bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population genomics of parallel phenotypic evolution in stickleback across stream–lake ecological transitions
Authors: Deagle Bruce E. , Jones Felicity C. , Chan Yingguang F. , Absher Devin M. , Kingsley David M. , Reimchen Thomas E.
Published: October 2011

Understanding the genetics of adaptation is a central focus in evolutionary biology. Here, we use a population genomics approach to examine striking parallel morphological divergences of parapatric stream–lake ecotypes of threespine stickleback fish in three watersheds on the Haida Gwaii archipelago, western Canada. Genome-wide variation at greater than 1000 single nucleotide polymorphism loci indicate separate origin of giant lake and small-bodied stream fish within each watershed (meanFSTbetween watersheds = 0.244 and within = 0.114). Genome scans within watersheds identified a total of 21 genomic regions that are highly differentiated between ecotypes and are probably subject to directional selection. Most outliers were watershed-specific, but genomic regions undergoing parallel genetic changes in multiple watersheds were also identified. Interestingly, several of the stream–lake outlier regions match those previously identified in marine–freshwater and benthic–limnetic genome scans, indicating reuse of the same genetic loci in different adaptive scenarios. We also identified multiple new outlier loci, which may contribute to unique aspects of differentiation in stream–lake environments. Overall, our data emphasize the important role of ecological boundaries in driving both local and broadly occurring parallel genetic changes during adaptation.
Resistance to thermal stress in corals without changes in symbiont composition
Authors: Bellantuono Anthony J. , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Rodriguez-Lanetty Mauricio
Published: October 2011

Discovering how corals can adjust their thermal sensitivity in the context of global climate change is important in understanding the long-term persistence of coral reefs. In this study, we showed that short-term preconditioning to higher temperatures, 3°C below the experimentally determined bleaching threshold, for a period of 10 days provides thermal tolerance for the symbiosis stability between the scleractinian coral,
Acropora millepora
and
Symbiodinium
. Based on genotypic analysis, our results indicate that the acclimatization of this coral species to thermal stress does not come down to simple changes in
Symbiodinium
and/or the bacterial communities that associate with reef-building corals. This suggests that the physiological plasticity of the host and/or symbiotic components appears to play an important role in responding to ocean warming. The further study of host and symbiont physiology, both of
Symbiodinium
and prokaryotes, is of paramount importance in the context of global climate change, as mechanisms for rapid holobiont acclimatization will become increasingly important to the long-standing persistence of coral reefs.
A Versatile Monosaccharide Transporter That Operates in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal FungusGlomussp Is Crucial for the Symbiotic Relationship with Plants
Authors: Helber Nicole , Wippel Kathrin , Sauer Norbert , Schaarschmidt Sara , Hause Bettina , Requena Natalia
Published: October 2011

For more than 400 million years, plants have maintained a mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This evolutionary success can be traced to the role of these fungi in providing plants with mineral nutrients, particularly phosphate. In return, photosynthates are given to the fungus, which support its obligate biotrophic lifestyle. Although the mechanisms involved in phosphate transfer have been extensively studied, less is known about the reciprocal transfer of carbon. Here, we present the high-affinity Monosaccharide Transporter2 (MST2) from Glomus sp with a broad substrate spectrum that functions at several symbiotic root locations. Plant cell wall sugars can efficiently outcompete the Glc uptake capacity of MST2, suggesting they can serve as alternative carbon sources. MST2 expression closely correlates with that of the mycorrhiza-specific Phosphate  Transporter4 (PT4). Furthermore, reduction of MST2 expression using host-induced gene silencing resulted in impaired mycorrhiza formation, malformed arbuscules, and reduced PT4 expression. These findings highlight the symbiotic role of MST2 and support the hypothesis that the exchange of carbon for phosphate is tightly linked. Unexpectedly, we found that the external mycelium of AM fungi is able to take up sugars in a proton-dependent manner. These results imply that the sugar uptake system operating in this symbiosis is more complex than previously anticipated.
Effects of habitat loss and limitation on effective population size and inbreeding rates of Walia ibex (Capra walie) in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Kefyalew , Dessie Tadelle , Mekasha Yoseph
Published: October 2011

The effects of habitat loss and limitation on effective population size and inbreeding rates of Walia ibex (Capra walie) were assessed at Simien Mountains National Park. Total direct census was conducted in 2009. Historical data were obtained from park offices and literatures. Effective population sizes (Ne), inbreeding rates (ΔF) and heterozygosity losses to the whole and subdivided population per habitat were estimated. Correlations (r) between the two repeated direct censuses were positive (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). The mean Ne and ΔF (%/year) per study sites were 65.34 ± 59.45 and 0.0286 ± 0.032, respectively. The ΔF of the whole population of C. walie was 0.228 ± 0.011. The ΔF was negatively correlated with Ne (r = −0.799, P < 0.05). The mean ΔF per fragmented habitat ranged from 0.3 (Cheneck) to 7.7% (Buait ras). The highest ΔFs per year were observed in Buait ras (7.7%), Adarmaz (7.4%) and Sankaber (4.5%). The mean heterozygosity loss per total population was 0.235 ± 0.42, which was about 23.5%. The differences in Ne and ΔF among the population per habitat were the results of habitat limitation, which in turn reduce the genetic variability and foster losses of heterozygosity.
A randomized, observer-blinded, comparison of combined 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser plus 30% glycolic acid peel vs. laser monotherapy to treat melasma
Authors: Park K. Y. , Kim D. H. , Kim H. K. , Li K. , Seo S. J. , Hong C. K.
Published: October 2011

