bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epitomising the Modern Spanish Nation through Popular Music: Coplas from La Caramba to Concha Piquer, 1750–1990
Authors: Carbayo Abengózar Mercedes
Published: October 2007

Music is an important language of the emotions and can often arouse strong passions in its performance and representation, both from the individual's perspective of personal identity and for the individual's sense of identity and of belonging to a given community. Likewise, music can serve to whip up and reinforce nationalism and national chauvinism against the ‘other’ as well as serving as a badge of identity. In this article I explore a musical form, a song that has been defined as ‘Spanish’ and as the ‘national’ song: la copla.

Copla is rooted in the past and first appeared as both a poetic and a theatrical form, but always accompanied by music. It was, however, during the eighteenth century, when nationalism made its appearance as a ‘concern’ in the Spanish political‐cultural arena, when coplas would be used as a mark of Spanish identity. Copla is a women's song. Although it has been interpreted by men, some of them internationally renowned like Miguel de Molina, the most famous performers have been and still are women. That is why perhaps a recurrent theme of coplas is unrequited love, whereby love and passion play an important role, either with regard to the individual or the community from which the individual hails. But there are also other themes such as the longing stimulated by alien rule, which is reflected by cultural opposition and resistance to discourses of power, not only in terms of open opposition, but in a more subtle form of resistance, particularly in gender terms. I claim that it is precisely this resistance to fixed discourses of gender that have made coplas excellent negotiators with the different musical, social and political contexts and in this way have made them an icon of the invented tradition that is fundamental in the creation of a nation.
Not a Soldier, Not a Slacker: Conscientious Objectors and Male Citizenship in the United States during the Second World War
Authors: Stewart‐Winter Timothy
Published: October 2007

This essay argues that the 1940 Selective Service Act introduced new tensions between pacifism and male citizenship in the United States. Even as the draft required tens of millions of American men to answer Uncle Sam's call and promoted a new norm of male military obligation, it also specified the acceptable grounds for conscientious objection and created bureaucratic mechanisms for distinguishing between sincere objectors and ‘slackers’. Using Selective Service and organisational records, letters, diaries, interviews and the media, I suggest that male citizenship has been defined not only by idealised and gendered duties, but also by the difficulties and exceptions involved in their practical realisation.
Facing the Colonels: How the British Government Dealt with the Military Coup in Greece in April 1967
Authors: CONISPOLIATIS HELEN
Published: October 2007

This article defines and explains British foreign policy towards the Greek colonels immediately after the military takeover of 21 April 1967 in Greece. More particularly, the article questions Britain's knowledge of the colonels’ coup, examines the influence of other countries in the formation of British policy towards the military dictatorship in Greece, and concludes that, as soon as the British realized that the colonels were firmly in control, they decided to enter into a working yet frayed relationship with the regime in order to influence it over the issues that were most vital for their national interests.
Testing the Monopoly Union Model: A Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: SWANSON JAMES , ANDREWS KIM
Published: October 2007

This study applies stochastic frontier analysis to test the monopoly union model. This approach allows the use of a wider data set than has been previously employed. We fit a stochastic cost frontier to data from the U.S. manufacturing sector that includes exogenous sources of potential inefficiency including unionization. Our findings suggest that over the 1972–1982 time period, more heavily unionized industries in the U.S. manufacturing sector were more likely to operate off their labor demand curve. This result is inconsistent with the monopoly union model predictions.
532‐nm and 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser therapy for reduction of pigmentation in macular amyloidosis patches
Authors: Ostovari N , Mohtasham N , Oadras M Shahidi , Malekzad F
Published: October 2007

Background  Macular amyloidosis is a primary form of skin amyloidosis with deposition of small to moderate amyloid material in the upper dermis and mild pigmentary incontinence with resultant clinical hyperpigmentation.

Objectives  To determine the efficiency of Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm) in reducing the pigmentations due to skin macular amyloidosis.

Methods  A prospective, side by side, controlled, clinical trial study was designed. Twenty subjects with clinical diagnosis and pathology confirmation of macular amyloidosis were treated with Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser: 532 nm in a part of their plaques and with 1064 nm in another part of their plaques. Assessment of efficiency was done by colorimetric scores based on Mexameter measurement and also digital photographs before laser therapy and 8 weeks after treatment.

Results  Mexameter‐based data analysis showed that the two lasers (Q‐switched 532 and 1064 Nd:YAG) are effective in reducing the degree of macular amyloidosis patches pigmentation, and 532 nm is meaningfully more effective than 1064 nm in this matter. Photograph‐based analysis showed that 90% of cases treated by 532 nm had good or very good response, and for the 1064 nm–treated patches, 60% of cases had the good or very good response.

