bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily jaw muscle activity in freely moving rats measured with radio‐telemetry
Authors: Kawai Nobuhiko , Tanaka Eiji , Langenbach Geerling E. J. , Van Wessel Tim , Brugman Peter , Sano Ryota , Van Eijden Theo M. G. J. , Tanne Kazuo
Published: February 2007

The jaw muscle activity of rats has been investigated for specific tasks. However, the daily jaw muscle use remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine daily jaw muscle activity, and its variability over time, in the rat (n = 12) by the use of radio‐telemetry. A telemetric device was implanted for the continuous recording of masseter muscle and digastric muscle activity. Daily muscle use was characterized by calculating the total time that each muscle was active (duty time), the number of bursts, and the average length of bursts. All parameters were estimated for activities exceeding various levels (5–90%) of the day's peak activity. Daily muscle use remained constant for 4 wk. At the low‐activity level, the duty time and burst number of the digastric muscle were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those of the masseter muscle, whereas the opposite was true at the high‐activity level (P < 0.05). No significant intermuscular correlation was observed between the number of bursts of the masseter and digastric muscles, but the interindividual variation of both muscles changed, depending on the level of activation. These findings suggest that the masseter muscle and the digastric muscle show a differential active pattern, depending on the activity level.
Determination of elastic modulus of demineralized resin‐infiltrated dentin by self‐etch adhesives
Authors: Yasuda Genta , Inage Hirohiko , Takamizawa Toshiki , Kurokawa Hiroyasu , Rikuta Akitomo , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine ultrasonically the changes in elastic modulus of demineralized adhesive‐infiltrated dentin. Dentin disks were obtained from bovine incisors and shaped into a rectangular form. The specimens were immersed in single‐step self‐etch adhesives, then stored in distilled water and run through thermal cycles between 5 and 60°C. The longitudinal and shear wave sound velocities and the elastic modulus were determined using ultrasonic equipment composed of a pulser‐receiver, transducers, and an oscilloscope. After 24 h of storage, the elastic modulus of mineralized dentin was 16.9 GPa and that of demineralized dentin was 2.1 GPa. The immersion of demineralized dentin in adhesives significantly increased the elastic modulus to 3.3–5.9 GPa. After 30,000 thermal cycles, the elastic modulus of dentin was 32.4 GPa, whereas that of demineralized adhesive infiltrated dentin was 3.1–4.1 GPa. Thermal stresses did not cause adhesive‐infiltrated demineralized dentin to deteriorate, as measured by elastic modulus.
Loss of maspin expression contributes to a more invasive potential in malignant melanoma
Authors: Denk Alexandra E. , Bettstetter Marcus , Wild Peter J. , Hoek Keith , Bataille Frauke , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Bosserhoff Anja K.
Published: February 2007

Deregulation of protease expression and activity is known to play an important role in tumour progression of malignant melanoma. The serpin maspin, a tumour suppressor in breast and prostate cancer was described as an inhibitor of cell migration and inducer of cell adhesion between the basement membrane and extracellular matrix resulting in inhibition of tumour metastasis. In contrast, overexpression of maspin is correlated with poor prognosis in other cancers. However, little is known about expression, regulation and function of maspin in malignant melanoma. In this study, we found loss of maspin expression in malignant melanoma cells compared with normal human epidermal melanocytes, which was analysed by quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and microarray. For functional studies, melanoma cell clones stably transfected with a maspin expression vector were tested for changes in proliferation, migration and invasion. Although we could not see differences in proliferation and migration, we detected strongly reduced invasive capacity in the melanoma cell clones in which maspin is re‐expressed compared with control. Reduced invasive potential was also detected in three different melanoma cell lines transiently transfected with a maspin expression vector. Furthermore, exogenously added maspin alone was sufficient to reduce invasion in MelIm significantly, indicating that maspin directly inhibits invasion on the cell surface. In summary, we believe that maspin is a tumour suppressor in malignant melanoma.
Oral health status of the elderly in a residential home in Turkey
Authors: Ünlüer Şengül , Gökalp Saadet , Doğan Bahar Güçiz
Published: February 2007

Objectives:  To determine the oral health status and treatment needs of elderly residents of a residential home in Ankara, Turkey.

Background:  Little is known about oral health problems of elderly living in the institutions.

Methods:  Among 216 elderly, 193 of them were interviewed and were clinically examined according to WHO criteria. Age, gender, educational and occupational status, oral hygiene practices, dental insurance, access to dental care and systemic diseases were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Coronal and root caries, periodontal disease, dental status and related treatment needs were assessed by two calibrated dentists.

Results:  The mean age of the subjects were 75.2 ± 8.3 in males, 79.1 ± 7.9 in females; 32.6% of subjects were dentate and the mean number of teeth was 3.7 ± 7.0 (median = 0). A functional dentition was present in 7.3% of subjects (≥20). The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) was 29.3 ± 5.8 (median = 32) and mean root caries was 2.2 ± 3.1 (median = 1.0). The major reason for tooth extraction was dental caries. Of the subjects, 20.7% had at least one untreated coronal caries and 18.1% root caries. The assessment of periodontal status according to CPI revealed that only four persons had nine healthy sextants with the score of ‘0’. Edentulousness was 67.4% while 11.9% of them lacked denture in both jaws.

