bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of rot translation by RNAIII, a key feature of agr function
Authors: Geisinger Edward , Adhikari Rajan P. , Jin Ruzhong , Ross Hope F. , Novick Richard P.
Published: July 2006

RNAIII is a 514 nt regulatory RNA that is the effector molecule of the staphylococcal agr quorum‐sensing system, regulating a large set of virulence and other accessory genes at the level of transcription. RNAIII was discovered nearly 20 years ago and we long ago hypothesized that it would function by regulating the synthesis or activity of one or more intermediary transcription factors. We have finally confirmed this hypothesis, showing that Staphylococcus aureus RNAIII regulates the synthesis of a major pleiotropic transcription factor, Rot, by blocking its translation. RNAIII has a complex secondary structure with several stable hairpins that have highly C‐rich end loops, unusual in an AT‐rich organism. We noted that these loops are complementary to two G‐rich stem loops of the rot mRNA translation initiation region (TIR). Pairing of the complementary RNAs would be predicted to occlude the rot Shine–Dalgarno (SD) site and to block rot translation. Through a combination of transcriptional and translational fusions and Northern and Western blot hybridization analyses, we show that RNAIII does, indeed, block rot translation. Through alterations in the C‐rich loops of RNAIII and the G‐rich loops of rot, we show that the sequences of these loops are critical for inhibition of rot translation and suggest that this inhibition is affected by pairing between the complementary stem loops, followed by the cleavage of rot mRNA. We propose that the RNAIII–rot mRNA interaction plays a key role in agr regulation of staphylococcal virulence.
Regulation by blue light and heat shock of gene transcription in the fungus Phycomyces: proteins required for photoinduction and mechanism for adaptation to light
Authors: Rodríguez‐Romero Julio , Corrochano Luis M.
Published: July 2006

The gene hspA for the heat‐shock protein HSP100 is induced by blue light and heat shock in the zygomycete fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus. We have investigated the molecular details of the regulation of hspA gene transcription. We have cloned 1.9 kb of hspA upstream DNA sequence and identified many DNA segments possibly involved in heat‐shock and blue‐light regulation. We have identified several gene products required for hspA photoactivation and found that they are also required for mycelial photoresponses, a suggestion for a common signal transduction pathway. In addition, we have found that beta‐carotene, or a chemical derivative, is required for hspA gene photoactivation. The activation of hspA after blue light‐exposure or a heat shock is transient, suggesting the adaptation to the stimulus. The adaptation of hspA photoactivation seems to be the result of a novel mechanism causing a light‐dependent loss of gene transcription. We propose that a reduction in the amount of MADA, a putative flavin‐binding zinc‐finger protein, in light‐exposed mycelia may cause a reduced hspA photoactivation, providing a simple explanation for adaptation to light.
The biosynthetic pathway for aurofusarin in Fusarium graminearum reveals a close link between the naphthoquinones and naphthopyrones
Authors: Frandsen Rasmus J. N. , Nielsen Nikoline J. , Maolanon Nicolai , Sørensen Jens C. , Olsson Stefan , Nielsen John , Giese Henriette
Published: July 2006

Fungal polyketide biosynthesis typically involves multiple enzymatic steps and the encoding genes are often found in gene clusters. A gene cluster containing PKS12, the polyketide synthase gene responsible for the synthesis of the pigment aurofusarin, was analysed by gene replacement using Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation to determine the biosynthesis pathway of aurofusarin. Replacement of aurR1 with hygB shows that it encodes a positively acting transcription factor that is required for the full expression of PKS12, aurJ, aurF, gip1 and FG02329.1, which belong to the gene cluster. AurR1 and PKS12 deletion mutants are unable to produce aurofusarin and rubrofusarin. Bio‐ and chemoinformatics combined with chemical analysis of replacement mutants (ΔaurJ, ΔaurF, Δgip1, ΔaurO and ΔPKS12) indicate a five‐step enzyme catalysed pathway for the biosynthesis of aurofusarin, with rubrofusarin as an intermediate. This links the biosynthesis of naphthopyrones and naphthoquinones together. Replacement of the putative transcription factor aurR2 results in an increased level of rubrofusarin relative to aurofusarin. Gip1, a putative laccase, is proposed to be responsible for the dimerization of two oxidized rubrofusarin molecules resulting in the formation of aurofusarin.
Anoestrus in the Dog: a Fascinating Story
Authors: Okkens AC , Kooistra HS
Published: July 2006

