bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility, friendship, and family
Authors: ALLAN GRAHAM
Published: February 2008

This article is concerned with the impact of late modernity on patterns of solidarity in friend and family relationships. It takes as its starting point the transformations in partnership, family, and household formation and dissolution that have been occurring in Western societies since the 1970s. Accepting these shifts as indicative of the greater freedoms people now have over the construction of their personal relationships and social networks, the article examines the degree to which the domains of family and friendship are merging. Its principal argument is that despite increased flexibility in the construction of personal life, including diversity in the prioritization of different relationships, at a cultural level clear boundaries exist between family and friendship ties.
An observational study of humor use while resolving conflict in dating couples
Authors: CAMPBELL LORNE , MARTIN ROD A. , WARD JENNIE R.
Published: February 2008

This research focused on whether affiliative and aggressive humor use was associated with relationship satisfaction and with greater perceived closeness, problem resolution, and emotional distress following a conflict discussion task. Ninety‐eight dating couples from a large Texas University participated in this research. Both partners independently completed questionnaires about their relationship perceptions, participated in a videotaped conflict resolution task, and then answered some additional questions. The results revealed that individuals whose partners used more affiliative and less aggressive humor during the discussion were more satisfied with their relationship and reported an increase in perceived closeness and better problem resolution following the discussion. These results highlight the importance of both positive and negative forms of humor in the regulation of close relationships.
Timing of the transition to motherhood and union quality: The moderator role of union length
Authors: BOUCHARD GENEVIÈVE , LACHANCE‐GRZELA MYLÈNE , GOGUEN AMANDA
Published: February 2008

Researchers have examined the contribution of women’s age at first pregnancy to the prediction of union quality across the transition to motherhood, but the emerging picture is inconsistent. The authors investigated the moderator role of union length in the relationship between the 2 variables. A sample of 143 Canadian women completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. As predicted, after partialing out the influence of other demographic variables, union length moderated the relationship between maternal age and changes in union quality across the transition, p < .001. The results showed that postponing motherhood to a later age has positive effects on women’s union quality only among those who are in long‐term relationships.
Patterns of couple interaction during the transition to parenthood
Authors: HOUTS RENATE M. , BARNETT‐WALKER KORTNEE C. , PALEY BLAIR , COX MARTHA J.
Published: February 2008

Using latent transition analysis, this study identified Constructive and Destructive marital problem‐solving patterns in couples prenatally and at 3, 12, and 24 months postbirth. Most couples remained in the same group across the 2 years (27.5% and 52.2% who started as Destructive and Constructive, respectively). Always Destructive spouses reported more depressive symptomatology and more negative and less positive views of marriage than Always Constructive couples. Mixed wives mirrored Always Constructive wives in their depressive symptomatology and concurrent views of marriage; mixed husbands mirrored Always Constructive husbands in their depressive symptomatology and Always Destructive husbands in their concurrent views of marriage. Mixed couples divorced or separated at the highest rates (35.7%), while Always Constructive couples tended to remain married (93.1%).
Attitudes toward marriage: Embeddedness and outcomes in personal relationships
Authors: RIGGIO HEIDI R. , WEISER DANA A.
Published: February 2008

