bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavour development via lipolysis of milkfats: changes in free fatty acid pool
Authors: Regado Mafalda A. , Cristóvão Betina M. , Moutinho Carla G. , Balcão Victor M. , Aires‐Barros Raquel , Ferreira João Paulo M. , Xavier Malcata F.
Published: November 2007

Under the trade name lipolysed milkfat (LMF), concentrated cheese flavours obtained via enzymatic treatments of cheese (or other dairy substrates) have been made available in increasing numbers. In this research effort, (anhydrous) milkfats from cows, ewes and goats were used as substrates for production of cheesy flavours. Those milkfats were subjected to modifications brought about by ten different (commercial) lipases and one cutinase, and the free fatty acids released were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. Both the degrees of hydrolysis and the free fatty acid profiles of the final products were similar to those reported for several LMF products, although specific keynotes could be pinpointed. Consequently, those milkfats may represent alternative raw materials for manufacture of cheesy flavours, while contributing to alleviate the problem derived from the increasing surplus of milkfat in Western countries.
β‐Carotene‐rich sweet potato curd: production, nutritional and proximate composition
Authors: Mohapatra Samaptika , Panda Smita H. , Sahoo Santosh K. , Sivakumar Paramasivan Sethuraman , Ray Ramesh C.
Published: November 2007

Sweet potato (SP) is an important root crop grown all over the world and consumed as a vegetable, boiled, baked or often fermented into food and beverages. A curd‐like product was prepared by fermenting boiled β‐carotene‐rich SP puree and cow milk with curd (starter) culture (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus diacetilactis, etc.). There were not much variation in pH (3.6–3.9), titratable acidity (10–11.8 g kg−1 curd) and lactic acid (LA) (7.9–5.3 g kg−1 curd) contents in SP curd consisting different concentration of SP puree. However, curd with 12–16% SP puree was most preferred by a consumer's panellist. The addition of SP puree (12–16%) made the curd quite firm and imparted flavour, body/texture, minerals, nutrients, antidiabetic substances, β‐carotene pigments (antioxidant), dietary fibres and starch (carbohydrate source). The LA bacterial counts in the curd after 18 h of fermentation having 8% and 16% SP were 7 × 107 and 14 × 107 (CFU mL−1), respectively. The consumer evaluation scores ranged from 7 to 8 (in a hedonic scale of 1–9), from moderate liking to very much liking of the SP curd, taking into consideration the sensory attributes such as colour, texture, flavour, sweetness, appearance, etc. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the fourteen original analytical (proximate) variables to four independent components (factors), which accounted for 97% of the total variations. Similarly, PCA analysis reduced the seven original sensory attributes to three independent components that accounted for 70% of the total variations.
Preventing the loss of tensile, barrier and appearance properties caused by plasticiser crystallisation in whey protein films
Authors: Dangaran Kirsten L. , Krochta John M.
Published: November 2007

Whey protein films plasticised with sucrose have excellent oxygen barrier properties and high gloss that are reduced with time as sucrose crystallises. Whey protein isolate (WPI) films plasticised with sucrose were stored in 53% relative humidity for up to 60 days. The oxygen permeability, tensile properties and gloss of the films were measured periodically following ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) methodology. Changes in properties were compared with changes in WPI films plasticised with glycerol (no crystallisation) or plasticised with sucrose (crystallisation) plus a crystallisation inhibitor. The two inhibitors studied were lactose and raffinose. Crystallisation in WPI/sucrose films decreased tensile strength and elongation at break. However, the inhibitors hindered sucrose crystallisation, and the desired film properties were maintained for a longer period of time. Raffinose was the more effective inhibitor, maintaining the film flexibility and barrier properties for over 28 days and maintaining gloss at almost 90% of the initial value for 60 days of storage.
Effect of three lipid/hydrocolloid coatings on shelf life stability of Golden Delicious apples
Authors: Conforti Frank D. , Totty Jocelyn A.
Published: November 2007

The shelf life quality of freshly harvested Golden Delicious apples coated with three individually developed lipid/hydrocolloid coatings was assessed throughout refrigerated storage. The apples were monitored for 8 weeks. The coatings resulted in low internal O2 and the least loss of fruit firmness when compared with the non‐coated apple group. The coated apples had very little starch breakdown, minimum flesh colour development, or loss of titratable acidity content. Soluble solids and fresh weight loss remained unchanged for both the non‐coated and coated groups. Sensory analysis confirmed that the coated apples maintained consistent quality in firmness, crispness and juiciness throughout the storage period.
Use of time–temperature superposition to study the rheological properties of cheese during heating and cooling
Authors: Udyarajan Chinthu T. , Horne David S. , Lucey John A.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the time–temperature superposition behaviour of the rheological properties of cheese during heating and cooling. A standard part‐skim Mozzarella cheese and a fat‐free cheese were used for the study. Fourier transform mechanical spectroscopy was used to simultaneously study the rheological properties over a range of frequencies from 0.08 to 8 Hz while samples were being heated from 10 to 90 °C or cooled from 90 to 10 °C at the rate of 1 °C min−1. Master curves of storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G′′) and loss tangent were obtained using a reference temperature of 70 °C.
Probing the droplet cluster structure in acidified temperature‐cycled o/w emulsion gels by means of SESANS†
Authors: Bot Arjen , Duval Franck P. , Duif Chris P. , Bouwman Wim G.
Published: November 2007

