bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periapical biomechanics and the role of cyclic biting force in apical retrograde fluid movement
Authors: Kishen A.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To investigate the stress distribution pattern in the periapical region caused by biting forces and to study the role of cyclic biting loads on periapical fluid movement.

Methodology  In the first part, a digital photoelastic experiment was conducted to study stress distribution in the periapical region. In the second, 20 maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into three main groups: normal intact teeth (group 1), tooth specimens in which the root canal was enlarged and maintained wet (group 2), and tooth specimens in which the root canal was enlarged and maintained dry (group 3). The tooth specimens were placed in a polycarbonate support with a cavity filled with a sponge soaked in methylene blue solution to simulate a periapical defect with exudate. During testing, the specimens were placed in a water bath at 37 °C, and were loaded cyclically with a load of 20 N, at a rate of 72 cycles min−1, to a maximum of 20 000 cycles. The specimens were then sectioned and evaluated for retrograde fluid movement using light microscopy. The data were analysed using one‐way anova (post hoc tests).

Results  Digital photoelastic experiments showed that the compression of teeth produced bending stresses in the periapical region. Testing with cyclic loads demonstrated retrograde fluid movement into the apical portion of the root canal and extraradicular region in all groups. There was a significant difference amongst the apical retrograde fluid movement displayed by different groups (<0.01). Group 2, in which the root canal was enlarged and maintained wet showed maximum retrograde fluid movement, whilst group 3, in which the root canal was enlarged and maintained dry showed the least retrograde fluid movement.

Conclusions  Biting forces would cause bending of the periapical bone and cyclic biting forces would contribute to retrograde fluid movement into the root canal space and extraradicular region.
Cytotoxicity of MTA and Portland cement on human ECV 304 endothelial cells
Authors: De Deus G. , Ximenes R. , Gurgel‐Filho E. D. , Plotkowski M. C. , Coutinho‐Filho T.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of two brands of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Pro‐Root MTA® and MTA Angelus®) and Portland cement (PC) on the human ECV 304 endothelial cell line.

Methodology  Endothelial ECV 304 cells were incubated at 37 °C in an atmosphere of 95% air, 5% carbon dioxide and 100% humidity for 7 days and grown in F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum with 50 μg mL−1 of gentamicin sulphate. Effects of the materials on mitochondrial functions were measured by a colorimetric assay. At each experimental time interval (24, 48 and 72 h), a dimethyl‐thiazol‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromid assay was conducted to measure cell viability. All assays were repeated three times to ensure reproducibility. Results were expressed as average absorbance (A570\,nm) ± SD and the data were analysed statistically by one‐way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post‐test. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results  No statistically significant difference was shown between any of the experimental materials (P > 0.05).

Conclusions  The two brands of MTA analysed, as well as the PC, initially showed a similar elevated cytotoxic effect that decreased gradually with time allowing the cell culture to become reestablished.
A comparative study of Endoflare–Hero Shaper and Mtwo NiTi instruments in the preparation of curved root canals
Authors: Veltri M. , Mollo A. , Mantovani L. , Pini P. , Balleri P. , Grandini S.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To analyse the shaping ability of two new NiTi rotary systems in molar curved canals.

Methodology  Thirty molar root canals with curvatures from 24° to 69° were divided into two groups that were balanced in terms of curvature. The canals in one group were shaped using the Mtwo (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy) and the canals in the other group using the Endoflare–Hero Shaper (Micro‐Mega, Besançon, France) in a modified sequence. Pre‐ and post‐instrumentation X‐rays were taken using a radiographic platform, with a contrast medium being used to enhance canal opacity. The dentine removed at five positions along the canals, the symmetry of canal shaping and the presence of aberrations were analysed through computer‐aided measurements. The instrument failures, the working time and the changes in working length were also recorded. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for statistical analyses.

Results  Both systems produced uniform dentine removal and symmetrical canal shapes; there was no significant difference between the systems (P > 0.05). In the apical region, preparations were centred in the canal. A mean loss of working length of 0.55 mm for Mtwo and 0.58 mm for Endoflare–Hero Shaper was detected, with no significant differences between the instruments (P > 0.05). No aberrations were seen and no instruments separated. The mean working time was 124.4 s for the Mtwo system and 141.3 s for the Endoflare–Hero Shaper but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  The systems tested in this study were effective in shaping curved canals in extracted teeth.
Influence of different types of automated devices on the shaping ability of rotary nickel‐titanium FlexMaster instruments
Authors: Schäfer E. , Erler M. , Dammaschke T.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To compare the shaping ability of rotary FlexMaster nickel‐titanium instruments in simulated curved canals and in curved canals of extracted teeth when set into permanent rotation with three different torque‐limited automated devices.

