bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The controversy about vitamins in alcohol. The arguments against the compulsory addition of vitamin B‐1 (thiamin) to alcoholic beverages
Authors: Wood Beverley
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The aim of preventing alcohol related brain damage is very important, but if mass medication with a vitamin in a substance of drug abuse — alcoholic beverages — is to be undertaken as a public health preventive measure, there must be very sound scientific evidence to justify it. We have researched the matter thoroughly and cannot find sufficient sound scientific evidence to justify thiamin enrichment of beer and flagon and cask wines in Australia. In this matter there has been considerable controversy and debate for ten years, which indicates the complexity of the issue. While this controversy exists, the mandatory enrichment of some alcoholic beverages (not all have been included) with large quantities of thiamin should not go ahead. The addition of thiamin to alcoholic beverages has not been tested on the world stage, and it will be totally unacceptable to conduct this experiment on the Australian population.
Tracing the Structure‐Function Relationship of Neuroglobin and Cytoglobin using Resonance Raman and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Van Doorslaer S. , Vinck E. , Trandafir F. , Ioanitescu I. , Dewilde S. , Moens L.
Published: July 2007

The physiological role of neuroglobin and cytoglobin, two vertebrate globins discovered in the last 5 years, is not yet clearly understood. In this work, we review the structural information on these globins and its implication on the possible protein functions, obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance and resonance Raman spectroscopy. All studies reveal a high flexibility in the heme‐pocket region of neuroglobin. Together with the observation that the distal ligand of the heme iron is the endogenous E7‐histidine in both the ferric and ferrous form of neuroglobin and cytoglobin, the flexibility of the heme environment in neuroglobin will play a crucial role in the globins' ability to bind and stabilize exogenous ligands.
IUBMB Life, 56: 665‐670, 2004
Physical‐chemical determinants of turn conformations in globular proteins
Authors: Street Timothy O. , Fitzkee Nicholas C. , Perskie Lauren L. , Rose George D.
Published: July 2007

Globular proteins are assemblies of α‐helices and β‐strands, interconnected by reverse turns and longer loops. Most short turns can be classified readily into a limited repertoire of discrete backbone conformations, but the physical–chemical determinants of these distinct conformational basins remain an open question. We investigated this question by exhaustive analysis of all backbone conformations accessible to short chain segments bracketed by either an α‐helix or a β‐strand (i.e., α‐segment‐α, β‐segment‐β, α‐segment‐β, and β‐segment‐α) in a nine‐state model. We find that each of these four secondary structure environments imposes its own unique steric and hydrogen‐bonding constraints on the intervening segment, resulting in a limited repertoire of conformations. In greater detail, an exhaustive set of conformations was generated for short backbone segments having reverse‐turn chain topology and bracketed between elements of secondary structure. This set was filtered, and only clash‐free, hydrogen‐bond–satisfied conformers having reverse‐turn topology were retained. The filtered set includes authentic turn conformations, observed in proteins of known structure, but little else. In particular, over 99% of the alternative conformations failed to satisfy at least one criterion and were excluded from the filtered set. Furthermore, almost all of the remaining alternative conformations have close tolerances that would be too tight to accommodate side chains longer than a single β‐carbon. These results provide a molecular explanation for the observation that reverse turns between elements of regular secondary can be classified into a small number of discrete conformations.
Reactivation of methionine synthase from Thermotoga maritima (TM0268) requires the downstream gene product TM0269
Authors: Huang Sha , Romanchuk Gail , Pattridge Katherine , Lesley Scott A. , Wilson Ian A. , Matthews Rowena G. , Ludwig Martha
Published: July 2007

The crystal structure of the Thermotoga maritima gene product TM0269, determined as part of genome‐wide structural coverage of T. maritima by the Joint Center for Structural Genomics, revealed structural homology with the fourth module of the cobalamin‐dependent methionine synthase (MetH) from Escherichia coli, despite the lack of significant sequence homology. The gene specifying TM0269 lies in close proximity to another gene, TM0268, which shows sequence homology with the first three modules of E. coli MetH. The fourth module of E. coli MetH is required for reductive remethylation of the cob(II)alamin form of the cofactor and binds the methyl donor for this reactivation, S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet). Measurements of the rates of methionine formation in the presence and absence of TM0269 and AdoMet demonstrate that both TM0269 and AdoMet are required for reactivation of the inactive cob(II)alamin form of TM0268. These activity measurements confirm the structure‐based assignment of the function of the TM0269 gene product. In the presence of TM0269, AdoMet, and reductants, the measured activity of T. maritima MetH is maximal near 80°C, where the specific activity of the purified protein is ∼15% of that of E. coli methionine synthase (MetH) at 37°C. Comparisons of the structures and sequences of TM0269 and the reactivation domain of E. coli MetH suggest that AdoMet may be bound somewhat differently by the homologous proteins. However, the conformation of a hairpin that is critical for cobalamin binding in E. coli MetH, which constitutes an essential structural element, is retained in the T. maritima reactivation protein despite striking divergence of the sequences.
Use of seasonal freshwater wetlands by fishes in a temperate river floodplain
Authors: Henning J. A. , Gresswell R. E. , Fleming I. A.
Published: July 2007

