bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testosterone response to GnRH in a female songbird varies with stage of reproduction: implications for adult behaviour and maternal effects
Authors: JAWOR JODIE M. , MCGLOTHLIN JOEL W. , CASTO JOSEPH M. , GREIVES TIMOTHY J. , SNAJDR ERIC A. , BENTLEY GEORGE E. , KETTERSON ELLEN D.
Published: May 2007

Despite considerable recent interest in plasma and yolk testosterone (T) in female birds, relatively little is known about environmental regulation of female T, individual variation in female T or the relationship between plasma and yolk T.

In breeding females of a wild population of dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), we assessed variation in the responsiveness of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis to a challenge with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) by measuring circulating T before and 30 min after a standardized injection of GnRH. We asked whether response to challenge varied seasonally or with stage of reproduction and whether it was repeatable within individuals or related to T deposited in eggs.

Initial and post‐challenge levels of T were measured using enzyme immunoassay. In a subset of these females, luteinising hormone (LH) was measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA). In addition, eggs were collected from nests of 15 females that had received a GnRH challenge, and yolk T was measured using RIA.

During most of the breeding season, plasma T did not increase in response to GnRH. GnRH consistently caused increases in plasma T only during the 7 days before oviposition, when females were rapidly depositing yolk in eggs but had not yet begun to lay them. Among a small subset of females we found a positive correlation between the magnitude of this increase in plasma T in response to GnRH during egg development and the amount of T deposited in the yolk of eggs collected at a later time.

These results suggest that ovarian response to GnRH‐induced increases in LH is greatest when females are actively depositing yolk into eggs. Factors that stimulate the release of GnRH during egg formation may result in higher levels of plasma T which could influence adult female behaviour. Further, because plasma T was correlated with later yolk T, factors that stimulate GnRH release may also lead to higher levels of yolk T potentially influencing offspring development or behaviour.
Mate choice for indirect genetic benefits: scrutiny of the current paradigm
Authors: KOTIAHO J. S. , PUURTINEN M.
Published: May 2007

Sexual selection through mate choice, and in particular female choice for indirect fitness benefits for their offspring, is a major paradigm that currently seems to enjoy almost unequivocal acceptance. A large body of theoretical work has been built to explain the evolution of mate choice in the absence of direct benefits, and the empiricists have enthusiastically verified the various assumptions and predictions of the theory.

However, the relative importance of mate choice for indirect benefits in comparison to choice for direct benefits or to other mechanisms of sexual selection such as male–male competition or sensory exploitation remains a controversial issue, and this seems to be forgotten in many empirical studies.

Here we discuss what mate choice is, and how mating bias resulting from mate choice can be distinguished from mating biases resulting from other mechanisms such as male–male competition or sensory exploitation. We will argue that the evidence for active mate choice for indirect benefits is not as compelling as the current paradigm suggests, and that the current emphasis on active mate choice for indirect benefits has resulted in a distorted view of the nature of sexual selection. We emphasize that unlike the other mechanisms, active mate choice must come with a cost to females.

We conclude by suggesting what we feel are three important areas that require further study before active mate choice for indirect fitness benefits should be concluded.
Stimulation of RNA polymerase II transcript cleavage activity contributes to maintain transcriptional fidelity in yeast
Authors: Koyama Hiroshi , Ito Takahiro , Nakanishi Toshiyuki , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: May 2007

The transcription elongation factor S‐II, also designated TFIIS, stimulates the nascent transcript cleavage activity intrinsic to RNA polymerase II. Rpb9, a small subunit of RNA polymerase II, enhances the cleavage stimulation activity of S‐II. Here, we investigated the role of nascent transcript cleavage stimulation activity on the maintenance of transcriptional fidelity in yeast. In yeast, S‐II is encoded by the DST1 gene. Disruption of the DST1 gene decreased transcriptional fidelity in cells. Mutations in the DST1 gene that reduce the S‐II cleavage stimulation activity led to decreased transcriptional fidelity in cells. A disruption mutant of the RPB9 gene also had decreased transcriptional fidelity. Expression of mutant Rpb9 proteins that are unable to enhance the S‐II cleavage stimulation activity failed to restore the phenotype. These results suggest that both S‐II and Rpb9 maintain transcriptional fidelity by stimulating the cleavage activity intrinsic to RNA polymerase II. Also, a DST1 and RPB9 double mutant had more severe transcriptional fidelity defect compared with the DST1 gene deletion mutant, suggesting that Rpb9 maintains transcriptional fidelity via two mechanisms, enhancement of S‐II dependent cleavage stimulation and S‐II independent function(s).
Glutathione depletion in hippocampal cells increases levels of H and L ferritin and glutathione S‐transferase mRNAs
Authors: Morozova Nadya , Khrapko Konstantin , Panee Jun , Liu Wanyu , Harney John W. , Berry Marla J.
Published: May 2007