Conclusions  The results of study showed the net positive effect of Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser, either 532 nm or 1064 nm, in pigment reduction of macular amyloidosis patches, but the 532‐nm laser was more effective than 1064 laser.
Across‐sample Incomparability of R2s and Additional Evidence on Value Relevance Changes Over Time
Authors: Gu Zhaoyang
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Given the increasing popularity of across‐sample R2 comparisons in accounting research, this paper illustrates why the regression R2s are incomparable across samples and the general nature of this problem. The regression residual dispersion with proper control for scale is proposed as the alternative measure of explanatory power for across‐sample comparisons. In market‐on‐accounting variable regressions, this measure can be conveniently interpreted as the degree of accounting‐based pricing errors and be used as a measure of value relevance of accounting information. As an application, the issue of over‐time value relevance changes is re‐visited. In contrast to prior mixed findings based on the R2 measure, a decline of value relevance since the early 1970s is robustly detected using the alternative measure.
Timing of bud set in Picea abies is regulated by a memory of temperature during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Kvaalen Harald , Johnsen Øystein
Published: October 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2007.02319.xCommentary p 2
Involvement of mitochondria in endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced apoptotic cell death pathway triggered by the prion peptide PrP106–126
Authors: Ferreiro Elisabete , Costa Rui , Marques Sueli , Cardoso Sandra Morais , Oliveira Catarina R. , Pereira Cláudia M. F.
Published: October 2007

Prion disorders are progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by extensive neuronal loss and by the accumulation of the pathogenic form of prion protein, designated PrPSc. Recently, we have shown that PrP106–126 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to mitochondrial cytochrome c release, caspase 3 activation and apoptotic death. In order to further clarify the role of mitochondria in ER stress‐mediated apoptotic pathway triggered by the PrP peptide, we investigated the effects of PrP106–126 on the Ntera2 human teratocarcinoma cell line that had been depleted of their mitochondrial DNA, termed NT2 ρ0 cells, characterized by the absence of functional mitochondria, as well as on the parental NT2 ρ+ cells. In this study, we show that PrP106–126 induces ER stress in both cell lines, given that ER Ca2+ content is low, glucose‐regulated protein 78 levels are increased and caspase 4 is activated. Furthermore, in parental NT2 ρ+ cells, PrP106–126‐activated caspase 9 and 3, induced poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and increased the number of apoptotic cells. Dantrolene was shown to protect NT2 ρ+ from PrP106–126‐induced cell death, demonstrating the involvement of Ca2+ release through ER ryanodine receptors. However, in PrP106–126‐treated NT2 ρ0 cells, apoptosis was not able to proceed. These results demonstrate that functional mitochondria are required for cell death as a result of ER stress triggered by the PrP peptide, and further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the neuronal loss that occurs in prion disorders.
Identification of genes mediating thyroid hormone action in the developing mouse cerebellum
Authors: Takahashi Masaki , Negishi Takayuki , Tashiro Tomoko
Published: October 2007

Despite the indispensable role thyroid hormone (TH) plays in brain development, only a small number of genes have been identified to be directly regulated by TH and its precise mechanism of action remains largely unknown, partly because most of the previous studies have been carried out at postnatal day 15 or later. In the present study, we screened for TH‐responsive genes in the developing mouse cerebellum at postnatal day 4 when morphological alterations because of TH status are not apparent. Among the new candidate genes selected by comparing gene expression profiles of experimentally hypothyroid, hypothyroid with postnatal thyroxine replacement, and control animals using oligoDNA microarrays, six genes were confirmed by real‐time PCR to be positively (orc1l, galr3, sort1, nlgn3, cdk5r2, and zfp367) regulated by TH. Among these, sort1, cdk5r2, and zfp367 were up‐regulated already at 1 h after a single injection of thyroxine to the hypothyroid or control animal, suggesting them to be possible primary targets of the hormone. Cell proliferation and apoptosis examined by BrdU incorporation and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assay revealed that hypothyroidism by itself did not enhance apoptosis at this stage, but rather increased cell survival, possibly through regulation of these newly identified genes.
NMDA receptor NR2B subunit over‐expression increases cerebellar granule cell migratory activity
Authors: Tárnok Krisztián , Czöndör Katalin , Jelitai Márta , Czirók András , Schlett Katalin
Published: October 2007

Glutamate acting on NMDA receptors (NMDARs) is known to influence cerebellar granule cell migration. Subunit composition of NMDARs in granule cells changes characteristically during development: NR2B subunit containing receptors are abundant during migration towards the internal granule cell layer but are gradually replaced by NR2A and/or NR2C subunits once the final position is reached. Cerebellar granule cell migration was investigated using mutant mouse lines either with a deletion of the NR2C gene (NR2C−/−mice) or expressing NR2B instead of the NR2C subunit (NR2C‐2B mice). BrdU‐labeling revealed that over‐expression of NR2B increased granule cell translocationin vivo, while the lack of NR2C subunit did not have any detectable effects on cell migration. Cellular composition of wild‐type and mutant dissociated cerebellar granule cell cultures isolated from 10‐day‐old cerebella were similar, but NR2C‐2B cultures had elevated level of NR2B subunits and intracellular Ca2+imaging revealed higher sensitivity towards the addition of NR2B‐selective antagonistin vitro. Time‐lapse videomicroscopic observations revealed that average migratory velocity and the proportion of translocating cell bodies were significantly higher in NR2C‐2B than in wild‐type cultures. Our results provide evidence that NR2B‐containing NMDARs can have specialized roles during granule cell migration and can increase migratory speed.
Dimemorfan protects rats against ischemic stroke through activation of sigma‐1 receptor‐mediated mechanisms by decreasing glutamate accumulation
Authors: Shen Yuh‐Chiang , Wang Yea‐Hwey , Chou Yueh‐Ching , Liou Kuo‐Tong , Yen Jiin‐Cherng , Wang Wen‐Yen , Liao Jyh‐Fei
Published: October 2007

