bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Responses to Agricultural Disasters: Rethinking the Role of Government
Authors: Goodwin Barry K. , Vado Ligia A.
Published: October 2007

We provide a broad overview of the role and history of federal disaster relief in U.S. agriculture. We discuss various economic arguments that may be used as justification for such disaster relief and subsidized insurance programs. In general, we find no persuasive argument that market failure justifies subsidized risk management activities by the government. Important exceptions exist in the case of catastrophic damages to public infrastructure, invasive and communicable disease threats, and the hazards posed by accidental or deliberate contamination of food supplies in that the presence of significant transactions costs may inhibit private market solutions. We also consider a panel VAR analysis of the dynamic interrelationships among market returns and farm program payments conveyed under three different types of programs—disaster assistance, crop insurance, and all other direct payments. An important finding is that disaster and insurance payments appear to imply higher subsequent levels of market income risk in agriculture. This finding is consistent with arguments that subsidized disaster assistance and insurance may lead to greater risk in agriculture.

Nous présentons un large aperçu du rôle et de l'historique du programme fédéral d'assistance en cas de catastrophe agricole aux États‐Unis. Nous analysons différents arguments économiques qui peuvent justifier ces programmes d'aide et d'assurance subventionnés. En général, nous ne trouvons aucun argument convaincant comme quoi une défaillance de marché justifie des activités de gestion du risque subventionnées par le gouvernement. Cependant, des exceptions importantes existent pour les cas de dommages catastrophiques à des infrastructures publiques; de menaces de maladies contagieuses et invasives; et de dangers associés à la contamination accidentelle ou délibérée de la chaîne alimentaire, auquel cas les coûts de transaction importants pourraient inhiber les solutions du marché privé. Nous considérons également une analyse panel VAR des relations entre les rendements de marché et les paiements versés en vertu de trois types de programme: assistance en cas de catastrophe, assurance récolte et tout autre type de paiement direct. Nous en arrivons à la conclusion importante que les paiements d'assurance et d'aide aux sinistrés semblent mener à des niveaux de risque relatif au revenu marchand plus élevés dans le secteur de l'agriculture. Ceci concorde avec les arguments voulant que les programmes subventionnés d'assurance et d'assistance en cas de catastrophe mènent à une augmentation des risques dans le secteur de l'agriculture.
Multiple Discourses on Crisis: Farm, Agricultural, and Rural Policy Implications
Authors: Bessant Kenneth C.
Published: October 2007

The terms farm crisis, agricultural crisis, and rural crisis have been invoked in political and policy discourse to characterize significant disruptions in or threats to rural–farm livelihoods. Although these expressions reflect a general sense of concern over the state of agriculture and rural existence, they lack clear and concise meaning. Academic research and policy development are obfuscated by the lack of definitional consensus or, at minimum, some shared understanding of the core aspects of farm‐related crisis. Much of the debate revolves around four main themes: farm financial difficulties (low or unstable incomes, indebtedness, and increasing reliance on nonfarm revenue), structural changes in agriculture (increasing scale, concentration, and consolidation), rural livelihoods (dwindling communities, institutions, and services), and international dimensions (market fluctuations, trade regulations, and disputes). The examination of these interrelated levels of analysis offers a valuable framework for interpreting the multifold contexts, meanings, and responses to crisis. This paper explores varied representations of farm–agricultural crisis, with particular emphasis on the presumed causes (or precipitating factors), conditions, and related policies and programs.

Les expressions ≪ crise agricole ≫ et ≪ crise rurale ≫ sont évoquées dans le discours politique pour caractériser des perturbations ou des menaces importantes aux moyens de subsistance en milieu rural et agricole. Bien que ces expressions traduisent certaines inquiétudes concernant la situation des secteurs agricole et rural, leur signification manque de clarté et de concision. Les chercheurs universitaires et les élaborateurs de politiques sont déconcertés par le manque de consensus définitionnel ou, du moins, par le manque de vision commune des aspects fondamentaux de la crise agricole. Une grande partie du débat tourne autour de quatre thèmes principaux: les difficultés financières de l’exploitation agricole (revenu faible ou instable, endettement et dépendance accrue aux revenus non agricoles); les changements structurels dans le secteur agricole (augmentation de l’échelle de production, concentration et regroupement); les moyens de subsistance en milieu rural (diminution du nombre de collectivités, d’institutions et de services); les dimensions internationales (fluctuations du marché, règlements concernant les échanges commerciaux, différends). L’examen de ces niveaux d’analyse interreliés offre un outil précieux pour interpréter les multiples contextes, significations et réactions aux crises. Le présent article analyse les diverses représentations de la crise dans le secteur agricole et se penche particulièrement sur les causes présumées (ou facteurs déclenchants), les conditions ainsi que les politiques et programmes connexes.
Dynamic Programming and Learning Models for Management of a Nonnative Species
Authors: Eiswerth Mark E. , Van Kooten G. Cornelis
Published: October 2007

Nonnative invasive species result in sizeable economic damages and control costs. Because dynamic optimization models break down if controls depend in complex ways on past controls, nonuniform or scale‐dependent spatial attributes, etc., decision‐support systems that allow learning may be preferred. We compare two models of an invasive weed in California's grazing lands: (i) a stochastic dynamic programming model and (ii) a reinforcement‐based, experience‐weighted attraction (EWA) learning model. We extend the EWA approach by including stochastic forage growth and penalties for repeated application of environmentally harmful controls. Results indicate that EWA learning models offer some promise for managing invasive species.

