bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations on the evolutionary conservation of PCSK9 reveal a functionally important protrusion
Authors: Cameron Jamie , Holla Øystein L. , Berge Knut Erik , Kulseth Mari Ann , Ranheim Trine , Leren Trond P. , Laerdahl Jon K.
Published: July 2008

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) interferes with the recycling of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR). This leads to LDLR degradation and reduced cellular uptake of plasma LDL. Naturally occurring human PCSK9 loss‐of‐function mutations are associated with low levels of plasma LDL cholesterol and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. PCSK9 gain‐of‐function mutations result in lower LDL clearance and increased risk of atherosclerosis. The exact mechanism by which PCSK9 disrupts the normal recycling of LDLR remains to be determined. In this study, we have assembled homologs of human PCSK9 from 20 vertebrates, a cephalochordate and mollusks in order to search for conserved regions of PCSK9 that may be important for the PCSK9‐mediated degradation of LDLR. We found a large, conserved protrusion on the surface of the PCSK9 catalytic domain and have performed site‐directed mutagenesis experiments for 13 residues on this protrusion. A cluster of residues that is important for the degradation of LDLR by PCSK9 was identified. Another cluster of residues, at the opposite end of the conserved protrusion, appears to be involved in the physical interaction with a putative inhibitor of PCSK9. This study identifies the residues, sequence segments and surface patches of PCSK9 that are under strong purifying selection and provides important information for future studies of PCSK9 mutants and for investigations on the function of this regulator of cholesterol homeostasis.
Phosphorylation of the arginine/serine dipeptide‐rich motif of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nucleocapsid protein modulates its multimerization, translation inhibitory activity and cellular localization
Authors: Peng Tsui‐Yi , Lee Kuan‐Rong , Tarn Woan‐Yuh
Published: July 2008

Coronavirus nucleocapsid protein is abundant in infected cells and participates in viral RNA replication and transcription. The central domain of the nucleocapsid protein contains several arginine/serine (RS) dipeptides, the biological significance of which has not been well investigated. In the present study, we demonstrate that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nucleocapsid protein is phosphorylated primarily within the RS‐rich region in cells and by SR protein kinase 1 in vitro. The nucleocapsid protein could suppress translation and its RS motif is essential for such an activity. Moreover, phosphorylation of the RS motif could modulate the translation inhibitory activity of the nucleocapsid protein. We further found that RS motif phosphorylation did not significantly affect RNA binding of the nucleocapsid protein but impaired its multimerization ability. We observed that the nucleocapsid protein could translocate to cytoplasmic stress granules in response to cellular stress. Deletion or mutations of the RS motif enhanced stress granule localization of the nucleocapsid protein, whereas overexpression of SR protein kinase 1 inhibited nucleocapsid protein localization to stress granules. The nucleocapsid protein lacking the RS motif formed high‐order RNP complexes, which may also account for its enhanced stress granule localization. Taken together, phosphorylation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐CoV nucleocapsid protein modulates its activity in translation control and also interferes with its oligomerization and aggregation in stress granules.
Nop53p interacts with 5.8S rRNA co‐transcriptionally, and regulates processing of pre‐rRNA by the exosome
Authors: Granato Daniela C. , Machado‐Santelli Glaucia M. , Oliveira Carla C.
Published: July 2008

In eukaryotes, pre‐rRNA processing depends on a large number of nonribosomal trans‐acting factors that form intriguingly organized complexes. One of the early stages of pre‐rRNA processing includes formation of the two intermediate complexes pre‐40S and pre‐60S, which then form the mature ribosome subunits. Each of these complexes contains specific pre‐rRNAs, ribosomal proteins and processing factors. The yeast nucleolar protein Nop53p has previously been identified in the pre‐60S complex and shown to affect pre‐rRNA processing by directly binding to 5.8S rRNA, and to interact with Nop17p and Nip7p, which are also involved in this process. Here we show that Nop53p binds 5.8S rRNA co‐transcriptionally through its N‐terminal region, and that this protein portion can also partially complement growth of the conditional mutant strain Δnop53/GAL::NOP53. Nop53p interacts with Rrp6p and activates the exosome in vitro. These results indicate that Nop53p may recruit the exosome to 7S pre‐rRNA for processing. Consistent with this observation and similar to the observed in exosome mutants, depletion of Nop53p leads to accumulation of polyadenylated pre‐rRNAs.
Characterisation and phylogeny of a phytoplasma inducing sandal spike disease in sandal (Santalum album)
Authors: Khan J.A. , Singh S.K. , Ahmad J.
Published: July 2008

