bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re‐Examining the Consumption–Wealth Relationship: The Role of Model Uncertainty
Authors: KOOP GARY , POTTER SIMON M. , STRACHAN RODNEY W.
Published: March 2008

This paper discusses the consumption–wealth relationship. We use data on consumption, assets, and labor income and a vector error correction framework. This framework defines a set of models that differ in the number of co‐integrating vectors, the form of deterministic components and lag length. Further models can be defined through parametric restrictions and, in particular, interest centers on a weak exogeneity restriction that says that the co‐integrating residuals do not affect consumption and income directly. Key results in previous work relate to the roles of permanent and transitory shocks in driving wealth and how consumption responds to these shocks. We investigate the robustness of these results to model uncertainty and argue for the use of Bayesian model averaging. We find that there is a large degree of model uncertainty. Whether this uncertainty has important empirical implications depends on the researcher's attitude toward the theory used to motivate a co‐integrating relationship between consumption, assets and income. If we work with models consistent with this theory and impose the weak exogeneity restriction, we find precisely estimated results that show that permanent shocks have only a small role in driving assets and that the predominant transitory shocks have little effect on consumption. These findings are consistent with the previous literature. However, if we work with a broader set of models and let the data speak, we find that the exact magnitude of the role of permanent shocks is hard to estimate precisely. Thus, although some support exists for the view that their role is small, we cannot rule out the possibility that they have a substantive role to play.
The Structural Dynamics of U.S. Output and Inflation: What Explains the Changes?
Authors: GAMBETTI LUCA , PAPPA EVI , CANOVA FABIO
Published: March 2008

We examine the dynamics of U.S. output and inflation using a structural time‐varying coefficients vector autoregression. There are changes in the volatility of both variables and in the persistence of inflation, but variations are statistically insignificant. Technology shocks explain changes in output volatility; real demand disturbances variations in the persistence and volatility of inflation. We detect important time variations in the transmission of technology shocks to output and demand shocks to inflation and significant changes in the variance of technology and of monetary policy shocks.
Testing Commitment Models of Monetary Policy: Evidence from OECD Economies
Authors: DOYLE MATTHEW , FALK BARRY
Published: March 2008

Inflation in many Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries was low in the 1960s, rose for a time before peaking in the 1970s or early 1980s, and then fell back to initial levels. This paper shows that a simple time inconsistency model of monetary policy does not explain OECD inflation outcomes, except in the United States. The hypothesis that time inconsistency mattered only in earlier decades fits the data no better than the baseline model. We find some, albeit limited support for a model in which inflation spills over from the United States into other countries as a result of exchange rate targeting.
Venture‐Capital Investment in Minority Business
Authors: BATES TIMOTHY , BRADFORD WILLIAM D.
Published: March 2008

This study analyzes the performance of mature investments made by venture‐capital (VC) funds that specialize in financing minority business enterprises. We explore the hypothesis that VCs focusing on investing in minority businesses earn attractive returns because this market niche is underserved. Minority VC funds collectively earned yields on their realized investments that were estimated to be broadly equivalent to those of the mainstream VC industry. However, these yields vary greatly from fund to fund. VC fund traits that predict high yields on individual investments are identified by estimating multivariate regressions explaining net investment returns.
Monitoring and Forecasting Currency Crises
Authors: INOUE ATSUSHI , ROSSI BARBARA
Published: March 2008

Can we improve forecasts of currency crises by using a large number of predictors? Which predictors should we use? This paper evaluates the performance of traditional leading indicators and a new Diffusion Index (DI) method as Early Warning Systems to monitor the risk and forecast the likelihood of the recent currency crises in East Asia. We find that the DI performs quite well in real time. For most countries, the forecasted probabilities of a crisis increase substantially around the actual time of the crisis. The economic variables that help in forecasting future crises are output growth, interest rates and money growth.
The Anatomic Relationship of Femoral Vein to Femoral Artery in Euvolemic Pediatric Patients by Ultrasonography: Implications for Pediatric Femoral Central Venous Access
Authors: Warkentine Fred H. , Pierce Mary Clyde , Lorenz Doug , Kim In K.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Knowledge of the femoral vein (FV) anatomy in pediatric patients is important in the selection of appropriate size central line catheters as well as the approach to central venous access. This knowledge may avoid potential complications during central line access.

Objectives:  To describe the relationship of the FV to the femoral artery (FA). To measure FV diameter and FV depth using ultrasonography (US) in newborns, infants, and children up to 9 years of age.

Methods:  This study was a prospective descriptive study at a tertiary care children’s hospital. A convenience sample of euvolemic children was enrolled aged 0–9 years presenting to an urban pediatric emergency department. All patients underwent a standardized US evaluation using a Sonosite Titan bedside machine by a single emergency physician. The FA and FV were identified by four criteria: relative positions, FV compressibility, FV enlargement by Valsalva maneuver, and absence of FV pulsatility. The position of the FV relative to the FA was described as being completely overlapped by the FA, having partial (<50%) overlap by the FA, and having no overlap by the FA. The FV depth was measured from the skin to the superior border of the vein using the US machine’s caliper function.

Results:  A total of 84 patients were studied. The FV was found to be completely overlapped by the FA in 8% of subjects and partially overlapped by the FA in 4% of subjects. The mean FV diameter ranged from 4.5 mm in young infants to 10.8 mm in patients 9 years of age. The mean FV depth ranged from 6.5 mm in neonates to 11.2 mm in patients 9 years of age.