Background. Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that poses therapeutic challenges. Mixed-type melasma usually does not respond to conventional monotherapy.

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser (1064 QNYL) and 30% glycolic acid (GA) peel in the treatment of melasma.

Methods. This was a split-face study, in which 16 patients were treated with 1064 QNYL (6-mm spot size, 2.0–2.3 J/cm2 fluence) for six sessions at 1-week intervals to the entire face, and with GA for three sessions at 2-week intervals to the experimental side of the face. Clinical evaluations, measurements on a pigment measuring device (Mexameter), and assessment of patient satisfaction and adverse events were performed at baseline and every visit.

Results. After treatment, significant improvements from baseline were seen in Mexameter and modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) on both sides of the face. The combined therapy side achieved an average 32.6% improvement in Mexameter readings and 37.4% improvement in mMASI, compared with 22% and 16.7%, respectively, on the side treated with laser only (P ≤ 0.05). Both the physician and patient assessments correlated with the Mexameter results and mMASI.

Conclusion. Combined 1064 QNYL and GA seems to be superior to 1064 QNYL alone in the treatment of mixed-type melasma.
Audit committee characteristics and firm performance during the global financial crisis
Authors: Aldamen Husam , Duncan Keith , Kelly Simone , McNamara Ray , Nagel Stephan
Published: October 2011

We address the question ‘do governance enhancing audit committee (AC) characteristics mitigate the firm performance impact of significant‐adverse‐economic events such as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC)?’ Our analysis reveals that smaller audit committees with more experience and financial expertise are more likely to be associated with positive firm performance in the market. We also find that longer serving chairs of audit committees negatively impacts accounting performance. However, accounting performance is positively impacted where ACs include blockholder representation, the chair of the board, whose members have more external directorships and whose chair has more years of managerial experience. We contribute to the growing body of research on the impact of audit committee governance attributes on performance during times of financial distress.
The Right Price of Food
Authors: Swinnen Johan
Published: October 2011

Only a few years ago the widely shared view was thatlowfood prices were a curse to developing countries and the poor. Their dramatic increase in 2006–8 appears to have altered this view fundamentally.Highfood prices are now judged to have a devastating effect on developing countries and the world's poor – a reversal of opinion that raises questions about the old and the new arguments and the proposed remedies, and also about the causes of this dramatic turnaround in analysis and policy conclusions. This article puts these changes in perspective and discusses their potential implications.
AN ULTIMATUM WAGE BARGAINING EXPERIMENT ON TRADE UNION EFFICIENCY
Authors: Andreou Adamos , Andreou Sofia N. , García‐Gallego Aurora , Georgantzís Nikolaos
Published: October 2011

We present an ultimatum wage bargaining experiment showing that a trade union facilitating non‐binding communication among workers, raises wages by simultaneously increasing employers’ posted offers and toughening the bargaining position of employees, without reducing overall market efficiency.
Perceptions of Self‐Esteem in a Welfare‐To‐Wellness‐To‐Work Program
Authors: Martin Carolyn Thompson , Keswick Judith L. , Crayton Diane , LeVeck Paula
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: The study investigates welfare recipients' perceptions of personal self‐esteem in relationship with their participation in a welfare‐to‐wellness‐to‐work program.

Design and Sample: The cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods design examined a convenience sample of 33 participants who attended a welfare‐to‐wellness‐to‐work program called Work Wellness: The Basics that is based in an agency called Wellness Works!.

Measures: A demographic survey, Rosenberg's Self‐Esteem scale, and qualitative interviews were used.

Results: Even with normal self‐esteem scores, the participants credited the program with decreasing negative thoughts and improving self‐esteem. The themes identified include program, self‐esteem, mental health, and domestic violence.

Conclusion: Information about the benefits of a holistic wellness program and its relationship with self‐reported enhanced self‐esteem can be used to assist with health promotion, policy, and the development of innovative programs that assist with transition from public assistance.
Screening of Neurodevelopmental Delays in Four Communities of Mexico and Cuba
Authors: Guadarrama‐Celaya Francia , Otero‐Ojeda Gloria A. , Bernardo Pliego‐Rivero F. , del Rosario Porcayo‐Mercado María , Ricardo‐Garcell Josefina , Cecilia Pérez‐Ábalo María
Published: October 2011

Objective

Nursing personnel applied a computerized evaluation instrument, Neuropediatric Development (NPED), and compared the prevalence of deviations from normal neurodevelopment in four communities of two Latin American countries, Mexico and Cuba. At the same time the feasibility of introducing this tool into Mexican local health centers was assessed.