Glutathione plays an essential role in maintaining cellular redox balance, protecting cells from oxidative stress and detoxifying xenobiotic compounds. Glutathione depletion has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Cells of neuronal origin are acutely sensitive to glutathione depletion, providing an avenue for studying the mechanisms invoked for neuronal survival in response to oxidant challenge. We investigated the changes in mRNA profile in HT22 hippocampal cells following administration of homocysteic acid (HCA), a glutathione‐depleting drug. We report that HCA treatment of HT22 murine hippocampal cells increases the levels of the mRNAs encoding at least three proteins involved in protection from oxidant injury, the mRNAs encoding heavy (H) and light (L) ferritin and glutathione S‐transferase (GST).
IFT‐81 and IFT‐74 are required for intraflagellar transport in C. elegans
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuo , Gengyo‐Ando Keiko , Ishihara Takeshi , Katsura Isao , Mitani Shohei
Published: May 2007

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is essential machinery for biogenesis and maintenance of cilia in many eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. A large number of polypeptides are known to be involved in IFT, but the physiological role of each component is not fully elucidated. Here, we identified a C. elegans orthologue of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii IFT component, IFT‐81, and found that its loss‐of‐function mutants show an unusual behavioral property and small body size. IFT‐81 is expressed in sensory neurons, and localized at the base of cilia. The similar phenotypes with ift‐81 mutants were also observed in several IFT mutants, suggesting these defects are caused by inability of IFT. We also demonstrated that IFT‐81 interacts and co‐localizes with IFT‐74, which is another putative component of IFT. The ift‐74 loss‐of‐function mutants showed phenocopies with ift‐81 mutants, suggesting IFT‐81 and IFT‐74 play comparable functions. Moreover, ift‐81 and ift‐74 mutants similarly exhibited weak anomalies in cilia formation and obvious disruptions of transport in mature cilia. Thus, we conclude that IFT‐81 and IFT‐74 coordinately act in IFT in C. elegans sensory cilia.
The role of N‐terminal domain of translational release factor eRF3 for the control of functionality and stability in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Kodama Hiroyuki , Ito Koichi , Nakamura Yoshikazu
Published: May 2007

Translation termination in eukaryotes is mediated by two eukaryotic release factors, eRF1 and eRF3. eRF1 recognizes all three stop codons and induces polypeptide release, while eRF3 binds to eRF1 and participates in translation termination though the regulatory role of eRF3 is still unknown. Importantly, eRF3 interacts with various proteins of distinct biological functions. Here, we investigated the effect of these binding factors on functionality and stability of eRF3 using a temperature‐sensitive mutant eRF3ts, which is susceptible to factor binding to change the growth phenotype or cellular protein level. Of factors tested, Itt1 over‐expression and Sla1 knockout severely impaired viability of eRF3ts cell and its protein abundance in permissive and semipermissive conditions. Sla1 over‐expression reversed the phenotype. It is reported that Itt1 and Sla1 bind to the N‐terminal extension domain (NED) of eRF3, unlike the other no‐effect factors that bind to the C‐terminal domain (CTD). Although NED itself is dispensable, NED‐less eRF3ts altered in the stability and functionality. Moreover, Itt1‐induced eRF3ts lethality was significantly restored by pep4, prb1 and prc1 knockouts that are defective in vacuolar proteolysis. These findings suggest that NED functions to switch the functional mode of eRF3 depending on the nature of binding factors.
Mechanism of resistance to bensulfuron‐methyl in Alisma plantago‐aquatica biotypes from Portuguese rice paddy fields
Authors: CALHA I M , OSUNA M D , SERRA C , MOREIRA I , DE PRADO R , ROCHA F
Published: May 2007

Two Alisma plantago‐aquatica biotypes resistant to bensulfuron‐methyl were detected in rice paddy fields in Portugal’s Mondego (biotype T) and Tagus and Sorraia (biotype Q) River valleys. The fields had been treated with bensulfuron‐methyl‐based herbicide mixtures for 4–6 years. In order to characterize the resistant (R) biotypes, dose–response experiments, absorption and translocation assays, metabolism studies and acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity assays were performed. There were marked differences between R and susceptible (S) biotypes, with a resistance index (ED50R/S) of 500 and 6.25 for biotypes Q and T respectively. Cross‐resistance to azimsulfuron, cinosulfuron and ethoxysulfuron, but not to metsulfuron‐methyl, imazethapyr, bentazone, propanil and MCPA was demonstrated. No differences in the absorption and translocation of 14C‐bensulfuron‐methyl were found between the biotypes studied. Maximum absorption attained 1.12, 2.02 and 2.56 nmol g−1 dry weight after 96 h incubation with herbicide, for S, Q and T biotypes respectively. Most of the radioactivity taken up by the roots was translocated to shoots. Bensulfuron‐methyl metabolism in shoots was similar in all biotypes. The R biotypes displayed a higher level of ALS activity than the S biotype, both in the presence and absence of herbicide and the resistance indices (IC50R/S) were 20 197 and 10 for biotypes Q and T respectively. These data confirm for the first time that resistance to bensulfuron‐methyl in A. plantago‐aquatica is target‐site‐based. In practice, to control target site R biotypes, it would be preferable to use mixtures of ALS inhibitors with herbicides with other modes of action.
Promoter hypomethylation of protease‐activated receptor 2 associated with carcinogenesis in the stomach
Authors: Arisawa Tomiyasu , Tahara Tomomitsu , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nagasaka Mitsuo , Nakamura Masakatsu , Kamiya Yoshio , Fujita Hiroshi , Takagi Tamaki , Hasegawa Shin , Wang Fang‐Yu , Hirata Ichiro , Nakano Hiroshi
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim:  Trypsin acting at protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) contributes to a progression of malignant tumors. An abnormal DNA methylation has been recognized as an important molecular mechanism for the genesis of various types of cancers. We attempted to clarify the relationship between the promoter methylation of PAR2 and gastric cancer.

