bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANUFACTURING FUNCTIONALITY OF CHILLED VENISON AND BEEF
Authors: FAROUK M.M. , BEGGAN M. , HAFEJEE I.I. , FREKE C. , BEKHIT A.E.D.
Published: November 2007

The functional properties of venison and beef semimembranosus muscle stored at −1.5C for 4 weeks were compared. Sarcoplasmic protein solubility (SPS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive sulfhydryl (SH) contents were higher in venison compared with beef (P < 0.001). Cooked batter torsion stress, tensile strength, rigidity and yield were higher in beef compared with venison (P < 0.01). Venison and beef did not differ in total protein solubility (TPS), emulsion activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability (ES) (P > 0.05). TPS, EAI, ES, MDA, torsion stress and strain, tensile strength and extensibility in meats from both species increased, and SPS and SH decreased with chilled storage time (P < 0.01). Within the parameters of this study, chilled beef had a better manufacturing functionality compared with venison. Manufacturing functionality in meats from both species improved with chill storage time, but the improvement was more marked in beef compared with venison.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The following are some of the practical applications of this research: (1) processing parameters used to optimize the manufacturing functionality of beef are not suitable for venison because the latter tenderize much faster than beef with negative implications to manufacturing functionality; (2) the current practice of not vacuum packaging frozen manufacturing meat will have a more deleterious effect on the functionality of venison compared with beef because of the higher rate of lipid oxidation in venison; and (3) the best time to use chilled venison and beef for maximum functionality is at 2 or 3 weeks of storage at –1.5C.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FISH PROTEINS COOKED WITH STARCHES OR PROTEIN ADDITIVES UNDER OHMIC HEATING
Authors: CHAI PANIDA PONGVIRAT , PARK JAE W.
Published: November 2007

The texture, color and microstructure of surimi seafood gels were investigated to determine the interaction effects of fish proteins with starches or protein additives under ohmic heating, and to compare ohmically cooked gels with conventional water‐bath‐cooked gels. Gel properties were affected by the type of additive, concentration and cooking method. The effect of starch on gel texture was more pronounced at low concentrations. Compared to wheat starch, potato starch seemed to slightly improve gel strength; however, it decreased the gel whiteness. All nonfish protein additives resulted in better or equal textural properties of gels, whereas there was a slightly negative effect for gel color. Fast ohmic‐cooked gels mostly exhibited higher gel strength than conventionally cooked gels.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There is a discrepancy between current gel preparation (slow heating by water bath) and current practice of crabstick manufacturing (fast heating). The use of data generated from slow cooking gel preparation for the manufacture of fast cooking crabstick does not make sense. This study demonstrates how starch and protein additives behave at ohmic heating which mimics the fast cooking crabstick manufacture.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CLOUD COMPONENTS FROM SELECTED TROPICAL FRUITS
Authors: KOFFI ERNEST , PHILLIPS ROBERT , WICKER LOUISE
Published: November 2007

The composition and characteristics of insoluble fruit matter (IFM) and alcohol insoluble solids (AIS) from banana, mango and orange were evaluated. The galacturonic acid content was significantly higher for mango and orange pectin (6.0%) compared to banana (5%). The degrees of esterification of pectin in AIS were 78 ± 5, 85 ± 6 and 85 ± 2 for mango, orange and banana, respectively. Proteins in the fruit pulps were of low molecular weight (<100,000 Da). The relative proportions of the amino acids in the AIS and IFM were similar, with predominant aspartic acid and low methionine and tyrosine contents. Phenolic compounds were highest in banana pulp (138 ± 2 mg gallic acid equivalent/L = mg GA/L) compared to 102 ± 8 mg GA/L for orange. Phenolic compounds were about 10‐fold less (15 ± 2 mg GA/L) in mango.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This work has applications to the development of natural clouding agents for juices, juice‐added beverages and protein‐fortified beverages. The chemical analysis provides fundamental information on the potential for stable protein interactions from banana and mango, tropical fruits that are desirable in beverages. Further, the research enhances the potential for value‐added processing of these fruits.
THE EFFECT OF PROCESSING METHOD ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CARROT JUICE
Authors: DEMİR NİLAY , BAHÇECİ K. SAVAŞ , ACAR JALE
Published: November 2007

