bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upstream genetic variant nearINSIG2, influences response to carnitine supplementation in bipolar patients with valproate-induced weight gain
Authors: Doudney K , Harley JA , Pearson JF , Miller A , Aitchison A , Kennedy MA , Porter RJ , Elmslie JL , Joyce PR
Published: June 2009

Background:

The protein product ofINSIG2is involved in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism and homeostasis. Variation at rs7566605 near the geneINSIG2has been associated with increased BMI.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of rs7566605/INSIG2genotype on the ability of valproate-treated bipolar patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) to lose weight using carnitine supplementation during a 26-week lifestyle intervention study.

Design:

Forty-eight bipolar patients with clinically significant treatment emergent weight gain were genotyped at the rs7566605 SNP. Participants were randomised tol-carnitine (15 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 26 weeks in conjunction with a moderately energy restricted, low-fat diet. Weight and body fat percent were measured fortnightly. Waist circumference measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were used to assess changes in body composition. Obesity-related biomarkers were measured at baseline and 26 weeks.

Results:

There was a significant interaction between rs7566605/INSIG2genetic status and treatment with carnitine or placebo. Carnitine had no significant effect on body composition measures in G allele homozygous patients who lost between 0.97 and 2.23 kg of fat. However C allele carriers on average gained 2.28 kg when given a placebo. Carnitine supplementation in this group enabled average weight loss of 2.22 kg of fat (p= 0.01). Approximately half of this mass was in the vital truncal compartment (p= 0.002). Bioinformatic analysis detected that the SNP lies in a highly conserved 336 bp sequence which potentially affectsINSIG2gene expression.

Conclusions:

C-carriers at rs7566605, possibly regulating the homeostasis geneINSIG2, lost significantly less weight in this lifestyle intervention study. This effect was reversed by carnitine supplementation.
Olfactory identification in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia
Authors: Keshavan Matcheri S. , Vora Anvi , Montrose Debra , Diwadkar Vaibhav A. , Sweeney John
Published: June 2009

Objective:

Olfactory identification deficits (OIDs) are seen in schizophrenia, but it is unclear whether they are state- or trait-related.

Methods:

We examined the prevalence of OIDs, as assessed by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), and their correlations with prodromal symptoms in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (HR-S).

Results:

UPSIT scores were lower in HR- S than in healthy controls, but were non-significant after covarying the effects of age, gender and IQ. OID deficits in HR-S were correlated, after covarying out the effects of age and IQ, with prodromal disorganisation.

Conclusion:

The potential value of OID deficits as markers of psychopathological vulnerability in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia deserves further investigation.
Vegetation patterns at the alpine treeline ecotone: the influence of tree cover on abrupt change in species composition of alpine communities
Authors: Batllori E. , Blanco‐Moreno J.M. , Ninot J.M. , Gutiérrez E. , Carrillo E.
Published: June 2009

Aims: The upper elevation limit of forest vegetation in mountain ranges (the alpine treeline ecotone) is expected to be highly sensitive to global change. Treeline shifts and/or ecotone afforestation could cause fragmentation and loss of alpine habitat, and are expected to trigger considerable alterations in alpine vegetation. We performed an analysis of vegetation structure at the treeline ecotone to evaluate whether distribution of the tree population determines the spatial pattern of vegetation (species composition and diversity) across the transition from subalpine forest to alpine vegetation.

Location: Iberian eastern range of the Pyrenees.

Methods: We studied 12 alpine Pinus uncinata treeline ecotones. Rectangular plots ranging from 940 to 1900 m2 were placed along the forest‐alpine vegetation transition, from closed forest to the treeless alpine area. To determine community structure and species distribution in the treeline ecotone, species variation along the forest‐alpine vegetation transition was sampled using relevés of 0.5 m2 set every 2 m along the length of each plot. Fuzzy C‐means clustering was performed to assess the transitional status of the relevés in terms of species composition. The relation of P. uncinata canopy cover to spatial pattern of vegetation was evaluated using continuous wavelet transform analysis.

Results: Vegetation analyses revealed a large degree of uniformity of the subalpine forest between all treeline ecotone areas studied. In contrast, the vegetation mosaic found upslope displayed great variation between sites and was characterized by abrupt changes in plant community across the treeline ecotone. Plant richness and diversity significantly increased across the ecotone, but tree cover and diversity boundaries were not spatially coincident.

