bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The financial impact of entering aged care
Authors: Cullen David
Published: August 2007

Introduction: This paper examines the financial impact of entering aged care.

Methods: Estimates of that impact are derived from estimates of the lifetime risk of entry to, the expected total length of stay in, and the annual private cost of, permanent residential care.

Results: Almost half of women and a third of men aged 65 years will enter permanent residential care at some time in their remaining life. On average, of those who do enter, women will stay for 3.5 years, whereas men will stay for 2.3 years. For a part‐pensioner with annual income of $A30 000 and assets worth $A160 000, the financial impact of entering care would, on average, be $A52 600 for a woman and $A34 700 for a man.

Conclusions: Retiring Australians face a considerable risk that they will require aged care during their remaining lifetime and that the private cost of that care will substantially impact on their finances.
Many fructosamine 3‐kinase homologues in bacteria are ribulosamine/erythrulosamine 3‐kinases potentially involved in protein deglycation
Authors: Gemayel Rita , Fortpied Juliette , Rzem Rim , Vertommen Didier , Veiga‐da‐Cunha Maria , Van Schaftingen Emile
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this work was to identify the function of bacterial homologues of fructosamine 3‐kinase (FN3K), a mammalian enzyme responsible for the removal of fructosamines from proteins. FN3K homologues were identified in ≈ 200 (i.e. ≈ 27%) of the sequenced bacterial genomes. In 11 of these genomes, from phylogenetically distant bacteria, the FN3K homologue was immediately preceded by a low‐molecular‐weight protein‐tyrosine‐phosphatase (LMW‐PTP) homologue, which is therefore probably functionally related to the FN3K homologue. Five bacterial FN3K homologues (from Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus aureus and Thermus thermophilus) were overexpressed in E. coli, purified and their kinetic properties investigated. Four were ribulosamine/erythrulosamine 3‐kinases acting best on free lysine and cadaverine derivatives, but not on ribulosamines bound to the alpha amino group of amino acids. They also phosphorylated protein‐bound ribulosamines or erythrulosamines, but not protein‐bound fructosamines, therefore having properties similar to those of mammalian FN3K‐related protein. The E. coli FN3K homologue (YniA) was inactive on all tested substrates. The LMW‐PTP of T. thermophilus, which forms an operon with an FN3K homologue, and an LMW‐PTP of S. aureus (PtpA) were overexpressed in E. coli, purified and shown to dephosphorylate not only protein tyrosine phosphates, but protein ribulosamine 5‐phosphates as well as free ribuloselysine 5‐phosphate and erythruloselysine 4‐phosphate. These LMW‐PTPs were devoid of ribulosamine 3‐phosphatase activity. It is concluded that most bacterial FN3K homologues are ribulosamine/erythrulosamine 3‐kinases. They may serve, in conjunction with a phosphatase, to deglycate products of glycation formed from ribose 5‐phosphate or erythrose 4‐phosphate.
Identification and functional characterization of a novel barnacle cement protein
Authors: Urushida Youhei , Nakano Masahiro , Matsuda Satoru , Inoue Naoko , Kanai Satoru , Kitamura Naho , Nishino Takashi , Kamino Kei
Published: August 2007

Barnacle attachment to various foreign materials in water is guided by an extracellular multiprotein complex. A 19 kDa cement protein was purified from the Megabalanus rosa cement, and its cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The gene was expressed only in the basal portion of the animal, where the histologically identified cement gland is located. The sequence of the protein showed no homology to other known proteins in the databases, indicating that it is a novel protein. Agreement between the molecular mass determined by MS and the molecular weight estimated from the cDNA indicated that the protein bears no post‐translational modifications. The bacterial recombinant was prepared in soluble form under physiologic conditions, and was demonstrated to have underwater irreversible adsorption activity to a variety of surface materials, including positively charged, negatively charged and hydrophobic ones. Thus, the function of the protein was suggested to be coupling to foreign material surfaces during underwater attachment. Homologous genes were isolated from Balanus albicostatus and B. improvisus, and their amino acid compositions showed strong resemblance to that of M. rosa, with six amino acids, Ser, Thr, Ala, Gly, Val and Lys, comprising 66–70% of the total, suggesting that such a biased amino acid composition may be important for the function of this protein.
Expressed as the sole Hsp90 of yeast, the α and β isoforms of human Hsp90 differ with regard to their capacities for activation of certain client proteins, whereas only Hsp90β generates sensitivity to the Hsp90 inhibitor radicicol
Authors: Millson Stefan H. , Truman Andrew W. , Rácz Attila , Hu Bin , Panaretou Barry , Nuttall James , Mollapour Mehdi , Söti Csaba , Piper Peter W.
Published: August 2007

