bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeinated Cocktails: Energy Drink Consumption, High‐risk Drinking, and Alcohol‐related Consequences among College Students
Authors: O’Brien Mary Claire , McCoy Thomas P. , Rhodes Scott D. , Wagoner Ashley , Wolfson Mark
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  The consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is popular on college campuses in the United States. Limited research suggests that energy drink consumption lessens subjective intoxication in persons who also have consumed alcohol. This study examines the relationship between energy drink use, high‐risk drinking behavior, and alcohol‐related consequences.

Methods:  In Fall 2006, a Web‐based survey was conducted in a stratified random sample of 4,271 college students from 10 universities in North Carolina.

Results:  A total of 697 students (24% of past 30‐day drinkers) reported consuming AmED in the past 30 days. Students who were male, white, intramural athletes, fraternity or sorority members or pledges, and younger were significantly more likely to consume AmED. In multivariable analyses, consumption of AmED was associated with increased heavy episodic drinking (6.4 days vs. 3.4 days on average; p < 0.001) and twice as many episodes of weekly drunkenness (1.4 days/week vs. 0.73 days/week; p < 0.001). Students who reported consuming AmED had significantly higher prevalence of alcohol‐related consequences, including being taken advantage of sexually, taking advantage of another sexually, riding with an intoxicated driver, being physically hurt or injured, and requiring medical treatment (p < 0.05). The effect of consuming AmED on driving while intoxicated depended on a student’s reported typical alcohol consumption (interaction p = 0.027).

Conclusions:  Almost one‐quarter of college student current drinkers reported mixing alcohol with energy drinks. These students are at increased risk for alcohol‐related consequences, even after adjusting for the amount of alcohol consumed. Further research is necessary to understand this association and to develop targeted interventions to reduce risk.
Sildenafil‐mediated neovascularization and protection against myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury in rats: role of VEGF/angiopoietin‐1
Authors: Koneru Srikanth , Varma Penumathsa Suresh , Thirunavukkarasu Mahesh , Vidavalur Ramesh , Zhan Lijun , Singal Pawan K. , Engelman Richard M , Das Dipak K , Maulik Nilanjana
Published: March 2008

Sildenafil citrate (SC), a drug for erectile dysfunction, is now emerging as a cardiopulmonary drug. Our study aimed to determine a novel role of sildenafil on cardioprotection through stimulating angiogenesis during ischaemia (I) reperfusion (R) at both capillary and arteriolar levels and to examine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) in this mechanistic effect. Rats were divided into: control sham (CS), sildenafil sham (SS), control + IR (CIR) and sildenafil + IR (SIR). Rats were given 0.7 mg/kg, (i.v) of SC or saline 30 min. before occlusion of left anterior descending artery followed by reperfusion (R). Sildenafil treatment increased capillary and arteriolar density followed by increased blood flow (2‐fold) compared to control. Treatment with sildenafil demonstrated increased VEGF and Ang‐1 mRNA after early reperfusion. PCR data were validated by Western blot analysis. Significant reduction in infarct size, cardiomyocyte and endothelial apoptosis were observed in SC‐treated rats. Increased phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS and expression of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2, and thioredoxin, hemeoxygenase‐1 were observed in SC‐treated rats. Echocardiography demonstrated increased fractional shortening and ejection fraction following 45 days of reperfusion in the treatment group. Stress testing with dobutamine infusion and echocardiogram revealed increased contractile reserve in the treatment group. Our study demonstrated for the first time a strong additional therapeutic potential of sildenafil by up‐regulating VEGF and Ang‐1 system, probably by stimulating a cascade of events leading to neovascularization and conferring myocardial protection in in vivo I/R rat model.
Treatment of diabetic rats with encapsulated islets
Authors: Sweet Ian R. , Yanay Ofer , Waldron Lanaya , Gilbert Merle , Fuller Jessica M. , Tupling Terry , Lernmark Ake , Osborne William R. A.
Published: March 2008

Immunoprotection of islets using bioisolator systems permits introduction of allogeneic cells to diabetic patients without the need for immunosuppression. Using TheraCyte™ immunoisolation devices, we investigated two rat models of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), BB rats and rats made diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment. We chose to implant islets after the onset of diabetes to mimic the probable treatment of children with T1DM as they are usually diagnosed after disease onset. We encapsulated 1000 rat islets and implanted them subcutaneously (SQ) into diabetic biobreeding (BB) rats and STZ‐induced diabetic rats, defined as two or more consecutive days of blood glucose >350 mg/dl. Rats were monitored for weight and blood glucose. Untreated BB rats rapidly lost weight and were euthanized at >20% weight loss that occurred between 4 and 10 days from implantation. For period of 30–40 days following islet implantation weights of treated rats remained steady or increased. Rapid weight loss occurred after surgical removal of devices that contained insulin positive islets. STZ‐treated rats that received encapsulated islets showed steady weight gain for up to 130 days, whereas untreated control rats showed steady weight loss that achieved >20% at around 55 days. Although islet implants did not normalize blood glucose, treated rats were apparently healthy and groomed normally. Autologous or allogeneic islets were equally effective in providing treatment. TheraCyte™ devices can sustain islets, protect allogeneic cells from immune attack and provide treatment for diabetic‐mediated weight loss in both BB rats and STZ‐induced diabetic rats.
Conditional knockdown of hMRS2 results in loss of mitochondrial Mg + uptake and cell death
Authors: Piskacek Martin , Zotova Ludmila , Zsurka Gábor , Schweyen Rudolf J.
Published: March 2008