This study examined the use of freshwater wetland restoration and enhancement projects (i.e. non‐estuarine wetlands subject to seasonal drying) by fish populations. To quantify fish use of freshwater emergent wetlands and assess the effect of wetland enhancement (i.e. addition of water control structures), two enhanced and two unenhanced emergent wetlands were compared, as well as two oxbow habitats within the Chehalis River floodplain. Eighteen fish species were captured using fyke nets and emigrant traps from January to the beginning of June, with the most abundant being three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus and Olympic mudminnow Novumbra hubbsi. Coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch was the dominant salmonid at all sites. Enhanced wetlands, with their extended hydroperiods, had significantly higher abundances of yearling coho salmon than unenhanced wetlands. Both enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands yielded higher abundances of non‐game native fishes than oxbow habitats. Oxbow habitats, however, were dominated by coho salmon. Fish survival in the wetland habitats was dependent on emigration to the river before dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased and wetlands became isolated and stranding occurred. This study suggests that wetland enhancement projects with an outlet to the river channel appear to provide fishes with important temporary habitats if they have the opportunity to leave the wetland as dissolved oxygen levels deteriorate.
The energetics of rheotactic behaviour in Pterygoplichthys spp. (Teleostei: Loricariidae)
Authors: Blake R. W , Kwok P. Y. L , Chan K. H. S.
Published: July 2007

Station holding in Pterygoplichthys spp. was associated with a lower energy cost relative to similarly sized fishes that swam against the free stream current. Pterygoplichthys spp. was characterized by a low, stable mass‐specific metabolic rate (c. 50 mg O2 kg−1 h−1) relative to subcarangiform swimmers that held position in the free stream, until it slipped backwards and burst swam against the current. Furthermore, the maximum range of the rate of oxygen consumption (aerobic scope) of Pterygoplichthys spp. was small relative to many non‐benthic fishes.
The function of daily greetings in a monogamous pipefish Corythoichthys haematopterus
Authors: Sogabe A. , Yanagisawa Y.
Published: July 2007

Ritualized morning interactions, called greeting, were investigated for a natural population of the monogamous pipefish Corythoichthys haematopterus. Every morning, pair members moved to a fixed site in their overlapped home ranges within an hour of sunrise to engage in greetings for a few minutes. After the greetings, they separated and each returned to its original site. On the day of spawning, the behavioural pattern of greetings differed from that on the other days and exchanged displays intermittently until spawning, which occurred 1–3 h after sunrise. In the field experiment where either of pair members was isolated in a cage for a day, the temporarily mate‐losing fish (called resident fish) approached an unpaired fish of the opposite sex, which was released at the greeting site next morning, but thereafter few interactions occurred between them. In contrast, when the partner was released after the withdrawal of the unpaired fish, the resident fish immediately approached it and they exchanged greetings. This fact suggests that each individual discriminates its partner from others. The function of daily greetings in this pipefish is discussed from aspects of the reproductive synchronization of a pair and the maintenance of monogamy without mate guarding.
Causes and consequences of winter mortality in fishes
Authors: Hurst T. P.
Published: July 2007

Winter mortality has been documented in a large number of freshwater fish populations, and a smaller, but increasing, number of marine and estuarine fishes. The impacted populations include a number of important North American and European resource species, yet the sources of winter mortality remain unidentified in most populations where it has been documented. Among the potential sources, thermal stress and starvation have received the most research attention. Other sources including predation and pathogens have significant impacts but have received insufficient attention to date. Designs of more recent laboratory experiments have reflected recognition of the potential for interactions among these co‐occurring stressors.

Geographic patterns in winter mortality are, in some cases, linked to latitudinal clines in winter severity and variability. However, for many freshwater species in particular, the effects of local community structure (predators and prey) may overwhelm latitudinal patterns. Marine (and estuarine) systems differ from freshwater systems in several aspects important to overwintering fishes, the most important being the lack of isolating barriers in the ocean. While open population boundaries allow fish to adopt migration strategies minimizing exposure to thermal stresses, they may retard rates of evolution to local environments. Geographic patterns in the occurrence and causes of winter mortality are ultimately determined by the interaction of regional and local factors.

Winter mortality impacts population dynamics through episodic depressions in stock size and regulation of annual cohort strength. While the former tends to act in a density‐independent manner, the latter can be density dependent, as most sources of mortality tend to select against the smallest members of the cohort and population. Most stock assessment and management regimes have yet to explicitly incorporate the variability in winter mortality. Potential management responses include postponement of cohort evaluation (to after first winter of life), harvest restrictions following mortality events and habitat enhancement.