Conclusions:  External landmarks were not always predictive of internal anatomy. The FV was completely or partially overlapped by the FA in 12% of cases. Thus, visualization of femoral vessels should be recommended prior to attempting pediatric femoral central venous access.
Brief Motivational Intervention to Increase Self‐reported Safety Belt Use among Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Fernandez William G. , Mitchell Patricia M. , Jamanka Amber S. , Winter Michael R. , Bullock Holly , Donovan Jacqueline , George Jill St. , Feldman James A. , Gallagher Susan S. , McKay Mary Pat , Bernstein Edward , Colton Ted
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  Brief motivational interventions have shown promise in reducing harmful behaviors. The authors tested an intervention to increase safety belt use (SBU) among emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods:  From February 2006 to May 2006, the authors conducted a randomized trial of adult ED patients at a teaching hospital in Boston. ED patients were systematically sampled for self‐reported SBU. Those with SBU other than “always” were asked to participate. At baseline, participants answered a 9‐item series of situational SBU questions, each scored on a 5‐point Likert scale. SBU was defined as a continuous variable (9‐item average) and as a dichotomous variable (response of “always” across all items). Participants were randomized to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group received a 5‐ to 7‐minute intervention, adapted from classic motivational interviewing techniques, by a trained interventionist. Participants completed a 3‐month follow‐up phone survey to determine changes from baseline SBU. Continuous and dichotomous SBU were analyzed via analysis of covariance and chi‐square testing.

Results:  Of 432 eligible patients, 292 enrolled (mean age 35 years, standard deviation [SD] ±11 years; 61% male). At baseline, the intervention and control groups had similar mean (±SD) SBU scores (2.8 [±1.1] vs. 2.6 [±1.1], p = 0.31) and SBU prevalence (each 0%). At 3 months, 81% completed follow‐up. The intervention group had significantly greater improvement in mean (±SD) SBU scores than controls (0.76 [±0.91] vs. 0.34 [±0.88], p < 0.001). Also, SBU prevalence of “always” was higher for the intervention group than controls (14.4% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:  Participants receiving a brief motivational intervention reported higher SBU at follow‐up compared to controls. An ED‐based intervention may be useful to increase SBU.
Mesenchymal stem cells expressing TRAIL lead to tumour growth inhibition in an experimental lung cancer model
Authors: Mohr Andrea , Lyons Mark , Deedigan Laura , Harte Tina , Shaw Georgina , Howard Linda , Barry Frank , O'Brien Tim , Zwacka Ralf
Published: March 2008

Lung cancer is a major public health problem in the western world, and gene therapy strategies to tackle this disease systemically are often impaired by inefficient delivery of the vector to the tumour tissue. Some of the main factors inhibiting systemic delivery are found in the blood stream in the form of red and white blood cells (WBCs) and serum components. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to home to tumour sites and could potentially act as a shield and vehicle for a tumouricidal gene therapy vector. Here, we describe the ability of an adenoviral vector expressing TRAIL (Ad.TR) to transduce MSCs and show the apoptosis‐inducing activity of these TRAIL‐carrying MSCs on A549 lung carcinoma cells. Intriguingly, using MSCs transduced with Ad.enhanced‐green‐fluorescent‐protein (EGFP) we could show transfer of viral DNA to cocultured A549 cells resulting in transgenic protein production in these cells, which was not inhibited by exposure of MSCs to human serum containing high levels of adenovirus neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, Ad.TR‐transduced MSCs were shown not to induce T‐cell proliferation, which may have resulted in cytotoxic T‐cell‐mediated apoptosis induction in the Ad.TR‐transduced MSCs. Apoptosis was also induced in A549 cells by Ad.TR‐transduced MSCs in the presence of physiological concentrations of WBC, erythrocytes and sera from human donors that inhibit or neutralize adenovirus alone. Moreover, we could show tumour growth reduction with TRAIL‐loaded MSCs in an A549 xenograft mouse model. This is the first study that demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of Ad.TR‐transduced MSCs in cancer cells and the stability of this vector in the context of the blood environment.
Fate of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells within the rat heart: role of myocardial infarction and immune suppression
Authors: He Qing , Trindade Pedro T. , Stumm Michael , Li Jian , Zammaretti Prisca , Bettiol Esther , Dubois‐Dauphin Michel , Herrmann François , Kalangos Afksendyios , Morel Denis , Jaconi Marisa E.
Published: March 2008

It has recently been suggested that the infarcted rat heart microenvironment could direct pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells to differentiate into cardiomyocytes through an in situ paracrine action. To investigate whether the heart can function as a cardiogenic niche and confer an immune privilege to embryonic stem cells, we assessed the cardiac differentiation potential of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) injected into normal, acutely or chronically infarcted rat hearts. We found that mESC survival depended on immunosuppression both in normal and infarcted hearts. However, upon Cyclosporin A treatment, both normal and infarcted rat hearts failed to induce selective cardiac differentiation of implanted mESC. Instead, teratomas developed in normal and infarcted rat hearts 1 week and 4 weeks (50% and 100%, respectively) after cell injection. Tight control of ESC commitment into a specific cardiac lineage is mandatory to avoid the risk of uncontrolled growth and tumourigenesis following transplantation of highly plastic cells into a diseased myocardium.
Neuronal mitochondrial amelioration by feeding acetyl‐L‐carnitine and lipoic acid to aged rats
Authors: Aliev Gjumrakch , Liu Jiankang , Shenk Justin C. , Fischbach Kathryn , Pacheco Gerardo J. , Chen Shu G. , Obrenovich Mark E. , Ward Walter F. , Richardson Arlan G. , Smith Mark A. , Gasimov Eldar , Perry George , Ames Bruce N.
Published: March 2008