The human gene MRS2L encodes a mitochondrial protein distantly related to CorA Mg2+ transport proteins. Constitutive shRNA‐mediated knockdown of hMRS2 in human HEK‐293 cell line was found here to cause death. To further study its role in Mg2+ transport, we have established stable cell lines with conditionally expressing shRNAs directed against hMRS2L. The cells expressing shRNA for several generations exhibited lower steady‐state levels of free mitochondrial Mg2+ ([Mg2+]m) and reduced capacity of mitochondrial Mg2+ uptake than control cells. Long‐term expression of shRNAs resulted in loss of mitochondrial respiratory complex I, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death. We conclude that hMrs2 is the major transport protein for Mg + uptake into mitochondria and that expression of hMrs2 is essential for the maintenance of respiratory complex I and cell viability.
Broad‐range PCR and sequencing in routine diagnosis of infective endocarditis
Authors: VOLDSTEDLUND MARIANNE , PEDERSEN LISBETH NØRUM , BAANDRUP ULRIK , KLAABORG KAJ ERIK , FUURSTED KURT
Published: March 2008

The aim was to evaluate “16S rDNA PCR and sequencing” (PCR) for identification of bacterial DNA in heart valves in routine diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Heart valves from 74 patients with suspected infective endocarditis, and 16 controls were analysed by histology, culture and PCR. Results from blood culture served as the gold standard. Patients were classified according to the Duke criteria. The final classification resulted in 57 definitive cases of IE, 7 possible, and 10 cases without IE. Sensitivity of valve culture was 26% and specificity 62%. Sensitivity of PCR was 72% and specificity 100%. In patients who had received antibiotic treatment for less than 5 days before surgery, sensitivity of culture and PCR were comparable. In patients who had received antibiotic treatment for more than 5 days, sensitivity of valve culture was markedly reduced compared to sensitivity of PCR. In three of seven blood‐culture‐negative cases PCR was positive, including two cases with non‐cultivable bacteria. No PCR samples were contaminated, whereas 35% of valve‐culture samples were contaminated. PCR is more sensitive and specific than valve culture, and a valuable supplement to the existing analyses of valve tissue. PCR is necessary to identify the full spectrum of pathogens causing IE. In contrast to sensitivity of culture, sensitivity of PCR was independent of length of antibiotic treatment before surgery.
Glycolipid‐Dependent Sorting of Melanosomal from Lysosomal Membrane Proteins by Lumenal Determinants
Authors: Groux‐Degroote Sophie , Van Dijk Suzanne M. , Wolthoorn Jasja , Neumann Sylvia , Theos Alexander C. , De Mazière Ann M. , Klumperman Judith , Van Meer Gerrit , Sprong Hein
Published: March 2008

Melanosomes are lysosome‐related organelles that coexist with lysosomes in mammalian pigment cells. Melanosomal and lysosomal membrane proteins share similar sorting signals in their cytoplasmic tail, raising the question how they are segregated. We show that in control melanocytes, the melanosomal enzymes tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (Tyrp1) and tyrosinase follow an intracellular Golgi to melanosome pathway, whereas in the absence of glycosphingolipids, they are observed to pass over the cell surface. Unexpectedly, the lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP‐1) and 2 behaved exactly opposite: they were found to travel through the cell surface in control melanocytes but followed an intracellular pathway in the absence of glycosphingolipids. Chimeric proteins having the cytoplasmic tail of Tyrp1 or tyrosinase were transported like lysosomal proteins, whereas a LAMP‐1 construct containing the lumenal domain of Tyrp1 localized to melanosomes. In conclusion, the lumenal domain contains sorting information that guides Tyrp1 and probably tyrosinase to melanosomes by an intracellular route that excludes lysosomal proteins and requires glucosylceramide.
The aging male – diagnosis and therapy of late‐onset hypogonadism
Authors: Schreiber Gerhard , Ziemer Mirjana
Published: March 2008

Managing the clinical features of hormone insufficiency in aging men is an important field of activity for dermatologists and in particular for dermatologists specialized in andrology. Potential consequences of age‐associated decrease in plasma testosterone levels include long‐term changes in diverse organ systems including changes of bone architecture, body composition, muscular strength, cognitive functions, and mood as well as negative effects on skin and hair. Indications and contraindications for a hormone replacement therapy as well as therapy monitoring are well‐defined. Replacement of testosterone in the case of late‐onset hypogonadism is not a standardized therapy. Previous studies suggest that testosterone replacement therapy has positive clinical effects. Dermatologic effects of testosterone replacement therapy have not yet been investigated. Further research is required to identify potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy in aging men.
Urticaria
Authors: Wedi Bettina
Published: March 2008

Urticaria and angioedema are common and, if chronic, often persist for years with significant impact on quality of life and occupational ability. To achieve a better understanding of disease etiology and pathogenesis and to compare clinical trials, there is a clear need for cross‐specialty and international agreement of the nomenclature and diagnostic classification of urticaria and angioedema. At least in part this has been achieved by two recently published European guidelines.