Les espèces non indigènes envahissantes entraînent des dommages économiques et des coûts de lutte considérables. Compte tenu que les modèles d'optimisation dynamique échouent lorsque les moyens de lutte dépendent, de façon complexe, de moyens de lutte antérieurs, d'attributs spatiaux influencés par l'échelle ou non uniformes, etc., l'utilisation de systèmes d'aide à la décision permettant l'apprentissage pourrait être préférable. Nous avons comparé deux modèles dans le cas d'une plante adventice envahissant les pâturages de la Californie: 1. un modèle de programmation dynamique stochastique; 2. un modèle d'apprentissage experience‐weighted attraction (EWA), fondé sur le renforcement. Nous avons élargi le modèle EWA en y incluant la croissance stochastique des fourrages et des pénalités imposées pour l'utilisation répétée de moyens de lutte dommageables pour l'environnement. Selon les résultats obtenus, les modèles d'apprentissage EWA semblent prometteurs pour la gestion des espèces envahissantes.
Economic Effects of Mitigating Apple Maggot Spread
Authors: Zhao Zishun , Wahl Thomas , Marsh Thomas
Published: October 2007

Apple maggot is an economically important apple pest that is native to the East Coast of North America, including Canada and the United States. Introduced to the West Coast of the United States in 1979, the pest is spreading rapidly in the region, threatening the major apple production area of Washington State, as well as British Columbia. A dynamic simulation model for perennial fruit production is developed to study the potential economic impact of a pest species, such as apple maggot. The model is designed to provide essential information, including the intertemporal distribution of welfare, to aid the design of effective and efficient policy response to pest outbreaks. This model is used to simulate the economic impact of apple maggot spread in Washington State on apple price, trade flows, and welfare changes.

La mouche de la pomme est un ravageur originaire de la côte Est de l'Amérique du Nord (canadienne et étatsunienne) qui cause des pertes économiques considérables. Ce ravageur, qui s'est introduit sur la côte Ouest des États‐Unis en 1979, se propage rapidement et menace les principales zones de production de pomme de l'État de Washington et de la Colombie‐Britannique. Nous avons élaboré un modèle de simulation dynamique pour la production pluriannuelle de fruits afin d'étudier l'incidence économique potentielle d'espèces ravageuses telles que la mouche de la pomme. Le modèle a été conçu pour fournir de l'information essentielle, dont la distribution du bien‐être intertemporel, en vue de contribuer à l'élaboration d'une réaction politique efficace de lutte contre les pullulations de ravageurs. Ce modèle est utilisé pour simuler l'incidence économique de la propagation de la mouche de la pomme dans l'État de Washington sur le prix des pommes, le flux des échanges commerciaux et les changements touchant le bien‐être.
PVYn and Potato Wart Disease Outbreaks in Prince Edward Island: Policy Response and Analysis
Authors: Clark J. Stephen , Prochazka Petr , Yiridoe Emmanuel K. , Prochazkova Katerina
Published: October 2007

This study analyzed the impact of PVYn and potato wart disease outbreaks in PEI on the potato industry. The two disease outbreaks resulted in loss of the U.S. seed export market to PEI producers. The effects of the disease outbreaks were mitigated through value‐added processing. Price premiums for processed potatoes allowed PEI potato farmers to abandon seed export and helped to sustain financial viability potato production. Policy responses to the two disease outbreaks include (i) development of zones policies, which helped to reopen markets into the United States, and (ii) compensation to producers above the minimum levels required under the federal Seeds Act and Regulations. Implementation of the zones policy had beneficial impacts on the potato industry. In contrast, compensation above minimum requirements may set a costly precedent for future disease outbreaks.

Dans la présente étude, nous avons analysé les répercussions des flambées de virus PVYn et de galle variqueuse à l'Î.‐P.‐É. sur l'industrie de la pomme de terre. En raison de ces flambées, les producteurs de l'Î.‐P.‐É. ont perdu le marché d'exportation de la pomme de terre de semence vers les États‐Unis. La transformation à valeur ajoutée a aidéà atténuer les répercussions. Les bonifications reçues pour la pomme de terre transformée ont permis aux producteurs de l'Î.‐P.‐É. d'abandonner le marché d'exportation de la pomme de terre de semence et ont contribuéà maintenir la viabilité financière de cette production. Les réactions politiques à ces deux flambées ont inclus: i) l'élaboration de politiques en fonction des zones qui a favorisé la réouverture des marchés étatsuniens; ii) le versement d'indemnisations supérieures à celles prévues par la Loi sur les semences et le Règlement sur les semences. La mise en vigueur de politiques en fonction des zones a eu des effets bénéfiques sur l'industrie. Toutefois, le versement d'indemnisations supérieures aux exigences minimales pourrait créer un précédent coûteux advenant de futures flambées de maladies.
Understanding the Structure of Canadian Farm Incomes in the Design of Safety Net Programs1
Authors: Mussell Al , Moore Terri‐lyn , McEwan Ken , Duffy Randy
Published: October 2007

The effectiveness of safety net programs in meeting their purpose depends implicitly on the nature of farm profitability distributions. This study provides an empirical characterization of farm operating profit distributions and assesses the implications for Canadian safety net programs. Pooled time series data from the Statistics Canada Tax Data Program and the Farm Financial Survey is queried across a range of farm types and provinces, with quartile distributions of Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) within four farm‐size categories analyzed. The results show that regardless of farm type or province, there is greater variation in operating profit within a sales category than there is across the sales categories, and that the range in operating profit increases with size, revealing some very profitable small farms and unprofitable large farms. Thus, the discussion of the social value of farm stabilization programs ought not to be focused on farm size alone.

