bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of primary appendiceal malignancy
Authors: Whitfield C. G. , Amin S. N. , Garner J. P.
Published: April 2012

Aim  Primary appendiceal neoplasms are rare, with carcinoid being more common than carcinoma. Preoperative diagnosis is infrequent. We report a series of 24 primary appendiceal neoplasms treated over a 5‐year period.

Method  All primary appendiceal neoplasms diagnosed in a university teaching hospital between April 2003 and June 2008 were identified from the prospective histopathology database. Patient records were reviewed for clinical, operative and pathological data.

Results  Fourteen carcinomas and 10 carcinoids were identified in the 5‐year period. The former presented at median age 55.8 years with median symptom duration of 35 days, compared with 48 years and 3 days, respectively, for carcinoids. An abdominal mass was commoner in carcinomas (8/14 vs 1/10). Six patients with carcinoma underwent appendicectomy followed by completion right‐hemicolectomy, two of whom had residual disease; seven underwent primary right‐hemicolectomy and one had abscess drainage. Five patients with appendiceal carcinoma died of the disease during a median follow‐up of 633 (256–1158) days. Six patients underwent appendicectomy for acute appendicitis, one had a primary right‐hemicolectomy for a caecal mass. Three had a subsequent right‐hemicolectomy for a high‐risk carcinoid. An appendiceal carcinoid was an incidental finding in three right‐hemicolectomy specimens removed for other indications. No metastases or deaths were recorded at median follow‐up 451 (51–975) days.

Conclusion  Appendiceal carcinomas follow a more protracted clinical course than carcinoids, which usually present as acute appendicitis. Caution is needed when diagnosing simple appendicitis in older patients with longer symptom duration, particularly if a mass is present. Patients with appendiceal carcinoma should be offered completion right‐hemicolectomy. Carcinoma has a poor prognosis.
Monkey lipsmacking develops like the human speech rhythm
Authors: Morrill Ryan J. , Paukner Annika , Ferrari Pier F. , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: April 2012

Across all languages studied to date, audiovisual speech exhibits a consistent rhythmic structure. This rhythm is critical to speech perception. Some have suggested that the speech rhythm evolved de novo in humans. An alternative account – the one we explored here – is that the rhythm of speech evolved through the modification of rhythmic facial expressions. We tested this idea by investigating the structure and development of macaque monkey lipsmacks and found that their developmental trajectory is strikingly similar to the one that leads from human infant babbling to adult speech. Specifically, we show that: (1) younger monkeys produce slower, more variable mouth movements and as they get older, these movements become faster and less variable; and (2) this developmental pattern does not occur for another cyclical mouth movement – chewing. These patterns parallel human developmental patterns for speech and chewing. They suggest that, in both species, the two types of rhythmic mouth movements use different underlying neural circuits that develop in different ways. Ultimately, both lipsmacking and speech converge on a ∼5 Hz rhythm that represents the frequency that characterizes the speech rhythm of human adults. We conclude that monkey lipsmacking and human speech share a homologous developmental mechanism, lending strong empirical support to the idea that the human speech rhythm evolved from the rhythmic facial expressions of our primate ancestors.
The Extent of Occupational Segregation in the United States: Differences by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
Authors: ALONSO‐VILLAR OLGA , DEL RIO CORAL , GRADIN CARLOS
Published: April 2012

This paper studies occupational segregation by ethnicity/race and gender by following a new approach that facilitates multigroup comparisons and econometric analyses to take into account group characteristics. The analysis shows that segregation is particularly intense in the Hispanic and Asian populations (the situation being more severe for the former given its higher concentration in low‐paid jobs). A distinctive characteristic of Hispanics is that segregation is higher for men than for women although females are more concentrated in low‐paid jobs. Segregation neither for women nor for African and Native Americans is reduced by taking human capital variables into account.
How Much Do Employers Learn from Referrals?
Authors: PINKSTON JOSHUA C.
Published: April 2012