After the urticaria subtype is defined, potential triggers should be sought including persistent bacterial infections (Helicobacter pylori, streptococci, staphylococci, Yersinia, parasites) pseudoallergic reactions (acetylsalicylic acid, rarely food additives) and/or autoreactive mechanisms (autologous serum test). Identified trigger factors should be avoided or eradicated, as this is the most successful therapeutic approach.

Treatment of most urticaria subtypes is difficult and besides H1 antihistamines neither standardized nor evidence‐based. Low‐sedating H1 antihistamines represent the mainstay of treatment, as they have a better therapeutic index and pharmacodynamic properties than older agents. In severe cases their dose has to be increased which is off‐label use. The evidence base for treatment alternatives is totally insufficient and the risk‐benefit profile of each off‐label used drug should be carefully considered.
Maternal depression is associated with mother–infant interaction in preterm infants
Authors: Korja Riikka , Savonlahti Elina , Ahlqvist‐Björkroth Sari , Stolt Suvi , Haataja Leena , Lapinleimu Helena , Piha Jorma , Lehtonen Liisa ,   the PIPARI study group
Published: March 2008

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the background factors of maternal depressive symptoms and their relation to the quality of mother–infant interaction in a group of preterm infants and their mothers.

Methods: The signs of maternal depression were evaluated in 125 mothers of very preterm infants (birth weight ≤ 1500 g or < 32 gestational weeks) at 6 months of infant's corrected age using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The association between maternal depressive symptoms and the quality of mother–infant interaction as assessed by the parent child early relational assessment method (PCERA) method was studied at 6 and 12 months of corrected age in 32 preterm infants who were their mothers' firstborn infants and singletons.

Results: The prevalence of depression assessed by EPDS in mothers of very preterm infants was 12.6%. Most interestingly, the number of postnatal signs of depression associated negatively with the quality of the maternal interaction behaviour with their preterm infants.

Conclusions: This study suggests that maternal depression may be a risk factor in the development of the mother–infant relationship between preterm infants and their mothers. Therefore, it would be important to identify signs of depression in mothers of preterm infants to offer early support.
Religiosity and Marital Stability Among Black American and White American Couples*
Authors: Brown Edna , Orbuch Terri L. , Bauermeister Jose A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: We examine the effects of subjective and organizational religious participation on marital stability over time for urban Black American couples and White American couples who participated in a longitudinal project. Our findings indicated that the role religiosity plays in the stability of marriage over time varied by gender and race. Black husbands and wives reported that religion was more important to them and that they attended religious services more frequently than White husbands and wives. Greater service attendance was predictive of decreased odds of divorce, only when reported by wives. Interaction effects revealed that the effect was more notable among White wives. Practitioners should consider the diversity between and within couples and the sociohistorical contexts in which marriages are embedded.
Registered Nurses' Adherence to Clinical Guidelines Regarding Peripheral Venous Catheters: A Structured Observational Study
Authors: Johansson Maria Eiman , Pilhammar Ewa , Khalaf Azzam , Willman Ania
Published: March 2008

Background: Peripheral catheterization is a common procedure, which affects numerous patients in health care today. Having peripheral venous catheters in situ might lead to complications such as thrombophlebitis and sepsis, and clinical guidelines have been developed to assist nurses in their decision‐making. Several reasons are given for clinicians not always adhering to clinical guidelines, although such adherence might lead to fewer complications.

 Aims: This paper aims to describe registered nurses' adherence to national and local guidelines on peripheral venous catheters by focusing on time in situ, site, size, and documentation at the dressing. An additional aim is to describe the thrombophlebitis frequency associated with peripheral venous catheters in situ.

 Methods: Structured observational study of patients with peripheral venous catheters in situ, conducted from December 2004 to June 2005. Data of 343 peripheral venous catheters were analyzed.

 Results: Nurses partly adhered to national and local guidelines concerning size and site. Guideline adherence concerning documentation at the dressing was low. The results showed that non‐adherence pertaining to time in situ varied between 5% and 26.3%. Differences between adherence to national or local guidelines were shown for size, site, and documentation at the dressing. Mild thrombophlebitis (Grades 1 and 2) was observed in 7.0%.

 Conclusions: Nurses partly adhered to clinical guidelines. Differences in guideline adherence were observed for wards with local or national guidelines, as well as for wards with different specialities. In accordance with clinical guidelines, the nurses seemed to replace or remove peripheral venous catheters before any severe complications arose.

