bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The immediate effect of physical activity on standing balance in healthy and balance‐impaired older people
Authors: Egerton Thorlene , Brauer Sandra G , Cresswell Andrew G
Published: June 2009

Objective:  To determine if standing balance was affected by moderate levels of physical activity in healthy young, healthy older and balance‐impaired older adults.

Methods:  Thirty‐one healthy young, 33 healthy older and 22 balance‐impaired older adults took part. Centre of pressure (COP) motion was measured before and immediately after participants undertook 14 minutes of self‐paced, moderate intensity physical activity.

Results:  All groups responded in a similar manner. Following the physical activity circuit, mediolateral COP displacement and standard deviation of mediolateral COP position increased by 5% and 17%, respectively. Anteroposterior COP displacement and COP standard deviation, and total COP displacement, did not change. All changes were small compared with the magnitude of the group differences.

Conclusions:  A small increase in fall risk may exist immediately following physical activity and older people may need to exercise caution following moderate intensity bouts of physical activity to prevent falling.
Osteoporosis risk in a home care setting
Authors: Smith Joanna , Inderjeeth Charles , Lewin Gill
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To investigate the osteoporosis risk profile of older home care clients and the prevalence of fracture and treatment within this group.

Methods:  A total of 1500 home care clients were randomly selected and mailed a survey. Overall, 874 (58%) of those surveyed completed and returned the survey.

Results:  A third (37%, n = 318) reported at least one fracture and 871(99.7%) reported at least one risk factor for osteoporosis. Despite this only 28% reported a diagnosis of osteoporosis, which was more likely if they had sustained a fracture. Bone mineral density tests were reported by 37.4% of respondents and 51.9% of those who had fractured. Only 34.5% who had fractured had been referred for an osteoporosis assessment following their fracture.

Conclusions:  The home care clients surveyed have many of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fracture. A large number reported that they had already sustained fractures that can be attributed to osteoporosis. Despite this, a minority have been assessed or treated for osteoporosis.
Barriers and enablers of health promotion, prevention and early intervention in primary care: Evidence to inform the Australian national dementia strategy
Authors: Travers Catherine , Martin‐Khan Melinda , Lie David
Published: June 2009

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to: (i) identify and summarise the research evidence regarding barriers and enablers of health promotion, prevention and early intervention (PPEI) in primary care to reduce the risk of chronic disease in the older population; and (ii) use this evidence to make recommendations to inform the Australian national dementia prevention strategy around the translation of evidence‐based care into practice. PPEI activities in primary care have the potential to not only reduce the prevalence and impact of a number of chronic diseases, but may also prevent or slow the onset of dementia given the apparent overlap in risk factors. While sizeable gaps exist regarding the most effective ways to promote the adoption of these activities, limited evidence suggests that, to be effective, PPEI activities should be quick and easy to administer, have a sound rationale and be readily incorporated into existing work processes.
Descriptive, exploratory study of the role of nursing assistants in Australian residential aged care facilities: The example of pain management
Authors: Holloway Kristi , McConigley Ruth
Published: June 2009

Aim:  This study explored the experiences of nursing assistants (NAs) who work with older people in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), to ascertain their role in Australian RACFs. Experiences with pain management were used as an example to explore their work role.

Methods:  A descriptive, exploratory qualitative approach was used to examine NAs' experiences. Participants included six NAs from three RACFs in regional Western Australia. In‐depth interviews focused on the NAs' experiences of providing care to older people in RACFs and in particular their experiences providing pain management for residents.

Results:  The role of NAs often extends beyond their scope of practice. NAs describe making clinical decisions, initiating clinical care and advocating for residents.

Conclusions:  NAs represent a majority of the staff in Australian RACFs and they have a significant role in clinical care. There is a need to ensure that NAs are adequately prepared and supported in their role.
Longitudinal study of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool in identifying older people at increased risk of falls
Authors: Mackenzie Lynette , Byles Julie , D'Este Catherine
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To evaluate the predictive validity and responsiveness of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST).

Methods:  A prospective study of 727 community dwelling Veterans and war widows aged 70 years and over. The outcome was 6‐month recall of any fall at 3‐year follow‐up. Baseline measurements were taken of common falls risk factors, and home hazards (using the HOME FAST). Changes in the prevalence of HOME FAST items were calculated and a logistic regression model was computed to determine predictors of falls at follow‐up.

Results:  Prevalence of 14 HOME FAST items was significantly reduced from baseline to follow‐up (P ≤ 0.05). Falls were significantly related to the baseline HOME FAST score (odds ratio (OR) 1.016, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004–1.098, P = 0.006), and a reduction in home hazards at follow‐up (OR 0.984, 95% CI 0.973–0.996, P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  The HOME FAST can predict falls in older people and is responsive to change.
Intergenerational support and subjective health of older people in rural China: A gender‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Li Shuzhuo , Song Lu , Feldman Marcus W
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To examine gender differences in the effect of intergenerational exchanges on subjective health of Chinese rural elderly.