Brain function declines with age and is associated with diminishing mitochondrial integrity. The neuronal mitochondrial ultrastructural changes of young (4 months) and old (21 months) F344 rats supplemented with two mitochondrial metabolites, acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALCAR, 0.2%[wt/vol] in the drinking water) and R‐α‐lipoic acid (LA, 0.1%[wt/wt] in the chow), were analysed using qualitative and quantitative electron microscopy techniques. Two independent morphologists blinded to sample identity examined and scored all electron micrographs. Mitochondria were examined in each micrograph, and each structure was scored according to the degree of injury. Controls displayed an age‐associated significant decrease in the number of intact mitochondria (P = 0.026) as well as an increase in mitochondria with broken cristae (P < 0.001) in the hippocampus as demonstrated by electron microscopic observations. Neuronal mitochondrial damage was associated with damage in vessel wall cells, especially vascular endothelial cells. Dietary supplementation of young and aged animals increased the proliferation of intact mitochondria and reduced the density of mitochondria associated with vacuoles and lipofuscin. Feeding old rats ALCAR and LA significantly reduced the number of severely damaged mitochondria (P = 0.02) and increased the number of intact mitochondria (P < 0.001) in the hippocampus. These results suggest that feeding ALCAR with LA may ameliorate age‐associated mitochondrial ultrastructural decay and are consistent with previous studies showing improved brain function.
Site specificity of yeast histone acetyltransferase B complex in vivo
Authors: Poveda Ana , Sendra Ramon
Published: March 2008

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hat1, together with Hat2 and Hif1, forms the histone acetyltransferase B (HAT‐B) complex. Previous studies performed with synthetic N‐terminal histone H4 peptides found that whereas the HAT‐B complex acetylates only Lys12, recombinant Hat1 is able to modify Lys12 and Lys5. Here we demonstrate that both Lys12 and Lys5 of soluble, non‐chromatin‐bound histone H4 are in vivo targets of acetylation for the yeast HAT‐B enzyme. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that Lys12/Lys5‐acetylated histone H4 is bound to the HAT‐B complex in the soluble cell fraction. Both Hat1 and Hat2, but not Hif1, are required for the Lys12/Lys5‐specific acetylation and for histone H4 binding. HAT‐B‐dependent acetylation of histone H4 was detected in the soluble fraction of cells at distinct cell cycle stages, and increased when cells accumulated excess histones. Strikingly, histone H3 was not found in any of the immunoprecipitates obtained with the different components of the HAT‐B enzyme, indicating the possibility that histone H3 is not together with histone H4 in this complex. Finally, the exchange of Lys for Arg at position 12 of histone H4 did not interfere with histone H4 association with the complex, but prevented acetylation on Lys5 by the HAT‐B enzyme, in vivo as well as in vitro.
Handover from paramedics: Observations and emergency department clinician perceptions
Authors: Yong Guohao , Dent Andrew W , Weiland Tracey J
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  1. To evaluate emergency clinician attitudes towards handover from prehospital paramedics.

2. To determine the content and methods of paramedic handover delivery to emergency clinicians.

Methods:  Exploratory study comprising questionnaire of emergency clinicians and observation of paramedic‐to‐emergency clinician handover with associated survey at an adult tertiary referral hospital with approximately 12 000 ambulance arrivals of 37 000 annual attendances.

Results:  Emergency staff found handover from paramedics on patient conditions relevant, especially for altered consciousness (94%, 95% CI 83.5–98.6), trauma (90%, 95% CI 82.0–98.4) and chest pain (88%, 95% CI 79.0–97.0), but less so for behavioural disturbance (67%, 95% CI 53.7–79.5). A total of 621 handovers from 311 ambulance arrivals were observed. Most arrivals (81%, 95% CI 76.4–85.4) were not preceded by prehospital communication. Paramedics handed over twice 91% of the time (95% CI 88.2–94.4). Doctors received direct paramedic handover for 12% (95% CI 8.0–15.1) of ambulance arrivals, including 19 team handovers, whereas triage nurses took 97% (95% CI 95.6–99.2) and attending nurses, 91% (95% CI 87.5–93.9). Fifty per cent (95% CI 42.7–57.3) of emergency clinicians referred to ambulance sheets. Handover information was perceived to be useful and accurate in more than 80% of instances. Verbal handover occurred before ambulance sheet completion for 78% (95% CI 73.5–82.7).

Conclusion:  Although there is satisfaction in paramedic handover, prehospital notification and emergency physician contact with paramedics is uncommon for low acuity patients, who constitute the majority of ambulance attendances and hospital admissions. Scope for improved direct doctor–paramedic communication exists.
Safety and effectiveness of high‐dose midazolam for severe behavioural disturbance in an emergency department with suspected psychostimulant‐affected patients
Authors: Spain David , Crilly Julia , Whyte Ian , Jenner Linda , Carr Vaughan , Baker Amanda
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  To trial high‐dose midazolam sedation protocol for uncooperative patients with suspected psychostimulant‐induced behavioural disorders. End‐points were effectiveness and safety.

