bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaotic dynamic stabilities and instabilities of hematopoietic stem cell growth plasticity
Authors: Puca Andrew , Russo Giuseppe , Romano Gaetano , Giordano Antonio
Published: July 2007

The hematopoietic system consists of: (1) a network of stem and progenitor cells of varying degrees of maturity interacting with other cells that possess supportive and regulatory capacities and (2) vascular stem cell niches with supporting stem cells in their self‐renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and mobilization to the circulation. Recent data suggest that selective expression of organ‐specific chemokines promotes the mobilization of bone‐marrow‐derived pluripotent cells, a process that is essential for tissue vascularization and organ regeneration. Despite intensive investigation, the pathways by which mechanical signals are converted to biochemical responses are not completely understood. Recent studies have suggested that chromatin shifts and cell cycle effects stem cell gene expression, and thus results in changes of its surface receptor expression at different points of the cell cycle machinery, therefore changing cell cycle transit. This review will attempt to discuss new approaches to determine the regulation of stem cell growth and differentiation by underlying the significance of the chaotic dynamics of transcriptional networks within a cell, with a combination of chemokines and cytokines in the environment, and mechanical forces, such as; stretch, strain and laminar flow, all involving both cooperation and competition. J. Cell. Physiol. 213:672–678. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and acetylation—triple threat in muscle wasting
Authors: Hasselgren Per‐Olof
Published: July 2007

Loss of muscle mass is commonly seen in patients with critical illness and is associated with increased expression of multiple genes controlling protein breakdown. Transcription factors that are activated during muscle wasting include NF‐kB and members of the FOXO and C/EBP transcription factor families. The activity of these transcription factors is regulated by multiple posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and acetylation, providing for a complex and integrated network of regulatory mechanisms in muscle wasting. Targeting posttranslational modifications of transcription factors may prove important in the prevention and treatment of the debilitating consequences of muscle wasting. J. Cell. Physiol. 213:679–689. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of the non‐cellular tumor microenvironment on metastasis: Potential therapeutic and imaging opportunities
Authors: Cretu Alexandra , Brooks Peter C.
Published: July 2007

Evidence is accumulating that the malignant phenotype of a given tumor is dependent not only on the intrinsic characteristics of tumor cells, but also on the cooperative interactions of non‐neoplastic cells, soluble secreted factors and the non‐cellular solid‐state ECM network that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Given the ability of the tumor microenvironment to regulate the cellular phenotype, recent efforts have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense, assimilate, interpret, and ultimately respond to their immediate surroundings. Exciting new studies are beginning to unravel the complex interactions between the numerous cell types and regulatory factors within the tumor microenvironment that function cooperatively to control tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Here, we will focus on studies concerning a common theme, which is the central importance of the non‐cellular solid‐state compartment as a master regulator of the malignant phenotype. We will highlight the non‐cellular solid‐state compartment as a relatively untapped source of therapeutic and imaging targets and how cellular interactions with these targets may regulate tumor metastasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 391–402, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sorting of transgenic secretory proteins in miniature pig parotid glands following adenoviral‐mediated gene transfer
Authors: Yan Xing , Voutetakis Antonis , Zheng Changyu , Hai Bo , Zhang Chunmei , Baum Bruce J. , Wang Songlin
Published: July 2007

Background

Gene transfer to salivary glands for use in treating both systemic and upper gastrointestinal tract diseases shows considerable potential. Numerous studies in rodents demonstrate that salivary glands can secrete transgenic secretory proteins either into saliva, primarily via the regulated secretory pathway (RSP), or into the bloodstream, primarily by the constitutive secretory pathway (CSP). The purpose of the present study was to assess the sorting characteristics of human growth hormone (hGH), a RSP protein, and human erythropoietin (hEpo), a CSP protein, in a large animal model of salivary gland gene transfer, the miniature pig.

Methods

Recombinant serotype 5 adenoviral (Ad5; 1011 particles/gland) vectors encoding either hGH (AdCMVhGH) or hEpo (AdCMVhEpo) were administered to both parotid glands of male miniature pigs by intraductal cannulation. The secretion of hGH or hEpo was measured in both saliva and serum on days 3, 7 and 14 following administration. Detailed serum chemistry and hematological analyses were performed, and the presence of serum antibodies to hGH and hEpo was measured. For AdCMVhEpo‐treated minipigs vector distribution in multiple tissues was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR).

Results

The RSP protein hGH was secreted entirely into saliva, while the CSP protein hEpo was secreted into both saliva and serum. Most hEpo was found in saliva, but serum hEpo levels were sufficient to significantly increase hematocrit levels in treated animals by ∼10%. Expression of both transgenes was maximal on day 3 and declined to near background by day 14. The amount of vector found in the targeted glands was 100× more than in other tissues.

