bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Fiber on Textural and Sensory Qualities of Wheat Bread
Authors: Frutos M.J. , Guilabert-Antón L. , Tomás-Bellido A. , Hernández-Herrero J.A.
Published: January 2009

The bakery industry demands freshness, healthfulness, and natural ingredients, in order to satisfy increasingly informed consumers. The fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are carbohydrates which have shown to be beneficial for health as they stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the human colon, eliminate putrefying pathogens, regulate metabolic activities, stimulate immune functions, and improve the bio-availability of nutrients. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus, L.) has a high content in a FOS called inulin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of globe artichoke leaf and stem meal, as a source of fiber in wheat bread. Different bread formulations have been investigated, with the addition of a 3, 6, 9, and 12% of the ingredient. Several parameters were measured as color, specific volume, texture (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, and resilience) and moisture. A sensory evaluation was also performed to determine the overall acceptability and the texture characteristics of each formulation. The results showed that the incorporation of the artichoke fiber modified significantly the bread textural properties for the formulations above 9%. Breads with artichoke fiber presented higher fiber content, and were considered acceptable by the sensory panel, indicating that this ingredient is adequate for its use as a fiber source in bread.
Modeling of Changes in Atmosphere Composition in Fresh-cut Peach Packages due to Temperature Fluctuations
Authors: Gonzalez J. , Arias E. , Salvador M.L. , Oria R.
Published: January 2009

Storage temperature is not always constant in the distribution chain of modified atmosphere fresh food packages. A change in temperature means an alteration in the respiration rate of the product and in the gas transmission rates through the film. Because of their high metabolic activity, minimally processed products are particularly sensitive to temperature variation, and hence this study has been carried out with five cultivars of fresh-cut peaches (Prunus persica). Their respiratory activity has been determined by a closed system at 4, 15, and 25 °C. The peach segments are wrapped in microperforated films whose transmission rate is determined according to the size of the microperforations (between 100 × 130 μm and 215 × 190 μm). To quantify the effect of temperature fluctuations (5 h at 25 °C) on the O2 and CO2 concentrations of the packaging atmosphere of the product, a mathematical model has been applied. Using experimental data, it has been established that the rate of O2 consumption is a potential function of the O2 concentration, while the production of CO2 is linear. Although, all cultivars are of nonmelting fresh with no big differences in respiratory activity; these differences are accentuated with O2 concentrations greater than 10% and raising the temperature. The solution of the model provides knowledge of the behavior of the product during its nonstationary period and equilibrium once reached. The results show in all cases that the CO 2 concentration is more sensitive (increase of 5 units) to a break in the cold chain than that of O2 (reduction of 2 units).
Kinetics of Peach Clarified Juice Discoloration Process with an Adsorbent Resin
Authors: Ibarz A. , Garza S. , Garvín A. , Pagan J.
Published: January 2009

This paper deals with the effects of adsorbent resin upon kinetic process of peach juice adsorption de-coloration at different temperatures ranged from 10 °C to 50 °C. The adsorption equilibrium was quantified by means of adsorption isotherms in the range from 10 °C to 50 °C. Absorbance data at 420 nm were used to plot all the isotherms, which correlated reasonable well with the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Also, the efficiency of the adsorption process was studied for different resin/juice ratios at different temperatures, from which it was observed that there was a notable improvement in efficiency as the resin content increased, while the increase in temperature was not so important in the process. The adsorption kinetics was also studied at 30 °C, for relationships of 1, 2, and 3 g resin/100g juice. A kinetic adsorption— desorption model in two simultaneous steps was proposed, where the adsorption step is considered as zero order and the desorption step as first order. This allows a global expression to be obtained that fits the experimental data appropriately to this kinetic type equation. The initial adsorption rate depended on the resin/juice relationship in such a way that the higher its value, the lower this relationship was. It was also shown that the equilibrium constant showed a similar tendency, its value being superior to the unit, which indicates that the retention stage over the resin prevails over the colored product desorption stage.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Enzymatic Activity and Rheological and Sensory Properties of Strawberry Purees
Authors: Osorio O. , Martínez-Navarrete N. , Moraga G. , Carbonell J.V.
Published: January 2009

The behavior of strawberry purees submitted to processes of mild pasteurization (75 °C — 15 s) and severe pasteurization (90 °C — 20 s), using as references fresh and hot-filled purees, was studied. Purees thermally treated were stored at +3 °C during 2 months. Pectin methylesterase activity, rheological behavior, and taste quality were analyzed. The results showed how the pectin methylesterase activity of strawberry puree (0.385nanokatal/mL) was reduced to 25.5% by the mild heat treatment, to 5.4% by the severe one and to undetectable levels in the hot-filled puree. A significant increase in the viscosity was detected as a consequence of the severe thermal treatments, although in any case it decreased with storage time. Taste quality, evaluated by simple ranking tests of samples, was superior in the fresh puree, without significant differences among the three samples thermally treated. The assessors pointed out the greater aromatic intensity of the fresh puree and the lack of cooked flavors in all samples. All treated samples maintained their sensory quality during 2 months of storage at 3 °C. The taste quality of hot-filled purees stored 1 or 2 months at room temperature (21 °C) was significantly lower than the respective chilled samples. From this point of view, the hot-filled treatment and chilling storage will be recommended for this product.
Novel Chemical Processes: Ozone, Supercritical CO2, Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water, and Chlorine Dioxide Gas
Authors: Novak J. , Demirci A. , Han Y.
Published: January 2009

