bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing information literacy with first year oral health students
Authors: Ford P. J. , Foxlee N. , Green W. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractContext:  In this time of rapid expansion of the scientific knowledge base, subject matter runs the risk of becoming outdated within a relatively short time. Instead of adding more content to already crowded curricula, the focus should be on equipping students to adapt to their changing world. The ability to access, evaluate and apply new knowledge for the benefit of patients has been acknowledged as an important goal for dental education. Information literacy is key to achieving this.Methods:  An information literacy programme for first year oral health students was instituted. This was integrated within a biosciences course and linked with its assessment. Small group instruction reinforced by the use of a tailored online Assignment Guide was used in the context of a specific task. Effectiveness was measured in terms of assessment outcome, processes used and student experience.Results:  Twenty‐seven students participated in the intervention which was effective in enhancing foundation literacy skills and confidence of students in accessing and evaluating information sources in the context of a clinical problem. Improvement in higher level literacy skills required to articulate this information in the synthesis of a scientific review was not demonstrated.Conclusions:  Integration of this information literacy programme within the learning activities and assessment of a basic sciences course resulted in significantly enhanced information literacy skills. As this is highly relevant for higher education students in general, the wider promotion of information literacy should be encouraged.
Oral surgery undergraduate teaching and experience in the United Kingdom: a national survey
Authors: Macluskey M. , Durham J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe aim of this work was to determine the structure, mode of delivery, mode of assessment and staffing of the oral surgery undergraduate curriculum within UK dental schools. A questionnaire was distributed by e‐mail in January 2006 to each of the 15 dental schools with undergraduate dental degree programmes in Ireland and the UK. Those providing feedback then met to clarify any areas as required. Thirteen completed questionnaires were returned. There were a total of 55 academics involved in the teaching of oral surgery at these 13 institutions. Over the three clinical years the mean number of clinical sessions was 51. The mean staff student ratio for supervision of forceps exodontia was 1:5. On average 51 teeth were extracted by each student in the clinical years. The mean staff student ratio for surgical extractions was 1:2. The mean number of surgical extractions for each student was 6. All schools formatively assessed competency in forceps exodontia and 9 of 13 assessed surgical extractions. Summative assessment of exodontia was done in six schools and surgical extractions in 4 of 13 schools. All 13 schools deliver teaching programmes designed to meet the requirements of the frameworks governing the central curriculum. There were, however, variations between individual schools in the content and delivery of the oral surgery clinical teaching programmes. There were dramatic variations in the numbers of academic staff involved and some institutions relied on their NHS colleagues to deliver the clinical teaching.
Promoter hypermethylation of mismatch repair genes, hMLH1 and hMSH2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Czerninski R , Krichevsky S , Ashhab Y , Gazit D , Patel V , Ben‐Yehuda D 
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Major risk factors of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are environmental and can lead to DNA mutagenesis. Mismatch repair (MMR) system functions to repair small DNA lesions, which can be targeted for promoter hypermethylation. We therefore wanted to test whether hypermethylation of MMR genes (hMLH1, hMSH2) could contribute to oral carcinogenesis by correlating the information to patient clinical data.Methods:  Genomic DNA was extracted from 28 OSCC and six normal oral epithelium samples. The methylation status of the two MMR genes was assessed using Methylation Specific PCR after DNA modification with sodium bisulfite. Serial sections of the same tissues were immunostained with antibodies against hMLH1 and hMSH2 protein.Results:  Promoter hypermethylation was observed in 14/28 OSCC cases. Remarkably, 100% of patients with multiple oral malignancies showed hypermethylation in hMLH1 or hMSH2 compared with 31.5% of single tumor patients. In 10 cancer cases, expression of the hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes by immunostaining showed reduced or absence of expression of one of the genes, although some did not reflect the methylation status.Conclusions:  Hypermethylation of hMLH1 and hMSH2 might play a role in oral carcinogenesis and may be correlated with a tendency to develop multiple oral malignancies.
SHORT‐TERM TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT FOR PERFORMANCE OF A SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE PANEL FOR THE OLFACTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF AROMA EXTRACTS
Authors: BIANCHI GIULIA , ZERBINI PAOLA ECCHER , RIZZOLO ANNA 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT A study on the performances of a panel on the ability to discriminate between odor notes characteristic to nectarine fruits of different maturity (from unripe to fully ripe) was carried out by computing, from analysis of variance results of standardized scores, the agreement coefficient, which describes variation of ratings for a single product, and the reliability coefficient, which reflects discrimination ability of a panel for a group of products. Panelists, after short‐term training for recognition of the main odor attributes of peach aroma, scored the odor profile of both model solutions and Spring Bright nectarine aroma extracts from pool of fruit having well‐defined maturation degrees. Panel performances were good in terms of both agreement and reliability for the descriptors related to unripeness (sharp, herbaceous) while were good for agreement but fair for reliability for descriptors related to ripeness (fruity, ripe). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe use of agreement and reliability coefficient, which are based on classical reliability theory and recent advances in psychological measurement, is quite a novel technique in evaluating performances of sensory panels. In this study, these coefficients were applied to monitor and compare performances of both the whole panel in evaluating attributes and the single panelist in evaluating each attribute. The results of the study underlined the usefulness of the graphical presentation of the two indices on the rating quality space in comparing individual panelist performances. In this way the selection of panelists according to their ability in rating a distinctive feature of a product can be easily accomplished.
