bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Government Supply of Land in a Dual Market
Authors: Ooi Joseph T.L. , Sirmans C.F. , Turnbull Geoffrey K.
Published: December 2010

A dual land market is one in which the government owns a significant portion of developable land while real estate development is done primarily by the private sector. This article examines Singapore's experience with its system of government land supply in a dual market, focusing on its response to market signals as well as the interaction with the significant private supply of land. The example is relevant to the general problem of government sales of valuable assets. The private supply of developable land behaves in line with expectations. The government response to price signals differs only modestly from that of private landowners.
Atypical Wernicke's Encephalopathy Showing Involvement of Substantia Nigra
Authors: Kalidass Bhagheerathi , Sunnathkal Rajani , Rangashamanna Dr. Vital , Paraswani Rajesh
Published: December 2010

CASE HISTORY

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) seen in alcoholics and even in nonalcoholic patients, classically presenting with a triad of ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and altered mental status. Typical findings in magnetic resonance imaging are represented by symmetric signal alterations in medial thalami, mamillary bodies, tectal plate, and periaqueductal area and atypical findings involve lesions in cerebellum, midline vermis, red nuclei, dentate, caudate, cranial nerve nuclei, splenium and cerebral cortex. We report here a case of nonalcoholic starvation induced atypical WE showing symmetrical lesions in substantia nigra in addition to the classical neuroradiological findings. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:204‐207.
Stroke Due to Lyme Neuroborreliosis: Changes in Vessel Wall Contrast Enhancement
Authors: Lebas Axel , Toulgoat Frédérique , Saliou Guillaume , Husson Béatrice , Tardieu Marc
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuroborreliosis is a rare cause of stroke in children. We aim here to demonstrate the diagnostic value of gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for demonstrating vessel wall abnormality in a child with brainstem stroke.

RESULTS

We report here the case of an 8‐year‐old boy with cerebral vasculitis and stroke due to Lyme neuroborreliosis. Imaging studies revealed the presence of ischemic lesions in the pons and cerebellum, with focal stenosis of the basilar artery on magnetic resonance angiography and focal gadolinium enhancement of the basilar artery wall. Nine months after treatment, clinical outcome was favorable, with no enhancement of the basilar artery.

CONCLUSIONS

Gadolinium‐enhanced MRI provided additional information facilitating the diagnosis of vasculitis in a child with Lyme neuroborreliosis and stroke. The location of vessel wall enhancement was correlated with the topography of the acute infarct, and the lack of vessel lumen obstruction supported the diagnosis of vasculitis rather than any other cause. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:210‐212.
MRI‐Texture Analysis of Corpus Callosum, Thalamus, Putamen, and Caudate in Machado‐Joseph Disease
Authors: de Oliveira Márcia S. , D’Abreu Anelyssa , França Jr Marcondes C. , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Cendes Fernando , Castellano Gabriela
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Texture analysis (TA) is a branch of image processing, which attempts to convey “texture” information from digital images, such as magnetic resonance images (MRI). Machado‐Joseph disease (MJD) affects mainly cerebellum and brainstem, but recent studies have shown that other cerebral structures may also be affected.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate subtle structural abnormalities in corpus callosum (CC), thalami, putamen, and caudate nuclei of patients with MJD using TA.

METHODS

Eighteen healthy volunteers and 18 patients with MJD were studied (mean age at disease onset = 34.7 years; disease duration = 9.6 years; mean expanded CAG in the MJD1 gene = 73). A TA approach based on the gray‐level cooccurrence matrix was applied to T1‐MRI. Regions of interest were manually segmented for each subject, and texture parameters were computed for each of the aforementioned anatomical structures.

RESULTS

TA parameters showed differences between the 2 groups for the caudate nuclei, thalami, and putamen. No differences were found for the CC.

CONCLUSIONS

TA was capable of detecting tissue alterations in MRI of patients with MJD. These alterations were in areas already shown to be affected by histopathological studies. In addition, we confirmed the thalamic involvement in patients with MJD, which had only been demonstrated in volumetric studies.
Interventional Neurology: A Reborn Subspecialty
Authors: Edgell Randall C. , Alshekhlee Amer , Yavagal Dileep R. , Vora Nirav , Cruz‐Flores Salvador
Published: December 2010

Neurologists have a long history of involvement in cerebral angiography; however, the roots of neurologist involvement in therapeutic endovascular procedures have not been previously documented. As outlined in this article, it has taken the efforts of several early pioneers to lay the ground work for interventional neurology, a specialty that has become one of the fastest growing neurological subspecialties. The ground work, along with a great clinical need, has allowed the modern interventional neurologist to tackle some of the most intractable diseases, especially those affecting the cerebral vasculature. The institutionalization of interventional neurology as a subspecialty was first advocated in 1995 in an article entitled, “Interventional Neurology, a subspecialty whose time has come.” The institutions created in the wake of this article have provided the framework that has allowed interventional neurology to transition from “a subspecialty whose time has come” to a subspecialty that is here to stay and thrive.
Matching Capacity to Demand: A Regional Dashboard Reduces Ambulance Avoidance and Improves Accessibility of Receiving Hospitals
Authors: McLeod Bruce , Zaver Fareen , Avery Chris , Martin Duane P. , Wang Dongmei , Jessen Kim , Lang Eddy S.
Published: December 2010

Objectives:  Ambulance diversion is a dangerous repercussion of emergency department (ED) crowding and can reflect fragmentation and a lack of coordination in designating optimal patient offload sites for prehospital providers. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether proactive destination selection through the Regional Emergency Patient Access and Coordination (REPAC) program would enhance capacity and ED flow management.