This study examines marriage attitudes, attitude embeddedness, personal relationship outcomes, and parental marital status and conflict using 400 undergraduate students. In a conceptual replication of Prislin and Ouellette (1996), more embedded marriage attitudes are more predictive of evaluations of general marriage issues and relationship scenarios than less embedded attitudes. Consistent with findings that marriage attitudes influence relationship quality (Amato & Rogers, 1999), more embedded attitudes predict relationship conflict, commitment, desirability of alternatives, and expectations of relationship success. Recollections of high parental conflict are associated with greater relationship conflict, and individuals with divorced parents report more negative marriage attitudes. Future research on relationship attitudes, their strength, and consequences of parental divorce and conflict for offspring marriage attitudes is discussed.
Evaluation of Biogeographic Classification Schemes for Conservation Planning: Application to New Zealand's Coastal Marine Environment
Authors: SHEARS NICK T. , SMITH FRANZ , BABCOCK RUSS C. , DUFFY CLINTON A.J. , VILLOUTA EDUARDO
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  For many regions worldwide, multiple and often contrasting biogeographic classifications exist that are derived from a variety of taxa and techniques. This presents a challenge for managers who must choose appropriate large‐scale spatial frameworks for systematic conservation planning. We demonstrate how systematically collected community data can be used to evaluate existing biogeographic classifications, identify the most appropriate metric for biogeographic patterns seen in other taxonomic groups, and develop an independent biogeographic classification scheme for systematic conservation planning. We evaluated 6 existing biogeographic classifications for New Zealand's nearshore marine environment with community‐similarity metrics derived from abundance and presence–absence data for macroalgae (107 species) and mobile macroinvertebrates (44 species). The concordance between community metrics and the previous classifications was high, as indicated by a high multivariate classification success (CS) (74.3–98.3%). Subsequently, we carried out an independent classification analysis on each community metric to identify biogeographic units within a hierarchical spatial framework. The classification derived from macroalgal presence–absence data achieved the highest CS and could be used as a mesoscale classification scheme in which 11 regional groupings (i.e., bioregions) (CS = 73.8–84.8%) are nested within northern and southern biogeographic provinces (CS = 90.3–98.7%). These techniques can be used in systematic conservation planning to inform the design of representative and comprehensive networks of marine protected areas through evaluation of the current coverage of marine reserves in each bioregion. Currently, 0.22% of the territorial sea around mainland New Zealand is protected in no‐take marine protected areas in which 0–1.5% of each bioregion represented.
Testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis with Bird Populations as Habitat‐Specific Environmental Indicators: Evidence from Canada
Authors: LANTZ VAN , MARTÍNEZ‐ESPIÑEIRA ROBERTO
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  The traditional environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis postulates that environmental degradation follows an inverted U‐shaped relationship with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. We tested the EKC hypothesis with bird populations in 5 different habitats as environmental quality indicators. Because birds are considered environmental goods, for them the EKC hypothesis would instead be associated with a U‐shaped relationship between bird populations and GDP per capita. In keeping with the literature, we included other variables in the analysis—namely, human population density and time index variables (the latter variable captured the impact of persistent and exogenous climate and/or policy changes on bird populations over time). Using data from 9 Canadian provinces gathered over 37 years, we used a generalized least‐squares regression for each bird habitat type, which accounted for the panel structure of the data, the cross‐sectional dependence across provinces in the residuals, heteroskedasticity, and fixed‐ or random‐effect specifications of the models. We found evidence that supports the EKC hypothesis for 3 of the 5 bird population habitat types. In addition, the relationship between human population density and the different bird populations varied, which emphasizes the complex nature of the impact that human populations have on the environment. The relationship between the time‐index variable and the different bird populations also varied, which indicates there are other persistent and significant influences on bird populations over time. Overall our EKC results were consistent with those found for threatened bird species, indicating that economic prosperity does indeed act to benefit some bird populations.
Disease Modification in Migraine: Study Design and Sample Size Implications
Authors: Fox Anthony W.
Published: February 2008

Objective.— Describe a clinical trial design that is capable of detecting disease modifying effects (DME) of anti‐migraine drugs, and to explore the effect on study size of the likely variability in initial active‐ and placebo‐response rates.

Methods.— An orthodox power calculation and typical response rates in studies of prophylactic drugs for migraine were used to construct the initial model. The interactions between variability in response rates for active and placebo treatments (ARR and PRR, respectively), as well as required sample size, was then analyzed as a 3‐dimensional problem.

Results.— Overall, the putative study design requires 4 times as many patients as in each analyzable treatment group, all with allowances for loss to follow up, when both positive and negative control groups are available for comparison with the group being tested for DME. For an example prophylactic agent with ARR = 50% and PRR = 25%, the model suggests that the study might need 260‐270 patients. Sample sizes increase in quasi‐exponential manner as placebo‐response rates rise, and active‐response rates fall, and these are plotted for the reported variability of ARR and PRR in migraine prophylaxis.

Conclusions.— Variations on the study design can be modeled for the likely variability in outcome using a straightforward technique. Investigating DME activity for drugs with the efficacy that is typical of approved prophylactic agents might not require impractically large numbers of patients. Such models can be used not only in study design, but also in assessing the overall feasibility of whether or not to pursue DME detection within a given development program.
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Clinical and neuropathologic findings of familial and sporadic forms
Authors: Andrade‐Valença Luciana Patrízia A. , Valença Marcelo Moraes , Velasco Tonicarlo Rodrigues , Carlotti Carlos Gilberto , Assirati João Alberto , Galvis‐Alonso Orfa Yineth , Neder Luciano , Cendes Fernando , Leite João Pereira
Published: February 2008

Summary

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and hippocampal histological features of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) in both familial (FMTLE) and sporadic (SMTLE) forms.

Methods: Patients with FMTLE (n = 20) and SMTLE (n = 39) who underwent surgical treatment for refractory seizures were studied at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto. FMTLE was defined when at least two individuals in a family had clinical diagnosis of MTLE. Hippocampi from all patients were processed for Nissl/HE and Timm's stainings. Both groups were compared for clinical variables, hippocampal cell densities, and intensity of supragranular mossy fiber staining.

Results: There were no significant differences between FMTLE and SMTLE groups in the following: age at the surgery, age of first usual epileptic seizure, history of initial precipitating injury (IPI), age of IPI, latent period, ictal and interictal video‐EEG patterns, presence of hippocampal atrophy and signal changes at MRI, and postoperative outcome. In addition, no differences were found in cell densities in hippocampal cornu ammonis subfields (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4), fascia dentata, polymorphic region, subiculum, prosubiculum, and presubiculum. However, patients with SMTLE had greater intensity of mossy fiber Timm's staining in the fascia dentata‐inner molecular layer (p< 0.05).

