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Minor Differences (minor + difference)
Kinds of Minor Differences Selected AbstractsCompetitive binding comparison of endocrine-disrupting compounds to recombinant androgen receptor from fathead minnow, rainbow trout, and humanENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 9 2007Vickie S. Wilson Abstract Typically, in vitro hazard assessments for the identification of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), including those outlined in the Endocrine Disruptor Screening and Testing Advisory Committee (EDSTAC) Tier 1 Screening protocols, utilize mammalian receptors. Evidence, however, exists that fish sex steroid hormone receptors differ from mammalian receptors both structurally and in their binding affinities for some steroids and environmental chemicals. Most of the binding studies to date have been conducted using cytosolic preparations from various tissues. In the present study, we compare competitive binding of a set of compounds to full-length recombinant rainbow trout androgen receptor , (rtAR), fathead minnow androgen receptor (fhAR), and human androgen receptor (hAR), each expressed in COS cells. Saturation binding and subsequent Scatchard analysis using [3H]R1881, a high-affinity synthetic androgen, revealed an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.11 nM for the rtAR, 1.8 nM for the fhAR, and 0.84 nM for the hAR. Compounds, including endogenous and synthetic steroids, known mammalian antiandrogens, and environmental compounds, were tested for competitive binding to each of the three receptors. Overall, agreement existed across receptors as to binding versus nonbinding for all compounds tested in this study. Minor differences, however, were found in the relative order of binding of the compounds to the individual receptors. Studies such as these will facilitate the identification of EDCs that may differentially affect specific species and aid in the development and support of future risk assessment protocols. [source] Language dominance assessment by means of fMRI: Contributions from task design, performance, and stimulus modalityJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 5 2001Margret Hund-Georgiadis MD Abstract We investigated the influence of different task demands, task designs, and presentation modalities on the functional MRI activation patterns during a language lateralization task in a group of 14 right-handed control subjects. A word classification task was presented as target task appropriate to evoke language-related activation in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). The choice of the contrasting baseline task was demonstrated to have a major impact on the functional outcome: While a fixation baseline elicited activations in the inferior frontal gyrus of both hemispheres, a nonsemantic perceptual control task helped to isolate the relevant target task of word classification. The modality of stimulus presentation did not influence the functional data: Auditory and visual presentation modes broadly evoked activations in similar brain regions during word classification. Minor differences in task performance and the side of the responding hand did not interfere with the functional activation patterns of the target task. On the basis of our results, a protocol of functional lateralization in the inferior frontal gyrus is suggested. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:668,675. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Relationship Between Cephalic Scales and Bones in Lizards: A Preliminary Microtomographic Survey on Three Lacertid SpeciesTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010David Costantini Abstract In the last two decades, there has been a great deal of interest in the morphology and anatomy of the lizard skull in an ecological and evolutionary perspective. However, the relationship between variations in many key anatomical features remains largely unknown. Using microtomography and geometric morphometrics, we examined the relationship between bones and scales associated with the parietal foramen in the three lizards species most common in the Italian peninsula: Podarcis muralis, P. sicula, and Lacerta bilineata. The imprints of the scales are clearly recognizable on the outer bone surface, and this may suggest a structural interaction between these elements. The temporal osteoderms are visible in the larger males and in the larger females of L. bilineata, but they are absent in the smaller specimens of L. bilineata and in all Podarcis specimens. Two parallel rows of pterygoid teeth are present in all the specimens of L. bilineata and are absent in the smaller male of L. bilineata and in both Podarcis species. Cheek osteoderms occurred only in the largest specimens of our sample (i.e., large L. bilineata), being possibly related to hyperostotic processes and densitometric thresholds more than to phylogeny. Minor differences may be also associated with the form of the parietal foramen. In absolute terms the parietal foramen tends to be largest in L. bilineata but in relation to skull length the foramen tends to be larger in P. muralis. In this latter species the foramen is also more elongated. In all three species the fronto-parietal suture occupies a similar location relatively to the scale spatial organization. A shared allometric pattern shows that the main vault enlargement can be localised at the areas anterior to the fronto-parietal suture, providing further information on the possible morphogenetic dynamics associated with the interaction between scales and bones around this structure. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A simplified quasi-two-dimensional model for gain optimization in carbon dioxide gasdynamic lasers (GDL)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 11 2002A. R. Bahrampour Abstract In this paper a simplified quasi-two-dimensional model for small signal gain optimization in gasdynamic laser is introduced. In order to obtain a homogeneous medium with maximum optical gain in the active medium, by nozzle shape formation, the shock occurrence position is controlled and is postponed to some point behind the laser active medium. Then the method of calculus of variation is used to find the supersonic part of the nozzle of a gasdynamic laser with maximum gain in the active medium. The interesting result is that the supersonic part of such a nozzle consists of a wedge as the accelerating part of the nozzle, a smooth surface for the uniformization, and finally a channel for the relaxation of the medium. (The middle section is characterized as the geometrical locus of points whose characteristic curves are concurrent at a certain point.) It is also shown that, overlooking a minor difference in the gain, the nozzle can be chosen to be a shock free one with the ultimate optical uniformity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A systematic review and meta-analysis on the therapeutic equivalence of statinsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2010T.