The current need for minimally-processed foods with fresh-like, natural, and unadulterated qualities has increased the technological search for processes that ensure food safety while maintaining the food in a very wholesome taste-unaltered state. To that end, ozone, supercritical CO2, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and chlorine dioxide were chosen as emerging chemical technologies that hold much potential for ensuring food quality and safety standards. Some of these emerging antimicrobial technologies are briefly described.
Pulsed Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Demirci A. , Panico L.
Published: January 2009

Pulsed Ultraviolet (UV)-Light is an emerging processing technology, which has a potential to decontaminate food products. The light generated by pulsed UV lamps consists of a continuum broadband spectrum from deep UV to the infrared, especially rich in UV range below 400 nm, which is germicidal. In pulsed UV-light system, UV-light is pulsed several times per second and each pulse lasts between 100 ns and 2ms. The pulsed UV-light has a modest energy input which can yield high peak power dissipation. Many researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of pulsed UV-light on microbial loads on food surfaces. In this paper, various applications of pulsed UV-light treatment of foods found in the literature as well as future research needs will be discussed.
Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Ravishankar S. , Zhang H. , Kempkes M.L.
Published: January 2009

The concept of pulsed electric fields (PEF) was first proposed in 1967 to change the behavior or microorganisms. The electric field phenomenon was identified as membrane rupture theory in the 1980s. Increasing the membrane permeability led to the application of PEF assisted extraction of cellular content and transfer of genetic material across cell membrane. The lethal effects of PEF to microorganisms were studied in 1990s when laboratory and pilot plant equipment were developed to evaluate the effect of PEF as a nonthermal food process to provide consumers with microbiologically-safe and fresh-like quality foods. Application of high voltage electric field at a certain level for a very short time by PEF not only inactivates pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, but also results in the retention of flavor, aroma, nutrients, and color of foods. The first commercial PEF pasteurization of apple cider products took place in 2005 in the United States. This paper provides current information about PEF food processing and identifies a list of research needs to further develop PEF technology for food processing and preservation.
Dabblers, fans and fanatics: Exploring behavioural segmentation at a special-interest event
Authors: Mackellar Joanne
Published: January 2009

This paper explores the behavioural segments of the audience at the Elvis Revival Festival in Parkes, Australia. Audiences were observed travelling to, and participating in, this two-day event, held in January 2007, which celebrated the life and music of Elvis Presley. The study highlights differences in fan behaviour, resulting in four behavioural audience segments: social, dabbler, fan and fanatic. The study demonstrates the use of participant observation as a method to understand differing audience segments. As a result, differences in marketing and management strategies may be created to cater for the different needs and expectations of visitors and local communities.
Contractarianism and cooperation
Authors: Stark Cynthia A.
Published: January 2009

Because contractarians see justice as mutual advantage, they hold that justice can be rationally grounded only when each can expect to gain from it. John Rawls seems to avoid this feature of contractarianism by fashioning the parties to the contract as Kantian agents whose personhood grounds their claims to justice. But Rawls also endorses the Humean idea that justice applies only if people are equal in ability. It would seem to follow from this idea that dependent persons (such as the disabled) lack claims of justice. It appears, then, that the Kantian and Humean themes in Rawls conflict. I present a reading of Rawls that resolves this tension between the Kantian and Humean themes. The first theme, I argue, allows Rawls to maintain that persons as such are owed justice regardless of their ability to engage in social cooperation. The second theme, I argue, allows him to retain Hume's connection between justice and reciprocity, but confines the reciprocity condition to relations among nondependents. I conclude that Rawls's approach permits him to rebut recent criticisms leveled by disability theorists and others who claim that his theory excludes dependents.
Examining Pauses in Alzheimer's Discourse
Authors: Davis Boyd H. , Maclagan Margaret
Published: January 2009

This discussion examines how speaker pauses, both filled and silent, are keyed to functions within a conversation and to functions within narration. In Alzheimer's discourse, pause-fillers can be both placeholders and hesitation markers; they may be ohs and ums or longer formulaic phrases. Extracts from the speech of 4 older women from the United States and from New Zealand are reviewed for changes in syntactic complexity, for retention of story components, and for pauses. The extracts illustrate these functions for silent pauses: as word-finding; as planning at word, phrase, and narrative component levels; and as pragmatic compensation as other interactional and narrative skills decrease.
Exploring the Strategic Role of Human Resource Development in Organizational Crisis Management
Authors: Jia Wang  , Hutchins Holly M. , Garavan Thomas N.
Published: January 2009