Conclusions

Secretion of transgenic hGH from minipig parotid glands occurred principally into saliva via the RSP, as seen in rodents, while hEpo was secreted into both saliva and serum, the latter presumably via the CSP. Even though hEpo secretion into the bloodstream was not to the extent previously observed in rodents, serum hEpo levels were considerable and the hEpo was biologically active. Ad5 vector distribution was highly restricted to the parotid glands with little vector detected elsewhere. While the results in this large animal model support the established notion that salivary gland gene transfer can be used for treating systemic single protein deficiency disorders, they also highlight differences in transgenic CSP protein sorting between rodents and miniature pigs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computable Riesz representation for the dual of C [0; 1]
Authors: Lu Hong , Weihrauch Klaus
Published: July 2007

By the Riesz representation theorem for the dual of C [0; 1], if F: C [0; 1] → ℝ is a continuous linear operator, then there is a function g: [0;1] → ℝ of bounded variation such that F (f) = ∫ f dg (f ∈ C [0; 1]). The function g can be normalized such that V (g) = ‖F ‖. In this paper we prove a computable version of this theorem. We use the framework of TTE, the representation approach to computable analysis, which allows to define natural computability for a variety of operators. We show that there are a computable operator S mapping g and an upper bound of its variation to F and a computable operator S ′ mapping F and its norm to some appropriate g. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hierarchies of Δ02‐measurable k ‐partitions
Authors: Selivanov Victor L.
Published: July 2007

Attempts to extend the classical Hausdorff difference hierarchy to the case of partitions of a space to k > 2 subsets lead to non‐equivalent notions. In a hope to identify the “right” extension we consider the extensions appeared in the literature so far: the limit‐, level‐, Boolean and Wadge hierarchies of k ‐partitions. The advantages and disadvantages of the four hierarchies are discussed. The main technical contribution of this paper is a complete characterization of the Wadge degrees of Δ02‐measurable k ‐partitions of the Baire space. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Degradation Process of Bioresorbable Copolyesters. Microstructure Investigation by NMR and ESI‐MS
Authors: Jaworska Joanna , Kasperczyk Janusz , Dobrzyński Piotr
Published: July 2007

Summary: On the basis of NMR and ESI‐MS spectra completely different ways of degradation process for random and block polyesters copolymers have been observed. PGA/PLA copolymers containing more than 50% of glycolidyl units release short lactidyl microblocks more rapidly than long glycolidyl microblocks. In case of PGA/PCL copolymers chain structure before degradation and mechanism of degradation of two chosen samples are distinctly various despite of low content of GG units in copolymer chain (ca.10%) and lack of differences in NMR spectra. ESI‐MS technique can be useful tool, complementary to NMR method in studying the chain microstructure.
Osteogenesis of Osteoblast Seeded Polyurethane‐Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds in Nude Mice
Authors: Hill Christopher M. , An Yuehuei H. , Kang Quian K. , Hartsock Langdon A. , Gogolewski Sylwester , Gorna Katarzyna
Published: July 2007

Summary: Biodegradable porous polyurethane (PU) scaffolds were used in a tissue engineering approach to create new bone. Two groups of elastomeric bioresorbable PU disks were seeded with osteoblasts and implanted into nude mice. One group had disks of pure PU while the other group had disks of PU‐ hydroxyapatite composite (PU‐HA). After 5 weeks both groups showed radiographic and histologic evidence of significant bone formation. As the new bone formed it replaced the PU scaffolds. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward more bone formation in the PU‐HA group. Bioresorbable PU shows promise for use in bone tissue engineering.
In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Testing of Absorbable Metal Stents
Authors: Loos Anneke , Rohde Roland , Haverich Axel , Barlach Sabine
Published: July 2007

Summary: Permanent metallic stent implants are the most frequently applied treatment option in angioplastic interventions. Here we report in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the newly developed absorbable metal stent (AMS), consisting of magnesium (Mg) with yttrium and rare earth additives, in comparison to the clinically applied steel stent (316L). Viability and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and endothelial cells (EC) exposed to various Mg‐alloys were analyzed. AMS and 316L were implanted into coronary arteries of Göttingen minipigs (n = 17) and explanted after 28 and 56 days. Stented arterial segments were analyzed prior to explantation by angiography and ex vivo by micro‐computer tomography (micro‐CT), by histology, and by immunohistochemistry. Exposure to the alloy in vitro resulted in reduced viability and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Consistently, larger luminal diameter and less neointimal formation were found in AMS both 28 and 56 days after implantation. Histological analysis revealed no significant differences in the number of macrophages and Ki‐67 positive cells, yet a significantly higher number of proliferating cells around 316L struts at the earlier time point. The reduction in neointima formation and a larger vessel lumen indicates the superiority of the recently developed AMS over commercial available steel stents. Furthermore, AMS is absorbable, and thus will not cause stress to the stented vessel for the lifetime of the recipient.
Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A epoxy resin modified using poly(ether ether ketone) with pendent tert‐butyl groups
Authors: Francis Bejoy , Thomas Sabu , Sadhana R. , Thuaud Nicole , Ramaswamy R. , Jose Seno , Rao V. Lakshmana
Published: July 2007

