bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging and Loneliness
Authors: Hawkley Louise C. , Cacioppo John T.
Published: August 2007

Levels of loneliness are relatively stable across most of adult life, but correlates of loneliness show age differences. We review evidence of age differences in associations between loneliness and individual differences in health behaviors, stress exposure, physiological stress responses, appraisal and coping, and restorative processes. The effects of each of these pathways endow loneliness with the capacity to accelerate the rate of physiological decline with age. Additional research across the lifespan is required to understand the nature of accrued loneliness effects on health behavior and physiology in the short and long term.
The Role of the Family in the Course and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Miklowitz David J.
Published: August 2007

Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent and debilitating illness. Research has implicated the role of psychosocial stressors, including high expressed-emotion (EE) attitudes among family members, in the relapse–remission course of the disorder. This article explores the developmental pathways by which EE attitudes originate and predict relapses of bipolar disorder. Levels of EE are correlated with the illness attributions of caregivers and bidirectional patterns of interaction between caregivers and patients during the postepisode period. Although the primary treatments for bipolar disorder are pharmacological, adjunctive psychosocial interventions have additive effects in relapse prevention. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the combination of family-focused therapy (FFT) and pharmacotherapy delays relapses and reduces symptom severity among patients followed over the course of 1 to 2 years. The effectiveness of FFT in delaying recurrences among adolescents with bipolar disorder and in delaying the initial onset of the illness among at-risk children is currently being investigated.
Temperament, Development, and Personality
Authors: Rothbart Mary K.
Published: August 2007

Understanding temperament is central to our understanding of development, and temperament constructs are linked to individual differences in both personality and underlying neural function. In this article, I review findings on the structure of temperament, its relation to the Big Five traits of personality, and its links to development and psychopathology. In addition, I discuss the relation of temperament to conscience, empathy, aggression, and the development of behavior problems, and describe the relation between effortful control and neural networks of executive attention. Finally, I present research on training executive attention.
Negative Emotion Enhances Memory Accuracy
Authors: Kensinger Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2007

There have been extensive discussions about whether emotional memories contain more accurate detail than nonemotional memories do, or whether individuals simply believe that they have remembered emotional experiences more accurately. I review evidence that negative emotion enhances not only the subjective vividness of a memory but also the likelihood of remembering some (but not all) event details. I then describe neuroimaging evidence suggesting that engagement of emotion-processing regions (particularly the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex) relates to the encoding and retrieval of details intrinsically linked to negative items.
Metacomprehension
Authors: Dunlosky John , Lipko Amanda R.
Published: August 2007

People's judgments about how well they have learned and comprehended text materials can be important for effectively regulating learning, but only if those judgments are accurate. Over two decades of research examining judgments of text learning—or metacomprehension—has consistently demonstrated that people's judgment accuracy is quite poor. We review recent research that has shown some success in improving judgment accuracy and then argue that the most common method used to investigate metacomprehension accuracy may inadvertently constrain it. We describe a new method that sidesteps some problems of the older method and present evidence showing how people can achieve high levels of metacomprehension accuracy.
Contemporary Feminist Perspectives on Social Contract Theory
Authors: RICHARDSON JANICE
Published: August 2007

Abstract.  This paper explores two feminist contributions to the analysis of the social contract tradition, comparing the political philosophy of Carole Pateman with the moral theory of Jean Hampton, to ask two questions. First, which points must feminists continue to argue in their critique of the social contract tradition today? The second question is: Can feminists actually draw anything from the social contract tradition today? It argues that Pateman's critique of contractarianism continues to be useful when read in the context of her analysis of “self‐ownership” and subordination rather than as a rewriting of the social contract. Hampton's deployment of a Kantian test for the failure of respect for personhood within domestic (and other) relationships does not undermine Pateman's position. Consideration of how such an ideal can be understood as potentially compatible with Pateman's perspective raises issues about the radical potential within claims for equal respect for personhood. In Hampton's work, widespread “test failure” can be used to indicate that political action rather than moral analysis is required. Hampton assumes that those employing the test are able to abstract themselves sufficiently from their current position to imagine what it would be to be treated as a person. It is argued that this “moral test” should be envisaged as being asked in concert with others, at which point it has the potential to become political action.
Constraints on Partial VP‐fronting
Authors: Landau Idan
Published: August 2007

Abstract.  Partial VP‐fronting, in which a verb is fronted with one argument, stranding the other one, is subject to a curious restriction in both Hebrew and English: The fronted VP‐portion must be a potential independent VP in the language. It is shown that both incremental merger and remnant VP‐fronting cannot explain the restriction, whereas an analysis incorporating late adjunction of the stranded argument can. Late adjunction, in turn, cannot apply too deeply, which explains why the same set of environments inaccessible to partial VP‐fronting force adjunct reconstruction. The analysis implies that not only Spell‐Out, but also interpretive constraints, like the θ‐Criterion, apply at the phase level. Furthermore, Condition A is shown to be another such constraint.
The effects of a comprehensive reading intervention programme for Grade 3 children
Authors: Frost Jørgen , Sørensen Peer Møller
Published: August 2007

