bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Acrylamide Formation in Potato Chips by Low‐temperature Vacuum Frying
Authors: Granda C. , Moreira R.G. , Tichy S.E.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Potatoes and other foods that have a high content of the amino acid asparagine and a high accumulation of reducing sugars are subject to the formation of acrylamide upon frying. The objectives of this research were (1) to analyze the level of acrylamide formed during deep‐fat frying of potato chips and (2) to evaluate means of reducing acrylamide in potato chips by using different potato cultivars and vacuum frying. Several potato cultivars were used in this research, including Innovator (I), NDTX 4930–5W (N), ATX 854 04–8W (ATw), Atlantic (A), Shepody (S), ATX847806–2Ru (ATr), and White‐Rose (W). An electric bench‐top (atmospheric conditions)‐type fryer was used to fry the potatoes. Three temperatures were used: 150 °C, 165 °C, and 180 °C. The vacuum frying experiments were performed at 118 °C, 125 °C, and 140 °C and a vacuum pressure of 10 Torr. The potatoes were sliced (1.5‐mm thick) and fried for different lengths of times. For potatoes fried at 165 °C (for 4 min) at atmospheric conditions, the acrylamide contents were 5021 ± 55 ppb (W), 552 ± 25 ppb (I), 358 ± 50 ppb (N), 397 ± 25 ppb (ATw), 646 ± 55 ppb (A), 466 ± 15 ppb(S), and 537 ± 14 ppb (ATr). Vacuum frying reduced acrylamide formation by 94%. Results showed that both cultivar and modified frying systems can play an important role in reducing acrylamide formation in fried potatoes. As the frying temperature decreased from 180 °C to 165 °C, acrylamide content in potato chips reduced by 51% during traditional frying and by 63% as the temperature decreased from 140 °C to 125 °C in vacuum frying. Increased frying time increased acrylamide formation during traditional frying for all temperatures and frying methods analyzed. However, the effect on acrylamide concentration was greater for the traditional frying than the vacuum frying. Keywords: acrylamide, vacuum, frying, potato, temperature
Effect of Gamma‐irradiation on Color, Pungency, and Volatiles of Korean Red Pepper Powder
Authors: Lee J.H. , Sung T.H. , Lee K.T. , Kim M. R.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Effect of gamma‐irradiation on color, pungency, and volatiles of Korean red pepper powder (Capsicum annuum L.) was investigated. Red pepper powder, vacuum‐packaged in a polyethylene/polypropylene bag, was gamma‐irradiated up to 7 kGy. An irradiation dose of 7 kGy reduced the population of mesophilic bacteria and fungi effectively without affecting major quality factors. Pungency of irradiated red pepper powder was not changed based on the amount of capsanoids by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the Scoville sensory score. The red color of irradiated pepper powder was not significantly different from that of the control, judged from the capsanthin content by HPLC and color assessment using spectrophotpmetric (American Spice Trade Assn. units) and colorimetric measurements (Hunter a values). Further, the sensory evaluation showed no significant difference in pungent odor and off‐odor between nonirradiated control and irradiated red pepper powder. However, when headspace volatiles of gamma‐irradiated red pepper powder were evaluated by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry with solid‐phase microextraction and electronic nose with metal oxide sensors, the profiles of odor were classified into irradiated dose levels of 0, 3, 5, and 7 kGy by principal component analysis and multivariate analysis of variance. Such a difference of odor might result from the disappearance of some volatiles, such as hexanoic acid and tetramethyl‐pyrazine, and the appearance of 1,3‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene during irradiation. Moreover, it appears that the irradiation of packaging material induced a formation of 1,3‐di‐tertbutylbenzene, which migrated into the red pepper powder.
Optimization of the Operating Conditions for Color Correction in White Wines Based on the Use of Yeast as Fining Agent
Authors: Lopez‐Toledano A. , Mayen M. , Merida J. , Medina M.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Sherry‐type pale white wines were subjected under different stirring times to color correction treatments based on the use of variable concentrations of free yeast and a single concentration of yeast immobilized on carrageenan gel. At all concentrations tested, the free yeasts decreased the A420 of the initial wine. The immobilized yeast showed slightly lower effectiveness to retain browning compounds of the wine and exhibited no significant differences among the treatment times assayed. Choosing the most unfavorable conditions (24 h), significant decreases in the concentrations of low‐molecular‐weight phenolic compounds were observed. The sensory properties of the wines treated with the immobilized yeast were shown to be similar to those of wines treated with activated charcoal for flavor, better for color, and slightly worse for aroma. Keywords: browning, immobilized yeast, white wines, fining agents
Volatile Component Analysis of Commercially Milled Head and Broken Rice
Authors: Monsoor M.A. , Proctor A.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: The volatile components of commercially milled head and broken rice samples and the effect of water washing on volatile components were investigated over 30 d of storage at 37°C and 70% relative humidity. Pentanal, pentanol, hexanal, pentylfuran, octanal, and nonanal were the major volatile components identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis in both head and broken rice samples. The concentration of volatile components was greater in broken rice than in head rice and increased significantly during the storage period for both rice types. Water washing was found to be effective in reducing the volatile components for both head and broken rice.
Characterization of Acid‐soluble Collagen from Pacific Whiting Surimi Processing Byproducts
Authors: Kim J.‐S. , Park J. W.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Three different solid byproducts (skin, frame, and refiner discharge) from Pacific whiting surimi manufacturing are a good resource for collagen extraction according to their total protein concentrations and other biochemical properties. Denaturation temperature of acid‐soluble collagens was 23.3°C for refiner discharge, 21.7 °C for skin, and 20.6°C for frame. Based on the functional properties, acid‐soluble collagen from refiner discharge was the best and showed potential as an ingredient in processed food manufacturing.
Effectiveness of Onboard Application of 4‐Hexylresorcinol in Inhibiting Melanosis in Shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris)
Authors: Montero P. , Martínez‐Álvarez O. , Gómez‐Guillén M.C.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Inhibition of melanosis in shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) captured at different times of year and treated with different 4‐hexylresorcinol‐based formulations onboard ship was studied. Melanosis inhibition increased with inhibitor concentration. The 4‐hexylresorcinol proved effective at extending shelf life over that of untreated shrimp at all the concentrations tested. Combining the inhibitor with citric acid, ascorbic acid, and acetic acid did not increase the extent of melanosis inhibition but did noticeably improve shrimp appearance. Adding ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium pyrophosphate to the formulation enhanced melanosis inhibition at all times of year. Spray application of the inhibitor formulation extended shelf life compared with dipping and dusting, but dusting resulted in the lowest melanosis levels for a given formulation composition and concentration.
Restless legs syndrome
Authors: Ekbom K. , Ulfberg J.
Published: August 2009

