bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Search of the Sources of Psychologically Controlling Parenting: The Role of Parental Separation Anxiety and Parental Maladaptive Perfectionism
Authors: Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Duriez Bart , Goossens Luc
Published: November 2006

This study investigated the role of two dimensions of parental separation anxiety—Anxiety about Adolescent Distancing (AAD) and Comfort with Secure Base Role (CSBR)—and parental maladaptive perfectionism in the prediction of psychologically controlling parenting. In a sample of middle adolescents and their parents (N=677), it was found that parents' AAD scores and maladaptive perfectionism were positively related to psychological control, whereas parents' CSBR scores were negatively related to psychological control. Further, psychological control served as an intervening variable in the links between parent characteristics and adolescent well‐being. These findings suggest that two qualitatively different types of psychological control may exist: one originating from parents' separation anxiety and another originating from parents' maladaptive perfectionist standards.
Resolution of Disagreements Between Romantic Partners, Among Adolescents, and Young Adults: Qualitative Analysis of Interaction Discourses
Authors: Tuval‐Mashiach Rivka , Shulman Shmuel
Published: November 2006

The study was designed to explore qualitatively developmental differences in disagreement negotiation and resolution skills between adolescent and young adult romantic partners. Twenty adolescent and 20 young adult couples participated in the study. The Knox inventory was used to measure the level of disagreement between partners on ten domains (e.g., friends or money). Partners were asked to discuss and resolve their greatest disagreement. Joint discussions were recorded and transcribed. A qualitative analysis of interactions revealed major differences between the two age groups, in discussion management and in strategies for resolution. Adolescents' interactions were concrete, concise, and brief. Their resolution of disagreements was based on superficial agreements or coercion of one partner. Young adults' interactions were more rich and developed, disagreements were understood as metaphors for the relationship, and resolution was accomplished by the two partners as a result of discussion. These differences are discussed in light of the theories on the development of romantic relationships.
An Estimating Function Approach to Inference for Inhomogeneous Neyman–Scott Processes
Authors: Waagepetersen Rasmus Plenge
Published: November 2006

Summary This article is concerned with inference for a certain class of inhomogeneous Neyman–Scott point processes depending on spatial covariates. Regression parameter estimates obtained from a simple estimating function are shown to be asymptotically normal when the “mother” intensity for the Neyman–Scott process tends to infinity. Clustering parameter estimates are obtained using minimum contrast estimation based on the K‐function. The approach is motivated and illustrated by applications to point pattern data from a tropical rain forest plot.
Bayesian Semiparametric Proportional Odds Models
Authors: Hanson Timothy , Yang Mingan
Published: November 2006

SummaryMethodology for implementing the proportional odds regression model for survival data assuming a mixture of finite Polya trees (MPT) prior on baseline survival is presented. Extensions to frailties and generalized odds rates are discussed. Although all manner of censoring and truncation can be accommodated, we discuss model implementation, regression diagnostics, and model comparison for right‐censored data. An advantage of the MPT model is the relative ease with which predictive densities, survival, and hazard curves are generated. Much discussion is devoted to practical implementation of the proposed models, and a novel MCMC algorithm based on an approximating parametric normal model is developed. A modest simulation study comparing the small sample behavior of the MPT model to a rank‐based estimator and a real data example is presented.
Modeling of Hormone Secretion‐Generating Mechanisms with Splines: A Pseudo‐Likelihood Approach
Authors: Liu Anna , Wang Yuedong
Published: November 2006

SummaryA flexible and robust approach is proposed for the investigation of underlying hormone secretion‐generating mechanisms. Characterizing hormone time series is a difficult task as most hormones are secreted in a pulsatile manner and pulses are often masked by slow decay. We model hormone concentration as a filtered counting process where the intensity function of the counting process is modeled nonparametrically using periodic splines. The intensity function and parameters are estimated using a combination of weighted least squares and pseudo‐likelihood based on the first two moments. Our method uses concentration measurements directly, which avoids the difficult task of estimating pulse numbers and locations. Both simulations and applications suggest that our method performs well for estimating the intensity function of the pulse‐generating counting processes.
Hierarchical Models for Combining Ecological and Case–Control Data
Authors: Haneuse Sebastien J‐P. A. , Wakefield Jonathan C.
Published: November 2006

Summary The ecological study design suffers from a broad range of biases that result from the loss of information regarding the joint distribution of individual‐level outcomes, exposures, and confounders. The consequent nonidentifiability of individual‐level models cannot be overcome without additional information; we combine ecological data with a sample of individual‐level case–control data. The focus of this article is hierarchical models to account for between‐group heterogeneity. Estimation and inference pose serious computational challenges. We present a Bayesian implementation based on a data augmentation scheme where the unobserved data are treated as auxiliary variables. The methods are illustrated with a dataset of county‐specific infant mortality data from the state of North Carolina.
Low‐Rank Smoothing Splines on Complicated Domains
Authors: Wang Haonan , Ranalli M. Giovanna
Published: November 2006