Methods:  The REPAC system provides a dashboard that synthesizes real‐time capacity and acuity data for all three adult EDs in the city of Calgary, assigning a color code to reflect receiving status. It assigns destination for the next patient transported by emergency medical services (EMS) by categorizing ED sites as having either a favorable (green/yellow) status or unfavorable (orange/red) status. Three time windows were analyzed: a 6‐month window prior to REPAC implementation (pre), the first 6‐month window immediately following (post1), and the second 6‐month period following (post2). Primary outcomes of interest were the proportion of time spent in favorable versus unfavorable status and EMS avoidances for all adult ED sites in the region (percentage of total time with any center on EMS bypass). Information on total number of ED visits, percentage of patients arriving by EMS transports, admission rates, patient acuity (Canadian Triage and Acuity Score), age, and length of stay (LOS) for admitted and discharged patients was collected. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was employed for primary outcome analysis.

Results:  Implementation of the REPAC system resulted in an increase in the proportion of total time region hospitals reported favorable status (57.5% vs. 64.1%) pre versus post1, an effect that was accentuated at 1 year (post2, 78.7%; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). There was a concomitant decrease in EMS avoidances as a result of the REPAC system, 4.4% to 1.8% (pre vs. post1), also further improved at 1 year to 0.6% (p < 0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusions:  Proactive EMS destination selection through a real‐time integrated electronic surveillance system enhances regional capacity and flow management while significantly reducing ambulance diversions.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1383–1389 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Defining and Measuring Successful Emergency Care Networks: A Research Agenda
Authors: Glickman Seth W. , Kit Delgado M. , Hirshon Jon Mark , Hollander Judd E. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Jacobs Alice K. , Kilaru Austin S. , Lorch Scott A. , Mutter Ryan L. , Myers Sage R. , Owens Pamela L. , Phelan Michael P. , Pines Jesse M. , Seymour Christopher W. , Ewen Wang N. , Branas Charles C.
Published: December 2010

The demands on emergency services have grown relentlessly, and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has asserted the need for “regionalized, coordinated, and accountable emergency care systems throughout the country.” There are large gaps in the evidence base needed to fix the problem of how emergency care is organized and delivered, and science is urgently needed to define and measure success in the emerging network of emergency care. In 2010, Academic Emergency Medicine convened a consensus conference entitled “Beyond Regionalization: Integrated Networks of Emergency Care.” This article is a product of the conference breakout session on “Defining and Measuring Successful Networks”; it explores the concept of integrated emergency care delivery and prioritizes a research agenda for how to best define and measure successful networks of emergency care. The authors discuss five key areas: 1) the fundamental metrics that are needed to measure networks across time‐sensitive and non–time‐sensitive conditions; 2) how networks can be scalable and nimble and can be creative in terms of best practices; 3) the potential unintended consequences of networks of emergency care; 4) the development of large‐scale, yet feasible, network data systems; and 5) the linkage of data systems across the disease course. These knowledge gaps must be filled to improve the quality and efficiency of emergency care and to fulfill the IOM’s vision of regionalized, coordinated, and accountable emergency care systems.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1297–1305 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Regionalization of Emergency Care Future Directions and Research: Workforce Issues
Authors: Ginde Adit A. , Rao Mitesh , Simon Erin L. , Matthew Edwards J. , Gardner Angela , Rogers John , Lopez Edwin , Camargo Jr Carlos A , Piazza Gina , Rosenau Alex , Schneider Sandra , Jouriles Nicholas
Published: December 2010

The provision of emergency care in the United States, regionalized or not, depends on an adequate workforce. Adequate must be defined both qualitatively and quantitatively. There is currently a shortage of emergency care providers, one that will exist for the foreseeable future. This article discusses what is known about the current emergency medicine (EM) and non‐EM workforce, future trends, and research opportunities.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1286–1296 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Patient‐centered Integrated Networks of Emergency Care: Consensus‐based Recommendations and Future Research Priorities
Authors: Govindarajan Prasanthi , Larkin Gregory Luke , Rhodes Karin V. , Piazza Gina , Byczkowski Terri L. , Edwards Meredith , Baren Jill M.
Published: December 2010