Methodology  Root canal instrumentation was performed with three different torque‐limited automated devices (ENDOadvance, SIRONiTi and Endo IT motor) by FlexMaster nickel‐titanium instruments up to size 35. Simulated canals: 28° and 35° curved canals in resin blocks (n = 20 canals in each group) were prepared. Pre‐ and post‐instrumentation images were recorded and assessment of canal shape was completed with a computer image analysis program. Extracted teeth: A total of 60 curved root canals were divided into three groups, which were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Incidence of canal aberrations, preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were recorded both in simulated and real canals.

Results  In simulated and real canals, instrumentation with Endo IT was significantly faster than with SIRONiTi (P < 0.05). With respect to canal aberrations in simulated canals, there were no significant differences between the devices (P > 0.05), even though more aberrations were created with ENDOadvance and SIRONiTi. In real canals, the Endo IT motor resulted in significantly less straightening during instrumentation (P < 0.05) than SIRONiTi. A total of three instruments separated (one file in each group) during the enlargement of 35° curved simulated canals. All systems maintained working distance well.

Conclusions  All systems respected original root canal curvature well and were safe, indicating that torque‐limited rotation handpieces are suitable for preparing curved root canals.
A laboratory comparison of three imaging systems for image quality and radiation exposure characteristics
Authors: Bhaskaran V. , Qualtrough A. J. E. , Rushton V. E. , Worthington H. V. , Horner K.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To measure and compare the relationships between image quality and X‐ray exposure for three types of intraoral imaging system (conventional film, phosphor plate system and CCD‐based system).

Methodology  Kodak ‘Insight’ F‐speed film, Digora FMX (phosphor plate system) and Visualix USB (CCD system) were used to produce series of radiographic images of two tooth‐bearing jaw specimens (maxillary molar and mandibular molar regions) at a range of X‐ray exposures from 10 ms to 2000 ms (all at 6 mA and 60 kV). Digital images were viewed from a computer monitor and films viewed on a conventional light box. Five observers scored each image using a five‐point subjective image quality scale (0–4).

Results  Optimum image quality (4) was seen for conventional film. Neither digital system achieved this score at any exposure, achieving in both cases a maximum mean score of 3.1 (adequate visualization). The two digital systems, however, provided adequate visualization at substantially lower exposure times. Dose reduction over conventional film for maximum quality images with Visualix USB was 20%, but for Digora FMX it was 70%. All three systems gave acceptable (quality score of two or higher) images over a broad range of exposures.

Conclusions  In terms of subjective image quality, F‐speed film performed better than the two digital systems, but this must be weighed against the ability of the two digital systems to give adequate image quality at lower radiation doses.
Communities of nirS‐type denitrifiers in the water column of the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern South Pacific
Authors: Castro‐González Maribeb , Braker Gesche , Farías Laura , Ulloa Osvaldo
Published: August 2005

The major sites of water column denitrification in the ocean are oxygen minimum zones (OMZ), such as one in the eastern South Pacific (ESP). To understand the structure of denitrifying communities in the OMZ off Chile, denitrifier communities at two sites in the Chilean OMZ (Antofagasta and Iquique) and at different water depths were explored by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and cloning of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified nirS genes. NirS is a functional marker gene for denitrification encoding cytochrome cd1‐containing nitrite reductase, which catalyses the reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide, the key step in denitrification. Major differences were found between communities from the two geographic locations. Shifts in community structure occurred along a biogeochemical gradient at Antofagasta. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that O2, NO3–, NO2– and depth were important environmental factors governing these communities along the biogeochemical gradient in the water column. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the majority of clones from the ESP in distinct clusters of genes from presumably novel and yet uncultivated denitrifers. These nirS clusters were distantly related to those found in the water column of the Arabian Sea but the phylogenetic distance was even higher compared with environmental sequences from marine sediments or any other habitat. This finding suggests similar environmental conditions trigger the development of denitrifiers with related nirS genotypes despite large geographic distances.
In situ substrate conversion and assimilation by nitrifying bacteria in a model biofilm
Authors: Gieseke Armin , Nielsen Jeppe Lund , Amann Rudolf , Nielsen Per Halkjær , De Beer Dirk
Published: August 2005

Local nitrification and carbon assimilation activities were studied in situ in a model biofilm to investigate carbon yields and contribution of distinct populations to these activities. Immobilized microcolonies (related to Nitrosomonas europaea/eutropha, Nitrosomonas oligotropha, Nitrospira sp., and to other Bacteria) were incubated with [14C]‐bicarbonate under different experimental conditions. Nitrifying activity was measured concomitantly with microsensors (oxygen, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate). Biofilm thin sections were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), microautoradiography (MAR), and local quantification of [14C]‐bicarbonate uptake (beta microimaging). Nitrifying activity and tracer assimilation were restricted to a surface layer of different thickness in the various experiments (substrate or oxygen limitation). Excess oxygen uptake under all conditions revealed heterotrophic activity fuelled by decay or excretion products during active nitrification. Depth limits and intensity of tracer incorporation profiles were in agreement with ammonia‐oxidation activity (measured with microsensors), and distribution of incorporated tracer (detected with MAR). Microautoradiography revealed a sharp individual response of distinct populations in terms of in‐/activity depending on the (local) environmental conditions within the biofilm. Net in situ carbon yields on N, expressed as e– equivalent ratios, varied between 0.005 and 0.018, and, thus, were in the lower range of data reported for pure cultures of nitrifiers.
Isolation and characterization of Dehalococcoides sp. strain FL2, a trichloroethene (TCE)‐ and 1,2‐dichloroethene‐respiring anaerobe
Authors: He Jianzhong , Sung Youlboong , Krajmalnik‐Brown Rosa , Ritalahti Kirsti M. , Löffler Frank E.
Published: August 2005