Crisis management has been a largely overlooked territory in human resource development (HRD) despite the increasingly recognized impact of organizational crises on the individual and organizational performance. This article explores the strategic role of HRD in the context of organizational crisis management using Garavan's strategic HRD model as a guiding framework to understand the various ways in which HRD can build crisis management capability in organizations. The authors apply various components of the model to the crisis management context and integrate ideas from both sets of literatures. The authors offer specific guidelines for HRD practitioners regarding how to align strategic human resource development focus, orientation, and strategies with the organization's overall crisis management efforts and identify areas for further research.
Anticancer Effects of HESA-A in Patients With Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Amrollah , Mohagheghi Mohammadali , Karimi Mehrdad , Seyed Ali Golestanha  , Naseri Mohsen
Published: January 2009

Background: HESA-A is a natural biological compound of herbal—marine origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of HESA-A in patients with metastatic colon cancer. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with end-stage colon cancer and liver metastasis at the Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were studied. Patients received HESA-A 50 mg/kg/d orally in 2 to 3 divided doses for 6 months. The patients were assessed at the start and end of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, and 26th weeks of the study. The Karnofsky Performance Scale questionnaire was completed for each patient. Results: The mean Karnofsky performance score increased from 33.6 ± 9.8 to 63.3 ± 11 after 10 weeks of study. No significant hepatic or hematological adverse effects were seen during the study. Conclusion: It seems that HESA-A is an effective and safe anticancer drug, which can be used in selected patients.
Patients of an Interdisciplinary Cancer Treatment Center: Use of, Knowledge About, and Demand for CAM Treatment Options
Authors: Eustachi Axel , Pajtler Helenka , Linde Klaus , Melchart Dieter , Weidenhammer Wolfgang
Published: January 2009

Objective: to assess the use of, knowledge about, and the demand for information concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer patients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed on consecutive patients visiting the outpatient tumor treatment center of a university hospital at Munich, Germany. The authors used a questionnaire with questions on sociodemographics, tumor diagnosis and treatment, current symptoms, previous use of CAM, and expectations and attitudes with respect to CAM. Results: 52% used at least 1 CAM method, 24% did not use CAM but asked for consultation, and 24% neither used CAM nor were interested; 59% rated CAM treatment as personally important; 76% and 34% described themselves as well informed about conventional treatment and CAM, respectively. Current CAM use was associated with higher degrees of information and subjective importance, and not suffering from lymphatic cancer and metastases. Conclusions: CAM is a relevant topic for the care of cancer patients.
Patients' Interactions With Physicians and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners: Older Women With Breast Cancer and Self-Managed Health Care
Authors: Adler Shelley R. , Wrubel Judith , Hughes Ellen , Beinfield Harriet
Published: January 2009

Older patients are more likely than ever to be under the care of both physicians and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, yet there is little research on older patients' experience of these different relationships. This article addresses older breast cancer patients' seeking of concurrent care and examines patients' understandings of interactions with physicians and CAM practitioners. This is a qualitative study of a random, population-based sample of 44 older women with breast cancer who are simultaneously under the care of at least 1 physician and 1 CAM practitioner.
Potent antitumor activity of the anti-CD19 auristatin antibody drug conjugate hBU12-vcMMAE against rituximab-sensitive and -resistant lymphomas
Authors: Gerber Hans-Peter , Kung-Sutherland May , Stone Ivan , Morris-Tilden Carol , Miyamoto Jamie , McCormick Renee , Alley Stephen C. , Okeley Nicole , Hayes Brad , Hernandez-Ilizaliturri Francisco J. , McDonagh Charlotte F. , Carter Paul J. , Benjamin Dennis , Grewal Iqbal S.
Published: January 2009

Despite major advances in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including the use of chemotherapeutic agents and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, the majority of patients eventually relapse, and salvage treatments with non–cross-resistant compounds are needed to further improve patient survival. Here, we evaluated the antitumor effects of the microtubule destabilizing agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) conjugated to the humanized anti-CD19 antibody hBU12 via a protease-sensitive valine-citrulline (vc) dipeptide linker. hBU12-vcMMAE induced potent tumor cell killing against rituximab-sensitive and -resistant NHL cell lines. CD19 can form heterodimers with CD21, and high levels of CD21 were reported to interfere negatively with the activity of CD19-targeted therapeutics. However, we observed comparable internalization, intracellular trafficking, and drug release in CD21low and CD21high, rituximab-sensitive and -refractory lymphomas treated with hBU12-vcMMAE. Furthermore, high rates of durable regressions in mice implanted with these tumors were observed, suggesting that both rituximab resistance and CD21 expression levels do not impact on the activity of hBU12-vcMMAE. Combined, our data suggest that hBU12-vcMMAE may represent a promising addition to the treatment options for rituximab refractory NHL and other hematologic malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Erratum to: Chromosomal evolution of the PKD1gene family in primates
Authors: Kirsch Stefan , Pasantes Juanjo , Wolf Andreas , Bogdanova Nadia , Münch Claudia , Markoff Arseni , Pennekamp Petra , Krawczak Michael , Dworniczak Bernd , Schempp Werner
Published: January 2009