GUSTATORY REACTION TIME AND TIME INTENSITY MEASUREMENTS OF TREHALOSE AND SUCROSE SOLUTIONS AND THEIR MIXTURES
Authors: GALMARINI MARA VIRGINIA , ZAMORA MARÍA CLARA , CHIRIFE JORGE 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT Dynamic sweetness perception of commercial food grade trehalose, sucrose solutions and their mixtures were studied for a wide range of concentrations. For gustatory reaction time (GRT), concentrations ranged from 2.3 to 13.8% for sucrose and up to 23.0% for trehalose. For time intensity (T‐I) sucrose or trehalose solutions (concentration range 2.3–36.8%) and their combinations (23.0 and 36.8% total solids) were analyzed. Trehalose had bigger GRT along the studied range. Both sugars presented similar values for persistence and times of plateau and to maximum intensity, while a significant difference was observed in intensity and GRT at equal concentrations. Trehalose had longer persistence than sucrose in equi‐sweet solutions. Overall sweetness profile of some sucrose solutions (i.e., 29.9% sucrose solution and 0.6 sucrose/trehalose ratio mixture at 36.8% total solids) were perceived as similar to mixtures of sucrose/trehalose or single trehalose solutions, which suggests the possibility of sugar replacement without completely modifying sweetness perception.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIt has been suggested that trehalose may be a potential substitute for sucrose and other sugars used in food formulation because, although its chemical structure is very similar to that of sucrose, it is more stable at low pH and high temperatures. It is not involved in caramelization and does not participate in Maillard reaction with amino acids/proteins. In order to fully establish the potential of trehalose as a functional replacement of sucrose we have determined the sweetness dynamic profile (gustatory reaction time and time‐intensity curves) of trehalose solutions and sucrose/trehalose solutions; this aspect is needed for adequately replacing (partially or totally) sucrose in food systems.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR VISUALLY PRESENTED MEALS
Authors: REISFELT HANS HENRIK , GABRIELSEN GORM , AASLYNG MARGIT DALL , BJERRE MARIA SCHMIDT , MØLLER PER 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to investigate consumers' preferences for variations of a visually presented meal. The study was conducted in three middle‐sized Danish towns, including 768 respondents who were presented with a computerized questionnaire that initially displayed four consecutive series of photos. The series each consisted of eight unique photos of randomized food dishes arranged around the center square in a 3 × 3 array. Five meal components, each with two levels, were investigated. One level of each component was used for each photo, in total 25 = 32 combinations. The respondents were asked to select the meal they preferred the most, the second most and the least, respectively. Significant interactions were found between meal components and background variables such as, gender, age, geographic variables, purchase store and level of education. The current procedure can be applied to help solve a number of problems involving consumer choices. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study outlines an approach to use visual images for investigations of food. Our results suggest that rather complex food stimuli of great similarity can be used to subdivide consumers based on sociodemographic background variables. We present an efficient and cheap quick method that provides and captures more information than an ordinary survey that focuses merely on the most preferred option. As a prerequisite for success, stimuli should be well known and appropriately selected. Hence, the present quick method can easily be applied for several practical purposes, such as pretesting, labeling, product flop prevention, and for specific optimization and selection tasks, e.g., convenience meals and institutional meal services in various contexts.The conjoint layout used allows for late‐based segmentation. It further allows for estimation on aggregate as well as individual level. The current approach is useful for database and/or online implementation.
PROJECTIVE MAPPING AND DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF MILK AND DARK CHOCOLATES
Authors: KENNEDY J. , HEYMANN H. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT Recently there has been renewed interest in the use of projective mapping to evaluate overall product similarity. Previous studies show a high degree of similarity between product maps from projective mapping and descriptive analysis techniques; however, trained panels had been used in these studies. In this study, three groups of untrained panelists performed projective mapping on a set of chocolates and then were trained and performed descriptive analysis. Principal component analysis and multifactor analysis were used to generate product maps of the descriptive analysis and projective mapping data, respectively. All six maps were visually similar, and RV‐coefficients between the six data sets were greater than 0.8. The results indicate that the use of untrained judges for the projective mapping provided equivalent product spaces as obtained by descriptive analysis for this set of products. Furthermore, the similarity among panels indicates that overall the panelists perceived the chocolates in a similar manner. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe current study indicates that projective mapping can provide equivalent product maps to those obtained by descriptive analysis. On its own, projective mapping presents an efficient method to obtain overall product differences from consumers or trained judges. In combination with a descriptive technique, projective mapping performed by consumers can provide insight as to which attributes are most important to consumers in determining product differences.
