bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Equivalence in Depressive Symptoms in Older White, Black, and Mexican‐American Adults
Authors: Kim Giyeon , Chiriboga David A. , Jang Yuri
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine cultural equivalence in responses to depressive symptom items of three racial or ethnic elderly groups.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analyses of two national data sets.

SETTING: The New Haven Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) and the five‐state Hispanic EPESE (H‐EPESE).

PARTICIPANTS: Whites (n=1,876) and blacks (n=464) were drawn from the New Haven EPESE and Mexican Americans (n=2,623) were drawn from the H‐EPESE.

MEASUREMENT: The original 20‐item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D).

RESULTS: From differential item functioning analyses, a lack of measurement equivalence was found for 16 depressive symptom items. Mexican Americans were predisposed to endorse 12 depressive symptoms. Blacks were more likely than whites to endorse two interpersonal items (unfriendly and disliked). Mexican Americans were more likely than whites to respond to four positive affect items (good, hopeful, happy, and enjoyed) and more likely than blacks to endorse three positive items (good, happy, and enjoyed).

CONCLUSION: Results suggested response bias to depressive symptom items in racially and ethnically diverse older adults. Mexican Americans were more likely than whites to endorse the large number of depressive symptom items. Blacks were much more likely to respond in patterns similar to those of the whites. Findings from this study provide a foundation for developing culturally appropriate depression measures in health disparities research.
Elderly Patients' Knowledge of Drug Benefit Caps and Communication with Providers About Exceeding Caps
Authors: Tseng Chien‐Wen , Dudley R. Adams , Brook Robert H. , Keeler Emmett , Hixon Allen L. , Manlucu Luella R. , Mangione Carol M.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: Many elderly persons have drug benefits with coverage gaps, such as in Medicare Part D. Because beneficiaries who have such gaps must pay all drug costs, an accurate knowledge of gap thresholds and communication with providers about exceeding caps is important for elderly persons to manage out‐of‐pocket drug costs.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING: Health plan.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred eight health plan members aged 65 and older. The study was a 2002 cross‐sectional survey of elderly persons with capped drug benefits in a managed care plan in one state. Participants were sampled so that half reached coverage caps and half did not.

METHODS: Participants reported cap levels, communication with providers about exceeding caps, and decreased medication use due to cost.

RESULTS: Of the 1,308 participants (65.4% response rate), 68.6% did not know their correct cap level. Rates were similar in those who exceeded caps (66.2%), reported difficulty paying for medications (63.9%), or decreased medication use (66%). For participants who exceeded caps, 59.1% did not know beforehand that they were close to exceeding caps and 50.2% did not tell providers afterward. In multivariate analyses accounting for demographics and health, the oldest participants (≥85 vs 65–74) were at greater risk for not knowing cap levels (odds ratio (OR)=2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–3.4) and not telling providers about exceeding caps (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.1–4.5).

CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients often did not know correct cap levels and did not tell providers about exceeding caps. Providers, plans, and policymakers should actively assess and improve Medicare beneficiaries' knowledge of Part D coverage gaps.
Nonmetallic Prefabricated Dowels: A Review of Compositions, Properties, Laboratory, and Clinical Test Results
Authors: Baba Nadim Z. , Golden Gary , Goodacre Charles J.
Published: April 2009

Purpose: Prefabricated dowels have become popular, and a wide variety of systems are available. Recently, in response to a need for tooth‐colored dowels, several nonmetallic dowels such as carbon‐fiber epoxy resin, zirconia, glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin, and ultra‐high polyethelene fiber‐reinforced dowels are available. With a plethora of different materials and systems currently available for use, an overview of the scientific literature on nonmetallic dowels is indicated. This article reviews the current literature dealing with the compositions, properties, and laboratory and clinical test results of nonmetallic prefabricated dowels.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was completed seeking evidence for the treatment of teeth with nonmetallic prefabricated dowels. A search of English language peer‐reviewed literature was undertaken using MEDLINE and PubMed with a focus on clinical research articles published between 1996 and 2007. A hand search of relevant dental journals was also completed.

Results: The literature demonstrates that in vitro investigations demonstrated favorable physical and mechanical properties of these dowels; however, clinically, there has been a wide range of reported failure percentages.

Conclusion: Since there is considerable variation in reported failure percentages, longer‐term studies are needed that present data regarding all types of complications that have been identified in the literature.
Primary Prevention Implantation of Cardioverter Defibrillator without Defibrillation Threshold Testing: 2‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: BIANCHI STEFANO , RICCI RENATO P. , BISCIONE FRANCESCO , SGRECCIA FABRIZIO , DI BELARDINO NATALE , ROSSI PIETRO , GIULI SILVIA , GRAMMATICO ANDREA , DE SANTO TIZIANA , SANTI ELISABETTA , MERICO MONICA , PICCIRILLO GIANFRANCO , AZZOLINI PAOLO , SANTINI MASSIMO , PUGLISI ANDREA
Published: April 2009

Background: Even though the intraoperative threshold testing of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may cause hemodynamic impairment or be unfeasible, it is still considered required standard practice at the time of implantation. We compared the outcome of ICD recipients who underwent defibrillation threshold testing (DFT) with that of patients in whom no testing was performed.