L'efficacité avec laquelle les programmes de protection du revenu atteignent leurs objectifs dépend implicitement de la nature des distributions de probabilités des fermes. La présente étude établit une caractérisation empirique des distributions du bénéfice d'exploitation agricole et évalue les répercussions sur les programmes de protection du revenu au Canada. Des données chronologiques tirées du Programme des données fiscales (PDF) et de l'Enquête financière sur les fermes (EFF) de Statistique Canada sont totalisées par type de ferme et par province, y compris des distributions par quartile du résultat avant intérêts, impôts et dotations aux amortissements (EBITDA) de quatre catégories de taille de ferme. Les résultats ont montré que, sans égard au type de ferme ou à la province, la variation du bénéfice d'exploitation au sein d'une même catégorie de ventes était supérieure à la variation du bénéfice d'exploitation observée entre les différentes catégories de ventes et que l'étendue du bénéfice d'exploitation augmentait avec la taille, révélant des fermes de petite taille très rentables et des fermes de grande taille non rentables. Par conséquent, la discussion sur la valeur sociale des programmes de stabilisation du revenu agricole ne devrait pas s'appuyer sur la taille de la ferme uniquement.
Novel Regulators of Phosphate Homeostasis and Bone Metabolism
Authors: Jüppner Harald
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  The regulation of phosphate homeostasis remains incompletely understood. Most insights into the underlying mechanisms were established by defining the molecular basis of different inherited disorders that are characterized by an abnormal regulation of phosphate homeostasis. Using this approach, three novel regulators were previously identified, namely PHEX (a phosphate‐regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 and UDP‐N‐acetyl‐α‐D‐galactosamine:polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3). Other studies had revealed heterozygous mutations in the sodium phosphate co‐transporter NaPi‐IIa as the cause of hypophosphatemia associated with hypercalciuria and osteoporosis, and homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in NaPi‐IIc were shown to cause hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria. Recently, positional cloning approaches furthermore led to the identification of homozygous inactivating mutations in dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) as the cause of an autosomal recessive form of hypophosphatemia. Using different immunometric assays, intact and C‐terminal FGF‐23 levels were found to be elevated in patients with oncogenic osteomalacia, and the tumors responsible for this disease showed increased expression of FGF‐23 mRNA. Intact and C‐terminal FGF‐23 levels are furthermore elevated in patients with X‐linked hypophosphatemia. This disorder is caused by inactivating PHEX mutations suggesting that this endopeptidase is somehow, most likely indirectly, involved in the metabolism of intact FGF‐23. FGF‐23 levels were also found to be elevated in some patients with ARHP indicating that the lack of DMP1 up‐regulates expression of this phosphaturic hormone. The concentration of C‐terminal FGF‐23, but not of intact FGF‐23, is significantly elevated in two forms of tumoral calcinosis (TC). One form of TC is caused by homozygous inactivating GALNT3 mutations implying that the encoded enzyme, which is involved in the initiation of O‐glycosylation, is important for preventing cleavage of FGF‐23 into biologically inactive fragments. The second form of tumoral calcinosis is caused by different homozygous FGF‐23 mutations that affect conserved serine residues that may undergo O‐glycosylation by GALNT3; the lack of this post‐translational modification leads to an abnormal processing of FGF‐23 and increased secretion of C‐terminal fragments. It remains unknown whether and how the different phosphate‐regulating proteins interact with each other and it appears very likely that additional proteins are involved in this process. It also remains unclear whether the dramatically elevated FGF‐23 levels in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease affect bone metabolism, particularly the mineralization of newly formed osteoid.
Effect of exercise duration on ceramide metabolism in the rat heart
Authors: Baranowski M. , Zabielski P. , Blachnio A. , Gorski J.
Published: October 2007

Aim:  We aimed at gaining more insight into the mechanisms underlying exercise‐induced alterations in myocardial ceramide (CER) content by employing physical activity of various durations and examining all key pathways of CER metabolism.

Methods:  The experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats divided into four groups (n = 6 in each case): control, exercised for 30 and 90 min and until exhaustion on the electrically driven treadmill moving with a speed of 1200 m h−1 and set at +10° incline. The animals were anaesthetized and samples of the heart’s left ventricle were excised.