The structure of the emulsion droplet aggregates in whey‐protein‐stabilised oil‐in‐water (o/w) model emulsion gels was investigated using the novel spin‐echo small‐angle neutron scattering (SESANS) technique. This technique allows the assessment of the droplet cluster structure in an emulsion gel in terms of a density correlation function at relatively long length scales (∼100 nm–10 µm) compared with regular SANS. As an example, the effect of one/two homogenisation stages on emulsion droplet cluster structure was studied in relation to acidification and temperature cycling. It is found that temperature cycling and acidification induce bigger changes in emulsion droplet cluster structure than the application of one or two homogenisation stages, and the results are compared with droplet size measurements (by pfg‐NMR), firmness measurements and confocal microscopic images.
Proximate compositions, pasting and rheological properties of mumu– a roasted maize meal
Authors: Ingbian Emmanuel K. , Adegoke Gabriel O.
Published: November 2007

Genetically improved maize variety (TZRS‐W) grains were used to produce mumu– a roasted maize meal. The grains were divided into six treatment groups namely: non‐soaked, non‐cooked (NSNC); non‐soaked, cooked (NSC); soaked, non‐cooked (SNC); soaked, cooked (SC); germinated non‐cooked (GNC); and germinated, cooked (GC). Each group was roasted in the oven at 150 °C for 1 h to produce mumu. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found in the protein, fat, ash, fibre and carbohydrate contents of the different products. Soaking and germination without cooking resulted in lower breakdown viscosities of the products. The peak viscosity (20.17 Rapid Visco Unit (RVU)) and final viscosity (28 RVU) of the GNC samples were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the corresponding values (5.17–7.25 RVU) of the NSNC, NSC, SNC, SC and GC products. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found in the pasting temperatures (63.40–64.85 °C) between all the six groups. Germination for 24 h without cooking may yield poor quality products with low nutrient density.
Food applications of trans fatty acid substitutes
Authors: Wassell Paul , Young Niall W. G.
Published: November 2007

The review outlines the increasing need to reduce trans fatty acids, and addresses the functionality issues of various trans free solutions through discussion of hydrogenation, interesterification, and fractionation, and their influence on fat crystallisation and solid fat content. Caution is urged not to focus solely on physio‐chemical aspects, but to approach trans free designing for specific food applications from a multidisciplinary angle. Examples of specific applications; margarines, shortenings and frying oils are given. The review also offers a glimpse into what the future trans free trends may hold.
Adjustment to colostomy: stoma acceptance, stoma care self‐efficacy and interpersonal relationships
Authors: Simmons Kingsley L. , Smith Jane A. , Bobb Karen‐Ann , Liles Laura L.M.
Published: November 2007

Title.  Adjustment to colostomy: stoma acceptance, stoma care self‐efficacy and interpersonal relationships

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine adjustment and its relationship with stoma acceptance and social interaction, and the link between stoma care self‐efficacy and adjustment in the presence of acceptance and social interactions.

Background. There have been significant advances in stoma appliances and an increase in nurses specialising in stoma care. Despite this, a large proportion of patients continue to experience adjustment problems, which suggests that improvements in the management of the stoma are by themselves not enough to enhance psychosocial functioning. Illness acceptance and interpersonal relationships are widely reported as correlates of adjustment to chronic illness, but these have not been specifically examined in patients with a colostomy. Evidence of their association could offer stoma therapists alternative ways of aiding adjustment.

Method.  Between 2000 and 2002, 51 patients with colostomies provided demographic and clinical data and completed validated questionnaires to measure acceptance of the stoma, relationship with others and stoma care self‐efficacy 6 months after surgery.

Findings.  Multiple regression analysis showed that stoma care self‐efficacy, stoma acceptance, interpersonal relationship and location of the stoma were strongly associated with adjustment. The model explained 77% of the variance. Stoma‐care self‐efficacy accounted for 57·5%, the psychosocial variables 13% and location of the stoma 4·6%. The addition of gender, which was not statistically significant (P > 0·05), explained a further 1·9% of the variance.

Conclusion.  Addressing psychosocial concerns should become part of the care routinely given to stoma patients. We recommend more emphasis on dispelling negative thoughts and encouraging social interactions.
Characteristics of patient and healthcare service utilization associated with inappropriate hospitalization days
Authors: Hwang Jee‐In
Published: November 2007

Title.  Characteristics of patient and healthcare service utilization associated with inappropriate hospitalization days

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the number of inappropriate days of hospitalization and to identify the characteristics of patient and healthcare service utilization associated with inappropriate hospital stays.

Background.  Inappropriate hospitalization stays are recognized as an important indication of the misuse of healthcare services, but the published literature shows inconsistent findings on factors influencing this.