Conclusions: Our results revealed that no intermediate communities, in terms of species composition, are present in the treeline ecotone. Ecotone vegetation reflected both bedrock type and fine‐scale heterogeneity at ground level, thereby reinforcing the importance of microenvironmental conditions for alpine community composition. Tree cover did not appear to be the principal driver of alpine community changes across the treeline ecotone. Microenvironmental heterogeneity, together with effects of past climatic and land‐use changes on ecotone vegetation, may weaken the expected correlation between species distribution and vegetation structure.
Involvement of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in α‐bisabolol induced apoptosis
Authors: Cavalieri Elisabetta , Bergamini Christian , Mariotto Sofia , Leoni Serena , Perbellini Luigi , Darra Elena , Suzuki Hisanori , Fato Romana , Lenaz Giorgio
Published: June 2009

α‐Bisabolol is a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. It has been used in cosmetics for hundreds of years because of its perceived skin‐healing properties. α‐Bisabolol is known to have anti‐irritant, anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In precedent studies, we described how α‐bisabolol exerts a selective pro‐apoptotic action towards transformed cells [Cavalieri E et al. (2004) Biochem Biophys Res Commun315, 589–594] and its uptake is mediated by lipid rafts on the plasma membrane [Darra E et al. (2008) Arch Biochem Biophys476, 113–123]. In this study, we hypothesize that the intracellular target of α‐bisabolol may be the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). To evaluate this hypothesis, we used one transformed cell line (human glioma T67) in comparison with a nontransformed one (human fibroblasts). We assessed the effect of a specific mPTP inhibitor (cyclosporine A) on the toxic action of α‐bisabolol. Results show that the α‐bisabolol‐induced decrease in oxygen consumption is abolished by the addition of cyclosporine A in T67 cells, indicating that α‐bisabolol may target mPTP. The central role of mitochondria was also demonstrated by using galactose to force cells to a more aerobic metabolism. In this condition, we observed higher α‐bisabolol toxicity. Furthermore, we studied the effect of α‐bisabolol on isolated rat liver mitochondria. This study expands the notion of the specific action of α‐bisabolol on transformed cells and suggests that it may act by disturbing the structure and function of the mPTP. α‐Bisabolol toxicity is clearly related to its cellular uptake, which is higher in transformed cell lines.
Sexlessness Among Married Chinese Adults in Hong Kong: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Kim Jean H. , Lau Joseph Tak-Fai , Cheuk Ka-Kin
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Despite recent media coverage in the topic of sexless marriages in East Asia, population-based studies examining the absence of sexual activity among nonelderly married individuals are scant. Previous studies have not simultaneously examined sociodemographic, physiological, and lifestyle predictors of sexless marriages.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of past-year sexlessness and the associated factors among the married Chinese adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

An anonymous, population-based telephone survey was conducted on 2,846 married Chinese men and women between the ages of 25 and 59 in Hong Kong.

Main Outcome Measures

The prevalence of past-year sexlessness and the associated factors and mental health symptoms were examined.

Results

The prevalence of past-year sexlessness between the ages of 25–34 years, 35–44 years and 45–59 years was 5.5, 5.1, and 17.0%, respectively, among married males, and 8.3, 12.4, and 31.6%, respectively, among married females. Older age and poor spousal relationship were associated with sexlessness for females, whereas lack of interest in sex, older age, and lower education were significant factors for males. Married women demonstrated statistically significant associations between sexlessness and poorer mental health indicators, such as lower quality of life and being bothered by the unavailability of a sex partner.

Conclusions

Sexlessness is prevalent among certain subgroups of urban Chinese couples in Hong Kong, and the large discrepancy in sexlessness between married men and women in each age strata suggests a high prevalence of extramarital relationships. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, there was a stronger association between sexlessness and poorer psychosocial symptoms among married females than males. Sexless marriages are an underappreciated phenomenon among urban Chinese individuals.
Abnormal Sexual Behavior During Sleep
Authors: Marca Giacomo Della , Dittoni Serena , Frusciante Roberto , Colicchio Salvatore , Losurdo Anna , Testani Elisa , Buccarella Cristina , Modoni Anna , Mazza Salvatore , Mennuni Gioacchino Francesco , Mariotti Paolo , Vollono Catello
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Automatic, uncontrolled, and unaware sexual behaviors during sleep have occasionally been described. The clinical and polysomnographic features of nocturnal sexual behavior allow it to be considered a distinct parasomnia named “sexsomnia”. Recently, abnormal sexual behaviors during sleep have been evaluated in the forensic medical context because violent behaviors can be associated with this parasomnia.

Aim

To describe the clinical and polysomnographic findings in three patients who referred to our sleep laboratory for sleep disorders and who reported episodes of sleep-related sexual activation.

Main Outcome Measures

We analyzed video-polysomnographic recordings, sleep structure, sleep microstructure, and sleep-related respiratory events.

Methods

The patients were three males aged 42, 32, and 46 years. All had unremarkable medical, neurological, and psychiatric histories. All underwent full-night polysomnography.

Results

Each patient presented a distinct sleep disorder: one had severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), one presented clinical and polysomnographic features of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep parasomnia (somnambulism), and the third presented clinical and polysomnographic features of rapid eye movement behavior disorder.