Methods:  Using the data from three waves of the survey ‘Well‐being of Elderly in Anhui Province, China’ conducted in 2001, 2003 and 2006, respectively, this study uses random effect logit models for men and women separately.

Results:  While an increase in instrumental support from children to older people is associated with deterioration in the subjective health of older men, financial support from older people to children is associated with improvement in the formers' subjective health. Although an increase in instrumental support from older people to children, and mutual emotional support is associated with improved subjective health of older women, financial support from children to older women has a negative effect on the latter's subjective health.

Conclusions:  Reciprocal intergenerational transfers contribute to improvement in subjective health of older people, while increased support through demand‐based transfers appears to result in deterioration of their health.
Inspection time predicts individual differences in everyday functioning among elderly adults: Testing discriminant validity
Authors: Gregory Tess , Callaghan Adelaide , Nettelbeck Ted , Wilson Carlene
Published: June 2009

Aim:  Inspection time (IT) is a processing speed measure, recently investigated as a biomarker of ageing. This study examined whether earlier IT predicts subsequent problems in everyday functioning in community‐dwelling elderly people.

Methods:  Participants completed IT at baseline, 6 months and 18 months. At 42 months, two groups of 15 elderly people matched for education and age (74–88 years) and selected for slower or faster baseline IT, completed a fourth estimate of IT and a practical assessment of everyday functioning (Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living – Adelaide).

Results:  At 42 months, the group with slower baseline IT had significantly poorer performance (slower completion, higher errors) on more than half of the everyday functioning tasks.

Conclusion:  Slower IT predicts difficulties up to 4 years later in everyday functioning of elderly adults, providing discriminant validation for IT as a biomarker for future changes.
Supporting stress management for women undergoing the early stages of fertility treatment: A cluster‐randomized controlled trial*
Authors: MORI Akiko
Published: June 2009

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a support program for the stress management of women undergoing fertility treatment to reduce stress related to infertility and treatment.

Methods:  We randomly assigned seven institutions into an experimental group (four institutions, n = 96) and a control group (three institutions, n = 44) using cluster randomization. The women in the experimental group were asked to continue stress management homework for 3 months. A nurse provided feedback on the homework every month. Those in the control group were given only the booklet. The primary outcomes were the risk ratios of “depression” and “anxiety” according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The secondary outcomes were “health status” from the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36‐item Health Survey (SF‐36) v2 and “satisfaction” from the Visual Analogue Scale. We excluded 15 women who became pregnant and performed an intention‐to‐treat analysis of 125 women.

Results:  There were no differences in the incidence of depression and anxiety between the experimental and control groups. There were significant interaction effects between the program and time in the scores of the two subscales of SF‐36 and the summary. There was no difference in satisfaction. The use of ovulation‐enhancing agents showed that the scores of “role functioning physical” and “physical component summary” in the non‐use subgroup were higher at 2 and 3 months in the experimental group, compared to the control group.

Conclusions:  Positive effects of the support program were observed on two subscales of the SF‐36 in the subgroup that did not use ovulation‐enhancing agents.
Nitrogen use efficiency. 3. Nitrogen fixation: genes and costs
Authors: Andrews M. , Lea P.J. , Raven J.A. , Azevedo R.A.
Published: June 2009

The nitrogen use efficiencies (NUE) of N2 fixation, primary NH 4+ assimilation and NO 3− assimilation are compared. The photon and water costs of the various biochemical and transport processes involved in plant growth, N‐assimilation, pH regulation and osmolarity generation, per unit N assimilated are respectively likely to be around 5 and 7% greater for N2 fixation than for a combination of NH 4+ and root and shoot NO 3− assimilation as occurs with most crops. Studies on plant and rhizobial genes involved in nodulation and N2 fixation may lead to more rapid nodulation, production of more stress‐tolerant N2 fixing systems and transfer of the hydrogenase system to rhizobium/legume symbioses which currently do not have this ability. The activity of an uptake hydrogenase is predicted to decrease the photon cost of diazotrophic plant growth by about 1%.
Photosynthesis light curves: a method for screening water deficit resistance in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Nunes C. , Araújo S.S , Silva J.M. , Fevereiro P. , Silva A.B.
Published: June 2009

The photosynthetic performance of two transgenic Medicago truncatula lines engineered for water deficit (WD) resistance and a non‐transformed line was assessed in a growth chamber experiment in well‐watered, WD and stress recovery conditions. Direct gas exchange measurements showed that the transgenic plants had lower photosynthetic rates under well‐hydrated conditions when compared to the non‐transformed line. Photosynthesis light curves confirmed this difference but more importantly showed a progressive change in photosynthetic behaviour with intensity of dehydration. Dehydration led to sharp decreases of maximum photosynthesis (Amax), photosynthetic apparent quantum yield (Φ) and apparent light compensation point. The recovery rates showed that all plant lines had a similar capacity to regain control photosynthetic values. Furthermore, results suggested that light was more limiting for photosynthesis than atmospheric CO2 concentration. The results are discussed in terms of the use of photosynthesis light response curves as a non‐destructive and expeditious approach to select M. truncatula transformants with improved WD resistance.
A COMPARISON OF THE VOLATILE PROFILES OF FRYING EUROPEAN AND AUSTRALIAN WILD BOAR MEAT WITH INDUSTRIAL GENOTYPE PORK BY DYNAMIC HEADSPACE‐GC/MS ANALYSIS
Authors: LAMMERS MICHAEL , DIETZE KLAAS , TERNES WALDEMAR
Published: June 2009