Contents

In the bitch, progression from early to late anoestrus is characterized by a higher amplitude and a larger number of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses generated by the hypothalamus, an increase in the sensitivity of the pituitary to GnRH, and an increase in ovarian responsiveness to gonadotrophins. An increase in basal plasma follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration is a critical event required for initiation of folliculogenesis. A period of increased luteinizing hormone pulsatility has been reported shortly before the onset of pro‐oestrus. Apart from these changes in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovarian axis, there is also involvement of dopaminergic influences in the initiation of a new follicular phase in the bitch. Administration of the dopamine‐agonists bromocriptine and cabergoline shortens the anoestrus and is associated with a decrease in the plasma prolactin concentration, suggesting that the shortened anoestrus is the result of suppression of prolactin secretion. Yet, the anoestrus is not shortened in bitches treated with metergoline, a drug, which in a low dosage lowers the plasma prolactin concentration via a serotonin‐antagonistic pathway. In addition, under physiological conditions low plasma prolactin concentrations are found during the entire anoestrus. Furthermore, a low dosage of bromocriptine, insufficient to cause a decrease in the plasma prolactin concentration, prematurely induces folliculogenesis. These observations indicate that not the decrease in the plasma prolactin concentration, but another dopamine‐agonistic influence plays a critical role in the transition to a new follicular phase. The dopamine‐agonist induced shortening of the anoestrus is associated with a rapid rise in the basal plasma FSH concentration, similar to what is observed during the physiological late anoestrus. This observation underlines the importance of an increase in the circulating plasma FSH concentration in the initiation of folliculogenesis in the bitch.
Development of the Lipizzan Horse Breed
Authors: Dovc P , Kavar T , Sölkner H , Achmann R
Published: July 2006

Contents

The development and a brief history of the Lipizzan horse breed are reviewed. The contribution of several breeds, some of them already extinct, to the development of the Lipizzan horse, gives it a special status representing an important gene pool. This well‐documented breed is a part of the common European natural and cultural heritage. Breeding practices establishing stallion and mare family lines as well as availability of pedigrees are described. Molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite data allowed us to analyse the structure of the Lipizzan population, to estimate genetic variability within the population and to test the reliability of the pedigree data. DNA sequence analysis of the mtDNA control region confirmed relative high variability of the gene pool, containing majority of mtDNA haplotypes found in horse populations worldwide. Microsatellite analysis showed that the level of heterozygosity in the Lipizzan population is comparable with the heterozygosity in other populations. The fact that majority of the Lipizzan population is bred on eight state studs in the Central and Eastern Europe contributes to the structuring of the population which results in three clusters: classical cluster, represented by studs Lipica, Piber and Monterotondo, transition cluster, represented by studs Szilvasvarad, Djakovo and Topolćianky and eastern cluster represented by studs Beclean and Fagaras. The molecular markers also allowed verification of pedigree data, and the rough estimation of pedigree errors was about 10%.
Ways to Improve the Biosecurity of Bovine Semen
Authors: De Ruigh L , Bosch JC , Brus MC , Landman B , Merton JS
Published: July 2006

