bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free‐Riding and Cooperation in Environmental Games
Authors: ESPINOLA‐ARREDONDO ANA
Published: January 2009

This paper examines the negotiation of an international environmental agreement in which different countries determine the (nonenforceable) promises of investment in clean technologies to be included in the agreement. Furthermore, it analyzes countries' optimal investment in emission‐reducing technologies, considering that, in addition to the utility that a country perceives from an improved environmental quality, it is also concerned about the relative fulfillment of the terms specified in the international agreement either by itself or by others. I show, first, why countries may prefer to shift most promises of investment in clean technologies to other countries, despite the fact that these promises are usually nonenforceable by any international organization. Second, I determine countries' optimal investments in these technologies, and analyze how their particular investments depend on how demanding the international agreement is, and on the importance that countries assign to each others' relative fulfillment of their part of the treaty.
Decomposition as a Complex‐Skill Acquisition Strategy in Management Education: A Case Study in Business Forecasting
Authors: Adya Monica , Lusk Edward J. , Balhadjali Moncef
Published: January 2009

Graduate business education has been criticized for utilizing simplistic teaching strategies that compromise the presentation of real‐world complex skills in the classroom. In this article, we propose that complex management functions can be effectively taught using decomposition strategies. We demonstrate the usefulness of this strategy in the domain of business forecasting by comparing the forecast accuracy of students instructed in decomposition (RBF‐Instructed) with that of students not exposed to such instruction (Uninstructed), as well as with an expert system called Rule‐Based Forecasting (RBF). RBF‐Instructed students demonstrated significant improvements over Uninstructed students and were at least as accurate as the RBF system. Our findings suggest that academics engaged in teaching complex domains can benefit from building their teaching environment on a decomposition framework. We further suggest strategies for measuring the effectiveness and endurance of classroom knowledge thus imparted. Implications for academia and practice are discussed and a research framework is proposed.
Computer Self‐Efficacy and Motivation to Learn in a Self‐Directed Online Course
Authors: Simmering Marcia J. , Posey Clay , Piccoli Gabriele
Published: January 2009

Despite the increased use of new learning technologies, there is still much to be learned about the role of learner characteristics in online learning. The purpose of this study was to examine how subjects' characteristics normally associated with effective training (i.e., initial motivation to learn and self‐efficacy) related to learning in a self‐directed online course. From an analysis of 190 respondents, computer and Internet usage prior to the start of class were positively related to individuals' computer self‐efficacy and computer self‐efficacy was positively related to learning. However, contrary to expectations, computer self‐efficacy was not related to initial motivation to learn and motivation to learn was not related to learning in the class. Post hoc analysis of qualitative data enabled a rich explanation of the findings, including an evaluation of the unexpected relationships among the variables of interest and the nature of self‐directed courses in virtual learning environments.
Genetic Influences on Resting Electrocardiographic Variables in Older Women: A Twin Study
Authors: Mutikainen Sara , Ortega‐Alonso Alfredo , Alén Markku , Kaprio Jaakko , Karjalainen Jouko , Rantanen Taina , Kujala Urho M.
Published: January 2009

Background: Previous studies in young and middle‐aged men and women have shown that resting electrocardiographic (ECG) variables are influenced by genetic factors. However, the extent to which resting ECG variables are influenced by genetic factors in older women is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences to individual differences in resting ECG variables among older female twins without overt cardiac diseases.

Methods: Resting ECG recordings were obtained from 186 monozygotic and 203 dizygotic twin individuals, aged 63–76 years. Quantitative genetic modeling was used to decompose the phenotypic variance in each resting ECG variable into additive genetic, dominance genetic, shared environmental, and unique environmental influences.

Results: The results showed that individual differences in the majority of the resting ECG variables were moderately to highly explained by additive genetic influences, ranging from 32% for T axis to 72% for TV5. The results also suggested dominance genetic influences on QRS duration, TV1, and Sokolow–Lyon voltage (36%, 53%, and 57%, respectively). Unique environmental influences were important for each resting ECG variable, whereas shared environmental influences were detected only for QT interval and QTc.

Conclusion: In older women without overt cardiac diseases, genetic influences explain a moderate to high proportion of individual differences in the majority of the resting ECG variables. Genetic influences are especially strong for T‐wave amplitudes, left ventricular mass, and hypertrophy indices, whereas other variables, including heart rate, intervals, and axes, are more affected by environmental influences.
Informal employment: Two contested policy issues
Authors: KUCERA David , RONCOLATO Leanne
Published: January 2009

This article addresses two contested issues of crucial importance to policy, namely: formal labour regulations as a cause of informal employment, and so‐called “voluntary” informal employment. The authors provide theoretical overviews on both issues and an extensive survey of empirical studies on the effects of formal labour regulations on informal employment. The article closes with observations on the relevance of the ILO's four decent work objectives for informal employment and economic development, with particular emphasis on the significance of – and potential for – organizing workers in the informal economy.
Clinical studies of fiber‐reinforced resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures: a systematic review
Authors: Van Heumen Céleste C. M. , Kreulen Cees M. , Creugers Nico H. J.
Published: January 2009