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone required for the activity of many of the most important regulatory proteins of eukaryotic cells (the Hsp90 ‘clients’). Vertebrates have two isoforms of cytosolic Hsp90, Hsp90α and Hsp90β. Hsp90β is expressed constitutively to a high level in most tissues and is generally more abundant than Hsp90α, whereas Hsp90α is stress‐inducible and overexpressed in many cancerous cells. Expressed as the sole Hsp90 of yeast, human Hsp90α and Hsp90β are both able to provide essential Hsp90 functions. Activations of certain Hsp90 clients (heat shock transcription factor, v‐src) were more efficient with Hsp90α, rather than Hsp90β, present in the yeast. In contrast, activation of certain other clients (glucocorticoid receptor; extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐5 mitogen‐activated protein kinase) was less affected by the human Hsp90 isoform present in these cells. Remarkably, whereas expression of Hsp90β as the sole Hsp90 of yeast rendered cells highly sensitive to the Hsp90 inhibitor radicicol, comparable expression of Hsp90α did not. This raises the distinct possibility that, also for mammalian systems, alterations to the Hsp90α/Hsp90β ratio (as with heat shock) might be a significant factor affecting cellular susceptibility to Hsp90 inhibitors.
Transcriptional activity and Sp 1/3 transcription factor binding to the P1 promoter sequences of the human AβH‐J‐J locus
Authors: Feriotto Giordana , Finotti Alessia , Breveglieri Giulia , Treves Susan , Zorzato Francesco , Gambari Roberto
Published: August 2007

Alternative splicing of the locus AβH‐J‐J generates functionally distinct proteins: the enzyme aspartyl (asparaginyl) β‐hydroxylase, humbug and junctate (truncated homologs of aspartyl (asparaginyl) β‐hydroxylase with a role in calcium regulation), and junctin (a structural protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane). Aspartyl (asparaginyl) β‐hydroxylase and humbug are overexpressed in a broad range of malignant neoplasms. We have previously reported the gene structure of this locus, showing the presence of two putative promoters, P1 and P2, and characterized the P2 sequences, directing tissue‐specific transcription of junctin, aspartyl (asparaginyl) β‐hydroxylase and junctate. In addition, aspartyl (asparaginyl) β‐hydroxylase and humbug are expressed from exon 1 by the P1 promoter. The present study identifies and functionally characterizes the P1 promoter activity of the AβH‐J‐J locus. We demonstrate that mRNAs from the P1 promoter are actively transcribed in all the human tissues and cell lines analyzed, and define the transcription start point in HeLa and RD cells. To investigate the transcription mechanism we cloned 1.7 kb upstream of exon 1 from a human BAC clone, and produced progressively deleted reporter constructs. Our results showed that: (a) the 1.7 kb fragment was a powerful activator of the reporter gene in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) and human embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell lines; (b) 512 bp upstream of the transcription start site were essential for maximal promoter activity; and (c) progressive deletions from − 512 resulted in gradually decreased reporter expression. The region responsible for maximal transcription contains at least 12 GC boxes homologous to binding sequences of specific transcription factor 1 (Sp1); by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift analysis, we identified three GC‐rich elements that bind Sp transcription factor family nuclear factors with very high efficiency. A functional role of Sp transcription factors in upregulating P1‐directed transcription was demonstrated by analysis of the effects of: (a) in vitro mutagenesis of the Sp1 transcription factor binding sites; (b) transfection with Sp transcription factor 1/3 expression vectors; and (c) treatment with decoy oligonucleotides targeting Sp transcription factors. In addition, Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factor chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated in vivo binding of these proteins to P1 promoter. Our results suggest that Sp transcription factors positively regulate the core of the P1 promoter, and the comparison of the two promoters of the AβH‐J‐J locus demonstrates that they are very different with regard to transcriptional efficiency and ability to direct tissue‐specific transcription.
Signaling pathways and preimplantation development of mammalian embryos
Authors: Zhang Yong , Yang Zhaojuan , Wu Ji
Published: August 2007

The mammalian preimplantation embryo is a critical and unique stage in embryonic development. This stage includes a series of crucial events: the transition from oocyte to embryo, the first cell divisions, and the establishment of cellular contacts. These events are regulated by multiple signal‐transduction pathways. In this article we describe patterns of stage‐specific expression in several signal‐transduction pathways and try to give a profile of the signaling transduction network in preimplantation development of mammalian embryo.
Apolipoprotein E‐derived antimicrobial peptide analogues with altered membrane affinity and increased potency and breadth of activity
Authors: Kelly Bridie A. , Neil Stuart J. , McKnight Áine , Santos Joana M. , Sinnis Photini , Jack Edward R. , Middleton David A. , Dobson Curtis B.
Published: August 2007