Future research should place more emphasis on the ecological aspects of winter mortality including the influences of food‐web structure on starvation and predation. Beyond illuminating an understudied life‐history phase, studies of overwintering ecology are integral to contemporary issues in fisheries ecology including ecosystem management, habitat evaluation, and impacts of climate change.
Pathological evaluation of venous emboli during total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Hayakawa M. , Fujioka Y. , Morimoto Y. , Okamura A. , Kemmotsu O.
Published: July 2007

One of the possible causes of bone cement implantation syndrome during total hip arthroplasty is pulmonary embolism, as has been suggested by a characteristic image seen during transoesophageal echocardiography, the so‐called ‘Snow Flurry’. However, the nature of the embolic material has not been definitively determined. We studied seven patients undergoing cemented or uncemented total hip arthroplasty. ‘Snow Flurry’ images were detected in all patients. Blood was aspirated from the right atrium during ‘Snow Flurries’ and was subjected to pathological examination. Amorphous, eosinophilic, fine granular material was seen in all specimens. The material did not originate from cement. Fat and bone marrow were not detected. The material seen may consist of fine particles of bone (‘bone dust’) originating from reamed bone.
Clinical improvement and immunological changes in atopic dermatitis patients undergoing subcutaneous immunotherapy with a house dust mite allergoid: a pilot study
Authors: Bussmann C. , Maintz L. , Hart J. , Allam J.‐P. , Vrtala S. , Chen K.‐W. , Bieber T. , Thomas W. R. , Valenta R. , Zuberbier T. , Sager A. , Novak N.
Published: July 2007

Background
House dust mites (HDMs) represent significant indoor allergen sources for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Subcutaneous allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SCIT) has been shown to be successful in patients with allergic rhinitis and mild asthma and might represent an attractive therapeutic option for the long‐term treatment of HDM sensitizations in AD patients. However, only a few studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of HDM SCIT in AD, resulting in controversial clinical results. Data on immunological changes induced by SCIT in AD patients are rare.

Objectives
We performed an open pilot study to assess clinical changes and objective laboratory parameters and evaluate the benefit of HDM SCIT in 25 AD patients with IgE‐mediated sensitization against HDM.

Methods
The severity of AD was evaluated by the severity scoring of atopic dermatitis system (SCORAD). Specific IgE and IgG4 against HDM and serum levels of TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22, IL‐16, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 were measured during SCIT.

Results
Subjective and objective SCORAD improved significantly within only 4 weeks of treatment. The level of the tolerogenic cytokine IL‐10 increased, whereas CCL17 and IL‐16 decreased in the sera of the patients during SCIT. Allergen specific IgE decreased, while IgG4 increased during SCIT.

Conclusion
In this open‐label pilot study, SCIT with an HDM extract in patients with AD led to a significant improvement of AD mirrored by a reduction of SCORAD as well as serological and immunological changes, which might serve as valuable parameters to estimate the therapeutic effect of SCIT.
New FACTOR IX linked marker alleles in African Haemophilia B patients*
Authors: MITCHELL C. , MITCHELL C. L. , KRAUSE A.
Published: July 2007

Summary.  Three markers, one restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) (MseI) and two microsatellite markers (Intron 1 and 3’UTR), linked to the FACTOR IX gene, were assessed for the purpose of genetic testing for Haemophilia B families in South Africa. This was carried out using seven Haemophilia B families and fifty random control samples. We observed five new alleles for the Intron 1 marker within the black control and patient sample groups, and informativity in 89% (8/9) of all carrier* females for at least one of the three markers observed. These markers are useful for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of Haemophilia B in the great majority of South African black and white families.
The hidden experience of radiotherapy to the head and neck: a qualitative study of patients after completion of treatment
Authors: Wells Mary
Published: July 2007

The hidden experience of radiotherapy to the head and neck: a qualitative study of patients after completion of treatment Only a small proportion of cancer patients undergo radical radiotherapy to the head and neck, but their needs are particularly complex. Radiation reactions often exacerbate existing functional difficulties and may severely limit ‘normal’ life. Few existing studies examine what happens when radiotherapy is over, yet this is the time when reactions are at their peak and day to day links with the hospital are severed. This naturalistic inquiry uses a combination of methods to explore the experiences of 12 patients after completion of radiotherapy to the head and neck. The impact of radiotherapy and the profound disruption to daily life is shown by the uncertainty and unpredictability of symptoms, the waiting, ambiguity and loss of self integrity which occurs throughout this time. Despite considerable physical and emotional trauma, patients showed remarkable resilience and a profound reluctance to ask for help. The findings demand that we re‐examine our styles of communication, and consider how well we give information and listen to what is really happening. It is imperative that we provide greater consistency and continuity of care during radiotherapy, recognize the impact of the whole experience and respond to the post‐treatment needs of this unique patient group.
Effects of photoperiod and temperature on the development of Bonagota cranaodes
Authors: CORACINI MIRYAN D. A. , ZARBIN PAULO H. G. , BENGTSSON MARIE , KOVALESKI ADALÉCIO , VILELA EVALDO F. , TOREZAN LUCIANA L. , HICKEL EDUARDO R. , WITZGALL PETER
Published: July 2007

