bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer demand for healthy eating considering diversity – an economic approach for German individuals
Authors: Drescher Larissa , Thiele Silke , Roosen Jutta , Mensink Gert B.
Published: August 2009

Rising incidence and costs of diet‐related diseases have led to nutritionists' and economists' interest in factors determining the demand for healthy eating. The present study analyses the demand for healthy eating by the use of a new food‐based indicator, which combines the health value and diversity of a food basket. Although the diversity aspect gains in importance in recommendations for healthy eating it was not considered adequately in healthy eating indicators until now. Within the household production theory the new indicator is used to identify factors influencing the demand for healthy food diversity for 3220 German individuals. The results of regression analyses show that the demand for a healthy diet is influenced by age and mainly by knowledge, attitudinal and behavioural (proxy‐)variables as education level, participation in a health training course and sport activity. On the basis of these findings conclusions are drawn for health and nutrition policy in Germany and Europe.
Essential involvement of the NMDA receptor in ethanol preconditioning‐dependent neuroprotection from amyloid‐βin vitro
Authors: Mitchell Robert M. , Neafsey Edward J. , Collins Michael A.
Published: August 2009

In several epidemiological studies, moderate ethanol consumption has been associated with reduced risks of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s dementia. Of potential relevance is that brain cultures preconditioned with moderate ethanol concentrations are resistant to neurotoxic Alzheimer’s amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides. Using rat cerebellar mixed cultures we investigated whether certain membrane receptors were early ‘sensors’ in moderate ethanol preconditioning (MEP). In a 6‐day MEP protocol (30 mM ethanol), neuroprotection from Aβ25–35 was undiminished by antagonism during the first 3 days of either adenosine A1 or Gαi/o protein‐coupled receptors. However, similar cotreatment with memantine or DL‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphono‐pentanoic acid (AP‐5), antagonists of NMDA receptors (NMDAR), abolished neuroprotection, indicating key early involvement of this ionotropic glutamate receptor. Also in these cultures, directly activating NMDAR using subexcitotoxic NMDA preconditioning prevented Aβ neurotoxicity. By day 2 of MEP, we observed increased levels of NMDAR subunits NR1, NR2B, and NR2C that persisted through day 6. Interestingly, memantine co‐exposure blocked elevations in the obligatory NR1 subunit. Furthermore, 2 days of MEP significantly increased two indicators of synaptic NMDAR localization, NR2B phospho‐Tyr1472, and post‐synaptic density 95 scaffolding protein. The results indicate that ethanol preconditioning‐dependent neuroprotection is associated with early increases in NR subunits concomitant with enhancement of synaptic localization and activity of NMDAR.
Extracellular ADP regulates lesion‐inducedin vivocell proliferation and death in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Battista Ariadna G. , Ricatti María Jimena , Pafundo Diego E. , Gautier Marien A. , Faillace María Paula
Published: August 2009

Regeneration and growth that occur in the adult teleost retina by neurogenesis have been helpful in identifying molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cell proliferation and differentiation. In this report, we demonstrate that endogenous purinergic signals regulate cell proliferation induced by a cytotoxic injury of the adult zebrafish retina which mainly damages inner retinal layers. Particularly, we found that ADP but not ATP or adenosine significantly enhanced cell division as assessed by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation following injury, during the degenerative and proliferative phase of the regeneration process. This effect of ADP occurs via P2Y1 metabotropic receptors as shown by intra‐ocular injection of selective antagonists. Additionally, we describe a role for purinergic signals in regulating cell death induced by injury. Scavenging of extracellular nucleotides significantly increased cell death principally seen in the inner retinal layers. This effect is partially reproduced by blocking P2Y1 receptors suggesting a neuroprotective function for ADP, which is derived from extracellular ATP probably released by dying cells as a consequence of the ouabain treatment. This study demonstrates a crucial role for ADP as a paracrine signal in the repair of retinal tissue following injury.
Can Mothers Predict Childhood Behavioural Inhibition in Early Infancy?
Authors: Marysko Melanie , Finke Patricia , Wiebel Angelika , Resch Franz , Moehler Eva
Published: August 2009

Background:  Focusing on early identification of developmental risk factors, this study examined the question whether maternal report of child behaviour during early infancy is related to a laboratory measure of behavioural inhibition at 14 months of age.

Method:  A sample of 101 mother‐infant pairs was recruited from local obstetric units. The Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ) was presented at 4 months postnatal age. Child behavioural inhibition was assessed at 14 months in a laboratory procedure.

Results:  Infant distress to novelty as measured by the IBQ at 4 months postnatal age was found to be associated with toddler’s fear score/behavioural inhibition at 14 months (p = .003). Distress‐to‐limitations subscore, smile/laughter subscore, activity subscore, and soothability subscore of the IBQ showed no correlation with behavioural inhibition.