Summary Smoothing over a domain with irregular boundaries or interior gaps and holes is addressed. Consider the problem of estimating mercury in sediment concentrations in the estuarine waters in New Hampshire. A modified version of low‐rank thin plate splines (LTPS) is introduced where the geodesic distance is applied to evaluate dissimilarity of any two data observations: loosely speaking, distances between locations are not measured as the crow flies, but as the fish swims. The method is compared with competing smoothing techniques, LTPS, and finite element L‐splines.
The Molecular Evolution and Structural Organization of Group I Introns at Position 1389 in Nuclear Small Subunit rDNA of Myxomycetes
Authors: WIKMARK ODD‐GUNNAR , HAUGEN PEIK , LUNDBLAD EIRIK W. , HAUGLI KARI , JOHANSEN STEINAR D.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT. The number of nuclear group I introns from myxomycetes is rapidly increasing in GenBank as more rDNA sequences from these organisms are being sequenced. They represent an interesting and complex group of intervening sequences because several introns are mobile (or inferred to be mobile) and many contain large and unusual insertions in peripheral loops. Here we describe related group I introns at position 1389 in the small subunit rDNA of representatives from the myxomycete family Didymiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses support a common origin and mainly vertical inheritance of the intron. All S1389 introns from the Didymiaceae belong to the IC1 subclass of nuclear group I introns. The central catalytic core region of about 100 nt appears divergent in sequence composition even though the introns reside in closely related species. Furthermore, unlike the majority of group I introns from myxomycetes the S1389 introns do not self‐splice as naked RNA in vitro under standard conditions, consistent with a dependence on host factors for folding or activity. Finally, the myxomycete S1389 introns are exclusively found within the family Didymiaceae, which suggests that this group I intron was acquired after the split between the families Didymiaceae and Physaraceae.
Mitochondrial Steps of Arginine Biosynthesis are Conserved in the Hydrogenosomes of the Chytridiomycete Neocallimastix frontalis
Authors: GELIUS‐DIETRICH GABRIEL , BRAAK MICHAEL TER , HENZE KATRIN
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT. Arginine biosynthesis in eukaryotes is divided between the mitochondria and the cytosol. The anaerobic chytridiomycete Neocallimastix frontalis contains highly reduced, anaerobic modifications of mitochondria, the hydrogenosomes. Hydrogenosomes also occur in the microaerophilic flagellate Trichomonas vaginalis, which does not produce arginine but uses one of the mitochondrial enzymes, ornithine transcarbamoylase, in a cytosolic arginine dihydrolase pathway for ATP generation. EST sequencing and analysis of the hydrogenosomal proteome of N. frontalis provided evidence for two mitochondrial enzymes of arginine biosynthesis, carbamoylphosphate synthase and ornithine transcarbamoylase, while activities of the arginine dehydrolase pathway enzymes were not detectable in this fungus.
Least‐Square Deconvolution: A Framework for Interpreting Short Tandem Repeat Mixtures*
Authors: Wang Tsewei , Xue Ning , Douglas Birdwell J.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:Interpreting mixture short tandem repeat DNA data is often a laborious process, involving trying different genotype combinations mixed at assumed DNA mass proportions, and assessing whether the resultant is supported well by the relative peak‐height information of the mixture sample. If a clear pattern of major–minor alleles is apparent, it is feasible to identify the major alleles of each locus and form a composite genotype profile for the major contributor. When alleles are shared between the two contributors, and/or heterozygous peak imbalance is present, it becomes complex and difficult to deduce the profile of the minor contributor. The manual trial and error procedures performed by an analyst in the attempt to resolve mixture samples have been formalized in the least‐square deconvolution (LSD) framework reported here for two‐person mixtures, with the allele peak height (or area) information as its only input. LSD operates on the peak‐data information of each locus separately, independent of all other loci, and finds the best‐fit DNA mass proportions and calculates error residual for each possible genotype combination. The LSD mathematical result for all loci is then to be reviewed by a DNA analyst, who will apply a set of heuristic interpretation guidelines in an attempt to form a composite DNA profile for each of the two contributors. Both simulated and forensic peak‐height data were used to support this approach. A set of heuristic guidelines is to be used in forming a composite profile for each of the mixture contributors in analyzing the mathematical results of LSD. The heuristic rules involve the checking of consistency of the best‐fit mass proportion ratios for the top‐ranked genotype combination case among all four‐ and three‐allele loci, and involve assessing the degree of fit of the top‐ranked case relative to the fit of the second‐ranked case. A different set of guidelines is used in reviewing and analyzing the LSD mathematical results for two‐allele loci. Resolution of two‐allele loci is performed with less confidence than for four‐ and three‐allele loci. This paper gives a detailed description of the theory of the LSD methodology, discusses its limitations, and the heuristic guidelines in analyzing the LSD mathematical results. A 13‐loci sample case study is included. The use of the interpretation guidelines in forming composite profiles for each of the two contributors is illustrated. Application of LSD in this case produced correct resolutions at all loci. Information on obtaining access to the LSD software is also given in the paper.
Sex Determination Using Nonmetric Characteristics of the Mandible in Koreans*
Authors: Hu Kyung‐Seok , Koh Ki‐Seok , Han Seung‐Ho , Shin Kyoung‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: The mandible is the largest and hardest facial bone and retains its shape better than other bones in the forensic and physical anthropologic field. The mandible can be used to distinguish among ethnic groups and between sexes. We examined the morphological characteristics of the mandibles of 102 Koreans of either sex. Of 13 nonmetric items of the mandible, the characteristic that best allowed the sexes to be distinguished was the contour of the lower border of the mandible: rocker‐shaped mandibles predominated in males (68.1%), whereas most females (84.6%) exhibited a straight mandible. In addition, the mental region was shaped differently between the sexes: the shape of the chin in most males was generally bilobate or square (91.7%), whereas the chin in females was either square (45.5%) or pointed (54.5%). In this study, the positive predict values of male and female were 92.5% and 73.7%, respectively. Therefore, the nonmetric method used to analyze the mandible in this study can be used for sex discrimination.
Genetic Analysis of 15 STR Loci of Chinese Ewenki Ethnic Population
Authors: Chen Liping , He Yongfeng , Li Shengbin
Published: November 2006