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological sensory‐motor disorder that is characterized by intense restlessness and unpleasant creeping sensations deep inside the lower legs. Symptoms appear when the legs are at rest and are worst in the evening and at night. They force patients to keep moving their legs, and often to get out of bed and wander about. Periodic limb movements (PLMS) are also common during sleep amongst those suffering from RLS, and sleep efficiency is severely reduced. There are idiopathic as well as symptomatic forms of RLS, the latter being associated with e.g. pregnancy, iron deficiency and chronic renal failure. A family history of RLS is very common and pedigrees in these cases suggest an autosomal‐dominant transmission with high penetrance. Genetic investigations have been performed in order to identify genes associated with RLS. Several loci have been found (on chromosomes 12q, 14q, 9p, 2q, 20p and 16p). Pathophysiology of RLS remains incompletely understood. However, advanced brain imaging studies and positive results of dopaminergic treatment suggest that RLS may be generated by dopamine dysfunction locally within the central nervous system. At present, there is a wide range of treatment options including levodopa, dopamine agonists, opioids, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs and iron supplements.
Abnormalities in pH handling by peripheral muscle and potential regulation by the autonomic nervous system in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Jones D. E. J. , Hollingsworth K. G. , Taylor R. , Blamire A. M. , Newton J. L.
Published: August 2009

Abstract.  Jones DEJ, Hollingsworth KG, Taylor R, Blamire AM, Newton JL (From the Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, and Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, UK). Abnormalities in pH handling by peripheral muscle and potential regulation by the autonomic nervous system in chronic fatigue syndrome. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 394–401.

Objectives.  To examine muscle acid handling following exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and the relationship with autonomic dysfunction.

Design.  Observational study.

Setting.  Regional fatigue service.

Subjects & interventions.  Chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 16) and age and sex matched normal controls (n = 8) underwent phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate pH handling during exercise. Subjects performed plantar flexion at fixed 35% load maximum voluntary contraction. Heart rate variability was performed during 10 min supine rest using digital photophlethysmography as a measure of autonomic function.

Results.  Compared to normal controls, the CFS/ME group had significant suppression of proton efflux both immediately postexercise (CFS: 1.1 ± 0.5 mmol L−1 min−1 vs. normal: 3.6 ± 1.5 mmol L−1 min−1, P < 0.001) and maximally (CFS: 2.7 ± 3.4 mmol L−1 min−1 vs. control: 3.8 ± 1.6 mmol L−1 min−1, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the time taken to reach maximum proton efflux was significantly prolonged in patients (CFS: 25.6 ± 36.1 s vs. normal: 3.8 ± 5.2 s, P < 0.05). In controls the rate of maximum proton efflux showed a strong inverse correlation with nadir muscle pH following exercise (r2 = 0.6; P < 0.01). In CFS patients, in contrast, this significant normal relationship was lost (r2 = 0.003; P = ns). In normal individuals, the maximum proton efflux following exercise were closely correlated with total heart rate variability (r2 = 0.7; P = 0.007) this relationship was lost in CFS/ME patients (r2 < 0.001; P = ns).