Conclusions:  Behavioural inhibition, as a potential risk factor for childhood shyness and anxiety, can be predicted by maternal judgment of infant distress to novelty at age 4 months. The Infant Behaviour Questionnaire therefore might be used to identify infants presumably at risk for childhood anxiety disorders.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY? ICT, INTANGIBLE INVESTMENT, AND BRITAIN'S PRODUCTIVITY RECORD REVISITED
Authors: Marrano Mauro Giorgio , Haskel Jonathan , Wallis Gavin
Published: August 2009

Despite the apparent importance of the “knowledge economy,” U.K. macroeconomic performance appears unaffected: investment rates are flat, and productivity has slowed. We investigate whether measurement issues might account for this puzzle. The standard National Accounts treatment of most spending on “knowledge” or “intangible” assets is as intermediate consumption. Thus they do not count as either GDP or investment. We ask how treating such spending as investment affects some key macro variables, namely, market sector gross value added (MGVA), business investment, capital and labor shares, growth in labor and total factor productivity (TFP), and capital deepening. We find: (a) MGVA was understated by about 6 percent in 1970 and 13 percent in 2004; (b) instead of the business investment/MGVA ratio falling since 1970 it has been rising; (c) instead of the labor share being flat since 1970 it has been falling; (d) growth in labor productivity and capital deepening has been understated and growth in TFP overstated; and (e) TFP growth has not slowed since 1990 but has been accelerating.
A crucial role for TNF‐α in mediating neutrophil influx induced by endogenously generated or exogenous chemokines, KC/CXCL1 and LIX/CXCL5
Authors: Vieira SM , Lemos HP , Grespan R , Napimoga MH , Dal‐Secco D , Freitas A , Cunha TM , Verri Jr WA , Souza‐Junior DA , Jamur MC , Fernandes KS , Oliver C , Silva JS , Teixeira MM , Cunha FQ
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Chemokines orchestrate neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory foci. In the present study, we evaluated the participation of three chemokines, KC/CXCL1, MIP‐2/CXCL2 and LIX/CXCL5, which are ligands for chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), in mediating neutrophil recruitment in immune inflammation induced by antigen in immunized mice.

Experimental approach:  Neutrophil recruitment was assessed in immunized mice challenged with methylated bovine serum albumin, KC/CXCL1, LIX/CXCL5 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Cytokine and chemokine levels were determined in peritoneal exudates and in supernatants of macrophages and mast cells by elisa. CXCR2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) expression was determined using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.

Key results:  Antigen challenge induced dose‐ and time‐dependent neutrophil recruitment and production of KC/CXCL1, LIX/CXCL5 and TNF‐α, but not MIP‐2/CXCL2, in peritoneal exudates. Neutrophil recruitment was inhibited by treatment with reparixin (CXCR1/2 antagonist), anti‐KC/CXCL1, anti‐LIX/CXCL5 or anti‐TNF‐α antibodies and in tumour necrosis factor receptor 1‐deficient mice. Intraperitoneal injection of KC/CXCL1 and LIX/CXCL5 induced dose‐ and time‐dependent neutrophil recruitment and TNF‐α production, which were inhibited by reparixin or anti‐TNF‐α treatment. Macrophages and mast cells expressed CXCR2 receptors. Increased macrophage numbers enhanced, while cromolyn sodium (mast cell stabilizer) diminished, LIX/CXCL5‐induced neutrophil recruitment. Macrophages and mast cells from immunized mice produced TNF‐α upon LIX/CXCL5 stimulation. Methylated bovine serum albumin induced expression of ICAM‐1 on mesenteric vascular endothelium, which was inhibited by anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐LIX/CXCL5.

Conclusion and implications:  Following antigen challenge, CXCR2 ligands are produced and act on macrophages and mast cells triggering the production of TNF‐α, which synergistically contribute to neutrophil recruitment through induction of the expression of ICAM‐1.
Jean Gerson, moral certainty and the Renaissance of ancient Scepticism
Authors: Schüssler Rudolf
Published: August 2009

The early modern revival of scepticism and new scholastic trends in guiding uncertain consciences originated in the 15th century. This paper explores the motivating role of the Great Western Schism (1378–1417) on these developments, focusing on the work of the eminent theologian and philosopher Jean Gerson (1363–1429). The Schism created a rationale for a pluralistic handling of opinions and for a positive attitude towards scepticism, as Gerson's writings document. Moreover, innovations in the scholastic treatment of uncertainty, culminating in Gerson's concept of a moral certainty, made ancient scepticism palatable for scholastics. Hence, two major early modern traditions of dealing with uncertainty, the sceptic and the scholastic, were interrelated at the beginning. Gerson also addressed the problem of a reliable criterion of religious truth which Richard Popkin tied to the Reformation. The problem was much discussed well before the Reformation, notably in connection with the question of distinguishing true from false prophetic knowledge. The Schism, however, disqualified the Catholic hierarchy as arbiter of truth and motivated a reconsideration of established notions of epistemic uncertainty.
‘Guided By God’ beyond the Chilean frontier: the travelling early modern European conscience
Authors: Redden Andrew
Published: August 2009