Conclusion:  The results illustrated poor dental health and showed extremely high demand for the dental health services programmes for the elderly living in these institutions.
The dental awareness of nursing home staff in Singapore – a pilot study
Authors: Thean Hilary , Wong Mun Loke , Koh Holy
Published: February 2007

Objective:  The aim of this pilot study was to assess the oral health knowledge among staff working in a local nursing home managed by a voluntary welfare organisation.

Method:  A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 53 nursing staff working in a home with 270 residents. The questionnaire was structured to assess the staff's knowledge of dental caries, periodontal disease and the care and use of dentures.

Results:  99.6% of the respondents felt that oral health care of the elderly was very important. However, only 45.3% of them attributed the cause of dental caries to the frequent intake of sugar. Bacteria in dental plaque was identified by 88.7% of them as the main cause of periodontal disease while 96.2% of them indicated that dentures should be cleaned at least once a day and rinsed after every meal.

Conclusion:  The staff of this nursing home demonstrated positive knowledge of periodontal disease and denture care. However, their knowledge of dental caries revealed substantial room for improvement. This could signal an area for future staff training and development. Such efforts would help establish a team of caregivers who can improve the oral health and quality of life for residents in the nursing home.
Oral health behaviour and socio‐demographic profile of subjects with Alzheimer's disease as reported by their family caregivers
Authors: Hugo Fernando Neves , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Bertuzzi Daniel , Padilha Dalva Maria Pereira , Marchi Renato José De
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To evaluate the oral health care provided to subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as reported by their family caregivers.

Method:  Structured interviews were performed with 56 Alzheimer caregivers from the Group of relatives and friends of subjects with AD of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Spearman and Pearson correlations were performed.

Results:  The mean age of the subjects with AD was 76.09 (±7.76) years, 53.6% were female and 58.9% were in the advanced stage of AD. The mean number of teeth present was 11.66 (±10.94), and oral hygiene was performed 2.21 (±1.04) times/day. The provision of oral health care to subjects with AD was carried out by caregivers in 85.7%. Oral hygiene was provided by the caregivers to the subjects with AD with the aid of a toothbrush and/or gauze embedded with non‐fluoridated mouthwash in the majority of the cases. Complete dental prostheses were cleaned with the aid of mouthwashes instead of denture brushes by 44% of the subjects/caregivers. There was a significant association between the number of teeth in the subjects with AD and the number of oral hygiene procedures performed per day and current smoking.

Conclusion:  Oral health care planning for subjects with AD should take into account caregivers’ perceptions and knowledge about oral health and hygiene as caregivers represent the primary providers to these patients when the disease progresses from early to more advanced stages.
Embryonic pathogenesis of hypogonadism and renal hypoplasia in hgn/hgn rats characterized by male sterility, reduced female fertility and progressive renal insufficiency
Authors: Suzuki Hiroetsu , Yagi Mio , Saito Kenichi , Suzuki Katsushi
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT  Congenital hypoplasia and dysplasia affect the postnatal development of organs, their physiological functioning in adulthood and the incidence of related diseases at an advanced age. Hypogonadic (hgn/hgn) rats are characterized by male sterility, reduced female fertility, progressive renal insufficiency and growth retardation, all controlled by a single recessive allele (hgn) located on chromosome 10. Since our previous studies indicated that the hypoplasia (dysplasia) of the affected organs was present at birth, we examined the embryonic pathogenesis. We mated hgn/hgn females to Brown Norway males and backcrossed F1 males to hgn/hgn females. The resulting N1 fetuses were genotyped using a hgn‐linked microsatellite. Both sexes of hgn/hgn fetuses showed low body weight after embryonic day (ED) 15.5 and renal hypoplasia after ED 17.5. Their kidneys contained a reduced number of nephrons in a poorly formed nephrogenic zone and renal cortex. The hgn/hgn ovaries contained a small number of oogonia at ED 15.5 and oocytes after ED 17.5. Testicular growth defects were obvious after ED 17.5, and reduced numbers of Sertoli cells were detected at ED 19.5 and 21.5. The seminiferous cords in hgn/hgn testes contained more apoptotic and mitotic cells than those in +/hgn testes. These findings suggest that the phenotypes described in adult hgn/hgn rats result from embryonic hypogenesis, which continues to early postnatal stage and causes a reduction in functional tissues and cells. Since hgn/hgn rats have an insertion mutation in the microtubule‐associated protein Spag5 gene, the embryonic hypogenesis described in hgn/hgn rats might result from defective cell proliferation.
EFNB1 mutation at the ephrin ligand‐receptor dimerization interface in a patient with craniofrontonasal syndrome
Authors: Torii Chiharu , Izumi Kosuke , Nakajima Hideo , Takahashi Takao , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT  Craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) is characterized by craniosynostosis, hypertelorism, a broad nasal tip and occasionally cleft lip and palate, and is caused by a mutation in the ephrin‐B1 gene (EFNB1). The study of naturally occurring human EFNB1 mutations offers a unique opportunity to better define the critical portion within the ephrin domain that is essential for the function of EFNB1 protein in craniofacial development. Here, we report a CFNS patient with a novel EFNB1 missense mutation present at the interface between EFNB1 and its receptor proteins. The patient’s facial features included hypertelorism, a broad nasal tip, brachycephaly, frontal bossing, facial asymmetry and esotropia. In addition, she had pectus carinatum, grooved nails on her thumb, an abnormal palmar crease pattern and a broad first toe. Her development was appropriate for her age. Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products using an autosequencer revealed a heterozygous missense mutation, Ser118Ile. Ser118 is located in the G‐H loop of the extracellular ephrin domain and is highly evolutionarily conserved among rodents, avians and fish. The mutation occurred de novo and was not present in 100 normal Japanese control subjects. Substitutions of the adjacent amino acid residue, Pro119, have been previously reported in three CFNS patients. Since the structure of EFNB1 is not yet available, the spatial locality of Ser118 was characterized using the protein structure of EFNB2. We deduced that Ser118 in EFNB1 resides at the major dimerization interface with Eph receptors and inferred that the Ser118Ile mutation may impede the protrusion of the G‐H loop, thereby disturbing Eph–Ephrin signal transduction.
Metabonomics in pharmaceutical R & D
Authors: Lindon John C. , Holmes Elaine , Nicholson Jeremy K.
Published: February 2007

