bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TT virus prevalence, viral loads and genotypic variability in saliva from healthy Japanese children
Authors: Naganuma Masako , Tominaga Norio , Miyamura Tsunetake , Soda Atsushi , Moriuchi Masako , Moriuchi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2008

Aim: TT virus (TTV) is genetically variable and widespread without apparent pathogenicity; however, its epidemiological features in children were not fully understood, partly because blood sampling is often unacceptable for healthy children. We therefore used saliva specimens to investigate epidemiology of TTV infection in early childhood.

Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 83 1‐month‐old, 110 4‐month‐old and 49 42‐month‐old children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and saliva samples were obtained in pairs from 19 healthy adults aged 40 ± 7 years. TTV DNA was detected and quantified by real‐time PCR and classified into five genogroups (G1–G5) by a series of PCRs using genogroup‐specific primer pairs.

Results: TTV DNA was detected in 6, 34 and 90% of children aged 1, 4 and 42 months, respectively, and in 84% of adults. Comparable levels of TTV DNA were detected in pairs of saliva and PBMC. TTV loads in saliva were much higher in children than in adults. G3 was the most common genogroup in all age groups. The second most prevalent was G4 at 1–4 months of age and G1 thereafter.

Conclusion: The prevalence of TTV infection reached a plateau at or before 42 months; however, somehow different epidemiologic features were observed among genogroups.
Fatty acid deficiency profile in children with food allergy managed with elimination diets
Authors: Aldámiz‐Echevarría Luis , Bilbao Agurtzane , Andrade Fernando , Elorz Javier , Prieto José Angel , Rodríguez‐Soriano Juan
Published: July 2008

Aim: To evaluate plasma fatty acid (FA) composition of children with food allergy undergoing elimination diets that avoided the offending antigens.

Methods: Twenty‐five children (14 male, 11 female) aged 3.8 ± 1.6 years (range 2–7 years) affected of multiple food allergy and managed with elimination diets participated in a cross‐sectional study. Results of plasma fatty acids were compared with data obtained in 61 healthy children.

Results: The patients had significantly lower values for plasma content in total polyunsaturated fatty acids, ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and long‐chain ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001) and particularly, in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22:6ω3) (p < 0.001). Moreover, all established indices (essential fatty acid [EFA] index ((ω3 +ω6)/(ω7 +ω9)) (p < 0.001) and sufficiency of docosahexaenoic acid index (C22:6ω3/C22:5ω6) (p < 0.001)) confirmed the presence of EFA deficiency.

Conclusion: Children with food allergy managed with restricted intake of foods such as milk, egg, fish and vegetables are at risk of developing a deficiency in EFA and particularly in ω3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are especially necessary for adequate growth, neurological development and cardiovascular health.
Malignant hypertension in a child with phakomatosis pigmentovascularis type II b
Authors: Kanaheswari Y , Hamzaini AH , Wong SW , Zulfiqar A
Published: July 2008

Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized predominantly by cutaneous vascular malformations and pigmentary naevi. The most frequently reported form, Type II b, is associated with systemic involvement. Sturge–Weber Syndrome (SWS) with concomitant glaucoma, Klippel–Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) and naevus of Ota have been frequently described, but there have only been two case reports with asymptomatic renal anomalies.

Conclusion: We report the first case of PPV associated with SWS and naevus of Ota presenting with malignant hypertension secondary to bilateral renal artery stenosis. This case raises the possibility that the phakomatoses are not distinct entities but a spectrum of overlapping neurocutaneous, vascular and renal features.
Critical heart defects—the diagnostic challenge
Authors: Meberg Alf
Published: July 2008

Infants with potenitally life threatening congenital heart defects (CHDs) are discharged from hospital after birth with the condition unrecognized. Improved prenatal ultrasound imaging and universal pulse oximetry screening of babies in nurseries are strategies that probably most would contribute to avoid such defects to be missed.

Conclusion: In general combining first day of life pulse oximetry, clinical examination and echocardiography before discharge in suspect cases is a rational strategy for early postnatal detection of heart defects. Universal echocardiography screening of newborns may be too resource consuming to be cost‐effective.
Optimal level of physical activity in children with chronic lung diseases
Authors: Sritippayawan Suchada , Harnruthakorn Chanthana , Deerojanawong Jitladda , Samransamruajkit Rujipat , Prapphal Nuanchan
Published: July 2008

Aim: To determine the optimal level of physical activity and its relationship with disease severity in children with chronic lung diseases (CLD).

Methods: Pulmonary function and exercise tests were compared between 18 CLD children (aged 13.5 ± 2.4 years, 33% male) and 18 healthy controls without any history of lung diseases (age and sex matched).

Results: CLD children had lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV)1, forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF)25–75% and total lung capacity (TLC) and higher residual volume (RV)/TLC ratio than controls (77.3 ± 22.6 vs. 97.9 ± 12.5%pred; p = 0.002, 74.3 ± 17.6 vs. 104.0 ± 12.6%pred; p < 0.001, 49.9 ± 23.1 vs. 75.6 ± 18.6%pred; p < 0.001, 82.8 ± 18.6 vs. 95.6 ± 9.8%pred; p = 0.04, 30.8 ± 10.2 vs. 24.4 ± 5.9%; p = 0.04, respectively). Oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (AT) and optimal level of physical activity (metabolic equivalents [METs] at AT) were not different between the two groups and between mild and moderate to severe CLD. However, when the exercise was continued beyond the AT, CLD children demonstrated poorer exercise performance than normal controls.