Host‐derived anti‐infective proteins represent an important source of sequences for designing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However such sequences are often long and comprise diverse amino acids with uncertain contribution to biological effects. Previously, we identified a simple highly cationic peptide derivative of human apolipoprotein E (apoEdp) that inhibited a range of microorganisms. Here, we have dissected the protein chemistry underlying this activity. We report that basic residues and peptide length of around 18 residues were required for activity; however, the Leu residues can be substituted by several other residues without loss of activity and, when substituted with Phe or Trp, resulted in peptides with increased potency. These apoEdp‐derived AMPs (apoE‐AMPs) showed no cytotoxicity and minimal haemolytic activity, and were active against HIV and Plasmodium via an extracellular target. CXCR4 and CCR5 strains of HIV were inhibited though an early stage in viral infection upstream of fusion, and a lack of inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein pseudotyped HIV‐1 suggested the anti‐HIV activity was relatively selective. Inhibition of Plasmodium invasion of hepatocytes was observed without a direct action on Plasmodium integrity or attachment to cells. The Trp‐substituted apoE‐AMP adhered to mammalian cells irreversibly, explaining its increased potency; NMR experiments confirmed that the aromatic peptides also showed stronger perturbation of membrane lipids (relative to apoEdp). Our data highlight the contribution of specific amino acids to the activity of apoEdp (and also potentially unrelated AMPs) and suggest that apoE‐AMPs may be useful as lead agents for preventing the early stages of HIV and Plasmodium cellular entry.
Identification and characterization of cytochrome bc1 subcomplexes in mitochondria from yeast with single and double deletions of genes encoding cytochrome bc1 subunits
Authors: Zara Vincenzo , Conte Laura , Trumpower Bernard L.
Published: August 2007

We have examined the status of the cytochrome bc1 complex in mitochondrial membranes from yeast mutants in which genes for one or more of the cytochrome bc1 complex subunits were deleted. When membranes from wild‐type yeast were resolved by native gel electrophoresis and analyzed by immunodecoration, the cytochrome bc1 complex was detected as a mixed population of enzymes, consisting of cytochrome bc1 dimers, and ternary complexes of cytochrome bc1 dimers associated with one and two copies of the cytochrome c oxidase complex. When membranes from the deletion mutants were resolved and analyzed, the cytochrome bc1 dimer was not associated with the cytochrome c oxidase complex in many of the mutant membranes, and membranes from some of the mutants contained a common set of cytochrome bc1 subcomplexes. When these subcomplexes were fractionated by SDS/PAGE and analyzed with subunit‐specific antibodies, it was possible to recognize a subcomplex consisting of cytochrome b, subunit 7 and subunit 8 that is apparently associated with cytochrome c oxidase early in the assembly process, prior to acquisition of the remaining cytochrome bc1 subunits. It was also possible to identify a subcomplex consisting of subunit 9 and the Rieske protein, and two subcomplexes containing cytochrome c1 associated with core protein 1 and core protein 2, respectively. The analysis of all the cytochrome bc1 subcomplexes with monospecific antibodies directed against Bcs1p revealed that this chaperone protein is involved in a late stage of cytochrome bc1 complex assembly.
CAMPAIGN TO ORGANIZE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS: A MODEL OF OPEN SOURCE UNIONISM
Authors: Pinnock Sharon
Published: August 2007

All discussions with people on the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL‐CIO (AFGE) campaign to organize federalized airport screeners—reclassified in 2006 as “Transportation Security Officers” (TSA), ultimately end with the adage that the mobilization effort is righteous. The author, who has organized over fifty organizing campaigns in nearly thirty years as a labor organizer, has never before worked on a unionization drive that feels as righteous as that to organize TSA workers.
UNION CERTIFICATION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE
Authors: Harcourt Mark , Lam Helen
Published: August 2007

The North American union certification system has not met the representation needs of most workers. In this essay, certification's effectiveness is critically examined. The exclusive representation and winner‐take‐all approach satisfies only two out of seven categories of union and nonunion workers with different representational preferences. The “winners” are those who successfully exercise their choice to be either unrepresented or represented by their most preferred union. All others are “losers.” A compulsory proportional representation alternative is proposed which allows for both union and nonunion forms of representation, representative election based on proportional votes, and mandatory workplace representation. The merits of this alternative in balancing the needs of both voting majorities and minorities and protecting worker rights from management encroachment are discussed. Some preliminary suggestions on its implementation are offered.
Quantitative Sensory and Autonomic Testing in Nondiabetic Women with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Ciotola Miryam , Giugliano Francesco , Carleo Diego , Schisano Bruno , Maglione Emilia , Di Tommaso Donato , De Sio Marco , Giugliano Dario
Published: August 2007

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a significant public health problem. There are no reported studies assessing the relation between sexual function and neuropathy in women, except for diabetes mellitus.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the correlations between peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) among nondiabetic women with or without FSD.

Methods

During a 6-month period, women were screened among outpatients seeking routine weight loss help. Cases were women, either pre- or postmenopausal, with abnormal values of FSFI score; controls were women from the same population with normal values of FSFI score, matched with cases for age and menopausal status. The total score range was 2–36; a score of 23 or lower indicated sexual dysfunction. The tool was administered during the follicular (days 5–8) phase of the menstrual cycle.