Method:  We estimated the methylation of the PAR2 promoter in both antral non‐cancerous mucosa and cancer lesions in 94 patients with gastric cancer. We employed a methylation‐specific PCR method.

Results:  Regarding the methylation ratio (MR) of antral‐non‐cancerous mucosa, no significant difference was despite among gender, age and Helicobacter pylori infection status, whereas MR increased rising inflammation scores. The MR of cancer lesions was significantly lower than that of antral non‐cancerous mucosa. This finding was not dependent on tumor staging, but also histological classification. In venous invasion, lymph node metastasis, or peritoneal dissemination negative cases, this significant lower MR was also seen.

Conclusion:  The promoter methylation of PAR2 seems to be increased with a progression of chronic inflammation and has an inhibitory effect on carcinogenesis of the stomach.
Low dose of rectal thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation in spiral computed tomography study
Authors: AKHLAGHPOOR SHAHRAM , SHABESTARI ABBAS ARJMAND , MOGHDAM MOHSEN SHOJAEI
Published: May 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of reduced new dose in rectal sedation by thiopental sodium for computed tomography (CT) diagnostic imaging.

Methods: A total of 90 children (mean age, 24.21 month ± 13.63 [standard deviation]) underwent spiral CT study after rectal administration of thiopental sodium injection solution. The new dose ranged from 15 to 25 mg/kg with a total dose of 350 mg. The percentage of success and adverse reaction were evaluated.

Results: Sedation was successful in 98% of infants and children with an average time of 8.04 min ± 6.87 (standard deviation). One of the cases found desaturation, two experienced vomiting, 14 found rectal defecation, and two experienced hyperactivity. No prolonged sedation was observed.

Conclusion: Rectal administration of thiopental sodium for pediatric CT imaging is safe and effective even for hyperextend position by new reduced dose of the drug. This procedure could be easily done in the CT department under supervision of the radiologist.
Clinical characteristics and survival of trisomy 13 in a medical center in Taiwan, 1985–2004
Authors: LIN HSIANG‐YU , LIN SHUAN‐PEI , CHEN YEN‐JIUN , HSU CHYONG‐HSIN , KAO HSIN‐AN , CHEN MING‐REN , HUNG HAN‐YANG , HO CHE‐SHENG , CHANG JUI‐HSING , HUANG FU‐YUAN , TSAI TSUEN‐CHIUAN , LIN DAR‐SHONG , CHAN WAI‐TAO
Published: May 2007

Background: This study investigated the survival and natural history of trisomy 13 in a series of patients, comparing the management and outcome before and after the implementation of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program (NHI).

Methods: A total of 28 cases of trisomy 13 seen at Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, from 1985 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Survival and management before (12 cases) and after (16 cases) the implementation of National Health Insurance were compared, and structural defects, imaging findings, and cytogenetic results were analyzed. The cases that were diagnosed prenatally, and finally terminated, were excluded from this study. The diagnosis of trisomy 13 was based on the postnatal chromosome analysis.

Results: All patients except one with trisomy 13 translocation died in their first year because of severe malformations of the cardiovascular or central nervous system. The median survival was 9 days. After implementation of National Health Insurance, survival with trisomy 13 was significantly longer than before (P < 0.05). The three most common structural defects were abnormal auricular helices or low‐set ears (89%), cryptorchidism and abnormal scrotum of male (73%) and cleft lip and/or palate (71%). Using echocardiography, the most commonly detected heart defects were patent ductus arteriosus (68%), ventricular septal defect (50%) and atrial septal defect (50%), and eight cases (36%) had complex congenital heart defects. The most common brain lesion was lenticulostriate vasculopathy (22%), followed by holoprosencephaly (17%), brain edema (13%) and subependymal cyst (13%).

Conclusions: Early diagnosis and the survival patterns from the data collected should be used to inform parents and health‐care professionals to assist in decision making. Although most patients with trisomy 13 die within the first weeks after birth, it is important to recognize that a few may survive the first year. When counseling families, the long‐term survival prospects of trisomy 13 patients should be included.
Hydration of the stratum corneum
Authors: BATT M. D. , FAIRHURST E.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Topically applied water, occlusion and topically applied glycerol were used to investigate and characterize some of the changes which occur in the hydrated stratum corneum. The effects of these treatments were monitored using non‐invasive techniques under controlled conditions.

