bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Correlates of Insufficient Calcium Intake in a Swedish Population
Authors: Angbratt Marianne , Timpka Toomas , Blomberg Carina , Kronhed Ann‐Charlotte , Waller John , Wingren Gun , Möller Margareta
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine associations between calcium intake in the diet, lifestyle factors, and forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in order to identify population subgroups for targeting by screening programs.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 15% of the inhabitants aged 20–79 years from 2 Swedish municipalities, and the subsample from one of the municipalities was invited to measurement of BMD. The survey response rate was 74% (n=1,112/1,510) and participation in BMD measurements was 68% (n=448/659).

Results: Only a tendency ( p=.085) toward direct association between calcium intake and forearm BMD was found, and the best multiple regression model was retained to explain BMD excluded calcium intake. Low calcium intake was, instead, in complementary analyses, found to be correlated with the factors old age, female sex, and urban residence in the best multiple regression model.

Conclusions: Population subgroups whose calcium intake is in a range that justifies preventive action could be identified. Screening programs staffed by public health nurses can thereby be informed regarding the subgroups of the population that are at the highest risk of insufficient calcium intake.
Health Promotion Health Center Project
Authors: Lee Tae Wha , Lee Chung Yul , Kim Hee Soon , Ham Ok Kyung
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objectives: As part of a major government support for health promotion, a health promotion health center (HPHC) project was launched at the national level in Korea. The purpose of the study was to describe this 2‐year HPHC project within the framework of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and to evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the community residents.

Design: A cross‐sectional design was used.

Sample: A total of 2,261 community residents participated in the survey, with 792 in HPHC sites and 1,469 in non‐HPHC sites.

Measurement: The instrument included questions on participants' demographic characteristics, awareness, participation, health behavior (smoking, exercise, meat consumption, and blood pressure checkup), and satisfaction with the health promotion programs.

Results: The 5 main health promotion strategies of the Ottawa Charter were evident in the HPHCs. HPHCs were successful in enhancing awareness, participation, and satisfaction through their health promotion programs, although health behaviors were not significantly different between the 2 groups, except exercise.

Conclusion: Ottawa Charter strategies embedded within the practice of the community health promotion activities were effective in increasing the short‐term outcomes (awareness, participation, and satisfaction with health promotion programs), which is a promising finding for the development of health promotion behaviors in the future.
Maternal Perception of Their Overweight Children
Authors: Hackie Mary , Bowles Cheryl L.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To assess maternal perception of their preschool child's overweight at an urban Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serving primarily Hispanic families. To compare the mothers' perceptions with selected demographic variables of the sample and compare the results with a similar study conducted previously.

Design: Replication descriptive survey.

Sample: Mothers of overweight 2–5‐year‐old children enrolled in 2 Southern Nevada WIC programs (n=38).

Measurements: Face‐to‐face interviews where 5 survey questions and 4 demographic questions were read to mothers by the investigator.

Results: Sixty‐one percent of mothers did not recognize their children as being overweight. The perception of their child's overweight was independent of age as well as educational level of the mother. Half of the mothers (50%) had taken no steps to control what their child ate.

Conclusions: Hispanic mothers of overweight children may not perceive their children as being overweight. Nursing intervention is not likely to be effective if it is assumed that a mother recognizes her child's weight as a problem. Nurses must be aware of the impact of social and cultural beliefs on childhood overweight and make adjustments in their educational approaches based on the client's belief system and cultural background.
A Pilot Study to Prevent Hearing Loss in Farmers
Authors: Gates Donna M. , Jones M. Susan
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: Determine the feasibility and outcome of a pilot program to increase farm workers' use of hearing protection when performing activities with high noise exposure.

Design: The study was a quasi‐experimental study.

Sample: Eight intervention farmers and 17 comparison farmers participated in the study.

Measures: Before and after the intervention, farmers completed a survey to identify their frequency of use of hearing protection, and their beliefs about hearing loss and use of hearing protection.

Intervention: The intervention consisted of noise assessments, educational sessions, mailed reminders with brochures, and placement of hearing protection on the farm.

Results: The intervention was effective in increasing the use of hearing protection 1 and 2 months after the implementation of the program.