This paper tests the hypothesis that referrals from various sources provide employers with more information about job applicants than they would have with‐out a referral. The study uses data that contain information on two workers in the same job, allowing the differences in job and firm characteristics to be canceled out and controlling for the possibility that workers with referrals from different sources (or no referral at all) sort into jobs that put different weights on individual performance. The estimation results are consistent with referrals from current employees providing employers with more information than they would have otherwise. Additionally, it appears as though hiring through friends or relatives of the employer may involve some favoritism that results in employers either collecting less information than they would otherwise or ignoring information when setting wages. The study finds weak evidence consistent with referrals from other firms or labor unions providing useful information, and no evidence that referrals from community organizations or other sources have any effect.
The politics of counter‐reform in the Argentine pension system: Actors, political discourse, and policy performance
Authors: Arza Camila
Published: April 2012

Arza C. The politics of counter‐reform in the Argentine pension system: Actors, political discourse, and policy performance

In November 2008, the Argentine National Congress passed a bill drafted by the executive branch to reform the country's pension system. The law eliminated the fully funded pension accounts created in 1993/94 and transferred all participants in that system to a pre‐existing pay‐as‐you‐go pension system. On the basis of debates in the National Congress and statements in the media, this article analyzes the political process of pension reform. It studies the positions of major actors and the arguments presented in favor of and against the bill. In sum, the article analyzes a recent policy experience that may be of interest to other countries in the region that have similar pension systems, offering empirical insights for conceptual analysis of institutional change and continuity.
Big city life: carnivores in urban environments
Authors: Bateman P. W. , Fleming P. A.
Published: April 2012

Cities may represent one of the most challenging environments for carnivorous mammals. For example, cities have a dearth of vegetation and other natural resources, coupled with increased habitat fragmentation and an abundance of roads as well as altered climate (e.g. temperature, light, rainfall and water runoff). It is therefore intriguing that several carnivore species have become established in cities across the globe. Medium‐sized carnivores such as the red fox, coyote, Eurasian badger and raccoon not only survive in cities but also have managed to exploit anthropogenic food sources and shelter to their significant advantage, achieving higher population densities than are found under natural conditions. In addition, although they may not live permanently within cities, even large carnivores such as bears, wolves and hyaenas derive significant benefit from living adjacent to urbanized areas. In this review, we examine the history of urban adaptation by mammalian carnivores, explore where they are living, what they eat, what kills them and the behavioural consequences of living in urban areas. We review the biology of urban carnivores, exploring traits such as body size and dietary flexibility. Finally, we consider the consequences of having populations of carnivores in urbanized areas, both for humans and for these charismatic mammals. In conclusion, in a time of massive environmental change across the globe, the continuing encroachment of urbanization upon wilderness areas is substantially reducing the availability of natural habitats for many species; therefore, understanding the biology of any taxon that is able to adapt to and exploit anthropogenically disturbed systems must aid us in both controlling and developing suitable conservation measures for the future of such species.
Impact of facilities on academic performance of students with special needs in mainstreamed public schools in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oluremi FAREO Dorcas , Olubukola OJO Olakunbi
Published: April 2012

Facilities have a great impact on academic performances of students, and inadequate facilities translate to poor performance. The study examined the availability and convenience of the facilities that were provided to students with special educational needs in mainstreamed schools. It ascertained the qualifications of teachers teaching in mainstreamed public secondary schools. It determined the relationship between availability of facilities and academic performance of students with special educational needs; and also compared the academic performance of male and female students with special educational needs. The results showed that essential facilities and materials like hand railings, hearing aids, Braille, instructional materials, and lower toilets were not available, although the few that were available (typewriters, resource rooms, wheel chairs) were in poor condition. The study showed that specialist teachers were inadequate in mainstreamed public schools in Southwestern Nigeria. There was a significant relationship between availability of facilities and academic performance of students with special educational needs. However, there was no significant difference between the academic performance of male and female students with special educational needs. The study concluded that inadequate provision of facilities and materials to mainstreamed public schools would lead to poor academic performances of students with special educational needs. Finally, adequate funding of integrated schools would help to overcome the problem of provision and maintenance of special equipment and materials for the use of students with special educational needs.
Take‐Up of Public Insurance and Crowd‐Out of Private Insurance under Recent CHIP Expansions to Higher Income Children
Authors: Gresenz Carole Roan , Edgington Sarah E. , Laugesen Miriam , Escarce José J.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To analyze the effects of states' expansions of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility to children in higher income families on health insurance coverage outcomes.