A strictly anaerobic bacterium was isolated from tetrachloroethene (PCE)‐to‐ethene dechlorinating microcosms established with river sediment without prior exposure to chlorinated solvents. The isolation procedure included the addition of 2‐bromoethanesulfonate to select against methanogenic archaea, > 50 consecutive 1–2% (v/v) transfers to reduced mineral salts medium amended with trichloroethene (TCE), acetate, and hydrogen, the addition of ampicillin, and the dilution‐to‐extinction principle. Culture‐dependent and 16S rRNA gene‐targeted approaches suggested culture purity. Microscopic examination revealed a homogeneous culture of an organism with a distinct, disc‐shaped morphology. The isolate shared > 99% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with members of the Pinellas group of the Dehalococcoides cluster, and was designated Dehalococcoides sp. strain FL2. Strain FL2 could be propagated with TCE, cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cis‐DCE), or trans‐DCE as the electron acceptors, acetate as the carbon source, and hydrogen as the electron donor in defined, completely synthetic medium. No other growth‐supporting redox couples were identified. Trichloroethene, cis‐DCE and trans‐DCE were dechlorinated at rates of 27.5, 30.4 and 18.8 µmol l−1 day−1 respectively. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a fluorescently labelled linear hybridization probe confirmed growth with these electron acceptors, and suggested that strain FL2 captures energy from both the TCE‐to‐cis‐DCE and 1,2‐DCE‐to‐VC dechlorination steps. Tetrachloroethene and vinyl chloride (VC) were slowly and cometabolically dechlorinated in the presence of a growth‐supporting chloroethene, but ethene formation was incomplete, even after prolonged incubation. At room temperature, strain FL2 grew with a doubling time of 2.4 days, and yielded 166.1 ± 10.2 mg of protein per mole of chloride released. In the presence of excess electron acceptor, strain FL2 consumed hydrogen to a concentration of 0.061 ± 0.016 nM. Dechlorination ceased following the addition of 0.5 mM sulfite, whereas sulfate (10 mM) and nitrate (5 mM) had no inhibitory effects.
Gene expression analysis of the mechanism of inhibition of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough by nitrate‐reducing, sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Haveman Shelley A. , Greene E. Anne , Voordouw Gerrit
Published: August 2005

Sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) are inhibited by nitrate‐reducing, sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria (NR‐SOB) in the presence of nitrate. This inhibition has been attributed either to an increase in redox potential or to production of nitrite by the NR‐SOB. Nitrite specifically inhibits the final step in the sulfate reduction pathway. When the NR‐SOB Thiomicrospira sp. strain CVO was added to mid‐log phase cultures of the SRB Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough in the presence of nitrate, sulfate reduction was inhibited. Strain CVO reduced nitrate and oxidized sulfide, with transient production of nitrite. Sulfate reduction by D. vulgaris resumed once nitrite was depleted. A DNA macroarray with open reading frames encoding enzymes involved in energy metabolism of D. vulgaris was used to study the effects of NR‐SOB on gene expression. Shortly following addition of strain CVO, D. vulgaris genes for cytochrome c nitrite reductase and hybrid cluster proteins Hcp1 and Hcp2 were upregulated. Genes for sulfate reduction enzymes, except those for dissimilatory sulfite reductase, were downregulated. Genes for the membrane‐bound electron transferring complexes QmoABC and DsrMKJOP were downregulated and unaffected, respectively, whereas direct addition of nitrite downregulated both operons. Overall the gene expression response of D. vulgaris upon exposure to strain CVO and nitrate resembled that observed upon direct addition of nitrite, indicating that inhibition of SRB is primarily due to nitrite production by NR‐SOB.
Pathogenicity of vibrios to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) and Artemia nauplii
Authors: Austin Brian , Austin Dawn , Sutherland Rowan , Thompson Fabiano , Swings Jean
Published: August 2005