Main Outcome Mesures

The assessment of peripheral neuropathy was based on the quantitative sensory examination using the vibratory, thermal, and pain sensory thresholds. The assessment of autonomic neuropathy was based on cardiovascular reflex tests (deep breathing and squatting).

Results

The results of the quantitative sensory testing examination showed pathological changes in about 20% of women with FSD; the tests were abnormal in about 5% of women in the group without FSD. The percentage of women with abnormalities of autonomic cardiovascular tests was higher in the group with FSD compared with the group without FSD.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an involvement of both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers in nondiabetic women with FSD.
Catchers in the Rye: Treatment Foster Parents as a System of Care
Authors: McGuinness Teena M. , Dyer Janyce G.
Published: August 2007

PROBLEM:  Similar to the children in J. D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher in the Rye, youth in foster care face the specter of “going over the cliff.”

METHODS:  The empirical basis for “treatment foster care” is reviewed, concluding that treatment foster care is both a clinically and cost‐effective form of community‐based treatment.

FINDINGS:  Treatment foster parents prevent the fall of foster youth into the chasm of school failure, involvement with juvenile justice, and dependent living as adults.

CONCLUSION:  Treatment foster care is an evidence‐based approach that is less restrictive and offers troubled youth an opportunity to engage and grow within a family setting.
Psychosocial Care for Adult and Child Survivors of the Tsunami Disaster in India
Authors: Becker Susan M.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES:  The tsunami disaster in South Asia affected the mental health and livelihoods of thousands of child and adult survivors, but psychological aspects of rehabilitation efforts are frequently neglected in public health initiatives.

METHODS:  Professional teams from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bangalore, India, traveled to the worst‐affected areas in South India and implemented a mental health program of psychosocial care for child and adult survivors. This descriptive report is based on observations of child and adult survivors in Tamil Nadu State of India during January–March 2005.

OBSERVATIONS:  Symptoms of emotional distress were observed in child and adult survivors. A train‐the‐trainer community‐based model was implemented for teachers and community‐level workers to respond to the emotional needs of children and adults.

CONCLUSION:  In resource‐poor settings with few trained mental health professionals, community workers were taught basic mental health interventions by teams of psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers. This train‐the‐trainer, community‐based approach has implications for natural and man‐made disasters in developed and developing countries.
Respiratory Assessment in Child and Adolescent Residential Treatment Settings: Reducing Restraint‐Associated Risks
Authors: Johnson T. D.
Published: August 2007

TOPIC:  Crisis situations of youth in treatment settings may require restraints. Restraints should only be used in situations where there is imminent danger to the child and when there is no alternative. They are meant to maintain the child's safety, but there is risk for respiratory compromise.

PURPOSE:  Nursing care of children in restraints must include respiratory assessment and, when indicated, immediate intervention to prevent disastrous outcomes.

SOURCES:  Review using PubMed and established texts confirms that clinical skills and knowledge is essential to child and adolescent psychiatric nursing.

CONCLUSIONS:  Clinical assessment and awareness of risks in physical restraints is essential for the safety and well‐being of the child.
Sampling schemes for estimating spikelet incidence of Fusarium head blight
Authors: Ridout M.S. , Wan Y.Y.K. , Xu X.
Published: August 2007

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of wheat crops. The incidence of diseased spikelets in the population is most naturally estimated by sampling ears of wheat and counting the number of infected spikelets, X, and the total number of spikelets, Y, on each ear. However, there is usually much more variation from ear to ear in the number of infected spikelets than in the total number of spikelets and in practice it is common to obtain a larger sample of X values than Y values. In this paper, we investigate the relative efficiencies of these alternative sampling procedures. Based on historical data, we show that for the levels of disease incidence typically encountered, the latter sampling scheme is indeed more efficient. The results are relevant to estimating disease incidence in other crops.
Habitat Structure Affects Reproductive Success of the Rare Endemic Tree Syzygium mamillatum (Myrtaceae) in Restored and Unrestored Sites in Mauritius
Authors: Kaiser Christopher N. , Hansen Dennis M. , Müller Christine B.
Published: August 2007

Invasive alien plants affect the functioning of ecosystems by altering plant–animal interactions, such as pollination, which may impede natural regeneration of native plant species. In Mauritius, we studied the reproductive traits and pollination ecology of the rare endemic cauliflorous tree Syzygium mamillatum in a restored forest (all alien plant species removed) and an adjacent unrestored area (degraded by alien plants). Flowers of S. mamillatum were only visited by generalist bird species. Although the initial number of flower buds per tree in the restored forest tended to be higher than that of trees in the unrestored area, final fruit set and the number of seeds per fruit were lower in the restored forest. This corresponded with lower bird visitation rates in the restored area. Additionally, during budding stage, most trees were severely attacked by lepidopteran larvae, and bud loss through herbivory was higher in the restored forest. Thus, the difference in reproductive performance of S. mamillatum between the two localities was caused by contrasting herbivore attack and bird visitation behavior in restored and unrestored areas. Our findings illustrate the importance of restoration efforts in mimicking the original physical structure of habitats and interaction structure of interspecific relationships, and the difficulty of doing so given the imperfect knowledge and the reality that many native species have become locally extinct and replaced by exotic species.
Reiteration in the Monodominant Tropical Tree Dicymbe corymbosa (Caesalpiniaceae) and its Potential Adaptive Significance
Authors: Woolley Lance P. , Henkel Terry W. , Sillett Stephen C.
Published: August 2007