Sandal (Santalum album) is an industrially important forest species in India, where it is devastated by sandal spike (SAS) disease. Diseased S. album trees show characteristic witches’ broom symptoms suspected to be caused by phytoplasma. Since the first report of occurrence of this disease at the end of 19th century, studies mainly have been carried out to detect SAS phytoplasma through various approaches. The causative agent, however, has remained poorly characterised at a molecular level. The present investigation was aimed to characterise the pathogen at this level. In nested PCR, a 1.4‐kb 16S rDNA fragment was amplified and analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism using 17 restriction enzymes. The patterns were identical to those of strains AY1 and APh of the aster yellows subgroup 16SrI‐B, except for BfaI, which gave a different pattern. After cloning and sequencing, a phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship to aster yellows subgroup 16SrI‐B members. Nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 99.2% to 99.5% with this subgroup. On the basis of these results, the SAS phytoplasma was classified as a member of subgroup 16SrI‐B.
Preparation and Thermal Ablation Behavior of HfB2–SiC‐Based Ultra‐High‐Temperature Ceramics Under Severe Heat Conditions
Authors: Zhang Xinghong , Weng Ling , Han Jiecai , Meng Songhe , Han Wenbo
Published: July 2008

HfB2–SiC‐based ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics with aluminum nitride (AlN) as a sintering aid were hot pressed at 1850°C. The sinterability and mechanical properties were investigated and compared with the composite without a sintering aid. It was shown that the addition of AlN greatly improved the powder sinterability and enabled the production of a nearly full‐dense composite. The mechanical properties, especially the flexural strength, were enhanced remarkably through the improvement in the sinterability and microstructure. The oxidation resistance of a composite doped with 10 vol% AlN was evaluated by a plasma arc heater and the ablation mechanism was discussed.
Inner Electrodes for Multilayer Varistors
Authors: Kuo Shu‐Ting , Tuan Wei‐Hsing , Lao Yeh‐Wu , Wen Chung‐Kai , Chen Huey‐Ru
Published: July 2008

In the present study, Pt or AgPd metal is used as the inner electrode for Bi2O3‐doped ZnO multilayer varistors (MLV). The growth of the ZnO grains is constrained by the presence of the inner electrodes. The Pt inner electrodes are chemically inert to Bi2O3‐doped ZnO. The Bi2O3 could react with Pd to form PdBi2O4. The Bi2O3‐rich liquid also tends to wet the AgPd electrode. The size of ZnO grains in the MLV/AgPd specimen is larger. The ZnO grains in the MLV/AgPd specimen can even grow to a size larger than the layer thickness at the expense of electrode continuity.
Ecological Stoichiometry along a Gradient of Forest Succession: Bait Preferences of Litter Ants
Authors: Bihn Jochen H. , Verhaagh Manfred , Brandl Roland
Published: July 2008

We examined bait preferences of litter ants along a successional gradient of forests in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The ants preferred protein‐based baits in secondary forests, yet preferred carbohydrate‐based baits in old‐growth forests. This suggests a shift in stoichiometric balances between secondary and old‐growth forest which might have an impact on the functional interactions in these ecosystems. Therefore, the ecological services offered by secondary habitats may be quite different from those offered by old‐growth forests.
Tree Community Change across 700 km of Lowland Amazonian Forest from the Andean Foothills to Brazil
Authors: Pitman Nigel C. A. , Mogollón Hugo , Dávila Nallarett , Ríos Marcos , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Guevara Juan , Baker Timothy R. , Monteagudo Abel , Phillips Oliver L. , Vásquez‐Martínez Rodolfo , Ahuite Manuel , Aulestia Milton , Cardenas Dairon , Cerón Carlos E. , Loizeau Pierre‐André , Neill David A. , Núñez V. Percy , Palacios Walter A. , Spichiger Rodolphe , Valderrama Elvis
Published: July 2008

We describe patterns of tree community change along a 700‐km transect through terra firme forests of western Amazonia, running from the base of the Andes in Ecuador to the Peru–Brazil border. Our primary question is whether floristic variation at large scales arises from many gradual changes or a few abrupt ones. Data from 54 1‐ha tree plots along the transect support the latter model, showing two sharp discontinuities in community structure at the genus level. One is located near the Ecuador–Peru border, where the suite of species that dominates large areas of Ecuadorean forest declines abruptly in importance to the east. This discontinuity is underlain by a subterranean paleoarch and congruent with a change in soil texture. A second discontinuity is associated with the shift from clay to white sand soils near Iquitos. We hypothesize that the first discontinuity is part of an edaphic boundary that runs along the Andean piedmont and causes a transition from tree communities preferring richer, younger soils near the base of the Andes to those preferring poorer, older soils farther east. Because the floristic changes observed at this discontinuity are conserved for large distances to the east and west of it, the discontinuity is potentially key for understanding floristic variation in western Amazonia. The significant floristic turnover at the Ecuador–Peru border suggests that the only large protected area in the region—Ecuador's Yasuní National Park—is not adequate protection for the very diverse tree communities that cover vast areas of northern Peru.
A Program for Monitoring Biological Diversity in the Amazon: An Alternative Perspective to Threat‐based Monitoring
Authors: Magnusson William E. , Costa Flávia , Lima Albertina , Baccaro Fabricio , Braga‐Neto Ricardo , Laerte Romero Ricardo , Menin Marcelo , Penha Jerry , Hero Jean‐Marc , Lawson Ben E.
Published: July 2008

