bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult‐onset actinic prurigo in Thailand
Authors: Akaraphanth Rutsanee , Sindhavananda Jirot , Gritiyarangsan Pimonpun
Published: November 2007

Background: Actinic prurigo (AP) is one of the rare idiopathic photodermatosis. It is said to be a familial disease and is usually seen in certain specific geographical areas. The adult‐onset type of AP is reported less frequently in the Asian population and has never been reported in Thailand.

Methods: The study population comprised 30 patients. Demographic data were collected. Photo‐tests and photo provocation tests for UVA, UVB and visible light were carried out on non‐exposed skin. The other investigations included antinuclear antibody, anti‐HIV antibody and urine porphyrin level. Histopathology studies were also carried out.

Results: There were 18 males and 12 females. The mean age of onset was 36.86 years. The duration of disease was from 1 month to 20 years. Forearms (27 patients) were the most frequently affected site. Other screening tests showed negative results. Five patients had abnormal MED to UVA and one patient had abnormal MED to UVA as well as UVB. Photo provocation tests showed positive responses to both UVA and UVB in 12 cases (40%), a positive response to UVA in 11 cases (37%), a positive response to UVB alone in four cases (13.3%) and a normal response in three patients (10%). None of the patients had a positive response to visible light. Skin biopsies were performed on nodular lesions in 23 cases. Histopathology from these 23 cases showed hyperkeratosis ortho‐ or parakeratosis and acanthosis in 20 of the 23 cases.

Conclusions: Adult‐onset AP in our country may have different geographic and racial distribution from previous reports or may be the tropical variant as described by Tham et al. It may not be an uncommon disease in our country, if there is increased awareness of this disease. Only 16.6% of patients had reduced MED. Photo provocation tests were positive in 90% of cases. Most of the positive wavelengths were UVA or both UVA and UVB. Therefore, photo provocation tests should be performed in cases suspected of AP. The prognosis for AP is not good, despite combinations of treatment. The disorder may run a chronic course. This may be because of our sunny climate and the sun‐exposed occupations of patients.
Clinical efficacy of a 308 nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: He Yan‐ling , Zhang Xiu‐ying , Dong Jie , Xu Jun‐zhu , Wang Jie
Published: November 2007

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 308 nm excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris patients.

Method: Forty subjects with psoriasis vulgaris (26 macular type, and 14 chronic plaque type) were treated by a 308 nm excimer laser. The initial dose was based on multiples of a predetermined minimal erythema dose, while the subsequent doses were adjusted on the response to the intervention, which was twice per week for a total of 15 treatments. The therapeutic efficacy and safety were then evaluated.

Results:
Of the 40 patients who received and completed the entire 15 times of laser radiation, (1) the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was improved by 90.19±10.12% and 77.34±17.04% in macular type and chronic plaque type, respectively (P<0.05) and (2) the average treatment sessions were 13.7 times. The average cumulative doses for all patients were 6.86±2.48 J/cm2, in which it was 5.64±1.86 J/cm2 for macular type and 9.13±1.80 J/cm2 for chronic plaque type, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Our clinical data suggest that treatment of psoriasis vulgaris by a 308 nm excimer laser is effective and safe, and it is more efficacious in macular type than in chronic plaque type.
Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9 in melanocytic nevi is altered by ultraviolet B
Authors: Bakos Renato Marchiori , Bakos Lucio , Albano Edelweiss Maria Isabel , Cartell André , Mariante José Carlos , Soles Masiero Nathália Costaguta Matas
Published: November 2007

Background: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can cause morphological and biological alterations similar to those of melanoma in situ in irradiated melanocytic nevi. matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐2) and ‐9 appear to be involved with tumour invasion, the formation of metastases and neoangiogenesis in melanomas. The effects of UVB on the immunohistochemical expression of gelatinases in different cell types in melanocytic nevi have not been completely studied.

Purpose: Evaluate the effects of UVB on the immunohistochemical expression of MMP‐2 and ‐9 in different cell types in melanocytic nevi.

Methods: Forty‐two melanocytic nevi had one half irradiated with 2 MEDs of UVB and were excised 1 week later. Three different observers compared the intensity of the immunohistochemical expression of gelatinases in keratinocytes, melanocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts on the irradiated (IS) and non‐irradiated sides (NIS).

Results: All the cell types showed an increase in the expression of MMP‐2 on the IS, especially the epidermal melanocytes. No significant increase in the expression of MMP‐9 in keratinocytes was detected on the IS; significant increase was observed in all the remaining cells.

