bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Multiple Sampling Approaches to Measure Sexual Risk‐taking Among Young People in Haiti: Programmatic Implications
Authors: Speizer Ilene S. , Beauvais Harry , Gómez Anu Manchikanti , Outlaw Theresa Finn , Roussel Barbara
Published: December 2009

No previous published research has examined the applicability of varying methods for identifying young people who are at high risk of experiencing unintended pregnancy and acquiring HIV infection. This study compares three surveys of young people aged 15–24 in Port‐au‐Prince, Haiti, in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors and the surveys' usefulness for identifying young people at high risk and for program planning. The surveys consist of responses from: a representative sample of young people in the 2005–06 Haiti Demographic and Health Survey (HDHS), a 2004 facility‐based study, and a 2006–07 venue‐based study that used the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) method. The facility‐based and PLACE studies included larger proportions of single, sexually experienced young people and people who knew someone with HIV/AIDS than did the HDHS. More respondents in the PLACE sample had multiple sex partners in the past year and received money or gifts in return for sex, compared with respondents in the facility study. At first and last sex, more PLACE respondents used contraceptives, including condoms. Experience of pregnancy was most commonly reported in the data from the facility‐based sample; however, more ever‐pregnant PLACE respondents than others reported ever having terminated a pregnancy. Program managers seeking to implement prevention activities should consider using facility‐ or venue‐based methods to identify and understand the behaviors of young people at high risk.
Veteran Parents in Child Protective Services: Theory and Implementation
Authors: Nilsen Wendy J. , Affronti Melissa L. , Coombes Margaret L.
Published: December 2009

“Veteran parents” (VPs), or parents who have experienced challenges concerning their children's health and then mentor other families through similar situations, are widely used for parent support. This model has been adopted by Child Protective Services (CPS) to increase parent engagement. Here, we expand the theoretical discussion of VPs in CPS to address the unique challenges and implementation issues associated with maltreating families. We contend that this model, as originally evaluated in pediatrics, is compromised within CPS. VP programs in CPS will require the same rigorous investigation as other new programs.
An Evaluation of the Remarriage and Stepfamily Self‐Help Literature
Authors: Coleman Marilyn , Nickleberry Lynette
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to critique in‐print, post‐1990 copyrighted stepfamily self‐help books in order to provide guidance to helping professionals who work with these complex families. Of the 63 books reviewed, trained coders were able to strongly recommend 13 books for being well organized, for relying on clinical or empirical sources of information, and for offering practical and concrete advice specific enough for stepfamily members to implement.
Parental Satisfaction in the Adoption of Children with Learning Disorders: The Role of Behavior Problems
Authors: Nalavany Blace A. , Glidden Laraine M. , Ryan Scott D.
Published: December 2009

We sought to determine the extent to which children's behavior problems would mediate the relationship between children's learning disorders and adoption satisfaction using nationally representative data from 1,865 adoptive parents. We found that high levels of behavior problems, operationalized as internalizing and externalizing behaviors, occurred more frequently in children with learning disorders, supporting our mediational model. We concluded that it was the behavior problems, not the learning disorders, that were most problematic for parents. Implications for both pre‐ and postadoption services are highlighted.
Contemporary Work and Family Issues Affecting Marriage and Cohabitation Among Low‐Income Single Mothers
Authors: Joshi Pamela , Quane James M. , Cherlin Andrew J.
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we advance and test an integrative model of the effects of employment status, nonstandard work schedules, male employment, and women's perceptions of economic instability on union formation among low‐income single mothers. On the basis of the longitudinal data from 1,299 low‐income mothers from the Three‐City Welfare Study, results indicate that employment status alone is not significantly associated with whether women marry or cohabit. Rather, we find that nonemployed mothers and mothers working nonstandard schedules were less likely to marry compared to those working standard schedules. Mothers' perceptions of economic well‐being were associated with marriage at Wave 2. In contrast, cohabitation outcomes were not explained by economic factors, but were related to the perception of child care support. The policy implications of these results are discussed, in particular, as they relate to welfare reform's work and family goals.
Longstanding malformation of right sided pinna in an elderly man
Authors: Yolmo Deeke , Madana J. , Saxena Sunil K. , Gopalakrishnan S.
Published: December 2009

The pinna is the second most common site for external ear vascular malformation in the head and neck. These malformations are relatively uncommon in adults and can pose difficult therapeutic challenges. We hereby present a case of a 69‐year‐old man with a congenital lesion in the right pinna consistent with an arteriovenous malformation. The lesion was complicated by ulceration and bleeding for 6 months prior to presentation. Resection of pinna was carried out, and satisfactory functional and esthetic results were obtained. There was no recurrence at 22 months of regular follow up.
The starch‐binding capacity of the noncatalytic SBD2 region and the interaction between the N‐ and C‐terminal domains are involved in the modulation of the activity of starch synthase III from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wayllace Nahuel Z. , Valdez Hugo A. , Ugalde Rodolfo A. , Busi Maria V. , Gomez‐Casati Diego F.
Published: December 2009