A group of 37 8‐year‐old children who had scored below the 20th percentile on a national reading test were offered intensive reading instruction in groups of four during Grade 3 in two periods (10 and 5 weeks). The intervention was delivered by six teachers who received training in a comprehensive reading intervention programme called Epi‐Meta‐Mastery‐Approach, designed on the basis of the theory of metalinguistic development (Gombert, 1992). A control group of 36 children received increased instructional intensity during the same periods. The intervention group showed gains in comparison with the control group on measures of word and non‐word reading and spelling.
Estimating the Effect of Treatment in a Proportional Hazards Model in the Presence of Non-Compliance and Contamination
Authors: Cuzick Jack , Sasieni Peter , Myles Jonathan , Tyrer Jonathan
Published: August 2007

Methods for adjusting for non-compliance and contamination, which respect the randomization, are extended from binary outcomes to time-to-event analyses by using a proportional hazards model. A simple non-iterative method is developed when there are no covariates, which is a generalization of the Mantel–Haenszel estimator. More generally, a ‘partial likelihood’ is developed which accommodates covariates under the assumption that they are independent of compliance. A key feature is that the proportion of contaminators and non-compliers in the risk set is updated at each failure time. When covariates are not independent of compliance, a full likelihood is developed and explored, but this leads to a complex estimator. Estimating equations and information matrices are derived for these estimators and they are evaluated by simulation studies.
On-Line Inference for Multiple Changepoint Problems
Authors: Fearnhead Paul , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2007

We propose an on-line algorithm for exact filtering of multiple changepoint problems. This algorithm enables simulation from the true joint posterior distribution of the number and position of the changepoints for a class of changepoint models. The computational cost of this exact algorithm is quadratic in the number of observations. We further show how resampling ideas from particle filters can be used to reduce the computational cost to linear in the number of observations, at the expense of introducing small errors, and we propose two new, optimum resampling algorithms for this problem. One, a version of rejection control, allows the particle filter to choose the number of particles that are required at each time step automatically. The new resampling algorithms substantially outperform standard resampling algorithms on examples that we consider; and we demonstrate how the resulting particle filter is practicable for segmentation of human G+C content.
Continuous Time Modelling of Dynamical Spatial Lattice Data Observed at Sparsely Distributed Times
Authors: Rasmussen Jakob G. , Møller Jesper , Aukema Brian H. , Raffa Kenneth F. , Zhu Jun
Published: August 2007

We consider statistical and computational aspects of simulation-based Bayesian inference for a spatial–temporal model based on a multivariate point process which is only observed at sparsely distributed times. The point processes are indexed by the sites of a spatial lattice, and they exhibit spatial interaction. For specificity we consider a particular dynamical spatial lattice data set which has previously been analysed by a discrete time model involving unknown normalizing constants. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using continuous time processes compared with discrete time processes in the setting of the present paper as well as other spatial–temporal situations.
Why do cannabinoids not show consistent effects as analgetic drugs in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Lienau F. S. , Füllgraf H. , Moser A. , Feuerstein T. J.
Published: August 2007

The effectiveness of cannabinoids (CB) in the treatment of pain in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) varies. The pathogenesis of pain in MS is diverse as are the possible effects of CB at different sites of CB receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system, this may explain the variable impact on individual patients. The aim of this review is to summarize pre‐clinical and clinical studies to explain this variability from a neuropharmacological point of view. Future studies are needed to examine specific effects on distinct symptoms in homogenous groups of patients.
Relationship between the extent of T2 lesions and the onset of secondary progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mostert J. P. , De Groot J. C. , Ramsaransing G. S. M. , Koch M. W. , De Keyser J.
Published: August 2007

Patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) are at risk of converting to a secondary progressive disease course. To assess the relationship between brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and onset of secondary progression, we reanalysed the initial brain MRI scans of 90 relapsing–remitting MS patients, who were clinically followed up for at least 10 years (median 14 years) after their scan, for the number and volume of T2 lesions, and for two measures of brain atrophy (bicaudate ratio and third ventricle width). The relationship to development of secondary progression was studied with Cox regression models and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. At the end of follow‐up, 36 patients had become progressive. The presence of more than 10 T2 lesions more than doubled the risk of becoming secondary progressive (hazards ratio 2.36; 95% CI 1.19–4.66). When at least one of the 10 lesions was confluent the risk increased to 3.51 (1.64–7.50). The hazards ratio for an estimated T2 lesion load of more than 800 mm3 was 2.11 (1.07–4.16). Linear brain atrophy measures were not predictive. Our data show a relationship between the extent of brain T2 lesions and the onset of secondary progression in MS.
Levodopa‐induced ocular dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Grötzsch H. , Sztajzel R. , Burkhard P. R.
Published: August 2007