Discussion: Patients with intractable FMTLE present a clinical profile and most histological findings comparable to patients with SMTLE. Interestingly, mossy fiber sprouting was less pronounced in patients with FMTLE, suggesting that, when compared to SMTLE, patients with FMTLE respond differently to plastic changes plausibly induced by cell loss, neuronal deafferentation, or epileptic seizures.
In‐patient comparison of immediate and conventional loaded implants in mandibular molar sites within 12 months
Authors: Barış Güncü M. , Aslan Yavuz , Tümer Celal , Güncü Güliz N. , Uysal Serdar
Published: February 2008

Objectives: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental implants placed in the mandibular molar sites and immediately functionally restored compared with conventionally loaded controls in an in‐patient study.

Material and methods: Twenty‐four dental implants were placed in 12 patients who had first molar loss bilaterally in the mandibular area. One site of the patient was determined as immediately loaded (IL) and the other side was conventionally loaded (CL). Resonance frequency analyses for implant stability measurements, radiographic examinations for marginal bone levels and peri‐implant evaluations were performed during the clinical follow‐up appointments within 12 months.

Results: During the 12‐month follow‐up period, only one implant was lost in the IL group. The mean implant stability quotient values were 74.18±5.72 and 75.18±3.51 for Groups IL and CL at surgery, respectively, and the corresponding values were 75.36±5.88 and 75.64±4.84 at 1‐year recall, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant between the two groups during the 12‐month study period (P>0.05). When peri‐implant parameters were evaluated, excellent peri‐implant health was demonstrated during the 1‐year observation period and all implants showed less than 1 mm of marginal bone resorption during the first year.

Conclusions: In the present study, immediate functionally loading did not negatively affect implant stability, marginal bone levels and peri‐implant health when compared with conventional loading of single‐tooth implants.
Inverse association between periodontitis and respiratory allergies in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Friedrich Nele , Kocher Thomas , Wallaschofski Henri , Schwahn Christian , Lüdemann Jan , Kerner Wolfgang , Völzke Henry
Published: February 2008

Aim: In a general adult population, we have demonstrated an inverse association between periodontitis and respiratory allergies that is in line with the hygiene hypothesis suggesting a protective effect of infections against the development of allergies. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between periodontitis and respiratory allergies in a type 1 diabetes mellitus population.

Material and Methods: The study population comprised 170 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus aged 17–80 years. Respiratory allergies were present in 22 subjects. The attachment loss (AL) was measured. Periodontitis was defined according to the percentage of surfaces that exceeded 3 mm AL (healthy, mild, moderate, severe periodontal conditions).

Results: Our adjusted analyses revealed an inverse association between periodontitis and respiratory allergies. For increasing AL, a trend towards a decreasing risk was present for respiratory allergies (ptrend<0.05). Compared with subjects with healthy periodontal conditions, individuals with severe periodontal conditions had the lowest risk of respiratory allergies [odds ratios (OR) 0.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.39)], followed by subjects with moderate AL [OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.03–0.63)] and mild AL [OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.09–1.08)].

Conclusion: There is a strong inverse association between periodontitis and respiratory allergies in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. These findings further support the hygiene hypothesis.
Functional Cathepsin C mutations cause different Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome phenotypes
Authors: Noack Barbara , Görgens Heike , Schacher Beate , Puklo Magda , Eickholz Peter , Hoffmann Thomas , Schackert Hans Konrad
Published: February 2008

Aim: The autosomal‐recessive Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is characterized by severe aggressive periodontitis, combined with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and is caused by mutations in the Cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. This study aimed to identify CTSC mutations in different PLS phenotypes, including atypical forms and isolated pre‐pubertal aggressive periodontitis (PAP).

Material and Methods: Thirteen families with different phenotypes were analysed by direct sequencing of the entire coding region and the regulatory regions of CTSC. The function of novel mutations was tested with enzyme activity measurements.

Results: In 11 of 13 families, 12 different pathogenic CTSC mutations were found in 10 typical PLS patients, three atypical cases and one PAP patient. Out of four novel mutations, three result in protein truncation and are thus considered to be pathogenic. The homozygous c.854C>T nucleotide exchange (p.P285L) was associated with an almost complete loss of enzyme activity. The observed phenotypic heterogeneity could not be associated with specific genotypes.

Conclusions: The phenotypic variability of the PLS associated with an identical genetic background may reflect the influence of additional genetic or environmental factors on disease characteristics. CTSC mutation analyses should be considered for differential diagnosis in all children suffering from severe aggressive periodontitis.
Association between body weight and periodontal infection
Authors: Ylöstalo Pekka , Suominen‐Taipale Liisa , Reunanen Antti , Knuuttila Matti
Published: February 2008

Background: Besides being a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and type II diabetes, obesity has been suggested to be a risk factor for periodontitis. A number of epidemiological studies have studied the association between obesity and periodontitis, but the results have been partly inconclusive. The aim of this study was to examine the association of body weight with periodontal infection.

