bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of neuropsychological symptoms and exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene among two different furniture worker groups in Izmir
Authors: Mandiracioglu Aliye , Akgur Serap , Kocabiyik Nesrin , Sener Ufuk
Published: March 2011

This study was conducted to determine whether there was any exposure to toluene, xylene and benzene and to assess the health impact of these solvents on workers in furniture enterprises in Karabaglar, Izmir. This cross-sectional study covered furniture enterprises in Karabaglar, Izmir. This study was comprised of an exposed group consisting of workers engaged in painting and varnishing and therefore exposed either directly or indirectly toluene, xylene and benzene in the workplace and the non-exposed group engaged in other aspects of production. While a total of 261 individuals completed questionnaires, 210 workers agreed to provide blood samples. Blood solvents levels were determined using gas chromatograph at Ege University, Intoxication Research and Application Centre. The modified EUROQUEST questionnaire was used to assess neuropsychological symptoms and neurological and general examination were performed. Occupational and exposure history, demographic and work-related information was collected. In this study of workers, blood toluene and benzene levels were found to be significantly higher among those engaged in painting and varnishing compared to those who perform other tasks. The average blood toluene and benzene concentrations among exposed workers were 6.95 times and 1.64 times respectively higher than those in the nonexposed groups. Smokers and participants who worked in excess of 8 hours/day had higher blood toluene and benzene levels. The most frequently work-related health complaints were back pain, allergies and asthma. No differences were found in the average scores in the neuropsychological symptoms questionnaire between exposed and non-exposed groups. Neurological examination of two individuals with these complaints revealed a loss of reflexes. The workers were unaware that they were being exposed to solvents at work. Tobacco smoke is a major source of internal exposure to benzene. Improving working conditions in furniture work places is a priority.
The cytotoxic and genetoxic effects of dust and soil samples from E-waste recycling area on L02 cells
Authors: Wang Liulin  , Hou Meiling  , An Jing  , Zhong Yufang  , Wang Xuetong  , Wang Yangjun  , Wu Minghong  , Bi Xinhui  , Sheng Guoying  , Fu Jiamo
Published: March 2011

Electrical and electronic waste (E-waste) has now become the fastest growing solid waste around the world. Primitive recycling operations for E-waste have resulted in severe contamination of toxic metals and organic chemicals in the related areas. In this study, six dust and soil samples collected from E-waste recycling workshops and open-burning sites in Longtang were analyzed to investigate their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on L02 cells. These six samples were: dust No. 1 collected at the gate of the workshop; dust No. 2 collected from air conditioning compressor dismantling site; dust No. 3 collected from where some motors, wires, and aluminium products since the 1980s were dismantled; soil No. 1 collected at the circuit board acid washing site; soil No. 2 collected from a wire open-burning site; soil No. 3 collected near a fiber open-burning site. At the same time, two control soil samples were collected from farmlands approximately 8 km away from the dismantling workshops. The results showed that all of these samples could inhibit cell proliferation and cause cell membrane lesion, among which dust No. 3 and soil No. 2 had the strongest toxicity. Moreover, the comet assay showed that the dust No. 3 had the most significant capability to cause DNA single-strand beaks (SSB), while the road dust (dust No. 1) collected at the gate of the workshop, a relatively farer site, showed the slightest capability to induce DNA SSB. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection showed that ROS level was elevated with the increase of dust and soil samples concentration. Dust No. 3 and soil No. 2 had the highest ROS level, followed by dust No. 2 and 1, soil No. 3 and 1. All of the above results indicated that polluted soil and dust from the E-waste area had cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on L02 cells, the mechanism might involve the increased ROS level and consequent DNA SSB.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellular profile in workers exposed to chrysotile asbestos
Authors: Kokkinis Fevos P , Bouros Demosthenes , Hadjistavrou Konstantinos , Ulmeanu Ruxandra , Serbescu Anneta , Alexopoulos Evangelos C
Published: March 2011

The cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in asbestos-exposed population remains controversial. We, therefore, aimed to investigate BALF in apparently healthy individuals that were exposed in asbestos-related work for a long period of time. Participants were selected among employees of a car brakes and clutches factory that used chrysotile asbestos. Selection criteria were an employment history of ≥15 years and the absence of severe respiratory disease. The total number and type of BALF cells, the existence of dust cells, iron-laden macrophages and asbestos bodies were assessed. Thirty-nine workers (25 men), with a mean age of 46.2 ± 4.2 years and a mean employment time of 23.5 ± 4 years, participated. Asbestos bodies were observed in 14 out of 39 (36%) specimens, dust cells in 37 and iron-laden macrophages in all. Those with asbestos bodies had at least 3 times higher probability to have lymphocytosis (lymphocytes > 11%: 64% vs 28%, p = 0.027) and had an increased percentage of iron-laden macrophages compared to those without asbestos bodies (median values: 42% vs 13%, p = 0.08). Smokers (36%) had less lymphocytes compared to non and ex-smokers (median values: 6% vs. 13%, p = 0.002), and iron-laden macrophages count had a positive relation (r = 0.31, p = 0.05) to lymphocyte count. Asbestos-exposed asymptomatic individuals with the presence of asbestos bodies in the BALF are more likely to have lymphocytic alveolitis while concurrent dust exposure and smoking habits hold a significant role.
Toward a social history of qualitative research
Authors: Jovanović Gordana
Published: March 2011