The Servomed Evaporimeter was used to determine natural water flux from the skin surface before and after treatment. The performance of the Evaporimeter in this type of study had previously been improved by attaching a paper baffle to the detector. This eliminated the variance in output caused by atmospheric movement. Experiments were carried out at temperatures below the threshold of thermal sweating and emotional sweating was minimized.

Skin surface topography was characterized by means of a new type of profilometer. The instrument's design allowed a diamond stylus to traverse the living skin surface without significantly altering its structure. Changes in skin surface roughness were further elucidated using scanning electron microscopy and macrophotography.

In vivo penetration of glycerol was assessed by chemical analysis of stratum corneum layers of treated skin. Samples were obtained by sequential stripping of the stratum corneum using adhesive tape.

Topically applied water produced only a transient benefit because of rapid evaporation. More prolonged hydration was achieved by suppressing transepidermal water loss with polyethylene film. This occlusive hyperhydration was characterized by a significant reduction in profile roughness and by a smoother macroscopic appearance.

Glycerol achieved the same effects by reducing the magnitude of the natural water flux from the skin surface and by reducing the rate of evaporation of water from applied aqueous glycerol solution or cosmetic product. Both effects were seen as the result of lowered water activity in the proximity of glycerol.

Smoothing effects of glycerol on the skin surface, and improved appearance, persisted for at least 24 h. This persistence was explained by evidence for diffusion of glycerol into the stratum corneum where it formed a reservoir.

Hydration of the skin is known to affect its barrier function and thereby exert a profound effect on penetration of both lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules. Clinically, this effect may be achieved using liberal applications of occlusive petroleum jelly and ointments. The results presented in this paper suggest that the use of humectants could achieve useful hydration using cosmetically acceptable materials.
Influence of PEG‐12 Dimethicone addition on stability and formation of emulsions containing liquid crystal
Authors: Andrade F. F. , Santos O. D. H. , Oliveira W. P. , Rocha‐Filho P. A.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Oil/water emulsions, containing liquid crystals, were developed employing Andiroba oil, PEG‐12 Dimethicone and Crodafos CES®. It was evaluated the influence of silicone surfactants on the emulsions stability and on the formation of liquid crystalline phases and therefore, physicochemical characteristics, such as rheology and zeta potential, were evaluated. Emulsions were prepared by the emulsions phase inversion method. All the formulations presented lamellar liquid crystalline phases. The PEG‐12 Dimethicone addition did not change microscopically the liquid crystalline phases. The emulsions containing silicone demonstrated lower viscosity than those without the additive. This is an important feature, as the silicone did not change the rheological profile; however, the addition of silicone still can be used as a viscosity controller. The formulations had their viscosity increased 15 and 150 days after their preparation. This characteristic shows that the emulsions have their organization increased along the storing time. In the analysis of zeta potential, we could verify that all formulations presented negative values between −39.7 and −70.0 mV. Within this range of values, the emulsion physical stability is high (Fig. 10). It was concluded that the addition of PEG‐12 Dimethicone kept the liquid crystalline phase of the emulsion obtained with Crodafos CES®, influencing in a positive way in the system stability.

 Values of the zeta potential.

image
Anti‐microbial and ‐inflammatory activity and efficacy of phytosphingosine: an in vitro and in vivo study addressing acne vulgaris
Authors: Pavicic T. , Wollenweber U. , Farwick M. , Korting H. C.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Lipids are important constituents of the human epidermis. Either free and organized into broad lipid bilayers in the intercorneocytes spaces, or covalently bound to the corneocyte envelope, they play a crucial role in permeability barrier function and are major contributors to cutaneous anti‐microbial defense. Free sphingoid bases are a recent addition to this family of active lipids, which emerged from studies of breakdown products from ceramides. Phytosphingosine (PS) is a lipid occurring naturally in the stratum corneum, both in its free form and as a part of the major fraction of ceramides. The biotechnological production of PS patented by Degussa yields to PS with the correct configuration present in the skin. So, application of a PS containing formulation leads to its integration into the natural lipid structures of the skin. In acne, different pathogenetic factors contribute to the inflammation process, defect in keratinization, increased sebaceous gland activity and increased colonization of Propionibacterium acnes. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the previous reports on strong anti‐microbial effectiveness of skin‐identical PS produced by Degussa in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PS shows excellent clinical results in the context of skin care in acne, based on both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐microbial activity. These results demonstrate the potential of PS to enhance or complement existing acne therapies acting as an active cosmetic ingredient.
A short history of sweat gland biology
Authors: Wilke K. , Martin A. , Terstegen L. , Biel S. S.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

The axilla, especially its microflora and axillary sweat glands as well as their secretions, is the main target of cosmetic compositions such as deodorants or antiperspirants. There are three types of sweat glands present in the axillary skin, namely apocrine, eccrine and apoeccrine sweat glands. Here, we provide an overview of the morphological, structural and functional characteristics of the different gland types and present techniques that allow their clear distinction. Moreover, we describe different forms of perspiration as physical reactions to external and internal stimuli.
Optimal Smoothing of Profit Via Overhead Allocation
Authors: Shuo Su Steve Yu
Published: May 2007