Conclusions: One single irradiation of UVB increases the immunohistochemical expression of gelatinases in almost all evaluated cell lines, with the exception of MMP‐9 in keratinocytes.
Hans Gunther and his disease
Authors: Madan Pankaj , Schaaf Christian P. , Vardhan Prem , Bhayana Suverta , Chandra Prakash , Anderson Karl E.
Published: November 2007

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Gunther's disease) is one of the least common porphyrias. This article describes the life and career of Hans Gunther (after whom the disease is named), his contributions to the field of porphyrias and the current understanding of Gunther's disease.
Novel bromomelatonin derivatives suppress osteoclastic activity and increase osteoblastic activity: implications for the treatment of bone diseases
Authors: Suzuki Nobuo , Somei Masanori , Kitamura Kei‐Ichiro , Reiter Russel J. , Hattori Atsuhiko
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The teleost scale is a calcified tissue that contains osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix, all of which are similar to those found in mammalian membrane bone. Using the goldfish scale, we recently developed a new in vitro assay system and previously demonstrated that melatonin suppressed both osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities in this assay system. In mammals, 2‐bromomelatonin possesses a higher affinity for the melatonin receptor than does melatonin. Using a newly developed synthetic method, we synthesized 2‐bromomelatonin, 2,4,6‐tribromomelatonin and novel bromomelatonin derivatives (1‐allyl‐2,4,6‐tribromomelatonin, 1‐propargyl‐2,4,6‐tribromomelatonin, 1‐benzyl‐2,4,6‐tribromomelatonin, and 2,4,6,7‐tetrabromomelatonin) and then examined the effects of these chemicals on osteoclasts and osteoblasts. All bromomelatonin derivatives, as well as melatonin, had an inhibitory action on osteoclasts. In particular, 1‐benzyl‐2,4,6‐tribromomelatonin (benzyl‐tribromomelatonin) possessed a stronger activity than melatonin. At an in vitro concentration of 10−10 m, benzyl‐tribromomelatonin still suppressed osteoclastic activity after 6 hr of incubation. In reference to osteoblasts, all bromomelatonin derivatives had a stimulatory action, although melatonin inhibited osteoblastic activity. In addition, estrogen receptor mRNA expression (an osteoblastic marker) was increased in benzyl‐tribromomelatonin (10−7 m)‐treated scales. Taken together, the present results strongly suggest that these novel melatonin derivatives have significant potential for use as beneficial drug for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
A Constructivist Approach to Climate Change Teaching and Learning
Authors: BARDSLEY DOUGLAS K. , BARDSLEY ANNETTE M.
Published: November 2007

It is now broadly acknowledged that climate change due to an enhanced Greenhouse Effect is underway and such change will have major implications for our societies and environments. This paper outlines a pedagogical approach devised to encourage learning and critical thinking about climate change. A constructivist approach to teaching and learning is applied to stimulate analysis of potential impacts of climate change on systems familiar to secondary school students in South Australia. The problem‐based method guides students through a conceptualisation of the implications of environmental change. Students at Woodcroft College, when given the opportunity to examine the potential climate change impacts on a local coastal ecosystem, found the method to be both challenging and engaging. The exercise concluded with students discussing possible personal behavioural and broader societal responses to reduce the impacts of future climate change. The paper contends that such teaching to support students to become resilient young adults will be vital in a future world of environmental risk.
The Role of the Development Industry in Shaping Urban Social Space: a Conceptual Model
Authors: COIACETTO EDDO
Published: November 2007

Socio‐spatial differentiation or the spatial arrangement of social groups in cities has long been the subject of scholarly attention in urban studies from a variety of perspectives. In many contemporary societies, the development industry plays an important and growing role in socio‐spatial differentiation. This paper presents a conceptual model for the empirical analysis of the role of this industry in shaping urban social space.
Constructing the Climb: Visitor Decision‐making at Uluru
Authors: JAMES SARAH
Published: November 2007

Uluru‐Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia's Northern Territory continues to be a contested site, as half of its 400 000 visitors continue to climb Uluru each year against the wishes of the Traditional Aboriginal Owners, the Anangu. Since being opened to tourism in the 1950s, Uluru has come to symbolise the ‘heart’ of the Australian nation. The influx of tourists also marked the beginning of contestations over control and access to this site between settler Australians, who wished to photograph and climb it, and the Anangu, to whom it is sacred. That visitors still climb Uluru could be seen as evidence that this site continues to symbolise a split between settler and Aboriginal Australian concepts of place and appropriate actions in relation to Uluru. To explore whether the continued climbing of Uluru was indeed evidence of an irreconcilable ‘clash’ of cultures, a survey of visitors to Uluru and interviews with both tourist operators and National Park staff were undertaken regarding visitor decision‐making processes. This research found that rather than entrenched, fixed perspectives on the issue of the Climb, both non‐Aboriginal visitors and tour operators showed an openness to the Anangu view of Uluru and their wish that it not be climbed. It also indicated, however, the importance of tourism and other media in conveying the Anangu view to visitors before they arrived at the site of the Climb itself, a point considered to be ‘too late’ by many visitors. These findings suggest the potential for change in the actions of many visitors in regard to the Climb through a more proactive representation of the wishes of the Anangu to visitors before they reach Uluru.
Evaluating Climate Variability and Pumping Effects in Statistical Analyses
Authors: Mayer Timothy D. , Congdon Roger D.
Published: November 2007