There are plausible academic as well as social indicators that qualitative research has become an indispensable part of the methodological repertoire of the social sciences. Relying upon the tenets of the qualitative approach which require a priority of subject matter over method and a necessary socio-historical contextualization, I reconstruct some aspects of a social history that have shaped the quantitative—qualitative dichotomy and the quantitative imperative; these include modern individualism, monological rationality, manufacture operating on the grounds of common human labour, mechanics as the first science, quantification as a technology of distanced objectivity and a search for certainty realized at the expense of qualitative attributes. The so-called renaissance of the qualitative approach starting in 1960s, understood as a kind of a return of repressed qualities, is also socio-culturally contextualized. Both anthropogenetic and sociogenetic reconstructions as well as a microgenetic analysis of the research process demonstrate that choices of subject matter and of methodology are socially and culturally embedded and necessarily linked to broader interests and beliefs.
Mapping character types onto space: the urban-rural distinction in early statistical writings
Authors: Bayatrizi Zohreh
Published: March 2011

This article investigates the construction of urban/rural binary distinctions in 18th - and 19th-century social scientific literature, and in particular in the writings of the statistical societies in England. The 18th-century writers were primarily concerned with the spread of luxury, vice and effeminacy among the upper social strata in large cities. Later on, statisticians began to focus on moral hazards among the urban working poor. These writings are significant in several respects: they contributed to the spatial mapping of moral character, played a role in the development of quantitative social scientific techniques, and foreshadowed later sociological debates over the nature and consequences of social evolution from simpler to more complex societies.
Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks containing polysaccharides. II. Xanthan/lignin networks: a spectral and thermal characterization
Authors: Raschip Irina Elena , Hitruc Elena G. , Vasile Cornelia
Published: March 2011

Polysaccharides are important materials in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and related biomedical applications. Xanthan gum is a microbial polysaccharide of great commercial significance. Lignin possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial and stabilizer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate by UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric studies, the characteristics of biodegradable superabsorbant hydrogels with high swelling rate in aqueous mediums. These were obtained by crosslinking reaction between xanthan gum and different types of lignin (aspen wood lignin, annual fibre crops lignin and lignin epoxy-modified resin) using epichlorhydrine as crosslinking agent. It is expected an increased in thermal stability, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility of hydrogel-films by lignin incorporation. Applications in the food and medical field were also found.
Influence of compatibilization on the mechanical behavior and morphology of polyethersulfone/polycarbonate blends
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ran , Ma Cheng-You , Ke Lu , Jiang Dong
Published: March 2011

For the case of the ternary blend system of polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES) and a multi-block random copolymer of PES and PC, it was found that the interfacial adhesion was enhanced, the size of the dispersed phase was reduced and PES and PC formed an interlocking structure with the multi-block random copolymer. This suggests that the addition of the compatibilizer may have improved the miscibility between PES and PC, and yielded an improvement of the mechanical properties of the blends. The compatibility behavior of PES with PC was examined using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis.
A study of oxygen reduction on carbon-supported platinum fuel cell electrocatalysts in polybenzimidazole/phosphoric acid
Authors: Mamlouk M , Scott K
Published: March 2011

An investigation of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on carbon-supported Pt catalysts used as fuel cell electrodes in phosphoric acid-imbibed polybenzimidazole (PBI) is reported. Electrodes of different thickness were investigated by employing catalysts with different loadings of Pt on carbon and different amounts of PBI. The electrochemical surface areas (ESAs) of the catalyst were measured using cyclic voltammetry. ESAs decreased with an increase in Pt loading on the catalyst but were not significantly affected by changes in acid content in the catalyst electrodes. The influence of phosphoric acid and temperature on ORR was determined using linear sweep voltammetry. High levels of phosphoric acid (16 per repeat polymer unit (PRU)) in the cathode catalyst layer were detrimental to ORR performance. Good oxygen reduction performance was obtained with a 40 per cent Pt/C catalyst incorporating phosphoric acid at a level of 3 PRU. Kinetic parameters (transfer coefficient, exchange current density, and oxygen reaction order) were determined.
Ultrastructural changes in the rat kidney after single dose of cyclophosphamide—Possible roles for peroxisome proliferation and lysosomal dysfunction in cyclophosphamide-induced renal damage
Authors: Abraham Premila , Isaac Bina
Published: March 2011

