bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employer preferences, collective agreements and the Australian resources sector: a paradox of limited commodification?
Authors: Barry Michael , Michelotti Marco
Published: August 2009

There is a commonly held view that firms in high‐wage/skill‐intensive sectors will tend to provide wages and working conditions that are above market‐clearing levels. This article empirically examines this claim by analysing the content of all collective agreements concluded in the resource sector in Australia after the enactment in 2006 of the Workplace Relations Amendment (Workchoices) Act. This legislation gave employers unprecedented ability to place downwards pressure on employee entitlements. In the resource sector, however, the quantitative results indicate that firms maintained, in the main, substantive standards but used extensively key regulatory provisions to gain an unprecedented level of control over both functional and numerical flexibility.
The implications of de‐collectivist industrial relations laws and associated developments for worker health and safety in Australia, 1996–2007
Authors: Quinlan Michael , Johnstone Richard
Published: August 2009

The institutional and regulatory interlinkages between industrial relations (IR) and occupational health and safety (OHS) are seldom explored in the IR literature. This article begins to address this gap by examining regulatory initiatives in Australia during a period of neoliberal government. It examines the laws enacted by the federal government during this period and events and cases arising from these laws that go some way to illustrating their effects. Evidence is also drawn from detailed research on a number of state OHS inspectorates between 2004 and 2006. It is argued that de‐collectivist changes to IR laws exacerbated problems posed by the growth of flexible work arrangements and a drop in union density, weakening participatory provisions in OHS laws and promoting work arrangements that undermined OHS standards. The study provides evidence of the implications of a divergence in the trajectory of IR and OHS laws and the importance of better integrating worker protection laws.
First skin‐physiological tests in weightlessness in the ISS space station
Authors: Tronnier Hagen , Wiebusch Mathilde , Heinrich Ulrike
Published: August 2009

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) 231–238

A prolonged stay in weightlessness induces several medical alterations of the human body and also results in impairment of the skin. The stratum corneum, epidermal barrier as well as other skin compartments are affected in terms of their susceptibility to dryness, desquamation and pruritus. This can lead, for example, to wound healing disorders. Skin physiological tests were performed on the skin of an astronaut during the ASTROLAB‐Mission within the Skin Care program initiated by the ESA. The skin was analyzed before, partly during and after the mission. In addition, the tests were repeated after 1 year. During the mission a control skin area was treated with a skincare product. The results showed corneal disturbance caused by environmental conditions, suboptimal skin cleansing and skin care. The observed effects were minimized by application of a skincare product. Measurements of the epidermis showed an accelerated rate of epidermal keratinization; skin elasticity was reduced distinctly and the sonographic examination showed a disaggregation of the cutis with hypoechoic areas. Additional measurements performed a year after the mission indicate that the verified alterations, which in a broader sense seem similar to skin ageing and appear as a time lapse process in weightlessness, are reversible. Further testing of the preventive efficacy of anti‐ageing products from a cosmetic point of view would appear to be an appropriate objective for prospective long‐term space missions.

Keywords:  Weightlessness, skin changes, hydration, TEWL, SELS (Visioscan®), elasticity, US‐B‐scan
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 385–398 (September/October 2008) Evaluation of liposomal and conventional formulations of octyl methoxycinnamate on human percutaneous absorption using the stripping method
Authors: Golmohammadzadeh S. , Jaafari M. R. , Khalili N.
Published: August 2009

Synopsis

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of vehicles on the penetration of octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), as a UV absorber, to the stratum corneum by the stripping method. The experimental formulations consisted of a conventional o/w emulsion and multilamellar and small unilamellar liposomes (MLVs and SUVs) containing OMC. MLVs containing OMC were prepared by the fusion method and then converted to SUVs by probe sonication. Various formulations were then applied onto the midvolar forearms of six volunteers at a dose of 2 mg cm‐2. After determined timepoints, the stripping method was conducted whereby 22 tape strips were applied and subsequently divided into different stripping groups. The sunscreen agent was assessed by HPLC while the SPF (sun protection factor) of the formulations was determined in human volunteers in accordance with the Australian standard. Overall the results indicate that skin accumulation of OMC in MLVs was significantly greater than in the o/w emulsion and SUVs. Furthermore, SUV's penetration into the deeper skin layers was significantly greater than MLV's and that of a conventional o/w emulsion. Also, higher amounts of OMC were recovered from the upper layers of the stratum corneum than from the deeper layers in all the formulations tested. Finally, the SPF of the liposomes containing OMC was slightly greater than that of the control lotions at a similar concentration of OMC. In conclusion, the result of this study indicates that an MLV prepared by the fusion method could be a better vehicle for OMC as a sunscreen since it has a slightly better SPF compared to a conventional formulation and more remains in the stratum corneum, reducing its penetration to the deeper layers.