POPULATION: Almost all the Ewenki are found in HulunBuir Ewenki Autonomous Banner, Inner Mongolia province of China. Some Ewenki are nomads; others are farmers or farmer‐hunters. A small number of them are hunters. Its national characters and languages belong to the Altai phylum.
Genetic Data of 16 Y‐Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat Loci in Africans from South Africa
Authors: Kido Akira , Fujitani Noboru , Hara Masaaki , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: November 2006

POPULATION: Seventy‐three unrelated Africans living in Cape Town, south region of South Africa.
Analysis of Short Tandem Repeat Polymorphisms in the Southwest Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Weijuan , Xu Jiejie
Published: November 2006

POPULATION: The southwest Chinese (n=103).
Distribution of D6S1041, D10S1426, and GATA168F06 Alleles in a Chinese Population Sample
Authors: Ye Yi , Liu Li , Luo Hai Bo , Gao Shuang , Zhang Lin , Miao Guo Hua , Jiang Shi , Zhang Ji , Hou Yi Ping , Li Yingbi
Published: November 2006

POPULATION: Chinese.
Population Genetics of Five Y‐Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat Haplotypes in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Xing Junping , Zhu Bofeng , Cui Xianfeng , Sun Jianhua , Fang Junbang , Qiu Shudong
Published: November 2006

POPULATION: Chinese Han population living in the Shaanxi Province of China.
Using NANDA, NIC, and NOC (NNN) Language for Clinical Reasoning With the Outcome‐Present State‐Test (OPT) Model
Authors: Kautz Donald D. , Kuiper RuthAnne , Pesut Daniel J. , Williams Randy L.
Published: November 2006

PURPOSE.  To analyze the degree to which standardized nursing language was used by baccalaureate nursing students completing Outcome‐Present State‐Test (OPT) model worksheets in a clinical practicum.

METHODS.  A scoring instrument was developed and 100 worksheets were retrospectively analyzed.

FINDINGS.  NANDA nursing diagnoses were correctly stated in 92% of the OPT models. Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) outcomes were explicitly stated in 22%, and implied in 72%. Interventions matched appropriate Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) activities in 61%.

CONCLUSIONS.  NANDA, NIC, and NOC (NNN) language was used inconsistently by students in this sample.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE.  If NNN language is to advance nursing knowledge, its promotion, representation in curriculum development, and active use is necessary. Educational research is needed on the facilitators and barriers to NNN language use.
Nursing Diagnoses in a Brazilian Intensive Care Unit
Authors: De Fátima Lucena Amália , De Barros Alba Lúcia Bottura Leite
Published: November 2006

PURPOSE.  To identify the nursing diagnoses and their most frequent related factors or risk factors in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

METHOD.  Descriptive cross‐sectional study with information from 991 admissions to an ICU during a 6‐month period.

FINDINGS.  Sixteen nursing diagnoses resulting from hospitalization were most frequently identified; six had percentages greater than 40% with 29 related/risk factors. The resulting averages were 6.9 diagnoses per hospitalization and 1.2 related/risk factors per nursing diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS.  The nursing diagnoses identified seemed to be common to the clinical practice of nursing and their fundamental related/risk factors to precise clinical judgment, thus providing a basis for interventions for a desired outcome.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  The findings have contributed to the development of the standardized nursing language usage in Brazilian nursing practices.

Diagnósticos de Enfermagem em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Brasileira

OBJETIVO.  Identificar os diagnósticos de enfermagem e os seus fatores relacionados/risco mais freqüentemente estabelecidos aos pacientes internados numa unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI).

MÉTODO.  Estudo descritivo, transversal, com informações de 991 admissões numa UTI, durante seis meses.

RESULTADOS.  Dezesseis diagnósticos de enfermagem foram mais freqüentes, seis deles com percentuais acima de 40% por internação e com 29 fatores relacionados ou de risco. As médias foram de 6,9 diagnósticos de enfermagem por internação e 1,2 fatores relacionados ou de risco por diagnóstico de enfermagem.