Bisphenol‐A‐based difunctional epoxy resin was modified with poly(ether ether ketone) with pendent tert‐butyl groups (PEEKT). PEEKT was synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4,4′‐difluoro benzophenone with tert‐butyl hydroquinone in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. Blends with various amounts of PEEKT were prepared by melt‐mixing. All the blends were homogeneous in the uncured state. The glass transition temperature of the binary epoxy/PEEKT blends was predicted using several equations. Reaction‐induced phase separation was found to occur upon curing with a diamine 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone. The phase morphology of the blends was studied using scanning electron microscopy. From the micrographs, it was found that PEEKT‐rich phase was dispersed in a continuous epoxy matrix. The domain size increased with the amount of PEEKT in the blends. The increase in domain size was due to the coalescence of the domains after phase separation. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the blends gave two peaks corresponding to epoxy‐rich phase and thermoplastic‐rich phase. The tensile strength and modulus of the blends remained close to that of the unmodified resin, while the flexural properties decreased with the addition of PEEKT to epoxy resin. The fracture toughness of the epoxy resin increased with the addition of PEEKT. Investigation of the fracture surfaces revealed evidences for local plastic deformation of the matrix, crack pinning, crack path deflection, and ductile tearing of PEEKT‐rich phase. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the initial decomposition temperature of the blends were close to that of the unmodified resin. Finally, the properties of the blends were compared with other modified PEEK/epoxy blends. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2481–2496, 2007
Extracting circular road signs using specific color distinction and region limitation
Authors: Matsuura Daisuke , Yamauchi Hitoshi , Takahashi Hiromitsu
Published: July 2007

There is now vigorous research on the intelligent transport system (ITS), and also on the advanced cruise‐assist highway system (AHS), which is one of the ITS components. An element of the AHS is the system that extracts and recognizes road signs from color road images to alert the driver. This paper proposes a new technique that can extract circular road signs in a practical processing time. The proposed method first discriminates the color used in the road sign (specific color) from the input color road image. Then, the target region for extraction is limited on the basis of the color distribution, so that the processing time is drastically reduced. Furthermore, by using the area ratio of the specific color in the extraction region, the extraction accuracy is improved and the processing time is reduced. In evaluation experiment using 53 color road images, a high detection rate of 94.7% was achieved. The average processing time was approximately 2.18 seconds, which is close to practical. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(11): 90– 99, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10396
A system for measuring cell division patterns of early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos by using image processing and object tracking
Authors: Hamahashi Shugo , Kitano Hiroaki , Onami Shuichi
Published: July 2007

Cell division patterns provide crucial information for understanding the mechanisms of development of multicellular organisms. These patterns are measured manually by long‐term microscopic observation or by studying large numbers of images taken by using time‐lapse microscope systems. Because manual measurement limits the objectivity and productivity of measurement, the comprehensive cell division pattern analysis of gene knockdown embryos has been difficult. Here, we present a system that automatically measures the cell division pattern of Caenorhabditis elegans embryos from the 1‐ to 24‐cell stages with high levels of objectivity and productivity. The system automatically detects the nuclei in a set of four‐dimensional differential interference contrast microscope images of a C. elegans embryo by using image processing and measures the cell division pattern by tracking the detected nuclei over time. This system enables a comprehensive cell division pattern analysis of gene knockdown C. elegans embryos. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(11): 12–24, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20783
Wind turbine power and sound in relation to atmospheric stability
Authors: van den Berg G. P.
Published: July 2007

Atmospheric stability cannot, with respect to modern, tall wind turbines, be viewed as a ‘small perturbation to a basic neutral state’. This can be demonstrated by comparison of measured wind velocity at the height of the rotor with the wind velocity expected in a neutral or ‘standard’ atmosphere. Atmospheric stability has a significant effect on wind shear and increases the power production substantially relative to a neutral atmosphere. This conclusion from Dutch data is corroborated by other published wind shear data from the temperate climate zone. The increase in wind shear due to atmospheric stability also has a significant effect on the sound emission, causing it to be substantially higher than predicted from near‐ground wind velocity and a neutral atmosphere, resulting in a higher noise impact on neighbouring residences. Several measures are proposed to mitigate the noise impact. To reduce noise levels, the rotational speed can be controlled with the near‐ground wind speed or sound level as the control input. To reduce the fluctuation in the sound (‘blade thumping’), it is suggested to adjust the blade pitch angle of the rotating blades continuously. To prevent stronger fluctuations at night due to the coincidence of thumps from several turbines, it is suggested to add random variations in pitch angle, mimicking the effect of large‐scale turbulent fluctuations in daytime. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of passive instability suppression means on pitch‐regulated wind turbines
Authors: Riziotis V. A. , Voutsinas S. G. , Politis E. S. , Chaviaropoulos P. K.
Published: July 2007