Address all correspondence to M. R. Jaafari.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 419–430 (September/October 2008) Anti‐inflammatory activity of Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum extract and its application as a cosmeceutical ingredient
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Kim K. H. , Han C. S. , Park S. H. , Yang H. C. , Lee B. Y. , Eom S.‐Y. , Kim Y.‐S. , Kim J.‐H. , Lee N. H.
Published: August 2009

Synopsis Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum has long been used as a rheumatic remedy, as an anti‐pyretic and as an anti‐ulcer treatment, and for the alleviation of local pain and fever in Korea and Malaysia. In order to investigate the possibility of Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum extract as a cosmetic ingredient, we measured its anti‐inflammatory effect by its inhibition of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and the release of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8. We also measured its anti‐allergic effect by its inhibition of beta‐hexosamidase release. An HPLC experiment after extraction with 95% EtOH at pH 3.5 showed that Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum was mainly composed of lycorine (up to 1%), a well‐known immunosuppressor. The content of lycorine varied, depending on the type of plant tissue analysed and the extraction method. In an anti‐inflammatory assay for inhibition of nitric oxide formation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, the ethanol extract of Crinum asiaticum showed an inhibitory activity of NO production in a dose‐dependent manner (IC50 = 58.5 μg ml‐1). Additional study by RT‐PCR demonstrated that the extract of Crinum asiaticum significantly suppressed the expression of the iNOS gene. Moreover, the extract of Crinum asiaticum did not show any cytotoxicity, but did show a cell proliferation effect against LPS (a 10–60% increase in cell viability). In an assay to determine inhibition of the H2O2‐activated release of PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in human normal fibroblast cell lines, the release of PGE2 and IL‐6 was almost completely inhibited above concentrations of 0.05% and 1%, respectively. Moreover, the release of IL‐8 was completely inhibited over the entire range of concentration (> 0.0025%). In order to investigate the skin‐sensitizing potentials of the extract of Crinum asiaticum, a human clinical test was performed after repeated epicutaneous 48‐h applicaticons under an occlusive patch (RIPT). The repeated and single cutaneous applications of Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum extract under the occlusive patch did not provoke any cumulative irritation and sensitization reactions. The result showed that the extract of Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum has a sufficient anti‐inflammatory effect. Therefore, Crinum asiaticum Linne var. japonicum extract may be useful for development as an ingredient in cosmetic products.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 431–440 (September/October 2008) Red pigment from Lithospermum erythrorhizon by supercritical CO2 extraction
Authors: Lee H.‐Y. , Kim Y.‐J. , Kim E.‐J. , Song Y.‐K. , Byun S. Y.
Published: August 2009

Synopsis

In this study, a stable red pigment was prepared from Lithospermum erythrorhizon via supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. The optimal extraction conditions were 400 bar and 60°C. The patch tests indicated that up to 10% of the red pigment was acceptable from a skin irritation standpoint. According to the results of the CIE LAB chromaticity test, the color difference was acceptable when compared to commercial synthetic red pigments. The light‐illuminated color stability test indicated that the pigment was more stable than the red pigment extracted with ethanol. The higher stability was also demonstrated in the DPPH anti‐oxidant activity test. The supercritical red pigment harbored elevated amounts of shikonin and derivatives, and appears to be usable as a stable red pigment for cosmetic color products.
No. 2 Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 289–296, 2008 An influence of cosmetic formula on thermal characteristics and its relationship with the sensation of freshness during application
Authors: Ishikubo A. , Noda A.
Published: August 2009

Thermal behaviour on skin surface during application of cosmetics is one of important factors of tactile feelings. A new evaluation system to measure the thermal behaviour on surfaces during application was developed, and the influences of components of cosmetics on thermal behaviours were investigated. The relationship between this thermal behaviour and one tactile feeling, freshness, was investigated as well. As a result, it was shown that the thermal behaviour during application depended on the amount of water, ethanol, moisturizer, fatty alcohol, the kind of polymers and their compositions. It was also found that a parameter consisting of maximum decrement in temperature and initial speed of decreasing temperature showed a good correlation with the tactile feeling of freshness.

Keywords:  freshness, fresh sensation, sensory evaluation, tactile feeling, evaluation system, tactile evaluation, temperature, thermal behaviour, formulation, application
Eyewitness testimony and memory distortion
Authors: Manning Charles G. , Loftus Elizabeth F.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Do memories change as we acquire new information? Recent research on memory distortion using implicit tests along with research using confidence is reviewed and new studies are presented. Two new studies asked misinformed subjects to provide reasons for their answers. In each study 15% to 27% of subjects said they remembered seeing items they had only read about. In another study subjects were asked to identify the source of misleading items they had seen in slides or read in misleading questions. Subjects were more likely to say they had seen in slides something they read about in the questions than they were to confuse information from two nearly identical sets of slides. Recent work shows that, not only is it possible to distort memory for events, it is possible to implant an entire memory for something that never happened. The evidence is now clear that we can become mentally tricked into making large as well as small changes in the way we recall the past.
Effects of stroking horses on both humans' and horses' heart rate responses1
Authors: HAMA HARUYO , YOGO MASAO , MATSUYAMA YOSHINORI
Published: August 2009