Material and Methods: The association between body weight and periodontal infection was examined using a nationally representative Health 2000 Health Examination Survey. The study was based on a subpopulation of dentate non‐diabetic subjects aged 30–49 (n=2841). Periodontal infection was measured by the number of teeth with periodontal pockets of 4 mm or deeper and 6 mm or deeper. Body weight was measured using body mass index (BMI).

Results: We detected a weak exposure–response association of BMI with teeth with deepened periodontal pockets after controlling for smoking habits by restricting the sample to subjects who have never smoked and for other potential confounders by including them in the multivariate models.

Conclusions: The results showed an association between body weight and periodontal infection among the non‐diabetic, non‐smoking population aged 30–49. Additional research is needed to determine the nature of this association.
Melatonin stimulates osteointegration of dental implants
Authors: Cutando Antonio , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Arana Carlos , Muñoz Fernando , Lopez‐Peña Mónica , Stephenson Jean , Reiter Russel J
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the topical application of melatonin on osteointegration of dental implants in Beagle dogs 14 days after their insertion. In preparation for subsequent insertion of dental implants, upper and lower premolars and molars were extracted from 12 Beagle dogs. Each mandible received cylindrical screw implants of 3.25 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length. The implants were randomly assigned to the mesial and distal sites on each side of the mandible. Prior to implanting, 1.2 mg lyophylized powdered melatonin was applied to one bone hole at each side of the mandible. None was applied at the control sites. Eight histological sections per implant were obtained for histomorphometric studies. After a 2‐wk treatment period, melatonin significantly increased the perimeter of bone that was in direct contact with the treated implants (P < 0.0001), bone density (P < 0.0001), new bone formation (P < 0.0001) and inter‐thread bone (P < 0.05) in comparison with control implants. Topical application of melatonin may act as a biomimetic agent in the placement of endo‐osseous dental implants.
Undergraduate education in gerodontology in Germany: the Leipzig Programme
Authors: Nitschke Ina , Sobotta Bernhard A.J. , Reiber Thomas
Published: February 2008

Objective:  To evaluate students’ attitude towards the clinical component of the Leipzig Programme of undergraduate Education in Gerodontology (LPEG).

Background:  Undergraduate student education has long been recognised as a mainstay of fostering the aims of gerodontology. Extramural clinical education with direct exposure to various groups of vulnerable elderly is known to contribute to the formation of positive attitudes. LPEG has been designed to include didactic components and six visits to a long‐term care facility (LTC) spread over 4 of the 5 years of the dental course.

Methods:  A structured questionnaire with 10 items was administered to 230 students (60.9% female) on three occasions in 2004–05. Total return was 411 questionnaires. The mean age of respondents was 24.3 (SD 2.67) years. Students were asked to indicate the degree of their agreement with seven statements presented using a 5‐point scale. A choice of responses which characterised the course was offered to mark all those deemed agreeable.

Results:  The vast majority of students responded positively. In the students perception there was no significant difference (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.24) in the amount of knowledge acquired between subjects participating once, twice or three times. ‘Interesting’ and ‘feel pity for patients’ were the two items that received the most support. Respondents expressed the wish to accompany up to 10 patients during their course with a mean of 3.5 (SD 2.9) but 31 (7.5%) subjects did not wish to see any frail elderly patients at all.

Conclusion:  The LPEG is well received by dental students. A complex subject including overarching social skills has been integrated seamlessly into the dental curriculum.
The compatibility of the fungicide azoxystrobin with Pochonia chlamydosporia, a biological control agent for potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp.)
Authors: Tobin J.D. , Haydock P.P.J. , Hare M.C. , Woods S.R. , Crump D.H.
Published: February 2008

The biological control potential of Pochonia chlamydosporia against root‐knot (Meloidogyne spp.) and cyst‐forming (Heterodera and Globodera spp.) nematodes is widely appreciated. In spite of this, little has been undertaken to determine the compatibility of this fungus with modern fungicides. A series of experiments were undertaken to investigate the effect of azoxystrobin on P. chlamydosporia. Initial Petri dish experiments found a significant reduction in the growth of P. chlamydosporia. EC50 values were calculated at 7 and 14 mg L−1, respectively, for hyphal growth and chlamydospore germination. A microcosm experiment based on counts of the colony‐forming units of the re‐isolated fungus showed a reduction in EC50 values for azoxystrobin in soil after 12, 20 and 40 days incubation (1.25, 1.00 and 3.00 mg kg−1 soil, respectively). There was evidence the fungus recovered over time in response to azoxystrobin application. This was also demonstrated in a glasshouse experiment where EC50 values of 1.32 and 4.4 mg kg−1 soil were obtained for 35 and 49 days after planting (DAP), respectively.
Evaluation of a Dialysis Sampler’s Integrity in a Cold Climate
Authors: Iwakun O. , Biggar K. , Armstrong J. , Donahue R. , Sego D.
Published: February 2008

