bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and functional characterization of a primate‐specific E2F1 binding motif regulating MCPH1 expression
Authors: Shi Lei , Su Bing 
Published: December 2011

MCPH1 (also named BRIT1) is one of the known genes responsible for autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (small head syndrome), suggesting its important role in brain development. The interaction of MCPH1 with transcriptional factors like E2F1 is required for the activation of cell cycle checkpoint, DNA repair and apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism of MCPH1 regulation is currently unclear. Here, we cloned the human MCPH1 promoter and we identified a novel E2F1 binding motif located in the proximal promoter region of MCPH1. The experiments using electrophoretic mobility shift and promoter assays showed that E2F1 could stimulate MCPH1 transcription by direct binding to the E2F1 motif. Overexpression of E2F1 led to the upregulation of MCPH1 transcription, and knocking down the endogenous E2F1 resulted in the inhibition of the MCPH1 promoter activity. Surprisingly, sequence comparison of vertebrate species suggested that the identified E2F1 binding motif is primate specific, consistent with the previous observation of rapid evolution of MCPH1 protein sequence in primates. We propose that during primate evolution MCPH1 has acquired a novel E2F1 binding motif in its promoter which may act as a parallel mechanism, acting together with the rapid protein sequence changes in primates, and eventually contributed to brain enlargement during primate evolution and human origin.DatabaseThe MCPH1 promoter region was sequenced in human, chimpanzee and rhesus macaque. Nucleotide sequence data are available in the GenBank database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/) under accession numbers JN573214, JN573215 and JN573216
HLA alleles and drug hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Profaizer T. , Eckels D. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system is well known for its association with certain diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, celiac disease and many others. More recently, severe and even fatal drug hypersensitivity reactions linked to particular HLA alleles have been discovered. The significance of these discoveries has led the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its member state agencies to recommend HLA gene testing before initiation of drug treatment. To date, the following drugs have been identified as causing significant drug hypersensitivity reactions in patients who have the following HLA alleles: abacavir and HLA‐B*57:01, carbamazepine and HLA‐B*15:02/A*31:01 and finally allopurinol and HLA‐B*58:01. This review will outline and discuss these three drugs and their associated HLA alleles as well as examine the pathogenesis of the drug hypersensitivity reactions.
Mormonism and its Historians: The State of the Field
Authors: Bowman Matthew 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article introduces the history of the Mormon tradition – those churches which claim to descend from Joseph Smith – as well as, concurrently, the main currents of scholarship on Smith and Mormonism. It particularly focuses on the tensions between Mormon ecclesiastical leadership and scholars of Mormonism over the ownership of the past of a faith tradition very dependent upon a sacred history. Relatedly, it also discusses the broadening of Mormon scholarship from the first devotional histories produced during Smith’s own lifetime through the so‐called New Mormon History of the middle 20th century to the recent surge of interest in interdisciplinary studies of Mormonism.
Swords into Ploughshares? Ante‐Nicene Christianity and the Ethics of Political Violence
Authors: Gorry Jonathan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractChristian attitudes to power, politics, and violence have been complex and multifaceted for over two thousand years. On the one hand, the idea that all warfare is unjust might well originate with Christianity and its teachings; on the other hand, it is true that the Church’s policies have been sufficiently flexible for Christianity to become the great crusader religion. In this context there is a contrast in thinking between what Christianity was once presumed to be and what it became but perhaps ought not to be. It is traditionally accepted that during the Ante‐Nicene Period (approximately its first three centuries) the Church was essentially pacifist before it was ‘militarised’ by Constantine’s unification of temporal and spiritual power in the early fourth century. The basic purpose of this review is to give a sense of the beliefs of Ante‐Nicene Christianity, to test the historical validity of exemplary but competing claims, and by so doing expose and unpack the quintessential normative character of the debate.
Democracy, Difference, and Reconstruction: Religion, Theology, and the Spirit of Pragmatism
Authors: Neal Ronald 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis essay is an outline of the most salient themes in American pragmatism. It seeks to flesh out those themes in relation to theology and religion. In doing so it stresses the reconstructive and democratic character of pragmatic thought and the manner in which they are expressed through a variety of pragmatic voices. This essay provides a general sketch of the origins and development of American pragmatism. It offers an overview of the pragmatic worldview. It identifies select representatives and expressions of pragmatic thinking. And it lays out the enduring challenges to pragmatism as a philosophical disposition and ethical practice. Overall, this essay offers a broad survey of pragmatic thinking since its emergence after the Civil War. It stresses the significant shifts which it has undertaken during in its short history. By giving attention to matters of race, religious pluralism, and changing contexts, this essay treats pragmatism as an intellectual and ethical impulse that is committed to human progress. Democracy, difference, and reconstruction are at the center of its efforts to improve our world.