Abstract The Brazilian apple leafroller, Bonagota cranaodes (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is reared in the laboratory under a long‐day (LD 14 : 10 h) and a short‐day (LD 7 : 17 h) photoperiod at 22 °C, and under two different temperatures (10–13 °C and 21–22 °C). The development time from larval to adult eclosion do not differ between the two photoperiods, but did between the two temperature regimes. However, the larvae do not enter diapause, even under short day conditions and low temperatures. The number of adults obtained does not differ with temperature and light conditions. Field captures with pheromone traps show that Brazilian apple leafroller occurs in apple orchards throughout the year and the population densities are lower in winter. Accordingly, control measures should be taken during the off‐season.
Toc64/OEP64 is not essential for the efficient import of proteins into chloroplasts inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Aronsson Henrik , Boij Patrik , Patel Ramesh , Wardle Anthony , Töpel Mats , Jarvis Paul
Published: July 2007

Toc64/OEP64 was identified biochemically in pea as a putative component of the chloroplast protein import apparatus. In Arabidopsis, three paralogous genes (atTOC64‐III,atTOC64‐VandatTOC64‐I) encode Toc64‐related proteins, and these have been reported to localize in chloroplasts, mitochondria and the cytosol, respectively. To assess the role of the atToc64‐III protein in chloroplast protein import in anin vivocontext, we identified and characterized Arabidopsis knockout mutants. The absence of detectable defects intoc64‐IIIsingle mutants raised the possibility of redundancy, and prompted us to also identifytoc64‐Vandtoc64‐Imutants, cross them totoc64‐III, and generate double‐ and triple‐mutant combinations. Thetoc64mutants were analysed carefully with respect to a variety of criteria, including chlorophyll accumulation, photosynthetic performance, organellar ultrastructure and chloroplast protein accumulation. In each case, the mutant plants were indistinguishable from wild type. Furthermore, the efficiency of chloroplast protein import was not affected by thetoc64mutations, even when a putative substrate of the atToc64‐III protein (wheatgerm‐translated precursor of the 33 kDa subunit of the oxygen‐evolving complex, OE33) was examined. Moreover, under various stress conditions (high light, osmotic stress and cold), thetoc64triple‐mutant plants were not significantly different from wild type. These results demonstrate that Toc64/OEP64 is not essential for the efficient import of proteins into chloroplasts in Arabidopsis, and draw into question the functional significance of this component.
AXL and AXR1 have redundant functions in RUB conjugation and growth and development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dharmasiri Nihal , Dharmasiri S. , Weijers D. , Karunarathna N. , Jurgens G. , Estelle M.
Published: July 2007

Cullin‐RING ubiquitin‐protein ligases such as the Skp1, cullin, F‐box protein (SCF) have been implicated in many growth and developmental processes in plants. Normal SCF function requires that the CUL1 subunit be post‐translationally modified by related to ubiquitin (RUB), a protein related to ubiquitin. This process is mediated by two enzymes: the RUB‐activating and RUB‐conjugating enzymes. In Arabidopsis, the RUB‐activating enzyme is a heterodimer consisting of AXR1 and ECR1. Mutations in the AXR1 gene result in a pleiotropic phenotype that includes resistance to the plant hormone auxin. Here we report that the AXL (AXR1‐like) gene also functions in the RUB conjugation pathway. Overexpression of AXL in the axr1‐3 background complements the axr1‐3 phenotype. Biochemical analysis indicates that AXL overexpression restores CUL1 modification to the wild‐type level, indicating that AXR1 and AXL have the same biochemical activity. Although the axl mutant resembles wild‐type plants, the majority of axr1 axl‐1 double mutants are embryo or seedling lethal. Furthermore, the axl‐1 mutation reveals novel RUB‐dependent processes in embryo development. We conclude that AXR1 and AXL function redundantly in the RUB conjugating pathway.
Genetic structure in Atlantic brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations in the Iberian peninsula: evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analysis
Authors: Dunner S. , Royo L. , Cañon J.
Published: July 2007

Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) was sampled in rivers belonging to three different Spanish basins in order to analyse the distribution of genetic variability. The genetic analysis was performed by using two systems and techniques: nuclear DNA was screened through random amplified polymorphic DNAs (screening 2 × 105 bp of the whole genome), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) through sequencing of the hypervariable control region. Genetic distances between the populations were similar using either analysis although some differences arise. For example, some populations of the Tajo basin were very close through nuclear analysis but more distant using mtDNA. Differences between the two DNA sources could be the result of a different evolutionary rate, and the fact that mtDNA is maternally transmitted and differences in sex migration rates will influence the patterns of genetic variation between the transmitted DNAs. Total variation was partitioned using amova showing a clear subdivision among basins although intrapopulation variation remained as high as 62%. A correspondence analysis defined the differences in a three‐dimensional way, clustering the populations according to their common basin. When mtDNA was sequenced, higher variability was noted in the segment between 400 and 600 bp of the whole D‐loop sequence, suggesting that these 200 bp improved the analysis of the variability more than sequencing the t‐RNA ends of the control region. A comparison was made between the t‐RNAPro ends of the 10 populations screened here and the rest of the published sequences found in the literature, leading to a concentration of these populations in group IV which includes all trouts which originate in the Atlantic. The analyses performed suggest that a high genetic variability is present in all populations and that although there has been a probable interference from stocked strains introduced to increase population density, this was only detectable through the variance between rivers which reflect different policies according to the region where the basin is located. However, the genetic analysis using the two approaches allows the control of the natural populations avoiding a loss of their genetic potential.
Interspecific interactions in phytophagous insects revisited: a quantitative assessment of competition theory
Authors: Kaplan Ian , Denno Robert F.
Published: July 2007