The taxonomy of marine vibrios has changed rapidly over the last two decades, and a wealth of new species have been identified. Many Vibrio species are pathogenic to fish and crustaceans; however, little is known about the virulence of many of the novel species. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of various recent isolates of vibrios to cause disease in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) and crustacea, i.e. Artemia nauplii. Of 56 isolates, representing 26 species of Enterovibrio, Photobacterium and Vibrio, obtained from a diversity of healthy and diseased aquatic animal hosts and water samples from many geographical locations, Vibrio brasiliensis, V. coralliilyticus, V. ezurae, V. fortis, V. kanaloaei, V. neptunius, V. rotiferianus and V. tubiashii were pathogenic to rainbow trout and Artemia nauplii with mortalities of up to 100%. The extracellular products of these pathogenic isolates were harmful to the animal models. In contrast, cultures of Enterovibrio norvegicus, E. coralii, Photobacterium rosenbergii, Vibrio campbellii, V. chagasii, V. cyclitrophicus, V. gallicus, V. gigasii, V. hepatarius, V. hispanicus, V. lentus, V. nereis, V. pacini, V. pomeroyi, V. shilonii, V. superstes, V. tasmaniensis and V. xuii demonstrated either non‐ or low virulence in the animal models.
Ferroplasma and relatives, recently discovered cell wall‐lacking archaea making a living in extremely acid, heavy metal‐rich environments
Authors: Golyshina Olga V. , Timmis Kenneth N.
Published: August 2005

For several decades, the bacterium Acidithiobacillus (previously Thiobacillus) has been considered to be the principal acidophilic sulfur‐ and iron‐oxidizing microbe inhabiting acidic environments rich in ores of iron and other heavy metals, responsible for the metal solubilization and leaching from such ores, and has become the paradigm of such microbes. However, during the last few years, new studies of a number of acidic environments, particularly mining waste waters, acidic pools, etc., in diverse geographical locations have revealed the presence of new cell wall‐lacking archaea related to the recently described, acidophilic, ferrous‐iron oxidizing Ferroplasma acidiphilum. These mesophilic and moderately thermophilic microbes, representing the family Ferroplasmaceae, were numerically significant members of the microbial consortia of the habitats studied, are able to mobilize metals from sulfide ores, e.g. pyrite, arsenopyrite and copper‐containing sulfides, and are more acid‐resistant than iron and sulfur oxidizing bacteria exhibiting similar eco‐physiological properties. Ferroplasma cell membranes contain novel caldarchaetidylglycerol tetraether lipids, which have extremely low proton permeabilities, as a result of the bulky isoprenoid core, and which are probably a major contributor to the extreme acid tolerance of these cell wall‐less microbes. Surprisingly, several intracellular enzymes, including an ATP‐dependent DNA ligase have pH optima close to that of the external environment rather than of the cytoplasm. Ferroplasma spp. are probably the major players in the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur and sulfide metals in highly acidic environments, and may have considerable potential for biotechnological applications such as biomining and biocatalysis under extreme conditions.
Use of DNA‐stable isotope probing and functional gene probes to investigate the diversity of methyl chloride‐utilizing bacteria in soil
Authors: Borodina Elena , Cox Michael J. , McDonald Ian R. , Murrell J. Colin
Published: August 2005

Enrichment and isolation of methyl chloride‐utilizing bacteria from various terrestrial environments, including woodland and forest soils, resulted in the identification of seven methyl chloride‐utilizing strains belonging to the genus Hyphomicrobium, an Aminobacter strain TW23 and strain WG1, which grouped closely with the genus Mesorhizobium. Methyl chloride enrichment cultures were dominated by Hyphomicrobium species, indicating that these bacteria were most suited to growth under the enrichment and isolation conditions used. However, the application of culture‐independent techniques such as DNA‐stable isotope probing and the use of a functional gene probe targeting cmuA, which encodes the methyltransferase catalysing the first step in bacterial methyl chloride metabolism, indicated a greater diversity of methyl chloride‐utilizing bacteria in the terrestrial environment, compared with the diversity of soil isolates obtained via the enrichment and isolation procedure. It also revealed the presence of as yet uncultured and potentially novel methyl chloride‐degrading bacteria in soil.
16S rDNA phylogeny and distribution of lin genes in novel hexachlorocyclohexane‐degrading Sphingomonas strains
Authors: Böltner Dietmar , Moreno‐Morillas Silvia , Ramos Juan‐Luis
Published: August 2005

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is a highly recalcitrant pesticide that persists in soils. Three novel HCH‐degrading strains (DS2, DS2‐2 and DS3‐1) were isolated after enrichment from HCH‐contaminated soil from Germany. These strains efficiently degraded the α‐, γ‐ and δ‐isomers of HCH, while strain DS3‐1 also degraded β‐HCH. Based on 16S rDNA analysis, strain DS3‐1 was closely related to Sphingomonas taejonensis, while strains DS2 and DS2‐2 were closely related to Sphingomonas flava and seven HCH‐degrading strains recently isolated from HCH‐contaminated Spanish soil. Hence, geographic origin of the strains was not reflected in their phylogenetic affiliation. Subsequently, lin genes involved in HCH degradation, virtually identical to those from Sphingomonas paucimobilis strains UT26 from Japan and B90A from India, were identified in strains DS3‐1, DS2, DS2‐2 and five of the strains from Spain. The conserved lin gene sequences and structural organization, as well as the close association with IS6100, suggest a shared lin gene origin and recent horizontal gene transfer among phylogenetically diverged Sphingomonas strains in remote geographic locations. The loss of the ability to degrade γ‐HCH was associated with the deletion of the linA gene, probably due to recombination involving IS6100 elements, of which several copies are located in the lin cluster region.
Chromosomally located gene fusions constructed in Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 for the detection of salicylate
Authors: Huang Wei E. , Wang Hui , Zheng Hongjun , Huang Linfeng , Singer Andrew C. , Thompson Ian , Whiteley Andrew S.
Published: August 2005

Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 is a common soil‐associated bacterium with high natural competency, allowing it to efficiently integrate foreign DNA fragments into its chromosome. This property was exploited to engineer salicylate‐inducible luxCDABE and green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants of Acinetobacter sp. ADP1. Specifically, Acinetobacter sp. ADPWH_lux displayed the higher sensitivity when comparing the two variants (minimum detection c. 0.5–1 µM salicylate) and a faster turnover of the lux marker gene, making it suitable for whole‐cell luminescence assays of salicylate concentration. In contrast, the longer maturation and turnover times of the GFP protein make the Acinetobacter sp. ADPWH_gfp variant more suited to applications involving whole‐cell imaging of the presence of salicylate. The sensitivity of the luxCDABE variant was demonstrated by assaying salicylate production in naphthalene‐degrading cultures. Assays using ADPWH_lux specifically mapped the kinetics of salicylate production from naphthalene and were similar to that observed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data. However, ADPWH_lux exhibited the higher sensitivity, when compared with HPLC, for detecting salicylate production during the first 24 h of naphthalene metabolism. These data demonstrate that the engineered Acinetobacter variants have significant potential for salicylate detection strategies in laboratory and field studies, especially in scenarios where genetic stability of the construct is required for in situ monitoring.
Do all health and social care professionals interact equally: a study of interactions in multidisciplinary teams in the United Kingdom
Authors: Atwal Anita , Caldwell Kay
Published: August 2005

Problems around deficits in interprofessional collaboration have been identified since the National Health Service (NHS) was introduced. It is within the context of the current policy focus on improving collaborative working that this study was undertaken. A direct observational study using the Bales’ Interaction Process Analysis tool was carried out in two older persons teams to explore patterns of interaction in the multidisciplinary team meetings. Analysis revealed some key differences in the way in which different professions interacted. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers (SW) and nurses rarely asked for opinions and for orientation. The consultant (the individual in charge of the medical team) tended to have high rates for asking for orientation, giving opinions and giving orientation. Although some nurses did have high individual rates for the giving of orientation. The data from the research has highlighted that therapists, SWs and nurses are reluctance to voice their opinions in multidisciplinary teams and thus conformity may dominate its culture. It is suggested that therapists, SWs and nurses need to cite their opinions in teams more effectively if they are to be competent and committed patient‐centred practitioners.
Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Part I. Struggling with meal‐related situations: experiences among persons with COPD
Authors: Odencrants Sigrid , Ehnfors Margareta , Grobe Susan J.
Published: August 2005

Reduced nutritional intake with low and decreased body weight can be a component of normal ageing. There is, however, also a greater risk for reduced nutritional intake within certain diagnoses, especially for chronic diseases. Malnutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by many factors. The relationship between COPD and low values of body mass index (BMI) is a known independent risk for mortality. For optimal support and care with special focus on nutritional status and interventions, caregivers need more knowledge about the meal‐related situations (i.e. shopping for food, cooking and eating) of COPD patients. The aim of this study was to describe experiences of meal‐related situations as viewed from the individual's perspective. The sample included eight women and five men with COPD recruited from five primary health clinics. The participants’ average age was 68.9 years, with values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 percentage) ranging from 18 to 69 and BMI values from 15 to 40. A descriptive design with qualitative interviews and self‐reported diaries were used and the data were later analysed using content analysis. Findings showed consistency between informants’ COPD, nutritional status and descriptions of experiences in meal‐related situations. Findings were disease‐specific but were also found to be general‐ and age‐related. Respondents described physical influences and positive and negative feelings in their meal‐related situations. Feelings of dependence, level of activity, transport of food, having company or being alone, appetite, hunger and need of time were also mentioned. Most research reports reduced nutritional status from a medical perspective. To our knowledge, no study has reported the positive and negative feelings that arise when eating in persons with COPD. Malnutrition for persons with COPD is not only caused by eating difficulties: eating is an integral part of social situations as shown in this study.
Japan's Large Scale Retail Store Law: a cause of concern for food exporters?
Authors: Odagiri Tokumi , Riethmuller Paul
Published: August 2005