Results:  Thirty‐minute exercise decreased the level of CER in the heart by 15%. However, after 90 min of running it returned to the baseline and at the point of exhaustion it exceeded that of the control animals by 26%. The initial reduction in the content of CER was probably a result of its augmented degradation, as a concomitant elevation in the activity of acid ceramidase and the level of sphingosine was observed. The transition from reduction in CER content after 30 min of exercise to its accumulation at the point of exhaustion was a consequence of gradual reduction in the activity of acid ceramidase and simultaneous increase in the rate of de novo CER synthesis, as evidenced by progressive activation of serine palmitoyltransferase and accumulation of sphinganine.

Conclusion:  We conclude that the effect of physical effort on myocardial CER content and metabolism depends to a large extent on exercise duration.
Spinal cord long‐term potentiation is attenuated by the NMDA‐2B receptor antagonist Ro 25‐6981
Authors: Pedersen L. M. , Gjerstad J.
Published: October 2007

Aim: The NR2B‐containingN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors may be involved in a variety of phenomena including synaptic plasticity, memory formation and pain perception. Here we used the NMDA‐2B receptor antagonist Ro 25‐6981 to investigate the role of the NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors in spinal nociception.

Methods: Extracellular single unit recordings were performed from dorsal horn wide dynamic range (WDR) neurones in intact urethane‐anaesthetized Sprague–Dawley rats. The responses of the WDR neurones evoked by C‐fibre activation after sciatic nerve stimulation were defined according to latencies. To block the dorsal horn NMDA‐2B receptors, the antagonist Ro 25‐6981 was applied topically onto the spinal cord. High‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of the sciatic nerve was used to induce spinal long‐term potentiation (LTP).

Results: Spinal administration of the NMDA‐2B receptor antagonist Ro 25‐6981 had a clear antinociceptive effect at the spinal level (P < 0.05, C‐fibre evoked responses after 4 mmRo 25‐6981 vs. C‐fibre evoked responses in baseline). Moreover, spinal administration of this antagonist clearly attenuated the magnitude of spinal cord LTP after HFS conditioning (P < 0.05, C‐fibre evoked responses after HFS vs. C‐fibre evoked responses after 8 mmRo 25‐6981 + HFS).

Conclusion: The present study indicates that expression of full LTP in dorsal horn neurones obtained by HFS conditioning may be dependent on the NMDA receptors containing the NR2B subunit. This suggests that activation of dorsal horn NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors may be involved in use‐dependent sensitization at the spinal level.
Carbon monoxide inhalation reduces skeletal muscle fatigue resistance
Authors: Morse C. I. , Pritchard L. J. , Wüst R. C. I. , Jones D. A. , Degens H.
Published: October 2007

Aim:  To determine whether inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO), resulting in carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels observed in smokers, had an effect on muscle fatigue during electrically evoked and voluntary muscle contractions.

Methods:  Young non‐smoking males inspired CO from a Douglas bag until their COHb level reached 6%. During the control condition the same participants inspired ambient air from a Douglas bag for 6 min. Fatigue was assessed as the decline in torque in isometric knee extensions, during 2 min of electrically evoked contractions (30 Hz, 1 s on, 1 s off) and during 2 min of maximal isometric voluntary contractions (1 s on, 1 s off). A fatigue index (FI) was calculated as the ratio of final torque : initial torque. Time to peak torque (TPT) and half relaxation time (½RT) were also determined for the electrically evoked contractions.

Results:  The FI during both the voluntary fatigue test (control: 0.80 ± 0.09 vs. CO: 0.70 ± 0.08; mean ± SD) and that of the fatigue test with electrically evoked contractions (control: 0.61 ± 0.09 vs. CO: 0.53 ± 0.12) was significantly lower after CO inhalation than after inhalation of ambient air (P < 0.05). There was, however, no effect of CO on the changes in TPT or ½RT during the fatigue test.

