bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divalent Cation and ATP Dependent Motility of Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites After Mild Treatment with Trypsin
Authors: MONDRAGON RICARDO , MEZA ISAURA , FRIXIONE EUGENIO
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Large percentages of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites could be induced to display two types of movement associated with active invasive behavior by exposing them for 1 min to 0.002% trypsin in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). The motile activity, consisting of clockwise rotation around the posterior end (about 20 revolutions per min) and twirling‐gliding over a poly‐L‐lysine substrate (1.2 ± 0.2 μm/s standard deviation), was observed and recorded by video‐enhanced contrast microscopy. The number of active tachyzoites reached a maximum 1 min after trypsinization; the motile response of the population lasted for about 5 min. Activation was prevented by soybean trypsin‐inhibitor, and could not be induced again in previously treated specimens. Electron‐microscopy of trypsinized tachyzoites fixed in the presence of ruthenium‐red revealed discrete discontinuities of the plasma membrane, which sealed within 90 min after washing with PBS. Treated tachyzoites were able to invade cultured epithelial cells with a higher relative infectivity than that of untreated parasites. Perfusion of trypsinized tachyzoites with 1 mM of either CaCl2 or MgCl2 and 1 mM ATP increased the number of activated parasites to over 60%; on the other hand, all induced motility was inhibited or blocked by agents that chelate divalent cations. The present preparation, which provided the first serial illustrations of T. gondii movements induced by a defined chemical stimulus, may offer a useful experimental model for the study of motility in this parasite.
Adolescence and the Reversibility of Maturity in Euplotes crassus
Authors: DINI FERNANDO , NYBERG DENNIS
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. The clonal life history of ciliated protists is characterized by a sequence of phenotypes; sexual immaturity, maturity, and senescence. The distinctiveness of immaturity and maturity has been investigated. Standard assays of the onset of maturity of progeny clones from a cross between stocks EC1 and EC2 of Euplotes crassus demonstrated significant differences among clones and among testers within clones. They also revealed that the first positive test(s) of a progeny subclone were typically followed by at least one negative test. Special protocols were devised to investigate if maturity was reversible at the cellular level. In these experiments, the first mating pair of a progeny subclone was split before the consummation of mating. From these two cells as well as from control progeny and tester cells, subclones were established and every leftover cell was tested for maturity after each transfer. Both standard and split‐pair progeny subclones had immature and slow‐ to‐mate cells. The number of fissions before progeny exhibited sexual behavior indistinguishable from the testers was more than twice that to the first mating reaction of a subclone. At the first sign of maturity, progeny lines are a heterogeneous population of cells able and not able to mate, but remarkably, clonal descendants of those able to mate may become unable to mate. The development of maturity is progressive, quantitative and non‐monotonic rather than an instantaneous switch.
Changes in Trypanosoma cruzi Kinetoplast DNA Minicircles Induced by Environmental Conditions and Subcloning
Authors: ALVES ADA M. B. , DE ALMEIDA DARCY F. , VON KRÜGER WANDA M. A.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Reversible changes in kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircles sequences were observed in clones of Trypanosoma cruzi strain Y, following a number of passages during exponential growth phase or after subcloning in blood‐free medium. kDNA restriction patterns of clones were similar to those of the original uncloned strain, while subclones presented distinct kDNA restriction patterns. Homology experiments demonstrated strong hybridization between kDNA with the same electrophoretic mobility patterns while only weak signals were observed with kDNA of different patterns. The changes observed, which are unprecedented in T. cruzi clones, characterize transkinetoplastidy, and seem to be associated with similarly reversible changes both in zymodeme and in infectivity.
Microstructure and Piezoelectric Properties of (1−x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–xLiNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Song Hyun‐Cheol , Cho Kyung‐Hoon , Park Hwi‐Yeol , Ahn Cheol‐Woo , Nahm Sahn , Uchino Kenji , Park Seung‐Ho , Lee Hyeung‐Gyu
Published: May 2007

(1−x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–xLiNbO3 [(1−x)NKN–xLN] ceramics were produced by the conventional solid‐state sintering method, and their microstructure and piezoelectric properties were investigated. The formation of the liquid phase and K6Li4Nb10O30 second phase that were observed in the (1−x)NKN–xLN ceramics was explained by the evaporation of Na2O during the sintering. A morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was observed in the specimens with 0.05<x<0.08. Promising piezoelectric properties were obtained for the specimens with x=0.07. Therefore, the piezoelectric properties of this 0.93NKN–0.07LN ceramic were further investigated and were found to be influenced by their relative density and grain size. In particular, grain size considerably affected the d33 value. Two‐step sintering was conducted at different temperatures to increase the grain size. Piezoelectric properties of d33=240 (pC/N) and kp=0.35 were obtained for the 0.93NKN–0.07LN ceramics sintered at 1030°C and subsequently annealed at 1050°C.
Resistance of sugarcane borer to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin
Authors: Huang Fangneng , Leonard B. Rogers , Wu Xiaoyi
Published: May 2007