Volatiles that arise from frying meat of European (sus scrofa scrofa) and Australian wild boars and domestic pigs (sus scrofa domestica) were freed of vapor and led to a Tenax (Alltech GmbH, Unterhaching, Germany) trap where they were absorbed. Elution with diethyl ether followed and after concentrating, a 200‐µL volatiles extract was obtained. Separation of compounds via gas chromatography was performed on a highly polar DB‐Wax column. More than 50 headspace volatiles could be identified, and their concentrations quantified. Most of the identified volatiles are known to contribute to meat flavor but have not, as yet, been described for wild boar meat aroma. However, S‐methyl‐methanthiosulfonate is described as a headspace volatile of meat for the first time. No character impact compound of wild boar meat was identified. In fact, results indicate that the distinguished flavor of meat from wild boar and industrial genotype pigs depends on varying amounts of potent aroma volatiles. That phenylacetaldehyde and methional play a crucial role seems possible.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This manuscript presents, to our best knowledge, the first investigation about volatiles arising from frying wild boar meat. The results enlighten the influence of the breed to aroma‐contributing volatiles of pork. Wild boar admittedly tastes different from industrial genotype pork, and is appreciated by many gourmets. This study is a valuable basis for basic and applied science. As classical gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry is chosen as analytical method, the presented data can be compared with many references and easily repeated with common laboratory equipment. The description of the sensory impression of each analyte is delivered in literature by GC in combination with olfactometry, which is an already well‐established method for the analysis of aroma‐active meat volatiles. The authors want this study to be seen as the first practical access to the aroma research of wild boar meat, and intend to be of use for further investigations in the field of, e.g., food processing or breeding.
REALIMENTATION OF CULL BEEF COWS. I. LIVE PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS AND MUSCLE CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: HOLMER S.F. , HOMM J.W. , BERGER L.L. , BREWER M.S. , MCKEITH F.K. , KILLEFER J.
Published: June 2009

The objective of this study was to determine whether culled beef cows fed a high‐concentrate diet (FED) would have improved live performance, carcass traits and muscle characteristics compared with forage fed (CON) cows. In addition, ractopamine (RAC) supplementation was evaluated for added benefits over high concentrate alone. Live weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling, quality grade and carcass fat measurements increased (P ≤ 0.05) by realimentation. As a percent of hot carcass weight, muscle yields did not differ (P > 0.05). Lipid content increased (P ≤ 0.05) in 5 out of the 10 muscles from FED cows. Cows fed ractopamine showed some numeric improvements over feeding alone, but few statistical differences (P > 0.05). This may result from variability associated with cull cows, and warrants investigation into the best dose/duration for ractopamine. However, realimentation by itself was able to improve cull cow quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The U.S. beef industry continues to explore new avenues to enhance undervalued sectors of the production system. Through realimentation, cull cow quality can be improved. The data presented herein demonstrate that feeding a high‐concentrate diet to cull cows increases both live and carcass weights. In addition, high concentrate‐fed cull cows display more marbling and whiter fat cover than those fed at maintenance level. Qualification for premium programs, heavier weights and overall higher quality may lead to increased value for this underutilized sector of the beef industry.
IDENTIFICATION OF POULTRY MEAT FROM PORK AND BEEF ON THE BASIS OF THE TITIN PEVK REGION USING PCR
Authors: SPYCHAJ ANITA , MOZDZIAK PAUL E. , POSPIECH EDWARD
Published: June 2009

The possibility of distinguishing three kinds of meat species (chicken, porcine and bovine) alone or in two‐component meat mixtures was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction. The contribution of each component in the meat mixtures ranged from 1 to 100%. The identification of meat was performed on the basis of the sequence coding the PEVK region of titin and by employing polymerase chain reaction. DNA was isolated from raw, fresh and chilled meat. The data presented in this study suggest that it is possible to detect chicken meat, pork and beef in meat mixtures on the basis of PEVK region by using PCR.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a precise and quick technique that has many practical applications. Using PCR with primer sets designed on the basis of the PEVK region present in titin can be a convenient tool for species identification, especially for chicken meat mixed with pork and beef meat in two‐component meat mixtures. Reliable and sensitive methods for species differentiation can give consumers confidence about authentic meat product composition.
EFFECTS OF SOLUTION ENHANCEMENT ON PALATABILITY AND SHELF‐LIFE CHARACTERISTICS OF LAMB RETAIL CUTS
Authors: SAWYER JASON T. , BROOKS J. CHANCE , APPLE JASON K. , FITCH GERALD Q.
Published: June 2009