Conclusions: Hearing loss is a serious problem with farmers, and yet many farmers neglect to protect their hearing with the use of protection. The pilot study findings indicate that efforts to increase the use of hearing protection by farmers can be effective.
Application of the Community Readiness Model for Childhood Obesity Prevention
Authors: Findholt Nancy
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
This article describes how the Community Readiness Model was used to initiate childhood obesity prevention in Union County, a rural county in the state of Oregon. The purposes for which the model was utilized were: (1) to determine Union County's stage of readiness to prevent childhood obesity, (2) to identify community members with expertise or interest in children's nutrition and/or physical activity who were willing to serve on a prevention coalition, (3) to engage these community members in developing strategies to increase the county's level of readiness, and (4) to gather qualitative data on community strengths and barriers that could facilitate or hinder the development of an obesity prevention program.
Applying the Concept of Positive Deviance to Public Health Data: A Tool for Reducing Health Disparities
Authors: Walker Lorraine O. , Sterling Bobbie Sue , Hoke Mary M. , Dearden Kirk A.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
The concept of positive deviance (PD), which highlights uncommon practices that reduce risk in low‐resource communities, has been effective in community mobilization and programming to improve health outcomes. We present a protocol for extending the concept to analysis of existing public health data. The protocol includes assessing whether PD fits the situation, identifying positive deviants, and identifying behaviors associated with positive deviants' healthy outcomes. Analyzing existing datasets from a PD perspective may aid public health nurses in efforts to reduce health disparities. The effectiveness of our protocol will be clarified in future research.
Networking
Authors: Puetz Belinda E.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
Networking involves establishing and using contacts for information, support, and other assistance in order to achieve career goals. Public health nurses must understand the concept, process, and techniques of networking. There are do's and don'ts for effective networking, as well as methods of organizing nurses' networking efforts. The basics of this enjoyable and practical way to get ahead in the profession and to help others at the same time are presented. (Reprint of an original article by Belinda E. Puetz, Ph.D., R.N., consultant, Continuing Education Unlimited, originally published in Public Health Nursing, 1 (3), 174–177.)
Botulinum Toxin Occipital Nerve Block for the Treatment of Severe Occipital Neuralgia: A Case Series
Authors: Kapural Leonardo , Stillman Mark , Kapural Miranda , McIntyre Patrick , Guirgius Maged , Mekhail Nagy
Published: November 2007

▪ Abstract: Persistent occipital neuralgia can produce severe headaches that are difficult to control by conservative or surgical approaches. We retrospectively describe a series of six patients with severe occipital neuralgia who received conservative and interventional therapies, including oral antidepressants, membrane stabilizers, opioids, and traditional occipital nerve blocks without significant relief. This group then underwent occipital nerve blocks using the botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) BOTOX® Type A (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, U.S.A.) 50 U for each block (100 U if bilateral). Significant decreases in pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and improvement in Pain Disability Index (PDI) were observed at four weeks follow‐up in five out of six patients following BoNT‐A occipital nerve block. The mean VAS score changed from 8 ± 1.8 (median score of 8.5) to 2 ± 2.7 (median score of 1), while PDI improved from 51.5 ± 17.6 (median 56) to 19.5 ± 21 (median 17.5) and the duration of the pain relief increased to an average of 16.3 ± 3.2 weeks (median 16) from an average of 1.9 ± 0.5 weeks (median 2) compared to diagnostic 0.5% bupivacaine block. Following block resolution, the average pain scores and PDI returned to similar levels as before BoNT‐A block. In conclusion, BoNT‐A occipital nerve blocks provided a much longer duration of analgesia than diagnostic local anesthetics. The functional capacity improvement measured by PDI was profound enough in the majority of the patients to allow patients to resume their regular daily activities for a period of time. ▪
Incidental Diagnosis of Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation During Discography: A Case Report
Authors: Benyamin Ramsin , Vallejo Ricardo , Yousuf Naveed , Tamrazi Anobel , Kramer Jeffery
Published: November 2007

▪ Abstract:  We describe an incidental finding of intradural lumbar disc herniation diagnosed radiographically during discography. A patient was referred to our center for discography with symptoms of worsening, intractable low back pain radiating to both hips and the left leg which was exacerbated when standing and walking. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed multiple disc bulges and lumbar facet arthroses with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy producing moderate central canal and lateral recess stenosis. Discography was performed at three levels (L3‐4, L4‐5, L5‐S1). During fluoroscopically guided injection into L4‐5 it was noted that contrast was not contained within the disc and spread intrathecally with a myelographic appearance. Computerized tomography confirmed accurate needle placement and a spread of contrast into the intrathecal space. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a finding of intradural disc herniation while performing discography. Physicians should be aware of this potential finding while performing this technique. ▪
Negotiation and Intercultural Learning in Italian Native Speaker Chat Rooms
Authors: TUDINI VINCENZA
Published: November 2007