Design and Sample

The NPED screening tool was applied to 400 children 1–60 months old from two suburban and one urban communities of Mexico and one urban community of Cuba.

Measures

The NPED instrument was developed at the Neurosciences Centre of Cuba (Santos, & Pérez‐Ábalo, 2011; Santos, Pérez‐Abalo, & Álvarez, 2007), and explores three neurodevelopmental areas: language/communication, psychomotor, and sensory maturation (hearing/vision).

Results

Global (21.5%), language (16.5%), psychomotor (5.8%), and sensory (vision/audition; 2.3%/7%) failures were observed. Among Mexican communities, apart from the hearing test in which the urban community showed a significantly higher percentage of failures (p < .001), there were no other significant differences. When compared, the Cuban community showed a significantly higher proportion of audition failures in relation to the Mexican communities.

Conclusions

The prevalence of deviations from normal neurodevelopment was highly similar between both countries, and the NPED system fulfils the necessary requisites for mass screening to be applied by nursing staff at a primary care level.
Barriers toward epilepsy surgery. A survey among practicing neurologists
Authors: Erba Giuseppe , Moja Lorenzo , Beghi Ettore , Messina Paolo , Pupillo Elisabetta
Published: October 2011

Purpose:  Guidelines for refractory epilepsy recommend timely referral of potential surgical candidates to an epilepsy center for evaluation. However, this approach is seldom a priority for treating neurologists, possibly because of inertia of previous practice and personal attitudes, leading to a buildup of psychosocial disabilities and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy surgery among practicing neurologists and identify the barriers that delay the treatment.

Methods:  We surveyed 183 Italian adult and child neurologists with an ad hoc questionnaire exploring physicians’ willingness to refer patients for epilepsy surgery when such treatment may be indicated. Thirteen of 14 questions had graded answers ranging from 1 (unfavorable to surgery) to 10 (favorable). We compared the overall scores and per‐question scores of the neurologists versus a group of academic and clinical leaders in the field.

Key Findings:  The neurologists gave responses characterized by extreme variability (i.e., wide response interquartile range) around intermediate scores. Experts had higher and less variable scores favoring surgery. The two groups differed significantly on issues such as how long to pursue pharmacologic treatment and information about indications and outcome of surgery. Multivariate analysis indicated that neurologists’ attitudes correlated with the number of patients referred for surgery (p < 0.01) and the geographical region where specialty was attained (p < 0.01). Other variables such as years in practice, number of patients treated for epilepsy, or type of specialty had no predictive value on physicians’ behavior.

Significance:  The majority of Italian neurologists have highly variable attitudes toward epilepsy surgery, reflecting ambivalence and uncertainty toward this type of treatment. About two thirds of responders are nonaligned with the opinion leaders, mainly due to differences in handling pharmacologic treatment and information regarding epilepsy surgery, which affect their attitudes and ultimately patient management. Strategies that may solve the lack of agreement include reinforcing the concept of pharmacoresistance and associated risks, as opposed to the safety and potential benefits of surgery, the use of epilepsy quality measures during follow‐up, and the adoption of structured referral sheets and greater involvement of patients in decision making. These measures should facilitate the referral of potential candidates for surgical evaluation and improve overall quality of care.
The Contact Hypothesis and Attitudes Toward Latinos in the United States
Authors: Ellison Christopher G. , Shin Heeju , Leal David L.
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Although the contact hypothesis occupies an important place in the study of intergroup relations, several important questions remain understudied. We contribute to the literature by examining the associations between multiple aspects of contact with Latinos and several types of attitudes toward U.S. Latinos, including attitudes toward immigration restrictions.

Methods

We use OLS and logistic regression techniques to analyze the opinions of Anglo (non‐Hispanic white) and African‐American respondents from the 2000 NORC General Social Survey (GSS), which contained a special module on attitudes regarding ethnicity and diversity issues.

Results

Our findings reveal a clear association between close nonkin Latino ties, that is, friendship, and more favorable or empathetic attitudes toward Latinos as well as less restrictive or punitive views concerning immigration policy. Having Latino relatives is also linked with several of these attitudes. Most other dimensions of contact (e.g., attending high schools with significant Latino populations, having Latino acquaintances, Spanish‐language fluency, and residing in areas with relatively high Latino populations) have at least some association with the attitudes under study, although for most of these contact measures the significance of the effects is inconsistent across outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings reinforce the significance of intergroup friendships and underscore the importance of understanding their social origins, patterning, and consequences for diverse groups. It is also important to probe the differential effects of specific types and arenas of intergroup contact on specific attitudinal and policy outcomes.
U.S. State Governments Are Not Leviathans: Evidence from the Economic Freedom Index
Authors: Campbell Noel D. , Mitchell David T.
Published: October 2011

Objective

Does increasing a political party's power lead to Leviathan state governments? The evidence is mixed. We use the Economic Freedom of North America (EFNA) Index to measure governmental activity to study the impact of political parties on government outcomes.