 Implications for Practice, Research, and Management: Adherence to clinical guidelines has an impact for preventing patient complications and thus it is essential that nurses are aware of their existence. Feedback and discussions of guideline adherence or of complication rates might influence nurses' clinical decision‐making.
Two L‐amino acid oxidase isoenzymes from Russell’s viper (Daboia russelli russelli) venom with different mechanisms of inhibition by substrate analogs
Authors: Mandal Somnath , Bhattacharyya Debasish
Published: March 2008

Two isoforms, L1 and L2, of l‐amino acid oxidase have been isolated from Russell’s viper venom by Sephadex G‐100 gel filtration followed by CM‐Sephadex C‐50 ion exchange chromatography. The enzymes, with different isoelectric points, are monomers of 60–63 kDa as observed from size exclusion HPLC and SDS/PAGE. Partial N‐terminal amino acid sequencing of L1 and L2 showed significant homology with other snake venom l‐amino acid oxidases. Both the enzymes exhibit marked substrate preference for hydrophobic amino acids, maximum catalytic efficiency being observed with l‐Phe. Inhibition of L1 and L2 by the substrate analogs N‐acetyltryptophan and N‐acetyl‐l‐tryptophan amide has been followed. The initial uncompetitive inhibition of L1 followed by mixed inhibition at higher concentrations suggested the existence of two different inhibitor‐binding sites distinct from the substrate‐binding site. In the case of L2, initial linear competitive inhibition followed by mixed inhibition suggested the existence of two nonoverlapping inhibitor‐binding sites, one of which is the substrate‐binding site. An inhibition kinetic study with O‐aminobenzoic acid, a mimicking substrate with amino, carboxylate and hydrophobic parts, indicated the presence of three and two binding sites in L1 and L2, respectively, including one at the substrate‐binding site. An inhibitor cross‐competition kinetic study indicated mutually excluding binding between N‐acetyltryptophan, N‐acetyl‐l‐tryptophan amide and O‐aminobenzoic acid in both the isoforms, except at the substrate‐binding site of L1. Binding of substrate analogs with different electrostatic and hydrophobic properties provides useful insights into the environment of the catalytic sites. Furthermore, it predicts the minimum structural requirement for a ligand to enter and anchor at the respective functional sites of LAAO that may facilitate the design of suicidal inhibitors.
Arginine‐induced conformational change in the c‐ring/a‐subunit interface of ATP synthase
Authors: Vorburger Thomas , Ebneter Judith Zingg , Wiedenmann Alexander , Morger Damien , Weber Gerald , Diederichs Kay , Dimroth Peter , von Ballmoos Christoph
Published: March 2008

The rotational mechanism of ATP synthases requires a unique interface between the stator a subunit and the rotating c‐ring to accommodate stability and smooth rotation simultaneously. The recently published c‐ring crystal structure of the ATP synthase of Ilyobacter tartaricus represents the conformation in the absence of subunit a. However, in order to understand the dynamic structural processes during ion translocation, studies in the presence of subunit a are required. Here, by intersubunit Cys–Cys cross‐linking, the relative topography of the interacting helical faces of subunits a and c from the I. tartaricus ATP synthase has been mapped. According to these data, the essential stator arginine (aR226) is located between the c‐ring binding pocket and the cytoplasm. Furthermore, the spatially vicinal residues cT67C and cG68C in the isolated c‐ring structure yielded largely asymmetric cross‐linking products with aN230C of subunit a, suggesting a small, but significant conformational change of binding‐site residues upon contact with subunit a. The conformational change was dependent on the positive charge of the stator arginine or the aR226H substitution. Energy‐minimization calculations revealed possible modes for the interaction between the stator arginine and the c‐ring. These biochemical results and structural restraints support a model in which the stator arginine operates as a pendulum, moving in and out of the binding pocket as the c‐ring rotates along the interface with subunit a. This mechanism allows efficient interaction between subunit a and the c‐ring and simultaneously allows almost frictionless movement against each other.
Opportunistic screening and clinician‐delivered brief intervention for high‐risk alcohol use among emergency department attendees: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dent Andrew W , Weiland Tracey J , Phillips Georgina A , Lee Nicole K
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of routine opportunistic screening and brief intervention (BI) by ED staff to reduce high‐risk alcohol consumption.

Methods:  This was an open, randomized controlled trial with allocation blinding performed over 12 months. Using the Paddington Alcohol Test, adult patients were screened for high‐risk alcohol use. Consenting patients who were screened positive were eligible for randomization to no counselling (standard care, SC), same‐day BI by an emergency nurse or doctor or motivational intervention (MI) within 1 week by off‐site drug and alcohol counsellors. Telephone follow up was performed at 1 and 3 months. The primary outcome was maximum self‐reported daily standard drinks consumed. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results:  Of 32 965 eligible patients, 10 274 were screened, 1043 were positive, 468 consented to the study, and 161, 159 and 148 were allocated to SC, BI and MI, respectively. In the MI group, 133 declined intervention or failed to attend. At 3 months, 96, 81 and 74 participants in the SC, BI and MI groups, respectively, were contactable and consented to telephone interview. Overall, maximum daily alcohol consumption decreased from a median of 13.5 standard drinks at enrolment to 9.25 drinks at 3 months. At 3 months, SC participants reported fewer drinks than those randomized to MI.