Conclusion: Children with CLD demonstrated the same level of optimal physical activity as normal children despite their lower lung function. The optimal level of physical activity was not related to disease severity. The exercise test and exercise should not be performed beyond the AT by the CLD children. Proper exercise test should be done to determine their optimal exercise activity.
Improving communicable disease outbreak preparedness in residential aged care facilities using an interventional interview strategy
Authors: Eastwood Keith , Osbourn Maggi , Francis Lynn , Merritt Tony , Nicholas Craig , Cashman Patrick , Durrheim David , Wiggers John
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To improve the capacity of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to respond to communicable disease outbreaks.

Methods:  Three computer‐assisted telephone interviews were conducted with RACFs. The first survey gathered baseline information. Outbreak prevention resources were then offered to address identified weaknesses. Subsequent surveys enabled the facilities’ progress to be monitored. Before the third survey, RACFs were sent a personalised scorecard documenting their standing against 19 readiness criteria.

Results:  RACFs reporting an outbreak management plan increased from 58 to 98%, and facilities reporting 16 or more of the 19 readiness criteria rose from 24 to 43% (P < 0.0006) at the second interview and 73% at the third interview (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:   The strategy resulted in a significant improvement in reported outbreak readiness.
Dementia severity and on‐road assessment: Briefly revisited
Authors: Berndt Angela , Clark Michael , May Esther
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Drivers with dementia should cease driving if unsafe. This report aims to add to the evidence concerning use of global dementia severity as an indicator of driving performance.

Method:  One hundred and fifteen drivers were assessed via standardised on‐road assessment. Descriptive and comparative statistics analysed age and global dementia severity of the drivers against the on‐road assessment outcome.

Results:  On‐road assessment outcomes conformed to previous clinical guidelines in outer limits of dementia severity. Drivers with negligible dementia passed the assessment, those with moderate dementia failed. The pass or fail outcomes for drivers with very mild and mild dementia were equivocal.

Conclusion:  This study supports previous recommendations of cessation or continued driving for those in outer margins of dementia severity. Use of severity levels for driving recommendations, in the absence of on‐road assessment, risks either continued unsafe driving or premature cessation for individual drivers with very mild or mild dementia.
Individual differences in South Australian general practitioners’ knowledge, procedures and opinions of the assessment of older drivers
Authors: Wilson Leah R , Kirby Neil H
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Investigate individual differences in general practitioners’ (GP) knowledge, procedures and opinions of older driver assessments.

Methods:  Ninety‐nine South Australian GPs completed a survey on their knowledge, procedures and opinions concerning fitness to drive assessments in older people.

Results:  Most GPs were well informed about older driver legislation and used appropriate medical assessments when considering fitness to drive. However, there was much less consistency in the assessment of relevant cognitive abilities. Most GPs believed that there was a need for more transport and support services for older drivers when they ceased driving. Demographic and qualitative information helped explain some differences in both GPs’ practice and opinions concerning the assessment of older drivers.

Conclusions:  Measures should ensure that GPs have accurate knowledge of legislation concerning older drivers; appropriate tests of driving‐related cognitive abilities are available; and transport and support options for those older individuals who are no longer fit to drive are considered.
Protein transport across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Authors: Rapoport Tom A.
Published: July 2008

A decisive step in the biosynthesis of many eukaryotic proteins is their partial or complete translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. A similar process occurs in prokaryotes, except that proteins are transported across or are integrated into the plasma membrane. In both cases, translocation occurs through a protein‐conducting channel that is formed from a conserved, heterotrimeric membrane protein complex, the Sec61 or SecY complex. Structural and biochemical data suggest mechanisms that enable the channel to function with different partners, to open across the membrane and to release laterally hydrophobic segments of membrane proteins into lipid.
Flagellar glycosylation in Clostridium botulinum
Authors: Twine Susan M. , Paul Catherine J. , Vinogradov Evgeny , McNally David J. , Brisson Jean‐Robert , Mullen James A. , McMullin David R. , Jarrell Harold C. , Austin John W. , Kelly John F. , Logan Susan M.
Published: July 2008

Flagellins from Clostridium botulinum were shown to be post‐translationally modified with novel glycan moieties by top‐down MS analysis of purified flagellin protein from strains of various toxin serotypes. Detailed analyses of flagellin from two strains of C. botulinum demonstrated that the protein is modified by a novel glycan moiety of mass 417 Da in O‐linkage. Bioinformatic analysis of available C. botulinum genomes identified a flagellar glycosylation island containing homologs of genes recently identified in Campylobacter coli that have been shown to be responsible for the biosynthesis of legionaminic acid derivatives. Structural characterization of the carbohydrate moiety was completed utilizing both MS and NMR spectroscopy, and it was shown to be a novel legionaminic acid derivative, 7‐acetamido‐5‐(N‐methyl‐glutam‐4‐yl)‐amino‐3,5,7,9‐tetradeoxy‐d‐glycero‐α‐d‐galacto‐nonulosonic acid, (αLeg5GluNMe7Ac). Electron transfer dissociation MS with and without collision‐activated dissociation was utilized to map seven sites of O‐linked glycosylation, eliminating the need for chemical derivatization of tryptic peptides prior to analysis. Marker ions for novel glycans, as well as a unique C‐terminal flagellin peptide marker ion, were identified in a top‐down analysis of the intact protein. These ions have the potential for use in for rapid detection and discrimination of C. botulinum cells, indicating botulinum neurotoxin contamination. This is the first report of glycosylation of Gram‐positive flagellar proteins by the ‘sialic acid‐like’ nonulosonate sugar, legionaminic acid.
Identification of multiple isoforms of the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit in the bivalve mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Bardales José R. , Hellman Ulf , Villamarín J. A.
Published: July 2008

