bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the TRAF‐interacting protein in proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Chapard Christophe , Hohl Daniel , Huber Marcel
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Ubiquitination of proteins is a post‐translational modification, which decides on the cellular fate of the protein. Addition of ubiquitin moieties to proteins is carried out by the sequential action of three enzymes: E1, ubiquitin‐activating enzyme; E2, ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme; and E3, ubiquitin ligase. The TRAF‐interacting protein (TRAIP, TRIP, RNF206) functions as Really Interesting New Gene (RING)‐type E3 ubiquitin ligase, but its physiological substrates are not yet known. TRAIP was reported to interact with TRAF [tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factors] and the two tumor suppressors CYLD and Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase). Ectopically expressed TRAIP was shown to inhibit nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling. However, recent results suggested a role for TRAIP in biological processes other than NF‐κB regulation. Knock‐down of TRAIP in human epidermal keratinocytes repressed cellular proliferation and induced a block in the G1/S phase of the cell cycle without affecting NF‐κB signalling. TRAIP is necessary for embryonal development as mutations affecting the Drosophila homologue of TRAIP are maternal effect–lethal mutants, and TRAIP knock‐out mice die in utero because of aberrant regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. These findings underline the tight link between TRAIP and cell proliferation. In this review, we summarize the data on TRAIP and put them into a larger perspective regarding the role of TRAIP in the control of tissue homeostasis.
Heart rate variability in patients with fully remitted major depressive disorder
Authors: Chang Hsin-An , Chang Chuan-Chia , Chen Chih-Lun , Kuo Terry B. J. , Lu Ru-Band , Huang San-Yuan
Published: February 2012

Objective

Cardiac autonomic dysregulation has been reported in major depressive disorder (MDD), but scarce studies investigated that in fully remitted MDD.

Methods

To examine cardiac autonomic function in remitted MDD, 470 unmedicated individuals with a diagnosis of MDD earlier in life and 462 healthy volunteers, aged 18–65 years, were recruited for a case–control analysis. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Frequency-domain indices of HRV were obtained. The obtained results were evaluated in association with personality traits assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire.

Results

In patients with remitted MDD, no differences in RR intervals and all frequency-domain indices of HRV could be detected as compared with controls. Stratified analyses by the presence of a history of suicide ideation (the SI+ vs. the SI-subgroup) revealed decreased cardiac vagal control in the SI+ subgroup. The correlation analysis revealed an inverse relation between HRV levels and the harm avoidance score (which has been suggested to be associated with serotonergic activity), mainly attributable to the robust association in the SI+ subgroup.

Conclusion

Our study shows that cardiac autonomic dysregulation is not shown in remitted MDD patients as a whole but is limited to the subgroup of remitted MDD patients with a history of suicidal ideation. In view of the higher risk for cardiac complications in these vulnerable individuals, one might consider the treatment to restore their autonomic function.
The care of constipated children in primary care in different countries
Authors: Burgers Rosa , Bonanno Elvira , Madarena Elisa , Graziano Francesca , Pensabene Licia , Gardner William , Mousa Hayat , Benninga Marc A , Di Lorenzo Carlo
Published: February 2012

Aim: To investigate and compare the approach to childhood constipation by primary care physicians (PCP) in three Western countries to give insight into adherence to current guidelines and in actual care.

Methods: Prospective study utilizing a two‐page survey regarding the approach to children suspected to have functional constipation (FC). A total of 413 of 1016 (41%) distributed surveys were returned out of which 383 were suitable for analysis. Surveys were answered anonymously. Survey responses were analysed and are reported in a descriptive way.

Results: In Italy, the Netherlands, and the USA, respectively, 75, 187 and 121 surveys were returned by PCP. The majority of PCP (62%) considered stool withholding as a result of painful defecation to be the most common cause of childhood constipation. Rectal examination was used as a standard diagnostic tool for the evaluation of FC by only 31% of PCP with significant differences among the countries (p < 0.05) and a minimum in the Netherlands (11%). Abdominal X‐ray is used by 49% to diagnose FC. 63% of PCP were convinced that hard stool can be softened by drinking more water. Polyethylene glycol was the most common prescribed drug (85%). Significant differences were found among countries in the use of senna and bisacodyl suppositories (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Significant differences in practice exist among PCP from different countries regarding the performance of a digital rectal examination, need for additional diagnostic tests and use of laxatives in childhood constipation.
Assessment of reproduction and growth performance of offspring derived from somatic cell cloned pigs
Authors: HU Kui , KONG Qingran , ZHAO Zeping , LU Xinyu , LIU Biao , LI Yutian , WANG Hongbin , LIU Zhonghua
Published: February 2012