Abstract: The present study examined both human and horse heart rates (HRs) when humans stroked horses for 90 seconds; the subjective arousal levels of the humans were measured by the Tohoku Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List before and after stroking horses. Six male subjects with a positive attitude toward companion animals and 6 male subjects with a negative attitude were selected by their scores on the Pet Attitude Scale, and these two groups, together with a third group, of 6 subjects who were male members of the Doshisha University horse‐riding club, participated in this experiment. The HRs of the human subjects during the first 10 seconds immediately after the stroking began were significantly higher than those obtained after that period, but these higher levels gradually returned to baseline levels. This tendency appears more clearly in the negative attitude group. The HRs of the horses increased during the first 20 seconds immediately after the human subjects of the NA group started stroking them, but gradually reduced as the stroking continued. The results of subjective arousal levels suggest a decrease in tension by stroking horses. These results suggest that a certain affectional interaction may exist between humans and companion animals.
Predictors for relapse and chronicity in eating disorders: A review of follow‐up studies
Authors: MUKAI TAKAYO
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Eating disorders have been known to be intractable. Yet, their long‐term consequences have received relatively little attention in the literature. In this paper, the outcome and follow‐up studies of anorexia nervosa and bulimia are reviewed and the current knowledge of the predictors and correlates of relapse and chronicity in each disorder is summarized. Based on the problems and limitations of the extant studies, suggestions for future research are offered, especially from a developmental perspective, to understand better the mechanisms underlying long‐term prognosis and relapse.
Development of the understanding of character constancy: Expectations of the behavior of friendly and unfriendly peers
Authors: YUZAWA MASAMICHI , HARANO AKIKO
Published: August 2009

Abstract: This study examines developmental changes in the tendency of young children to form generalized expectations of the behavior of friendly and unfriendly classmates in their nursery school. Subjects aged 4, 5, and 6 selected friendly, unfriendly, and neutral peers according to their expected behavior in a particular situation and then predicted the peers' behavior in four situations, one of which was similar to that used in the selection process. It was found that at the age of 4 the expectations of the behavior of unfriendly peers differed from those of the behavior of the other peers, and that by the age of 5 the expectations of the behavior of friendly peers were fairly consistent across different situations. Additionally, the results agreed with our hypothesis that younger children's expectations regarding their peers' behavior toward them are more stable and congruous with the peers' character type than those toward an imaginary friend, as far as the expectations of unfriendly peers' behavior is concerned.
Workaholism among employees in Japanese corporations: An examination based on the Japanese version of the Workaholism Scales
Authors: KANAI ATSUKO , WAKABAYASHI MITSURU , FLING SHEILA
Published: August 2009

Abstract: To examine the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Workaholism Scales developed originally by J. T. Spence and A. S. Robbins (1992), a questionnaire survey of workers in Japanese industrial organizations was conducted. The Japanese questionnaire was developed by back‐translation. Added to the original questionnaire were scales for work overload ‐ quantity, work overload ‐ quality, role ambiguity and role conflict. A total of 1,072 workers (962 men, 110 women) returned usable data (response rate = 87.5%). The factor structure and reliability of the workaholism instrument for Japanese male subjects look almost identical to those obtained by the original study in America except that the work involvement dimension was not reproduced as an independent factor, but overlapped with the drive dimension for the Japanese sample. There was a significant impact of workaholism on job stress and health complaints among Japanese male employees.
The dynamic programming matching analysis of handwriting movement in delayed vision
Authors: MATSUSHIMA TAKAJI , MORIKIYO YOSHIYUKI
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Dynamic programming matching analysis of the velocity profile of handwriting was used to examine temporally invariant characteristics of handwriting. This was done by comparing the performance of 12 subjects in writing five words under various delayed visual feedback conditions. The rate of temporally invariant handwriting decreased when delay of visual feedback was introduced. That is, the mean number of fluctuations or hesitations increased as a function of the delay time. This indicates that subjects wrote words by segmenting their movements into submovements. The relative positions of the boundaries of submovements was shown using dynamic programming matching analysis by the distribution of fluctuations along a time axis of templates. The results suggest the development of a segmented “move‐and‐wait” strategy under conditions of delayed vision. It was shown that in the “move” phase, subjects performed appropriate submovements as smoothly as in the no delay condition and waited during the delay until visual feedback caught up. The increased errors were due to inadequate segmentation of movements.
Effects of time uncertainty and instructed muscle tension on fractionated reaction time
Authors: KAWAMA KEN‐NOSUKE
Published: August 2009