Several isoforms of the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (C‐subunit) were separated from the posterior adductor muscle and the mantle tissues of the sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis by cation exchange chromatography, and identified by: (a) protein kinase activity; (b) antibody recognition; and (c) peptide mass fingerprinting. Some of the isozymes seemed to be tissue‐specific, and all them were phosphorylated at serine and threonine residues and showed slight but significant differences in their apparent molecular mass values, which ranged from 41.3 to 44.5 kDa. The results from the MS analysis suggest that at least some of the mussel C‐subunit isoforms arise as a result of alternative splicing events. Furthermore, several peptide sequences from mussel C‐subunits, determined by de novo sequencing, showed a high degree of homology with the mammalian Cα‐isoform, and contained some structural motifs that are essential for catalytic function. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the kinetic parameters of C‐subunit isoforms, determined by using synthetic peptides as substrate and inhibitor. However, the C‐subunit isoforms separated from the mantle tissue differed in their ability to phosphorylate in vitro some proteins present in a mantle extract.
Attaching Titania Nanoparticles onto Shortened Carbon Nanotubes by Electrostatic Attraction
Authors: Dong Hongying , Lu Kathy
Published: July 2008

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be electronically conducting or semiconducting, and they are lightweight and have high stability. TiO2 has been studied for applications in optics, microelectronics, and photocatalysis. Hybrid CNTs/TiO2 shows unique photocatalytic and electrical properties for enhanced performances as solar cell electrode, sensors, and catalysts. This study is focused on shortening multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) and attaching TiO2 nanoparticles onto MWCNTs by electrostatic attraction. A mechanical and chemical hybrid method is used to tailor CNT length. Opposite ζ‐potentials are achieved for CNT and TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions under the same pH. TiO2 nanoparticles are attached onto CNTs for surface modification by electrostatic attraction.
Microwave Dielectric Properties and Low Temperature Sintering of Sm2Si2O7 Ceramic for Substrate Applications
Authors: Renjini Sankaran Nair , Thomas Sherin , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas , Kiran Sirugudu Roopas , Murthy Vemuri Rama Krishna
Published: July 2008

The Sm2Si2O7 ceramics were synthesized by solid‐state ceramic route. The calcination and sintering temperature of Sm2Si2O7 were optimized for the best properties. The crystal structure and microstructure of the ceramic were studied by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic methods. The low frequency dielectric properties were studied at 1 MHz. The dielectric properties of the ceramic were measured in the microwave frequency range by the cavity perturbation method. Sm2Si2O7 has ɛr=12.5, tan δ=8 × 10−4, and τɛ=+63 ppm/°C at 1 MHz and a relative permittivity of 10 and tan δ of 6 × 10−3 in the microwave frequency range. The effect of addition of various low loss glasses such as 50ZnO–50B2O3 (ZB), 60ZnO–30B2O3–10SiO2 (ZBS), 27B2O3–35Bi2O3–6SiO2–32ZnO (BBSZ), 22.2MgO–22.2Al2O3–55.5SiO2 (MAS), 35.1Li2O–31.7B2O3–33.2SiO2 (LBS) and 20Li2O–20MgO–20ZnO–20B2O3–20SiO2 (LMZBS) on the microwave dielectric properties of Sm2Si2O7 was also investigated. It was found that the addition of 15 wt% LBS glass reduced the sintering temperature from 1375°C to 975°C with ɛr=9.89 and tan δ=0.024. Fifteen weight percent LMZBS glass ceramic decreased the sintering temperature to 950°C with ɛr=9.09 and tan δ=0.009. The results show that Sm2Si2O7 mixed with suitable amounts of selected glasses is a promising material for microwave substrate applications.
Dielectric Constant and Optical Reflectance of Ceramic Filler‐Added BaO–ZnO–B2O3–P2O5 Glass Composites
Authors: Chong Eugene , Hwang Seongjin , Sung Wookyung , Kim Hyungsun , Shin Hyunho
Published: July 2008

This study examined the influence of the addition of ceramic fillers (up to 20 wt% of TiO2, Al2O3, and ZnO, respectively) to a BaO–ZnO–B2O3–P2O5 glass matrix on the dielectric and optical properties with the aim of using this material as the barrier ribs in plasma display panels. The modification of the dielectric constant by the fillers was related to the formation of secondary phases, the changes in the glass composition by the partial dissolution of the fillers, and the presence of pores. The reflectance of the composites ranged from 60% to 80% with the addition of 20 wt% filler.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ce3+:YAG Phosphors by Heterogeneous Precipitation Using Different Alumina Sources
Authors: Wang Sea‐Fue , Rao K. Koteswara , Wu Yu‐Chuan , Wang Yuh‐Ruey , Hsu Yung‐Fu , Huang Chian‐You
Published: July 2008