Conclusion:  Carbon monoxide inhalation resulting in COHb levels found in smokers has an acute impact on the ability of the muscle to resist fatigue.
Effect of Winemaking Practices on Color Indexes and Selected Bioactive Phenolics of Aglianico Wine
Authors: Gambuti A. , Strollo D. , Erbaggio A. , Lecce L. , Moio L.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Phenolic compounds are responsible for the sensory properties of wine as well as the properties beneficial to human health. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of the use of SO2 and pectolitic enzymes in the prefermentative phase, maceration time, and oak aging on color, anthocyanins, tannins, (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epicatechin, rutin, trans‐resveratrol, and quercetin content of Aglianico wine. Color indexes and phenolics were analyzed by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. The addition of SO2 and pectolitic enzymes before fermentation caused an increase in color intensity, color stability, total phenolics, anthocyanins, (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epicatechin rutin, trans‐resveratrol, and quercetin content in Aglianico wine. Longer maceration times gave wines richer in total phenolics and with better chromatic characteristics. Storage in oak caused a decrease in anthocyanins, (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epicatechin, trans‐resveratrol, and quercetin content but an increase in total phenolic content, and a stabilizing effect on color also occurred.
Exploring Imperfect Squeezing Flow Measurements in a Teflon Geometry for Semisolid Foods
Authors: Terpstra M.E.J. , Janssen A.M. , Linden E. van der
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  The method of imperfect lubricated squeezing flow in a Teflon™ geometry has been explored for the characterization of elongational behavior of custard and mayonnaise. Two Newtonian products, one of low (0.07 Pas) and one of high (18 Pas) shear viscosity, were used as references. Measurements of custards and mayonnaises did not behave according to either the theory of lubricated or nonlubricated squeezing flow, as there were effects of the initial sample height and compression speed. Also, calculated values for the flow index were not as we had expected. The same was true for the Newtonian samples. An important factor explaining the effect of compression speed was the presence of a certain amount of friction, rendering both lubricated theory and nonlubricated theory nonapplicable. Correcting for (pseudo‐) thixotropic behavior of custard and mayonnaise appears to be an effective way of obtaining realistic values for the flow index. The presence of buoyancy also affected the results, especially in the case of low viscous products and the effect of initial sample height. Other factors that played a role in the results were yield stress for custard and mayonnaise and instrumental artifacts associated with the imperfect setup of the measurement, especially for the highly viscous products. Quantitatively correcting the results for all of these factors is not possible at this point. Although the imperfect squeezing flow technique in a Teflon geometry is a very practical way to measure semisolids such as custard and mayonnaise under (partly) elongational deformation, the results should be regarded as more qualitative than quantitative.
Comparison of Kinetic Profile of Free and Immobilized Glucose Oxidase, Immobilized on Low‐Density Polyethylene Using UV Polymerization
Authors: Kothapalli A. , Hayes K. , Sadler G. , Morgan M.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Bioactive packaging is an important area of active packaging in which an active component is incorporated into the food contact surface of the package to interact with the food components without itself migrating into the food. Embedding bioactivity in a UV polymerizable resin is a novel and versatile technique for incorporating bioactive components into food packaging. In a previous article, glucose oxidase was immobilized in a packaging material using a UV curable resin. The relevance of this model system for deoxygenation of fruit juices was discussed. Though the technique efficiently immobilized enzymes in packaging material, during polymerization and immobilization the catalytic ability of the enzyme was not specifically explored. This article compares and contrasts the catalytic ability in terms of the kinetic profile of free and immobilized enzyme for the same model system: deoxygenation of juices. Kinetic behavior of immobilized and free glucose oxidase enzyme was evaluated at both shelf stable (room temperature) and refrigerated storage conditions to simulate the actual package life. It was observed that both the free enzyme and the immobilized enzymes follow the Michaelis–Menten kinetics model. There was no significant difference between the catalytic ability (kcat/Km) of free and immobilized enzymes at treatment temperatures (30, 25, and 10 °C); however, at refrigeration temperature (5 °C), the values for free enzyme were significantly higher than the immobilized enzyme.
Exsanguination of Turbot and the Effect on Fillet Quality Measured Mechanically, by Sensory Evaluation, and with Computer Vision
Authors: Roth B. , Schelvis‐Smit R. , Stien L.H. , Foss A. , Nortvedt R. , Imsland A.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  In order to investigate the impact of blood residues on the end quality of exsanguinated and unbled farmed turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), meat quality was evaluated using mechanical, sensory, and computer imaging techniques. The results show that exsanguination is important for improving the visual appearance, and the blood residue could be quantified using a computer imaging system. After 6 d of storage, mechanical analysis using puncture test or shear force showed no difference between exsanguinated and unbled fish. The trained taste panel was unable to detect any differences between exsanguinated and unbled fish after 6 and 14 d of storage. We conclude that over a 2‐wk period the blood residue in turbot meat does not affect texture or sensory quality, but does affect the visual appearance.
Fresh Pasta Quality as Affected by Enrichment of Nonstarch Polysaccharides
Authors: Brennan C.S. , Tudorica C.M.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs), both soluble and insoluble, were added to pasta doughs at levels of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% levels. The cooking and textural characteristics of the pastas were evaluated using a range of analytical techniques. Generally, NSP addition was found to increase the cooking losses, and reduce the protein and starch contents of the pasta. This effect was dependent on the level of NSP added and also the type (soluble or insoluble). Pasta firmness was generally reduced in relation to the level of NSP addition, although some gel‐forming NSPs resulted in higher firmness values. Pasta stickiness, adhesiveness, and elasticity were also affected. The results indicate that careful selection of NSP addition is needed to ensure optimum textural and cooking characteristics in NSP enriched pasta products.
Cross‐Cultural Comparisons among the Sensory Characteristics of Fermented Soybean Using Korean and Japanese Descriptive Analysis Panels
Authors: Chung L. , Chung S.‐J.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  One of the most important initial steps in exporting a food product to another country from the R&D perspective is to describe and translate the sensory characteristics of a food product appropriately into the language of the target country. The objectives of this study were to describe and compare the sensory characteristics of Korean and Japanese style fermented soybean products, and to cross‐culturally compare the lexicons of the identical product generated by the Korean and Japanese panelists. Four types of Korean and 4 types of Japanese style fermented soybean consisting of whole bean type and paste type were analyzed. Ten Korean and 9 Japanese panelists were recruited in Korea. Two separate descriptive analyses were conducted, with the panelists differing in their country of origin. Each group was trained, developed lexicon, and conducted descriptive analysis independently. Analysis of variance and various multivariate analyses were applied to delineate the sensory characteristics of the samples and to compare the cross‐cultural differences in the usage of lexicon. The Korean and Japanese panelists generated 48 and 36 sensory attributes, respectively. Cross‐cultural consensus was shown for evaluating the whole bean type fermented soybean and white miso, which were relatively distinctive samples. However, for the less distinctive samples, the panelists tend to rate higher in negative attributes for the fermented soybeans that originated from the other country. The Japanese panelists grouped the samples by their country of origin and soy sauce flavor was the main attribute for cross‐cultural differentiation. However, the Korean panelists did not make a cross‐cultural distinction among the samples.
Inactivation of Food Spoilage Microorganisms by Hydrodynamic Cavitation to Achieve Pasteurization and Sterilization of Fluid Foods