Levodopa (LD)‐induced dyskinesia (LID), one of the most common motor complications in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), involve mostly the limbs, trunk and head, but unusual locations have been reported including respiratory muscles, the face and the eyes. The aim of this study was to further investigate the frequency and characteristics of LD‐related abnormal involuntary eye movements (AIEMs) in PD. Thirty‐two patients with advanced PD and various motor complications were evaluated and videotaped in an ON and OFF state. We found AIEMs in five patients (16%) which were present exclusively during the ON state and which completely disappeared when OFF. They consisted of repeated, stereotyped upward and/or sideways gaze deviation movements, sometimes phasic, brief and jerky, sometimes tonic and sustained for several seconds. The main direction of gaze deviation was toward the side more affected by parkinsonism. AIEMs typically paralleled limb and trunk LID and were modulated by the same facilitation and inhibitory maneuvers. We concluded that AIEMs are not uncommon in advanced PD and represent a particular topography of LID, hence the term ‘ocular dyskinesia’ to designate these AIEMs that seem to have a specific pattern in PD as compared with other forms of parkinsonism.
Central Mechanisms of Controlled-Release Metoprolol in Migraine: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Siniatchkin M , Andrasik F , Kropp P , Niederberger U , Strenge H , Averkina N , Lindner V , Stephani U , Gerber W-D
Published: August 2007

β-Blockers are widely used in the prophylaxis of migraine and have been described as very effective drugs in many studies. Some investigators have demonstrated that the clinical improvement of migraine corresponds to the normalization of the contingent negative variation (CNV), a slow cortical potential measuring cortical information processing. However, most of these studies have contained a variety of methodological pitfalls, which we attempted to address in the current study. Twenty patients suffering from migraine without aura were randomly divided into two groups. The groups were treated either with controlled-release metoprolol or placebo for 3 months, using a double-blind design. Twice before and once after each month of the treatment the CNV was recorded. After 3 months, a significant reduction of migraine frequency, duration and intensity was demonstrated for the metoprolol compared with the placebo group. The CNV was characterized by a marked reduction of the amplitude of the total CNV and postimperative negative variation and normalization of the eartly CNV habituation following treatment. Therefore, metoprolol may exert its prophylactic effect in migraine through the influence on cortical information processing and excitability represented by the CNV.
Lower Cervical Disc Prolapse May Cause Cervicogenic Headache: Prospective Study in Patients Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Diener HC , Kaminski M , Stappert G , Stolke D , Schoch B
Published: August 2007

In 1983 Sjaastad published for the first time diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache. Until now there have been no prospective studies investigating whether cervical disc prolapse can cause cervicogenic headache. Between July 2002 and July 2003 50 patients with cervical disc prolapse proven by computed tomography, myelography or magnetic resonance imaging were recruited and prospectively followed for 3 months. Patients were asked at different time points about headache and neck pain by questionnaires and structured interviews. These data were collected prior to and 7 and 90 days after surgery for the disc prolapse. Fifty patients with lumbar disc prolapse, matched for age and sex, undergoing surgery were recruited as controls. Headache and neck pain was diagnosed according to International Headache Society (IHS) criteria. Twelve of 50 patients with cervical disc prolapse reported new headache and neck pain. Seven patients (58%) fulfilled the 2004 IHS criteria for cervicogenic headache. Two of 50 patients with lumbar disc prolapse had new headaches. Their headaches did not fulfil the criteria for cervicogenic headache. One week after surgery, 8/12 patients with cervical disc prolapse and headache reported to be pain free. One patient was improved and three were unchanged. Three months after cervical prolapse surgery, seven patients were pain free, three improved and two unchanged. This prospective study shows an association of low cervical prolapse with cervicogenic headache: headache and neck pain improves or disappears in 80% of patients after surgery for the cervical disc prolapse. These results indicate that pain afferents from the lower cervical roots can converge on the cervical trigeminal nucleus and the nucleus caudalis.
Clinical Features of Probable Medication-Overuse Headache: A Retrospective Study in Japan
Authors: Imai N , Kitamura E , Konishi T , Suzuki Y , Serizawa M , Okabe T
Published: August 2007

This study examined the clinical picture of probable medication-overuse headache (MOH) and the presence of any features peculiar to Japan. In a retrospective study of 47 patients, type of primary headache, type of medicine overused, method and result of withdrawal were investigated. Among the 47 patients, 80.9% had migraine only, and 85.1% overused combination medications. While 36 patients (76.6%) succeeded in withdrawal, five patients (10.6%) failed. One patient (2.1%) had not improved by 2 months after withdrawal and was diagnosed with chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache without MOH. The remaining five patients (10.6%) dropped out. All dropout patients were recommended abrupt inpatient withdrawal, but chose abrupt outpatient withdrawal. As features peculiar to Japan, many patients with probable MOH overused combination analgesics, particularly females.
Patterns of Triptans Use: A Study Based on the Records of a Community Pharmaceutical Department
Authors: Pavone E , Banfi R , Vaiani M , Panconesi A
Published: August 2007