Conclusion.  Patients with CFS/ME have abnormalities in recovery of intramuscular pH following standardised exercise degree of which is related to autonomic dysfunction. This study identifies a novel biological abnormality in patients with CFS/ME which is potentially open to modification.
Effects of Velusetrag (TD‐5108) on gastrointestinal transit and bowel function in health and pharmacokinetics in health and constipation
Authors: Manini M. L. , Camilleri M. , Goldberg M. , Sweetser S. , Mckinzie S. , Burton D. , Wong S. , Kitt M. M. , Li Y.‐p. , Zinsmeister A. R.
Published: August 2009

Abstract  Velusetrag (TD‐5108) is a potent, selective high intrinsic activity serotonin 5‐HT4 receptor agonist. We assessed effects of Velusetrag on gastrointestinal transit and compared its pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers (HV) and chronic constipation (CC) patients. Sixty HV were randomly assigned, double‐blind to placebo, 5, 15, 30 or 50 mg Velusetrag (single and 6‐day dosing). Primary endpoints were colonic transit (geometric centre at 24 h, GC24) and ascending colon emptying (ACE) T1/2 after first dose. Secondary endpoints included gastric emptying (GE) T1/2 and colonic filling at 6 h (CF6). Single dose Velusetrag significantly accelerated GC24, ACE T1/2, and CF6; 30 and 50 mg Velusetrag accelerated all three endpoints. With multiple doses, Velusetrag 30 mg accelerated GC24, and overall accelerated GE T1/2 at 15–50 mg. Pharmacokinetics studies showed dose proportionality in health, and no significant differences between health and chronic constipation with a 15 mg oral dose of Velusetrag. Stimulation of bowel function after15 mg Velusetrag was similar in CC and controls. There were no serious adverse events; notable adverse events were the predictable gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhoea or altered bowel movements. Velusetrag significantly accelerated intestinal and colonic transit after single dosing and accelerated gastric emptying after multiple dosing. Further studies of its potential as a gastrointestinal and colonic prokinetic are warranted.
A genetic background with low mutational robustness is associated with increased adaptability to a novel host in an RNA virus
Authors: CUEVAS J. M. , MOYA A. , SANJUÁN R.
Published: August 2009

Although mutational robustness is central to many evolutionary processes, its relationship to evolvability remains poorly understood and has been very rarely tested experimentally. Here, we measure the evolvability of Vesicular stomatitis virus in two genetic backgrounds with different levels of mutational robustness. We passaged the viruses into a novel cell type to model a host‐jump episode, quantified changes in infectivity and fitness in the new host, evaluated the cost of adaptation in the original host and analyzed the genetic basis of this adaptation. Lineages evolved from the less robust genetic background demonstrated increased adaptability, paid similar costs of adaptation to the new host and fixed approximately the same number of mutations as their more robust counterparts. Theory predicts that robustness can promote evolvability only in systems where large sets of genotypes are connected by effectively neutral mutations. We argue that this condition might not be fulfilled generally in RNA viruses.
Phylogeny and evolution of sexually selected tail ornamentation in widowbirds and bishops (Euplectesspp.)
Authors: PRAGER M. , ANDERSSON S.
Published: August 2009

Despite similar ecology, mating systems and female preferences for supernormal tails, the 17 species of African widowbirds and bishops (Euplectesspp.) show astonishing variation in male tail ornamentation. Whereas bishops retain their brown nonbreeding tails in nuptial plumage, widowbirds grow black nuptial tails, varying in length from a few centimetres inE. axillaristo the extreme half metre train ofE. progne. Here, we phylogenetically reconstruct the evolution of the discrete trait, nuptial tail and the continuous trait, tail length, using a molecular phylogeny of 33Euplectessubspecies. Unlike many recent findings of labile evolution of plumage ornaments, our results suggest that the nuptial tail ofEuplectesis a derived and phylogenetically conserved ornamental trait that, once gained, shows directional evolution in its expression. Directionality is demonstrated in the trivial sense of a short‐tailed ancestor, and by contingency and randomization tests suggesting that branches with increasing tail length are overrepresented. This supports an early origin and strong retention of directional female mate choice in widowbirds and bishops, as previously indicated by empirical and experimental results, and provides a less labile, yet rapid scenario of sexually selected diversification.
Nestlings’ carotenoid feather ornament affects parental allocation strategy and reduces maternal survival
Authors: GRIGGIO M. , MOROSINOTTO C. , PILASTRO A.
Published: August 2009

In some birds, feather ornaments are expressed in nestlings well before sexual maturation, possibly in response to parental favouritism towards high‐quality offspring. In species with synchronous hatching, in which nestling ornaments may vary more among than within broods, parents may use this information to adjust their parental allocation to the current brood accordingly. We tested this hypothesis in the rock sparrow, in which a sexually selected yellow feather ornament is also expressed in nestlings. We experimentally enlarged nestlings’ breast patch in a group of broods and sham‐manipulated another group of control broods. Nestlings with enlarged ornament were fed more frequently and defended more actively from a dummy predator than their control counterparts. Mothers from the enlarged group were more likely to lay a second clutch and showed a reduced survival to the next breeding season. These results provide one of the first evidences of differential parental allocation among different broods based directly on nestlings’ ornamentation, and the first, to our knowledge, to show a reduction in maternal survival.
Neuropeptides and their interaction with exercise and immune function
Authors: Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H
Published: August 2009