Methods: A total of 291 subjects with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy received transvenous ICDs between January 2000 and December 2004 in five Italian cardiology centers. In two centers, DFT was routinely performed in 137 patients (81% men; mean age 69±9 years; mean ejection fraction 26±4%) (DFT group), while three centers never performed DFT in 154 patients (90% men; mean age 69±9 years; mean ejection fraction 27±5%) (no‐DFT group).

Results: We compared total mortality, total cardiovascular mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and spontaneous episodes of ventricular arrhythmia (sustained ventricular tachycardia, VT, and ventricular fibrillation, VF) between these groups 2 years after implantation (median 23 months, 25th–75th percentile, 12–44 months). On comparing the DFT and no‐DFT groups, we found an overall mortality rate of 20% versus 16%, cardiovascular mortality of 13% versus 10%, SCD of 3% versus 0.6%, VT incidence of 8% versus 10%, and VF incidence of 6% versus 4% (no significant difference in any comparison).

Conclusions: No significant differences in the incidence of clinical outcomes considered emerged between no‐DFT and DFT groups. These results should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Performance Evaluation of a Right Atrial Automatic Capture Verification Algorithm using Two Different Sensing Configurations
Authors: SPERZEL JOHANNES , GOETZE STEPHAN , KENNERGREN CHARLES , BIFFI MAURO , BROOKE M. JASON , VIRECA ELISA , SAHA SUNIPA , SCHUBERT BERND , BUTTER CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2009

Background: This acute data collection study evaluated the performance of a right atrial (RA) automatic capture verification (ACV) algorithm based on evoked response sensing from two electrode configurations during independent unipolar pacing.

Methods: RA automatic threshold tests were conducted. Evoked response signals were simultaneously recorded between the RARing electrode and an empty pacemaker housing electrode (RARing→Can) and the electrically isolated Indifferent header electrode (RARing→Ind). The atrial evoked response (AER) and the performance of the ACV algorithm were evaluated off‐line using each sensing configuration. An accurate threshold measurement was defined as within 0.2 V of the unipolar threshold measured manually. Threshold tests were designed to fail for small AER (< 0.35 mV) or insufficient signal‐to‐artifact ratio (SAR < 2). Manual threshold measurements were obtained during RA unipolar and bipolar pacing and compared across device indications.

Results: Data were collected from 38 patients with RA bipolar leads from four manufacturers. AER signals were analyzed from 34 patients who were indicated for a pacemaker (five), implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (11), or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (six) or defibrillator (12). The minimum AER amplitude was larger (P < 0.0001) when recorded from RARing→Can (1.6±0.9 mV) than from RARing→Ind (1.3±0.8 mV). The algorithm successfully measured the pacing threshold in 96.8% and 91.0% of tests for RARing→Can and RARing→Ind, respectively. No statistical difference between the unipolar and bipolar pacing threshold was observed.

Conclusions: The RARing→Can AER sensing configuration may provide a means of implementing an independent pacing/sensing method for ACV in the RA. RA bipolar pacing therapy based on measured RA unipolar pacing thresholds may be feasible.
DES Design: Theoretical Advantages and Disadvantages of Stent Strut Materials, Design, Thickness, and Surface Characteristics
Authors: BAILEY STEVEN R.
Published: April 2009

Endovascular stents have historically been manufactured using metals and metal composites. While metallic implants in nonvascular locations have been biologically well tolerated, endovascular implants have been plagued by neointimal proliferation resulting in recurrent stenosis. Using prior in vitro and in vivo outcomes, novel research projects are under way to improve vascular implants. This review summarizes prior investigations of metal stents, analyzes new biopolymeric systems, and examines emerging technologies and manufacturing processes for surface modifications as well as bioabsorbable stent materials. Limitations of these new materials and manufacturing processes will be discussed along with potential new biologic applications.
XIENCE V™ Everolimus‐Eluting Coronary Stent System: A Preclinical Assessment
Authors: PERKINS LAURA E. L. , BOEKE‐PURKIS KATRIN H. , WANG QING , STRINGER STEVEN K. , COLEMAN LESLIE A.
Published: April 2009

Background: The XIENCE V™ everolimus‐eluting coronary stent system is a second‐generation drug‐eluting stent designed for safety and efficacy in the interventional treatment of coronary artery disease and in preventing in‐stent restenosis. A comprehensive preclinical program was completed to aid in the scientific design and to demonstrate the safety of XIENCE V.

Methods: Studies evaluating clinical dose selection, pharmacokinetics, single and overlapping stent safety, polymer safety, and maximum dose (8× everolimus) safety were conducted in the porcine coronary arterial model at 28, 90, 180 days, and 1 and 2 years. Additionally, a subset of studies was conducted in the rabbit iliac arterial model.