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of time uncertainty and instructed muscle tension on the reaction time of elbow flexion. Twenty‐two right‐handed subjects were asked to respond to an audio stimulus by flexing their right elbow under four conditions (2 time uncertainty × 2 instructed muscle tension). Electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from the biceps and triceps on the subject's right side. Reaction time was divided into premotor time and motor time, based on the difference between the EMG and elbow flexion response. Analysis of reaction time showed that the effects of time uncertainty and instructed muscle tension were additive. Time uncertainty affected premotor time only, and instructed muscle tension affected motor time only. These results are discussed in terms of the assumption that premotor time is a reflection of the central nervous system and motor time is a reflection to the peripheral muscle system.
Text recall and text recognition with and without a title
Authors: MURAMOTO TOSHIAKI
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Recall and recognition memory for a text were investigated in two conditions: in one, subjects could understand the text well because they were presented with the title of the text prior to reading it; in the other, they could not understand the text so well because they were not presented with the title. Results showed that recall was better and sentence recognition more accurate when subjects had understood the text. A 1‐h delay of the memory test after reading decreased recall performance, but not recognition performance. Different memory representations may have been operating when subjects had understood the text from when they had not.
Craniodental mechanics and the feeding ecology of two sympatric callosciurine squirrels in Vietnam
Authors: Koyabu D. B. , Oshida T. , Dang N. X. , Can D. N. , Kimura J. , Sasaki M. , Motokawa M. , Son N. T. , Hayashida A. , Shintaku Y. , Endo H.
Published: August 2009

This study explores the relationship between feeding habit and craniodental morphology in two closely related sympatric callosciurine squirrels in south‐east Asia: Callosciurus erythraeus and Dremomys rufigenis. Both C. erythraeus and D. rufigenis prefer fruits and insects, as generally seen in other tree squirrels. However, C. erythraeus also feeds extensively on hard seeds and tough tree bark, which are rarely included in the diet of D. rufigenis. We tested the hypothesis that C. erythraeus shows structural features in craniodental morphology that provide an advantage for feeding on hard seeds and tough tree bark. Results show that C. erythraeus possesses a greater mechanical advantage of the masseter and temporalis muscles for chewing, and a more robust zygomatic arch, compared with D. rufigenis. Callosciurus erythraeus is capable of generating a greater bite force at a given muscle force at the cheek teeth and its zygomatic arch is more resistant against the stresses generated by the masseter muscle, suggesting adaptation for feeding on hard seeds. Callosciurus erythraeus also exhibits greater leverage of the masseter and temporalis for incision and has a wider skull at the interorbital region, suggesting the capability for efficiently generating a greater bite force and a greater mechanical resistance to increased loads when biting into wood with its anterior dentition. Our findings indicate that the craniodental divergence between C. erythraeus and D. rufigenis may be linked functionally to the differences in their diets. We suggest that their morphological divergence may correlate with their dietary differences and contribute to the sympatric distribution of these closely related squirrels.
Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of Metachromatic Leucodystrophy
Authors: HAGBERG BENGT , SOURANDER PATRICK , SVENNERHOLM LARS
Published: August 2009

Late infantile metachromatic leucodystrophy, a genetically determined neurolipidosis with accumulation of sulphatides in various organs, can now be diagnosed during life.

This paper surveys the clinical symptoms and signs, the laboratory tests in urine, blood and cerebrospinal fluid, the X‐ray findings, and the diagnostic biopsies from brain cortex, peripheral nerves and kidney.

Diagnostic clinique et de laboratoire de la leucodystrophie métachromatique

II est possible à présent de diagnostiquer, in vivo, la leucodystrophie métachromatique tardive du nourrisson, une neurolipidose déterminée génétiquement avec accumulation de sulphatides dans divers organes. On passe en revue: les symptômes et signes cliniques, les tests de laboratoire pratiqués sur Ľurine, le sang et le liquide céphalorachidien, les résultats radiologiques, et les biopsies diagnostiques provenant du cortex cérébral, des nerfs périphériques et des reins.

Klinische und laboratorische Diagnose der metachromatischen Leukodystrophie

Die spätinfantile metachromatische Leukodystrophie, eine genetisch bestimmte Neuro‐lipidosis mit Anhäufung von Sulfatiden in verschiedenen Organen, kann jetzt bei Leb‐zeiten diagnostiziert werden. In diesem Artikel wird eine Übersicht über die klinischen Symptome und Zeichen, die Laborproben in Ham, Blut und Liquor, die Röntgenbefunde, und die diagnostischen Biopsien der Hirnrinde, der peripheren Nerven und der Nieren, gegeben.
Conservation of the function counts: homologous neurons express sequence‐related neuropeptides that originate from different genes
Authors: Neupert Susanne , Huetteroth Wolf , Schachtner Joachim , Predel Reinhard
Published: August 2009