Income smoothing, as defined in Statistical Activity Cost Theory (SACT), is the rational statistical adjustment of periodic accounting earnings to reduce their time volatility around average long‐term profit per period. This article demonstrates how overhead cost allocations can be applied to smooth accounting earnings optimally in accordance with this definition. Such an approach parallels earlier work, such as that by Lane and Willett (1997, 1999), in which a depreciation formula was derived and applied for this purpose. In particular, it is shown that, to realize an income smoothing effect in profit making firms, the usual optimal strategy is to over‐allocate costs, giving support to the accounting principle of conservatism.
Rhetoric, Harm, and the Personification of Progress in Mill's On Liberty
Authors: DONOHUE BRIAN
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  On Liberty was written to influence the future of democratic government. To that end Mill employed rhetoric, particularly through the use of personifications, to persuade the mid‐nineteenth century British electorate to embrace the cause of civil liberty. His more subtle argumentation was directed to the intelligentsia (both his contemporaries and subsequent generations). Mill's harm principle, perhaps the most influential idea in On Liberty, undergoes a significant qualification in the scope of its application in the last chapter because of the dual argumentative strategy. This has been overlooked by Mill's American interpreters who use the harm principle to justify the judicial activism of the American Supreme Court. Further, the judicial restraint of recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions can be reaffirmed through a scrutiny of Mill's rhetorical agenda.
Ambiguous comparative judgment: Fuzzy set model and data analysis
Authors: TAKEMURA KAZUHISA
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  This paper proposed two types of fuzzy set models for ambiguous comparative judgments, which did not always hold transitivity and comparability properties. The first type of model was a fuzzy theoretical extension of the additive difference model for preference that was used to explain ambiguous preference strength. The second was a fuzzy logic model for explaining ambiguous preference in which preference strength was bounded, such as a probability measure. In both models, multi‐attribute weighting parameters and all attribute values were assumed to be asymmetric fuzzy L‐R numbers. For each model, a method of parameter estimation using fuzzy regression analysis was proposed. Numerical examples were also provided for comparison. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed models were discussed.
Backward masking and visual mismatch negativity: Electrophysiological evidence for memory‐based detection of deviant stimuli
Authors: Czigler István , Weisz Júlia , Winkler István
Published: May 2007

Sequences composed of two different colored checkerboard patterns (standard and deviant) were presented to adults. Each pattern was followed by a mask with stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) varying between 14 and 174 ms. ERPs were recorded to the deviant and standard stimuli while the participants detected changes of a cross, which was continuously present at the center of the screen. In further experiments, the participants performed a Go‐NoGo task detecting the deviant checkerboards. Deviant stimuli elicited an occipital negative component with 124–132 ms mean latency (the visual mismatch negativity, vMMN) at test (standard or deviant)‐to‐mask SOAs longer than 27 ms. No vMMN amplitude increase was observed beyond 40 ms test‐to‐mask intervals, whereas detection of deviant checkerboard patterns improved up to 174‐ms SOA. Therefore the processes underlying vMMN elicitation cannot fully explain the overt detection of visual deviance.
Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream
Authors: Dobrev Hristo
Published: May 2007

Background  Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production.

Aim  To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol‐rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin.

Methods  The study was carried out during the winter months (January and February). A total of 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female, aged 17–50 years, 16 with oily skin and 4 with combined skin) were studied. The test product was applied twice daily to the face for a period of 4 weeks. A clinical assessment and instrumental measurements were done before and after the treatment period. Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter®). The quantity of sebum on the midforehead was determined using sebum collector foils (Sebufix®), which were then evaluated with skin camera Visioscope® and software SELS (Surface Evaluation of the Living Skin). A subjective evaluation questionnaire regarding the cosmetic characteristics, tolerance, and efficacy of the product was filled out by the volunteers at the end of study.

Results  The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum‐regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered.

Conclusion  These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin.
Dispersal distances of juvenile radiotagged Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus on moors in northern England
Authors: WARREN PHILIP , BAINES DAVID
Published: May 2007

Radio‐transmitters were fitted on 146 juvenile Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus (116 hens, 30 cocks) to study the timing, frequency and distances of dispersal on managed grouse moors in northern England between 1999 and 2002. A third of the radiotagged birds were shot. Disturbance on shoot days meant that radiotagged birds were shot at points more than twice as far from the catch location as the points when they were last recorded alive. For birds that were shot, the distance from the catch location to the place they were shot was more than twice the natal dispersal distances of the survivors. Therefore, shot birds were excluded from the dispersal analysis. Juvenile hens dispersed significantly further (mean 861 m, range 50–4660 m) than juvenile cocks (mean 343 m, range 90–660 m). Dispersal distances were not related to predispersal Grouse densities at the catch area in summer or to Grouse densities in the following spring. The mean date of dispersal for juvenile hens was 6 October ± 4 days (se), with only one record of spring dispersal (14 March) of 1490 m.
A call for Australian loess
Authors: Haberlah David
Published: May 2007