CONCLUSÕES.  Os diagnósticos de enfermagem identificados parecem ser comuns à prática clínica de enfermagem e os seus fatores relacionados ou de risco fundamentais ao julgamento clínico preciso, que subsidia à escolha da intervenção para um resultado esperado.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA.  Os resultados têm colaborado para o desenvolvimento do uso da linguagem padronizada de enfermagem no Brasil.
Redshift degeneracy in the Eiso-Epeak relation of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Li Li-Xin
Published: November 2006

In this Letter we show that there is a redshift degeneracy in the Eiso–Epeak relation of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). If a GRB has a redshift solved from the Eiso–Epeak relation that lies in the range of 0.9 < z < 20, a GRB that has the same observed fluence and peak spectral energy but is at a different redshift in that range also satisfies the Eiso–Epeak relation within a 1σ error, implying an extremely large error in the calculated redshift. Even if the data scatter in the Eiso–Epeak relation is reduced by a factor of 2, the error in the predicted redshift is still large enough to prevent one from constraining the redshift meaningfully. Hence, the Eiso–Epeak relation is not useful for determining the GRB distance.
The Effect of Lactates on the Quality of Microwave‐Cooked Chicken Patties during Storage
Authors: Naveena B.M. , Sen A.R. , Muthukumar M. , Vaithiyanathan S. , Babji Y.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding 3.3% sodium lactate (SL), 0.25% calcium lactate (CL), and 1.65% SL along with 0.125% CL (SL+CL) on the physicochemical properties, cooking characteristics, and microbiological quality of microwave‐cooked chicken patties compared to control (no added lactates). The addition of lactates did not affect the proximate composition of cooked chicken patties. The pH of CL‐ or SL+CL‐containing patties was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared to control or SL patties. The SL‐containing patties had lower (P < 0.05) aw values compared to control or CL patties. The CL‐ or SL+CL‐containing patties had lower denatured myoglobin and higher (P < 0.05) cooking yield, surface redness (CIE a*), and chroma values. However, addition of CL alone resulted in higher total expressible fluid, indicating lower water‐holding capacity. The CL‐containing patties exhibited lower Warner–Bratzler shear force values and higher (P < 0.05) penetrometer reading compared to the SL‐containing patties, indicating soft texture. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in all lactate‐containing patties compared to control up to the 7th day of refrigerated storage under aerobic conditions. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed in aerobic plate counts between control and lactate‐added patties during 28‐d storage.
Cell Wall Stability of Fresh‐Cut Fuji Apples Treated with Calcium Lactate
Authors: Alandes L. , Hernando I. , Quiles A. , Pérez‐Munuera I. , Lluch M.A.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  This article studies the effect of calcium lactate on the structure (using low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and light microscopy), texture (penetration test), pectinmethylesterase activity (titration of free carboxylic groups released by the enzyme), and polygalacturonase activity (viscosimetry) on fresh‐cut Fuji apples stored for 3 wk at 4 °C. The results show that calcium lactate strengthens the structure of fresh‐cut Fuji apple cell walls and counteracts the increased activity of both the pectinmethylesterase and polygalacturonase enzymes. Therefore, it is advisable to treat the product with calcium lactate to improve its structural stability. At a macroscopic level, this calcium treatment maintains the texture for at least 3 wk of storage at 4 °C.
Effect of Enzyme Treatments and Drying Temperatures on Methylpyrazine Content in Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao L.) Powder Extract
Authors: Moulay Leila , Manzanares Paloma , Vallés Salvador , Ramón Daniel , Gil José Vicente
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  The effects of combining enzyme treatments and heating protocols on pyrazine formation in cocoa powder extracts have been studied. Five commercial enzyme preparations containing protease and carbohydrase activities were initially assessed for their ability to release amino acids and reducing sugars, both of which are substrates for Maillard reactions. The enzyme preparation Flavourzyme was subsequently selected for further study given its ability to liberate both types of substrate. Cocoa powder solutions were treated with 2 doses of Flavourzyme and processed at 2 drying temperatures. The combination of the higher dose of the enzyme (12% w/w enzyme/substrate) and the higher drying temperature (150 °C) resulted in a synergistic increase in the concentration of methyl‐ and dimethylpyrazines. A statistically significant increase in the concentration of tetramethylpyrazine occurred in samples treated at 150 °C that was independent of the enzyme dose assayed. No significant changes in trimethylpyrazine content were detected in treated compared to untreated samples.
Proteins Associated with Thermally Induced Gelation of Turkey Breast Meat
Authors: Updike M.S. , Zerby H. , Utrata K.L. , Lilburn M. , Kaletunc G. , Wick M.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  Principal component analysis was performed on turkey breast muscle that originated from a pool of genetically distinct turkeys by separating the salt‐soluble from the salt‐insoluble proteins. The salt‐soluble proteins (SSP) formed thermally induced meat gels and the viscoelastic properties of the gels were analyzed. The storage modulus (G′) at 80 °C of thermally induced gels derived from the SSPs ranged from 3 to 400 Pa. Each protein fraction was analyzed using 5% to 20% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Reverse stepwise regression analysis of the electrophoretic fingerprints of the protein fractions showed that G′ at 80 °C was associated with the 2 protein bands from the salt‐soluble fraction (R2= 0.87, P < 0.01) and 1 protein from the salt‐insoluble fraction (R2= 0.27, P < 0.05). Primary sequence analysis identified one of the SSPs positively associated with G′ at 80 °C as α‐tropomyosin and the other SSP negatively associated with G′ at 80 °C as pyruvate kinase. The salt‐insoluble protein identified as triose phosphate isomerase was negatively associated with G′ at 80 °C. These findings are unique in that they show that proteins other than myosin and actin participate in the mechanisms of forming thermally induced meat gels.
Quality of Alaskan Maricultured Oysters (Crassostrea gigas): A One‐Year Survey
Authors: Oliveira A.C.M. , Himelbloom B. , Crapo C.A. , Vorholt C. , Fong Q. , RaLonde R.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this project was to provide relevant information to Alaska shellfish growers regarding the intrinsic quality of their farmed oysters. A 1‐y study was conducted to determine the condition indices, proximate composition, fatty acid content, and microbial load of commercially harvested oysters from 3 different mariculture regions in the state of Alaska. Oysters from farms located in the regions of Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, and Southeast Alaska were sampled according to the farmers' harvest schedules. Our results suggest that Alaskan maricultured oysters have slight seasonal and regional differences. The condition indices of Alaska oysters were high, indicating an excellent quality product. The chemical composition and fatty acid profile of C. gigas from Alaska waters are in agreement with the values reported for mariculture oysters of same species from different parts of the world. The microbial content of Alaskan oysters varied widely between shipments from each specific geographic region and could not be correlated to either harvest time or transit time.
Lipid‐Lowering Effect of Eriocitrin, the Main Flavonoid in Lemon Fruit, in Rats on a High‐Fat and High‐Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Miyake Yoshiaki , Suzuki Eriko , Ohya Satoko , Fukumoto Syuichi , Hiramitsu Masanori , Sakaida Kazuhiro , Osawa Toshihiko , Furuichi Yukio
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: Eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐β‐rutinoside) is the main flavonoid in lemon fruit. In this study, eriocitrin was investigated for its lowering effect on serum and hepatic lipids in high‐fat and high‐cholesterol fed rats. Rats in the control group (N= 6) were fed a 20% lard and 1% cholesterol diet for 21 d, and rats in the 0.35% eriocitrin group (N= 6) and 0.70% eriocitrin group (N= 6) were fed a diet supplemented with eriocitrin 0.35% and 0.70%, respectively. The content of hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride in the eriocitrin group was no different from that of the control group. The total cholesterol, VLDL+LDL, triglyceride, and phospholipid in the serum of the 0.35% eriocitrin group showed significantly lower concentrations than the control group (P< 0.05), although there was no difference in the HDL concentrations among the groups. The lowering effect of eriocitrin for serum total cholesterol was thought to be caused by a decrease in VLDL+LDL. The 0.35% eriocitrin group was shown to have a significant increase in excretion of fecal bile acid (P< 0.05) and a tendency for enhanced hepatic m‐RNA levels of LDL receptor in comparison with the control group.
Curcuma Aromatica Inhibits Diabetic Nephropathy in the Rat
Authors: Hong Ji‐Young , Sato Eisuke F. , Kira Yukimi , Nishikawa Manabu , Shimada Katsumasa , Inoue Masayasu
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  To test the possible involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the etiology of diabetic complications and therapeutic potential of antioxidant biofactors, we studied the effects of Curcuma aromatica (C. aromatica) on the pathologic events in streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats. Administration of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) increased plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and lipid peroxidation products but decreased plasma albumin levels and suppressed the growth of animals. Histological examination revealed a marked injury in renal glomeruli and proximal tubules with concomitant occurrence of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and mitochondrial 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE). Urinary excretion of 8‐OHdG was also increased in streptozotocin‐treated animals. Administration of streptozotocin decreased the mitochondrial localization of both Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytochrome C in the kidney without affecting the localization of Mn‐SOD. When animals were given 1.5%C. aromatica‐containing diet for 1 wk before and 8 wk after administration of streptozotocin, all the events induced by streptozotocin except for hyperglycemia decreased markedly. Thus, C. aromatica may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of hyperglycemia‐associated diabetic complications.
Functional Materials in Food Nanotechnology
Authors: Weiss Jochen , Takhistov Paul , McClements D. Julian
Published: November 2006