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), strain (F52‐3‐R) was developed from F3 survivors of a single‐pair mating on commercial Cry1Ab Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn plants in the greenhouse. The susceptibility of a Bt‐susceptible and the F52‐3‐R strain of D. saccharalis to trypsin‐activated Cry1Ab toxin was determined in a laboratory bioassay. Neonate‐stage larvae were fed a meridic diet incorporating Cry1Ab toxin at a concentration range of 0.0625 to 32 µg g−1. Larval mortality, larval weight, and number of surviving larvae that did not gain significant weight (<0.1 mg per larva) were recorded on the 7th day after inoculation. The F52‐3‐R strain demonstrated a significant level of resistance to the activated Cry1Ab toxin. Larval mortality of the Bt‐susceptible strain increased in response to higher concentrations of Cry1Ab toxin, exceeding 75% at 32 µg g−1, whereas mortality of the F52‐3‐R strain was below 8% across all Cry1Ab concentrations. Using a measure of practical mortality (larvae either died or gained no weight), the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the F52‐3‐R strain was 102‐fold greater than that of the Bt‐susceptible insects. Larval growth of both Bt‐susceptible and F52‐3‐R strains was inhibited on Cry1Ab‐treated diet, but the inhibition of the F52‐3‐R strain was significantly less than that of the Bt‐susceptible insects. These results confirm that the survival of the F52‐3‐R strain on commercial Bt corn plants was related to Cry1Ab protein resistance and suggest that this strain may have considerable value in studying resistance management strategies for Bt corn.
Sex pheromone of the larch caterpillar moth, Dendrolimus superans, from northeastern China
Authors: Kong Xiang‐Bo , Zhao Cheng‐Hua , Wang Rui
Published: May 2007

The larch caterpillar moth, Dendrolimus superans Butler (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), is a serious pest in the northeastern part of China. In order to develop an effective method for monitoring D. superans, we began a project to identify the sex pheromone of D. superans and preliminary results were published in a note in 2001. Here we report complete laboratory and field results to support the identification. (Z,E)‐5,7‐Dodecadienal, (Z,E)‐5,7‐dodecadienol, (Z)‐5‐dodecenol, and (Z)‐5‐dodecenal (100:95:75:71) were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and coupled GC‐mass spectrometry in extracts of pheromone glands of female D. superans. However, only (Z,E)‐5,7‐dodecadienal elicited strong responses from conspecific male antennae in coupled GC‐electroantennography studies. Field tests with synthetic compounds indicated that baits containing (Z,E)‐5,7‐dodecadienal as a single component attracted male D. superans moths, whereas addition of one, two, or all three of the possible minor components did not increase the attractiveness of lures. (Z,E)‐5,7‐Dodecadienyl acetate, one of the pheromone components in sympatric Dendrolimus species, was antagonistic, but the analog (Z,E)‐5,7‐dodecadienyl propionate, another pheromone component in sympatric Dendrolimus species, was not. Since 2005, pheromone traps baited with (Z,E)‐5,7‐dodecadienal have been used effectively for monitoring populations of D. superans in various areas of northeastern China.
E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, invasion and lymph node metastases in canine malignant mammary tumours
Authors: DE MATOS AUGUSTO JOSÉ FERREIRA , LOPES CÉLIA CRISTINA CARREIRAS , FAUSTINO AUGUSTO MANUEL RODRIGUES , CARVALHEIRA JÚLIO GIL VALE , RUTTEMAN GERARD ROEL , GÄRTNER MARIA DE FÁTIMA RODRIGUES MOUTINHO
Published: May 2007

Recent studies of canine malignant mammary tumours suggest that reduction of E‐cadherin and/or β‐catenin correlates with invasive behaviour and lymph node metastasis. The aims of this study were to examine the interrelationships between the expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin, and the relationship between the expression of E‐cadherin and/or β‐catenin and the mode of growth and metastatic capacity of canine malignant mammary tumours. 90 spontaneous malignant tumours and local and regional lymph nodes were studied. A significant relationship was evidenced between membranous expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin (p=0.0027), but not between E‐cadherin and cytoplasmic β‐catenin. Only E‐cadherin as a separate factor was significantly related to tumour invasion (p=0.0072) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.0001). Neither membranous nor cytoplasmic β‐catenin expression was significantly related to either of these phenomena.
Changes of the Swedish Bordetella pertussis population in incidence peaks during an acellular pertussis vaccine period between 1997 and 2004
Authors: ADVANI ABDOLREZA , DONNELLY DECLAN , GUSTAFSSON LENNART , HALLANDER HANS O.
Published: May 2007