This essay describes the journey of conscience of a sixteen‐year‐old Spaniard on the seventeenth‐century Chilean frontier as, while captive, he travelled deep into enemy territory, learned to live amongst the Mapuche, to speak their language fluently, made close friends and, to a point, shared their lives and customs whilst still endeavouring to remain Spanish and Christian. The essay analyses how the youth's conscience developed as he travelled around the indigenous Chilean landscape but also as he progressed through life and witnessed injustice and bad government causing continued suffering to those who lived near to the frontier. The boy's experience confirmed to himself and the contemporary reader the validity of Catholic notions of conscience – especially that of the innate knowledge of goodness – across cultural frontiers and throughout humanity. At the same time, the moral struggles described in Happy Captivity show the many difficulties he encountered as he realised the Mapuche's humanity whilst still trying to preserve his own individual Spanish identity. In the end, what he perceived as the universality of the innate principles of the Christian conscience took him to the point where he was able to transcend his own culture, inviting the dissolution of seemingly insoluble boundaries.
New Directions in the Study of Religious Responses to the Black Death1
Authors: Stearns Justin
Published: August 2009

The past decade has seen the publications of numerous excellent studies on the Black Death. For the most part, however, scholars have been preoccupied with debating whether the Black Death was caused by plague or not, parallels between the first, second, and third plague pandemics, and broader historiographical questions of continuity and change. Less attention has been devoted to revisiting the religious responses of Christians, Muslims, and Jews to the natural disaster. Recent scholarship has begun to question previous paradigms in which the responses of these three communities were viewed as qualitatively different in essential characteristics such as their conception of contagion. By emphasizing the internal diversity of views within these monotheistic communities, and drawing on recently published primary sources, scholars attempting to write a nuanced comparative history of the religious responses to the Black Death will be able to avoid the misleading generalizations promoted by their predecessors.
Congenital long QT syndrome presenting with a history of epilepsy: Misdiagnosis or relationship between channelopathies of the heart and brain?
Authors: Omichi Chikaya , Momose Yoshio , Kitahara Shigemi
Published: August 2009

A 60‐year‐old man with a long history of epilepsy was referred for cardiologic evaluation. An earlier diagnosis of epilepsy was made on the basis of his clinical manifestation of tonic–clonic seizure. Electroencephalography (EEG) demonstrated paroxysmal slow waves in response to intermittent photic stimulation. However, electrocardiography (ECG) revealed bradycardia (heart rate, 48 bpm) and marked QT prolongation (QTc 477 ms). ECG monitoring confirmed remarkable QT prolongation; ventricular ectopy triggering torsades de pointes was recorded during seizure. The patient underwent temporary antitachycardia pacing, and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was finally implanted. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) genetic testing was conducted and a diagnosis of LQT2 was confirmed by the identification of mutation in KCNH2 (HERG). LQTS is associated with abnormal channel function due to mutations in ion channel genes. Epilepsy, a disorder of neural function, is also associated with abnormal channel function. The possibility that some channelopathies can manifest as both LQTS and epilepsy is discussed.
Older Drivers in Australia: Trends in Driving Status and Cognitive and Visual Impairment
Authors: Ross Lesley A. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Kiely Kim M. , Windsor Tim D. , Byles Julie E. , Luszcz Mary A. , Mitchell Paul
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate self‐reported driving status within three Australian states; associations between demographic, health, and functional factors and driving status; and the extent to which remaining a driver in spite of cognitive and visual impairments varies as a function of sex.

DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of a pooled data set.

SETTING: Australian communities.

PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 65 to 103 (N=5,206) from the Dynamic Analyses to Optimise Ageing (DYNOPTA) project. DYNOPTA is a unique data set created through the harmonization and pooling of data across nine separate Australian longitudinal studies of aging conducted between 1990 and 2007 (N=50,652).

MEASUREMENTS: Driving status, demographic characteristics, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, visual acuity, physical activity, and occupation.

RESULTS: Men and participants with higher‐level occupations had greater odds of driving. Older age, more medical conditions, and poorer vision increased the odds of not driving. Persons who were divorced, widowed, or never married were at a greater risk than married adults of not driving. Descriptive analyses revealed a large proportion of men with probable visual or cognitive impairments who reported driving. Subsequent comparative analyses between the DYNOPTA sample and other published U.S. and Canadian data revealed lower proportions of current drivers among Australian women and those at older ages, although there were consistently lower proportions of drivers within Australia and Canada than in the United States.

CONCLUSION: The rate of men with probable dementia or visual impairments who reported driving is of particular concern. Research and policy need to focus on evidence‐based assessment of older drivers and development of appropriate interventions and programs to maintain the mobility and independence of older adults.
Risk Factors for Disability Subtypes in Older Persons
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , Murphy Terrence E. , Barry Lisa C. , Allore Heather G.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for five different subtypes of disability.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Greater New Haven, Connecticut.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred fifty‐four community‐living residents aged 70 and older and initially nondisabled in four essential activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, walking, and transferring).

MEASUREMENTS: Candidate risk factors were measured every 18 months for 90 months during comprehensive home‐based assessments. Disability was assessed during monthly telephone interviews for up to 108 months. In participants who were nondisabled at the start of an 18‐month interval, incident episodes of five different disability subtypes were determined during the subsequent 18 months: transient, short‐term, long‐term, recurrent, and unstable.