Conclusion:  In the present study, neither BI nor MI was better than SC in reducing high‐risk alcohol consumption. Uptake of opportunistic screening by ED staff was poor, as was patient compliance with off‐site counselling.
Prevalence of morphine use and time to initial analgesia in an Australian emergency department
Authors: Forero Roberto , Mohsin Mohammed , McCarthy Sally , Young Lis , Ieraci Sue , Hillman Ken , Santiano Nancy , Bauman Adrian , Phung Hai
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To explore the association of morphine use with factors influencing time to initial analgesia (T‐A).

Methods:  A retrospective cohort review was conducted. Morphine data were collected from a register for restricted drugs located in the ED. T‐A was the time interval between triage and signing out of morphine's first dose. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the association between morphine use and patient volume.

Results:  In total, 8% of ED attendees received at least one dose of morphine sulphate in the ED. Prevalence of morphine use significantly (P < 0.05) varied by patient's age, Australasian Triage Scale category, time of arrival and type of illness. The median time of T‐A was 79 min (95% CI 71–85) with substantially longer (median 107 min) for those who arrived during the afternoon and triaged as less urgent (median 127 min). Patients who arrived late at night (median 47 min), triaged as immediately/imminently life‐threatening (median 58 min) and diagnosed as renal colic (median 27 min) or fractures/injuries (median 67 min) were more likely to receive i.v. morphine faster than other patients. The findings confirmed that large volume of patients in ED was associated with longer T‐A. Patient volume in the ED showed a significant positive association with T‐A (r = 0.568, 32% variation explained, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  T‐A is an important indicator of the quality of ED services. Severity of illness and patient volume were significant factors associated with extended T‐A. Strategies for improving pain management in the complex ED environment are discussed.
First report of a funnel‐web spider envenoming syndrome in Brisbane
Authors: Rosengren David , White Julian , Raven Robert , Rothwell Sean
Published: March 2008

The Australian funnel‐web spider, arguably the most venomous spider in the world, is distributed along the Australian eastern seaboard, typically preferring moist, cool, sheltered habitats such as rainforests. Prior surveys around Brisbane have only ever demonstrated funnel‐web spiders in the outskirts of the city contiguous with bushland or native rainforest. We report the first funnel‐web spider envenoming syndrome presumed from a spider resident to inner‐city Brisbane. Emergency departments in the greater Brisbane area should be prepared for this clinical scenario, and stocks of Commonwealth Serum Laboratory funnel‐web spider antivenom, until now thought to be unnecessary, should be readily available.
In the wake of Sri Lanka's tsunami: The Health for the South Capacity‐Building Project
Authors: O'Reilly Gerard , Fitzgerald Mark , Ariyananda Pilane L , Williams Sue , Smith Leanne , Jones Tamsin , Charlton Sally , Young Simon , Dziukas Linas , Fisher Zoe , Wragg Sally , Burke Eliza
Published: March 2008

In response to the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, the Health for the South Project was developed for Sri Lanka. The capacity‐building component of this project involves the provision of trauma and emergency care training to the staff of Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK) in Galle, Sri Lanka. A principal objective of this training for THK is an increased capacity to respond to future disasters in the south of Sri Lanka. Key elements of the capacity‐building programme include the on‐site emergency care training by teams of Australian emergency physicians and emergency nurses, working alongside the staff of the Emergency Treatment Unit in THK. It is expected that the programme will continue for at least 2 years, during which time a new Emergency and Trauma Centre will be constructed.
Atypical Duret haemorrhages seen on computed tomography
Authors: Marupaka Sravan K , Sood Bimal
Published: March 2008

