bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MECHANICAL–ACOUSTIC AND SENSORY EVALUATIONS OF CORNSTARCH–WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE EXTRUDATES
Authors: CHENG E.M. , ALAVI S. , PEARSON T. , AGBISIT R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT The mechanism relating sensory perception of brittle food foams to their mechanical and acoustic properties during crushing was investigated. Cornstarch was extruded with four levels of whey protein isolate (0, 6, 12 and 18%) and two levels of in‐barrel moisture (23 and 27%). Hardness, fracturability and roughness of mass were three main sensory attributes that varied substantially between products. High correlations (r = 0.841–0.998) were observed between sensory attributes and instrumentally determined mechanical properties, including crushing force (11.2–57.9 N) and crispness work (4.6–75.8 N·mm). Based on acoustic data obtained during instrumental crushing, time‐domain signal processing and a novel voice recognition technique utilizing frequency spectrograms were successfully employed for understanding the differences in the sensory properties of various products. Microstructure features, including average cell diameter (1.00–2.94 mm), average wall thickness (0.04–0.27 mm) and cell number density (7–193 cell/cm3), were characterized noninvasively using X‐ray microtomography, and proved to be critical in relating sensory perception of the cellular extrudates to their mechanical–acoustic signatures.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe sensory perception of crispy and crunchy food products is primarily a function of their mechanical response and emission of sounds during fracture. The current study was focused on understanding these relationships in the context of brittle extruded foods. The mechanical–acoustic techniques outlined in this study have the potential of reducing the time, costs and subjectivity involved in evaluation of new foods by human panels, and can be a useful tool in the overall product development cycle. These techniques need not be limited only to food systems, as properties of any rigid, fracturable material can be characterized based on its mechanical–acoustic signature.
Antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine by two different tests
Authors: Sassone Luciana M. , Fidel Rivail Antonio Sergio , Murad Cristiana Francescutti , Fidel Sandra Rivera , Hirata Rafael 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial capacity of sodium hypochlorite (1% and 5%) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, 0.5% and 1%) with or without the addition of organic material (bovine serum albumin, BSA) against some bacterial samples (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum) using two activity tests (contact and diffusion agar tests). In the contact test (first model), bacterial samples were kept in contact with each irrigating solution for different time intervals: immediately (t0), 5 min (t5), 15 min (t15) and 30 min (t30). The agar diffusion test was the second model used. In half the specimens, 0.5% BSA was added to simulate organic tissue present in the root canal. Bacterial growth was evaluated for each microorganism and activity test. Each test was repeated 10 times. In the contact test, 0.12% chlorhexidine solution (CHX) did not eliminate E. faecalis at any tested time. CHX at 0.5% eliminated all strains except E. faecalis after immediate contact. All strains were eliminated by 1% CHX, 1% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl. BSA did not interfere with the antimicrobial activity of the irrigating solutions. In the agar diffusion test, all solutions exhibited zones of antimicrobial activity; however, BSA interfered with the antimicrobial activity of NaOCl and CHX. Under the condition of the contact test, the 0.12% CHX was ineffective in eliminating E. faecalis, while 0.5% CHX, 1% CHX, 1% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl showed antibacterial effectiveness against all the tested bacterial strains. The addition of an organic load interfered with the accuracy of the agar diffusion test.