Electron microscopy was used to examine changes in the subcellular organelles of the rat kidney at different time intervals after a single exposure to cyclophosphamide (CP). The morphological changes were studied at different time points (6 hrs, 16 hrs and 24 hrs) after a single-dose administration of CP. Six rats were killed at each time intervals after the administration of CP. Saline-treated rats served as controls. CP administration resulted in alterations in various subcellular organelles including peroxisomes, lysosomes, mitochondria, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the renal tubular epithelium as well as damage to the glomerulus. The basement membrane of the glomerulus was thickened. Many podocytes were destroyed. The nucleoplasm of the endothelial cell showed fewer granularities. The tubules were distorted and the brush border was destroyed. Two striking features in the renal tubular cells are increase in number and size of the peroxisomes (peroxisome proliferation) and decrease in the number of lysosomes. The mitochondria were elongated and the number was increased in the tubules of CP-treated rats. The ER was dilated. Cell necrosis was also seen. This study is an evidence of changes in morphology of rat kidney after induction of renal damage by a single dose of CP. Since transmission electron microscopy is the highest magnification tool at present, it can be useful in estimating the degree of injury and outcome of alternative treatment strategies in the management of CP-induced renal damage after establishing a scoring system.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors differently affect the growth inhibition and death of a proteasome inhibitor, MG132-treated human pulmonary fibroblast cells
Authors: Park Woo Hyun
Published: March 2011

Carbobenzoxy-Leu-Leu-leucinal (MG132) as a proteasome inhibitor can induce growth inhibition and death in lung cancer or normal cells. However, little is known about relationship between proteasome inhibition and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in normal lung cells. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of MAPK inhibitors on MG132-treated human pulmonary fibroblast (HPF) cells in relation to cell growth inhibition, cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH). Treatment with 15 μM MG132 increased ROS levels including mitochondrial O2•− and GSH depleted cell numbers in HPF cells at 24 hours. MAP kinase or ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor did not significantly affect cell growth inhibition, cell death, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; Δ Ψm), ROS level and GSH depletion in MG132-treated HPF cells. c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor attenuated the growth inhibition and death by MG132. This inhibitor also significantly decreased O2•− level in MG132-treated HPF cells. Although p38 inhibitor slightly enhanced HPF cell growth inhibition by MG132, this inhibitor and siRNA prevented HPF cell death induced by MG132. p38 inhibitor also attenuated d O2•− level and GSH depletion. Moreover, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), JNK or p38 siRNA did not strongly affect ROS levels in MG132-treated HPF cells. ERK and JNK siRNAs decreased anonymous ubiquitinated protein levels in MG132-treated HPF cells. In conclusion, MAPK inhibitors differently affected the growth inhibition and death of MG132-treated HPF cells. Especially, p38 inhibitor attenuated HPF cell death by MG132, which was in part related to changes in ROS and GSH levels.
Public apprehension of emerging infectious diseases: are changes afoot?
Authors: Joffe Helene
Published: March 2011

Using social representations theory this paper casts light on the pattern of content that characterises the public response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EID). The pattern is: distancing the disease from the self/one’s in-groups; blame of particular entities for the disease’s origin and/or spread; and stigmatisation of those who have contracted it and/or who are represented as having intensified its spread. This pattern is not unique to EID but extends to many risks, making EID fruitful events for understanding public apprehension of potential dangers. This process may be driven by worry, fear and anxiety since when levels of these are low, as has arguably been the case with the 2009/10 “Swine Flu” pandemic, the pattern transforms. The distancing-blame-stigma pattern may also be transformed by growing reflexivity, a feature of late modern societies, as well as material features of the epidemic and “EID fatigue.”
Dissecting the social body: social inequality through AIDS counter-narratives
Authors: Mackenzie Sonja
Published: March 2011

HIV/AIDS conspiracy theories constitute a loosely grouped set of meanings that share the notion of secret collusion among allied parties. This paper traces one woman’s etiological narrative of HIV/AIDS. Such embodied experience and cultural understanding when placed against the backdrop of current thinking on the topic in the United States builds a new framework for understanding the emergence and circulation of HIV/AIDS conspiracy theories as “counter-narratives” employed by individuals and publics in the face of the AIDS pandemic. Such counter-narrative creates a rhetorical space for challenges to power through the articulation of oppositional ideas about dominant scientific knowledge. Without a critical exploration of HIV/AIDS conspiracy theories that examines their emergence and effects as a form of discourse circulating in the public domain, public health advocates will not be able to trace and respond to these narratives’ impact on HIV prevention efforts or consider their relevance for other emerging infectious diseases.
Representations of swine flu: perspectives from a Malaysian pig farm
Authors: Goodwin Robin , Haque Shamsul , Hassan Sharifah Binti Syed , Dhanoa Amreeta
Published: March 2011