Authors: Milly P.J. , Toledo R.T. , Harrison M.A. , Armstead D.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Hydrodynamic cavitation is the formation of gas bubbles in a fluid due to pressure fluctuations induced by mechanical means. Various high‐acid (pH ≥ 4.6) fluid foods were processed in a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor to determine if commercial sterility can be achieved at reduced processing temperatures. Sporicidal properties of the process were also tested on a low‐acid (pH < 4.6) fluid food. Fluid foods were pumped under pressure into a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor and subjected to 2 rotor speeds and flow rates to achieve 2 designated exit temperatures. Thermal inactivation kinetics were used to determine heat‐induced lethality for all organisms. Calcium‐fortified apple juice processed at 3000 and 3600 rpm rotor speeds on the reactor went through a transient temperature change from 20 to 65.6 or 76.7 °C and the total process lethality exceeded 5‐log reduction of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei cells, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii cells and ascospores. Tomato juice inoculated with Bacillus coagulans spores and processed at 3000 and 3600 rpm rotor speeds endured a transient temperature from 37.8 to 93.3 or 104.4 °C with viable CFU reductions of 0.88 and 3.10 log cycles, respectively. Skim milk inoculated with Clostridium sporogenes putrefactive anaerobe 3679 spores and processed at 3000 or 3600 rpm rotor speeds endured a transient temperature from 48.9 to 104.4 or 115.6 °C with CFU reductions of 0.69 and 2.84 log cycles, respectively. Utilizing hydrodynamic cavitation to obtain minimally processed pasteurized low‐acid and commercially sterilized high‐acid fluid foods is possible with appropriate process considerations for different products.
Synergistic Antiyeast Activity of Garlic Oil and Allyl Alcohol Derived from Alliin in Garlic
Authors: Chung I. , Kwon S.H. , Shim S.‐T. , Kyung K.H.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Garlic oil (GO) and allyl alcohol (AA), both derived from alliin in garlic using different preparation methods, cause potent growth inhibition in yeasts. GO and AA inhibited Candida utilis ATCC42416 in different ways: GO has fungistatic activity while AA has fungicidal activity. GO and AA have almost identical antimicrobial potencies against the indicator yeast, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of about 25 ppm when tested individually. When GO and AA were tested in combination, the antimicrobial efficacy significantly increased. Combinations of AA and GO at 1 and 9 ppm, 2 and 7 ppm, 5 and 5 ppm, and 6 and 3 ppm, respectively, inhibited C. utilis completely. The sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) in the 2‐component (GO and AA) combination was as low as 0.37 for C. utilis, indicating strong synergism. The sum of the FICs of diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide in combination with AA was larger than that of the GO–AA combination, suggesting that the synergy was lower.
Zinc and Iron Bioavailability of Genetically Modified Soybeans in Rats
Authors: Martino H.S.D. , Martin B.R. , Weaver C.M. , Bressan J. , Esteves E.A. , Costa N.M.B.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  The aim of this work was to evaluate zinc and iron bioavailability of UFV‐116, a new variety without 2 lipoxygenases, with better taste and flavor than a commercial variety OCEPAR 19, containing all 3 isozymes. To evaluate zinc absorption using 65Zn whole body retention and femur 65Zn uptake, rats were given 3 g of a 65ZnCl2 labeled test meal (0.25 μCi). The 2 varieties were tested at the level of 9 and 30 ppm of zinc as defatted soy flour. Two other groups (control) received egg white as source of protein and ZnS04.H20 as the zinc source. To evaluate iron absorption, using 59Fe whole body retention, animals were given a 3 g 59FeCl3 labeled test meal (0.2 μCi). The 2 varieties were tested at 12 and 25 ppm iron as defatted soy flour. Whole fat soy flour of variety 1 (UFV‐116) was higher (P < 0.05) in Ca, K, Mg, phytic acid, and oxalate than variety 2 (OCEPAR‐19). No difference was observed among the soybean varieties (P > 0.05) for femur 65Zn retention, at different levels of zinc. However, whole body retention was lower (P < 0.05) for UFV‐116 than for OCEPAR‐19. Femur 65Zn uptake was correlated with the whole body retention; however, whole body retention was more sensitive. Whole body 59Fe retention from UFV‐116 was lower (P < 0.05) than from OCEPAR‐19. Zinc and iron bioavailability was lower for UFV‐116, possibly due to its higher content of antinutrient factors, especially phytate.
Carotenoids and Color of Fruit Juice and Milk Beverage Mixtures
Authors: Zulueta A. , Esteve M.J. , Frígola A.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Seventeen commercially available, “ready to drink” fortified beverages consisting of mixtures of fruit juices and milk were analyzed to evaluate their carotenoid profile (including their Z/E stereoisomers) and color during their commercial shelf life. Lightness (L*) was found to be correlated with the content of milk in the mixtures (r= 0.649) whereas red‐yellow colors were correlated with the contents of α‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, and β‐carotene supplied by the fruit. The beverages stored under refrigeration (4 ± 2 °C) showed higher luminosity (L*) and higher saturation of color (C*) and yellowness (b*). Differences (P < 0.05) in the levels of carotenoids were found among the beverages. Common fruits such as apple, lemon, pear, strawberry, kiwifruit, pineapple, and banana were low in carotenoids. However, orange, apricot, mango, and peach contributed significantly (P < 0.05) to increasing β‐cryptoxanthin and β‐carotene concentrations. Passion fruit supplied ζ‐carotene, and the presence of carrot increased the levels of α‐carotene and β‐carotene. Conversion of all‐Eβ‐carotene and β‐cryptoxanthin to their Z isomers took place in 8 of the 17 samples containing α‐carotene and in 9 of the 13 samples containing β‐cryptoxanthin, respectively, which resulted in some loss of provitamin A activity and nutritional value.
Cellulase‐Assisted Extraction of Oligosaccharides from Defatted Rice Bran
Authors: Patindol J. , Wang L. , Wang Y.‐J.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Defatted rice bran was subjected to cellulase treatment in order to increase its extractable oligosaccharides. Various combinations of enzyme concentration (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%), temperature (room, 30, 40, and 50 °C), and time (1, 3, 5, and 16 h) were tested to identify the optimum extraction conditions. The saccharide content and composition of the extracts were analyzed by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD). Digestibility was assayed in vitro with human salivary and porcine pancreatic α‐amylases. Extraction yield ranged from 13.4% (without cellulase) to 39.9% (with 2% cellulase). Total carbohydrates, reducing sugars, and crude protein of the dried extracts ranged from 69.2% to 87.2%, 18.7% to 62.3%, and 7.1% to 22.3%, respectively. Mono‐ and disaccharides constituted more than 50% of the total carbohydrates in the extracts. Inherent oligosaccharides and those produced by cellulolysis made up less than 25%. The in vitro digestibility of the extracts by α‐amylases was lower compared with that of the original rice bran sample and potato dextrin, which could be attributed to the increased concentrations of oligosaccharides and reducing sugars.
Comparison of 3M™ Petrifilm™ Environmental Listeria Plates against Standard Enrichment Methods for the Detection of Listeria monocytogenes of Epidemiological Significance from Environmental Surfaces
Authors: Nyachuba D.G. , Donnelly C.W.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT:  Environmental monitoring using sensitive methods for detection and elimination of harborage sites of Listeria monocytogenes is key to the control of this organism. The 3M™ Petrifilm™ Environmental Listeria (EL) Plate—a no enrichment method—was compared with the USDA/FSIS, modified USDA/FSIS (mUSDA), and ISO methods for detection/recovery of L. monocytogenes on 4 environmental surfaces (brick, dairy board, stainless steel, and epoxy resin). The efficacy of 3 sampling devices including the Microbial‐Vac system®, environmental sponge, and 3M Quick swab in recovering epidemiologically significant strains of uninjured and sublethally injured L. monocytogenes from environmental surfaces was evaluated. Environmental surfaces were inoculated with Listeria to obtain final cell densities of approximately 10 to 100 CFU/100 cm2. The surfaces were then sampled and processed. For all methods, percent recovery (% samples where Listeria was detected) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for uninjured cells (75% to 100%) compared to injured cells (58.9% to 81.1%). The Petrifilm EL Plate method efficiently recovered both low level and injured Listeria populations from environmental test surfaces when used in conjunction with environmental sponge and the 3M Quick swab sampling. The mUSDA method was superior to all other methods for recovering both uninjured (100% recovery) and injured L. monocytogenes (80.8% to 81.1% recovery). Sponges and swabs were equally effective in recovering uninjured and injured Listeria and were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the Microbial‐Vac system. The findings indicate that both mUSDA and Petrifilm EL Plate methods can be used for the detection of potentially injured Listeria on food processing environmental surfaces.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Progress and current concepts of etiopathogenesis
Authors: SCALDAFERRI Franco , FIOCCHI Claudio
Published: October 2007