Results: Morbidity and mortality rates for all preclinical studies were exceptionally low, being less than 1%. The arterial response observed in the clinical dose selection study and in all safety studies was typified by benign neointimal hyperplasia with endothelialization by 28 days. Everolimus was released in a controlled manner for 120 days and remained primarily localized within the stented arterial region, which was evidenced histologically as peristrut fibrin. The temporal presence of peristrut fibrin matched the everolimus‐elution profile. Thrombosis, malapposition, medial loss, or other adverse effects were not observed in any preclinical studies.

Conclusion: XIENCE V has demonstrated safety via an extremely comprehensive preclinical program published to date for a DES system, with data generated in two species to 2 years. The preclinical data, along with the SPIRIT clinical trial data, demonstrate the excellent safety and potential efficacy profile of XIENCE V.
Nondipolar Content of T Wave Derived from a Myocardial Source Simulation with Increased Repolarization Inhomogeneity
Authors: Kesek Milos , Gustavsson Ola , Wiklund Urban
Published: April 2009

Background: Several conditions with repolarization disturbances are associated with increased level of nondipolar components of the T wave. The nondipolar content has been proposed as a measure of repolarization inhomogeneity. This computer simulation study examines the link between increased nondipolar components and increased repolarization inhomogeneity in an established model.

Methods: The simulation was performed with Ecgsim software that uses the equivalent double‐layer source model. In the model, the shape of transmembrane potential is derived from biological recordings. Increased repolarization inhomogeneity was simulated globally by increasing the variance in action potential duration and locally by introducing changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction. We synthesized surface ECG recordings with 12, 18, and 300 leads. The T‐wave residue was calculated by singular value decomposition. The study examined the effects of the number of ECG leads, changes in definition of end of T wave and random noise added to the signal.

Results: Normal myocardial source gave a low level of nondipolar content. Increased nondipolar content was observed in the two types of increased repolarization inhomogeneity. Noise gave a large increase in the nondipolar content. The sensitivity of the result to noise increased when a higher number of principal components were used in the computation.

Conclusions: The nondipolar content of the T wave was associated with repolarization inhomogeneity in the computer model. The measure was very sensitive to noise, especially when principal components of high order were included in the computations. Increased number of ECG leads resulted in an increased signal‐to‐noise ratio.
The impact of climate change on China's agriculture
Authors: Wang Jinxia , Mendelsohn Robert , Dinar Ariel , Huang Jikun , Rozelle Scott , Zhang Lijuan
Published: April 2009

This article examines how expected changes in climate are likely to affect agriculture in China. The effects of temperature and precipitation on net crop revenues are analyzed using cross‐sectional data consisting of both rainfed and irrigated farms. Based on survey data from 8,405 households across 28 provinces, the results suggest that global warming is likely to be harmful to rainfed farms but beneficial to irrigated farms. The net impacts will be only mildly harmful at first, but the damages will grow over time. The impacts also vary by region. Farms in the Southeast will only be mildly affected but farms in the Northeast and Northwest will bear the largest damages. However, the study does not capture the indirect effects on farms of possible changes in water flow, which may be important in China.
Consumer responses to new food quality information: are some consumers more sensitive than others?
Authors: Gao Zhifeng , Schroeder Ted C.
Published: April 2009

Missing information prevails in consumer purchase decisions and studies on consumer preferences. Previous research ignores the relationship between consumer types and their responses to new quality attribute information. In this article, consumer responses to new attribute information are compared across consumer groups. Results show that single households with low income are more responsive to new information than married households with high income. Both groups respond to new information more intensively when a cue attribute, Certified U.S. Product, is presented to consumers.
Petrological characterisation of ‘alabaster’ from the Marib province in Yemen and its use as an ornamental stone in Sabaean culture
Authors: Weiss Christian , O′Neill D′arne , Koch Roman , Gerlach Iris
Published: April 2009

‘Yemen alabaster’, a calcareous sinter, is a unique building and ornamental stone of the Sabaean culture (c. 1000 BC to 100 AD). This study characterises the quarries and describes the facies of their stones. Through thin sections, luminescence microscopy and geochemical analyses, ‘Yemen alabaster’ can be classified and assigned a quarry source. The stone is a calcareous sinter related to volcanism in the Marib province. It can be divided into several microfacies types different in luminescence and trace element contents. During Sabaean times it was mined in highly organised quarries including underground quarries and used extensively in the Sabaean kingdom.
Age‐related changes in BAER at different click rates from neonates to adults
Authors: Jiang Ze Dong , Wu Yun Ya , Wilkinson Andrew R
Published: April 2009

Aim:  To characterize age‐related changes in brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) at different click rates from neonates to adults.

Methods:  BAER was studied at repetition rates 11–91/sec of clicks in 165 normal neonates and children of various ages and 29 young adults.

Results:  BAER wave latencies and inter‐peak intervals increased linearly with increasing click rate at all ages. The younger was the age, the greater were BAER click rate‐dependent changes. At 9 months and younger, the slopes of latency‐ and interval‐rate functions were all significantly greater than in the adults (all p < 0.01). The slopes of wave I latency‐ and I–III interval‐rate functions at 1–2 years and older were similar to those in adults. The slopes of wave III and V latency‐rate functions and I–V and III–V interval‐rate function at 3–4 years and older did not differ significantly from those in adults.