Patient‐centered care is defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) as care that is responsive to individual patient needs and values and that guides the treatment decisions. This article is a result of a breakout session of the 2010Academic Emergency Medicine(AEM) consensus conference and describes the process of developing consensus‐based recommendations for providing patient‐centered emergency care. The objectives of the working group were to identify and describe the critical gaps in the provision of patient‐centered care, develop a consensus‐based research agenda, and create a list of future research priorities. Using e‐mail and in‐person meetings, knowledge gaps were identified in the areas of respect for patient preferences, coordination of clinical care, and communication among health care providers. Four consensus‐based recommendations were developed on the following themes: enhancing communication and patient advocacy in emergency departments (EDs), facilitating care coordination after discharge, defining metrics for patient‐centered care, and placing the locus of control of medical information into patients’ hands. The set of research priorities based on these recommendations was created to promote research and advance knowledge in this dimension of clinical care.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1322–1329 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Regionalization Findings in the National Report Card of the State of Emergency Medicine
Authors: Epstein Stephen K.
Published: December 2010

The National Report Card on the State of Emergency Medicine (2009 edition) evaluated the conditions under which emergency care is delivered in each of the 50 states and compared those conditions between the states. The Report Card ranked states in five major categories: access to emergency care, quality and patient safety environment, public health and injury prevention, liability environment, and disaster preparedness. Three of those categories are particularly relevant to regionalization: access to emergency care, quality and patient safety environment, and disaster‐preparedness. Within these categories, there was great variability between states in the distribution, planning, infrastructure, and available personnel for emergency care. Effective regionalization may require additional resources or a redistribution of existing resources within and among the states.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1349–1350 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Telomere replication: poised but puzzling
Authors: Sampathi Shilpa , Chai Weihang
Published: December 2010

Introduction

Functions of replication proteins in telomere maintenance

Functions of telomere binding proteins in telomere replication

The delayed telomeric C‐strand synthesis at late S/G2 phase –   an additional regulatory step of telomere maintenance

Conclusions and perspectives

Faithful replication of chromosomes is essential for maintaining genome stability. Telomeres, the chromosomal termini, pose quite a challenge to replication machinery due to the complexity in their structures and sequences. Efficient and complete replication of chromosomes is critical to prevent aberrant telomeres as well as to avoid unnecessary loss of telomere DNA. Compelling evidence supports the emerging picture of synergistic actions between DNA replication proteins and telomere protective components in telomere synthesis. This review discusses the actions of various replication and telomere‐specific binding proteins that ensure accurate telomere replication and their roles in telomere maintenance and protection.
C3b‐induced eosinophil degranulation involves PI3‐kinases and is inhibited by protein kinase C activity
Authors: CARLSON MARIE , VENGE PER , LAMPINEN MARIA
Published: December 2010

Carlson M, Venge P, Lampinen M. C3b‐induced eosinophil degranulation involves PI3‐kinases and is inhibited by protein kinase C activity. APMIS 2010; 119: 119–26.

Selective release of individual eosinophil granule proteins has been demonstrated in eosinophilic conditions and in vitro using different stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate if selective release of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil protein X/eosinophil derived‐neurotoxin (EPX/EDN) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) could be due to the involvement of different signal transduction pathways. Peripheral blood granulocytes from healthy donors were incubated with Wortmannin, LY294002, Genistein, Staurosporine, GÖ6976 or PD98059 prior to the induction of degranulation by C3b. The released amounts of ECP, EPO and EPX/EDN were determined by immunoassays, and related to the total cell content of respective protein. Wortmannin caused a significant, dose‐dependent inhibition of all three granule proteins. LY294002 (10−6 M) also inhibited the release of all proteins. Genistein (10−6 M) inhibited the release of ECP, whereas the release of EPO was increased. However, there was a tendency towards similar concentration‐dependent patterns of release of all three proteins. Staurosporine (10−7 M), GÖ6976 (10−6 M) and PD98059 (10−5 M) caused an increased release of the three proteins. PI3‐kinases play an important role in the C3b‐induced release of ECP, EPO and EPX/EDN, whereas protein kinase C seems to have inhibitory effects on C3b‐induced degranulation.
Body mass variations in disturbed mallardsAnas platyrhynchosfit to the mass‐dependent starvation‐predation risk trade‐off
Authors: Zimmer Cédric , Boos Mathieu , Petit Odile , Robin Jean‐Patrice
Published: December 2010