The tropical monodominant tree Dicymbe corymbosa reiterates via epicormic shoots and roots, resulting in multistemmed trees with complex pseudotrunks and root mounds. In 2 ha of primary forest on the Guiana Shield, we quantified the reiterative structure and aboveground soil development of 307 D. corymbosa individuals ≥ 10 cm dbh and investigated the potential adaptive significance of reiteration in terms of genet persistence and root exploitation of aboveground soil accumulations. We also investigated the incidence of the heart rot fungus Phellinus robustus in D. corymbosa and examined its relationship to the reiteration process. Large trees contained more and larger reiterations, greater trunk, root mound, and organic soil volumes, and a higher incidence of Phellinus than smaller trees. Roots and ectomycorrhizas were abundant in aboveground soils on the trees, occurred at higher densities than those of the surrounding forest floor, and may be important in recycling mineral nutrients. Stem turnover and reiteration were associated with Phellinus heart rot and appeared to be cumulative over time, resulting in persistent, structurally complex trees of indeterminate lifespan. Dicymbe corymbosa provides a rare example of a tree species that exploits both persistence and recruitment niches, as it successfully recruits through mast fruiting.
Riding the Roller‐Coaster — What's Next for US Farm Policy? Sur les montagnes russes: Quel avenir pour la politique agricole américaine? Eine Berg‐und‐Tal‐Fahrt – was erwartet die US‐Agrarpolitik als nächstes?
Authors: Blandford David
Published: August 2007

summary

Riding the Roller‐Coaster — What's Next for US Farm Policy?

Changes in the balance of political power and in budgetary constraints create a roller‐ coaster in US agricultural policy with shifts between more and less government intervention, higher and lower spending, and more or less liberal approaches to international trade. The suspension of the WTO negotiations and the replacement of a Republican by a Democratic majority in the Congress have created a different political climate from the last Farm Bill in 2002. The economic picture is also very different with less public money to lavish on farmers and less pressure to spend, particularly since many farmers are benefiting from higher crop prices driven by rapidly expanding bio‐energy production. With weak internal and external pressures for change, the new legislation is unlikely to depart radically from the 2002 Farm Act or to be crafted to accommodate future international commitments. There could be some movement away from price‐based support to measures that target revenue, primarily because future payments are likely to be low if prices for farm products remain strong. But the policy roller‐coaster is unlikely to promise an exciting ride for those who would like to see a change in priority from price and income support towards environmental and other aims and towards greater market orientation.
EU Bilateral and Regional Trade Agreements: Impacts on the CAP Les accords bilatéraux et régionaux européens: leur impact sur la PAC. Bilaterale und regionale Handelsabkommen in der EU: Auswirkungen auf die GAP
Authors: Moehler Rolf
Published: August 2007

summary

EU Bilateral and Regional Trade Agreements: Impacts on the CAP

Since it started in 1992, reform of the CAP has been related in various ways to the WTO. In comparison the impact on CAP reform of the bilateral and regional agreements the EU has concluded is negligible. The EU has found ways and means to shield its agriculture from too much import pressure and the geographical scope of its bilateral and regional agreements is impressive. They cover the countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Western Balkan, ACP countries, South Africa, Chile and Mexico. Free trade agreements with MERCOSUR, ASEAN, Korea and India, as proposed by the Commission, will not make much difference. It is unlikely that these agreements produce enough import pressure to bring about further substantial reform. All four partners provide vast markets for European industrial products and services and this could increase pressure to open the EU agricultural market in a way the actual CAP cannot cope with. But only MERCOSUR and ASEAN are major exporters of agricultural products. And even here bilateral negotiations provide more flexibility to contain the impact of tariff concessions than the WTO. However, the combined effect of free trade agreements with MERCOSUR and ASEAN may push the EU to further reduce the intervention price for cereals or abolish it altogether.
Trade Policy Reform Through Litigation La voie judiciaire pour réformer les politiques commerciales Reform der Handelspolitik durch Rechtsstreitigkeiten
Authors: McMahon Joseph A.
Published: August 2007

summary

Trade Policy Reform Through Litigation

The uncertain nature of the Doha negotiations gives rise to the possibility that Members may seek to achieve reforms through litigation rather than negotiations. This article examines two areas of the Common Agricultural Policy that may be the subject of litigation. The first of these areas is the Single Farm Payment (SFP). It is suggested that the SFP may not be fully consistent with the provisions of Annex 2 of the Agreement on Agriculture (the Green Box). Although the Appellate Body decision in US ‐ Upland Cotton addressed some of the questions on the interpretation of paragraph 6 of Annex 2, it chose not to address the fundamental requirement for all Green Box policies contained in the introductory paragraph. The second area is export subsidies for processed agricultural products and here the issue is the continuing relevance of Article XVI: 4 of the GATT Whilst a dispute may be the best way forward to determine this particular issue, it is not the best way forward with respect to the Green Box. As this Box is likely to become the primary repository of agricultural support measures, negotiation not litigation offers the best way forward.
China's Surge in Latin American Markets: Policy Challenges and Responses
Authors: Wise Carol , Quiliconi Cintia
Published: August 2007