Ce3+‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ce:YAG) phosphor powders were synthesized by heterogeneous precipitation process using three different aluminum sources: α‐phase, θ‐phase, and boehmite (AlOOH). Mixtures of yttrium and cerium nitrate solutions containing various aluminum sources were precipitated by ammonia solution in normal and reverse strike methods. The influence of pH was studied in the normal strike method by maintaining the solutions at pH 7, 9, and 11 during precipitation. Dried precipitates were double calcined at 1300°C/16 h and 1300–1500°C/24 h, at a ramping rate of 10°C/min, with an intermittent wet ball milling in water. Structural evolution of the resultant phosphors was studied by powder XRD. In the normal strike method, a highly pure YAG phase was formed by α‐ alumina (pH 7, 11) and θ‐alumina (pH 11) while boehmite source ended up with mixed phases of YAlO3 (YAP) and Y4Al2O9 (YAM) along with YAG phase at all pH values of precipitation. However, in the reverse strike process, the θ‐phase of alumina gave an extremely pure Ce:YAG phase at a relatively lower calcination temperature (1400°C/24 h) compared with the α‐phase and also showed more intense emission of yellowish‐green light under blue (λ=469 nm) excitation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed 1–2 μm sized particles with least agglomeration in the reverse strike method.
The very massive binary NGC 3603-A1
Authors: Schnurr O. , Casoli J. , Chené A.-N. , Moffat A. F. J. , St-Louis N.
Published: July 2008

Using Very Large Telescope/Spectrograph for INtegral Field Observation in the Near-Infrared (VLT/SINFONI), we have obtained repeated adaptive-optics assisted, near-infrared spectroscopy of the three central WN6ha stars in the core of the very young (∼1 Myr), massive and dense Galactic cluster NGC 3603. One of these stars, NGC 3603-A1, is a known 3.77 d, double-eclipsing binary, while another one, NGC 3603-C, is one of the brightest X-ray sources among all known Galactic WR stars, which usually is a strong indication for binarity. Our study reveals that star C is indeed an 8.9-d binary, although only the WN6ha component is visible in our spectra; therefore, we temporarily classify star C as an SB1 system. A1, on the other hand, is found to consist of two emission-line stars of similar, but not necessarily of identical spectral type, which can be followed over most the orbit. Using radial velocities for both components and the previously known inclination angle of the system, we are able to derive absolute masses for both stars in A1. We find M1 = (116 ± 31) M⊙ for the primary and M2 = (89 ± 16) M⊙ for the secondary component of A1. While uncertainties are large, A1 is intrinsically half a magnitude brighter than WR20a, the current record holder with 83 and 82 M⊙, respectively; therefore, it is likely that the primary in A1 is indeed the most massive star weighed so far.
The three faces of Ωm: testing gravity with low- and high-redshift SNe Ia surveys
Authors: Abate Alexandra , Lahav Ofer
Published: July 2008

Peculiar velocities of galaxies hosting Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) generate a significant systematic effect in deriving the dark energy equation of state w, at level of a few per cent. Here, we illustrate how the peculiar velocity effect in SNe Ia data can be turned from a ‘systematic’ into a probe of cosmological parameters. We assume a flat Λcold dark matter model (w = −1) and use low- and high-redshift SNe Ia data to derive simultaneously three distinct estimates of the matter density Ωm which appear in the problem: from the geometry, from the dynamics and from the shape of the matter power spectrum. We find that each of the three Ωm's agrees with the canonical value Ωm = 0.25 to within 1σ, for reasonably assumed fluctuation amplitude and Hubble parameter. This is consistent with the standard cosmological scenario for both the geometry and the growth of structure. For fixed Ωm = 0.25 for all three Ωm's, we constrain γ= 0.72 ± 0.21 in the growth factor of Ωm(z)γ, so we cannot currently distinguish between standard Einstein gravity and predictions from some modified gravity models. Future surveys of thousands of SNe Ia, or inclusion of peculiar velocity data, could significantly improve the above tests.
PAIRED PREFERENCE “PLACEBO” TESTS WITH “IDENTICAL” STIMULI: DOES INTRODUCING GRADED PREFERENCE RESPONSES AFFECT THE FREQUENCY OF “NO PREFERENCE” RESPONSES?
Authors: VILLEGAS‐RUIZ XADENI , ANGULO OFELIA , O'MAHONY MICHAEL
Published: July 2008