Correction to Kirsch S, Pasantes J, Wolf A, Bogdanova N, Münch C, Pennekamp P, Krawczak M, Dworniczak B, Schempp W: Chromosomal evolution of the

PKD1

gene family in primates. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2008, 8:263 (doi:10.1186/1471-2148-8-263)
Origins of submovements in movements of elderly adults
Authors: Fradet Laetitia , Lee Gyusung , Dounskaia Natalia
Published: January 2009

Background

Slowness is a well-recognized feature of movements in aging. One of the possible reasons for slowness suggested by previous research is production of corrective submovements that compensate for shortened primary submovement to the target. Here, we re-examine this traditional interpretation and argue that the majority of submovements in older adults may be a consequence rather than the cause of slowness.

Methods

Pointing movements in young and older adults were recorded. Conditions for submovement emergence were manipulated by using small and large targets and three movement modes: discrete (required stopping on the target), reciprocal (required reversal on the target), and passing (required crossing the target and stopping after that). Movements were parsed into a primary and secondary submovement based on zero-crossings of velocity (type 1 submovements), acceleration (type 2 submovements), and jerk (type 3 submovements). In the passing mode, secondary submovements were analyzed only after crossing the target to exclude that they were accuracy adjustments.

Results

Consistent with previous research, the primary submovement was shortened and total secondary submovement incidence was increased in older adults. However, comparisons across conditions suggested that many submovements were non-corrective in both groups. Type 1 submovements were non-corrective because they were more frequent for large than small targets. They predominantly emerged due to arm stabilization and energy dissipation during motion termination in the discrete and passing mode. Although type 2 and 3 submovements were more frequent for small than large targets, this trend was also observed in the passing mode, suggesting that many of these submovements were non-corrective. Rather, they could have been velocity fluctuations associated predominantly with low speed of movements to small targets.

Conclusion

The results question the traditional interpretation of frequent submovements in older adults as corrective adjustments. Rather, the increased incidence of submovements in older adults is directly related to low movement speed observed in aging, whereas the relationship between submovement incidence and target size is a result of speed-accuracy trade-off. Aging-related declines in muscular control that may contribute to the disproportional increases in submovement incidence during slow movements of older adults are discussed.
The Neuroscience Peer Review Consortium
Authors: Saper Clifford B , Maunsell John HR , Sagvolden Terje
Published: January 2009

The Neuroscience Peer Review Consortium (NPRC) was conceived in the summer of 2007 at a meeting of editors and publishers of neuroscience journals. One of the working groups addressed whether it was possible to construct a system for permitting authors whose manuscript received supportive reviews at one journal but was not accepted to send a revised manuscript together with its first round of reviews to a new journal for the second round. This would speed up the review process and reduce the work for reviewers and editors. The working group not only designed a framework for transferring reviews among journals, but also implemented it as the NPRC. By the fall of 2007, more than a dozen major journals had signed onto the NPRC, sufficient to launch the experiment in January, 2008. We invite authors who have not yet used the NPRC to try this method for appropriate manuscripts.

In order to encourage dissemination of the details outlined in this Editorial, it will also be published in other journals in the Neuroscience Peer Review Consortium.
The impact of iron supplementation efficiency in female blood donors with a decreased ferritin level and no anaemia. Rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial: a study protocol
Authors: Pedrazzini Baptiste , Waldvogel Sophie , Cornuz Jacques , Vaucher Paul , Bize Raphael , Tissot Jean-Daniel , Pecoud Alain , Favrat Bernard
Published: January 2009

Background

There is no recommendation to screen ferritin level in blood donors, even though several studies have noted the high prevalence of iron deficiency after blood donation, particularly among menstruating females. Furthermore, some clinical trials have shown that non-anaemic women with unexplained fatigue may benefit from iron supplementation. Our objective is to determine the clinical effect of iron supplementation on fatigue in female blood donors without anaemia, but with a mean serum ferritin ≤ 30 ng/ml.

Methods/Design

In a double blind randomised controlled trial, we will measure blood count and ferritin level of women under age 50 yr, who donate blood to the University Hospital of Lausanne Blood Transfusion Department, at the time of the donation and after 1 week. One hundred and forty donors with a ferritin level ≤ 30 ng/ml and haemoglobin level ≥ 120 g/l (non-anaemic) a week after the donation will be included in the study and randomised. A one-month course of oral ferrous sulphate (80 mg/day of elemental iron) will be introduced vs. placebo. Self-reported fatigue will be measured using a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes are: score of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), maximal aerobic power (Chester Step Test), quality of life (SF-12), and mood disorders (Prime-MD). Haemoglobin and ferritin concentration will be monitored before and after the intervention.

Discussion

Iron deficiency is a potential problem for all blood donors, especially menstruating women. To our knowledge, no other intervention study has yet evaluated the impact of iron supplementation on subjective symptoms after a blood donation.