As development of ground water resources reaches the limits of sustainability, it is likely that even small changes in inflow, outflow, or storage will have economic or environmental consequences. Anthropogenic impacts of concern may be on the scale of natural variability, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Under these circumstances, we believe that it is important to account for effects from both ground water development and climate variability. We use several statistical methods, including trend analysis, cluster analysis, and time series analysis with seasonal decomposition, to identify climate and anthropogenic effects in regional ground water levels and spring discharge in southern Nevada. We discuss the parameterization of climate and suggest that the relative importance of various measures of climate provides information about the aquifer system response to climate. In our system, which may be characteristic of much of the arid southwestern United States, ground water levels are much more responsive to wet years than to dry years, based on the importance of selected climate parameters in the regression. Using cluster analysis and time series seasonal decomposition, we relate differences in amplitude and phase in the seasonal signal to two major forcings—climate and pumping—and distinguish between a regional recharge response to an extremely wet year and a seasonal pumping/evapotranspiration response that decays with distance from the pumping center. The observed spring discharge data support our hypothesis that regional spring discharge, particularly at higher elevation springs, is sensitive to relatively small ground water level changes.
Modeling Time Series of Ground Water Head Fluctuations Subjected to Multiple Stresses
Authors: Von Asmuth Jos R. , Maas Kees , Bakker Mark , Petersen Jörg
Published: November 2007

The methods behind the predefined impulse response function in continuous time (PIRFICT) time series model are extended to cover more complex situations where multiple stresses influence ground water head fluctuations simultaneously. In comparison to autoregressive moving average (ARMA) time series models, the PIRFICT model is optimized for use on hydrologic problems. The objective of the paper is twofold. First, an approach is presented for handling multiple stresses in the model. Each stress has a specific parametric impulse response function. Appropriate impulse response functions for other stresses than precipitation are derived from analytical solutions of elementary hydrogeological problems. Furthermore, different stresses do not need to be connected in parallel in the model, as is the standard procedure in ARMA models. Second, general procedures are presented for modeling and interpretation of the results. The multiple‐input PIRFICT model is applied to two real cases. In the first one, it is shown that this model can effectively decompose series of ground water head fluctuations into partial series, each representing the influence of an individual stress. The second application handles multiple observation wells. It is shown that elementary physical knowledge and the spatial coherence in the results of multiple wells in an area may be used to interpret and check the plausibility of the results. The methods presented can be used regardless of the hydrogeological setting. They are implemented in a computer package named Menyanthes (www.menyanthes.nl).
A New Method for the Interpretation of Pumping Tests in Leaky Aquifers
Authors: Trinchero Paolo , Sanchez‐Vila Xavier , Copty Nadim , Findikakis Angelos
Published: November 2007

A novel methodology for the interpretation of pumping tests in leaky aquifer systems, referred to as the double inflection point (DIP) method, is presented. The method is based on the analysis of the first and second derivatives of the drawdown with respect to log time for the estimation of the flow parameters. Like commonly used analysis procedures, such as the type‐curve approach developed by Walton (1962) and the inflection point method developed by Hantush (1956), the mathematical development of the DIP method is based on the assumption of homogeneity of the leaky aquifer layers. However, contrary to the two methods developed by Hantush and Walton, the new method does not need any fitting process. In homogeneous media, the two classic methods and the one proposed here provide exact results for transmissivity, storativity, and leakage factor when aquifer storage is neglected and the recharging aquifer is unperturbed. The real advantage of the DIP method comes when applying all methods independently to a test in a heterogeneous aquifer, where each method yields parameter values that are weighted differently, and thus each method provides different information about the heterogeneity distribution. Therefore, the methods are complementary and not competitive. In particular, the combination of the DIP method and Hantush method is shown to lead to the identification of contrasts between the local transmissivity in the vicinity of the well and the equivalent transmissivity of the perturbed aquifer volume.
Redox Processes and Water Quality of Selected Principal Aquifer Systems
Authors: McMahon P.B. , Chapelle F.H.
Published: November 2007

Reduction/oxidation (redox) conditions in 15 principal aquifer (PA) systems of the United States, and their impact on several water quality issues, were assessed from a large data base collected by the National Water‐Quality Assessment Program of the USGS. The logic of these assessments was based on the observed ecological succession of electron acceptors such as dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate and threshold concentrations of these substrates needed to support active microbial metabolism. Similarly, the utilization of solid‐phase electron acceptors such as Mn(IV) and Fe(III) is indicated by the production of dissolved manganese and iron. An internally consistent set of threshold concentration criteria was developed and applied to a large data set of 1692 water samples from the PAs to assess ambient redox conditions. The indicated redox conditions then were related to the occurrence of selected natural (arsenic) and anthropogenic (nitrate and volatile organic compounds) contaminants in ground water. For the natural and anthropogenic contaminants assessed in this study, considering redox conditions as defined by this framework of redox indicator species and threshold concentrations explained many water quality trends observed at a regional scale. An important finding of this study was that samples indicating mixed redox processes provide information on redox heterogeneity that is useful for assessing common water quality issues. Given the interpretive power of the redox framework and given that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to measure the chemical parameters included in the framework, those parameters should be included in routine water quality monitoring programs whenever possible.
First record of naturalTritrichomonas foetusinfection of the feline uterus
Authors: Dahlgren S. S. , Gjerde B. , Pettersen H. Y.
Published: November 2007