The low demand for lamb in the U.S.A. requires the sheep industry to focus on the development of a means to simultaneously protect fresh lamb consumption from deteriorating and entice new consumer purchases based on palatability characteristics. Thus, the shelf‐life and palatability attributes of lamb enhanced with salt, phosphate and rosemary were compared with traditional, fresh, nonenhanced lamb cuts. Wholesale loins and legs (n = 30/subprimal) were either injected to 112.5% of raw weight with the enhancement treatment (ENH) or not (Ctrl), and both ENH and Ctrl cuts were vacuum‐packaged and stored 24 h before fabrication into 2.54‐cm‐thick chops/steaks. While color scores decreased (P < 0.05) for both loin chops and leg steaks over the 7‐day display period, sensory panelists preferred (P < 0.05) ENH lamb over Ctrl chops and steaks. Results indicate that enhancement can improve the palatability attributes of lamb without detrimental effects on product shelf life.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Information presented in the current experiment can be used as a tool to define the sensory taste and color quality characteristics of solution‐enhanced lamb retail cuts. More specifically, this information could be used to support future studies in the areas of color stability/packaging applications and a means to identify a threshold for solution enhancement of lamb muscles. With an industry that relies on the identification of new cuts for the retail market, and consumers placing tremendous emphasis on muscle color at the time of purchase, a thorough understanding of color stability for solution‐enhanced lamb is necessary. Lastly, this information can be used to further enhance the potential marketability of such muscles from the lamb carcass that tend to receive severe discounts as a result of a lack in consumer preference for lamb products in the retail setting.
EFFECT OF I199V POLYMORPHISM ON PRKAG3 GENE ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS IN SLOVENIAN COMMERCIAL PIGS
Authors: ŠKRLEP M. , KAVAR T. , SANTÉ‐LHOUTELLIER V. , ČANDEK‐POTOKAR M.
Published: June 2009

The effect of I199V polymorphism at the PRKAG3 gene on carcass and meat quality of commercial pigs was studied independently from PRKAG3 200Q or RYR1 “n” allele, known to decrease meat quality, i.e., animals were genotyped for RYR1 R615C, PRKAG3 I199V and R200Q substitutions, and only pigs without 200Q and “n” were retained for the analysis of carcass and meat quality traits (n = 274). Genotype frequencies were 12.0, 57.7 and 30.3% for I/I, I/V and V/V, respectively. The I199V polymorphism affected significantly fat thickness and drip loss and tended to affect ultimate pH. Interestingly, I/V were the fattest and significantly different from V/V, with I/I pigs being intermediate. The ultimate pH of I/I was higher than the one of I/V or V/V pigs. Regarding drip loss, significant difference was detected between I/I and V/V pigs. The heterozygous I/V pigs were intermediate with differences to I/I or V/V tending toward significance.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Our results provide new evidence about the significant effect of second polymorphism on the PRKAG3 gene (I199V) on carcass and meat quality. Because of low frequencies of I/I genotype in the majority of modern pig breeds, the available literature data for genotype I/I are scarce. Our results confirm a beneficial impact of 199I allele for pork quality, but indicate possible adverse impact for carcass leanness. It would be worthwhile rechecking the interesting position of heterozygous I/V pigs, which turned out to be the fattest. We expect the results to be useful for breeders in search of the compromise between carcass and meat quality.
Evaluating glutathione S‐Transferase (GST) null genotypes (GSTT1 and GSTM1) as a potential biomarker of predisposition for developing leukopenia
Authors: GONCALVES M. S. , MOURA NETO J. P. , SOUZA C. L. , MELO P. , REIS M. G.
Published: June 2009

Glutathione S‐transferase (GST) enzymes protect cells against xenobiotics and oxidative stress products through an electrophilic conjugation process. We investigated the theta (GSTT1) and mu (GSTM1) null genotypes in a group of leukopenic subjects and normal subjects from Northeast Brazil, evaluating their use as biomarkers of susceptibility for developing leukopenia. In a sample‐based case–control study, we analysed white blood cell (WBC) counts and GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes. A total of 278 subjects were analysed: 91 with leukopenia and 187 controls. GSTT1 null genotype conferred a 5.92‐fold risk for occurrence of leukopenia [odds ratios (OR) = 5.92, CIMLE: 1.64–26.72, PMLE = 0.002] and a 3.90‐fold risk of neutropenia (OR = 3.90; CIMLE: 1.05–13.66; PMLE = 0.02), while GSTM1 null genotype conferred a 1.78‐fold risk for leukopenia (OR = 1.75; CIMLE: 1.04–3.06, PMLE = 0.017) and no risk of neutropenia (OR = 1.71; CIMLE: 0.88–3.35; PMLE = 0.06). The GSTT1, but not the GSTM1 null genotype, was found to be associated with leukopenia and neutropenia. More cellular and molecular studies are needed to evaluate the existence of genotype interactions, and to confirm the appropriateness of using the GSTT1 and/or GSTM1 null genotypes as biomarkers of susceptibility to white blood‐cell deficiencies.
Improving Outcomes in Hypertensive Patients: Focus on Adherence and Persistence With Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Elliott William J.
Published: June 2009