Starch synthase III from Arabidopsis thaliana contains an N‐terminal region, including three in‐tandem starch‐binding domains, followed by a C‐terminal catalytic domain. We have reported previously that starch‐binding domains may be involved in the regulation of starch synthase III function. In this work, we analyzed the existence of protein interactions between both domains using pull‐down assays, far western blotting and co‐expression of the full and truncated starch‐binding domains with the catalytic domain. Pull‐down assays and co‐purification analysis showed that the D(316–344) and D(495–535) regions in the D2 and D3 domains, respectively, but not the individual starch‐binding domains, are involved in the interaction with the catalytic domain. We also determined that the residues W366 and Y394 in the D2 domain are important in starch binding. Moreover, the co‐purified catalytic domain plus site‐directed mutants of the D123 protein lacking these aromatic residues showed that W366 was key to the apparent affinity for the polysaccharide substrate of starch synthase III, whereas either of these amino acid residues altered ADP‐glucose kinetics. In addition, the analysis of full‐length and truncated proteins showed an almost complete restoration of the apparent affinity for the substrates and Vmax of starch synthase III. The results presented here suggest that the interaction of the N‐terminal starch‐binding domains, particularly the D(316–344) and D(495–535) regions, with the catalytic domains, as well as the full integrity of the starch‐binding capacity of the D2 domain, are involved in the modulation of starch synthase III activity.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7299461: SSIII (uniprotkb:Q9SAA5) binds (MI:0407) to SSIII (uniprotkb:Q9SAA5) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7299411, MINT‐7299429, MINT‐7299445: SSIII (uniprotkb:Q9SAA5) binds (MI:0407) to SSIII (uniprotkb:Q9SAA5) by pull down (MI:0096)
EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL PECTINASES APPLICATION ON SELECTED PROPERTIES OF RED PITAYA JUICE
Authors: NUR ‘ALIAA A.R. , SITI MAZLINA M.K. , TAIP F.S.
Published: December 2009

Pitaya or dragon fruits are becoming more popular in Malaysia due to their nutritional benefits. These exotic fruits can be utilized to produce many functional products such as fruit juice. This work examined the effects of commercial enzymes, i.e., Pectinex Ultra SP‐L and Pectinex CLEAR on the chemical composition, vitamin C and total polyphenols contents of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) juice, which is the most popular variety of pitaya. We have also observed the differences of these properties in fresh fruit pulp and juice produced without enzymatic treatment. The pitaya juice produced after enzymation and pasteurization has not shown marked changes in the most of its major chemical parameters such as moisture, ash, fat, carbohydrate and calorie. However, enzymation using Pectinex CLEAR leads to the juice with higher yield of protein. The protein content after the treatment increased to 2.20% w/w from 0.23% w/w of the raw juice. Vitamin C content in treated samples had reduced slightly because of the heat treatment. However, phenolics amounts were slightly higher up to 7% in the treated samples which suggest that pitaya beverage is rich in antioxidant capacity than in the unprocessed fruit. This study demonstrated the effects of pectinases application on several properties of red pitaya juice with an attempt to obtain some interesting and valuable data for the fruit processing industries. The data obtained were helpful for the optimization of red pitaya juice production as a step toward promoting the potential of red pitaya juice as a functional beverage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This paper aims to provide some useful data for pitaya or dragon fruit juice production. Since not much work has been done on this, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of commercial enzymatic treatment on clarification of red pitaya juice. Pectinase enzymes have been used in this study to help improve the quality of the juice physically and at the same time preserve some of the important properties of the juice such as vitamin C and total polyphenols contents. The process developed is considered suitable and very helpful for the processing of pitaya or dragon fruit processing.
DETERMINATION OF POISSON'S RATIO AND YOUNG'S MODULUS OF RED BEAN GRAINS
Authors: KIANI DEH KIANI MOSTAFA , MAGHSOUDI HOSSEIN , MINAEI SAEID
Published: December 2009

In this study, the Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of red bean grains were determined as a function of moisture content (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15% w.b.) and loading rate (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 mm/min) for Goli and Akhtar varieties. Quasi‐static compression loading was carried out, and both unit lateral extension and unit normal compression values were determined. Average Poisson's ratio values from 0.322 to 0.267 and from 0.406 to 0.340 were obtained for moisture levels ranging from 5 to 15%, for Goli and Akhtar varieties, respectively. Poisson's ratio increased from 0.257 to 0.332 and from 0.346 to 0.405 at loading rates of 3 to 15 mm/min, for Goli and Akhtar varieties, respectively. Young's modulus of elasticity decreased as moisture content increased and increased with increasing loading rate for both varieties. These finding will be useful in predicting the load deformation behavior of red bean grains.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Owing to the fact that there is not enough information about Poisson's ratio of grains, in this study, the goal function is to determine the Poisson's ratio of red bean ((Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grain during applied compression load under various conditions. In order to obtain Young's modulus and some other mechanical properties, Poisson's ratio of red bean grain needs to be known. These results may be used by manufacturers in order to design harvesting machines or other mechanical devices such as sorting and separating machines.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF THE JOSAPINE VARIETY OF PINEAPPLE FRUIT (ANANAS COMOSUS L.) IN DIFFERENT STORAGE SYSTEMS
Authors: SHAMSUDIN ROSNAH , DAUD WAN RAMLI WAN , TAKRIFF MOHD SOBRI , HASSAN OSMAN
Published: December 2009