The importance of interspecific competition is a highly controversial and unresolved issue for community ecology in general, and for phytophagous insects in particular. Recent advancements, however, in our understanding of indirect (plant‐ and enemy‐mediated) interactions challenge the historical paradigms of competition. Thus, in the context of this rapidly developing field, we re‐evaluate the evidence for interspecific competition in phytophagous insects using a meta‐analysis of published studies. Our analysis is specifically designed to test the assumptions underlying traditional competition theory, namely that competitive interactions are symmetrical, necessitate spatial and temporal co‐occurrence, and increase in intensity as the density, phylogenetic similarity, and niche overlap of competing species increase. Despite finding frequent evidence for competition, we found very little evidence that plant‐feeding insects conform to theoretical predictions for interspecific competition. Interactions were highly asymmetrical, similar in magnitude within vs. between feeding guilds (chewers vs. sap‐feeders), and were unaffected by the quantity of resources removed (% defoliation). There was mixed support for the effects of phylogeny, spatial/temporal separation, and the relative strength of intra‐ vs. interspecific competition. Clearly, a new paradigm that accounts for indirect interactions and facilitation is required to describe how interspecific competition contributes to the organization of phytophagous insect communities, and perhaps to other plant and animal communities as well.
Metabolic capacity of Bacillus cereus strains ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987 interlinked with comparative genomics
Authors: Mols Maarten , De Been Mark , Zwietering Marcel H. , Moezelaar Roy , Abee Tjakko
Published: July 2007

Bacillus cereus is an important food‐borne pathogen and spoilage organism. In this study, numerous phenotypes and the genomes of B. cereus strains ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987 were analysed to compare their metabolic capacity and stress resistance potential. The growth performance of the two strains was assessed for nearly 2000 phenotypes, including use of nutrient sources, performance in acid and basic environments, osmo‐tolerance and antibiotic resistance. Several food‐relevant phenotypic differences were found between ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987, such as differences in utilization of carbohydrates, peptides, amino acids and ammonia. Subsequently, the genomes of both strains were analysed with INPARANOID to search for strain‐specific open reading frames (ORFs). B. cereus ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987 were found to harbour 983 and 1360 strain‐specific ORFs respectively. The strain‐specific phenotypic features were interlinked with corresponding genetic features and for several phenotypic differences a related strain‐specific genetic feature could be identified. In conclusion, the combination of phenotypic data with strain‐specific genomic differences has led to detailed insight into the performance of the two B. cereus strains, and may supply indicators for the performance of these bacteria in different environments and ecological niches.
PRODUCT MARKET COMPETITION AND AGENCY COSTS*
Authors: BAGGS JEN , DE BETTIGNIES JEAN‐ETIENNE
Published: July 2007

We model the effects of competition on managerial efficiency and isolate the agency effect of competition, present only in firms subject to agency costs, from the direct pressure effect of competition, which is present in all firms. Using a unique set of Canadian data that surveys both firms and their employees, we then evaluate the empirical significance of these two effects. We find that competition has a significant direct pressure effect as well as a significant agency effect. Both effects increase the importance firms place on quality improvements and cost reductions as well as on contractual incentives and employee effort.
Business Cycle Fluctuations and Excess Sensitivity of Private Consumption
Authors: PEERSMAN GERT , POZZI LORENZO
Published: July 2007

We investigate whether business cycle fluctuations affect the degree of excess sensitivity of private consumption growth to disposable income growth. Using multivariate state space methods and quarterly US data for the period 1965–2000, we find that excess sensitivity is significantly higher during recessions.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging in brain aspergillosis
Authors: Charlot M. , Pialat J.‐B. , Obadia N. , Boibieux A. , Streichenberger N. , Meyronnet D. , Cotton F.
Published: July 2007