This minireview is based on a lecture given at the First Maga Circe Conference on metabolomics held at Sabaudia, Italy, in March 2006 in which the analytical and statistical techniques used in metabonomics, efforts at standardization and some of the major applications to pharmaceutical research and development are reviewed. Metabonomics involves the determination of multiple metabolites simultaneously in biofluids, tissues and tissue extracts. Applications to preclinical drug safety studies are illustrated by the Consortium for Metabonomic Toxicology, a collaboration involving several major pharmaceutical companies. This consortium was able, through the measurement of a dataset of NMR spectra of rodent urine and serum samples, to build a predictive expert system for liver and kidney toxicity. A secondary benefit was the elucidation of the endogenous biochemicals responsible for the classification. The use of metabonomics in disease diagnosis and therapy monitoring is discussed with an exemplification from coronary artery disease, and the concept of pharmaco‐metabonomics as a way of predicting an individual's response to treatment is exemplified. Finally, some advantages and perceived difficulties of the metabonomics approach are summarized.
A metabolomics perspective of human brain tumours
Authors: Griffin Julian L. , Kauppinen Risto A.
Published: February 2007

During the past decade or so, a wealth of information about metabolites in various human brain tumour preparations (cultured cells, tissue specimens, tumours in vivo) has been accumulated by global profiling tools. Such holistic approaches to cellular biochemistry have been termed metabolomics. Inherent and specific metabolic profiles of major brain tumour cell types, as determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), have also been used to define metabolite phenotypes in tumours in vivo. This minireview examines the recent advances in the field of human brain tumour metabolomics research, including advances in MRS and mass spectrometry technologies, and data analysis.
L‐Lactate metabolism in potato tuber mitochondria
Authors: Paventi Gianluca , Pizzuto Roberto , Chieppa Gabriella , Passarella Salvatore
Published: February 2007

We investigated the metabolism of l‐lactate in mitochondria isolated from potato tubers grown and saved after harvest in the absence of any chemical agents. Immunologic analysis by western blot using goat polyclonal anti‐lactate dehydrogenase showed the existence of a mitochondrial lactate dehydrogenase, the activity of which could be measured photometrically only in mitochondria solubilized with Triton X‐100. The addition of l‐lactate to potato tuber mitochondria caused: (a) a minor reduction of intramitochondrial pyridine nucleotides, whose measured rate of change increased in the presence of the inhibitor of the alternative oxidase salicyl hydroxamic acid; (b) oxygen consumption not stimulated by ADP, but inhibited by salicyl hydroxamic acid; and (c) activation of the alternative oxidase as polarographically monitored in a manner prevented by oxamate, an l‐lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor. Potato tuber mitochondria were shown to swell in isosmotic solutions of ammonium l‐lactate in a stereospecific manner, thus showing that l‐lactate enters mitochondria by a proton‐compensated process. Externally added l‐lactate caused the appearance of pyruvate outside mitochondria, thus contributing to the oxidation of extramitochondrial NADH. The rate of pyruvate efflux showed a sigmoidal dependence on l‐lactate concentration and was inhibited by phenylsuccinate. Hence, potato tuber mitochondria possess a non‐energy‐competent l‐lactate/pyruvate shuttle. We maintain, therefore, that mitochondrial metabolism of l‐lactate plays a previously unsuspected role in the response of potato to hypoxic stress.
The leech product saratin is a potent inhibitor of platelet integrin α2β1 and von Willebrand factor binding to collagen
Authors: White Tara C. , Berny Michelle A. , Robinson David K. , Yin Hang , DeGrado William F. , Hanson Stephen R. , McCarty Owen J. T.
Published: February 2007