-C. Weng MSc (Clin Pharm) Summary Background:, Statins are the most commonly prescribed agents for hypercholesterolemia because of their efficacy and tolerability. As the number of patients in need of statin therapy continues to increase, information regarding the relative efficacy and safety of statins is required for decision-making. Objective:, This study will use systematic review to compare the efficacy and safety profiles of different statins at different doses and determine the therapeutically equivalent doses of statins to achieve a specific level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effect. Methods:, Publications of head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of statins were retrieved from the Oregon state database (1966,2004), MEDLINE (2005-April of 2006), EMBASE (2005-April of 2006), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry (up to the first quarter of 2006). The publications were evaluated with predetermined criteria by a reviewer before they were included in the review. The mean change in cholesterol level of each statin was calculated and weighted by number of subjects involved in each RCT. Where possible, meta-analysis was performed to generate pooled estimates of the cholesterol lowering effect of statins and the difference between statins. Results:, Seventy-five studies reporting RCTs of head-to-head comparisons on statins were included. Most studies had similar baseline characteristics, except the rosuvastatin related studies. A daily dose of atorvastatin 10 mg, fluvastatin 80 mg, lovastatin 40,80 mg, and simvastatin 20 mg could decrease LDL-C by 30,40%, and fluvastatin 40 mg, lovastatin 10,20 mg, pravastatin 20,40 mg, and simvastatin 10 mg could decrease LDL-C by 20,30%. The only two statins that could reduce LDL-C more than 40% were rosuvastatin and atorvastatin at a daily dose of 20 mg or higher. Meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant but clinically minor difference (<7%) between statins in cholesterol lowering effect. Comparisons of coronary heart disease prevention and safety could not be made because of insufficient data. Conclusions:, At comparable doses, statins are therapeutically equivalent in reducing LDL-C. [source] Effects of Information on Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Golden RiceASIAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009Dinah Pura T. Depositario D44 We examine the effects of information on consumer bidding behavior using a uniform-price auction with four units supply for golden rice. Our findings show that mean willingness to pay (WTP) bids are highest under positive information, followed by no information, negative information, and unexpectedly lowest with two-sided information. Participants might have put more weight on the negative when faced with both positive and negative information. There is also a minor difference in WTP with respect to the reference price between positive information and no information. Furthermore, the marginal effect on WTP of positive information vis-ŕ-vis no information is minimal. This suggests that the positive information faced by consumers might not be compelling enough to drastically increase WTP bids for a genetically modified product such as golden rice. [source] Low-Energy-Barrier Proton Transfer Induced by Electron Attachment to the Guanine,,,Cytosine Base PairCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 4 2010Anna Szyperska Abstract The photoelectron spectrum of the anion of the guanine,,,cytosine base apair (GC)., is recorded for the first time. The observed variation in the spectral peak-height ratios with the source conditions suggests the presence of two or more anionic isomers. Two maxima of the broad bands in the photoelectron spectrum were measured at about 1.9 and about 2.6 eV. These values are very well reproduced by the vertical detachment energies of the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) calculated low-energy anionic structures, which are 1) the Watson,Crick base-pair anion with proton transferred from N1 of guanine to N3 of cytosine, 2) its analogue in which the proton is transferred from N9 of guanine to N7 of guanine, and 3) the global minimum geometry, which is formed from the latter anion by rotation of guanine about the axis approximately defined by C2 of guanine and C4 of cytosine. Furthermore, a minor difference in the stabilities of the two lowest energy anions explains the experimentally observed source (temperature) dependence of the PES spectrum. A rational procedure, based on the chemistry involved in the formation of anionic dimers, which enables the low-energy anions populated in the photoelectron spectrum to be identified is proposed. In contrast to the alternative combinatorial approach, which in the studied case would lead to carrying out quantum chemical calculations for 2000,2500 structures, the procedure described here reduces the computational problem to only 15 geometries. [source] Dyslexia in English as a second languageDYSLEXIA, Issue 1 2005Turid Helland Abstract This study focused on English as L2 in a group of Norwegian dyslexic 12 year olds, compared to an age and gender matched control group. Norwegian school children learn English from the first grades on. The subjects were assessed with a test battery of verbal and written tasks. First, they were given a comprehension task; second, a model sentence task; third, two pragmatic tasks, and fourth, three tasks of literacy. The verbal tasks were scored according to comprehension, morphology, syntax and semantics, while the literacy tasks were scored by spelling, translation and reading skills. It was hypothesized that the results of the control group and the dyslexia group would differ on all tasks, but that subgrouping the dyslexia group by comprehension skills would show heterogeneity within the dyslexia group. The data analyses confirmed these hypotheses. Significant differences were seen between the dyslexia group and the control group. However, the subgrouping revealed minor differences between the control group and the subgroup with good comprehension skills, and major differences between the control group and the subgroup with poor comprehension skills. Especially morphology and spelling were difficult for the dyslexia group. The results were tentatively discussed within the framework of biological and cognitive models of how to interpret L2 performance in dyslexia, underlining the importance of further research in L2 