The production of carrot juice using different technologies is the main subject of this investigation. Although the production and preservation of the carrot juice technology have not been improved and are not prevalent, an intensive study has been carried out on this subject recently. In this study, the effects on the yield and quality of carrot juice produced with and without total enzymatic liquefaction (Pectinex Ultra SP‐L, Novo Nordisk Ferment, Dittingen, Switzerland) as well as lactofermentation or citric acid addition have been investigated. Generally, enzymatic liquefaction of mash increased the juice yield (89.32 ± 1.17 and 90.43 ± 0.47% for lactofermented and citric‐acid‐added samples, respectively), while the control sample juice yield was found to be 59.90 ± 0.81%. Lactofermented and acid‐added samples demonstrated lower pH value. In enzyme‐treated samples, the total acidity increments were also determined. Accordingly, galacturonic acid formed after enzymatic breakdown of pectin in the raw material increased the total acidity of the samples. Magnesium contents of lactofermented juices were found to be low because lactic acid bacteria require magnesium for their growth. β‐Carotene contents have been found to be higher in both lactofermented and in nonenzyme‐treated samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article describes the effects of different processing methods on the characteristics of carrot juice. It is difficult to preserve vegetable juices such as carrot juice because of their low acidity. The acidity of carrot juice (pH ∼6.2) can be adjusted by the addition of citric acid or the lactofermentation method to pH 4.5. With these processes carrot juice can be preserved by pasteurization as occurs for low pH fruit juices, increasing shelf life. According to the results of this study, increasing the acidity of mash with lactofermentation or citric acid addition also increases the juice yield.
EFFICACY OF ECOQUEST RADIANT CATALYTIC IONIZATION CELL AND BREEZE AT OZONE GENERATOR AT REDUCING MICROBIAL POPULATIONS ON STAINLESS STEEL SURFACES
Authors: ORTEGA M.T. , FRANKEN L.J. , HATESOHL P.R. , MARSDEN J.L.
Published: November 2007

The improvement of disinfection technology for contact surfaces in health care, food processing, schools and residential environments is critical for the control and prevention of disease‐causing microorganisms. Historically, both ozone‐ and peroxide‐based technologies have been used as disinfectants in numerous applications. This study determined the potential use of oxidative gases, including ozone and peroxide, generated by the EcoQuest Radiant Catalytic Ionization (RCI) cell for the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus globigii, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Stachybotrys chartarum on stainless steel surfaces. In addition, the EcoQuest Breeze AT ozone generator was evaluated for the inactivation of C. albicans and S. chartarum on stainless steel surfaces at diverse contact times in a controlled airflow cabinet. Results showed that oxidative gases produced by the RCI cell reduced all microorganisms tested by at least 90% after a 24 h exposure on stainless steel surfaces. The RCI cell was more effective at reducing microbial counts for shorter exposure times than was the Breeze AT ozone generator.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The purpose of this study was to give an accurate evaluation of the Radiant Catalytic Ionization technology for disinfection of environmental contact surfaces. When used properly and safely, this technology can provide a cost‐effective means for eliminating environmental microorganisms such as Bacillus globigii, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Stachybotrys chartarum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes in industries such as food processing and health care.
PHYSICAL, SENSORY AND CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF COOKED SPAGHETTI
Authors: MARTINEZ CRISTINA S. , RIBOTTA PABLO D. , LEÓN ALBERTO E. , AÑÓN M. CRISTINA
Published: November 2007

The objectives of this research were to estimate the ability of chemical analysis, cooking properties, sensory evaluation and instrumental texture assays as descriptive quality parameters, and to evaluate the association between sensory and instrumental measurements on commercial pasta samples. Five commercial samples, Com1 to Com5, were analyzed. Moisture, protein and ash contents were determined from raw materials, while cooking loss, water absorption and leached amylose were measured in cooked samples. Color parameters (L*, a* and b*) were determined spectrophotometrically and color scores were calculated from raw and cooked samples. Three instrumental texture assays by a texture analyzer (TA‐xT2i) and seven sensory parameters were evaluated. Chemical analysis, cooking properties, sensory evaluation and texture measurement were found to be sensitive quality parameters. From the analysis of the results, Com1 showed the best quality. A significant relationship between the sensory and instrumental measurements according to Pearson correlation and the principal component analysis was also observed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this work, the quality of different commercial pastas was assessed by means of chemical analysis, cooking properties, sensory evaluation and instrumental texture. The goal of this study was to identify the most important determinations related to pasta quality, and it allowed the establishment of the relationship between the sensory properties and texture measurements.
AN IMPROVED INSTRUMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MECHANICAL AND ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF CRISPY CELLULAR SOLID FOOD
Authors: CASTRO‐PRADA EVA M. , LUYTEN HANNEMIEKE , LICHTENDONK WIM , HAMER ROB J. , VAN VLIET TON
Published: November 2007

A detailed study was performed to simultaneously measure the mechanical and acoustic properties of crispy cellular solid foods. Different critical aspects are discussed in order to assess optimal test conditions. These are primarily data sampling rate, microphone positioning, frequency spectrum of interest, sound/noise ratio and selection of measuring probe. A data sampling rate of more than 50 kHz was shown to be sufficient to register fracture event and acoustic event, and the frequencies audible by human ear (at least 40 kHz needed). The optimum positioning of the microphone with respect to the test piece should be a compromise between a distance that the microphone registers a good sound over the whole human audible frequency spectrum and a good sound/noise ratio. It is shown that test method selection has to depend on whether the goal is determining material fracture behavior or correlation of data to consumer perception. The best method from a fracture mechanics point of view does not have to be the best choice for a combined fracture and acoustic measurement.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The method described will especially be useful for the study of materials that fracture in a brittle way whereby during the fracture process, an audible sound is emitted (as is the case for crispy and crunchy food products). Although the data reported are for dry products, the method will be relevant for the study of all kinds of crispy/crunchy products. This work also shows that for a study directed on elucidating the mechanisms determining crispy/crunchy behavior of foods, a much higher data sampling rate is required than used in most studies published in literature. Moreover, guidelines are given for the positioning of the microphone and the selection of the measuring probe for measuring simultaneously the mechanical and acoustic fracture properties of crispy/crunchy cellular solid foods.
A RESEARCH NOTE ON RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF SOME PROCESSED PRODUCTS FROM CACTUS PEAR (OPUNTIA FICUS‐INDICA [L.] MILL.)
Authors: CEREZAL P. , CASTRO E. , DUARTE G.
Published: November 2007