It is known today that the immune system is influenced by various types of psychological and physiological stressors, including physical activity. It is well known that physical activity can influence neuropeptide levels both in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral blood. The reported changes of immune function in response to exercise have been suggested to be partly regulated by the activation of different neuropeptides and the identification of receptors for neuropeptides and steroid hormones on cells of the immune system has created a new dimension in this endocrine–immune interaction. It has also been shown that immune cells are capable of producing neuropeptides, creating a bidirectional link between the nervous and immune systems. The most common neuropeptides mentioned in this context are the endogenous opioids. The activation of endogenous opioid peptides in response to physical exercise is well known in the literature, as well as the immunomodulation mediated by opioid peptides. The role of endogenous opioids in the exercise‐induced modulation of immune function is less clear. The present paper will also discuss the role of other neuroendocrine factors, such as substance P, neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin and adrenocorticotrophin, in exercise and their possible effects on immune function.
Exercise and cytokines
Authors: Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: August 2009

Strenuous exercise induces increased levels in a number of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, naturally occurring cytokine inhibitors and chemokines. Thus, increased plasma levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐1receptor antagonist, TNF receptors, IL‐10, IL‐8 and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 are found after strenuous exercise. The concentration of IL‐6 increases up to 100‐fold after a marathon race. The increase in IL‐6 is tightly related to the duration of the exercise and there appears to be a logarithmic relationship. Furthermore, the increase in IL‐6 is related to the intensity of exercise. Given the facts that IL‐6, more than any other cytokine, is produced in large amounts in response to exercise, that IL‐6 is produced locally in the skeletal muscle in response to exercise and that IL‐6 is known to have growth factor abilities, it is likely that IL‐6 plays a beneficial role and may be involved in mediating exercise‐related metabolic changes.
Extracellular ATP couples to cAMP generation and granulocytic differentiation in human NB4 promyelocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Van Der Weyden Louise , Rakyan Vardhman , Luttrell Brian M , Morris Michael B , Conigrave Arthur D
Published: August 2009

Priming of NB4 promyelocytic cells with all‐transretinoic acid, followed by extracellular ATP in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, elevated cAMP and activated protein kinase A. The order of potency for cAMP production was ATP (EC50= 95 ± 13 μmol/L) > ADP > AMP = adenosine. The order of potency of ATP analogues was 2′‐ and 3′‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl)‐ATP (EC50= 54 ± 15 μmol/L) = adenosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thio) triphosphate (EC50= 66 ± 4 μmol/L) > ATP > β,γ‐methylene ATP (EC50= 200 ± 55 μmol/L). Adenosine 5′‐O‐thiomonophosphate and adenosine 5′‐O‐(2‐thio) diphosphate inhibited ATP‐induced cAMP production. Differentiation also occurred as measured by increased expression of CD11b andN‐formyl peptide receptor and changes in cell morphology. UTP did not elevate cAMP or induce differentiation, indicating that P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y6receptors were not involved. The P2Y11receptor, a cAMP‐linked receptor on promyelocytic HL‐60 cells, was detected in NB4 cells by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and northern blotting. This receptor has the same order of potency with respect to cAMP production as that observed in HL‐60 cells.
Modification of immune responses to exercise by carbohydrate, glutamine and anti‐oxidant supplements
Authors: Gleeson Michael , Bishop Nicolette C
Published: August 2009

Immunosuppression in athletes involved in heavy training is undoubtedly multifactorial in origin. Training and competitive surroundings may increase the athlete's exposure to pathogens and provide optimal conditions for pathogen transmission. Heavy prolonged exertion is associated with numerous hormonal and biochemical changes, many of which potentially have detrimental effects on immune function. Furthermore, improper nutrition can compound the negative influence of heavy exertion on immunocompetence. An athlete exercising in a carbohydrate‐depleted state experiences larger increases in circulating stress hormones and a greater perturbation of several immune function indices. The poor nutritional status of some athletes may predispose them to immunosuppression. For example, dietary deficiencies of protein and specific micronutrients have long been associated with immune dysfunction. Although it is impossible to counter the effects of all of the factors that contribute to exercise‐induced immunosuppression, it has been shown to be possible to minimize the effects of many factors. Athletes can help themselves by eating a well‐balanced diet that includes adequate protein and carbohydrate, sufficient to meet their energy requirements. This will ensure a more than adequate intake of trace elements without the need for special supplements. Consuming carbohydrate (but not glutamine or other amino acids) during exercise attenuates rises in stress hormones, such as cortisol, and appears to limit the degree of exercise‐induced immunosuppression, at least for non‐fatiguing bouts of exercise. Evidence that high doses of anti‐oxidant vitamins can prevent exercise‐induced immunosuppression is also lacking.
Exercise effects on mucosal immunity
Authors: Gleeson Maree , Pyne David B
Published: August 2009