Data Sources

2002–2009 Current Population Survey linked to multiple secondary data sources.

Study Design

Instrumental variables estimation of linear probability models. Outcomes are whether the child had any public insurance, any private insurance, or no insurance coverage during the year.

Principal Findings

Among children in families with incomes between two and four times the federal poverty line (FPL), four enrolled in CHIP for every 100 who became eligible. Roughly half of the newly eligible children who took up public insurance were previously uninsured. The upper bound “crowd‐out” rate was estimated to be 46 percent.

Conclusions

The CHIP expansions to children in higher income families were associated with limited uptake of public coverage. Our results additionally suggest that there was crowd‐out of private insurance coverage.
COBRA ARRA Subsidies: Was the Carrot Enticing Enough?
Authors: Graetz Ilana , Reed Mary , Fung Vicki , Dow William H. , Newhouse Joseph P. , Hsu John
Published: April 2012

Objective

To help preserve continuity of health insurance coverage during the recent recession, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a 65 percent Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) premium subsidy for workers laid off in 2008–2010. We examined COBRA enrollment levels with the subsidy and the health, access, and financial consequences of enrollment decisions.

Study Design/Data Collection

Telephone interviews linked with health system databases for 561 respondents who were laid off in 2009 and eligible for the COBRA subsidy (80 percent response rate).

Principal Findings

Overall, 38 percent reported enrolling in COBRA and 54 percent reported having some gaps in insurance coverage since being laid off. After adjustments, we found that those who had higher cost‐sharing, who had higher incomes, were older, or were sicker were more likely to enroll in COBRA. COBRA enrollees less frequently reported access problems or that their health suffered because of poor access, but they reported greater financial stress due to health care spending.

Conclusion

Despite the substantial subsidy, a majority of eligible individuals did not enroll in COBRA, and many reported insurance coverage gaps. Nonenrollees reported more access problems and that their health worsened. Without a mandate, subsidies may need to be widely publicized and larger to encourage health insurance enrollment among individuals who suffer a negative income shock.
Elucidating the Role of Place in Health Care Disparities: The Example of Racial/Ethnic Residential Segregation
Authors: White Kellee , Haas Jennifer S. , Williams David R.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To develop a conceptual framework for investigating the role of racial/ethnic residential segregation on health care disparities.

Data Sources and Settings

Review of the MEDLINE and the Web of Science databases for articles published from 1998 to 2011.

Study Design

The extant research was evaluated to describe mechanisms that shape health care access, utilization, and quality of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and end‐of‐life services across the life course.

Principal Findings

The framework describes the influence of racial/ethnic segregation operating through neighborhood‐, health care system‐, provider‐, and individual‐level factors. Conceptual and methodological issues arising from limitations of the research and complex relationships between various levels were identified.

Conclusions

Increasing evidence indicates that racial/ethnic residential segregation is a key factor driving place‐based health care inequalities. Closer attention to address research gaps has implications for advancing and strengthening the literature to better inform effective interventions and policy‐based solutions.
The Validity of Race and Ethnicity in Enrollment Data for Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Zaslavsky Alan M. , Ayanian John Z. , Zaborski Lawrence B.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To assess the validity of race/ethnicity in Medicare databases for studies of racial/ethnic disparities.

Data Sources

The 2010 Medicare Consumer Assessments of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) survey was linked to Medicare enrollment data and local area characteristics from the 2000 Census.

Study Design

Race/ethnicity was cross‐tabulated for CAHPS and Medicare data. Within each self‐reported category, demographic, geographic, health, and health care variables were compared between those that were and were not similarly identified in Medicare data.

Data Collection Methods

The Medicare CAHPS survey included 343,658 responses from elderly participants (60 percent response rate). Data were weighted for sampling and nonresponse to be representative of the national population of elderly Medicare beneficiaries.