Ferraz et al. (2008) indicated the need for planning in biological monitoring in the Amazon, and reviewed what they considered recent progress. The problems and solutions they discuss are well known, and it is unlikely that many biologists would disagree with most of them. However, the authors do not indicate that most of these issues are already being addressed in practice in the Amazon, especially by the Programa de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade (PPBio) of the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology. The only major issue about which we do not agree with Ferraz et al. (2008) relates to the design of monitoring programs. The authors recommended tailoring experimental designs to specific threats, which will result in a multitude of idiosyncratic designs and incompatible data sets. We suggest that generic broad‐scale designs will allow us to answer more questions with greater confidence, because the investment in each location provides information about regional and global questions. Although specific designs may be more effective in some cases, there are insufficient resources available to install different research infrastructure for every possible threat.
Development, Freedom, and Rising Happiness: A Global Perspective (1981–2007)
Authors: Inglehart Ronald , Foa Roberto , Peterson Christopher , Welzel Christian
Published: July 2008

Until recently, it was widely held that happiness fluctuates around set points, so that neither individuals nor societies can lastingly increase their happiness. Even though recent research showed that some individuals move enduringly above or below their set points, this does not refute the idea that the happiness levels of entire societies remain fixed. Our article, however, challenges this idea: Data from representative national surveys carried out from 1981 to 2007 show that happiness rose in 45 of the 52 countries for which substantial time-series data were available. Regression analyses suggest that that the extent to which a society allows free choice has a major impact on happiness. Since 1981, economic development, democratization, and increasing social tolerance have increased the extent to which people perceive that they have free choice, which in turn has led to higher levels of happiness around the world, as the human development model suggests.
Identifying Systematic Disobedience in Milgram's Obedience Experiments: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Packer Dominic J.
Published: July 2008

A meta-analysis of data from eight of Mil-gram's obedience experiments reveals previously undocumented systematicity in the behavior of disobedient participants. In all studies, disobedience was most likely at 150 v, the point at which the shocked “learner” first requested to be released. Further illustrating the importance of the 150-v point, obedience rates across studies covaried with rates of disobedience at 150 v, but not at any other point; as obedience decreased, disobedience at 150 v increased. In contrast, disobedience was not associated with the learner's escalating expressions of pain. This analysis identifies a critical decision point in the obedience paradigm and suggests that disobedient participants perceived the learner's right to terminate the experiment as overriding the experimenter's orders, a finding with potential implications for the treatment of prisoners.
The management challenge posed by marine dispersal of terrestrial plants in coastal dune systems
Authors: Konlechner Teresa M.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:   Marine dispersal provides a mechanism for introduced plants to invade coastal systems. Regular surveillance is essential for management of marine dispersed weeds. This paper outlines the biological, physical and management dimensions of this coastal issue in New Zealand.
SOCIAL ECOLOGY AND RECIDIVISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR PRISONER REENTRY*
Authors: MEARS DANIEL P. , WANG XIA , HAY CARTER , BALES WILLIAM D.
Published: July 2008

Despite the marked increase in incarceration over the past 30 years and the fact that roughly two thirds of released offenders are rearrested within 3 years of release, we know little about how the social ecology of the areas to which offenders return may influence their recidivism or whether it disproportionately affects some groups more than others. Drawing on recent scholarship on prisoner reentry and macrolevel predictors of crime, this study examines a large sample of prisoners released to Florida communities to investigate how two dimensions of social ecology—resource deprivation and racial segregation—may independently, and in interaction with specific populations, influence recidivism. The findings suggest that ecology indeed is consequential for recidivism, and it differentially influences some groups more than others. We discuss these findings and their implications for theory, research, and policy.
TWO WORLDS FAR APART: BLACK‐WHITE DIFFERENCES IN BELIEFS ABOUT WHY AFRICAN‐AMERICAN MEN ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPRISONED*
Authors: UNNEVER JAMES D.
Published: July 2008

Analyzing The Washington Post, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard University 2006 African American Survey, the current project focuses on three related issues. First, I examine whether African Americans and whites share a common “sensibility” or “cognitive landscape” when considering why African‐American men are disproportionately imprisoned. Second, the current research investigates whether the sensibilities held by African Americans and whites are collectively held. Third, I investigate whether the relative subordinate position of African Americans—as manifested in their personal experiences with racial discrimination—shapes the opinions that they have about why black men are disproportionately incarcerated. Findings reveal that African Americans and whites significantly differ in their opinions about why black men are imprisoned. They also show that deep divisions exist among whites, whereas African Americans tend to share a common sensibility as to why black males are disproportionately incarcerated. The results reveal that the cognitive landscape that African Americans collectively hold about why black men are incarcerated is shaped by their personal experiences with racial discrimination.
BROKEN WINDOWS OR WINDOW DRESSING? CITIZENS'(IN) ABILITY TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISORDER AND CRIME*
Authors: GAU JACINTA M. , PRATT TRAVIS C.
Published: July 2008