By means of single‐cell matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, we analysed neuropeptide expression in all FXPRLamide/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide synthesizing neurons of the adult tobacco hawk moth, Manduca sexta. Mass spectra clearly suggest a completely identical processing of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide‐precursor in the mandibular, maxillary and labial neuromeres of the subesophageal ganglion. Only in the pban‐neurons of the labial neuromere, products of two neuropeptide genes, namely the pban‐gene and the capa‐gene, were detected. Both of these genes expressed, amongst others, sequence‐related neuropeptides (extended WFGPRLamides). We speculate that the expression of the two neuropeptide genes is a plesiomorph character typical of moths. A detailed examination of the neuroanatomy and the peptidome of the (two) pban‐neurons in the labial neuromere of moths with homologous neurons of different insects indicates a strong conservation of the function of this neuroendocrine system. In other insects, however, the labial neurons either express products of the fxprl‐gene or products of the capa‐gene. The processing of the respective genes is reduced to extended WFGPRLamides in each case and yields a unique peptidome in the labial cells. Thus, sequence‐related messenger molecules are always produced in these cells and it seems that the respective neurons recruited different neuropeptide genes for this motif.
BAG1 modulates huntingtin toxicity, aggregation, degradation, and subcellular distribution
Authors: Sroka Kamila , Voigt Aaron , Deeg Sebastian , Reed John C. , Schulz Jörg B. , Bähr Mathias , Kermer Pawel
Published: August 2009

Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene‐1 (BAG1) is a multifunctional protein delivering chaperone‐recognized unfolded substrates to the proteasome for degradation. It has been shown to be essential for proper CNS development in vivo, playing a crucial role in neuronal survival and differentiation. With regard to Huntington’s disease, a sequestration of BAG1 into inclusion bodies and a neuroprotective effect in double transgenic mice have been reported. Here, we show that BAG1 reduces aggregation and accelerates degradation of mutant huntingtin (htt‐mut). Moreover, it reduces nuclear levels of htt‐mut. This effect can be overcome by over‐expression of seven in absentia homolog 1, an E3 ligase negatively regulated by BAG1 and known to be involved in nuclear import of htt‐mut. In vivo, BAG1 proved to be protective in a Drosophila melanogaster Huntington’s disease model, preventing photoreceptor cell loss induced by htt‐mut. In summary, we present BAG1 as a therapeutic tool modulating key steps in htt toxicity in vitro and ameliorating htt toxicity in vivo.
ROMAN WINDOW GLASS: A COMPARISON OF FINDINGS FROM THREE DIFFERENT ITALIAN SITES
Authors: ARLETTI R. , VEZZALINI G. , BENATI S. , MAZZEO SARACINO L. , GAMBERINI A.
Published: August 2009

Thirty‐three samples of window glass and five glass lumps coming from three Italian archaeological sites—the Suasa excavations (Ancona, settled from the third century bc to the fifth to sixth centuries ad), the Roman town of Mevaniola (Forlì‐Cesena, settled from the Imperial Age up to the fourth century ad) and Theodoric's Villa of Galeata (Forlì‐Cesena, settled from the sixth century ad onwards)—were analysed to track the changes in the chemical composition and manufacturing technology of window glass through the centuries. The aims of this study were: (1) to establish the origin of the raw materials; (2) to verify the chemical homogeneity among samples coming from different sites and/or produced using different techniques; and (3) to sort the samples into the compositional groups of ancient glass. The analysis of all the chemical variables allowed two groups to be distinguished: (a) finds from Mevaniola and Suasa; and (b) finds from Galeata. All the samples had a silica–soda–lime composition, but the analysis of minor elements—in particular, of Fe, Mn, and Ti—made it possible to split the samples into two groups, with the higher levels of these elements always found in the Galeata samples (HIMT glass). In conclusion, it can be asserted that the main differences between the samples are related to their chronology.
Failure Risks in the Insurance Industry: A Quantitative Systems Analysis
Authors: Paté‐Cornell Elisabeth , Deleris Léa A.
Published: August 2009

Abstract

We present in this article the findings from a study on insolvency in the property–casualty insurance industry that was commissioned by the Risk Foundation. The Risk Foundation contacted us for this work to draw from our experience in risk analysis based on systems analysis and probability. Therefore, we provide a different perspective on failure in the insurance industry by opening the “black box” to assess the contribution of different factors to the overall risk. Besides the development of a quantitative model for insolvency risk, our study for the Risk Foundation included insights from (1) unstructured interviews with 15 insurance industry experts and with six insurance regulators in different states, and (2) a statistical analysis of insolvency data (A.M. Best) covering the 1970 through 2005 period. Our focus here is centered on the practical insights that came out of the study, rather than on the technical details that led us to those insights.
Inappropriate ICD Discharges Due to Noise Oversensing as the First Sign of Repetitive Perforations of the Right Ventricular Lead
Authors: UEDA‐TATSUMOTO AKIKO , FUKAMIZU SEIJI , NISHIZAKI MITSUHIRO , SAKURADA HARUMIZU , HIRAOKA MASAYASU
Published: August 2009

Acute lead perforation is one of the major complications associated with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. We describe a case with repetitive inappropriate ICD discharges due to noise oversensing as the first sign of lead perforation.
Brugada Pattern in Toxic Myocarditis due to Severe Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning
Authors: NAYYAR SACHIN , NAIR MOHAN
Published: August 2009