Methods

We employ instrumental‐variable, panel data methods to regress states’ EFNA scores on median voter and differentiated‐party variables.

Results

Party effects are negligible, but a simple median voter explanation emerges.

Conclusion

As political power is consolidated in either party, economic freedom increases. This is consistent with a model wherein the median voter has effective agency control with positive monitoring costs and prefers a particular level of so‐called economic freedom. These results are inconsistent with Leviathan models of state legislatures.
Human versus porcine mesenchymal stromal cells: phenotype, differentiation potential, immunomodulation and cardiac improvement after transplantation
Authors: Noort W. A. , Oerlemans M. I. F. J. , Rozemuller H. , Feyen D. , Jaksani S. , Stecher D. , Naaijkens B. , Martens A. C. , Bühring H. J. , Doevendans P. A. , Sluijter J. P. G.
Published: October 2011

Although mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been applied clinically to treat cardiac diseases, it is unclear how and to which extent transplanted MSCs exert their beneficial effects. To address these questions, pre‐clinical MSC administrations are needed for which pigs appear to be the species of choice. This requires the use of porcine cells to prevent immune rejection. However, it is currently unknown to what extent porcine MSCs (pMSCs) resemble human MSCs (hMSCs). Aim of this study was to compare MSC from porcine bone marrow (BM) with human cells for phenotype, multi‐lineage differentiation potential, immune‐modulatory capacity and the effect on cardiac function after transplantation in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that pMSC expressed surface antigens also found on hMSC, including CD90, MSCA‐1 (TNAP/W8B2 antigen), CD44, CD29 and SLA class I. Clonogenic outgrowth was significantly enriched following selection of CD271+ cells from BM of human and pig (129 ± 29 and 1961 ± 485 fold, respectively). hMSC and pMSC differentiated comparably into the adipogenic, osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages, although pMSC formed fat much faster than hMSC. Immuno‐modulation, an important feature of hMSC, was clearly demonstrated for pMSC when co‐cultured with porcine peripheral blood cells stimulated with PMA and pIL‐2. Finally, pMSC transplantation after myocardial infarction attenuated adverse remodelling to a similar extent as hMSC when compared to control saline injection. These findings demonstrate that pMSCs have comparable characteristics and functionality with hMSCs, making reliable extrapolation of pre‐clinical pMSC studies into a clinical setting very well possible.
Age‐related changes in the contractile and passive arterial properties of murine mesenteric small arteries are altered by caveolin‐1 knockout
Authors: Hausman Natasha , Martin Julie , Taggart Michael J. , Austin Clare
Published: October 2011

Caveolin‐1, an integral protein of caveolae, is associated with multiple cardiovascular signalling pathways. Caveolin‐1 knockout (KO) mice have a reduced lifespan. As changes in artery structure and function are associated with ageing we have investigated the role of caveolin‐1 ablation on age‐related changes of small artery contractility and passive mechanical properties. Mesenteric small arteries isolated from 3 and 12‐month wild‐type (WT) and caveolin‐1 KO mice were mounted on a pressure myograph and changes in passive and functional arterial properties were continuously monitored. In WT mice ageing was associated with a reduction in arterial contractility to noradrenaline which was reversed by inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with L‐NNA. Similarly, in 3‐month‐old mice, caveolin‐1 KO reduced contractility to noradrenaline by an L‐NNA‐sensitive mechanism. However, ageing in caveolin‐1 KO mice was not associated with any further change in contractility. In WT mice ageing was associated with an increased passive arterial diameter and cross‐sectional area (CSA), consistent with outward remodelling of the arterial wall, and a reduced arterial distensibility. Caveolin‐1 ablation at 3 months of age resulted in similar changes in passive arterial properties to those observed with ageing in WT animals. However, ageing in caveolin‐1 KO mice resulted in a reduced arterial CSA indicating different effects on passive structural characteristics from that observed in WT mice. Thus, caveolin‐1 mice show abnormalities of small mesenteric artery function and passive mechanical characteristics indicative of premature vascular ageing. Moreover, caveolin‐1 ablation modulates the age‐related changes usually observed in mesenteric arteries of WT mice.
Pharmaceutical regulation of telomerase and its clinical potential
Authors: Sprouse Alyssa A. , Steding Catherine E. , Herbert Brittney‐Shea
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Telomerase inhibitors

Telomerase activators

Conclusions and perspectives

Telomeres serve the dual function of protecting chromosomes from genomic instability as well as protecting the ends of chromosomes from DNA damage machinery. The enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance is telomerase, an enzyme capable of reverse transcription. Telomerase activity is typically limited to specific cell types. However, telomerase activation in somatic cells serves as a key step toward cell immortalization and cancer. Targeting telomerase serves as a potential cancer treatment with significant therapeutic benefits. Beyond targeting cancers by inhibiting telomerase, manipulating the regulation of telomerase may also provide therapeutic benefit to other ailments, such as those related to aging. This review will introduce human telomeres and telomerase and discuss pharmacological regulation of telomerase, including telomerase inhibitors and activators, and their use in human diseases.
Immediate and delayed allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids: practical guidelines
Authors: Baeck Marie , Goossens An
Published: October 2011

Background. Corticosteroids (CS), anti‐inflammatory drugs also widely used to treat various allergic diseases, may themselves give rise to immediate and delayed allergic hypersensitivity reactions.