acquisition in dyslexia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] In situ studies of the phylogeny and physiology of filamentous bacteria with attached growthENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2002Trine Rolighed Thomsen Summary Among the filamentous bacteria occasionally causing bulking problems in activated sludge treatment plants, three morphotypes with attached microbial growth are common, Eikelboom Type 0041, Type 1851 and Type 1701. A better knowledge of the phylogeny and physiology of these filamentous bacteria is necessary in order to develop control strategies for bulking. In this study we have used a combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microautoradiography (MAR) to investigate the identity and in situ physiology of the Type 0041-morphotype and its attached bacteria in two wastewater treatment plants. Identification and enumeration of Type 0041 using group-specific 16S rRNA-targeted FISH probes revealed that approximately 15% of the filaments hybridized with a gene probe specific for the TM7 group, a recently recognized major lineage in the bacterial domain. All other filaments morphologically identified as Type 0041 only hybridized to the general bacterial EUB338-probe, indicating that they probably do not belong to commonly isolated bacterial phyla such as the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, for which group-specific probes were used. The phylogenetic heterogeneity of Type 0041 again highlights the inadequacy of a morphology-based classification system. Like the filaments, most of the attached microbial cells were not identified beyond their affiliation to the Bacteria using the group-specific FISH probes. However, several different bacterial phyla were represented in the identified fraction suggesting that the attached microorganisms are phylogenetically diverse. The study of the in situ physiology of Type 0041 using MAR-FISH revealed that both the filaments and the attached bacteria on Type 0041 were versatile in the use of organic substrates and electron acceptors. It was observed that all Type 0041 could consume glucose, but none of the filaments were able to consume acetate under any conditions tested, in contrast to some of the attached bacteria. No significant physiological differences were found between TM7,positive and TM7,negative Type 0041 filaments, and only minor differences were observed between the two treatment plants tested. These are the first data on the physiology of the almost entirely uncharacterized TM7 phylum and show that TM7 filamentous bacteria can uptake carbon substrates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. [source] Clinical and SEM evaluation of all-ceramic chair-side CAD/CAM-generated partial crownsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2003Andreas Bindl The effect of hardware and software on the quality of Cerec all-ceramic partial crowns was investigated in this cross-sectional study. Partial crowns (n = 818) had been adhesively placed in 496 patients between 1993 and 1997 using Cerec 1 and Cerec 2 units (groups 1 and 2) as well as Cerec 2 with wall-spacing software (group 3). From each group, 25 randomly selected partial crowns were evaluated using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Of these, 12 were randomly selected in each group, replicas taken and examined in a scanning electron microscope for marginal interfacial width and for continuous margin adaptation. Interfacial width of group 1 (308 ± 95 µm) was significantly larger than those of groups 2 (243 ± 48 µm) and 3 (207 ± 63 µm). Continuous margin adaptation at the tooth,luting composite and luting composite,restoration interfaces showed only minor differences in groups 1 (94.5 ± 8% and 95.5 ± 2%), 2 (98.1 ± 1% and 97.5 ± 1.4%) and 3 (96.8 ± 3% and 96.8 ± 2%). Pooled clinical rating was excellent or good at 97% for all groups, indicating acceptable restoration quality except for one breakage in group 1. [source] COEVOLUTION OF COLOR PATTERN AND THERMOREGULATORY BEHAVIOR IN POLYMORPHIC PYGMY GRASSHOPPERS TETRIX UNDULATAEVOLUTION, Issue 2 2002Anders Forsman Abstract Ectothermic organisms, such as insects and reptiles, rely on external heat sources to control body temperature and possess physiological and behavioral traits that are temperature dependent. It has therefore been hypothesised that differences in body temperature resulting from phenotypic properties, such as color pattern, may translate into selection against thermally inferior phenotypes. We tested for costs and benefits of pale versus dark coloration by comparing the behaviors (i.e., basking duration and bouts) of pygmy grasshopper (Tetrix undulata) individuals exposed to experimental situations imposing a trade-off between temperature regulation and feeding. We used pairs consisting of two full-siblings of the same sex that represented different (genetically coded) color morphs but had shared identical conditions from the time of fertilization. Our results revealed significant differences in behavioral thermoregulation between dark and pale individuals in females, but not in males. Pale females spent more time feeding than dark females, regardless of whether feeding was associated with a risk of either hypothermia or overheating. In contrast, only minor differences in behavior (if any) were evident between individuals that belonged to the same color morph but had been painted black or gray to increase and decrease their heating rates. This suggests that the behavioral differences between individuals belonging to different color morphs are genetically determined, rather than simply reflecting a response to different heating rates. To test for effects of acclimation on behaviors, we used pairs of individuals that had been reared from hatchlings to adults under controlled conditions in either low or high temperature. The thermal regime experienced during rearing had little effect on behaviors during the experiments reported above, but significantly influenced the body temperatures selected in a laboratory thermal gradient. In females (but not in males) preferred body temperature also varied among individuals born to mothers belonging to different color morphs, suggesting that a genetic correlation exists between color pattern and temperature preferences. Collectively, these findings, at least in females, are consistent with the hypothesis of multiple-trait coevolution and suggest that the different color morphs represent alternative evolutionary strategies. [source] Mast cell lines HMC-1 and LAD2 in comparison with mature human skin mast cells , drastically reduced levels of tryptase and chymase in mast cell linesEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Sven Guhl Please cite this paper as: Mast cell lines HMC-1 and LAD2 in comparison with mature human skin mast cells , drastically reduced levels of tryptase and chymase in mast cell lines. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 845,847. Abstract:, To circumvent the costly isolation procedure associated with tissue mast cells (MC), two human MC lines, i.e. HMC-1 and LAD2, are frequently employed, but their relation to mature MC is unknown. Here, we quantitatively assessed their expression of MC markers in direct comparison to skin MC (sMC). sMC expressed all lineage markers at highest and HMC-1 cells at lowest levels. LAD2 cells expressed comparable high-affinity IgE receptor , (Fc,RI,) and Fc,RI, but less Fc,RI, than sMC and displayed slightly reduced, but robust Fc,RI-mediated histamine release. Only minor differences were found for total histamine content and c-Kit expression. Huge, and to this level unexpected, differences were found for MC tryptase and chymase, with sMC >>> LAD2 > HMC-1. Taken together, HMC-1 cells represent very immature malignantly transformed MC, whereas LAD2 cells can be considered intermediately differentiated. Because of the minute levels of MC proteases, MC lines can serve as surrogates of tissue MC to a limited degree only. [source] Solution structure of the functional domain of Paracoccus denitrificans cytochrome c552 in the reduced stateFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 13 2000Primo, Pristov In order to determine the solution structure of Paracoccus denitrificans cytochrome c552 by NMR, we cloned and isotopically labeled a 10.5-kDa soluble fragment (100 residues) containing the functional domain of the 18.2-kDa membrane-bound protein. Using uniformly 15N-enriched samples of cytochrome c552 in the reduced state, a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional heteronuclear double-resonance NMR experiments was employed to achieve complete 1H and 15N assignments. A total of 1893 distance restraints was derived from homonuclear 2D-NOESY and heteronuclear 3D-NOESY spectra; 1486 meaningful restraints were used in the structure calculations. After restrained energy minimization a family of 20 structures was obtained with rmsd values of 0.56 ± 0.10 Ĺ and 1.09 ± 0.09 Ĺ for the backbone and heavy atoms, respectively. The overall topology is similar to that seen in previously reported models of this class of proteins. The global fold consists of two long helices at the N-terminus and C-terminus and three shorter helices surrounding the heme moiety; the helices are connected by well-defined loops. Comparison with the X-ray structure shows some minor differences in the positions of the Trp57 and Phe65 side-chain rings as well as the heme propionate groups. [source] Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, FranceFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009J. Drapeau Abstract In order to reduce the risk of getting infected with any epidemic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, repellent products are often used to protect populations at risk. The repellent potential of 19 essential oils from the island of Corsica, France, was evaluated in a bio-assay with the mosquito Aedes aegypti, in order to assess the ,space repellent' properties of these oils. Lavendula stoechas, Helichrysum italicum (leaves) and Laurus nobilis oils showed a capability of reducing the attractivity of a human finger for yellow fever mosquitoes in a Y-tube olfactometer. In addition to the behavioural studies on mosquitoes, two tests on the olfactory perception of these 19 oils were performed, involving 25 female and 25 male human volunteers. The aspects studied were the ,hedonic dimension' of these oils and their acceptance as a final fragrance for a repellent formulation. The experiments yielded promising results concerning both aspects for three oils, from Calamintha nepeta, Laurus nobilis and Rosmarinus officinalis, with minor differences between male and female participants. Laurus nobilis oil was the only oil tested fulfilling both properties: a spatial repellent effect on Aedes aegypti and acceptance by the volunteers for its integration in a repellent product. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that Calamintha nepeta oil has a slower evaporation rate in comparison to the Laurus nobilis and Rosmarinus officinalis oils. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Hematological malignancies in the island of Sardinia, 1974,1993: age and sex distributions and temporal changes in incidenceHEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2004G. Broccia Abstract We have collected, by an active retrospective survey, all the cases of hematologic malignancies (HM) newly diagnosed during the time period 1974,1993 in the resident population of Sardinia. Diagnosis was deemed valid, after consultation of clinical records, in more than 90% of the 7264 collected cases. The number of newly diagnosed cases by year more than doubled during the 20-year period investigated. This striking increase can be only partially accounted for by ageing of population. Indeed, age-specific and age-adjusted rates of most of HM increased during this period, although Hodgkin Disease (HD), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) were notable exceptions. The observed increase in rates is likely, in a large part, to be fictitious, due to easier access to a health care system, which in the meantime, improved its diagnostic efficiency. This was particularly evident for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Multiple Myeloma (MM) and some others myelo- and lympho-proliferative disorders, but its relevance declined after 1984,1989. A likely true increase in occurrence was evidenced for Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) and similarly, although to a lesser extent and more doubtful, for Myelodysplasias (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). At the end of the studied period each type of HM presented age and sex distributions and age-adjusted rates that show only minor differences from those reported for other western countries. No argument emerged to suggest that any genetic peculiarities of the Sardinian population might have affected the occurrence of HM. The confounding effects of improved diagnostic efficiency have prevented a reliable assessment of influence on incidences of environmental and socio-economic changes that, in relatively recent times, have occurred in Sardinia. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cross-cultural validation of the Leeds sleep evaluation questionnaire (LSEQ) in insomnia patientsHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 8 2003Ricardo Tarrasch Abstract The Leeds sleep evaluation questionnaire (LSEQ) is a standardized self-reporting instrument comprising ten 100,mm visual analogue scales that pertain to the ease of getting to sleep (GTS), quality of sleep (QOS), ease of awakening from sleep (AFS) and alertness and behaviour following wakefulness (BFW). Although the LSEQ has been used in a variety of populations, published psychometric data on insomnia patients are limited. The LSEQ reliability and construct validity was evaluated in 396 French insomnia patients aged 55 years and over, who were treated with placebo (2 weeks) and melatonin (3 weeks). The results supported LSEQ internal consistency, reliability and construct validity with minor differences from those of the original English version. Then the internal consistency of the LSEQ was evaluated in 257 insomnia patients (age 20,80 years) in France and Israel who, following a 1 week placebo baseline, were randomized to placebo or melatonin treatment for 3 weeks. Cronbach's , and Pearson's r correlation coefficients for placebo and drug treatment conditions (p<0.001 for all) supported LSEQ internal consistency in different treatment and age groups and in different languages. It is concluded that the consistency, reliability and validity of the four LSEQ domains allows them to be singled out as independent outcome variables in cross cultural sleep research and clinical practice in adult and elderly patients with insomnia. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Recovery of rat submandibular salivary gland function following removal of obstruction: a sialometrical and sialochemical studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Samira M. Osailan Summary Functional recovery of the rat submandibular gland following ligation of the main excretory duct was examined. Rat submandibular glands were ligated for 1, 4 and 8 weeks using a micro-clip with a plastic tube. Micro-clips were removed and glands were allowed to recover for periods of 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Submandibular glands were stimulated with autonomimetic drugs (methacholine and isoprenaline) and salivas were collected from atrophic or de-ligated and contralateral control glands. Glands recovered almost full size (92% of control gland) following 24 weeks of de-ligation. Saliva volume secreted by ligated/de-ligated (RSM) and control (LSM) glands were similar with different doses of agonists. Protein output expressed per gram of tissue wet weight was similar from both ligated/de-ligated and control glands with all doses of agonist. Sodium and chloride levels were higher from de-ligated glands than contralateral control glands. Protein electrophoresis showed similar profiles of salivary proteins in all samples with some minor differences. Acinar cells in de-ligated glands showed a normal morphology, as indicated by light microscopy, whilst granular ductal cells were fewer and contained fewer secretory granules. Sodium potassium ATPase staining of striated ducts in de-ligated glands was similar to that of control glands. It can be concluded that rat submandibular glands can regenerate following severe atrophy and secrete normal amounts of saliva containing broadly a full profile of secretory proteins. In contrast to acinar cells, ductal cells appear not to recover full function. [source] Characterization of blond and Star Ruby (red) Jaffa grapefruits using antioxidant and electrophoretic methodsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Shela Gorinstein Summary Antioxidant and electrophoretic methods were used to characterize the quality differences between blond and Star Ruby (red) grapefruits. Dietary fibre, minerals and trace elements, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic and ascorbic acids were also determined. The antioxidant potential of red grapefruit was significantly higher than that of the blond fruit (P < 0.05) and correlated well with the total polyphenols (R2 from 0.8456 to 0.9711). In both the cultivars studied, thirty-two electrophoretic bands were detected [sodium dodecyl-polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)]. The main electrophoretic bands occurred between 20 and 43 kDa in both grapefruits with few minor differences between the varieties. Our findings indicate the following (i) red grapefruit is preferable: it has a higher concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential than the blond; (ii) 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test is a more sensitive method for the determination of antioxidant potential; (iii) there are some minor differences in electrophoretic patterns; (iv) antioxidant and electrophoretic methods are a good combination for characterization of differences of the same citrus fruits. [source] Water Framework Directive: ecological classification of Danish lakesJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2005MARTIN SŘNDERGAARD Summary 1The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires that all European waterbodies are assigned to one of five ecological classes, based primarily on biological indicators, and that minimum good ecological quality is obtained by 2015. However, the directive provides only general guidance regarding indicator definitions and determination of boundaries between classes. 2We used chemical and biological data from 709 Danish lakes to investigate whether and how lake types respond differently to eutrophication. In the absence of well-defined reference conditions, lakes were grouped according to alkalinity and water depth, and the responses to eutrophication were ordered along a total phosphorus (TP) gradient to test the applicability of pre-defined boundaries. 3As a preliminary classification we suggest a TP-based classification into high, good, moderate, bad and poor ecological quality using 0,25, 25,50, 50,100, 100,200 and > 200 µg P L,1 boundaries for shallow lakes, and 0,12·5, 12·5,25, 25,50, 50,100 and > 100 µg P L,1 boundaries for deep lakes. Within each TP category, median values are used to define preliminary boundaries for the biological indicators. 4Most indicators responded strongly to increasing TP, but there were only minor differences between low and high alkalinity lakes and modest variations between deep and shallow lakes. The variability of indicators within a given TP range was, however, high, and for most indicators there was a considerable overlap between adjacent TP categories. Cyanophyte biomass, submerged macrophyte coverage, fish numbers and chlorophyll a were among the ,best' indicators, but their ability to separate different TP classes varied with TP. 5When using multiple indicators the risk that one or more indicators will indicate different ecological classes is high because of a high variability of all indicators within a specific TP class, and the ,one out , all out' principle in relation to indicators does not seem feasible. Alternatively a certain compliance level or a ,mean value' of the indicators can be used to define ecological classes. A precise ecological quality ratio (EQR) using values between 0 and 1 can be calculated based on the extent to which the total number of indicators meets the boundary conditions, as demonstrated from three Danish lakes. 