Research Summary

Broken windows theory (and policing strategies based on this perspective) predicts that citizens' perceptions of disorder in their communities cause fear and social withdrawal, which thereby opens the streets for serious predatory crime. A key assumption, therefore, is that the primary exogenous variable in the broken windows process (disorder) and its outcome variable (crime) are actually separate constructs. The empirical evidence regarding the discriminant validity of measures of disorder and crime, however, is mixed. This confusion is caused in part by the general reliance on comparing “objective” indicators of disorder and crime (e.g., using systematic social observations of disorder and/or official records of crime), which fail to capture the social meaning ascribed to disorder by community residents that may trigger the broken windows process. To address this issue, the current study presents competing confirmatory factor analytic models to test the relative fit of one‐ and two‐factor models of citizens' perceptions of disorder and crime in their communities. The results show that the two‐factor model is inappropriate because of a high correlation between perceptions of disorder and crime. The primary implication of this finding is that broken windows theory and order maintenance policing need to be reconsidered.

Policy Implications

Broken windows, or order maintenance policing, is premised on the idea that citizens recognize disorder as a problem apart from crime and that reducing disorder will cause a decline in fear. The results of the current study refute the underlying logic of order maintenance policing by demonstrating that survey respondents did not, in fact, distinguish between disorder and crime. This result has implications both for the actual effectiveness of order maintenance policing in terms of crime reduction and for citizens' satisfaction with police agencies that focus more on disorder than on serious crime.
IS POLICING FOR PROFIT? ANSWERS FROM ASSET FORFEITURE
Authors: WORRALL JOHN L. , KOVANDZIC TOMISLAV V.
Published: July 2008

Research Summary

Critics have argued that asset forfeiture encourages policing for profit, but their arguments have yet to transcend the anecdotal arena. We gathered data on asset forfeiture payments from a multistate sample of 572 law enforcement agencies and tested two hypotheses aimed at answering the question, is policing for profit? Although we found no clear evidence of more forfeiture in states that permit local agencies to receive the most proceeds, we did find that local law‐enforcement agencies circumvent restrictive state laws (those placing limits on the proceeds they can receive) by teaming up with federal officials to participate in so‐called adoptive forfeitures, which permit them to receive equitable sharing payments. This latter finding was robust to numerous specifications, not altered in models estimated on various subsamples, and not affected by extreme values.

Policy Implications

Our study lends a measure of support to the arguments espoused by forfeiture's critics, namely that forfeiture may be pursued for financial reasons. We cannot, however, assert that policing for profit is necessarily problematic, as it is difficult to fault financially strapped public agencies for seeking needed resources. Nor can we assert that forfeiture supersedes other criminal justice goals, such as enforcement of antidrug laws.
Chiral N‐Phosphonyl Imine Chemistry: Asymmetric Additions of Ester Enolates for the Synthesis of β‐Amino Acids
Authors: Han Jianlin , Ai Teng , Nguyen Thao , Li Guigen
Published: July 2008

Chiral phosphonyl imines attached by 1‐naphthyl protection group were found to react with lithium ester enolates smoothly and give chiral β‐amino esters in good yields (70–88%) and up to excellent diastereoselectivity (>99:1 dr). Triisopropoxytitanium (IV) chloride was found to enhance diastereoseletivity when used as the Lewis acid promoter. The chiral auxiliary can be readily removed by treating with HBr to give free amino esters. The absolute structure has been unambiguously determined by converting one of the products into an authentic sample. This reaction provides an easy access to β‐amino acid derivatives.
Natural Kinds and Natural Kind Terms
Authors: Koslicki Kathrin
Published: July 2008

The aim of this article is to illustrate how a belief in the existence of kinds may be justified for the particular case of natural kinds: particularly noteworthy in this respect is the weight borne by scientific natural kinds (e.g., physical, chemical, and biological kinds) in (i) inductive arguments; (ii) the laws of nature; and (iii) causal explanations. It is argued that biological taxa are properly viewed as kinds as well, despite the fact that they have been by some alleged to be individuals. Since it turns out that the arguments associated with the standard Kripke/Putnam semantics for natural kind terms only establish the non‐descriptiveness of natural kind terms and not their rigidity, the door is open to analyze these terms as denoting traditional predicate‐extensions. Finally, special issues raised by physical and chemical kinds are considered briefly, in particular impurities, isotopes and the threat of incommensurability.
Creation, Actualization and God's Choice among Possible Worlds
Authors: Kraay Klaas J.
Published: July 2008

God is traditionally understood to be a perfect being who is the creator and sustainer of all that is. God's creative and sustaining activity is often thought to involve choosing a possible world for actualization. It is generally said that either there is (a) exactly one best of all possible worlds, or there are (b) infinitely many increasingly better worlds, or else there are (c) infinitely many unsurpassable worlds within God's power to actualize. On each view, critics have offered arguments for atheism that turn on God's choice of a world. In what follows, I first discuss some background issues, and I then survey the contemporary literature on these arguments.
Anticonvulsant responsive, episodic movement disorder in a German shorthaired pointer
Authors: Harcourt‐Brown T.
Published: July 2008