Conclusions

In our patients, the clinical and polysomnographic findings suggest that abnormal nocturnal sexual behavior can occur in association with distinct sleep disorders, characterized by different pathophysiologic mechanisms and distinctive treatments. Abnormal sexual behaviors during sleep should be investigated with polysomnography in order to define their pathophysiology and to establish appropriate treatments.
Sleep Apnea is an Independent Correlate of Erectile and Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Budweiser Stephan , Enderlein Stefan , Jörres Rudolf A. , Hitzl Andre P. , Wieland Wolf F. , Pfeifer Michael , Arzt Michael
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked with erectile dysfunction (ED), but it is unknown whether this association is maintained in the presence of other risk factors for ED.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ED/sexual dysfunction and polysomnographic measures of sleep apnea in patients with known risk factors for ED.

Methods

Prospective cross-sectional analysis of 401 male patients undergoing in-lab polysomnography for suspected OSA. Erectile (EF) and sexual function were assessed by the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Severity of OSA via apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and mean/lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation (SaO2). The IIEF-15 including the sexual domains: EF, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction.

Results

OSA (AHI > 5/h) was diagnosed in 92% of patients. ED (EF subdomain ≤ 25) was present in 69% of patients with, and 34% of patients without OSA (P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise regression analyses including known risk factors for ED, such as age, obesity, coronary heart disease, peripheral occlusive disease, hypertension, diabetes, prostate surgery, and β-blocker treatment, and measures of sleep apnea identified mean nocturnal SaO2 as independently associated with ED (P = 0.002; mean [95% CI] normalized slope 0.126 [0.047; 0.205]). Age (P < 0.001), peripheral occlusive disease (P = 0.001), prostate surgery (P = 0.018), and hypertension (P = 0.021) were confirmed as risk factors for ED, but did not abolish the sleep apnea-associated risk. Similar results were obtained for sexual dysfunction. Logistic regression analysis using the diagnosis of ED (EF subdomain ≤ 25) as binary dependent variable confirmed that mean nocturnal SaO2 (P = 0.012), as well as age (P < 0.001) were independently associated with ED.

Conclusions

ED and overall sexual dysfunction were highly prevalent in patients with suspected OSA. Irrespective of known risk factors, mean nocturnal SaO2 was an additional, independent correlate of these dysfunctions, suggesting that OSA-related intermittent nocturnal hypoxemia specifically contributes to their development.
The ENDOTRIAL Study: A Spontaneous, Open-Label, Randomized, Multicenter, Crossover Study on the Efficacy of Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Isidori Andrea M. , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Aversa Antonio , Balercia Giancarlo , Bocchio Massimo , Boscaro Marco , Carani Cesare , Corona Giovanni , Fabbri Andrea , Foresta Carlo , Forti Gianni , Francavilla Sandro , Granata Antonio R.M. , Maggi Mario , Mansani Riccardo , Palego Pierfrancesco , Spera Giovanni , Vetri Mario , Lenzi Andrea
Published: June 2009

Introduction

The three effective, commercially available drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction—sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil—inhibit the same substrate, the erectolytic enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Although there are pharmacological differences between these three compounds, few comparative studies have been conducted to date.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil in a randomly assigned 8-week fixed regimen.

Methods

This was a spontaneous, open-label, randomized, multicenter, crossover study where the patients were randomized to receive sildenafil 50 mg, sildenafil 100 mg, tadalafil 20 mg, or vardenafil 20 mg.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome included the posttreatment analysis of erectile function domains of the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5+1). The secondary objectives included the analysis of peak-systolic velocities (PSVs), end-diastolic velocities (EDVs), and resistive index (RI), and the estimate of the percentage of men with normal penile hemodynamic parameters after each treatment.

Results

In all groups of patients taking sildenafil 50 mg, sildenafil 100 mg, tadalafil 20 mg, and vardenafil 20 mg at a frequency reflecting the common treatment regimens in real life, there was a statistically significant baseline-to-end point improvement in subjective perception of erectile function measured by IIEF5+1. When the four groups were compared, the treatments were not different in modifying IIEF5+1 and penile flow parameters. However, the within-group analysis showed that PSV improved in the sildenafil 50 mg group and that PSV together with RI significantly ameliorated in patients receiving 100 mg of sildenafil. Regression analysis confirmed an independent effect of sildenafil on hemodynamic efficacy parameters.

Conclusions

An overall equivalence was demonstrated in the subjective perception of treatment benefits for all the PDE5i tested. However, sildenafil, in a dose-dependent manner, was the unique PDE5i able to ameliorate some of the penile flow parameters within the 8-week treatment period. These findings should be interpreted conservatively because of the observational nature of the study.
Postponed sowing does not alter the fibre/wood ratio or fibre extractability of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Authors: Westerhuis W. , Struik P.C. , Van Dam J.E.G. , Stomph T.J.
Published: June 2009

Because hemp is a short‐day plant, postponing the sowing date might be a suitable strategy to obtain shorter and smaller plants around flowering, when primary fibres are ‘ripe’ enough to be harvested. Smaller plants can be processed on existing flax scutching and hackling lines and might have fibre characteristics that are desirable for producing high‐quality ‘long fibres’ for yarn spinning.