In the “placebo” control condition for paired preference testing, “identical” stimuli are presented to consumers to determine the frequency of preference and “no preference” responses induced by the hidden demand characteristics of the testing condition. As a control for bias, induced by such hidden demand characteristics, these frequencies can be compared with the actual preference frequencies of the nonidentical test stimuli to be assessed for preference. It was hypothesized that the introduction of graded preference response options might reduce the frequency of “no preference” responses in the placebo condition. Using identical yogurt stimuli with related‐sample (single‐group) and independent‐sample (multigroup) designs, this hypothesis was not confirmed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The “placebo” condition in paired preference testing provides a way to control the tendency of consumers to give false preference. The statistical analysis can be improved by finding a protocol that maximizes the proportion of “no preference” responses in the placebo condition. This can be done by increasing the number of response options that imply no preference. Yet, there is sometimes a desire to increase the number of preference options by using graded responses for preference strength. Does this alter the dynamics of the ever‐important placebo condition by reducing the number of “no preference” responses? This project found that any effect was minimal.
SIMPLIFIED LEXICON TO DESCRIBE FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS OF WESTERN EUROPEAN CHEESES
Authors: TALAVERA‐BIANCHI MARTIN , CHAMBERS DELORES H.
Published: July 2008

Many researchers have developed useful lexicons to describe flavor characteristics of different cheeses. The objectives of this study were to determine if the terminology established in previous studies was adequate to evaluate a wide range of European cheeses, and to determine if a simplified “general” lexicon can be developed for the description of cheese. A descriptive panel evaluated the flavor of 65 western European cheeses that varied in region produced, milk source, maturation time and processing method. The panel reviewed previously published cheese attributes, definitions and references prior to beginning the testing. During testing, the panel detected and added new descriptors and eliminated terms which did not appear in any of the cheeses. Data inspection, in addition to factor analysis, suggests that 25 attributes are needed to explain the common flavor characteristics found in cheese. However, 19 additional attributes may be used occasionally to describe targeted specific flavor characteristics.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The flavor of cheese, an increasingly popular food, is critical to producers and consumers. A large number of sensory descriptors can be used to describe flavor characteristics of cheese. The research indicates a lexicon with a reduced number of terms that can be used to describe most general flavor characteristics. Other characteristics are needed occasionally to describe specific characteristics of some cheeses.
THE USE OF SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL SCALING TO DEFINE THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL REPRESENTATION OF ODORS
Authors: DALTON PAMELA , MAUTE CHRISTOPHER , OSHIDA AKIKO , HIKICHI SATOSHI , IZUMI YU
Published: July 2008

The mental representation elicited by smelling an odor often consists of multiple sensory and affective dimensions; however, the richness of this elaboration is difficult to capture using methods to rate the intensity of these factors in isolation. Attempts to use language descriptors for olfactory experience have also been shown to be rather limited; among nonspecialists, there is no universally accepted system for describing odors, leading to greater reliance on specific item associations. In this study, we explored the utility of semantic differential (SD) scaling for illustrating the various dimensions of olfactory experience. Three hundred volunteers rated 30 distinct odorants using 50 semantic differential scale adjectives. Three factors emerged from the analysis (based on 17 adjective pairs) accounting for 53% of the variance, and corresponding to the evaluation, potency and activity dimensions identified for other stimulus types. SD scaling appears to be a viable method for identifying the multiple dimensions of mental representation evoked when smelling an odorant, and may prove a useful tool for both consumer and basic research alike.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Although numerous methods of classifying odors have been developed, little agreement has been achieved on the dimensions that are useful to both basic and consumer research. The identification of a set of semantic differential adjectives that are relevant to olfactory experience can become a useful tool for classifying the qualitative and affective bases on which odorants differ. In particular, the degree to which odorants evoke multidimensional representations from other sensory modalities (visual, auditory, somatosensory or gustatory) can be usefully applied in the arena of product development both within and across cultures.
EVALUATION OF THE FLAVOR QUALITY OF PEPPER (PIPER NIGRUM L.) CULTIVARS BY GC–MS, ELECTRONIC NOSE AND SENSORY ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES
Authors: MAMATHA B.S. , PRAKASH M. , NAGARAJAN S. , BHAT K.K.
Published: July 2008