For passerines the starvation‐predation risk theory predicts that birds should decrease their body mass to improve escape flight performance, when predation pressure increases. To investigate whether this theory may apply to large birds, which manage body reserves differently from small passerines, we experimentally increased the predation risk in mallardsAnas platyrhynchos. Two groups were disturbed at different frequencies during experimental sessions lasting one week, while a control group was left undisturbed. We found that body mass loss and final wing loading were similar in both disturbed groups and significantly differed from the control group. Food intake in disturbed groups was reduced up to day four of the disturbance session and was lower than in the control group. Altogether our results suggest that disturbed mallards may adjust their body mass to reach a more favorable wing loading, supposedly to improve escape flight performance. Nevertheless, body mass loss in our mallards was double than what has been observed in passerines. This greater mass decrease might be explained by different strategies concerning energy storage. Furthermore, in large birds the predation component of the starvation‐predation trade‐off might be of greater importance. Hence, the observed relevance of this trade‐off over a large size range suggests that the starvation‐predation risk theory is of major ecological significance for many animal species.
Analysis from avian visual perspective reveals plumage colour differences among females of capuchino seedeaters (Sporophila)
Authors: Benites Pilar , Eaton Muir D. , Lijtmaer Darío A. , Lougheed Stephen C. , Tubaro Pablo L.
Published: December 2010

Females of the closely related capuchino seedeaters are difficult to distinguish from one another based on human visual perception of colouration and morphology. We examined plumage colour differences among females of four species, the tawny‐bellied seedeater Sporophila hypoxantha, the dark‐throated seedeater S. ruficollis, the rufous‐rumped seedeater S. hypochroma, and the chesnut‐bellied seedeater S. cinnamomea. Reflectance values were measured on museum skins, and interspecific differences were analyzed using the Vorobyev‐Osorio avian colour discrimination model. Interspecific distances in the colour space calculated by the model were considerably higher than the threshold for colour discrimination, indicating the presence of colour differences among species that should be detectable by birds. Colour differences between S. hypoxantha and the other three species were the largest. A Discriminant Function Analysis showed that UV‐wavelength was particularly important in species separation. Our results indicate that female plumage of these four species is considerably divergent in colour; these differences being imperceptible to the human eye, thus representing previously unknown morphological evolution in these species.
Risk factors for medial meniscal injury in association with cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Hayes G. M. , Langley‐Hobbs S. J. , Jeffery N. D.
Published: December 2010

Objectives:To determine the significant risk factors for medial meniscal injury in naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture and to quantify the risk using multivariate analysis.

Methods:A retrospective case control study was performed of dogs that had undergone surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Data recorded included patient signalment (age, breed and sex), the duration of the lameness, the extent of the cranial cruciate ligament rupture (complete or partial) and the condition of the medial meniscus. Logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between these variables and tears in the medial meniscus.

Results:One hundred and sixty‐one of 443 stifles (36·3%) in 366 dogs had a medial meniscal tear. The risk of a medial meniscal tear was increased by 12·9 times in association with complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture (OR 12·9; 95% CI 6·8 to 24·2), by approximately 2·6% for each additional week of lameness (OR 1·026; 95% CI 1·009 to 1·043) and by approximately 1·4% for each additional kilogram of bodyweight (OR 1·014; 95% CI 1·000 to 1·028). Golden retrievers and Rottweilers were at increased risk and West Highland white terriers were at reduced risk of medial meniscal tears compared with Labrador retrievers.

ClinicalSignificance:To minimise the risk of medial meniscal tears, surgical stabilisation should not be unnecessarily delayed.
Third tarsal bone fractures in the greyhound
Authors: Guilliard M. J.
Published: December 2010

Objective:To describe the signalment, morphology, response to treatment and prognosis of third tarsal bone fractures in the racing greyhound.

Methods:All third tarsal bone fractures seen by the author over a ten year period were included in the study. Diagnosis was by radiography. Treatments were reconstruction with a lag screw, fragment removal, centrodistal joint arthrodesis or conservative management.

Results:Twenty‐three cases were included in the study of which 16 cases were recent and seven cases chronic fractures. The chronic cases had been rested from between three and six months before an examination for recurrent lameness. There were five concomitant second tarsal bone fractures. Partial dorsal collapse was present in four cases. Thirteen dogs had lag screw fixation; three were lost to follow‐up, seven returned to racing and three, all with partial tarsal collapse, failed to return to racing. Two dogs that had a centrodistal joint arthrodesis and one dog treated by rest alone raced again. Two dogs that had fragment removal failed to return to racing.

Clinical significance:Veterinary examination of greyhounds with third tarsal bone fractures is often not sought at the time of the initial injury due to the benign presenting signs. Recurrence of lameness after rest is common. The prognosis for a successful return to racing would appear to be good following fragment fixation in both acute and chronic cases without dorsal tarsal collapse. Centrodistal joint arthrodesis may encourage bone union. The prognosis for conconservatively treated cases is guarded. Fragment removal is not recommended as a treatment.
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of trilostane on insulin requirement and fructosamine concentration in eight diabetic dogs with hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: McLauchlan G. , Knottenbelt C. , Augusto M. , Helm J. , McGrotty Y. , Ramsey I.
Published: December 2010

Objectives: To describe the effect of trilostane on insulin requirements and serum fructosamine in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperadrenocorticism (HAC).

Methods: Observational retrospective study of eight dogs.