Over the past few years, none of the numerous conditions that are grouped under the broad designation of ‘chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders’ has undergone as much scientific and clinical progress as the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Progress has occurred in all major areas relevant to IBD pathogenesis, which include the external environment, genetics, microbial factors, and the immune system. This review presents an update on the specific major advances that have occurred in each of these four areas, briefly discusses the therapeutic implications of the observed progress, and points out the additional work that needs to be accomplished in the next few years to reach a full understanding of IBD etiopathogenesis.
Upregulated expression of S100A6 in human gastric cancer
Authors: YANG Yan Qing , ZHANG Lan Jing , DONG Hui , JIANG Chang Long , ZHU Zheng Gang , WU Jian Xin , WU Yun Lin , HAN Jun Song , XIAO Hua Sheng , GAO Heng Jun , ZHANG Qing Hua
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE:  The expression of S100A6 (calcyclin), a member of the S100 calcium binding protein family, is elevated in a number of malignant tumors, but there have been few reports about its expression in gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate its expression regulations in human gastric cancer and noncancerous mucosa, and the response to chemotherapeutic drugs in the gastric cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:  In one matched gastric cancer sample pair, the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) experiment was conducted to compare the gene expression profiles between cancerous and adjacent tissues. To detect the expression regulations among more cancerous tissues, microarrays were carried out and real‐time RT‐PCR was conducted to validate the results. At the protein level, Western blot and tissue microarray (TMA) examination were further used to verify S100A6 expression. The regulation detection of S100A6 with flurouracil and doxorubicin at the mRNA and protein level was performed in the SGC7901 cell line.