The use of a diffusion sampler made from regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane was investigated in this study to resolve issues from previous studies on the integrity of the sampler when deployed in the field. The dialysis samplers were deployed in monitoring wells at two upstream oil‐ and gas‐contaminated sites. The average ambient temperature in the monitoring wells was 4 ± 1°C over the 6 month duration of the test. Burst pressure and tensile strength tests were used to determine the integrity of the samplers at two field sites over time. The test results showed no adverse impacts on the samplers’ integrity after 6 months. Therefore, diffusion samplers from regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane show promising results when used for long‐term monitoring associated with natural attenuation assessment under the conditions tested.
In situ Mixing of Organic Matter Decreases Hydraulic Conductivity of Denitrification Walls in Sand Aquifers
Authors: Barkle Gregory F. , Schipper Louis A. , Burgess Craig P. , Painter Brett D.M.
Published: February 2008

In a previous study, a denitrification wall was constructed in a sand aquifer using sawdust as the carbon substrate. Ground water bypassed around this sawdust wall due to reduced hydraulic conductivity. We investigated potential reasons for this by testing two new walls and conducting laboratory studies. The first wall was constructed by mixing aquifer material in situ without substrate addition to investigate the effects of the construction technique (mixed wall). A second, biochip wall, was constructed using coarse wood chips to determine the effect of size of the particles in the amendment on hydraulic conductivity. The aquifer hydraulic conductivity was 35.4 m/d, while in the mixed wall it was 2.8 m/d and in the biochip wall 3.4 m/d. This indicated that the mixing of the aquifer sands below the water table allowed the particles to re‐sort themselves into a matrix with a significantly lower hydraulic conductivity than the process that originally formed the aquifer. The addition of a coarser substrate in the biochip wall significantly increased total porosity and decreased bulk density, but hydraulic conductivity remained low compared to the aquifer. Laboratory cores of aquifer sand mixed under dry and wet conditions mimicked the reduction in hydraulic conductivity observed in the field within the mixed wall. The addition of sawdust to the laboratory cores resulted in a significantly higher hydraulic conductivity when mixed dry compared to cores mixed wet. This reduction in the hydraulic conductivity of the sand/sawdust cores mixed under saturated conditions repeated what occurred in the field in the original sawdust wall. This indicated that laboratory investigations can be a useful tool to highlight potential reductions in field hydraulic conductivities that may occur when differing materials are mixed under field conditions.
Atlantic Salmon Skin and Fillet Color Changes Effected by Perimortem Handling Stress, Rigor Mortis, and Ice Storage
Authors: Erikson U. , Misimi E.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: The changes in skin and fillet color of anesthetized and exhausted Atlantic salmon were determined immediately after killing, during rigor mortis, and after ice storage for 7 d. Skin color (CIEL*,a*,b*, and related values) was determined by a Minolta Chroma Meter. RocheSalmoFan™ Lineal and Roche Color Card values were determined by a computer vision method and a sensory panel. Before color assessment, the stress levels of the 2 fish groups were characterized in terms of white muscle parameters (pH, rigor mortis, and core temperature). The results showed that perimortem handling stress initially significantly affected several color parameters of skin and fillets. Significant transient fillet color changes also occurred in the prerigor phase and during the development of rigor mortis. Our results suggested that fillet color was affected by postmortem glycolysis (pH drop, particularly in anesthetized fillets), then by onset and development of rigor mortis. The color change patterns during storage were different for the 2 groups of fish. The computer vision method was considered suitable for automated (online) quality control and grading of salmonid fillets according to color.
Effects of Inulin/Oligofructose on the Thermal Stability and Acid‐Induced Gelation of Soy Proteins
Authors: Tseng Y.‐C. , Xiong Y.L. , Boatright W.L.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic oscillatory shear testing were performed to study the influence of inulin (Raftiline® HP‐gel and Raftiline® ST‐gel) and oligofructose (Raftilose® P95) on the thermal stability and gelation (using glucono‐δ‐lactone [GDL] as a coagulant) of soy protein isolate (SPI) dispersions. Addition of 10% (w/v) inulin/oligofructose or sucrose increased (P < 0.05) the peak denaturation temperatures (Tm) of 7S and 11S soy proteins in SPI dispersion (5%[w/v], pH 7.0) by an average of 1.9 and 2.3 °C, respectively. GDL induced SPI thermal gelation, and the gel rheology was affected by both the pH decline and the specific temperature of heating. Addition of inulin/oligofructose (8%, w/v) improved the gelling properties of preheated SPI dispersion (8%, w/v) coagulated with GDL, showing 14.4 to 45.6% increase (P < 0.05) in gel rigidity (G′ value) at the end of heating (81 °C). Microstructural examination revealed a denser protein cross‐linking structure and reduced pore sizes in SPI gels containing inulin/oligofructose. In general, inulin was more capable of improving SPI gelation than oligofructose, suggesting that the degree of fructose polymerization in the fructans was of thermal and rheological importance.