We present a case of 80‐year‐old man who had headache of 1 day duration and gross subdural haemorrhage in the absence of any history of noticeable trauma, leading to descending transtentorial herniation and secondary brain stem haemorrhages called Duret haemorrhages. It is rare to find a Duret haemorrhage on imaging. This case has been presented to highlight the rarity of the condition and the unusual posterior location of the bleed and also the universally fatal nature of these haemorrhages. Relevant literature is reviewed.
Roles of Organic Anion Transporters in the Renal Excretion of Perfluorooctanoic Acid
Authors: Nakagawa Hatsuki , Hirata Taku , Terada Tomohiro , Jutabha Promsuk , Miura Daisaku , Harada Kouji H. , Inoue Kayoko , Anzai Naohiko , Endou Hitoshi , Inui Ken‐ichi , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Koizumi Akio
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Perfluorooctanoic acid, an environmental contaminant, is found in both wild animals and human beings. There are large species and sex differences in the renal excretion of perfluorooctanoic acid. In the present study, we aimed to characterize organic anion transporters 1–3 (OAT1–3) in human beings and rats to investigate whether the species differences in the elimination kinetics of perfluorooctanoic acid from the kidneys can be attributed to differences in the affinities of these transporters for perfluorooctanoic acid. We used human (h) and rat (r) OAT transient expression cell systems and measured the [14C] perfluorooctanoic acid transport activities. Both human and rat OAT1 and OAT3 mediated perfluorooctanoic acid transport to similar degrees. Specifically, the kinetic parameters, Km, were 48.0 ± 6.4 µM for h OAT1; 51.0 ± 12.0 µM for rOAT1; 49.1 ± 21.4 µM for hOAT3 and 80.2 ± 17.8 µM for rOAT3, respectively. These data indicate that both human and rat OAT1 and OAT3 have high affinities for perfluorooctanoic acid and that the species differences in its renal elimination are not attributable to affinity differences in these OATs between human beings and rats. In contrast, neither hOAT2 nor rOAT2 transported perfluorooctanoic acid. In conclusion, OAT1 and OAT3 mediated perfluorooctanoic acid transport in vitro, suggesting that these transporters also transport perfluorooctanoic acid through the basolateral membrane of proximal tubular cells in vivo in both human beings and rats. Neither human nor rat OAT2 mediated perfluorooctanoic acid transport. Collectively, the difference between the perfluorooctanoic acid half‐lives in human beings and rats is not likely to be attributable to differences in the affinities of these transporters for perfluorooctanoic acid.
Regulated irrigation of woody ornamentals to improve plant quality and precondition against drought stress
Authors: Cameron R. , Harrison‐Murray R. , Fordham M. , Wilkinson S. , Davies W. , Atkinson C. , Else M.
Published: March 2008

Regulated irrigation has the potential to improve crop quality in woody ornamentals by reducing excessive vigour and promoting a more compact habit. This research aimed to compare the effectiveness and the mode of action of two techniques, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root drying (PRD), when applied to container‐grown ornamentals through drip irrigation. Results showed that RDI and PRD reduced growth in Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, but in Forsythia x intermedia ‘Lynwood’, significant reductions were recorded only with RDI. Physiological measurements in Forsythia indicated that reductions in stomatal conductance (gs) occurred in both treatments, but those in the RDI tended to be more persistent. Reduced gs in PRD was consistent with the concept that chemical signals from the root can regulate stomatal aperture alone; however, the data also suggested that optimising the growth reduction required a moderate degree of shoot water deficit (i.e. a hydraulic signal to be imposed). As RDI was associated with tissue water deficit, it was used in a second experiment to determine the potential of this technique to precondition container‐grown plants against subsequent drought stress (e.g. during retail stages or after planting out). Speed of acclimation would be important in a commercial context, and the results demonstrated that both slow and rapid imposition of RDI enabled Forsythia plants to acclimate against later drought events. This article discusses the potential to both improve ornamental plant quality and enhance tolerance to subsequent adverse conditions through controlled, regulated irrigation.
Two consensus quantitative trait loci clusters controlling anthesis–silking interval, ear setting and grain yield might be related with drought tolerance in maize
Authors: Hao Z.F. , Li X.H. , Xie C.X. , Li M.S. , Zhang D.G. , Bai L. , Zhang S. H.
Published: March 2008

Unravelling the molecular basis of drought tolerance will provide novel opportunities for improving crop yield under water‐limited conditions. The present study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling anthesis–silking interval (ASI), ear setting percentage (ESP) and grain yield (GY). The mapping population included 234 F2 plants derived from the cross X178 (drought tolerant) × B73 (drought susceptible). The corresponding F2:3 progenies, along with their parents, were evaluated for the above‐mentioned traits under both well‐watered and water‐stressed field conditions in three different trials carried out in central and southern China. Interval mapping and composite interval mapping identified 45 and 65 QTLs for the investigated traits, respectively. Two QTL clusters influencing ASI and ESP on chromosomes 1 (bin 1.03) and 9 (bins 9.03–9.05) were identified in more than two environments, showing sizeable additive effects and contribution to phenotypic variance; these two QTL clusters influenced GY only in one environment. No significant interaction was detected between the two genomic regions. A comparative analysis of these two QTL clusters with the QTLs controlling maize drought tolerance previously described in three mapping populations confirmed and extended their relevance for marker‐assisted breeding to improve maize production under water‐limited conditions.
EFFECTS OF AVOCADO FRUIT PUREE AND OATRIM AS FAT REPLACERS ON THE PHYSICAL, TEXTURAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF OATMEAL COOKIES
Authors: WEKWETE BENHILDA , NAVDER KHURSHEED P.
Published: March 2008

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of partial replacement (50% level) of butter fat by two different fat replacers (avocado puree and Oatrim) on the physical, textural and sensory properties of oatmeal cookies. Compared with the control cookie, both fat‐reduced cookies had greater heights, reduced spreads, increased % moisture loss and higher water activities (P < 0.05). Textural measurements made using the TA.XT Plus Texture Analyzer showed the fat‐reduced cookies to be tougher and less brittle (P < 0.05). Appearance was the only sensory category in which a significant difference was seen (P < 0.05). Both avocado and Oatrim cookies were found to be overall acceptable, and at the 50% level of fat replacement, the total fat content for the avocado and Oatrim cookies decreased by 35 and 39%, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