Novel influenza viruses are seen, internationally, as posing considerable health challenges, but public responses to such viruses are often rooted in cultural representations of disease and risk. However, little research has been conducted in locations associated with the origin of a pandemic. We examined representations and risk perceptions associated with swine flu amongst 120 Malaysian pig farmers. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents felt at particular risk of infection, two-thirds were somewhat or very concerned about being infected. Those respondents who were the most anxious believed particular societal “out-groups” (homosexuals, the homeless and prostitutes) to be at higher infection risk. Although few (4%) reported direct discrimination, 46% claimed friends had avoided them since the swine flu outbreak. Findings are discussed in the context of evolutionary, social representations and terror management theories of response to pandemic threat.
Lay perceptions of collectives at the outbreak of the H1N1 epidemic: heroes, villains and victims
Authors: Wagner-Egger Pascal , Bangerter Adrian , Gilles Ingrid , Green Eva , Rigaud David , Krings Franciska , Staerklé Christian , Clémence Alain
Published: March 2011

Lay perceptions of collectives (e.g., groups, organizations, countries) implicated in the 2009 H1N1 outbreak were studied. Collectives serve symbolic functions to help laypersons make sense of the uncertainty involved in a disease outbreak. We argue that lay representations are dramatized, featuring characters like heroes, villains and victims. In interviews conducted soon after the outbreak, 47 Swiss respondents discussed the risk posed by H1N1, its origins and effects, and protective measures. Countries were the most frequent collectives mentioned. Poor, underdeveloped countries were depicted as victims, albeit ambivalently, as they were viewed as partly responsible for their own plight. Experts (physicians, researchers) and political and health authorities were depicted as heroes. Two villains emerged: the media (viewed as fear mongering or as a puppet serving powerful interests) and private corporations (e.g., the pharmaceutical industry). Laypersons’ framing of disease threat diverges substantially from official perspectives.
Parametric vibration of carbon fiber reinforced plastic cables with damping effects in long-span cable-stayed bridges
Authors: Zhang He , Xie Xu , Zhao Jun-Liang
Published: March 2011

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) cables are superior to steel cables in cable-stayed bridges due to their light weight and excellent durability. It is a kind of flexible structural component with strongly weak shear stiffness. Hence, understanding the dynamic properties of CFRP cables poses a significant issue in bridge engineering. In this paper, the parametric vibrations of CFRP cables is performed and compared with steel cables by using a non-linear finite element method. The CFRP and steel cables of a cable-stayed bridge with a span of 1400 m, designed by the same criteria, are studied as typical cases. The material damping, aerodynamic damping and viscous dampers are simulated in the analysis, and the variations of the material damping and aerodynamic damping due to amplitude variations are taken into consideration. The dynamic responses of cables due to stochastic and harmonic support excitations are investigated. Numerical results show that the vibration amplitudes of steel cables are greater than that of CFRP cables. The parametric vibration of CFRP cable is more sensitive to damping than that of steel cable. The effects of material damping and viscous dampers on parametric vibration of both steel and CFRP cables are very significant, while that of aerodynamic damping is inferior to the former two dampers.
Sexual Material Perception in Sexually Coercive Men: Disattending Deficit and Its Covariates
Authors: Yoon Jeongsook , Knight Raymond A.
Published: March 2011

The perceptual bias for sexual material has been explored mainly in normal men, and to date little attention has been paid to sexually aggressive men. The current study compared performance of sexually aggressive and nonaggressive men on experimental tasks involving sexual stimuli. Participants viewed the visual images (neutral or sexual), and, depending on the cue they were presented, they either responded to shape and color questions or just skipped to the next trial. In contrast with noncoercive men, men who admitted sexually coercive behavior showed increased response latencies only in the condition in which they were required to withdraw their attention from sexual stimuli to perform the cognitive task. Correlations with attentional performance suggested that sexually coercive men high on impulsivity and aggressiveness might experience cognitive interference when processing sexual material. These results are interpreted using disinhibition and response modulation models.
Weak solutions for contact problems involving viscoelastic materials with long memory
Authors: Matei Andaluzia , Ciurcea Raluca
Published: March 2011

We consider an antiplane model which describes the contact between a deformable cylinder and a rigid foundation, under the small deformation hypothesis, for quasistatic processes. The behaviour of the material is modelled using a viscoelastic constitutive law with long memory and the frictional contact is modelled using Tresca’s law. We focus on the weak solvability of the model, based on a weak formulation with dual Lagrange multipliers.
Changes in Phenolic Compounds of Aragón Red Wines During Alcoholic Fermentation
Authors: Puértolas E. , Álvarez I. , Raso J.
Published: March 2011