It was investigated whether sowing beyond the normal sowing period in the Netherlands affects the ratio in which fibres and wood are produced, and what proportion of these fibres are long fibres, suitable for long fibre spinning. About 400 stem samples were fractioned into retting losses, wood, tow, and long fibre, and the ratios between fractions were analysed using multiple linear regression analyses.

A normal sowing date at the end of April was compared with a postponed sowing date at the end of May. The total fibre/wood ratio was not affected. More than 95% of the variance in total fibre was accounted for by the wood weight per stem (55.5%), the variety (+33.3%) and the stem part (+6.5%). The amount of long fibre per stem mainly depended on the amount of the total fibre per stem (95.4% variance was accounted for) and the stem part (+2.0%).

For economic reasons, it could be interesting to grow two successive high‐quality hemp crops in one growing season. Therefore, in an additional experiment with one variety, the effect of sowing fibre hemp up to 12 weeks later than normal on the quantity and quality of the fibres was studied. Postponing the sowing date up to 12 weeks had no important effects on retting losses, the total fibre/wood ratio, and the long fibre/total fibre ratio. It is therefore technically possible to grow two successive hemp crops. Whether this fits well in farming systems and a hemp production chain remains to be studied.
Establishment of an in vitro sciarid fly larvae assay to study plant resistance
Authors: Chabannes M. , Hatt G. , Thébaud G. , Bedford I.D. , Lamb C.
Published: June 2009

Mechanisms underlying natural plant resistance to herbivorous invertebrates are still poorly understood in comparison with bacterial or fungal interactions. One reason is the difficulty in reliably and reproducibly assessing the effects under controlled conditions. This article describes a newly developed in vitro biological assay system that enables the interactions between sciarid larvae and plants, whose roots they feed on, to be studied under highly controlled conditions. The bioassay eliminates the problems created by the often variable environmental factors by providing an aseptic arena where experimental plants can be germinated and grown on agar within a Petri dish. Sciarid fly eggs are then collected, sterilised and added to the Petri dish. The system allows the eggs to hatch and the larvae to feed on the plant roots. A range of developmental parameters can then be recorded over time which can then be correlated with the experimental plant type. This assay system also allows a simultaneous comparison or ‘choice chamber’ between two (or more) different genotypes. The assay should greatly help to facilitate the identification of new components involved in insect resistance mediated pathway via the characterisation of mutant plants.
Can collisional activity produce a crystallization of Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt comets?
Authors: Marboeuf Ulysse , Petit Jean-Marc , Mousis Olivier
Published: June 2009

Kuiper Belt Objects and cometary nuclei are considered among the most pristine bodies of the outer Solar system. However, the composition of these objects might not reflect that of the planetesimals from which they accreted. They have experienced some collisional activity since the formation of the Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt, leading to a possible alteration of their structure and composition. Here, we examine the possible alteration of icy bodies (10 to 100 km radii) located in the primitive Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt due to the heat generated by collisions of planetesimals with sizes not exceeding 10 per cent of the target body. We use a cometary nucleus model initially made of a mixture of amorphous ice and dust to investigate the influence of the target's intrinsic properties on its post-impact thermodynamical evolution. We show that multiple collisions must be considered over long periods to trigger a continuous crystallization within a target owning a typical cometary composition. However, the collision rates we have determined are approximately 1000 times greater than those predicted for the current collisional environment in the Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt. This implies that the collisional processes that occurred over the age of the Solar system did not produce any phase transition of H2O ice from amorphous to crystalline forms in cometary size bodies located in the primitive Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt.
Low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations spectra and Lense–Thirring precession
Authors: Ingram Adam , Done Chris , Fragile P. Chris
Published: June 2009

We show that the low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) seen in the power-density spectra of black hole binaries (and neutron stars) can be explained by the Lense–Thirring precession. This has been proposed many times in the past, and simple, single-radius models can qualitatively match the observed increase in QPO frequency by decreasing a characteristic radius, as predicted by the truncated disc models. However, this also predicts that the frequency is strongly dependent on spin, and gives a maximum frequency at the last stable orbit which is generally much higher than the remarkably constant maximum frequency at ∼10 Hz observed in all black hole binaries. The key aspect of our model, which makes it match these observations, is the precession of a radially extended region of the hot inner flow. The outer radius is set by the truncation radius of the disc as above, but the inner radius lies well outside of the last stable orbit at the point where numerical simulations show that the density drops off sharply for a misaligned flow. Physically motivated analytic estimates for this inner radius show that it increases with a*, decreasing the expected frequency in a way which almost completely cancels the expected increase with spin, and ties the maximum predicted frequency to around 10 Hz for all a*. This is the first QPO model which explains both frequencies and spectrum in the context of a well-established geometry for the accretion flow.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FOOD HANDLERS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS FROM BRAZIL
Authors: SOUZA PATRÍCIA AMARAL , SANTOS DANIEL ASSIS
Published: June 2009

