bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary felinine excretion in intact male cats is increased by dietary cystine
Authors: Hendriks Wouter H. , Rutherfurd-Markwick Kay J. , Weidgraaf Karin , Hugh Morton R. , Rogers Quinton R. 
Published: March 2008

Felinine is a branched-chain sulfur amino acid present in the urine of certain Felidae, including domestic cats. The objective of the present study was to determine if additional cystine and/or dietaryNwould increase felinine andN-acetylfelinine excretion by intact male cats fed a low-protein (LP) diet. Feeding five adult intact male cats an LP diet (18·8 % of metabolisable energy (ME) as protein)v.a high-protein diet (38·6 % of ME as protein) resulted in a trend (P = 0·08) for decreased urinary felinine and no change inN-acetylfelinine excretion. In a 23 d study, when the LP diet was supplemented withl-cystine at 9·3 g/kg DM, urinary felinine:creatinine ratio showed a linear two-fold (121 %) increase (P < 0·01) from 0·24 (sem0·05) to 0·53 (sem0·13) after 10 d. Subsequent feeding of the LP diet resulted in a decrease in felinine excretion to base levels. Plasma γ-glutamylfelinylglycine concentrations were consistent with the excretion of felinine. Supplementation of the LP diet withl-cystine (9·3 g/kg DM), dispensable amino acids and arginine to a second group (n5) also resulted in a significant (P < 0·01) but smaller (+72 %) increase in the daily felinine:creatinine ratio (0·25 (sem0·04) to 0·43 (sem0·05)). The degree of felinineN-acetylation within groups was unaffected by dietary addition and withdrawal of amino acids. The results indicate that felinine synthesis is regulated by cystine availability, and that arginine may be physiologically important in decreasing felinine biosynthesis in intact male cats.
Immunomodulatory effects of the intake of fermented milk with Lactobacillus casei DN114001 in lactating mothers and their children
Authors: Ortiz-Andrellucchi Adriana , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Rodríguez-Gallego Carlos , Lemes Angelina , Molero Teresa , Soria Adela , Peña-Quintana Luis , Santana Milagrosa , Ramírez Octavio , García José , Cabrera Félix , Cobo José , Serra-Majem Lluís 
Published: March 2008

The healthy action of probiotics is not only due to their nutritional properties and their influence on the gastrointestinal environment, but also to their action on the immune system. The aim of the present study was to determine if 6 weeks of probiotic intake would be able to modulate the immune system in women who had recently delivered and were breast-feeding. The design consisted of a randomised, controlled and double-blind nutritional intervention study with parallel groups with a sample size of 104 women. The main variable is the T helper type 1/T helper type 2 (Th1/Th2) profile determined by measuring interferon-γ (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2) values in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. The modifications of cytokines were evaluated in maternal milk by cytometric bead array in a flow cytometer and ELISA at three stages of breast-feeding: colostrum, early milk (10 d) and mature milk (45 d). Additionally, the anthropometry and infectious and allergic episodes in the newborn were followed up throughout the first 6 months of life. After the consumption of milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei during the puerperium, we observed a non-significant increase in T and B lymphocytes and a significant increase in natural killer cells. A decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in maternal milk and fewer gastrointestinal disturbances were also observed in the breast-fed child of the mothers who consumed L. casei. The intake of milk fermented with L. casei during the lactation period modestly contributes to the modulation of the mother's immunological response after delivery and decreases the incidence of gastrointestinal episodes in the breast-fed child.
Comparison of body fat estimation using waist:height ratio using different ‘waist’ measurements in Australian adults
Authors: Kagawa Masaharu , Byrne Nuala M. , Hills Andrew P. 
Published: March 2008

The objective of the present study was to determine differences in predicting total and regional adiposity using the waist:height ratio (WHtR) calculated using different ‘waist’ measurements. Body composition of ninety-five males and 121 female Australian adults (aged 20 years and above) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The WHtR was calculated using: (1) the narrowest point between the lower costal border and the top of the iliac crest (WHtR-W), and (2) at the level of the umbilicus (WHtR-A). Relationships between calculated WHtR and measured body composition, such as percentage body fat (%BF) and percentage trunk fat (%TF) were determined. Values obtained from WHtR-A were significantly greater than WHtR-W in both groups (P < 0·05). While no correlation differences between WHtR-W and WHtR-A in relation to body composition variables were observed, females showed significantly lower correlation with lean mass compared with BMI. Regression analyses showed that neither WHtR had an age influence on %TF estimation. Estimated %BF and %TF were comparable for both WHtR and also with estimated values using a BMI of 25 kg/m2. Sensitivity of excess %BF and %TF increased by using WHtR-A, particularly in females. In conclusion, the umbilicus measurement may be better than using the narrowest site in the WHtR calculation, particularly in females. To improve the screening ability of the WHtR and make comparisons between studies easier there may be a need to standardise the measurement location. Further studies are recommended to confirm the findings across different ethnic groups.
Myringostapediopexy and myringolenticulopexy in mastoid surgery
Authors: Cheang P P , Kim D , Rockley T J 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:To compare hearing results in patients undergoing myringostapediopexy or myringolenticulopexy in canal wall down mastoidectomy.Study design:Case series of one surgeon. A retrospective review of 83 consecutive mastoid cavity operations for primary cholesteatoma. Only those patients who had undergone either myringostapediopexy or myringolenticulopexy were included.Setting:District general hospital.Patients:Forty-two procedures were performed in 40 patients. The mean age was 42 years old. The average follow up was 5.9 years.Intervention:Seventeen patients underwent myringolenticulopexy (the incus head was excised, leaving the lenticular process attached to the stapes prior to graft placement) and 25 underwent myringostapediopexy (type III tympanoplasty).Main outcome measures:Audiometry three to six months after surgery, and status of mastoid cavity after a minimum follow up of one year.Results:Comparison of post-operative hearing results for the two groups showed a statistically significant hearing advantage for myringolenticulopexy (p = 0.029). In the myringolenticulopexy group, 92 per cent achieved a post-operative air–bone gap of less than 30 dB, compared with 62 per cent in the myringostapediopexy group. The mean post-operative air–bone gaps in the two groups were 17.5 and 24.7 dB, respectively.Conclusion:When surgically feasible, the technique of myringolenticulopexy is a useful method of preserving serviceable hearing in single-stage mastoid cavity surgery.
Record-linkage and capture–recapture analysis to estimate the incidence and completeness of reporting of tuberculosis in England 1999–2002
Authors: VAN HEST N. A. H. , STORY A. , GRANT A. D. , ANTOINE D. , CROFTS J. P. , WATSON J. M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn 1999 the Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance (ETS) system was introduced in the United Kingdom to strengthen surveillance of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to assess the use of record-linkage and capture–recapture methodology for estimating the completeness of TB reporting in England between 1999 and 2002. Due to the size of the TB data sources sophisticated record-linkage software was required and the proportion of false-positive cases among unlinked hospital-derived TB records was estimated through a population mixture model. This study showed that record-linkage of TB data sources and cross-validation with additional TB-related datasets improved data quality as well as case ascertainment. Since the introduction of ETS observed completeness of notification in England has increased and the results were consistent with expected levels of under-notification. Completeness of notification estimated by a log-linear capture–recapture model was highly inconsistent with prior estimates and the validity of this methodology was further examined.
A statistical model investigating the prevalence of tuberculosis in New York City using counting processes with two change-points
Authors: ACHCAR J. A. , MARTINEZ E. Z. , RUFFINO-NETTO A. , PAULINO C. D. , SOARES P. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe considered a Bayesian analysis for the prevalence of tuberculosis cases in New York City from 1970 to 2000. This counting dataset presented two change-points during this period. We modelled this counting dataset considering non-homogeneous Poisson processes in the presence of the two-change points. A Bayesian analysis for the data is considered using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Simulated Gibbs samples for the parameters of interest were obtained using WinBugs software.
Frequentist and Bayesian approaches to prevalence estimation using examples from Johne's disease
Authors: McV. Messam Locksley L. , Branscum Adam J. , Collins Michael T. , Gardner Ian A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAlthough frequentist approaches to prevalence estimation are simple to apply, there are circumstances where it is difficult to satisfy assumptions of asymptotic normality and nonsensical point estimates (greater than 1 or less than 0) may result. This is particularly true when sample sizes are small, test prevalences are low and imperfect sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests need to be incorporated into calculations of true prevalence. Bayesian approaches offer several advantages including direct computation of range-respecting interval estimates (e.g. intervals between 0 and 1 for prevalence) without the requirement of transformations or large-sample approximations. They also allow direct probabilistic interpretation, and the flexibility to model in a straightforward manner the probability of zero prevalence. In this review, we present frequentist and Bayesian methods for animal- and herd-level true prevalence estimation based on individual and pooled samples. We provide statistical methods for detecting differences between population prevalence and frequentist methods for sample size and power calculations. All examples are motivated usingMycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosisinfection and we provide WinBUGS code for all examples of Bayesian estimation.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniaevaccines: from bacterins to new insights into vaccination strategies
Authors: Ramjeet Mahendrasingh , Deslandes Vincent , Gouré Julien , Jacques Mario 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWith the growing emergence of antibiotic resistance and rising consumer demands concerning food safety, vaccination to prevent bacterial infections is of increasing relevance.Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeis the etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, a respiratory disease leading to severe economic losses in the swine industry. Despite all the research and trials that were performed withA. pleuropneumoniaevaccination in the past, a safe vaccine that offers complete protection against all serotypes has yet not reached the market. However, recent advances made in the identification of new potential vaccine candidates and in the targeting of specific immune responses, give encouraging vaccination perspectives. Here, we review past and current knowledge onA. pleuropneumoniaevaccines as well as the newly available genomic tools and vaccination strategies that could be useful in the design of an efficient vaccine againstA. pleuropneumoniaeinfection.
Histidine protonation and the activation of viral fusion proteins
Authors: Mueller Daniela S. , Kampmann Thorsten , Yennamalli Ragothaman , Young Paul R. , Kobe Bostjan , Mark Alan E. 
Published: March 2008

Many viral fusion proteins only become activated under mildly acidic condition (pH 4.5–6.5) close to the pKa of histidine side-chain protonation. Analysis of the sequences and structures of influenza HA (haemagglutinin) and flaviviral envelope glycoproteins has led to the identification of a number of histidine residues that are not only fully conserved themselves but have local environments that are also highly conserved [Kampmann, Mueller, Mark, Young and Kobe (2006) Structure 14, 1481–1487]. Here, we summarize studies aimed at determining the role, if any, that protonation of these potential switch histidine residues plays in the low-pH-dependent conformational changes associated with fusion activation of a flaviviral envelope protein. Specifically, we report on MD (Molecular Dynamics) simulations of the DEN2 (dengue virus type 2) envelope protein ectodomain sE (soluble E) performed under varied pH conditions designed to test the histidine switch hypothesis of Kampmann et al. (2006).
The AAA peroxins Pex1p and Pex6p function as dislocases for the ubiquitinated peroxisomal import receptor Pex5p
Authors: Platta Harald W. , Debelyy Mykhaylo O. , Magraoui Fouzi El , Erdmann Ralf 
Published: March 2008

The discovery of the peroxisomal ATPase Pex1p triggered the beginning of the research on AAA (ATPase associated with various cellular activities) proteins and the genetic dissection of peroxisome biogenesis. Peroxisomes are virtually ubiquitous organelles, which are connected to diverse cellular functions. The highly diverse and adaptive character of peroxisomes is accomplished by modulation of their enzyme content, which is mediated by dynamically operating protein-import machineries. The import of matrix proteins into the peroxisomal lumen has been described as the ATP-consuming step, but the corresponding reaction, as well as the ATPase responsible, had been obscure for nearly 15 years. Recent work using yeast and human fibroblast cells has identified the peroxisomal AAA proteins Pex1p and Pex6p as mechano-enzymes and core components of a complex which dislocates the cycling import receptor Pex5p from the peroxisomal membrane back to the cytosol. This AAA-mediated process is regulated by the ubiquitination status of the receptor. Pex4p [Ubc10p (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 10)]-catalysed mono-ubiquitination of Pex5p primes the receptor for recycling, thereby enabling further rounds of matrix protein import, whereas Ubc4p-catalysed polyubiquitination targets Pex5p to proteasomal degradation.
Dynamic and functional assembly of the AAA peroxins, Pex1p and Pex6p, and their membrane receptor Pex26p involved in shuttling of the PTS1 receptor Pex5p in peroxisome biogenesis
Authors: Fujiki Yukio , Miyata Non , Matsumoto Naomi , Tamura Shigehiko 
Published: March 2008

The peroxisome is a single-membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotes. The functional importance of peroxisomes in humans is highlighted by peroxisome-deficient PBDs (peroxisome biogenesis disorders), such as Zellweger syndrome. Two AAA (ATPase associated with various cellular activities) peroxins, Pex1p and Pex6p, are encoded by PEX1 and PEX6, the causal genes for CG (complementation group) 1 and CG4 PBDs respectively. PEX26, which is responsible for CG8 PBDs, codes for Pex26p, the recruiter of Pex1p–Pex6p complexes to peroxisomes. We recently assigned the binding regions between human Pex1p and Pex6p and elucidated the pivotal roles that the AAA cassettes, D1 and D2 domains, play in Pex1p–Pex6p interaction and in peroxisome biogenesis. ATP binding to both AAA cassettes of Pex1p and Pex6p was a prerequisite for the Pex1p–Pex6p interaction and peroxisomal localization, but ATP hydrolysis by the D2 domains was not required. Pex1p exists in two distinct oligomeric forms, a homo-oligomer in the cytosol and a hetero-oligomer on peroxisome membranes, with these possibly having distinct functions in peroxisome biogenesis. AAA peroxins are involved in the export from peroxisomes of Pex5p, the PTS1 (peroxisome-targeting signal type 1) receptor.
Molecular mechanism of force generation by dynein, a molecular motor belonging to the AAA+ family
Authors: Numata Naoki , Kon Takahide , Shima Tomohiro , Imamula Kenji , Mogami Toshifumi , Ohkura Reiko , Sutoh Keiko , Sutoh Kazuo 
Published: March 2008

Dynein is an AAA+ (ATPase associated with various cellular activities)-type motor complex that utilizes ATP hydrolysis to actively drive microtubule sliding. The dynein heavy chain (molecular mass &gt;500 kDa) contains six tandemly linked AAA+ modules and exhibits full motor activities. Detailed molecular dissection of this motor with unique architecture was hampered by the lack of an expression system for the recombinant heavy chain, as a result of its large size. However, the recent success of recombinant protein expression with full motor activities has provided a method for advances in structure–function studies in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism of force generation.
The Effects-of Repeatedly Retesting the Same Group on the Same Intelligence Test: II High Grade Mental Defectives
Authors: Heim A. W. , Wallace J. G. 
Published: March 2008

Twelve mentally-defective schoolboys between 14 and 16 years of age took an intelligence test (AH 4) once a week, ten times. They took also Progressive Matrices once, after they had finished the AH 4 testing. Subjects of low intelligence were chosen in order to throw some light on the findings of a previous experiment on repeated retesting, in which the subjects were intelligent adults. The main aims of the schoolboy enquiry were to ascertain how far the flattening of the progress curves observed in the earlier enquiry was due to the artificial “ceiling” imposed and how far the part played by variation within the individuals varies with the level of intelligence of the group. The mentally-defective subjects showed a gradual improvement in test performance with little sign of flattening towards the end; their individual progress curves were far less smooth than had been those of the more intelligent subjects. Other findings included relatively high proficiency on the diagrammatic part of the test, as opposed to the verbal and numerical, and some transfer of training from AH 4 to Progressive Matrices.
An Experimental Study on the Fitness of Signs to Words
Authors: Hall K. R. L. , Oldfield R. C. 
Published: March 2008

This experiment, following Bartlett's Picture-writing, was designed to show: how much agreement there would be in the choice of a sign as the most fitting in connection with a word; whether the reasons given for a choice of sign mould vary greatly, and would be rationalizations rather than a primary ground for so choosing; and whether the chosen signs were more easily recalled than the not-chosen. Six cards were shown to the subject, 011 each of which was one word and two signs. The signs were not intended to represent any object, although none was arbitrary. The subject had to choose the more appropriate sign and give the reason for his choice. Afterwards he had to reproduce all the signs. Agreement in choosing one of the signs of each pair was surprisingly high, although the reasons varied considerably. The chosen signs were reproduced more accurately and frequently, the reproductions showing the conventionalizing effect of the reasons given. Choice of a sign as most fitting seemed to depend upon certain formal structural qualities of a general character. The most fitting sign for a verbal setting seemed to combine a conventional structure with simplicity and regularity of design. Linking these results with those of an experiment of Harrower's, it is considered possible that a method may here be available for exploring forms of mental organization not so far tapped by standard intelligence tests.
The Imaginary Questionnaire
Authors: Whitfield J. W. 
Published: March 2008

The experiment was designed to throw some light on the statistical problems in the analysis of questionnaire data. Previous work (unpublished) suggested that a simple choice response was partially determined by previous responses; and also that the nature of the determination was changed with changing length of series. A “null” experiment was devised in the form of a questionnaire without any questions, and the distribution of responses was studied with respect to the problems formulated. The observations are discussed in three sections. In the statistical discussion an alternative meaning to overall association or dissociation is advanced. This: relates association or dissociation to human behaviour in the serial response situation, rather than to qualities of the questionnaire. It is further suggested that association between specific, questions should be tested against the association in the whole questionnaire, and an appropriate treatment is indicated. The observations depart from statistical randomness in certain ways. Answers made up almost entirely of one form of response are given less often than would be expected. Long sequences of the same type of response are relatively infrequent, and sequences of alternation of response are also rare. As the material is “null” it implies that the human concept of randomness differs from the statistical concept. An attempt is made to define the human concept of randomness. It appears that a series of responses which has a pattern, or for which the subject can postulate a simple “cause” will not be accepted as random by the human subject. This raises problems of a perceptual and cognitive nature. It also has a bearing on the design of questionnaires. or experiments involving serial responses.
On the Relation between Transfer and Difficulty of Initial Task
Authors: Szafran J. , Welford A. T. 
Published: March 2008

Subjects were required to throw at a target under three conditions of varying difficulty. Six groups of 14 subjects were used, each group receiving one of the six possible orders of presentation of the three conditions. Results in terms of mean distance from the “bull” indicated that the three conditions were producing different transfer effects. These could not be adequately explained in terms of stimulus-or response-similarity, and accordingly a tentative hypothesis is put forward in terms of the relative difficulty of the condition presented first, to those presented subsequently. It is suggested that transfer tends to be positive from a relatively difficult initial task to a subsequent task which is easier, while transfer will tend to be negative from a relatively easy initial task to one which is more difficult. The first of the three conditions presented exerted considerably more powerful transfer effects than the second. Three possibilities as to why this should be so, are outlined.
Programme for Experiments on Thinking
Authors: Bartlett F. C. 
Published: March 2008

In remembering, items are used in the form in which they are alleged to have been perceived at some time in the past. In thinking, however, evidence is given and the essential character of the process is to move beyond this evidence, but in line with it, to something for which so far, no exact or complete perceptual basis is claimed. From an experimental point of view the best approach is to consider thinking as a high level skill, and to design experiments in the light of what has been discovered during recent years about the learning, practice and achievements of skill on a psycho-motor level. When this is done, it turns out that the thinking process can usefully be considered as one in which gaps are filled up in accord with specific evidence provided. The fundamental gap-filling processes are either of interpolation or of extrapolation. In the present paper the methodology proposed is developed and illustrated in a preliminary manner.