Reduction of Acrylamide and Its Kinetics by Addition of Antioxidant of Bamboo Leaves (AOB) and Extract of Green Tea (EGT) in Asparagine–Glucose Microwave Heating System
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ying Tiejin , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the effect of antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) and extract of green tea (EGT) on the formation and kinetics of acrylamide in an equimolar asparagine–glucose model system. The substrates spiked with AOB and EGT were microwave‐heated at 180 °C and the acrylamide content in final reaction products was quantified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). The results showed that both AOB and EGT could effectively reduce the formation of acrylamide in an asparagine–glucose microwave heating model system and achieved a maximum reduction rate when the addition levels of AOB and EGT were both 10−6 mg/mL reaction solution. To describe the kinetic behavior of acrylamide, a simplified kinetic model was optimized and relative kinetic rate constants were evaluated under isothermal conditions. The results indicated that the reduction effect of AOB and EGT on the acrylamide formation may partly be ascribed to the decrease of the formation rate constant (kF) in both AOB and EGT‐spiked systems (43.4% and 32.3% of decrease, respectively, P < 0.05). The kinetic parameter kE, which represents the elimination rate of acrylamide in both AOB and EGT‐spiked systems, was not significantly different (6.9% of increase and 10.9% of decrease, respectively, P > 0.05). The results of the kinetic study indicated that addition of AOB and EGT could significantly reduce the formation rate constant (kF) of acrylamide, but could not significantly affect the elimination rate constant (kE) of acrylamide.
The Localization of Phytate in Tofu Curd Formation and Effects of Phytate on Tofu Texture
Authors: Ishiguro T. , Ono T. , Nakasato K.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  The localization of phytate on tofu making and its effects on tofu texture were investigated. Thirty‐eight percent and 3% of phytate in soymilk were bound to soluble protein and particulate protein, respectively, and the others were in free form. In the early stage of curd formation, phytate bound to particulate proteins and then a large part of phytate was taken into the tofu curd. Increase of phytate contents in soymilk resulted in the increase of coagulant requirement to make firm tofu. Optimal coagulant concentration (OCC) for making tofu was influenced by phytate contents. The increase of phytate in tofu caused decrease of hardness at OCC and resulted in the increase of brittleness and viscosity of tofu. We concluded that the phytate content is one important factor that contributes to tofu texture.
Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Furan Formation in Fresh‐Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Fan X. , Sokorai K.J.B.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Furan, a possible carcinogen, is commonly induced by thermal processing in a wide variety of foods. The possible formation of furan from fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables due to irradiation was studied. Nineteen fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables were irradiated by 5 kGy gamma rays at 4 °C. Furan was analyzed from the irradiated samples using a number of preparation methods. The results showed that almost all tested fruits and vegetables, upon irradiation, produced nondetectable levels, or less than 1 ng/g of furan. Irradiation induced low ng/g levels of furan only in grape and pineapple. Dipping apple slices into calcium ascorbate before irradiation did not increase furan formation. The pH and the amount of simple sugars in fresh fruits and vegetables had a role in furan formation. Low levels of furan were induced by irradiation only in those fruits that had a high amount of simple sugars and low pH.
Autolysis of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Meat: Characterization and the Effects of Protein Additives
Authors: Eakpetch P. , Benjakul S. , Visessanguan W. , Kijroongrojana K.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Autolytic activity of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) mince in the absence and in the presence of 2.5%NaCl was investigated. Pacific white shrimp mince exhibited the maximum autolytic activity at 35 and 40 °C in the absence and in the presence of 2.5%NaCl, respectively, as evidenced by the highest TCA‐soluble peptide content and the greatest disappearance of myosin heavy chain (MHC). The autolysis was more pronounced in the acidic pH values, followed by alkaline pH ranges. Pepstatin A showed the highest inhibition toward autolysis in the acidic condition, revealing that aspartic proteinase was dominant in shrimp muscle. Nevertheless, soybean trypsin inhibitor effectively inhibited the autolysis at neutral and alkaline pH values, suggesting that serine proteinase was present in shrimp mince but contributed to autolysis at a lower extent in shrimp meat. Autolysis in shrimp meat could be inhibited partially by all protein additives, including bovine plasma protein (BPP), egg white (EW), and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The inhibition of autolysis increased when the level of protein additives increased with the concomitant increase in band intensity of MHC retained. WPC and BPP in the range of 2% to 3% exhibited the highest inhibition toward autolysis of shrimp mince.