Contents

Semen production and trade is a worldwide industry. A framework, based on international standards is awaiting international and national regulation. In the perspective of biosecurity of the final product, critical notes can be made according to the semen production regulation and product safety. Process description brings the obligatory health standards for the production bulls, collection and processing of semen, identification, registration, worldwide distribution and insemination into discussion. Test frequency, test quality and demands, way of sampling and test consistency can influence product safety. New scientific knowledge can influence the value of the regulation. Whether a country is free of notifiable disease should influence decisions regarding necessary tests for the production bulls. The biosecurity of the semen production process is influenced by several factors. The effectiveness of the antibiotics used is questionable. The extenders for cryopreservation added to the semen can affect product safety. The way materials and storage containers have to be disinfected must be clear. In modern industry, tracking and tracing is an important issue. Worldwide differences in ways of identification of straws do not benefit a proper identification and registration throughout the process. Regulation could help improve the transparency of production and trade. Before anything concerning biohazard is implemented in regulation, each rule should be thoroughly based on scientific research where possible and furthermore it must be possible to enforce the regulation. The effort it takes to enforce the regulation should be in balance with the benefit it provides. An approach to alter regulation quickly is advisable. To produce a safe product that is accepted for international trade is of vital interest for the survival of artificial insemination (AI) in cattle.
Rhabdomyolysis following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: A case to heighten awareness
Authors: IRVINE JOHN , AHO TEV , DAVIDSON PETER , SEARLE MARTIN
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria and acute renal failure are rare complication of surgery. Long operative time, increased body mass, lateral decubitus positioning and extracellular volume depletion may predispose to this condition. The authors describe the case of a 70‐year‐old man with renal cell carcinoma who underwent a laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy in the lateral decubitus position. His postoperative course was complicated by acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis. Heightened awareness, early recognition and treatment of this condition are important, particularly as laparoscopic nephrectomy is becoming a common procedure for living donor transplantation.
Impact of off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery on postoperative renal dysfunction: Current best available evidence (Review Article)
Authors: RAJA SHAHZAD G , DREYFUS GILLES D
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Renal dysfunction is a serious complication after coronary artery bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiopulmonary bypass‐related non‐pulsatile flow, hypothermia, haemolysis, systemic inflammatory reactions and emboli are mentioned as possible causes for this postoperative renal dysfunction. In an attempt to avoid these deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery has been rediscovered. Resurgence of interest in off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery is associated with the expectation that avoiding deleterious effects of the cardiopulmonary bypass leads to better outcomes and possibly decreased costs and resource use. We are currently practising in an era of evidence‐based medicine that mandates the prospective randomized controlled trial as the most accurate tool for determining a treatment benefit compared with a control population. The present review article attempts to evaluate the current best available evidence from randomized controlled trials on the impact of off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery on postoperative renal dysfunction.
Novel renoprotective actions of erythropoietin: New uses for an old hormone (Review Article)
Authors: JOHNSON DAVID W , FORMAN COLIN , VESEY DAVID A
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Erythropoietin (EPO) has been used widely for the treatment of anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease and cancer chemotherapy for nearly 20 years. More recently, EPO has been found to interact with its receptor (EPO‐R) expressed in a large variety of non‐haematopoietic tissues to induce a range of cytoprotective cellular responses, including mitogenesis, angiogenesis, inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of vascular repair through mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow. Administration of EPO or its analogue, darbepoetin, promotes impressive renoprotection in experimental ischaemic and toxic acute renal failure, as evidenced by suppressed tubular epithelial apoptosis, enhanced tubular epithelial proliferation and hastened functional recovery. This effect is still apparent when administration is delayed up to 6 h after the onset of injury and can be dissociated from its haematological effects. Based on these highly encouraging results, at least one large randomized controlled trial of EPO therapy in ischaemic acute renal failure is currently underway. Preliminary experimental and clinical evidence also indicates that EPO may be renoprotective in chronic kidney disease. The purpose of the present article is to review the renoprotective benefits of different protocols of EPO therapy in the settings of acute and chronic kidney failure and the potential mechanisms underpinning these renoprotective actions. Gaining further insight into the pleiotropic actions of EPO will hopefully eventuate in much‐needed, novel therapeutic strategies for patients with kidney disease.
Prevention programmes of progressive renal disease in developing nations (Review Article)
Authors: CODREANU IGOR , PERICO NORBERTO , SHARMA SANJIB K , SCHIEPPATI ARRIGO , REMUZZI GIUSEPPE
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Development of strategies for the early detection and prevention of non‐communicable diseases, including kidney disease, is the only realistic strategy to avert an imminent global health and economic crisis and enhance equity in health care worldwide. In this article, we briefly examine the burden of non‐communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and how chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a key integrated element in the setting, even in developing countries. A possible explanation of the increasing number of people who have or are at risk to develop CKD in poor countries is also given. A survey of major screening and intervention programmes performed or ongoing globally is then presented, highlighting differences and hurdles of projects planned in developed or developing nations as well as in unprivileged communities in developed countries. Finally, some recommendations on future steps to implement prevention programmes in emerging worlds are provided.
Biosimilars: How similar or dissimilar are they? (Review Article)
Authors: ROGER SIMON D
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  The imminent expiry of patents on biological medicinal products, such as epoetin alfa in 2006, has significant implications for nephrology in Australia. The purpose of this review is to examine the differences between biosimilars (similar biological medicinal products) and generic low molecular weight (chemical) drugs. The approach that regulatory agencies, including the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), are taking towards biosimilars is also discussed. Biosimilars differ from generic chemical drugs in many important ways, including the size and complexity of the active substance, the nature of the starting materials (cell banks, tissues and other biological products), and the complexity of the manufacturing processes. Therefore, it has been acknowledged by the EMEA that established legal and regulatory principles of ‘essential similarity’ that are applied to standard chemical generics cannot be readily applied to biosimilars. One of the key areas of concern with the introduction of biosimilars into the field of nephrology will be guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of biosimilars. New manufacturers will need to ensure that their biopharmaceutical has a similar efficacy and safety profile to the innovator product through more extensive clinical trials than the limited testing done for generic versions of low molecular weight chemical medicines.
Residual renal function and dialysis modality: Is it really beneficial to preserve residual renal function in dialysis patients? (Review Article)
Authors: CANAUD BERNARD , CHENINE LEILA , LERAY‐MORAGUÉS HÉLÈNE , WIESEN HELEN , TETTA CIRO
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Residual renal function (RRF) contributes to the achievement of treatment adequacy in stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD‐5) patients. It may facilitate patients’ acceptance of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in allowing reduction of treatment time duration and minimising dietary and fluid restriction. It has been confirmed to improve dialysis patient outcomes. Attempts to preserve RRF in incident Stage 5 chronic kidney disease patients are still subject to intense controversies in the nephrology community. The aim of this review is to analyse the role of renal replacement modalities in the maintenance of RRF in dialysis patients. Under the scope of this manuscript, four questions are explored: Is the preservation of residual renal function an objective for dialysis adequacy? Does dialysis modality affect the decline of RRF? What are the factors implicated by this loss of RRF? At what expense can the maintenance of RRF be achieved in dialysis patients? Preservation of RRF is undoubtedly an interesting means to enhance the efficacy of renal replacement therapy and reduce dietary fluid restriction but it should not be considered as a goal of dialysis adequacy in dialysis patients. Further, preservation of RRF must be considered as a permanent trade‐off between patient comfort and chronic fluid volume overload.
Chemotaxis of Ralstonia sp. SJ98 towards p‐nitrophenol in soil
Authors: Paul Debarati , Singh Rajbir , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: July 2006