Since cloned pig was successfully produced, a new opportunity for porcine breeding industry to conserve genetic resources has been opened. However, there has been no report to investigate whether both somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pigs and their offspring have the characteristics of the donor breed. In this study, we compared the reproductive and growth performance of American Large White boars cloned by SCNT with the donor boar, and analyzed the test parameters, including semen quality, re‐service rate, rate of parturition, and average daily gain. The results showed that these cloned boars and the donor boar had no significant differences in the tests (P > 0.05) and the growth performance of their offspring was similar to the naturally bred American Large White pigs. In summary, the reproductive and growth performance of cloned pigs are similar to the donor pig and within the normal range. This suggests that pigs cloned by SCNT have the potential to be used in reproduction and breeding.
Recruitment strategies for an osteoporosis clinical trial: Analysis of effectiveness
Authors: Heard Allison , March Rachel , Maguire Patricia , Reilly Penny , Helmore Joy , Cameron Sheryl , Frampton Christopher , Nicholls Gary , Gilchrist Nigel
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To examine the effectiveness of a planned rapid recruitment strategy in an osteoporosis clinical trial.

Methods:  Multiple recruitment methods were explored, including media advertising, searching bone density scan and X‐ray results in specialist and primary practice databases, community initiatives, and generation of research centre and study‐specific pamphlets.

Results:  Of 246 women screened, 41 consenting to the study, only 14 were randomised. Thus, 232 (94%) volunteers were screen failures, ineligible or declined to participate. With regard to the cost‐effectiveness of all recruitment strategies, searching the research centre database was the most successful, with four women randomised at a cost of approximately NZ$302 per volunteer. Other strategies were less cost‐effective.

Conclusion:  Obtaining a specific study cohort can be achieved by a comprehensive, targeted, rapid recruitment program. A research centre database search was the most successful and cost‐effective recruitment modality in this small study.
Deletion of myosin light chain kinase in endothelial cells has a minor effect on the lipopolysaccharide‐induced increase in microvascular endothelium permeability in mice
Authors: Yu Yang , Lv Ning , Lu Zheng , Zheng Yan‐Yan , Zhang Wen‐Cheng , Chen Chen , Peng Ya‐Jing , He Wei‐Qi , Meng Fan‐Qing , Zhu Min‐Sheng , Chen Hua‐Qun
Published: February 2012

There is a current view that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) plays a critical role in endothelial permeability. To investigate the functions of MLCK in endothelial cells in vivo, we generated a mouse model in which MLCK was selectively deleted by crossing Mylk1 floxed mice with Tie2/cre transgenic mice. Knocking out Mylk1 from endothelial cells had no effect on the global phenotype of the mice, including body weight and blood pressure. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated septic death was also not altered in the knockout (KO) mice. Consistently, LPS‐induced inflammatory injury and the increase in microvascular permeability in the main organs, including the lung and the kidney, was not significantly attenuated in KO mice as compared with wild‐type mice. However, the LPS‐induced microvascular hyperpermeability of the esophagus and the eyeballs was attenuated in KO mice. We also found that the LPS‐mediated increase in the number of caveolae in the endothelial cells of the esophagus was significantly reduced in KO mice. Our results do not support a role for endothelial cell MLCK in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Weak concavity properties of indirect utility functions in multisector optimal growth models
Authors: Venditti Alain
Published: February 2012

Studies of optimal growth in a multisector framework are generally addressed in reduced‐form models. These are defined by an indirect utility function which summarizes the consumers’ preferences and the technologies. Weak concavity assumptions of the indirect utility function allow one to prove differentiability of optimal solutions and stability of the steady state. This paper shows that if the consumption good production function is concave‐, and the instantaneous utility function is concave‐, then the indirect utility function is weakly concave, and its curvature coefficients are bounded from above by a function of and .
On a safe capital stock for consumption maintenance in a convex model of stochastic growth
Authors: Mitra Tapan , Roy Santanu
Published: February 2012

In a stochastic one‐sector optimal growth model with convex technology we show that there may be a critical “safe” capital stock for maintaining positive consumption over time. Consumption and capital paths are bounded away from zero with probability one if the initial stock is above this safe level, but are arbitrarily close to zero with positive probability if it is below. We derive verifiable sufficient conditions on technology and preferences under which the optimal policy generates such a critical stock. High risk aversion near zero, decreasing risk aversion and large spread of the technology shock are important factors behind this phenomenon.
The “rural hospital theorem” revisited
Authors: Kojima Fuhito
Published: February 2012

In the context of two‐sided matching, we propose a new class of preferences called separable preferences with affirmative action constraints. We demonstrate that the celebrated “rural hospital theorem” in the matching literature generalizes to this class of preferences, but only with an appropriate definition of “vacant positions.” Motivated by this result, we then discuss practical issues about doctor shortages in rural hospitals.
Imprecise information and subjective belief
Authors: Hayashi Takashi
Published: February 2012

This paper axiomatically studies a family of preference orderings indexed by variable, objective and generally imprecise information. It characterizes functional relationships between objective information and subjective beliefs. In particular, it establishes the contraction model due to Gajdos, Hayashi, Tallon, and Vergnaud (2008) without relying on identifying direct preference over information.
Herschel/SPIRE observations of the TWA brown dwarf disc 2MASSW J1207334–393254
Authors: Riaz B. , Lodato G. , Stamatellos D. , Gizis J. E.
Published: February 2012