Effects of Banana, Orange, and Apple on Oxidative Stress‐Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells
Authors: Heo H.J. , Choi S.J. , Choi S.‐G. , Shin D.‐H. , Lee J.M. , Lee C.Y.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: Banana, orange, and apple are the major fruits in Western and Asian diets. In order to find the effects of these fruits, neuron like PC12 cells were exposed to the extracts of these fruits before H2O2treatment. We found a significant viability of PC12 cells by the MTT reduction test, which indicated that the phenolics of banana, orange, and apple fruits prevented oxidative stress‐induced neurotoxicity. Additional tests by lactate dehydrogenase and trypan blue exclusion assays showed that the extracts reduced oxidative stress‐induced neuronal cell membrane damage. These results suggest that fresh apples, banana, and orange in our daily diet along with other fruits may protect neuron cells against oxidative stress‐induced neurotoxicity and may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Improvement of Functional Properties of Bovine Serum Albumin through Phosphorylation by Dry‐Heating in the Presence of Pyrophosphate
Authors: Enomoto H. , Li C.‐P. , Morizane K. , Ibrahim H.R. , Sugimoto Y. , Ohki S. , Ohtomo H. , Aoki T.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was phosphorylated by 2 methods. One is dry‐heating in the presence of pyrophosphate, and the other is conjugation with maltopentaose through the Maillard reaction and subsequent dry‐heating in the presence of pyrophosphate. The phosphorus content of BSA was increased to approximately 0.45% by dry‐heating at pH 4.0 and 85 °C for 5 d in the presence of pyrophosphate, and approximately 0.91% by glycation and subsequent phosphorylation. The circular dichroism spectra showed that the change of secondary structure in the BSA molecule by phosphorylation was mild. However, tryptophan fluorescence intensity of BSA decreased by phosphorylation. The differential scanning calorimetry thermograms of BSA showed a disappearing of the 1st peak and a lowering of the 2nd peak denaturation temperature by phosphorylation. These results indicated molten (partially unfolded) conformations of BSA formed by both phosphorylation methods. The functional properties of BSA such as heat stability and calcium phosphate solubilizing ability were improved by phosphorylation alone and further by phosphorylation after glycation. Transparent gels of BSA with relatively high water‐holding capacity were obtained by phosphorylation alone, and the immunogenicity of BSA was reduced significantly by glycation and phosphorylation, respectively.
Fate of Salmonella Tennessee in Peanut Butter at 4 and 22 °C
Authors: Park E.‐J. , Oh S.‐W. , Kang D.‐H.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study was undertaken to determine survival characteristics of inocula of a 3‐strain mixture of Salmonella Tennessee in 5 commercial brands of peanut butter (A, B, C, D, and E). Inoculated peanut butter was stored at 4 (refrigerator temperature) and 22 °C (room temperature) for up to 14 d. After 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 d, surviving cells, including injured cells, were enumerated on appropriate selective agar, including use of the agar overlay method. Populations in samples inoculated with 106–7 CFU/g and stored for 14 d at 4 and 22 °C decreased by 0.15 to 0.65 and 0.34 to 1.29 log CFU/g, respectively, depending on the formulation. Peanut butter A showed a significantly lower number of S. Tennessee cells when stored at 22 °C for 14 d, compared to 4 °C (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the levels of S. Tennessee at 4 and 22 °C in products B, C, D, and E (P > 0.05).
How Does Roasting Process Influence the Retention of Coffee Aroma Compounds by Lyophilized Coffee Extract?
Authors: López‐Galilea I. , Andriot I. , De Peña M. P. , Cid C. , Guichard E.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:  The aims of this study were (1) to study the effect of lyophilized coffee extract on the retention of aroma compounds and (2) to study if aroma compounds selected are differently affected by the lyophilized coffee extracts obtained from conventional and Torrefacto coffee brews prepared by filter coffeemaker and by espresso coffee machine. Variable amounts of lyophilized coffee extracts, relative to coffee powder, containing different percentages of high molecular weight compounds, mainly melanoidins (value given in parentheses), were obtained: 20.9% (14.8) and 24.9% (23.3), respectively, for conventional and Torrefacto coffee brew prepared by filter coffeemaker and 18.1% (18.8) and 20.7% (57.5), respectively, for conventional and Torrefacto coffee brew prepared by espresso coffee machine. The retention of aroma compounds increased by increasing the lyophilized coffee extract concentration and was found to be dependent on the aroma compounds. The retention of aroma compounds was found to be slightly different depending on the brewing procedure employed, showing lyophilized coffee extracts obtained with espresso coffee machine had higher retention values that those extracted by filter coffeemaker. Retention capacity of lyophilized coffee extracts obtained from the conventional and the Torrefacto roasted coffee did not show differences except in the case of ethyl nonanoate.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Nigerian Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Retrospective Study to Compare Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockade or Their Combination
Authors: Ajayi Olufemi E. , Akintomide Anthony O. , Adigun Adegboyega Q. , Ajayi Adesuyi A. L.
Published: February 2008