Principal Findings

Self‐reported Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians were underidentified in Medicare enrollment data. Individuals in these groups who were identified in Medicare data tended to be more strongly identified with their group, poorer, and in worse health and to report worse health care experiences than those who were not so identified.

Conclusions

Self‐reported members of racial and ethnic groups other than Whites and Blacks who are identified in Medicare data differ substantially from those who are not so identified. These differences should be considered in assessments of disparities in health and health care among Medicare beneficiaries.
It Takes Two for a Culture War
Authors: Ben‐Porat Guy , Feniger Yariv
Published: April 2012

This article examines the tense relations between religious and secular inIsrael and the prospects for what has been described by different observers as a “culture war.” Specifically, the consequences and implication of the challenges to church‐state arrangements by social, economic, and demographic changes, and growing religious‐secular tensions are studied. The empirical investigation of these issues relies on a survey (n= 508) of a representative, random sample of the adultJewish population inIsrael. Research findings indicate that the culture war scenario exaggerates the actual state of affairs because secularism inIsrael is lacking coherence and commitment and alternatives that circumvent conflict are available. Rather than a culture war between the religious and secular camps inIsrael, different battles are taking place, waged in different realms with different constituencies, tactics, strategies, and levels of commitment whose combined outcome is yet to be determined.
Molecular Phylogeny of Pacific Archigregarines (Apicomplexa), Including Descriptions of Veloxidium leptosynaptae n. gen., n. sp., from the Sea Cucumber Leptosynapta clarki (Echinodermata), and Two New Species of Selenidium
Authors: Wakeman Kevin C. , Leander Brian S.
Published: April 2012

Although archigregarines are poorly understood intestinal parasites of marine invertebrates, they are critical for understanding the earliest stages in the evolution of the Apicomplexa. Previous studies suggest that archigregarines are a paraphyletic stem group from which other lineages of gregarines, and possibly all other groups of apicomplexans, evolved. However, substantiating this inference is difficult because molecular phylogenetic data from archigregarines, in particular, and other gregarines, in general, are severely limited. In an attempt to help fill gaps in our knowledge of archigregarine diversity and phylogeny, we set out to discover and characterize novel lineages of archigregarines with high‐resolution light and scanning electron microscopy and analyses of small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences derived from single‐cell (SC) PCR techniques. Here, we describe two novel species of Selenidium, namely Selenidium idanthyrsae n. sp. and S. boccardiellae n. sp., and demonstrate the surface morphology and molecular phylogenetic position of the previously reported species S. cf. mesnili. We also describe a novel genus of archigregarine, Veloxidium leptosynaptae n. gen., n. sp., which branches with an environmental sequence and, together, forms the nearest sister lineage to a diverse clade of marine eugregarines (i.e. lecudinids and urosporids). This molecular phylogenetic result is consistent with the hypothesis that archigregarines are deeply paraphyletic within apicomplexans, and suggests that convergent evolution played an important role in shaping the diversity of eugregarine trophozoites.
Optimization of Phase Purity of β′‐Sialon Ceramics Produced from Silazanes and Nano‐Sized Alumina
Authors: Parcianello Giulio , Bernardo Enrico , Colombo Paolo
Published: April 2012