The Large Scale Retail Store Law has been a feature of the Japanese distribution system in one form or another for almost 40 years. It has been viewed by critics as a form of non‐tariff barrier and an impediment to imports. Others view the Large Scale Retail Store Law as just another part of a distribution system that fits in, and has served Japanese society well. Reforms planned for the distribution system are likely to benefit Japanese agriculture just as much as foreign suppliers to the Japanese market.
Conversion subsidies for organic production: results from Sweden and lessons for the United States
Authors: Lohr Luanne , Salomonsson Lennart
Published: August 2005

Organic conversion subsidies used in Europe are less likely to be politically acceptable in the United States, where organic agriculture development is market‐driven. Persistent barriers to conversion in the United States include limited availability of and access to production and market information, training in management systems and cost of conversion‐related investments. By determining whether these factors affect the requirement of a subsidy to convert, we can suggest whether U.S. policy makers need to provide subsidies to encourage conversion and identify policy variables consistent with market‐based approaches that could stimulate conversion. A utility difference model is used with Swedish data to analyze factors that determine whether a subsidy is required to motivate organic conversion. The results show that farmers requiring subsidies manage larger less‐diversified farms and are more concerned with organic inspection, quality, and adequacy of technical advice. Access to more market outlets and information sources substitutes for payment level in the farmer's utility function, indicating that services rather than subsidies may be used to encourage organic agriculture. To the extent that conditions are similar in the U.S. organic sector, market‐based programs such as cost‐sharing for conversion and market access improvement should stimulate growth of this industry.
Commodity price stabilisation: macroeconomic impacts and policy options
Authors: Kannapiran Chinna A.
Published: August 2005

A macroeconometric simulation study is undertaken to evaluate the impact of commodity price stabilisation (CPS) schemes for the export tree crop industry in Papua New Guinea. The findings suggest that there is a negligible level of favourable macroeconomic impacts of CPS. Contrary to the expectation, CPS adversely affects the stability of monetary and external sectors (BOP). CPS policy has failed to stabilise the macroeconomy. The price stabilisation policies are no longer appropriate from the macroeconomic point of view. Technical change, futures market and rural savings are the possible alternative policy options to manage the price risk.
Determining farm effects attributable to the introduction and use of a dairy management information system in The Netherlands
Authors: Tomaszewski M.A. , van Asseldonk M.A.P.M. , Dijkhuizen A.A. , Huirne R.B.M.
Published: August 2005

Yearly production and reproduction data on dairy farms in The Netherlands were obtained to determine whether management information systems significantly improved herd performance variables (management information systems (MIS) effects). The analysis included 357 adopters of a management information system and 357 herds were used as controls. The data comprised years 1987 through 1996, and included for the adopters both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ period. Panel data analysis enabled to estimate MIS effects both within and between farms, allowing for a separation of farm‐specific effects and common (trend) effects. Adoption and use of a management information system resulted in a significant annual increase in rolling herd average milk (carrier) and protein production of 62 and 2.36 kg per cow, respectively. Calving interval was shortened by 5 days. The pay‐back period was approximately 5 years of the system (including the hardware), and therefore, MIS appears to be economically profitable.
Integrated economic‐hydrologic water modeling at the basin scale: the Maipo river basin
Authors: Rosegrant M.W. , Ringler C. , McKinney D.C. , Cai X. , Keller A. , Donoso G.
Published: August 2005

Increasing competition for water across sectors increases the importance of the river basin as the appropriate unit of analysis to address the challenges facing water resources management; and modeling at this scale can provide essential information for policy makers in their resource allocation decisions. This paper introduces an integrated economic‐hydrologic modeling framework that accounts for the interactions between water allocation, farmer input choice, agricultural productivity, non‐agricultural water demand, and resource degradation in order to estimate the social and economic gains from improvement in the allocation and efficiency of water use. The model is applied to the Maipo river basin in Chile. Economic benefits to water use are evaluated for different demand management instruments, including markets in tradable water rights, based on production and benefit functions with respect to water for the agricultural and urban‐industrial sectors.
Structural and productivity change in US agriculture, 1950–1982
Authors: Huffman Wallace E. , Evenson Robert E.
Published: August 2005

This paper tests whether structural change in US agriculture is an important channel to TFP growth and evaluates the relative impact of (i) public research and education policies, (ii) private R&D and market forces, and (iii) government farm programs on structural change. We specify a structural econometric model, fit it to US state aggregate data, 1953–1982, and use the associated reduced‐form model to perform counter‐factual policy simulations. The findings include: structural change is a channel to TFP growth in both crop and livestock subsector, i.e. specialization, size, and part‐time farming do impact TFP, holding other variables constant. Public R&D and education have been at least as important as private R&D and market forces for changing livestock specialization, farm size, and farmers’ off‐farm work participation over the study period, but private R&D and market forces have been relatively more important for crop specialization. Changes in farm commodity programs had little impact on farm structure over these study period. Overall, we conclude that if public R&D and education policies had been unchanged at their 1950 values over 1950–1982, major structural changes in US agriculture would have occurred anyway. The forces of private R&D and market forces were at work, including a decline in the price of machinery services and agricultural chemicals, relative to the farm wage.
Gains and structural effects of exploiting scale‐economies in Norwegian dairy production
Authors: Løyland Knut , Ringstad Vidar
Published: August 2005

In this paper, we present calculations of the economic gains in terms of reduced costs by exploiting scale‐economies in dairy production in Norway, and the effect this would have had on the number of farms. We also explore whether or not optimal scale and unexploited scale‐economies change over time due to scale‐augmenting technical change.