Tritrichomonas foetuswas found in the uterus of a cat with pyometra and in the faeces of three other cats in the same household, one of which had chronic diarrhoea. This is the first report of a feline uterine infection withT. foetusand also the first timeT. foetushas ever been diagnosed in animals in Norway. The diagnosis was made by microscopic examination and sequencing studies.
Determination of Processing Effects and of Storage Stability on Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) in Sea Buckthorn Berries (Hippophaë rhamnoides L. ssp. rhamnoides) and Related Products
Authors: Gutzeit D. , Baleanu G. , Winterhalter P. , Jerz G.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) is the primary dietary source of vitamin K. Processing effects and stability of phylloquinone were investigated during juice and concentrate production from sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) using berries from 2 different growing areas. During industrial juice production the technological processing of the berries caused a loss of about 36% to 54% phylloquinone in the generated juice. The following processing steps leading to the concentrated juice resulted in a complete depletion of phylloquinone. Sea buckthorn berries and juice were stored at 6, 25, and 40 °C for up to 7 d to determine the temperature effects on phylloquinone during storage. Content of vitamin K1 in sea buckthorn berries was affected by storage time and storage temperature. Storage of freshly harvested berries resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.01) of phylloquinone ranging from 21% up to 186% (wet weight). The juices showed almost identical significant degradation (P < 0.01) of phylloquinone of about 18% to 32% at 6, 25, and 40 °C indicating that intensity of decomposition is independent of temperature (6 to 40 °C) and storage time in the range of consumer storage conditions.
Heat‐Moisture Treatment of High‐Amylose Corn Starch Increases Dietary Fiber Content and Lowers Plasma Cholesterol in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Liu X. , Ogawa H. , Ando R. , Nakakuki T. , Kishida T. , Ebihara K.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  The effect of dietary high‐amylose corn starch (HACS) of varying dietary fiber (DF) content on plasma cholesterol was examined in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Gelatinized normal corn starch (G‐CS) was used as a reference. OVX rats were fed a fiber‐free purified diet containing G‐CS, HACS, gelatinized high‐amylose corn starch (G‐HACS), or heat‐moisture treated HACS (HM‐HACS) at 400 g starch/kg diet for 21 d. The DF content of G‐CS, HACS, G‐HACS, and HM‐HACS measured by the AOAC method was 0.1, 19.3, 2.4, and 64.5 g/100 g, respectively. The dry weight of cecal contents, cecal wall weight, the amount of short chain fatty acids in cecal contents, the amount of bile acids in small intestinal contents, and fecal excretion of neutral sterols increased logarithmically with increasing DF, while total plasma cholesterol concentration decreased. On the other hand, hepatic CYP7A1 activity, fecal dry weight, and fecal excretion of bile acids increased linearly with increasing DF, while body weight gain decreased. The hypocholesterolemic effect of HACS in OVX‐rats appeared to be more effective by heat‐moisture treatment.
Study on Lycopene and Antioxidant Contents Variations in Tomatoes under Air‐Drying Process
Authors: Chang C.‐H. , Liu Y.‐C.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  Effects of factors such as tomato cultivars, drying temperatures (40, 80, and 120 °C), and drying time (0 to 240 min) on tomato lycopene and the major antioxidant contents (MACs, herein as the sum of total phenolics and total flavonoids) during an air‐drying process were investigated. The results showed that lycopene contents increased under all the drying temperatures during the first 60 min. However, the red tomato cultivars, that is, HR, SN, and TTL, exhibited a significant decrease in lycopene contents under 120 °C after drying for 75 min. According to the experimental data, an MAC threshold value of 500 mg/100 g dry matter of tomato is proposed. When the MAC is lower than this value during air‐drying, lycopene contents in all tomato cultivars would drop rapidly. In addition, the tomatoes in yellow color group, containing more MACs initially and retaining more MACs under air‐drying at 40 to 80 °C, are proposed to be the proper tomato cultivars for thermal processing.
Angiotensin‐I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptide Derived from Porcine Skeletal Muscle Myosin and Its Antihypertensive Activity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Katayama K. , Jamhari  , Mori T. , Kawahara S. , Miake K. , Kodama Y. , Sugiyama M. , Kawamura Y. , Nakayama T. , Maruyama M. , Muguruma M.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  Crude myosin light chain was extracted from Japanese domestic pork loin and digested with pepsin. Antihypertensive peptide was isolated from this digest as a measure of its inhibitory activity for angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE). Through isolation with some chromatographies, a single active fraction was isolated, and it was detected as an octapeptide, Val‐Lys‐Lys‐Val‐Leu‐Gly‐Asn‐Pro, from 47th to 54th positions of myosin light chain. The 50% inhibitory concentration of this peptide was 28.5 μM. Kinetic evaluation showed that this peptide was a noncompetitive inhibitor, but it was slowly hydrolyzed by ACE. At the dose of 10 mg/kg, this peptide showed antihypertensive activity after a maximum of 3 h of administration and was estimated as a temporally effective hypotensor.
Impact of Particle Size Distribution on Rheological and Textural Properties of Chocolate Models with Reduced Fat Content
Authors: Do T‐A.L. , Hargreaves J.M. , Wolf B. , Hort J. , Mitchell J.R.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  With an increasing consumption of lipids nowadays, decreasing the fat content in food products has become a trend. Chocolate is a fat‐based suspension that contains about 30%wt fat. Reducing fat content causes an increase in the molten chocolate viscosity. This leads to 2 major issues: difficulties in the process and a loss of eating quality in the final product, reported to have poor in‐mouth melting properties, remain hard, and difficult to swallow. Literature shows that optimizing the particle size distribution (PSD), that is, having one with an increased packing fraction, can decrease the viscosity of highly concentrated suspensions. This study focuses on the impact of the PSD and fat content on the rheological properties, melting behavior, and hardness of chocolate models (dispersions of sugar in fat). We show that optimizing the PSD while reducing the fat content to a critical amount (22%wt) can decrease the viscosity of the molten material and reduce the hardness of the crystallized chocolate models. Melting in the mouth, characterized by an in vitro collapse speed, is faster for the samples with an optimized PSD. The decrease in the viscosity by optimizing the PSD in systems with a constant fraction of medium phase is based on the decrease of interparticle contact, reducing the particle aggregates strength, and structure buildup during flow or meltdown. In its crystallized state, the particle network is less interconnected, providing less resistance to breakage and meltdown.
The Effect of Frequency of Consumption of Artificial Sweeteners on Sweetness Liking by Women
Authors: Mahar A. , Duizer L.M.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  Research into sweetness perception and preference thus far has demonstrated that sweetness preference is related not to the total sugar consumed by an individual but the amount of refined sugar ingested. Research has yet to be conducted, however, to determine whether a diet high in artificial sweeteners contributes to sweetness liking and preference with the same result as a diet high in sugar. The purpose of this research was to determine if such a relationship exists with regard to diets high in artificially sweetened beverages. Seventy‐one female participants were recruited and screened for sweetener consumption in beverages. Sixty‐four of these individuals were selected for sensory testing. All participants evaluated orange juice samples (ranging from 0% added sucrose to 20% added sucrose) for liking of sweetness using a 9‐point hedonic scale. Based on screening survey data, participants were categorized according to sweetener consumption group (artificial sweetener consumers and natural sweetener consumers) and by overall sweetened beverage intake (low or high, regardless of sweetener type normally consumed). Sensory data were analyzed to compare sweetness liking in each of these groups. Significant differences in liking were observed, with individuals in the high sweetened beverage intake group preferring sweeter orange juice than those in the low‐intake group. Categorization by sweetener type resulted in no significant differences between the groups, indicating that regardless of the type of sweetener consumed in a beverage, liking of sweetness will be influenced in the same manner.