The use of preceramic polymers in the synthesis of Sialon ceramics has been scarcely discussed in the literature. In this article we report the production of virtually phase‐pure β′‐Sialon ceramics from a mixture of commercially available polysilazanes and γ‐Al2O3 nanopowder, pyrolized in N2 atmosphere in the 1300°C–1600°C range. This approach combines the advantage of embedding nano‐sized fillers in preceramic polymers, in terms of their reactivity towards the Si–N based ceramic pyrolysis residue, with the complex interactions with residual carbon, also present as a secondary phase in the same ceramic residue. Starting from a polymer (PSZ20) yielding a SiCN amorphous ceramic after pyrolysis, the Sialon phase purity is greatly affected by the residual C content: for an optimized polymer/filler ratio (PSZ20/Al2O3 = 2), β′‐Sialon can be produced possesing only small quantities of quasi‐amorphous SiC as a secondary phase. Additional improvements based on the partial replacement of PSZ20 with a polymer (PHPS) not containing C in the backbone, lead to the production of pure nanocrystalline β′‐Sialon powders (average grain size of 100–200 nm).
The Knowledge Levels of Health Personnel in Turkey Regarding Forensic Evidence*
Authors: Çalışkan Nurcan , Özden Dilek
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  It is important that health personnel have extensive and adequate knowledge and practice regarding forensic evidence. This article describes the knowledge and practices of health personnel, who work in emergency rooms and health centers, regarding forensic evidence. The health personnel in a city in Central Anatolia, Turkey, constitute the population of this descriptive study and 233 personnel constitute its sample. It was determined that 31.3% stated that the practices of forensic evidence collection are inadequate. It was determined that average knowledge scores of health personnel with respect to forensic evidence are 23.5 ± 7.28 of 40. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between knowledge scores on the subject of forensic with respect to duty (p = 0.005), level of education (p = 0.005), and institution of health personnel (p = 0.015). It was determined that the scores of the health personnel, who work in emergency services and health centers, on the subject of forensic evidence, are not at a desirable level.
Functioning and Effectiveness of Electronic Control Devices Such as the TASER®M‐ and X‐Series: A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Kunz Sebastian N. , Zinka Bettina , Fieseler Sybille , Graw Matthias , Peschel Oliver
Published: April 2012

Abstract: Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) such as the TASER®M‐ and X‐series deliver short high‐voltage, low‐current energy pulses to temporarily paralyze a person by causing electrical interruption of the body’s normal energy pulses. Despite many scientific publications, which classify the health risks of an appropriate use of the TASER device as minor, there still is a continuous uncertainty about possible side effects with human application. Based on a literature search of the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE database’s PubMed system of current publications, the following article describes the mechanisms by which the device operates and discusses possible pathophysiological consequences. The majority of current human literature has not found evidence of clinical relevant pathophysiological effects during and after an exposure of professionally applied CEWs. However, to be able to exclude possible health risks, a medical checkup of people who have been exposed to CEWs is essential.
Tooth discoloration induced by endodontic materials: a literature review
Authors: Krastl Gabriel , Allgayer Nikola , Lenherr Patrik , Filippi Andreas , Taneja Pankaj , Weiger Roland
Published: April 2012

Abstract –  It is common knowledge that materials used in endodontics may cause discoloration and thus impair the aesthetic outcome of the treated tooth. The purpose of this review is to summarise the existing knowledge on the discoloration potential of materials used for endodontic procedures. A comprehensive literature search covering the period from 1966 to 2011 was conducted on Pubmed and the Cochrane Library using different keyword combinations including ‘tooth’, ‘colour’, ‘discoloration’, ‘staining’, ‘endodontic’‘root canal’‘sealer’, ‘dressing’, ‘medicament’, ‘obturation’, ‘filling’, ‘treatment’, ‘portland cement’, ‘MTA’ and ‘antibiotic paste’. Any relevant work published in the English language in peer‐reviewed journals and presenting pertinent information related to the purpose of this overview was considered for inclusion. In addition, bibliographies of all relevant papers and previous review articles were hand searched and the reference lists from endodontic textbooks were also reviewed. Articles were excluded if an English abstract was unavailable, if only single clinical reports or conference reports were included, or if the topic was unrelated to the subject. Ten in‐vitro studies, one randomized controlled trial and one multicenter randomized controlled trial met the inclusion criteria. There were not any recently used endodontic materials that would not induce at least measurable colour changes. For a wide range of materials currently available on the market there is only scarce or no evidence available on their staining ability. Endodontic therapy should not focus solely on biological and functional aspects, but take aesthetic considerations into account as well. To reduce the risk of material‐induced tooth discoloration all materials should be applied carefully in areas of aesthetic concern. The need for further research in this field and for the development of non‐staining endodontic materials is evident.
Impact of a government triple zero awareness campaign on emergency department patient characteristics
Authors: Hou Xiang‐Yu , Zhao Jingzhou , Chu Kevin
Published: April 2012

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a government triple zero community awareness campaign on the characteristics of patients attending an ED.