The significance of three types of design modifications in view of defining passive means to extend the stability bounds of modern wind turbines is assessed in this paper. The first concerns the use of optimized airfoil shapes on a fixed blade planform while the other two concern the increase of structural flexibility by either bringing closer the flap and lead‐lag mode frequencies or introducing a soft yaw connection. Such an exploration of the stability envelope aims at providing the necessary understanding of the mechanisms that control aeroelastic damping and therefore at identifying means for improving the stability behaviour of the lowest damped system modes. Stability calculations are performed in the context of linear eigenvalue analysis using a state‐of‐the‐art stability tool. The model accounts for the full wind turbine configuration and the eigenvalue problem is formulated with reference to the non‐rotating (ground‐fixed) frame of reference through the multi‐blade transformation of all the rotating degrees of freedom. Results are presented in reference to a commercial multi‐MW, pitch‐regulated, variable‐speed wind turbine. They indicate that the soft yaw concept offers more significant margins of improvement compared with the flap‐lag coincidence, while aerodynamic optimization could be a basis for improvement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid oxidation in potato slices under conditions simulating the production of potato granules
Authors: Hallberg Marianne Lilja , Lingnert Hans
Published: July 2007

The formation of volatile compounds in potato slices was analyzed by means of gas Chromatographie headspace analysis. The experimental variables selected for the treatment of the potato slices were chosen to simulate the conditions during the first stages of an “add‐back type” of process for production of potato granules. The potato slices (2 cm thick) were exposed to air of low temperature (4°C) and water at blanching temperature (76°C). Both the surface and the middle of each slice were analyzed for volatile compounds. Hexanal was the most abundant aldehyde formed. At the elevated temperature, in particular, there was an obvious formation of hexanal. After 15 min of blanching, the amount of hexanal was higher in the middle of the slices than at the surface. This difference in hexanal concentration was probably due both to the leakage of hexanal into the blanching water from the surfaces of the potato slices, and to the inac‐tivation of lipoxygenase at the surfaces which prevented further oxidation during the subsequent chilling period. The hexanal formation indicates that lipid oxidation occurs during the process. The formation of other volatile compounds also is discussed.
Unsaponifiable lipid constituents of ten indian seed oils
Authors: Saeecd M. Tariq , Agarwal R. , Khan M. W. Y. , Ahmad F. , Osman S. M. , Akihisa T. , Suzuki K. , Matsumoto T.
Published: July 2007

The unsaponifiable lipid constituents, hydrocarbons, triterpene alcohols and sterols of ten seed oils (Catharanthus roseus, Nymphaea nelumbo, Casuari‐na equisetifolia, Lagerstroemia therolli, Prosopisjuliflora, Mimusops elengi, Mimusops hexandra, Ponga‐miapinnata, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, and Bauhinia retusa) were investigated by gas liquid chromatography. Total unsaponifiables ran from 4–14%. Some of the seed oils contained large quantities of jβ‐amyrin, α‐amyrin and cycloartenol. Acrocarpus fraxinifolius was found to contain 84% of lupeol. Stigmasterol (24‐ethyl‐22ε‐dehydrocholesterol), β‐sitosterol (24‐ethyl‐cholesterol) and campesterol (24‐methyl‐cholesterol) were the common constituents in all the seed oils. Besides these constituents, tirucallol, taraxerol, ψ‐taraxasterol, fucosterol, isofucosterol, avenasterol and cholesterol also were detected in small quantities.
Protein functionality modification by extrusion cooking
Authors: Camire Mary Ellen
Published: July 2007

Cooking extruders process high‐protein materials into palatable foods. New applications have been developed for protein extrusion during the past decade. Improvements in functional characteristics of proteins may be achieved through modification of temperature, screw speed, moisture content, and other extrusion parameters. Flavors and odors may be removed during expansion at the extruder die. Extrusion can improve the digestibility of proteins, while reducing gossypol, proteinase inhibitors, allergens, aflatoxins, and other undesirable compounds. In the future the use of extruders as chemical reactors for both animal and plant proteins will provide new food ingredients as well as novel, nutritious foods.
A comparison of block copolymer surfactant gels
Authors: Schmolka Irving R.
Published: July 2007

The aqueous gel forming properties of three series of block copolymer surfactants, poloxamers, poloxamines, and Butronic® polyols, are briefly reviewed and compared. The differences in their gel formation properties are explained. Aqueous gel formation of these polymers is attributed to the aggregation of extended linear coil micelles in which the hydrophilic ends become entangled as the temperature rises, due to dehydration. The failure of the Butronic polyol gels to exhibit the same reverse thermal behavior shown by the other two polyol series is attributed to a more lipophilic hydrophobe and to the larger number of moles of water associated with the Butronic hydrophile. The reverse thermal characteristics of aqueous poloxamer and poloxamine solutions has led to the development of aerosol detergent systems which can form foamy gels, thereby expanding the usefulness of these surfactants.
Oxidation of rapeseed oil: Effect of metal traces
Authors: Benjellourr B. , Talou T. , Delmas M. , Gaset A.
Published: July 2007