Dimemorfan, an antitussive and a sigma‐1 (σ1) receptor agonist, has been reported to display neuroprotective properties. We set up an animal model of ischemic stroke injury by inducing cerebral ischemia (for 1 h) followed by reperfusion (for 24 h) (CI/R) in rats to examine the protective effects and action mechanisms of dimemorfan against stroke‐induced damage. Treatment with dimemorfan (1.0 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg, i.v.) either 15 min before ischemia or at the time of reperfusion, like the putative σ1 receptor agonist, PRE084 (10 μg/kg, i.v.), ameliorated the size of the infarct zone by 67–72% or 51–52%, respectively, which was reversed by pre‐treatment with the selective σ1 receptor antagonist, BD1047 (20 μg/kg, i.v.). Major pathological mechanisms leading to CI/R injury including excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are all downstream events initiated by excessive accumulation of extracellular glutamate. Dimemorfan treatment (10 μg/kg, i.v., at the time of reperfusion) inhibited the expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin‐1β, which occurred in parallel with decreases in neutrophil infiltration, activation of inflammation‐related signals (p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, nuclear factor‐κB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription‐1), expression of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase, oxidative/nitrosative tissue damage (lipid peroxidation, protein nitrosylation, and 8‐hydroxy‐guanine formation), and apoptosis in the ipsilateral cortex after CI/R injury. Dimemorfan treatment at the time of reperfusion, although did not prevent an early rise of glutamate level, significantly prevented subsequent glutamate accumulation after reperfusion. This inhibitory effect was lasted for more than 4 h and was reversed by pre‐treatment with BD1047. These results suggest that dimemorfan activates the σ1 receptor to reduce glutamate accumulation and then suppresses initiation of inflammation‐related events and signals as well as induction of oxidative and nitrosative stresses, leading to reductions in tissue damage and cell death. In conclusion, our results demonstrate for the first time that dimemorfan exhibits protective effects against ischemic stroke in CI/R rats probably through modulation of σ1 receptor‐dependent signals to prevent subsequent glutamate accumulation and its downstream pathologic events.
The Trigeminal Vasculature Pathology in Patients With Neuralgia
Authors: Marinković Slobodan , Todorović Vera , Gibo Hirohiko , Budeč Mirela , Drndarević Neda , Pešić Dragoslava , Joković Miloš , Ćetković Mila
Published: October 2007

Objective.—To examine the possible pathological changes of the trigeminal vasculature in patients with neuralgia.

Background.—Such a study has never been performed before. The alterations of the trigeminal vessels could have important pathophysiological implications in the trigeminal neuralgia pathogenesis.

Methods.—The biopsy specimens for the electronmicroscopic (EM) and immunohistochemical examination were taken during a partial rhizotomy in 6 patients with trigeminal neuralgia and in 2 persons with trigeminal neuropathy. In addition, the 32 normal trigeminal nerves were used as the control specimens.

Results.—The vascular pathological alterations were noticed in 3 out of 6 neuralgia patients. The EM study revealed signs of apoptosis or degeneration, respectively, of some endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the wall of the trigeminal arterioles. The immune reactions against CD31, CD34, and α‐smooth muscle actin in these cells were weaker than in the control specimens, but stronger against factor VIII. In addition, the arteriolar basement membranes, which were thickened, showed an intense laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV immunoreactivity. Similarly, some endothelial cells and pericytes of the intratrigeminal capillaries also showed signs of apoptosis or degeneration, respectively. Their basement membrane was very thick and showed an intense immune reaction against laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV.