6Synthesis and applications. The analysis of Danish lakes has identified a number of useful indicators for lake quality and has suggested a method for calculating an ecological quality ratio. However, it also demonstrates that the implementation of the Water Framework Directive faces several challenges: gradual rather than stepwise changes for all indicators, large variability of indicators within lake classes, and problems using the one out , all out principle for lake classification. [source] The reduction of psychological aggression across varied interpersonal contexts through repentance and forgivenessAGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 3 2006Judy Eaton Abstract Research on the resolution of interpersonal conflict has shown that forgiveness is important in reducing aggression and promoting prosocial interactions following a transgression. Although the benefits of forgiveness have been demonstrated in a variety of relationship contexts, a single theoretical model has not been tested across these different contexts. In this study, we employed an attributional framework to examine the relationship between attributions of responsibility for a transgression, repentance, emotions, forgiveness, and psychological aggression toward three different categories of transgressor: a coworker, a friend, and a romantic partner. One hundred and seven participants were asked to describe a recent transgression with a coworker, a friend, and a romantic partner. In each case, responsibility for the event, the degree to which the transgressor apologized, anger, sympathy, forgiveness, and subsequent psychological aggression toward the transgressor were measured. A basic model of aggression reduction, whereby repentance facilitates forgiveness and reduces psychological aggression, was reliable in each category of transgressor. A comparison of the models showed minor differences in how individuals respond to transgressors. Although coworkers apologized less, they were just as likely to be forgiven as romantic partners and friends. In addition, participants were least likely to respond with psychological aggression when a friend transgressed against them. This research provides a theoretical framework within which to study forgiveness and aggression across a variety of contexts. Aggr. Behav. 32:1,12, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Male genital leiomyomas showing androgen receptor expressionJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2007José Manuel Suárez-Peńaranda Genital leiomyoma in men include those superficial leiomyomas arising in the scrotum and the areola. They are unusual neoplasms: few cases have been reported in the literature and they usually escape clinical diagnosis. Three cases of male genital leiomyomas are reported: two in the scrotum and one in the areola. They were all conservatively excised and the behaviour was completely benign in all cases. Histopathological examination showed the typical findings of superficial leiomyomas, with some minor differences between cases arising in the scrotum and those from the areola. Immunohistochemical findings not only confirmed the smooth muscle nature of all cases but also showed unequivocal immunostaining for androgen receptors in the leiomyomas from the scrotum. Immunostaining for androgen receptors in scrotal leiomyomas is, as far as we are aware, a previously unknown characteristic of male genital leiomyomas. This finding supports the role of steroid hormones in the growth of genital leiomyomas, similar to leiomyomas found in other locations. [source] Olfactory responses to steroids in an African mouth-brooding cichlid, Haplochromis burtoni(Günther)JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006T. B. Cole Underwater electro-olfactogram (EOG) recordings involving 150 steroids and eight prostaglandins were used to determine which of these potential odorants are detected by the olfactory organ of an African cichlid, Haplochromis burtoni. In initial EOG tests at 10,9 M, H. burtoni did not respond to unconjugated steroids or prostaglandins, but did respond to 17 conjugated steroids, 11 of which (17,-oestradiol-17,-glucuronide; 17,-oestradiol-3-sulphate; 17,-oestradiol-3,17,-disulphate; epiandrosteron-3,-sulphate; etiocholanolone-3,-glucuronide; testosterone-17,-sulphate; dehydroepiandrosterone-3,-sulphate; 5,-pregnan-3,-ol-20-one-3,-sulphate; 5,-pregnan-3,,17-diol-20-one-3,-glucuronide; 5,-pregnan-3,,17,21-triol-11,20-dione-3,-glucuronide; pregnenolone-3,-sulphate) were selected for EOG concentration-response, cross-adaptation and binary mixture tests. The EOG detection thresholds ranged from 10,11 to 10,9 M in all but one instance (female threshold to pregnenolone-3,-sulphate; 10,8 M), and males and females exhibited only minor differences in EOG threshold or response magnitude. Results of EOG cross-adaptation tests, which were supported by results of binary mixture tests, indicated that the response to the 11 steroid conjugates is mediated by five putative olfactory receptor mechanisms characterized by specificity for conjugate position and type: 3-sulphate, 17-sulphate, 3,17-disulphate, 3-glucuronide, 17-glucuronide. Although there is no evidence that H. burtoni releases, or exhibits biological response to, the steroids shown to be detected in this study, the present results are suggestive of a complex pheromone system utilizing steroid conjugates. [source] VARIATION OF LAG TIME AND SPECIFIC GROWTH RATE AMONG 11 STRAINS OF SALMONELLA INOCULATED ONTO STERILE GROUND CHICKEN BREAST BURGERS AND INCUBATED AT 25C,JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 4 2000THOMAS P. OSCAR ABSTRACT One strain of 11 serotypes or 11 strains of Salmonella, which were isolated from the ceca of broilers, were surveyed for their growth kinetics on sterile ground chicken breast burgers incubated at 25C to determine the variation of lag time and specific growth rate. Growth curves, four per strain, were fit to a two-phase linear model to determine lag time (h) and specific growth rate (log10/h). Repeatability of growth kinetics measurements for individual strains had a mean coefficient of variation of 11.7% for lag time (range: 5.8 to 17.3%) and a mean coefficient of variation of 6.7% for specific growth rate (range: 2.7 to 13.3%). Lag time among strains ranged from 2.2 to 3.1 h with a mean of 2.8 h for all strains, whereas specific growth rate among strains ranged from 0.3 to 0.38 log10 per h with a