Theories of economic development have yet to fully explain the remarkable ascendance of China in the global economy. From the standpoint of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), China's reform trajectory looks nothing like the market‐based policies adopted in varying degrees in the early 1990s. Rather, China's transformation has been a lesson in experimentation with various policy combinations. This raises key questions concerning how the LAC region can best contend with China's growing presence in its markets. Whereas Mexico and Central America face stiff competition from China in low and intermediate technology‐based industries (textiles, electronics, auto parts), South America has experienced vibrant growth since 2002 led by raw material exports to China, but at the expense of manufacturing exports. This article analyzes new patterns of complementarity and competition in the China–LAC relationship, and it highlights the need for a more targeted competition policy on the part of the latter.
Citizens' Confidence in Government, Parliament and Political Parties
Authors: Kim Myunghee
Published: August 2007

This article explores citizens' confidence in political institutions in relation to policy responsiveness within and across countries. The core premise of the mandate theory is that democratic elections deliver the median preferences in policy making to satisfy most citizens' interests. Thus, citizens will display greater confidence toward their political institutions when they perceive that their preferences are pursued in policy making. Twelve consolidated and new democracies from the World Values and European Values Surveys and the Comparative Manifesto Project data sets are analyzed. The findings suggest, first, that individuals across the twelve countries display lower confidence toward political parties than toward parliament or government. Second, weak ideological attachment between individuals and the median policy‐making positions in parliament lessens overall citizens' confidence in political institutions. At the institutional level, citizens' confidence for each political institution is most positively affected by the inclusion of the median party in policy processes.
Race, Roll‐Off, and the Straight‐Ticket Option
Authors: Feig Douglas G.
Published: August 2007

Analyzing data from three Deep South states, this paper examines roll‐off for lower‐level offices and for referenda proposing repeal of nearly identical state prohibitions against interracial marriage. Applying Ecological Inference, the paper concludes that contrary to the findings of others, African‐American roll‐off was markedly higher than white roll‐off even on the interracial marriage referenda; that roll‐off for both groups was lower on the interracial marriage referenda than on other referenda; and that as expected, black roll‐off exceeded white roll‐off for election to lower‐level offices. The latter finding, however, held only when the straight‐ticket option was not available. When that option was available, African‐American voters were less likely than white voters to roll‐off for lower‐level offices because they were found to make a much greater use of the option. The black–white roll‐off gap was shown to dramatically affect the racial composition of the effective electorate when referenda and lower‐level offices were at issue.
Neoinstitutionalism: Still no intellectual hegemony?
Authors: Crouch Colin
Published: August 2007

Despite its greater realism, neoinstitutionalism has not been able to rival neoliberal approaches in the minds of many public‐policy communities. This article suggests four reasons why this is the case: the way that neoliberalism appears to be rooted in the strong paradigms of neoclassical economics, the related simple appeal of marketization as a solution to policy problems, the dominance of short‐term calculation in financial markets as the apparently most successful form of economic activity, and the role of corporate actors as public‐policy insiders. It is argued that an essential solution to the problem is a rapprochement between neoinstitutionalism and neoclassical economics, which is itself not necessarily wedded to neoliberalism.
Empirical Analysis of the Structure of Sino‐US Agricultural Trade
Authors: Zheng Yingmei , Qi Jianhong
Published: August 2007

This paper empirically analyzes the structure of agricultural trade between China and the USA from 1996 to 2005, using different trade indexes such as the Grubel—Lloyd Index, the Revealed Comparative Advantage Index, the Finger—Kreinin Similitude Index and the Export Diversification Index, with a focus on the issues impeding Sino‐US agricultural trade. We found that over the period of 1996 to 2005, inter‐industry trade outweighed intra‐industry trade in Sino‐US agricultural trade, and that bilateral trade was more complementary than competitive. At the same time, China's agricultural exports were more diversified than USA exports, but China's degree of diversification steadily declined during the sample period. The findings indicate that there exists great potential for further development of agricultural trade between China and the USA, and that positive and effective trade policies will result in maximization of potential agricultural trade development and will bring forth mutual benefits to both countries.
Development of the New Rural Cooperative Medical System in China
Authors: Wang Yanzhong
Published: August 2007