The term ‘loess’ for silty terrestrial deposits of aeolian origin is widely avoided in the Australian context. This seems to be linked to a prevailing notion among Australian geoscientists that loess is an inherently periglacial late Pleistocene sediment and hence negligible on the mainland. Addressing this conception, loess is presented here as a product of both cold and hot semi‐arid environments and therefore a widespread feature in Australia. The adoption of a non‐prescriptive definition of loess will align the variety of local descriptions with overseas terminology. More importantly, it will relate hitherto only vaguely defined wind‐blown dust occurrences to a broader palaeoenvironmental concept.
Assessment of Global Risk: A Foundation for a New, Better Definition of Hypertension
Authors: Giles Thomas D.
Published: May 2007

The prevalence of individuals with increased blood pressure (BP) is growing. A greater understanding of the various pathogenetic mechanisms of hypertension and associated BP increases would provide a better strategy for preventing and treating this condition. Hypertension is strongly associated with other cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, there is no threshold of BP >115/70 mm Hg that identifies cardiovascular risk (i.e., risk is linear and doubles for each 20/10‐mm Hg BP rise). These insights have led a group of hypertension experts to propose a new definition of hypertension as “a progressive cardiovascular syndrome arising from complex and interrelated etiologies,” which features early markers that are “often present before blood pressure elevation is sustained.” Early cardiovascular markers include widened pulse pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, increased arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, and microalbuminuria. Importantly, antihypertensive treatment for patients with prehypertension (systolic BP of 120–139 mm Hg or diastolic BP of 80–89 mm Hg) has recently been shown to prevent the development of frank hypertension. This revision of the definition of hypertension and the need to assess BP levels in the context of global cardiovascular risk should lead to earlier detection of at‐risk patients.
Prolonged Exposure to Levetiracetam Reveals a Presynaptic Effect on Neurotransmission
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Feng , Weisenfeld Aryan , Rothman Steven M.
Published: May 2007

Summary:  Purpose: The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV) is an enigma. Despite the fact that it specifically binds to the presynaptic vesicle protein, SV2A, no satisfactory mechanism of action has yet been identified. Using a combination of electrophysiological and cellular imaging techniques, we carefully tested the hypothesis that LEV directly interferes with neurotransmitter release.

Methods: We measured extracellular evoked responses in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices after paired pulse stimulation and after application of up to 10 pulses applied at 5–80 Hz. In parallel experiments, we used quantitative 2‐photon microscopy and the fluorescent vesicular marker FM1–43 to measure the effect of repetitive stimulation on presynaptic vesicle release.

Results: Acute exposure to LEV (100 μM) had no effect on paired pulse synaptic responses. However, when slices were exposed to LEV for 3 h, there was a significant alteration in paired pulse responses and a more striking reduction in late synaptic potentials delivered in an 80 Hz train. LEV significantly reduced the rate of vesicle release assessed by FM1–43 destaining during 1 Hz stimulation.

Conclusion: LEV is unique among currently available antiepileptics, because it directly inhibits presynaptic neurotransmitter release in a use‐dependent fashion. While there are alternate explanations for this observation, it is plausible that LEV exerts its effect by binding to a protein selectively expressed in presynaptic nerve terminals.
The Antiepileptic Drug Levetiracetam Stabilizes the Human Epileptic GABAA Receptors upon Repetitive Activation
Authors: Palma Eleonora , Ragozzino Davide , Angelantonio Silvia Di , Mascia Addolorata , Maiolino Francesca , Manfredi Mario , Cantore Giampaolo , Esposito Vincenzo , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Quarato Pierpaolo , Miledi Ricardo , Eusebi Fabrizio
Published: May 2007

Summary:  Purpose: GABAA receptors from the brain of patients afflicted with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) become less efficient (run‐down) when repetitively activated by GABA. Experiments were designed to investigate whether the antiepileptic drug, levetiracetam (LEV), which is used as an adjunctive treatment for medically intractable MTLE, counteracts the GABAA receptor run‐down.

Methods: GABAA receptors were microtransplanted from the brains of patients afflicted with MTLE into Xenopus oocytes. The GABA‐current run‐down, caused by repetitive applications of GABA, was investigated using the standard two‐microelectrode voltage‐clamp technique. Additionally, the GABA‐current run‐down was investigated directly on pyramidal neurons in human MTLE cortical slices.

Results: It was found that, in oocytes injected with membranes isolated from the MTLE neocortex, the GABA‐current run‐down was inhibited by a 3‐h pretreatment with 0.5–100 μM LEV. Moreover, the GABAA receptors of pyramidal neurons in human neocortical slices exhibited a current run‐down that was significantly reduced by 1 μM LEV. Interestingly, the run‐down in oocytes injected with membranes isolated from the MTLE hippocampal subiculum was not affected by LEV.