Although effective control of blood pressure (BP) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension, BP control rates among treated patients in actual clinical practice are less than optimal. Although the costs of medicines and medical care (which are difficult to estimate both in clinical trials and general clinical practice) are important, medication‐taking behavior—adherence and persistence with antihypertensive regimens—influences BP control rates. Many factors affect adherence and persistence with medications, including efficacy and tolerability of drugs prescribed, such that rates vary greatly among antihypertensive classes. In general, medications with fewer adverse effects (in registration trials or large outcomes studies) are associated with increased adherence and lower discontinuation rates. More widespread use of such agents, particularly those available in generic formulations or in low‐cost formularies, may lead to better long‐term BP control and fewer cardiovascular events.
The demand for electricity in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Arshad , Qayyum Abdul
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the patterns of electricity demand in Pakistan over the period 1970–2006 using autoregressive distributed lag technique to cointegration. Long run and short‐run price and income elasticities are examined for the national level and for the three major consumer's categories—households, industry and agriculture. The overall results suggest that income and price elasticities possess expected signs at aggregate and disaggregate levels in the long run as well as in the short run. The error correction terms possess expected negative signs and are highly significant with reasonable magnitudes. Furthermore, the estimated long run and short‐run electricity demand functions remains stable over the sample period. The results thus convey important information to the agents operating in the electricity market regarding the pricing policies and helps in planning the future strategy of electricity demand management.
Time discounting and long‐run issues: the controversy raised by the Stern Review of the economics of climate change
Authors: Godard Olivier
Published: June 2009

The Stern Review on the economics of climate change has been a huge international event. It also raised an ardent controversy on the use of economic methodology. Did the Stern team cook the book to reach desired catastrophic outcomes? This paper is focused on the specific debate on time discounting when the far distant future is at stake. Examining arguments of protagonists, it concludes that the Stern Review's foundations were consistent with the utilitarian philosophy without falling into empirically erring conclusions, while critics of the Review had to reveal the dubious set of assumptions on which their own views were based. But the standard translation of utilitarianism into cost‐benefit analysis can be questioned. Various avenues of progress are identified.
Aviation fuel demand modelling in OECD and developing countries: impacts of fuel efficiency
Authors: Mazraati Mohammad , Alyousif Osama M.
Published: June 2009

On the quest for reducing the fuel consumption per passenger per flight for economical and environmental reasons, commercial aircraft manufacturers are implementing new strategies for optimising aircraft performance by using new lighter and stronger materials and enhancing engines' efficiencies in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance requirements. With the rising and falling of economies, whether in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries or other developing countries, the aviation industry has been affected by multiple factors such as passenger traffic, freight traffic, airport capacities and oil prices. Aircraft manufacturers have worked on improving the engine efficiency of their newly built airplanes (e.g. Airbus's A‐380 and Boeing's B‐787), and many airports in the world have increased the number of their runways to face the increasing demand for air traffic in the world. Aviation efficiency can also be achieved through better load management, which in return enables airliners to cope with higher oil prices or rising costs. Aviation fuel demand is modelled in OECD North America, Europe and Pacific regions and some selected developing countries. Price elasticities of fuel demand in all regions are low, while income elasticities are high. The elasticity of aviation fuel demand on passenger kilometre performed (PKP) is considerably low. One per cent increase in PKP leads to less than half a per cent increase in aviation fuel demand, confirming an ongoing fuel efficiency in aviation industry.
The Murderer at the Door: What Kant Should Have Said
Authors: CHOLBI MICHAEL
Published: June 2009

Embarrassed by the apparent rigorism Kant expresses so bluntly in ‘On a Supposed Right to Lie,’ numerous contemporary Kantians have attempted to show that Kant’s ethics can justify lying in specific circumstances, in particular, when lying to a murderer is necessary in order to prevent her from killing another innocent person. My aim is to improve upon these efforts and show that lying to prevent the death of another innocent person could be required in Kantian terms. I argue (1) that our perfect Kantian duty of self‐preservation can require our lying to save our own lives when threatened with unjust aggression, and (2) that Kant’s understanding of moral duty was that duties are symmetrical, such that if one has a duty to perform a given action on one’s own behalf or to protect one’s own rational nature, then one also has a duty to perform similar acts on other’s behalf or to protect their rational nature. Thus, that the individual protected against aggression by means of deception is not oneself should be of no consequence from a Kantian perspective. Lying to the murderer is thus an extension of the Kantian requirement of self‐defense.
Atomism, Pluralism, and Conceptual Content
Authors: WEISKOPF DANIEL A.
Published: June 2009