Trial registration

NCT00689793
Importance of Monocarboxylate Transporter 8 for the Blood-Brain Barrier-Dependent Availability of 3,5,3′-Triiodo-l-Thyronine
Authors: Ceballos Ainhoa , Belinchon Monica M. , Sanchez-Mendoza Eduardo , Grijota-Martinez Carmen , Dumitrescu Alexandra M. , Refetoff Samuel , Morte Beatriz , Bernal Juan
Published: January 2009

Mutations of the gene expressing plasma membrane transporter for thyroid hormones MCT8 (SLC16A2) in humans lead to altered thyroid hormone levels and a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Genetically engineered defect of the Mct8 gene in mice leads to similar thyroid hormone abnormalities but no obvious impairment of brain development or function. In this work we studied the relative role of the blood-brain barrier and the neuronal plasma cell membrane in the restricted access of T3 to the target neurons. To this end we compared the effects of low doses of T4 and T3 on cerebellar structure and gene expression in wild-type (Wt) and Mct8 null male mice [Mct8-/y, knockout (KO)] made hypothyroid during the neonatal period. We found that compared with Wt animals, T4 was considerably more potent than T3 in the Mct8KO mice, indicating a restricted access of T3, but not T4, to neurons after systemic administration in vivo. In contrast, T3 action in cultured cerebellar neurons was similar in Wt cells as in Mct8KO cells. The results suggest that the main restriction for T3 entry into the neural target cells of the mouse deficient in Mct8 is at the blood-brain barrier.
Inhibitors of V-ATPases: old and new players
Authors: Huss Markus , Wieczorek Helmut
Published: January 2009

V-ATPases constitute a ubiquitous family of heteromultimeric, proton translocating proteins. According to their localization in a multitude of eukaryotic endomembranes and plasma membranes, they energize many different transport processes. Currently, a handful of specific inhibitors of the V-ATPase are known, which represent valuable tools for the characterization of transport processes on the level of tissues, single cells or even purified proteins. The understanding of how these inhibitors function may provide a basis to develop new drugs for the benefit of patients suffering from diseases such as osteoporosis or cancer. For this purpose, it appears absolutely essential to determine the exact inhibitor binding site in a target protein on the one side and to uncover the crucial structural elements of an inhibitor on the other side. However, even for some of the most popular and long known V-ATPase inhibitors, such as bafilomycin or concanamycin, the authentic structures of their binding sites are elusive. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent advances for the old players in the inhibition game, the plecomacrolides bafilomycin and concanamycin, and to introduce some of the new players, the macrolacton archazolid, the benzolactone enamides salicylihalamide, lobatamide, apicularen, oximidine and cruentaren, and the indolyls.
Insect homeostasis: past and future
Authors: Maddrell Simon
Published: January 2009

Most of my work has been on the hormonal control of fluid secretion by insect Malpighian tubules. My present purpose is mostly to describe some previously unpublished results in this area and put them in context of what was already known. In this, I hope to draw attention to some areas where future research might be productive.
The dynamics of parallel Schönflies motion generators: The case of a two-limb system
Authors: Cammarata A , Angeles J , Sinatra R
Published: January 2009

The formulation of the mathematical model governing the dynamics of parallel Schönflies motion generators (SMGs) is the subject of this paper. These are robotic systems intended to produce motions that entail displacements of the Schönflies subgroup of rigid-body displacements. Such motions are representative of those produced by the serial robots termed SCARA, which involve three independent translations and one rotation about an axis of fixed direction. The main features of SMGs are illustrated with the aid of the McGill Schönflies motion generator. This robot is composed of two limbs, each being a four-joint RΠΠR - R representing a revolute, Π a Π joint, or a parallelogram linkage - kinematic chain, with only two joints actuated. One important feature of the McGill SMG is its mass distribution, as its moving parts account for about 10 per cent of the mass of its drive units, which are (a) fixed to the robot frame and (b) the only steel parts of the whole robot. Moreover, its joints account for roughly 10 per cent of the total mass of its moving parts, fabricated from aluminium, which justifies neglecting the joint inertia in the mathematical model. This feature calls for a formulation of the model in question in terms of the motor displacements, rather than the joint displacements, as the generalized coordinates of the model. Furthermore, in order to derive the model, the robot is decomposed into two subsystems, the drive and the linkage, the drive being decomposed, in turn, into two subsubsystems, the epicyclic gear train and the right-angled gearbox. The robot kinematics is first derived and then the dynamics model is formulated by means of the natural orthogonal complement. In the framework of this methodology, the inertia and what are called the Coriolis matrices of the mathematical model are additive, in the sense that they can be computed as the sum of the contributions of the different subsystems and subsubsystems of a given mechanical system. The contributions of the subsystems and subsubsystems, in turn, can be computed as the sum of the contributions of the individual moving parts of these. Some general results applicable to all SMGs are derived, which leads to the simplification of the mathematical model of such systems.
Rapid Flow Cytometry–Based Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes 1 (SMC1) Phosphorylation Assay for Identification of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Homozygotes and Heterozygotes
Authors: Nahas Shareef A , Butch Anthony W , Du Liutao , Gatti Richard A
Published: January 2009

Background: No rapid reliable method exists for identifying ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) homozygotes or heterozygotes. Heterozygotes are at an increased risk of cancer and are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) than the general population. We report a rapid flow cytometry (FC)-based ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase assay that measures ATM- dependent phosphorylation of structural maintenance of chromosomes 1 (SMC1) following DNA damage (FC-pSMC1 assay).