Traces of heavy metals in edible oils are known to have an effect on the rate of oil oxidation. In this investigation we studied the effect of trace metals by excluding instead of adding them. Three supports were used to fix trace metals: grafted cellulose, cationic resin and absorbent resin. Cationic resin and grafted cellulose allowed copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) to be fixed. The measurement of peroxide value and variation of linolenic acid with temperature indicate good oxidative stability of oil processed on cellulose and cationic resin. These results confirm the effect of metals, particularly Fe and Cu, on oil oxidation.
Toxic weed seed contaminants in soybean processing
Authors: List G. R. , Spencer G. F. , Hunt W. Haward
Published: July 2007

Soybeans are subject to potential contamination from toxic weed seeds during harvest, transportation and storage. The more common foreign seeds include those from jimsonweed, cocklebur, nightshade, cowcockle, corncockle, morning glory, castor, pokeweed, and crotalaria. This review addresses itself to the chemistry and toxic principles of these contaminants. Since jimsonweed seeds are probably the most toxic and most prevalent contaminant of soybeans, they are discussed in greatest detail. A gas liquid Chromatographic method for the determination of tropane alkaloids in jimsonweed seeds is described together with the results from analyses of 11 samples found in grain shipments. Results of a nationwide survey of jimsonweed seeds in soybean samples are also included. The fate of jimsonweed seed alkaloids during solvent extraction of contaminated soybeans and alkali Refining of crude oil was investigated. Extraction of a 50:50 mixture of soybeans and jimsonweed seeds with petroleum ether yielded meal and crude oil fractions; chemical analysis showed that virtually all the alkaloids remained in the meal. Alkali refining effectively removed atropine added to crude soybean oil.
Removal of phytate from soy protein
Authors: Hartman Grant H.
Published: July 2007

Phytate, as a minor constituent of soybeans, has been reported to interfere with the dietary mineral absorption of mammals. Commercial soy protein isolate contains 2–3% tightly bound phytate. Practifrom soy protein materials. However, in this reported process, the phytate content was reduced to extremely low levels using commercially feasible processing techniques. The first step of this process was the extraction of water soluble components from soy flakes using routine commercial procedures. In the second step, the extract was adjusted to pH 11.6 at 28 C to insolubilize the phytate. The phytate was removed by centrifugation or vacuum filtration. Neutralization followed the phytate removal. The temperature and pH are critical for phytate removal but also must be carefully controlled to prevent protein degradation. Lysinoalanine was not detected nor was cysteine or other amino acids found to be degraded. The third step of this process was purification of the protein. In this case, the low phytate soy extract was purified by Ultrafiltration until permeate equivalent to 1/2 times the volume of the extract was collected. The phytate and phosphorus contents of the resulting soy protein isolate were 0.1 and 0.2%, respectively, compared to 2.6 and 0.8 for typical commercial soy protein isolate. The PER was significantly better than an acid isolate prepared from the same soy flakes or the commercial soy isolate tested. The retenate obtained after purification by Ultrafiltration was a translucent liquid with a protein content of 5–6%. This protein was in a very soluble form and was stable to heat.
Variations in lipid composition among chickpea cultivars
Authors: Sosulski F. W. , Gadan H. M.
Published: July 2007

Seeds of 60 cultivars of chickpea,Cicer arietinum, from three countries were dehulled and the ground cotyledons evaluated for composition of lipids and lipoxygenase. the average lipid contents of Iraqi‐, Indian‐and Canadian‐grown samples were 5.3, 6.6 and 7.3%, respectively. While palmitic and stearic acids were uniformly about 9.3 and 1.5% of total fatty acids in the lipids, the proportions of oleic and linoleic acids varied from 36 and 50% for Iraqi samples to 17 and 68% for Canadian‐grown samples, respectively. Linolenic acid values ranged from 2.1 to 4.5% of total fatty aids and, with lipoxygenase activities averaging one‐half that of soybean, the potential for oxidative rancidity in chickpea flours was substantial, especially in northern‐grown samples.
Solution properties of mixed surfactant system sodium dodecyl sulfate and alkyl polyoxyethylene ether system
Authors: Ogino Keizo , Kakihara Toshlaki , Uchiyama Hirotaka , Abe Masahiko
Published: July 2007

The effect of oxyethylene groups in a nonionic surfactant on the solution properties of anionicnonionic systems is described; these systems are sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)—hexadecyl polyoxyethylene ethers (C16POEn, where n=10, 20, 30 and 40). The degree of ionic dissociation of the mixed micelles decreases with increasing numbers of oxyethylene groups in the nonionic surfactant. As polyoxyethylene chain lengths increase, the electrical conductivities of the mixed surfactant solutions decrease, in spite of the decrease in activation energy for conduction. The radius of the mixed micelle with the electric double layer is larger for a nonionic surfactant having a shorter polyoxyethylene chain length than for one having a long polyoxyethylene chain. This may be attributed to the fact that the mixed micelle is formed more easily by a nonionic surfactant with a shorter polyoxyethylene chain length than by one with a longer chain.
Removal of triglycerides from hard surfaces by surfactants: An ellipsometry study
Authors: Bäckström Kjell , Engström Sven
Published: July 2007