Subendothelial collagen plays an important role, via both direct and indirect mechanisms, in the initiation of thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury. Collagen binds plasma von Willebrand factor, which mediates platelet recruitment to collagen under high shear. Subsequently, the direct binding of the platelet receptors glycoprotein VI and α2β1 to collagen is critical for platelet activation and stable adhesion. Leeches, have evolved a number of inhibitors directed towards platelet–collagen interactions so as to prevent hemostasis in the host during hematophagy. In this article, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of the leech product saratin to inhibit platelet binding to collagen. In the presence of inhibitors of ADP and thromboxane A2, both saratin and 6F1, a blocking α2β1 mAb, abrogated platelet adhesion to fibrillar and soluble collagen. Additionally, saratin eliminated α2β1‐dependent platelet adhesion to soluble collagen in the presence of an Src kinase inhibitor. Moreover, saratin prevented platelet‐rich plasma adhesion to fibrillar collagen, a process dependent upon both α2β1 and von Willebrand factor binding to collagen. Furthermore, saratin specifically inhibited the binding of the α2 integrin subunit I domain to collagen, and prevented platelet adhesion to collagen under flow to the same extent as observed in the presence of a combination of mAbs to glycoprotein Ib and α2β1. These results demonstrate that saratin interferes with integrin α2β1 binding to collagen in addition to inhibiting von Willebrand factor–collagen binding, presumably by binding to an overlapping epitope on collagen. This has significant implications for the use of saratin as a tool to inhibit platelet–collagen interactions.
Preliminary molecular characterization and crystallization of mitochondrial respiratory complex II from porcine heart
Authors: Huo Xia , Su Dan , Wang Aojin , Zhai Yujia , Xu Jianxing , Li Xuemei , Bartlam Mark , Sun Fei , Rao Zihe
Published: February 2007

The mitochondrial respiratory complex II, or succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, is an integral membrane protein complex in both the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and aerobic respiration. The gene sequences of each complex II subunit were measured by RT‐PCR. N‐terminal sequencing work was performed to identify the mitochondrial targeting signal peptide of each subunit. Complex II was extracted from porcine heart and purified by the ammonium sulfate precipitation method. The sample was solubilized by 0.5% (w/v) sugar detergent n‐decyl‐β‐d‐maltoside, stabilized by 200 mm sucrose, and crystallized with 5% (w/v) poly(ethylene glycol) 4000. Important factors for the extraction, purification and crystallization of mitochondrial respiratory complex II are discussed.
Glycation of low‐density lipoprotein results in the time‐dependent accumulation of cholesteryl esters and apolipoprotein B‐100 protein in primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages
Authors: Brown Bronwyn E. , Rashid Imran , van Reyk David M. , Davies Michael J.
Published: February 2007

Nonenzymatic covalent binding (glycation) of reactive aldehydes (from glucose or metabolic processes) to low‐density lipoproteins has been previously shown to result in lipid accumulation in a murine macrophage cell line. The formation of such lipid‐laden cells is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. In this study, we characterize lipid accumulation in primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages, which are cells of immediate relevance to human atherosclerosis, on exposure to low‐density lipoprotein glycated using methylglyoxal or glycolaldehyde. The time course of cellular uptake of low‐density lipoprotein‐derived lipids and protein has been characterized, together with the subsequent turnover of the modified apolipoprotein B‐100 (apoB) protein. Cholesterol and cholesteryl ester accumulation occurs within 24 h of exposure to glycated low‐density lipoprotein, and increases in a time‐dependent manner. Higher cellular cholesteryl ester levels were detected with glycolaldehyde‐modified low‐density lipoprotein than with methylglyoxal‐modified low‐density lipoprotein. Uptake was significantly decreased by fucoidin (an inhibitor of scavenger receptor SR‐A) and a mAb to CD36. Human monocyte‐derived macrophages endocytosed and degraded significantly more125I‐labeled apoB from glycolaldehyde‐modified than from methylglyoxal‐modified, or control, low‐density lipoprotein. Differences in the endocytic and degradation rates resulted in net intracellular accumulation of modified apoB from glycolaldehyde‐modified low‐density lipoprotein. Accumulation of lipid therefore parallels increased endocytosis and, to a lesser extent, degradation of apoB in human macrophages exposed to glycolaldehyde‐modified low‐density lipoprotein. This accumulation of cholesteryl esters and modified protein from glycated low‐density lipoprotein may contribute to cellular dysfunction and the increased atherosclerosis observed in people with diabetes, and other pathologies linked to exposure to reactive carbonyls.
Integrated, Comprehensive Alignment as a Foundation for Measuring Student Progress
Authors: Martineau Joseph , Paek Pamela , Keene John , Hirsch Thomas
Published: February 2007

This paper describes a comprehensive model of alignment that provides a foundation for meaningful reporting of students' academic progress over time. The model includes both horizontal and vertical alignment as integral parts of the development of content standards, test blueprints, items, item pools, instruments, performance level descriptors, and performance standards. It also explains why comprehensively integrating alignment into development processes results in procedural efficiencies and gains in validity evidence for the measurement of student progress. Cautions against reducing focus on content in favor of alignment are given. All parts of the comprehensive alignment model described in this paper either have been or soon will be implemented in a large‐scale assessment program.
ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VIRGIN OLIVE OILS FROM TWO NEW VARIETIES OBTAINED BY CONTROLLED CROSSING ON MESKI VARIETY
Authors: BACCOURI BECHIR , TEMIME SONIA BEN , TAAMALLI WAEL , DAOUD DOUJA , M'SALLEM MONJI , ZARROUK MOKHTAR
Published: February 2007