Conclusions: We report that the antiepileptic LEV strengthens GABA inhibition of neuronal circuits by blocking the receptor run‐down in the cortex whilst leaving the run‐down of GABAA receptors in the hippocampal subiculum unaltered. These findings point to the GABAA receptor run‐down as an important event in epileptogenesis and as a possible target for testing and screening antiepileptic drugs.
Caries risk factors in the permanent dentition of Tanzanian children: a cohort study (1997–2003)
Authors: Scheutz Flemming , Matee Mecky I. , Poulsen Sven , Frydenberg Morten
Published: May 2007

Objective:  The aims of the cohort study were to study the association between permanent dentition caries and malnutrition and other risk factors or indicators in a group of children with little or no access to restorative and preventive dental care.

Methods:  The study was conducted at two primary schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in the period 1997–2003. One school recruits its children from affluent families and the other school is attended by the children of poor families. The children attended grade 1 at the first examination and had a mean age of 7.6 years (SD = 0.4); when the study was completed, the mean age was 13.3 years. Two‐hundred and eighteen children examined in 1997 were re‐examined in 1999; 147 of the children were examined in 1997 as well as in 2003, and 122 children were examined in all three years. An age‐ and sex‐based body mass index (BMI) was computed to determine the nutritional status of each child. Each year, the same standard methods were used to determine the count of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci, stimulated flow rate and buffering capacity of saliva, and caries. Risk ratios were computed with generalized linear models using the tooth as the unit of analysis.

Results:  Mean annual caries increment was 0.27 in the period 1997–1999 and 0.80 in the period 1999–2003 with most children developing no caries at all. Malnutrition at baseline in 1997 was insignificantly predictive for the development of caries, whereas a low stimulated flow rate of saliva (≤0.7 ml/min) and a high count of lactobacilli (≥100 000/ml) at baseline in 1997 were significantly associated. However, the generalized linear models for the two time periods 1997–1999 and 1999–2003 presented a confusing picture with different risk ratios and without consistency of the associations between the exposure variables and the development of caries. In accordance with this finding, the consistency of the exposure variables over time for the individuals was very low.

Conclusions:  The results were inconclusive and left us with more questions than answers. The findings do, however, support the view that our methods for predicting caries are inappropriate or nonexistent.
A German version of the GOHAI
Authors: Hassel Alexander J. , Rolko Claudia , Koke Ulrich , Leisen Joachim , Rammelsberg Peter
Published: May 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  Translation, reliability analysis and validation of a German version of the Geriatric/General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was the aim of this study.

Methods:  Translation was performed by a forward–backward process. Validity was assessed as convergent validity in comparison with another self‐perceived assessment of oral health (OHIP‐14) and as group validity (n = 218; mean age 73 years). Reliability was proved in terms of internal consistency, inter‐item and item‐scale correlations, and stability (test–retest procedure; n = 36; mean age 77 years). The responsiveness to change in oral health status was assessed by pre‐ and post‐treatment comparison (n = 21; mean age 63 years).

Results:  A German version of the GOHAI is presented. Convergent validity was sufficient (r = −0.76 compared with OHIP‐14); group validity could be demonstrated for self‐perceived need for treatment, chewing problems, number of own teeth, caries lesions present and dental status. The internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) as were inter‐item and item‐scale correlations, for which good homogeneity of the index was apparent. The test–retest correlation for the summary score was r = 0.84, single item correlations ranged from r = 0.36 to r = 0.89. The GOHAI sum score increased significantly after patients received new dentures, indicating responsiveness of the GOHAI to clinical change in the expected direction.

Conclusions:  The German version of the GOHAI had sufficient reliability, validity and responsiveness to be used as measure of oral health‐related quality of life in cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies of the elderly.
The Visual Subject,c.1810–1840: Trends in Romanticism and Victorianism
Authors: Garrison Laurie
Published: May 2007

This article surveys trends in criticism on three‐dimensional visual culture in the early nineteenth century. Romanticists and Victorianists, inspired by Jonathan Crary's groundbreaking studyTechniques of the Observer, have become fascinated by visual technologies such as panoramas, magic lanterns, kaleidoscopes and stereoscopes as well as other forms of viewing. Engagements with these technologies inspired Gothic doublings, subjective vision and experiments with multiple subjectivities. Conceptions of subjectivity at this time not only came to be formulated in new ways, but seeing, perspective and point of view were crucial in shaping these transformations.
Bone morphogenetic proteins in the early development of zebrafish
Authors: Kondo Mariko
Published: May 2007

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are known to be widely involved in various biological processes. Many of the members of the BMP family, as well as related factors, receptors and molecules in the BMP signaling pathway, have been isolated, but their precise functions are still unclear. In addition to the ‘classical’ model organism Xenopus, zebrafish, Danio rerio, is now considered to be a suitable model organism to study the roles of the BMP signaling pathway during embryogenesis. Mutagenesis screens have identified a number of mutants in the pathway. Although they do not cover the entire members of the BMP signaling cascade that are currently known, they serve as a powerful tool to broaden our understanding of BMP functions, in combination with other experimental techniques.
EFFECT OF SIRE TYPE AND PLANE OF NUTRITION ON LAMB LOIN SHEAR FORCE, MYOFIBRILLAR FRAGMENTATION INDEX AND CALCIUM CONCENTRATION
Authors: HOPKINS D. L. , HEGARTY R. S.
Published: May 2007