Brain aspergillosis is a rare pathology, occurring mainly in immunocompromised patients, responsible for multiple cerebral septic infarctions. Some researchers have described magnetic resonance (MR) findings in cerebral invasive aspergillosis, but diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has rarely been reported, especially in typical non‐enhancing lesions, while it may be helpful for early differential diagnosis and may allow earlier antifungal treatment. We describe three cases of patients presenting brain aspergillosis, with MR imaging including diffusion‐weighted sequences and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) cartography. The three patients described in this study presented a total of 23 circular lesions, and one patient presented an infarction area in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. Lesions were ring‐enhancing for one patient, and presented no enhancement for the other two. Eleven lesions were very bright on DWI, with reduced ADC values. Twelve lesions, either enhancing or not enhancing, presented a ‘target‐like’ aspect with central and peripheral hypointense areas on DWI, corresponding to higher ADC value areas, and intermediate marked hypersignal on DWI. This typical aspect of aspergillosis lesions on DWI may allow early diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aspergillosis, and is helpful for differentiating aspergillosis lesions from other infectious or malignant lesions affecting immunocompromised patients.
THE PLIGHT OF THE DISCONTENTED CONSUMER
Authors: THOMAS WILLIAM R. , SHUPTRINE F. KELLY , SHARMA ALOK
Published: July 2007

This study represents an in‐depth, empirical investigation of the consumer as he engages in what is being referred to in recent literature as ‘the consumer complaint process’ or ‘consumer complaining behaviour’.

Using durable goods as a reference point, consumer efforts to seek redress for major complaints are examined to determine the variety and extent of the behaviour they made toward complaint resolution, and the ultimate results of their efforts.

The findings of the study identify the kinds of goods associated with most complaining behaviour, and seem to be consistent with results found in other studies relating to such products. Less than half of those consumers having a major complaint take any kind of overt action to seek redress. However, if action is taken, successful complaint resolution is achieved by most. Males and those with college degrees are more prone to pursue complaints; however, there was no relationship of any of the demographic factors examined with the results of complaining behaviour.

Out of the study come some important prescriptions for consumers, for business and industry, and for those who make public policy.
GENERIC AND MANUFACTURERS' BRAND GROCERY PRODUCTS: THE ISSUE OF QUALITY*
Authors: MCENALLY MARTHA R. , HAWES JON M.
Published: July 2007

This paper reports the results of an investigation of taste perceptions and preferences for three generic and three manufacturers' brand grocery products: dry roasted peanuts, apple sauce and powdered orange drink mix. Blind taste tests of a generic and of a manufacturer's brand in each of these product categories were conducted. Respondents evaluated each item in terms of several physical attributes associated with each of the products.

In addition, measures of the perceived similarity and of the preference for the items within each of the three product categories were collected. A multi‐attribute model was employed to predict respondent's preferences, and the predictive accuracy was found to be quite high. Implications of the findings for consumers and home economists are discussed.
SOME NUTRITIONAL EFFECTS OF COOKING
Authors: HILL MARGARET A.
Published: July 2007

Food is cooked to make it more appetizing and/or make it safe to eat. When food is heated there will be a reduction in heat labile nutrients and if liquid is used soluble nutrients may be lost. Thus cooking is a compromise aiming to make the food safe and at the same time optimize nutrient content and sensory appeal. Examples of the effect of cooking on the retention and availability of some nutrients have been discussed.
A WORLD SURVEY OF HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION IN A CO‐EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM
Authors: KIMURA HARUMI
Published: July 2007

A world questionnaire survey has been undertaken to obtain some information on the present position of home economics in co‐educational curriculum development. Responses were received from nineteen countries from all over the world.

Home economics education occurs within formal education in every country, and in most countries the extent of home economics education for boys has been increasing, compared with the UNESCO survey carried out 10 years ago. Coeducational home economics has been regarded as important both by government and the public by 84% of all respondents, though there are many difficulties in the implementation and in the practice of co‐education, e.g. social prejudice and decisions about curriculum content.
CONDITIONAL DEMAND FUNCTIONS, SEPARABILITY, AND THE LENGTH OF RUN: SOME NOTES FOR THE APPLIED RESEARCHER OF HOUSEHOLD BEHAVIOUR1
Authors: BRYANT W. KEITH
Published: July 2007

This paper introduces the concepts of conditional demand functions, the length of run, and separability to consumer and family economists as useful tools for empirical research on household behaviour. The relationships among demand, expenditure, and consumption functions are sketched. Then conditional demand functions are explained, their uses in empirical work addressed, and several applications discussed. The concepts of the length of run and of separability are explained in terms of conditional demand and their implications for and applications to empirical research on household behaviour treated.
MEASUREMENT OF GROCERY PRICES: SOME METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND EMPIRICAL RESULTS
Authors: GUY CLIFFORD M. , O'BRIEN L. G.
Published: July 2007

This paper examines some methodological issues in the design and execution of food price surveys, and presents findings from a recent survey of fifty‐eight grocery stores in the Cardiffarea. The methodology discussed includes the design of samples of goods to be surveyed (the ‘shopping basket’), of shops in which grocery prices are to be measured, and derivation of the shop‐price matrices to be used in analyses of grocery pricing strategies. The empirical results show, as expected, significantly cheaper prices in multiple and co‐operative stores compared with independent and affiliated. No significant difference is found between the latter categories of store. There is limited support for the hypothesis that the larger the store the lower the prices. Prices measured in the Cardiff area are also compared with average ‘shopping basket’prices derived from a national survey carried out concurrently by the Consumers' Association. Finally, the value to the researcher of ‘one‐off’ price surveys is assessed.
HOUSEHOLD USES OF TIME — TRANSITIONS FROM 1960 TO 1980
Authors: MATSUSHIMA C. , SUZUKI Y.
Published: July 2007