In a surveillance programme undertaken from 1997 through 2004, Bordetella pertussis isolates and clinical information were collected after introduction of acellular pertussis vaccines (Pa) in 1996. Changes in the B. pertussis population were studied in three incidence peaks: 1999–2000, 2002 and 2004. Available isolates from 158 fully vaccinated children representing all of Sweden, plus 37 from the Gothenburg area 2003–2004, were analysed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), serotyping and sequencing of the virulence factor genes pertussis toxin subunits 1 and 3 (ptxA, ptxC), pertactin (prn), tracheal colonisation factor (tcfA) and fimbria3 (fim3). Allele ptxA1 was found in all isolates. There was a statistically significant increasing trend in three out of five studied genes, ptxC, prn and tcfA, and for a fourth, Fim3, if Gothenburg strains were included. The PFGE profile BpSR11 appearing in the 1999–2000 peak dominated by ≥23% during the entire period, bringing with it the allele combination 1/2/2/2/B (ptxA1/ptxC2/prn2/tcfA2/fim3B). Other BpSR11‐related profiles with the same allele combination and more than 82% similarity—BpSR5 in the 2002 peak and BpSR12 in the 2004 peak—appeared with an increasing trend. Although vaccination with Pa has reduced disease, new variants have emerged representing clones surviving in the immunized population.
Impact of an increase in grading categories and double reporting on the reliability of breast cancer grade
Authors: CHOWDHURY NILOTPAL , PAI MUKTHA R. , LOBO FLORA D. , KINI HEMA , VARGHESE REBECCA
Published: May 2007

The present study illustrates the effect of using the consolidated total score (obtained on a 7‐point scale by adding the tubular, nuclear and mitotic scores) as well as double reporting on the interobserver reliability of breast cancer grading by the Nottingham method. 50 consecutive breast cancer slides were graded independently by 5 pathologists. The interobserver reliability between the individual pathologists for final grade, total score and grade components was estimated by quadratic weighted kappa (kw). Similarly, the inter‐observer reliability of double reported scores (obtained by averaging the reported scores of two independent pathologists) for independent observer pairs was estimated. The total scores gave higher reliability figures than the final grade both for individual pathologists and double reported scores. The double reported total scores and grade also gave significantly higher reliability figures than the individual scores and grade (average kw=0.65 and 0.78 for the individual and double reported total scores, respectively; 0.61 and 0.66 for the individual and double reported grades).Therefore, use of total scores in addition to grade as well as double reporting of the same significantly increases the interobserver reliability of breast cancer grading.
Application of fluorescent in situ hybridisation for demonstration of Coxiella burnetii in placentas from ruminant abortions
Authors: JENSEN TIM K. , MONTGOMERY DONALD L. , JAEGER PAULA T. , LINDHARDT TINA , AGERHOLM JØRGEN S. , BILLE‐HANSEN VIVI , BOYE METTE
Published: May 2007

A fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) assay targeting 16S ribosomal RNA was developed for detection of the zoonotic bacterium Coxiella burnetii in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue, and applied on placentas from ruminant abortions. The applicability of the FISH assay was compared to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using human positive control serum in 12 cases of C. burnetii‐associated placentitis as well as 7 negative control tissue samples. In all 12 cases the bacterium was detected within trophoblasts as well as free in the placental debris by both FISH and IHC. Extensive and significant infection by C. burnetii was revealed in 10 of the cases, whereas a slighter and focal distribution of the bacterium was observed in two cases. 90 aborted placentas from Danish ruminants were investigated by FISH. C. burnetii was detected in one bovine case only, representing the first confirmation of C. burnetii in Danish animals. The study shows that FISH targeting 16S ribosomal RNA is a feasible diagnostic tool for detection of C. burnetii in tissue samples and fully comparable to IHC.
Burkholderia cenocepacia, B. multivorans, B. ambifaria and B. vietnamiensis isolates from cystic fibrosis patients have different profiles of exoenzyme production
Authors: CARVALHO ANA PAULA D'ALLICOURT , VENTURA GRASIELLA MARIA CARVALHO , PEREIRA CAROLINA BORGES , LEÃO ROBSON SOUZA , FOLESCU TÂNIA WROBEL , HIGA LAURINDA , TEIXEIRA LUCIA MARTINS , PLOTKOWSKI MARIA CRISTINA MACIEL , MERQUIOR VÂNIA LUCIA CARREIRA , ALBANO RODOLPHO MATTOS , MARQUES ELIZABETH ANDRADE
Published: May 2007

Knowledge about the virulence mechanisms of species from the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is still limited. The genomovar heterogeneity and production of different virulence factors are likely to contribute to the variation in the clinical outcome observed in BCC‐infected cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Therefore, in this study we investigated the genetic polimorphism, the presence of genetic makers associated with virulence and transmissibility in BCC, and the profile of exoenzyme production of 59 BCC isolates obtained from 59 CF patients attending the reference CF centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The DNA sequence analyses of the recA gene allowed us to identify 40 of these 59 BCC species as being B. cenocepacia, 9 as B. vietnamiensis, 6 as B. multivorans and 4 as B. ambifaria. The assessment of the bacterial genetic polymorphism by PFGE revealed that B. cenocepacia and the B. multivorans isolates belonged to four and two different PFGE profiles with prevalence of two clones, A and B, respectively. All B. vietnamiensis and B. ambifaria belonged to only one PFGE profile (J and E, respectively). None of the isolates exhibited the genetic markers cblA and BCESM, assessed by polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, the profile of enzymatic activity, assessed by phenotypic methods, differed among the BCC species: protease activity was detected only in B. cenocepacia and B. ambifaria isolates, whereas only B. vietnamiensis isolates produced hemolysin. Although the phospholipase C activity was similar among the different species, the level of lipase activity produced by B. multivorans was higher than in the other species. We speculate that the differential characteristics of exoenzyme production may account for the differences in the pathogenic potentials of each BCC species.
Protective effects of baicalin on ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats
Authors: Cai X. , Li C. , Du G. , Cao Z.
Published: May 2007