Characterization of virgin olive oils from two new olive cultivars obtained through controlled crossings on Meski variety was investigated. These two olive varieties have been selected among a progeny of 30 olive descendants after an evaluation of oil fatty acid composition and the content of their fruits. The study was achieved during the crop years 2001/2002 and 2002/2003. These two new cultivars (9D and 6H) had an improved oil composition compared to that of Chemlali, the dominant Tunisian olive oil variety; the latter is characterized by low rate of oleic acid and high rates of linoleic and palmitic acids. New cultivars are distinguished by: (1) good content of total phenols and oil yield; (2) a balanced fatty acid composition; and (3) a good content of OOO and a relatively low ΔECN42 as compared to that of Chemlali.
ACIDOLYSIS OF SEAL BLUBBER OIL WITH LAURIC ACID
Authors: SENANAYAKE S.P.J. NAMAL , SHAHIDI FEREIDOON
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to modify the fatty acid composition of seal (Phoca groenlandica) blubber oil by incorporation of lauric acid (12:0; a medium chain fatty acid). Of the three enzymes that were employed in the initial screening, sn‐1,3‐regiospecific lipase from Mucor miehei (Lipozyme IM) exhibited the highest activity and was further studied for the acidolysis of seal blubber oil with 12:0. The fatty acid composition of modified seal blubber oil was different from that of the unaltered oil. The optimum substrate mole ratio of seal blubber oil to 12:0 for M. miehei lipase was 1:3. The time course of the reaction demonstrated that 29.7% lauric acid incorporation was obtained in 24 h. Stereospecific analyses by pancreatic lipase revealed that M. miehei lipase incorporated 12:0 predominantly at the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions of the triacylglycerol molecules.
THE NORMAL OVARY OF CHILDHOOD
Authors: Valdes‐Dapena Marie A.
Published: February 2007

The growth of the ovary from the time of birth until the menarche is largely dependent upon an increase of its stroma, the reticular fibers of which undergo drastic changes in their orientation during this period of time. Simultaneously with the growth of the ovarian stroma there is a tremendous decrease in the number of oocytes; much of this latter change probably occurs during the first year of life.

The development of graafian follicles in infancy and childhood is comparable to that seen in adults. This process is reviewed, as are the morphologic changes occurring with involution of the follicle.

A few of the morphologic variants which may be encountered in the ovaries of infants and children are briefly reviewed.
VAGINAL CYTOLOGY OF FEMALE CHILDREN
Authors: Wied George L. , Keebler Catherine M.
Published: February 2007

On cytologic material of 212 normal newborn and female children in early childhood, 146 premenarche individuals whose actual onset of menstruation was ascertained by their available menstrual history, and of 922 adolescent patients with various disturbances of their menstrual cycles, the authors examined the cytologic patterns found. The study emphasizes the usefulness of cytologic examination of the young female individual for the evaluation of her endocrinologic condition.
THE ACUTE ABDOMEN IN FEMALE CHILDREN
Authors: Stephens Clinton A.
Published: February 2007

The findings based on a study of 734 girls between two and 15 years of age who were seen with a suspected acute surgical abdomen have been reviewed. Two hundred twenty‐seven (31 percent) were not thought to have a surgical lesion and were not operated upon. Five hundred seven were submitted to surgery, and in 120 (23 percent of those operated upon) either no definite diagnosis was made or a nonsurgical condition was found. The most significant nonsurgical lesions giving rise to the clinical features of an acute surgical abdomen were mesenteric lymphadenitis, acute gastroenteritis, the redundant sigmoid syndrome, acute pyelonephritis, and pneumonia. In most instances the diagnosis of these conditions was made on clinical grounds, but on some occasions exploration was necessary because the signs were so strongly suggestive of a localized inflammatory or obstructive lesion.

Acute appendicitis was by far the most common surgical lesion causing abdominal pain. Two hundred ninety‐seven girls suffered from this disease. Under the age of six years, the incidence of perforation was 63 percent. The overall incidence was 24 percent.

Next to acute appendicitis, gynecological lesions were the most common ones to present the features of an acute abdomen in girls between 11 and 15 years of age. They accounted for the clinical features of an acute abdomen in almost 10 percent of this age group. A ruptured graafian follicle was the most common lesion followed by torsion of the ovary, ruptured corpus luteal cyst, torsion of a parovarian cyst, tubovarian abscess, and reflux of menstrual blood. Intestinal obstruction was the cause of the acute abdomen in 30 girls. Between two and four years the commonest cause was an intussusception, but after four years of age it was a postoperative adhesion. A diagnosis of primary peritonitis was made in 23 girls. In only one was a positive bacterial culture obtained from the peritoneal fluid. It would appear that a virus may well be responsible for this clinical entity. Gall bladder disease and perforated peptic ulcers accounted together for 0.5 percent of the girls seen between two and 15 years. Trauma was a rare cause and accounted for the clinical features in only two cases.