Conclusion:  BAER is affected by stimulus rate more in younger children than in the older. Adult‐like rate‐dependent changes are reached at 1–2 years for wave I latency and I–III interval, and 3–4 years for wave III and V latencies and I–V and III–V intervals. Our BAER data at different click rates provide normal references for subjects of various ages.
Complement factor 5a receptor chimeras reveal the importance of lipid‐facing residues in transport competence
Authors: Klco Jeffery M. , Sen Saurabh , Hansen Jakob L. , Lyngsø Christina , Nikiforovich Gregory V. , Sheikh Soren P. , Baranski Thomas J.
Published: April 2009

Residues that mediate helix–helix interactions within the seven transmembranes (TM) of G protein‐coupled receptors are important for receptor biogenesis and the receptor switch mechanism. By contrast, the residues directly contacting the lipid bilayer have only recently garnered attention as potential receptor dimerization interfaces. In the present study, we aimed to determine the contributions of these lipid‐facing residues to receptor function and oligomerization by systemically generating chimeric complement factor 5a receptors in which the entire lipid‐exposed surface of a single TM helix was exchanged with the cognate residues from the angiotensin type 1 receptor. Disulfide‐trapping and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) studies demonstrated robust homodimerization of both complement factor 5a receptor and angiotensin type 1 receptor, but no evidence for heterodimerization. Despite relatively conservative substitutions, the lipid‐facing chimeras (TM1, TM2, TM4, TM5, TM6 or TM7) were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum/cis‐Golgi network. With the exception of the TM7 chimera that did not bind ligand, the lipid‐facing chimeras bound ligand with low affinity, but similar to wild‐type complement factor 5a receptors trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum with brefeldin A. These results suggest that the chimeric receptors were properly folded; moreover, native complement factor 5a receptors are not fully competent to bind ligand when present in the endoplasmic reticulum. BRET oligomerization studies demonstrated energy transfer between the wild‐type complement factor 5a receptor and the lipid‐facing chimeras, suggesting that the lipid‐facing residues within a single TM segment are not essential for oligomerization. These studies highlight the importance of the lipid‐facing residues in the complement factor 5a receptor for transport competence.
Reviewing deaths in the emergency department: Deaths in the department or deaths within 48 h
Authors: Clunas Sally , Whitaker Richard , Ritchie Nicole , Upton Jeanette , Isbister Geoffrey K
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To investigate an ED death audit process that included deaths occurring within 48 h of admission in addition to deaths in the ED.

Methods:  The study was a review of a prospective audit process undertaken in routine clinical practice that included auditing deaths in the ED and deaths of admitted patients within 48 h of ED presentation. Data were extracted from the audit database and included demography, clinical information and medical recommendations. The hospital incident investigation and monitoring system (IIMS) was searched for major incident reports involving death. The main outcome was the number of medical record audits from each group reported to the clinical governance unit for review, and whether the 48 h audit identified relevant cases to the ED in addition to those identified in the ED audit alone. Secondary outcomes were the number of audits resulting in other actions: ED policy review, education, case discussion or review with the inpatient team.

Results:  Over a 2 year period, 303 deaths were reviewed, including 75 deaths in the ED and 228 deaths within 48 h. The ED auditor recommended no further action in 66/75 (88%) ED deaths and 195/228 (86%) 48 h deaths. A major hospital review was recommended in 4/75 (5%) ED deaths and 11/228 (5%) 48 h deaths, with only 3 and 7 of these, respectively, having been detected by the hospital's IIMS. The audit identified 10 of 13 deaths notified to the IIMS and the remaining 3 did not involve error relevant to the ED. Internal review was recommended in one ED death and eight 48 h deaths.

Conclusions:  The present study demonstrates that auditing both ED deaths and 48 h deaths identifies additional issues relevant to the ED compared with auditing ED deaths alone or relying on standard hospital incident reporting.
Use of invasive mechanical ventilation in Australian emergency departments
Authors: Rose Louise , Gerdtz Marie F
Published: April 2009

Objective: There are few published reports describing the use of invasive mechanical ventilation in EDs. We explored the characteristics of patients receiving mechanical ventilation, the ventilator modes and parameters used as well as the duration of ventilation and the nature of ventilator decision‐making in Australian ED.

Methods: We conducted a 2 month prospective survey of adult patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation in 24 Australian ED. Data forms were completed by ED staff during the patient's ED presentation. We documented ventilator settings post intubation, after a 1 h stabilization period, and immediately before ED discharge or extubation. The person responsible for selection of ventilator settings was noted at each time point.

Results: Data were recorded on 307 patients. Altered mental status (179/307 [58%, 95% CI 53–64]) was the most common indication for mechanical ventilation. Volume‐controlled modes were most frequently used at all measured time points; with a median tidal volume of 8 mL/kg. Responsibility for initial selection of ventilator settings was shared between ED physicians (157/307 [51%, 95% CI 46–57]), ED nurses (111/307 [36%, 95% CI 31–42]) and ICU or paramedic staff (9/307 [3%, 95% CI 1–5]) (not recorded 30/307 [10%, 95% CI 6–13]). Ongoing responsibility for titration of ventilation was more commonly that of the ED nurse.