Beer Consumers' Perceptions of the Health Aspects of Alcoholic Beverages
Authors: Wright C. A. , Bruhn C. M. , Heymann H. , Bamforth C. W.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT: Consumers' perceptions about alcohol are shaped by numerous factors. This environment includes advertisements, public service announcements, product labels, various health claims, and warnings about the dangers of alcohol consumption. This study used focus groups and questionnaires to examine consumers' perceptions of alcoholic beverages based on their nutritional value and health benefits. The overall purpose of this study was to examine beer consumers' perceptions of the health attributes and content of alcoholic beverages. Volunteers were surveyed at large commercial breweries in California, Missouri, and New Hampshire. The anonymous, written survey was presented in a self‐explanatory format and was completed in 5 to 10 min. The content and style of the survey were derived from focus groups conducted in California. The data are separated by location, gender, and over or under the age of 30. Parametric data on beverage rating were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the nonparametric data from True/False or Yes/No questions were analyzed using chi‐square. Although statistically significant variances did exist between survey location, gender, and age, general trends emerged in areas of inquiry. The findings indicate that a great opportunity exists to inform consumers about the health benefits derived from the moderate consumption of all alcoholic beverages.
Consumer Sensory Evaluations of Aging Effects on Beef Quality
Authors: Brewer S. , Novakofski J.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT: The most important sensory attribute affecting consumer acceptability is tenderness, which is a complex trait. Aging is the practice of holding meat at low temperatures to improve tenderness. In order to assess consumer quality attributes, cattle were selected to represent a range of quality grades from Utility to Prime. Steaks from these cattle were aged in vacuum bags for 0, 7, or 14 d, cut, and cooked on open hearth grills to 70 °C. Sensory evaluation was completed by consumers (n= 522). Warner–Bratzler (WB) shear and various physical characteristics were also determined. Shear values decreased with aging time and tenderness increased. Consumers perceived the majority of change in tenderness occurred during the first 7 d of aging while change in WB shear was similar during the first 7 d and the second 7 d of aging. Aging had no effect (P> 0.05) on juiciness, flavor, pH, lipid content, or water content of steaks.
Antifungal Activity Stability of Flaxseed Protein Extract Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Xu Y. , Hall C. , Wolf‐Hall C.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  The stability of the antifungal activity of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) protein extract was evaluated in this study. Response surface methodology (RSM) using Box–Behnken factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of treatment variables, that is, temperature (50 to 90 °C), time (1 to 29 min), and pH (2 to 8), on the residual antifungal activity (RAA) against Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus, and a Penicillium sp. isolated from moldy noodles. Regression analyses suggested that the linear terms of the temperature and time had significant (P < 0.05) negative effects on the RAA against all test fungi, whereas that of pH had a significant (P < 0.1) positive role on the RAA of all 3 fungi. In addition, the RAA was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the quadratic terms of time for all fungi, and the quadratic term of temperature played a significant (P < 0.1) role on RAA against F. graminearum. One interaction term (temperature‐pH) was found to significantly (P < 0.1) affect the RAA against both Penicillium strains tested. The results indicated that ≥ 90% antifungal activity was lost after the protein extracts were heated at 90 °C for 8 min except for F. graminearum. At pasteurization condition, ≥ 50% activity was retained except for P. chrysogenum. The results also suggested that neutral and alkaline pH favored the antifungal activity stability of the protein extracts. Thus, flaxseed protein might be promising if used as a preservative in foods with neutral or alkaline pH requiring mild heat treatments.
Effect of Versagel® on the Growth and Metabolic Activities of Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Ramchandran L. , Shah N.P.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT:  In this study, the influence of a protein‐based fat replacer, Versagel® added at 1% and 2% (w/v) to reconstituted skim milk (RSM), on the growth and metabolic activities of selected strains of yogurt starters (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) as well as probiotic organisms (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum) was examined. Addition of Versagel resulted in significantly improved growth of S. thermophilus and B. longum but inhibited that of L. casei, L. acidophilus, and L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus. This is also reflected in the extent of reduction of pH in RSM with added Versagel by these organisms. Among the biochemical activities, proteolytic activity of all the organisms except B. longum was adversely affected by the presence of Versagel, although the angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and α‐glucosidase (α‐glu) inhibitory activities were improved. Versagel at 1% level influenced the growth, while ACE inhibitory and α‐glu inhibitory activities of the organisms were better at 2% level.
Water Mass Balances for the Solaire and the 2020 Tower: Implications for Closing the Water Loop in High‐Rise Buildings1
Authors: Krogmann Uta , Andrews Clinton J. , Kim Mookhan , Kiss Gregory , Miflin Clare
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Building water mass balances were performed for one 150‐story conventional building scenario for comparison with three scenarios of the 2020 Tower, a hypothetical 150‐story high‐rise building with on‐site wastewater treatment and reuse. To ensure that the assumptions for the hypothetical building are appropriate, a one‐year water balance was also conducted of the existing 27‐story Solaire building that partly closes the water/wastewater loop, meters major water flows and implements low‐flow/water conserving fixtures and appliances. For comparison, a conventional 27‐story building scenario with the same low‐flow/water conserving fixtures as the Solaire but no water reuse was also assessed. The mean daily indoor water use in the Solaire was 246 l/(d cap) which exceeds mean daily water use found in the literature. The water mass balances showed that an urban high‐rise building needs another source of water even when potable reuse water is produced because of losses during water end use and treatment (i.e., evaporation, water in treatment residues). Therefore, water conservation (i.e., modification of human behavior) and water efficiency improvements (i.e., equipment, appliances and fixtures) are important major factors in reducing the municipal water needed in all scenarios.
Estimating Evapotranspiration and Seepage for a Sinkhole Wetland From Diurnal Surface‐Water Cycles1
Authors: Hill A. Jason , Neary Vincent S.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  This study used measured diurnal surface‐water cycles to estimate daily evapotranspiration (ET) and seepage for a seasonally flooded sinkhole wetland. Diurnal surface‐water cycles were classified into five categories based on the relationship between the surface‐water body and the surrounding ground‐water system (i.e., recharge/discharge). Only one class of diurnal cycles was found to be suitable for application of this method. This subset of diurnal cycles was used to estimate ET and seepage and the relative importance of each transfer process to the overall water budget. The method has limited utility for wetlands with erratic hydrologic regimes (e.g., wetlands in urban environments). This is due to violation of the critical assumption that the inflow/outflow rate remains constant throughout the day. For application to surface‐water systems, the method is typically applied with an assumed specific yield of 1.0. This assumption was found to be invalid for application to surface‐water systems with a noncylindrical pond geometry. An overestimation of ET by as much as 60% was found to occur under conditions of low pond stage and high water loss. The results demonstrate the high ET rates that can occur in isolated wetlands due to contrasting roughness and moisture conditions (oasis and clothesline effects). Estimated ET rates ranged from 4.1 to 18.7 mm/day during the growing season. Despite these large ET rates, seepage (recharge) was found to be the dominant water loss mechanism for the wetland.
THE CYCLICALITY OF MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICY IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 1994
Authors: Du Plessis Stan , Smit Ben , Sturzenegger Federico
Published: November 2007