Bioremediation of contaminated sites has been accepted as an efficient and cheaper alternative to physicochemical means of remediation in several cases. Although chemotactic behaviour of many bacteria has been studied earlier and assays have been developed to study bacterial chemotaxis in semi‐solid media, this phenomenon has never been demonstrated in soil. For bioremediation application it is important to know whether bacteria actually migrate through the heterogenous soil medium towards a gradient of a particular chemoattractant. In the present study we have successfully demonstrated bacterial chemotaxis of a Ralstonia sp. SJ98 in soil microcosm using qualitative and quantitative plate and tray assays. The migration of bacteria has been established using several methods such as plate counting, vital staining and flow cytometry and slot blot hybridization. A non‐chemotactic p‐nitrophenol utilizing strain Burkholderia cepacia RKJ200 has been used as negative control. Our work clearly substantiates the hypothesis that chemotactic bacteria may enhance in situ bioremediation of toxic pollutants from soils and sediments.
Glucose control with insulin results in reduction of NF‐κB‐binding activity in mononuclear blood cells of patients with recently manifested type 1 diabetes
Authors: Schiekofer S. , Galasso G. , Andrassy M. , Aprahamian T. , Schneider J. , Rocnik E.
Published: July 2006

Aim:  Chronic elevated blood glucose levels are associated with the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Hyperglycaemia and AGEs have been shown to induce activation of the redox‐sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). To validate the hypothesis that the maintenance of normal glucose levels results in the reduction of NF‐κB‐binding activity in vivo, the redox‐sensitive transcription factor NF‐κB was used as marker of hyperglycaemia‐induced mononuclear cell activation in patients who recently developed type 1 diabetes.

Methods:  Twelve patients with recently manifested type 1 diabetes mellitus were examined in our study. After sampling blood for determination of baseline glucose values, the 12 patients were treated with insulin, and blood samples were taken 4 and 12 weeks later. Mononuclear cells were isolated and assayed in a tissue culture‐independent electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA)‐based detection system for NF‐κB‐binding activity. Western blot analysis was used to determine nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of NF‐κB‐p65 and cytoplasmic content of inhibitor of kappa B‐α (IκB‐α). In addition, we determined the concentration of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) from cytoplasmic extract as a marker of oxidative stress.

Results:  Normalization of blood glucose levels resulted in a highly significant reduction of NF‐κB activation in EMSA. Before and after glucose normalization, there were no differences in binding by the members of the NF‐κB family to the NF‐κB consensus sequence oligonucleotide. Similar data were obtained by Western blot analysis showing NF‐κB‐p65 localization in the nucleus, while p65 levels increased in the cytoplasm. IκB‐α increased in the cytoplasm after glucose normalization. HO‐1 antigen consistently decreased, as expected from the decrease in NF‐κB activation.

Conclusion:  Thus, we conclude that normalization of blood glucose levels results in the reduction of NF‐κB activation and gene products controlled by this transcription factor.
Expression profiling of chickpea genes differentially regulated during a resistance response to Ascochyta rabiei
Authors: Coram Tristan E. , Pang Edwin C. K.
Published: July 2006

Using microarray technology and a set of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) unigenes, grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and lentil (Lens culinaris Med.) resistance gene analogues, the ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) L.) resistance response was studied in four chickpea genotypes, including resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and wild relative (Cicer echinospermum L.) genotypes. The experimental system minimized environmental effects and was conducted in reference design, in which samples from mock‐inoculated controls acted as reference against post‐inoculation samples. Robust data quality was achieved through the use of three biological replicates (including a dye swap), the inclusion of negative controls and strict selection criteria for differentially expressed genes, including a fold change cut‐off determined by self–self hybridizations, Student's t‐test and multiple testing correction (P < 0.05). Microarray observations were also validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The time course expression patterns of 756 microarray features resulted in the differential expression of 97 genes in at least one genotype at one time point. k‐means clustering grouped the genes into clusters of similar observations for each genotype, and comparisons between A. rabiei‐resistant and A. rabiei‐susceptible genotypes revealed potential gene ‘signatures’ predictive of effective A. rabiei resistance. These genes included several pathogenesis‐related proteins, SNAKIN2 antimicrobial peptide, proline‐rich protein, disease resistance response protein DRRG49‐C, environmental stress‐inducible protein, leucine‐zipper protein, polymorphic antigen membrane protein, Ca‐binding protein and several unknown proteins. The potential involvement of these genes and their pathways of induction are discussed. This study represents the first large‐scale gene expression profiling in chickpea, and future work will focus on the functional validation of the genes of interest.
Introduction: Meeting the Challenges to Growth and Poverty Reduction
Authors: Farrington John , Robinson Mark
Published: July 2006