Brugada pattern electrocardiogram (ECG) unmasking can occur due to various drugs. There are old reports of the acute infarction pattern in aluminum phosphide (rodenticide)‐related toxic myocarditis. The given case illustrates the Brugada pattern and various other ECG abnormalities in a patient with this poisoning. The old reported cases of the acute infarction pattern are also likely the Brugada pattern.
Where's the ecology in molecular ecology?
Authors: Johnson Jerald B. , Peat Scott M. , Adams Byron J.
Published: August 2009

Molecular techniques have had a profound impact in biology. Major disciplines, including evolutionary biology, now consistently utilize molecular tools. In contrast, molecular techniques have had a more limited impact in ecology. This discrepancy is surprising. Here, we describe the unexpected paucity of ecological research in the field colloquially referred to as ‘molecular ecology.’ Publications over the past 15 years from the journals Ecology, Evolution and Molecular Ecology reveal that much of the research published under the molecular ecology banner is in fact evolutionary in nature, and that comparatively little ecological research incorporates molecular tools. This failure to more broadly utilize molecular techniques in ecology is alarming because several promising lines of ecological inquiry could benefit from molecular approaches. Here we summarize the use of molecular tools in ecology and evolution, and suggest several ways to renew the ecological focus in ‘molecular ecology’.
Offspring quality and tick infestation load in brood rearing great titsParus major
Authors: Heylen Dieter , Adriaensen Frank , Dauwe Tom , Eens Marcel , Matthysen Erik
Published: August 2009

Although the impact of nest‐dwelling ectoparasites on nestlings in altricial birds is relatively well documented, little information is available on the fitness consequences of bird–ectoparasite systems with limited ectoparasite transmission between parents and their offspring. In this particular context we tested the hypothesis that parental infestation by a haematophageous field ectoparasite, the sheep tickIxodes ricinus, in a hole‐breeding passerine bird, the great titParus major, ultimately leads to the reduction of nestling quality. Observational data of a long‐term study show that 15 days after hatching, nestlings’ body condition (body mass corrected for body size) was negatively associated with the tick load of the mother, while no association was found with tick load of the father. A field experiment was conducted to test if adult infestation by ticks leads to a reduction in offspring quality. The field experiment consisted of a two by two factorial design: neither, one or both parents were infested with a high tick load (12 nymphs) when nestlings were eight days old. Four days after manipulation of the parents, the effect of the treatment on nestlings’ health was assessed by measuring haematological and biochemical parameters. Body condition of nestlings was monitored from three days after hatching, until seven days after tick manipulation of the parents. Although parental tick manipulation resulted in successful tick feeding, nestlings’ health parameters were not affected. We therefore suggest that the negative association between nestling condition and parental tick load does not reflect a causal effect of parasites, but either reflects a common environmental factor affecting parental infestation levels and offspring condition, or reflects parental quality. We propose different explanations why this association is expressed in female parents only.
Shoreline urbanization reduces terrestrial insect subsidies to fishes in North American lakes
Authors: Francis Tessa B. , Schindler Daniel E.
Published: August 2009

Despite growing recognition of the energetic connections between aquatic and riparian habitats of streams and lakes, there have been few efforts to quantify the importance of terrestrial insect subsidies to fish in lakes. Further, it is unclear whether lakeshore urbanization alters the magnitude of these fluxes. Because lakeshore development has been found to be negatively correlated with riparian vegetation that serves as habitat for terrestrial invertebrates, we expected that shoreline urbanization would reduce the prevalence of terrestrial invertebrates in fish diets. We quantified the effects of lakeshore urbanization on terrestrial insect subsidies to fish at three scales: a focused comparison of annual patterns in four lakes in the Pacific Northwest, a one‐time field survey of 28 Pacific Northwest lakes, and a literature survey of 24 North American lakes. At all geographical scales, terrestrial invertebrate subsidies to fish were negatively correlated with shoreline development. Terrestrial insects comprised up to 100% of fish diet mass in undeveloped lakes, versus an average of 2% of fish diet mass in developed lakes. Trout, Oncorhynchus spp., in undeveloped lakes had an average of 50% greater daily energy intake, up to 50% of which was represented by terrestrial prey. Temporal variability of the terrestrial subsidy suggests that these inputs are distinctly pulsed, and this subsidy is absent or temporally rare in undeveloped lakes.
Management of a complicated crown‐root fracture using adhesive fragment reattachment and orthodontic extrusion
Authors: Saito Célia Tomiko Matida Hamata , Guskuma Marcos Heidy , Gulinelli Jéssica Lemos , Sonoda Celso Koogi , Garcia‐Júnior Idelmo Rangel , Filho Osvaldo Magro , Panzarini Sônia Regina
Published: August 2009

Abstract – Dental trauma is more common in young patients and its sequelae may impair the establishment and accomplishment of an adequate treatment plan. This paper reports a case of complicated crown‐root fracture in a young adult that was treated using adhesive tooth fragment reattachment and orthodontic root extrusion. Considering the time elapsed to follow up, the fracture extension, the amount of remaining root portion and the patient’s low socioeconomic status, the treatment approach proposed for this case provided good functional and aesthetic outcomes. Clinical and radiographic results after 2 years were successful. This case report demonstrates the importance of establishing a multidisciplinary approach for a successful dental trauma management.
Dynamic interactions of proteins in complex networks: identifying the complete set of interacting E2s for functional investigation of E3‐dependent protein ubiquitination
Authors: Christensen Devin E. , Klevit Rachel E.
Published: August 2009