Conceptual atomists argue that most of our concepts are primitive. I take up three arguments that have been thought to support atomism and show that they are inconclusive. The evidence that allegedly backs atomism is equally compatible with a localist position on which concepts are structured representations with complex semantic content. I lay out such a localist position and argue that the appropriate position for a non‐atomist to adopt is a pluralist view of conceptual structure. I show several ways in which conceptual pluralism provides an advantage in satisfying the empirical and philosophical demands on a theory of conceptual structure and content.
Transmission Failure Explained1
Authors: SMITH MARTIN
Published: June 2009

In this paper I draw attention to a peculiar epistemic feature exhibited by certain deductively valid inferences. Certain deductively valid inferences are unable to enhance the reliability of one’s belief that the conclusion is true—in a sense that will be fully explained. As I shall show, this feature is demonstrably present in certain philosophically significant inferences—such as GE Moore’s notorious ‘proof’ of the existence of the external world. I suggest that this peculiar epistemic feature might be correlated with the much discussed phenomenon that Crispin Wright and Martin Davies have called ‘transmission failure’—the apparent failure, on the part of some deductively valid inferences to transmit one’s justification for believing the premises.
Retracted: The protease inhibitor UCF‐101 ameliorates streptozotocin‐induced mouse cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction in vitro: role of AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Li Qun , Hueckstaedt Lindsay K. , Ren Jun
Published: June 2009

5‐[5‐(2‐Nitrophenyl) furfuryliodine]‐1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐thiobarbituric acid (UCF‐101) is a protease inhibitor which was reported to protect against ischaemic heart damage and apoptosis. This study evaluated the impact of UCF‐101 on steptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Adult FVB mice were made diabetic with a single injection of STZ (200 mg kg−1). Two weeks after STZ injection, cardiomyocytes from control and STZ‐treated mice were isolated and treated with UCF‐101 (20 μm for 1 h). Cardiomyocyte contractile properties were analysed, including peak shortening (PS), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±dL/dt), time to PS (TPS) and time to 90% relengthening (TR90). Steptozotocin‐induced diabetes depressed PS and ±dL/dt and prolonged TPS and TR90 in cardiomyocytes, all of which were significantly alleviated by UCF‐101. Immunoblotting analysis showed that UCF‐101 significantly alleviated STZ‐induced loss of phospholamban phosphorylation without affecting sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA2a) and phospholamban. Steptozotocin reduced AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation at Thr172 of the catalytic subunit without affecting total AMPK expression, which was restored by UCF‐101. Short‐term exposure to UCF‐101 did not change the expression of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and Omi stress‐regulated endoprotease, high temperature requirement protein A2 (Omi/HtrA2), favouring an apoptosis‐independent mechanism. Both the AMPK activator resveratrol and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine mimicked the UCF‐101‐induced beneficial effect in STZ‐induced diabetic cardiomyocytes. In addition, UCF‐101 promoted the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) after 15 min of incubation, while it failed to affect the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) within 120 min in H9C2 myoblasts. Taken together, these results indicate that UCF‐101 protects against STZ‐induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction, possibly via an AMPK‐associated mechanism.
Electrophysiological properties of thalamic, subthalamic and nigral neurons during the anti‐parkinsonian placebo response
Authors: Benedetti Fabrizio , Lanotte Michele , Colloca Luana , Ducati Alessandro , Zibetti Maurizio , Lopiano Leonardo
Published: June 2009

Placebo administration to Parkinson patients is known to induce dopamine release in the striatum and to affect the activity of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons. By using intraoperative single‐neuron recording techniques in awake patients, here we extend our previous study on STN recording, and characterize part of the neuronal circuit which is affected by placebos. In those patients who showed a clinical placebo response, there was a decrease in firing rate in STN neurons that was associated with a decrease in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and an increase in the ventral anterior (VA) and anterior ventral lateral (VLa) thalamus. These data show that placebo decreases STN and SNr activity whereas it increases VA/VLa activity. By contrast, placebo non‐responders showed either a lack of changes in this circuit or partial changes in the STN only. Thus, changes in activity in the whole basal ganglia–VA/VLa circuit appear to be important in order to observe a clinical placebo improvement, although the involvement of other circuits, such as the direct pathway bypassing the STN, cannot be ruled out. The circuit we describe in the present study is likely to be a part of a more complex circuitry, including the striatum and the internal globus pallidus (GPi), that is modified by placebo administration. These findings indicate that a placebo treatment, which is basically characterized by verbal suggestions of benefit, can reverse the malfunction of a complex neuronal circuit, although these placebo‐associated neuronal changes are short‐lasting and occur only in some patients but not in others.
Comparison of Two Model Based Automated Fault Detection and Diagnosis Methods for Centrifugal Chillers
Authors: Reddy T. Agami
Published: June 2009