Method.  A descriptive, correlational study was carried out in September 2005, with a patient survey and a review of patient records. Data were collected for 383 patients discharged from eight general nursing care units in a tertiary teaching hospital in Korea. Inappropriate hospitalization days were defined as inpatient days not requiring continuous and active medical, nursing or paramedical treatment provided by hospital services, and were judged using the Korean version of the Appropriate Evaluation Protocol. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with inappropriate hospitalization days.

Findings.  A total of 3076 hospitalization days were reviewed. The average proportion that were inappropriate was 5·1% (±16·0) per patient, and 14·1% of patients were determined to have had at least one inappropriate hospitalization day. The most common reason judged as appropriate was need for nursing/life support services. Statistically significant factors associated with inappropriate stay included gender, age, primary disease, length of stay and ward bed occupancy level during the patient’s hospitalization.

Conclusion.  Managers should take into account patient and clinical characteristics to promote better utilization of hospital resources.
Nurse absenteeism and workload: negative effect on restraint use, incident reports and mortality
Authors: Unruh Lynn , Joseph Lindell , Strickland Margaret
Published: November 2007

Title.  Nurse absenteeism and workload: negative effect on restraint use, incident reports and mortality

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess the impact of nurse absenteeism on the quality of patient care.

Background.  Nurse absenteeism is a growing management concern. It can contribute to understaffed units, staffing instability, and other factors that could have a negative impact on patient care. The impacts of absenteeism on the quality of nursing care have rarely been studied.

Method.  Retrospective monthly data from incident reports and staffing records in six inpatient units for 2004 were analysed. Dependent variables were the numbers of restraints, alternatives to restraints, incident reports, deaths, and length of stay. Explanatory variables were nurse absenteeism hours, patient days per nursing staff, and interaction between these variables. Controls were patient acuity and unit characteristics. Fixed effects regressions were analysed as regular or negative binomial models.

Findings.  Neither high Registered Nurse absenteeism nor high patient load was related to restraint use when taken separately. However, high Registered Nurse absenteeism was related to restraint use when patient load was high. Registered Nurse absenteeism was related to a lower use of alternatives to restraints. Incident reports were increased by high patient load, but not absenteeism, or absenteeism given patient load. When both patient load and absenteeism were high, deaths were higher also.

Conclusion.  Absenteeism alone may not be a strong factor in lowering quality, but the combination of high Registered Nurse absenteeism and high patient load could be a factor. Staffing and absenteeism may be part of a vicious cycle in which low staffing contributes to unit absenteeism, which contributes to low staffing, and so on.
Electron backscatter diffraction documents randomly orientated c‐axes in moonmilk calcite fibres: evidence for biologically induced precipitation
Authors: RICHTER DETLEV K. , IMMENHAUSER ADRIAN , NEUSER ROLF D.
Published: November 2007

Moonmilk represents a conspicuous but controversially discussed precipitate of cave settings. Here, new electron backscatter diffraction microscopic and petrographic evidence on the origin of moonmilk calcite is presented. Calcite fibres in a moonmilk mat from the walls of an active cave (Tunnel‐Cave) in Devonian massive limestones in the northern part of the Rhenish Massif (Germany) show orientations of the crystallographic c‐axis independent of the morphological fibre orientation. This observation and the morphology of the fibres are in agreement with microbially induced, as opposed to abiogenic, calcite precipitation. Carbon‐isotope data are higher (1·9 to 3·3‰) than those commonly measured regionally in speleothem calcite (stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones), an observation attributed to kinetic effects. In combination, these findings add independent evidence to the complex interplay of inorganic and bio‐induced carbonate precipitation in cave environments.
Heat flow of the eastern Canadian rifted continental margin revisited
Authors: Goutorbe Bruno , Drab Laureen , Loubet Nicolas , Lucazeau Francis
Published: November 2007

Continental shelves are regions where heat flow is not measured directly by conventional marine techniques, but estimated from oil exploration data with possible bias. In order to overcome this problem, we recently proposed a method based on neural networks (Geophys J Int 2006, 166:115) that provides better constraints on thermal conductivity: it allowed us to derive 161 heat flow estimates on the eastern margin of Canada, where previous studies had concluded to the existence of heat flow higher than that in the adjacent continent and ocean. We conversely found rather homogeneous values (∼45–55 mW m−2) all along and across the margins, from Labrador to Nova Scotia. The difference seems essentially related to the porosity of sediments that was not taken into account in previous studies. Our results support a high asymmetry for the conjugate Iberian‐Canadian margins, and could indicate that mantle heat flow increases abruptly from the Canadian shield to the margins.
Transferring to insulin detemir from NPH insulin or insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes patients on basal‐only therapy with oral antidiabetic drugs improves glycaemic control and reduces weight gain and risk of hypoglycaemia: 14‐week follow‐up data from PREDICTIVE™
Authors: Dornhorst A. , Lüddeke H.‐J. , Koenen C. , Meriläinen M. , King A. , Robinson A. , Sreenan S. ,   PREDICTIVE Study Group
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of insulin detemir in type 2 diabetes patients previously receiving NPH insulin (NPH group, n = 175) or insulin glargine (glargine group, n = 118) in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

Methods:  Patients were transferred to insulin detemir, while the OAD regimen and number of injections remained the same. The incidence of serious adverse drug reactions, including major hypoglycaemia, and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, within‐patient fasting glucose variability and body weight change were measured at 14 weeks.