Studies performed in selected populations show that the use of triptans for migraine is low. Our study was aimed at establishing patterns of triptan utilization in a large community using the drug prescription database of a regional Health Authority in Italy. In a population of 224 065 residents, 0.55% received at least one prescription of triptans in 1 year: 77.9% were female and 22.1% male. Oral dosage forms accounted for 94% of prescriptions. About 60% of patients received a single prescription (containing one or two packages) of one triptan in 1 year. Age distribution showed that 7% of patients were aged >65 years. They received 14% of packages, prevalently sumatriptan and zolmitriptan (the two triptans with the longest commercialization in Italy); 5.7% of patients received 40% of packages. Moreover, 3.2% of triptans users received >120 dosage units in the year in the form of tablets (>10 single doses/month), and were potential triptan abusers. Our data indicate suboptimal treatment of migraine patients and also incorrect treatment of some patients (potential triptans abusers, the elderly).
Osmophobia in Migraine and Tension-Type Headache and Its Clinical Features in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Zanchin G , Dainese F , Trucco M , Mainardi F , Mampreso E , Maggioni F
Published: August 2007

Intolerance to smell is often reported by migraine patients. This study evaluates osmophobia in connection with the diagnosis of migraine and episodic tension-type headache (ETTH). The characteristics of this symptom are also investigated. We recruited from our Headache Centre 1005 patients (772 female, 233 male; age 37 ± 11 years), of whom 677 were migraine without aura (MoA), 130 migraine with aura (MA) and 198 TTH. Patients with two or more forms of primary headache were excluded. Among migraine patients, 43.9% with MoA and 38.5% with MA reported osmophobia during the attacks; none of the 198 TTH patients suffered this symptom. Most frequently offending odours were scents (63.9%), food (55.2%) and cigarette smoke (54.8%). Osmophobia appears structurally integrated into the migraine history of the patient. It seems to be a peculiar symptom favouring the diagnosis of migraine (MoA and MA) in the differential diagnosis with ETTH.
Use of Psychoactive Medications in Hong Kong Institutions for Adults with Severe to Profound Learning Disabilities: A Retrospective Study (1988–2003) and Economic Analysis
Authors: Lim Winston Woon Chu
Published: August 2007

Background  Little information is available about prescribing patterns for patients with severe learning disabilities in Asian institutions.

Materials and methods  Prescription audits were performed at Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) and Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH), Hong Kong, between 1988 and 2003.

Results  About 65% of patients were receiving psychoactive medication. Male patients at TMH (but not at SLH) were more likely to receive psychoactive drugs than female (74% versus 58%). Polypharmacy occurred in around 30%. The proportions receiving anticonvulsants, lithium or benzodiazepines increased, while those receiving anticholinergics decreased. The most common indication for antipsychotic use was ‘acute psychomotor agitation’ but 14–22% had no recorded indication. About 20–27% of prescriptions fell outside recommended daily dosages. Drug spending as a proportion of the total fell from 9% to 5%. Daily drug costs per patient were about HK$4.

Conclusions  Changes in prescribing have occurred since 1988. Drug audits can improve prescribing for this vulnerable population.
Care Management Arrangements in Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Results of a National Study
Authors: Xie Chengqiu , Hughes Jane , Challis David , Stewart Karen , Cambridge Paul
Published: August 2007

Background  Care management is the formal mechanism for linking people with intellectual disabilities with public services but little is known about these arrangements. This paper present findings from a national survey.

Materials and Methods  The questionnaire covered aspects of care management arrangements and was specific to services for people with intellectual disabilities. They were sent to all social services departments in England.

Results  The response rate was 81%. Variations were found in organizational arrangements, the performance of key care management tasks, and the degree of differentiation in approach according to need. Local authorities also differed in arrangements for person centred planning.