Research has been ongoing during the last several years on developing robust automated fault detecting and diagnosing (FDD) methods applicable for process faults in chillers used in commercial buildings. These FDD methods involve using sensor data from available thermal, pressure and electrical measurements from commercial chillers to compute characteristic features (CF) which allow more robust and sensitive fault detection than using the basic sensor data itself. One of the proposed methods is based on the analytical redundancy approach using polynomial black-box multiple linear regression models for each CF that are identified from fault-free data in conjunction with a diagnosis table. The second method is based on a classification approach involving linear discriminant analysis to identify the classification models whereby both the detection and diagnosis can be done simultaneously. This paper describes the mathematical basis of both methods, illustrates how they are to be tuned using the same fault-free data set in conjunction with limited faulty data, and then compares their performance when applied to different fault severity levels. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each method are highlighted and future development needs are pointed out.
Coping With the Obstacles in Harvesting the Energy of Sea Waves
Authors: Yedidiah S.
Published: June 2009

This paper discusses the major obstacles in harvesting the energy of sea waves. These natural phenomena offer a huge source of pollution-free energy. The energy from this source might be capable of replacing all the energy presently supplied by the existing fossil burning plants. This means, that the harvest from this source of energy is capable of drastically reducing the amount of polluting gases which are presently being emitted into the atmosphere. In addition to the above, this source does not pose such colossal potential dangers to humans, as the use of nuclear energy. Nor does it cause the often so unpleasant noise pollution generated by wind farms. However, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this source of energy still remains unexploited. This paper discusses five of the major obstacles which, till now, have prevented this objective from becoming a reality. These are: a. The random nature of the variations in the occurrence and the intensity of the sea waves, makes the supply of energy from that source very irregular and unreliable. b. The corrosive activity of the sea water and of secretions from certain forms of sea life, creates a need of frequent replacements of the wetted parts, respectively the need to make them of exotic and often very expensive materials. c. The blocking, clogging and jamming of the equipment by seaweeds and other matter which is being carried by the waves, may cause frequent interruptions in the operations of the power plant and extra expenses on cleaning the affected parts of the equipment. d. The destructive nature of the sea waves, like the abrasion of parts by particles of sand which are carried by the waves, or the impact of floating logs of fallen trees etc. may require frequent shutdowns of the plant and costly repairs. e. The economic aspects of such a power plant. The cost of constructing and of running such a plant has to be adequately low. To allow an affordable supply of power. This paper present the outline of a design, which is capable of reducing the severity of all the obstacles listed above, to tolerable limits.
The Study on the Characteristics of Fly Ash From CFB
Authors: Yang Qian , Yuan Yong Tao , Qi Li Qiang
Published: June 2009

The element and mineral composition and the physical characteristics of fly ash from circulating fluidized bed boiler, are different to the other kinds of boilers. The aim of the study was to discuss the distinctive feature between the fly ash from CFB and the fly ash from pulverized coal fire boiler. The experiments show that the change of element composition from CFB and PC boiler has the some rule with the change of granularity. The carbon content of residua from CFB is higher than the content from PC boiler obviously. The SiO2 dioxide content decreases with the granularity of residua fining, while the content of Al2O3, CaO, MgO has the reverse rule in despite of CFB or PC boiler. The content of TFeO of residua increases in CFB while the content decreases in PC boiler with the granularity of residua fining. And the component form of TFeO in CFB is mainly Fe2O3 while the component in PC boiler is mainly Fe3O4. The higher the content of carbon was, the lower the special resistance was.
Energy Consumption and Technical Potential of Energy Saving in a Hospital
Authors: Okamoto S.
Published: June 2009

This paper describes a study starting from an analysis of typical energy demand profiles in a hospital setting followed by the feasibility study of a cogeneration system (CGS). The concept is a future autonomous system for the combined generation of electrical, heating and cooling energy in the hospital. The driving cogeneration units are two high-efficiency gas engines; this is used to produce the electrical and heat energy. Gas engine is used as a driving unit because of high needs for electrical and heating energy. The natural gas-fuelled reciprocating engine is used to generate 735kW of power. In our case electrical energy will be used only in the Hospital. A deficit in electricity can be also purchased from the public network. The generated steam will be used to drive three steam-fired absorption chillers and delivered to individual consumers of heat. This system is capable of doing simultaneous heating and cooling. No obstacles were recognized for the technical feasibility of CGS. The average ratio between electric and thermal load in the Hospital is suitable to make CGS system operate. A feasibility analysis performed for a non-optimized CGS system predicted a large potential for primary energy saving.
Fast Pyrolysis of Safflower Seed in the Presence of Catalyst
Authors: Onay O¨zlem , Koc¸kar O¨. Mete
Published: June 2009

In this study, the safflower seed (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was used as biomass sample for catalytic pyrolysis using commercial catalyst (Criterion-454) in the nitrogen atmosphere. Experimental studies were conducted in a well-swept resistively heated fixed bed reactor with a heating rate of 300°Cmin−1, a final pyrolysis temperature of 550°C and particle size of 0.6–0.85 mm. In order to establish the effect of catalyst ratio on the pyrolysis yields, experiments were conducted at a range of catalyst ratios between 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20% (w/w). The bio-oils were characterized by elemental analysis and some spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
Design Principles of a Four Bar Crank Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: Yates W. Allan
Published: June 2009