This overview introduces the articles in this theme issue of DPR. Their focus is on how growth can be sustained in the face of a number of challenges, and how it can be made more poverty‐reducing. The context against which these issues are examined is dynamic, with rapid change in rural‐urban balance, shifts in patterns of regional and global trade and questions about whether existing modes of energy use and environmental management are sustainable. Whether and how new partnerships can be forged ‐ including partnerships between Asian countries and donors ‐ and how they might accelerate poverty reduction in this changing context is a central concern.
Prospects and Challenges for Growth and Poverty Reduction in Asia
Authors: Humphrey John
Published: July 2006

The extent of poverty reduction in Asia by 2015 will depend upon two linked issues: sustaining the current rates of economic growth and avoiding increases in income inequality. Rapid growth over the past 15 years has itself created three challenges for its continuation: inadequate infrastructure; energy shortages and insecurity; and depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. The ways in which these problems are addressed will have impacts not only on growth but also on inequality, requiring policy interventions at multiple levels, having implications for governance at multiple levels, and involving the development of new partnerships within the region and beyond.
Structural Change, Growth and Poverty Reduction in Asia: Pathways to Inclusive Development
Authors: Cook Sarah
Published: July 2006

Growth alone does not guarantee sustained poverty reduction, and it may also create threats to social cohesion that in turn can undermine growth. While development thinking remains dominated by a ‘growth‐first’ paradigm, Asian experience helps to moderate this view, illustrating the important role of government policy in creating pro‐poor growth, providing public goods and social protection mechanisms, and creating the institutional conditions for more inclusive and equitable development. This article examines the structural transformations which accompany growth, and their implications for appropriate policies to progress towards the MDGs.
The Future of Development Partnerships in Asia: Mapping the Agenda to 2015
Authors: Maxwell Simon , Robinson Mark
Published: July 2006

This article reviews the scope of current partnerships between Asia and its development partners in aid and other areas, ranging across infrastructure, finance, trade, the environment, the private sector, poverty and social exclusion, and governance. It then turns to the key choices facing the partners, concerning: aid and aid partnerships; a new regionalism in and with Asia; strengthening multilateralism; facilitating business partnerships; and civil society partnerships. It concludes with questions about how to drive and monitor the relationship in the future, and ten propositions about future partnership.
Confidentiality Constraints Within Mergers and Acquisitions: Gaining Insights Through a ‘Bubble’ Metaphor*
Authors: Harwood Ian
Published: July 2006

Mergers and acquisitions are extremely sensitive, both within and outside the organizations involved. Confidentiality agreements are therefore essential for allowing teams the ‘space’ to develop potential scenarios for future integration. Despite the importance of confidentiality in practice, the subject has received little coverage in the management literature. By adopting a case‐study approach, this research explores aspects of confidentiality in a four‐year post‐acquisition integration programme in a FTSE100 pharmaceutical company. The paper identifies a range of personal impacts on the signatories, as well as various dimensions of information transfer despite the agreement being in place. Through the use of a metaphor, the research suggests that a confidentiality agreement has many similarities with the properties and characteristics of a bubble. This bubble trope is used to enhance conceptual understanding of confidentiality constraints in an organizational‐change context. The paper concludes by suggesting some ‘key learnings’ in relation to using confidentiality agreements in strategic change programmes such as a merger or acquisition.
Children's Emotionality and Social Status: A Meta‐analytic Review
Authors: Dougherty Lea R.
Published: July 2006

Over the last 15 years, the role of emotions in children's peer relations has received greader attention. The purpose of the meta‐analytic review was to determine the magnitude of the relation between negative emotionality (NE) and positive emotionality (PE) and social status. Based on 54 independent samples, the overall effect size for the relation between children's NE and social status was in the moderate‐to‐small range, and this effect size was similar across all types of NE (i.e., general measures of NE, anger, fear and sadness). Based on 10 independent samples, the overall effect size for the relation between children's PE and social status was in the small range. We found that the assessment method for anger significantly moderated the relation between anger and social status, and the context in which PE was observed significantly moderated the relation between PE and social status. This article concludes with a set of recommendations for the next generation of research on children's emotional and social competence.
The Entry Behavior of Aggressive/Rejected Children: The Contributions of Status and Temperament
Authors: Wilson Beverly J.
Published: July 2006