The effect of the storage system on the chemical composition and thermal properties of pineapple fruit (Ananas comosus L.) of cv. Josapine was investigated. The fruits were stored in a refrigerator, 10 ± 1C, 35% H2O, and a humidity chamber, 10 ± 1C, 75% H2O. The properties of the fruit juice were examined every 4 days for changes in proximate analysis, total soluble solids, color, freezing point, water activity, pH, sugar contents, thermal conductivity and density. The statistical analysis indicates that total soluble solids is indicative of the ripening of the pineapple fruit.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The paper describes the database of selected chemical compositions and thermal properties of Josapine variety of pineapple fruit (Ananas comosus L.). Knowledge of these properties should constitute important and essential engineering data in the processing of pineapple, analysis of the behavior of the product in handling of the material, design of machines, control system, and in evaluating and retaining the quality of the final product. These basic information should be important to engineers, food scientist and processors, plant and animal breeders, and other scientists who may exploit these properties and find new uses. This study also investigates the compositional changes during pineapple fruit ripening and to provide information regarding these biochemical changes, to assist in development for controlling pineapple fruit ripening and loss of flesh firmness during storage.
MODELING PSEUDOMONAS FLUORESCENS BIOFILM FORMATION ON MARBLE, GRANITE AND STAINLESS STEEL AS A FUNCTION OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE
Authors: ROSADO MARCÍLIA SANTOS , DE ANDRADE NELIO JOSE , LUERA PENA WILMER EDGARD , CARELI ROBERTA TORRES , PIAZZA JOELMA LOPES , MINIM LUIS ANTONIO
Published: December 2009

The adherence and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas fluorescens on marble, granite and stainless steel as a function of time (0–10 days) and temperature (4.5–36.8C) were evaluated using response surface methodology. The derived models show that the adherence of P. fluorescens to marble and stainless steel is affected (in decreasing order of importance) by time, time2 and temperature and to granite by time2, time and temperature. Analysis of variance of the response variables showed that the models are significant and that they adequately represent the true relationships. The models were verified by experiments conducted under random combinations of temperature and time, and all the experiments verified that the proposed models are valid, suggesting that there is no tendency in the values predicted by the models. The number of cells adhered to stainless steel was lower than those adhered to marble or granite. All surfaces were able to support the adhesion of P. fluorescens and showed a well‐established biofilm.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study applied predictive microbiology to the task of preventing foodborne disease outbreaks in the food industry. Our results should contribute to food quality control, quality management, risk assessment, risk management hazard analysis by critical control point and good manufacturingpractices by suggesting how to control food contamination by processing contact surfaces. By using mathematical models to quantify the number of cells adhering to stainless steel, used to make the equipments, and granite and marble used to make benches and tables in the domestic kitchen, our work shows the importance of the surfaces materials and of the time and temperature of bacterial growth. The results show that the conditions of time and temperature usually found in a dairy plant can permit rapid bacterial adherence, emphasizing the importance of good cleaning and sanitization procedures to prevent bacterial adherence and biofilm formation.
ELIMINATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON COOKED CHICKEN BREAST MEAT SURFACES BY NEAR‐INFRARED SURFACE PASTEURIZATION PRIOR TO FINAL PACKAGING
Authors: HUANG L. , SITES J.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this research was to develop a process to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes on ready‐to‐eat chicken meats by near‐infrared (NIR) surface pasteurization immediately prior to final packaging. Cooked chicken breast meats, surface‐inoculated with a cocktail of L. monocytogenes, were subjected to NIR treatment. The surface temperature of the inoculated samples was increased to and then maintained at a temperature set point (62, 68 or 75C) for up to 8 min, depending on the temperature. On average, the overall rates of bacterial inactivation were 0.35, 0.89 and 1.6 log cycles/min for the samples treated at 62, 68 or 75C, respectively. In contrast, the bacterial inactivation rates were only 0.21, 0.53, 0.63 or 0.95 log‐cycles/min for samples submerged under hot water maintained at 62, 68, 75 or 85C, respectively. NIR surface pasteurization process was convincingly more effective than the hot water immersion process to eliminate L. monocytogenes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Far‐infrared (FIR) surface pasteurization, alone or in combination with hot water immersion (HWI) heating, has been used in the food industry to decontaminate ready‐to‐eat (RTE) meat surfaces immediately prior to final packaging. Near‐infrared surface pasteurization provides another potentially faster alternative to FIR and HWI to eliminate L. monocytogenes on RTE meats.
DRUMSTICK (MORINGA OLEIFERA L.) LEAVES: A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF NATURAL LIPID ANTIOXIDANTS
Authors: ARABSHAHI‐DELOUEE SAEEDEH , AALAMI MEHRAN , UROOJ ASNA
Published: December 2009

Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of drumstick leaves (200, 500 and 1,000 ppm) in soybean oil was assessed by an accelerated oxidation test (70C, 10 days) and a heating test (180C, 1 h). The extract significantly (P ≤ 0.05) suppressed the formation of peroxides and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) during accelerated oxidation, even at a level of 200 ppm. On heating test, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes and TBARS values of the oil treated with the extract were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than those of the control sample (oil without any antioxidant/extract). The antioxidant activity of the extract at 500 and 1,000 ppm was greater (P ≤ 0.05) than that of synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxyanisole on both accelerated oxidation and heating tests. Results of this study revealed high thermal stability of antioxidant components of drumstick extract and the antioxidant potential of the extract in inhibiting lipid peroxidation of soybean oil. Thus, the extract of drumstick leaves is recommended as an alternative source of natural antioxidants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Toxicological effects of synthetic antioxidants and consumer preference for natural products have resulted in increased interest in the application of natural antioxidants with special focus on those available in edible plants. In this study, methanolic extract of drumstick leaves showed an excellent antioxidant activity in soybean oil on accelerated oxidation and heating tests. Its antioxidant activity was comparable or even greater with that of a synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxyanisole. Then, drumstick leaves extract can be regarded as a “natural” source of antioxidants, having potential application in edible oils and lipid‐containing food products to retard or inhibit their lipid oxidation. In addition, consumption of such products can impart health benefits to the consumer.
Biological Observations on the Mudskipper Pseudapocryptes elongatus in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Bucholtz R. H. , Meilvang A. S. , Cedhagen T. , Christensen J.T. , Macintosh D. J.
Published: December 2009

Aspects of the population biology of the mudskipper, Pseudapocryptes elongatus, (Cuvier, 1816) were studied in Bac Lieu Province in the Lower Mekong Delta, Vietnam, including sex ratio, length–frequency distribution, sexual dimorphism, hepatosomatic index (HSI), female gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad histology, fecundity and some observations on post‐larvae and juveniles. In the population studied the sex ratio was skewed toward males. Females had a shorter mean length and a lower mean growth rate than males. No mature males or females were observed among mudskippers sampled in estuarine canals from February to May 2004 during the dry season. It is suggested that P. elongatus migrates to the sea to spawn later in the year after onset of the wet season. Salinity tolerance was evaluated in a 96‐h experiment. This showed that P. elongatus is remarkably euryhaline and able to survive in salinities ranging from freshwater to 50 ppt. Gut content analysis revealed that P. elongatus is a herbivore, feeding mainly on pennate diatoms (93% of the diet).
Evaluation of Reduced Fish Meal Diets for Second Year Growout of the Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides
Authors: Cochran Nathan J. , Coyle Shawn D. , Tidwell James H.
Published: December 2009

Development of efficient cost‐effective diets is a critical component in the refinement of production technologies for the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (LMB). One of the first steps in reducing feed costs can be to decrease the amount of fish meal in the diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate reduced levels of fish meal, and a least‐cost formulation diet, for second year growout of LMB under practical pond conditions. Twelve 0.04‐ha ponds were stocked with juvenile LMB (210.1±3.3 g) at a stocking density of 8650 fish/ha (350 fish/pond). Each pond was randomly assigned one of the four dietary treatments with three replicate ponds per treatment. The three experimental diets contained varying levels of fish meal. Diets FM‐45, FM‐24, and FM‐8 contained 45, 23.5, and 8% fish meal, respectively. In diets FM‐24 and FM‐8, fish meal was replaced by varying levels of poultry by‐product meal, soybean meal, and blood meal. The fourth diet was a commercial salmonid diet widely used as a LMB growout feed (Nelson and Sons, Inc., SilvercupTM, Steelhead, Murray, UT, USA). This diet served as a commercial control (CC) and contained 46% crude protein. The experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with the CC diet and were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 180 d. At harvest, there were no significant differences between treatments (P > 0.05) in terms of survival, which averaged 95% overall. Mean weights of fish fed the three experimental diets FM‐45, FM‐24 and FM‐8 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and averaged 518, 546, and 529 g, respectively, but were all significantly greater (P≤ 0.05) than those fed the CC (488 g). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish fed the FM‐45 and FM‐8 diets (1.43 and 1.46, respectively) was significantly greater (P≤ 0.05) than those fed the FM‐24 diet (1.34). The FCR of fish fed the CC diet (1.39) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from fish fed other diets. Feed cost per unit of weight gain ($US/kg) was significantly lower (P≤ 0.05) in fish fed the FM‐24 and FM‐8 diets ($0.73 and $0.72/kg, respectively) than in fish fed other diets. Feed cost per unit gain of fish fed the FM‐45 diet ($0.83/kg) was significantly lower (P≤ 0.05) than those fed the CC diet ($1.04/kg). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in dress‐out percentages or proximate composition among fish fed the four diets. This study indicates that fish meal levels in feeds used for the second year growout of LMB can be reduced to≥8% of the formulation without reducing survival or growth and without negatively impacting body composition.
Effect of Dietary Prebiotic Inulin on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microflora, Body Composition and Hematological Parameters of Juvenile Beluga, Huso huso (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Reza Akrami , Abdolmajid Hajimoradloo , Abbas Matinfar , Abdolmohammad Abedian Kinari
Published: December 2009