Results:  Glycaemic control improved in both NPH (HbA1c = −0.2%, p < 0.05; fasting glucose −1.0 mmol/l, p < 0.0001) and glargine (HbA1c = −0.6%, p < 0.0001; fasting glucose −1.4 mmol/l, p < 0.0001) groups, including a reduction in fasting glucose variability (p < 0.01 for both). The incidence of total and nocturnal hypoglycaemia was reduced in both NPH and glargine groups. The incidence of major hypoglycaemia was low and did not change significantly during the follow‐up period. Mean body weight was significantly reduced in the NPH (−0.7 kg, p < 0.01) and glargine (−0.5 kg, p < 0.05) groups.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that in type 2 diabetes, transferring from other basal insulins to insulin detemir in combination with OADs was associated with improvements in glycaemic control, which were accompanied by a reduced risk of hypoglycaemia and a reduction in body weight.
Effect of high‐fat diet on glucose homeostasis and gene expression in glucokinase knockout mice
Authors: Gorman T. , Hope D. C. D. , Brownlie R. , Yu A. , Gill D. , Löfvenmark J. , Wedin M. , Mayers R. M. , Snaith M. R. , Smith D. M.
Published: November 2007

Aim:  We have generated a heterozygous glucokinase knockout mouse (gkdel/wt), upon which we investigated the effect of high‐fat diet (HFD) with respect to metabolic control and both hepatic and β‐cell gene expression. We also investigated the in vitro efficacy of a glucokinase activator (GKA) on glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in gkdel/wtmouse islets.

Methods:  Male gkdel/wtand gkwt/wtmice were grouped (n = 8–10) at 10 weeks of age and fed HFD or chow diet (CD) for 10 weeks. Multiple parameters including blood glucose, plasma insulin and glucose tolerance were assessed. Further animal groups were used for in vitro GSIS and islet and liver gene expression analysis.

Results and Conclusions:  gkdel/wtmice showed early‐onset persistent hyperglycaemia, raised glycated haemoglobin levels, impaired GSIS and glucose tolerance but no change in plasma cholesterol, non‐esterified fatty acids or triglyceride levels. After HFD feeding, insulin levels of gkdel/wtmice were less than half that of gkwt/wtmice, although they were equivalent to gkwt/wtmice on CD. While gkwt/wtmice maintained moderate hyperglycaemia, gkdel/wtmice became overtly diabetic, with worsened glucose tolerance. A GKA (GKA50) increased GSIS, at 10 mM glucose, in gkdel/wtmice to an extent at least as great as that seen in gkwt/wtmice on both CD and HFD. gkdel/wtmice showed only a small number of changes in gene expression compared with gkwt/wtmice. We propose the high fat–fed gkdel/wtmouse as a model of type 2 diabetes and report retained efficacy of a GKA on in vitro GSIS.
Molecular network of obesity: what does it promise for pharmacotherapy?
Authors: Myslobodsky M.
Published: November 2007

There is growing evidence that receptors that respond to orexigenic and anorexigenic signals of respective neuropeptides are also implicated in cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor functions. How do these signals trigger a particular appetitive function while also acting in so different contexts in controlling non‐appetitive behaviours? This perspective seeks an answer in their peculiar modular organization when each module planted in complex networks controlling appetite is also engaged in different domains. Network analysis may be essential in considering pharmacotherapeutic interventions and, in particular, when anticipating untoward central effects of agents explored from a therapeutic point of view.
WITTGENSTEIN'S CRITIQUE OF FRAZER
Authors: Bouveresse Jacques
Published: November 2007

This paper provides a systematic exposition of what Wittgenstein took to be the fundamental error committed by James George Frazer, author of the classic anthropological work The Golden Bough, in his account of ritual practices. By construing those rituals in scientific or rationalistic terms, as aimed at the production of certain effects, Frazer ignores, according to Wittgenstein, their expressive and symbolic dimension. It is, moreover, an error to try to explain the powerful emotions evoked even today by traditions such as fire festivals (which may once have involved human sacrifice) by searching for their causal origins in history or prehistory; the disquieting nature of such practices needs to be understood by attending to the inner meaning they already have in our human lives. Certain important general lessons are drawn about the necessarily limited power of scientific and causal explanations when it comes to alleviating many of our fundamental perplexities not just in the area of anthropology but in philosophy as well.1
THE TIGHTROPE WALKER
Authors: Schroeder Severin
Published: November 2007

Contrary to a widespread interpretation, Wittgenstein did not regard credal statements as merely metaphorical expressions of an attitude towards life. He accepted that Christian faith involves belief in God's existence. At the same time he held that although as a hypothesis, God's existence is extremely implausible, Christian faith is not unreasonable. Is that a consistent view?