Methods:  A prospective pilot study was undertaken with a convenience sample of adult, uncooperative patients with suspected psychostimulant‐induced severe behavioural disorders. The protocol was midazolam in 10 mg increments, i.m. or i.v., at 10 min intervals, up to four doses and titrated to an end‐point of rousable drowsiness.

Results:  Sixty‐two patients were enrolled. Two‐thirds of the patients required only one dose of midazolam; 88% of the sample were sedated with two doses. Six and a half per cent of patients were not sedated after four doses. A Glasgow Coma Score of eight or less was prolonged in eight patients. Airway problems requiring an adjunct were present in four patients. Recent psychostimulant use was present in only 55% after full assessment.

Conclusions:  High‐dose midazolam protocols cannot be supported as universally safe. High‐dose protocols for severe behavioural disturbance are not more effective, with failures occurring even after repeated dosing.
Hallucinogenic plants of abuse
Authors: Cunningham Nicola
Published: March 2008

Man has used hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms for centuries. The characteristics of these plants that led to their incorporation into important ritualistic and spiritual traditions, however, have also resulted in their widespread propagation and abuse. Hallucinogenic plants have long been depicted as innocuous substances, yet their unpredictable nature makes intoxication potentially dangerous. In present‐day society, there is greater access to these drugs and a growing trend among the younger generations to experiment with these plants in a recreational fashion. Emergency physicians need to be aware of the potential sources of plant hallucinogens and the spectrum of toxic effects. A review of the more common hallucinogenic plants and fungi is discussed with reference to historical, pharmacological and clinical aspects of these intoxications.
Allometric models for non‐destructive leaf area estimation in coffee (Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora)
Authors: Antunes W.C. , Pompelli M.F. , Carretero D.M. , DaMatta F.M.
Published: March 2008

We aimed to evaluate the currently used allometric models, as well as to propose a reliable and accurate model using non‐destructive measurements of leaf length (L) and/or width (W), for estimating the area of leaves of eight field‐grown coffee cultivars. For model construction, a total of 1563 leaves were randomly selected from different levels of the tree canopies and encompassed the full spectrum of measurable leaf sizes (0.3–263 cm2) for each genotype. Power models better fit coffee leaf area (LA) than linear models. To validate the model, an independent data set of 388 leaves was used. We demonstrated that the currently used allometric models are biased, underestimating the area of a coffee leaf. We developed a single power model based on two leaf dimensions [LA = 0.6626 (LW)1.0116; standard errors: β0 = 0.0064, β1 = 0.0019; R2 = 0.996] with high precision and accuracy, random dispersion pattern of residuals and also unbiased, irrespective of cultivar and leaf size and shape. Even when the L (but not width) alone was used as the single leaf dimension, the power model developed still predicted with good accuracy the LA but at the expense of some loss of precision, as particularly found for 8% of the leaves sampled with length‐to‐width ratios below 2.0 or above 3.0.
FATTY ACIDS AND MEAT CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT BIOLOGICAL TYPES OF BEEF CATTLE DEVELOPED UNDER A MANAGEMENT‐INTENSIVE GRAZING SYSTEM
Authors: THOMAS MICHELLE L. , BROWN A. HAYDEN , KELLOGG D. WAYNE , RULE DANIEL C. , BAUBLITS ROBERT TY , JOHNSON ZELPHA B. , ANSCHUTZ KAREN S. , MURRIETA CHARLES M.
Published: March 2008

Beef steers representing four biological types were evaluated for fatty acid profiles and meat characteristics in muscle tissue developed on grazed forages. Biological types included six large‐framed, late maturing, nine medium‐framed, late maturing, nine medium‐framed, intermediate maturing, and nine medium‐framed, early maturing steers.Longissimus dorsimuscles were removed and frozen after 7 days of dry aging. Tenderness and cook loss were similar between biological types. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles were found between biological types. The medium‐framed, early maturing animals scored highest (P < 0.05) in marbling, had the highest (P < 0.05) concentration of total n‐3 fatty acids, and had the lowest n–6/n–3 ratio at 1.03:1. All biological types had a mean n–6/n–3 ratio well below the recommended<4:1 for human cardiovascular health. Under this dietary management system, medium‐framed, early maturing beef steers should be considered for producing grass‐fed beef based on both carcass merit and fatty acid composition.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Beef cattle that reach physiological maturity (i.e. puberty) earlier than their contemporaries should be selected for the production of grassfed beef if fully developed on forages. Those animals have the ability to deposit fat earlier than their later‐maturing contemporaries. Additionally, medium‐framed beef animals should be selected over larger‐framed animals as skeletal frame does not contribute to meat quality but requires more nutritional input for growth and maintenance. This ability to deposit fat exclusively on forage nutrients, without energy or protein supplementation, should be exploited when developing grassfed beef. Fat deposition, particularly intramuscularly (IM), contributes positively to meat quality. Fatty acids, especially the ratio of n‐6/n‐3, are optimized when beef animals have been fully developed on nutrient‐dense forages. Forages must be managed in such a way to capture those nutrients for animal intake and protect the plants for regrowth in a pasture setting.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF EXTRUDED AFRICAN BREADFRUIT‐BASED SNACKS
Authors: NWABUEZE TITUS U. , IWE MADUEBIBISI O. , AKOBUNDU ENOCH N.T.
Published: March 2008