Simple multiplex RT‐PCR for identifying common fusion transcripts in childhood acute leukemia
Authors: PAKAKASAMA S. , KAJANACHUMPOL S. , KANJANAPONGKUL S. , SIRACHAINAN N. , MEEKAEWKUNCHORN A. , NINGSANOND V. , HONGENG S. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryNonrandom gene rearrangements have been demonstrated in leukemic cells at diagnosis. These genetic abnormalities are associated with specific types, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of acute leukemia. Common fusion transcripts in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are TEL‐AML1, E2A‐PBX, MLL‐AF4, and BCR‐ABL (p190) and in acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) are AML‐ETO, PML‐RARA, and CBFB‐MYH11. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for detection of each individual fusion transcript is impractical and time consuming. The purpose of this study was to develop simple RT‐PCR methods to identify common fusion transcripts of newly diagnosed acute leukemia in children. Total RNA was extracted from bone marrow samples of children diagnosed with acute leukemia. Multiplex RT‐PCR panel A (ALL) included primers for TEL‐AML1, E2A‐PBX, MLL‐AF4, and BCR‐ABL (p190) whereas panel B (ANLL) composed of primers for AML‐ETO, PML‐RARA, and CBFB‐MYH11. Known leukemic cell lines were used to serve as positive controls. Eighty three children diagnosed with ALL (n = 63) and ANLL (n = 20) were included in this study. Fusion transcripts could be identified using multiplex RT‐PCR panel A for ALL and panel B for ANLL in 26/83 (31.3%) cases. In ALL samples, we found TEL‐AML1 = 16/63 (25.4%), E2A‐PBX = 3/63 (4.8%), MLL‐AF4 = 1/63 (1.6%), and BCR‐ABL = 1/63 (1.6%). Four cases of AML1‐ETO (20%) and one PML‐RARA (5%) were found in ANLL samples. In conclusion, our simple multiplex RT‐PCR for detection of fusion transcripts in childhood acute leukemia was found to be a rapid, accurate, and effective method.
Screening of blood bank samples for the presence of malaria parasites by conventional methods and quantitative nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (QT‐NASBA) assay
Authors: NOUR BAKRI Y. M. , MENS PÈTRA F. , SAEED OSMAN K. , MOHAMADANI AHMED A. , SCHALLIG HENK D. F. H. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYThe potential of screening blood donations of apparently healthy donors for the presence of malaria parasites with quantitative nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (QT‐NASBA) technology was assessed. One hundred samples were randomly collected from blood donations at the blood bank of Wad Medani Teaching Hospital (Central Sudan) and analyzed for Plasmodium falciparum contamination by standard microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and QT‐NASBA (lower detection limit for quantification is 0.1 parasite/µL of blood; absolute lower detection limit < 0.001 parasite/µL). Presence of P. falciparum could not be demonstrated in all samples analyzed by microscopy and RDTs. Eighty out of 100 samples were analyzed by QT‐NASBA. Three samples were lost because of transportation difficulties and 17 gave an insufficient amount of RNA after extraction. Fifty‐five donations were found to be negative for P. falciparum, i.e. < 0.01 parasite/µL of blood, four samples gave a result at the cutoff of the test, i.e. parasite count between > 0.001 and 0.1 parasite/µL. However, 21 of the 80 samples (26.3%) were found to be QT‐NASBA‐positive, i.e. parasites count > 0.1/µL of blood. Mean parasite count of the positive samples was 1.73 parasites/µL (ranging between 0.13 and 18.6 parasites/µL). The present study showed the sensitivity of QT‐NASBA to detect low numbers of P. falciparum in apparently healthy donors.
THE LEGACY AND CHALLENGE OF FISCAL POLICY IN SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICA1
Authors: Siebrits F.k. , Calitz E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper traces salient aspects of the evolution of fiscal policy in sub‐Saharan Africa since 1960 and highlights the need for further reforms to consolidate the gains of the recent past. The fiscal position of the sub‐Saharan African region as a whole has improved markedly during the past ten years, but most countries still face formidable fiscal challenges. To consolidate the progress made during the past decade and to tackle the remaining problems, sub‐Saharan African policymakers should remain firmly committed to sound fiscal policies.
SOUTH AFRICA'S INTERGOVERNMENTAL FISCAL RELATIONS: AN EVOLVING SYSTEM
Authors: Amusa Hammed , Mathane Philemon 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAcross Africa, Latin America, Asia and the transition economies of Eastern Europe, the need to enhance the capability and capacity of sub‐national governments (SNGs) in providing public goods and services has become a main theme of development programmes. Central to this theme is the need to design an intergovernmental fiscal relations (IGFR) system that enhances the effectiveness of sub‐national governments in mobilizing revenues and implementing expenditure programmes. For South Africa, the post‐1994 dispensation has involved significant reforms to the structure and administrative capacity of the three spheres of government. Critical to these reforms is the need to formulate an IGFR framework that takes cognisance of South Africa's past, and serves as an effective policy tool in ensuring that public sector service delivery is well structured and managed.This paper provides an analysis of South Africa's evolving IGFR system. It outlines the historical evolution of the current IGFR system, identifies current challenges, and discusses implications that these challenges have for the functioning of the IGFR system. The general conclusion emerging from this study is that in the South African context, the key elements necessary for an effective IGFR system are in place. Ongoing reforms have improved the capacity of provincial and municipal authorities in carrying out their revenue and expenditure responsibilities. However, the evolving nature of South Africa's IGFR system requires that significant attention be devoted towards enhancing coordination between delivery departments and improving the capacity of many SNGs. These should not only aid the effective functioning of the IGFR system but also ensure that the gains of decentralisation are sustainable.