According to Wittgenstein, religious faith should not be seen as a hypothesis, based on evidence, but as grounded in a proto‐religious attitude, a way of experiencing the world or certain aspects of it. A belief in religious metaphysics is not the basis of one's faith, but a mere epiphenomenon. Given further that religious doctrine is both falsification‐transcendent and that religious faith is likely to have beneficial psychological effects, religious doctrine can be exempt from ordinary standards of epistemic support. An unsupported religious belief need not be unreasonable.

However, it is hard to see how one could knowingly have such an unsupported belief, as Wittgenstein seems to envisage. How can one believe what, at the same time, one believes is not likely to be true? This, I argue, is the unresolved tension in Wittgenstein's philosophy of religion.
Asymmetric Volume‐Return Relation and Concentrated Trading in LIFFE Futures
Authors: Puri Tribhuvan N. , Philippatos George C.
Published: November 2007

This study demonstrates that intraday volume and return on LIFFE interest rate and currency futures exhibit an asymmetric volume‐return relationship characterised by significantly larger volume associated with negative returns than with non‐negative returns. This finding is unlike the stylised asymmetric relation often observed in equity markets, where the volume on price rise is larger than the volume on price decline. The asymmetric relationship in LIFFE futures is also found to be dynamic as the direction of asymmetry can reverse during the day. It has been argued in the past that a costly short sale restriction that requires a higher transaction cost on a short position than on a long position is responsible for the asymmetric effect in equity markets. Since such a restriction is absent in futures markets, they should not exhibit any asymmetric volume behaviour. Based on the results of this research, the costly short sale hypothesis is rejected. An alternative explanation of the asymmetric relation observed in futures is presented based on recent information models that take into consideration asymmetrically‐informed traders, their dispersion of beliefs, quality and quantity of the information signal, and how the traders process it. The paper also confirms a strong U‐shape trading pattern in 15‐minute volume, but no such pattern is identified in intraday returns.
Clustering in US Stock Prices after Decimalisation
Authors: Ikenberry David L. , Weston James P.
Published: November 2007

Early in 2001, US equity markets transitioned from trading in discrete price fractions to a smoother decimal format with a tick size of one penny. Theory suggests in an unconstrained world, stock prices should be distributed uniformly, particularly if the cost of defeating time priority is low. This regime change provides a natural experiment to test whether investors prefer to trade at particular price points even when their choices are essentially unconstrained by regulation. Instead of uniformity, we find widespread evidence of price clustering at increments of five and ten cents (nickels and dimes); the overall magnitude of clustering is double in scale of what is otherwise expected. Previous studies which documented clustering around even‐eighths argued that these patterns were a rational market response to trading impediments. We report consistent findings, but also find that the overall level of post‐decimalisation clustering is far more extensive than is reasonably explained by prior hypotheses. The evidence instead suggests a more fundamental human bias for prominent numbers as discussed in the psychology literature. Contrary to previous studies, we find no difference in price clustering, ceteris paribus, between the Nasdaq and NYSE after decimalisation. Should regulators choose to revisit the notion of tick size, our evidence suggests that for many stocks there would be only minor impact between the transaction prices that prevail now and those that would occur if the tick size were increased to five cents.
Simmel on Acceleration, Boredom, and Extreme Aesthesia
Authors: AHO KEVIN
Published: November 2007

By focusing on the unique velocity and over‐stimulation of metropolitan life, Georg Simmel pioneered an interpretation of cultural boredom that has had a significant impact on contemporary social theory by viewing it through the modern experience of time‐pressure and social acceleration. This paper explores Simmel's account of boredom by showing how—in the frenzy of modern life—it has become increasingly difficult to qualitatively distinguish which choices and commitments actually matter to us. Furthermore, this emotional indifference invariably pushes us towards more excessive and risky behavior, towards, what I call, “extreme aeshesia.” Insofar as novel experiences quickly become routine in the technological age, it appears that only extreme sensations and experiences can break the spell of boredom, allowing us to momentarily feel strongly for something.
Social Structure and Social Relations
Authors: ELDER‐VASS DAVE
Published: November 2007

This paper replies to Porpora, King, and Varela's responses to my earlier paper “For Emergence”, focussing on the relationship between the concepts of social structure and social relations. It recognises the importance of identifying the mechanisms responsible whenever we make claims for the emergence of causal powers, and discusses the mechanism underlying one case of social structure: normative institutions. It also shows how critical realism reconciles the claims that both social structures and human individuals have emergent causal powers that combine to produce actual social events.
Multiple biochemical similarities between infectious and non‐infectious aggregates of a prion protein carrying an octapeptide insertion
Authors: Biasini Emiliano , Medrano Andrea Z. , Thellung Stefano , Chiesa Roberto , Harris David A.
Published: November 2007