Foreign language learners purportedly demonstrate intercultural communicative competence in NS chat rooms through self‐initiated negotiation sequences, including those triggered by pragmatic issues and cultural content. This study identified and classified one‐to‐one NS–learner negotiations between intermediate learners and NS of Italian in Web‐based chat rooms. Classifications included (a) self‐initiated negotiation moves (Shehadeh, 2001), such as questions concerning the target culture, and (b) indicators of skills of discovery and interaction required by the “intercultural speaker” in informal face‐to‐face contexts (Byram, 1997). The study also presents an intercultural model of negotiation that facilitates identifying cultural and pragmatic triggers by taking account of possible overlap with lexical triggers. The findings indicate that with minor pedagogical intervention, learner‐initiated negotiation sequences are indeed a feature of one‐to‐one NS–learner chat interactions conducted in a noninstructed setting, with many learners actively seeking clarification on the target language and culture from their NS partners. In this way they avoid dysfunction and demonstrate intercultural communicative competence. These data have pedagogical implications for informal immersion experiences, such as residence abroad, for which learners are not always adequately prepared through standard classroom interaction patterns. They also suggest that negotiation strategies, as defined in this study, could be practiced before departure, with NS chat room experiences providing a form of virtual immersion and socialization experience in preparation for in‐country “experience[s] of otherness” (Byram, 1997, p. 70).
Road to Ruin? A Spatial Analysis of State Highway Spending
Authors: BRUCE DONALD , CARROLL DEBORAH A. , DESKINS JOHN A. , RORK JONATHAN C.
Published: November 2007

Do states engage in infrastructure expenditure competition to attract new economic activity? Economic theory is inconclusive on the matter. States might respond to increased infrastructure spending in competitor states by increasing their own infrastructure spending. Conversely, states may decrease spending in the presence of positive spillovers from competitor states' infrastructure investment. Using spatial econometric techniques and focusing specifically on highway spending, we demonstrate that states expend less on highways when spending in neighboring states increases. We explore this possibility further by modeling state personal income growth as a function of own‐state and neighbor‐state highway spending. Our findings suggest positive spillovers influence interstate relationships for highway spending rather than race‐to‐the‐top competition for economic activity.
Domestic Violence: Comparative Analysis of German and U.K. Research Findings*
Authors: Smartt Ursula , Kury Helmut
Published: November 2007

Objective. This article examines the notion of the family and within its postmodern definition the research undertaken in the field of domestic violence and its consequences for criminal justice agencies in the United Kingdom and Germany. Has the notion of the family changed in Western culture? How has legislation changed regarding domestic violence in line with criminologists' and social scientists' hypotheses, reflections, and recommendations? How are victims and witnesses protected from perpetrators?

Methods. The authors discuss how legislation in both countries has changed to meet the needs of victims and witnesses of domestic violence. The article looks at different forms of law enforcement in domestic violence and how the agencies assess future dangerousness.

Results. Research analyses show that domestic violence is now taken seriously in both countries' legislation. But what is the impact on policing domestic violence in both countries? It is argued that U.K. law enforcement agencies are more advanced that the German police in dealing with domestic violence in a practical and pragmatic fashion.

Conclusions. The authors explore the shift in cultural beliefs affecting male dominance in the family setting, how public attitudes to domestic violence have changed, and how law enforcement agencies are now dealing with violence within the family in both countries.
Race, Roll‐Off, and Racial Transition: The Influence of Political Change on Racial Group Voter Roll‐Off in Urban Elections*
Authors: Vanderleeuw James M. , Sowers Thomas E.
Published: November 2007

Objectives. Many cities in the United States have undergone or are undergoing racial transition from a majority white to a majority black population. Accompanying this is a change in the racial makeup of elections and officeholders. This article seeks to explain racial patterns in voter roll‐off as a city undergoes racial transition.

Methods. Using a fixed‐effects regression model, we analyze the level of voter roll‐off (from the top‐of‐the‐ballot mayoral contest) among black and white voters across Memphis City Council elections, from 1967 through 2003.

Results. The level of voter roll‐off among racial groups is sensitive to the racial aspect of political change. Black voters are most likely to continue to vote in council contests when there is a racial choice among candidates, when blacks have previously been elected, and when blacks occupy the mayoralty and a majority of council seats. Whites are most likely to vote in racially competitive council contests, as well as when there are a large number of white candidates, and when whites hold a majority of the council seats.

Conclusions. In settings such as Memphis, where race has played a pronounced historic role, the racial context of political empowerment has a strong influence on electoral participation. Elections below the top‐of‐the‐ballot become more salient, and political efficacy grows among racial group members when that cohort occupies institutional positions, particularly the majority of positions in a governing institution.
Noah and Joseph Effects in Government Budgets: Analyzing Long‐Term Memory
Authors: Jones Bryan D. , Breunig Christian
Published: October 2007

This article examines the combined effects of what mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot has termed “Noah” and “Joseph” effects in U.S. national government budgeting. Noah effects, which reference the biblical great flood, are large changes or punctuations, far larger than could be expected given the Gaussian or Normal models that social scientists typically employ. Joseph effects refer to the seven fat and seven lean years that Joseph predicted to the Pharaoh. They are “near cycles” or “runs” in time series that look cyclical, but are not, because they do not occur on a regular, predictable basis. The Joseph effect is long‐term memory in time series. Public expenditures in the United States from 1800 to 2004 shows clear Noah and Joseph effects. For the whole budget, these effects are strong prior to World War II (WWII) and weaker afterward. For individual programs, however, both effects are clearly detectable after WWII. Before WWII, budgeting was neither incremental nor well behaved because punctuations were even more severe and memory was not characterized by simple autoregressive properties. The obvious break that occurred after WWII could have signaled a regime shift in how policy was made in America, but even the more stable modern world is far more uncertain than the traditional incremental view.
Stability and Change in Public Policy: A Longitudinal Study of Comparative Subsystem Dynamics
Authors: Mortensen Peter B.
Published: October 2007