A total of 44 food handlers who work in elementary schools from Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were subjected to the examination of the nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus and of hand carriers of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A simple method using the eosine‐methilene‐blue media to isolate enterobacteria from the hands was performed. Among the total number of food handlers, 29.5% were S. aureus nasal carriers. The following percentages were obtained for enterobacteria isolation from the hand carriers: Enterobacter spp. (54.5%), Serratia spp. (9.0%), Shigella spp. (9.0%), E. coli (6.8%), Salmonella spp. (2.3%) and Yersinia spp. (2.3%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the hands of 2.3% food handlers. Our results demonstrated the necessity of performing evaluation of S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae in food handlers from elementary schools and also indicated that the method is useful to identify sources of food poisoning in epidemiological studies and in investigations of food contamination sources. Our data also showed that authorities may allot more attention to alerting the community about food problems.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The methods used in this work could be a valuable and low‐cost tool to verify the microbiological risk factors associated with food handlers, including Staphylococcus aureus and enterobacteriaceae.
MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF SELECT DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Authors: TOURNAS VALERIE H.
Published: June 2009

One hundred thirty‐eight dietary supplement samples comprised of alfalfa, Circu‐Care, coriander, cumin, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut extract, juniper berries, licorice, psyllium, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, valerian, white willow bark, and various vitamins and minerals were obtained from local supermarkets and dietary supplement companies and analyzed for fungal contamination and the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria. Results indicated that the highest mold and yeast counts of 5.6 × 106 colony forming units (cfu) per gram product were found in alfalfa and the lowest (1.0 × 102 cfu/g) were present in ginger supplements. Potentially toxigenic molds were found in alfalfa, coriander, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo, juniper, licorice, psyllium and St. John's wort supplements. The most common fungi were aspergilli, followed by eurotia, penicillia and yeasts. Alternaria alternata, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Rhizopus and Phoma spp. were isolated less frequently. No molds or yeasts were found in synthetic vitamins, minerals, Circu‐Care and valerian. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria were isolated from all commodities tested. The highest aerobic plate count numbers (5.2 × 106–3.8 × 107 cfu/g) were recovered from alfalfa, whereas the lowest (<100–5.5 × 102 cfu/g) were found in vitamins and minerals.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

With an ever‐increasing population utilizing dietary supplements in order to improve and sustain health and vitality, it is essential that these products are safe for human consumption. A very critical indicator of safety is the bacteriological and mycological quality of these commodities.

The results of this investigation constitute an indicator of mycological/bacteriological contamination of a variety of dietary supplements. Similar testing has not been reported for several of the studied commodities. Therefore, our findings can serve as a basis for future mycological and mycotoxin testing of dietary supplements and eventually for developing guidelines in order to achieve and maintain safe microbial levels in these products.
EFFECTS OF STERILIZATION BY GAMMA RADIATION OF EDIBLE STORED VIGNA MUNGO L. AND TRITICUM AESTIVUM L. SEED INFESTED WITH SURFACE MICROFLORA IN INDIA
Authors: MAITY JYOTI PRAKASH , CHAKRABORTY ANINDITA , SANTRA SUBHAS C.
Published: June 2009

An effective 60Co gamma irradiation method for the removal of contaminating surface microorganisms (fungi) of mung (Vigna mungo L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stored seeds, without the loss of germination capacity and minimum loss of nutritional values, are described. Significant depletion of surface fungal population on wheat (96%) and mung (94%) was noticed within 2 kGy, while complete inhibition of surface fungal population was observed at 4.2 kGy. Although the irradiation did not significantly alter the germination potential of the treated grains, it reflected delay in germination as a function of absorbed dose. The seed membrane permeability and nutritional values like carbohydrate and protein content of the radiation‐exposed seed were significantly altered. The radiosensitivity of wheat was found more than that of the mung. It was also observed that the germinating potential of the treated seeds did not alter significantly. However, membrane permeability of seeds was altered as a result of gamma irradiation. Precisely, the investigation reflected that the dose range from 1 to 2 kGy was most effective for seed sterilization, keeping their viability and minimum loss of nutritional value like protein and carbohydrate intact.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There are many reports on radiation sterilization of stored seeds without any consideration of the nutritional quality of the seeds, which is very important for quality control. We should look upon change of quality of seed during seed sterilization. We need to protect/or estimate minimal loss of the nutritional value of stored seed by loss and benefit assessment. The significance and originality of this manuscript is that we try to look for an effective 60Co gamma irradiation method for the removal of contaminating surface microorganisms (fungi) of mung (Vigna mungo L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stored seeds, without the loss of germination capacity and minimum loss of nutritional values. The study was concentrated on germination pattern, protein, carbohydrate and intensity of seed membrane damage during radiation processing. Also, our present work emphasized on radiosensitivity of different seed‐borne fungi that frequently infected seed grain during storage. This study may help to sterilize the stored seed with consideration of nutritional value.
PREDICTIVE MODELING AND VALIDATION OF GROWTH AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES OF BROCHOTHRIX THERMOSPHACTA
Authors: ZHOU KANG , FU PENG , LI PINGLAN , CHENG WANGPENG , LIANG ZHIHONG
Published: June 2009