In the past decade, follow‐up studies on fiber‐reinforced composite fixed partial dentures (FRC FPDs) have been described. Combining the results of these studies to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of FRC FPDs is challenging. The objective of this systematic review was to obtain survival rates of FRC FPDs and to explore the relationships between reported survival rates and risk factors. In a literature‐selection procedure on the clinical performance of FRC FPDs, 15 studies, reporting on 13 sets of patients, were analyzed. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the overall survival, based on the data from all sets of patients (n = 435) was 73.4% (69.4–77.4%) at 4.5 yr. Converted survival rates at 2 yr of follow‐up showed substantial heterogeneity between studies. It was not possible to build a reliable regression model that indicated risk factors. The technical problems most commonly described were fracture of the FPD and delamination of the veneering composite.
Isolation and development of microsatellite markers for the Japanese dormouse, Glirulus japonicus
Authors: YASUDA S. P. , NAKAYAMA A. A. , IWABUCHI M. , MINATO S. , TSUCHIYA K. , SUZUKI H.
Published: January 2009

Eight microsatellite markers were developed for the Japanese dormouse (Glirulus japonicus), a natural monument and near‐threatened species in Japan. The markers amplify in individuals from all of the mitochondrial lineages detected in a previous study. Numerous polymorphisms were detected in specimens from a local population in central Honshu (11–21 alleles per locus; n = 31) and from the entire distribution range of the species (19–41 alleles per locus; n = 152). These microsatellites will be useful in conservation genetic studies of G. japonicus.
Thirty polymorphic microsatellite loci from the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)
Authors: ROBERTSON BRUCE C. , FRAUENFELDER NATHALIE , EASON DARYL K. , ELLIOTT GRAEME , MOORHOUSE RON
Published: January 2009

Thirty polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), using an enriched genomic library. Characterization of loci using 90 kakapo revealed an average of 3.3 alleles per locus (range: 2–5) and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.47 (range: 0.17–0.70). The probability of identity (7.2 × 10−15) and probability of exclusion (0.999999) demonstrate that these loci are a highly informative marker set that can aid the genetic management of the kakapo.
AN EXTENDED STOCHASTIC INTEGRAL AND A WICK CALCULUS ON PARAMETRIZED KONDRATIEV-TYPE SPACES OF MEIXNER WHITE NOISE
Authors: KACHANOVSKY N. A.
Published: January 2009

Using a general approach that covers the cases of Gaussian, Poissonian, Gamma, Pascal and Meixner measures, we consider an extended stochastic integral and construct elements of a Wick calculus on parametrized Kondratiev-type spaces of generalized functions; consider the interconnection between the extended stochastic integration and the Wick calculus; and give an example of a stochastic equation with a Wick-type nonlinearity. The main results consist of studying the properties of the extended (Skorohod) stichastic integral subject to the particular spaces under consideration; and of studying the properties of a Wick product and Wick versions of holomorphic functions on the parametrized Kondratiev-type spaces. These results are necessary, in particular, in order to describe properties of solutions of normally ordered white noise equations in the "Meixner analysis".
Methods for measurement of gastric motility
Authors: Szarka Lawrence A. , Camilleri Michael
Published: January 2009

There is an array of tests available to measure gastric motility. Some tests measure end points, such as gastric emptying, that result from several different functions, whereas other tests are more specific and test only a single parameter, such as contractility. This article reviews the tests most commonly available in practice and research to evaluate in vivo the gastric functions of emptying, accommodation, contractility, and myoelectrical activity. The rationale for testing, the relative strengths and weaknesses of each test, and technical details are summarized. We also briefly indicate the applications and validations of the tests for use in experimental animal studies.
Exercise as a Mean to Control Low‐Grade Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Mathur Neha , Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: January 2009

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), which include cardiovascular disease, some cancers, for example, colon cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes, are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. It has now become clear that low‐grade chronic inflammation is a key player in the pathogenesis of most CNCDs. Given that regular exercise offers protection against all causes of mortality, primarily by protection against atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, we suggest that exercise may exert some of its beneficial health effects by inducing anti‐inflammatory actions. Recently, IL‐6 was introduced as the first myokine, defined as a cytokine, which is produced and released by contracting skeletal muscle fibres, exerting its effects in other organs of the body. We suggest that skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ and that myokines may be involved in mediating the beneficial effects against CNCDs associated with low‐grade inflammation.
Mechanistic Aspects of Osmium(VIII) Catalyzed Oxidation of L‐Tryptophan by Diperiodatocuprate(III) in Aqueous Alkaline Medium: A Kinetic Model
Authors: Shetti Nagaraj P. , Hosamani Ragunatharaddi R. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: January 2009