Based on a survey conducted by our research team at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the present paper reports on the development of China's new rural cooperative medical system set up in late 2002. The new rural cooperative medical system is different from the old system in that it is organized, guided and supported by the government but that rural residents voluntarily participate in its administration. It is financed by individuals, collectives and the government. The new cooperative medical system focuses on serious disease planning and mutual aid and fraternity between rural residents in health care. The results of our survey indicate that the new rural medical system has been successful up to now but that it also has some problems. China needs to pay more attention to overcoming the difficulties and challenges it faces in terms of future medical needs so that a mechanism for its sustainable development can be established.
Prokaryotic Expression and Allergenicity Assessment of Hygromycin B Phosphotransferase Protein Derived from Genetically Modified Plants
Authors: Lu Y. , Xu W. , Kang A. , Luo Y. , Guo F. , Yang R. , Zhang J. , Huang K.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  The hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene (hpt) has been widely used in the process of plant genetic engineering to produce plants that can secrete the HPT protein. As part of a safety assessment, sufficient quantities of the protein were produced in Escherichia coli to conduct in vitro digestibility and animal studies. Western blotting analysis showed that the HPT protein was digested by simulated gastric fluid within 40 s. ELISA demonstrated that the protein did not induce detectable levels of specific IgE antibodies or histamine in test animals. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of HPT with those of known allergens did not produce evidence of sequence similarities between these allergens and the HPT protein. We conclude that HPT has a low probability to induce allergenicity.
Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus in Milk Using Flow‐Through Pulsed UV‐Light Treatment System
Authors: Krishnamurthy K. , Demirci A. , Irudayaraj J.M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the efficacy of pulsed UV‐light for continuous‐flow milk treatment for the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic microorganism frequently associated with milk safety concerns. Pulsed UV light is an emerging technology, which can be used for the inactivation of this pathogen in milk in a relatively short time. Pulsed UV light damages the DNA of the bacteria by forming thymine dimers that lead to bacterial death. The effect of sample distance from the quartz window of the UV‐light source, number of passes, and flow rate was investigated. A response surface methodology was used for the design and analysis of experiments. Milk was treated at 5‐, 8‐, or 11‐cm distance from a UV‐light strobe at 20, 30, or 40 mL/min flow rate and treated up to 3 times by recirculation of milk to assess the effect of the number of passes on inactivation efficiency. Log10 reductions varied from 0.55‐ to 7.26‐log10 CFU/mL. Complete inactivation was obtained in 2 cases and no growth was observed following an enrichment protocol. Predicted results were in agreement with the experimental data. Overall, this work demonstrates that pulsed UV‐light has a potential for inactivation of milk pathogens.
Determination of Ortho‐ and Retronasal Detection Thresholds for 2‐Isopropyl‐3‐Methoxypyrazine in Wine
Authors: Pickering G.J. , Karthik A. , Inglis D. , Sears M. , Ker K.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  2‐isopropyl‐3‐methoxypyrazine (IPMP) is a grape‐derived component of wine flavor in some wine varieties as well as the causal compound of the off‐flavor known as ladybug taint (LBT), which occurs when Harmonia axyridis beetles are incorporated with the grapes during juice and wine processing. The main objective of this study was to obtain robust estimates of the orthonasal (ON) and retronasal (RN) detection thresholds (DTs) for IPMP in wines of differing styles. The ASTM E679 ascending forced choice method of limits was used to determine DTs for 47 individuals in 3 different wines—Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and a red wine blend of Baco Noir and Marechel Foch. The group best estimate thresholds (BETs) obtained for IPMP (ng/L) were Chardonnay, ON: 0.32; Gewürztraminer, ON: 1.56, RN: 1.15, and red wine blend, ON: 1.03, RN: 2.29. A large variation in individual DTs was observed. Familiarity with LBT was inversely correlated with DTs for Gewürztraminer, and no difference in thresholds was observed between winemakers and nonwinemakers. We conclude that the human DT for IPMP is extremely low and influenced significantly by wine style and evaluation mode. We recommend against the reporting of single‐threshold values for wine flavor compounds, and encourage the determination of consumer rejection thresholds for IPMP in wine.
Quantification of Selected Aroma‐Active Compounds in Strawberries by Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography and Correlation with Sensory Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Jetti R.R. , Yang E. , Kurnianta A. , Finn C. , Qian M.C.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  Selected aroma‐active compounds in strawberries were quantified using headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography. Ten strawberry cultivars grown in California and Oregon were studied. The standard curves were built in a synthetic matrix and quantification was achieved using multiple internal standards. Odor activity values (OAVs) of the aroma compounds were calculated to understand their contribution to the overall aroma. Although the concentrations of the aroma compounds varied depending on the cultivars, in general, ethyl butanoate, mesifurane, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl 3‐methylbutanoate, hexyl acetate, and γ‐dodecalactone had the highest OAVs. Descriptive sensory analysis was performed by a trained panel of 10 members. A PCA plot was built to understand the aroma contribution of principal components. The chemical results were compared with sensory data. The OAV of esters correlated well with the floral, pineapple, and banana notes. The green notes did not correlate with the concentration or OAVs of aldehydes or C6 alcohols. It is assumed that the higher amounts of green, sulfur, musty, and waxy notes in some cultivars were due to the lack of fruity notes.