Background and Objective:  Baicalin is a flavonoid compound purified from the medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and has been reported to possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of baicalin to influence the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats, as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Material and Methods:  Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to placement of a nylon thread around the bilateral lower first molars and killed after 7 d. Baicalin (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) was supplied to the animals by oral gavage, starting 1 d before the induction of periodontitis. The ligature group consisted of rats subjected to periodontitis and receiving vehicle (0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) alone. The alveolar bone loss and the area fraction occupied by collagen fibers were assessed. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein in the gingiva were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Results:  Baicalin‐treated groups presented with lower alveolar bone loss than that of the ligature group, reaching statistical significance at the dose of 200 mg/kg (p = 0.009). The area fraction of collagen fibers was significantly higher in the baicalin (200 mg/kg)‐treated group than in the ligature group (p = 0.047). Baicalin treatment significantly down‐regulated the protein expression for cyclooxygenase‐2 (p = 0.000) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (p = 0.003), compared with the ligature group.

Conclusion:  Baicalin protects against tissue damage in ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats, which might be mediated, in part, by its inhibitory effect on the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These activities could support the continued investigation of baicalin as a potential therapeutic agent in periodontal disease.
A Comprehensive Model for the Cellular Uptake of Cationic Cell‐penetrating Peptides
Authors: Duchardt Falk , Fotin‐Mleczek Mariola , Schwarz Heinz , Fischer Rainer , Brock Roland
Published: May 2007

The plasma membrane represents an impermeable barrier for most macromolecules. Still some proteins and so‐called cell‐penetrating peptides enter cells efficiently. It has been shown that endocytosis contributes to the import of these molecules. However, conflicting results have been obtained concerning the nature of the endocytic process. In addition, there have been new findings for an endocytosis‐independent cellular entry. In this study, we provide evidence that the Antennapedia‐homeodomain‐derived antennapedia (Antp) peptide, nona‐arginine and the HIV‐1 Tat‐protein‐derived Tat peptide simultaneously use three endocytic pathways: macropinocytosis, clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and caveolae/lipid‐raft‐mediated endocytosis. Antennapedia differs from Tat and R9 by the extent by which the different import mechanisms contribute to uptake. Moreover, at higher concentrations, uptake occurs by a mechanism that originates from spatially restricted sites of the plasma membrane and leads to a rapid cytoplasmic distribution of the peptides. Endocytic vesicles could not be detected, suggesting an endocytosis‐independent mode of uptake. Heparinase treatment of cells negatively affects this import, as does the protein kinase C inhibitor rottlerin, expression of dominant‐negative dynamin and chlorpromazine. This mechanism of uptake was observed for a panel of different cell lines. For Antp, significantly higher peptide concentrations and inhibition of endocytosis were required to induce its uptake. The relevance of these findings for import of biologically active cargos is shown.
Cellular basis of verruciform xanthoma: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characterization
Authors: Ide F , Obara K , Yamada H , Mishima K , Saito I , Kusama K
Published: May 2007

Background:  Verruciform xanthoma (VX) holds two basic pathogenic interests: (1) Why and how do macrophage foam cells accumulate exclusively in the sub‐basal papillae? and (2) What underlies the disease chronicity? Moreover, an unsolved question is which came first – epithelial hyperplasia or foam cell collection?

Materials and methods:  We analyzed 36 oral mucosal lesions to dissect a series of linked cellular changes in VX using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques.

Results:  Macrophage scavenger receptor‐1 (MSR‐1), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), CCR2, and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) were all expressed by foam cells. VX epithelium showed reactivity for MCP‐1, HLA‐DR and IL8 in varying degrees, and showed a nearly 40% reduction in Langerhans cell density. In sub‐epithelial inflammatory infiltrates, CD8+ T cells preponderated (>70%), but only a minority were positive for granzyme B (<1%). Keratinocyte/basal lamina complex exhibited disruption of basal lamina, squamatization and cytolysis of basal cells, fragmentation of desmosomes, and intraepithelial migration of macrophages. In severely inflamed papillae, necrotic foam cells were scavenged by adjacent macrophages.

Conclusions:  Under synergistic regulation of T cells, MCP‐1/CCR2‐mediated macrophage recruitment in the sub‐basal papillae and the lysosomal engulfment of epithelial lipids by MSR‐1‐bearing macrophages may be central in VX formation. Once developed, ox‐LDL‐induced foam cell necrosis and macrophage‐dependent debris disposal may cyclically perpetuate VX.
‘So Common‐Hackneyed in the Eyes of Men’: Banal Shakespeare and the Eighteenth‐Century Novel
Authors: Rumbold Kate
Published: May 2007

This essay was runner‐up in the 2006 Literature Compass Graduate Essay Prize, Eighteenth Century Section.