Conclusions  Further review of the relative efficiency and effectiveness of different care management approaches is needed to inform policy development and promote consistency in services for people with intellectual disabilities.
Effects of forest fragmentation on the physiological stress response of black howler monkeys
Authors: Martínez‐Mota R. , Valdespino C. , Sánchez‐Ramos M. A. , Serio‐Silva J. C.
Published: August 2007

Habitat loss and fragmentation can create severe environmental problems for forest species, and may ultimately lead to local population extinction. One mechanism that might play a role in this process is the physiological stress response of individuals, because animals that experience chronic stress might show reduced rates of reproduction and survival. In this study, we investigated whether black howler monkeys Alouatta pigra inhabiting forest fragments experienced greater physiological stress than those in continuous forest. Faecal cortisol metabolite levels were compared between monkeys inhabiting fragmented and continuous forests in Southern Mexico. The sex of the animals was taken into consideration, while activity patterns and aggressive events were also recorded to examine differences in behaviour and sociality. A chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay was utilized to determine faecal cortisol metabolite levels. Our results showed that cortisol metabolite levels were higher in howler monkeys from forest fragments, and that they vary through time. Patterns of locomotion also differed between forest types, as monkeys from fragments travelled at higher frequencies, while monkeys from continuous forests performed more of their movements within tree crowns. There was no difference in the frequency of feeding, resting and social interactions between fragmented and continuous forest monkeys. Higher faecal cortisol metabolite levels in fragmented areas are likely the result of suboptimal environments and could have long‐term adverse effects on monkey health, fertility and survival. We propose that faecal cortisol metabolite measurements can be a useful conservation tool for monitoring populations of long‐lived species subsisting under suboptimal conditions.
Application of photographic capture–recapture modelling to estimate demographic parameters for male Asian elephants
Authors: Goswami Varun R. , Madhusudan M. D. , Karanth K. Ullas
Published: August 2007

In addition to the threats of habitat loss and degradation, adult males of the Asian elephantElephas maximusalso face greater threats from ivory poaching and conflict with humans. To understand the impact of these threats, conservationists need robust estimates of abundance and vital rates specifically for the adult male segment of elephant populations. By integrating the identification of individual male elephants in a population from distinct morphology and natural markings, with modern capture–recapture (CR) sampling designs, it is possible to estimate various demographic parameters that are otherwise difficult to obtain from this long‐lived and wide‐ranging megaherbivore. In this study, we developed systematic individual identification protocols and integrated them into CR sampling designs to obtain capture histories and thereby estimate the abundance of adult bull elephants in a globally important population in southern India. We validated these estimates against those obtained from an independent method combining line‐transect density estimates with age–sex composition data for elephants. The sampled population was open to gains and losses between sampling occasions. The abundance of adult males in the 176 km2study area wasN̂(SÊN̂) = 134(14.20) and they comprised 14% (±1%) of the total elephant population. Time‐specific abundance estimates for each sampling occasion showed a distinct increase in adult male numbers over the sampling period, explained by seasonal patterns of local migration. CR‐based estimates for adult male abundance closely matched estimates from distance‐based methods. Thus, while providing abundance data of comparable rigour and precision, photographic CR methods permit estimation of demographic parameters for the Asian elephant that are both urgently needed and difficult to obtain.
Ecological exchangeability versus neutral molecular markers: the case of the great tit
Authors: Zink R. M.
Published: August 2007

Neutral genetic markers, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences, are commonly used to discover independently evolving groups of populations in nature. These groups are often considered to be units of conservation because they preserve distinct organismal histories. However, because of the time lag between the isolation of populations and the evolution of diagnostic neutral markers, adaptive traits could be unrepresented by units defined by neutral markers. The concept of ecological exchangeability potentially provides a way to preserve populations possessing local adaptations that lack diagnostic neutral markers. Populations are surveyed for differences in fitness traits, either directly, or by examining morphological or genetic traits that could indirectly serve as proxies for them. The purpose of this paper is to compare the nature of units of conservation defined by neutral gene surveys and ecological exchangeability, using data recently available for the great tit Parus major, a wide‐ranging Palearctic species. mtDNA surveys reveal a lack of differentiation across thousands of kilometer. In contrast, studies of body size and clutch size show locally adapted differences between populations separated by a few kilometer, meaning that these populations could be classified as ecologically in exchangeable. These two types of markers have dramatically different consequences for the geographic and evolutionary scale of conservation units. The concept of ecological exchangeability might be an inappropriate way to diagnose units of conservation in birds owing to the time required to document local adaptations and their potential ubiquity. Neutral genetic markers continue to provide a theoretically sound way of identifying units of conservation, and these units ought to be integrated into conservation plans without delay.
Habituation and habitat changes can moderate the impacts of human disturbance on shorebird breeding performance
Authors: Baudains T. P. , Lloyd P.
Published: August 2007