Effect of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Decaffeination on Volatile Components of Green Teas
Authors: Lee S. , Park M.K. , Kim K.H. , Kim Y.‐S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  Volatile components in regular and decaffeinated green teas were isolated by simultaneous steam distillation and solvent extraction (SDE), and then analyzed by GC‐MS. A total of 41 compounds, including 8 alcohols, 15 terpene‐type compounds, 10 carbonyls, 4 N‐containing compounds, and 4 miscellaneous compounds, were found in regular and decaffeinated green teas. Among them, linalool and phenylacetaldehyde were quantitatively dominant in both regular and decaffeinated green teas. By a decaffeination process using supercritical carbon dioxide, most volatile components decreased. The more caffeine was removed, the more volatile components were reduced in green teas. In particular, relatively nonpolar components such as terpene‐type compounds gradually decreased according to the decaffeination process. Aroma‐active compounds in regular and decaffeinated green teas were also determined and compared by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Most greenish and floral flavor compounds such as hexanal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, and some unknown compounds disappeared or decreased after the decaffeination process.
Analysis of the Headspace Volatiles of Freshly Brewed Arabica Coffee Using Solid‐Phase Microextraction
Authors: Akiyama M. , Murakami K. , Ikeda M. , Iwatsuki K. , Wada A. , Tokuno K. , Onishi M. , Iwabuchi H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  Headspace volatiles of freshly brewed drip coffee were investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography/olfactometry (GC/O, CharmAnalysis™) analyses. For this purpose, a solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) sampling method for the headspace volatiles of freshly brewed drip coffee was developed. SPME fiber coated with divinylbenzene (DVB)/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was selected from 6 types, and sampling time was determined at 2 min. The headspace coffee volatiles stayed constant in proportion for the first 2 min to keep the freshness of the brewed coffee aroma. Using this sampling method, the headspace volatiles of freshly brewed drip coffee (Ethiopian arabica coffee, roast degree: L value; 23) were examined by GC/MS and GC/O analyses. From the GC/O results, 1‐(3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)‐ethanone (nutty‐roast odor) and 4‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanone (raspberry ketone, sweet‐fruity odor) were newly detected as components in the aroma of coffee.
Methodology Optimization for Quantification of Total Phenolics and Individual Phenolic Acids in Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Roots
Authors: Padda M.S. , Picha D.H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  Phenolic acids are one of the several classes of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds found in sweetpotatoes. Simplified, robust, and rapid methodologies were optimized to quantify total and individual phenolic acids in sweetpotato roots. Total phenolic acid content was quantified spectrophotometrically using both Folin–Denis and Folin–Ciocalteu reagents. The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent gave an overestimation of total phenolic acids due to the absorbance of interfering compounds (that is, reducing sugars and ascorbic acid). Individual phenolic acids were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the latest in column technology. Four reversed‐phase C18 analytical columns with different properties (dimensions, particle size, particle shape, pore size, and carbon load) were compared. Three different mobile phases using isocratic conditions were also evaluated. A column (4.6 × 150 mm) packed with 5‐μm spherical silica particles of pore size 110 Å combined with 14% carbon load provided the best and fast separation of individual phenolic acids (that is, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and 3 isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid) with a total analysis time of less than 7 min. Among the 3 mobile phases tested, a mobile phase consisting of 1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution: acetonitrile: 2‐propanol, pH 2.5 (70:22:8, v/v/v) gave adequate separation. Among the solvents tested, aqueous mixtures (80:20, solvent:water) of methanol and ethanol provided higher phenolic acid extraction efficiency than the aqueous mixture of acetone.
Phase and Rheological Behavior of High‐Concentration Colloidal Hard‐Sphere and Protein Dispersions
Authors: Loveday S.M. , Creamer L.K. , Singh H. , Rao M.A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:  Colloidal hard‐sphere (HS) particles of narrow‐size distribution exhibit crystalline and glassy states beginning at the particle volume fractions φ= 0.494 and φG= 0.58, respectively. Dynamic rheological data on the dispersions were strongly modified to solid‐like behavior as φ approached φG. In addition, cooperative motion in structural relaxation has been observed microscopically in the colloidal dispersions near the glassy state. Very high viscosities and glassy states were also found in high‐concentration dispersions of sodium caseinate and the globular proteins: bovine serum albumin and β‐lactoglobulin. Viscosity models developed for HS dispersions predicted accurately the trends but not the absolute values of protein dispersions. Dispersions of food colloidal particles may be employed in studies, in which volume fraction is the thermodynamic variable, for understanding the relaxation and transport processes related to 1st‐order and colloidal glass transitions.