Five‐level combinations of African breadfruit, corn and soybean, in the ratios 40:5:55; 55:5:40; 70:5:25; 85:5:10 and 100:0:0%, respectively, were hydrated to 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27% and extruded into snacks at screw speeds of 100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 rpm. Physical characteristics of snacks from blends containing 15 and 18% moisture ranged from thin‐smooth to thin‐fine‐smooth pellets. Those containing 21 to 27% moisture were either thin‐smooth or thick‐smooth, fine‐smooth or rough strands. Feed moisture and feed composition were the most significant process variables influencing physical and sensory characteristics. The optimum process variable combination that had maximum influence on physical and sensory characteristics of snacks was the 70:5:25 feed ratio with 21% moisture and extruded at 140 rpm. This resulted in an overall acceptability score of 8.20 on a 9‐point hedonic scale.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

African breadfruit is widely grown in the high rainforest parts of Nigeria and other African countries, where the seeds are traditionally consumed as porridge meal when cooked with ingredients or as snacks when roasted. There is therefore a need to adopt more efficient extrusion technologies to rapidly and efficiently transform African breadfruit and its blends with corn and soybean into acceptable snacks. Optimizing process variable conditions using response surface analysis to evaluate product physical characteristics and acceptability was the thrust of this study. It is expected to give direction toward a more scientific approach to scaling up operations in African breadfruit seed processing and utilization.
EFFECT OF PENTOSANASE ON DOUGH AND BREAD PROPERTIES PRODUCED BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF FLOURS
Authors: KOYUNCU ÖZKAN , BILGIÇLI NERMIN , ELGÜN ADEM , KARA MERYEM
Published: March 2008

The effects of pentosanase at different doses (20, 60 and 100 ppm) on physical dough properties and bread quality were studied using three types of wheat flours. Flour A was a regular bread flour, flour B had a high hardness ratio and protein content, and flour C was prepared from the same blend of flour A but had a high extraction ratio. Regarding farinograph data, water absorption values of the high extraction (86%) flour C and high hardness (65%) blend flour B increased with introduction of pentosanase. Extensibility values of the flours increased moderately with pentosanase addition, while resistance and energy values decreased. The volume of breads made with flours C and B decreased upon addition of pentosanase. But loaf volume of breads prepared with regular bread flour A with 50% hardness and 76% extraction rate increased with high levels of pentosanase addition. In conclusion, flour A as a regular bread flour gave satisfactory results with pentosanase supplementations, whereas the harder‐blend (65%) and higher‐extraction‐rate (85%) flours from the same cultivars did not.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Pentosanase addition was more effective on soluble pentosans than on insoluble ones. Because of these effects, it enhanced the bread‐making properties of regular flour more effectively than those of the high‐extraction and harder‐blend flours of the same cultivars.
EFFECT OF NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS ON OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF FROZEN, VACUUM‐PACKAGED BEEF AND PORK
Authors: ROJAS MARTHA C. , BREWER M. SUSAN
Published: March 2008

The effect of grape seed extract (GS; 0.01 and 0.02%), oleoresin rosemary (0.02%) and water‐soluble oregano extract (0.02%) on the oxidative and color stability of raw beef and pork patties, vacuum packaged and stored frozen for 4 months, was determined. Fresh beef or pork lean and trim were ground, then mixed individually with fat (30%) from their respective species. Antioxidants, mixed with salt, were added. The patties were formed, vacuum packaged and stored at −18C. Lipid oxidation was assessed using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and descriptive sensory evaluation. Color changes (instrumental and visual) and pH were determined immediately (time 0) and after 1, 2, 3 and 4 months. Based on the TBARS values, GS provided small degrees of protection against oxidation in both meat species. It did not alter (P < 0.05) the sensory perception of oxidation, redness, yellowness or color intensity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumer interest in food formulations containing “natural” ingredients has motivated the food industry to evaluate the effectiveness of naturally occurring components of food for functional purposes other than their commonly recognized ones. A variety of antioxidant compounds, mostly phenolic in nature, exist in plant materials. Grape seed extract (0.01–0.02%), rosemary and oregano can provide limited protection against lipid oxidation in higher fat meat products. However, higher levels may prove to be more efficacious than those used in this study.
Electrokinetic Migration of Permanganate Through Low‐Permeability Media
Authors: Reynolds David A. , Jones Edward H. , Gillen Mike , Yusoff Ismail , Thomas David G.
Published: March 2008

This research was conducted to evaluate the combination of electromigration and potassium permanganate as a potential remediation method for low‐permeability media (e.g., soil and sediment) contaminated with dissolved and sorbed organic contaminants. The experimental procedure was composed of two stages: determination of migration rates of permanganate through homogeneous cores and a primarily qualitative analysis of migration in more heterogeneous, two‐dimensional scenarios. Results indicated that transport of permanganate through fine‐grained porous media and clays can be undertaken using electromigration, and electromigration rates were found to be at least 400% faster than diffusion alone. In addition, the use of an applied electric field in a flushing scenario was shown to result in almost 100% sweep efficiency of a domain consisting of clay blocks interspersed in a glass bead medium. The results of the study show that there is potential for this method to be able to deliver permanganate and other potential remedial agents to treat contaminated zones within heterogeneous and low‐permeability porous media through in situ chemical oxidation or other processes.
Stream Bottom Resistivity Tomography to Map Ground Water Discharge
Authors: Nyquist Jonathan E. , Freyer Paul A. , Toran Laura
Published: March 2008