The growth of Brochothrix thermosphacta affect by temperatures (0, 2, 5, 7 and 10C) were studied in laboratory medium. Growth curves were fitted using logistic, Gompertz and Baranyi models. Statistical characteristics like r2, mean square error, bias factor and accuracy factor were using for comparison of these models. Based on the criteria, the Gompertz described the data best, Baranyi performed the predicting best. The maximum growth rates obtained from primary model were then modeled as a function of temperature using the square root model. Statistically for the secondary model, the bias and accuracy factors are 0.9978, 0.9943 and 0.9712, and 1.0513, 1.0639 and 1.2225 for logistic, Gompertz and Baranyi, respectively, which may indicate that Baranyi model fitted and performed best of the others. The 95% confidence limits for a new prediction were estimated for each validation temperatures condition using a SPSS procedure.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Brochothrix thermosphacta was isolated from chilled pork used for growth modeling in broth (tryptone soya broth) at pH 7 and NaCl 0.5% (w/w), at various temperatures. Data obtained from experiments were then fitted by three types of primary models, to estimate the maximum growth rate. A secondary model was created, describing how the maximum growth rate responds to the temperatures. The goodness‐of‐fit and statistical characteristics of the equations were tested.
HEAT‐RESISTANCE PREDICTION OF LISTERIA INNOCUA GROWN AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: ÁLVAREZ‐ORDÓÑEZ AVELINO , FERNÁNDEZ ANA , BERNARDO ANA , LÓPEZ MERCEDES
Published: June 2009

The effects of growth temperature in the range of 20–45C on the heat resistance of Listeria innocua (CECT 910) at different heating temperatures (56, 59, 62 and 65C) were investigated. D values were lower for cells grown at 20C and significantly increased with increasing growth temperature up to 45C, showing D values about five times higher. The inactivation rate of L. innocua at the heating temperatures tested decreased exponentially with growth temperature. The z values were not significantly modified by growth temperature, obtaining a mean value of 5.65 ± 0.19C. The decimal reduction times at different heating temperatures for L. innocua cells grown at different temperatures were succesfully described using a mathematical equation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The prediction of the effectiveness of thermal processing against foodborne pathogen microorganisms is essential to permit the establishment of safe processing conditions and is critical for its effective application in food preservation. In this work, a mathematical equation has been developed which permits the description of the effect of growth temperature and treatment temperature on the thermal inactivation of Listeria innocua, a microorganism considered to be a biological indicator to assess the lethality of heat treatments with regard to Listeria monocytogenes, which represents a great concern for the food industry, health regulatory officials and consumers.
SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF ACID ADAPTED ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS IN BROTH AT DIFFERENT PH LEVELS
Authors: DLAMINI BHEKISISA C. , BUYS ELNA M.
Published: June 2009

Acid resistance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain UT 10 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was determined in brain heart infusion broth at pH 7.4, 4.5 and 2.5. Variations due to acid stress in the counts of both strains were also determined. Acid adaptation enhanced the survival of both strains at pH 4.5, but neither strain could survive after 4 h at pH 2.5. At optimum growth conditions (pH 7.4), E. coli ATCC 25922 exhibited increased viability over E. coli UT 10. At pH 4.5, E. coli UT 10 was more tolerant to low pH than E. coli ATCC 25922. An increase in saturated fatty acids of both AA strains was observed, indicating the importance of lipid modification in enhancing survival at low pH. The results of this study indicated that the food industry should therefore adapt their processing/preservation procedures by taking the most acid tolerant pathogenic E. coli strains into consideration in order to ensure the safety of their products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The study will enlighten the industry on the survival of acid adapted pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 at low pH. It also indicates that current measures used in the preservation of low pH foods can trigger acid adaptation. For this reason, the effectiveness of current preservation measures in controlling foodborne pathogens should be reassessed. The importance of using cells adapted to different pH values in food challenge studies is also highlighted. Since fermented foods, which are generally regarded as safe, have been implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks, more attention should be given to the prevention of contamination of foods with pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 since they may survive in low pH foods and cause disease.
Understanding Local Leadership in Building the Capacity of Rural Communities in Australia
Authors: DAVIES AMANDA
Published: June 2009

Current approaches to rural community development in Australia provide for limited government intervention. Such intervention is usually housed within programmes that seek to build the internal capacity of communities to achieve long term socio‐economic sustainability. A fundamental implementation strategy for capacity building has been developing local leadership. The underlying assumption of this approach is that good leadership will result in existing resources being mobilised for a more sustainable function and new resources attracted. What though is good leadership in terms of building the capacity of rural communities to develop sustainable socio‐economic futures? This paper compares the conceptualisation of leadership within rural development policies and leadership training programmes with the nature of local leadership as it exists in on‐ground community building projects. From an in‐depth review of the role and nature of local leadership within six Australian rural communities it was found that local leadership could result in improved adaptive capacity if the leadership is similar in nature to Burn's (1978) transformational model of leadership. Within policy, local leadership was most often conceptualised as being similar to this transformational model. However, rural leadership training programmes tended to conceptualise leadership as a top‐down process, similar to Burn's (1978) transactional model. While this study of leadership within rural communities revealed that transactional skills, as taught in leadership training programmes, were important for successful project management, such skills did not necessarily result in improved community adaptive capacity. It is suggested that, while transactional leadership can have an important role in influencing the development of rural communities, greater attention needs to be given to developing strategies to support transformational leadership.
Analytical Design Curves to Maximize Pumping or Minimize Injection in Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Park Namsik , Cui Lei , Shi Lei
Published: June 2009