When incorporated into an overall healthy diet, reduced‐fat foods made with fat replacers can play an important role in helping consumers reach and maintain their goal of reducing consumption of dietary fat. Results from this study indicate that cookies with acceptable physical, textural and sensory properties could be produced when 50% of the fat is replaced by Oatrim and avocado fat replacers. Dietitians should be aware of such fat replacers. Improved nutritional content, acceptability, ease of preparation and low cost make avocado puree a viable fat replacement option for use in home‐baked products. This data can also serve as a resource to further explore the utilization of Oatrim in developing commercially prepared low‐fat cookies and other baked products.
ANALYSIS OF TEXTURE OF BONELESS, FULLY FRIED BREADED CHICKEN PATTIES AS AFFECTED BY PROCESSING FACTORS
Authors: BRANNAN R.G.
Published: March 2008

Battered and breaded, fully cooked, boneless chicken patties were analyzed based on processing variables (substrate, breading, rethermalization method, shape) and six objective texture attributes. Analysis of variance compared both individual samples and main effects, while statistical cluster analysis classified products based on their independent characteristics and the objective texture attributes. One sample (baked, crackermeal, all meat, nuggets) was significantly higher in most textural attributes. The soy‐containing samples were texturally similar. Breading and shape were not significantly different for the main effects of crust fracture force and work. Samples were sorted into clusters: cluster 1 characterized by oat bran breading, cluster 2 by crackermeal breading and soy‐containing substrate, cluster 3 by crackermeal and all‐meat substrate, and cluster 4 by Japanese bread crumbs and patty shape. Statistically classifying breaded chicken patties could lead to the development of a reliable, statistically based and easy‐to‐implement process that would aid quality control and product development in the meat industry.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Characterization of the textural attributes of breaded meat patties such that differentiation could be achieved with a common instrument (texture analyzer) could provide a reliable and easy‐to‐implement method to assess the quality of texture in meat products that would be beneficial to the meat industry for both quality control and product development purposes.
Sovereign Wealth Funds: A Growing Global Force in Corporate Finance
Authors: Butt Shams , Shivdasani Anil , Stendevad Carsten , Wyman Ann
Published: March 2008

Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) have emerged as among the most important players in global financial markets. With an estimated $3 trillion at present, the collective assets at their disposal are expected to reach or surpass $7.5 trillion by 2012.

SWFs have shown a wide range of investment objectives, along with continually evolving time horizons and risk appetites. For example, some SWFs have become increasingly active in corporate acquisitions and other strategic transactions. Though many of these funds prefer to invest in debt or non‐controlling equity positions, a small but growing number are seeking substantial minority and controlling equity stakes.

SWFs have also recently become major participants in the financial institutions and alternative investment industries, with several high profile investments in well‐known private equity firms and financial services companies. In certain corporate transactions, their longer time horizons and willingness to employ larger percentages of equity have made them attractive alternatives to established private equity.

At the same time, however, the rising prominence and perceived lack of transparency of SWFs have raised concerns among governments and other market participants in countries where companies have been targeted for investment. For this reason, companies intent on obtaining funding from or investing with SWFs are advised to prepare for media and regulatory scrutiny, particularly if a transaction is perceived to involve a country's strategic or security interests. Government policymakers are urged to balance the perceived threats of SWFs against their potential benefits, particularly their ability to provide a stabilizing source of global liquidity in the current economic environment.
BROKERAGE QUALIFICATIONS IN RINGING OPERATIONS*
Authors: MORSELLI CARLO , ROY JULIE
Published: March 2008

Brokers are fundamental for maintaining flexibility in the networks that embed criminal activities. Our study aims at offering more precision on this key issue by examining the impact that brokers may have on crime‐commission processes. To do so, we analyze two stolen‐vehicle exportation (or ringing) operations within a framework that merges crime‐script analysis and social‐network analysis. We assess how diverse degrees of brokerage are distributed across the ringing operations and how the removal of key brokers would have had a disruptive impact by reducing the scope of alternatives for crime‐script permutation and flexibility.
Experimental Philosophy of Science
Authors: Griffiths Paul E. , Stotz Karola
Published: March 2008

Experimental philosophy of science gathers empirical data on how key scientific concepts are understood by particular scientific communities. In this paper we briefly describe two recent studies in experimental philosophy of biology, one investigating the concept of the gene, the other the concept of innateness. The use of experimental methods reveals facts about these concepts that would not be accessible using the traditional method of intuitions about possible cases. It also contributes to the study of conceptual change in science, which we understand as the result of a form of conceptual ecology, in which concepts become adapted to specific epistemic niches.
Speaking Language to Law: The Case of Europe
Authors: Glanert Simone
Published: March 2008