This study investigates the effectiveness of direct current electrical resistivity as a tool for assessing ground water/surface water interactions within streams. This research has shown that patterns of ground water discharge can be mapped at the meter scale, which is important for understanding stream water quality and ecosystem function. Underwater electrical resistivity surveys along a 107‐m stream section within the Burd Run Watershed in South Central Pennsylvania identified three resistivity layers: a resistive (100 to 400 Ωm) surface layer corresponding to the streambed sediments, a conductive (20 to 100 Ωm) middle layer corresponding to residual clay sediments, and a resistive (100 to 450 Ωm) bottom layer corresponding to the carbonate bedrock. Tile probing to determine the depth to the bedrock and resistivity test box analysis of augered sediment samples confirmed these interpretations of the resistivity data. Ground water seeps occurred where the resistivity data showed that the residual clays were thinnest and bedrock was closest to the streambed. Plotting the difference in resistivity between two surveys, one conducted during low‐stage and the other during high‐stage stream conditions, showed changes in the conductivity of the pore fluids saturating the sediments. Under high‐stream stage conditions, the top layer showed increased resistivity values for sections with surface water infiltration but showed nearly constant resistivity in sections with ground water seeps. This was expressed as difference values less than 50 Ωm in the area of the seeps and greater than 50 Ωm change for the streambed sediments saturated by surface water. Thus, electrical resistivity aided in characterizing ground water discharge zones by detecting variations in subsurface resistivity under high‐ and low‐stream stage conditions as well as mapping subsurface heterogeneities that promote these exchanges.
Malebranche and Occasional Causes
Authors: Cunning David
Published: March 2008

In VI.ii.3 of The Search After Truth Malebranche offers an argument for the view that only God is a cause. Here I defend an interpretation of the argument according to which Malebranche is supposing (quite rightly) that if there is a necessary connection between a cause and its effect, then if creatures were real causes, God's volitions would not be sufficient to bring about their intended effects. I then consider the argument from constant creation that Malebranche offers in Dialogues on Metaphysics and on Religion. If Malebranche holds that God is literally creating things in their entirety at each and every moment, it is difficult to understand how his system could make room for finite substances, and it is difficult to understand how he can allow that finite minds are to be held accountable for what they do. Here I defend a weakened version of the doctrine of constant creation according to which God is constantly creating the modifications of things but is not constantly creating things in their entirety.
Form, Principle, Pattern, or Coherence? Li in Chinese Philosophy
Authors: Ziporyn Brook
Published: March 2008

This article provides an overview of controversies in the history of Chinese philosophy concerning the diversity of meanings of the term Li , as well as the comparative issues raised in various attempts by modern Chinese and Western interpreters to come to terms with this diversity of meanings. Revisiting the earliest pre‐philosophical uses of the term, an attempt is then made to synthesize the insights of previous interpreters and open up a new path for investigating its distinctive implications in classical Chinese thought, Chinese Buddhism, and Neo‐Confucianism.
A Priori Knowledge: Debates and Developments
Authors: Jenkins C. S.
Published: March 2008

This paper takes a look at a variety of attempts to account for the apparent existence of a priori knowledge: knowledge that is independent of evidence from sense experience. The classic views can be helpfully classified in terms of three different responses they provide to a single key question. Recently Alan Gibbard and Hartry Field have made space for a fourth, ‘evaluativist’, response. I highlight a few difficulties faced by this new camp and indicate where I think a fifth camp can be set up. I conclude by discussing recent arguments due to John Hawthorne and Timothy Williamson to the effect that the a priori/a posteriori distinction is not (always) a helpful one to draw at all.
The energetic cost of activation in mouse fast‐twitch muscle is the same whether measured using reduced filament overlap or N‐benzyl‐p‐toluenesulphonamide
Authors: Barclay C. J. , Lichtwark G. A. , Curtin N. A.
Published: March 2008

Aim:  Force generation and transmembrane ion pumping account for the majority of energy expended by contracting skeletal muscles. Energy turnover for ion pumping, activation energy turnover (EA), can be determined by measuring the energy turnover when force generation has been inhibited. Most measurements show that activation accounts for 25–40% of isometric energy turnover. It was recently reported that when force generation in mouse fast‐twitch muscle was inhibited using N‐benzyl‐p‐toluenesulphonamide (BTS), activation accounted for as much as 80% of total energy turnover during submaximal contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare EA measured by inhibiting force generation by: (1) the conventional method of reducing contractile filament overlap; and (2) pharmacological inhibition using BTS.

Methods:  Experiments were performed in vitro using bundles of fibres from mouse fast‐twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. Energy turnover was quantified by measuring the heat produced during 1‐s maximal and submaximal tetanic contractions at 20 and 30 °C.

Results:  E
A measured using reduced filament overlap was 0.36 ± 0.04 (n = 8) at 20 °C and 0.31 ± 0.05 (n = 6) at 30 °C. The corresponding values measured using BTS in maximal contractions were 0.46 ± 0.06 and 0.38 ± 0.06 (n = 6 in both cases). There were no significant differences among these values. EA was also no different when measured using BTS in submaximal contractions.