A study of some textural and rheological properties of cactus pear products was carried out in this research. The parameters of brittleness and hardness in peeled cactus pears in syrup (PCPS), and the compression stress in the sweetened pulp from cactus pears with partial addition of their skins (SPCPS) and in the marmalade from cactus pear skins (MCPS) were evaluated. Flow behavior was only evaluated in SPCPS and MCPS. A significant variation of the maximum force between different samples of PCPS in the range of 544.3–975.3 N was determined, while the deformation was 17.1–21.2 mm. In the SPCPS and MCPS products, the maximum stresses were low, 0.254 and 0.366 N/mm2, although the deformation was of 28.8 and 29.07 mm, respectively. SPCPS was a pseudoplastic fluid, with a better fit to the general model of Herschel–Buckley. Meanwhile, MCPS was represented by a polynomial model of third order.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this study indicate that there is a relatively wide interval in the degree of ripeness of the fruits, detected by instrumental evaluation, which can be used for the development of the peeled cactus pears in syrup product despite the previous selection of the fruits carried out in the elaboration process and are accepted by trained testers without being a sensorial defect. On the other hand, the partial or total incorporation of the skins in sweetened pulp from cactus pears with partial addition of their skins and in marmalade from cactus pear skins semisolid products, respectively, allows a greater use of the fruit, while the mixture of pectin and mucilage in the skins contributes to increasing the consistency without making necessary the addition as external additives.
PCE, TCE, and TCA Vapors in Subslab Soil Gas and Indoor Air: A Case Study in Upstate New York
Authors: McDonald Gerald J. , Wertz William E.
Published: November 2007

A comprehensive investigation of subsurface vapor intrusion into buildings in the Village of Endicott in upstate New York provided an unusually rich data set for studying the relationship between subslab soil gas and indoor air concentrations. The study concludes that vapor intrusion into buildings with basement foundations and concrete floors generally results in ratios of subslab soil gas to indoor air concentrations greater than 100:1 at this site. The data set also shows that ambient background‐ and indoor‐contaminant vapor sources can result in measured indoor air concentrations that could be mistakenly ascribed to subsurface‐contaminant vapor sources and erroneous conclusions regarding the relationship between subslab soil gas and indoor air concentrations. By separating the measured subslab soil gas concentrations of tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, and 1,1,1‐trichloroethane into low‐ and high‐range data subsets, the influence of background and indoor sources of these compounds was more easily discerned.
Estimating Partition Coefficients of Tracers
Authors: Thal Alfred E. , Knox Robert C. , Sabatini David A.
Published: November 2007

Proper characterization of subsurface nonaqueous phase liquids is essential for effective remediation efforts. Since tracers are increasingly being used for characterization efforts, it would be helpful if a correlation concerning the distribution of a tracer between water and organic solvents existed such that researchers could estimate partition coefficients. Dwarakanath and Pope (1998) reported a bilinear relationship between tracer partition coefficients and the equivalent alkane carbon numbers of both the contaminant and the alcohol. Since further work by other researchers has not been found in the literature, a similar study was conducted to contribute additional insight. The resulting bilinear relationship was consistent for hydrocarbons and chlorocarbons, linear and branched alcohol tracers, neat compounds, and mixtures. The ability to estimate partition coefficients, when coupled with modeling efforts, enables the researcher to focus on tracers possessing partitioning characteristics most suitable for a given site during the design of tracer tests.
Evaluation and Mitigation of Landfill Gas Impacts on Cadmium Leaching from Native Soils
Authors: McGrath A.E. , Upson G.L. , Caldwell M.D.
Published: November 2007