Conclusion.—The observed pathological changes of the trigeminal vasculature could be the primary factor, while demyelination of the trigeminal nerve fibers could be the secondary process in some patients with neuralgia.
Upright MRI in Spontaneous Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks and Intracranial Hypotension
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Tourje James
Published: October 2007

Orthostatic headaches are the hallmark of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, but MRIs are traditionally obtained in the supine position. We investigated the utility of upright MRI of the brain in 6 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. No discernable differences were noted between the supine and upright images.
Headache Associated With Miller Fisher Syndrome
Authors: Friedman Deborah I. , Potts Eric
Published: October 2007

Miller Fisher syndrome, a variant of Guillain‐Barre syndrome, is composed of the clinical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. A variety of other symptoms and signs have been reported in this syndrome, but headache is not a commonly reported symptom. We report a 35‐year‐old man with anti‐GQ1b antibody‐confirmed Miller Fisher syndrome presenting with severe and persistent headache, and we propose that the headache is caused by antibody‐mediated effects on the trigeminovascular pain pathway.
Immediate Maxillary Lateral Incisor Implants with Nonocclusal Loading Provisional Crowns
Authors: Peñarrocha Miguel , Lamas Joana , Peñarrocha Maria , Garcia Berta
Published: October 2007

This clinical report series describes a treatment modality involving immediately placed dental implants in maxillary lateral incisor sites using noncemented immediate provisional crowns retained with calcinable copings (prosthetic complement used in preparing the metal for the definitive prosthesis). Ten implants were placed in eight patients for the replacement of maxillary lateral incisors: two immediate and eight corresponding to cases of agenesis. All were subjected to immediate rehabilitation with provisional acrylic resin crowns in nonocclusal loading. One implant failed 3 weeks after placement due to acute local trauma. The other nine remained functional within the mouth, with normal clinical and radiological characteristics after a minimum of 12‐month follow‐up. Immediate placement of implant fixed provisional restorations retained by friction in maxillary lateral incisors offers an esthetic solution, eliminates the need for a removable provisional restoration, and avoids implant failures associated with excess cement or screw loosening. Moreover, in the case of extractions, immediate placement and provisionalization of implants in maxillary lateral incisors can effectively optimize the peri‐implant esthetic results by maintaining the existing hard and soft tissue architecture of the replaced tooth. As no cement or screws are required, and the provisional crowns are placed in nonocclusal loading, the risk of complications is minimized.
Concept Shifting and the Radical Product Development Process
Authors: Seidel Victor P.
Published: October 2007

Radical product development projects, which are undertaken to create new categories of products, present significant challenges to development teams. In such settings existing formal processes may be limited or inappropriate, and objectives may be ambiguous and changing. The generation of a novel product concept early in the process can play an important role in guiding development teams, but the process by which teams later change concepts, as may be required within radical contexts, has merited further research. This study investigated how teams change novel product concepts after initial generation, employing an inductive case‐study method drawing from 51 interviews with members of six radical development projects. The empirical results found that concepts were described in terms of concept components—elemental descriptive forms that included verbal stories, verbal metaphors, and physical prototypes. When changes were required to concepts due to new technical or market information, rather than reconsider the overall concept through iteration to earlier product definition stages, teams shifted individual concept components, with a new component replacing a component of similar descriptive form. Over half of concept components observed across cases came after the initial generation of concepts in later elaboration and shifting. Contrary to expectations, development teams maintained reference not only to the revised concept but also to the deferred original concept. The case of a novel electronic book development project is used to illustrate the process, along with evidence of concept shifting across cases. The detailed findings expand our understanding of how formal processes may be augmented in radical innovation settings and how concepts are actually used by development teams in changing circumstances.
Investigating the Drivers of Innovation and New Product Success: A Comparison of Strategic Orientations*
Authors: Paladino Angela
Published: October 2007

The notion of producing innovations and achieving new product success has received a great deal of attention. Though many have investigated these effects in marketing and various fields within management, there has been little cross‐fertilization between fields of study to explain the basis for this superior performance. Though research has examined the resource‐based view (RBV) and market orientation individually, none has evaluated and compared their effect on firm innovation and new product success in one study. Furthermore, although empirical work has been conducted between market orientation and organizational learning, comparatively less research has been conducted to evaluate the relationship between organizational learning and the RBV to examine their combined effects on a firm's ability to innovate and succeed. Subsequently, the purpose of the present article is to investigate whether a focus on the customer (i.e., market orientation) or the firm (i.e., RBV) will drive the ability to (1) innovate within the firm and (2) succeed in terms of new product success, financial performance, market share, and customer value. The present article examines the relationship between organizational learning and the RBV and market orientation. It presents an empirically testable framework that investigates the relationship that RBV and market orientation have with performance outcomes. Data were collected from 249 senior executives. LISREL was applied to evaluate the relationships. Confirmatory factor analysis and related techniques were applied to assess the robustness of the measures used. Findings show that organizational learning is strongly associated with market orientation, which in turn impacts various performance outcomes including customer value. The RBV had a significant relationship with new product success. These results suggest that managers seeking innovation and new product success should focus less on the provision of customer value. Instead they should look toward developing their resources within the firm, including investing in human resources, to ultimately provide value to the firm. Findings indicate that this unique offering—innovations—will have an indirect effect on customer value and financial performance. In contrast, those in pursuit of positive financial performance and customer value should focus on the development of market orientation. Even though this will not necessarily lead to the development of innovative processes and new product success according to the present study, this approach may lead to a greater market share in the long term. This article reviews theoretical and managerial implications in more depth, providing an impetus for further research.
Electromechanical Properties of PMN–PZT Piezoelectric Single Crystals Near Morphotropic Phase Boundary Compositions
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Lee Sung‐Min , Kim Dong‐Ho , Lee Ho‐Yong , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: October 2007

Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbZrO3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PZT) ferroelectric single crystals near morphotropic phase boundary compositions were fabricated by solid‐state crystal growth. The Curie temperatures (TC) of the grown PMN–PZT crystals were found to be on the order of 210°C, with ferroelectric phase transition temperatures (TR–T) in the range of 96°–165°C. The electromechanical coupling factors k33 and k32 were found to be >90% and >−87%, respectively. The coercive field EC for all the compositions was on the order of 5 kV/cm, double the value of pure Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMNT) crystals. The temperature dependence of the piezoelectric and electromechanical properties and dc bias effect on the dielectric behavior were investigated. The temperature usage range under dc bias was found to be improved when compared with pure PMNT crystals with similar piezoelectric properties.
The Linköping experience—ups and downs
Authors: DAHLIN LARS‐GÖRAN
Published: October 2007

This is a brief single‐centre report of experiences regarding different prophylactic measures against sternal wound infection during a period of about 10 years. It illustrates the difficulties associated with evaluating the effect of specific prophylactic methods in the clinical situation. Possible explanations for perceived shifts in the rate of wound infections are discussed.
The adjunctive use of a controlled‐release chlorhexidine chip following treatment with a new ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy: a prospective, controlled clinical study
Authors: Kasaj Adrian , Chiriachide Alexandra , Willershausen Brita
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Objective:  The aim of this randomised, split‐mouth, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled‐release chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) with a newly developed ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

Materials and methods:  Twenty patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic periodontitis, displaying at least four sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and persistent bleeding on probing (BOP), were recruited for the study. The target sites were randomly treated with either a newly developed piezo‐driven ultrasonic device VectorTM‐ or ultrasonic system (VUS) + CHX chip or VUS alone without adjunctive antimicrobial treatment. The clinical parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), BOP, PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months.

Results:  At baseline, there were no significant differences between test and control sites for any of the investigated parameters. The average reduction of PD and improvement in CAL was greater in the VUS + CHX chip sites than in sites treated with the VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The mean reductions on PD and CAL were 0.7 and 0.6 mm for the control sites and 2.2 and 1.9 mm for the test sites, respectively. Also, the mean reduction in BOP scores were higher in the VUS + CHX chip sites compared to VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). PI scores were not significantly different between VUS + CHX chip sites and VUS alone sites at any visit.

Conclusion:  These data suggest that CHX chip application following SRP with the tested ultrasonic device is beneficial in improving periodontal parameters in patients on SPT.
Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to buccal epithelial cells by an aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris
Authors: Hammad M , Sallal A‐K , Darmani H
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an extract of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) on the growth of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the adhesion of this bacterium to human buccal epithelial cells.

Methods:  Different concentrations of an aqueous extract of thyme were prepared and the effects investigated on growth of S. mutans. Furthermore, the effect of these extracts on adhesion of S. mutans to buccal epithelial cells was also investigated and compared with the effects of chlorhexidine digluconate.

Results:  The data revealed that exposure of S. mutans to thyme extract showed a time and concentration‐dependent decrease in bacterial viability. The greatest effect was observed when S. mutans had been exposed to 20% thyme extract for a period of 48 h which resulted in 96% inhibition of bacterial growth. Furthermore, the adhesion of S. mutans to buccal epithelial cells was also reduced when either buccal epithelial cells or S. mutans had been pre‐incubated with different concentrations of aqueous thyme extracts (83–98% and 75–89% inhibition respectively). There was also greater reduction in the adherence of bacterial cells to buccal epithelial cells after mouth rinsing with 20% aqueous thyme extract compared to rinsing with chlorhexidine digluconate (45% and 89% inhibition of bacterial adhesion respectively).