The removal of triglycerides from hard surfaces by surfactants was studied by means of ellipsometry. Various surfactants were examined, and as the nonionic surfactants of the alkyl polyoxyethylene type proved to be most efficient, they were studied in particular detail. The influence of factors such as surfactant critical micelle concentration, the length of the polyoxyethylene chain in the nonionic surfactants, the pH, the temperature, and the agitation were investigated. The cleaning process involves many consecutive steps on the molecular level, and the measurements provide interesting information about the cleaning mechanism.
Defending against Terrorist Attacks with Limited Resources
Authors: POWELL ROBERT
Published: July 2007

This paper develops a framework for analyzing a defender's allocation of scarce resources against a strategic adversary like a terrorist group in four settings: (1) a baseline case in which the sites the defender tries to guard are “independent” in that resources dedicated to protecting one site have no effect on any other site; (2) if the defender can also allocate resources to border defense, intelligence, or counterterrorist operations which, if successful, protect all of the sites; (3) if threats have strategic and nonstrategic components (e.g., the threat to public health from bioterror attacks and the natural outbreak of new diseases); and (4) if the defender is unsure of the terrorists' preferred targets. The analysis characterizes the defender's optimal (equilibrium) allocations in these settings, an algorithm or approach to finding the optimal allocations, and relevant comparative statics. These characterizations provide a general way of thinking about the resource-allocation problem in these settings.
Federalism, Liberalism, and the Separation of Loyalties
Authors: LEVY JACOB T.
Published: July 2007

Federalism, when it has not been ignored altogether in normative political theory, has typically been analyzed in terms that fail to match the institution as it exists in the world. Federations are made up of provinces that are too few, too large, too rigid, too constitutionally entrenched, and too tied to ethnocultural identity to match theories based on competitive federalism, Tiebout sorting, democratic self-government, or subsidiarity. A relatively neglected tradition in liberal thought, based on a separation of loyalties and identifiable in Montesquieu, Publius, Constant, Tocqueville, and Acton, however, holds more promise. If the purpose of federalism is to compensate for worrisome tendencies toward centralization, then it is desirable that the provinces large enough to have political power be stable and entrenched and be able to engender loyalty from their citizens, such as the loyalty felt to ethnoculturally specific provinces. Separation of loyalty theories and the bulwark theories of which they are a subset match up with federalism as it exists in the world.
İSí Se Puede! Latino Candidates and the Mobilization of Latino Voters
Authors: BARRETO MATT A.
Published: July 2007

Traditional studies of political participation assume an electoral environment in which voters decide between two White candidates, and find Latino citizens less politically engaged. Given the growth in the number of Latino candidates for office over the past 20 years, this article tests whether ethnicity impacts Latino voting behavior. I argue that the presence of a Latino candidate mobilizes the Latino electorate, resulting in elevated voter turnout and strong support for the co-ethnic candidates. Although some research provides a theoretical basis for such a claim, this article brings together a comprehensive body of empirical evidence to suggest that ethnicityissalient for Latinos and provides a coherent theory that accounts for the empowering role of co-ethnic candidates. Analysis of recent mayoral elections in five major U.S. cities reveals that Latinos were consistently mobilized by co-ethnic candidates.
Constructing Legal Rules on Appellate Courts
Authors: LAX JEFFREY R.
Published: July 2007

Appellate courts make policy, not only by hearing cases themselves, but by establishing legal rules for the disposition of future cases. The problem is that such courts are generally multimember, or collegial, courts. If different judges prefer different rules, can a collegial court establish meaningful legal rules? Can preferences that take the form of legal rules be aggregated? I use a “case-space” model to show that there will exist a collegial rule that captures majoritarian preferences, and to show that there will exist a median rule even if there is no single median judge. I show how collegial rules can differ from the rules of individual judges and how judicial institutions (such as appellate review and the power to write separate opinions) affect the stability and enforceability of legal rules. These results are discussed in light of fundamental debates between legal and political perspectives on judicial behavior.
Regulatory Quality Under Imperfect Oversight
Authors: DE MESQUITA ETHAN BUENO , STEPHENSON MATTHEW C.
Published: July 2007

We analyze the positive and normative implications of regulatory oversight when the policymaking agency can improve the quality of regulation through effort, but only some kinds of effort are observable by the overseer, and the overseer's only power is the ability to veto new regulation. Such oversight can increase the quality of agency regulation, but it also introduces inefficiencies—the agency underinvests in unobservable effort and overinvests in observable effort. Agencies have no incentive to conceal their activities from the overseer; the reforms that are likely to reduce inefficiency are therefore those that improve overseer expertise or lower the costs of agency disclosure, not those that compel disclosure. The normative implications depend on the relative severity of bureaucratic drift and slack problems. When slack is paramount, an overseer that is more anti-regulation than the agency or society improves social welfare, as long as it does not deter the agency from regulating entirely. When drift is paramount, oversight improves social welfare only when it deters regulation. In this case, regulatory oversight is weakly dominated by one of two alternatives: eliminating oversight or banning regulation.
Explaining the Political Ambivalence of Religion
Authors: PHILPOTT DANIEL
Published: July 2007