The present review examines the effects of exercise on mucosal immunity in recreational and elite athletes and the role of mucosal immunity in respiratory illness. Habitual exercise at an intense level can cause suppression of mucosal immune parameters, while moderate exercise may have positive effects. Saliva is the most commonly used secretion for measurement of secretory antibodies in the assessment of mucosal immune status. Salivary IgA and IgM concentrations decline immediately after a bout of intense exercise, but usually recover within 24 h. Training at an intense level over many years can result in a chronic suppression of salivary immunoglobulin levels. The degree of immune suppression and the recovery rates after exercise are associated with the intensity of exercise and the duration or volume of the training. Low levels of salivary IgM and IgA, particularly the IgA1 subclass, are associated with an increased risk of respiratory illness in athletes. Monitoring mucosal immune parameters during critical periods of training provides an assessment of the upper respiratory tract illness risk status of an individual athlete. The mechanisms underlying the mucosal immune suppression are unknown.
Laboratory validation of rubidium marking of herbivorous insects and their predators
Authors: Kobelt Amanda J , Yen Alan L , Kitching Matthew
Published: August 2009

A simple and effective marking technique is an invaluable tool for tracking the movement of invertebrates in the field. In order to do this, the technique must be validated in a controlled setting. In the first study, two soft bodied herbivores with different feeding strategies and two of their insect predators, also with different feeding strategies, were marked with rubidium (Rb), an elemental marker previously shown to be effective in marking herbivorous invertebrates. The naturally occurring concentration of Rb was determined for both the herbivores and their predators. Rb concentrations were determined in (1) the herbivore species over several days of feeding on rubidium chloride (RbCl) marked plants; (2) in the predatory species immediately after consuming prey marked at different rates with Rb; and (3) in the predatory species for several days after consuming a single meal of Rb marked prey. The concentration of Rb within the marked herbivores was found to be significantly higher than the naturally occurring concentration after eating RbCl marked plants for to up 8 days. A significantly higher concentration of Rb was found in both predators when fed prey that had been on the RbCl sprayed plants for 2 or 8 days compared with naturally occurring concentrations. There was also a significant difference between the Rb concentrations in the controls and each of days 5, 10 and 15 since feeding in both predators. A second smaller study was carried out to examine the effect of feeding Rb marked prey to spiders. The concentration of Rb in the spiders fed marked prey was significantly higher than that of the controls. This suggests that Rb is an effective way of marking both herbivores and their insect and arachnid predators enabling them to be tracked in the field and to determine their movements across habitats.
Organizational commitment, work environment conditions, and life satisfaction among Iranian nurses
Authors: Vanaki Zohreh , Vagharseyyedin Seyyed Abolfazl
Published: August 2009

Employee commitment to the organization is a crucial issue in today's health‐care market. In Iran, few studies have sought to evaluate the factors that contribute to forms of commitment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurses' organizational commitment, work environment conditions, and life satisfaction. A cross‐sectional design was utilized. Questionnaires were distributed to all the staff nurses who had permanent employment (with at least 2 years of experience in nursing) in the five hospitals affiliated to Birjand Medical Sciences University. Two hundred and fifty participants returned completed questionnaires. Most were female and married. The correlation of the total scores of nurses' affective organizational commitment and work environment conditions indicated a significant and positive relationship. Also, a statistically significant relationship was found between affective organizational commitment and life satisfaction. The implementation of a comprehensive program to improve the work conditions and life satisfaction of nurses could enhance their organizational commitment.
Gasless single‐port access endoscopic surgery in urology: Minimum incision endoscopic surgery, MIES
Authors: Kihara Kazunori , Kawakami Satoru , Fujii Yasuhisa , Masuda Hitoshi , Koga Fumitaka
Published: August 2009

Minimum incision endoscopic surgery (MIES) is a gasless, single‐port access, cost‐effective, and minimally invasive surgery that has been in development since the late 1990s. Use of MIES has steadily increased in Japan and Asia and has been introduced into Europe and the USA. In 2006, MIES was certified by the Japanese government as an advanced surgery and since 2008 it has been covered by the Japanese universal health insurance system as a new surgical technique. Briefly, MIES involves an initial minimum incision (a single port) that permits extraction of the target specimen. A wide working space through the port is then made by separating the anatomical plane extraperitoneally. This is maintained with special retractors instead of gas insufflation. All instruments including an endoscope are inserted through the port and the operation is completed. The size of the port can be tailored to the situation if necessary, which contributes to preclusion of patient selection. The procedure uses only two disposable devices that are inexpensive, resulting in low equipment costs. Surgeons have the benefits of magnified vision through endoscopy as well as stereovision and panoramic vision of naked eyes through the port, which reduces the technical demands of the procedure. Techniques for two basic MIES procedures allow MIES to be performed for most urological organs and in extraordinary cases by their modifications. Thus, the MIES system permits minimally invasive surgery without use of CO2 gas, which is ideal from medical, environmental and economic perspectives, is cost‐effective and minimizes patient selection.
α1‐Adrenoceptor pharmacome: α1L‐Adrenoceptor and α1A‐adrenoceptor in the lower urinary tract
Authors: Nishimune Atsushi , Suzuki Fumiko , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Morishima Shigeru , Muramatsu Ikunobu
Published: August 2009