Conclusion:  The diminished adherence of S. mutans to buccal epithelial cells after exposure to various concentrations of aqueous thyme extract as well as the antimicrobial properties of this plant may have clinical relevance.
Stress and periodontal disease
Authors: Reners M , Brecx M
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Stress is an association of physiological and psychological reactions of a person confronted to a change of situation he cannot face. The relationship between stress and any disease is explained by hormonal modifications and behavioural changes induced by the stress. The evidence of such an association between stress and periodontal disease will be evaluated. The purpose of the present review article is to differentiate between old feelings and knowledge, and present findings which show that a lot of prospective studies are still needed for a more defined role of stress and periodontal disease.
Curcumin, both Histone Deacetylase and p300/CBP‐Specific Inhibitor, Represses the Activity of Nuclear Factor Kappa B and Notch 1 in Raji Cells
Authors: Chen Yan , Shu Wenxiu , Chen Weihua , Wu Qing , Liu Hongli , Cui Guohui
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Curcumin, the active chemical of the Asian spice turmeric, exhibits anticancer activity in several human cancer cell lines. We previously have proved that curcumin was a new member of the histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors, while constitutive nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) is believed to be a crucial event for enhanced proliferation and survival of malignant cells. Here, we investigate the effect of curcumin on the activation of NF‐κB signal molecule in Raji cells to explore its relationship with HDACs or p300/CREB binding protein (CBP). Curcumin presented striking proliferation inhibition potency on Raji cells in vitro, with the IC50 value for 24 hr being 25 µmol/l. Significant decreases in the amounts of p300, HDAC1 and HDAC3 were detected after treatment with curcumin. These suppressing effects were more pronounced when the administered dose increased. The protection degradation of HDAC1 and p300 by MG‐132 could be partially reversed by curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin could also prevent degradation of IκBα and inhibit nuclear translocation of the NF‐κB/p65 subunit, as well as expression of Notch 1, induced by tumour necrosis factor‐α. The results suggest that the depressive effect of curcumin on NF‐κB signal transduction pathway may be mediated via the various components of the HDACs and p300/Notch 1 signal molecules, and may represent a new remedy for acute leukaemia.
Metabolism of a Highly Selective Gelatinase Inhibitor Generates Active Metabolite
Authors: Lee Mijoon , Villegas‐Estrada Adriel , Celenza Giuseppe , Boggess Bill , Toth Marta , Kreitinger Gloria , Forbes Christopher , Fridman Rafael , Mobashery Shahriar , Chang Mayland
Published: October 2007

(4‐Phenoxyphenylsulfonyl)methylthiirane (inhibitor 1) is a highly selective inhibitor of gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9), which is showing considerable promise in animal models for cancer and stroke. Despite demonstrated potent, selective, and effective inhibition of gelatinases both in vitro and in vivo, the compound is rapidly metabolized, implying that the likely activity in vivo is due to a metabolite rather than the compound itself. To this end, metabolism of inhibitor 1 was investigated in in vitro systems. Four metabolites were identified by LC/MS‐MS and the structures of three of them were further validated by comparison with authentic synthetic samples. One metabolite, 4‐(4‐thiiranylmethanesulfonylphenoxy)phenol (compound 21), was generated by hydroxylation of the terminal phenyl group of 1. This compound was investigated in kinetics of inhibition of several matrix metalloproteinases. This metabolite was a more potent slow‐binding inhibitor of gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9) than the parent compound 1, but it also served as a slow‐binding inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐14, the upstream activator of matrix metalloproteinase‐2.
A Similarity‐based Data‐fusion Approach to the Visual Characterization and Comparison of Compound Databases
Authors: Medina‐Franco José L. , Maggiora Gerald M. , Giulianotti Marc A. , Pinilla Clemencia , Houghten Richard A.
Published: October 2007

A low‐dimensional method, based on the use of multiple fusion‐based similarity measures, is described for graphically depicting and characterizing relationships among molecules in compound databases. The measures are used to construct multi‐fusion similarity maps that characterize the relationship of a set of ‘test’ molecules to a set of ‘reference’ molecules. The reference set is very general and can be made of molecules from, for example, the set of test molecules itself (the self‐referencing case), from a small library or large compound collection, or from actives in a given assay or group of assays. The test set is any collection of compounds to be analyzed with respect to the specified reference set. Multiple fusion similarity measures tend to provide more information than single fusion‐based measures, including information on the nature of the chemical‐space neighborhoods surrounding reference‐set molecules. A general discussion is presented on how to interpret multi‐fusion similarity maps, and several examples are given that illustrate how these maps can be used to compare compound libraries or collections, to select compounds for screening or acquisition, and to identify new active molecules using ligand‐based virtual screening.
Rational Design, Synthesis, Biologic Evaluation, and Structure–activity Relationship Studies of Novel 1‐Indanone α1‐Adrenoceptor Antagonists
Authors: Li Minyong , Xia Lin
Published: October 2007

In the present report, a novel series of 1‐indanone α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists were designed and synthesized based on 3D‐pharmacophore model. Their in vitroα1‐adrenoceptor antagonistic assay showed that three compounds (2a, 2m, and 2o) had similar or improved α1‐adrenoceptor antagonistic activities relative to the positive control prazosin. Based on these results, a three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship study was performed using a Self‐Organizing Molecular Field Analysis method to provide insight for the future development of α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists.
Membrane technology at St. Saviours water treatment works, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Authors: Redhead Andrew
Published: October 2007

This brief report describes how and why membrane technology was chosen for this water treatment works (WTWs), together with some of the experiences of operating Britain's first full‐size municipal surface water membrane treatment works. This report also details the chemical and power requirements of such a plant.
A new management approach for the remediation of polluted surface water outfalls to improve river water quality
Authors: Dunk M. J. , McMath S. M. , Arikans J.
Published: October 2007