mean of 0.35 log10per h for all strains. One-way analysis of variance indicated that lag time (P =0.029) and specific growth rate (P =0.025) differed slightly among strains. S. Haardt had a shorter (P < 0.05) lag time than S. Agona and S. Brandenburg, whereas the specific growth rate of S. Enteritidis was less than (P < 0.05) the specific growth rates of S. Typhimurium and S. Brandenburg. All other strains had similar lag times and specific growth rates. The coefficient of variation among strains was 9.4% for lag time and 5.7% for specific growth rate. These results indicate that there were only minor differences in the lag times and specific growth rates among the strains of Salmonella surveyed. Thus, the growth kinetic values obtained with one strain of Salmonella may be useful for predicting the growth of other strains of Salmonella for which data do not currently exist. [source] Controlling Light Oxidation Flavor in Milk by Blocking Riboflavin Excitation Wavelengths by InterferenceJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 9 2009J.B. Webster ABSTRACT:, Milk packaged in glass bottles overwrapped with iridescent films (treatments blocked either a single visible riboflavin [Rb] excitation wavelength or all visible Rb excitation wavelengths; all treatments blocked UV Rb excitation wavelengths) was exposed to fluorescent lighting at 4 °C for up to 21 d and evaluated for light-oxidized flavor. Controls consisted of bottles with no overwrap (light-exposed treatment; represents the light barrier properties of the glass packaging) and bottles overwrapped with aluminum foil (light-protected treatment). A balanced incomplete block multi-sample difference test, using a ranking system and a trained panel, was used for evaluation of light oxidation flavor intensity. Volatiles were evaluated by gas chromatography and Rb degradation was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Packaging overwraps limited production of light oxidation flavor over time but not to the same degree as the complete light block. Blocking all visible and UV Rb excitation wavelengths reduced light oxidation flavor better than blocking only a single visible excitation wavelength plus all UV excitation wavelengths. Rb degraded over time in all treatments except the light-protected control treatment and only minor differences in the amount of degradation among treatments was observed. Hexanal production was significantly higher in the light-exposed control treatment compared to the light-protected control treatment from day 7; it was only sporadically significantly higher in the 570 nm and 400 nm block treatments. Pentanal, heptanal, and an unidentified volatile compound also increased in concentration over time, but there were no significant differences in concentration among the packaging overwrap treatments for these compounds. [source] Facial Soft Tissue Depths in Craniofacial Identification (Part I): An Analytical Review of the Published Adult Data,JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 6 2008Carl N. Stephan Ph.D. Abstract:, With the ever increasing production of average soft tissue depth studies, data are becoming increasingly complex, less standardized, and more unwieldy. So far, no overarching review has been attempted to determine: the validity of continued data collection; the usefulness of the existing data subcategorizations; or if a synthesis is possible to produce a manageable soft tissue depth library. While a principal components analysis would provide the best foundation for such an assessment, this type of investigation is not currently possible because of a lack of easily accessible raw data (first, many studies are narrow; second, raw data are infrequently published and/or stored and are not always shared by some authors). This paper provides an alternate means of investigation using an hierarchical approach to review and compare the effects of single variables on published mean values for adults whilst acknowledging measurement errors and within-group variation. The results revealed: (i) no clear secular trends at frequently investigated landmarks; (ii) wide variation in soft tissue depth measures between different measurement techniques irrespective of whether living persons or cadavers were considered; (iii) no clear clustering of non-Caucasoid data far from the Caucasoid means; and (iv) minor differences between males and females. Consequently, the data were pooled across studies using weighted means and standard deviations to cancel out random and opposing study-specific errors, and to produce a single soft tissue depth table with increased sample sizes (e.g., 6786 individuals at pogonion). [source] Infrared Spectra of U.S. Automobile Original Finishes.JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 3 2006ABSTRACT: The identification, analysis, and occurrence in U.S. automobile original finishes (1974,1989) of Nickel Titanate (yellow) and Chrome Titanate (yellow,orange) are described in this report. The titanate pigments are based on the rutile (titanium dioxide) structure and there are only minor differences between the infrared absorptions of rutile and the titanates. Titanate pigment absorptions in paint spectra can thus be easily mistaken for those of rutile. Each of the titanates, however, contains two elements in addition to titanium that can serve to distinguish them using elemental analyses. Fourier transform infrared (4000,220 cm,1) and X-ray fluorescence instruments were used in combination for the in situ analysis of the titanates. In addition to titanium, nickel, and antimony, the three main detectable elements comprising Nickel Titanate, all of the commercial products of this pigment that were examined also contained impurities of zirconium, niobium, and usually lead. These elements were also detected in most of the monocoats in which Nickel Titanate was identified, as well as in the Chrome Titanate pigments, and the zirconium to niobium ratio was found to exhibit a wide variation. Nickel Titanate is a relatively common pigment that was identified in nearly three dozen U.S. automobile yellow nonmetallic monocoats (1974,1989), while Chrome Titanate appears to have been used in only a few yellow and orange nonmetallic monocoats. The use of the titanate pigments likely increased after this time period as they were replacements for lead chromate pigments (last used in a U.S. automobile original finish in the early 1990s), and are more amenable for use in basecoat/clearcoat finishes than in monocoats. Minor distortions of the infrared absorptions of rutile, anatase, and the titanates obtained using accessories with diamond windows were noted, and their origins are discussed. [source] Parental relationships among three grape varieties studied by MALDI of grape seed