Use of prebiotics, nondigestible dietary ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth of and/or activating the metabolism of health‐promoting bacteria in the intestinal tract, is a novel concept in aquaculture. An 8‐week feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary prebiotic inulin on growth performance, intestinal microflora, body composition and hematological parameters of juvenile beluga, Huso huso. Three replicate groups of fish (initially averaging weight as group 16.14 ± 0.38 g) were fed diets containing prebiotic inulin levels ranging from 1 to 3%. The basal diet contained 3% cellulose. Fish were fed to apparent satiation and growth performance was monitored. The results of linear regression showed that there was a negative relationship between some performance indices including weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), energy retention (ER), feed efficiency (FE), protein retention (PR), and supplementation level of inulin, which indicated that inulin is not appropriate for supplementation in the diet of beluga. At the end of trial, in both basal and inulin groups, the total count of intestinal bacteria decreased within the second 4 weeks, but the intestinal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased in the 1% inulin group. These changes were not, however, reflected in the survival rate of the fish, although survival was higher compared to other groups.
Effect of Handling and Transport on Cortisol Response and Nutrient Mobilization of Golden Shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas
Authors: Li Peng , Ray Brian , Gatlin Delbert M. , Sink Todd , Chen Ruguang , Lochmann Rebecca
Published: December 2009

As the most popular baitfish in the USA, the golden shiner is subjected to frequent handling and transportation episodes prior to retail marketing and recreational use. Considerable mortality and economic loss can occur during handling and transportation. Limited information is available concerning stress responses, such as cortisol secretion, and mobilization of nutrients, such as zinc and ascorbic acid, during handling and transportation of this fish species. Therefore, two concurrent experiments were performed to characterize cortisol responses, as well as changes in whole‐body zinc and visceral ascorbic acid concentrations, after harvesting, grading, and transporting by ground or air. During ground transportation, fish were sampled immediately after being subjected to the following conditions: seined from a commercial pond in Lonoke, Arkansas (I), released into vats from the loading truck (II), graded by bar grader (III), loaded onto a hauling truck (IV) and after transport for 10 h to Brenham, Texas (V). Fish were also sampled before and after air freight shipment. Whole‐body cortisol appeared to be a reliable endocrine marker for stress response of golden shiner subjected to handling and transportation. Grading by bar grader was the most stressful event in the process of handling and transporting golden shiners, resulting in a significantly elevated whole‐body cortisol concentration of 107 ng/g tissue, compared to concentrations of 6.3, 32.3, 15.7, and 30.4 ng/g tissue, for stages I, II, IV, and V, respectively. A significant increase in whole‐body cortisol concentration was also observed after air transportation of 22 h duration. No significant reductions in whole‐body zinc or visceral ascorbic acid concentrations were observed.
Estimating Amino Acid Requirement of Brazilian Freshwater Fish from Muscle Amino Acid Profile
Authors: De Almeida Bicudo ÁLvaro José , Cyrino José Eurico Possebon
Published: December 2009

Information on nutritional requirement of some Brazilian farmed fish species, especially essential amino acids (EAA) requirements, is scarce. The estimation of amino acids requirements based on amino acid composition of fish is a fast and reliable alternative. Matrinxa, Brycon amazonicus, and curimbata, Prochilodus lineatus, are two important Brazilian fish with potential for aquaculture. The objective of the present study was to estimate amino acid requirements of these species and analyze similarities among amino acid composition of different fish species by cluster analysis. To estimate amino acid requirement, the following formula was used: amino acid requirement = [(amount of an individual amino acid in fish muscle tissue) × (average totalEAA requirement among channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and common carp, Cyprinus carpio)]/(average fish muscle totalEAA). Most values found lie within the range of requirements determined for other omnivorous fish species, in exception of leucine requirement estimated for both species, and arginine requirement estimated for matrinxa alone. Rather than writing off the need for regular dose–response assays under the ideal protein concept to determine EAA requirements of curimbata and matrinxa, results set solid base for the study of tropical species dietary amino acids requirements.
Influence of Steeping Solution and Storage Temperature on the Color Change of Garlic
Authors: Bae Song Hwan , Lee Seog‐Won , Kim Mi‐Ryung , Kim Jin Man , Suh Hyung Joo
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to investigate the browning of garlic under different steeping conditions and storage temperatures. The brown indices of steeped garlics showed lowest values (7.3 and 7) in 25% and 50% EtOH at 7 d of storage. The degree of browning of steeped garlics was lowest (10.2 in 25% EtOH and 10.4 in 50% EtOH) in the samples soaked for 8 h at 13 d of storage. As the storage temperature was increased from 10 to 40 °C, the brown indices of garlics revealed an increasing trend relative to storage time regardless of steeping treatment. Overall, the kinetic parameters showed relatively low R2 and irregular reaction constants, but the ko values showed an increasing trend with temperature under a zero‐order model. The highest polyphenol content within the garlic bulbs was seen in controls (without steeping treatment, 588.9 μg/g), than 0% EtOH (water, 392.5 μg/g), than 25% EtOH (211.3 μg/g), and finally 50% EtOH (155.6 μg/g). The polyphenol oxidase activity of garlic showed a similar trend to that of polyphenol content. However, the texture properties of garlics steeped with 25% and 50% did not change.