Objectives. To realise an appropriate diagnostic work‐up in order to determine the CS‐allergic patient's sensitization/tolerance profile and define the potential replacement agents that can still be tolerated.

Methods. Analysis of the patch test results and concomitant (cross‐) reaction patterns obtained with 315 corticosteroid‐allergic patients, as well as molecular modelling of molecules.

Results. Proposal of a simplified classification of corticosteroids as to their allergenic properties into 3 groups, determination of two patient profiles according to steric and electrostatic properties of the molecules.

Conclusion. Practical information to the medical profession in order to detect and manage such reactions is provided.
Quantification of p‐phenylenediamine and 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone in henna tattoos
Authors: Almeida Pablo J. , Borrego Leopoldo , Pulido‐Melián Elisenda , González‐Díaz Oscar
Published: October 2011

Background. Very few studies are available in which the components of henna products used by tattoo artists have been analysed.

Objective. The aim of this study was to quantify the amounts of lawsone (2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone, the active ingredient in henna) and p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) in products used by tattoo artists and in commercial henna preparations used as hair dyes or to create temporary tattoos.

Methods. We used high‐performance liquid chromatography to detect and quantify lawsone and PPD concentrations in three products used by henna tattoo artists, 11 commercially available henna preparations, and a batch of henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis).

Results. The henna leaves contained 1.85–1.87% lawsone. Only one of the three preparations used by tattoo artists contained lawsone (0.21–0.35%), and all three were adulterated with PPD (1–64%). Of the 11 commercial henna preparations analysed, nine contained lawsone (1–2%) and two contained PPD (2% and 12%).

Conclusions. Products purporting to be henna, but that in fact contain no henna, are being offered. Moreover, these products may contain PPD, which is associated with health risks, especially severe allergic reactions.
SENSORY ACCEPTANCE OF JUICE FROM FCOJ PROCESSING STEPS
Authors: JANZANTTI N.S. , MACHADO T.V. , MONTEIRO M.
Published: October 2011

The acceptance of orange juice from the frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) processing steps was evaluated by 101 consumers for color, overall impression, aroma, flavor and texture. The juice from the extraction, filtration, concentration, cooling and blend steps was collected at the beginning and the end of the 2009 harvest period. The juice from the extraction and filtration steps showed higher acceptance means for overall impression, aroma and flavor, while the juice from the concentration, cooling and blend steps had acceptance lower than the cutoff score. The internal preference mapping showed that color discriminated the juice from the collection periods while texture allowed discrimination between the steps of extraction and of filtration. The acceptance of the orange juice was driven by the aroma and flavor. The sensory acceptance was successfully applied to evaluate change during the process and the difference between the orange juice from different steps of the FCOJ processing.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This work intended to evaluate the consumer's acceptance of the orange juice from the steps of the processing of the frozen concentrated orange juice, with the aim to identify the steps when changes occur in appearance, aroma, flavor and texture that affect the sensory quality of the juice. The work is also intended to point out what are the attributes that are most important to the juice acceptance and which, therefore, should be targeted by product developers.
IS A CONSUMER PANEL ABLE TO RELIABLY EVALUATE THE TEXTURE OF DAIRY DESSERTS USING UNSTRUCTURED INTENSITY SCALES? EVALUATION OF GLOBAL AND INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: ARES GASTÓN , BRUZZONE FERNANDA , GIMÉNEZ ANA
Published: October 2011

In the last decade, consumer panels have been claimed capable of evaluating the intensity of sensory attributes of food products using intensity scales, providing similar results than trained assessors. In this context, the present study deals with the evaluation of the performance of a consumer panel for texture evaluation of milk desserts, based on global and individual performance, and the comparison with a panel of trained assessor panel. Four milk desserts with different texture characteristics were evaluated by 86 consumers and by a trained panel. Both panels evaluated five texture attributes using unstructured intensity scales. Consumers and trained assessors showed very similar discriminative capacity and reproducibility for all the evaluated texture characteristics. However, the consumer panel showed lack of consensus in its evaluations and individual scores for most consumers were not able to significantly discriminate between samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Results from the present work show that although average data for attribute intensity from a consumer panel might be valid and comparable with data from a quantitative descriptive analysis performed by a panel of trained assessors, high variability among consumers exists. Therefore, care must be taken when using intensity scales to study consumers' perception of the sensory characteristics of food products, which suggests that more appropriate methodologies should be developed.
BAYESIAN APPROACH TO SENSORY PREFERENCE, DIFFERENCE AND EQUIVALENCE TESTS
Authors: BI JIAN
Published: October 2011