This study investigated the entry behavior and temperamental characteristics of aggressive/rejected and nonaggressive/popular kindergarten and first‐grade children. An analog entry situation was used to assess children's entry skills. Aggressive/rejected children had more difficulty than nonaggressive/popular children delivering their entry bids in a well‐timed manner and engaged in more disruptive entry strategies. They also tended to use more aggressive entry strategies after experiencing entry failure. The children's temperamental characteristics accounted for significant variance in their entry behavior. Temperamental fear made a positive contribution to children's use of socially appropriate entry strategies. The children's status and impulsiveness each explained unique variance in their use of disruptive entry strategies. Aggressive/rejected girls were more impulsive than other groups and tended to be less fearful.
Trait Emotional Intelligence and Children's Peer Relations at School
Authors: Petrides K. V. , Sangareau Yolanda , Furnham Adrian , Frederickson Norah
Published: July 2006

Trait emotional intelligence (‘trait EI’ or ‘trait emotional self‐efficacy’) is a constellation of emotion‐related self‐perceptions and dispositions comprising the affective aspects of personality. The present study investigated the role of trait EI in children's peer relations at school. One hundred and sixty pupils (83 girls; mean age = 10.8 years) were administered the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire and were subsequently asked to nominate all classmates who fitted each of seven distinct behavioural descriptions (‘co‐operative’, ‘disruptive’, ‘shy’, ‘aggressive’, ‘dependent’, ‘leader’ and ‘intimidating’). The teachers were also asked to nominate all pupils who fitted the seven descriptions. Pupils with high trait EI scores received more nominations for ‘co‐operation’ and ‘leadership’ and fewer nominations for ‘disruption’, ‘aggression’ and ‘dependence’. Factor analysis of teacher nominations revealed two orthogonal factors encompassing pro social and antisocial descriptions, respectively. High trait EI pupils scored higher on the pro social factor and lower on the antisocial factor. The discussion focuses on the construct validity of trait EI and its implications for children's peer relations at school.
C‐Reactive Protein May Be Increased in Migraine Patients Who Present With Complex Clinical Features
Authors: Welch K. M. A. , Brandes Avery W. , Salerno Lauren , Brandes Jan Lewis
Published: July 2006

Objectives.—Stroke risk is increased in migraine, the basis of which remains to be established. C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of cerebrovascular disease, suggesting in part an inflammatory mechanism. Because attacks of migraine may involve repeated sterile vascular inflammation, we measured CRP in migraine patients.

Methods.—Retrospective review was conducted of 60 randomly sampled charts of patients with the diagnosis of migraine without aura (MwoA, n = 29) and migraine with aura (MwA, n = 31), in which CRP was recorded as part of the differential diagnostic evaluation. CRP was measured by standard commercial laboratory methods; high sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) values above 3mg/L were considered abnormal.

Results.—Elevated hs‐CRP was found in 43% of all patients (26 of 60). In MwoA, of 29 subjects, abnormal hs‐CRP was recorded in 16; in 10 no other conditions were found to explain the abnormality. In MwA, of 31 subjects, abnormal CRP was recorded in 10; in 5 no other condition could explain the abnormality. No associations were found between other demographic or clinical features.

Conclusions.—CRP may be abnormal in MwoA and MwA patients who present with atypical, severe, or complex clinical features that require extensive differential diagnostic investigation.
REFLECTION IN EDUCATION: A KANTIAN EPISTEMOLOGY
Authors: Procee Henk
Published: July 2006

Abstract As even its defenders admit, reflection in education suffers from a lack of conceptual clarity. In this essay, Henk Procee provides a philosophical analysis of the central concepts in this domain. In the current literature, these concepts are usually taken from the pragmatic school of John Dewey and from critical social theory associated with Jürgen Habermas. In contrast, Procee argues that Kant’s philosophy incorporates ideas better suited to understanding reflection in education — particularly through his distinction between understanding (“Verstand”) and judgment (“Urteilskraft”), a distinction that supports an epistemology that accepts the special nature of reflection as judgment as opposed to formal learning (which, in Kant’s analysis, is part of understanding). In addition, Procee discusses some consequences for the aims and methods of reflection in education.
IN A DIMENSION OF HEIGHT: ETHICS IN THE EDUCATION OF OTHERS
Authors: Tarc Aparna Mishra
Published: July 2006