Background.  Hypertension in blacks imposes a greater left ventricular hypertrophy, and accelerated heart failure onset. We evaluated and compared the echocardiographically determined systolic and left ventricular diastolic functional indices in Nigerian hypertensive patients, associated with the chronic use of ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers (CCB) or their combinations.

Methods.  Ejection fraction ‐EF, intraventricular relaxation time (IVRT), E/A peak velocity ratio, E wave deceleration time] as well as the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was undertaken among 41 Nigerian patients with essential hypertension only, on treatment for 4–6 months prior. The 41 patients (aged 59 ± 10 years, 40% females) were divided into three groups; those receiving (i) ACE inhibitors; or (ii) CCB or (iii) combination of ACEI and CCB. All the three groups had a background of diuretic treatment for optimal blood pressure control.

Results.  There were no statistically significant differences in the mean LVMI or sitting blood pressure between treatment groups. E/A ratio for ACEI treatment was 1.06 ± 0.44, CCB 0.74 ± 0.19, and for ACEI + CCB 0.87 ± 0.26 (F = 3.29, P = 0.048 anova). The 95% confidence interval for the E/A ratio on ACEI was 0.8 to 1.33. The A wave duration time integral (AVVTi) were all abnormally large, but showed a significant between treatment group difference (P = 0.037, anova). The values were 21.9 ± 4.7 for ACEI, 25.3 ± 6.3 for CCB, and least at 20.1 ± 3.6 cm for the ACE + CCB combination. Similarly, the IVRT was lowest and <100 ms with ACEI + CCB being 93 ± 18 ms, ACEI 115 ± 23 ms, and CCB being 117 ± 22 ms (F = 4.92, P = 0.01, anova). The 95% CI for IVRT on ACEI + CCB was 82 to 104 ms. There were no between treatment group differences in systolic contractility, (fractional shortening or EF).

Conclusions.  The results indicate that use of an antihypertensive drug regime inclusive of an ACE inhibitor (±CCB) may be associated with greater salutary effect on indices of diastolic function, (E/A > 1, lower AVVTi, IVRT < 100 ms) even in the presence of an equivalent effect on systolic function and blood pressure.
Elastic Buckling of a Circular Disk due to Internal Membrane Forces
Authors: Shih W.-Y. , Kudryavtsev L. , Wang K. K.
Published: February 2008

Residual internal stresses often remain in materials after thermal-mechanical processes. Considerable deformation, such as elastic buckling, may result from such stresses. Some cases of circular-plate buckling due to internal membrane forces are analyzed in this work. The internal membrane-force field is introduced with a nonuniform radial temperature distribution in the disk. Detailed analysis is performed and critical buckling criteria are tabulated for some specific sets of parameters. Although the membrane force in the plate is axially symmetric, symmetry breaking is found at buckling. When the temperature is higher at the disk center, the first buckling mode is domeshaped, which maintains the polar symmetry. The mode of buckling, however, changes to a saddle shape when the radial temperature distribution is reversed.
Mathematical Modeling of Noninvasive Blood Pressure Estimation Techniques—Part II: Brachial Hemodynamics
Authors: Ursino Mauro , Cristalli Cristina
Published: February 2008

The main biomechanical factors which may affect the accuracy of the oscillometric method for indirect blood pressure measurement are analyzed using a new model of brachial hemodynamics. In a first stage of this work, the model has been used to reproduce some well-known responses of collapsing arteries, such as the sharp increase in compliance, and the nonlinear pressure-flow characteristic with negative dynamic resistance. In a second stage the model has been linked to the arm tissue mechanics description presented in a previous work. The final model so obtained has then been employed to analyze the pattern of the main hemodynamic quantities (pressure pulsations in the cuffs, blood volume changes, blood flow upstream and downstream of the cuffs) during deflation manoeuvres. The simulation results agree with those found in the recent literature quite well. Results indicate that the cuff pressure value for maximum pulsations exhibits a large plateau, located approximately around the mean arterial pressure. However, stiffness of wall artery, or stretching of the cuff internal surface, may significantly alter the obtained results causing a phenomena of “pseudohypertension.”
Nonlinear Analysis of Oscillatory Flow, With a Nonzero Mean, in an Elastic Tube (Artery)
Authors: Wang D. M. , Tarbell J. M.
Published: February 2008

Oscillatory flow of a Newtonian fluid in an elastic tube, which is a model of blood flow in arteries, is analyzed in this paper. For a rigid tube, the steady flow field can be described by Poiseuille’s law and the unsteady flow field by Womersley’s solution. These are the linearized solutions for flow in elastic tubes. To evaluate the importance of nonlinear effects, a perturbation solution is developed realizing that the amplitude of arterial wall movement is small (typically 5–10 percent of the diameter). The nonlinear effects on the amplitude of the wall shear rate, on the amplitude of the pressure gradient, and on the mean velocity profile have been considered. Nonlinear effects on the oscillatory components depend on Womersley’s unsteadiness parameter (α), the ratio between the mean and amplitude of the flow rate, the diameter variation, and the phase difference between the diameter variation and the flow rate (φ) which is indicative of the degree of wave reflection. On the other hand, the mean velocity profile is found to be dependent on the steady-streaming Reynolds number, Rs. When Rs is small, the mean velocity profile is parabolic (1 − ξ2); however, when Rs is large, the velocity profile is distorted by the nonlinear effect and can be described by sin(πξ2). The increase of the amplitude and reduction of the mean of wall shear rate as π changes from 0 to −90 deg suggests an indirect mechanism for the role of hypertension in arterial disease: hypertension → increased wave reflection → wall shear stress is reduced and more oscillatory.