An episodic movement disorder is described in a young German shorthaired pointer. Movement disorders are rare, but well‐described, neurological conditions in human beings. An attempt is made to classify this disorder using current human guidelines. Unlike previously described movement disorders in dogs, this case responded very well to two commonly used anticonvulsant therapies, suggesting that trial therapy with these drugs is worthwhile in similar cases.
Hemifacial spasm associated with an intracranial mass in two dogs
Authors: Van Meervenne S. A. E. , Bhatti S. F. M. , Martlé V. , Van Soens I. , Bosmans T. , Gielen I. , Van Ham L. M. L.
Published: July 2008

Two dogs were presented with hemifacial spasm. Computed tomography images of both the dogs revealed an intracranial mass. In the first dog, a lesion at the level of the medulla oblongata was thought to cause primary irritation of the facial nucleus, with consequently permanent contraction of the ipsilateral facial muscles. In the second dog, a mass seemingly arising from the middle cranial fossa presumably isolated the facial motor neurons from upper motor neuron control, which resulted in hemifacial spasm as a result of loss of inhibitory interneuronal activity.
Localised radiotherapy for a ferret with possible anal sac apocrine adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nakata M. , Miwa Y. , Nakayama H. , Sakai T. , Sasaki N.
Published: July 2008

A seven‐year‐old, neutered male ferret was referred to our hospital with two perianal masses (2·4×3·0 and 2·4×3·5 cm, respectively) that had recurred after initial surgical excision. Complete resection of the masses was impossible as there was deep invasion along the rectum. On histopathology, the masses were diagnosed as apocrine adenocarcinoma possibly of anal gland origin based on tumour location. There was marked response to localised radiotherapy using an orthovoltage unit at 4 Gy, twice weekly. No visible mass was detectable after six doses of radiation. However, at that time, pleural effusion was diagnosed and radiotherapy was discontinued. Cytology of a sample of the pleural effusion suggested mesothelioma, and no obvious pulmonary metastasis of anal sac adenocarcinoma were identified on thoracic radiography. The ferret died at home on day 71 after the first admission.
Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia in normal cavalier King Charles spaniels: a multiple diagnostic imaging approach
Authors: Couturier J. , Rault D. , Cauzinille L.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: The objectives of the study were (1) to report the incidence of Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia in a normal French cavalier King Charles spaniel breeding population; (2) to precise the standard computed tomography dimensions of the caudal fossa and (3) to investigate the use of ultrasonography in diagnosis of this syndrome.

Methods: Clinically normal adult cavalier King Charles spaniel underwent ultrasonographic examination of the spinal cord and caudal fossa. Computed tomography was used to measure the caudal fossa and magnetic resonance imaging allowed syringomyelia and cerebellar herniation identification.

Results: Of the 16 dogs in the study, seven had syringomyelia (43·7 per cent). All dogs had cerebellar herniation, suggesting Chiari‐like malformation and also a tendency to occipital dysplasia. Computed tomography measurements of the caudal fossa are reported. In one dog, a syrinx was identified by ultrasonography. The only difference between dogs with or without syringomyelia was that dogs with Chiari‐like malformation/syringomyelia were statistically older.

Clinical Significance: The incidence of Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia may be high in an asymptomatic population of cavalier King Charles spaniel . Computed tomography measurements reported in this study should now be compared with those of a symptomatic population to evaluate the hypothesis that dogs with Chiari‐like malformation/syringomyelia syndrome have a smaller caudal fossa. This study did not identify a smaller caudal fossa in an asymptomatic cavalier King Charles spaniel population with syringomyelia. Ultrasonography probably has a low sensitivity for diagnosis of Chiari‐like malformation/syringomyelia.
Single‐phase bone scintigraphy in dogs with obscure lameness
Authors: Samoy Y. , Van Ryssen B. , Van Caelenberg A. , Gielen I. , Van Vynckt D. , Van Bree H. , De Bacquer D. , Peremans K.
Published: July 2008

Objectives:To evaluate the diagnostic merits of scintigraphy in dogs with clinically obscure lameness origin.

Methods:In 43 dogs, the scintigraphic findings were compared with the results of subsequent radiological, computed tomography and/or arthroscopic findings and/or additional neurological examination.

Results:In all dogs, focal increased uptake was found in one or more joints or bones. The presence of associated pathology was confirmed by radiography, computed tomography and/or arthroscopy of the limb region of interest. Additional neurological examination was performed when indicated. In cases of elbow pathology, unilateral involvement of the elbow was confirmed with computed tomography/arthroscopy in 14 cases, while bilateral increased uptake could not be confirmed with radiography or computed tomography in three cases. Three dogs showed an increased activity in one joint on the bone scan, while computed tomography, arthroscopy or radiography revealed bilateral joint disease. Generalised mild increased radionuclide uptake in all joints and bones was observed in the lame limb in 15 forelimbs and five hindlimbs. Generalised prominent uptake of an entire limb was noted in three cases suffering from neurological disease.