Using the theoretical framework formulated byBaumgartner and Jonesin a most similar systems study of Danish civil defense and Danish national home guard policy from 1949 to 2003, this article shows how particular subsystem characteristics affect the magnitude and frequency of policy punctuations. Despite very similar starting points, the two subsystems have experienced radically different policy evolutions since they were created back in 1948 and 1949. The explanation, it is argued, is to be found in a combination of Baumgartner and Jones’ model of issue definitions and conflict expansion on the one hand, and some particular institutional differences in the foundation of the two subsystems on the other. Hence, the aim of the article is to demonstrate that in a long‐term perspective, certain institutional choices not only enhance stability but also increase the likelihood of future conflict expansions and policy punctuations, given the dynamic model of the policymaking process provided by Baumgartner and Jones.
European Union External Trade Policy: Multilevel Principal–Agent Relationships
Authors: Reichert M. Shawn , Jungblut Bernadette M. E.
Published: October 2007

This article examines the potential political influences on European Union (EU) external trade policymaking. Given the EU's volume of international trade and its extensive involvement in bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements, a better understanding of how the EU makes external trade policy is increasingly important. It is an extremely complex process—involving the EU public, the 25 member states' parliaments and governments, and the institutions of the EU, including the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. It is a system of multilevel governance with overlapping jurisdictions with numerous potential access points for societal interests to influence European external trade policy. In this article, we evaluate the probable political channels that societal interests could use to influence EU external trade policy. We employ the principal–agent (P–A) framework to examine five of the more important P–A relationships that are likely to influence EU external trade policymaking. We conclude that EU policymaking as it pertains to external trade is quite insulated from general public pressures. The primary institutions involved in external trade policymaking are the EU Council of Ministers and the Commission—both of which are largely insulated from the public. Future empirical work should focus on this relationship between the Council of Ministers and the Commission.
How Political Support Influences Red Tape through Developmental Culture
Authors: Chen Greg , Williams Daniel W.
Published: October 2007

This study examines the interrelationship between external political support, internal organizational factors, and red tape, using a sample of information managers from state health and human service agencies. The study defines a red tape model and tests the model by structural equation modeling method. The study finds that political support has a direct effect on red tape. The higher the political support, the lower the level of red tape. The study also confirms an indirect effect of political support on red tape, mediated by developmental culture. Indirect effect through goal clarity has the correct sign but is not statistically significant. Practical recommendations are made for the political environment to provide the opportunity for managerial reforms that are often advocated.
Local Institutions and Environmental Outcomes: Evidence from Wetlands Protection in Massachusetts
Authors: Meyer Stephen M. , Konisky David M.
Published: October 2007

Community‐based efforts to address environmental problems occupy an increasingly large space on the environmental policy landscape. Advocates argue that local environmental institutions (LEIs) can deliver both procedural and environmental quality benefits. Yet, despite over a decade of expansive support, the performance of LEIs remains largely unknown, particularly with regard to environmental outcomes. In this article, we consider new environmental outcome data we compiled from local efforts to implement the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. We find that stronger forms of LEIs generate both quantitatively and qualitatively better environmental outcomes, which suggests that LEIs may live up to their advocates’ expectations.
Design and Analysis of Arm‐in‐Cage Experiments: Inference for Three‐State Progressive Disease Models with Common Periodic Observation Times
Authors: Griffin B. A. , Lagakos S. W.
Published: October 2007

SummaryWe develop statistical methods for designing and analyzing arm‐in‐cage experiments used to test the efficacy of insect repellents and other topical treatments. In these experiments, a controlled amount of the treatment is applied to a volunteer's forearm, which then is exposed to the insects by being placed into a special cage. Arms are not kept in the cages continuously, but rather placed there periodically for a brief period of time, during which it is noted whether an insect lands (but does not bite) or (lands and) bites. Efficacy of a repellent can be described using a progressive three‐state model in which the first two states represent varying degrees of protection (no landing and landing without biting) and the third state occurs once protection is completely lost (biting). Because subjects within a treatment group follow the same cage visit schedule, transition times between states are interval censored into one of several fixed intervals. We develop an approach that uses a mixture of nonparametric and parametric techniques for estimating the parameters of interest when sojourn times are dependent. Design considerations for arm‐in‐cage experiments are addressed and the proposed methods are illustrated on data from a recent arm‐in‐cage experiment as well as simulated data.
Spatially Explicit Maximum Likelihood Methods for Capture–Recapture Studies
Authors: Borchers D. L. , Efford M. G.
Published: October 2007