In presence of osmium(VIII), the reaction between L‐tryptophan and diperiodatocuprate(III) DPC in alkaline medium exhibits 1:4 stochiometry (L‐tryptophan:DPC). The reaction shows first‐order dependence on [DPC] and [osmium(VIII)], less than unit order in both [L‐tryptophan] and [alkali], and negative fractional order in [periodate]. The active species of catalyst and oxidant have been identified. The main products were identified by spectral studies and spot test. The probable mechanism was proposed and discussed.
Stability Analysis of Neural Networks‐Based System Identification
Authors: Korkobi Talel , Djemel Mohamed , Chtourou Mohamed
Published: January 2009

This paper treats some problems related to nonlinear systems identification. A stability analysis neural network model for identifying nonlinear dynamic systems is presented. A constrained adaptive stable backpropagation updating law is presented and used in the proposed identification approach. The proposed backpropagation training algorithm is modified to obtain an adaptive learning rate guarantying convergence stability. The proposed learning rule is the backpropagation algorithm under the condition that the learning rate belongs to a specified range defining the stability domain. Satisfying such condition, unstable phenomena during the learning process are avoided. A Lyapunov analysis leads to the computation of the expression of a convenient adaptive learning rate verifying the convergence stability criteria. Finally, the elaborated training algorithm is applied in several simulations. The results confirm the effectiveness of the CSBP algorithm.
A Generalisation of Contraction Principle in Metric Spaces
Authors: Dutta P. N. , Choudhury Binayak S.
Published: January 2009

Here we introduce a generalisation of the Banach contraction mapping principle. We show that the result extends two existing generalisations of the same principle. We support our result by an example.
Advances in Evaporated Solid‐Phase‐Crystallized Poly‐Si Thin‐Film Solar Cells on Glass (EVA)
Authors: Kunz O. , Ouyang Z. , Wong J. , Aberle A. G.
Published: January 2009

Polycrystalline silicon thin‐film solar cells on glass obtained by solid‐phase crystallization (SPC) of PECVD‐deposited a‐Si precursor diodes are capable of producing large‐area devices with respectable photovoltaic efficiency. This has not yet been shown for equivalent devices made from evaporated Si precursor diodes (“EVA” solar cells). We demonstrate that there are two main problems for the metallization of EVA solar cells: (i) shunting of the p‐n junction when the air‐side metal contact is deposited; (ii) formation of the glass‐side contact with low contact resistance and without shunting. We present a working metallization scheme and first current‐voltage and quantum efficiency results of 2 cm2 EVA solar cells. The best planar EVA solar cells produced so far achieved fill factors up to 64%, series resistance values in the range of 4‐5 Ωcm2, short‐circuit current densities of up to 15.6 mA/cm2, and efficiencies of up to 4.25%. Using numerical device simulation, a diffusion length of about 4 μm is demonstrated for such devices. These promising results confirm that the device fabrication scheme presented in this paper is well suited for the metallization of EVA solar cells and that the electronic properties of evaporated SPC poly‐Si materials are sufficient for PV applications.
On Some Subclasses of Harmonic Functions Defined by Fractional Calculus
Authors: Al-Khal R. A. , Al-Kharsani H. A.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this paper is to study subclasses of normalized harmonic functions with positive real part using fractional derivative. Sharp estimates for coefficients and distortion theorems are given.
Shortened Time to IdentifyStaphylococcusSpecies from Blood Cultures and Methicillin Resistance Testing Using CHROMAgar
Authors: Chihara Shingo , Hayden Mary K. , Minogue-Corbett Eileen , Singh Kamaljit
Published: January 2009

The ability to rapidly differentiate coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) fromStaphylococcus aureusand to determine methicillin resistance is important as it affects the decision to treat empiric antibiotic selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate CHROMagarS. aureusand CHROMagar MRSA (Becton Dickinson) for rapid identification ofStaphylococcusspp. directly from blood cultures. Consecutive blood culture bottles (BacT Alert 3D SA and SN, bioMérieux) growing gram-positive cocci in clusters were evaluated. An aliquot was plated onto CHROMagar MRSA (C-MRSA) and CHROMagarS. aureus(C-SA) plates, which were read at 12 to 16 hours. C-SA correctly identified 147/147S. aureus(100% sensitivity); 2 CoNS were misidentified asS. aureus(98% specificity). C-MRSA correctly identified 74/77 MRSA (96% sensitivity). None of the MSSA isolates grew on C-MRSA (100% specificity). In conclusion, CHROMagar is a rapid and sensitive method to distinguish MRSA, MSSA, and coagulase-negativeStaphylococcusand may decrease time of reporting positive results.
Vehicular Emissions Induce Vascular MMP-9 Expression and Activity Associated With Endothelin-1–Mediated Pathways
Authors: Lund Amie K. , Lucero JoAnn , Lucas Selitá , Madden Michael C. , McDonald Jacob D. , Seagrave Jean-Clare , Knuckles Travis L. , Campen Matthew J.
Published: January 2009

Objective—

Mechanisms of air pollution–induced exacerbation of cardiovascular disease are currently unknown, thus we examined the roles of vascular endothelin-1 (ET-1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulating mediators of vascular remodeling, namely matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), after exposure to vehicle engine emissions.