Results: Median fructosamine concentration at presentation was 401 μmol/L (range 244 to 554 μmol/L). Median insulin dose at presentation was 1·1 IU/kg/dose (0·4 to 2·1 IU/kg/dose) administered twice daily in five animals and once in three. Four dogs had their insulin dose prospectively reduced at the start of trilostane therapy. The HAC was controlled within 28 days in seven dogs. The remaining case was controlled by 17 weeks. Two dogs died within 40 days of starting trilostane. The median fructosamine concentration was 438 μmol/L (range 325 to 600 μmol/L) after stabilisation of the HAC. One case had a consistent reduction in serum fructosamine concentration over the first four months. The median insulin dose after stabilisation of HAC was 1·5 IU/kg dose (range 0·25 to 3·0 IU/kg/dose). Insulin requirements were reduced in two cases after treatment with trilostane. Four dogs required increased insulin doses.

ClinicalSignificance: Insulin requirements and fructosamine concentrations do not consistently reduce during trilostane treatment for HAC. Prospective studies are required to provide recommendations regarding reductions in insulin doses with trilostane treatment.
Fatal aortic oesophageal fistula following oesophageal foreign body removal in a dog
Authors: Keir I. , Woolford L. , Hirst C. , Adamantos S.
Published: December 2010

An eight‐month‐old male Pomeranian was presented with hypovolaemic shock 7 days after successful oesophageal foreign body removal. On presentation the dog was anaemic and no coagulation abnormalities were detected. A fluid‐filled oesophagus was visible on thoracic radiography and frank blood was aspirated from the oesophagus following oro‐oesophageal intubation. Fluid resuscitation and blood transfusions were administered but attempts at stabilisation were unsuccessful and the dog died. At post‐mortem examination, a 2‐mm aortic oesophageal fistula was identified on the ventral aspect of the aorta at the level of heart base that communicated with the overlying oesophagus. Aortic oesophageal fistula has been reported in human medicine and occurs secondary to a number of conditions including oesophageal foreign bodies. These prove fatal without rapid stabilisation and surgery.
Applying molecular genetic tools to tiger conservation
Authors: LUO Shu‐Jin , JOHNSON Warren E. , O'BRIEN Stephen J.
Published: December 2010

The utility of molecular genetic approaches in conservation of endangered taxa is now commonly recognized. Over the past decade, conservation genetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping have provided powerful tools to resolve taxonomy uncertainty of tiger subspecies, to define conservation units, to reconstruct phylogeography and demographic history, to examine the genetic ancestry of extinct subspecies, to assess population genetic status non‐invasively, and to verify genetic background of captive tigers worldwide. The genetic status of tiger subspecies and populations and implications for developing strategies for the survival of this charismatic species both in situ and ex situ are discussed.
New insights in gene‐derived therapy: the example of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Aartsma‐Rus Annemieke , den Dunnen Johan T. , van Ommen Gert‐Jan B
Published: December 2010

The two therapeutic approaches currently most advanced in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are antisense‐mediated exon skipping and forced read‐through of premature stop codons. Interestingly, these approaches target the gene product rather than the gene itself. This review will explain the rationale and current state of affairs of these approaches and will then discuss how these gene‐derived therapies might also be applicable to other diseases.
Effect of Blending and Emulsification on Thermal Behavior, Solid Fat Content, and Microstructure Properties of Palm Oil‐Based Margarine Fats
Authors: Saadi S. , Ariffin A.A. , Ghazali H.M. , Miskandar M.S. , Abdulkarim S.M. , Boo H.C.
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  The ability of palm oil (PO) to crystallize as beta prime polymorph has made it an attractive option for the production of margarine fat (MF). Palm stearin (PS) expresses similar crystallization behavior and is considered one of the best substitutes of hydrogenated oils due to its capability to impart the required level of plasticity and body to the finished product. Normally, PS is blended with PO to reduce the melting point at body temperature (37 °C). Lipid phase, formulated by PO and PS in different ratios were subjected to an emulsification process and the following analyses were done: triacylglycerols, solid fat content (SFC), and thermal behavior. In addition, the microstructure properties, including size and number of crystals, were determined for experimental MFs (EMFs) and commercial MFs (CMFs). Results showed that blending and emulsification at PS levels over 40 wt% significantly changed the physicochemical and microstructure properties of EMF as compared to CMF, resulting in a desirable dipalmitoyl‐oleoyl‐glycerol content of less than 36.1%. SFC at 37 °C, crystal size, crystal number, crystallization, and melting enthalpies (ΔH) were 15%, 5.37 μm, 1425 crystal/μm2, 17.25 J/g, and 57.69J/g, respectively. All data reported indicate that the formation of granular crystals in MFs was dominated by high‐melting triacylglycerol namely dipalmitoyl‐oleoyl‐glycerol, while the small dose of monoacylglycerol that is used as emulsifier slowed crystallization rate.