SummaryLive‐trapping capture–recapture studies of animal populations with fixed trap locations inevitably have a spatial component: animals close to traps are more likely to be caught than those far away. This is not addressed in conventional closed‐population estimates of abundance and without the spatial component, rigorous estimates of density cannot be obtained. We propose new, flexible capture–recapture models that use the capture locations to estimate animal locations and spatially referenced capture probability. The models are likelihood‐based and hence allow use of Akaike's information criterion or other likelihood‐based methods of model selection. Density is an explicit parameter, and the evaluation of its dependence on spatial or temporal covariates is therefore straightforward. Additional (nonspatial) variation in capture probability may be modeled as in conventional capture–recapture. The method is tested by simulation, using a model in which capture probability depends only on location relative to traps. Point estimators are found to be unbiased and standard error estimators almost unbiased. The method is used to estimate the density of Red‐eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus) from mist‐netting data from the Patuxent Research Refuge, Maryland, U.S.A. Estimates agree well with those from an existing spatially explicit method based on inverse prediction. A variety of additional spatially explicit models are fitted; these include models with temporal stratification, behavioral response, and heterogeneous animal home ranges.
Gender in Academic Career Tracks: The Case of Korean Biochemists
Authors: Park Chan‐ung
Published: October 2007

How important is academic performance in obtaining a tenure‐track position in academic science? I use data on Korean biochemists and analyze them from both institutionalist and gender perspectives. In so doing, I illustrate the ways academic performance and gender interact with one another to maintain a gender barrier for Ph.D.s entering an academic career. The main findings are as follows. First, academic productivity did influence the job market outcomes, but the male scientists benefited from publications in both SCI and non‐SCI journals, whereas the female scientists benefited only from those in SCI journals. I also found a positive effect of overseas doctoral training only for the female scientists. Such analysis suggests that women as a minority in academic science are pressured to prove their legitimacy through more rigorous criteria of academic performance. Thus, ostensibly gender‐neutral rules of academic performance can be applied in such a way as to maintain gender inequality.
Nietzsche’s Sociology1
Authors: Aspers Patrik
Published: October 2007

The aim of this article is to present that part of Friedrich Nietzsche’s work that is of special interest to sociologists. To do this, I discuss the relationship between Nietzsche’s work and the sociology both of today and of his own time. The most important idea is that he saw reality as a social construction. The idea of social construction is related to the beliefs and values, power and interests of the actors. Nietzsche’s discussions of power and of the individual vs. the collective are also analyzed.
Coalition Politics in a Postsocialist Russian City, 1994–20001
Authors: Buck Andrew D.
Published: October 2007

An in‐depth case study of a Russian urban area explores the city’s difficult democratic transition by analyzing changes in the network of civic affiliations among polity members. The research develops ideal‐typical coalitional structures to understand this troubled transition. The case study uses data from membership lists of civic organizations to draw conclusions about the coalitional structure and its effects on democratic outcomes. This demonstrates that the politics of patronage and the marginalization of mediators made coordination among different parts of government difficult to achieve. The implication drawn from the case study is that the mediation of diverse factional interests through coalitions is an important condition for democratic consolidation.
Generations, Identities, and the Collective Memory of Che Guevara1
Authors: Larson Jeff A. , Lizardo Omar
Published: October 2007

Has the image of Che Guevara lost its power to evoke radical politics in the face of pervasive commodification? The commercialization of this 1960s political icon has called into question the power of the market to shape collective memories. Meanwhile, antisystemic movements of the left continue to erect his image at protest events. In light of this contest over how Che Guevara is remembered, we investigate, using data from a survey of Spanish citizens, who is most likely to recall him. We find qualified support for the theory of generational imprinting—Che is more often recalled by those generations who saw him rise to prominence during their formative years, although prominent as a collective symbol rather than as a living person. Our results also corroborate the claim that historical figures or events are more salient for, and therefore more likely to be remembered by, some subgenerational units than others. Thus, although the younger generations are in general more likely than their elders to recall Che, he is most frequently remembered by the highly educated leftists who espouse postmaterialist and posttraditionalist values and identify more with their local regions than with the nation of Spain. These patterns suggest that, in contrast to the dire predictions of mass culture theorists, the memory of Che Guevara has become increasingly tied to markers of social, ethnic‐regional, and political identity.
Phenotypic variability in Meesmann's dystrophy: clinical review of the literature and presentation of a family genetically identical to the original family
Authors: Ehlers Niels , Hjortdal Jesper , Nielsen Kim , Thiel H.‐J. , Ørntoft Torben
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To describe the phenotypic variability in Meesmann's microcystic dystrophy of the corneal epithelium based on a review of the literature and the presentation of a Danish family.

Methods:  We carried out a clinical examination of the family and genetic sequencing of DNA.