Bayesian theory provides another philosophy of statistics and reasoning for data analysis. It offers an alternative to classical statistical inference. Bayesian approach is of theoretical and methodological significance to sensory discipline and has potentially wide application in sensory and consumer research. This paper discusses Bayesian approach to nonreplicated sensory preference, difference and equivalence tests based on proportions. Bayesian approach to the tests involves Bayesian inference for one proportion with and without background effect (i.e., guessing probability) and for two proportions. Thurstonian discriminal distance d′ is used for measure of sensory difference in Bayesian approach. A set of R and S‐Plus codes implementing the Bayesian estimates and tests introduced in the paper is available from the supporting information in the online version of this paper.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Sensory preference, difference and equivalence tests are widely used in sensory analysis and consumer research. Bayesian approach provides an alternative to classical statistical inference for the tests. If sample size is large enough or prior distribution is less informative, the results from classical statistical inference and Bayesian approach may not differ greatly; while if sample size is small and prior distribution is more informative, the results may be dramatically different.
Scavenger receptor class B type I: a multifunctional receptor
Authors: Valacchi Giuseppe , Sticozzi Claudia , Lim Yunsook , Pecorelli Alessandra
Published: October 2011

The scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐B1) plays an important role in meditating the uptake of HDL‐derived cholesterol and cholesteryl ester in the liver and steroidogenic tissues. In addition to being ubiquitous, SR‐B1 is a high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor in many tissues, though the mechanism by which SR‐B1 does this is unclear. Other than its role as an HDL receptor, SR‐B1 is also involved in pathogen recognition; its expression can be modulated by lipopolysaccharide and oxidative stress; and it plays a significant role in the uptake of lipid soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E and carotenoids. In this short review, we have summarized the biological aspects to which SR‐B1 has been thus far associated.
Antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: origin, evolution, and lessons learned for the future
Authors: Unemo Magnus , Shafer William M.
Published: October 2011

The strict human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae has caused gonorrhea for thousands of years, and currently gonorrhea is the second most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Given the ancient nature of N. gonorrhoeae and its unique obligate relationship with humankind over the millennia, its remarkable ability to adapt to the host immune system and cause repeated infections, and its propensity to develop resistance to all clinically useful antibiotics, the gonococcus is an ideal pathogen on which to study the evolution of bacterial pathogenesis, including antimicrobial resistance, over the long term and within the host during infection. Recently, the first gonococcus displaying high‐level resistance to ceftriaxone, identified in Japan, was characterized in detail. Ceftriaxone is the last remaining option for empirical first‐line treatment, and N. gonorrhoeae now seems to be evolving into a true “superbug.” In the near future, gonorrhea may become untreatable in certain circumstances. Herein, the history of antibiotics used for treatment of gonorrhea, the evolution of resistance emergence in N. gonorrhoeae, the linkage between resistance and biological fitness of N. gonorrhoeae, lessons learned, and future perspectives are reviewed and discussed.
Optimization of Culture Condition for ACEI and GABA Production by Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Tung Yi‐Ting , Lee Bao‐Hong , Liu Chin‐Feng , Pan Tzu‐Ming
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) are compounds which can influence hypertension. The goal of this study is to optimize the culture condition for GABA and ACEI production by Lactobacillus plantarum NTU 102 fermented skim milk. In this study, we used 3‐factor‐3‐level Box–Behnken design combining with response surface methodology, where the 3 factors represent the concentration of skim milk, the concentration of monosodium glutamate, and culture temperature. Best conditions for GABA and ACEI production differed. The results indicated that L. plantarum NTU 102 produced the highest combined levels of GABA and ACEI at 37 °C, in milk having 8% to 12% nonfat solids supplemented with 0.6% to 1% MSG. Agitation of the medium during fermentation had no effect on GABA or ACEI production but extended incubation (up to 6 d) increases levels of the bioactive compounds. L. plantarum NTU 102 fermented products may be a potential functional food source for regulating hypertension.
Ameliorative Effect of Grewia tenax (Forssk) Fiori Fruit Extract on CCl4–Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Al‐Said Mansour S. , Mothana Ramzi A. , Al‐Sohaibani Mohammed O. , Rafatullah Syed
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The ethanol extract of Grewia tenax (GTE) fruit was tested for possible efficacy against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. GTE at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg were administered orally to CCl4‐treated rats. Acute toxicity test and sleeping time determination were done with mice. The results showed that oral administration of GTE for 3 wk to rats significantly reduced the CCl4–induced elevated levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, high‐density lipoproteins, low‐density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Moreover, it was found that the treatment with GTE significantly elevated the hemoglobin level in serum and increased the nonprotein sulfhydryl and total protein contents in the liver tissue, and a significant diminution was observed in the CCl4‐induced elevated levels of malondialdehyde in the liver tissue. The biochemical findings were supported by an evaluation with liver histopathology. Pentobarbital‐induced prolongation of narcolepsy in mice was shortened significantly by the extract. The observed hepatoprotective effect is believed to occur due to antioxidant properties of the contents of G. tenax extract, which may provide a new drug to be used for fighting liver diseases and it validates its folkloric use in anemic and other conditions.
Change of Volatile Compounds in Fresh Fish Meat during Ice Storage
Authors: Miyasaki Taiko , Hamaguchi Makiko , Yokoyama Shiho
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The change of volatile compounds in fresh fish meat during 3‐ to 4‐d ice storage was investigated for several fishes using an electronic nose system and a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer (GC/MS) with headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction (SPME). Principal component analyses for samples using the electronic nose system revealed that the increase of some volatile compounds during storage was rapid in sardine (Sardinops melanostictus), jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus), and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus); moderate in yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), and young oriental bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). In contrast to these fishes, the change was little in “white meat” fishes such as red seabream (Chrysophrys major), Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus), flatfish (Paralichthys olivaceus), puffer (Lagocephalus wheeleri), and bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus). SPME‐GC/MS analysis showed that some aldehydes and alcohols such as 1‐heptanol, (E)‐2‐octenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 1‐pentanol, (E,E)‐2,4‐heptadienal,2,4‐hexadienal, 1‐hexanol, 4‐heptenal, and so forth increased rapidly in jack mackerel and chub mackerel, slowly in skipjack, and a little in red seabream and puffer during the storage. The increase of these compounds was considered to have an effect on the change of electronic nose response. Hexanal was a dominant compound increased from the beginning of the storage in jack mackerel. The increase of volatile compounds was little in red seabream and puffer. The increase of these aldehydes and alcohols was thought to be an appropriate marker for monitoring the freshness of “fresh” fish except for white meat fish.