A nine‐octapeptide insertion in the prion protein (PrP) gene is associated with an inherited form of human prion disease. Transgenic (Tg) mice that express the mouse homolog of this mutation (designated PG14) spontaneously accumulate in their brains an insoluble and weakly protease‐resistant form of the mutant protein. This form (designated PG14Spon) is highly neurotoxic, but is not infectious in animal bioassays. In contrast, when Tg(PG14) mice are inoculated with the Rocky Mountain Laboratory (RML) strain of prions, they accumulate a different form of PG14 PrP (designated PG14RML) that is highly protease resistant and infectious in animal transmission experiments. We have been interested in characterizing the molecular properties of PG14Spon and PG14RML, with a view to identifying features that determine two, apparently distinct properties of PrP aggregates: their infectivity and their pathogenicity. In this paper, we have subjected PG14Spon and PG14RML to a panel of assays commonly used to distinguish infectious PrP (PrPSc) from cellular PrP (PrPC), including immobilized metal affinity chromatography, precipitation with sodium phosphotungstate, and immunoprecipitation with PrPC‐ and PrPSc‐specific antibodies. Surprisingly, we found that aggregates of PG14Spon and PG14RML behave identically to each other, and to authentic PrPSc, in each of these biochemical assays. PG14Spon however, in contrast to PG14RML and PrPSc, was unable to seed the misfolding of PrPC in an in vitro protein misfolding cyclic amplification reaction. Collectively, these results suggest that infectious and non‐infectious aggregates of PrP share common structural features accounting for their toxicity, and that self‐propagation of PrP involves more subtle molecular differences.
Total protein concentration and total bacterial load as measures of residual interproximal plaque in comparative clinical trials
Authors: Milanovich Nebojsa , Wei Jinling , Jenkins Wendy , Hefti Arthur F. , De Jager Marko
Published: November 2007

Aim: Establish total protein concentration and total bacterial load as quantitative measures of residual interproximal plaque (IPP) in a clinical model designed to evaluate oral hygiene interventions.

Material and Methods: This clinical model was a randomized, examiner and laboratory technician‐blinded, parallel‐design study whereby levels of residual IPP were compared for subjects using a manual toothbrush or a toothbrush+floss. Differences between interventions were compared after 7 and 21 days of use. Protein concentration was measured using 3‐(4‐carboxybenzoyl) quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde in a fluorescence microplate format and bacterial load was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR with universal primers specific for 16S rRNA and detected by SYBR Green. ancova was used to assess the statistical significance of the differences between interventions while clinical relevance was evaluated by a statistical model described by Man‐Son‐Hing et al. 2002.

Results: Ninety‐three subjects completed the study. Significant differences between interventions, using both outcome measures, were observed after 7 and 21 days. The difference between interventions by total protein concentration were further determined to be clinically relevant.

Conclusions: Only total protein concentration provided both statistically significant and clinically relevant differences between two clinically distinct oral hygiene interventions in this clinical model for evaluating IPP.
Measuring quality of life in older people: Reliability and validity of WHOQOL‐OLD
Authors: Peel Nancye M , Bartlett Helen P , Marshall Alison L
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The World Health Organization (WHO) recently developed a generic Quality of Life (QOL) measure, the WHOQOL‐OLD, specifically for use with older adults. This pilot study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the new measure to determine its suitability for evaluating outcomes of healthy ageing interventions.

Methods:  A random sample of 100 participants aged 65 years and older, selected from a database of community research volunteers, was invited to complete a mailed questionnaire administered at two time points. The questionnaire included the WHOQOL‐OLD, a generic health‐related QOL measure, the SF‐12, as well as psychological and physical well‐being measures and demographic data.

Results and conclusion:  Overall, the WHOQOL‐OLD demonstrated good performance on tests of reliability and validity and had features that made it a more suitable outcome measure of QOL in older people compared with the frequently used measure, the SF‐12.
Selenium and zinc in hair and toenails in relation to the physical and mental health status of older adults: The Freemasons Health study in New Zealand
Authors: Islam Shaheenul , Carter Kristie , Mhurchu Cliona Ni , Anderson Craig S
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  To determine the associations of selenium and zinc on health.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study; adults (mean age 65 years), Freemasons or spouses resident of the North Island of New Zealand; measures of cognition, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and hair and toenail zinc and selenium levels. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine significant associations.

Results:  Univariate analyses showed a significant association of decreased likelihood of impaired performance (> 9.5 seconds) on the TUG test with increasing quartiles of nail selenium (odds ratio 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.61–0.87). The association persisted in a multivariate model. No associations were seen for any of the other measures.