Practical Application: The garlic color preferred by consumers is a creamy‐white, but this is susceptible to enzymatic browning when pre‐peeled and chopped. When garlic was steeped in the 25% and 50% alcohol, the browning of garlic was prevented during storage.
Mycosporine‐like Amino Acids in Freshwater Copepods: Potential Sources and Some Factors That Affect Their Bioaccumulation
Authors: García Patricia E. , Diéguez María C. , Ferraro Marcela A. , Zagarese Horacio E. , Pérez Alejandra P.
Published: December 2009

Mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) are ubiquitous photoprotective compounds in aquatic environments. MAAs are synthesized by a wide variety of organisms (i.e. bacteria, fungi and algae) and their production is photoinducible by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) (280–400 nm) and/or photosynthetically active radiation (400–750 nm). Most animals however, are unable to synthesize MAAs and must acquire these compounds through their diet or from symbiotic organisms. In this paper, we investigate the possible sources of MAAs and factors (temperature and initial MAA concentration) that may affect their bioaccumulation in freshwater copepods. We found that MAA accumulation may occur even if the copepods are cultured on a MAA‐free diet. In addition, we found that the bacteriostatic antibiotic, chloramphenicol, inhibits the bioaccumulation of MAAs. These two pieces of evidence suggest that the source of MAAs in these copepods may be prokaryotic organisms in close association with the animals. The two factors investigated in this study, temperature and initial MAA concentrations, were found to affect the rates at which MAAs are accumulated. Temperature had positive effects on both uptake and elimination rates. On the other hand, the rate of uptake decreased at the highest assayed initial MAA concentration, probably because the concentration of MAAs was already close to saturation.
Smoking Among Women Following Heart Transplantation: Should We Be Concerned?
Authors: Evangelista Lorraine , Ter‐Galstanyan Alvina , Moser Debra K. , Dracup Kathleen
Published: December 2009

The serious detrimental effects of smoking after heart transplantation (HTX) are well established, but data that demonstrate the effects on female HTX recipients are scarce. The purpose of this study was to describe tobacco use, exposure to second hand smoke (ESHS), and health perceptions of female HTX recipients and examine relationships between these variables of interest and demographic and clinical characteristics of women following HTX. Seventy‐two women (mean age, 54.3±12.7 years; mean time since transplant, 5.5±4.5 years) were enrolled from a single HTX center. Demographic and clinical data, tobacco use, ESHS, and health perceptions were obtained through self‐report and chart reviews. Tobacco use was verified by measurement of urine cotinine levels. Twenty‐four women were nonsmokers before and after HTX. Eighteen (37.5%) of the 48 women who were former smokers before HTX had returned to tobacco abuse. Only 4 of the 18 accurately reported their smoking behaviors. Forty percent of nonsmokers reported ESHS. Tobacco use and ESHS were highest among African American women. Forty percent of the sample perceived their health status as fair‐poor; the remaining 60% reported good‐excellent health. In a multivariate analysis, current tobacco use (odds ratio [OR], 5.20; confidence interval [CI], 3.83–9.13) and ESHS (OR, 1.82; CI, 1.17–2.82) were independent predictors of lower health perceptions. Although a majority of the female recipients who used tobacco ceased smoking before HTX, a substantial proportion demonstrated recurrent tobacco use after HTX. Our findings suggest the need for aggressive screening and risk factor interventions to promote smoking cessation before and after HTX in this unique population of female HTX recipients.
Aprendizaje transnacional de las políticas en la reforma del sistema de salud: el caso de los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico
Authors: Schmid Achim , Götze Ralf
Published: December 2009

Al observar la convergencia de las políticas y la difusión transnacional de ideas, conocimientos y políticas, se suscitó la cuestión de cómo los países podían aprender unos de otros. Este artículo estudia el papel del aprendizaje transnacional respecto a los grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico (GRD). Repasamos la generalización de este instrumento político y analizamos la implementación de los GRD en tres países que los han adoptado tardíamente: Alemania, Suiza y los Países Bajos. Los tres casos demuestran que la implementación de este instrumento político exige estudios intensos, cooperación con grupos interesados y ajuste a las necesidades específicas del país. Los países aprendieron de las experiencias ajenas, pero sólo la introducción de un marco reglamentario para la competencia entre las cajas del seguro de enfermedad consiguió que las GRD llegasen a constar en la agenda política. Mientras que Alemania y Suiza hicieron uso de modelos de GRD extranjeros, los Países Bajos desarrollaron un sistema alternativo para clasificar los pacientes según la casuística.
Aprendizaje de políticas y difusión transnacional en el marco del seguro social de cuidados de larga duración: Alemania, el Japón y la República de Corea
Authors: Campbell John Creighton , Ikegami Naoki , Kwon Soonman
Published: December 2009

En los últimos tiempos, muchos países desarrollados han empezado a establecer amplios sistemas de cuidados de larga duración (LTC, por sus siglas en inglés). Además de las explicaciones convencionales de estos cambios de política basados en factores internos, debería considerarse el aprendizaje de las experiencias de otros países. Este artículo se centra en el modelo de seguro social de LTC, en particular, en cómo el Japón ha aprendido de Alemania, y la República de Corea del Japón. Se proponen algunos enfoques para reflexionar sobre el aprendizaje de políticas en general y sobre el aprendizaje transfronterizo.
Use and exchange of genetic resources in molluscan aquaculture
Authors: Guo Ximing
Published: December 2009