Conclusion: The application of mechanical ventilation was similar to descriptions reported in the critical care literature both in Australia and internationally. Decision‐making responsibilities were shared by ED medical and nursing staff.
Genetic differentiation analysis of African cassava (Manihot esculenta) landraces and elite germplasm using amplified fragment length polymorphism and simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Raji A.A.J. , Fawole I. , Gedil M. , Dixon A.G.O.
Published: April 2009

Molecular‐marker‐aided evaluation of germplasm plays an important role in defining the genetic diversity of plant genotypes for genetic and population improvement studies. A collection of African cassava landraces and elite cultivars was analysed for genetic diversity using 20 amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) DNA primer combinations and 50 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Within‐population diversity estimates obtained with both markers were correlated, showing little variation in their fixation index. The amount of within‐population variation was higher for landraces as illustrated by both markers, allowing discrimination among accessions along their geographical origins, with some overlap indicating the pattern of germplasm movement between countries. Elite cultivars were grouped in most cases in agreement with their pedigree and showed a narrow genetic variation. Both SSR and AFLP markers showed some similarity in results for the landraces, although SSR provided better genetic differentiation estimates. Genetic differentiation (Fst) in the landrace population was 0.746 for SSR and 0.656 for AFLP. The molecular variance among cultivars in both populations accounted for up to 83% of the overall variation, while 17% was found within populations. Gene diversity (He) estimated within each population varied with an average value of 0.607 for the landraces and 0.594 for the elite lines. Analyses of SSR data using ordination techniques identified additional cluster groups not detected by AFLP and also captured maximum variation within and between both populations. Our results indicate the importance of SSR and AFLP as efficient markers for the analysis of genetic diversity and population structure in cassava. Genetic differentiation analysis of the evaluated populations provides high prospects for identifying diverse parental combinations for the development of segregating populations for genetic studies and the introgression of desirable genes from diverse sources into the existing genetic base.
Influence of SiO2 Addition on the Dielectric Properties and Microstructure of (Ba0.96Ca0.04)(Ti0.85Zr0.15)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Lee Ying‐Chieh , Lin Chia‐Wei , Lu Wei‐Hua , Chen Wen‐Jauh , Lee Wen‐Hsi
Published: April 2009

In this study, the effect of SiO2 doping on the sintering behavior, microstructure, and dielectric properties of BaTiO3‐based ceramics was investigated. Silica was added to (Ba0.96Ca0.04)(Ti0.85Zr0.15)O3 (BCTZ) powder prepared using the solid‐state method. SiO2‐doped BCTZ ceramics with a high density and a uniform grain size were obtained and sintered at 1220°C in a reducing atmosphere. A second phase (BaTiSiO5) existed in samples when SiO2 was added in excess of 1%. The amount of the second phases was observed to increase as the number of SiO2 additives increased. It was found that BCTZ ceramics sintered with SiO2 are helpful in reducing the sintering temperature for a typical thick film and MLCC applications. However, there were disadvantageous effects on the dielectric properties with mere addition of SiO2 addition (3% and 5%) due to higher formation of BaTiSiO5. Doping with a small amount of silica can improve the sintering and dielectric properties of BCTZ ceramics. In addition, to understand the effect of the BaTiSiO5 phase on the dielectric properties of BCTZ ceramics, the BaTiSiO5 composition was synthesized from individual BaCO3, TiO2, and SiO2 powders using conventional solid‐state methods. X‐ray diffraction results show the presence of mainly the crystalline phase, BaTiSiO5, in the sintered ceramics.
Attitudes toward Electoral College Reform: Understanding Opinion Formation on Complicated Public Policy Issues
Authors: MCKENZIE MARK J.
Published: April 2009

This article examines opinion dynamics on the complicated public policy issue of Electoral College reform. The study shows how partisan perceptions and political sophistication affect opinion on Electoral College reform. Taking advantage of an experiment and of an analysis of polls after the 2000 election, this study finds that those with higher levels of political sophistication were more likely to oppose reform. Proponents of reform often rely on simple majoritarian arguments while those opposed to reform are forced to justify the Electoral College based on more complicated arguments involving federalism and support for the two‐party system. Those with higher levels of political sophistication were more likely to understand, and hence accept, difficult arguments made by opponents of reform. Partisanship also played an important influence in shaping attitudes toward the Electoral College.
The Role of an African‐American Candidate on Psychological Engagement and Political Discussion in a Local Election
Authors: SULLIVAN JAS M. , MAJOR LESA HATLEY , GOIDEL KIRBY , KURPIUS DAVID
Published: April 2009