Photocycles of Channelrhodopsin‐2
Authors: Nikolic Konstantin , Grossman Nir , Grubb Matthew S. , Burrone Juan , Toumazou Chris , Degenaar Patrick 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRecent developments have used light‐activated channels or transporters to modulate neuronal activity. One such genetically‐encoded modulator of activity, channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2), depolarizes neurons in response to blue light. In this work, we first conducted electrophysiological studies of the photokinetics of hippocampal cells expressing ChR2, for various light stimulations. These and other experimental results were then used for systematic investigation of the previously proposed three‐state and four‐state models of the ChR2 photocycle. We show the limitations of the previously suggested three‐state models and identify a four‐state model that accurately follows the ChR2 photocurrents. We find that ChR2 currents decay biexponentially, a fact that can be explained by the four‐state model. The model is composed of two closed (C1 and C2) and two open (O1 and O2) states, and our simulation results suggest that they might represent the dark‐adapted (C1‐O1) and light‐adapted (C2‐O2) branches. The crucial insight provided by the analysis of the new model is that it reveals an adaptation mechanism of the ChR2 molecule. Hence very simple organisms expressing ChR2 can use this form of light adaptation.
Sunlight‐induced DNA Damage in Marine Micro‐organisms Collected Along a Latitudinal Gradient from 70°N to 68°S
Authors: Meador Jarah A. , Baldwin Amy J. , Catala Phillipe , Jeffrey Wade H. , Joux Fabien , Moss Joseph A. , Dean Pakulski J. , Stevens Richard , Mitchell David L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe examined ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced DNA damage in marine micro‐organisms collected from surface seawater along a latitudinal transect in the Central Pacific Ocean from 70°N to 68°S. Samples were collected predawn and incubated under ambient UVR in transparent incubators at in situ temperatures until late afternoon at which time they were filtered into primarily bacterioplankton and eukaryotic fractions. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6‐4) photoproducts [(6‐4)PDs] were quantified in DNA extracts using radioimmunoassays. UVB was lowest in the polar regions and highest near the equator and correlations between UVB and DNA damage were observed. The eukaryotic fraction showed significant CPDs across the entire transect; (6‐4)PDs were detected only in the tropics. The bacterial fraction showed no accumulation of (6‐4)PDs at any latitude, although residual (6‐4)PDs were observed. Bacterial cell volumes were greatest in the sub‐Arctic and northern temperate latitudes and lower in the tropics and southern hemisphere, a unique observation that parallels Bergmann’s rule. A strong negative correlation was observed between cell volume and CPDs. The environmental impact of solar UVR on marine micro‐organisms in the open ocean is complex and our results suggest that several factors such as DNA repair, cell size, temperature, salinity, nutrients and species composition are important in determining relative sensitivity.
Gold Nanorods as Contrast Agents for Biological Imaging: Optical Properties, Surface Conjugation and Photothermal Effects†
Authors: Tong Ling , Wei Qingshan , Wei Alexander , Cheng Ji‐Xin 
Published: January 2009

AbstractGold nanorods (NRs) have plasmon‐resonant absorption and scattering in the near‐infrared (NIR) region, making them attractive probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging. In the cellular environment, NRs can provide scattering contrast for darkfield microscopy, or emit a strong two‐photon luminescence due to plasmon‐enhanced two‐photon absorption. NRs have also been employed in biomedical imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography or photoacoustic tomography. Careful control over surface chemistry enhances the capacity of NRs as biological imaging agents by enabling cell‐specific targeting, and by increasing their dispersion stability and circulation lifetimes. NRs can also efficiently convert optical energy into heat, and inflict localized damage to tumor cells. Laser‐induced heating of NRs can disrupt cell membrane integrity and homeostasis, resulting in Ca2+ influx and the depolymerization of the intracellular actin network. The combination of plasmon‐resonant optical properties, intense local photothermal effects and robust surface chemistry render gold NRs as promising theragnostic agents.