The Institute of Food Technologists has issued this Scientific Status Summary to update readers on the applications of nanotechnology in the food industry.
Methionine is the Methyl Group Donor for Sulfite‐Associated Methanethiol Formation in Isolated Soy Proteins
Authors: Lei Q. , Boatright W.L.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: Addition of 3.2 mM sodium sulfite resulted in a 5.1‐time higher amount of methanethiol in aqueous slurries of isolated soy proteins (ISP) over the corresponding controls after being stirred for 60 min. Introduction of 4.0 mM methionine to the slurries induced a 2.7‐time increase. However, when both sodium sulfite (3.2 mM) and methionine (4.0 mM) were added, a 25.7‐time higher amount in methanethiol concentration was observed. Similar results were obtained when sodium sulfite and methionine were added to a partially purified protein fraction prepared from defatted soy flakes. Mass spectra of the methanethiol formed with addition of L‐methionine‐methyl‐13C1and unlabeled sulfite showed that the carbon‐13 labeled methyl group was actually integrated into methanethiol. But no incorporation of isotopic sulfur was observed when34S‐labeled sodium sulfite was applied. The free methionine contents in commercial and lab‐prepared ISP and in‐process protein extracts ranged from 10.34 μg/g to 52.74 μg/g, which were not proportional to the indigenous methanethiol contents. Results from the current study showed that methionine is an important methyl group donor for methanethiol in ISP associated with sulfite as a reducing agent.
Effect of Soybean‐to‐Water Ratio and pH on Pressurized Soymilk Properties
Authors: Lakshmanan Ramamoorthi , De Lamballerie Marie , Jung Stephanie
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  The influence of soybean‐to‐water ratio (1:6 and 1:8) and pH (6 and 7) on characteristics of soymilk treated by high pressure processing (HPP, 500 and 600 MPa, 10 min, 25 °C) or thermal treatment (95 °C for 30 min) was investigated. Changes in the soymilk appearance were observed only for the 1:6, pH 6 soymilk that underwent a sol formation after HPP treatment and was apparently more viscous after thermal treatment. These changes were reflected in the viscosity values of these soymilks, which were increased by a factor of 4.3 and 3.6, after HPP and thermal treatment, respectively. After HPP treatment at pH 7 at both 1:6 and 1:8 ratios, the viscosity of the soymilks was unchanged compared to the controls. HPP treatment significantly increased the emulsion stability for all soymilks tested except for the 1:6, pH 7 soymilk. Peptide profiles of thermal‐ and pressure‐treated samples were not affected; however, aggregates were observed in the soluble protein fraction after thermal and pressure treatment. Surface free and total free sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, and solubility of the proteins were decreased after HPP and thermal treatment regardless the soybean‐to‐water ratios and pH values of the soymilk.
Recombinant activated factor VII for neurological and neurosurgical bleeding emergencies
Authors: RINCON FRED , FERNANDEZ ANDRES , MAYER STEPHAN A.
Published: November 2006