Effect of an Oxygen Scavenger on the Stability of Preservative‐Free Flour Tortillas
Authors: Antunez Priscilla D. , Botero Omary María , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Pascall Melvin , Winstone Lauren 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Along with purge and moisture control, oxygen scavenging is a prominent active packaging technology employed by many food processors. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an oxygen scavenger system (OSS) on the shelf life of preservative‐free tortillas stored at varying storage conditions. The shelf life of the tortillas was evaluated at accelerated storage (AS; 37 °C, 75% relative humidity [rh]), room temperature (RT; 22 °C, 57% rh), and refrigeration (R; 4 °C, 42% rh) conditions. The OSS consisted of a multilayer, coextruded bag paired with an oxygen scavenger sachet. A resealable bag made of low‐density polyethylene/linear low‐density polyethylene was used as a control. The diameter, thickness, CIELab color, water activity, pH, texture, and microbial growth within the sample tortillas were measured before and after exposure to the storage conditions. The results showed that the OSS had superiority when compared to the control. The weight and thickness under RT remained unchanged, while lightness was superior to the control under R conditions. Under AS, gradient remained constant, and force followed the same pattern under RT and R conditions. At the same time, microbial growth as measured by aerobic plate count and yeast and molds showed no changes under both AS and RT conditions. Future studies will investigate the effect of a faster acting oxygen scavenger on shelf life of this type of tortillas.Practical Application:  The results of this study show promise for the use of oxygen scavenging technology in the packaging of natural and preservative‐free tortillas.
Influence of Nutritional Knowledge on the Use and Interpretation of Spanish Nutritional Food Labels
Authors: Carrillo E. , Varela P. , Fiszman S. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  The present study analyzed the nutritional knowledge of Spanish consumers and its relationship with the correct use of food labels. Consumers were asked about their nutritional knowledge and some functional foods and about their understanding of food labeling and their use of it to select healthy food. A 2‐part questionnaire was employed. The 1st part concerned their knowledge of nutritional facts, including their knowledge about macronutrients and perception of certain functional foods, while the 2nd part addressed some questions regarding food labels. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in nutritional knowledge by either age or gender, but a direct relationship with educational level. The association between nutritional knowledge and the perception and understanding of food labeling showed that the nutritional label rarely influenced the food purchases of the group with low nutritional knowledge, who considered that this information was too technical. More than half of the consumers did not consider the calorie or sugar content important for selecting food. In addition, the group with low nutritional knowledge stated that they never or rarely looked at the food labels to check whether it was low‐fat food that they were buying.Practical Application:  Knowing the status of the consumer's nutritional knowledge allows health campaigns to be designed; considering the influence of cultural factors and the perception of food labeling is very useful for promoting better nutritional information.
Analysis of Protein Fractions and Some Minerals Present in Chan (Hyptis suaveolens L.) Seeds
Authors: Aguirre Cesar , Torres Iovanna , Mendoza‐Hernández Guillermo , Garcia‐Gasca Teresa , Blanco‐Labra Alejandro 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Chan (Hyptis suaveolens L.) seeds have been used as food as well as in traditional medicine in several countries of America, Asia and Africa. Chan seed protein content was 13.9% on dry weight basis. Analysis of its protein composition showed 39% globulins, 36% glutelins, 24% albumins, and 1% prolamins. By defatting the flour with chloroform/methanol, it increased the extracted proteins and improved the protein band resolution after SDS‐PAGE, showing 5 albumin bands, 8 globulin bands, and 2 prolamin and glutelin bands. The aromatic amino acid content in chan seeds is higher than those of other grains including maize, with good levels of branched chain amino acids. In general, except for lysine, it has a well‐balanced amino acid composition, providing a good supply of almost all the essential amino acids for the different age groups. Magnesium content was high, whereas calcium, potassium, and phosphorous were in the average range when compared to barley, oat, rice, and wheat. The present results indicate that seeds from the chan plant could be relevant because of their nutritional properties and they have the potential to be widely used in the production of high‐quality food.Practical Application:  Chan seeds are presently used in a very limited manner as a food source; however, considering their high quality composition, they have the potential for a more extended use in the food industry.