Methods and Results—

ApoE
−/−
mice were exposed by inhalation to filtered air or gasoline engine exhaust (GEE, 1:12 dilution) 6 hours per day for 1 or 7 days. Concurrently, mice were treated with either ET
A
receptor antagonist BQ-123 (100 ng/kg/d) via osmotic minipumps, Tempol (≈41 mg/kg/d, orally), or vehicle. GEE-exposure increased vascular MMP-2 and -9, endothelin-1 (ET-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 mRNA and ROS levels. Aortic MMP protein and plasma MMP-9 were similarly upregulated. GEE-mediated increases in vascular ROS were attenuated by Tempol-treatment, as were MMP-2 and TIMP-2; whereas BQ-123 ameliorated GEE-induced vascular expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, ROS, and ET-1. In a parallel study, diesel exhaust exposure in volunteer human subjects induced significant increases in plasma ET-1 and MMP-9 expression and activity.

Conclusions—

These findings demonstrate that acute exposure to vehicular source air pollutants results in upregulation of circulating and vascular factors associated with progression of atherosclerosis, mediated in part through activation of ET-1–ET
A
receptor pathways.
Prevalence of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Korean Elders
Authors: Han Moon-Ku , Huh Yoonseok , Lee Seok Bum , Park Joon Hyuk , Lee Jung Jae , Choi Eun Ae , Lim Jae-Young , Lim Soo , Kim Kwang-il , Park Young Joo , Paik Nam-Jong , Kim Tae Kyun , Jang Hak C. , Kim Ki Woong ,   Korean Consortium for Health and Aging Research
Published: January 2009

Background and Purpose—

Studies on the epidemiology of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are very limited in Asian elderly populations. We investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities of stroke and TIA in community-dwelling Korean elders.

Methods—

Standardized face-to-face interviews, neurological examinations, and physical examinations were conducted in 714 randomly sampled community-dwelling Korean elders aged ≥65 years. Diagnoses of stroke and TIA were made according to the World Health Organization criteria.

Results—

Age- and education-standardized prevalences of stroke, TIA, and cerebrovascular disorder (implying stroke or TIA) were estimated to be 10.1%, 8.9%, and 15.4%, respectively, in Korean elders. Hypertension and current smoking were associated with the risk of stroke, whereas atrial fibrillation, high diastolic blood pressure, high serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertension were associated with the risk of TIA. Cerebrovascular disorder was associated with the risk of major depressive disorder, vascular dementia, and nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (
P
<0.05).

Conclusion—

Prevalences of stroke and TIA in Korean elders were higher than in white elders. Stroke and TIA were associated with increased risk of depression and cognitive disorders.
Houses of Worship as Restorative Environments
Authors: Herzog Thomas R. , Ouellette Pierre , Rolens Jennifer R. , Koenigs Angela M.
Published: January 2009

This study of the restorative benefits of visiting a house of worship was based on questionnaire responses by 781 participants. Factor analysis of motivations for visiting yielded five factors, three of which matched those from a previous study (spirituality, beauty, and being away) and two new ones (contemplation and obligation). Factor analysis of activities at a house of worship yielded four factors along a gradient corresponding roughly to degree of organized religious practice: rituals, traditional activities, asking, and nonreligious activities. Spirituality and asking (for help or forgiveness) were the strongest predictors of positive outcomes, whereas nonreligious activities predicted negative outcomes. The results support and extend Attention Restoration Theory. They indicate that a house of worship can provide a compatible setting for satisfying a spirituality motive and for the cognitive activity of asking which can aid in conserving and restoring directed attention as well as fostering meditation and reflection.
Extinction Limit of Diesel Pool Fires Suppressed by Water Mist
Authors: Beihua Cong , Guangxuan Liao , Huang Zhen
Published: January 2009

This work describes an experimental and theoretical investigation of extinction limit of diesel pool fires suppressed by water mist. A downward-directed nozzle produced a fine water spray over small-scale opposed diesel pool fires. The fire extinction limit is obtained from minimum nozzle injection pressure or maximum fire size when the fire extinguishment took place. For the conditions tested, it is observed that there are two distinct regions in the relationship between the injection pressure and fire size, i.e., a fire suppression region and a fire intensification region. The transition of the two regions is dependent on the effective water flux and the plume-spray thrust ratio. It is also revealed that the fuel surface cooling is the dominant mechanism for diesel pool fires at extinction limit in the tests. The failure to cause fire extinction is mainly due to the insufficient water flux applied to remove enough heat from the fuel surface.
Building a Policy Fields Framework to Inform Research on Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Stone Melissa M. , Sandfort Jodi R.
Published: January 2009