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an extensively used spice, which has a characteristic flavor and pungency. The properties of spices such as flavor, color, pungency, etc., vary among cultivars and varieties. It is in this context that pepper cultivars namely, Panniyur 1, Balankotta, Panniyur 5 and one commercial sample were examined for flavor and odor profile using sensory, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and electronic nose (E‐nose) analyses. The flavor profile of pepper powder dispersed in cornstarch gruel clearly differentiated Balankotta samples from the other three samples; green mango‐like, turmeric‐like and earthy notes were higher in Balankotta samples, while the other samples had higher scores for pepper‐like, pungent, spicy and lingering herbaceous. The flavor profile of the essential oils of pepper samples showed a higher intensity of pepper‐like note in Panniyur 1, Panniyur 5 and commercial sample, and turmeric‐like and green mango‐like characterized Balankotta. The odor profile of the essential oils further supported the flavor profile data. Orthonasal olfaction (odor profile) provided more descriptive odor characteristics for pepper powder than pepper essential oil. The orthonasal and retronasal olfaction (flavor profile) showed an opposite trend when the flavor profile of pepper essential oil samples was carried out in a starch‐based carrier; retronasal olfaction was more effective than the orthonasal. GC, GC–MS analysis and E‐nose aroma pattern complemented the sensory flavor profiling results. The GC–MS of Balankotta pepper samples was different from Panniyur 1, Panniyur 5 and the commercial sample, showing higher content of p‐cymene. The E‐nose pattern matching further supported the sensory and instrumental data.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this study provided a protocol for the quality evaluation of spices, in terms of sensory quality and aroma pattern as determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Introducing the electronic nose technique for the rapid evaluation of spice aroma, as well as characterization of spices, was an added information. The results of this study gave the odor description of major compounds present in pepper essential oil and the regional variations in odor profiles, which can help in designing spice blends with specific flavor profiles.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PALATE CLEANSERS FOR EVALUATING SOURNESS
Authors: VICKERS ZATA , MORRIS ERIN E. , SAVARIA MÉLANIE
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to compare four palate cleansing strategies (crackers, carrots, water and nothing) for their effectiveness in evaluating the sourness of a fruit‐flavored beverage. Forty panelists rated the sourness intensity of five orange drink samples that varied in citric acid content. Each subject participated in four sessions, one for each palate cleanser. As expected, sourness increased with increasing citric acid content. There were no significant differences between any of the palate cleansers for the discrimination among the sourness levels. Sourness neither increased (buildup) nor decreased (adaptation) during the session with any of the palate cleansing strategies. Using carrots or water provided similar discrimination to crackers, but the panelists rated the sourness higher after using carrots or water as a palate cleanser than after using the cracker.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Palate cleansers are widely used during sensory evaluation of foods. We suspect that part of the reason people use them is because they lower the intensity of residual flavors, leading people to believe the flavors have been removed from their mouth. Our results show that residual cleansers can produce changes in the flavor of subsequently tasted products. Because the nature and extent of these changes will logically depend on the specific product and the specific palate cleansing strategy, experiments need to be conducted to provide these measures.
SENSORY ANALYSIS OF RED WINES: DISCRIMINATION BY ADAPTIVE FUZZY PARTITION
Authors: PICLIN NADÈGE , PINTORE MARCO , LANZA CARMELA MARIA , SCACCO ANTONIO , GUCCIONE SALVATORE , GIURATO LAURA , CHRÉTIEN JACQUES R.
Published: July 2008

Classification models were established on a set of sensory profiles associated with red wine samples bottled from three vintages. These profiles were defined by eight assessors charged, for all wine samples, to assign to each of 17 sensory descriptors a note ranged from 1.0 to 9.0, with two assessments for each judge. A new and innovative method called adaptive fuzzy partition (AFP), derived from fuzzy logic (FL) concepts, was tested on the same data set. FL is particularly suitable to classify sensory analysis data sets, as it can represent the “fuzziness” linked to an expert's subjectivity in the characterization of wine sensory profiles. More precisely, after subdividing the 48 sensory profiles into training and test sets, the AFP method predicted correctly 75% of the test assessments. These very encouraging preliminary results show the proposed methods are worth investigating more thoroughly, testing large and diverse wine data sets.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A new and innovative method called adaptive fuzzy partition, derived from fuzzy logic (FL) concepts, is presented. FL is particularly suitable to classify sensory analysis data sets, as it can represent the “fuzziness” linked to an expert's subjectivity in the characterization of wine sensory profiles.
Particle Tracking Experiments in Match‐Index‐Refraction Porous Media
Authors: Lachhab Ahmed , Zhang You‐Kuan , Muste Marian V.I.
Published: July 2008

A low‐cost, noninvasive, three‐dimensional (3D), particle tracking velocimetry system was designed and built to investigate particle movement in match‐index‐refraction porous media. Both a uniform load of the glass beads of the same diameter and a binary load of the glass beads of two diameters were used. The purpose of the experiments is to study the effect of the two loads on the trajectories, velocity distribution, and spreading of small physical particles. A total of 35 particles were released and tracked in the uniform load and 46 in the binary load. The 3D trajectory of each particle was recorded with two video camcorders and analyzed. It is found that the particle’s velocity, trajectory, and spreading are very sensitive to its initial location and that the smaller pore size or heterogeneity in the binary load increases the particles’ velocity and enhances their spreading as compared with the uniform load. The experiments also verified the previous finding that the distribution of the particle velocities are lognormal in the longitudinal direction and Gaussian in two transverse directions and that the particle spreading is much larger along the longitudinal direction than along the traverse directions.
Excess Liquidity and Inflation Dynamics in China: 1997–2007
Authors: Zhang Chengsi , Pang Hong
Published: July 2008

The surge in international capital inflows and the remarkable excess liquidity in China between 1997 and 2007 are examined in the present paper. It is shown that China's improved position in terms of foreign exchange purchases, ignited by huge foreign capital inflows, has effectively induced excess liquidity in China. More importantly, by developing an econometric model for inflation and excess liquidity, the present study demonstrates that excess liquidity has imposed significant pressure on inflation in China over the past 10 years. This finding suggests that excess liquidity in China has not only contributed to the rise in stock prices and the real estate market boom, but also affected the consumer goods market. The potential transmission mechanism of liquidity‐driven inflation and policy implications of the findings of this study are discussed.
China's Regional Disparity and Its Policy Responses
Authors: Chen Minjia , Zheng Yongnian
Published: July 2008