This paper uses a structural vector‐autoregression approach to discuss the cyclicality of fiscal and monetary policy in South Africa since 1994. There is substantial South African literature on this topic, but much disagreement remains. Though not undisputed, there is growing consensus that monetary policy has contributed to the remarkable stabilisation of the South African economy over this period. The evaluation of the role of fiscal policy in stabilisation has been less favourable and there is little evidence that a countercyclical fiscal stance was a priority over this period. This paper considers these issues in an empirical framework that addresses some of the shortcomings in the literature. Specifically, it constructs a structural model in contrast with the reduced form models typically used in the South African literature, incorporates the dynamic interaction between monetary and fiscal shocks on the demand side and supply shocks on the other, and avoids controversy over “neutral” base years and the size of fiscal elasticities. The model confirms the consensus on monetary policy, finding it to have been largely countercyclical since 1994. On fiscal policy, this paper finds evidence of pro‐cyclicality, especially in the more recent period, though the policy simulations suggest that the pro‐cyclicality of fiscal policy has had little destabilising impact on real output.
THE REVENUE‐EXPENDITURE NEXUS: HISTORICAL EVIDENCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Lusinyan Lusine , Thornton John
Published: November 2007

Results from unit root and cointegration tests suggest that, allowing for structural breaks, government revenue and expenditure in South Africa during 1895‐2005 were I(1) series and cointegrated. Results from Granger‐type causality tests suggest that a bidirectional Granger‐causal relation existed between revenue and expenditure for the full sample period and for sub‐periods up to the 1960s, consistent with the so‐called “fiscal synchronisation hypothesis”. However, in the 1960s the causal relation appears to have shifted to run from expenditure to taxation, consistent with Peacock and Wiseman's “displacement effect”. In the context of the recent fiscal consolidation literature, the South African fiscal experience would appear to be generally consistent with either revenue‐ or expenditure‐led fiscal consolidation efforts, but with the more recent evidence favoring expenditure‐led consolidations.
A COMPARISON OF SOUTH AFRICAN HEDGE FUND RISK MEASURES
Authors: Botha Marius
Published: November 2007

Although hedge funds have enjoyed unrivalled dominance after years of stellar returns, a combination of low interest rates, sustained economic growth and diminished arbitrage opportunities now threaten them. Distinguishing between funds – an onerous task with notoriously opaque investment strategies – has become paramount in the search for optimal returns. Simple risk and return performance measures cannot cope with the demands of an increasingly complex financial milieu. Interest has thus focused on more effective discriminatory performance measures. The innovative Omega ratio is calculated for South African hedge funds and compared with both Sharpe and Sortino ratios. Omega emerges as the superior measure.
EXPORT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NAMIBIA: A GRANGER CAUSALITY ANALYSIS
Authors: Jordaan Andre C , Eita Joel Hinaunye
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the causality between exports and GDP of Namibia and to evaluate the relationship of these variables for the period 1970 to 2005. Time‐series econometric techniques (Granger causality and cointegration) are applied to test the hypothesis of a growth strategy led by exports. It tests whether export Granger causes GDP, or whether the causality runs from GDP to exports, or if there is bi‐directional causality between exports and GDP. The results revealed that exports Granger cause GDP and GDP per capita. This suggests that the export‐led growth strategy through various incentives has a positive influence on growth.
DEMAND FOR MONEY AND EXPENDITURE COMPONENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: ASSESSMENT FROM UNRESTRICTED ERROR‐CORRECTION MODELS
Authors: Ziramba Emmanuel
Published: November 2007

The main aim of this study is to examine empirically the long‐run relationship of money demand and its determinants in South Africa. In contrast with existing studies on the subject, the present study considers various components of real income as determinants. The disaggregated components are final consumption expenditure, expenditure on investment goods and exports. The other determinants are domestic interest rate, yield on government bonds and the exchange rate. The results confirm that the different components of real income have different impacts on the demand for money in South Africa. The presence of long‐run equilibrium relationships between the demand for real M1, M2 and M3 and their determinants is confirmed based on the results of bounds testing.
CYCLICAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND CYCLICAL OUTPUT: AN ESTIMATION OF OKUN'S COEFFICIENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Marinkov Marina , Geldenhuys Jean‐pierre
Published: November 2007

Persistently high unemployment in South Africa, especially in the face of improved economic conditions since 1994, begs the question: Does unemployment in South Africa respond to changes in output? Okun's law refers to the inverse relationship that exists between cyclical output and cyclical unemployment. This paper estimates Okun's coefficient for the South African economy, using annual data from 1970‐2005. Output and unemployment are decomposed into their trend and cyclical components, using a variety of detrending methods. The presence of structural breaks in Okun's relationship is also investigated, while cointegration analysis was also considered. Evidence of a statistically significant relationship between cyclical output and cyclical unemployment are found in both symmetric (estimates range from −0.77 to −0.16) and asymmetric (estimates range from −0.77 to −0.18) specifications of Okun's law, irrespective of the detrending technique. However, cyclical unemployment constitutes only a relatively small fraction of total (observed) unemployment, which implies that a more expansionary macroeconomic policy stance might only have a limited impact on total unemployment in South Africa.
TAX REFORM AND THE PROGRESSIVITY OF PERSONAL INCOME TAX IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Nyamongo Morekwa E. , Schoeman Nicolaas J.
Published: November 2007

This paper investigates the progressivity of personal income tax in South Africa over the period 1989 to 2003. We use the effective, redistributive and disproportionality measures of progressivity and find that progressivity of the tax system increased over the period 1990 to 1994. However, during the first phase of the reform programmes the results are inconclusive with the Kakwani index (disproportionality measure) showing increased progressivity. The redistributive effect measure, on the other hand, indicates a marginal decline in progressivity. During the second phase of the reform programmes, both techniques suggest a worsening in progressivity. One explanation for the decline in progressivity during the latter period in the analysis is the fact that many more “new” taxpayers entered the tax net (higher income groups in our database) which made the distribution of pre‐tax income more unequal thus impacting on progressivity. On the other hand, the disproportionality measure shows a continuous, albeit volatile increase in progressivity over the latter period under investigation.
DETERMINANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA‐US INTRA‐INDUSTRY TRADE IN SERVICES: A WILD BOOTSTRAP DYNAMIC PANEL DATA ANALYSIS1
Authors: Sichei Moses Muse , Harmse Chris , Kanfer Frans
Published: November 2007

The study attempts to empirically identify factors that determine South Africa–US intra‐industry trade (IIT) in selected services during the period 1994‐2002. The study utilises Liu‐Davidson‐Flachaire wild bootstrap, which is robust to heteroscedasticity and provides estimates of the degree of parameter bias. The empirical results, in principle, show that South Africa–US IIT in the selected services is determined by factors similar to goods‐based “North‐South” IIT studies. Specifically, differences in per capita income and differences in market size negatively affect IIT. The study also indicates that US foreign direct investment in South Africa positively contributes to the unaffiliated IIT in services.
CONVERGENCE OF A KIND: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND INTERGENERATIONAL SOCIAL MOBILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Louw Megan , Van Der Berg Servaas , Yu Derek
Published: November 2007

To a large degree, the notoriously high levels of income inequality in South Africa have their roots in differential access to wage‐earning opportunities in the labour market, which in turn are influenced by family background. This paper therefore investigates the role that parents' education plays in children's human capital accumulation. The study analyses patterns of educational attainment in South Africa during the period 1970‐2001, asking whether intergenerational social mobility has improved. It tackles the issue in two ways, combining extensive descriptive analysis of progress in educational attainment with a more formal evaluation of intergenerational social mobility using indices constructed by Dahan and Gaviria, and Behrmanet al. Both types of analysis indicate that intergenerational social mobility within race groups improved over the period, with the indices suggesting that South African children are currently better able to take advantage of educational opportunities than the bulk of their peers in comparable countries, at least up to lower secondary school level. However, the greater distance to go in achieving educational convergence between race groups at higher education levels reflect a major deficit: Educationalqualitydifferentials are still large and reflected in big differences in matriculation rates and tertiary qualifications by race.
DETERMINANTS OF SCHOOL ENROLMENT AND EDUCATION ATTAINMENT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM KENYA1
Authors: Kabubo‐mariara Jane , Mwabu Domisiano K.
Published: November 2007

This paper investigates the determinants of demand for schooling in Kenya. Probit and ordered probit methods are used to model enrolment and attainment respectively. The results show that child characteristics, parental education and other household characteristics, quality and cost of schooling are important determinants of demand for education services in Kenya. The results further show that girls would be more affected by policy changes than boys. The findings call for targeting in efforts to boost and sustain demand for schooling in Kenya. The study recommends immediate policy interventions focusing on improving quality of education and poverty alleviation.