Although the importance of the public policy environment for strategic action of nonprofit organizations has become increasingly clear, research on nonprofits is often divorced from their policy context. The purpose of this article is to present a theoretically informed framework for analyzing policy environments that can inform nonprofit research. Drawing on insights from political science, organization theory, public management, and nonprofit studies, the authors propose that the framework reflects a policy field that is an identifiable set of elements in a specific environment that directly shapes local public service provision. These elements include the structures created by institutions that deliver public programs and the ways in which state and local actors interact with and shape these structures as they work on public problems. Through a research example, the article presents the policy field framework’s analytic steps.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific immunospot assay of pleural exudate mononuclear cells is useful for the exclusion of tuberculous pleuritis in patients with lupus pleuritis
Authors: Takase K , Ohno S , Ideguchi H , Murakami S , Takeno M , Ishigatsubo Y
Published: January 2009

It is often difficult to make a diagnosis of pleuritis associated with rheumatic diseases because of lack of specific diagnostic tools. We report a patient with lupus pleuritis from which tuberculous pleuritis was distinguished by Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assay of pleural exudate mononuclear cells. After the diagnosis of lupus pleuritis, the patient was successfully treated with prednisolone.
Beyond immunosuppression – challenges in the clinical management of lupus nephritis
Authors: Masood S , Jayne D , Karim Y
Published: January 2009

Lupus nephritis remains the most common severe manifestation of SLE with increased risk of death and end-stage renal disease. Although, recent research has focused on the choice of immunosuppressive in its treatment, other factors, including the quality and delivery of healthcare, the management of glucocorticoids and co-morbidity are probably of more importance. There has been significant progress in induction regimes with the successful use of mycophenolate mofetil, low dose intravenous cyclophosphamide and development of sequential regimens whereby cyclophosphamide is followed by an alternative immunosuppressive. However, the attention on the day-to-day management of lupus nephritis in the clinic has merited less attention. In this article, we aim to address more widely the major issues which are encountered regularly in the long-term management of these patients. The overall goals are the reduction of mortality and preservation of renal function.
Evidence of concurrent immunopathological mechanisms determining the pathology of severe lupus nephritis
Authors: Schwartz MM , Korbet SM , Katz RS , Lewis EJ
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this study is to determine whether two distinct histopathological–immunopathological lesions, which have been reported in severe lupus nephritis, diffuse global glomerulonephritis (GN) (WHO IV) and a segmental and necrotising GN (WHO III) can be reported to coexist in a single patient. We examine the evidence of coexistence of these disparate lesions and the prognostic significance in a group of patients with severe lupus nephritis who have been subjected to a common therapeutic regimen by protocol. The simple, reproducible parameter indicating the presence of glomerular capillary necrosis was the presence of crescents. We, therefore, reviewed 39 renal biopsies with diffuse global lupus GN (WHO IV) (Churg, J, Sobin, LH. Lupus nephritis. Renal disease, classification and atlas of glomerular diseases. New York: Igaku-Shoin; 1982. p. 127–149). and used crescents as a surrogate for glomerular necrosis. Peripheral capillary immune deposits were less prominent in WHO IV with crescents compared with those without and resembled the reduced immune deposits seen in severe segmental GN (WHO III ≥ 50%). Patients with WHO IV with crescents had decreased survival without end-stage renal disease ( P = 0.02), fewer remissions ( P = 0.04) and more adverse outcomes (12/22 vs 3/17) ( P = 0.02) than those without crescents, and this was similar to patients with WHO III ≥50%. We conclude that, on the basis of immunological and morphological features, WHO IV with crescents appears to be the result of two distinct pathogenetic mechanisms. We propose that diffuse global lupus GN, associated with crescents, is best described as WHO class IV + WHO class III.
The Impact of Descriptive Representation on Women’s Political Engagement: Does Party Matter?
Authors: Reingold Beth , Harrell Jessica
Published: January 2009

Recent research raises doubts about whether the presence of women contesting or occupying prominent public office enhances women’s political engagement. Taking into account both gender and party congruence between politicians and constituents, the authors find that it is primarily female candidates of the same party who enhance women’s interest in politics. The stronger impact of party-congruent (over party-incongruent) female candidates can be attributed to either greater visibility or agreement on substantive issues. Party matters, but rather than obscuring the role of gender in electoral politics, it enhances our understanding of how, or under what conditions, it works.
Fatal Cokeromyces recurvatus Pneumonia: Report of a Case Highlighting the Potential for Histopathologic Misdiagnosis as Coccidioides
Authors: Ryan Lori J. , Ferrieri Patricia , Powell Ralph D. , Paddock Christopher D. , Zaki Sherif R. , Pambuccian Stefan E.
Published: January 2009