We present Herschel/SPIRE observations for the 2MASS 1207334−393254 (2M1207) system. Based on radiative transfer modelling of near-infrared to submillimetre data, we estimate a disc mass of 3 ± 2 MJup and an outer disc radius of 50–100 au for the 2M1207A disc. The relative disc mass for 2M1207A is similar to the T Tauri star TW Hya, which indicates that massive discs are not underabundant around substellar objects. In probing the various formation mechanisms for this system, we find that core accretion is highly uncertain mainly due to the large separation between the primary and the companion. Disc fragmentation could be a likely scenario based on analytical models, and if the disc initially was more massive than its current estimate. Considering that the TW Hydrae Association (TWA) is sparsely populated, this system could have formed via one of the known binary formation mechanisms (e.g. turbulent fragmentation of a core) and survived disruption at an early stage.
Can Planck constrain indirect detection of dark matter in our Galaxy?
Authors: Delahaye Timur , Bœhm Céline , Silk Joseph
Published: February 2012

We investigate the synchrotron emission (both intensity and morphology) associated with generic dark matter particles and make predictions for the Planck experiment, using the Fermi data and a model for the astrophysical sources. Our results indicate that the morphology (and not only the intensity) of the synchrotron emission from both dark matter annihilations plus astrophysical source is frequency dependent. Expected signals for light and heavy dark matter candidates seem sufficiently different to potentially delineate the value of the dark matter mass using a thorough comparison between LFI and HFI data.
Assessing TCE Source Bioremediation by Geostatistical Analysis of a Flux Fence
Authors: Cai Zuansi , Wilson Ryan D. , Lerner David N.
Published: February 2012

Mass discharge across transect planes is increasingly used as a metric for performance assessment of in situ groundwater remediation systems. Mass discharge estimates using concentrations measured in multilevel transects are often made by assuming a uniform flow field, and uncertainty contributions from spatial concentration and flow field variability are often overlooked. We extend our recently developed geostatistical approach to estimate mass discharge using transect data of concentration and hydraulic conductivity, so accounting for the spatial variability of both datasets. The magnitude and uncertainty of mass discharge were quantified by conditional simulation. An important benefit of the approach is that uncertainty is quantified as an integral part of the mass discharge estimate. We use this approach for performance assessment of a bioremediation experiment of a trichloroethene (TCE) source zone. Analyses of dissolved parent and daughter compounds demonstrated that the engineered bioremediation has elevated the degradation rate of TCE, resulting in a two‐thirds reduction in the TCE mass discharge from the source zone. The biologically enhanced dissolution of TCE was not significant (∼5%), and was less than expected. However, the discharges of the daughter products cis‐1,2, dichloroethene (cDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) increased, probably because of the rapid transformation of TCE from the source zone to the measurement transect. This suggests that enhancing the biodegradation of cDCE and VC will be crucial to successful engineered bioremediation of TCE source zones.
An Institutional Account of China's HIV/AIDS Policy Process from 1985 to 2010
Authors: KNUTSEN WENJUE LU
Published: February 2012

China's HIV/AIDS policy progress displays a long‐term stagnancy followed by a sudden revolution. This article utilizes multiple theoretical tools to interpret this policy progress. It identifies four phases of China's HIV/AIDS policy process: (1) institutional endurance interpreted by path dependence from historical institutionalism; (2) deinstitutionalization explained by Oliver's antecedents of deinstitutionalization; (3) the radical shift interpreted by Kingdon's agenda‐setting theory; and (4) reinstitutionalization and diffusion of institutional theory. This study demonstrates the utility of “creative borrowing”—employing multiple theoretical tools to harness the strengths of each. Doing so reveals that a country's past experience with similar policy issues, the perceived political and moral legitimacy of existing policies, and a country's existing political interests can exert resistance to change. In the presence of multiple pressures for change, policy entrepreneurs who can identify policy windows and couple multiple streams may achieve radical policy shifts.

El progreso legislativo relacionado al VIH/SIDA en China muestra un estancamiento a largo plazo seguido de una revolución repentina. El objetivo de este estudio es utilizar múltiples herramientas teoréticas para interpretar este progreso legislativo. Se identifican cuatro fases en el progreso de la legislación china sobre el VIH/SIDA: (1) Resistencia Institucional, interpretada por la dependencia al modelo del institucionalismo histórico; (2) Desinstitucionalización, explicada por los antecedentes de desinstitucionalización de Oliver; (3) el Cambio Radical, interpretado por la teoría del establecimiento de agendas políticas de Kingdon, y (4) Reinstitucionalización y Difusión de la teoría institucional. Este estudio muestra la utilidad del “préstamos creativo”—el empleo de múltiples herramientas teóricas para aprovechar las fortalezas de cada una. Este estudio revela que experiencias pasadas con temas legislativos similares, la percepción de legitimidad política y moral de las políticas existentes, y los intereses políticos existentes en el país pueden ejercer una resistencia al cambio Dada la presencia de múltiples presiones para el cambio, emprendedores políticos que identifiquen oportunidades en las políticas y combinen múltiples enfoques pueden lograr cambios políticos radicales.