Practical Application:  Most of the past studies were focused on thermal behavior of edible oils and some blends of oils and fats. The crystallization of oils and fats are well documented but there is scarce information concerning some mechanism related to crystallization and emulsification. Therefore, this study will help to gather information on the behavior of emulsifier on crystallization regime; also the dominating TAG responsible for primary granular crystal formations, as well as to determine the best level of stearin to impart the required microstructure properties and body to the finished products.
Control of Listeria Monocytogenes on Cold‐Smoked Salmon Using Chitosan‐Based Antimicrobial Coatings and Films
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Neetoo Hudaa , Chen Haiqiang
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  The relatively high incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) products such as cold‐smoked salmon is of serious concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan‐based edible coatings and films incorporating 3 generally recognized as safe (GRAS) antimicrobials, sodium lactate (SL), sodium diacetate (SD), and potassium sorbate (PS), against L. monocytogenes on cold‐smoked salmon. Salmon samples were surface‐inoculated with a 5‐strain cocktail of Listeria monocytogenes to a final concentration of 4.4 log CFU/cm2 and then either coated with chitosan solutions or wrapped with chitosan films with or without the 3 antimicrobials. The samples were then vacuum packaged and stored at 4 °C for 30 d. The chitosan coatings with or without the antimicrobials consistently showed higher efficacy against L. monocytogenes than chitosan films having the same compositions. The most effective film treatments, chitosan films containing 1.2% SL/0.25% SD or 2.4% SL, achieved ≥ 1.3 log reductions of L. monocytogenes during the 30 d of refrigerated storage, while the most effective coating treatments, chitosan coatings containing 1.2% SL/0.25% SD or 0.15% PS/0.125% SD, achieved ≥ 2.8 log reductions.

Practical Application:  This study shows that chitosan‐based edible coatings and films hold promise and can potentially assist fishery industries in their efforts to control L. monocytogenes.
Canola Proteins for Human Consumption: Extraction, Profile, and Functional Properties
Authors: Tan Siong H. , Mailer Rodney J. , Blanchard Christopher L. , Agboola Samson O.
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  Canola protein isolate has been suggested as an alternative to other proteins for human food use due to a balanced amino acid profile and potential functional properties such as emulsifying, foaming, and gelling abilities. This is, therefore, a review of the studies on the utilization of canola protein in human food, comprising the extraction processes for protein isolates and fractions, the molecular character of the extracted proteins, as well as their food functional properties. A majority of studies were based on proteins extracted from the meal using alkaline solution, presumably due to its high nitrogen yield, followed by those utilizing salt extraction combined with ultrafiltration. Characteristics of canola and its predecessor rapeseed protein fractions such as nitrogen yield, molecular weight profile, isoelectric point, solubility, and thermal properties have been reported and were found to be largely related to the extraction methods. However, very little research has been carried out on the hydrophobicity and structure profiles of the protein extracts that are highly relevant to a proper understanding of food functional properties. Alkaline extracts were generally not very suitable as functional ingredients and contradictory results about many of the measured properties of canola proteins, especially their emulsification tendencies, have also been documented. Further research into improved extraction methods is recommended, as is a more systematic approach to the measurement of desired food functional properties for valid comparison between studies.
BsaXI/RFLP analysis of initial or selectively reamplified PCR product is unreliable in detecting the V617F mutation in JAK2
Authors: SHEPARD G. C. , LAWSON H. L. , HAWKINS G. A. , OWEN J.
Published: December 2010

Introduction: Laboratory testing for the presence of the V617F mutation in JAK2 has taken on great importance in the diagnosis of myeloproliferative disorders. The availability of a facile detection method would bring this testing into greater clinical use. The polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphisms is such a facile method. BsaXI cleaves the normal sequence but does not cleave the sequence leading to the V617F mutation.

Methods: We have examined the use of selective PCR reamplification with BsaXI cleavage to enrich the fraction of V617F and compared the assignment of mutation with an established qPCR method.

Results: We found that BsaXI fails to completely cleave normal sequence PCR product, leading to false positivity, particularly at low mutation levels. We also found that first‐round standard PCR introduces new mutations in which subsequent reamplification and digestion cannot distinguish from the V617F mutation.

Conclusion: This combination of problems effectively combines to render selective reamplification and redigestion unsuitable for detecting low fractions of the V617F mutation.
Associations Among Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Clustering, Weight Status, and Cardiovascular Disease in an Appalachian Population
Authors: Blake Kimberly B. , Shankar Anoop , Madhavan Suresh , Ducatman Alan
Published: December 2010