Cokeromyces recurvatus is a dimorphic zygomycete with histologic morphology similar to Coccidioides immitis. A 66-year-old man who was status-post bone marrow transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia was hospitalized with new onset rash, nausea, and vomiting and subsequently expired. A sputum culture collected on the day of death revealed heavy growth of C. recurvatus 6 days after collection. At autopsy, microscopic examination of the lungs revealed numerous thick-walled, nonbudding spherules ranging in size from 40 to 80 µm. Initial immunohistochemical staining of the formalin-fixed lung tissue was positive for Coccidioides . Additional immunoperoxidase staining revealed the organisms were consistent with a zygomycete fungus, compatible with C. recurvatus infection. Polymerase chain reaction using panfungal primers was attempted on the formalin-fixed tissue but was inconclusive. This case highlights the potential for misdiagnosing Cokeromyces as Coccidioides when the diagnosis is based on histology and immunohistochemical staining.
Anticoagulation Therapy With Heparin and Warfarin in Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis Knee
Authors: Kimura Kazumasa , Ohtani Shigeki , Okamura Hiroshi , Ishii Nobukazu , Kishimoto Chieko , Konishi Kunihiko
Published: January 2009

The authors evaluated the prophylactic protocols with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and warfarin in Japanese patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis knee in regard to bleeding complications. Fifty-six patients who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis knee with the use of methylmethacrylate were included. Subcutaneous UFH and warfarin were administered for thromboprophylaxis to the first group of 26 patients. The second group of 30 patients did not receive any pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and were used as controls. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups for operative and postoperative blood loss. There were no cases with major bleeding as a complication, but for 2 cases, the international normalized ratio high value exceeded the remedy limits, and temporary dosage discontinuance was required. There were no clinically important bleeding events in the 2 groups. No heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or warfarin-induced skin necrosis occurred. The authors conclude that the protocol with UFH and warfarin is safe for thromboprophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after TKA in Japanese patients, but its efficacy can only be resolved with further studies.
Effect of Honey Thermal Conditions on Hydroxymethylfurfural Content Prior to Pasteurization
Authors: Escriche I. , Visquert M. , Carot J.M. , Domenech E. , Fito P.
Published: January 2009

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content is internationally recognized for its ability to indicate the freshness or lack of freshness of honey. Relevant standards stipulate that commercial honey intended for household consumption should have no more than 40 mg of HMF per kilogram of honey. This study investigated the correlation between changes in HMF content and changes in other quality criteria such as moisture content, conductivity, and total acidity when honey was subject to temperatures characteristic of the stages prior to industrial pasteurization. Furthermore, a model was created to predict increases in HMF content in the above stages. The study involved four different types of honey. Several thermal treatments were applied by combining different temperatures (between 35 °C and 65 °C) with periods of time ranging from 3 h to 28 days. Multivariate analysis showed no correlation between HMF content and the other three study variables. The application of a general linear model confirmed that the increases observed in HMF content were only correlated with time, temperature, and type of honey. The model created accounted for 75.47% of data variability and it is concluded that the predictive power of the model could be improved by modeling the storage temperature ranges apart from the liquefaction temperature ranges.
Technological Characterization of Experimental Natural Rennets Pastes
Authors: Ferrandini E. , López M.B. , Castillo M. , De Renobales M. , Virto M. , Hernández I. , Price A.V. , Laencina J.
Published: January 2009

Four types of lamb rennet pastes were characterized according to the sort of abomasa and the treatment it received: full fresh abomasa (FFA), full dried abomasa (FDA), empty dried abomasa (EDA), and empty frozen abomasa (EFA). These rennet pastes were studied by means of different technological parameters (milk clotting time, chymosin content, lipase activity, and aptitude against milk coagulation).The highest level of clotting activity (391.20 IMCU/g) corresponded to the rennet EDA whereas the lowest (172.87IMCU/g) was found in EFA. The chymosin content of the pastes classified them as rennet extracts, the highest chymosin level (80.46%) being found in the paste from FDA and the lowest (71.10%) being obtained from FFA.The highest level of lipase activity (10.57 U/g) was found in EDA whereas the lowest (1.46 U/g) was in paste FDA. Milk coagulation aptitude was studied through the use of a near infra-red radiation dispersion sensor. The highest value of Rmax (0.049 min-1) found in the rennet paste made with EDA indicated a higher level of casein hydrolysis and greater aggregation speed. For the same rennet at tmax value of 6.1 min was established lower than for other rennet preparations which reflected the fact that this rennet hydrolyzed 80% of the K-casein in a shorter period of time. It is concluded that the best natural lamb rennet paste of this work was FFA due to it combines appropriate proteolytic and lipolytic activities although it does not reach the maximum values for each technological parameters analyzed.
Control Paramethers for Sous-vide Cook-chill Processing of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris) Stems
Authors: Mir J. , Oria R. , Salvador M.L.
Published: January 2009

Within the various stages involved in the preparation of swiss chart stems (Beta vulgaris) as a `V gamme' product, this work concentrated on heating and subsequent cooling, since these are the stages which cause the most drastic changes in the quality parameters of the product. For the detailed analysis, a 3D finite-difference conductive heat transfer model has been developed. This model takes into account vegetal physico-chemical properties (humidity, density, thermal conductivity) as well as their thermoresistance. The texture is one of the parameters that most influences the organoleptic quality of this product, both as an indicator of the extent of cooking and for reflecting the level of homogeneity. Its temperature dependence has been determined by means of a texturometer, confirming a first-order Arrhenius type behavior. Assuming a pasteurization level corresponding to the absence of Listeria monocytogenes in its vegetative form with a margin of 7 logarithmic units as appropriate, the solution of the model enables the establishment of the time necessary for each processing temperature (from 65 to 95 °C). Given the marked temperature gradients observed, various geometric configurations of the stems have been simulated in order to find the most homogenous product.
Evaluation of Alternative Winemaking Processes for Red Wine Color Enhancement
Authors: Puertas B. , Guerrero R.F. , Jurado M.S. , Jimenez M.J. , Cantos-Villar E.
Published: January 2009