Scholars of Shakespeare's reception still conclude that he was elevated in the eighteenth century from provincial playwright to ‘secular scripture’, his words reverently spoken ‘everywhere’. This article proposes that there was a negative side to this omnipresence. Through the lens of the eighteenth‐century novel, it examines the hitherto unstudied phenomenon of ‘banal Shakespeare’: a Shakespeare whose phrases are overused by polite society. It focuses on those instances in the fiction of Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, Sarah Fielding and Laurence Sterne when the novelists deliberately have their characters quote Shakespeare in ways that are trite, clichéd or compelled by society. Asking whether ‘banal Shakespeare’ is a threat, or an aid, to the ‘rise of bardolatry’, this article contributes a new sense of the multiple, ambiguous meanings of ‘Shakespeare’ in the eighteenth century, and develops the study of novelistic quotation.
Abdominal dystocia in a case of undetected intrauterine meconium peritonitis due to cystic fibrosis
Authors: Basu Dolon , Thornton James G.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT  The case of a 36 year‐old primigravida is presented. After a normal anomaly scan at 22 weeks and a normal pregnancy, she went into labor at term. Dystocia due to massive abdominal distension complicated the second stage. The newborn girl had meconium peritonitis with colonic perforation and required colonic resection with colostomy. Genetic testing detected cystic fibrosis. In this case complex meconium peritonitis developed silently (without any clinical sign) after a normal anomaly scan. This has not been reported since the start of the widespread use of obstetric ultrasound. Late meconium peritonitis can escape detection and should be thought of in cases of unexpected abdominal distension causing dystocia.
A study of two sitting positions in frail, older, non‐mobile and totally dependent residents of aged care facilities
Authors: Nitz Jennifer C , Hourigan Susan R , Steer Marie E
Published: May 2007

Objectives:  To determine the effect of two ‘sitting‐out’ positions among frail, elderly, non‐mobile and totally dependent aged care residents.

Methods:  Ten frail elderly women older than 75 years undertook evaluation. Oxygen saturation, blood pressure and heart rate were measured in reclined (< 25 degrees from horizontal) and upright (> 75 degrees from horizontal) sitting to determine the change in these parameters induced by position.

Results:  There was a significant increase in oxygen saturation (P = 0.000) systolic (P = 0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.034) and heart rate (P = 0.000) when subjects were moved from the reclined sitting position to upright sitting. The recordings were sustained during the measuring periods independent of position. There was no evidence of postural hypotension induced in the upright sitting position.

Conclusions:  Results indicate the superiority of the upright sitting position for potential tissue oxygenation. Adopting the upright sitting position may enable participation in functional activities, thereby improving quality of life.
Are Complex A and the Orphan stream related?
Authors: Jin Shoko , Lynden-Bell D.
Published: May 2007

We consider the possibility that the Galactic neutral hydrogen stream Complex A and the stellar Orphan stream are related, and use this hypothesis to determine possible distances to Complex A and the Orphan stream, and line-of-sight velocities for the latter. The method presented uses our current knowledge of the projected positions of the streams, as well as line-of-sight velocities for Complex A, and we show that a solution exists in which the two streams share the same orbit. If Complex A and the Orphan stream are on this orbit, our calculations suggest the Orphan stream to be at an average distance of 9 kpc, with heliocentric radial velocities of approximately −95 km s−1. Complex A would be ahead of the Orphan stream in the same wrap of the orbit, with an average distance of 4 kpc, which is consistent with the distance constraints determined through interstellar absorption line techniques.
NOTE ON “EXPERTS VERSUS CONSUMERS: A COMPARISON”
Authors: DUGLE JANIS
Published: May 2007

A recent article (Moskowitz 1996) presented “evidence” to demonstrate that consumer and expert panels are equally competent for rating products on their descriptive attributes. The purpose of this note is to show that the evidence presented by the Moskowitz article is of dubious value for the purpose of comparing panels. Some examples: the claim that the spread of the means indicates one panel's ability to discriminate better than the other is misleading —panel variability must be taken into account. Whereas the article's interpretation of high and low correlations favors consumers, there is another interpretation that favors experts, and neither opinion necessarily follows from the data. Also, a claim that both panels have equal predictive ability because principal component prediction models yield high R2 values will be demonstrated to have minimal statistical substance by comparing the results to a similar analysis simulated with random data.
A THURSTONIAN VARIANT OF THE BETA‐BINOMIAL MODEL FOR REPLICATED DIFFERENCE TESTS
Authors: BI JIAN , ENNIS DANIEL M.
Published: May 2007

The beta‐binomial model is combined with a Thurstonian psychometric function to obtain estimates of the parameters of a distribution applicable to replicated difference tests. A method of estimating the variance of d’obtained from these tests is provided. A formula for determining sample size, which is composed of the number of trials (or panelists) and the number of replications, to determine d’is also given.
NOTE ON COMPUTERIZED DATA COLLECTION IN CONSUMER SENSORY EVALUATION
Authors: PLEMMONS L.E. , RESURRECCION A.V.A.
Published: May 2007