RESULTS:  With the SAGE strategy, five times more S100A6 tags were identified in cancer tissues than in normal tissues. With the cDNA microarray, S100A6 was found to be significantly upregulated in 21 of 42 (50%) nonselective gastric cancers. In 10 other paired samples, the upregulation of S100A6 was consolidated with RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis as well. A total of 14 endoscopy‐sectioned gastric noncancerous lesions and corresponding normal gastric mucosa were also applied to profile the gene expression; both cDNA microarray and RT‐PCR demonstrated no significant alterations of S100A6 at the mRNA level. TMA examination showed that 34 of 52 (65.4%) cancer samples were positively stained, while only 17 of 80 (21.3%) noncancerous lesions were positively detected and all nine normal mucosae were detected to be negative. An in vitro experiment showed that in the gastric cell line SGC‐7901, S100A6 mRNA was detected to be upregulated from 24 to 72 h after treatment with 5 mg/L 5‐flurouracil or 0.3 mg/L doxorubicin, and there were two wave upregulations of the S100A6 protein.

CONCLUSION:  The observed regulated expression of S100A6 suggests that it is associated with gastric cancer tumorigenesis and quantitation of S100A6 is a promising tool for diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Robust Likelihood Methods Based on the Skew‐t and Related Distributions
Authors: Azzalini Adelchi , Genton Marc G.
Published: October 2007

The robustness problem is tackled by adopting a parametric class of distributions flexible enough to match the behaviour of the observed data. In a variety of practical cases, one reasonable option is to consider distributions which include parameters to regulate their skewness and kurtosis. As a specific representative of this approach, the skew‐t distribution is explored in more detail and reasons are given to adopt this option as a sensible general‐purpose compromise between robustness and simplicity, both of treatment and of interpretation of the outcome. Some theoretical arguments, outcomes of a few simulation experiments and various wide‐ranging examples with real data are provided in support of the claim.
A Sediment Budget for an Urbanizing Watershed, 1951‐1996, Montgomery County, Maryland, U.S.A.1
Authors: Allmendinger Nicholas E. , Pizzuto James E. , Moglen Glenn E. , Lewicki Mikolaj
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Despite widespread interest, few sediment budgets are available to document patterns of erosion and sedimentation in developing watersheds. We assess the sediment budget for the Good Hope Tributary, a small watershed (4.05 km2) in Montgomery County, Maryland, from 1951‐1996. Lacking monitoring data spanning the period of interest, we rely on a variety of indirect and stratigraphic methods. Using regression equations relating sediment yield to construction, we estimated an upland sediment production of 5,700 m3 between 1951 and 1996. Regression equations indicate that channel cross‐sectional area is correlated with the extent of development; these relationships, when combined with historical land use data, suggest that upland sediment yield was augmented by 6,400 m3 produced by enlargement of first‐order and second‐order stream channels. We used dendrochronology to estimate that 4,000 m3 of sediment was stored on the floodplain from 1951‐1996. The sediment yield from the watershed, obtained by summing upstream contributions, totals 8,100 m3 of sediment, or 135 tons/km2/year. These results indicate that upland erosion, channel enlargement, and floodplain storage are all significant components of the sediment budget of our study area, and all three are approximately equal in magnitude. Erosion of “legacy” floodplain sediments originally deposited during poor agricultural practices of the 19th and early 20th Centuries has likely contributed between 0 and 20% of the total sediment yield, indicating that these remobilized deposits are not a dominant component of the sediment yield of our study area.
Conservation‐Induced Wastewater Flow Reductions Improve Nitrogen Removal: Evidence from New York City1
Authors: Paulsen Kurt , Featherstone Jeffrey , Greene Sean
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Water resources are under increasing pressure to meet potable supply needs while sustaining aquatic ecosystems and fisheries. Growing populations and enforcement of the Total Maximum Daily Load provisions of the Clean Water Act present public water and wastewater utilities with costly options to meet potable water demands and reduce pollutant discharges into receiving waters. This paper documents that New York City’s comprehensive water conservation program – designed to extend the city’s safe yield of potable water—has also resulted in reduced nitrogen discharges from the city’s water pollution control plants during a period of population increases. This paper demonstrates and quantifies the effects that wastewater inflow volume reductions have on increased nitrogen removal, controlling for plant process changes. Conservation programs have saved the city billions of dollars in delayed or avoided capital improvements to both water and wastewater treatment plants, and have enabled the city to meet interim effluent discharge standards.