The management of central nervous system bleeding emergencies is a common clinical challenge. The most common scenarios include spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), traumatic epidural and subdural hematomas, hemorrhagic infarction and spinal epidural bleeding. A recent phase II clinical trial demonstrated that ultra‐early hemostatic therapy with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) limits ongoing bleeding, reduces hematoma volume and improves survival and functional outcome, despite a small increase in the risk of thromboembolic complications. A definitive phase III study (the FAST [rFVIIa in Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment] Trial) is now in progress to confirm these results. A pilot trial of continuous rFVIIa infusion to prevent re‐bleeding after SAH was stopped because of concerns regarding ischemic complications related to vasospasm. Intravenous vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma are the mainstays of therapy for coagulopathic intracranial bleeding, but normalization of coagulation can take many hours, and outcomes are often unsatisfactory. Successful off‐label use of rFVIIa to stabilize patients with warfarin‐associated ICH and subdural hematoma or to expedite emergency surgery has been reported, but questions remain regarding the optimal dose for this indication. Clinical trials are urgently needed to confirm that rFVIIa can safely arrest active bleeding and expedite life‐saving emergency neurosurgical procedures in anticoagulated patients with intracranial hemorrhage.
Seasonal and habitat differences affect the impact of food and predation on herbivores: a comparison between gaps and understory of a tropical forest
Authors: Richards Lora A. , Coley Phyllis D.
Published: November 2006

Herbivore populations are influenced by a combination of food availability and predator pressure, the relative contribution of which is hypothesized to vary across a productivity gradient. In tropical forests, treefall gaps are pockets of high productivity in the otherwise less productive forest understory. Thus, we hypothesize that higher light availability in gaps will increase plant resources, thereby decreasing resource limitation of herbivores relative to the understory. As a result, predators should regulate herbivore populations in gaps, whereas food should limit herbivores in the understory. We quantified potential food availability and compared arthropod herbivore and predator densities in large forest light gaps and in the intact understory in Panama. Plants, young leaves, herbivores and predators were significantly more abundant per ground area in gaps than in the understory. This pattern was similar when we focused on seven gap specialist plant species and 15 shade‐tolerant species growing in gaps and understory. Consistent with the hypothesis, herbivory rates were higher in gaps than the understory. Per capita predation rates on artificial caterpillars indicated higher predation pressure in gaps in both the dry and late wet seasons. These diverse lines of evidence all suggest that herbivores experience higher predator pressure in gaps and more food limitation in the understory.
Human face‐only immersion in cold water reduces maximal apnoeic times and stimulates ventilation
Authors: Jay Ollie , Christensen Julia P. H. , White Matthew D.
Published: November 2006

In two studies, the cold shock and diving responses were investigated after human face immersion without prior hyperventilation to explore the mechanism(s) accounting for reductions in maximal apnoeic times (ATmax) at low water temperatures. In study 1, ATmax, heart rate (HR) and cutaneous blood cell velocity were measured in 13 non‐apnoea‐trained males during apnoeic face immersion in 0, 10, 20 and 33°C water and room air (AIR). In study 2, six males were measured during non‐apnoeic face immersion in 0, 10 and 33°C water for ventilation (
), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), HR and oxygen consumption (
), as well for end‐tidal partial pressures of oxygen (
) and carbon dioxide (
). Results indicated that the ATmax of 30.7 s (s.d. 7.1 s) at 0°C (P < 0.001) and 48.2 s (s.d. 16.0 s) at 10°C (P < 0.05) were significantly shorter than that of ∼58 s in AIR or 33°C. During apnoea at 0, 10, 20 and 33°C, both the deceleration of HR (P < 0.05) and peripheral vasoconstriction (P < 0.05), as well as the peak HR at 0°C (P= 0.002) were significantly greater than in AIR. At 0°C in comparison with 33°C, non‐apnoeic face immersions gave peaks in
(P= 0.039), RER (P= 0.025),
(P= 0.032) and HR (P= 0.011), as well as lower minimum values for
(P= 0.033) and HR (P= 0.002). With
as the covariate, ANCOVA showed that
remained significantly greater (P= 0.003) at lower water temperatures. In conclusion, during face immersion at 10°C and below, there is a non‐metabolic, neurally mediated cold shock‐like response that shortens apnoea, stimulates ventilation and predominates over the oxygen conserving effects of the dive response.
Lysostaphin-Resistant Variants of
Staphylococcus aureus
Demonstrate Reduced Fitness In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kusuma Caroline , Jadanova Anna , Chanturiya Tanya , Kokai-Kun John F.
Published: November 2006