Changes in the principal phenolic compounds during the maceration-fermentation process of Garnacha, Merlot and Syrah grapes cultivated in Aragón region (northeast of Spain) have been investigated. While Garnacha is a traditional grape variety cultivated in this region, Merlot and Syrah have been introduced recently. During fermentation, Syrah showed the highest concentration in anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and flavonols (802.7 ± 0.5 mg/L, 74.7 ± 2.4 mg/L and 37.1 ± 1.5 mg/L at the end of fermentation, respectively). Unexpectedly, Garnacha, a variety with lower phenolic content, showed the highest amount of hydroxycinnamic acids (83.1 ± 5.6 mg/L at the end of fermentation). The overall results also indicated that the evolution during maceration-fermentation process of the different phenolic compounds and their concentrations were influenced by the varietal factor.
Evaluation of Medium Composition and Fermentation Parameters on Pullulan Production by Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Cheng Kuan-Chen , Demirci Ali , Catchmark Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2011

The goal of this study was to enhance pullulan production by evaluating the effects of different fermentation parameters. Various carbon sources and their concentrations, yeast extract (YE) concentrations, fermentation temperatures and various pH profiles were examined. The optimal growth condition for pullulan production by Aureobasidium pullulans has been found as 75 g/L of sucrose as carbon source, 3 g/L of YE and cultivation temperature at 30 °C. Under these conditions with an initial pH at 5, 20.7 g/L of final pullulan concentration and 0.22 g/L/h maximum production rate were obtained. Later on, various pH profiles, agitation speeds, aerations and fed-batch fermentation were evaluated. The results demonstrated that pullulan production was enhanced to 25.8 g/L after 7-day cultivation with a 0.68 -g/L/h maximum production rate. There was no significant improvement of pullulan production from fed-batch fermentation. The optimal kinetics parameters were as follows: initial pH at 2.0, switched to pH 5.0 after 72 h and kept constant; agitation speed at 200 rpm; aeration at 1.5 vvm. The quality analysis demonstrated that the pullulan content produced from optimal conditions was 94.5% and its viscosity was 2.3 centipoise (cP). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also suggested that pullulan dominated the produced exopolysaccharide.
Functional Properties of Proteins from Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) Seeds
Authors: Chel-Guerrero L. , Gallegos-Tintoré S. , Martínez-Ayala A. , Castellanos-Ruelas A. , Betancur-Ancona D.
Published: March 2011

Functional properties were identified for the total globulin (TG), 7S and 11S fractions of Lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) seeds. The 11S component accounted for 58.3% of TGs and the 7S for 41.7%. Solubility was higher in the 7S fraction, especially at alkaline pHs. Water-holding capacity was similar (3 g water/g sample) in both globulin fractions. Oil-holding capacity was higher in the 11S fraction, which also exhibited better foaming capacity and foam stability than the 7S and TG fractions at alkaline pHs. The TG and 7S fractions exhibited low emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability at different pHs (5, 7 and 9), but the 11S fraction had relatively higher values. In suspension at low concentrations, all fractions exhibited shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior. The studied Lima bean globulin fractions exhibit functional properties which make them potentially apt for use in some industrial food systems.
Evaluation of the Technological Characteristics and Bread-Making Quality of Alternative Wheat Cereals in Comparison with Common and Durum Wheat
Authors: Pasqualone A. , Piergiovanni A.R. , Caponio F. , Paradiso V.M. , Summo C. , Simeone R.
Published: March 2011

The growing sensibility toward those foods that are characterized by natural and healthy features has raised the interest toward alternative wheat cereals. This research was carried out to compare the technological characteristics and the bread-making quality of Khorasan wheat, type Kamut and spelt (cv. Forenza), to those of common (cv. Rio) and durum wheat (cv. Norba). The results obtained show that both Forenza and Kamut gave an acceptable bread-making performance. A certain variability affected flour characteristics (protein content, carotenoid pigments and alveograph indices) over the 2 years of experimentation, due to environmental effects. This reflected on the corresponding breads but the statistical analysis indicated that, on the whole, Kamut bread was characterized by a high content of carotenoid pigments. Regarding sensory properties (profiled by means of 11 descriptors of visual appearance, texture, odor and flavor) and loaf volumes, breads from Forenza and Kamut appeared different from each other but similar to those obtained from Rio and Norba grown in the same environment, respectively.
Effect of MTGase, Dietary Fiber and UV Irradiation Upon Heat-Induced Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) gels
Authors: Cardoso C.L. , Mendes R.O. , Vaz-Pires P. , Nunes M.L.
Published: March 2011

The effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase, 0.5%, w/w), dietary fiber (konjac flour, Kjc, 1. 0%, w/w) and ultraviolet irradiation, UV (254 nm, 3300 µW/cm2 and 40 min), on heat-induced gels from gilthead seabream mince (Sparus aurata) were studied. MTGase addition improved texture, force at rupture increased from 44.3±18.1 to 131.9 ± 56.7 N, and increased pH and water-holding capacity. Moreover, MTGase reduced the elastic modulus E1 and darkened the gels; protein solubility declined, meaning greater protein aggregation, according to electropherograms. Evidence was found that disulfide bonding has a role in textural improvement by MTGase. Kjc increased the hardness from 15.1±3.1 to 20.6 ± 4.7 N, the elastic modulus and WHC. Kjc itself and not its effect upon proteins may explain the hardening effect. However, gels containing Kjc were less deformable and Kjc reduced the extractable protein in the various selective bond media. UV did not present advantages as a gelation-promoting technology. MTGase and Kjc were texturally advantageous, although without synergies for gel strength: it fell from 56.9±7.1 to 24.6±5.9 N mm as a result of adding Kjc to gels containing MTGase. Nevertheless, the hardening effect of Kjc and MTGase combined surpassed the sum of the individual effects, thereby indicating the existence of a mutual reinforcement of the hardness through MTGase and konjac. Additionally, this study showed that gilthead seabream may be used to produce good quality (concerning texture, color and WHC) heat-induced gels.
Links Between Adolescent Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, and Adolescent and Parent Characteristics
Authors: Williams Susan Lee , Mummery W. Kerry
Published: March 2011

Identification of the relationships between adolescent overweight and obesity and physical activity and a range of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors is necessary to develop relevant interventions which target the health needs of adolescents. This study examined adolescent body mass index (BMI) and participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and their associations with school year, adolescent nutrition and sedentary behaviors, parent BMI, parent physical activity, and parent support adolescent physical activity. Participants included 295 adolescents and their parents. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between adolescent BMI, MVPA, and the range of adolescent and parent characteristics. Results indicated that parents and home environments play significant roles in the development and maintenance of adolescent overweight/obesity of physical activity behaviors. School-based interventions should ensure high levels of parent involvement and target male adolescents to reduce time spent in small screen recreation and female adolescents to increase participation in MVPA.
Dynamic behavior of a sandwich beam with internal resonators
Authors: Chen JS , Sun CT
Published: March 2011

A sandwich beam with embedded internal resonators was studied. Two continuum Timoshenko beam models were employed to model the sandwich beam. One model treats the resonators as continuously distributed mass and the other with an effective mass density. Both models appear to describe the dispersion behavior and the bandgap structure of the original sandwich beam accurately. It was found that the local resonance frequency of the resonator is the key in determining the bandgap location. Numerical examples were presented to demonstrate the dynamic behavior of the sandwich beam including the attenuation and filtering of flexural waves with frequencies near the resonance frequency of the embedded resonators.
Sustained improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale as a new efficacy measure of neurological change in multiple sclerosis: treatment effects with natalizumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Phillips J Theodore , Giovannoni Gavin , Lublin Fred D , O’Connor Paul W , Polman Chris H , Willoughby Ernie , Aschenbach William , Pace Amy , Hyde Robert , Munschauer Frederick E
Published: March 2011

Background: Validated measures of sustained improvements in neurological function have not been established for multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical studies.

Objective: To evaluate sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) change as a potential indicator of neurological improvement and as an outcome measure in MS clinical studies.

Methods: Analyses were performed on patients ( n = 620) from the pivotal natalizumab study AFFIRM with baseline EDSS scores ≥2.0. Cumulative probabilities of neurological improvement, defined as a 1.0-point decrease in EDSS score sustained for ≥12 weeks, were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. A Cox proportional hazards model identified associated baseline factors and examined treatment effects.

Results: Sustained improvement (as well as sustained worsening) in neurological disability was seen in AFFIRM patients. Sustained EDSS changes correlated well with quality of life measurements (SF36 and VAS). Natalizumab increased the cumulative probability of improvement over 2 years by 69% versus placebo (HR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.16–2.45; p = 0.006). Sensitivity analyses showed consistent benefits of natalizumab with variations in improvement magnitude and duration, and baseline disease activity.

Conclusion: These analyses demonstrate that sustained EDSS improvement is an additional measure that is sensitive to treatment effects over 2 years and correlates with quality of life. Further research is warranted to validate its use as an MS study clinical outcome.
New party organization in Western Europe: Of party hierarchies, stratarchies and federations
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole
Published: March 2011

Scholarly work on models of party organization tends to treat stratarchy and hierarchy as analytical opposites. Based on two different visions of stratarchy that co-exist in the literature, this article presents a threefold typology locating party stratarchy as a model between party hierarchy, as one counter-image, and party federation, as the other. The types differ in the extent to which core competences and resources (e.g. selection of parliamentary candidates, mechanisms for conflict resolution, finances) are centralized, and in the extent to which interest representation in national party organs follows territorial lines. The typology is applied to durable yet organizationally new parties (founded since 1978) that maintained a national presence across eight West European democracies. With few exceptions, each of these parties fits neatly within one of the categories, and in-depth analysis suggests that the three models help us systematically capture party dynamics.
Long-term patterns of depression and associations with health and function in a panel study of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Morris Anne , Yelin Edward H. , Panopalis Pantelis , Julian Laura , Katz Patricia P.
Published: March 2011