Conclusion:  Low nail selenium levels were associated with impaired physical function, as a result of chance from multiplicity problems, bias or a true adverse effect of selenium deficiency. Prospective studies are necessary to more reliably discern temporal associations of micronutrients on health.
Efficiency for Gene Silencing Induction in Nicotiana Species by a Viral Satellite DNA Vector
Authors: Xu You‐Ping , Zheng Lu‐Ping , Xu Qiu‐Fang , Wang Chang‐Chun , Zhou Xue‐Ping , Wu Zu‐Jian , Cai Xin‐Zhong
Published: November 2007

Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a useful technique for rapid plant gene function analysis. We recently reported a new VIGS vector modified from Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) DNAβ (DNAmβ). In this study we compared in detail DNAmβ‐induced gene silencing in four Nicotiana species including N. benthamiana, N. glutinosa, N. tabacum and N. paniculata. We found that DNAmβ‐induced gene silencing in the four species was distinct in developing dynamics, tissue specificity, efficiency, and constancy in the plant life span. It was most efficient in N. benthamiana, where development of VIGS was most rapid, without tissue specificity and nearly 100% efficient. DNAmβ‐induced gene silencing in N. glutinosa was also efficient despite being slightly less than in N. benthamiana. It initially occurred in veins, later was scattered to mesophyll, finally led to complete silencing in whole leaves. In both species, VIGS constantly expressed until the plants died. However, DNAmβ‐mediated VIGS in the other two Nicotiana species, N. tabacum and N. paniculata, was significantly less efficient. It was strictly limited within the veins of the silenced leaves, and constantly occurred only over 3–4 weeks. The upper leaves that emerged later stopped showing the silencing phenotype. DNAmβ‐induced gene silencing in N. benthamiana and N. glutinosa was not significantly influenced by the growth stage when the plants were agro‐inoculated, and was not sensitive to high growth temperature up to 32 °C. Our results indicate that this system has great potential as a versatile VIGS system for routine functional analysis of genes in some Nicotiana species.
Genetic Analysis and Molecular Mapping of a Rolling Leaf Mutation Gene in Rice
Authors: Yi Ji‐Cai , Zhuang Chu‐Xiong , Wang Xu‐Jie , Cao You‐Pei , Liu Yao‐Guang , Mei Man‐Tong
Published: November 2007

A rice mutant with rolling leaf, namely γ‐rl, was obtained from M2 progenies of a native indica rice stable strain Qinghuazhan (QHZ) from mutagenesis of dry seeds by γ‐rays. Genetic analysis using the F2 population from a cross between this mutant and QHZ indicated the mutation was controlled by a single recessive gene. In order to map the locus for this mutation, another F2 population with 601 rolling leaf plants was constructed from a cross between γ‐rl and a japonica cultivar 02428. After primary mapping with SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers, the mutated locus was located at the short arm of chromosome 3, flanked by RM6829 and RM3126. A number of SSR, InDel (insertion/deletion) and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers within this region were further developed for fine mapping. Finally, two markers, SNP121679 and InDel422395, were identified to be flanked to this locus with genetic distances of 0.08 cM and 0.17 cM respectively, and two SNP markers, SNP75346 and SNP110263, were found to be co‐segregated with this locus. These results suggested that this locus was distinguished from all loci for the rolling leaf mutation in rice reported so far, and thus renamed rl10(t). By searching the rice genome database with closely linked markers using BLAST programs, an e‐physical map covering rl10(t) locus spanning about a 50 kb region was constructed. Expression analysis of the genes predicted in this region showed that a gene encoding putative flavin‐containing monooxygenase (FMO) was silenced in γ‐rl, thus this is the most likely candidate responsible for the rolling leaf mutation.
Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis for Economically Important Food Crops
Authors: Salem Halima Hassan , Ali Bahy Ahmed , Huang Tian‐Hua , Qin Da‐Nian , Wang Xiao‐Mei , Xie Qing‐Dong
Published: November 2007

The objective of this review is to summarize numerous studies on the use of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique on rice, corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, rye, and oats to examine its feasibility and validity for assessment of genetic variation, population genetics, mapping, linkage and marker assisted selection, phylogenetic analysis, and the detection of somaclonal variation. Also we discuss the advantages and limitations of RAPD. Molecular markers have entered the scene of genetic improvement in different fields of agricultural research. The simplicity of the RAPD technique made it ideal for genetic mapping, plant and animal breeding programs, and DNA fingerprinting, with particular utility in the field of population genetics.
Internal arsenite bioassay calibration using multiple bioreporter cell lines
Authors: Wackwitz Anke , Harms Hauke , Chatzinotas Antonis , Breuer Uta , Vogne Christelle , Van Der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: November 2007

Bioassays with bioreporter bacteria are usually calibrated with analyte solutions of known concentrations that are analysed along with the samples of interest. This is done as bioreporter output (the intensity of light, fluorescence or colour) does not only depend on the target concentration, but also on the incubation time and physiological activity of the cells in the assay. Comparing the bioreporter output with standardized colour tables in the field seems rather difficult and error‐prone. A new approach to control assay variations and improve application ease could be an internal calibration based on the use of multiple bioreporter cell lines with drastically different reporter protein outputs at a given analyte concentration. To test this concept, different Escherichia coli‐based bioreporter strains expressing either cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP, or CCP mutants) or β‐galactosidase upon induction with arsenite were constructed. The reporter strains differed either in the catalytic activity of the reporter protein (for CCP) or in the rates of reporter protein synthesis (for β‐galactosidase), which, indeed, resulted in output signals with different intensities at the same arsenite concentration. Hence, it was possible to use combinations of these cell lines to define arsenite concentration ranges at which none, one or more cell lines gave qualitative (yes/no) visible signals that were relatively independent of incubation time or bioreporter activity. The discriminated concentration ranges would fit very well with the current permissive (e.g. World Health Organization) levels of arsenite in drinking water (10 µg l−1).
Twenty‐Five Years of “GeostandaRef Corner”
Authors: Valladon Michel
Published: November 2007