This study evaluated the potential impact of carbon dioxide contained in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill gas on the release of cadmium from uncontaminated native soils. The study was initiated to evaluate the potential sources of elevated cadmium concentrations detected in monitoring wells downgradient of the landfill but not in landfill leachate or monitoring wells upgradient. The study included field data evaluation, soil leaching experiments, and geochemical modeling using MINEQL+ and Visual MINTEQ chemical speciation software. Bench‐scale leaching experiments were conducted using uncontaminated soils with natural cadmium concentrations ranging from less than 0.10 to 2.6 mg/kg. Carbon dioxide gas was equilibrated with uncontaminated soil samples and ground water from the site to simulate field conditions. Carbon dioxide concentrations were varied from 10% to 100%. Dissolved cadmium concentrations measured over this range of carbon dioxide concentration increased from less than 0.0001 to 0.0047 mg/L, which is equivalent to the maximum contaminant level of 0.005 mg/L for cadmium (U.S. EPA). Geochemical equilibrium modeling using Visual MINTEQ demonstrated that cadmium carbonate, or otavite, is the primary cadmium mineral controlling cadmium solubility. Predicted dissolved cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.0221 to 0.664 mg/L, with carbon dioxide concentrations of 0.0316% (atmospheric concentration) to 100%. MINEQL+ sorption modeling using a surrogate soil system predicted that dissolved cadmium concentrations would increase from 0.00603 to 0.0737 mg/L, which is in the range of cadmium concentrations observed in field samples. In response to these findings, the landfill operator initiated soil vapor extraction (SVE) in the vadose zone around the impacted wells. Since startup of the SVE system, dissolved cadmium concentrations in the formerly impacted wells have decreased to below the method detection limits.
Permanganate Treatment of an Emplaced DNAPL Source
Authors: Thomson Neil R. , Hood Eric D. , Farquhar Grahame J.
Published: November 2007

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) using permanganate is one of the few promising technologies that have recently appeared with the capability of aggressively removing mass from nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) source zones. While NAPL mass in regions of the treatment zone where delivery is dominated by advection can be removed rather quickly, the rate of mass removal from stagnant zones is diffusion controlled. This gives rise to partial mass removal and a concomitant reduction in the NAPL mass, downgradient ground water concentrations, and the dissolution rate associated with the source zone. Therefore, monitoring the performance of a permanganate ISCO treatment system is important to maintain the desired efficiency and to establish a treatment end point. In this paper, we illustrate the use of various monitoring approaches to assess the performance of a pilot‐scale investigation that involved treatment of a multicomponent NAPL residual source zone with permanganate using a ground water recirculation system for 485 d. Ongoing treatment performance was assessed using permanganate and chloride concentration data obtained from extraction wells, 98 piezometers located approximately 1 m downgradient from the source, and ground water profiling. At the completion of treatment, 23 intact soil cores were extracted from the source zone and used to determine the remaining NAPL mass and manganese deposition. Based on the data collected, more than 99% of the initial NAPL mass was removed during treatment; however, remnant NAPL was sufficient to generate a small but measurable dissolved phase trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethene (PCE) plume. As a result of treatment, the ambient‐gradient discharge rates were reduced by 99% for TCE and 89% for PCE relative to baseline conditions. The lack of complete source zone oxidation was presumed to be the result of dissolution fingers, which channeled the permanganate solution through the source zone preventing direct contact with the NAPL and giving rise to diffusion‐limited mass removal.
Radon as a Complementary Well‐Purging Indicator for Sampling Volatile Organic Compounds in a Petroleum‐Contaminated Aquifer
Authors: Han Y.L. , Tom Kuo M.C. , Fan K.C. , Lin C.Y. , Chuang W.J. , Yao J.Y.
Published: November 2007

Ground water sampling protocols generally require that a well be purged prior to sampling. At present, the stability of conventional field measurements such as electrical conductivity, water temperature, and pH is used as a criterion to determine whether a well has been purged sufficiently to yield “representative” water quality samples. The primary objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the validity of using the stability of conventional field measurements as a well‐purging criterion for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an aquifer region contaminated with free‐phase gasoline and (2) to investigate the possibility of using radon‐222 as a complementary well‐purging indicator. Monitoring wells in a refinery were sampled at locations both upstream and inside an area contaminated with free‐phase gasoline. The variation of conventional field measurements, VOCs, and radon‐222 was evaluated with time and the number of casing volumes flushed. The results indicated that the number of casing volumes required for purging prior to sampling for VOCs is significantly larger in the gasoline‐impacted area than in the uncontaminated aquifer. In addition, the stability of conventional field measurements alone was not sufficient to determine if a well had been purged sufficiently to yield representative VOC water quality samples. Radon‐222 concentrations appeared to follow the temporal variation of dissolved VOCs in the gasoline‐contaminated region of the aquifer, suggesting that radon‐222 might be a complementary well‐purging indicator if a field method were available for rapid assessment of dissolved radon concentrations.
The Effect of Concentrated Electron Donors on the Solubility of Trichloroethene
Authors: Hood Eric , Major David , Driedger Greg
Published: November 2007