Effects of Copper on the Post Acidification of Fermented Milk by St. thermophilus
Authors: Han Xue , Zhang Lanwei , Du Ming , Yi Huaxi , Li Jingyan , Zhang Lili 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  As an initial investigation of using Cu2+ to control post acidification, the fermentation time, pH and the viable counts of bacteria of fermented milk during fermentation and storage were studied. Streptococcus thermophilus was used as the starter culture to ferment the whole milk. Cu2+ was added to whole milk at a concentration ranging from 1.25 to 20 mg/kg before fermentation. It was observed that increasing the concentration of Cu2+, the fermentation time of yoghurt was prolonged, while the post acidification of fermented milk was decreased during storage. The results showed that Cu2+ at the concentration of 1.25 mg/kg could reduce the post acidification of fermented milk effectively and showed no significant effect on neither the fermentation time nor the viable counts of S. thermophilus (P > 0.05) compared with the control sample. These findings indicated that Cu2+ could be used as a potential additive to inhibit the post acidification of yoghurt.Practical Application:  Adding copper to milk has an effect on fermented milk products such as yoghurt. Increasing the concentration of Cu2+ decreased the post acidification of fermented milk. The fermentation time is prolonged with the increase of Cu2+ concentration. Cu2+ at 1.25 mg/kg exhibited inhibition on post acidification and had no significant effect on fermentation time and the viable counts of fermented milk.
Heat and pH Stability of Alkali‐Extractable Corn Arabinoxylan and Its Xylanase‐Hydrolyzate and Their Viscosity Behavior
Authors: Rumpagaporn Pinthip , Kaur Amandeep , Campanella Osvaldo H. , Patterson John A. , Hamaker Bruce R. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In in vitro batch fermentations, both alkali‐extractable corn arabinoxylan (CAX) and its xylanase‐hydrolyzate (CH) were utilized by human fecal microbiota and produced similar short chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents and desirable long fermentation profiles with low initial gas production. Fortification of these arabinoxylans into processed foods would contribute desirable dietary fiber benefits to humans. Heat and pH stability, as well as viscosity behavior of CAX and CH were investigated. Size exclusion chromatography was used to analyze the molecular size distribution after treatment at different pH's and heating temperatures for different time periods. Treated under boiling and pressure cooking conditions at pH 3, CAX was degraded to a smaller molecular size, whereas the molecular size of the CH showed only a minor decrease. CAX and CH were mostly stable at neutral pH, except when CAX was treated under pressure for 60 min that slightly lowered molecular size. At 37 °C, neither CAX nor CH was adversely affected by treatment at low or neutral pH. The viscosities of solutions containing 5% and 10% of CAX were 48.7 and 637.0 mPa.s, respectively that were higher than those of solutions containing 5% and 10% of its hydrolyzate at shear rate 1 s−1. The CAX solutions showed Newtonian flow behavior, whereas shear‐thinning behavior was observed in CH solutions. In conclusion, the hydrolyzate of CAX has potential to be used in high fiber drinks due to its favorable fermentation properties, higher pH and heat stability, lower and shear‐thinning viscosity, and lighter color than the native CAX.Practical Application:  Arabinoxylan extracted by an alkali from corn bran is a soluble fiber with a desirable low initial and extended fermentation property. Corn arabinoxylan hydrolyzate using an endoxylanase was much more stable at different levels of acidity and heat than the native arabinoxylan, and showed lower solution viscosity and shear‐thinning property that indicates its potential as an alternative functional dietary fiber for the beverage industry.
Evaluation of Overhead Spray‐Applied Sanitizers for the Reduction of Salmonella on Tomato Surfaces
Authors: Chang Alexandra S. , Schneider Keith R. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Efficacy of sanitizers in an overhead spray and brush roller system was examined for reducing Salmonella on unwaxed, mature green tomatoes. Surface inoculated tomatoes were treated in the overhead spray system for 5, 15, 30, and 60 s. A sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) study tested NaOCl (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) against a water control. A sanitizer study examined NaOCl (100 mg/L), chlorine dioxide (ClO2; 5 mg/L), peroxyacetic acid (PAA; 80 mg/L), and water. The overhead spray system was also compared to a scale‐model flume. All NaOCl concentrations were significantly more effective at removing Salmonella than water and achieved at least a 3‐log10 CFU/mL reduction at different treatment times (P < 0.05). NaOCl (100 mg/L) achieved a 4 ± 1.8 log10 CFU/mL reduction at 15 s. In the sanitizer study, NaOCl, ClO2, and PAA achieved at least a 3‐log10 CFU/mL reduction at 15 s and between 3.9 and 5.5 log10 CFU/mL reductions at 30 to 60 s. NaOCl (100 mg/L) in the overhead spray system significantly reduced more Salmonella than in the flume at 15 to 60 s. NaOCl flume treatment only reached a 1.3 ± 1.1 log10 CFU/mL reduction at 15 s. Results of this study demonstrate the ability of sanitizers in the laboratory model overhead spray system to reduce Salmonella on tomato surfaces. An overhead spray system could be implemented instead of flumes to achieve higher pathogen reduction with less water and sanitizer use, thereby lowering packing costs.Practical Application:  The use of a non‐recirculating, overhead spray brush roller system could offer a cost effective and efficacious way of washing tomatoes. The use large communal dump tanks in tomato processing has been suspected as a source of contamination in the tomato processing process. If effective, the brush roller system could augment or possible replace currently used dump tanks.