Molluscs are major aquaculture species worldwide. Molluscan aquaculture accounts for approximately 27% of the total world aquaculture production. The use and exchange of genetic resources have played an important role in the development of molluscan aquaculture. The introduction and use of non‐native species have been instrumental in oyster and scallop aquaculture; for example, the Pacific oyster, translocated from Japan, supports major aquaculture industries in many countries of North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Bay scallops introduced from the USA account for an annual production of over 600 000 t in China. Non‐native genetic materials have also been used for the genetic improvement of native species through interspecific and intraspecific hybridization. Unique genetic lines, such as disease‐resistant strains, have been developed through selective breeding in some molluscs, although significantly more efforts are needed. Although the importance of genetic resources is apparent, the identification, protection and utilization of molluscan genetic resources remain a challenge.
smogd: software for the measurement of genetic diversity
Authors: CRAWFORD NICHOLAS G.
Published: December 2009

Software for the measurement of genetic diversity (SMOGD) is a web‐based application for the calculation of the recently proposed genetic diversity indices G′ST and Dest. SMOGD includes bootstrapping functionality for estimating the variance, standard error and confidence intervals of estimated parameters, and SMOGD also generates genetic distance matrices from pairwise comparisons between populations. SMOGD accepts standard, multilocus Genepop and Arlequin formatted input files and produces HTML and tab‐delimited output. This allows easy data submission, quick visualization, and rapid import of results into spreadsheet or database programs.
High Prevalence ofSalmonellain Tegu Lizards (Tupinambis merianae), and Susceptibility of the Serotypes to Antibiotics
Authors: Maciel B. M. , Argôlo Filho R. C. , Nogueira S. S. C. , Dias J. C. T. , Rezende R. P.
Published: December 2009

Species of tegu (Tupinambis) are the largest lizards in South America. Large numbers of these lizards are hunted; there is a vigorous trade in their skins and the meat is consumed by rural and native peoples. The animals are also bred in captivity, an economic activity for rural populations which can help in the animals’ conservation. Faecal samples from 30 captive‐born tegus were analysed for the presence ofSalmonellain two separate samplings. In the first analysis, samples from 26 animals (87%) yieldedSalmonella entericaof which 23% were of Rubislaw serotype; 20% Carrau and Agona serotypes; 7% Infantis and Saint‐Paul serotypes; 3% Panama and Brandenburg serotypes; 10% wereS. entericasubsp.entericaand 7% were rough form. In the second analysis, four tegus (13%) which had been negative in the first sampling were positive, thus, 100% of the animals studied carried the bacterium. Antibiotic susceptibility showed resistance to sulfonamide in 82% of the isolates, streptomycin in 64%, tetracycline in 6% and Chloramphenicol in 20%. Two animals carried strains of the same serotype with different patterns of antibiotic susceptibility. Although it is well known that reptiles are a significant source ofSalmonella, to our knowledge, its prevalence in tegu has not been studied previously.
Complement C3 in Bernese Mountain dogs
Authors: Gerber Bernhard , Eichenberger Simone , Joller‐Jemelka Helen I. , Wittenbrink Max M. , Reusch Claudia E.
Published: December 2009

Background:Previous research suggests that low serum concentrations of the third component of complement (C3) are associated with both the susceptibility to infectious agents such asBorrelia burgdorferiand the development of glomerular disease. We hypothesized that low levels of C3 are associated with the coincident occurrence ofB. burgdorferiinfection and glomerulonephritis in Bernese Mountain dogs.

Objectives:The aims of this study were to evaluate the serum concentration of C3 in Bernese Mountain dogs with and without antibodies againstB. burgdorferiand to compare this concentration with that of healthy control dogs.

Methods:Eighty‐three clinically healthy Bernese Mountain dogs and 46 control dogs were included. Antibodies againstB. burgdorferiwere determined using an ELISA with a whole cell sonicate as antigen. Results were confirmed using Western blot. C3 was measured using a single radial immunodiffusion test. Results were reported as the percentage concentration of C3 compared with that in pooled preserved canine serum (100% C3 concentration).

Results:Median C3 concentration was 128.5% in Bernese Mountain dogs with antibodies againstB. burgdorferi, 133.5% inB. burgdorferi‐negative Bernese Mountain dogs, 87.8% in positive control dogs, and 102.2% in negative control dogs. Within Bernese Mountain and control groups, C3 was lower in dogs with antibodies againstB. burgdorfericompared with those without. Percentage concentration of C3 was higher in healthy Bernese Mountain dogs compared with control dogs.