Related Articles:“Civil Society and Immigrant Health Policy Convergence,” (2011):http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00283.x/abstract“The State, the Market, Economic Growth, and Poverty in China,” (2007):http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00088.x/abstract“The Search for Legitimacy in Asia,” (2010):http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00240.x/abstract
Escherichia coli contamination of the river Thames in different seasons and weather conditions
Authors: Amirat Linda , Wildeboer Dirk , Abuknesha Ramadan A. , Price Robert G.
Published: February 2012

Contamination of public water ways with sewage represents a serious environmental and health risk. We monitored pollution of the river Thames by enumerating the indicator organism Escherichia coli. Samples were taken from a site in central London near Waterloo Bridge in different seasons. E. coli were quantified using a membrane filtration method, and correlated with the tidal variations of the river and meteorological data on rainfall and temperature. More frequent and severe incidents of pollution occurred in the autumn. Heavy rainfall resulted in sharp peaks of E. coli contamination that implies a potential increase of numbers of pathogenic micro‐organisms. Sixty percent of all samples were found to be in excess of the accepted upper limit of pollution set by European Union (EU) legislation for bathing water. This study demonstrated that frequent sewage pollution of the Thames results in high numbers of E. coli and incidents of detectable levels of pathogenic bacteria demonstrating the need for regular monitoring of bacterial pollution.
Acute phase glycoproteins: bystanders or participants in carcinogenesis?
Authors: Dempsey Eugene , Rudd Pauline M.
Published: February 2012

Acute phase proteins (APPs) are a group of serum proteins that undergo dramatic changes in concentration during times of inflammation. Many APPs are heavily glycosylated, and their sugar content and complexity change in the presence of cancer‐induced chronic inflammation. These changes in glycosylation are currently being exploited in the search for novel biomarkers of cancer. Like other posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, changes in glycosylation can profoundly alter the function of a protein. We hypothesize that besides being a rich source of potential biomarkers APPs may also play an active role in tumorigenesis. The glycan content of the APPs haptoglobin and kininogen, for example, is altered in many types of cancer. These APPs can interact with a number of receptors on macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, potentially modulating macrophage activity and thereby contributing to tumor cell survival, growth, and metastasis.
Interplay between carbohydrate and lipid in recognition of glycolipid antigens by natural killer T cells
Authors: Pei Bo , Vela Jose Luis , Zajonc Dirk , Kronenberg Mitchell
Published: February 2012

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a T cell subpopulation that were named originally based on coexpression of receptors found on natural killer (NK) cells, cells of the innate immune system, and by T lymphocytes. The maturation and activation of NKT cells requires presentation of glycolipid antigens by CD1d, a cell surface protein distantly related to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐encoded antigen presenting molecules. This specificity distinguishes NKT cells from most CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that recognize peptides presented by MHC class I and class II molecules. The rapid secretion of a large amount of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines by activated NKT cells endows them with the ability to play a vital role in the host immune defense against various microbial infections. In this review, we summarize progress on identifying the sources of microbe‐derived glycolipid antigens recognized by NKT cells and the biochemical basis for their recognition.
Plowing the Zen Field: Trends Since 1989 and Emerging Perspectives
Authors: Mohr Michel
Published: February 2012

This survey article focuses on the object and scope of Zen Studies, and on trends visible since 1989. It argues that scholarship about Chan, Zen, Chan, Seon, and Thiên should be more closely integrated with Buddhist Studies, and that the boundaries of this field need to be expanded. Critical and epistemologically aware scholarship only emerged in the 1990s. Hence, scholars need to make a concerted effort in devoting more attention to methodological issues. This in turn ought to be skillfully distilled to non‐academic audiences.
Patronage as a Model for Muslim–Jewish Relations in North Africa: Contributions of Anthropological Field Research and a Case from Libya
Authors: Goldberg Harvey E.
Published: February 2012

Historical research on Jewish and Christian minorities within the Muslim world typically refers to the notion of dhimmi in which religious tradition formulates the relations between Muslim rule and subjects. Rulers should protect the life and property of religious minorities, while members of these communities must accept certain restrictions appropriate to their status. During the second half of the 20th century, anthropologists in North Africa were able to directly observe and interpret Jewish–Muslim interaction among the dwindling number of Jews who still lived in the region. They were impressed by the ability of both Muslims and Jew to create individualized ties that crossed communal boundaries, and suggested that this type of interaction be understood in terms of patron–client relations. This paper explores and discusses this paradigm, and argues that webs of patronage should be seen as complementing the older scheme in which dhimmi status sets the parameters for viewing a person’s place in society, rather than providing an alternative to it. This elaborated perspective is exemplified with data from Jewish life in Libya.
The first cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the United States: a serologic investigation demonstrating early transmission
Authors: Fry Alicia M. , Hancock Kathy , Patel Minal , Gladden Matthew , Doshi Saumil , Blau Dianna M. , Sugerman David , Veguilla Vic , Lu Xiuhua , Noland Heather , Bai Yaohui , Maroufi Azarnoush , Kao Annie , Kriner Paula , Lopez Karla , Ginsberg Michele , Jain Seema , Olsen Sonja J. , Katz Jacqueline M. ,   for the Influenza Serology Working Group
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Fry et al. (2012) The first cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the United States: a serologic investigation demonstrating early transmission. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e48–e53.