Methods: A study using Emergency Department Information System data was conducted in an adult metropolitan tertiary‐referral teaching hospital in Brisbane. The three outcomes measured in the 3 month post‐campaign period were arrival mode, Australasian Triage Scale and departure status. These measures reflect ambulance usage, clinical urgency and illness severity, respectively. They were compared with those in the 3 month pre‐campaign period. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the impacts of the campaign on each of the three outcome measures after controlling for age, sex, day and time of arrival, and daily minimum temperature.

Results: There were 17 920 visits in the pre‐ and 17 793 visits in the post‐campaign period. After the campaign, fewer patients arrived at the ED by road ambulance (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–1.00), although the impact of the campaign on the arrival mode was only close to statistical significance (Wald χ2‐test, P= 0.055); and patients were significantly less likely to have higher clinical urgency (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.94), while more likely to be admitted (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.38–2.05) or complete treatment in the ED (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.23–1.73) instead of leaving without waiting to be seen.

Conclusions: The campaign had no significant impact on the arrival mode of the patients. After the campaign, the illness acuity of the patients decreased, whereas the illness severity of the patients increased.
Pregnancy Intentions, Long‐Acting Contraceptive Use, and Rapid Subsequent Pregnancies Among Adolescent and Adult First‐Time Mothers
Authors: Waggoner Miranda R. , Lanzi Robin Gaines , Klerman Lorraine V.
Published: April 2012

PROBLEM:  Greater understanding is needed related to qualitatively assess pregnancy intentions and rapid subsequent pregnancies among adolescent and adult mothers.

METHODS:  Four‐site prospective study of 227 adolescent and adult mothers. Data were analyzed to understand the relationship between pregnancy intentions, adolescent status, and use of long‐acting contraceptives and rapid subsequent pregnancy.

FINDINGS:  The findings from this study provide evidence of the importance of goal‐oriented pregnancy intentions, long‐acting contraceptive use, and older age in delaying a second pregnancy.

CONCLUSION:  Findings reveal the need for clinician awareness of the qualitative pregnancy intentions of young women and potential desired use of long‐acting contraceptives.
Personality Traits as Predictors of Adherence in Adolescents With Type I Diabetes
Authors: Wheeler Kathleen , Wagaman Audra , McCord David
Published: April 2012

TOPIC:  Diabetes is a serious, chronic illness with long‐term implications for health and lifestyle. Significant differences in health outcome may be achieved as a result of the degree of adherence to recommended diabetes management regimens. Adherence is a particularly challenging issue with adolescents with diabetes.

PURPOSE:  The present study examined the association between primary personality traits and adolescent adherence to prescribed diabetes management regimens.

SOURCES:  A measure of the five‐factor model of personality was administered to a sample of adolescents with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Five self‐reported indicators of adherence were assessed: blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, diet, exercise, and most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level.