The fruits of China's rapid economic development over the 3 decades have not been distributed fairly across different regions. Using data from a sample of 815 Chinese listed firms during 1998—2004, our error‐correction investment model showes evidence of different financial constraints on firms' investment in different regions. We argue that China's regional development policies have contributed greatly to the regional inequalities. To control the rising inequality, China has shifted its focus from the coast to the interior regions. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the government to direct the economy, as market mechanisms now have a far greater influence on the economy than the government does. The people‐centered approach of the current leadership has meant that substantial attention has been placed on regional development disparities in an attempt to build a “harmonious society.” China needs further extensive reforms if all the measures for reducing regional disparity are to be effective.
Would China's Sovereign Wealth Fund Be a Menace to the USA?
Authors: Wu Friedrich , Seah Arifin
Published: July 2008

The sovereign wealth club acquired a new member with the official launch of the China Investment Corporation (CIC) on 29 September 2007. The arrival of CIC has further heated up debate regarding sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and their potential implications for global financial markets. This is because, in carrying out its investments, CIC can tap into China's huge official foreign exchange reserves, which by April 2008 had surged to US$1.76tn. CIC's initial working capital of US$200bn makes it the fifth largest SWF in the world today. This article seeks to analyze CIC's investment strategies, as well as their potential economic and political implications for global as well as US financial markets.
Innovation or Rent‐seeking: The Entrepreneurial Behavior during China's Economic Transformation
Authors: Wu Jinglian , Huang Shaoqing
Published: July 2008

Although achieving impressive economic growth during the economic reform period, China has been plagued by rampant corruption and a widening income gap. How can the coexistence these two phenomena be explained? In this paper, we argue that before 1994, the coexistence was induced by a series of expediential institutional arrangements to stimulate entrepreneurial activities and after 1994, it was entrenched because of the slow progress in the overall reform toward becoming a market economy and because of inappropriate government actions and the lack of government action in institutional building. To solve these problems, economic and political reforms need to be accelerated to improve market institutions and to establish the rule of law.
Energy Restructuring in China: Retrospects and Prospects
Authors: Dan Shi
Published: July 2008

Thirty years have passed since China first adopted the policy of reform and opening up to the outside. Reviewing and appraising the advantages and disadvantages of the government's energy restructuring policy in the intervening years is of great importance to the consideration of future reform and opening‐up efforts in this industry. Energy production and supply have been a major part of the national economic restructuring. In this paper, the author proceeds from three angles to review and assess the reform and opening‐up efforts in the energy industry, and suggests some direction and priorities for its restructuring in the future.
Who is Going to Supply the Milk to China's South?
Authors: Wang Jimin , Zhou Zhangyue , Shen Qiuhong
Published: July 2008

China's dairy industry has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of 23.8 percent from 2000 to 2006. However, there exists a serious geographical distribution imbalance in milk production and consumption. Approximately 85 percent of China's milk is produced in northern China, where 40 percent of the country's population reside. In contrast, only about 15 percent of the milk is produced in China's south, where 60 percent of China's population reside. This has resulted in a significant gap between milk production and consumption in southern China and this gap is expected to rise. This paper considers China's milk demand and supply situation, analyzes the likely potential for China to expand its milk production and explores options for meeting milk demand—supply shortages. Policy and trade implications are discussed.
How Parkinson's Disease Affects Non‐verbal Communication and Language Processing
Authors: Pell Marc D. , Monetta Laura
Published: July 2008

In addition to difficulties that affect movement, many adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience changes that negatively impact on receptive aspects of their communication. For example, some PD patients have difficulties processing non‐verbal expressions (facial expressions, voice tone) and many are less sensitive to ‘non‐literal’ or pragmatic meanings of language, at least under certain conditions. This chapter outlines how PD can affect the comprehension of language and non‐verbal expressions and considers how these changes are related to concurrent alterations in cognition (e.g., executive functions, working memory) and motor signs associated with the disease. Our summary underscores that the progressive course of PD can interrupt a number of functional systems that support cognition and receptive language, and in different ways, leading to both primary and secondary impairments of the systems that support linguistic and non‐verbal communication.
Retinal Phototoxicity Induced by Hydrochlorothiazide After Exposure to a UV Tanning Device
Authors: Costagliola Ciro , Menzione Massimo , Chiosi Flavia , Romano Mario R. , Della Corte Michele , Rinaldi Michele
Published: July 2008

UV radiation is known to cause acute and chronic eye and skin damage. The present case report describes the occurrence of hydrochlorothiazide‐induced retinal phototoxicity immediately after exposure to UV light emanated from a sunbed in a 40‐year‐old myopic woman. During the tanning session she had always worn UV protective eyewear, except for a few minutes when she took the protective goggles off to put her spectacles on to locate and turn the timer switch off. At baseline her visual acuity was 10/25 in OD and 10/80 in OS. Fundus examination revealed the presence of retinal lesions in both eyes. More specific tests confirmed the presence of a phototoxic macular damage. Hydrochlorothiazide was discontinued, and she was recommended to wear UV filtering glasses. Over the follow‐up period (12 months), a slow and progressive visual acuity recovery in both eyes occurred. At the last check the visual acuity improvement was of about 60% from baseline in both eyes. Fundus examination showed only a juxtafoveal flat pigmented scar of the retinal pigment epithelium in both eyes, milder in OD. The constant rise in the number of sunbed users makes the knowledge of UV‐related side effects a problem that cannot be postponed further. Awareness of the general public about the harmful effects of UV exposure must represent one of the leading preventive health strategies. Therefore, a careful analysis of the medical history before the admission to a sunbed session throughout a questionnaire could represent an economic and effective measure to avoid further cases of a phototoxic macular damage in patients taking photosensitizing compounds.
In Vitro Photodynamic Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Planktonic and Biofilm Culture
Authors: Street Cale N. , Gibbs Aaron , Pedigo Lisa , Andersen Dane , Loebel Nicolas G.
Published: July 2008