Practical Application:  The results of this study are ready to apply for preventing fishy off‐flavor of fisheries products. Lipid oxidative derivatives other than trimethylamine contributed to fresh fish flavor; therefore, to prevent lipid oxidation seemed important.
Two Unsaturated Fatty Acids with Potent α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity Purified from the Body Wall of Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)
Authors: Nguyen The Han , Um Byung Hun , Kim Sang Moo
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  One therapeutic approach for preventing diabetes mellitus and obesity is to retard the absorption of glucose via inhibition of α‐glucosidase. Two unsaturated fatty acids with strong α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, 7(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (1) and 7(Z),10(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (2), were purified from the body wall of Stichopus japonicus. IC50 values of compounds 1 and 2 were 0.51 and 0.67 μg/mL against Saccharomyces cerevisiae α‐glucosidase and 0.49 and 0.60 μg/mL against Bacillus stearothermophilus α‐glucosidase, respectively. These compounds mildly inhibited rat‐intestinal sucrase and maltase. In addition, both compounds showed a mixed type of inhibition against S. cerevisiae α‐glucosidase and were very stable under thermal and acidic conditions up to 60 min. The KI and KIS values of compounds 1 and 2 were 0.44 and 0.22 μg/mL, and 0.39 and 0.13 μg/mL, respectively.

Practical Application:  One therapeutic approach for preventing diabetes mellitus is to retard the absorption of glucose via inhibition of α‐glucosidase. In this study, 2 fatty acids with strong α‐glucosidase‐inhibitory activity, 7(Z)‐octadecenoic acid and 7(Z),10(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid, were purified and identified from sea cucumber. Therefore, sea cucumber fatty acids can potentially be developed as a novel natural nutraceutical for the management of type‐2 diabetes.
Genome-Wide Analysis of a Wnt1-Regulated Transcriptional Network Implicates Neurodegenerative Pathways
Authors: Wexler Eric M. , Rosen Ezra , Lu Daning , Osborn Gregory E. , Martin Elizabeth , Raybould Helen , Geschwind Daniel H.
Published: October 2011

A systems biology approach identifies connections between Wnt1 signaling and neurodegenerative diseases.
A WNTer Revisit: New Faces of β-Catenin and TCFs in Pluripotency
Authors: Watanabe Kazuhide , Dai Xing
Published: October 2011

Wnt-stabilized β-catenin may enable embryonic stem cells to resist differentiation by balancing transcriptional repression and activation.
When Is a Demethylase Not a Demethylase?
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: October 2011

The histone lysine demethylase JARID1a has demethylase-independent function in the circadian clock.
Not All Oxidative Stresses Are the Same
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: October 2011

Distinct functions of Yap1 in responding to stress are dictated by the abundance of its partner Ybp1.
Connecting the Dots in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Gesty-Palmer Diane
Published: October 2011