The effects of five novel winemaking technologies on color were evaluated. Cold soak maceration (CSM), dry ice maceration (DIM), prefermentative juice runoff (PJR), delestage (D), and extended maceration (EM) were the process assayed on grapes from Tempranillo variety cultivated in a warm climate zone. Enological and color parameters were determined at stemmed-crushed, pressed, bottled and after 4 months aged in bottle. Significant differences were found in color intensity, percentage of red and blue, and hue at each step of the process and for every technique when compared to the control wine. However, differences tended to decrease with aging. Eleven anthocyanins (glucosides and acylated) were identified, and five quantified by HPLC. Also the anthocyanin distribution in free anthocyanin (% FA), copigmented anthocyanin (% CA) and polimerizated anthocyanin (% PA) were studied. Differences were found for total anhocyanin content, not in their relative abundance. Winemaking processes affected wine's main sensory attributes. DIM achieved a remarkably high valuation for aspect at bottle time, while EM obtained very positive remarks with regards to aroma and persistence at aging DIM and PJR seemed to be the most promising techniques, but after 4-months aging in bottle only EM wine showed a high anthocyanin content.
Effect of Pre-processing Controlled Atmosphere Storage on the Quality of Fresh-cut Galia Melons
Authors: Benedetti B.C. , Gómez P. , Martins M. , Conesa A. , Artés F.
Published: January 2009

The effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of whole Galia melon on its physical, chemical, and sensory quality after minimal processing were evaluated. High quality fruits washed with 200 mg/L NaClO water solution were stored at 8 °C and 95% RH under CA of 4 kPa O2 + 15 kPa CO2 (T1), 4 kPa O 2 + 10 kPa CO2 (T2) and 21 kPa O2 + 0 kPa CO 2 (T3, air as control). Melons were removed from CA after 10 and 28 days, kept in air at 5 °C for 24 h and then minimally processed in a disinfected cold room at 5 °C. Trapezoidal sections were washed with 100 mg/L NaClO, rinsed and drained. Melon pieces were placed in polypropylene (PP) trays which were heat sealed with an oriented PP film of 35 μm thickness and stored at 5 °C. After 9 days the atmosphere within packages was dependent of pre-storage time, but very similar for the three pre-storage CA treatments: around 2 kPa O2 + 21 kPa CO2 for those stored 10 days and 3 kPa O2 + 31 kPa CO2 for those stored during 28 days. Overall quality of minimally processed Galia melon was affected by pre-processing conditions. Trapezoidal sections obtained from melons previously stored during 28 days at 8 °C under 4 kPa O2 + 15 kPa CO 2 and MAP stored for 7 days at 5 °C showed the highest firmness and the best sensory quality. However, for all the cases, microbial counts were over the legal limits. Alternative disinfection procedures should be developed to guarantee safety of the product.
Ohmic Heating and Moderate Electric Field Processing
Authors: Sastry S.
Published: January 2009

Ohmic heating has been revived in the 1980s and after a brief pause in the 1990s, has reemerged in a number of food processing applications. An offshoot, Moderate Electric Field (MEF) processing has emerged from the recognition that even relatively mild electric fields themselves have significant effects on food and other biological materials. A number of significant research areas have been identified in this connection. In addition, a discussion is provided on priorities for federal research funding, including the need for basic research balanced with industry relevance, availability of pilot facilities for development of new technologies, and potentially, a mechanism for helping inventions survive through the initial ``Valley of Death'' phase.
Industry Perspective and Roles
Authors: Arora V.K. , Kempkes M.
Published: January 2009

Partnership between government agencies and academic institutions is of paramount significance in the early stages of technology development. Industry should play only an advisory role in the initial screening and selection process for research proposals competing for federal grants and support. Industry engagement is critical during the advanced development and pre-commercialization phase of an emerging food processing technology because manufacturers in industry are the end-users of the technology. They have the knowledge of consumer needs and food trends. They are eager to embrace a technology if it can deliver what consumers want. At the same time, industry needs to balance its involvement against the perceived market potential for a new technology — which can be very low until the technology is both proven and scaled to reasonable size. Partnerships and consortia provide an ideal means to accelerate advanced development and commercialization of an emerging technology, allowing the industrial partners to balance their investment with the technology's promise to fulfill a business or consumer need in the marketplace.
Microwave and Radio Frequency Heating
Authors: Ramaswamy H. , Tang J.
Published: January 2009