Results:  Subjective symptoms often include blurred vision and ocular irritation. Typical cases may be entirely free of complaints. Intermittent pain episodes, such as occur in recurrent erosion syndrome, are not the rule. Genetic sequencing indicated a familial relationship with the originally described Meesmann family. Clinical variability was similar. Approximately 85% of cases showed microcysts in the entire epithelium. The remaining 15% demonstrated variants with microcysts in the upper or lower part of the cornea, or in the central or peripheral cornea, as well as subepithelial opacities.

Conclusions:  Meesmann's dystrophy occurs worldwide. The largest family described is the original German one, now supplemented with a Danish branch. Despite the presence of an identical genetic defect, the clinical phenotype varies. This suggests that non‐KRT12‐related mechanisms are responsible for the variation.
Epigenetic regulation: a new research area for melatonin?
Authors: Korkmaz Ahmet , Reiter Russel J.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Epigenetic, modifications of DNA and histones, i.e. heritable alterations in gene expression that do not involve changes in DNA sequences, are known to be involved in disease. Two important epigenetic changes that contribute to disease are abnormal methylation patterns of DNA and modifications of histones in chromatin. Epimutations, such as the hypermethylation and epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes, have revealed a new area for cancer treatment. Studies using DNA methyltransferase inhibitors such as procaine, hydralazine, and RG108 have had promising outcomes against cancer therapy. Melatonin, one of the most versatile molecules in nature, may hypothetically be involved in epigenetic regulation. In this review, the potential role of melatonin in inhibiting DNA methyltransferase and epigenetic regulation is discussed.
Estimation of the carcass composition from a cross‐section of the rib‐loin from crossbred Japanese Black × Limousin F2 cattle by computer image analysis
Authors: NADE Toshihiro , SABURI Jun‐ichi , ABE Tsuyosi , NAKAGAWA Tetsuo , OKUMURA Toshiaki , MISUMI Satsuki , SAITO Kunihiko , KAWAMURA Tadashi , FUJITA Kazuhisa
Published: October 2007

The carcass composition of crossbred Japanese Black × Limousin F2 cattle was examined in order to find an accurate carcass composition equation. The test animals included 17 steers and 17 heifers. The 28 image measurements from the area encircling the vertical line to the thoracic vertebra and the line from the thoracic vertebra between the sixth and seventh rib‐bones were measured by computer image analysis. The relationships between the 29 parameters that added the carcass left side weight of the animal and the carcass composition were suggested. The carcass composition included muscle weight, muscle ratio, fat weight and fat ratio. The carcass composition from steers was estimated by an equation composed of these three or four parameters (R2 = 90.80%, 79.30%, 90.75% and 73.70%, respectively). The selected parameters were measured without cutting the thoracic vertebra. The carcass composition from heifers was estimated by an equation composed of two to four parameters (R2 = 96.15%, 90.98%, 93.60% and 88.22%, respectively). The parameters for the estimation of the muscle and fat weight, and muscle and fat ratio are very similar. Furthermore, the equations using the parameters could estimate the carcass composition from the Japanese Black × Limousin cattle resource population.
Changes in histone modification upon activation of dormant mouse blastocysts
Authors: MATSUHASHI Tamako , AKIYAMA Tomohiko , AOKI Fugaku , SAKAI Senkiti
Published: October 2007

Gene expression in the implanting blastocyst is altered by stimulation with estrogen secreted from maternal ovaries. In the present study, to understand the mechanism regulating the changes in gene expression, diverse histone modifications in blastocysts were studied using a delayed implantation model, in which embryos were kept in a dormant state in the uterus by maternal ovariectomy and progesterone treatment, and then activated by injection with estrogen. Total transcriptional activity increased markedly in activated embryos, and immunocytochemistry with antibodies recognizing specific histone modifications revealed differential modification of several histones in the trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) of dormant and activated embryos. High levels of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation, which suppresses gene expression, were observed in the ICM, but not in the TE, of dormant embryos, and the levels decreased when the embryos were activated, consistent with changes in transcriptional activity. Substitution of histone H3.3, a variant of H3, for dominant H3.1 increased in activated embryos, suggesting that histone substitution is involved in inducing gene expression associated with activation. In the nucleus, H3.3 was mainly localized in the nucleoli of activated embryos but not in those of dormant ones. In contrast, there were no obvious differences in the trimethylation of histone H3K9 or the acetylation of histones H3K9, H3K18 and H4K12 between dormant and activated embryos. These results suggest that a decrease in H3K9 dimethylation contributes to the acquisition of implantation competence by releasing genes from suppression. In addition, histone H3.3 substitution seems to be involved in global gene activation and facilitates the prompt recovery of dormant blastocysts to the active state by inducing rRNA synthesis, resulting in an increase in translational activity.
Effects of urea treatment of potato pulp and inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in supplements on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers
Authors: SUGIMOTO Masahito , CHIBA Takuya , KANAMOTO Masayo , HIDARI Hisashi , KIDA Katsuya , SAITO Waka , OOI Motoki , SATO Yukinobu , SAITO Toshiro
Published: October 2007