Long-term patterns of depression, and associations with health and function were examined among 1115 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, using 18 years of panel data, summarized in 9653 interviews. Depression was defined by scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (6 or above). Participants were classified, using cluster analysis, into three distinct patterns of depression over repeated assessments: nondepressed (65.8%), intermittent (25.2%), and chronic (9.0%). GEE analyses assessed outcomes over time as a function of patterns of depression; controlling for demographic and clinical factors. Results indicated that patterns of depression had significant adverse effects on health and function over time.
Adolescent drug use, psychosocial functioning and spinal pain
Authors: Heaps Naomi , Davis Melissa C. , Smith Anne J. , Straker Leon M.
Published: March 2011

This study tested whether there is an independent relationship between adolescent drug use and neck and shoulder pain (NSP) and back pain (BP) when psychosocial functioning is controlled in a community sample of 1608 14-year-old Australian adolescents. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios of alcohol and cigarette use for NSP and BP before and after adjusting for a range of psychosocial variables. Results showed that the use of alcohol, but not cigarettes or marijuana, has a significant independent association with adolescent spinal pain. Future research needs to investigate these variables longitudinally to inform interventions for adolescent spinal pain.
High trait self-control predicts positive health behaviors and success in weight loss
Authors: Will Crescioni A. , Ehrlinger Joyce , Alquist Jessica L. , Conlon Kyle E. , Baumeister Roy F. , Schatschneider Christopher , Dutton Gareth R.
Published: March 2011

Surprisingly few studies have explored the intuitive connection between self-control and weight loss. We tracked participants’ diet, exercise and weight loss during a 12-week weight loss program. Participants higher in self-control weighed less and reported exercising more than their lower self-control counterparts at baseline. Independent of baseline differences, individuals high in dispositional self-control ate fewer calories overall and fewer calories from fat, burned marginally more calories through exercise, and lost more weight during the program than did those lower in self-control. These data suggest that trait self-control is, indeed, an important predictor of health behaviors.
Identifying population subgroups at risk for underestimating weight health risks and overestimating physical activity health benefits
Authors: Vandelanotte Corneel , Duncan Mitch J. , Hanley Christine , Mummery W. Kerry
Published: March 2011

People may incorrectly perceive that their body weight or Physical Activity (PA) meets health recommendations; this provides an obstacle for change. In this study self-reported BMI and PA were assessed in relation to questions regarding perception of meeting weight and PA recommendations. Signal detection analysis was used to identify population subgroups. Study outcomes showed that 34.4 per cent of the 2535 adult participants underestimated weight health risks; low income, male participants who believed they were sufficiently active underestimated weight health risks the most (52.6%). A total of 23.7 per cent of participants overestimated PA health benefits; older age, low educated participants who did not believe their body weight was a health risk overestimated PA health benefits the most (58.3%). In conclusion, as weight and PA misperceptions are high, efforts are needed to reduce these misperceptions, so that behaviour change initiatives can be more effective.
Low sense of coherence interferes with lumbar spinal stenosis patients’ postoperative recovery: A prospective one-year follow-up study
Authors: Sinikallio Sanna , Lehto Soili M. , Aalto Timo , Airaksinen Olavi , Viinamäki Heimo
Published: March 2011

In a prospective observational study ( N = 97) we examined the changes in the SOC score after a surgical intervention for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and the factors associated with low and high SOC scores. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the predictors for the lowest SOC tertile. The post-surgical recovery among the low SOC group halted on three-month follow-up, whereas in the high SOC group a steady improvement was detected up to one year postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative depressive symptoms were highly pertinent to the SOC of LSS patients, both as an indicator and a predictor of a low one-year SOC.
Both patient and caregiver gender impact depressive symptoms among organ transplant caregivers: Who is at risk and why?
Authors: Holtzman Susan , Abbey Susan E. , Singer Lianne G. , Ross Heather J. , Stewart Donna E.
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the impact of patient and caregiver gender on caregiver depressive symptoms. Caregivers’ use of relationship-focused coping and dimensions of caregiver burden were examined as potential mediators of gender differences in depressive symptoms. Ninety-three organ transplant candidates and their caregivers completed written questionnaires ( N = 186). Females providing care to male patients reported significantly higher depressive symptoms than the other caregivers in our sample. Multiple mediation analyses revealed that less support from family members and a greater negative health impact of caregiving helped explain these gender differences. Women caring for men were also perceived as more overprotective, but this did not explain gender differences in depression. Results highlight the benefits of a contextual, dyadic approach to studying caregiver distress.
Thinking about maintaining exercise therapy: Does being positive or negative make a difference?
Authors: Glazebrook Karen E. , Brawley Lawrence R.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To investigate social-cognitive and exercise differences in individuals who think positively or negatively about upcoming exercise while engaged in programs of maintenance exercise therapy for cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions. Method and Results: Participants ( n = 40) completed measures relative to exercise adherence. MANOVA revealed positive thinkers were significantly higher in exercise frequency, self-regulatory efficacy, positive affect, willingness to adapt and lower in decisional struggle than negative thinkers. Conclusions: Thoughts about exercise therapy are related to social cognitions crucial to motivating self-regulatory actions influencing exercise. Negative thoughts may suggest less ability to adapt to maintenance exercise challenges.
Gender association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Markoula Sofia , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Kostoulas Charilaos , Tatsioni Athina , Bouba Ioanna , Maranis Sotirios , Georgiou Ioannis , Kyritsis Athanassios P
Published: March 2011