Gene coexpression analysis in human neural progenitor cells lacking progranulin implicates Wnt signaling in frontotemporal dementia.
Serratia Infections: from Military Experiments to Current Practice
Authors: Mahlen Steven D.
Published: October 2011

Serratiaspecies, in particularSerratia marcescens, are significant human pathogens.S. marcescenshas a long and interesting taxonomic, medical experimentation, military experimentation, and human clinical infection history. The organisms in this genus, particularlyS. marcescens, were long thought to be nonpathogenic. BecauseS. marcescenswas thought to be a nonpathogen and is usually red pigmented, the U.S. military conducted experiments that attempted to ascertain the spread of this organism released over large areas. In the process, members of both the public and the military were exposed toS. marcescens, and this was uncovered by the press in the 1970s, leading to U.S. congressional hearings.S. marcescenswas found to be a certain human pathogen by the mid-1960s.S. marcescensandS. liquefacienshave been isolated as causative agents of numerous outbreaks and opportunistic infections, and the association of these organisms with point sources such as medical devices and various solutions given to hospitalized patients is striking.Serratiaspecies appear to be common environmental organisms, and this helps to explain the large number of nosocomial infections due to these bacteria. Since many nosocomial infections are caused by multiply antibiotic-resistant strains ofS. marcescens, this increases the danger to hospitalized patients, and hospital personnel should be vigilant in preventing nosocomial outbreaks due to this organism.S. marcescens, and probably other species in the genus, carries several antibiotic resistance determinants and is also capable of acquiring resistance genes.S. marcescensandS. liquefaciensare usually identified well in the clinical laboratory, but the other species are rare enough that laboratory technologists may not recognize them. 16S rRNA gene sequencing may enable better identification of some of the less commonSerratiaspecies.
Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Mycobacterium haemophilum Infections
Authors: Lindeboom Jerome A. , Bruijnesteijn van Coppenraet Lesla E. S. , van Soolingen Dick , Prins Jan M. , Kuijper Eduard J.
Published: October 2011

Mycobacterium haemophilumis a slowly growing acid-fast bacillus (AFB) belonging to the group of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) frequently found in environmental habitats, which can colonize and occasionally infect humans and animals. Several findings suggest that water reservoirs are a likely source ofM. haemophiluminfections.M. haemophilumcauses mainly ulcerating skin infections and arthritis in persons who are severely immunocompromised. Disseminated and pulmonary infections occasionally occur. The second at-risk group is otherwise healthy children, who typically develop cervical and perihilar lymphadenitis. A full diagnostic regimen for the optimal detection ofM. haemophilumincludes acid-fast staining, culturing at two temperatures with iron-supplemented media, and molecular detection. The most preferable molecular assay is a real-time PCR targeting anM. haemophilum-specific internal transcribed spacer (ITS), but another approach is the application of a generic PCR for a mycobacterium-specific fragment with subsequent sequencing to identifyM. haemophilum. No standard treatment guidelines are available, but published literature agrees that immunocompromised patients should be treated with multiple antibiotics, tailored to the disease presentation and underlying degree of immune suppression. The outcome ofM. haemophilumcervicofacial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent patients favors surgical intervention rather than antibiotic treatment.
Raw Sewage Harbors Diverse Viral Populations
Authors: Cantalupo Paul G. , Calgua Byron , Zhao Guoyan , Hundesa Ayalkibet , Wier Adam D. , Katz Josh P. , Grabe Michael , Hendrix Roger W. , Girones Rosina , Wang David , Pipas James M.
Published: October 2011

At this time, about 3,000 different viruses are recognized, but metagenomic studies suggest that these viruses are a small fraction of the viruses that exist in nature. We have explored viral diversity by deep sequencing nucleic acids obtained from virion populations enriched from raw sewage. We identified 234 known viruses, including 17 that infect humans. Plant, insect, and algal viruses as well as bacteriophages were also present. These viruses represented 26 taxonomic families and included viruses with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), positive-sense ssRNA [ssRNA(+)], and dsRNA genomes. Novel viruses that could be placed in specific taxa represented 51 different families, making untreated wastewater the most diverse viral metagenome (genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples) examined thus far. However, the vast majority of sequence reads bore little or no sequence relation to known viruses and thus could not be placed into specific taxa. These results show that the vast majority of the viruses on Earth have not yet been characterized. Untreated wastewater provides a rich matrix for identifying novel viruses and for studying virus diversity.

IMPORTANCE
At this time, virology is focused on the study of a relatively small number of viral species. Specific viruses are studied either because they are easily propagated in the laboratory or because they are associated with disease. The lack of knowledge of the size and characteristics of the viral universe and the diversity of viral genomes is a roadblock to understanding important issues, such as the origin of emerging pathogens and the extent of gene exchange among viruses. Untreated wastewater is an ideal system for assessing viral diversity because virion populations from large numbers of individuals are deposited and because raw sewage itself provides a rich environment for the growth of diverse host species and thus their viruses. These studies suggest that the viral universe is far more vast and diverse than previously suspected.