Background  The first two laboratory‐confirmed cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (H1N1pdm09) infection were detected in San Diego (SD) and Imperial County (IC) in southern California, April 2009.

Objectives  To describe H1N1pdm09 infections and transmission early in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Patients/Methods  We identified index case‐patients from SD and IC with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐confirmed H1N1pdm09 infections and investigated close contacts for a subset of case‐patients from April 17–May 6, 2009. Acute and convalescent serum was collected. Serologic evidence for H1N1pdm09 infection was determined by microneutralization and hemagglutination inhibition assays.

Results  Among 75 close contacts of seven index case‐patients, three reported illness onset prior to patient A or B, including two patient B contacts and a third with no links to patient A or B. Among the 69 close contacts with serum collected >14 days after the onset of index case symptoms, 23 (33%) were seropositive for H1N1pdm09, and 8 (35%) had no fever, cough, or sore throat. Among 15 household contacts, 8 (53%) were seropositive for H1N1pdm09. The proportion of contacts seropositive for H1N1pdm09 was highest in persons aged 5–24 years (50%) and lowest in persons aged ≥50 years (13%) (P = 0·07).

Conclusions  By the end of April 2009, before H1N1pdm09 was circulating widely in the community, a third of persons with close contact to confirmed H1N1pdm09 cases had H1N1pdm09 infection in SD and IC. Three unrelated clusters during March 21–30 suggest that transmission of H1N1pdm09 had begun earlier in southern California.
Inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 on Blueberries by Electrolyzed Water, Ultraviolet Light, and Ozone
Authors: Kim Chyer , Hung Yen‐Con
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Increased interest in blueberries due to their nutritional and health benefits has led to an increase in consumption. However, blueberries are consumed mostly raw or minimally processed and are susceptible to microbial contamination like other type of fresh produce. This study was, therefore, undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of electrostatic spray of electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water, UV light, ozone, and a combination of ozone and UV light in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on blueberries. A 5‐strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 were inoculated on the calyx and skin of blueberries and then subjected to the treatments. Electrostatic EO water spray reduced initial populations of E. coli O157:H7 by only 0.13 to 0.24 log CFU/g and 0.88 to 1.10 log CFU/g on calyx and skin of blueberries, respectively. Ozone treatment with 4000 mg/L reduced E. coli O157:H7 by only 0.66 and 0.72 log CFU/g on calyx and skin of blueberries, respectively. UV light at 20 mW/cm2 for 10 min was the most promising single technology and achieved 2.14 and greater than 4.05 log reductions of E. coli O157:H7 on the calyx and skin of blueberries, respectively. The combination treatment of 1 min ozone and followed by a 2 min UV achieved more than 1 and 2 log additional reductions on blueberry calyx than UV or ozone alone, respectively.

Practical Application:  Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have been associated with consumption of fresh produce. Many methods for removing pathogens as well as minimizing their effect on quality of treated produce have been investigated. UV technology and its combination with ozone used in this study to inactive E. coli O157:H7 on blueberries was found effective. Results from this study may help producers and processors in developing hurdle technologies for the delivery of safer blueberries to consumers.
Assessment of Different Dietary Fibers (Tomato Fiber, Beet Root Fiber, and Inulin) for the Manufacture of Chopped Cooked Chicken Products
Authors: Cava Ramón , Ladero Luis , Cantero V. , Rosario Ramírez M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Three dietary fibers (tomato fiber [TF], beet root fiber [BRF], and inulin) at 3 levels of addition (1%, 2%, and 3%) were assessed for the manufacture of chopped, cooked chicken products and compared with a control product without fiber added. The effect of fiber incorporation on (i) batters, (ii) cooked (30 min at 70 °C), and (iii) cooked and stored (for 10 d at 4 °C) chicken products were studied. The addition of the fiber to chicken meat products reduced the pH of chicken batters in proportional to the level of fiber addition. Fiber incorporation increased water‐holding capacity but only the addition of TF reduced cook losses. The color of batters and cooked products was significantly modified by the type and level of fiber added. These changes were more noticeable when TF was added. Texture parameters were affected by the incorporation of TF and BRF; they increased the hardness in proportional to the level of addition. The addition of tomato and BRF to chicken meat products reduced lipid oxidation processes. These changes were dependent on the level of fiber added. The reduction of lipid oxidation processes was more marked in TF meat products than in products with other types of fibers. In contrast, the addition level of inulin increased TBA‐RS numbers in chicken meat products. Although the addition of TF increased the redness of the meat products, the use of this fiber was more suitable as it reduced the extent of lipid oxidation processes.