The use of enhanced in situ bioremediation to remove chlorinated ethenes in sources areas is an emerging application of this remediation technology. Contaminant mass removal likely involves a number of different physicochemical processes; however, recent vendor claims suggest that the addition of highly concentrated electron donor solutions to increase the aqueous solubility of trichloroethene (TCE) is a significant mechanism of contaminant mass removal. To assess the validity of these claims, experimental measurements of the solubility of TCE in aqueous solution with eight typical electron donors at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 25% are presented. The results of these measurements, in accordance with the theoretical understanding of solubility, indicate that the salts of carboxylic acids, including common electron donors (e.g., sodium lactate), depress the solubility of TCE in accordance with the theoretical predictions of the Setschenow equation. Three of the electron donors tested (ethanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid) increased the solubility of TCE. The largest increase in solubility resulted from ethanol addition, with only a fourfold increase at an ethanol concentration of 25%. These results suggest that salting‐out effects are yet another consideration, along with stoichiometric electron donor requirements, adverse geochemical impacts, utilization by dechlorinating organisms, and electron donor longevity, for electron donor selection.
Material Value‐Ethics: Max Scheler and Nicolai Hartmann
Authors: Kelly Eugene
Published: November 2007

Although Max Scheler (1874–1928) and Nicolai Hartmann (1882–1950) were contemporaries and wrote under the influence of the phenomenological movement, the large differences between their initiatives and achievements in philosophy resulted in scholars rarely reading them together. However, they shared one major concept in ethics, that of material value ethics. This ethics is (1) non‐formal, and involves a profound criticism of Kantian ethical formalism, and (2) is founded in a phenomenology of the values themselves, that its, the content, available in intuition, of such values as trust, utility, friendship, or even the Aristotelian virtues. The present article seeks to uncover a latent harmony and consistency in the two men's material value ethics, and considers the possibility of its recovery for contemporary virtue ethics.
What is Phenomenology?
Authors: Glendinning Simon
Published: November 2007

Phenomenology is widely credited with being one of the major movements in twentieth‐century philosophy. This article attempts to explain the ongoing strength of phenomenology as a force within the contemporary philosophy. It has two parts. The first part outlines the distinctive outlook of phenomenological philosophy. The second part explores a number of key theses that summarily characterise phenomenological inquiries as such. The aim is to provide a clear overview of what it means to explore questions or approach philosophical problems phenomenologically.
Science and Religion: Philosophical Issues
Authors: Padgett Alan G.
Published: November 2007

An overview of several philosophical issues that arise from the recent growth of interest in the relationships between science (especially natural science) and theology (especially Christian thought). The interactions between theology and science are complex, and often highly contextual in nature. This makes simple typologies of their interaction rather dubious. There are some similarities between religion and science, including the difficulty of defining them. Concerns about the use and meaning of language, and issues of realism and anti‐realism, are found in both areas of thought. Epistemology is important to both areas, and there is increasing acceptance of differing epistemologies not only in religion and science, but also within the various scientific disciplines. One central issue is the question of legitimate influence between science and theology given their aims and methods. Another issue surrounds the question of naturalism in natural science. Also important to note is the variety of god‐concepts at work in the current dialogue between science and theology.
Older peoples’ personal care needs: an analysis of care provision: care provision and the roles of key healthcare personnel
Authors: Hooks Rachel , Roberts Julia
Published: November 2007

Aims and Objectives.  The study aimed to investigate and evaluate the provision of personal care for older patients within the acute care setting. Specific objectives included: (i) exploration of older peoples’ perceptions of personal care provision; (ii) evaluation of nursing documentation related to personal cleansing and dressing care; (iii) identification of personnel responsible for personal cleansing and dressing care; (iv) identification of personal cleansing and dressing ward facilities; (v) development of a tool for use in the assessment and planning of personal hygiene and dressing care.

Background.  The maintenance of individual hygiene and dressing needs are key activities of living and constitute important aspects of personal care. This is an area of care which to date has attracted limited empirical enquiry. This paper reports on the findings from an evaluation study which sought to examine key aspects of personal care provision.

Design.  A quantitative multi‐method research design was adopted.

Methods.  The methods used included patient interviews (n = 20), documentary analysis (n = 100) and a review of ward facilities (n = 5). Data were analysed using descriptive and non‐parametric statistics.

Results.  Data suggest little patient involvement in decision‐making regarding the provision of personal care. Documentary analysis highlighted limited assessment and care planning related to this key aspect of care. The key role of healthcare assistants in meeting personal care needs was highlighted and results indicated diversity in the availability of ward facilities.

Conclusion.  Inadequacies in the provision of personal care for older patients in the acute care setting are highlighted. While state‐of‐the‐art ward facilities are desirable, they are not the determining factor in quality personal care. The key role of healthcare assistants in personal care provision is emphasized. A more structured approach to the assessment and planning of personal care is recommended.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A more individualized and person‐centered approach to personal care is required. To facilitate this, a systematic assessment of personal hygiene and dressing needs is recommended using a structured format (Personal Hygiene and Dressing Chart) in order to address older peoples’ needs related to this key activity during hospital stay.
The theory of gerotranscendence in practice: guidelines for nursing – Part II
Authors: Wadensten Barbro , Carlsson Marianne
Published: November 2007

Aim. The aims of this article were to describe both how guidelines were derived from the theory of gerotranscendence and the actual guidelines. It also discusses the relevance of guidelines to practice.