Conclusion:  Activation energy turnover is the same whether measured using BTS or reduced filament overlap and accounts for slightly more than one‐third of isometric energy turnover in mouse EDL muscle.
Exercise‐induced regulation of phospholemman (FXYD1) in rat skeletal muscle: implications for Na+/K+‐ATPase activity
Authors: Rasmussen M. K. , Kristensen M. , Juel C.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Na+/K+‐ATPase activity is upregulated during muscle exercise to maintain ionic homeostasis. One mechanism may involve movement of α‐subunits to the outer membrane (translocation).

Aim:  We investigated the existence of exercise‐induced translocation and phosphorylation of phospholemman (PLM, FXYD1) protein in rat skeletal muscle and exercise‐induced changes in Vmax and Km for Na+ of the Na+/K+‐ATPase.

Methods:  Two membrane fractionation methods and immunoprecipitation were used.

Results:  Both fractionation methods revealed a 200–350% increase in PLM in the sarcolemma after 30 min of treadmill running, while the phosphorylation of Ser‐68 of PLM appeared to be unchanged. Exercise did not change Vmax or Km for Na+ of the Na+/K+‐ATPase in muscle homogenate, but induced a 67% increase in Vmax in the sarcolemmal giant vesicle preparation; Km for Na+ remained constant. The main part of the increase in Vmax is related to a 36–53% increase in the level of α‐subunits; the remainder may be related to increased PLM content. Similar results were obtained with another membrane purification method. In resting muscle, 29% and 32% of α1‐ and α2‐subunits, respectively, were co‐immunoprecipitated by PLM antibodies. In muscle homogenate prepared after exercise, immunoprecipitation of α1‐subunits was increased to 227%, whereas the fraction of precipitated α2 remained constant.

Conclusion:  Exercise translocates PLM to the muscle outer membrane and increases its association with mainly the α1‐subunit, which may contribute to the increased Vmax of the Na+/K+‐ATPase.
Psychology at High School in Late Imperial Russia (1881–1917)
Authors: Byford Andy
Published: March 2008

Secondary education is one key area in which academic disciplines build their identity and legitimacy in the public realm. The public image of a science is, of course, constructed by a variety of means and on different platforms, including the generalist media and the lively industry of scientific popularization. However, the school occupies a unique role in representations of science because of its greater degree of formal continuity with the academic environment. The successful institutionalization and maintenance of any discipline depends on it taking root, in some form at least, in the system of public instruction. Because education both fosters and depends on disciplinary reproduction, the concrete shape that school subjects take is of great consequence to the long-term development of related sciences.
Role of influenza and other respiratory viruses in admissions of adults to Canadian hospitals
Authors: Schanzer Dena L. , Langley Joanne M. , Tam Theresa W.S.
Published: March 2008

Objective  We sought to estimate age‐specific hospitalization rates attributed to influenza and other virus for adults.

Methods  Admissions from Canada’s national hospitalization database (Canadian Institute of Health Information), from 1994/95 to 1999/2000, were modeled as a function of proxy variables for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viral activity, seasonality and trend using a Poisson regression model and stratified by age group.

Results  The average annual influenza‐attributed hospitalization rate for all adults, 20 years of age or older, over the study period, which included three severe seasons, was an estimated 65/100 000 population (95% CI 63–67). Among persons aged 65 and over, 270–340 admissions per 100 000 population per year were attributed to influenza, while 30–110, 60–90 and 130–350 per 100 000 were attributed to RSV, parainfluenza (PIV) and other respiratory viruses, respectively. Although marked season‐to‐season variation in age‐specific hospitalization rates attributable to influenza was observed in persons 50 years of age and older, increasing risk with age was preserved at all time periods.