α1‐Adrenoceptors are involved in physiological functions such as urinary excretion and ejaculation in the lower urinary tract (LUT). Several α1antagonists are clinically used for the treatment of urinary obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. At present, three classical α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes (α1A, α1B, and α1D) have been identified, among which the α1Aand α1D‐adrenoceptor subtypes have been regarded as the main targets of α1antagonist therapy for LUT symptoms. Prazosin has been used as a prototypic, classical antagonist, to characterize α1‐adrenoceptors pharmacologically, (i.e. all classical α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes show high‐affinity for the drug). However, we found that α1‐adrenoceptors in the LUT show atypical low‐affinity for prazosin. Therefore, the concept α1L‐receptor, which indicates α1‐adrenoceptor(s) showing low‐affinity for prazosin has been introduced. A recent study demonstrated that the α1L‐adrenoceptor is a specific phenotype present in the many intact tissues including human LUT, and that it originates from the ADRA1A gene. Therefore, the α1L‐adrenoceptor in the LUT is now re‐defined as α1A(L)‐adrenoceptor. The physiological and pharmacological difference between classical α1A(H),and α1A(L)which is the native receptor expressed in the LUT is of special interest as it provides fundamental bases for urological α1A‐adrenoceptor blocking pharmacotherapy. Here, we briefly review the α1‐adrenoceptors in the LUT with special reference to phenotype‐based (pharmacome) analysis.
Overview of total intravenous anesthesia in children
Authors: MANI VAITHIANADAN , MORTON NEIL S.
Published: August 2009

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) can be defined as a technique, in which general anesthesia is induced and maintained using purely i.v. agents. TIVA has become more popular and possible in recent times because of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic properties of propofol and the availability of short‐acting synthetic opioids. Also, new concepts in PK modeling and advances in computer technology have allowed the development of sophisticated delivery systems, which make control of anesthesia given by the i.v. route as straightforward and user friendly as conventional, inhalational techniques. Monitoring of depth of anesthesia is being validated for these techniques, and in the future, measurements of expired propofol may be possible to guide administration. TIVA is being used increasingly in children.
Grammatical and Phonological Influences on Word Order
Authors: Janssen Niels , Caramazza Alfonso
Published: August 2009

During the grammatical encoding of spoken multiword utterances, various kinds of information must be used to determine the order of words. For example, whereas in adjective-noun utterances like “red car,” word order can be determined on the basis of the word's grammatical class information, in noun-noun utterances like “… by car, bus, or …,” word order cannot be determined on the basis of a word's grammatical class information. We investigated whether a word's phonological properties play a role in grammatical encoding. In four experiments, participants produced multiword utterances in which the words' onset phonology was manipulated. Phonological-onset relatedness yielded inhibitory effects in noun-noun utterances, no effects in noun-adjective utterances, and facilitatory effects in adjective-noun, noun-verb, and adjective-adjective-noun utterances. These results cannot be explained by differences in the stimulus displays used to elicit the utterances and suggest that grammatical encoding is sensitive to the phonological properties of words.
Experiencing inclusion within a Northern Ireland secondary school: the perspectives of migrant students from four European countries
Authors: QUINN UNA , WAKEFIELD PETER
Published: August 2009

The article focuses upon a small‐scale research project undertaken in a Northern Ireland secondary school. Using a questionnaire, the article explores the views of a sample of young people from four European countries who are enrolled at the school, regarding the school's inclusive policy and associated practices. In recent years, Northern Ireland has experienced a significant increase in the number of migrant families that have settled in the province; this has presented schools with a challenge as to how their policies on inclusion are capable of embracing the needs of students with different cultural experiences and expectations. It is apparent that the school has made a considerable investment to provide a positive experience for these students. Likewise, it is evident that there are both financial and staff development implications associated with creating an inclusive school culture.
WORLD RECESSION: WHAT WENT WRONG?
Authors: Hetzel Robert L.
Published: August 2009

This paper starts by framing the issue of how seemingly intuitive responses to the distress suffered during recession can not only be ineffective but also can harm long‐term growth. It then goes on to discuss the most long‐lived of explanations of cyclical instability, the explanation based on swings in the psychology of financial markets. Such explanations offer no framework for thinking about the price system and the role of the interest rate. Based on a discussion of the role of the interest rate in smoothing cyclical fluctuations, the paper offers a critique of current policy.
LESSONS FROM THE FINANCIAL CRISIS: THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION
Authors: Vaubel Roland
Published: August 2009

The current financial crisis has arisen as a result of entrepreneurial and business error rather than because of inappropriate incentives within the private sector. However, government failure has exacerbated the problem. The case for responding to government failure by greater international co‐ordination of banking regulation is weak. The IMF is particularly ill‐suited for this job.
THE AUSTRIANS AND THE CRISIS
Authors: Miller Robert C. B.
Published: August 2009