A total of twenty‐five bibliographic reviews were published between 1979 and 2004 in Geostandards Newsletter, subsequently renamed Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, which list more than 5500 papers. These cited references contain information about geochemical reference materials, analytical methods or address general issues concerning the use of reference materials (protocols for sampling, certification, or new analytical techniques). In support of emerging fields of interest in geoanalysis, frequently associated with environmental research, and reflecting the increased breadth in the topics addressed by the Journal, new reference headings were added over time, while retaining the original style and format of the review. Reference management software was used to extract information from these publications related to methods, reference materials and analytes. Major developments during these 25 years, reflecting both advances in laboratory hardware as well as shifts in research interests, can readily be seen in both the types of reference materials being studied and in nature of the new analytical protocols that were developed. These two topics were the core foci of the twenty‐five reviews, though much more information might also be extracted from this extensive resource.
C‐Phycocyanin ameliorates 2‐acetylaminofluorene induced oxidative stress and MDR1 expression in the liver of albino mice
Authors: Roy Karnati R. , Nishanth Reddy P. , Sreekanth Devalraju , Reddy Gorla Venkateswara , Reddanna Pallu
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To study the effect of C‐Phycocyanin (C‐PC), a biliprotein isolated from Spirulina platensis, on 2‐acetylaminofluorene (2‐AAF) induced oxidative stress and MDR1 expression in the liver of albino mice.

Methods:  In the present study, albino mice aged 40–60 days were used. The mice were randomly assigned to four groups of six animals each. The first group was treated with the vehicle (absolute alcohol), the second group was treated with C‐PC (50 mg/kg body weight), the third group was treated with 2‐AAF (25 mg/kg body weight) and the fourth group was treated with C‐PC (50 mg/kg body weight) and 2‐AAF, daily for 3 days. The mice were sacrificed and the tissues were collected and stored for histology and biochemical studies.

Results:  2‐AAF induced liver tissue damage in albino mice. 2‐AAF treatment resulted in upregulation of MDR1 expression and enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also induced phosphorylation of Akt and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. Co‐administration of C‐PC and 2‐AAF inhibited the expression of MDR1 by preventing ROS generation, Akt phosphorylation and NF‐κB nuclear translocation.

Conclusion:  2‐AAF‐induced oxidative stress is reduced by C‐PC treatment. C‐PC inhibited the 2‐AAF induced expression of MDR1 by interfering at the level of ROS generation, Akt phosphorylation and NF‐κB translocation. This study reveals the usefulness of C‐PC in preventing oxidative stress and downregulation of MDR1 induced by xenobiotics like 2‐AAF.
Ursodeoxycholic acid: Mechanism of action and novel clinical applications
Authors: Ikegami Tadashi , Matsuzaki Yasushi
Published: November 2007

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used in the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases, gallstone dissolution, and for patients with hepatitis C virus infection to ameliorate elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. The efficacy of UDCA treatment has been debated and the mechanisms of action in humans have still not defined. Suggested mechanisms include the improvement of bile acid transport and/or detoxification, cytoprotection, and anti‐apoptotic effects. In this review, we summarize the proposed molecular mechanisms for the action of UDCA, especially in hepatocytes, and also discuss the putative future clinical usage of this unique drug.
Food‐web connectance and predator interference dampen the paradox of enrichment
Authors: C. Rall Björn , Guill Christian , Brose Ulrich
Published: November 2007

Classic consumer‐resource models with hyperbolic functional responses predict that enrichment increases the average biomasses of the species, but eventually leads to species’ extinction due to accelerated oscillations (“paradox of enrichment”). However, empirical studies have stressed the complexity of natural food webs and the dominance of sigmoid or predator‐interference functional responses, which may dampen population oscillations due to enrichment. Using analytical and numerical methods, we study enrichment effects on simple consumer‐resource pairs and complex food webs with hyperbolic Holling type II (hereafter: type II), sigmoid Holling type III (hereafter: type III) and Beddington‐De Angelis predator‐interference functional responses (hereafter: BDA). Consumer‐resource systems with a type III or BDA functional response are highly robust against accelerated oscillations due to enrichment, and the “paradox of enrichment” is resolved under certain parameter combinations. Subsequently, we simulated complex food webs with empirically‐corroborated body‐size structures of consumers that are ten times larger than their average resource. Our analyses demonstrate positive connectance‐stability relationships with BDA or type III functional responses. Moreover, increasing connectance of these food webs also increases the robustness against enrichment in models with a BDA functional response. These results suggest that the well‐known destabilising effects of connectance and enrichment found in classic models with type II functional responses may be inverted into stabilising effects in more realistic food‐web models that are based on empirically‐corroborated body‐size structures and BDA or type III functional responses.