protein profiles,JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 9 2010Antonella Bertazzo Abstract Two Raboso cultivars, i.e. Raboso Veronese and Raboso Piave, are two black Vitis vinifera varieties. A genetic study suggested that Raboso Veronese is the progeny of a spontaneous cross between Raboso Piave and Marzemina Bianca cultivars. Parental relationships are usually investigated by genetic studies, which are effective to establish genetic links among different cultivars. Considering that proteome is the genome expression, in this article we evaluated the power of seed protein profiles obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)/MS for parentage investigation. The three cultivars lead to very similar spectra with differences in the relative intensity of the most abundant species and the presence of very weak specific ions. In order to evaluate the analytical significance of these aspects, the variability due to instrumental factors and due to different harvesting areas and years of the same cultivars have been considered and measured by the calculation of discrepancy factor values. On one hand, the results obtained can be considered a valid confirmation of the genomic findings, whereas on the other hand, the results provide evidence for the ability of MALDI/MS to individuate minor differences in protein profiles of complex protein mixtures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Characterization of natural wax esters by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometryJOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 1 2009Vladimír Vrkoslav Abstract The applicability of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to the analysis of wax esters (WEs) was investigated. A series of metal salts of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) was synthesized and tested as possible matrices. Alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and transition metal (Cu, Ag) salts were studied. The matrix properties were evaluated, including solubility in organic solvents, threshold laser power that should be applied for successful desorption/ionization of WEs, the nature of the matrix ions and the mass range occupied by them, and the complexity of the isotope clusters for individual metals. Lithium salt of dihydroxybenzoic acid (LiDHB) performed the best and matrices with purified lithium isotopes (6LiDHB or 7LiDHB) were recommended for WEs. Three sample preparation procedures were compared: (1) mixing the sample and matrix in a glass vial and deposition of the mixture on a MALDI plate (Mix), (2) deposition of sample followed by deposition of matrix (Sa/Ma), and (3) deposition of matrix followed by deposition of sample (Ma/Sa). Morphology of the samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The best sample preparation technique was Ma/Sa with the optimum sample to matrix molar ratio 1 : 100. Detection limit was in the low picomolar range. The relative response of WEs decreased with their molecular weight, and minor differences between signals of saturated and monounsaturated WEs were observed. MALDI spectra of WEs showed molecular adducts with lithium [M + Li]+. Fragments observed in postsource decay (PSD) spectra were related to the acidic part of WEs [RCOOH + Li]+ and they were used for structure assignment. MALDI with LiDHB was used for several samples of natural origin, including insect and plant WEs. A good agreement with GC/MS data was achieved. Moreover, MALDI allowed higher WEs to be analyzed, up to 64 carbon atoms in Ginkgo biloba leaves extract. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Genotypic analysis of two hypervariable human cytomegalovirus genesJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 9 2008Amanda J. Bradley Abstract Most human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genes are highly conserved in sequence among strains, but some exhibit a substantial degree of variation. Two of these genes are UL146, which encodes a CXC chemokine, and UL139, which is predicted to encode a membrane glycoprotein. The sequences of these genes were determined from a collection of 184 HCMV samples obtained from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. UL146 is hypervariable throughout, whereas variation in UL139 is concentrated in a sequence encoding a potentially highly glycosylated region. The UL146 sequences fell into 14 genotypes, as did all previously reported sequences. The UL139 sequences grouped into 8 genotypes, and all previously reported sequences fell into a subset of these. There were minor differences among continents in genotypic frequencies for UL146 and UL139, but no clear geographical separation, and identical nucleotide sequences were represented among communities distant from each other. The frequent detection of multiple genotypes indicated that mixed infections are common. For both genes, the degree of divergence was sufficient to preclude reliable sequence alignments between genotypes in the most variable regions, and the mode of evolution involved in generating the genotypes could not be discerned. Within genotypes, constraint appears to have been the predominant mode, and positive selection was detected marginally at best. No evidence was found for linkage disequilibrium. The emerging scenario is that the HCMV genotypes developed in early human populations (or even earlier), becoming established via founder or bottleneck effects, and have spread, recombined and mixed worldwide in more recent times. J. Med. Virol. 80:1615,1623, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A molecular epidemiological study of sequential oral isolates of Candida albicans from terminally ill patientsJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 4 2001M. J. Wilson Abstract: The pattern of candidal colonisation was studied in a group of terminally ill patients receiving antifungal treatment for oral candidosis. A total of 43 isolates of C. albicans was collected pre- and post-antifungal treatment from patients up to a maximum period of 4 weeks. Isolates were analysed by electrophoretic karyotyping (EK) and by inter-repeat polymerase chain reaction (IR-PCR). Fifteen electrophoretic karyotypes and 17 IR-PCR profiles were identified. Sequential isolates from 10 patients yielded identical profiles in both EKs and IR-PCR analyses. In the case of four patients, minor differences in the profiles were obtained by either EK or IR-PCR. The findings suggest that antifungal treatment in this patient group fails to eradicate the original C. albicans strain, thereby allowing recolonisation of the oral cavity. The present study has also shown that either EK or IR-PCR is a useful typing approach in such epidemiological investigations. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||