Industrial Application:  Nowadays, the reduction of fat and the increase of fiber content in meat products is one of the main goals of meat industry. Numerous sources of fiber can be added to the meat products; however, before that it is necessary to study their technological effect on raw and cooked meat products in order to evaluate their suitability for meat products manufacture. In addition, some of them could have beneficial effect on meat products conservation that could also increase their shelf life.
Role of Peroxyacetic Acid, Octanoic Acid, Malic Acid, and Potassium Lactate on the Microbiological and Instrumental Color Characteristics of Ground Beef
Authors: Mohan Anand , Pohlman F. W. , McDaniel J. A. , Hunt M. C.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  This study evaluated the effects of peroxyacetic acid (PAA), malic acid (MA), octanoic acid (OA), and potassium lactate (KL) followed by mixing with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and an ultra‐chilled CO2 snow shower on microbial counts of Escherichia coli (EC), coliform (CF), aerobic plate count (APC), and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) on inoculated beef trimmings and the instrumental color attributes of the resultant ground beef. Beef trimmings inoculated with EC and ST were treated with either 0.02% PAA; 2% MA; 0.04% OA; or 2% KL, followed by mixing with 10% TSP and rapid chilling with CO2 snow shower. Treated trimmings were then ground, packaged, displayed under simulated retail conditions, and sampled on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 for microbial counts and instrumental color characteristics. PAA, MA, OA, and KL reduced (P < 0.05) the microbial counts of EC, CF, APC, and ST during display. Among treatments, OA was most effective on EC, CF, ST, and APC during retail display. Chilling beef trimmings with CO2 improved instrumental color characteristics of the produced ground beef but made little difference in reducing microbial counts during display. During retail display, ground beef produced from beef trimmings treated with antimicrobials tended to maintain redness, myoglobin redox form stability (630 nm/580 nm), and overall instrumental color characteristics.

Practical Application:  This research provides a practical and cost‐effective decontamination technology for beef processors that can be immediately implemented in the ground beef production chain. Using antimicrobial intervention coupled with rapid chilling could benefit the meat industry by preserving the quality attributes of ground beef during retail display under aerobic packaging environment.
Application of a Real‐Time PCR‐Based System for Monitoring of O26, O103, O111, O145 and O157 Shiga Toxin‐Producing Escherichia coli in Cattle at Slaughter
Authors: Hofer E. , Stephan R. , Reist M. , Zweifel C.
Published: February 2012

Faecal samples were collected from 573 slaughtered cattle aged between three and 24 months in seven abattoirs. After enrichment (mTSB with novobiocin), samples were screened by real‐time PCR first for stx and if positive, tested for the top‐five Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups using PCR assays targeting genes specific for serogroups O26, O103, O111, O145 and O157. Of 563 samples with available results, 74.1% tested positive for stx genes. Amongst them, the serogroups O145, O103, O26, O157 and O111 were detected in 41.9%, 25.9%, 23.9%, 7.8% and 0.8%, respectively. From 95 O26, 166 O145 and 30 O157 PCR‐positive samples, 17 O26, 28 O145 and 12 O157 strains were isolated by colony hybridization after immunomagnetic separation. The 17 O26 strains were eae‐positive, but only nine strains harboured stx (eight possessing stx1 and one stx2). Of the 28 O145 strains, ten were eae‐positive including four harbouring stx1 or stx2, whereas 18 were negative for stx and eae. Five of the 12 O157 strains harboured stx2 and eae, did not ferment sorbitol, and were identified as STEC O157:H7/H−. The other seven O157 strains were negative for stx and eae or positive only for eae. Shiga toxin genes and the top‐five STEC serogroups were frequently found in young Swiss cattle at slaughter, but success rates for strain isolation were low and only few strains showed a virulence pattern of human pathogenic STEC.
Offshoring Business Process Services and Governance Control Mechanisms: An Examination of Service Providers from India
Authors: Jayaraman Vaidyanathan , Narayanan Sriram , Luo Yadong , Swaminathan Jayashankar M.
Published: February 2012

As emerging markets increasingly rely on service businesses through offshore outsourcing, we examine the role of governance control mechanisms in improving performance among business process outsourcing (BPO) service providers in India. Using data collected from 205 emerging market‐based BPO service providers in India, we examine the antecedents and consequences of establishing governance control mechanisms in BPO service providers. Specifically, we examine how structural (use of contracts with the client), administrative (effective allocation and demarcation of responsibilities within the firm), and relational (collaboration and information sharing with the client) mechanisms drive the performance of a BPO service provider operating in an emerging market. We also examine how key task‐related (task connectivity and task security) and client‐related (end customer orientation and global control) antecedents influence the use of different governance control approaches in this environment. Our analysis finds that both task connectivity and task security significantly impact use of structural and administrative mechanisms, whereas end customer orientation is significantly associated with the strength of the relational mechanisms governing the emerging market‐based BPO service provider and its client. Further global control significantly influences the strength of the structural mechanisms between the client and the BPO service provider. Finally, the three mechanisms have a complementary influence in driving the BPO service provider's performance.
Supply Chains and Global Health: An Imperative for Bringing Operations Management Scholarship into Action
Authors: Kraiselburd Santiago , Yadav Prashant
Published: February 2012