This essay takes on the broad question—what explains the political pursuits of religious actors?—by exploring two powerful influences on these pursuits. The first is differentiation, or the degree of autonomy between religious actors and states in their basic authority. The second is political theology, the set of ideas that religious actors hold about political authority and justice. Through global comparisons across religions, regions, and states, it seeks to establish the effect of both influences on two political pursuits in which religion's role is hotly debated today: support for democratization and political violence, including communal violence and terrorism. It concludes with lessons learned commonly from the analysis of both pursuits.
Taste acuity in response to zinc supplementation in older Europeans
Authors: Stewart-Knox Barbara J. , Simpson Ellen E.A. , Parr Heather , Rae Gordon , Polito Angela , Intorre Federica , Andriollo Sanchez Maud , Meunier Natalie , O'Connor Jacqueline M. , Maiani Giuseppe , Coudray Charles , Strain J. J.
Published: July 2007

Taste acuity declines with age and may be dependent upon Zn status. The aim of the present double-blind, randomised controlled intervention trial has been to determine taste acuity in response to Zn supplementation (placebo, or 15 or 30 mg Zn/d). Healthy older European adults aged 70–87 years were recruited within Italy (Rome) (n 108) and France (Grenoble) (n 91) to the European Commission-funded Zenith project. A signal detection theory approach was adopted for taste assessment. The data were converted to R indices and analysed by repeated-measures ANOVA controlling for baseline taste acuity as well as serum and erythrocyte Zn. Serum Zn increased post-intervention, indicating compliance with the intervention. Results differed across geographical region. Salt taste acuity was greater in response to Zn (30 mg) than placebo post-intervention among those recruited in Grenoble. There was no apparent change in acuity for sweet, sour or bitter taste in response to Zn. Supplemented Zn may have potential to enhance salt taste acuity in those over the age of 70 years. Further research is required to determine if enhanced salt taste acuity is reflected in the eating experiences of older individuals.
Children's estimates of food portion size: the effect of timing of dietary interview on the accuracy of children's portion size estimates
Authors: Foster E. , O'Keeffe M. , Matthews J. N. S. , Mathers J. C. , Nelson M. , Barton K. L. , Wrieden W. L. , Adamson A. J.
Published: July 2007

For food intakes to be converted into nutrient intakes a measure or estimate of the amount of food consumed is required. A number of methods have been developed to assist subjects in providing an estimate of portion size. Children's ability to use perception, conceptualisation and memory skills to estimate food portion size has not been investigated systematically. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of the timing of a dietary interview on the accuracy of estimates of food portion sizes made by children, using food photographs, food models and an interactive portion size assessment system, developed for use with children and based on portion sizes of foods consumed by children. Children (n 108) aged 4–14 years were supplied with known quantities of foods and asked to estimate the portion size of each food using each of the three portion size assessment tools. Interviews took place (a) with the food in view, (b) just after the child had eaten the food or (c) 24 h after the child had eaten the food. There were no significant differences in children's ability to estimate food portion size (either as served or as eaten) with timing of interview. That is, children were as accurate in their estimates of portion size 24 h after consuming the food as when the food was in view. Under these conditions many children were able to estimate food portion size utilising perception, conceptualisation and memory skills.
Parasite and maternal risk factors for malnutrition in preschool-age children in Belen, Peru using the new WHO Child Growth Standards
Authors: Casapía Martin , Joseph Serene A. , Núñez Carmen , Rahme Elham , Gyorkos Theresa W.
Published: July 2007

Child malnutrition, including wasting, underweight and stunting, is associated with infections, poor nutrient intake, and environmental and socio-demographic factors. Preschool-age children are especially vulnerable due to their high growth requirements. To target interventions for preschool-age children in a community of extreme poverty in Peru, we conducted a household survey between October 2005 and January 2006 to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its risk factors. Of 252 children < 5 years old, the prevalence of wasting, underweight and stunting was 26·6, 28·6 and 32·1 %, respectively, based on the new WHO Child Growth Standards. Risk factors for wasting were: (1) moderate–high intensity Trichuris infection (OR 2·50; 95 % CI 1·06, 5·93); (2) hookworm infection (OR 6·67; 95 % CI 1·08, 41·05); (3) age (OR6-month 1·27; 95 % CI 1·11, 1·46); (4) maternal education (secondary incomplete) (OR 5·77; 95 % CI 2·38, 13·99); and (5) decreasing maternal BMI (OR1 kg/m2 1·12; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·23). Risk factors for underweight were: (1) moderate–high intensity Trichuris infection (OR 4·74; 95 % CI 1·99, 11·32); (2) age (OR6-month 1·22; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·38); (3) maternal education (secondary incomplete) (OR 2·92; 95 % CI 1·40, 6·12); and (4) decreasing maternal BMI (OR1 kg/m2 1·11; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·21). Risk factors for stunting were: (1) age (OR6-month 1·14; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·27) and (2) decreasing maternal height (OR1 cm 1·12; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·20). Overall, risk factors for malnutrition included both child and maternal determinants. Based on these data, locally appropriate and cost-effective dietary, de-worming and educational programmes should be targeted to mothers and preschool-age children.
A simple method for analysing the major volatile compounds of Asyrtiko wines subjected to pre-fermentative skin maceration
Authors: SYMEOU E. , GALIOTOU-PANAYOTOU M. , KECHAGIA D. , KOTSERIDIS Y.
Published: July 2007