Octarepeat peptides of prion are essential for multidrug resistance in gastric cancer cells
Authors: WANG Ji Heng , DU Jing Ping , LI Shu Jun , ZHAI Li Ping , YANG Xin Yan , WANG Zhi Hong , WU Zi Tao , HAN Ying 
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE:  In previous studies cellular prion protein (PrPc) is confirmed to be involved in multidrug resistance (MDR) of gastric cancer. Although octarepeat peptides are important functional domains of PrPc and are closely related to the transport of Cu2+/Zn2+ and antioxidative function, the significance in MDR remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the role of octarepeat peptides in gastric cancer MDR.METHODS:  Small interfering RNA (siRNA) against PrPc were transfected into adriamycin‐resistant gastric cancer cell lines to inhibit the expression of wild type PrPc, and then constructs encoding PrPc without octarepeat peptides and PrPc without the fifth repeat peptide were transfected, respectively, to establish the cell models. In vitro drug sensitivity, cell apoptosis, measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and glutathione (GSH), as well as changes in glutathione S‐transferase (GST) were detected.RESULTS:  In vitro drug sensitivity test showed that octarepeat peptides could modulate the drug resistance of gastric cancer cells, but the deletion of the fifth repeat peptide had no effect. Specifically, the anti‐apoptotic capacity of gastric cancer cells decreased significantly when the octarepeat peptides of PrPc was absent. Moreover, the activities of total SOD, Cu2+/Zn2+‐SOD, GSH‐Px, GSH, and GST detected in different stressing periods revealed that cells lacking octarepeat peptides of PrPc exhibited weakened responses to stress. However, absence of the fifth repeat peptide did not exert any effect on stress response.CONCLUSION:  The octarepeat peptides of prion is responsible for MDR in gastric cancer cells while the fifth repeat peptide is not.
Social Baseline Theory: The Role of Social Proximity in Emotion and Economy of Action
Authors: Beckes Lane , Coan James A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSocial proximity and interaction attenuate cardiovascular arousal, facilitate the development of nonanxious temperament, inhibit the release of stress hormones, reduce threat‐related neural activation, and generally promote health and longevity. Conversely, social subordination, rejection and isolation are powerful sources of stress and compromised health. Drawing on the biological principle of economy of action, perception/action links, and the brain’s propensity to act as a Bayesian predictor, Social Baseline Theory (SBT) proposes that the primary ecology to which human beings are adapted is one that is rich with other humans. Moreover, SBT suggests that the presence of other people helps individuals to conserve important and often metabolically costly somatic and neural resources through the social regulation of emotion.
Self‐Awareness Part 2: Neuroanatomy and Importance of Inner Speech
Authors: Morin Alain 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe present review of literature surveys two main issues related to self‐referential processes: (1) Where in the brain are these processes located, and do they correlate with brain areas uniquely specialized in self‐processing? (2) What are the empirical and theoretical links between inner speech and self‐awareness? Although initial neuroimaging attempts tended to favor a right hemispheric view of self‐awareness, more recent work shows that the brain areas which support self‐related processes are located in both hemispheres and are not uniquely activated during self‐reflective tasks. Furthermore, self‐awareness at least partially relies on internal speech. An activation of Broca’s area (which is known to sustain inner speech) is observed in a significant number of brain‐imaging studies of self‐reflection. Loss of inner speech following brain damage produces self‐awareness deficits. Inner speech most likely can internally reproduce social mechanisms leading to self‐awareness. Also, the process of self‐reflection can be seen as being a problem‐solving task, and self‐talk as being a cognitive tool the individual uses to effectively work on the task. It is noted that although a large body of knowledge already exists on self‐awareness, little is known about individual differences in dispositional self‐focus and types of self‐attention (e.g., rumination versus self‐reflection).
Connecting People – Renewing Power Relations? A Research Review on the Use of Mobile Phones
Authors: Kinnunen Taina , Suopajärvi Tiina , Ylipulli Johanna 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe paper discusses how the power perspective has been considered and discussed in qualitative social studies on the use of mobile phones in practices at home, work and public places. Some themes relevant from the aspect of power negotiations were extrapolated from the reviewed literature: constant availability at home and work, and the mobile phone as a public status symbol in respect to its design and use in space, time, and social surroundings. The review also aims to show how social variables affecting the adoption and use of the mobile phone have so far been analyzed in research. The writers conclude that mobile phones have been interpreted to reproduce and renew traditional power hierarchies. Still, more nuanced research is needed to understand the micro‐mechanisms of power in the socio‐cultural contexts of the use of mobile phones.