ClinicalSignificance:Scintigraphy may provide information on areas of increased radionuclide uptake, thereby aiding in the localisation of obscure lameness. Generalised mild increased uptake of radionuclide in all joints and bones in the lame limb may occur in the older dog. The generalised prominent uptake, seen in three cases with neurological disease, may resemble reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome seen in human beings.
Comparison of measurements of 18 analytes in canine and feline blood samples using the in‐practice Falcor 350 and the reference KoneLab 30i analysers
Authors: Papasouliotis K. , Dodkin S. , Murphy K. F. , Sladen A.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: Falcor 350 (A. Menarini Diagnostics) is a wet‐reagent biochemistry analyser that is available for in‐house use. The aim of this study was to compare the results produced by this analyser with those obtained by a wet‐reagent analyser (KoneLab 30i; Thermo Clinical Labsystems) that served as the reference instrument.

Methods: Blood samples from 120 clinical cases (60 dogs and 60 cats) were analysed for 18 analytes (urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, amylase, lipase, glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, total calcium, phosphate, sodium and potassium) using both the reference and Falcor instruments.

Results: Good to excellent correlations (rs value) (canine/feline) were identified for urea (0·87/0·86), creatinine (0·96/0·99), total proteins (0·91/0·95), albumin (0·96/0·93), creatine kinase (0·98/0·99), aspartate aminotransferase (0·95/0·98), alanine aminotransferase (0·99/0·99), alkaline phosphatase (0·99/0·98), total bilirubin in dogs (0·88), amylase (0·99/0·87), lipase in dogs (0·88), glucose (0·97/0·98), triacylglycerol (0·93/0·97), cholesterol (0·99/0·99), total calcium (0·88/0·89), phosphate (0·94/0·97) and potassium (0·96/0·97). The correlations for sodium (0·41/0·61), total bilirubin in cats (0·78) and lipase in cats (0·25) were considered unacceptable.

Clinical Significance: For 13 of the 18 analytes (creatinine, total proteins, albumin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, phosphate, potassium and urea) in both canine and feline samples, the two instruments produce values that are closely related to each other (excellent correlation) and are sufficiently similar to allow them to be used interchangeably without the need for additional correction factor computations (good agreement). Because of differences in the methodologies, the Falcor results for alkaline phosphatase, total calcium, sodium, lipase and total bilirubin cannot be used interchangeably with those generated by the KoneLab and should be interpreted using reference intervals established from the Falcor analyser.
Meningomyelitis in dogs: a retrospective review of 28 cases (1999 to 2007)
Authors: Griffin J. F , Levine J. M , Levine G. J , Fosgate G. T
Published: July 2008

Objectives:To characterise dogs with meningomyelitis and to compare signalment, body temperature and vaccination status to a representative control group.

Methods:Dogs with meningomyelitis were identified retrospectively. Signalment, history, vaccination status, body temperature, severity of neurological dysfunction (modified Frankel score), diagnostic procedures, aetiology, survival to discharge and long‐term survival were analysed.

Results:Affected dogs were younger (P<0·05) and more frequently hound or toy breeds (P<0·05) when compared with controls. Hound and toy breed dogs less than or equal to three years of age had a 13 times higher odds of meningomyelitis compared with other breeds (P<0·001). General proprioceptive ataxia, limb paresis and paraspinal hyperaesthesia were the most common clinical signs. Meningomyelitis of unknown aetiology and granulomatous meningomyelitis were the most common diagnoses. The median time to death or continued follow‐up in dogs alive at discharge was 213 days. Meningomyelitis resulted in death or euthanasia in 14 of 28 dogs. Clinical signs improved or resolved in seven of 28 dogs.

ClinicalSignificance:Meningomyelitis is a differential diagnosis for dogs with clinical signs of myelopathy. Young dogs and toy or hound breeds seem to be predisposed. Clinical signs of meningomyelitis improve or resolve in some dogs.
Short‐term and eight to 12 months results of a tibial tuberosity advancement as treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage
Authors: Stein S. , Schmoekel H.
Published: July 2008

Objective:To describe the perioperative complications and the six weeks and eight to 12 months outcome of cases of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement.

Methods:The medical records including the six weeks’ postoperative re‐evaluation and radiographs of dogs with a tibial tuberosity advancement (70 operated stifles) were analysed regarding the short‐term outcome and the recorded complications. A questionnaire for the evaluation of the eight to 12 months outcome was sent to the owners and the answers tabulated.

Results:The complication rate was comparable with previous reports of cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement or a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The most frequent complication was a symptomatic late secondary meniscal damage in six cases (8·5 per cent). These cases were successfully treated with a partial meniscectomy during a minimal invasive procedure. The six‐week re‐evaluation showed advanced healing of the tibial crest osteotomies in 94 per cent of the cases and a significant reduction of the lameness in all dogs. Eighty‐three per cent of the owners reported that their dogs are never lame or only after heavy exercise eight to 12 months after the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure. Sixty‐five per cent of the owners stated the overall treatment to be excellent, 28 per cent good.