Application of Nonlinear Optical Microscopy for Imaging Skin†
Authors: Hanson Kerry M. , Bardeen Christopher J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRecent advances in the use of nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) in skin microscopy are presented. Nonresonant spectroscopies including second harmonic generation, coherent anti‐Stokes Raman and two‐photon absorption are described and applications to problems in skin biology are detailed. These nonlinear techniques have several advantages over traditional microscopy methods that rely on one‐photon excitation: intrinsic 3D imaging with <1 μm spatial resolution, decreased photodamage to tissue samples and penetration depths up to 1000 μm with the use of near‐infrared lasers. Thanks to these advantages, nonlinear optical spectroscopy has become a powerful tool to study the physical and biochemical properties of the skin. Structural information can be obtained using the response of endogenous chemical species in the skin, such as collagen or lipids, indicating that optical biopsy may replace current invasive, time‐consuming traditional histology methods. Insertion of specific probe molecules into the skin provides the opportunity to monitor specific biochemical processes such as skin transport, molecular penetration, barrier homeostasis and ultraviolet radiation‐induced reactive oxygen species generation. While the field is quite new, it seems likely that the use of NLOM to probe structure and biochemistry of live skin samples will only continue to grow.
A biparametric flow cytometry analysis for the study of reticulocyte patterns of maturation
Authors: BORRIONE P. , SPACCAMIGLIO A. , PARISI A. , SALVO R. A. , PAUTASSO M. , PIGOZZI F. , ANGELI A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryAutomated haematological analysers still represent the gold standard for the study of reticulocyte maturation even if this technique is based on structural properties and staining affinity rather than on functional aspects. On the contrary, flow cytometry allows the simultaneous analysis of multiple cellular characteristics including functional features. Aim was to investigate whether simultaneous analysis of different reticulocyte parameters using flow cytometry may add functional information when considering their pattern of maturation. Thirty‐nine healthy donors (H) and 31 haemodialysed patients on treatment with rHuEpo (HDT) were analysed. Reticulocyte counts and their stages of maturation were studied both with ADVIA 2120 and by flow cytometry. TO/CD71 scattergraph reticulocyte analysis designed a peculiar distribution which was similar among the same group of subjects (H or HDT), but different between H and HDT. distribution of the percentage of reticulocytes in low, medium and high boxes calculated by ADVIA 2120 did not show any difference between H and HDT groups, while the analysis using flow cytometry pointed out statistically significant differences between H and HDT groups in the three boxes where the TO+/CD71+ reticulocytes were localized. The present study suggests that TO/CD71 analysis was reproducible and could detect different pattern of maturation of a particular clinical setting.
Mononucleotide repeats represent an important source of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: CHRISTIANS JULIAN K. , WATT CORTNEY A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn fungi, microsatellites occur less frequently throughout the genome and tend to be less polymorphic compared with other organisms. Most studies that develop microsatellites for fungi focus on dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats, and thus mononucleotide repeats, which are much more abundant in fungal genomes, may represent an overlooked resource. This study examined the relative probabilities of polymorphism in mononucleotide, dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats in Aspergillus nidulans. As previously found, the probability of polymorphism increased with increasing number of repeating units. Dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats had higher probabilities of polymorphism than mononucleotide repeats, but this was offset by the presence of numerous long mononucleotide repeats within the genome. Mononucleotide microsatellites with 20 or more repeating units have a probability of polymorphism similar to dinucleotide and trinucleotide microsatellites, and therefore, consideration of mononucleotide repeats will substantially increase the number of potential markers available.
Isolation and characterization of 11 microsatellite markers from Sagittaria latifolia (Alismataceae)
Authors: YAKIMOWSKI SARAH B. , RYMER PAUL D. , STONE HARRIET , BARRETT SPENCER C. H. , DORKEN MARCEL E. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe developed 11 microsatellite loci for Sagittaria latifolia, an aquatic plant common to wetlands of North America. From an (AG)‐enriched library, we identified 66 unique microsatellite sequences for which primers could be designed. Twenty‐two loci reliably amplified a clear single band of expected size, and 11 loci were scoreable and polymorphic. For these 11 loci, we genotyped a monoecious and a dioecious population, yielding four to 14 alleles per locus. Three loci exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium leaving eight independent variable loci. Eight loci also amplified in four other Sagittaria species. These microsatellite loci will be useful to compare genetic structure among monoecious and dioecious populations of S. latifolia.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Arenaria grandiflora L. (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: ZAVODNA MONIKA , BOTTIN LORRAINE , LAMBOURDIERE JOSIE , MACHON NATHALIE 
Published: January 2009

AbstractGenomic libraries of Arenaria grandiflora enriched for di‐ and trinucleotide repeats were used for the development of novel microsatellite markers. The subset of 13 polymorphic markers was characterized on 40 individuals of A. grandiflora originating from lowland locations in France. The loci amplified 3 to 10 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.46 to 0.83. The newly developed markers will be used for population genetic studies and for assessing genetic composition of a restoration experiment of lowland A. grandiflora populations that are protected in France.