Conclusion:Low C3 concentration is not an explanation for the high prevalence ofB. burgdorferiinfections and glomerular disease in Bernese Mountain dogs.
Modified Path Integral Solution of Fokker–Planck Equation: Response and Bifurcation of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Narayanan S.
Published: December 2009

Response of nonlinear systems subjected to harmonic, parametric, and random excitations is of importance in the field of structural dynamics. The transitional probability density function (PDF) of the random response of nonlinear systems under white or colored noise excitation (delta correlated) is governed by both the forward Fokker–Planck (FP) and the backward Kolmogorov equations. This paper presents a new approach for efficient numerical implementation of the path integral (PI) method in the solution of the FP equation for some nonlinear systems subjected to white noise, parametric, and combined harmonic and white noise excitations. The modified PI method is based on a non-Gaussian transition PDF and the Gauss–Legendre integration scheme. The effects of white noise intensity, amplitude, and frequency of harmonic excitation and the level of nonlinearity on stochastic jump and bifurcation behaviors of a hardening Duffing oscillator are also investigated.
On the influence of the sputtering in determining the resolution of a scanning ion microscope
Authors: Castaldo V. , Hagen C. W. , Kruit P. , van Veldhoven E. , Maas D.
Published: December 2009

The determination of the quality of an imaging system is not an easy task for, in general, at least three parameters, strictly interdependent, concur in defining it: resolution, contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. The definition of resolution itself in scanning microscopy is elusive and the case of scanning ion microscopy is complicated by the damage of the sample under the ion beam, which, especially for small features, can be the limiting factor. This is indeed the case for most focused ion beam systems, which exploit beams of Ga+. The only way to overcome this limit is to exploit sources of low mass ions, such as H+ and He+. In this article the authors analyze the way the sputtering may affect the resolution, defined as smallest detectable feature in an image, of a scanning ion microscope, for heavy and light ions, in the case of spherical features. It appears that the fundamental limit to the resolution in scanning microscopy is not given by the spot size, but by the dynamics of the interaction of the beam with the sample and the consequent modification of the sample’s geometry, even for beams of light ions. For example, in the case of Sn nanospheres under a He+ beam, the authors found a minimum theoretical detectable particle size limit of ∼1 nm and an experimental limit of ∼5 nm.
Parallel proximal probe arrays with vertical interconnections
Authors: Sarov Y. , Frank A. , Ivanov Tzv. , Zöllner J.-P. , Ivanova K. , Volland B. , Rangelow I. W. , Brogan A. , Wilson R. , Zawierucha P. , Zielony M. , Gotszalk T. , Nikolov N. , Zier M. , Schmidt B. , Kostic I.
Published: December 2009

This article presents the fabrication and the characteristics of 8×64, parallel, self-actuated, and independently addressable scanning proximal probes with through-silicon via interconnection passing completely through a silicon wafer. The low-resistance highly doped polysilicon through-wafer electrical interconnects have been integrated with scanning proximal probes (SPPs) to enable back side contacts to the application-specific integrated circuit used as an atomic force microscope control circuitry. Every SPP sensor contains a deflection sensor, thermally driven bimetal (bimorph) actuator, and sharp silicon tip. Dry etching-based silicon on insulator three-dimensional-micromachining technique is employed by the creation of the through-silicon vias and the SPP arrays keeping fully complementary metal-oxide semiconductor compatible process regime. The application of the vertical interconnection technology in large-scale two-dimensional cantilever arrays with off-plane bent cantilevers over the chip’s surface, in a combination with the flip-chip packaging technology allow simultaneous approach and parallel scanning of large areas in noncontact mode.
Real-time detection of airborne dust particles using paddle-type silicon cantilevers
Authors: Park Bonghyun , Hong Jiseok , Lee Seung-Beck
Published: December 2009

The authors report on the fabrication and operation of a real-time dust particle sensor using a paddle-type silicon cantilever. Electrostatic field applied to the cantilever electrode attracts dust particles, and as they attach on the paddle surface the oscillation phase changes, reflecting the particle mass. The kinetic energy of the oscillating cantilever limits the size of the dust particle landing on its surface at the given electric field, controlling the maximum mass, and therefore the size, of the dust particles being detected. The measurement of a single dust particle of ∼1.2pg attaching and detaching from the oscillator surface was demonstrated. The results show that the paddle-type cantilever sensor may be developed into a real-time monitoring sensor of airborne submicron dust particles.
Pharmacokinetics of Itraconazole in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Lee Unji , Choi Young H. , Kim So H. , Lee Byung K.
Published: December 2009

After intravenous or oral administration of 10 mg/kg itraconazole to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and to control rats, the total area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 24 h (AUC
0-24
) for itraconazole and that for its metabolite, 7-hydroxyitraconazole, were similar between the two groups of rats. This may be explained by the comparable hepatic and intestinal intrinsic clearance rates for the disappearance of itraconazole and the formation of 7-hydroxyitraconazole in both groups of rats.
Quantitative studies in early ovule development. II. Intra- and inter-individual variation in Stipa lemmonii
Authors: Maze Jack , Scagel R. K. , Bohm L. R. , Vogt N. L.
Published: December 2009

In two plants from one population of Stipa lemmonii, variable intercorrelations in ovules changed and variation within ovules increased with development. These changes are a quantitative expression of the increasing complexity that occurs with ontogeny. The results occur whether original data or those adjusted with respect to size (residuals from regression analysis using size as an independent variable) are analyzed, implying that the quantitative changes that occur with development are not dependent on size increase alone. Ovules of the two plants tended to become more different from each other with development, especially when adjusted data were analyzed.