RESULTS: The cumulative incidence rates per 100 person‐intervals were 9.8 (95% confidence interval (CI)=8.9–10.6) for transient disability, 3.8 (95% CI=3.3–4.3) for short‐term disability, 7.1 (95% CI=6.4–7.8) for long‐term disability, 4.7 (95% CI=4.1–5.3) for recurrent disability, and 4.4 (95% CI=3.9–5.0) for unstable disability. In a multivariate analysis, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was associated with each of the five disability subtypes, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 1.10 for transient disability to 1.35 for long‐term disability. The only other factors associated with short‐term, long‐term, and recurrent disability were stroke, visual impairment, and poor grip strength, respectively. Transient disability and unstable disability shared the same set of risk factors—depressive symptoms, stroke, and poor grip strength—in addition to the SPPB.

CONCLUSION: These results provide mixed evidence to support the distinct nature of the five disability subtypes.
A Meta‐Analysis of the Effects of Atrial Overdrive Pacing on Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: WENG CUI‐LIAN , CHEN QIANG , MA YAN‐LIANG , HE QUAN‐YING
Published: August 2009

Background: Atrial overdrive pacing is a novel method that has been used to treat patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in many trials. However, the effects of atrial overdrive pacing on SAS are unclear.

Methods: Studies were retrieved from the PubMed and EMBASE databases (1966 to January 2008), the Central Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (January 2008), and reference lists. Randomized controlled trials were selected that compared atrial overdrive pacing with nonpacing in SAS. Information on study design, patient characteristics, the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), and minimum arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was extracted.

Results: Eight trials that included a total of 129 patients were identified. The analysis showed that atrial overdrive pacing, as compared to nonpacing, reduced the AHI and increased the minimum SaO2 significantly in the subgroup of patients who presented predominantly with central sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS) (for AHI, mean difference [MD]=−17.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −23.25 to −10.91; for minimum SaO2, MD = 4.00, 95% CI: 2.48 to 5.52, respectively). The AHI (MD =−2.94, 95% CI: −5.33 to −0.54) was also significantly reduced in the subgroup of patients who showed predominant obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the result of the analysis of AHI in OSAS‐predominant trials was not robust to the exclusion of some trials. There was weak evidence of an increase in minimum SaO2 in the subgroup in which OSAS was predominant (MD = 0.13, 95% CI: −1.18 to 1.45).

Conclusions: Atrial overdrive pacing appears to be effective in patients with CSAS. The role of atrial overdrive pacing in OSAS remains unclear.
Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes and Stent Thrombosis of Sirolimus‐Eluting Versus Bare Metal Stents in Patients with End‐Stage Renal Disease: Results of Korean Multicenter Angioplasty Team (KOMATE) Registry
Authors: KIM BYEONG‐KEUK , OH SEUNGJIN , JEON DONG WOON , YANG JOO YOUNG , KIM JUNG‐SUN , PARK SUNGHA , CHOI DONGHOON , JANG YANGSOO , HONG BUM‐KEE , KWON HYUK MOON , LEE SEUNG‐WHAN , GOH CHOONG WON , KWON KIHWAN , RYU SUNG KEE ,   for the Korean Multicenter Angioplasty Team (KOMATE) Investigators
Published: August 2009

Background:

There are still controversies about long‐term clinical outcomes of sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) versus bare metal stents (BMS) implantation in patients with end‐stage renal diseases (ESRD).

Objective:

To compare long‐term outcomes in patients with (ESRD) following SES versus BMS implantation.

Methods:

Between March 2003 and July 2005, a total of 54 patients (80 lesions) with ESRD undergoing SES implantation [SES‐ESRD] were enrolled and compared with 51 patients (54 lesions) with ESRD receiving BMS during the same periods [BMS‐ESRD] in the Korean Multicenter Angioplasty Team Registry. The primary outcome was the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or any stent thrombosis (ST) according to the Academic Research Consortium definition during a 3‐year follow‐up.

Results:

The cumulative 3‐year rate of composite of death, MI, or ST of the SES‐ESRD group (24%) was nearly similar with that of the BMS‐ESRD group (24%, P = 1.000). The 3‐year rates of death (26% vs. 24%, P = 0.824) or MACE (37% vs. 43%, P = 0.331) in the SES‐ESRD did not differ significantly from those in the BMS‐ESRD. However, the SES‐ESRD showed a sustained lower 3‐year TVR rate (9%), compared with BMS‐ESRD (24%, P = 0.042). The rate of any ST in SES‐ESRD was not significantly higher than that in the BMS‐ESRD (17% vs. 14%, P = 0.788). There was no significant difference in the rate of late or very late ST between SES‐ESRD (15%) versus BMS‐ESRD group (10%, P = 0.557).