The Austrian economists' analysis of the trade cycle and the Great Depression has relevance for the current global economic crisis. Excessive bank lending leads to unsustainable distortions in the economy causing the recession, which government spending can do little to mitigate. The long‐run solution is a banking system with a high reserve ratio or competition in currencies.
THE ROLE OF CENTRAL BANKS IN FINANCIAL SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
Authors: Mayes David G.
Published: August 2009

This article describes thinking on the institutions of financial supervision and regulation prior to the current crisis and goes on to examine what lessons have been learnt subsequently. It concludes that the problem is not so much that central banks needed to be more closely involved in supervision at the outset but that many countries did not have satisfactory schemes in place for resolving problems in large institutions. Central banks and governments were then forced into ad hoc measures that could have unfortunate implications for moral hazard in the future unless fundamental problems are addressed.
NAVIGATING REFORMS: LESSONS FROM INDIA
Authors: Shourie Arun
Published: August 2009

In the 2008 Wincott Lecture, the author argues that huge obstacles stand in the way of desperately needed economic reforms in India. Liberalisation initiatives have been undermined by poor governance, ineffective institutions and powerful vested interests. Unless these problems are addressed, high rates of economic growth are unlikely to be sustained in the long term.
COMMENT ONNAVIGATING REFORMS: LESSONS FROM INDIA, THE 2008 WINCOTT LECTURE, GIVEN BY ARUN SHOURIE
Authors: Sally Razeen
Published: August 2009

Economic growth in India has been impressive in recent years. However, development has largely by‐passed agriculture and labour‐intensive industry, the sectors with the most potential to drive up living standards in the long term. Despite welcome recent efforts at reform, large parts of the Indian economy continue to be hindered by poor governance and over‐regulation.
GLOBALISATION AND AN EMERGING GLOBAL MIDDLE CLASS
Authors: Das Dilip K.
Published: August 2009

Globalisation has expanded the size of the global middle class. This expansion will change consumption patterns and shift the balance of spending power to middle‐income economies. Rapid growth rates of the middle class in China and India have played a decisive role in creating the middle‐income bulge. By 2030 the global middle class has been projected to grow to two billion. It is of note that a large middle class was also created during the first era of globalisation.
THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION SHOW THE NEED FOR DIRECT TAXATION? IT JUST AIN'T SO!
Authors: Beaulier Scott , Hall Joshua , VanMetre Ben
Published: August 2009

Historians and economists often refer to the United States experience under the Articles of Confederation as evidence against decentralised government finance. While it is true that the US government had difficulty raising money from the states during this period, we argue that these facts are a benefit of the system, not a flaw. A ‘bottom‐up’ system of finance, such as the one that existed under the Articles of Confederation, is an important check on Leviathan and has implications for United Nations fund‐raising efforts and development economics.
THIS IS NOT A CREDIT CRISIS – IT IS A DEBT CRISIS
Authors: Bezemer Dirk J.
Published: August 2009

Using an analogy with ancient Babylonia as its leading theme, this viewpoint argues that the credit crisis is the symptom of an underlying problem. Fuelled by government policies, unprecedented debt levels were run up in industrialised countries over the last quarter century. Present policies of financial sector bailouts are not only an unwise use of taxpayers' money; they maintain economic structures opposed to what classical liberals such as J. S. Mill envisaged as a free‐market economy.
INTERNATIONAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
Authors: Gillman Max
Published: August 2009

The current banking crisis has highlighted the fragility of the international finance system and the extent to which current system safeguards such as IMF action fall short. Envisioning a fuller banking security system leads naturally to the proposal for an international deposit insurance system based on risk‐based premiums. This proposal is outlined here as a replacement for ad hoc action by national governments and the IMF that is designed to avoid moral hazard while providing an efficient means to international banking security as part of our global financial architecture.
TERRORISM AND THE RETURNS TO OIL
Authors: BLOMBERG BROCK , HESS GREGORY , JACKSON J. HUNTER
Published: August 2009

The effect of terrorism on global oil prices has been largely explained through demand‐side effects. We estimate an empirical model to re‐examine the effect of terrorism on the price of global oil stocks across oil market regimes that reflect different supply constraints. We believe that terrorism will have larger impacts when global capacity is tight (i.e. when global demand is close to global supply). This means that any shock to capacity (say by conflict) should have the largest impact on profits before the first OPEC shock in the early 1970s. Since then, conflict shocks would not allow firms to exploit production in the same way, thus reducing the available profits that could be garnered by such production manipulation. If capacity constraints are binding when a conflict occurs, then we predict that a positive stock price reaction can be expected for oil firms from such a shock. We exploit a new panel dataset to investigate the relationship between oil profitability and conflict, using conflict data from the top 20 oil producing and exporting countries in the world. We show that in the later part of our sample, 1974–2005, as cartel behavior of OPEC member countries has diminished and as conflict has become more regular and thus the information surrounding it noisier, oil stock prices do not increase in response to conflict. However, in earlier capacity constrained eras, we find that oil stocks can in fact increase in response to conflict. In some cases, the impact of conflict may cause the return of oil stocks to increase by as much as 10 percentage points.
Masticatory muscle architecture in the Laotian rock rat Laonastes aenigmamus (Mammalia, Rodentia): new insights into the evolution of hystricognathy
Authors: Hautier Lionel , Saksiri Soonchan
Published: August 2009