Background. This article describes how guidelines were derived from the theory of gerotranscendence as well as the content of the guidelines and how they could be used. The view of ageing introduced by the theory may have several consequences for nursing staff members’ attitudes and treatment of older people, as it offers a new understanding of living in old age.

Resultant guidelines. Concrete guidelines at three levels – focusing on the individual, activity and organization – were derived using focus groups. The guidelines describe different ways to support older people in their process towards gerotranscendence.

Conclusion. The theory of gerotranscendence and the guidelines could help support nursing staff in their attitude towards older people and could be used as a supplement to enrich the present care.
Adoption of an innovation based on the theory of gerotranscendence by staff in a Nursing home – Part III
Authors: Wadensten Barbro , Carlsson Marianne
Published: November 2007

This article presents an intervention involving introduction of the theory of gerotranscendence and practical guidelines derived from the theory. A qualitative method was used with triangulation of methods in data collection and analysis. Both the theory of gerotranscendence and the theory of innovation were used as frameworks in the analysis. Introducing this new perspective constituted an abstract intervention. It involved nursing staff changing their interpretations and values with respect to ageing and their treatment of older people in ways not compatible with extant values. The ‘early adopters’ were staff members who felt acquainted with the essential ideas of the theory because they perceived in themselves a personal developmental process in line with the theory. The innovation attributes, described in the innovation theory, explained some of the problems associated with adopting the guidelines.
Emergency hospital admissions for ill‐defined conditions amongst older people: a review of the literature
Authors: Walsh Bronagh , Roberts Helen , Hopkinson Jane
Published: November 2007

Objective.  To conduct a review of the literature on frequency and characteristics of emergency hospital admissions of older people for ill‐defined conditions.

Background.  Emergency hospital admissions for ill‐defined conditions are increasing for older people. Despite concern about this trend little is known about the frequency or characteristics of such admissions in emergency medical settings.

Method.  Relevant papers were identified by searching Medline, Cinahl, Web of Science and other databases. Papers that met inclusion criteria were selected. A descriptive analysis approach was taken.

Results.  Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the review, all descriptive, survey or cohort studies. None directly investigated the patient group. Some relevant data were available, particularly in relation to frequency of admissions for ill‐defined conditions.

Conclusions.  There is a paucity of research on the patient group, but the evidence available suggests the incidence of these admissions is high in emergency settings and in many countries. Future research on incidence in specific settings, appropriateness of admissions and patient characteristics is urgently required.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As the population ages increased numbers of older people will be admitted to hospital for ill‐defined conditions. Nursing interventions may contribute to future management of these patients.
‘Dead of Night’ in Anatolia: Hittite Night Rituals
Authors: Mouton Alice
Published: November 2007

This article investigates Hittite night rituals. Its main aim is to try to determine the reason(s) why rituals might take place during the night. In other words, it tries to define the ‘magical’ power of the night according to the point of view of the ancient Anatolians.
Dynamic Social Impact: A Theory of the Origins and Evolution of Culture
Authors: Harton Helen C. , Bullock Melinda
Published: November 2007

Dynamic social impact theory suggests that culture is created and shaped by local social influence as defined by four phenomena: (i) clustering, or regional differences in cultural elements; (ii) correlation, or emergent associations between elements; (iii) consolidation, or a reduction in variance; and (iv) continuing diversity. This article describes dynamic social impact theory and its propositions and reviews research supporting its predictions using a variety of methodologies and several types of cultural elements. This research suggests that cultures can be created and changed from the bottom‐up through everyday communication with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Attributes that are more important, observable, and demonstrable and less heritable may be more likely to spread and differentiate cultures than others.
Health‐Related Risk Perception and Decision‐Making: Lessons from the Study of Motives in Social Psychology
Authors: Klein William M. P. , Cerully Jennifer L.
Published: November 2007

Much research in the decision sciences has shown that risk perception and decision‐making are influenced not only by cognitive processes – such as the use of statistical ‘rules of thumb’– but also by motives such as loss aversion, ambiguity aversion, and regret aversion. The field of social psychology has long been interested in a variety of motives that influence self‐judgment, social perception, and interpersonal relations. These include, among others, self‐enhancement, social comparison, predictability/control, favorable self‐presentation, effective resource management, preparedness for bad news, goal attainment, and existential meaning. We suggest that more attention to these motives would greatly strengthen our understanding of how people think about risk and how they make decisions. In this article, we consider the influence of motives on risk perception and decision‐making in the context of health outcomes. We argue that theories relating to these various motives (e.g., social comparison theory) can be greatly enhanced by testing them in the context of health‐related risk perception and decision‐making.
Attitude Certainty: A Review of Past Findings and Emerging Perspectives
Authors: Tormala Zakary L. , Rucker Derek D.
Published: November 2007