Disturbance by humans is widely expected to reduce the reproductive fitness of nesting birds if disturbance reduces nest attentiveness, and unattended eggs experience increased risk of predation or exposure to potentially lethal temperature extremes. Yet, relatively few studies have examined the physiological or behavioural mechanisms whereby disturbance influences reproductive fitness, or the extent to which the costs of disturbance may be reduced through habituation. We compared the behavioural responses, egg temperatures and reproductive success of shore‐nesting white‐fronted plovers Charadrius marginatus to disturbance at two breeding sites experiencing low versus high human recreational activity, respectively. Daytime nest attentiveness decreased with increasing experimental disturbance at both sites, but this relationship differed between sites; for any given level of disturbance, incubating birds at the more disturbed site had greater nest attentiveness. They achieved this through habituation, allowing a closer human approach before leaving the nest, and returning to the nest faster after a disturbance event. Despite lower average daytime nest attentiveness at the more disturbed site, incubation temperatures did not differ significantly between sites. Nest mortality, mostly by natural mammalian and corvid predators, was significantly lower at the site experiencing high recreational activity. However, chick mortality was significantly greater at the more disturbed site, most likely because of predation by domestic dogs. Chick mortality may have been increased by the habitation of chicks, whose escape responses were much reduced at the more disturbed site. Nonetheless, annual fecundity was substantially higher at the more disturbed site, showing that the overall reproductive fitness of wild birds is not always compromised by human disturbance and urbanization.
The Mediterranean Paradox for Susceptibility Factors in Coronary Heart Disease Extends to Genetics
Authors: Lao Oscar , Dupanloup Isabelle , Barbujani Guido , Bertranpetit Jaume , Calafell Francesc
Published: August 2007

The incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) shows a North to South gradient in Europe. We tested whether that gradient could be accounted for by the distribution of putative susceptibility genotypes. We correlated the published frequencies of susceptibility genotypes for the genes most often associated with CHD (ACE, AGT, APOE, F2, F5, MTHFR, PON1, and SERPINE1) with the incidence of the disease, controlling for the effects of smoking, systolic pressure, total cholesterol, and body‐mass index. In three polymorphisms a negative correlation between the incidence of CHD and the frequency of a suceptibility genotype was observed. For ACE this correlation was significantly negative even when discounting classical susceptibility factors. This suggests that some alleles described as susceptibility factors cannot account for disease incidence at the population level. A genetic component must be added to the “Mediterranean paradox”: genetic variants deemed to be risk factors for CHD show a geographical pattern uncorrelated with the disease incidence. This pattern can be understood from the history of populations which has shaped the genetic diversity of the European populations in North‐South clines, similar to what is observed for CHD incidence, which will tend to create spurious correlations with polymorphisms related, or not related, to the disease.
Variability in outcome for children with an ASD diagnosis at age 2
Authors: Turner Lauren M. , Stone Wendy L.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Few studies have examined the variability in outcomes of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age 2. Research is needed to understand the children whose symptoms – or diagnoses – change over time. The objectives of this study were to examine the behavioral and diagnostic outcomes of a carefully defined sample of 2‐year‐old children with ASD, and to identify child and environmental factors that contribute to variability in outcomes at age 4.

Methods:  Forty‐eight children diagnosed with autism or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) at age 2 were followed to age 4. Diagnostic measures included the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Generic (ADOS‐G) and clinical diagnosis at ages 2 and 4, and the ADI‐R at age 4.

Results:  Diagnostic stability for an ASD diagnosis (autism or PDDNOS) was 63%, and for an autism diagnosis was 68%. Children who failed to meet diagnostic criteria for ASD at follow‐up were more likely to: 1) be 30 months or younger at initial evaluation; 2) have milder symptoms of autism, particularly in the social domain; and 3) have higher cognitive scores at age 2. No differences between children with stable and unstable diagnoses were found for amount of intervention services received. Among the children with unstable diagnoses, all but one continued to have developmental disorders, most commonly in the area of language.

Conclusions:  The stability of ASD was lower in the present study than has been reported previously, a finding largely attributable to children who were diagnosed at 30 months or younger. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Sustainable tourist behaviour – a discussion of opportunities for change
Authors: Budeanu Adriana
Published: August 2007

Research shows that despite their declared positive attitudes towards sustainable tourism, only a few tourists act accordingly by buying responsible tourism products, choosing environmentally friendly transportation or behaving responsibly towards destination communities. The low support from customers is one of the main barriers for progress towards sustainable tourism. One reason can be that existing initiatives are missing customers' attention, discouraging industry and governments to continue promoting sustainable tourism. Positive attempts to encourage sustainable consumption in other sectors indicate that specific barriers may reside in the nature of tourist choices. Taking a critical look at tourism research and literature, this article examines the interplay between reasons for tourists' choice of products and services, and environmental motivations. After identifying possible gaps that may explain current failures to stimulate responsible tourist choices, the article concludes by discussing the implications for the effectiveness of informative and awareness‐raising tools aimed to facilitate the shift towards responsible tourist behaviour and actions.
A DIAPHRAGM SLAVE PULSATOR FOR MILKING MACHINES
Authors: PHILLIPS D. S. M.
Published: August 2007

The relay pulsator described here has been found to give reliable and efficient operation both in laboratory tests and in field use. The air passages and ports can be designed to provide ample cross‐section to handle the air from at least two sets of teat cups without changing the shape of the pulsation curve, and also can provide the air path necessary for operation of releasers or as a master pulsator.

