquimaux, meme avec peu d'entrainement, obtiendraient de meilleurs resultats scolaires que les edu‐cateurs blancs durant les premieres annees. Un programme de cette nature de type experimental est maintenant en cours au Nouveau Quebec. Les professeurs esquimaux enseignent en esquimau et utilisent un materiel didactique special.

This paper first reviews the literature on teacher characteristics, curriculum, and classroom teaching techniques as these relate to effectiveness in teaching Indian and Eskimo children. There follows a consideration of the extent to which ideal teacher and curriculum characteristics and teaching techniques are found in northern classrooms, based on published literature and the author's research in the north in the spring of 1969. It appears that ill‐trained Eskimo teachers might teach the early grades more effectively than white teachers. Such an experimental program is found in Nouveau Quebec where Eskimo teachers using special material use Eskimo as the language of instruction.