DEALING WITH EARNINGS BRACKET RESPONSES IN HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS – HOW SHARP ARE MIDPOINT IMPUTATIONS?
Authors: Von Fintel Dieter 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEarnings functions form the basis of numerous labour market analyses. Non‐response (particularly among higher earners) may, however, lead to the exclusion of a significant proportion of South Africa's earnings base. Earnings brackets built into surveys intend to maintain response rates. Econometric tools to incorporate brackets vary from “simplistic” imputation to interval regressions. Coefficient differences are investigated here to establish reliable remedies. Monte‐Carlo simulations suggest that “simple” methods fail only under extreme skewness and when a substantial number of right‐censored observations appear in the sample. Testing procedures applied to LFS data reveal that in practice coefficients are virtually invariant to the proposed methods.
New chemotherapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Pilot study of β‐interferon and doxorubicin one‐shot intra‐arterial chemotherapy
Authors: Uyama Hirokazu , Nagano Hiroaki , Nakamura Hideji , Murakami Takamichi , Nakamura Hironobu , Monden Morito , Hayashi Norio 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) need an effective treatment modality because of the poor prognosis of the disease. From an in vitro study, β‐interferon (IFN‐β) has been reported to enhance the antiproliferative effects of doxorubicin on HCC cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of combined IFN‐β and doxorubicin intra‐arterial injection therapy on patients with advanced HCC.Methods:  IFN‐β (3 MIU) and doxorubicin (10 mg/bodyweight) were given by one‐shot intra‐arterial injection through an arterial port to patients with advanced HCC. One treatment course consisted of three intra‐arterial injections per week for 4 weeks. Three courses were conducted and evaluation was done monthly.Results:  Eleven patients with advanced HCC were treated with combined IFN‐β and doxorubicin. One patient enteredcomplete remission (CR), seven patients were evaluated as having stable disease (SD) and three as having progressive disease (PD). The mean overall survival was 10 months. The mean survival for CR and SD patients was 15 months, and that for PD patients was 6 months (P = 0.0464, log–rank test). Decrease of serum total bilirubin was observed for all patients.Conclusion:  Combined IFN‐β and doxorubicin intra‐arterial therapy offers an effective chemotherapy option for patients with advanced HCC by improving liver function and having tolerable side‐effects.
Collective repression of the hepatitis B virus enhancer II by human TR4 and TR2 orphan receptors
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Jon , Yang Ren‐You , Lee Han‐Jung 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The human testicular receptor 4 and 2 (TR4 and TR2) orphan receptors are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that regulate target gene expression via binding to the consensus AGGTCA direct repeats of the hormone response elements. Previous studies have reported that TR4 and other nuclear receptors could bind to the direct repeat 1 element of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter.Methods:  Differential gene expression of HBV caused by TR4 and TR2 was determined by gel retardation and functional assays.Results:  Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that TR4 and TR2 might bind to the direct repeat 6 element of the HBV enhancer II region. Results of the dual‐luciferasereporter gene assay showed that TR4 and TR2 might significantly suppress HBV gene expression through this direct repeat 6 element in the enhancer II.Conclusion:  These results implied that TR4 together with its heterodimer partner TR2 could collectively play a significant role in the transcriptional suppression of HBV gene expression via the direct repeat 6 element in the enhancer II. Therefore, the application of nuclear receptors potentially may be antiviral agents in chronic HBV infection.
Hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma: Combined dynamic MDCT and SPIO‐enhanced MRI versus combined CTHA and CTAP
Authors: Imai Yasuharu , Murakami Takamichi , Hori Masatoshi , Fukuda Kazuto , Kim Tonsok , Marukawa Taro , Abe Hisashi , Kuwabara Masatomo , Onishi Hiromitu , Tsuda Kyo , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Kurokawa Masanori , Hayashi Norio , Monden Morito , Nakamura Hironobu 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  Recently, many diagnostic modalities have been developed for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Of these, a less invasive and more accurate diagnostic procedure is desirable. This study was undertaken to compare combined dynamic multidetector row helical computerized tomography (MDCT) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with combined CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and CT during arterial portography (CTAP) for the detection of hypervascular HCC.Methods:  Forty‐eight patients with 56 pathologically proved hypervascular HCCs (less than 5.0 cm in diameter) underwent dynamic MDCT and SPIO‐enhanced MRI, as well as CTHA and CTAP. The images were reviewed by four independent and blinded readers on a tumor‐by‐tumor basis.Results:  The mean areas under alternative‐free response receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) for combined dynamic MDCT and SPIO‐enhanced MRI (IV set) and combinedCTHA and CTAP (IA set) were comparable (0.948 and 0.969, respectively, P > 0.05), although the Az value of the IV set was significantly lower than that of the IA set in HCCs smaller than or equal to 1.5 cm (0.867 and 0.937, respectively, P = 0.033). The mean sensitivity and positive predictive value of the IV set were similar to those of the IA set.Conclusions:  Combined dynamic MDCT and SPIO‐enhanced MRI showed a diagnostic accuracy comparable to intra‐arterial contrast‐enhanced CT (CTHA and CTAP) for hypervascular HCC, and may be a useful diagnostic option prior to curative treatments of hypervascular HCC, although a limitation exists in detecting HCCs smaller than or equal to 1.5 cm.
Overexpression of CYP3A aggravates endotoxin‐induced liver injury in hypophysectomized female rats
Authors: Takemura Shigekazu , Minamiyama Yukiko , Toyokuni Shinya , Imaoka Susumu , Hai Seikan , Kubo Shoji , Hirohashi Kazuhiro , Funae Yoshihiko , Okada Shigeru 
Published: July 2007

Aim: CYP3A2 is a male‐specific isoform of cytochrome P450 enzyme which is expressed abundantly in male rats but not in intact female rats. Having previously reported that hepatic CYP3A2 promotes lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced liver injury in male rats, we further examined the impact of CYP3A on LPS‐induced liver injury by comparing intact and hypophysectomized female rats. In hypophysectomized female rats, phenobarbital (PB), a cytochrome P450 inducer, markedly increased the hepatic content and activity of CYP3A1/2, but did not do so in intact rats. CYP2B1 increased to similar levels in PB‐treated hypophysectomized and intact rats.Methods: Rats were administered 10 mg/kg LPS intravenously and some were given PB for three days before LPS injection. Liver injury was analyzed 8 h after LPS injection.Results: PB–LPS increased plasma alanine aminotransferase significantly more in hypophysectomized female rats than in intact female rats. Ketoconazole, a CYP3A inhibitor, inhibited the increase of liver injury. Hepatic 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine in nuclei and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal‐modified proteins, measured to evaluate oxidative stress by LPS treatment, increased markedly more in PB‐treated, hypophysectomized female rats, than in intact female rats.Conclusion: Overexpression of CYP3A aggravated LPS‐induced liver injury in rats, apparently through the formation of reactive oxygen species.
Dissimilatory Iodate Reduction by MarinePseudomonassp. Strain SCT
Authors: Amachi Seigo , Kawaguchi Nahito , Muramatsu Yasuyuki , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Watanabe Yuko , Shinoyama Hirofumi , Fujii Takaaki 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTBacterial iodate (IO3−) reduction is poorly understood largely due to the limited number of available isolates as well as the paucity of information about key enzymes involved in the reaction. In this study, an iodate-reducing bacterium, designated strain SCT, was newly isolated from marine sediment slurry. SCT is phylogenetically closely related to the denitrifying bacteriumPseudomonas stutzeriand reduced 200 μM iodate to iodide (I−) within 12 h in an anaerobic culture containing 10 mM nitrate. The strain did not reduce iodate under the aerobic conditions. An anaerobic washed cell suspension of SCT reduced iodate when the cells were pregrown anaerobically with 10 mM nitrate and 200 μM iodate. However, cells pregrown without iodate did not reduce it. The cells in the former category showed methyl viologen-dependent iodate reductase activity (0.31 U mg−1), which was located predominantly in the periplasmic space. Furthermore, SCT was capable of anaerobic growth with 3 mM iodate as the sole electron acceptor, and the cells showed enhanced activity with respect to iodate reductase (2.46 U mg−1). These results suggest that SCT is a dissimilatory iodate-reducing bacterium and that its iodate reductase is induced by iodate under anaerobic growth conditions.
Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay with an Internal Amplification Control for the Detection of Total and Pathogenic
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Bacteria in Oysters
Authors: Nordstrom Jessica L. , Vickery Michael C. L. , Blackstone George M. , Murray Shelley L. , DePaola Angelo 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is an estuarine bacterium that is the leading cause of shellfish-associated cases of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States. Our laboratory developed a real-time multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of the thermolabile hemolysin (
tlh
), thermostable direct hemolysin (
tdh
), and thermostable-related hemolysin (
trh
) genes of
V. parahaemolyticus
. The
tlh
gene is a species-specific marker, while the
tdh
and
trh
genes are pathogenicity markers. An internal amplification control (IAC) was incorporated to ensure PCR integrity and eliminate false-negative reporting. The assay was tested for specificity against >150 strains representing eight bacterial species. Only
V. parahaemolyticus
strains possessing the appropriate target genes generated a fluorescent signal, except for a late
tdh
signal generated by three strains of
V. hollisae
. The multiplex assay detected <10 CFU/reaction of pathogenic
V. parahaemolyticus
in the presence of >10
4
CFU/reaction of total
V. parahaemolyticus
bacteria. The real-time PCR assay was utilized with a most-probable-number format, and its results were compared to standard
V. parahaemolyticus
isolation methodology during an environmental survey of Alaskan oysters. The IAC was occasionally inhibited by the oyster matrix, and this usually corresponded to negative results for
V. parahaemolyticus
targets.
V. parahaemolyticus tlh
,
tdh
, and
trh
were detected in 44, 44, and 52% of the oyster samples, respectively.
V. parahaemolyticus
was isolated from 33% of the samples, and
tdh
+
and
trh
+
strains were isolated from 19 and 26%, respectively. These results demonstrate the utility of the real-time PCR assay in environmental surveys and its possible application to outbreak investigations for the detection of total and pathogenic
V. parahaemolyticus
.
Gliding Arc Discharge in the Potato PathogenErwinia carotovorasubsp.atroseptica: Mechanism of Lethal Action and Effect on Membrane-Associated Molecules
Authors: Moreau M. , Feuilloley M. G. J. , Veron W. , Meylheuc T. , Chevalier S. , Brisset J.-L. , Orange N. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTGliding arc (glidarc) discharge is a physicochemical technique for decontamination at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. It leads to the destruction of bacterial phytopathogens responsible for important losses in industrial agriculture, namely,Erwiniaspp., without the formation of resistant forms. We investigated the effect of a novel optimized prototype allowing bacterial killing without lag time. This prototype also decreases the required duration of treatment by 50%. The study of the time course effect of the process on bacterial morphology suggests that glidarc induces major alterations of the bacterial membrane. We showed that glidarc causes the release of bacterial genomic DNA. By contrast, an apparent decrease in the level of extractible lipopolysaccharide was observed; however, no changes in the electrophoretic pattern and cytotoxic activity of the macromolecule were noted. Analysis of extractible proteins from the outer membrane of the bacteria revealed that glidarc discharge induces the release of these proteins from the lipid environment, but may also be responsible for protein dimerization and/or aggregation. This effect was not observed in secreted enzymatic proteins, such as pectate lyase. Analysis of the data supports the hypothesis that the plasma generated by glidarc discharge is acting essentially through oxidative mechanisms. Furthermore, these results indicate that, in addition to effectively destroying bacteria, glidarc discharge should be used to improve the extraction of bacterial molecules.
Sensitivity of Nested PCR in the Detection of Low Numbers of
Giardia lamblia
Cysts
Authors: Miller Kathryn M. , Sterling Charles R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Nested PCR was performed on individually isolated
Giardia lamblia
cysts in replicates of 50 for sets of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 cysts. Amplification ranged from 80% for 1 cyst to 100% for 10 cysts. The results suggest that nested PCR is well adapted for
G. lamblia
single-cyst detection.