Under the age of two years the features of the acute abdomen were due to intestinal obstruction in over 90 percent of girls. In the neonatal period signs of obstruction, and not pain, predominated.
GENETIC COUNSELING IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Authors: Sites James G. , Jacobson Cecil B.
Published: February 2007

It is the increasing responsibility of the obstetrician and gynecologist to assume a role in genetic counseling. He is ideally suited for this by the very nature of his specialty, since his contact with patients covers the entire life span of womanhood. It is hoped that he will make an effort to supplement his treatment with counseling, early recognition and diagnosis of abnormal conditions and treatment of these deformities. It is suggested that by obtaining an adequate history and performing a thorough physical examination of mothers during prenatal care, and of the babies at the time of delivery, a great step may be taken in this direction.
PROTECTING PARTICIPANTS IN HUMAN STUDIES
Authors: Ladimer Irving
Published: February 2007

Dr. Roy Ritts has expressed his concept of this responsibility beautifully. It aptly serves to remind us of the self‐control that is the essence of the basic protection I have sought to outline:

It is essential that while humanity and science are served, the individual's rights must be protected with vigor and vigilance. If this means that certain experiments cannot be conducted, it is appropriate that they are not…. Occasionally, the means and the end are blurred and may even be indistinguishable. In the clinical experiment with human subjects … the end can never justify means if human rights and dignity are violated. There is special meaning for the scientist in this cliché, for he above others exalts in his freedom … he is first a human, then a scientist.20
IONIC PROBES OF MEMBRANE STRUCTURES*
Authors: Szabo G. , Eisenman G. , McLaughlin S. G. A. , Krasne S.
Published: February 2007

In this paper we have examined the possibility of identifying those membrane structural variables (polar head groups and the nature of hydrocarbon tails) that modulate membrane ionic permeability. Altering the bilayer lipid composition produces variations in physical parameters (surface potential, partition coefficient, and mobility) governing the conductance mediated by neutral carriers of anions and cations. Specifically, the effects of the charged polar head groups are shown to be understandable in terms of the surface potential they produce through the formation of a diffuse double layer, whereas the effects of the viscosity may be demonstrated by “freezing” the membrane. The effects of membrane composition on membrane conductance are illustrated by a third, less well understood, example of how cholesterol alters bilayer conductances. The results indicate the possibility of using positive and negative permeant species as probes of membrane structures.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC LOCALIZATION OF MACROMOLECULES ON MEMBRANE SURFACES*
Authors: Nicolson Garth L. , Singer S. J.
Published: February 2007