A ubiquitin ligase (E3) functions at the crossroad between ubiquitin activation and the attachment of ubiquitin to protein substrates. During this process, the E3 interacts with both a substrate and a ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme (E2). Although a major goal when investigating an E3 is to identify its substrates, recent evidence indicates that the E2 dictates the type of ubiquitin modification that will occur on the substrate. There are ∼ 30 E2s identified in the human genome, many of which remain to be characterized. We found that the RING E3 BRCA1/BARD1 can interact with 10 different E2s. The ability of BRCA1 to interact with multiple E2s is likely to be a common feature among other RING and U‐box E3s. We and others have also found that certain E2s show a preference for attaching either the first ubiquitin to a substrate lysine or ubiquitin to itself (chain building), suggesting that E2s may play a role in dictating product formation. Therefore, when investigating the functions of an E3 it is advisable to identify all E2s that interact with the E3 so that these can be used in E3‐dependent substrate‐ubiquitination assays. We describe a method used to identify all the E2s that interact with BRCA1. Defining the set of E2s that interact with other RING and U‐box E3s will open the door for predictive models and lead to a better understand of substrate ubiquitination.
Structural disorder in amyloid fibrils: its implication in dynamic interactions of proteins
Authors: Tompa P.
Published: August 2009

Proteins are occasionally converted from their normal soluble state to highly ordered fibrillar aggregates (amyloids), which give rise to pathological conditions that range from neurodegenerative disorders to systemic amyloidoses. Recent methodological advances in solid‐state NMR and EPR spectroscopy have enabled determination of the 3D structure of several amyloids at residue‐level resolution. The general picture that emerges is that amyloids constitute parallel β sheets, in which individual polypeptide chains run roughly perpendicular to the major axis of the fibril and are stacked in‐register. Thus, the unifying theme of amyloid formation is the structural transition from an initial globular or intrinsically disordered state to a highly ordered regular form. In this minireview, we show that this description is somewhat oversimplified, because part of the polypeptide chain in the amyloid remains intrinsically disordered and does not become part of the ordered core. As demonstrated through examples such as the amyloids of α‐synuclein and Aβ peptide and the yeast prions HET‐s and Ure2p, these disordered segments are depleted in amino acids NQFYV and are enriched in DEKP. They are also significantly more charged and have a higher predicted disordered value than segments in the cross‐β core. We suggest that structural disorder in amyloid is a special case of ‘fuzziness’, i.e. disorder in the bound state that may serve different functions, such as the accommodation of destabilizing residues and the mediation of secondary interactions between protofibrils.
Dynamic interactions of proteins in complex networks: a more structured view
Authors: Stein Amelie , Pache Roland A. , Bernadó Pau , Pons Miquel , Aloy Patrick
Published: August 2009

Virtually every process in a cell is carried out by macromolecular complexes whose actions need to be perfectly orchestrated. The synchronization and regulation of these biological functions is indeed critical and is usually carried out by complex networks of transient protein interactions. Here, we review some of the many strategies that proteins in regulatory networks use to achieve the dynamic plasticity necessary to rapidly respond to diverse cellular needs. More specifically, we present recent work on the molecular bases of transient peptide‐mediated interactions and the role that post‐translational modifications and disordered regions might play. Finally, in light of some recent findings, we speculate on the possibility of a new regulatory code for intrinsically disordered proteins and the potential biophysical and functional advantages that disorder might provide.
ACUPUNCTURE PERCEPTION (DEQI) VARIES OVER DIFFERENT POINTS AND BY GENDER WITH TWO DISTINCT DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF DULLNESS AND PAIN
Authors: YIN CHANG SHIK , PARK JONGBAE , LEE JI‐YOUNG , CHAE YOUNBYOUNG , JANG WOO‐CHANG , KIM SEUNG‐TAE , LEE HYEJUNG , PARK HI‐JOON
Published: August 2009