Methods: After optimizing conditions with lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), we studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 16 healthy donors (unknowns), 10 obligate A-T heterozygotes, and 6 unrelated A-T patients. One hour after DNA damage (by either IR or bleomycin), the cells were fixed and incubated with a primary antibody to SMC1pSer966. We analyzed the stained cells by FC to determine the difference in geometric mean fluorescence intensity (ΔGMFI) of untreated and treated cells; this difference was expressed as a percentage of daily experimental controls.

Results: The FC-pSMC1 assay reliably distinguished ATM heterozygotes and homozygotes from controls. Average ΔGMFI percentages (SD) of daily controls were, for unknowns, 106.1 (37.6); for A-T heterozygotes, 37.0 (18.7); and for A-T homozygotes; −8.73 (16.2). Values for heterozygotes and homozygotes were significantly different from those of controls (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The FC-pSMC1 assay shortens the turnaround time for diagnosing A-T homozygotes from approximately 3 months to approximately 3 h. It also identifies A-T heterozygotes and can be used for prenatal counseling or for screening individuals in large study cohorts for potential ATM heterozygosity, which can then be confirmed by sequencing.
Do Geographic Regions with Higher Suicide Rates also have Higher Rates of Nonfatal Intentional Self‐Harm?
Authors: Claassen Cynthia A. , Carmody Thomas , Bossarte Robert , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Elliott Stephen , Currier Glenn W.
Published: January 2009

Fatal and nonfatal intentional self‐harm events in eight U.S. states were compared using emergency department, hospital, and vital statistics data. Nonfatal event rates increased by an estimated 24.20% over 6 years. Case fatality ratios varied widely, but two northeastern states' total event rates (fatal plus nonfatal) were very high (New Hampshire 206.5/100,000 person years; Massachusetts 166.7/100,000). Geographic context did not uniformly impact the likelihood of self‐harm across event types. The state‐level public health burden posed by such acts cannot, therefore, be accurately estimated from either mortality or morbidity data alone.
The Beliefs in the Inheritance of Risk Factors for Suicide Scale (BIRFSS): Cross‐Cultural Validation in Estonia, Malaysia, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Voracek Martin , Loibl Lisa Mariella , Swami Viren , Vintilǎ Mona , Kõtlves Kairi , Sinniah Dhachayani , Pillai Subash Kumar , Ponnusamy Subramaniam , Sonneck Gernot , Furnham Adrian , Lester David
Published: January 2009

The genetics of suicide is increasingly recognized and relevant for mental health literacy, but actual beliefs may lag behind current knowledge. We examined such beliefs in student samples (total N = 686) from Estonia, Malaysia, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States with the Beliefs in the Inheritance of Risk Factors for Suicide Scale. Cultural effects were small, those of key demographics nil. Several facets of construct validity were demonstrated. Marked differences in perceived plausibility of evidence about the genetics of suicide according to research design, observed in all samples, may be of general interest for investigating lay theories of abnormal behavior and communicating behavioral and psychiatric genetic research findings.
Characteristics of a French African Caribbean Epidemiological Psychiatric Sample with a History of Suicide Attempt
Authors: Slama Fréaadéric , Dehurtevent Bénédicte , Even Jean‐Daniel , Charles‐Nicolas Aimé , Ballon Nicolas , Slama Rémy
Published: January 2009

Research on vulnerability factors among ethnic groups, independent of primary psychiatric diagnosis, may help to identify groups at risk of suicidal behavior. French African Caribbean general psychiatric patients (N = 362) were recruited consecutively and independently of the primary psychiatric diagnosis. Demographic and clinical characteristics and lifetime history of suicide attempts were recorded. Sixty‐five patients (18%) had a history of at least one suicide attempt. Presence of professional qualifications, children, poor social contacts, treatment with benzodiazepine at inclusion, and poor treatment compliance were all associated with a lifetime history of suicide attempts.
Minimizing Cardiotoxicity While Optimizing Treatment Efficacy with Trastuzumab: Review and Expert Recommendations
Authors: Martín Miguel , Esteva Francisco J. , Alba Emilio , Khandheria Bijoy , Pérez-Isla Leopoldo , García-Sáenz José Ángel , Márquez Antonia , Sengupta Partho , Zamorano José
Published: January 2009

Learning Objectives

Analyze the clinical trial data for the treatment of breast cancer. Evaluate the risk of cardiotoxicity associated with the use of trastuzumab. Design and conduct a practical approach to managing patients with trastuzumab-associated cardiotoxicity.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.
Commentary: Disclosure in Oncology—To Whom Does the Truth Belong?
Authors: Wood William A. , McCabe Mary S. , Goldberg Richard M.
Published: January 2009

Learning Objectives

Summarize the meaning of the term “therapeutic nondisclosure” in the context of medical oncology practice. Classify the reasons for variations in disclosure practices around the world. Develop strategies for approaching a conversation about disclosure that respects the rights and needs of the patient and family.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.
State-Level Moderation of Genetic Tendencies to Smoke
Authors: Boardman Jason D.
Published: January 2009

Objectives. I examined genetic influences on smoking among adolescents and differences in the heritability of smoking across states in the United States.

Methods. With data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (participants aged 12–21 years), I used a multilevel twin- and sibling-pair (N = 2060 pairs) regression model.

Results. Daily smoking (hereditability estimate [h2] = 0.54) and smoking onset (h2 = 0.42) were both highly heritable. Whereas the genetic influences on smoking onset were consistent across states, there was significant variation in these influences on daily smoking. Genetic influences on daily smoking were lower in states with relatively high taxes on cigarettes and in those with greater controls on the vending machines and cigarette advertising. Genetic influences were also negatively associated with rates of smoking among youths.

Conclusions. At the state level, gene–environment interaction models are best characterized by the model of social control. State policies may influence genetic tendencies to smoke regularly, but they have not affected the genetic contributions to cigarette onset or experimentation. Future tobacco-control policies may emphasize the heritable endophenotypes that increase the likelihood that adolescents will initiate smoking.
Competing Initiatives: A New Tobacco Industry Strategy to Oppose Statewide Clean Indoor Air Ballot Measures
Authors: Tung Gregory J. , Hendlin Yogi H. , Glantz Stanton A.
Published: January 2009

To describe how the tobacco and gaming industries opposed clean indoor air voter initiatives in 2006, we analyzed media records and government and other publicly available documents and conducted interviews with knowledgeable individuals. In an attempt to avoid strict “smoke free” regulations pursued by health groups via voter initiatives in Arizona, Ohio, and Nevada, in 2006, the tobacco and gaming industries sponsored competing voter initiatives for alternative laws.

Health groups succeeded in defeating the pro-tobacco competing initiatives because they were able to dispel confusion and create a head-to-head competition by associating each campaign with its respective backer and instructing voters to vote “no” on the pro-tobacco initiative in addition to voting “yes” on the health group initiative.
Health Disadvantage in US Adults Aged 50 to 74 Years: A Comparison of the Health of Rich and Poor Americans With That of Europeans
Authors: Avendano Mauricio , Glymour M. Maria , Banks James , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We compared the health of older US, English, and other European adults, stratified by wealth.

Methods. Representative samples of adults aged 50 to 74 years were interviewed in 2004 in 10 European countries (n = 17 481), England (n = 6527), and the United States (n = 9940). We calculated prevalence rates of 6 chronic diseases and functional limitations.

Results. American adults reported worse health than did English or European adults. Eighteen percent of Americans reported heart disease, compared with 12% of English and 11% of Europeans. At all wealth levels, Americans were less healthy than were Europeans, but differences were more marked among the poor. Health disparities by wealth were significantly smaller in Europe than in the United States and England. Odds ratios of heart disease in a comparison of the top and bottom wealth tertiles were 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69, 2.24) in the United States, 2.13 (95% CI = 1.73, 2.62) in England, and 1.38 (95% CI = 1.23, 1.56) in Europe. Smoking, obesity, physical activity levels, and alcohol consumption explained a fraction of health variations.

Conclusions. American adults are less healthy than Europeans at all wealth levels. The poorest Americans experience the greatest disadvantage relative to Europeans.
Low-Dose Estradiol Spray: a Novel Treatment for Vasomotor Instability in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Buster John E
Published: January 2009

This article describes a novel transdermal estradiol spray developed for the treatment of menopausal vasomotor instability. The spray delivers estradiol directly into the subcutaneous microcirculation achieving the advantages of estradiol patches, creams and gels but with minimal skin reaction, patient inconvenience or cosmetic shortcomings associated with transdermal methods. In the one published Phase III clinical trial, postmenopausal women (n = 454) with eight or more moderate-to-severe hot flashes per day applied each morning, one, two or three estradiol 90 μl sprays (each containing estradiol 1.53 mg) versus matching placebo sprays. There was a significant decrease in hot flash frequency and intensity at weeks 4 and 12 compared with corresponding placebo groups (p < 0.010). The systemic estradiol delivery rates at week 12 were approximately 0.021, 0.029 and 0.040 mg/day for the 1-, 2- and 3-spray doses, respectively. There were common adverse events similar to those previously reported with transdermal estradiol, except for skin irritation, which was very low. The spray is a well-tolerated, cosmetically attractive and convenient method of delivering low-dose, transdermal estradiol.
Hormone Therapy and Risk of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lowe Gordon
Published: January 2009