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) can be used to optimize the energy utilization of systems by allowing the prime mover to operate at speeds of peak efficiency while allowing the driven components to move at desired speeds. A CVT saves energy by reducing the off-peak efficiency of a system. The basic design principles of a Continuously Variable Transmission composed of a sequence of 4-bar cranks are discussed. The vector solution for 4-bar cranks is iteratively solved for a crank sequence to illustrate how different output speeds can be obtained from the same input speed. This is accomplished by varying the length of the connecting link on each 4-bar crank in the sequence. Solutions are plotted. Each 4-bar crank is located on the same drive shaft and the same driven shaft. Each crank has the same drive link length and the same driven crank length. A one way clutch located on each driven link transmits motion to the driven shaft. The cranks are positioned so that they are out of phase with each other so that only the fastest crank transmits motion, over-running all the other cranks. For a given length of the connecting link, the motion of the driven shaft is not uniform. This is due to the 4-bar crank transmission of peak speed. As one 4-bar crank moves, at some point the angular speed of the driven link will overtake the speed of the driven link on the other crank sets. It will then peak and then slow to be overtaken by another crank-set. The more evenly distributed crank-sets used the more uniform the motion will be. In this sense, a given length of connecting link for the sequence of cranks will generate an average drive shaft speed. If the length of the connecting link in a 4-bar crank is changed, a change in motion of the driven shaft will occur. By changing the length of the connecting link on the 4-bar cranks, the average speed of the driven shaft can be changed. A CVT is made by infinitesimally changing the length of the connecting link. This infinitesimal change is easily accomplished via standard components such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or various other means.
Automated Fault Detection and Diagnosis for HVAC&R Systems: Functional Description and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Reddy T. Agami
Published: June 2009

From the last two decades, the development of robust automated fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods applicable to HVAC&R equipment has been an area of active research, and several papers have been written on this issue. However, the use of these systems is not prevalent in the industry as yet, and some reasons for this status are presented in this paper. This paper also provides a description of the various functions and capabilities of an automated FDD system and summarizes pertinent lessons learnt from previous research studies. It is not meant to be a bibliographic review but a clear description and succinct assessment of the various issues which impact this topical area.
Energetic and Exergetic Analysis of Building Cogeneration Systems
Authors: Yoru Yilmaz , Karakoc T. Hikmet , Hepbasli Arif , Turgut Enis T.
Published: June 2009

This study deals with types of micro cogeneration (or micro combined heat and power, MCHP) systems and reviews energetic and exergetic analysis of MCHP systems, which are also called building cogeneration systems. These are classified as micro and macro cogeneration systems and figured within subgroups. Previously conducted studies on exergy and energy analyses of internal combustion engines (micro turbines), external combustion engines (Ericsson engines), fuel cells (solid oxide fuel cells) and thermophotovoltaic systems are treated in this paper. The main objectives of this study are to classify MCHP systems used in building cogeneration systems, to introduce types of MCHP systems and to better define micro cogeneration systems in the light of previously conducted studies. In this regard, energetic and exergetic efficiencies of various MCHP systems are graphically obtained. Under grouping presented MCHP systems, internal combustion engines based MCHP systems are defined to be the best choice with energetic and exergetic efficiency values of 86.0% and 40.31%, respectively. Micro gas turbines and Ericson engine based micro cogeneration systems are also obtained as valuable systems with the energetic values of 75.99% and 65.97% and exergetic values of 35.8% and 38.5%, respectively. However, in this building cogeneration group, energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the thermophotovoltaic systems have 65.0% and 15.0%, respectively. It may be concluded that system choice depends on the type of the system, energy flow of the system, system parts and developments, while building, system capacity, comfort and maintenance are the other factors to be considered.
Trends in COP for Adsorption Cooling Cycles With Thermal Regeneration and Finite Number of Beds
Authors: Baker Derek K. , Kaftanog˘lu Bilgin
Published: June 2009

A thermodynamic model is developed to predict trends in limiting COP of an adsorption cooling cycle with thermal regeneration between n beds, where n is any even number and each bed is spatially isothermal. The results of the model indicate the optimum distribution of beds throughout the cycle to maximize thermal regeneration. Simulations were run for silica gel-water and zeolite-water adsorbent-refrigerant pairs as the maximum bed temperature and the bed’s sensible load were varied. For the silica gel-water pair, the exothermic adsorption process occurs at lower temperatures than the endothermic desorption process, which prevents the latent loads from being thermally regenerated. This inability to regenerate latent loads results in a relatively small opportunity to increase COP through thermal regeneration, and this opportunity decreases rapidly with increasing number of beds. Conversely, for the zeolite-water pair much of the exothermic adsorption process occurs over the same temperature range as the endothermic desorption process, which allows a significant portion of the latent loads to be thermally regenerated. This ability to regenerate latent loads results in a much larger opportunity to increase COP through thermal regeneration, and this opportunity decreases much more gradually with increasing number of beds.