Photodynamic disinfection (PDD) is a nonantibiotic approach to treating drug‐resistant bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, is problematic because of its propensity to develop antibiotic resistance and its ability to secrete a protective biofilm matrix. This study examined the ability of PDD to eradicate planktonic and biofilm cultures of P. aeruginosa in vitro. Planktonic P. aeruginosa cultures were briefly exposed to a methylene blue‐based photosensitizer formulation and subjected to energy doses ranging from 1.7 to 20.6 J cm−2 using a 670 nm nonthermal diode laser. Biofilms were grown for 24 and 48 h and exposed to photosensitizer for 30 s before illumination with 13.2 or 26.4 J of energy. A single exposure of planktonic P. aeruginosa to photosensitizer at >15.5 J cm−2 resulted in 100% eradication (>7 log10 reduction from control), an effect that could be decreased significantly in the presence of the singlet oxygen quenchers l‐tryptophan and sodium azide. Decreasing the energy dose below this threshold by varying both power density and illumination duration resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease in bacterial kill. In addition, 24 h biofilm viability was reduced by 99% with single exposure and 99.9% with double exposure, while 48 h biofilm viability was reduced by >99.999% with both single and double exposures. This study shows that PDD is effective in eradicating planktonic and biofilm cultures of P. aeruginosa, supporting the concept that translation into clinical practice for indications such as otitis externa and wound disinfection is a viable option.
Examination of Chlorin–Bacteriochlorin Energy‐transfer Dyads as Prototypes for Near‐infrared Molecular Imaging Probes†
Authors: Kee Hooi Ling , Nothdurft Ralph , Muthiah Chinnasamy , Diers James R. , Fan Dazhong , Ptaszek Marcin , Bocian David F. , Lindsey Jonathan S. , Culver Joseph P. , Holten Dewey
Published: July 2008

New classes of synthetic chlorin and bacteriochlorin macrocycles are characterized by narrow spectral widths, tunable absorption and fluorescence features across the red and near‐infrared (NIR) regions, tunable excited‐state lifetimes (<1 to >10 ns) and chemical stability. Such properties make dyad constructs based on synthetic chlorin and bacteriochlorin units intriguing candidates for the development of NIR molecular imaging probes. In this study, two such dyads (FbC‐FbB and ZnC‐FbB) were investigated. The dyads contain either a free base (Fb) or zinc (Zn) chlorin (C) as the energy donor and a free base bacteriochlorin (B) as the energy acceptor. In both constructs, energy transfer from the chlorin to bacteriochlorin occurs with a rate constant of ∼(5 ps)−1 and a yield of >99%. Thus, each dyad effectively behaves as a single chromophore with an exceptionally large Stokes shift (85 nm for FbC‐FbB and 110 nm for ZnC‐FbB) between the red‐region absorption of the chlorin and the NIR fluorescence of the bacteriochlorin (λf = 760 nm, Φf = 0.19, τ ∼ 5.5 ns in toluene). The long‐wavelength transitions (absorption, emission) of each constituent of each dyad exhibit narrow (≤20 nm) spectral widths. The narrow spectral widths enabled excellent selectivity in excitation and detection of one chlorin–bacteriochlorin energy‐transfer dyad in the presence of the other upon diffuse optical tomography of solution‐phase phantoms.
Variable Photosynthetic Roles of Two Leaf‐type Ferredoxins in Arabidopsis, as Revealed by RNA Interference†
Authors: Hanke Guy Thomas , Hase Toshiharu
Published: July 2008

Ferredoxin (Fd) is the soluble protein that accepts electrons from photosystem I (PSI) and makes them available to stromal enzymes in higher plant chloroplasts. In linear electron flow, Fd mainly donates electrons to Fd:NADPH reductase (FNR) which generates NADPH for use in the Calvin cycle, but Fd may also return electrons to the thylakoid plastoquinone pool, forming a cyclic electron flow. Many higher plants contain two different photosynthetic Fd proteins, but there are no conserved sequence differences that allow their division into evolutionary groups. In the model C3 photosynthesizing dicot, Arabidopsis thaliana, there are two such photosynthetic Fds, and we have exploited RNA interference (RNAi) techniques to specifically decrease transcript abundance of different Fds in this plant. Surprisingly, the perturbation of photosynthesis, as measured by cholorophyll fluorescence, in RNAi lines of the two different photosynthetic Fds shows opposite trends. Linear electron flow is retarded in lines with lower Fd2 (the most abundant Fd species) levels and under certain circumstances enhanced in lines with lower Fd1 (the minor isoprotein) levels. These data are evidences for at least partially differentiated roles of Fd1 and Fd2 in photosynthetic electron transfer, possibly in the partition of electrons into linear and cyclic electron flow.