Studies of time‐use in Japan were reviewed by Tanaka at the Uppsala Conference,1 followed by a review of time‐input for household work given by Matsushima at the Bulgaria Conference.2 This paper will study the changes of household work with data based on past national 5‐year interval surveys, the NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai) Japan Broadcasting Corporation surveys of 1960, 1965, 1970, (1973 interim), 1975 and 1980. The latest 1980 survey has been summarized by Nakanishi.3
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTION ‐ AN EXAMPLE
Authors: HENZE URSULA
Published: July 2007

This study was designed as an application of Becker's household production function approach to the production of a household commodity, in this case care of clothes and household linen. The production function and the derived input demand functions for the inputs into the production were formulated. Hence, the attempt was made to look at the whole system of functions that are relevant with respect to the production of clean clothes in the household, trying to uncover the interrelations and interdependencies in household production.
COMPUTER ASSISTED ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF TEXTILE ITEMS
Authors: HOWARD K.
Published: July 2007

Results of the analysis of consumer complaints to Citizens' Advice Centres indicate that many of the complaints concerning textile articles are unfounded. This is often due to a lack of appreciation of such factors as the properties of different materials, care and size labelling and correct washing and ironing procedures.
ABTA, THE CONSUMER AND THE RESTRICTIVE TRADE PRACTICES COURT DECISION
Authors: JONES T. T.
Published: July 2007

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has operated since 1965 a set of restrictive practices known as the stabilizer. Such practices in service industries became illegal in 1976 and the stabilizer agreement which was defended by ABTA came before the Restrictive Practices Court in the Summer of 1982. The Court accepted the argument that the stabilizer was in the interest of consumers in that ABTA rescued and reimbursed holiday‐makers when tour firms ceased to operate, and concluded that ABTA should continue its practice of exclusive dealing.
FACTORS RELATED TO HOUSEHOLD AND CHILD CARE TASK RESPONSIBILITY OF SPOUSES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
Authors: WHEELER CAROL L.
Published: July 2007

What are the differences in household and child care task responsibility by the employment role responsibility of spouses? What are the differences in the relationships between task preference, quality of task performance, and sex‐role ideology and household and child care task responsibility of spouses by the employment role responsibility of the spouses? What are the most important variables in determining household and child care responsibility? Data were collected from a random sample of wives and husbands in Houston, Texas. The sample (n = 151) was generally characterized as white, middle‐aged, upper income, and middle class. Wives who shared the employment role had less responsibility for female and child care tasks and husbands had more responsibility for female tasks than spouses in families in which the husband had total responsibility for the employment role. However, spouses who shared the employment role maintained major responsibility for their traditional household and child care tasks. Although liking of the tasks, quality of task performance, and sex‐role attitudes were related to household and child care task responsibility, these relationships were not significantly different when the employment role was shared or was the total responsibility of the husband. Multiple regression analyses revealed that quality of task performance was the most frequent significant variable in determining household and child care task responsibility. Implications and recommendations are given.
MEXICAN‐AMERICAN WIVES' SATISFACTION WITH RESOURCE USE AS INFLUENCED BY EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Authors: BERGER PEGGY S.
Published: July 2007

The employment status of 356 Mexican‐American wives was examined in relation to availability and usage of family resources and to quality of life. More similarities than differences by employment status were found in satisfaction with resource management. Nevertheless, full‐time homemakers were more satisfied with discretionary time, amount and quality of work accomplished at home, and friendships than were full‐ or part‐time employed wives. Employed wives perceived their family income as more adequate than non‐employed wives but were not significantly more satisfied with the standard of living resulting from this income. Wives were generally satisfied with their family life and overall quality of life regardless of employment status.
THE EFFECT OF THE OXIDATION REACTION OF SODIUM PERBORATE ON THE DAMAGE TO THE COTTON DURING WASHING
Authors: JOKELAINEN AILI , KUJALA TARJA
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to explain the effect of activated sodium perborate on cotton cloth. The comparison between the damage caused by basic and activated detergent was based on practical washing tests. The washing temperatures were 60°C and 90°C. Damage to the cotton was determined with a physical (tenacity) and a chemical (fluidity) method.

Damage to the cotton increased as the temperature rose. Washing with basic detergent at 60°C did the least damage to the cotton. The activated detergent at 60°C damaged the cotton more strongly, but slightly less than the basic detergent at 90°C.