Six Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers fitted with a ruminal cannula were used in a split‐plot design experiment comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole plot) and a randomized blocks design (subplot) to determine the effect of the treatment of potato pulp (PP) with urea and the effect of inclusion levels of PP silage in feed supplement on digestibility, ruminal in situ degradation and ruminal fermentation. The whole plot consisted of 20%, 50% and 80% PP silage (dry matter (DM) basis), with PP silage replacing formula feed. The subplot included untreated or 0.5% (on an as‐fed basis) urea‐treated PP. The treatment of PP with urea showed no effect on DM intake and digestibility. The percentage of the rapidly degradable DM fraction of the urea‐treated PP silage was higher (P < 0.01) and the percentage of its slowly degradable DM fraction was lower (P < 0.01) than for the untreated PP silage. Ruminal ammonia concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed urea‐treated PP silage than that for steers fed the untreated PP silage. The treatment of PP with urea caused a decrease in the molar proportion of acetate and an increase in the proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid after feeding. The rate of DM degradations in hay (linear, P < 0.01) and in PP silage decreased (linear, P < 0.01) as the inclusion level of PP silage increased. Increasing the inclusion level of PP silage in supplement decreased the effective degradability of DM in hay (linear, P < 0.05) and in PP silage (linear, P < 0.05). An increase in the amount of PP silage increased the molar proportion of acetate (linear, P < 0.01) and decreased the butyrate proportion (linear, P < 0.05) in ruminal fluid. The results suggest that urea treatment of PP facilitates microbial access to starch of PP silage in the rumen and that surplus level of PP silage in supplement have adverse effect on ruminal digestion.
Comparison of carcass and meat characteristics of Brahman grade cattle (Bos indicus) and crossbred water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: LAPITAN Rosalina M. , DEL BARRIO Arnel N. , KATSUBE Osamu , BAN‐TOKUDA Tomomi , ORDEN Edgar A. , ROBLES Alberto Y. , FUJIHARA Tsutomu , CRUZ Libertado C. , HOMMA Hideya , KANAI Yukio
Published: October 2007

This study was conducted to determine and compare the live traits, carcass yield and the physical, chemical, processing and sensory properties of meat from 20 Brahman grade cattle (crossbred cattle) and crossbred water buffalo (Philippine carabao × Murrah, Bulgarian or Indian) with an average age and weight of 29 months and 434 kg, respectively. The animals were fed a similar diet for 180 days before slaughter. A survey was performed to establish consumer meat preference between the two species. Live weights before slaughter of the two species were found to be different (P < 0.05) with the crossbred water buffalo showing higher bodyweight. However, the crossbred water buffalo had a lower (P < 0.05) dressing yield based on hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight. The lower dressing yield of crossbred water buffalo can be attributed to its higher (P < 0.05) weights of edible and non‐edible slaughter by‐products. The chilled carcass yield of the forequarters and hindquarters from crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo were comparable when expressed as percent of live weight and chilled carcass weight. The estimated lean yield was higher in crossbred cattle than crossbred water buffalo. Crude protein, ash, fat, cholesterol, myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and insoluble protein contents of the beef and carabao meat were all similar. Water holding capacity, pH, muscle fiber diameter, tenderness, firmness and marbling score in carabeef were all comparable to the beef. Redness was found to be higher (P < 0.05) in carabeef than the beef as measured with a color meter. The consumer meat preference survey showed that 55.9% selected the beef while 44.1% preferred carabeef. The color and amount of fat on the outside of the beef sample were primary in buyer selection.
Comparative observations on the growth changes of the histochemical property and collagen architecture of the Musculus pectoralis from Silky, layer‐type and meat‐type cockerels
Authors: OSHIMA Ichiro , IWAMOTO Hisao , TABATA Shoji , ONO Yoshitaka , ISHIBASHI Akira , SHIBA Nobuya , MIYACHI Hideyuki , GOTOH Takafumi , NISHIMURA Shotaro
Published: October 2007

Growth‐related changes in the histochemical properties and collagen architecture of the Musculus pectoralis were compared among Silky, layer‐type and meat‐type cockerels. Histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used and collagen architecture was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The total amount of collagen present was also measured. The diameter of type IIB myofibers was similar or rather larger in the layer‐type birds compared with the meat‐type. The collagen content was generally low for 5–10 weeks across the breeds and then increased in the other breeds except for Silky. In the perimysium, the collagen bundles gradually increased in size and the density of the fibrils also increased during growth. At 30 weeks of age, the layer‐type birds showed compact collagen bundles while the meat‐type had loose bundles. The endomysial collagen network appeared relatively denser in the meat‐type chicks compared to the others at week 1. At 30 weeks of age, compact and felt‐like structure of endomysium was shown by Silky and layer‐type chickens, while the meat‐type showed a relatively loose arrangement of tissue in the endomysial collagen. From these results, it appears that the meat‐type chicken can produce a large M. pectoralis with many, relatively thinner myofibers and a relatively undeveloped form of intramuscular collagen structure.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐I, passive immunity transfer, and stereological characteristics of small intestine of newborn calves
Authors: PAULETTI Patricia , BAGALDO Adriana Regina , KINDLEIN Liris , MACHADO‐NETO Raul
Published: October 2007