The analysis is based on homothetic cost functions estimated by means of data for individual dairy farms for the period 1972–1996. For 1972, we find that, by full exploitation of scale‐economies, the costs could have been reduced by almost 40%, while the number of farms would have been reduced by more than 85%. The number of small farms has been substantially reduced in the period considered. This fact, combined with small scale‐augmenting technical change, implies that the gains and structural effects of exploiting scale‐economies have decreased over time. In 1996, costs could have been reduced by close to 30% by full exploitation of scale‐economies, while the number of farms would have been reduced by slightly more than 70%. Thus, both gains and structural effects are substantially less than in 1972. Nevertheless, the calculated gains for 1996 make almost 5 billion NOK. This corresponds almost exactly to the total public support to the dairy farms in 1996.

The unexploited scale‐economies are largely due to the agricultural policy. Thus, a substantial share of the same can be considered as part of the‘price’ the Norwegian society has to pay for this policy. In addition, there are likely to be large hidden costs of this policy due in particular to the quota system and other direct production regulations. They imply that technical innovations and other efficiency‐improving investments requiring increased production to be profitable are not carried out. This is the more likely explanation for the extremely poor efficiency development in Norwegian dairy production in the period studied.
Economics of biological control of cassava mealybug in Africa
Authors: Zeddies J. , Schaab R.P. , Neuenschwander P. , Herren H.R.
Published: August 2005

Pest populations of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihotiMat.‐Ferr. (Homoptera; Pseudococcidae) were reduced successfully by the biological control agent Apoanagyrus (Epidinocarsis) lopezi De Santis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) throughout most of sub‐Saharan Africa. The economics of the project were evaluated based on data from field trials, socio‐economic surveys, published results, and financial information provided by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the national programmes. Costs and benefits for the biological control of P. manihoti were calculated over 40 years (1974–2013) for 27 African countries, for four different scenarios, taking into account that impact by A. lopeziand speed of the impact differ between ecological zones. A reasonable calculation considering compounded interest resulted in a benefit cost ratio of about 200 when cassava was costed at world market prices, and of about 370–740 when inter‐African prices were considered.
Input and output technical efficiencies of wheat production in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Bakhshoodeh Mohammad , Thomson Kenneth J.
Published: August 2005

The Iranian government encourages farmers to produce wheat (a common agricultural enterprise) by increasing farm productivity and efficiency. In this paper, using a Cobb–Douglas frontier production function, a simple relationship between a farm‐level output‐based technical efficiency measure (the Timmer index) and an input‐based measure (the Kopp index) is first developed. Then, using 1995 data from 164 farms in Kerman province, Iran, the average Timmer and Kopp indexes were estimated at 0.93 and 0.91, respectively, and were found to be similarly affected by farm size (positively up to about 9 ha) and by input ratios, though with rather small explanatory power. Thus, there seems some but limited scope to increase the profitability of Iranian wheat production either by increasing the product, given input levels, or by decreasing inputs for the current level of wheat production. However, since wheat producers may be able to adapt their production process more easily and quickly by implementing new techniques, i.e. by more efficient combination of inputs, than by adopting new technology, correction of input over‐use can be regarded as a policy with speedy if limited effect in this case.
US—Mexico fresh vegetable trade: the effects of trade liberalization and economic growth
Authors: Málaga Jaime E. , Williams Gary W. , Fuller Stephen W.
Published: August 2005

Studies of US‐Mexico vegetable trade have generally emphasized the importance of US tariffs in determining the competitive advantage of US producers. Even so, research has identified at least four factors related primarily to the different levels of economic development in the US and Mexico that also have important effects on US‐Mexico agricultural trade in general and fresh vegetable trade in particular. These include the differential growth rates of US and Mexican real wages, production technology (yields), and per capita income as well as cyclical movements in the real Mexican Peso/US Dollar exchange rate. This study examines the relative contribution of NAFTA and the development‐related factors to likely future changes in US fresh vegetable imports from Mexico. The analysis employs an econometric simulation model of US and Mexican markets for five fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, and onions) accounting for 80% of US fresh vegetable imports. The results suggest that the 1994–1995 Peso devaluation rather than NAFTA was primarily responsible for the sharp increase in US imports of Mexican vegetables observed in the first years following the implementation of NAFTA. Over time, however, the results suggest that differences in the growth rates of US and Mexican production yields and, to a lesser extent, of US and Mexican real incomes and/or real wage rates could plausibly contribute more to the future growth of US tomato, squash, and onion imports from Mexico than the trade liberalizing effects of NAFTA.
Structural changes in the demand for food in Asia: empirical evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Huang Jikun , Bouis Howarth
Published: August 2005