The unit is very robust and can be washed by circulation washing procedures without any risk of damage. The low cost of manufacture and the ease of installation and maintenance are all features in its favour.
THE NUTRITIONAL IMPORTANCE OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS IN THE NATIONAL DIET
Authors: ELLERY JOY
Published: August 2007

The average consumption of milk and milk products is related to their composition and to the recommended intakes for nutrients, and the nutritional importance of dairy products is considered. The major contribution to the average diet is in the protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin A contained in dairy products.
Production of agglomerated fat‐filled milk powder
Authors: HANSEN POUL SLOTH
Published: August 2007

The production of fat‐filled milk powder as an agglomerated product and the determining factors for wettability and flow properties are discussed. The melting point of the used fat with its effect on the content of free fat in the milk powder is examined with the importance of homogenization of the concentrate emphasized. Results are considered of a modified method of agglomerating fat‐filled milk powder and figures given showing the influence of inlet and outlet temperatures on milk powder, also a flow diagram of spray drying plant for production of agglomerated fat‐filled milk powder. (Editor's summary)
Subject: ‘Skim milk’ Technology of skimmed milk evaporation
Authors: GRAY R. M.
Published: August 2007

The paper seeks to show how the requirements of skimmed milk concentration are met in modern evaporators and how the type of plant used has developed over the years, the falling film tubular evaporator now being virtually standard. Very economical operation is now possible with sophisticated multiple‐effect plants with thermocompression, and further economies are possible with mechanical vapour recompression. The importance of adequate wetting of heat transfer surfaces is discussed with regard to length of run and achievable concentration, and methods of maintaining correct wetting conditions are illustrated. Preheating is an important feature of such evaporators for both economy and control of final powder properties, and the methods adopted are described, Finally, the control of modern skimmed milk evaporators is considered briefly.
The employee view
Authors: TOOKE F H
Published: August 2007

Over a span of roughly 30 years the dairy industry has been steadily advancing in its technology. Two main areas in this advance have affected the employee. They are the development of high speed processing and bottling, and the steady progress of the carton in gradually speeding up production and the use of less and less manual labour.

The high speed bottling plant has on the plus side done away with a lot of manhandling of a heavy product and helped to improve the pay with less hours worked. On the minus side, a lot of processing jobs were lost. These things had relatively little effect on the milkman.

Cartoning has a plus side for processing workers in that it replaced some jobs which otherwise have been lost. For retail milkmen the carton that was first produced for very good reasons is now, with improved productivity and the interest shown in it by the supermarkets, posing a threat to retail distribution which would make the processing job losses minimal by comparison.
Plastics packaging — perspectives and functions
Authors: URWIN C T
Published: August 2007

The development of plastics materials is traced through their use as simple replacements for other packaging materials to their increasing sophistication in specialist applications. The development of improved barriers and conversion processes has increasing opened new areas of penetration for plastics in food packaging. The role of plastics in aseptics together with conversion processes commonly used is discussed, and it is considered that as filling technology develops, plastics materials will be available to package the products.
Dairy spreads
Authors: PHELAN J A
Published: August 2007

The market for yellow fats in Europe is surveyed with special reference to the UK and Sweden. Technical aspects of the production of spreads are discussed in relation to improving the spreadability of butter and producing blended and low fat spreads.
Effect of the bacterial quality of raw milk on the bacterial quality and some other properties of low‐heat and high‐heat dried milk
Authors: MUIR D D , GRIFFITHS M W , PHILLIPS J D , SWEETSUR A W M , WEST I G
Published: August 2007

The relation between the bacteriological quality of raw milk and the quality of low‐and high‐heat powder made from it has been investigated. Powder quality is largely unrelated to raw milk quality and is determined by the heat treatment applied during manufacture. Nevertheless, evidence is presented which suggests that raw milk with bacterial counts greater than 2 × 106colony forming units per ml should not be used for the manufacture of powders to be used for recombination.
Composition and microbiological profile of two Moroccan traditional dairy products: raib and jben
Authors: HAMAMA A , BAYI M
Published: August 2007

Forty two samples each of raib (Moroccan traditional fermented milk) and jben (Moroccan traditional fresh cheese) were examined for their chemical composition and their microbiological profile. The average composition of raib and jben was respectively 10.7and37.5%solids, 2.22and 16.47%fat, 3.1and 15.8%protein, 4.2and4.1%lactose, 0.17 and 0.5% chloride and 0.54 and 1.26% ash. Both products had a low pH (4.2 and 4.1, respectively) and a high lactic acid content (0.67 and 1.04%, respectively). Their microbiological profiles were characterized by the predominance of lactic acid bacteria and high coliform counts.
Original Papers and Proceedings
Authors: Jong P De , Bouman S. , VAN DER Linden H J L J
Published: August 2007