This study evaluated the concentration of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I present in the mammary secretions, its relation with changes in serum IGF‐I and immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and intestinal mucosa alterations of 42 calves during the first week of life. Cows were randomly assigned to two groups, treated and control, with 21 animals in each. The treated group was injected with 500 mg recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) at day −35 relative to predicted calving date. Newborn calves were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial scheme: dams group and slaughter date (at birth, 2 and 7 days of life). IGF‐I concentration was higher in the colostrum of treated cows (P < 0.05), but did not differ in the subsequent mammary secretions. Immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum and subsequent mammary secretions did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). No differences were found in calf serum IGF‐I levels from birth to the seventh day or serum immunoglobulin G concentration after 24 h of life (P > 0.05). IGF‐I colostrum levels observed in this study did not affect the small intestine morphometry. The segment from the middle jejunum showed higher mucosa partial volume (Vv) at birth and 7 days old compared to other segments, and at just 2 days of age this segment reduced its Vv, not differing from other segments of the same date.
Aglycone specificity of Escherichia coliα‐xylosidase investigated by transxylosylation
Authors: Kang Min‐Sun , Okuyama Masayuki , Yaoi Katsuro , Mitsuishi Yasushi , Kim Young‐Min , Mori Haruhide , Kim Doman , Kimura Atsuo
Published: October 2007

The specificity of the aglycone‐binding site of Escherichia coliα‐xylosidase (YicI), which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 31, was characterized by examining the enzyme's transxylosylation‐catalyzing property. Acceptor specificity and regioselectivity were investigated using various sugars as acceptor substrates and α‐xylosyl fluoride as the donor substrate. Comparison of the rate of formation of the glycosyl–enzyme intermediate and the transfer product yield using various acceptor substrates showed that glucose is the best complementary acceptor at the aglycone‐binding site. YicI preferred aldopyranosyl sugars with an equatorial 4‐OH as the acceptor substrate, such as glucose, mannose, and allose, resulting in transfer products. This observation suggests that 4‐OH in the acceptor sugar ring made an essential contribution to transxylosylation catalysis. Fructose was also acceptable in the aglycone‐binding site, producing two regioisomer transfer products. The percentage yields of transxylosylation products from glucose, mannose, fructose, and allose were 57, 44, 27, and 21%, respectively. The disaccharide transfer products formed by YicI, α‐d‐Xylp‐(1→6)‐d‐Manp, α‐d‐Xylp‐(1→6)‐d‐Fruf, and α‐d‐Xylp‐(1→3)‐d‐Frup, are novel oligosaccharides that have not been reported previously. In the transxylosylation to cello‐oligosaccharides, YicI transferred a xylosyl moiety exclusively to a nonreducing terminal glucose residue by α‐1,6‐xylosidic linkages. Of the transxylosylation products, α‐d‐Xylp‐(1→6)‐d‐Manp and α‐d‐Xylp‐(1→6)‐d‐Fruf inhibited intestinal α‐glucosidases.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α–retinoid X receptor agonists induce beta‐cell protection against palmitate toxicity
Authors: Hellemans Karine , Kerckhofs Karen , Hannaert Jean‐Claude , Martens Geert , Van Veldhoven Paul , Pipeleers Daniel
Published: October 2007

Fatty acids can stimulate the secretory activity of insulin‐producing beta‐cells. At elevated concentrations, they can also be toxic to isolated beta‐cells. This toxicity varies inversely with the cellular ability to accumulate neutral lipids in the cytoplasm. To further examine whether cytoprotection can be achieved by decreasing cytoplasmic levels of free acyl moieties, we investigated whether palmitate toxicity is also lowered by stimulating its β‐oxidation. Lower rates of palmitate‐induced beta‐cell death were measured in the presence of l‐carnitine as well as after addition of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) agonists, conditions leading to increased palmitate oxidation. In contrast, inhibition of mitochondrial β‐oxidation by etomoxir increased palmitate toxicity. A combination of PPARα and retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists acted synergistically and led to complete protection; this was associated with enhanced expression levels of genes involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal β‐oxidation, lipid metabolism, and peroxisome proliferation. PPARα–RXR protection was abolished by the carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 inhibitor etomoxir. These observations indicate that PPARα and RXR regulate beta‐cell susceptibility to long‐chain fatty acid toxicity by increasing the rates of β‐oxidation and by involving peroxisomes in fatty acid metabolism.