Many people in developing countries do not have access to effective vaccines, medicines, and other life‐saving health technologies. Shortage of health care workers, severe financial constraints, and lack of awareness are some of the major obstacles that prevent higher access. However, ineffective and poorly designed supply chains for purchasing and distributing the medicines, vaccines, and health technologies are one of the most important barriers to increasing access. We argue that the ineffectiveness of the global health supply chain can be attributed largely to: coordination problems across multiple stakeholders with widely divergent objectives, lack of careful supply chain design, and use of myopic operational objectives and metrics. The operations management research community can contribute to improving this by applying existing knowledge to the field of global health delivery and by researching new frameworks of analysis which would then become the cornerstones for policy advice to those who design, operate, or finance these supply chains.
Involvement of inflammation in severe post-operative pain demonstrated by pre-surgical and post-surgical treatment with piroxicam and ketorolac
Authors: Fujita Isami , Okumura Takako , Sakakibara Ayano , Kita Yasuhiro
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Post-operative pain is considered to involve inflammation caused by tissue injury. However, the mechanism and timing of the involvement of inflammation in the post-operative pain remain complicated because they can vary among different types of surgery. In this study a rat incision model was used to investigate how inflammation induced by cyclooxygenases (COXs) is involved in severe post-operative pain.

Methods

Longitudinal incision with a length of 1 cm was made through skin and fascia on the right hind paw of rats, starting 0.5 cm from the edge of the heel and extending towards the toes. Allodynia was evaluated using the von Frey hair test and its degree was recorded as the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). Two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), piroxicam and ketorolac, were given to rats after or before surgery, and the effects of the drugs on allodynia induced by the hind paw incision were examined.

Key findings

The PWT reduction reached a sub-maximal level at 3 h, a maximal level at one day after the surgery and lasted for more than 8 days, with the parallel development of inflammation (characterized by cell infiltration and oedema). Treatment with morphine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) at one day after the surgery showed a significant anti-allodynic effect. Treatment with either piroxicam (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or ketorolac (10 mg/kg, p.o.) at one day after the surgery did not exhibit significant anti-allodynic effect, whereas pre-surgical treatment with each drug showed significant anti-allodynic effects at 3 h after surgery.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the involvement of cyclooxygenases in evoking pain that occurs in the immediate post-operative period, and that an initial suppression of rapid inflammation by treatment with NSAIDs before major surgery plays an important role in the management of severe post-operative pain.
Long-term methadone treatment reduces phosphorylation of CaMKII in rat brain
Authors: Andersen Jannike M , Klykken Christine , Mørland Jørg
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To reveal a possible relationship between a previously reported impairment of novelty seeking in rats exposed to methadone and changes in intracellular molecules related to learning and memory.

Methods

Expression of phosphorylated Ca2+-calmodulin kinase II (pCaMKII), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 2 (pERK2) and cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB), as well as protein kinase A (PKA), was investigated in rat hippocampus one hour, one day and one week after a three-week methadone administration regime. Studies after an equivalent exposure to morphine, and in the frontal pole, were included for comparison.

Key findings

One day after the last methadone injection the hippocampal level of pCaMKII was significantly reduced. This coincides with a previously reported impairment of novelty seeking. At one hour and one week no significant changes were seen. There was no effect on the other proteins. Morphine affected pCaMKII similarly to methadone. Also in the frontal pole the two drugs reduced pCaMKII one day after the last injection.

Conclusion

The impaired novelty seeking previously found in rats administered methadone for three weeks coincides with a reduced level of pCaMKII in the brain. This finding implies that methadone treatment may affect learning and memory processes, and should stimulate further studies in a field with important knowledge gaps.
Evaluation of changes in hepatic disposition of phenolsulfonphthalein, indocyanine green and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran at low temperatures using a rat liver perfusion system
Authors: Miyamoto Hirotaka , Miyake Hideaki , Yoshikawa Naoki , Hirata Haruna , Ohwaki Yuichi , Fumoto Shintaro , Sasaki Hitoshi , Nakamura Junzo , Nishida Koyo
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the factor changing the hepatic disposition of a drug during hypothermia using a rat liver perfusion system.

Methods

The livers of male Wistar rats were perfused at 37, 32 or 28°C in the single-pass mode. Venous outflow dilution patterns and biliary excretion rate patterns of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP), indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (FD-4, MW 4400) after the injection of a bolus into the perfused rat liver were analysed based on statistical moment theory.

Key findings

The first-pass extraction ratio (Eh) of PSP was significantly decreased at 32 and 28°C compared with 37°C. The biliary recovery of PSP and its conjugate was decreased and the biliary excretion was kept at a high concentration and was prolonged by low perfusion temperatures. ICG was almost extracted by a single-pass through the liver even at 32 and 28°C. The biliary recovery of ICG was significantly decreased at low temperature. Although the distribution volume of FD-4 as a vascular reference was not changed by perfusion temperature, the Eh of FD-4 was decreased at 28°C although not markedly.