We present the first descriptive comparison of the skull, mandible and jaw muscles of the recently recovered Laotian rock rat Laonastes aenigmamus. The gross anatomy of five specimens captured in Laos and internal architecture of the jaw musculature were studied using dissections. The following muscles are described: temporal, masseter, pterygoids, digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid and transverse mandibular. The description of the masticatory apparatus of L. aenigmamus offers a rare opportunity to assess the order of establishment of the morphological characters during the evolution of Ctenohystrica. Striking convergences have occurred during the evolution of Diatomyidae and L. aenigmamus presents a unique combination of myological features that corresponds to a mixture of sciurognathous and hystricognathous characters. If L. aenigmamus is a sciurognathous rodent, we have to assume that it independently acquired a pars reflexa of the superficial masseter. We show for the first time that the development of this pars reflexa has occurred several times during the evolution of Ctenohystrica and can no longer be considered a synapomorphic feature of ‘Hystricognathi’. These results bring new insights into the evolution of hystricognathy and have profound implications for the interpretation of the fossil record of early hystricognath rodents.
Marine poeciloscleridan sponges of the San Juan Archipelago, Washington*
Authors: Bakus G. J.
Published: August 2009

Anatomy, systematics, and zoogeography of 23 species of marine poeciloscleridan Demospongiae (Porifera) from the San Juan Archipelago, Washington, were studied from August 1958 through August 1961. A historical review of published references to Porifera and poriferologists of the Pacific northwest is presented. Relationships between ocean currents, as vectors of larval dispersion, and the known zoogeography of Pacific coast extant marine Porifera are discussed. The known sponge fauna of Washington at 48° N. latitude involves considerable overlap of boreal and temperate species and a moderate degree of endemism. Information on the biological associates of sponges is summarized. The Porifera studied are as follows: Acarnus erithacus De Laubenfels; Anthoarcuata graceae Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Biemna rhadia De Laubenfels; Esperiopsis originalis De

Laubenfels; Hymedesanisochela rayae Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Hymendectyon lyoni Bakusgen. n., sp. n.;Iophon pattersoni (Bowerbank); Lissodendoryx firma (Lambe); Lissodendoryx

aff. kyma De Laubenfels; Microciona microjoanna De Laubenfels; Mycale adhaerens(Lambe); Mycale hispida (Lambe); Mycale lingua (Bowerbank); Mycale psila (DeLaubenfels); Mycale richardsoni Bakus sp. n.;Myxilla incrustans (Esper); Ophlitaspongia pennata (Lambe); Plocamia karykina Dc Laubenfels; Plocamilla illgi Bakus sp. n.;Podotuberculum hoffmanni Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Stelotrochota hartmani Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Tedania gurjanovae Koltun; and Zygherpe hyaloderma De Laubenfels. An illustrated key to the local poeciloscleridan sponges is included.
Communication in the Titi monkey, Callicebus
Authors: Moynihan M.
Published: August 2009

The communication system of Callicebus moloch includes a few olfactory and tactile signals, a moderate number of visual signals, and an enormous number of acoustic signals. The visual signal repertory is comparatively simple, and may be primitive in some respects. The acoustic signal repertory is very complex. It may illustrate the maximum elaboration which can beattained by species‐specific language.
Behavioural and ecological investigations of the crabOcypode ceratophthalmus(Crustacea: Ocypodidae)
Authors: Hughes D. A.
Published: August 2009

Observations conducted at different places along the Moçambique coast indicate that the behaviour ofOcypode ceratophthalmusis extremely plastic, permitting a high degree of adaptation to the often vastly different shores on which they are found. When the crabs are nocturnal and when, as is usual, the burrows are intertidally placed, the greater part of the crab's life is spent beneath the sand and the periods of activity are much influenced by the tidal cycles. Apart from feeding on items of prey conveyed into the burrows and stridulating when disturbed there is no evidence that they are anything but inactive when underground. On emergence from the sand the sole major activities observed were searching for food and the digging and clearing of burrows. They are very aggressive and although cannibalism is common, conflicts between equal sized crabs are generally ritualized. Social behaviour appears limited and, except for protest stridulation and ritualized posturing during intraspecific encounters, none was observed.
The development of Malpighian tubules and associated structures inPhilosamia ricini (Lepidoptera, Saturnidae)
Authors: Srivastava U. S. , Khare M. K.
Published: August 2009

The morphology of the Malpighian tubules and associated structures in the larva and adult of Philosamia ricini Hutt has been described and an account has been given of the embryonic development of, and post‐embryonic changes in, these structures. The proctodaeum is believed to be entirelyectodermal and so are the Malpighian tubules and the vesicles derived from it. The development of cryptonephric condition and its disappearance duringmetamorphosis have been worked out in detail. The pattern of growth and differentation of the Malpighian tubules in the larval instars has been studied.