Abstract Ethics penetrates every aspect of Western education. Many of its dominant narratives — education as salvation, as progress, as panacea, and as liberation, for example — are infused with the ethical. Educators are compelled by ethical callings; in fact, education as the call of the ethical informs the singular and collective identities of educators. In this essay, Aparna Mishra Tarc troubles the role of the ethics in Western education using Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s deconstruction of the ethical in philosophy. Spivak’s deconstruction reveals how an ethics based in one’s idea of what the Other is and should be violates the uniqueness of Others. Spivak challenges educators to examine vigilantly the ethico‐political assumptions and discourses underlying ethical acts in the classroom. Drawing on the writings of Emmanuel Levinas, mediated by the thinking of Jacques Derrida, Spivak re‐imagines ethics apart from — and as a part of — its metaphysical heritage. Tarc discusses aspects of Spivak’s vision for an education borne out of ethical singularity as hearing and responding to the Other’s call. Finally, she explores its implications for how one might begin to respond justly to the conditions of others within and alongside of one’s own intellectual and pedagogical engagements.
Relationships Between Sensory Flavor Evaluation and Volatile and Nonvolatile Compounds in Commercial Wheat Bread Type Baguette
Authors: Quílez J. , Ruiz J.A. , Romero M.P.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:  A sensorial evaluation was carried out on the flavor of wheat bread using a test of consumer acceptance for this type of product. The 5 samples evaluated corresponded to prebaked baguettes from the main brands marketed in Spain. At the same time, headspace analysis using a solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) method was used to assess the volatile components of the bread crumb as well as other components, such as salt, lactic acid, and total titratable acidity (TTA), which could affect the flavor. The results of the sensorial analysis indicate that there are no significant differences between the samples. Nevertheless, the content of volatile and nonvolatile compounds shows certain variations that correlate with the flavor scores. In general, the alcohol, ketone, and salt contents are considered positive, whereas the aldehyde and acid contents, including lactic acid, are considered negative. The main conclusions obtained were that for this type of bread, consumers tend to prefer products with a greater degree of fermentation by yeasts, without secondary fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. However, considering the geographic differences regarding these preferences, it will be necessary to perform further tests to establish the acceptance of different types of bread.
New Kinetic Approach to the Evolution of Polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15) Activity in a Commercial Enzyme Preparation Under Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Giner‐Seguí J. , Bailo‐Ballarín E. , Gorinstein S. , Martín‐Belloso O.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:  The effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on polygalacturonase (PG) activity in an aqueous solution of a commercial enzyme preparation was studied. Monopolar square wave pulses of 4 μs were delivered to the solution, which circulated through tubular chambers with 2 stainless steel electrodes in continuous operation. The electric field intensities (E) and treatment time (t) ranged within 15 to 38 kV cm−1 and 300 to 1100 μs, respectively. Although important reduction of the PG activity could be achieved (up to 76.5% at E= 38 kV cm−1 and t= 1100 μs), the experimental data showed certain enhancement of PG activity under soft conditions (up to 110.9% at E= 15 kV cm−1 and t= 300 μs). A kinetic mechanism involving 2 consecutive irreversible first‐order steps was developed to describe and explain the experimental data. The tested model exhibited high accuracy in respect of the experimental data and the error of the model was lower than 4.4%. The kinetic rate constant of the first (k1) and second step (k2), ratio between the activities of intermediate and native forms of the enzyme (Λ), and other quantities related to the model, were obtained within a Bayesian framework. k1 resulted independent of the E applied and considerably greater in magnitude order (k1 mean = 6 μs−1) with respect to k2, which was dependent on the applied E (mean values ranged from 489E‐6 μs−1 at E= 38 kV cm−1 to 1215E‐6 μs−1 at 38 kV cm−1). The dependency of k2 toward E was described using an exponential relationship.
Development of a Predictive Model for Spoilage of Cooked Cured Meat Products and Its Validation Under Constant and Dynamic Temperature Storage Conditions
Authors: Mataragas M. , Drosinos E.H. , Vaidanis A. , Metaxopoulos I.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:  In the present study, the spoilage flora of a sliced cooked cured meat product was studied to determine the specific spoilage organism (SSO). The physicochemical changes of the product during its storage in a temperature range of 0 to 12 °C were also studied. Among the primary models used to model the temperature effect on SSO growth, the modified Gompertz described better the experimental data than modified logistic and Baranyi. The derived growth kinetic parameters, such as maximum specific growth rate (μmax) and lag phase duration (LPD), were modeled by using the square root and Arrhenius equation (secondary models). The latter described better the data of μmax and LPD; therefore, this model was chosen for correlating temperature with kinetic parameters. The selection of the best model (primary or secondary) was based on some statistical indices (the root mean square error of residuals of the model, the coefficient of multiple determination, the F‐test, the goodness of fit, the bias, and accuracy factor). The validation of the developed model was carried out under constant and dynamic temperature storage conditions. To validate its usefulness to similar products, another sliced cooked cured meat product stored under constant temperature conditions was also used. The log shelf life model was used for shelf life predictions based on the evident (visual defects) or the incipient spoilage (attainment of a certain spoilage level by SSO and/or chemical spoilage index). The possibility for shelf life predictions constitutes a valuable information source for the quality assurance systems of meat industries.
Sensory Evaluation and Composition of Spaghetti Fortified with Soy Flour
Authors: Shogren R.L. , Hareland G.A. , Wu Y.V.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:  Spaghetti was prepared from durum wheat supplemented with soy flour in order to make an inexpensive, highly nutritious food and to determine the effects of high levels of soy flour on taste and textural attributes. Up to 50% soy flour was incorporated into spaghetti, resulting in a protein content of 33.5% (compared with 15.4% for control without soy) and a lysine content of 1.75% (compared with 0.41% for control). Sensory analysis of enriched spaghetti containing up to 35% soy flour indicated no significant difference in flavor and texture compared with control without soy, in general. Spaghetti with 50% soy flour had slightly higher beany and bitter flavors compared with control. This study showed that a high‐protein and high‐lysine spaghetti can be made with 35% soy flour without adverse effect on flavor and texture and should result in greater acceptability of soy‐based foods.
Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) mediates transport of short‐chain fatty acids in bovine caecum
Authors: Kirat Doaa , Kato Seiyu
Published: July 2006