Evaluation of: Lokkegaard E, Andreasen AH, Jacobsen RK, Nielsen LH, Agger C, Lidegaard O: Hormone therapy and risk of myocardial infarction: a national register study. Eur. Heart J. 29(21), 2660–2668 (2008). In a national register study of healthy women aged 51–69 years in Denmark followed between 1995 and 2001, 4947 incident myocardial infarction cases were identified. Overall, there was no increased risk of myocardial infarction in current hormone therapy users. However, an increased relative risk was observed in younger women (aged 51–54 years). Overall, the highest risk of myocardial infartion was found with continuous hormone therapy. There was no increased risk found with unopposed estrogen, cyclical combined therapy or tibolone. A lower risk was found with dermal route. However, no associations were found with progestogen type or estrogen dose.
Rapid Testing at Labor and Delivery to Prevent Mother-To-Child Hiv Transmission in Developing Settings: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Pai Nitika Pant , Klein Marina B
Published: January 2009

Worldwide, approximately 2.5 million children (95% CI: 2.2–2.6) are living with HIV infection. In 2007 alone, approximately 420,000 children (95%CI: 350,000–540,000) were newly infected with HIV – a vast majority of these infections were acquired through maternal–fetal transmission. Many of these infections could have been reduced by timely diagnosis and the delivery of interventions aimed at preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. This perspective examines the attitudes preventing women from accessing HIV testing early on during pregnancy and the issues and challenges that remain in the institutionalization of interventions to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission at labor and delivery. Socio-cultural and economic factors prevent women from accessing testing at an opportune time during pregnancy. In addition, a lack of adequate infrastructure often prevents timely delivery of interventions to those who access testing at the last minute (i.e., during labor and delivery). In the wake of a pediatric HIV epidemic and the need for lifelong provision of antiretroviral therapy to infected children, a simple strategy for provision of round-the-clock rapid testing and counseling services in the labor rooms may be cost saving to the healthcare systems worldwide.
A Framework for Assessment in Oncology Rehabilitation
Authors: Gilchrist Laura S , Galantino Mary Lou , Wampler Meredith , Marchese Victoria G , Morris G Stephen , Ness Kirsten K
Published: January 2009

Although the incidence of cancer in the United States is high, improvements in early diagnosis and treatment have significantly increased survival rates in recent years. Many survivors of cancer experience lasting, adverse effects caused by either their disease or its treatment. Physical therapy interventions, both established and new, often can reverse or ameliorate the impairments (body function and structure) found in these patients, improving their ability to carry out daily tasks and actions (activity) and to participate in life situations (participation). Measuring the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in each of these dimensions is challenging but essential for developing and delivering optimal care for these patients. This article describes the acute and long-term effects of cancer and its treatment and the use of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a basis for selection of assessment or outcome tools and diagnostic or screening tools in this population.
Phenomenology and the Problem of Animal Minds
Authors: James Simon P.
Published: January 2009

Attempts to determine whether nonhuman animals have minds are often thought to raise a particular sceptical concern; I call it the problem of animal minds. If there are such things as animal minds, the sceptic reasons, they will be private realms to which we humans do not have direct epistemological access. So how could one ever know for certain that animals are not mindless mechanisms? In this paper I use a phenomenological approach to show that this familiar sceptical problem presupposes an account of our relations with others which is both too individualistic and too ‘mentalistic’ to shed interpretative light on our relations with animals. I conclude that although inquiries into how animals experience the world raise a host of difficult problems, they do not raise one big problem, the problem of animal minds, which must be solved before any such inquiries can get off the ground.
The Argument from Marginal Cases and the Slippery Slope Objection
Authors: Tanner Julia K.
Published: January 2009

Rationality (or something similar) is usually given as the relevant difference between all humans and animals; the reason humans do but animals do not deserve moral consideration. But according to the Argument from Marginal Cases not all humans are rational, yet if such (marginal) humans are morally considerable despite lacking rationality it would be arbitrary to deny animals with similar capacities a similar level of moral consideration. The slippery slope objection has it that although marginal humans are not strictly speaking morally considerable, we should give them moral consideration because if we do not we will slide down a slippery slope where we end up by not giving normal humans due consideration. I argue that this objection fails to show that marginal humans have the kind of direct moral status proponents of the slippery slope argument have in mind.
Sensitivity Improvement of a Humidity Sensor Based on Silica Nanospheres on a Long-Period Fiber Grating
Authors: Viegas Diana , Goicoechea Javier , Santos José Luís , Araújo Francisco Moita , Ferreira Luís Alberto , Arregui Francisco J. , Matias Ignacio  R.
Published: January 2009

This work addresses a new configuration that improves the sensitivity of a humidity sensor based on a long-period fiber grating coated with a SiO2-nanospheres film. An intermediate higher refractive index overlay, deposited through Electrostatic Self-Assembly, is placed between the fiber cladding and the humidity sensitive film in order to increase the total effective refractive index of the coating. With this intermediate design, a three-fold improvement in the sensitivity was obtained. Wavelength shifts up to 15 nm against 5 nm were achieved in a humidity range from 20% to 80%.