ClinicalSignificance:The six weeks’ follow‐up examination and the questionnaire revealed results of the tibial tuberosity advancement comparable to previously published studies, stating that the lameness and the activity level of the patients with cranial cruciate ligament disease greatly improved after the tibial tuberosity advancement.
Prostate cancer in London: is the triadic clinical encounter the standard?
Authors: Hughes Amanda Euesden , Leary Alison
Published: July 2008

It has been reported that men with prostate cancer in London were less satisfied with the service they received than patients with other cancers. Studies from the USA have looked at the experience of the prostate cancer couple. It has been established that the cancer couple have information needs and that when a clinical encounter is triadic in nature, these needs are more likely to be met and information is more likely to be retained. The aim of this study was to examine the clinic attendance patterns of men in London with prostate cancer (n = 200). A comparison group of women in London with breast cancer was identified (n = 200). Direct observation of the groups was performed, accompanied/unaccompanied (triadic/dyadic) attendance was recorded and demographic data were extracted from the clinical notes. Forty‐one percent (81) of the women experienced their clinical encounter as a triad compared with 24% (48) of the prostate group who experienced their clinical encounter as a dyad between themselves and their health care provider (p < 0.05). In the first year of diagnosis, men with prostate cancer were more likely to experience a triadic encounter, but this was more evenly distributed throughout the cancer journey for women with breast cancer. There did not appear to be a correlation with marriage and triadic encounters for either group. Men with prostate cancer in this tertiary referral centre in London are less likely to experience a triadic clinical encounter than women with breast cancer. Further work is needed to establish a relationship between unmet informational needs of the prostate cancer couple and the high level of dissatisfaction in the prostate cancer population in London, but the nature of the dyadic encounter may play a part in this.
Nursing practice: a primary care approach to intralesional injection therapy for Peyronie’s disease
Authors: Cockerham Yolanda , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: July 2008

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is defined pathologically as an inflammatory condition leading to the formation of a fibrous inelastic plaque of the tunica albuginea of the penis. Scar formation causes deleterious changes in the girth, length and shape of the penis with erection. PD has an unknown aetiology and was first attributed to a sexually transmitted disease. Proper diagnosis of PD includes a comprehensive medical history, focused physical examination, administration of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, and, when indicated, diagnostic testing using penile duplex Doppler ultrasound with a vasoactive agent. Intralesional injection therapies with verapamil and interferon alpha‐2b have shown efficacy in placebo‐controlled studies. This minimally invasive therapy is applicable to patients with either acute or stable disease and for those patients who decide to defer surgical correction. After a confirmatory diagnosis of PD, intralesional injection therapy can be initiated in the primary care setting. Appropriate demonstration of penile injection technique on actual patients to the primary care physician and the nurse practitioner is the most effective means of education. This can be accomplished by an urologist or a nurse educator with prior experience in intralesional injection therapy.
An intervention to teach self‐monitoring of urine flow in long‐term catheter users
Authors: Wilde Mary H. , Brasch Judith
Published: July 2008