Conclusion

The change in hepatic disposition of a drug at low perfusion temperatures differed according to disposition processes under hypothermia.
Blame attributions and rape: Effects of belief in a just world and relationship level
Authors: Strömwall Leif A. , Alfredsson Helen , Landström Sara
Published: February 2012

Purpose. The blaming of rape victims can cause secondary victimization. It is of importance to investigate factor that might lead to victim blaming. This study investigated the effect of belief in a just world (BJW), gender of participant, and level of relationship closeness between victim and perpetrator on attributions of both victim and perpetrator blame.

Methods. In a between‐subjects experiment, a community sample (N= 166) answered questions of victim blame and perpetrator blame after reading one of four scenarios, each depicting a different level of relationship between the victim and the perpetrator (strangers, acquaintances, dating, or married).

Results. Overall, high levels of perpetrator blame and low levels of victim blame were found. Contrary to previous research, the victim of a stranger rape was blamed more than when the perpetrator was known to the victim. Furthermore, participants high on BJW attributed higher levels of victim blame and lower levels of perpetrator blame. Specifically, female participants high on BJW attributed most blame to a victim of stranger rape.

Conclusions. In conclusion, BJW was a significant predictor of blame attributions, and relationship type is a variable that merits further research.
Obesity and adipokines: effects on sympathetic overactivity
Authors: Smith Michael M. , Minson Christopher T.
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Excess body weight is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of hypertension, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia, recognized as the metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ by producing various signalling cytokines called adipokines (including leptin, free fatty acids, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, C‐reactive protein, angiotensinogen and adiponectin). A chronic dysregulation of certain adipokines can have deleterious effects on insulin signalling. Chronic sympathetic overactivity is also known to be present in central obesity, and recent findings demonstrate the consequence of an elevated sympathetic outflow to organs such as the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. Chronic sympathetic nervous system overactivity can also contribute to a further decline of insulin sensitivity, creating a vicious cycle that may contribute to the development of the metabolic syndrome and hypertension. The cause of this overactivity is not clear, but may be driven by certain adipokines. The purpose of this review is to summarize how obesity, notably central or visceral as observed in the metabolic syndrome, leads to adipokine expression contributing to changes in insulin sensitivity and overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.
The Mother of All Battles 20 years on: is LTP expressed pre‐ or postsynaptically?
Authors: Kullmann Dimitri M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract  The early 1990s saw an intense debate over the locus of expression of NMDA receptor‐dependent LTP. This provided an impetus for intense research into the mechanisms of modulation and trafficking of glutamate receptors and presynaptic vesicles. As new forms of LTP are discovered at different synapses, a simple resolution of the pre‐ versus postsynaptic debate seems increasingly remote.
Adenosine 5′‐diphosphate‐ribose is a neural regulator in primate and murine large intestine along with β‐NAD+
Authors: Durnin Leonie , Hwang Sung Jin , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M. , Mutafova‐Yambolieva Violeta N.
Published: February 2012

Key points 

Normal gastrointestinal activity depends upon orderly movement of nutrients and wastes through the alimentary canal. These movements require coordinated contractions of the muscular wall and regulation by excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons of the enteric nervous system.

We examined the nature of candidate purine neurotransmitters (ATP and β‐NAD) and their metabolites (ADP and ADP‐ribose) and the effects of these compounds on electrical and mechanical responses of colonic muscles.

After release, ATP and β‐NAD were rapidly degraded to ADP and ADP‐ribose, suggesting that inhibitory neural responses may include actions of primary transmitters and metabolites.

Metabolites of both neurotransmitter candidates elicited responses similar to responses to inhibitory nerve stimulation. However, only ADP‐ribose had pharmacology that mimicked the effects of the endogenous inhibitory neurotransmitter.

These results help us better understand neural regulation of colonic motility and provide new insights about how defects in neural responses might lead to motility disorders such as constipation.
Short‐term field stimulation mimics synaptic maturation of hippocampal synapses
Authors: Bagley Elena E. , Westbrook Gary L.
Published: February 2012

Key points 

During postnatal development there are changes in the fundamental properties of many, but not all, glutamatergic synapses in the brain. These changes include how readily glutamate is released and which glutamate receptors are at synapses.

Are these changes a consequence of a strict developmental programme or do they occur in response to neural activity? Because the hippocampus receives diverse synaptic inputs, it is difficult to control neural activity in vivo. Therefore, we tested whether neural activity in vitro could stimulate synapse maturation.

We found that maturation of synaptic properties, which usually occurs over 7 days, could be mimicked by 4 h of synaptic activity in slices from young mice.

This means that whether synapses have ‘mature’ properties is more a measure of recent neural activity than a consequence of strictly developmental changes and may bring about the diverse mix of synapses with ‘immature’ and ‘mature’ properties observed in adult brains.