Lysostaphin is under development as a therapy for serious staphylococcal infections. During preclinical development, lysostaphin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
variants have occasionally been reported in vitro and in vivo. The acquisition of resistance to this drug, however, leads to a significant increase in β-lactam antibiotic susceptibility, rendering methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) strains functionally methicillin susceptible. In this study, we have demonstrated that the development of lysostaphin resistance by two strains of MRSA also led to a loss of fitness in the variants. Consistent with the mutations found in previously reported lysostaphin-resistant
S. aureus
variants, these two variants had mutations in their
femA
genes, resulting in nonfunctional FemA proteins and, thus, monoglycine cross bridges in the peptidoglycan. The diminished fitness of the lysostaphin-resistant variants was reflected by (i) a reduced logarithmic growth rate, with the variants being outcompeted in cocultures by their wild-type parental strains; (ii) increased susceptibility to elevated temperatures; and (iii) at least fivefold less virulence of the lysostaphin-resistant variants than their wild-type strains in a mouse kidney infection model, with the lysostaphin-resistant variants being outcompeted in coinfections with their wild-type parental strains. During a 14-day serial passage without selective pressure, the lysostaphin-resistant variants failed to develop compensatory mutations which restored their fitness. These results suggest that should lysostaphin resistance due to an alteration in the FemA function emerge in
S. aureus
during therapy with lysostaphin, the resistant variants would be less fit and less virulent, and, in addition, infections with these strains would be easily treatable with β-lactam antibiotics.
Synthesis of Omeprazole Analogues and Evaluation of These as Potential Inhibitors of the Multidrug Efflux Pump NorA ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Vidaillac Céline , Guillon Jean , Arpin Corinne , Forfar-Bares Isabelle , Ba Boubakar B. , Grellet Jean , Moreau Stéphane , Caignard Daniel-Henri , Jarry Christian , Quentin Claudine
Published: November 2006

A series of 11 pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives, 1a to 1k, sharing structural analogies with omeprazole, a eukaryotic efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) used as an antiulcer agent, was synthesized. Their inhibitory effect was evaluated usingStaphylococcus aureusstrain SA-1199B overexpressing NorA. By determinations of the MIC of norfloxacin in the presence of these EPIs devoid of intrinsic antibacterial activity and used at 128 μg/ml, and by the checkerboard method, compound 1e (MIC decrease, 16-fold; fractional inhibitory concentration index [ΣFIC], 0.18) appeared to be more active than compounds 1b to 1d, reserpine, and omeprazole (MIC decrease, eightfold; ΣFIC, 0.31), followed by compounds 1a and 1f (MIC decrease, fourfold; ΣFIC, 0.37) and 1g to 1k (MIC decrease, twofold; ΣFIC, 0.50 to 0.56). By time-kill curves combining norfloxacin (1/4 MIC) and the most efficient EPIs (128 μg/ml), compound 1e persistently restored the bactericidal activity of norfloxacin (inoculum reduction, 3 log10CFU/ml at 8 and 24 h), compound 1f led to a delayed but progressive decrease in the number of viable cells, and compounds 1b to 1d and omeprazole acted synergistically (inoculum reduction, 3 log10CFU/ml at 8 h but further regrowth), while compound 1a and reserpine slightly enhanced norfloxacin activity. The bacterial uptake of norfloxacin monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that compounds 1a to 1f increased antibiotic accumulation, as did reserpine and omeprazole. Since these EPIs did not disturb the Δψ and ΔpH, they might directly interact with the pump. A structure-activity relationships study identified the benzimidazole nucleus of omeprazole as the main structural element involved in efflux pump inhibition and highlighted the critical role of the chlorine substituents in the stability and efficiency of compounds 1e to 1f. However, further pharmacomodulation is required to obtain therapeutically applicable derivatives.
Microarray-Based Analysis of Microbial Community RNAs by Whole-Community RNA Amplification
Authors: Gao Haichun , Yang Zamin K. , Gentry Terry J. , Wu Liyou , Schadt Christopher W. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: November 2006