A new intervention was tested to teach self‐monitoring skills to long‐term urinary catheter users. This intervention is described in detail. Self‐monitoring (a component of self‐management) involves awareness of what to notice, observations, and simple recordings related to urine flow and associated catheter problems. Self‐management strategies were provided, based on the person’s initial self‐monitoring and catheter‐related problems. The intervention was judged feasible. Study participants responded favorably to the intervention and seemed interested in learning more about catheter self‐management.
Improvement of Gelling Properties of Lizardfish Mince as Influenced by Microbial Transglutaminase and Fish Freshness
Authors: Benjakul S. , Phatcharat S. , Tammatinna A. , Visessanguan W. , Kishimura H.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  The effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) at different levels (0 to 0.8 units/g sample) on the properties of gels from lizardfish (Saurida undosquamis) mince set at 25 °C for 2 h or 40 °C for 30 min prior to heating at 90 °C for 20 min were studied. Breaking force and deformation of gels increased with increasing MTGase amount added (P < 0.05). At the same MTGase level used, gels with the prior setting at 40 °C for 30 min showed a higher breaking force compared with those subjected to prior setting at 25 °C for 2 h (P < 0.05). Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic study revealed that myosin heavy chain (MHC) underwent polymerization to a higher extent in the presence of MTGase. Regardless of setting condition, microstructure of gel added with MTGase was finer with a smaller void compared with that of gel without MTGase. Therefore, setting temperature affected the property of gels added with MTGase. Gel properties of mince obtained from lizardfish stored in ice for different times (0 to 10 d) with and without MTGase at a level 0.6 units/g were determined. Irrespective of MTGase addition, breaking force and deformation of all gels decreased as the storage time of lizardfish increased (P < 0.05). The addition of MTGase was able to increase both breaking force and deformation of the resulting gel produced from lizardfish kept in ice for all storage times used. Therefore, both freshness and MTGase addition had the direct impact on gel properties of lizardfish mince.
Effect of Berry Size and Sodium Hydroxide Pretreatment on the Drying Characteristics of Blueberries under Infrared Radiation Heating
Authors: Shi J. , Pan Z. , McHugh T.H. , Wood D. , Zhu Y. , Avena‐Bustillos R.J. , Hirschberg E.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: This research studied the effect of berry size and dipping pretreatment in hot sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution on the drying characteristics of blueberries under infrared radiation (IR) heating. Changes in the microstructure and diffusion coefficient of the berries after the NaOH pretreatment were also determined using scanning electronic microscopy and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), respectively. To quantify the effect of berry size, non‐pretreated bulk blueberries were sorted into 6 groups based on their diameters and dried at 70 °C. To determine the effectiveness of NaOH pretreatment in improving drying characteristics, bulk blueberries of different sizes, both nonpretreated and NaOH pretreated, were dried at constant temperatures of 80 and 90 °C, and variable temperatures of 70 °C for 50 min followed by 90 °C for 50 min. The NaOH pretreatment dipped blueberries in 0.1% NaOH solution with fruit to solution ratio 1:1 (w/v) at initial temperature of 93 °C for 5 s. Results showed that the drying rate increased with decreased berry size. Average moisture diffusivity was in the range of 5.89 to 8.13 m2/s at 70 °C. The NaOH pretreatment increased drying rate and moisture diffusivity and reduced the number of broken berries, especially at high drying temperatures. Results from SEM observation and DVS showed that the increase in diffusivity coefficients of berry coat and loss of intact microstructure in coat and tissue cells might contribute to the effect of NaOH pretreatment on the IR drying of blueberries.
Contextual Influences on the Relationship between Familiarity and Hedonicity of Odors
Authors: Seo H.‐S. , Buschhüter D. , Hummel T.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  The aim of the present study was to investigate how the presence or absence of a verbal label of an odor affects its familiarity or hedonicity. In addition, we wanted to examine how the participants' age or sex influences the effect of odor‐label presentation on familiarity and hedonicity. A total of 12 odorants from the “Sniffin' Sticks” odor identification test were presented to 133 participants (50 men and 83 women) with an age range from 5 to 74 y. Familiarity and hedonicity of the odorants were assessed by using a 6‐point scoring scale both before and after participants received the odor label. In 5 and 8 odorants, respectively, odor familiarity and hedonicity were significantly different between before and after participants had received the label. Moreover, the relationship between the odor familiarity and hedonicity was different between the situation when participants had an odor label or not. Specifically, in odors that had been perceived as relatively pleasant without a label (orange, cinnamon, lemon, and banana) the correlation between hedonicity and familiarity decreased after the label had been presented. This was the other way around for odors that had been rated as relatively unpleasant when presented without a label (shoe leather, coffee, clove, and fish). Moreover, the odor label effects on the relationship between odor familiarity and hedonicity seemed to be influenced by the participants' age and sex. In conclusion, our results indicate that the relationship between odor familiarity and hedonicity is not always positive, and is influenced by the presence of an odor label and other variables, including the participants' sex, age, and expectations.
Effect of pH and Ionic Strength on the Physicochemical Properties of Coconut Milk Emulsions
Authors: Tangsuphoom N. , Coupland J.N.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  Coconut milk (16% to 17% fat, 1.8% to 2% protein) was extracted from coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) endosperm and diluted in buffer to produce natural oil‐in‐water emulsions (10 wt% oil). The effect of pH (3 to 7) and NaCl (0 to 200 mM) on the properties and stability, namely, mean particle size, ζ‐potential, viscosity, microstructure, and creaming stability, of the natural coconut milk emulsions was investigated. At pH values close to the isoelectric point (IEP) of the coconut proteins (pH 3.5 to 4) and in the absence of NaCl, coconut milk flocculated, but did not coalesce. Flocculation corresponded to low surface charges and was accompanied by an increase in emulsion viscosity. Adding up to 200 mM NaCl to those flocculated emulsions did not change the apparent degree of flocculation. Coconut milk emulsion at pH 6 was negatively charged and not flocculated. Upon addition of salt, the ζ‐potential decreased from –16 to –6 mV (at 200 mM NaCl) but this was not sufficient to induce flocculation in coconut milk emulsions. At low pH (< IEP), the positively charged droplets of coconut milk emulsions only flocculated when the NaCl concentration exceeded 50 mM, as the ζ‐potential approached zero.
Sensory Characterization of Dry Gins with Different Volatile Profiles
Authors: Riu‐Aumatell M. , Vichi S. , Mora‐Pons M. , López‐Tamames E. , Buxaderas S.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  The aim of this study was the sensory characterization of dry gins in relation to their chemical volatile composition. The development of a specific vocabulary was necessary as a basis for quality control and to ensure the brand flavor integrity. The lexicon was obtained according to ISO 11035 (1994), on the basis of discussions between the panelists and the panel leader, reference materials, and an aroma wheel. Ten notes of the preliminary vocabulary were reduced by calculating the geometric mean (M) and applying ANOVA and principal component analysis. Finally, juniper, citric, aniseed, spice, and licorice were applied to describe 4 London Dry Gins (G1 to G4) and 2 gins with geographic indications (G5 and G6) by generic descriptive analysis (GDA). The latter were characterized by citric and juniper notes, respectively, while G1 was characterized by spice and aniseed attributes. Licorice was uniform in all of the samples. Chemical volatile composition of samples obtained by headspace‐solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was in agreement with the sensory results.