It has been suggested that within the traditional body mass index (BMI) categories there is a heterogeneous pattern of cardiometabolic risk factor clustering. The objective of this research was to determine the associations among obesity, cardiometabolic abnormalities, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a large population‐based study of Appalachian adults. The study comprised a cross‐sectional survey of Appalachian adults residing in 6 communities in Ohio and West Virginia, who were aged 18 years and older (n=14,783, 50.9% women). The authors categorized BMI into normal weight (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Cardiometabolic abnormalities were defined as the presence of hypertension, elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL), decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (<40 mg/dL [men], <50 mg/dL [women]), elevated fasting glucose (≥100 mg/dL)/diabetes, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment >5.13), or elevated C‐reactive protein (>3 mg/L). They found that 25.6% of normal‐weight adults displayed clustering of ≥2 cardiometabolic abnormalities; in contrast, 36.8% of overweight/obese adults displayed no clustering. Compared with normal‐weight persons without clustering of cardiometabolic abnormalities (referent), the odds ratio of CVD was 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–1.34) among overweight/obese individuals without cardiometabolic clustering, 2.21 (95% CI, 1.74–2.81) among normal‐weight individuals with cardiometabolic clustering, and 2.45 (95% CI, 2.02–2.97) among overweight/obese individuals with cardiometabolic clustering. These results suggest that within the traditional BMI categories, there may be heterogeneity of CVD risk depending on whether there is underlying clustering of cardiometabolic abnormalities. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:964–972. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Follow‐Up of Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Hypertensive Patients Treated With Irbesartan: Results of the i‐SEARCH Plus Registry
Authors: Tebbe Ulrich , Bramlage Peter , Lüders Stephan , Cuneo Alessandro , Sistig Peter , Haan Fokko de , Schmieder Roland , Böhm Michael , Paar W. Dieter , Schrader Jochen
Published: December 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

Microalbuminuria (MAU), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are risk markers used to predict the prognosis of hypertensive patients; however, they have not been prospectively evaluated in primary care. An investigation was conducted using i‐SEARCH Plus, a registry documenting 1649 patients with hypertension who received irbesartan at office‐based cardiologists over 12 months. Mean age at baseline was 61.4±11.3 years, 43.2% were women, and blood pressure was 159.8±20.1/93.4±11.9 mm Hg. Median albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) at baseline was 9.90 (interquartile range [IQR], 5.76‐‐25.52) mg/g, hsCRP 2.46 (IQR, 1.16‐‐5.14) mg/L, and NT‐proBNP 89.28 (IQR, 38.63‐‐203.40) pg/mL. In patients with MAU (ACR ≥20 mg/g), the age‐adjusted risk of a combined end point of newly diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, stroke/transitory ischemic attack, and death at 12‐month follow‐up was increased (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–4.76), as was the incidence of CAD (OR, 3.27; 95%CI, 1.39–7.68) and death (OR, 4.63; 95%CI, 1.44–14.94). No correlations with end points were found for hsCRP or NT‐proBNP after adjusting for age and the presence of MAU. MAU is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. These findings confirm previous reports on the prognostic value of MAU and establish its incremental value over hsCRP and NT‐proBNP. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:909–916. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the classification of Calligonum juochiangense and C. pumilum (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Feng Ying , Pan Bo‐Rong , Shen Guan‐Mian
Published: December 2010

After observing specimens of Calligonum pumilum Losinsk. and C. juochiangense Y. X. Liou in both the field and in herbarium collections, it was found that the morphological characters of these two species are quite different, especially with respect of the twisted direction of fruit ribs, number of bristle rows along each rib, rigidity and degree of interweaving of bristles, as well as their geographic distribution. Therefore, it is concluded that C. pumilum and C. juochiangense should be accepted as two independent species.
Systematic implications of pollen morphology in Elsholtzia (Elsholtzieae–Lamiaceae)
Authors: Jang Tae‐Soo , Jeon Yun‐Chang , Hong Suk‐Pyo
Published: December 2010

Pollen morphology of 18 species (32 specimens) representing all three currently recognized sections of the genus Elsholtzia (Elsholtzieae–Lamiaceae) was investigated in detail using light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. Elsholtzia pollen grains are small to medium in size (P=20–50 μm, E=16–45 μm), mostly prolate‐spheroidal to prolate, and rarely oblate‐spheroidal to subprolate in shape (P/E=0.95–1.46), hexacolpate (the amb more or less circular or ellipsoid) with granular aperture membranes. Three distinct types of sexine ornamentation are observed in Elsholtzia: perforate, rugulose‐bireticulate, and bireticulate. The bireticulate pattern is the most common, showing a wide range of morphological variation among species. The exine thickness varies from 1.2 to 2.5 μm. Among the present palynological data, the variability observed in sexine ornamentation of Elsholtzia could be of systematic significance. Current infrageneric classification of the genus Elsholtzia is partially congruent with pollen morphological data.
Identifying Accent in German: A Comparison of Native and Non‐Native Listeners
Authors: Wilkerson Miranda E.
Published: December 2010

This exploratory study compared how (1) 62 raters with no experience or instruction in German (non‐learners); (2) 318 first‐, second‐, and third‐year college learners of German; and (3) 61 native speakers of German rated accent as spoken by native and non‐native speakers of German and found that (a) experience with the language being rated, here, German, led to improved performance in the ability to differentiate between native and non‐native speech and that (b) non‐native listeners (non‐learners and learners) differed from native listeners in their perception of strength‐of‐accent for correctly identified non‐native speakers. Findings provide teachers with a much more realistic idea of the learning potential of their students and outline new ways for teachers to raise awareness in the classroom. Directions for future research are also considered.
Intercultural Competence in Conversation: Teaching German Requests
Authors: Huth Thorsten
Published: December 2010