Attitude certainty, or the sense of conviction with which one holds one's attitude, has been the subject of considerable research attention. This article provides an overview of past, present, and future research on this topic. First, we review past work on attitude certainty, focusing on what has been learned about the antecedents and consequences of feeling certain or uncertain of one's attitude. Following this review, we examine emerging perspectives on attitude certainty. In particular, we describe recent work exploring the metacognitive appraisals that shape attitude certainty, the different meanings attitude certainty can have, and the dynamic effects of attitude certainty on attitude strength. Along the way, we also highlight important questions that have yet be answered about the certainty construct.
Psychological Similarities and Differences between Women and Men across Cultures
Authors: Guimond Serge
Published: November 2007

Most research looking at psychological similarities and differences between women and men has been carried out in North America and Western Europe. In this paper, I review a body of cross‐cultural evidence showing that it is precisely in these Western countries that women and men differ the most in terms of personality, self‐construal, values, or emotions. Much less‐pronounced gender differences are observed, if at all, in Asian and African countries. These findings are unexpected from the perspectives of the two most influential frameworks applied to sex differences coming from evolutionary psychology and social role theory. However, recent research related to social comparison and self‐categorization theories suggests a promising approach to explain why more egalitarian societies can paradoxically create greater psychological differences between women and men.
Where the Motivation Resides and Self‐Deception Hides: How Motivated Cognition Accomplishes Self‐Deception
Authors: Balcetis Emily
Published: November 2007

How do people remain blind to the motives underlying their flattering self‐construals, attitudes, and social judgments? This paper explores how motivated cognition accomplishes the goal of self‐deception. It proposes that self‐serving conclusions are produced although the influence of such distortions remains hidden from conscious awareness because of the ubiquitous presence and specialized nature of motivated cognition. I will discuss how motivations infiltrate four stages of cognitive processing, including information gathering and the creation of filters, the deployment of attention, information processing, and memory. In doing so, I will suggest that perhaps it is precisely because of this multicomponent system of checks and balances, the efficiency of motivational biases, and the specialized neural pathways used by motivated cognition that self‐deception is successful.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines Derived from Human Somatic Cells
Authors: Yu Junying , Vodyanik Maxim A. , Smuga-Otto Kim , Antosiewicz-Bourget Jessica , Frane Jennifer L. , Tian Shulan , Nie Jeff , Jonsdottir Gudrun A. , Ruotti Victor , Stewart Ron , Slukvin Igor I. , Thomson James A.
Published: November 2007

Somatic cell nuclear transfer allows trans-acting factors present in the mammalian oocyte to reprogram somatic cell nuclei to an undifferentiated state. We show that four factors (
OCT4, SOX2, NANOG
, and
LIN28
) are sufficient to reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells that exhibit the essential characteristics of embryonic stem (ES) cells. These induced pluripotent human stem cells have normal karyotypes, express telomerase activity, express cell surface markers and genes that characterize human ES cells, and maintain the developmental potential to differentiate into advanced derivatives of all three primary germ layers. Such induced pluripotent human cell lines should be useful in the production of new disease models and in drug development, as well as for applications in transplantation medicine, once technical limitations (for example, mutation through viral integration) are eliminated.
Theoretical Confirmation of the Reaction Mechanism Leading to Regioselective Formation of Thiazolidin-4-one from Bromoacetic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Janovec Ladislav , Böhm Stanislav , Danihel Ivan , Imrich Ján , Kristian Pavol , Klika Karel D.
Published: November 2007

A regioselective synthesis of 3-alkyl-2-[(anthracen-9-yl)imino]thiazolidin-4-ones 2a-2e and 2-(alkylimino)-3-(anthracen-9-yl)thiazolidin-4-ones 3a-3e from appropriate thioureas using methyl bromoacetate or bromoacetyl bromide, respectively, has been rationalized by DFT calculations of model thiourea and its phenyl derivative. The proposed mechanism indicates that the regioselective formation of the target thiazolidinones is a consequence of a different reactivity of the reagents and a varying stability of the intermediates, 1-alkyl-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-2-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]isothioureas 4a-4e and 1-alkyl-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-2-(bromoacetyl)isothioureas 6a-6e.
Wave-Packet Interferometry and Molecular State Reconstruction: Spectroscopic Adventures on the Left-Hand Side of the Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Cina Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2007

This article summarizes theoretical studies of molecular state determination by wave-packet interferometry (WPI) and recounts some recent experimental applications of molecular WPI. Calculations predict that two-color nonlinear WPI data can be used to reconstruct a rovibronic target wave packet evolving under an incompletely characterized nuclear Hamiltonian. This can be accomplished by the isolation via phase cycling or wave-vector matching of an exhaustive collection of overlaps between the unknown target and the members of a family of reference wave packets whose form is known by construction. This review highlights recent experiments employing WPI to gain amplitude-level information about the photoexcited-state dynamics of small molecules in the gas phase and in rare-gas crystals. I briefly describe a new semiclassical theory for condensed-phase WPI and other coherence-spectroscopy measurements, such as time-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, and mention our initial studies of nonlinear WPI from electronic energy-transfer complexes.
Local activation of the IκK-NF-κB pathway in muscle does not cause insulin resistance
Authors: Polkinghorne Emma , Lau Quintin , Cooney Gregory J. , Kraegen Edward W. , Cleasby Mark E.
Published: November 2007