We examined the association of the NG011648 polymorphism (insertion/deletion) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with ischaemic stroke occurrence, subtype of ischaemic stroke and ischaemic stroke patients’ gender. Patients with first ever ischaemic stroke were recruited prospectively in a period of 18 months. Controls were matched with the patients for age, gender, and known risk factors for stroke. Demographic data, medical history, and vascular risk factors were collected. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis. Stroke and control groups were compared in regard to the prevalence of the NG011648 polymorphism. One hundred and seventy-six patients with ischaemic stroke and 178 controls were recruited and genotyped for NG011648 polymorphism (I/D) of the ACE gene. No significant difference in allele and genotype distributions emerged between control and patient groups, nor in the two subtype groups of lacunars and large artery atherosclerosis. After the data were stratified by gender, a low incidence of II homozygosity in female patients versus female controls ( p = 0.05) and male patients ( p = 0.013, Z score: -2.49) was found. Our results indicate that I/D polymorphisms may have a role in stroke onset, in respect to gender, with a possible favourable effect of II genotype in females.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of candesartan and losartan in the management of essential hypertension
Authors: Zhenfeng Zheng  , Huilan Shi  , Junya Jia  , Dong Li  , Shan Lin
Published: March 2011

Background: Candesartan is a relatively novel antihypertensive agent of the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Several clinical trials have compared candesartan with losartan in the management of essential hypertension. However, systematic assessment of efficacy and safety between candesartan and losartan is still lacking.

Methods: We reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing candesartan with losartan for net reduction in blood pressure from baseline, response and control rates, and incidences of common and serious adverse events.Weighted mean differences (WMD), and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively.

Results: A total of 12 RCTs with 3644 patients were included in this meta-analysis. When comparing the efficacy of candesartan and losartan in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the end of the follow-up period, results with candesartan were superior to losartan in the reduction SBP and DBP (WMD, -2.97; 95% CI, -4.18 — -1.77; p < 0.001; WMD, -1.76; 95% CI, -2.57 — -0.96; p < 0.001; respectively). Candesartan had better response and control rates than losartan. (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06—1.18; p < 0.01; RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06—1.50; p = 0.008). Reported common adverse events for the two agents were not significantly different (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.86—1.12; p = 0.78). The incidence of serious adverse events for candesartan was lower than for losartan (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25—0.92; p = 0.03). The net reduction of DBP showed negative correlation with baseline DBP in both candesartan and losartan groups (regression coefficient -1.81, p = 0.03 and regression coefficient -1.56, p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions: Candesartan is superior to losartan in reducing blood pressure. Candesartan also causes fewer serious adverse events than losartan.
Analysis of insertion/deletion polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in Malaysian end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Ali Aisyah , Vasudevan Ramachandran , Ismail Patimah , Thiam Seong Christoper Lim , Chakravarthi Srikumar
Published: March 2011

Introduction:

Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms found in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene have been associated with hypertension, diabetes and renal disease. The present study sought to determine the association of I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in Malaysia.

Materials and methods:

A total of 380 subjects were recruited to determine the genotypes of I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene. Genotyping was performed using a PCR method. Statistical analyses were carried out using statistical software, and a level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The frequencies for II, ID and DD genotypes of the ACE gene were 24.7%, 65.80% and 9.47%, respectively, in ESRD patients, and in control subjects were 45.26%, 47.37% and 7.37% respectively. The frequency for the D allele was found to be higher (42.40%) in ESRD patients compared to control subjects (31.05%). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene differed significantly ( p < 0.05) between ESRD patients and control subjects in the Malaysian population.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study indicate that I/D polymorphisms of the ACE gene are a useful marker and are likely to play a major role in determining genetic susceptibility to ESRD in the Malaysian population.