Deqi, an acupuncture perception asserted as related with a therapeutic effect and a surrogate measure of the activity of acupuncture treatment, may not be such a simple and single phenomenon as thus‐far presumed. In this study, we investigated the acupuncture perceptions over six points to explore any pattern of individual sensory item intensity over different points and genders from 121 healthy volunteers using a sensory questionnaire with 20 items. Perception data were eligible for factor analysis. Factor analysis produced four subcategories of perceptions: pain (nine items), transmission (three), dullness (four) and soreness (two). Of the acupoints, large intestine 1 (LI1), at the fingertip, showed the highest rating in the pain subcategory and LI4 in the dullness category. Females rated higher than males in spreading and numb perceptions (P < 0.01). This implies acupuncture perceptions entail this site and gender variation and the so‐called deqi perception is not an exception and may not be a therapeutic ingredient, per se.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The insights gained in this study give researchers and acupuncture practitioners information about the gender and site variation of acupuncture perception. In the past, the acupuncture perception or the so‐called deqi as a surrogate measure of the activity of acupuncture treatment, in particular, has been too simplistically handled as if it is a single and simple entity without considerations on possible site and gender variations. Based on this information, the researchers and practitioners of acupuncture medicine may have to adopt a more objective and sensual manner of assessment and anticipation of the patient's perception being treated with acupuncture stimulation, which will contribute to the scientific research and objective verification of the treatment effect and acupuncture‐related perception.
MULTIPLE TIME‐INTENSITY ANALYSIS AND ACCEPTANCE OF RASPBERRY‐FLAVORED GELATIN
Authors: PALAZZO ALESSANDRA B. , BOLINI HELENA M.A.
Published: August 2009

Face to face with the scenario of current human nutrition, there is an ever‐growing preoccupation with the provision of healthy and rapidly prepared diets, gelatin being an important product, taking into consideration its properties, such as muscular regeneration and bone strengthening. The objective of this work is to evaluate different brands of raspberry‐flavored gelatin, both traditional and diet, by multiple time‐intensity analysis for sweet, acid and raspberry flavor, as well as an acceptance test with 120 consumers. The statistical analysis included variance analysis, Tukey tests and Internal Preference Map. The results showed that there was no significant difference between all the samples to the time in which the maximum intensity of sweetness and acidity occurs. The results indicated a greater acceptance of the traditional samples, which were preferred by the majority (85% regarding intention to purchase). The aspartame/acessulfame‐potassium edulcorants were those that recorded behavior most distant from sucrose, compared with sodium saccharine and sodium cyclamate edulcorants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The time‐intensity analysis is important to provide how the flavor behavior is for the consumers during the food ingestion and is used in order to obtain the temporal profile of an attribute in a certain product. This analysis is different from the conventional descriptive analysis because it allows the verification of changes in the perception of a product's attribute over time.

The sensory results showed in this study should be useful to researchers and product developers who are working with different edulcorants in food, especially in gelatin products.

Observing both multiple time‐intensity curves and affective data at the same time, it is possible to determine which intensity and duration of sensory characteristics have influenced the consumer's preference.
Changes of Headspace Volatiles in Milk with Riboflavin Photosensitization
Authors: Lee J.H. , Min D.B.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Effects of fluorescent light, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, sodium azide, and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) on the volatiles in milk at 4 °C were determined using a combination of headspace‐solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS). Pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, and dimethyl disulfide were formed only in the milk stored under light and increased significantly as the duration of light exposure increased from 0 to 8 h and the concentration of added riboflavin increased from 5 to 50 ppm (P < 0.05). As fat content in milk increased, peak areas of pentanal, hexanal, and heptanal increased significantly (P < 0.05) while those of dimethyl disulfide did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Sodium azide prevented the formation of dimethyl disulfide in milk, implying that dimethyl disulfide can be formed through singlet oxygen oxidation (type II pathway). Addition of ascorbic acid and BHA reduced the formation of hexanal, heptanal, and dimethyl disulfide significantly (P < 0.05). Generation mechanisms of pentanal seem to be different from those of hexanal and heptanal in milk. Both singlet oxygen oxidation (type II pathway) and free radicals (type I pathway) play important roles in the formation of light‐induced volatiles in milk.
Protein Hydrolysate of Salted Duck Egg White as a Substitute of Phosphate and Its Effect on Quality of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei)
Authors: Kaewmanee Thammarat , Benjakul Soottawat , Visessanguan Wonnop
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Protein hydrolysate from salted egg white (PHSEW) with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) (3%, 6%, and 9%) was produced using pepsin. Disappearance of proteins with molecular weight (MW) of 108 and 85 kDa with the concomitant formation of proteins with MW of 23, 20, 13, and 5 kDa was observed in PHSEW. The use of PHSEW for quality improvement of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was investigated. Shrimp soaked in 4% NaCl containing 7% PHSEW and 2.5% mixed phosphates (0.625% sodium acid pyrophosphate [SAPP] and 1.875% tetrasodium pyrophosphate [TSPP]) had the highest cooking yield with the lowest cooking loss (P < 0.05), compared with shrimps with other treatments. Nevertheless, no difference in weight gain was obtained in comparison with those treated with 4% NaCl containing 3.5% mixed phosphate (P > 0.05). Cooked shrimp treated with 4% NaCl containing 7% PHSEW and 2.5% mixed phosphate or those treated with 4% NaCl containing 3.5% mixed phosphate had the higher score of appearance, texture, and overall likeness but less shear force, in comparison with the control (no treatment) (P < 0.05). Microstructure study revealed that muscle fibers of cooked shrimp from both treatments had the swollen fibrils and gaps, while the control had the swollen compact structure. Therefore, use of PHSEW could reduce phosphate residue in shrimps without an adverse effect on sensory properties.