Ferritin‐conjugated antibodies and ferritin‐conjugated plant agglutinins can be used as specific stains to localize macromolecular antigens and specific saccharide residues, respectively, on membranes. In conjunction with a new procedure for preparing membrane specimens by cytolysis at an air‐water interface, specific ferritin‐conjugated antibodies have been used to determine the distribution of the Rh0(D) antigen on human erythrocyte membranes, and of the H‐2 histocompatibility alloantigens on murine erythrocytes. Over a period of time these distributions are random, lending support to the lipid‐globular protein mosaic model of membrane structure. With ferritin‐conjugated plant agglutinins, it has been found, for several types of saccharide residues and several varieties of plasma membranes, that the membrane‐bound oligosaccharides are exclusively located on the outer surfaces of the membranes; none is found on the inner cytoplasmic surface. These results strongly suggest that the glycoproteins of membranes do not rotate from the outer to the inner surface at a significant rate under physiological conditions.
Comparative Analyses of Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Color of Cool Season Legumes and Other Selected Food Legumes
Authors: Xu B.J. , Yuan S.H. , Chang S.K.C.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to characterize the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of U.S.‐produced cool season legumes. A total of 33 cool season legume samples were selected. Some common beans and soybeans were included for comparisons. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were analyzed. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were used for analyzing antioxidant properties. Color of the legume flour and the seed coat was also analyzed. TPC, TFC, CTC, FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC values of legumes were significantly different not only between classes but also among samples within each class. Among cool season legume classes, lentils possessed the highest concentrations of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Colored common beans and black soybeans exhibited higher TPC, TFC, CTC, FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC values than those of yellow peas, green peas, and chickpeas. Antioxidant activities (FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC) were strongly correlated (r= 0.96, 0.94, and 0.89, respectively, P < 0.01) with TPC. TPC and ORAC were moderately correlated (P < 0.01) with either the seed hull surface color or the flour color.
Texture Profile of Tofu as Affected by Instron Parameters and Sample Preparation, and Correlations of Instron Hardness and Springiness with Sensory Scores
Authors: Yuan S. , Chang S. K. C.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT:  Our objective was to characterize the variations of tofu textural profiles as affected by physical parameters and to correlate the data with that of the sensory method. The textural profiles of 13 selected tofu types were characterized using various crosshead speeds and 2 degrees of penetration using an Instron universal textural machine. Hardness (firmness) and springiness (elasticity) were also analyzed by a descriptive sensory analysis. The results showed that the degree of plunger penetration had a significant impact on textural properties. Hardness values obtained by both levels of penetration correlated significantly (r= 0.94 to 0.95) with the sensory hardness. Springiness obtained by the 50% penetration method did not correlate significantly with the sensory data, whereas 75% penetration had a significant correlation (r= 0.98). Hardness values obtained using tofu specimens without skin correlated better with sensory data than that obtained with skin, which typically results from a pressing step in traditional tofu‐making process. The findings were the first in the literature to show linear correlations between instrumental and sensory tofu textural characteristics, and provided a basis for the selection of physical parameters for determining tofu textural properties using an Instron machine.
Thermal Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in Breaded Pork Patties
Authors: Osaili T. M. , Griffis C. L. , Martin E. M. , Beard B. L. , Keener A. E. , Marcy J. A.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT:  Decimal reduction times (D‐values) and thermal resistance constants (z‐values) for 3 foodborne pathogenic bacteria in formulated ready‐to‐eat breaded pork patties were determined with thermal inactivation studies. Meat samples, inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes cultures or uninoculated controls, were packaged in sterile bags, immersed in circulated water bath, and held at 55, 57.5, 60, 62.5, 65, 67.5, and 70 °C for different durations of time. The D‐ and z‐values were determined by using a linear regression model. Average calculated D‐values for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and L. monocytogenes at a temperature range of 55 to 70 °C were 32.11 to 0.08 min, 69.48 to 0.29 min, and 150.46 to 0.43 min, respectively. Calculated z‐values for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and L. monocytogenes were 5.4, 6.2, and 5.9 °C, respectively. The results of this study will be useful to food processors to validate thermal lethality of the studied foodborne pathogens in ready‐to‐eat breaded pork patties.
Invasiveness and Intracellular Growth of Multidrug‐Resistant Salmonella and Other Pathogens in Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Wei C.‐I.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT:  The increase of multidrug‐resistant pathogens of human and animal origins is a major public health concern. For a better understanding of the health consequences of multidrug‐resistant bacteria transmitted from animal products to humans, the host interaction of zoonotic Salmonella isolates along with other pathogenic and commensal bacteria was evaluated using a human intestinal Caco‐2 cell system. Multidrug‐resistant S. Agona, S. Heidelberg, and S. Typhimurium possessed plasmid‐mediated class 1 integrons. The S. Typhimurium DT104 isolate from ground beef showed the well‐known genotypic and phenotypic resistance characteristics of the species, and contained the chromosomally located class 1 integron. Among the multidrug‐resistant Salmonella isolates, the S. Heidelberg 219 had the highest invasion number at 1.0 × 104 CFU/mL, followed by the S. Typhimurium DT104 isolate at 7.7 × 103 CFU/mL. Listeria monocytogenes was the best performer among the tested species in invading the Caco‐2 cell. Multidrug‐resistant opportunistic pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also able to invade the cells. The invasion of S. Heidelberg 219, S. Typhimurium DT104, L. monocytogenes, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa into the Caco‐2 cells was not affected even in the presence of commensal E. coli. During the intracellular growth of S. Heidelberg 219, S. Typhimurium DT104, and L. monocytogenes, the bacterial counts increased 2 log cycles in 9 h in the Caco‐2 cells. Therefore, these strains could rapidly proliferate after their invasion into the cells.
Survival of common goldeneye Bucephala clangula ducklings in relation to weather, timing of breeding, brood size, and female condition
Authors: Paasivaara Antti , Pöysä Hannu
Published: February 2007

The survival of common goldeneye Bucephala clangula ducklings during their first week of life was studied in relation to hatching date, brood size, female condition, and weather (temperature and precipitation) during the first week post‐hatch by using data from radio‐marked females and their broods. Also, age‐specific variation in the survival of the young was determined until fledging (over 50 d of age). Survival was lowest in the first week after hatching. Hatching date, brood size, and first week temperature and precipitation were poor predictors of duckling survival during the first week after nest exodus. Instead, the ducklings of females in a better body condition survived better in their first week of life. The results suggest that weather does not have a direct effect on downy ducklings’ survival, but the condition of the female seems to be an important determinant of the survival of common goldeneye ducklings.
Review of Materials and Characterization Methods for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Flow-Field Plates
Authors: Brett Daniel J. L. , Brandon Nigel P.
Published: February 2007

The role of the flow-field plate is of major importance in determining the performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The flow-field plate constitutes the largest volumetric and gravimetric proportion of the fuel cell stack and has a strong bearing on the cost and efficiency of the system. This review considers the materials being used to make flow-field plates and the methods used to characterize materials properties and performance.
Novel Deposition of Pt∕C Nanocatalysts and Nafion® Solution on Carbon-Based Electrodes via Electrophoretic Process for PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Louh R. F. , Huang Hansen , Tsai Felix
Published: February 2007