Panelists with computer experience (n = 24) and without (n = 26) rated three foods representing liked, neutral and disliked categories using a 9‐point hedonic scale on computer and paper ballots. In paired t‐test results between computer and ballot ratings, no differences were found in overall acceptance, flavor and appearance attributes. Regression analysis indicated a significant (p<0.01) linear relationship between computer and paper ballot ratings. Computer ballot ratings for overall acceptance were comparable to paper ballot ratings in a consumer sensory evaluation test. Slight differences in overall acceptance were found between computer and paper ballot responses from panelists with and without computer experience. GLM indicated the group without computer experience rated overall acceptance and flavor attributes for cereal, and appearance and flavor attributes for potato chips significantly higher (p<0.05) than panelists with computer experience.
SENSORY EVALUATION OF MANGO DRINKS USING FUZZY LOGIC
Authors: JAYA S. , DAS H.
Published: May 2007

Three brands of ready to serve mango drinks namely ‘Frooti’, ‘Real’and ‘Slice’that are available in the market were used for sensory evaluation along with the vacuum dried reconstituted mango powder drink. Mango powder was produced from mango pulp of ‘Totapuri’variety with addition of Maltodextrin, Glycerol monostearate and Tri calcium phosphate at rate of 0.62, 0.015 and 0.015 kg per kg dry mango solid, respectively. These ingredients were added for getting a nonsticky free flowing powder. The pulp along with the ingredients was dried in a vacuum drier at 70 ± 2C and 710–750 mm Hg vacuum. Fuzzy logic analysis was used for finding out the best of the three market mango drinks. BrimA index (a criterion for acceptance of fruit juice) and total solid (kg per kg drink) of the reconstituted mango drink was adjusted based on the BrimA index and total solid values of the best market drink. The reconstituted mango drink satisfied the quality criteria set for ‘mouth feel’but not the color, smell and taste.
THE DESIGN OF REPLICATED DIFFERENCE TESTS
Authors: MEYNERS MICHAEL , BROCKHOFF PER BRUUN
Published: May 2007

We show that adding replications in replicated difference tests results in larger power and smaller variance when the number of assessors is fixed. On the other hand, when the number of total assessments is fixed, the power usually decreases and the variability increases whenever replications are considered instead of different assessors. The appropriate numbers of assessor needed to gain the same power and variability, respectively, when replications are used will be given. It is shown that the number of assessors might indeed be reduced, but this has to be paid for by an increasing total number of assessments. We show that two key models, namely the mixture binomial and a corrected version of the Beta‐binomial model, are quite similar with respect to the properties of interest. We provide tables from which, according to her/his requirements, the investigator might find an appropriate setting with respect to the number of assessors and replications.
WHO DEVELOPS INNOVATIONS IN MEDICINE FOR THE POOR? TRENDS IN PATENT APPLICATIONS RELATED TO MEDICINES FOR HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, MALARIA, AND NEGLECTED DISEASES
Authors: ITO Banri , YAMAGATA Tatsufumi
Published: May 2007

This paper analyzes patent data of medicines and vaccines for diseases spreading in low‐income countries. The data were retrieved from a database of the Japan Patent Office. Who invents medicines for the poor of the world? This is the main question that the paper addresses. Results indicate that not only public institutions but also private firms have played an important role in developing innovations for fighting both global diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and so‐called neglected diseases including malaria, which seem to spread almost exclusively in low‐income countries. Moreover, the basic mechanism of innovation is similar between the development of medicines for HIV/AIDS and those for neglected diseases. Finally, among firms, infectious disease fighting innovations are quite diverse. R&D stock and economies of scope are used to explain frequent patent applications by a high‐performing pharmaceutical firm.
Bilateral thyrohyoideus muscle rupture in a dog
Authors: Ogden D. , Baines S. , Beck A.
Published: May 2007

A whippet was referred to our hospital, for further assessment and treatment, two days after receiving bite wound to the neck. Physical examination and radiographs revealed caudal displacement of the larynx. At surgery, bilateral rupture of the thyrohyoideus muscle was discovered and repaired, returning the larynx to its normal position. The dog was discharged after 10 days and has only mild residual symptoms.
Fragmented coronoid process in the dog: is there a role for incongruency?
Authors: Gemmill T. J. , Clements D. N.
Published: May 2007

Fragmented coronoid process in the dog is a common yet frustrating and poorly understood condition. Elbow joint incongruency, which refers to malalignment of the joint surfaces of the elbow, has been proposed as a key factor in the pathogenesis of fragmented coronoid process, and various surgical procedures have been devised to treat the proposed incongruency. However, precise characterisation of incongruency present in cases of fragmented coronoid process has not been reported consistently. In this article, the literature relating to the pathogenesis of fragmented coronoid process, the role of incongruency and its implications are reviewed.
REEXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY SIZE AND TONAL SIGNALS FREQUENCY IN WHALES: A COMPARATIVE APPROACH USING A NOVEL PHYLOGENY
Authors: May‐Collado Laura J. , Agnarsson Ingi , Wartzok Douglas
Published: May 2007