No legal integration project can circumvent the matter of language. Yet, lawyers advocating one form or other of Europeanisation of law, apparently basing themselves on the unexamined view that everything is adequately translatable, do not seem prepared to address linguistic issues. But a move beyond law's disciplinary barriers – in particular, a foray into translation studies (or ‘translatology’) – compels one to challenge the effectivity of the uniformisation agenda. First, it shows that the inherently local character of language resists the establishment of uniform law. Second, it demonstrates that no uniform law, irrespective of the language in which it is written, can account for local legal experience. Both claims suggest that language simply cannot be made subservient to the lawyer's agenda and that the assumption that it can be ignored is mistaken.
Navigating the Waves of Change: Political Education and Democratic School Reform in Postwar West Berlin
Authors: Puaca Brian M.
Published: March 2008

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Germany found itself defeated, destroyed, occupied, and ultimately divided. The eastern portion of Germany fell under Soviet administration, while the western part came under joint occupation by the three victorious western Allies (the United States, the United Kingdom, and France). Recognizing at an early date that rebuilding Germany would promote political stability, economic growth, and peace in central Europe, the western Allies set out to reconstruct the defeated nation. The schools were an important part of this project. Many observers argued that without substantial reform to the educational system, German nationalism, militarism, and xenophobia might once again lead to conflict. In the western zones, particularly in the American zone, democratizing the schools took on great importance by 1947. This effort, however, was short-lived. The occupation of Germany ended in 1949, leaving many Americans with the sense that school reform was incomplete.
Attention to Spoken Word Planning: Chronometric and Neuroimaging Evidence
Authors: Roelofs Ardi
Published: March 2008

This article reviews chronometric and neuroimaging evidence on attention to spoken word planning, using the WEAVER++ model as theoretical framework. First, chronometric studies on the time to initiate vocal responding and gaze shifting suggest that spoken word planning may require some attention, even though it is one of our most highly practiced psychomotor skills. Second, neuroimaging studies that localized brain activity during word planning suggest that attention enhances activity in perisylvian cortical areas. What word to enhance and for how long is determined by an executive control system located in anterior cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortex. Commonalities of anterior cingulate function across verbal vocalizations (speech) and nonverbal vocalizations (e.g. human crying, laughter, and monkey calls) are outlined.
The Emerging Field of Language Dynamics
Authors: Wichmann Søren
Published: March 2008

Large linguistic databases, especially databases having a global coverage, such as the World Atlas of Language Structures, the Automated Similarity Judgment Program, and Ethnologue, are making it possible to systematically investigate many aspects of how languages change and compete for viability. Agent‐based computer simulations supplement such empirical data by analyzing the necessary and sufficient parameters for the current global distributions of languages or linguistic features. By combining empirical datasets with simulations and applying quantitative methods, it is now possible to address fundamental questions, such as ‘what are the relative rates of change in different parts of languages?’, ‘why are there a few large language families, many intermediate ones, and even more small ones?’, ‘do small languages change faster or slower than large ones?’, or ‘how does the borrowing of words relate to the borrowing of structural features?’
Gendered Discourse at Work
Authors: Holmes Janet
Published: March 2008

The workplace is an important social site for gender performances, and talk is one means through which individuals enact gendered roles, adopt gendered stances, and construct their gender identity in the process of interacting with others at work. Exploring this claim, this article identifies two important themes that have emerged from research on gendered interaction in the workplace. First, research on gender, discourse and leadership illustrates how gendered resources are used to construct an authoritative position at work. Second, studies of gender and workplace relationships provide evidence of gendered discourse patterns in the expression of interpersonal aspects of workplace talk. This article concludes that gender comprises an important and omni‐relevant aspect of workplace talk.
The Influenza Primer Design Resource: a new tool for translating influenza sequence data into effective diagnostics
Authors: Bose Michael E. , Littrell John C. , Patzer Andrew D. , Kraft Andrea J. , Metallo Jacob A. , Fan Jiang , Henrickson Kelly J.
Published: March 2008

Background  Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza and multiple occurrences of zoonotic infection and deaths in humans have sparked a dramatic increase in influenza research. In order to rapidly identify and help prevent future influenza outbreaks, numerous laboratories around the world are working to develop new nucleotide‐based diagnostics for identifying and subtyping influenza viruses. While there are several databases that have been developed for manipulating the vast amount of influenza genetic data that have been produced, significant progress can still be made in developing tools for translating the genetic data into effective diagnostics.

Description  The Influenza Primer Design Resource (IPDR) is the combination of a comprehensive database of influenza nucleotide sequences and a web interface that provides several important tools that aid in the development of oligonucleotides that may be used to develop better diagnostics. IPDR’s database can be searched using a variety of criteria, allowing the user to align the subset of influenza sequences that they are interested in. In addition, IPDR reports a consensus sequence for the alignment along with sequence polymorphism information, a summary of most published primers and probes that match the consensus sequence, and a Primer3 analysis of potential primers and probes that could be used for amplifying the sequence subset.

Conclusions  The IPDR is a unique combination of bioinformatics tools that will greatly aid researchers in translating influenza genetic data into diagnostics, which can effectively identify and subtype influenza strains. The website is freely available at http://www.ipdr.mcw.edu.