Insulin resistance of skeletal muscle is a major defect in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance has been associated with a chronic subclinical inflammatory state in epidemiological studies and specifically with activation of the inhibitor κB kinase (IκBK)-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. However, it is unclear whether this pathway plays a role in mediating insulin resistance in muscle in vivo. We separately overexpressed the p65 subunit of NF-κB and IκBKβ in single muscles of rats using in vivo electrotransfer and compared the effects after 1 wk vs. paired contralateral control muscles. A 64% increase in p65 protein ( P < 0.001) was sufficient to cause muscle fiber atrophy but had no effect on glucose disposal or glycogen storage in muscle under hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp conditions. Similarly, a 650% increase in IκBKβ expression ( P < 0.001) caused a significant reduction in IκB protein but also had no effect on clamp glucose disposal after lipid infusion. In fact, IκBKβ overexpression in particular caused increases in activating tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (24%; P = 0.02) and serine phosphorylation of Akt (23%; P < 0.001), implying a moderate increase in flux through the insulin signaling cascade. Interestingly, p65 overexpression resulted in a negative feedback reduction of 36% in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 ( P = 0.03) but not TLR-4 mRNA. In conclusion, activation of the IκBKβ-NF-κB pathway in muscle does not seem to be an important local mediator of insulin resistance.
Ventricular untwisting: a temporal link between left ventricular relaxation and suction
Authors: Notomi Yuichi , Popović Zoran B. , Yamada Hirotsugu , Wallick Don W. , Martin Maureen G. , Oryszak Stephanie J. , Shiota Takahiro , Greenberg Neil L. , Thomas James D.
Published: November 2007

Left ventricular (LV) untwisting starts early during the isovolumic relaxation phase and proceeds throughout the early filling phase, releasing elastic energy stored by the preceding systolic deformation. Data relating untwisting, relaxation, and intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG), which represent another manifestation of elastic recoil, are sparse. To understand the interaction between LV mechanics and inflow during early diastole, Doppler tissue images (DTI), catheter-derived pressures (apical and basal LV, left atrial, and aortic), and LV volume data were obtained at baseline, during varying pacing modes, and during dobutamine and esmolol infusion in seven closed-chest anesthetized dogs. LV torsion and torsional rate profiles were analyzed from DTI data sets (apical and basal short-axis images) with high temporal resolution (6.5 ± 0.7 ms). Repeated-measures regression models showed moderately strong correlation of peak LV twisting with peak LV untwisting rate ( r = 0.74), as well as correlations of peak LV untwisting rate with the time constant of LV pressure decay (tau, r = −0.66) and IVPG ( r = 0.76, P < 0.0001 for all). In a multivariate analysis, peak LV untwisting rate was an independent predictor of tau and IVPG ( P < 0.0001, for both). The start of LV untwisting coincided with the beginning of relaxation and preceded suction-aided filling resulting from elastic recoil. Untwisting rate may be a useful marker of diastolic function or even serve as a therapeutic target for improving diastolic function.
Cardiac dynamics during daily torpor in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Mertens Alexander , Stiedl Oliver , Steinlechner Stephan , Meyer Michael
Published: November 2007

Djungarian or Siberian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus) acclimated to short photoperiod display episodes of spontaneous daily torpor with metabolic rate depressed by ∼70% and body temperature (Tb) reduced by ∼20°C. To study the cardiovascular adjustment to daily torpor in Phodopus, electrocardiogram (ECG) and Tb were continuously recorded by telemetry during entrance into torpor, in deep torpor, and during arousal from torpor. Minimum Tb during torpor bouts was ∼21°C, and heart rate, ∼349 beats/min at euthermy, displayed marked sinus bradyarrhythmia at ∼70 beats/min. Arousal was typically completed within ∼40 min, followed by a sustained posttorpor inactivity tachycardia (∼540 beats/min). The absence of episodes of conduction block, tachyarrhythmia, or other forms of ectopy throughout the torpor cycle demonstrates a remarkable resistance to arrhythmogenesis. The ECG morphology lacks a distinct isoelectric interval following the QRS complex, and the ST segment resembles the ECG pattern in mice, with a prominent fast transient outward K+ current ( Ito,f) determining the early phase of ventricular repolarization. During low-temperature torpor, the amplitudes of the QRS complex substantially increased, suggesting that in the euthermic state the terminal portion of ventricular depolarization is fused with the beginning of repolarization, low Tb acting to decorrelate the superposition between depolarization and repolarization by delaying the repolarization onset. Atrioventricular and ventricular conduction times were prolonged as function of Tb. In contrast, the QT vs. Tb relationship showed marked hysteresis indicating the operation of nonlinear control mechanisms whereby the rapid QT shortening during arousal results from additional mechanisms (probably sympathetic stimulation) other than temperature alone.