While driving curriculum design in and beyond languages, intercultural competence remains an elusive concept because of its broad scope. This article makes this competence tangible for the teaching of German by exploring interaction patterns in German that can be taught and learned. To illustrate this end, I discuss a particular speech act, namely requesting, and some of its basic interactional structures in the German‐speaking world. I suggest teaching strategies, guidelines for lesson planning and materials design and offer some sample teaching materials.
A Frequency Analysis of Vocabulary in Three First‐Year Textbooks of German
Authors: Lipinski Silke
Published: December 2010

Research shows that the most frequently used words of a language's vocabulary are of great benefit and importance for the learner, especially during the early stages of language learning. Information about word frequency, therefore, plays a critical role when selecting vocabulary for a German course or textbook. This article describes a study which investigates how three current and widely‐used textbooks for first‐year German instruction at American universities and colleges reflect German lexical frequencies. The three textbooks investigated areDeutsch heute, Kontakte, andNeue Horizonte.
General Method for Modeling Slope Discontinuities and T-Sections Using ANCF Gradient Deficient Finite Elements
Authors: Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: December 2010

Slope discontinuities and T-sections can be modeled in a straight forward manner using fully parameterized absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) finite elements that have a complete set of gradient vectors. Linear transformations that define the element connectivity can always be obtained and used to preserve ANCF desirable features that include constant mass matrix and zero Coriolis and centrifugal forces in the case of spinning structures. The objective of this paper is to develop a general method that allows for modeling slope discontinuities and T-sections using gradient deficient ANCF finite elements that do not have a complete set of coordinate lines and gradient vectors. Linear connectivity conditions that preserve all the ANCF desirable features including the constant mass matrix are developed at the nodes of slope discontinuities. At these nodes of discontinuity, one can always define a complete set of independent coordinate lines that lie on the structure. These coordinate lines can be used to define a complete set of independent gradient vectors at these nodes. Since the proposed method is based on linear coordinate transformations, the method can be implemented in a preprocessor computer program. The application of the proposed general method is demonstrated using ANCF gradient deficient beam element example.
The Fractional Morphology and Growth Rate of the Nautilus pompilius: Preliminary Results Based on the R1-Fractional Trigonometry
Authors: Lorenzo Carl F.
Published: December 2010

This paper studies the morphology and evolutionary growth of the Nautilus pompilius based on the fractional R1-trigonometry. Morphological models based on the fractional trigonometry are shown to be superior to those of the commonly assumed logarithmic spiral. The R1-trigonometric functions further infer fractional differential equations, which, based on power law parametric functions, are used to develop a fractional growth equation modeling evolution from conception to maturity. An important aspect of this work is that it demonstrates a method of determination of the dynamic description of a fractional trigonometrically defined process from its morphological description.
A Semi-Analytical Study of Stick-Slip Oscillations in Drilling Systems
Authors: Besselink B. , van de Wouw N. , Nijmeijer H.
Published: December 2010

Rotary drilling systems are known to exhibit torsional stick-slip vibrations, which decrease drilling efficiency and accelerate the wear of drag bits. The mechanisms leading to these torsional vibrations are analyzed using a model that includes both axial and torsional drill string dynamics, which are coupled via a rate-independent bit-rock interaction law. Earlier work following this approach featured a model that lacked two essential aspects, namely, the axial flexibility of the drill string and dissipation due to friction along the bottom hole assembly. In the current paper, axial stiffness and damping are included, and a more realistic model is obtained. In the dynamic analysis of the drill string model, the separation in time scales between the fast axial dynamics and slow torsional dynamics is exploited. Therefore, the fast axial dynamics, which exhibits a stick-slip limit cycle, is analyzed individually. In the dynamic analysis of a drill string model without axial stiffness and damping, an analytical approach can be taken to obtain an approximation of this limit cycle. Due to the additional complexity of the model caused by the inclusion of axial stiffness and damping, this approach cannot be pursued in this work. Therefore, a semi-analytical approach is developed to calculate the exact axial limit cycle. In this approach, parametrized parts of the axial limit cycle are computed analytically. In order to connect these parts, numerical optimization is used to find the unknown parameters. This semi-analytical approach allows for a fast and accurate computation of the axial limit cycles, leading to insight in the phenomena leading to torsional vibrations. The effect of the (fast) axial limit cycle on the (relatively slow) torsional dynamics is driven by the bit-rock interaction and can thus be obtained by averaging the cutting and wearflat forces acting on the drill bit over one axial limit cycle. Using these results, it is shown that the cutting forces generate an apparent velocity-weakening effect in the torsional dynamics, whereas the wearflat forces yield a velocity-strengthening effect. For a realistic bit geometry, the velocity-weakening effect is dominant, leading to the onset of torsional vibrations.