Comprehensive strategies are required by water companies to effectively manage the remediation of polluted surface water outfalls (PSWOs). This paper describes the approach adopted by Thames Water since 1997. The elimination of diffuse pollution sources by identifying and rectifying domestic and commercial foul to surface water drainage misconnections has resulted in sustainable improvements to the local environment across the Thames region.
Identification and correction of water velocity measurement errors associated with ultrasonic Doppler flow monitoring
Authors: Blake J. R. , Packman J. C.
Published: October 2007

Ultrasonic Doppler flow monitoring (UDFM) is used to measure water flow in pipes and channels. However, a lack of scattering particles and signal noise can cause velocity errors, particularly for smaller discharges and surface water (‘clean’) flows. A postprocessing methodology is presented that identifies and corrects these errors, maximising the value of existing data. Test criteria are used to identify errors. The error correction procedure defines depth–velocity relationships from cleaned ‘training data’ representing the range of flow conditions (including backed up) and uses these relationships to replace erroneous velocities automatically. UDFM velocity errors have been successfully identified and corrected in example applications. Routine use allows early identification of changes in instrument or site behaviour. The methodology is practical, consistent and updateable. This is a significant advancement over previous methods for correcting velocity errors, improving the applicability of UDFM.
Four Faces of Moral Realism
Authors: Finlay Stephen
Published: October 2007

This article explains for a general philosophical audience the central issues and strategies in the contemporary moral realism debate. It critically surveys the contribution of some recent scholarship, representing expressivist and pragmatist nondescriptivism (Mark Timmons, Hilary Putnam), subjectivist and nonsubjectivist naturalism (Michael Smith, Paul Bloomfield, Philippa Foot), nonnaturalism (Russ Shafer‐Landau, T. M. Scanlon) and error theory (Richard Joyce). Four different faces of ‘moral realism’ are distinguished: semantic, ontological, metaphysical and normative. The debate is presented as taking shape under dialectical pressure from the demands of (i) capturing the moral appearances; and (ii) reconciling morality with our understanding of the mind and world.
Funerary Practices and Afterlife Expectations in Ancient Israel
Authors: Cook Stephen L.
Published: October 2007

Ancient Israel was thoroughly familiar with existence beyond death. Individual personalities survived the death of the body, most Israelites believed, albeit in a considerably weakened and vulnerable state. The ensnaring tentacles of Sheol constantly threatened the living‐dead, but the fortunate among them were able to use the power of kinship bonds to keep Sheol's threats at bay. The traditional ties of lineage and kin bonding, according to biblical Yahwism, were an actual way for the living‐dead to pull themselves back from death's devouring suction. Ancient Israel's funerary practices and afterlife expectations are greatly illumined by recent archaeological studies and by a new comparative model that draws on data gleaned from African ethnography.
TheCakrasamvara Tantra: Its History, Interpretation, and Practice in India and Tibet
Authors: Gray David B.
Published: October 2007