Explicit algebraic equations are derived to determine approximate maximum pumping rates or minimum injection rates to limit sea water intrusion to a prespecified distance from the coastline. The equations are based on Strack's (1976) single‐potential solution. The maximum pumping rates and minimum injection rates applied at wells with uniform spacing to control the inland movement of the fresh water‐salt water interface in a coastal aquifer could be calculated from Strack's (1976) solution without the need of a numerical optimization algorithm. When wells are distributed in a simple fashion, the maximum intrusion location can be identified precisely for pumping cases and approximately for injection cases. For pumping cases, critical points are the limit of allowable salt water intrusion, whereas no such limit exists for injection cases. Once an application site is identified, a series of design curves for pumping and injection rates can be developed for arbitrary intrusion limits. When a user is interested only in the largest pumping rates associated with critical points, one design curve can yield complete information.
Eolian Transport of Geogenic Hexavalent Chromium to Ground Water
Authors: Wood Warren W. , Clark David , Imes Jeffrey L. , Councell Terry B.
Published: June 2009

A conceptual model of eolian transport is proposed to address the widely distributed, high concentrations of hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) observed in ground water in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Concentrations (30 to more than 1000 μg/L Cr+6) extend over thousands of square kilometers of ground water systems. It is hypothesized that the Cr is derived from weathering of chromium‐rich pyroxenes and olivines present in ophiolite sequence of the adjacent Oman (Hajar) Mountains. Cr+3 in the minerals is oxidized to Cr+6 by reduction of manganese and is subsequently sorbed on iron and manganese oxide coatings of particles. When the surfaces of these particles are abraded in this arid environment, they release fine, micrometer‐sized, coated particles that are easily transported over large distances by wind and subsequently deposited on the surface. During ground water recharge events, the readily soluble Cr+6 is mobilized by rain water and transported by advective flow into the underlying aquifer. Chromium analyses of ground water, rain, dust, and surface (soil) deposits are consistent with this model, as are electron probe analyses of clasts derived from the eroding Oman ophiolite sequence. Ground water recharge flux is proposed to exercise some control over Cr+6 concentration in the aquifer.
Variable‐Density Flow and Transport Simulation of Wellbore Brine Displacement
Authors: Shafer John M. , Brantley Daniel T. , Waddell Michael G.
Published: June 2009

Borehole dilution tests have been used for characterization of aquifer hydrogeologic properties for several decades. Based on the principles of borehole dilution tests, we conducted what more appropriately may be considered a wellbore fluid displacement test in a limestone aquifer in South Carolina. Our study area is a quarry in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Using a solution of reagent grade NaCl and deionized H2O as a tracer, a brine slug was introduced into a 5 cm (2 in.) diameter Schedule 40 PVC well with a 6‐m slotted screen at the bottom. Immediately following addition of the brine, a recording electrical conductivity (EC) sensor was placed in the well opposite the screen and set to record EC in 2‐min intervals for 5 days. An alternative to previous methods for analyzing data from wellbore brine displacement tests was developed. Results were analyzed using SEAWAT‐2000 to account for the density dependency of brine flow and transport. The high spatial resolution, three‐dimensional numerical simulation enabled direct incorporation of well construction peculiarities, including the sand pack and length of screen, in the data analysis. Hydraulic conductivity, effective porosity, and longitudinal dispersivity were adjusted in the simulation model until the best match of simulated wellbore fluid concentrations to observed concentrations was achieved. Using this procedure, we were able to obtain a very close agreement between observed and simulated concentrations and, hence, reliable estimates of the hydrogeologic properties of the aquifer in the vicinity of the test well.
Solute and Heat Transport Model of the Henry and Hilleke Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Langevin Christian D. , Dausman Alyssa M. , Sukop Michael C.
Published: June 2009