Abstract

A negative relationship between cetacean body size and tonal sound minimum and maximum frequencies has been demonstrated in several studies using standard statistical approaches where species are considered independent data points. Such studies, however, fail to account for known dependencies among related species—shared similarity due to common ancestry. Here we test these hypotheses by generating the most complete species level cetacean phylogeny to date, which we then use to reconstruct the evolutionary history of body size and standard tonal sounds parameters (minimum, maximum, and center frequency). Our results show that when phylogenetic relationships are considered the correlation between body size (length or mass) and minimum frequency is corroborated with approximately 27% of the variation in tonal sound frequency being explained by body size compared to 86% to 93% explained when phylogenetic relationships are not considered. Central frequency also correlates with body size in toothed whales, but for other tonal sound frequency parameters, including maximum frequency, this hypothesized correlation disappears. Therefore, constraints imposed by body size seem to have played a role in the evolution of minimum frequency but alternative hypotheses are required to explain variation in maximum frequency.
BLUE WHALE VISUAL AND ACOUSTIC ENCOUNTER RATES IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGHT
Authors: Oleson Erin M. , Calambokidis John , Barlow Jay , Hildebrand John A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract

The relationship between blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) visual and acoustic encounter rates was quantitatively evaluated using hourly counts of detected whales during shipboard surveys off southern California. Encounter rates were estimated using temporal, geographic, and weather variables within a generalized additive model framework. Visual encounters (2.06 animals/h, CV = 0.10) varied with subregion, Julian day, time of day, and year. Acoustic encounters of whales producing pulsed A and tonal B call sequences (song; 0.65 animals/h, CV = 0.06) varied by Julian day, survey mode (transit or stationary), and subregion, and encounters of whales producing downswept (D) calls (0.41 animals/h, CV = 0.09) varied by Julian day and the number of animals seen. Inclusion of Julian day in all models reflects the seasonal occurrence of blue whales off southern California; however, the seasonal peak in visual encounters and acoustic encounters of D calling whales (July–August) was offset from the peak in acoustic encounters of singing whales (August–September). The relationship between visual and acoustic encounter rates varied regionally, with significant differences in several northern regions. The number of whales heard D calling was positively related to the number of animals seen, whereas the number of singing whales was not related to visual encounter rate.
Upstream Channel Changes Following Dam Construction and Removal Using a GIS/Remote Sensing Approach1
Authors: Evans James E. , Huxley Jennifer M. , Vincent Robert K.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  This study used an innovative GIS/remote sensing approach to study historical river channel changes in the Huron River, a wandering gravel‐bedded river in northern Ohio. Eight sets of historical aerial photographs (1958‐2003) span the construction of a low‐head dam (1969), removal of the spillway (1994), and removal of the dam itself (2002). Construction of the dam modified stream gradients >4 km upstream of the small impounded reservoir. This study tracked changes in the polygon size, shape, and centroid position of 12 sand‐gravel bars through a study reach 0.2‐4.1 km upstream of the dam. These bars were highly responsive, tending to migrate obliquely downstream and toward the outer bank at rates up to 9 m/year. Historical changes in the size and position of the bars can be interpreted as the downstream translation of one or more sediment waves. Prior to dam construction, a sediment wave moved downstream through the study reach. Following construction of the dam, this sediment wave became stationary and degraded in situ by dispersion. The growth of bars throughout the study reach during this time interval resulted in a progressive increase in channel sinuosity. Removal of the spillway rejuvenated downstream translation of a sediment wave through the study reach and was followed by a reduction in channel sinuosity. These results illustrate that important geomorphologic changes can occur upstream of low‐head dams. This may be a neglected area of research about the effects of dams and dam removals.
Maternal Self‐Report of Oral Health in 4‐Year‐Old Pacific Children from South Auckland, New Zealand: Findings from the Pacific Islands Families Study
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Durward Callum , Cartwright Susan , Paterson Janis
Published: May 2007

Objectives: To report on the oral health risk in a disadvantaged group of 4‐year‐old Pacific children and their mothers living in South Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods: The Pacific Islands Families study follows a cohort of Pacific infants born in 2000. Maternal self‐report of mother and child’s oral health practices and child’s filling and extraction experience was undertaken at interview approximately 4 years postpartum.

Results: Overall, 1,048 mothers of children were interviewed. Children’s reported oral health practices were generally poor, with 47 percent brushing ≤1/day, 47 percent having no adult assistance with brushing, 57 percent routinely snacking or drinking immediately prior to bed, and 26 percent yet to receive their first dental checkup. Maternal practices were also poor, with 34 percent brushing ≤1/day and 50 percent having never seen or last visiting a dentist over 5 years ago. Significant differences were seen in many practices between the major ethnic subgroups. Of children attending the school dental service, 22 percent were reported having at least one filling and/or extraction. In multivariable analyses, variables corresponding to mother’s toothbrushing frequency, child snacking or drinking prior to bed, and duration of breastfeeding were significantly associated with reported filling and/or extraction experience; but no difference was seen between the three major maternal ethnic subgroups.