Nanosized platinum particles supported on carbon black carriers (Pt∕C) are popular for use in fabrication of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Here, an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process is proposed to investigate the power performance of Pt∕C nanopowders onto various carbon-based electrodes for the PEMFC applications in a better controlled and cost-effective manner. Novel deposition of Pt∕C nanocatalysts and Nafion® solution via electrophoretic process give rise to higher deposition efficiency and a uniform distribution of catalyst and Nafion ionomer on the electrodes of PEMFCs. Preparation of an EPD suspension with good dispersivity is much desirable for an agreeable overall performance of catalyst coating in terms of types of organic solvents, milling processes, and use of pH adjusting agents and surfactants in the EPD suspension. The EPD suspension was prepared by sonication of mixture of Pt∕C nanopowders, Nafion solution and isopropyl alcohol, the optimal pH value of which was reached by using acetic acid or ammonium hydroxide. The colloidal stability of EPD suspension was achieved at pH ∼10 for an EPD suspension of either Pt∕C catalysts or mixture of Pt∕C catalysts and Nafion ionomer. A nicely distributed deposition of Pt∕C nanocatalysts and Nafion ionomer on both hydrophilic or hydrophobic carbon-based electrodes was successfully obtained by using Pt∕C concentration of 1.0g∕l, electrical field of 300V∕cm, and deposition time of 5min. Microstructural analysis results indicate that Pt∕C nanopowders not only embrace the entire surface of carbon fibers but also infiltrate into the gaps and voids in fiber bundles such that a higher contact area of the same loading of Pt∕C nanocatalysts through the EPD process is thus expected. At present, the EPD process can effectively save more of Pt catalyst loading on electrodes in PEMFC, as compared to conventional methods, such as screen printing, brushing, or spraying through the similar level of power performance for PEMFCs.
A Temperature-Programmed-Reduction Study on La1−xSrxCrO3 and Surface-Ruthenium-Modified La1−xSrxCrO3
Authors: Yan Aiyu , Liu Bin , Tu Baofeng , Dong Yonglai , Cheng Mojie , Song Shuqin , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: February 2007

A series of La1−xSrxCrO3(0⩽x⩽0.3) composite oxides were prepared by a modified citric method. These perovskite oxides were further modified with Ru through impregnation. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed-reduction (TPR) techniques were adopted to investigate the properties of both the as-prepared perovskite oxides and the surface-Ru-modified La1−xSrxCrO3 samples. XPS results indicated the existence of Cr6+ ions in the fresh samples and transformed to Cr3+ after reduction. The hydrogen consumed by these perovskite oxides during TPR increased with the Sr doping, which was more than twice of the theoretical value according to Kröger-Vink notation. The reduction temperature of Cr ions of Ru∕La1−xSrxCrO3 significantly decreased with an increase of the Ru loading. A small reduction peak at ∼540°C, which was not shifted by increasing Ru loadings, was observed and could be ascribed to the reduction of trace chromate phases. On all TPR profiles of the three doped perovskites with unity of the A-site and B-site ratio, the reduction of Ru species could not be observed at low Ru loadings (0.05% and 0.1%). A reduction peak from RuO2 particles appeared at temperatures prior to the perovskite reduction on the TPR plots of modified La0.9Sr0.1CrO3 and La0.8Sr0.2CrO3 with high Ru loading (0.5% and 1%, respectively), but it did not occur with the Ru modified La0.7Sr0.3CrO3 in the investigated Ru loading range. The TPR results of the Ru modified La0.8Sr0.2Cr0.95O3 depicted that some Ru ions might be stabilized due to the incorporation into the oxide.
Processing of Raney-Nickel Catalysts for Alkaline Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Linnekoski J. A. , Krause A. O. I. , Keskinen Jari , Lamminen J. , Anttila T.
Published: February 2007

Platinum and other platinum group metals, either as singles or in combinations, have been preferred for use in low temperature fuel cells, mainly alkaline fuel cells (AFCs), polymer membrane electrolyte fuel cells (PEMs), and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). However, also the Raney-nickel catalyst, which is among the most active non-noble metals for the HOR, has been the target of interest, especially in AFCs. However, electrodes with nonsupport Raney-nickel catalysts have been reported to suffer from insufficient conductivity. So, in this work, in order to enhance the electrical conductivity in the catalyst layer and to increase the catalytic activity, the Raney-nickel catalysts were alloyed with carbon in a planetary-type ball mill. In some samples platinum was added chemically to still enhance the catalytic properties. The activity of the processed materials was tested in the anode reaction of the alkaline fuel cell by measuring the half-cell polarization curves. It was found that the effective mixing of Raney-nickel powder and carbon in the ball mill was beneficial compared with poorer mixing in the knife mill. However, in order to achieve the same current densities at the same polarization level as the commercial Pt catalyst (2mg∕cm2), much higher Raney-nickel contents (73mg∕cm2) were needed. Good contact between Raney-nickel and conductive material (carbon) in the catalyst layer of the alkaline fuel cell electrode can improve the performance of the Raney-nickel catalyst in the hydrogen oxidation reaction. The polarization was lowered especially at the higher current densities (>250mA∕cm2).
Experimenting with Electric Trains
Authors: Wick D. P. , Ramsdell M. W.
Published: February 2007

A simple experiment can be performed to characterize the relationship between applied voltage and velocity (steady state and transient) for an electric toy train. The results can be used by teams of students to solve a series of challenges in which they attempt to predict the performance of a particular train. Some sample challenges might include having groups predict the position of the train at a certain instant in time, predict the time the train will reach a given location, and select the applied voltage that will ensure the train will reach a certain point at a given instant. This activity is centered on a team-oriented modeling-based project conducted at Clarkson University, which was published in the American Journal of Physics.1