This paper brings to perspective issues related to research initiatives for the application of microwave (MW) and radiofrequency (RF) applications in foods. Both MW (300 MHz and 300 GHz) and RF waves (3 kHz — 300 MHz) are part of the electromagnetic spectrum that result in heating of dielectric materials by induced molecular vibration as a result of dipole rotation or ionic polarization. They have been credited with volumetric heat generation resulting in rapid heating of foodstuffs. Due to their lower frequency levels, RF waves have a larger penetration depth than MW and hence could find better application in larger size foods. Besides the popular domestic use of MW ovens, commercialized applications of MW/RF heating include blanching, tempering, pasteurization, sterilization, drying, rapid extraction, enhanced reaction kinetics, selective heating, disinfestations, etc. This paper reviews the current status and research needs for in-packaged sterilization technologies for commercial applications. Technological challenges include process equipment design, microbial destruction and enzyme inactivation kinetics, temperature and process monitoring, and achieving of temperature uniformity. Other issues also relate to the use of packaging material in in-package sterilization applications, package/container concerns in domestic MW ovens, receptor technology for creating dry-oven conditions, modeling and time-temperature process integrators. There is also the issue of non-thermal and enhanced thermal effects of microwave heating on destruction kinetics.
Cultural differences in travel guidebooks information search
Authors: Osti Linda , Turner Lindsay W. , King Brian
Published: January 2009

The current consumer trend away from package tourism towards more individually organized travel, including special interest travel, is likely to have an impact on the structure and organization of the travel industry, the channels of distribution, booking systems, business and destination suppliers from private sources such as the internet and published travel guidebooks. In planning their holidays, tourists are increasingly likely to demand greater destination information. If they are to be made aware of the available range of product options and to make appropriate product choices they will need information. The extent and type of the required information will depend on the type of vacation, on the consumer's destination knowledge, prior travel experience, and cultural background. The present study reports the findings of a quantitative survey administered to Japanese, Korean, Chinese and North American travellers. The researchers aimed to investigate the need for information across Western and Asian cultures. The study has focused on the need for information in travel guidebooks and examines the extent to which culture influences the type of information sought.
Proportionality, winner-take-all, and distributive justice
Authors: Reiff Mark R.
Published: January 2009

When faced with multiple claims to a particular good, what does distributive justice require? To answer this question, we need a substantive moral theory that will enable us assign relative moral weights to the parties' claims. But this is not all we need. Once we have assessed the moral weight of each party's claim, we still need to decide what method of distribution to employ, for there are two methods open to us. We could take the winner-take-all approach, and award the good to the party with the strongest claim. On the other hand, we could divide the good proportionally, according to the relative strength of each party's claim. Because the choice between these two methods of distribution can have a dramatic impact on the resulting pattern of distribution, the choice presents a question of justice. But this is a question of justice that is often overlooked. As a result, we currently employ the principle of proportionality far less often than justice actually requires. If we focus on the question of distributive method, however, we are not only better able to understand how certain reasons enter into our all-things-considered moral judgments, we are also able to explain some perplexing but common aspects of our moral beliefs: how rights can be said to have peremptory force, yet still be balanced against other important interests; how justice can sometimes require compromise, yet sometimes require victory; and how a moral theory can avoid being too demanding while still being demanding enough.
Postmodernism and HRD Theory: Current Status and Prospects
Authors: Han Heeyoung , Kuchinke K. Peter , Boulay David Andrew
Published: January 2009

With posttraditionalism and postmodern frames of reference firmly established in social theory and many of the applied social sciences, including management, the question of the role of postmodernism in human resource development (HRD) theory needs to be asked. The purpose of the article is to explicate the contribution of postmodernism to HRD, distinguish posttraditionalism from the recently emerged stream of critical perspectives on HRD, and to argue for the contribution of postmodern readings of HRD theory to better understand the complex landscape of contemporary organizations, employees, and learning and development functions. Starting with a historical analysis of the meaning of the Enlightenment, and various modernist perspectives, the article describes the central tenets of postmodern theory and their implications for the theory and practice of HRD and argue for its important role in broadening and enriching the field of HRD.
Evaluation of the Effects of a Psychosocial Intervention on Mood, Coping, and Quality Of Life in Cancer Patients
Authors: Reavley Nicola , Pallant Julie F. , Sali Avni
Published: January 2009

It was hypothesized that participation in a psychosocial intervention incorporating meditation, social support, positive thinking, and a low-fat, vegetarian diet would have beneficial effects on mood, coping, and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. This article describes the sociodemographic, medical, and psychological characteristics of participants in a psychosocial intervention designed for cancer patients. It also describes program impact in terms of Profile of Mood States, Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy. Compliance with program recommendations for 3 months and effects on adjustment were also explored. Improvements in all measures were found at program completion, with spiritual well-being particularly linked to improvement in QOL. The results suggest that the program has significant beneficial effects on adjustment but that these may not be fully maintained at follow-up, possibly because of difficulty in incorporating program recommendations into everyday life, increasing disease severity, and lack of accountability.