Conclusions: Many mothers and their Pacific children have poor basic oral hygiene and dietary practices that increase the oral health risk in these children. Culturally appropriate and targeted strategies aimed at these modifiable practices need to be widely promoted so that the oral health burden carried by Pacific children can be reduced.
Oral Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Knowledge and Practices of Illinois Dentists – A Brief Communication
Authors: LeHew Charles W. , Kaste Linda M.
Published: May 2007

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess Illinois dentists’ self‐reported knowledge and practices concerning oral cancer prevention, early detection, and management as a baseline prior to conducting interventions designed to increase dentists’ capacity to detect and manage oral cancers and counsel their patients about risk reduction.

Methods: A weighted sample to represent licensed dentists in 19 counties yielded 518 dentists who responded to a 38‐item mailed survey in 2004.

Results: Over 92 percent of the dentists reported providing oral cancer exams. However, many are not doing them properly or at frequent intervals. Over two‐thirds had oral cancer continuing education, but 40 percent had it more than 2 years prior to the survey. Training in risk counseling was rare.

Conclusions: Interventions are needed to assure appropriate skill and knowledge levels for oral cancer early detection, management, and risk counseling by Illinois dentists.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Child Oral Health: A Comparison of Discrete and Composite Area‐Based Measures
Authors: Armfield Jason M.
Published: May 2007

Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between child caries prevalence and six discrete area‐based measures of socioeconomic status (SES). Comparisons were also made of the discrete SES measures and the Socio‐Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) composite index in explaining child caries experience.

Methods: Oral health data were electronically captured for 58,463 4‐ to 16‐year‐old children enrolled in the School Dental Service of South Australia in 2001. Socioeconomic measures for the same year were extracted from Basic Community Profiles for postcodes available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Results: There were generally consistent linear relationships between caries prevalence and SES with children having poorer oral health residing in areas of greater socioeconomic disadvantage. This was evident across all SES measures, although some variations were shown for some measures. Children from more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas had higher odds of having either one or more decayed, missing, or filled teeth or four or more decayed, missing, or filled teeth. Most discrete SES measures explained a significant amount of the variance in oral disease beyond that accounted for by the composite SEIFA index.

Conclusions: Pervasive social inequality in child oral health exists in Australia. Specific area‐based measures of SES are valuable in documenting these inequalities and may be more meaningful than composite area‐based indices of SES.
Analyzing Location‐Based Accessibility to Dental Services: An Ohio Case Study
Authors: Horner Mark W. , Mascarenhas Ana Karina
Published: May 2007

Oral health is important to overall health. Therefore, dental services should be available and accessible in order for patients to receive care.

Objective: This study aims to identify regional inequities in dental provider location and suggest an innovative methodology that could be useful in establishing new dental facilities that are geographically accessible.

Methods: Using a census of dentist locations for the state of Ohio in 1998, geographical accessibility to dental care was analyzed. A geographic information systems (GIS)‐based model to evaluate the regional distribution of dentists was developed. In this article, it is applied to estimate the number of new dental facilities needed based on the geographical proximity or distance to nearest dentist or dental facility. Results are interactively displayed and mapped with GIS for visualization.

Results: Four hundred thirteen of 1,008 zip codes in Ohio did not have dentists. Using a service standard of S=5 (all zip codes without dentists must be within 5 miles of a zip code with a dentist), 307 zip codes were not served by dentists. With a standard of S=10, only 45 zip codes in Ohio were not served by dentists, with only 24 additional offices needed to be located to allow accessibility to a dentist within 10 miles.

Conclusions: Using GIS and geographical techniques to reveal and solve the potential locational inequities in accessibility to dental care, this work links oral health policy with geographical techniques.
Sweet taste receptors in rat small intestine stimulate glucose absorption through apical GLUT2
Authors: Mace Oliver J. , Affleck Julie , Patel Nick , Kellett George L.
Published: May 2007

Natural sugars and artificial sweeteners are sensed by receptors in taste buds. T2R bitter and T1R sweet taste receptors are coupled through G‐proteins, α‐gustducin and transducin, to activate phospholipase C β2 and increase intracellular calcium concentration. Intestinal brush cells or solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) have a structure similar to lingual taste cells and strongly express α‐gustducin. It has therefore been suggested over the last decade that brush cells may participate in sugar sensing by a mechanism analogous to that in taste buds. We provide here functional evidence for an intestinal sensing system based on lingual taste receptors. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry revealed that all T1R members are expressed in rat jejunum at strategic locations including Paneth cells, SCCs or the apical membrane of enterocytes; T1Rs are colocalized with each other and with α‐gustducin, transducin or phospholipase C β2 to different extents. Intestinal glucose absorption consists of two components: one is classical active Na+–glucose cotransport, the other is the diffusive apical GLUT2 pathway. Artificial sweeteners increase glucose absorption in the order acesulfame potassium ∼ sucralose > saccharin, in parallel with their ability to increase intracellular calcium concentration. Stimulation occurs within minutes by an increase in apical GLUT2, which correlates with reciprocal regulation of T1R2, T1R3 and α‐gustducin versus T1R1, transducin and phospholipase C β2. Our observation that artificial sweeteners are nutritionally active, because they can signal to a functional taste reception system to increase sugar absorption during a meal, has wide implications for nutrient sensing and nutrition in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.