A new approach, termed whole-community RNA amplification (WCRA), was developed to provide sufficient amounts of mRNAs from environmental samples for microarray analysis. This method employs fusion primers (six to nine random nucleotides with an attached T7 promoter) for the first-strand synthesis. The shortest primer (T7N6S) gave the best results in terms of the yield and representativeness of amplification. About 1,200- to 1,800-fold amplification was obtained with amounts of the RNA templates ranging from 10 to 100 ng, and very representative detection was obtained with 50 to 100 ng total RNA. Evaluation with a
Shewanella oneidensis
Δ
fur
strain revealed that the amplification method which we developed could preserve the original abundance relationships of mRNAs. In addition, to determine whether representative detection of RNAs can be achieved with mixed community samples, amplification biases were evaluated with a mixture containing equal quantities of RNAs (100 ng each) from four bacterial species, and representative amplification was also obtained. Finally, the method which we developed was applied to the active microbial populations in a denitrifying fluidized bed reactor used for denitrification of contaminated groundwater and ethanol-stimulated groundwater samples for uranium reduction. The genes expressed were consistent with the expected functions of the bioreactor and groundwater system, suggesting that this approach is useful for analyzing the functional activities of microbial communities. This is one of the first demonstrations that microarray-based technology can be used to successfully detect the activities of microbial communities from real environmental samples in a high-throughput fashion.
The Single Extracytoplasmic-Function Sigma Factor of
Xylella fastidiosa
Is Involved in the Heat Shock Response and Presents an Unusual Regulatory Mechanism
Authors: da Silva Neto José F. , Koide Tie , Gomes Suely L. , Marques Marilis V.
Published: November 2006

Genome sequence analysis of the bacterium
Xylella fastidiosa
revealed the presence of two genes, named
rpoE
and
rseA
, predicted to encode an
e
xtra
c
ytoplasmic
f
unction (ECF) sigma factor and an anti-sigma factor, respectively. In this work, an
rpoE
null mutant was constructed in the citrus strain J1a12 and shown to be sensitive to exposure to heat shock and ethanol. To identify the
X. fastidiosa
σ
E
regulon, global gene expression profiles were obtained by DNA microarray analysis of bacterial cells under heat shock, identifying 21 σ
E
-dependent genes. These genes encode proteins belonging to different functional categories, such as enzymes involved in protein folding and degradation, signal transduction, and DNA restriction modification and hypothetical proteins. Several putative σ
E
-dependent promoters were mapped by primer extension, and alignment of the mapped promoters revealed a consensus sequence similar to those of ECF sigma factor promoters of other bacteria. Like other ECF sigma factors,
rpoE
and
rseA
were shown to comprise an operon in
X. fastidiosa
, together with a third open reading frame (XF2241). However, upon heat shock,
rpoE
expression was not induced, while
rseA
and XF2241 were highly induced at a newly identified σ
E
-dependent promoter internal to the operon. Therefore, unlike many other ECF sigma factors,
rpoE
is not autoregulated but instead positively regulates the gene encoding its putative anti-sigma factor.
Helicobacter pylori
VacA Toxin Inhibits Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection of Primary Human T Cells
Authors: Oswald-Richter Kyra , Torres Victor J. , Sundrud Mark S. , VanCompernolle Scott E. , Cover Timothy L. , Unutmaz Derya
Published: November 2006

Human CD4
+
T cells are major targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Resting T cells are resistant to HIV infection unless activated through the T-cell receptor (TCR) or by cytokine signals. How T-cell signaling promotes susceptibility of T cells to HIV infection remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the VacA toxin produced by
Helicobacter pylori
can inhibit HIV infection of primary T cells, stimulated through the TCR or by cytokines alone. This activity of VacA was dependent on its ability to form membrane channels. VacA suppressed HIV infection of T cells at a stage after viral entry, post-reverse transcription and pre-two-long-terminal-repeat circle formation, similar to the cytokine signaling inhibitor rapamycin. Mechanistically, neither VacA nor rapamycin inhibited the activation of cytokine signal transduction components (STAT5, p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase, or p38), but both blocked activation of key regulatory proteins required for G
1
cell cycle transition. In contrast to rapamycin, VacA did not suppress phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase but caused mitochondrial depolarization and ATP depletion within primary T cells. These results suggest that VacA inhibits T-cell activation and HIV infection via a novel mechanism. Identifying the host cell targets of VacA could be useful for elucidating the HIV life cycle within primary T cells.
Diminished Production of Monocyte Proinflammatory Cytokines during Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viremia Is Mediated by Type I Interferons
Authors: Tilton John C. , Johnson Alison J. , Luskin Marlise R. , Manion Maura M. , Yang Jun , Adelsberger Joseph W. , Lempicki Richard A. , Hallahan Claire W. , McLaughlin Mary , Mican JoAnn M. , Metcalf Julia A. , Iyasere Christiana , Connors Mark
Published: November 2006

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and high-level HIV replication on the function of monocytes was investigated. HIV-positive patients had elevated levels of spontaneous production of some or all of the monocyte proinflammatory cytokines measured (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) compared to uninfected controls. In patients on therapy with high frequencies of monocytes producing proinflammatory cytokines, this frequency was diminished in the context of viremia during an interruption of therapy. Diminished production of proinflammatory cytokines during viremia was restored by culture with autologous CD4+T cells or monocytes from an on-therapy time point or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Microarray analysis demonstrated that diminished monocyte production of proinflammatory cytokines was correlated with elevated type I interferon-stimulated gene transcripts. The addition of exogenous alpha 2A interferon diminished the spontaneous production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α but did not affect responses to LPS, recapitulating the changes observed for HIV-viremic patients. These results suggest that monocyte function is diminished during high-level HIV viremia and that this effect is mediated by chronic stimulation by type I interferons. This effect on monocytes during viremia may play a role in diminished innate or adaptive immune system functions in HIV-infected patients. In addition, the restoration of these functions may also play a role in some immune reconstitution syndromes observed during initiation of therapy.