There have been numerous studies of African‐American political participation, but little research investigating the effect of African‐American candidates on political discussion. This is surprising, given the importance of political discussion in democratic theory and the increased attention it has received in the literature. We address this gap by examining the effect of a successful African‐American Democratic candidate on psychological engagement and political discussion in a majority white, majority Republican local election in the Deep South. Our findings reveal a paradox—African‐American voters paid more attention to the election and reported being more informed and more satisfied with the candidates, but were less likely to have discussed the election. The negative effect of race was less than in other concurrent races, indicating that the presence of an African‐American candidate may limit but not erase participation differentials in political discussion.
Force Characterization of Dielectrophoresis in Droplet Transport
Authors: Young Patrick M. , Mohseni Kamran
Published: April 2009

Transporting microdroplets using electric fields can be accomplished with several mechanisms, the primary methods being dielectrophoresis (DEP) for electrically insulating liquids, and electrowetting on dielectric for conducting fluids. In both cases, an electric field is applied near the leading edge of the droplet using patterned electrodes, giving rise to an electrostatic pressure that induces droplet transport. This paper examines the nature of the force distribution for DEP‐actuated droplets in several electrode configurations, calculated using a numerical method designed for handling jump conditions in the Poisson equation. The numerical method is described and verified by comparison with known analytical results. The net force acting upon a DEP droplet is investigated, with the effect of electrode configuration presented for several cases, demonstrating some beneficial aspects for engineering applications.
Metastable Mesoscopic Phases in Concentrated Protein Solutions
Authors: Vekilov Peter G.
Published: April 2009

The Gibbs's definition of a phase assumes completely homogeneous composition, with fluctuations bringing about local variations of less than a few percent. We apply light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and other techniques to demonstrate that even solutions of a single protein of moderate concentration do not comply with Gibbs's definition of phase. In such solutions clusters of sizes from several tens to several hundred nanometers exist and have limited lifetimes. These clusters have a higher free energy than the protein solution, and their lifetime is determined by the barrier for their decay. The clusters affect the viscous and viscoelastic behavior of the solution and are an essential part of potential condensation and aggregation pathways. Since the clusters are observed in solutions of single proteins, they indicate that the proteins have an intrinsic propensity to form mesoscopic structures, which is probably utilized in the formation of the protein complexes in the cytosol. Cluster theories developed for colloid systems appear inapplicable to proteins due to the high level of implied Coulomb repulsion. The experimental evidence on the clusters suggests that their sizes are determined by the kinetics of growth and decay, and not by thermodynamics. A microscopic theory to account for stabilizing and destabilizing factors involving protein molecules and solvent inside the clusters has not yet been developed.
Optimizing Microneedle Arrays to Increase Skin Permeability for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Al‐Qallaf Barrak , Das Diganta Bhusan
Published: April 2009

Improving drug permeability in the skin is one of the most important issues for designing new methods of transdermal drug delivery. Consequently, many techniques have been proposed to effectively deliver drugs across the stratum corneum. The microneedle is a new technology to enhance transdermal delivery of high‐molecular‐weight drugs. This technique combines the concepts of transdermal drug delivery across the skin with patches and hypodermic injections. The microneedles have been shown experimentally to increase the skin permeability by orders of magnitude in vitro for a range of drugs that differ in molecular size and weight. Recently, other questions appeared while using these microneedles, such as how to reduce needle diameters by which the hole is produced to be as small as possible to exclude bacteria and other foreign particles. Another issue is how to correlate the skin thickness and microneedle length with the skin permeability. In this work, we have developed an optimization framework for improving skin permeability to drugs by using microneedle arrays, which considers different classifications of skin thickness arising from different races, sex groups, ages, and anatomical regions. To know the optimum design of these microneedles, the effect of the microneedle geometry (e.g., number of microneedles, microneedle radius) on skin should be determined. In this work, the optimization algorithm is presented. The outcome of this work will be used to suggest optimum microneedle designs based on the parameters of interest.
Study on Interfacial Stability and Internal Flow of a Droplet Levitated by Ultrasonic Wave
Authors: Abe Yutaka , Yamamoto Yuji , Hyuga Daisuke , Awazu Shigeru , Aoki Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2009

For a microgravity environment, new and high‐quality material is expected to be manufactured. However, the effect of surface instability and the internal flow become significant when the droplet becomes large. Elucidation of internal flow and surface instability on a levitated droplet is required for the quality improvement of new material manufacturing in a microgravity environment. The objectives of this study are to clarify the interfacial stability and internal flow of a levitated droplet. Surface instability and internal flow are investigated with a large droplet levitated by the ultrasonic acoustic standing wave. The experiment with a large droplet is conducted both under normal gravity and microgravity environments. In the experiment, at first, the characteristics of the levitated droplet are investigated; that is, the relationships among the levitated droplet diameter, the droplet aspect ratio, the displacement of the antinode of the standing wave, and the sound pressure are experimentally measured. As a result, it is clarified that the levitated droplet tends to be located at an optimal position with an optimal shape and diameter. Second, the border condition between the stable and the unstable levitation of the droplet is evaluated by using the existing stability theory. The experimental results qualitatively agree with the theory. It is suggested that the stability of the droplet can be evaluated with the stability theory. Finally, multidimensional visual measurement is conducted to investigate the internal flow structure in a levitated droplet. It is suggested that complex flow with the vortex is generated in the levitated droplet. Moreover, the effect of physical properties of the test fluid on the internal flow structure of the levitated droplet is investigated. As a result, the internal flow structure of the levitated droplet is affected by the surface tension and viscosity.
Material Worlds: Natural Resources, Resource Geography and the Material Economy
Authors: Bridge Gavin
Published: April 2009