CONCLUSIONS:  Results revealed a pattern of significant correlations between the Conscientiousness and Neuroticism personality domains and one or more self‐reported adherence behaviors. In addition, correlations were also found between one facet of Extraversion and one facet of Agreeableness. These suggestive results, if replicated in larger studies, provide useful information to clinicians as they design and monitor individualized diabetes management regimens for adolescents.
In situ Inactivation of Polyphenol Oxidase in Mamey Fruit (Pouteria sapota) by Microwave Treatment
Authors: Palma‐Orozco Gisela , Sampedro José G. , Ortiz‐Moreno Alicia , Nájera Hugo
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is the enzyme responsible for quality loss in most fruits and vegetables. Quality loss is mainly because of oxidative chemical reactions which generate the darkening of tissues. Mamey fruit (Pouteria sapota) after harvesting suffers a rapid quality decay trough activation of PPO. However, PPO may be inactivated in situ by chemical or thermal treatment. In food processing, microwave treatment (MT) has been used recently as an alternative for PPO inactivation. In this study, it was observed that mamey fruit pulp subjected to a gently MT resulted in a higher PPO activity as the generated heat induced in situ the increase in PPO activity. In contrast, PPO was completely inactivated after long MT by using a high microwave power. Temperature in mamey pulp after MT reached a maximum of 79 °C; although PPO was active up to 60 °C. PPO was completely inactivated when conventional blanching treatment was performed but required a higher temperature (92 °C/300 s). The optimum energy intensity (Eopt) for PPO inactivation by MT was 0.51 kJ/g or 937 W/165 s. Under this condition, the remaining PPO activity was inversely proportional to energy intensity (E). Interestingly, MT resulted in a negligible damage in microstructure of mamey pulp, although blanching treatment resulted in large damaging effects on tissue organization and shape. Therefore, MT is proposed as an effective way to completely inactivate PPO without causing any significant damage to fruit tissues and shape; as preservation of color, flavor, and taste would be favored.
Transmission Electron Microscopic Analysis Showing Structural Changes to Bacterial Cells Treated with Electrolyzed Water and an Acidic Sanitizer
Authors: Feliciano Lizanel , Lee Jaesung , Pascall Melvin A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The effects of various sanitizers on the viability and cellular injury to structures of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua were investigated. A food grade organic acidic formulation (pH 2.5) and acidic, neutral, and basic electrolyzed water [AEW (pH 2.7, oxidation reduction potential; ORP: 1100 mV, free available chlorine; FAC: 150 ppm), NEW (pH 6.9, ORP: 840 mV, FAC: 150 ppm), BEW (pH 11.6, ORP: –810 mV)] were used to treat E. coli and L. innocua cells. After 10 min of exposure to the sanitizers, changes to the bacterial numbers and cell structures were evaluated by plate counting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. It was concluded from the results that the sanitizers reduced the E. coli cells between 2 and 3 log CFU/mL. Except for the BEW treatment, reductions in L. innocua population were greater (>1 log CFU/mL) than that of E. coli for all treatments. Data from the TEM showed that all sanitizers caused changes to the cell envelope and cytoplasm of both organisms. However, smaller changes were observed for L. innocua cells. Decrease in the integrity of the cell envelope and aggregation of the cytoplasmic components appeared to be mainly because of exposure to the sanitizers. The organic acid formulation and AEW were the most effective sanitizers against bacterial cells, indicating that penetration of acidic substances effectively caused the cell inactivation.

Practical Application:  An understanding of the method in which E‐water and an acidic sanitizer cause injury to E. coli and L. innocua would be helpful in selecting an effective chemical agent as a food safety tool. This will allow a scientist to target similar microorganisms such as food borne bacteria with structures that are vulnerable to the sanitizer.
Enzymatic Interesterification of Palm Stearin with Cinnamomum camphora Seed Oil to Produce Zero‐trans Medium‐Chain Triacylglycerols‐Enriched Plastic Fat
Authors: Tang Liang , Hu Jiang‐ning , Zhu Xue‐mei , Luo Li‐ping , Lei Lin , Deng Ze‐yuan , Lee Ki‐Teak
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  It is known that Cinnamomum camphora seed oil (CCSO) is rich in medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium‐chain triacylglycerols (MCTs). The purpose of the present study was to produce zero‐trans MCTs‐enriched plastic fat from a lipid mixture (500 g) of palm stearin (PS) and CCSO at 3 weight ratios (PS:CCSO 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, wt/wt) by using lipase (Lipozyme TL IM, 10% of total substrate) as a catalyst at 65 °C for 8 h. The major fatty acids of the products were palmitic acid (C16:0, 42.68% to 53.42%), oleic acid (C18:1, 22.41% to 23.46%), and MCFAs (8.67% to 18.73%). Alpha‐tocopherol (0.48 to 2.51 mg/100 g), γ‐tocopherol (1.70 to 3.88 mg/100 g), and δ‐tocopherol (2.08 to 3.95 mg/100 g) were detected in the interesterified products. The physical properties including solid fat content (SFC), slip melting point (SMP), and crystal polymorphism of the products were evaluated for possible application in shortening or margarine. