bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phaseolin type and heat treatment influence the biochemistry of protein digestion in the rat intestine
Authors: Montoya Carlos A. , Leterme Pascal , Beebe Stephen , Souffrant Wolfgang B. , Mollé Daniel , Lallès Jean-Paul 
Published: November 2007

The study aimed to investigate thein vivodigestion ofPhaseolus vulgarisphaseolin types differing in their subunit pattern composition. Diets contained either casein as the sole source of protein or a mixture (1:1) of casein and pure Sanilac (S), Tendergreen (T) or Inca (I) phaseolin either unheated or heated. Rats were fed for 11 d with the experimental diets. Their ileal content and mucosa were collected and prepared for electrophoresis, Western blotting, densitometry and MS. Differences in digestion among native phaseolin types were observed for intact phaseolin at molecular weights (MW) of 47–50·5 kDa and for an undigested fragment at MW of 19–21·5 kDa in ileal digesta. In both cases, the concentration of these protein bands was lower for I phaseolin than for S or T phaseolin (P < 0·05). In the mucosa, the concentration of a protein band at MW of 20·5–21·5 kDa was lower for S phaseolin as compared to T or I phaseolin (P < 0·001). The presence of phaseolin subunits and their fragments was confirmed by Western blotting. MS analysis revealed the presence of undigested α and β subunit fragments from phaseolin and endogenous proteins (anionic trypsin I and pancreatic α-amylase) in ileal digesta. Thermal treatment improved digestion (P < 0·01), acting on both dietary and endogenous protein components. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for differences in intestinal digestion among phaseolin types, S phaseolin being more resistant and I phaseolin more susceptible. These differences were affected by the origin of the phaseolin subunit precursor. Heat treatment enhanced phaseolin digestion.
Nutrient utilisation and intestinal fermentation are differentially affected by the consumption of resistant starch varieties and conventional fibres in pigs
Authors: Rideout Todd C. , Liu Qiang , Wood Peter , Fan Ming Z. 
Published: November 2007

This study examined the influence of different resistant starch (RS) varieties and conventional fibres on the efficiency of nutrient utilisation and intestinal fermentation in pigs. Thirty-six pigs (30 kg) were fed poultry meal-based diets supplemented with 10 % granular resistant corn starch (GCS), granular resistant potato starch (GPS), retrograded resistant corn starch (RCS), guar gum (GG) or cellulose for 36 d according to a completely randomised block design. Distal ileal and total tract recoveries were similar (P>0·05) among the RS varieties. Distal ileal starch recovery was higher (P < 0·05) in pigs consuming the RS diets (27–42 %) as compared with the control group (0·64 %). Consumption of GCS reduced (P < 0·05) apparent total tract digestibility and whole-body retention of crude protein in comparison with the control group. Consumption of GPS reduced (P < 0·05) total tract Ca digestibility and whole-body retention of Ca and P compared with the control group. However, consumption of RCS increased (P < 0·05) total tract Ca digestibility compared with the control group. Caecal butyrate concentration was increased (P < 0·05) following consumption of RCS and GG in comparison with the control group. Consumption of all the RS varieties reduced (P < 0·05) caecal indole concentrations compared with the control. Caecal butyrate concentrations were positively correlated (P < 0·05;r0·63–0·83) with thermal properties among the RS varieties. We conclude that nutrient utilisation and intestinal fermentation are differentially affected by the consumption of different RS varieties and types of fibres. Thermal properties associated with different RS varieties may be useful markers for developing RS varieties with specific functionality.
Pyrite framboids interpreted as microbial colonies within the PermianZoophycosspreiten from southeastern Australia
Authors: GONG YI-MING , SHI GUANG R. , WELDON ELIZABETH A. , DU YUAN-SHENG , XU RAN 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTwo types of pyrite framboids (PF, probably sulphate-reducing bacteria) have been found within theZoophycosspreiten, hosted in the Guadalupian (Middle Permian) glaciomarine greywacke of the Westley Park Sandstone Member within the Broughton Formation from the southern Sydney Basin of southeastern Australia. They are composed of non-sheathed (PF1) and sheathed (PF2) sub-micron balls, respectively. Chemically, the sub-micron balls consist of iron, sulphur, carbon and oxygen. Both PF1 and PF2 occur in rhythmic alternation within the thick, light-grey and thin, dark-grey minor lamellae ofZoophycosspreiten. The framboids from the minor lamellae are highly abundant and occur in an orderly arrangement of equal density and in a good state of preservation. WithinZoophycosspreiten no homogeneous filling, fecal pellets, or any sign of re-exploitation of the minor lamellae have been recognized. No similar framboids have been observed outsideZoophycosspreiten. Therefore, the framboids are interpreted as the pyritized remains of microbial colonies withinZoophycosspreiten. The traceZoophycoswould be a multifunctional garden that may have been carefully constructed by theZoophycosmaker, where different microbial colonies were orderly and carefully planted and cultured within different minor lamellae. Further, it is proposed that theZoophycosmaker had a symbiotic relationship with microbial colonies on the mutual basis of food supply and redox conditions. The fact that the overlying spreiten cut the underlying ones indicates that theZoophycosfrom the study area is of an upward construction. The rhythmic alternation of both the thick, light-grey and thin, dark-grey minor lamellae withinZoophycosspreiten may be suggestive of a gardening manner of theZoophycosmaker responding to the warm and cold changes, food supply in pulses and variations of sedimentation rate for planting and culturing microbial colonies under the conditions of a glaciomarine environment at the high latitudes.
Effect of metabolizable protein intake on rates of plasma leucine turnover and protein synthesis in heifers
Authors: SANO H. , KAJITA M. , ITO M. , FUJITA T. , TAKAHASHI A. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYAn isotope dilution method using [1-13C]leucine (Leu) infusion together with open-circuit calorimetry was applied to determine the effect of metabolizable protein (MP) intake on rates of plasma Leu turnover and whole body protein synthesis (WBPS) in six heifers. WBPS rate was estimated from rate of plasma Leu turnover and Leu oxidation to carbon dioxide. The experiment consisted of three levels of MP intake and was conducted in a two 3×3 Latin square designs of three 21-day periods. The experimental diet consisted of mixed hay, maize and soybean meal. Dietary MP intake of each dietary treatment was 4·3, 4·5 and 4·9 g/kg BW0·75/day by changing maize and soybean meal weights. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake was similar for all dietary treatments. When plasma α-[1-13C]keto-isocaproic acid enrichments were used as markers indicating intracellular Leu enrichments, plasma Leu turnover rate (LeuTR) increased (P=0·012) and WBPS tended to increase (P=0·091) as MP intake increased. In contrast, plasma LeuTR and WBPS were not influenced if plasma [1-13C]Leu was taken to indicate intracellular Leu enrichments. Total and plasma Leu oxidation rates did not change but intracellular Leu oxidation increased (P=0·044) with increasing MP intake. In heifers, it is suggested that rates of plasma Leu turnover and WBPS are influenced by dietary MP intake, independent of ME intake, although the change in MP intake was relatively small.
Survival of Trichinella papuae muscle larvae in a pig carcass maintained under simulated natural conditions in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Owen Ifor L. , Reid Simon A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn Papua New Guinea, Trichinella papuae, a non-encapsulated species, is circulating among wild and domestic pigs and saltwater crocodiles. Since an important phase of the life cycle of nematodes of the genus Trichinella is the time of survival of infective larvae in decaying muscle tissues of the hosts, the carcass of a pig, experimentally infected with larvae of T. papuae, was exposed to the environmental conditions of Papua New Guinea to establish how long these larvae would survive and remain infective to a new host. Larvae retained their infectivity in the pig carcass up to 9 days after slaughtering, during which time the temperature within the carcass reached 35.0°C on 2 days; the average relative humidity was 79.0%. A low number of larvae survived up to day 14 after the pig was killed, when the carcass temperature reached 38.0°C, but they lost their infectivity to laboratory mice. This result suggests that the larvae of T. papuae can survive in a tropical environment for a time, favouring their transmission to a new host in spite of the lack of a collagen capsule.
Efficacy of the nematode-trapping fungusDuddingtonia flagransagainst infections byHaemonchusandTrichostrongylusspecies in lambs at pasture
Authors: Rocha R.A. , Araújo J.V. , Amarante A.F.T. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe efficacy of the nematode-trapping fungusDuddingtonia flagransagainst infections by trichostrongyle nematodes in sheep was assessed throughout 6 months. Twenty Ile de France lambs were divided into two groups (control and treated groups), which were kept in separate pastures. Animals of the treated group were fed withD. flagranstwice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays). Pellets were prepared with the fungus mycelia in liquid culture medium and contained approximately 20% fungus. They were mixed with the animals' diet at a concentration of 1 g pellet per 10 kg live weight. Faecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein and the animals' body weight were determined fortnightly from 7 October 2005 to 24 March 2006. Comparison of such parameters between groups showed no significant differences (P> 0.05), except on 10 February 2006, when the control group presented a higher mean FEC than the treated group (P< 0.05). Feeding sheep with pellets containingD. flagranshad no benefit to the prophylaxis of nematode infections under the experimental conditions used in the present study.
Endoscopic sinus surgery for the anterior maxillary sinus, using a 135° reflective CO2 laser
Authors: Sato K 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectives:Endoscopic sinus surgery has been widely performed to treat nose and paranasal diseases. However, it is difficult to manipulate anterior wall lesions of the maxillary sinus using conventional surgical instruments. This paper presents a method of performing endoscopic surgery for anterior wall lesions of the maxillary sinus, using a 135° reflective CO2 laser.Method:A CO2 laser with a 135° reflective tip on the pipe-guide handpiece and a CO2 laser angulated to the same degree were used. The pipe-guide handpiece with reflective tip was inserted into the nasal cavity and the base of the maxillary sinus anterior wall lesion was vaporised and removed via an enlarged natural ostium. During the procedure, the maxillary antrum was visualised with a 70° endoscope. Ten cases of maxillary sinus anterior wall lesion underwent this surgical procedure.Results:In all cases, the base of the maxillary sinus anterior wall lesion was removed completely and recurrence avoided.Conclusion:This method is a reliable procedure enabling endoscopic sinus surgery for anterior wall lesions of the maxillary sinus.
Modified Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov solitons in symmetric two-temperature electron–positron plasmas
Authors: LAZARUS I. J. , BHARUTHRAM R. , HELLBERG M. A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSolitary waves are investigated in a magnetized electron–positron plasma consisting of equal hot and cool components of each species. The hot components have a Boltzmann distribution and the cool components are described by the fluid equations. A modified Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation governing the oblique propagation of nonlinear electrostatic modes is derived using the reductive-perturbation technique. Soliton amplitudes are studied as a function of plasma parameters such as the particle number densities and the temperatures. Such results may be of relevance to the magnetosphere of pulsars.
ALeishmania(L.)amazonensisATP diphosphohydrolase isoform and potato apyrase share epitopes: antigenicity and correlation with disease progression
Authors: COIMBRA E. S. , GONÇALVES-DA-COSTA S. C. , COSTA B. L. S. , GIAROLA N. L. L. , REZENDE-SOARES F. A. , FESSEL M. R. , FERREIRA A. P. , SOUZA C. S. F. , ABREU-SILVA A. L. , VASCONCELOS E. G. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYALeishmania(Leishmania)amazonensisATP diphosphohydrolase isoform was partially purified from plasma membrane of promastigotes by preparative non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SDS-PAGE followed by Western blots developed with polyclonal anti-potato apyrase antibodies identified diffuse bands of about 58–63 kDa, possibly glycosylated forms of this protein. By ELISA technique, a significantly higher total IgG antibody level against potato apyrase was found in serum from promastigote-infected mice, as compared to the uninfected mice, confirming both the existence of shared epitopes between the parasite and vegetable proteins, and the parasite ATP diphosphohydrolase antigenicity. By Western blotting, serum from amastigote-infected BALB/c mice recognizes both potato apyrase and this antigenic ATP diphosphohydrolase isoform isolated from promastigotes, suggesting that it is also expressed in the amastigote stage. The infection monitored along a 90-day period in amastigote-infected mice showed reactivity of IgG2a antibody in early steps of infection, while the disappearance of the IgG2a response and elevation of IgG1 antibody serum levels against that shared epitopes were associated with the progression of experimental leishmaniasis. This is the first observation of the antigenicity of aL. (L.)amazonensisATP diphosphohydrolase isoform, and of the ability of cross-immunoreactivity with potato apyrase to differentiate serologically stages of leishmaniasis in infected mice.
Parasite variation and the evolution of virulence in a Daphnia-microparasite system
Authors: LITTLE T. J. , CHADWICK W. , WATT K. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYUnderstanding genetic relationships amongst the life-history traits of parasites is crucial for testing hypotheses on the evolution of virulence. This study therefore examined variation between parasite isolates (the bacterium Pasteuria ramosa) from the crustacean Daphnia magna. From a single wild-caught infected host we obtained 2 P. ramosa isolates that differed substantially in the mortality they caused. Surprisingly, the isolate causing higher early mortality was, on average, less successful at establishing infections and had a slower growth rate within hosts. The observation that within-host replication rate was negatively correlated with mortality could violate a central assumption of the trade-off hypothesis for the evolution of virulence, but we discuss a number of caveats which caution against premature rejection of the trade-off hypothesis. We sought to test if the characteristics of these parasite isolates were constant across host genotypes in a second experiment that included 2 Daphnia host clones. The relative growth rates of the two parasite isolates did indeed depend on the host genotype (although the rank order did not change). We suggest that testing evolutionary hypotheses for virulence may require substantial sampling of both host and parasite genetic variation, and discuss how selection for virulence may change with the epidemiological state of natural populations and how this can promote genetic variation for virulence.
Experimental evidence for a motivational origin of cognitive impairment in major depression
Authors: Scheurich A. , Fellgiebel A. , Schermuly I. , Bauer S. , Wölfges R. , Müller M. J. 
Published: November 2007

BackgroundDiagnostic criteria and empirical evidence support the existence of cognitive deficits in depression. However, depressed mood, loss of interest and low self-efficacy might influence cognitive performance.MethodGoal-setting instructions were used to promote motivation in depressed patients and control subjects during neuropsychological assessment. The resulting performance was compared with performance using standard instructions. Sixty in-patients with non-psychotic unipolar depression and 60 age- and education-matched healthy control subjects were assessed with standard neuropsychological tests [the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), the Digit Symbol Test (DST), the Regensburg Word Fluency Test (RWT), and the Number Combination Test (Zahlen-Verbindungs-Test, ZVT)] using either goal-setting or standard test instructions.ResultsDepressed patients showed lower baseline performance and lower generalized self-efficacy (p<0.0005) than controls. However, goal-setting instructions significantly improved patients' memory performance by 10% [AVLT:F(5, 54)=3.611,p=0.007] and psychomotor performance by 13% [ZVT:F(3, 56)=3.667,p=0.017]. Consequently, patients and control subjects demonstrated similar results when goal-setting instructions were applied. Goal-setting instructions showed a statistical trend, increasing patients' performance in the DST by 12% [F(1, 58)=2.990,p=0.089], although their verbal fluency measured by the RWT did not increase. No significant correlations of increased performance with generalized self-efficacy were found.ConclusionsCognitive deficits in depressed patients are influenced by motivational shortcomings. Because generalized self-efficacy failed to correlate to increased test performance, future research needs to disentangle the effective components of goal-setting instructions. Task-specific self-efficacy as well as enhancement of task-focused attention might underlie the significant goal-setting effect in depressed patients.
Kinematic enveloping grasp planning method for robotic dexterous hands and three-dimensional objects
Authors: Salimi Shahram , Bone Gary M. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYThree-dimensional (3D) enveloping grasps for dexterous robotic hands possess several advantages over other types of grasps. This paper describes a new method for kinematic 3D enveloping grasp planning. A new idea for grading the 3D grasp search domain for a given object is proposed. The grading method analyzes the curvature pattern and effective diameter of the object, and grades object regions according to their suitability for grasping. A new approach is also proposed for modeling the fingers of the dexterous hand. The grasp planning method is demonstrated for a three-fingered, six degrees-of-freedom, dexterous hand and several 3D objects containing both convex and concave surface patches. Human-like high-quality grasps are generated in less than 20 s per object.
Outbreak of group A streptococcal throat infection: don't forget to ask about food
Authors: FALKENHORST G. , BAGDONAITE J. , LISBY M. , MADSEN S. B. , LAMBERTSEN L. , OLSEN K. E. P. , MØLBAK K. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYWe report a large foodborne outbreak due to group A streptococci (GAS), which caused acute tonsillo-pharyngitis in 200–250 patrons of a company canteen in Copenhagen, Denmark, in June 2006. A retrospective cohort study of canteen users showed that consumption of cold pasta was associated with an increased risk of illness (attack rate 68%, risk ratio 4·1,P<0·0001). Indistinguishable GAS strains (emm89, T-type 3/13/B3264) were cultured from three cases and a cook, who had prepared the pasta. To our knowledge, pasta has previously only twice been incriminated as the source of a GAS outbreak. Only six foodborne GAS outbreaks have been reported in Europe since 1970, four of them in Sweden or Denmark. This geographical clustering suggests that foodborne GAS outbreaks are probably under-recognized elsewhere.
Discrete choice model in a market with product differentiation: the Argentine pension fund system
Authors: APELLA IGNACIO 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe objective of the paper is to identify the determinants of the market share of each AFJP and the matrix of direct and cross price elasticities, by using a discrete choice model of product differentiation, based on the random utility theory. The results obtained from the estimation of a simple logit model using a panel of quarterly data between December of 1995 and June of 2006 shows the existence of two competitive mechanisms used by firms: prices and a vector of variables explaining horizontal differentiation, such as quantity of branches and salesman. The estimation of the nested-logit model supports the hypothesis of sequential election, where firms are chosen by their price setting strategies, defining two groups of competitors. Finally, the regulatory change that eliminates fixed commissions provides additional importance to prices signals in consumers' utility.
Investment patterns in Singapore's Central Provident Fund System
Authors: KOH BENEDICT S. K. , MITCHELL OLIVIA S. , TANUWIDJAJA TOTO , FONG JOELLE 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRising elderly life expectancies imply the need to accumulate sufficient savings for retirement. This paper investigates the role of recent changes in the investment menu of the Singaporean Central Provident Fund (CPF) system. Our research explores the investment patterns of CPF participants and articulates their implications for policymakers. We find that most investors use their money for housing purchase and default the remainder to the CPF investment pool. The bulk of non-housing saving sits in bank accounts paying a low return. A fraction of workers does elect outside investment products, with high-income earners and males taking more risk than low-income earners and females. Since workers who default their money to the CPF fund receive a guaranteed 2.5% return on the Ordinary Account and 4% on the Special Account, hurdle rates for money market and equity funds are substantial. These high hurdle rates help explain why few CPF account holders invest outside the default government investment pool, though inertia probably explains why many employees let their funds sit in bank accounts earning low interest rates. More attention could be devoted to lowering fund expenses and commissions, including the myriad of fees, expenses, loads, and wrap charges; it might also be beneficial to streamline and rationalize the investment menu offered to participants.
Toward an Aboriginal Paradigm of Healing: Addressing the Legacy of Residential Schools
Authors: Degagné Michael 
Published: November 2007

Objective: Trauma experienced repeatedly over generations by Aboriginal people reverberates through tight-knit community networks and has laid down layers of psychic pain and community disruption. Healing methods that touch both individuals and communities are required. The Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) has sponsored and evaluated community initiatives to address the legacy of Indian residential schools over a 7-year period. The analysis contained in its final report begins to create an empirical base for healing approaches grounded in Indigenous knowledge. The AHF commissioned quantitative and qualitative research on community projects and their impacts over the 7 years of its first mandate. This article extracts key themes from the resulting analysis. Results: Individuals and communities engaged in healing from the legacy of residential schools move through four stages that are both sequential and recurring. Data from projects and individual participants identify promising approaches to support progress. Key findings include: (i) community healing is a necessary complement to individual healing; (ii) culture is good medicine; (iii) reservoirs of resilience in individuals and communities can be tapped; (iv) it takes time to heal; (v) service infrastructure and continuity are necessary to consolidate individual healing and assist communities who are ‘hitting the wall’ in their healing journey; and (vi) as individuals and communities heal, the depth and complexity of needs become evident, generating demand for training.