This article lays out a set of arguments about natural resources, the material economy, and resource geography. It explains the productive position resources occupy in the organization of knowledge and establishes ‘natural resources’ as a potent social category for designating parts of the non‐human world to which value is attached. The article then elaborates two claims: (1) that we live in a material world in which ‘the economy’ is fundamentally – although not exclusively – a process of material transformation through which natural resources are converted into a vast array of commodities and by‐product wastes; and (2) that the material economy of resource production, transformation and consumption is one of contradiction and paradox. The bulk of the article outlines seven specific resource paradoxes: scale/quality, complexity/risk, scarcity/abundance, value/intensity, diversity/dependence, wealth/poverty, intimacy/ignorance – and explains what they reveal about the geographical and historical dynamics of resource production and consumption.
More than Food and Folk Music? Geographical Perspectives on European Town Twinning
Authors: Grosspietsch Julia
Published: April 2009

This article considers the widespread phenomenon of town twinning, placing contemporary practices of twinning in the context of a long history of attempts to promote municipal cooperation across international borders. This paper argues that such twinnings can be conceptualised as forms of economic and project‐based cooperation – albeit one underpinned by a range of symbolic exchanges. Locating twinning within debates on the internationalisation and relationality of cities, this paper thus sketches an agenda for research in which twinning is considered a mutable practice of city governance.
Simple HPLC Method for Resolution of Curcuminoids with Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Naidu M. Madhava , Shyamala B.N. , Manjunatha J.R. , Sulochanamma G. , Srinivas P.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:  Development of methodology for qualitative analysis and quantitative separation of individual curcuminoids in curcumin removed turmeric oleoresin (CRTO) and study of antioxidant activity of individual curcuminoids have been achieved in the present study. A simple HPLC protocol was outlined for optimal resolution of curcuminoids (I), (II), and (III) on an Exil‐NH2 column using isocratic elution with a mixture of isopropanol and water. CRTO is shown to be good source for the compounds II and III, as they are in an enriched form. The optimum resolution of the curcumin and its analogs in the present method developed, affords a facile method for estimation of individual curcuminoids in turmeric samples, which is an improvement over the standard AOAC method which estimates only total curcuminoids. The free radical scavenging capacity of pure curcuminoids I, II, and III, as determined by DPPH method at 100 ppm concentration was 88%, 80%, and 68% with IC50 values being 56, 62, and 73 ppm, respectively. Their antioxidant potential could render them useful as important nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients.
Effect of the Addition of a Cocoa Butter–Like Fat Enzymatically Produced from Olive Pomace Oil on the Oxidative Stability of Cocoa Butter
Authors: Çiftçi Ozan Nazım , Kowalski Bolesław , Göğüş Fahrettin , Fadıloğlu Sibel
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:  A cocoa butter (CB)–like fat was produced in a packed bed enzyme reactor using sn‐1,3 specific lipase, and its blends with CB were prepared at different ratios (CB: CB‐like fat; 100: 0, 90: 10, 80: 20, 70: 30, 60: 40, 50: 50, 0: 100). The oxidation kinetics of CB: CB‐like fat blends was studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Samples were heated in DSC at different temperatures (130, 140, 150, 160 °C) under 100 mL/min oxygen. From DSC exotherms, oxidation induction times (OIT) were determined and used for the assessment of the oxidative stabilities of the blends. Oxidation kinetics parameters (activation energy, Ea; preexponential factor, Z; and oxidation rate constant, k) were calculated. In general, it has been observed that above 110 °C increasing the ratio of CB‐like fat in the blend increased the k value with increasing temperature. It has been observed that for all blends the increase in k value with temperature was significant (P < 0.05). Increasing CB‐like fat ratio in the blend decreased the content of major TAGs (1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol [POP]; 1[3]‐palmitoyl‐3[1]stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol [POS]; 1,3‐distearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol [SOS]), and decreased the oxidative stability of the blends.
Comparison of Mono‐ and Di‐Saccharides Release in Aqueous Solutions by Raw or Fried Dice of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Bulbs using Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (qNMR)
Authors: Tardieu Audrey , Guerez Alice , Phana Sidarin , De Man Walter , This Hervé
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:  Although onion bulb tissues, either raw or thermally processed, are widely used as culinary ingredients in homes, in restaurants, and in the food industry, especially for sauces, little is known about the chemical constituents released from such systems. To get a straightforward and fast analysis of sugars released from onion dice soaked in model aqueous solutions, quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy was applied, and the effect of a preliminary thermal processing in oil was investigated. Soaking of raw or fried onion bulb dice at room temperature was followed for 11 d as a model of long‐term storage. For the Armstrong cultivar, the extracted dry matter (in milligrams per gram of fresh weight) as well as the content in 3 sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) increased up to a maximum after about 48 h of soaking. Frying induces no measurable new water‐soluble compounds. However, extraction kinetics are different (about 3 times faster with frying). Using additional microscopic studies, a possible extraction mechanism is proposed: compounds from sap—including sugars—would diffuse through conductive tissue channels.
Effect of Infrared Heating on the Formation of Sesamol and Quality of Defatted Flours from Sesamum indicum L.
Authors: Kumar C. Mahendra , Appu Rao A.G. , Singh Sridevi Annapurna
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:  Infrared (IR) heating offers several advantages over conventional heating in terms of heat transfer efficiency, compactness of equipment, and quality of the products. Roasting of sesame seeds degrades the lignan sesamolin to sesamol, which increases the oxidative stability of sesame oil synergistically with tocopherols. IR (near infrared, 1.1 to 1.3 μm, 6 kW power) roasting conditions were optimized for the conversion of sesamolin to sesamol. The resultant oil was evaluated for sesamol and tocopherol content as well as oxidative stability. The defatted flours were evaluated for their nutritional content and functionality. IR roasting of sesame seeds at 200 °C for 30 min increased the efficiency of conversion of sesamolin to sesamol (51% to 82%) compared to conventional heating. The γ‐tocopherol content decreased by 17% and 25% in oils treated at 200 and 220 °C for 30 min, respectively. There were no significant differences in the tocopherol content and oxidative stability of the oil. Methionine and cysteine content of the flours remained unchanged due to roasting. The functional properties of defatted flours obtained from either IR roasted or conventionally roasted sesame seeds remained the same.