SEAWAT is a coupled version of MODFLOW and MT3DMS designed to simulate variable‐density ground water flow and solute transport. The most recent version of SEAWAT, called SEAWAT Version 4, includes new capabilities to represent simultaneous multispecies solute and heat transport. To test the new features in SEAWAT, the laboratory experiment of Henry and Hilleke (1972) was simulated. Henry and Hilleke used warm fresh water to recharge a large sand‐filled glass tank. A cold salt water boundary was represented on one side. Adjustable heating pads were used to heat the bottom and left sides of the tank. In the laboratory experiment, Henry and Hilleke observed both salt water and fresh water flow systems separated by a narrow transition zone. After minor tuning of several input parameters with a parameter estimation program, results from the SEAWAT simulation show good agreement with the experiment. SEAWAT results suggest that heat loss to the room was more than expected by Henry and Hilleke, and that multiple thermal convection cells are the likely cause of the widened transition zone near the hot end of the tank. Other computer programs with similar capabilities may benefit from benchmark testing with the Henry and Hilleke laboratory experiment.
Early Morning Surge and Dipping Status of Blood Pressure: Are These of Predictive Value for Silent Myocardial Ischemia?
Authors: Uen Sakir , Asghari Siamak , Nickenig Georg , Mengden Thomas
Published: June 2009

To investigate the predictive value of morning surge (MS) and dipping status of blood pressure (BP) for ST‐segment depression (ST depression) in hypertensive persons, the combined 24‐hour ambulatory BP measurement and Holter electrocardiographic recordings of 344 patients (132 women and 212 men, 60±12 years) were analyzed. The morning BP surge was calculated as mean systolic BP during the 2 hours after awaking minus the mean systolic BP during the 1 hour that included the lowest sleep BP. Depending on the percentage decrease in systolic BP at night, patients were subdivided into extreme dippers, dippers, nondippers, and risers. ST depression was defined as horizontal or descending ST depression of 1 mm of 1 minute duration and a 1‐minute interval after the previous episode or 24‐hour mean ST‐segment value <−0.1 mV. ST depression was observed in 76 (22.1%) of 344 patients. The mean MS in patients with ST depression was with 25±15 mm Hg and not significantly different when compared with patients without ST depression (26±15 mm Hg). The prevalence of ST depression was not significantly different in dippers, extreme dippers, nondippers, and risers (20%, 23.5%, 23%, and 25.5%, respectively). Systolic and diastolic BP values during ST depression were significantly higher in the morning as compared with ST depression in the evening (149/84 mm Hg vs 138/78 mm Hg, P<.05). In the present study, MS and dipping status of BP were not associated with ST depression. ST depression was, however, characterized by significantly higher BP peaks in the early morning hours.
Realities of Newer β‐Blockers for the Management of Hypertension
Authors: Manrique Camila , Giles Thomas D. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Sowers James R.
Published: June 2009

β‐blockers are prescribed for a variety of cardiovascular conditions including hypertension, heart failure, primary treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), and secondary prevention of ischemic cardiac events. Yet they remain underprescribed in populations at increased risk for cardiovascular disease because of tolerability and safety concerns. β‐Blockers are heterogeneous with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. “Original” agents were nonselective, blocking both β1‐adrenoceptors and β2‐adrenoceptors. Later, new agents were developed with selectivity for β1‐adrenoceptors, and were subsequently followed by β‐blockers, which exhibit additional effects, such as vasodilation. Among newer agents, labetalol, carvedilol, and nebivolol have been approved for use in the United States. Nebivolol possesses both β1‐selectivity and nitric oxide–mediated vasodilatory effects, while carvedilol has attractive effects on insulin resistance and exhibits antioxidant effects. Newer β‐blockers may overcome concerns about efficacy, adverse effects, and tolerability, while delivering cardiovascular protection.
Exploring the When and Why of Schadenfreude
Authors: Smith Richard H. , Powell Caitlin A. J. , Combs David J. Y. , Schurtz David Ryan
Published: June 2009

We summarize the empirical work on schadenfreude, or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune. Although schadenfreude is a socially undesirable emotion, research reveals at least three conditions in which it commonly arises. One condition is when observers gain from the misfortune. We discuss research showing that gains in ingroup outcomes based on the failures of rival outgroups can create schadenfreude, especially for those highly identified with their ingroups. A second condition is when another's misfortune is deserved. We focus on research showing that the misfortunes of hypocrites are perceived as highly deserved and therefore create schadenfreude in observers. A third condition is when a misfortune befalls an envied person. We summarize studies showing that the core ingredients of envy prime the envying person for schadenfreude when the envied person suffers.
Putting Social Psychology into Serious Games
Authors: Baldwin Mark W. , Dandeneau Stéphane D.
Published: June 2009

Video or computer gaming is quickly becoming a significant part of many people's lives. We review several emerging themes in both the social psychological literature and popular culture that show the potential for a productive integration of social psychology and video gaming. In particular, we examine the growing impact of serious games and outline some social psychological principles that could be implemented in the context of games for social cognitive training.
Multiple Mechanisms of Prime‐to‐Behavior Effects
Authors: Wheeler S. Christian , DeMarree Kenneth G.
Published: June 2009

Recent research has explored how the activation of social constructs via priming can affect behavior. Multiple mechanisms have received support, including direct activation of behavioral representations, goal activation, biases in person perception, biases in situation perception, and biases in self‐perception. We review the evolving complexity of proposed prime‐to‐behavior mechanisms, discuss the predictions of each mechanism, and suggest some integrative principles that influence how and when primed constructs affect behavior.