The present study was undertaken to investigate the functional role of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in the ruminant large intestine. Messenger RNA encoding for MCT1 was verified by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction in caecum, proximal colon and distal colon of adult cattle. Both immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy verified that the MCT1 protein was abundant in the surface epithelium of the large intestine, and the amount decreased from the opening of the crypt to its base. In the immunopositive cells, MCT1 was primarily localized in the basolateral membranes of epithelium lining the large intestine. Western blotting indicated that the levels of MCT1 protein were highest in the caecum, followed by proximal colon and then distal colon. In vitro studies were conducted to elucidate the possible involvement of MCT1 in the transport of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) across the isolated mucosal sheets of cattle caecum using the Ussing chamber technique. Acetate absorption was found to be pH dependent, and the rate of acetate absorption increased as pH decreased. The serosal application of the MCT1 inhibitor ‘p‐chloromercuribenzoic acid (pCMB)’ significantly reduced the transport of acetate across the caecal epithelium of cows. In addition, the transport of acetate was significantly reduced in the presence of its analogue, propionate, indicating that acetate and propionate compete for binding to the same transporter. The results show that MCT1 is a major route for SCFA efflux across the basolateral membrane of bovine large intestine and that it could play a role in the regulation of intracellular pH.
Supporting sensory transduction: cochlear fluid homeostasis and the endocochlear potential
Authors: Wangemann Philine
Published: July 2006

The exquisite sensitivity of the cochlea, which mediates the transduction of sound waves into nerve impulses, depends on the endocochlear potential and requires a highly specialized environment that enables and sustains sensory function. Disturbance of cochlear homeostasis is the cause of many forms of hearing loss including the most frequently occurring syndromic and non‐syndromic forms of hereditary hearing loss, Pendred syndrome and Cx26‐related deafness. The occurrence of these and other monogenetic disorders illustrates that cochlear fluid homeostasis and the generation of the endocochlear potential are poorly secured by functional redundancy. This review summarizes the most prominent aspects of cochlear fluid homeostasis. It covers cochlear fluid composition, the generation of the endocochlear potential, K+ secretion and cycling and its regulation, the role of gap junctions, mechanisms of acid–base homeostasis, and Ca2+ transport.
Dissecting the role of sodium currents in visceral sensory neurons in a model of chronic hyperexcitability using Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 null mice
Authors: Hillsley Kirk , Lin Jia‐Hui , Stanisz Andre , Grundy David , Aerssens Jeroen , Peeters Pieter J. , Moechars Diederik , Coulie Bernard , Stead Ronald H.
Published: July 2006

Tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) sodium currents have been proposed to underlie sensory neuronal hyperexcitability in acute inflammatory models, but their role in chronic models is unknown. Since no pharmacological tools to separate TTX‐R currents are available, this study employs Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 null mice to evaluate these currents roles in a chronic hyperexcitability model after the resolution of an inflammatory insult. Transient jejunitis was induced by infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) in Nav1.9 and Nav1.8 null, wild‐type and naïve mice. Retrogradely labelled dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons were harvested on day 20–24 post‐infection for patch clamp recording. Rheobase and action potential (AP) parameters were recorded as measures of excitability, and Nav1.9 and Nav1.8 currents were recorded. DRG neuronal excitability was significantly increased in post‐infected mice compared to sham animals, despite the absence of ongoing inflammation (sham = 1.9 ± 0.3, infected = 3.6 ± 0.7 APs at 2× rheobase, P= 0.02). Hyperexcitability was associated with a significantly increased amplitude of TTX‐R currents. Hyperexcitability was maintained in Nav1.9−/− mice, but hyperexcitability was absent and APs were blunted in Nav1.8−/− mice. This study identifies a critical role for Nav1.8 in chronic post‐infectious visceral hyperexcitability, with no contribution from Nav1.9. Nb infection‐induced hyperexcitability is not observed in Nav1.8−/− mice, but is still present in Nav1.9−/− mice. It is not clear whether hyperexcitability is due to a change in the function of Nav1.8 channels or a change in the number of Nav1.8 channels.