Practical Applications: Sesame oil is stable to oxidation compared to other vegetable oils. This stability can be attributed to the presence of tocopherols and the formation of sesamol, the thermal degradation product of sesamolin—a lignan present in sesame. Roasting of sesame seeds before oil extraction increases sesamol content which is a more potent antioxidant than the parent molecule. The conversion efficiency of sesamolin to sesamol is increased by 31% by infrared roasting of seeds compared to electric drum roasting. This can be used industrially to obtain roasted oil with greater oxidative stability.
Lipid Oxidation Is Inhibited by Isoeugenol Exposure in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha) Fillets during Storage at 15 °C
Authors: Tuckey Nicholas P.L. , Forster Malcolm E. , Gieseg Steven P.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:  The method of harvest for farmed fish and the postharvest tissue metabolism can have a significant effect on the quality and storage stability of the resulting fillets. We have examined the effects of rested harvesting and isoeugenol exposure on tissue oxidation and the loss of tissue antioxidants in fillets of chinook salmon (Oncorhyncus tshawytscha) during storage at a normal metabolic temperature of 15 °C. Isoeugenol is a lipid soluble phenolic antioxidant used as an anesthetic in the aquaculture industry (AQUI‐S™). Fillets from salmon harvested in rested and exhausted physiological states with and without isoeugenol were prepared and stored in air at 15 °C for 96 h. Exposure to isoeugenol resulted in significantly decreased late‐stage lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels in the fillets during storage regardless of the harvest method. Protein carbonyl concentrations increased 73% in the fillets during storage (from 406 to 703 nmol/g wet weight) and were not affected by the harvest method. Fillet vitamin C concentrations decreased 92% (from 49 to 4 nmol/g wet weight) but were also not affected by the harvest method. Although significant late‐stage lipid oxidation was observed with exhausted harvesting, no significant vitamin E loss was observed in any of the fillets during storage. Our results show that rested harvesting of chinook salmon does not affect their oxidative stability immediately postharvest and that isoeugenol can function as an antioxidant in fish fillets as it prevented late‐stage lipid oxidation.
Survival of Listeria innocua after Isoelectric Solubilization and Precipitation of Fish Protein
Authors: Lansdowne L.R. , Beamer S. , Jaczynski J. , Matak K.E.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:  Protein wasted by the disposal of fish processing by‐products may be recovered using isoelectric solubilization and precipitation. Extreme pH shifts are used to solubilize the protein and then it is recovered by precipitation and centrifugation. Microbial survival after this process is unknown; therefore, the purpose was to see if Listeria innocua would survive extreme pH shifts during the protein recovery process. Fresh rainbow trout fillets were inoculated with L. innocua, homogenized, and brought to the target pH of 2, 3, 11.5, or 12.5 by the addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The proteins were allowed to solubilize at 4 °C for 10 min, centrifuged, and the lipid and insoluble components (bones, skin, insoluble protein, and so on) were removed. A 2nd pH shift (pH 5.5) and centrifugation was used to separate the precipitating protein and water fractions. Each constituent (lipid, protein, water, insoluble components) was analyzed for bacterial content using growth and selective media. The sums of the surviving L. innocua in these constituents were compared to the initial inoculum. There were no significant differences in recovery on growth or selective media (P > 0.05). The greatest loss occurred when the pH was shifted to 2, with a 3.1‐log reduction in the combined fractions of the trout fillets and a 3.8‐log reduction in the protein fraction. There were no significant losses when the pH was adjusted to 11.5 (P > 0.05). Future studies will continue to look at the effects of using organic acid, rather than inorganic, for protein solubilization.