The relationship between the denaturation of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐lg) and the deposition of milk constituents in a heat exchanger was investigated. Experiments were carried out on a plate heat exchanger with skim milk by applying different temperature‐time combinations in the temperature range 70 to 122°C. The aggregation of β‐lg was measured by high performance gel permeation chromatography, and the amount of deposits on the plates of the heat exchanger was determined by chemical oxygen demand measurements. Based on the results of the experiments, a fouling model at temperatures up to 100°C is proposed and some measures to reduce the amount of deposits by more than 50% are given.
Changes in Kopanisti cheese during ripening using selected pure microbial cultures
Authors: Kaminarides S E , Anifantakis E M , Balis C.
Published: August 2007

Four combinations of pure microbial cultures previously isolated from Kopanisti cheese were used and assessed as inoculums of the fresh cheese curd, instead of the ripe Kopanisti of questionable quality which is traditionally used. These cultures were Penicillium K1; Penicillium K1+ Trichosporon beigelii; Penicillium K1+ Kluyveromyces marxianus var lactis; and Penicillium K1+ Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The cheeses produced were all of good quality with no significant differences in organoleptic evaluation, moisture or free fatty acid content, although significant differences in pH and cheese proteolysis were found. In all ripe cheeses the yeasts of Trichosporon beigelii and Kluyveromyces marxianus var lactis were the predominant species, while the mould Penicillium K1was not found. These pure microbial cultures, especially the combination of Penicillium K1+ Trichosporon beigelii, show that it is possible to successfully substitute the inoculum of ripe Kopanisti cheese.
Comparison of two new methods for the detection of bacterial proteases
Authors: SUTHERLAND A D
Published: August 2007

Bioluminescence and fluorimetric fluorescein isothiocyanate‐casein based assays were compared for their ability to detect bacterial proteases in buffer and milk. Both assays gave linear relationships with protease concentration. The fluorimetric assay was overall 1000 times more sensitive than the bioluminescence assay. Only the fluorescent assay was capable of detecting protease activity produced in raw milk inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens and stored at 6°C. The protease activity was detectable in raw milk before physical changes occurred and was also detectable after a laboratory ultra high temperature treatment. Use of the fluorimetric assay is a promising means of detecting protease activity in raw materials before manufacture
An on‐line microwave instrument to monitor the solids contents of milk products during processing
Authors: KENT M , ELDER B , LEONARD C , LEES A , CHRISTIE R H
Published: August 2007

The use of a microwave instrument is described to monitor the solids (water) content of concentrated milk during the manufacture of dried milk products. Its performance is demonstrated with several products. The instrument is based on the principle of measuring the microwave power passing through a sensor in contact with the product. The sensor and the microwave system are constructed in such a way as to enable high standards of hygiene through cleaning‐in‐place technology.
Physicochemical aspects of the microbiology of edible table spreads
Authors: CHARTERIS WILLIAM P
Published: August 2007

This article describes aspects of the microbiology of edible table spreads including milk fat spreads such as butter, fat spreads of the margarine type and mixed fat spreads with fat contents ranging from 80–95% to not less than 20% by weight of the product. The water‐in‐oil character of these products makes a major contribution to their microbiological stability especially after they have been exposed to the micro‐organisms commonly encountered in a domestic environment. The microbiological stability of edible table spreads is also influenced by the concentration and physical nature of the continuous lipid phase with product stability increasing with greater proportions of crystallized fat. Edible table spreads containing higher proportions of water are more vulnerable to microbiological deterioration. This can be controlled by ensuring a dispersed aqueous phase in the product which consists of small discrete moisture droplets stabilized against coalescence. This stabilization can be achieved by the use of increased mono‐ and diglyceride concentrations and/or by increasing the viscosity of the dispersed moisture droplets through the use of stabilizers, thickeners and protein. The development of unacceptable levels of microbiological deterioration during domestic use is prevented by the addition of potassium sorbate to the aqueous phase. Additive free edible table spreads with acceptable shelf‐life can be manufactured by controlling the distribution of dispersed moisture droplet size and nutrient composition.
Effect of calcium, fat and total solids on the rheology of a model soft cheese system
Authors: SOLORZA F J , BELL A E
Published: August 2007

The aim of this work was to assess the effects of calcium, fat and total solids on the rheology of a model soft cheese. Several batches of reconstituted skim milk with 9, 12 and 15% w/v total solids and reconstituted whole milk with 12, 15 and 18% w/v total solids were used to make a soft stranded cheese whose rheological characteristics, G″ (storage modulus or elastic component) and G' (loss modulus or viscous component), were measured using an RTI Stress Controlled Rheometer (RTI). All factors investigated had a significant effect on the rheology of the soft cheese; however, they affected the rheological parameters differently, suggesting that the structural changes are not a result simply of the concentration of material in solution.