Conclusions  Influenza, RSV, PIV and other respiratory viruses were all associated with morbidity requiring hospitalization, while influenza was responsible for peak respiratory admissions. The burden of health care utilization associated with respiratory viruses is appreciable beginning in the sixth decade and increases significantly with age.
Mycotoxins in Durum Wheat Grain: Hygienic‐Health Quality of Sicilian Production
Authors: Gallo G. , Lo Bianco M. , Bognanni R. , Saimbene G.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:  Deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and aflatoxin concentrations in Sicilian durum wheat were determined through ELISA tests. The results highlighted the safety of the grain samples at harvest because deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and aflatoxin levels did not exceed European legal limits. With regard to aflatoxins, reliability of the ELISA test was evaluated, comparing it with HPLC analyses. The comparison of HPLC and ELISA data showed a tendency to overestimate aflatoxin concentrations with respect to chromatographic determinations. The usefulness of ELISA was confirmed as a rapid screening method; however, when contamination levels are close to legal limits, chromatographic analyses are necessary to quantify aflatoxins with greater accuracy and specificity.
Determination of Color, Pigment, and Phenolic Stability in Yogurt Systems Colored with Nonacylated Anthocyanins from Berberis boliviana L. as Compared to Other Natural/Synthetic Colorants
Authors: Wallace T.C. , Giusti M.M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:  Anthocyanins are of interest to the food industry because of their antioxidant power, attractive color, and stability in high acid foods. Powder from the Peruvian berry Berberis boliviana Lechler, rich in nonacylated anthocyanins (7% to 8% dry weight), was incorporated into yogurt samples containing 3 different fat levels. Color (CIE L, a, b, chroma, and hue angle), pigment (monomeric anthocyanin and polymeric color), and total phenolics were monitored over 8 wk of storage and compared to yogurt treatments containing purple carrot acylated anthocyanins, red beet betalaines, or FD&C Red nr 40. Anthocyanin profiles were analyzed by HPLC coupled to photodiode array and mass detectors. Color of yogurt containing B. boliviana anthocyanins at 20 mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (cy‐3‐glu) equivalents/100 g yogurt (L*= 65, chroma = 14, and hue angle = 335°) was similar to commercial blueberry yogurt (L*= 65, chroma = 10.5, and hue angle = 341°). High color, pigment, and phenolic stability were observed in yogurts colored with B. boliviana, independent of the fat matrix. Acylated anthocyanins from purple carrot extracts exhibited increased stability with higher fat content. Anthocyanin degradation followed 1st‐order kinetics. Pigment half‐lives were 125 and 104 d for nonacylated anthocyanins at 10 and 20 mg cy‐3‐glu equivalents/100 g yogurt and 550.2, 232.6, and 128.9 d for acylated anthocyanins at 20 mg of cy‐3‐glu equivalents/100 g of 4%, 2%, and 0% fat yogurt. Addition of B. boliviana whole berry powder to yogurt matrices produced an attractive, stable anthocyanin‐rich product, eliminating the need for industrial colorant extraction.
Characterization of Fish Sauce Aroma‐Impact Compounds Using GC‐MS, SPME‐Osme‐GCO, and Stevens' Power Law Exponents
Authors: Pham A.J. , Schilling M.W. , Yoon Y. , Kamadia V.V. , Marshall D.L.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to characterize volatile compounds and to determine the characteristic aromas associated with impact compounds in 4 fish sauces using solid‐phase micro‐extraction, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, Osme, and gas chromatography olfactometry (SPME‐Osme‐GCO) coupled with Stevens' Power Law. Compounds were separated using GCMS and GCO and were identified with the mass spectral database, aroma perceived at the sniffing port, retention indices, and verification of compounds by authentic standards in the GCMS and GCO. Aromas that were isolated and present in all 4 fish sauce samples at all concentrations included fishy (trimethylamine), pungent and dirty socks (combination of butanoic, pentanoic, hexanoic, and heptanoic acids), cooked rice and buttery popcorn (2,6‐dimethyl pyrazine), and sweet and cotton candy (benzaldehyde). All fish sauces contained the same aromas as determined by GCO and GCMS (verified using authentic standard compounds), but the odor intensity associated with each compound or group of compounds was variable for different fish sauce samples. Stevens' Power Law exponents were also determined using this analytical technique, but exponents were not consistent for the same compounds that were found in all fish sauces. Stevens' Power Law exponents ranged from 0.14 to 0.37, 0.24 to 0.34, 0.09 to 0.21, and 0.10 to 0.35 for dirty socks, fishy, buttery popcorn, and sweet aromas, respectively. This demonstrates that there is variability in Stevens' Power Law exponents for odorants within fish sauce samples.
Sustainable flood risk management strategies to reduce rural communities' vulnerability to flooding in Mozambique
Authors: Lumbroso D. , Ramsbottom D. , Spaliveiro M.
Published: March 2008

In 2000, Mozambique was hit by widespread flooding that affected some 4.5 million people and cost approximately 20% of the country's gross domestic product. In a large, sparsely populated country such as Mozambique, a structural approach to flood risk management cannot be justified on environmental and economic grounds. As a consequence, flood mitigation measures need to focus on nonstructural solutions, such as reducing vulnerability to flooding and improving preparedness. This paper details the development of sustainable flood risk management strategies and the production of educational tools to reduce rural communities' vulnerability to flooding. The tools, which were developed in partnership with local stakeholders, included a Source Book on sustainable flood risk management strategies, a series of posters, a manual and a card game aimed at improving schoolchildren's flood preparedness. These tools were piloted in partnership with three rural communities in the Limpopo River basin in order to develop sustainable flood risk management strategies.
High Resistance to Oxidative Stress in the Fungal Pathogen
Candida glabrata
Is Mediated by a Single Catalase, Cta1p, and Is Controlled by the Transcription Factors Yap1p, Skn7p, Msn2p, and Msn4p
Authors: Cuéllar-Cruz Mayra , Briones-Martin-del-Campo Marcela , Cañas-Villamar Israel , Montalvo-Arredondo Javier , Riego-Ruiz Lina , Castaño Irene , De Las Peñas Alejandro
Published: March 2008

We characterized the oxidative stress response of
Candida glabrata
to better understand the virulence of this fungal pathogen.
C. glabrata
could withstand higher concentrations of H
2
O
2
than
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and even
Candida albicans
. Stationary-phase cells were extremely resistant to oxidative stress, and this resistance was dependent on the concerted roles of stress-related transcription factors Yap1p, Skn7p, and Msn4p. We showed that growing cells of
C. glabrata
were able to adapt to high levels of H
2
O
2
and that this adaptive response was dependent on Yap1p and Skn7p and partially on the general stress transcription factors Msn2p and Msn4p.
C. glabrata
has a single catalase gene,
CTA1
, which was absolutely required for resistance to H
2
O
2
in vitro. However, in a mouse model of systemic infection, a strain lacking
CTA1
showed no effect on virulence.