This essay explores the history of theCakrasamvara Tantraand its related practice traditions. Beginning with the traditional Cakrasamvara origin myths, it introduces evidence concerning social context in which it was likely composed, and explores the debate concerning the degree to which it was influenced by Hindu Shaiva tantric traditions. It argues that the development of this tradition cannot be fully understood without taking into consideration the political ramifications of the tradition's mythology and iconography. The essay also overviews both the major practices associated with this tradition, and provides a short history of its transmission to Nepal and Tibet.
Effects of Steeping Conditions of Waxy Rice on the Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Gangjung (a Traditional Korean Oil‐Puffed Snack)
Authors: Kim H.R. , Kim K.M. , Chung S.J. , Lee J.W. , Kim K.O.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of steeping period (1, 11, and 21 d) and temperature (15, 25, and 35 °C) of waxy rice on the physical and sensory characteristics of Gangjung (a traditional Korean oil‐puffed snack). Increasing the steeping period from 1 to 21 d and increasing the temperature from 15 to 35 °C markedly increased the oil absorption ratio of Gangjung. Textural analysis indicated that the number of peaks (representing the internal air cell characteristics) for Gangjung decreased in proportion with increasing steeping temperature and period, but that the hardness was affected significantly only by steeping period. Regarding the sensory characteristics of Gangjung, 5 appearance, 7 flavor, and 9 texture attributes were developed and evaluated by trained descriptive panelists. When the steeping temperature and the steeping period were increased, the degree of expansion, size, and degree of external roughness increased, while the strength of external color decreased. Regarding the flavor attributes, the intensity of sweetness and toasted carbohydrate food flavor tended to decrease with increasing steeping temperature and period, while sourness and butyric acid flavor, which are related to the fermentation of waxy rice, increased. Finally, the increased steeping temperature and period decreased the intensity of hardness, crispness, and toughness of Gangjung but increased the degree of fracture, degree of melting, and oiliness.
Effects of Calcium Chloride and Sodium Hexametaphosphate on Certain Chemical and Physical Properties of Soymilk
Authors: Pathomrungsiyounggul P. , Grandison A.S. , Lewis M.J.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Soymilks with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) (0% to 1.2%) and calcium chloride (12.50, 18.75, and 25.00 mM Ca) were analyzed for total Ca, Ca ion concentration, pH, kinematic viscosity, particle diameter, and sediment after pasteurization. Higher added Ca led to significant (P≤ 0.05) increases in Ca ion concentration and significant (P≤ 0.05) decreases in pH. At certain levels of SHMP, higher concentrations of added Ca significantly increased (P≤ 0.05) kinematic viscosity, particle diameter, and sediment. Increasing SHMP concentration reduced Ca ion concentration, particle diameter, and dry sediment content, but reduced kinematic viscosity of samples (P≤ 0.05). Adding SHMP up to 0.7% influenced pH of soymilk in different ways, depending on the level of Ca addition. When the pH of Ca‐fortified soymilk was adjusted to a higher level, ionic Ca decreased as pH increased. There was a negative linear relationship between the logarithm of ionic Ca concentration and the adjusted pH of the soymilk. Ionic Ca appeared to be a good indicator of thermally induced sediment formation, with little sediment being produced if ionic Ca was maintained below 0.4 mM.
Factors Dominating Adhesion of NaCl onto Potato Chips
Authors: Buck V.E. , Barringer S.A.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  In this study, the adhesion factors examined were time between frying and coating, surface oil content, chip temperature, oil composition, NaCl size, NaCl shape, and electrostatic coating. Three different surface oil content potato chips, high, low, and no, were produced. Oils used were soybean, olive, corn, peanut, and coconut. After frying, chips were coated immediately, after 1 d, and after 1 mo. NaCl crystals of 5 different particle sizes (24.7, 123, 259, 291, and 388 μm) were coated both electrostatically and nonelectrostatically. Adhesion of cubic, dendritic, and flake crystals was examined. Chips were coated at different temperatures. Chips with high surface oil had the highest adhesion of salt, making surface oil content the most important factor. Decreasing chip temperature decreased surface oil and adhesion. Increasing time between frying and coating reduced adhesion for low surface oil chips, but did not affect high and no surface oil chips. Changing oil composition did not affect adhesion. Increasing salt size decreased adhesion. Salt size had a greater effect on chips with lower surface oil content. When there were significant differences, cubic crystals gave the best adhesion followed by flake crystals then dendritic crystals. For high and low surface oil chips, electrostatic coating did not change adhesion of small size crystals but decreased adhesion of large salts. For no surface oil content chips, electrostatic coating improved adhesion for small salt sizes but did not affect adhesion of large crystals.
Emulsion‐Based Delivery Systems for Lipophilic Bioactive Components
Authors: McClements D.J. , Decker E.A. , Weiss J.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  There is a pressing need for edible delivery systems to encapsulate, protect, and release bioactive lipids within the food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. The fact that these delivery systems must be edible puts constraints on the type of ingredients and processing operations that can be used to create them. Emulsion technology is particularly suited for the design and fabrication of delivery systems for encapsulating bioactive lipids. This review provides a brief overview of the major bioactive lipids that need to be delivered within the food industry (for example, ω‐3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and phytosterols), highlighting the main challenges to their current incorporation into foods. We then provide an overview of a number of emulsion‐based technologies that could be used as edible delivery systems by the food and other industries, including conventional emulsions, multiple emulsions, multilayer emulsions, solid lipid particles, and filled hydrogel particles. Each of these delivery systems could be produced from food‐grade (GRAS) ingredients (for example, lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, surfactants, and minerals) using simple processing operations (for example, mixing, homogenizing, and thermal processing). For each type of delivery system, we describe its structure, preparation, advantages, limitations, and potential applications. This knowledge can be used to facilitate the selection of the most appropriate emulsion‐based delivery system for specific applications.
Development Steps for Parabolic Trough Solar Power Technologies With Maximum Impact on Cost Reduction
Authors: Pitz-Paal Robert , Dersch Jürgen , Milow Barbara , Téllez Félix , Ferriere Alain , Langnickel Ulrich , Steinfeld Aldo , Karni Jacob , Zarza Eduardo , Popel Oleg
Published: October 2007

Besides continuous implementation of concentrating solar power plants (CSP) in Europe, which stipulate cost reduction by mass production effects, further R&D activities are necessary to achieve the cost competitiveness to fossil power generation. The European Concentrated Solar Thermal Roadmap (ECOSTAR) study that was conducted by European research institutes in the field of CSP intends to stipulate the direction for R&D activities in the context of cost reduction. This paper gives an overview about the methodology and the results for one of the seven different CSP system concepts that are currently under promotion worldwide and considered within ECOSTAR. The technology presented here is the parabolic trough with direct steam generation (DSG), which may be considered as an evolution of the existing parabolic systems with thermal oil as heat transfer fluid. The methodology is explained using this exemplary system, and the technical improvements are evaluated according to their cost-reduction potential using a common approach, based on an annual performance model. Research priorities are given based on the results. The simultaneous implementation of three measures is required in order to achieve the cost-reduction target: Technical improvement by R&D, upscaling of the unit size, and mass production of the equipment.