The tenderness, myofibrillar fragmentation (MF) and calcium concentration of 140 female lambs sired by Poll Dorset sires of 3 sire types (3 selected for growth, 3 selected for muscling and 3 control) and fed either a low or high plane of nutrition from birth to slaughter was examined. Carcasses were electrically stimulated and portions of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (loin) aged for 1,3 or 5 days. Sire type had no effect on shear force values or MF values. Low plane animals produced tougher loins at each aging period with a greater reduction in shear force during aging in low plane animals. MF values increased with aging indicative of increased degradation, but were lower in low plane animals consistent with the increased toughness in this group. There was no effect of sire type on ‘free‘ calcium concentration in loin muscle, but low plane lambs had a higher calcium concentration. The concentration of free calcium increased with aging. The findings suggest that plane of nutrition can influence loin tenderness and this is reflected in reduced myofibril degradation, but sire type effects are not important as tested in this work.
CONDUCTIVITIES AND OHMIC HEATING OF MEAT EMULSION BATTERS
Authors: SHIRSAT N. , LYNG J. G. , BRUNTON N. P. , MCKENNA B. M.
Published: May 2007

The conductive nature of meat emulsions and their ohmic heating rates were investigated by examining model and commercial meat batters. Results indicate that salt or other electrolytic ingredients were essential for ohmic heating, and for a given batter, an increase in salt content increased electrical conductivity and increased ohmic heating rate (P<0.001). Conversely, an increase in fat content caused a reduction in conductivity (P<0.001) leading to an increase in ohmic heating time (P<0.001). Results of a study examining the impact of nonelectrolytic dry ingredients, such as spices, potato starches and soya protein isolates on the conductivity and ohmic heating rates of emulsion batters was inconclusive and further work is needed before definite conclusions can be made in this regard. Overall results suggest ohmic heating could be used for cooking meat batters but would not be as effective for cooking meats to which no salt or other electrolytes have been added.
Low‐Level Analysis of Lanthanides in Eleven Silicate Rock Reference Materials by ICP‐MS After Group Separation Using Cation‐Exchange Chromotography
Authors: Pin Christian , Joannon Sylviane
Published: May 2007

A simple method is described for the determination of lanthanides in depleted rocks based on acid dissolution, cation‐exchange chromatography and ICP‐MS analysis using a low flow, microconcentric nebuliser. The potential of the method is evaluated by analysis in triplicate of eleven low‐concentration level geochemical reference materials (UB‐N, NIM‐D, BIR‐1, DNC‐1, JB‐2, JGb‐1, JGb‐2, NIM‐N, NIM‐P, FK‐N and MA‐N). The repeatability of the three dissolutions is between 0.2% and 0.6% relative standard deviation (RSD) for basaltic samples BIR‐1 and JB‐2, with the exception of La in BIR‐1 (2.6% RSD), presumably because of blank or memory effects. The results are more scattered for coarsegrained rocks. A good agreement between the results and working values is observed for most mafic samples and the serpentinite UB‐N. Significant deviations observed between the data obtained in this work and working values for some reference materials might reflect heterogeneities of the REE distributions in coarse‐grained (especially granitic) rocks at the 10 0 mg sub‐sampling scale.
Chemical Characterisation of NIST Silicate Glass Certified Reference Material SRM 610 by ICP‐MS, TIMS, LIMS, SSMS, INAA, AAS and PIXE
Authors: Rocholl Alexander B.E. , Simon Klaus , Jochum Klaus Peter , Bruhn Frank , Gehann Roland , Kramar Utz , Luecke Werner , Molzahn Michael , Pernicka Ernst , Seufert Michael , Spettel Bernhard , Stummeier Jens
Published: May 2007

National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) silicate glass SRM 610 is widely used as a certified reference material for various micro‐analytical techniques such as SIMS or laser ablation ICP‐MS. SRM 610 has been nominally doped with sixty one trace elements at the 500 μg g−1 level, but certified concentration data exist for only a few of these elements. This study reports concentration data for fifty nine trace elements obtained by ICP‐MS, SSMS, LIMS, TIMS, INAA, AAS, and PIXE analyses of two different SRM 610 wafers. Most elements fall within a 10% band around a median value of about 440 μg g−1. The REE concentrations are shown to be constant to 3% (1 σ), thus emphasizing the value of SRM 610 as a reference material for REE analyses.

Comparison of our values with published data suggests that different SRM 610 wafers are, within errors, chemically identical for most elements. Exceptions to this general rule appear to be restricted to elements which were partly lost during the production of the glass, e.g. Ag and Br. On the basis of six independent determinations of Rb concentrations, which are systematically lower by a few percent than the reported NIST value, we argue that the certified Rb concentration may not be representative for all distributed SRM 610 wafers.