Conclusions:

SES did not increase the risks for death, MI, or any ST in patients with ESRD during the long‐term follow‐up, compared with BMS.
Hospitality, Friendship, and the Outsider in Highland Sardinia
Authors: Sorge Antonio
Published: August 2009

Hospitality in central highland Sardinia is a key cultural idiom that structures community life and accompanies daily interactions among all social actors. Its meaning varies according to the relationship between the parties involved in the exchange, with social distance a primary variable. Based on field work conducted over a period of thirteen months in 2002 and 2003, this paper examines practices of hospitality in the village of Orgosolo in light of some characteristics that Eric Wolf (1957, 1986) attributes to the “closed corporate community.” A reworking of Wolf's classic formulation permits insight into how practices of hospitality maintain the exclusiveness of the moral community vis‐à‐vis the outside world, and incorporate outsiders into a special category which neutralizes the danger they initially present, thus exempting them from local standards of interaction that are driven by an egalitarian and competitive ethos.
The impact of social networks on hybrid seed adoption in India
Authors: Matuschke Ira , Qaim Matin
Published: August 2009

This article adds to the literature about the impact of social networks on the adoption of modern seed technologies among smallholder farmers in developing countries. The analysis centers on the adoption of hybrid wheat and hybrid pearl millet in India. In the local context, both crops are cultivated mainly on a subsistence basis, and they provide examples of hybrid technologies at very different diffusion stages: while hybrid wheat was commercialized in India only in 2001, hybrid pearl millet was launched in 1965. The analysis is based on surveys of wheat and millet farmers in the state of Maharashtra. Comprehensive data on farmer characteristics and social interactions allow for identifying individual networks, thereby improving upon previous research approaches that employed village‐level variables as proxies for network effects. Using econometric models, we find that individual social networks play an important role for technology adoption decisions. While village‐level variables may be used as suitable proxies at later diffusion stages, they tend to underestimate the role of individual networks during early phases of adoption.
The antecedents of non‐affective psychosis in a birth‐cohort, with a focus on measures related to cognitive ability, attentional dysfunction and speech problems
Authors: Welham J. , Scott J. , Williams G. M. , Najman J. M. , Bor W. , O’Callaghan M. , McGrath J.
Published: August 2009

Welham J, Scott J, Williams GM, Najman JM, Bor W, O’Callaghan M, McGrath J. The antecedents of non‐affective psychosis in a birth‐cohort, with a focus on measures related to cognitive ability, attentional dysfunction, and speech problems.

Objective:  Adults with non‐affective psychosis show subtle deviations in a range of developmental trajectories as children and adolescents.

Method:  Based on a birth‐cohort (n = 3801), we examined the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPTV) at age 5, and Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) and Wide Range Achievement Test reading scale (WRAT‐R) at age 14. Items related to speech problems and attentional dysfunction were available from maternal‐ or self‐report. At age 21, we identified 60 cohort members who were screen‐positive for non‐affective psychosis (SP‐NAP).

Results:  Impaired performance on the PPVT and RSPM (but not WRAT‐R) predicted SP‐NAP for males only. Male cohort members in the highest quartile for attentional dysfunction at ages 5 and 14 were about 5–8 times more likely to develop SP‐NAP. SP‐NAP in males was significantly associated with speech problems at age 14.

Conclusion:  Males who develop non‐affective psychoses have subtle impairments in cognitive capacity prior to the development of their psychotic disorder.
Climate–growth relationships for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) across three southeastern USA states
Authors: Rypel Andrew L.
Published: August 2009

Abstract –  The role of climate variability in the ecology of freshwater fishes is of increasing interest. However, there are relatively few tools available for examining how freshwater fish populations respond to climate variations. Here, I apply tree‐ring techniques to incremental growth patterns in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides Lacepède) otoliths to explore relationships between annual bass growth and various climate metrics in the southeastern USA. Among six rivers and seven reservoirs in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, strong correlations between annual bass growth indices and climate were detected (73 of 96 possible correlations were significant at α < 0.05). All but two ecosystems exhibited the following pattern: annual bass growth was significantly negatively correlated with annual precipitation metrics, and significantly positively correlated with annual temperature metrics. Based on multiple regressions, climate, on average, accounted for ∼50% of variability (R2) in bass growth, although these values ranged from 28% to 65% depending on the ecosystem. Furthermore, every population showed significant correlations with at least one of the following global climate factors: El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the Arctic Oscillation (AO). Largemouth bass growth in the southeast is apparently influenced by climate in major ways. Fish ecologists and managers in the region should be aware of the strong links between annual climate conditions and annual fish growth.
Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on the plantar flexor muscle‐tendon tissue properties
Authors: Mahieu N. N. , Cools A. , De Wilde B. , Boon M. , Witvrouw E.
Published: August 2009

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching programs have been shown to be the most effective stretching technique to increase the range of motion (ROM). The objective of this study was to examine the mechanism of effect of PNF stretching on changes in the ROM. Sixty‐two healthy subjects were randomized into two groups: a PNF stretching group and a control group. The PNF group performed a 6‐week stretching program for the calf muscles. Before and after this period, all subjects were evaluated for dorsiflexion ROM, passive resistive torque (PRT) of the plantar flexors and stiffness of the Achilles tendon. The results of the study revealed that the dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased in the PNF group (ΔROMext: 5.97±0.671°; ΔROMflex: 5.697±0.788°). The PRT of the plantar flexors and the stiffness of the Achilles tendon did not change significantly after 6 weeks of PNF stretching. These findings provide evidence that PNF stretching results in an increased ankle dorsiflexion. However, this increase in ROM could not be explained by a decrease of the PRT or by a change in stiffness of the Achilles tendon, and therefore can be explained by an increase in stretch tolerance.
Entheses: tendon and ligament attachment sites
Authors: Benjamin M. , McGonagle D.
Published: August 2009

The current brief review focuses on certain issues relating to form–function relationships that are evident at tendon or ligament attachment sites (entheses). It evaluates the development of entheses (both fibrocartilaginous and fibrous) and highlights again an issue largely ignored for decades – i.e. how entheses attached to the metaphyses of long bones manage to keep the same relative position as the bones grow in length. Attention is drawn to the manner in which enthesis fibrocartilage prevents direct cell–cell communication between osteocytes and tendon/ligament cells and how (in a healthy enthesis) it presents a physical barrier separating the blood supply of bone from that of tendon/ligament. The possibility that the thoracolumbar fascia, with its multitude of muscular associations and numerous sites of ligamentous attachment could increase stress concentration at entheses is raised, the structure and development of enthesophytes (bony spurs) is reviewed as is the concept of a synovio‐entheseal complex (SEC). How these functional anatomical units (SECs) could trigger pain and inflammation in athletes is briefly discussed.
Electron microscope 3D reconstruction of branched collagen fibrils in vivo
Authors: Starborg T. , Lu Y. , Huffman A. , Holmes D. F. , Kadler K. E.
Published: August 2009

The ability of tendon to withstand tensile forces is largely attributable to an extracellular matrix containing parallel collagen fibrils organized into fascicles. A major belief is that force is transmitted between collagen fibrils via interactions of molecules at the fibril surface. However, there is existing evidence (reviewed here) for persistent connections between fibrils formed by interfibrillar fusion. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown the ability of the ends of fibrils to fuse together. In this study, we show using serial section electron microscopy of embryonic mouse‐tail tendon further evidence for interfibril fusion in vivo. We showed: (1) fibrils fused via Y‐shaped branches without disruption of the 67 nm D‐periodicity, (2) the frequency of the branches was ∼1:20 000 D‐periods, and (3) the small angle of the Y ranged from 4° to 10°, indicating a structure‐based mechanism of branch formation. The regular occurrence of Y‐shaped branches between collagen fibrils suggests direct force transmission between fibrils. Furthermore, the formation of the Y‐shaped branches by tip‐to‐shaft fusion would explain the paucity of fibril tips in vivo.
Potential roles for the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans biglycan and fibromodulin in ectopic ossification of tendon induced by exercise and in modulating rotarod performance
Authors: Kilts T. , Ameye L. , Syed‐Picard F. , Ono M. , Berendsen A. D. , Oldberg A. , Heegaard A.‐M. , Bi Y. , Young M. F.
Published: August 2009

We present a detailed comparison of ectopic ossification (EO) found in tendons of biglycan (Bgn), fibromodulin (Fmod) single and double Bgn/Fmod‐deficient (DKO) mice with aging. At 3 months, Fmod KO, Bgn KO and DKO displayed torn cruciate ligaments and EO in their quadriceps tendon, menisci and cruciate and patellar ligaments. The phenotype was the least severe in the Fmod KO, intermediate in the Bgn KO and the most severe in the DKO. This condition progressed with age in all three mouse strains and resulted in the development of large supernumerary sesmoid bones. To determine the role of exercise in the extent of EO, we subjected normal and DKO mice to a treadmill exercise 3 days a week for 4 weeks. In contrast to previous findings using more rigorous exercise regimes, the EO in moderately exercised DKO was decreased compared with unexercised DKO mice. Finally, DKO and Bgn KO mice tested using a rotarod showed a reduced ability to maintain their grip on a rotating cylinder compared with wild‐type controls. In summary, we show (1) a detailed description of EO formed by Bgn, Fmod or combined depletion, (2) the role of exercise in modulating EO and (3) that Bgn and Fmod are critical in controlling motor function.
Metabolism of proteoglycans in tendon
Authors: Rees S. G. , Dent C. M. , Caterson B.
Published: August 2009

Tendons are dense, fibrous connective tissues that are responsible for transmitting mechanical forces from skeletal muscle to bone. From a clinical perspective, tendinopathy (defined as a syndrome of tendon pain, tenderness and swelling that affects function) is very common, both within the sporting arena and in the workplace. Importantly, proteoglycans are essential components of the tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) and changes in their expression and metabolism/turnover have been associated with tendinopathy. Within tendons, the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLPRs), decorin, fibromodulin, lumican and keratocan predominate within tensional regions, while in tendon fibrocartilage, increased concentrations of proteoglycans common to the articular cartilage phenotype are present, including aggrecan, biglycan and proteoglycan 4. However, the rate of proteoglycan turnover within tendon is markedly higher than that of cartilage, mediated via the “aggrecanases,” which are constitutively active in the tendon matrix. Data suggest that this increased proteoglycan turnover is likely to be required to maintain normal tendon homeostasis, with perturbations in proteoglycan metabolism contributing to tissue dysfunction. Thus, future studies aimed at furthering our fundamental knowledge of tendon proteoglycan metabolism in health and disease are important in the development of improved treatments for tendon disorders.
Cutaneous gamma/delta T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Koch Richard , Jaffe Elaine S. , Mensing Christian , Zeis Matthias , Schmitz Norbert , Sander Christian A.
Published: August 2009

Only 40 cases of primary cutaneous gamma/delta T‐cell lymphoma (GD‐TCL) have been described. GD‐TCL was included as a provisional entity in the WHO‐EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas in 2005.

GD‐TCL often failed to respond to polychemotherapy and radiation therapy and have a poor prognosis with a mean survival of only 15 months. We present a patient treated with surgery, immunomodulatory therapy, and polychemotherapy. He then received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and has been in complete remission since. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation appears to be a promising therapeutic option for aggressive and generally fatal lymphomas like GD‐TCL.
A Jury of One: Opinion Formation, Conformity, and Dissent on Juries
Authors: Waters Nicole L. , Hans Valerie P.
Published: August 2009

Approximately 6 percent of criminal juries hang. But, how many dissenters carry the jury, hang the jury, or conform to the majority's wishes? This article examines the formation of individual verdict preferences, the impact of deliberation, and the role of the dissenter using data from nearly 3,500 jurors who decided felony cases. Jurors were asked: “If it were entirely up to you as a one‐person jury, what would your verdict have been in this case?” Over one‐third of jurors, privately, would have voted against their jury's decision. Analyses identify the characteristics of jurors who dissent, and distinguish dissenters who hang the jury from dissenters who acquiesce. Deliberation procedures, juror role expectations, their evidentiary views, and their sense of fairness affected the likelihood of dissent. Contrary to previous research, deliberations play a vital role in generating juror consensus and shed new light on the debate over the requirement that juries be unanimous in their verdict.
Empire Building and Fiscal Illusion? An Empirical Study of Government Official Behaviors in Takings
Authors: Chang Yun‐chien
Published: August 2009

An ongoing debate exists in the takings literature as to whether government officials minimize takings compensation or pay compensation to the extent that it maximizes their political interests. Until now there has been no empirical study of this question. Two methods of assessing takings compensation—one implemented by several states, the other proposed by scholars and implemented in a foreign jurisdiction—have been found to award inaccurate takings compensation to condemnees. There has been no empirical research, however, on a third assessment method, one implemented in Taiwan. Using data on takings compensation and market value in Taiwan from 2000 to 2007, I empirically examined whether the Taiwanese assessment method (in which takings compensation is predetermined by annual governmental assessments of property value) produces accurate compensation, and whether government officials minimize compensation or maximize their political interests. I found that about two‐thirds of the takings compensations in Taiwan were below a reasonable proxy for a lower limit on market value and, therefore, inaccurate. Government officials could further reduce compensation payments but did not choose to do so. Condemnees were undercompensated because the more politically influential landowners have pressured the government to distort governmental assessments of property value to reduce their own tax burdens. Political interests are government officials' main concern.
High molecular weight kininogen binds to laminin – characterization and kinetic analysis
Authors: Schousboe Inger , Nystrøm Birthe
Published: August 2009

High molecular weight kininogen (HK) is an abundant plasma protein that plays a central role for the function of the kallikrein/kinin/kininogen system. Thus, cleavage of HK by kallikrein liberates bradykinin, which stimulates vascular repair and a two‐chain protein, activated HK (HKa), which induces apoptosis in proliferating endothelial cells. The localization of these events remains obscure, although the basement membrane may be of importance. Analyzing the interaction between HK and HKa and selected basement membrane proteins, we observed that they bound to the major noncollageneous proteins laminin, but not to vitronectin or fibronectin coated on microtiter plates. The binding to laminin was Zn2+ independent. However, at low but not at high concentrations of albumin, Zn2+ increased the affinity for the binding by abolishing an inhibitory effect of Ca2+. Recombinant human kininostatin encompassing the amino acid sequence, Arg439‐Ser532 but not the endothelial cell binding peptide sequence (His479‐His498; HKH20) within kininostatin inhibited the binding of HKa to laminin. This established that the amino acid sequence Arg439‐Lys478 in domain 5 of HK is of importance for its binding to laminin. Extensive proteolytic cleavage of HK and HKa with kallikrein abolished the binding to laminin, releasing a 12 kDa anti‐kininostatin reacting peptide. On the basis of these results, we propose that the binding of HK to laminin is a primary event, which secures proper localization of the cleavage products for subsequent interaction with the endothelium to promote inflammatory and pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic activities.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7218019: Laminin alpha 5 (uniprotkb:Q61001), Laminin beta 1 (uniprotkb:P02469), Laminin gamma 1 (uniprotkb:P02468), Laminin alpha 5 (uniprotkb:Q61001), Laminin beta 2 (uniprotkb:Q61292) and Laminin gamma 1 (uniprotkb:P02468) physically interact (MI:0915) with HK (uniprotkb:P01042) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)

MINT‐7219326: Laminin alpha 1 (uniprotkb:P19137), Laminin beta 1 (uniprotkb:P02469) and Laminin gamma 1 (uniprotkb:P02468) physically interact (MI:0915) with HK (uniprotkb:P01042) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)
Plasticity of laccase generated by homeologous recombination in yeast
Authors: Cusano Angela M. , Mekmouche Yasmina , Meglecz Emese , Tron Thierry
Published: August 2009

Laccase‐encoding sequences sharing 65–71% identity were shuffledin vivo by homeologous recombination. Yeast efficiently repaired linearized plasmids containing clac1, clac2 or clac5 Trametes sp. C30 cDNAs using a clac3 PCR fragment. From transformants secreting active variants, three chimeric laccases (LAC131, LAC232 and LAC535), each resulting from double crossovers, were purified, and their apparent kinetic parameters were determined using 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) and syringaldazine (SGZ) as substrates. At acidic pH, the apparent kinetic parameters of the chimera were not distinguishable from each other or from those obtained for the LAC3 enzyme used as reference. On the other hand, the pH tolerance of the variants was visibly extended towards alkaline pH values. Compared to the parental LAC3, a 31‐fold increase in apparent kcat was observed for LAC131 at pH 8. This factor is one of the highest ever observed for laccase in a single mutagenesis step.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND COLOR CHARACTERISTICS OF IRANIAN GENOTYPES OF CORNELIAN CHERRY
Authors: NALBANDI HABIBEH , SEIIEDLOU SADEGH , HAJILOU JAFAR , MOGHADDAM MOHAMMAD , ADLIPOUR MOHAMMAD
Published: August 2009

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is known as a medicinal plant. It can be used as a fresh or dried fruit. In this study, color characteristics and some physical properties of three Iranian genotypes of cornelian cherry were studied. Color characteristics, true density and static coefficient of friction of cherries were measured using the L*a*b*model, toluene displacement method and tilting table, respectively. Dimensions, equivalent diameter and sphericity were also measured. Lightness, redness and color density of three genotypes were in the range of 20.68 to 26.10, 16.88 to 24.72 and 17.90 to 26.01, respectively. The maximum amount of bulk and true density were obtained for the genotype C2 (861 and 1118 kg/m3) and the maximum amount of repose angle was obtained for the genotype C12 (75°). Genotype C13 had the maximum value of porosity, sphericity and static coefficient of friction on the steel surface (23.54, 86.17 and 1.22 %, respectively).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The marketing of agricultural products such as cornelian cherry and their by‐product depends on the quality of primary products and the type of process operation at postharvest stage. The efficient process operation of cornelian cherry such as handling, cleaning and sizing depends on appropriate performance of the equipments used. The designing of suitable equipments needs knowledge about physical properties of cornelian cherry. In this study, the physical properties of cornelian cherry were measured. The results of present study could be used to (1) identify optimal configuration of cornelian cherry process equipments; (2) design and construct the cornelian cherry process equipment; and (3) sort and select cornelian cherry genotypes based on their quality.
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODELING OF APPLE DRYING PROCESS
Authors: KHOSHHAL ABBAS , DAKHEL ASGHAR ALIZADEH , ETEMADI AHMAD , ZERESHKI SINA
Published: August 2009

Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling and several mathematical models were applied to predict the moisture ratio in an apple drying process. Four drying mathematical models were fitted to the data obtained from eight drying runs and the most accurate model was selected. Two sets of ANN modeling were also performed. In the first set, the data obtained from each pilot were modeled individually to compare the ANN predictions with the best mathematical model. In the second set of ANN modeling, the simultaneous effect of all the four input parameters including air velocity, air temperature, the thickness of apple slices and drying time was investigated. The results showed that the ANN predictions were more accurate in comparison with the best fitted mathematical model. In addition, none of the mathematical models are able to predict the effect of the four input parameters simultaneously, while the presented ANN model predicts this effect with a good precision.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Today, modeling of chemical engineering processes is widespread in the process industries. An accurate modeling results in a precise prediction of the products of a process which could be very expensive or even unsafe to evaluate by experimental experiences. Because artificial neural network modeling is more or less proved to be one of the best modelings against mathematical ones, we suggest it to be considered for industrial processes such as drying in the food industry.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Peeled and Unpeeled Pumpkin Flour
Authors: Aziah A.A. Noor , Komathi C.A.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  This study was intended to investigate the potential of peeled and unpeeled pumpkin pulp as a raw material for the production of flour that could be used in composite blend with wheat flour or as a functional ingredient in food products. The peeled and unpeeled pumpkin pulp were soaked in sodium metabisulphite solution, sliced and dried overnight in a hot air oven, followed by milling into peeled pumpkin pulp flour (PPPF) and unpeeled pumpkin pulp flour (UPPF), respectively. The flours were then evaluated for physicochemical attributes (color, proximate compositions, and water activity) and functional properties (water holding capacity and oil holding capacity), in comparison to the commercial wheat flour. PPPF and UPPF were observed to be more attractive in terms of color than wheat flour, as indicated by the significantly higher results (P ≤ 0.05) in a* and b* values. In comparison to wheat flour, PPPF and UPPF were superior in term of nutrients as indicated by the significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) ash and crude fiber content. No significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) was shown in water holding capacity of PPPF and wheat flour. However, the oil holding capacity of PPPF and UPPF was shown to be significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the wheat flour, indicating the potential of PPPF and UPPF as emulsifying agents. Moisture content and water activity values in PPPF and UPPF were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) than wheat flour, suggesting that PPPF and UPPF have a better keeping quality and longer shelf life.