Damage to cotton caused by washing can be determined more rapidly and more reliably with a chemical method than with a physical one.
Consumer knowledge and electricity consumption
Authors: CRAWSHAW A. J. E. , WILLIAMS D.I. , CRAWSHAW C. M.
Published: July 2007

Householders in all‐electric homes were asked to rank their electrical appliances in terms of annual running costs. By comparing this with an individually calculated ‘correct’ order, an assessment of their knowledge was made. On this meaure overall knowledge was good, but half the sample underestimated the running costs of key high‐energy using appliances (space heating, hot‐water, cooking). This specific lack of knowledge is critical, and was found to be correlated with higher bills.
The EEC pilot‐project on Consumer Education in schools
Authors: JENSEN HANS RASK
Published: July 2007

In 1979 a network of 28 schools was established in the member countries of the EEC in order to develop models of consumer education. This pilot‐project shows that consumer education should be both cross‐curricular and multi‐disciplinary. Even if consumer education has both cognitive, skill‐ and attitude‐orientated goals, it has been the fundamental belief of most participants in the pilot‐project that consumer education should primarily be activity‐based, skill‐orientated, problem‐, and decision‐based as well as orientated against the real‐life situations of the pupils. Most teaching activities have been integrated in some project‐work technique, where the methods used typically have been tools in an empirical field strategy which aims at giving pupils a greater understanding of their own situation as consumers. A teachers' manual based on the research results will be published in all official EEC‐languages and in all member slates during 1985.
Systems in New Zealand for teaching home economics at a distance
Authors: CHILDS MARGUERITE , SMALL MARY
Published: July 2007

This paper outlines distance education systems in New Zealand with particular reference to the teaching of home economics to school students and to home economics teachers. Explanatory tables regarding organizational levels in New Zealand's schools are given.
Implementing dietary guidelines: a task for all involved in food supply
Authors: FALLOWS STEPHEN J.
Published: July 2007

The diet typical of countries such as Britain has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Dietary guidelines have been published setting out changes to the nutritional content of the diet. Foods reach the consumer as a result of a complex system involving primary production, basic processing, manufacture, retailing and catering. Achievement of the guidelines can be facilitated or hampered by action taken at each of these stages. The author illustrates this by examples taken from each stage citing instances of good practice and areas with potential for improvement. However, the paper points out that the best efforts of those supplying foods can be undermined by inappropriate action by consumers and concludes that a concerted effort to implement dietary guidelines must involve everyone concerned with the supply and consumption of food with the support of various government agencies.
Dispersed alarm systems – a review
Authors: PARRY MALCOM , BAKER STEPHEN
Published: July 2007

The increase in the number of retired, elderly and very old in society has begun to pose the problem of how to provide access to care services for those in households which are not purpose built, specially adapted and serviced accommodation.

Liberalization of telecommunications in the U.K. allied to technical advances have allowed ‘dispersed alarm systems’ to be developed and thus provide a means of communication between isolated elderly people in distress and a central emergency service.

The selection of an appropriate system and its management are discussed in this paper.
Predictors of consumption cutbacks in response to increased energy costs
Authors: BERGER PEGGY S. , DRENNEN NANCY HUNGERFORD
Published: July 2007

Energy costs have increased at a more rapid rate than overall household costs in recent years. The effects of these increased costs upon families' consumption of goods and services, as measured by cutbacks in and across consumption categories and cutbacks in necessities, were studied in relation to three variables: (1) family income level; (2) perceived effect of energy cost changes upon life in the last five years (well‐off); and (3) belief that energv consumption could be reduced by one‐fourth in the next year. Family income level was significantly related in a negative direction to each measure of cutback in consumption. However, the well‐off measure explained a greater percentage of the variation in consumption cutback measures than did income level.
Food patterns of two‐parent, two‐child households of urban South Louisiana
Authors: YOUNATHAN MARGARET T. , SCHEXNAYDER MARY KATHERINE , COGLE FRANCES L.
Published: July 2007

Food patterns of 105 two‐parent, two‐child households in South Louisiana were studied. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection. Age of youngest child was a highly significant factor in determining nutritional adequacy of family dietaries as measured by servings from the basic four food groups. Families with young children prepared more fruit and vegetables. Educational level of the spouse was an important factor in breakfast patterns; those with partial college educations served more meat. Part‐time employed homemakers served more breakfast meals and used more convience feeds.
Financial management attitudes and behaviour of husbands and wives
Authors: GODWIN DEBORAH D. , CARROLL DIANA D.
Published: July 2007

In spite of recent economic events which suggest that families are having much difficulty managing their financial resources, little research has focused on spouses' attitudes and behaviour regarding family financial management. This study addressed three questions: (1) What are spouses' attitudes toward and behaviour regarding family financial management? (2) To what degree do husbands and wives agree in their attitudes and report similar behaviour regarding financial management? and (3) What factors effect the attitudes and behaviour of spouses regarding management of their financial resources? While spouses' attitudes were generally supportive of family resource management principles and philosophy regarding financial management, their reported behaviour indicated relatively few families acted on their beliefs. Correlations between husbands' and wives' attitudinal and behavioural scores were positive and statistically significant; however, the modest coefficients indicated much room for disagreement between spouses regarding family management. The family characteristics which were the best predictors of positive financial management attitudes and effective behaviour included: number of years married; completion of a course in consumer education by a spouse; and occupational status of wives.