Many Asian countries are expected to undergo structural transformations in their economies and rapid urbanization over the next 25 years. The changes in tastes and lifestyles engendered by urban living are likely to have significant influences on food demand. Changes in marketing systems and occupational changes, closely linked with increasing GNP per capita, also may influence the demand for food. In this paper, estimates presented for Taiwan demonstrate that structural changes in food demand (as distinguished from changes due to income and price effects) have been significant factors driving the rapid changes in dietary patterns seen in East Asia over the past three decades. Because most previous demand studies have ignored the possible influence of structural shifts which are highly correlated with increases in per capita income over time, the effects of income on food demand have been overestimated.
The demand for alcoholic beverages in Spain
Authors: Angulo Ana María , Gil José María , Gracia Azucena
Published: August 2005

The objective of this study is to analyze the main determinants of alcoholic beverages consumption at home. Data comes from the latest Spanish Household National Survey, which provides information on expenditure and quantities of different food products by household. Because households are interviewed only 1 week, a large number of zeros have been recorded. Among the existing censured demand models (the double hurdle (DH) model; the purchase‐infrequency model; and the Tobit purchase‐infrequency model, among others) and after carrying out model selection tests, the DH model has been finally estimated. All expenditure elasticities are positive, corresponding the highest value to spirits. Own price elasticities are negative and also in this case the spirits exhibit the highest value. Socio‐economic variables also play an important role in explaining consumer purchase and consumption decisions.
Agriculture in transition economies: from common heritage to divergence
Authors: Lerman Zvi
Published: August 2005

The 23 former socialist countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) started the transition in 1989–1990 from a common institutional and organizational heritage, represented by the Soviet agricultural model. Despite the common heritage in agriculture, the reform policies in CEE and CIS diverged from the start, as significant differences emerged between the two groups of countries in legal attitudes to private land ownership, transferability of land, the extent of agricultural privatization and individualization, and restructuring of farms. This divergence in the implementation of agricultural reform has led to divergence in standard development measures: the CEE countries are outperforming the CIS countries by growth in GDP and agricultural product since 1992; the productivity of agricultural labor in CEE is generally increasing, and in CIS it is decreasing. While the CIS countries at best can be characterized as reluctant reformers, the CEE countries have achieved significantly higher levels of economic and institutional reform. Better performance in CEE is associated with greater readiness of the governments in these countries to implement a comprehensive package of economic and social reform policies, including more radical land reform and deeper individualization and restructuring of agriculture.
The impact of agricultural productivity increases in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe on world agricultural markets
Authors: Weyerbrock Silvia
Published: August 2005

This paper studies the impact of productivity increases in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe on world agricultural markets and the regions’ bilateral and sectoral agricultural trade flows. We use a six‐region, 13‐sector general equilibrium model. We find that productivity increases lead to a significant increase in the regions’ agricultural output and exports and the former Soviet Union's agricultural imports. The former Soviet Union's net agricultural imports increase, whereas Eastern Europe's net agricultural trade balances improve. Overall, agricultural exporters will benefit, particularly, if productivity increases are not limited to or disproportionally high in agriculture.
Market power and the pricing of commodities imported from developing countries: the case of US vanilla bean imports
Authors: Rakotoarisoa Manitra A. , Shapouri Shahla
Published: August 2005

A declining trend in the prices of vanilla beans reduce export earnings of developing country exporters. At the same time, currencies for these developing countries have depreciated. The‘new’ trade theories suggest that market structure plays an important role in relating exchange rate devaluations to price declines. This paper investigates the market structure and estimates the impact of exchange rate movements on prices for vanilla beans imported by the USA from five producers of vanilla beans in developing countries. Unlike other studies, the estimation is based on a‘fixed‐effects’ econometric model derived from the importer's profit equation and the‘Pricing to Market’ (PTM) hypothesis. Data are a pooled cross‐section and time series covering the period “1967”. The results reveal some evidence that US importers of vanilla beans have the market power to apply price discrimination and to adjust import prices in reaction to exchange rate movement vis‐à‐vis exporters.
Optimal hedging decisions for Taiwanese corn traders on the way to liberalisation
Authors: Liu Kang E. , Geaun Jerome , Lei Li‐Fen
Published: August 2005

This paper examines the impacts of exchange rate risk on Taiwanese traders’ decisions to hedge corn imports on US futures markets. The results yield the conclusion that, in the absence of a market that provides proper tools to hedge against exchange rate risk, the Taiwanese economy is incurring an observable social loss. Thus, further liberalisation is essential. Taiwan's experiences can serve as an example for developing countries, as the world economy is becoming increasingly integrated.