A fast and simple method for analysing volatile compounds in Asyrtiko wines has been developed, with good reproducibility and suitability for routine analysis, and which is able to quantify many of the major odorant compounds in a single chromatographic run. The method allows satisfactory determination of fusel alcohols and their acetates, short-chain fatty acids and their ethyl esters. The linear dynamic range of the method covers the normal range of occurrence of analytes in wine, with typicalrvalues of 0·992–0·999. Reproducibility ranges from 0·036 to 0·092 (as relative standard deviation; RSD). The method was applied for two consecutive years to wines from cv. Asyrtiko from Santorini, in order to establish the effect of pre-fermentative cryomaceration on the odorant compound levels of the resulting wines. Pre-fermentative cryomaceration significantly increased the levels of hexan-1-ol for both the vintages studied, while hexanoic acid and 2-phenylethyl acetate levels were higher in the classical vinification samples. The vintage (year) effect was important. Difference tests revealed significant differences between the samples using sensory analysis tests but preference tests did not reveal any preference for one or other treatment.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization ofPseudomonas aeruginosastrains isolated from mastitis outbreaks in dairy herds
Authors: Sela Shlomo , Hammer-Muntz Orly , Krifucks Oleg , Pinto Riki , Weisblit Limor , Leitner Gabriel
Published: July 2007

During 1998–2002 outbreaks ofPseudomonassp. mastitis among more than 15 Israeli sheep and goat dairy herds were observed. The animals presented a wide spectrum of clinical signs ranging from subclinical to gangrenous udder. Ninety-five isolates ofPseudomonassp. were isolated from clinical and subclinical mastitis of 47 sheep, 17 goats and 31 cows from 34 different farms. Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed that the all-causative organism wasPs. aeruginosa. Selections of isolates were further analysed on the bases of colony morphology, biochemical traits and capacity to form biofilm. All the strains displayed a wide heterogeneity in all the tested traits. No association between bacterial isolates, farm of origin and type of animal was found. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and cluster analysis showed no clonality among the tested strains. The present study revealed that a large variety ofPs. aeruginosastrains may cause mastitis outbreaks in sheep, goat and cattle in Israel.
Prepartum milking effects on parlour behaviour, endocrine and immune responses in Holstein heifers
Authors: Eicher Susan D , Schutz Michael , Kearney Francis , Willard Scott , Bowers Susan , Gandy Scott , Graves Kenneth
Published: July 2007

Transition of primiparous heifers to the milking herd is a period with multiple stressors. The objective of these studies was to determine effects of parlour experience and prepartum milking (pre-milking) on behavioural and physiological indicators of stress after calving. Two experiments were conducted, one was in a free-stall housing confinement system and the second was in a modified grazing system. Forty-eight first-calf heifers were assigned to three treatments: control; experienced heifers taken through the parlour without milking; or pre-milk heifers milked for 3 weeks prior to estimated parturition. Blood was collected within 24 h of parturition and on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 following parturition for cortisol and acute phase protein determination. In the grazing system, 20 heifers were assigned to a prepartum milked or control group as in the confinement system and behaviour observations included days −21, −14, −7, −5, −3 and −1 relative to calving and days 1, 3, 7, 9, 14, and 16 post-calving. Milk production was greatest for prepartum milked heifers in both housing systems. However, somatic cell score was reduced by prepartum milking only in the confinement system. Balking occurred least in parlour-experienced heifers. In confinement housing, shifting while in the parlour was the only behaviour that was greater at first milking in control heifers. Kicking was most frequent for parlour experienced heifers on day 2. Grazing system pre-milked heifers shifted more at their first milking (day −21) than did the controls at their first milking (day 1). Shifting within cow was greatest on day −21 compared with day −5 (P<0·05). Pre-milked heifers shifted more on day 1 post-calving than did the control heifers (P<0·05). These results showed that shifting was the most indicative behaviour of restlessness, was transient, and decreased by day 5 prior to calving. Cortisol and α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations were not different; however, haptoglobin increased for all treatments up to and including day 3 and haptoglobin concentrations of pre-milked heifers began to decrease by day 5 post-calving. Pre-milked heifers had lower haptoglobin concentrations than the control heifers and tended to have lower concentrations than experienced heifers on day 10 post partum. By day 14 post partum, all haptoglobin concentrations were <200 μg/ml, but the haptoglobin concentration of control heifers was greater than that of pre-milked and experienced heifers. These results showed that prepartum milking and parlour experience shorten some acute phase protein responses, but minimally affect early parlour behaviours.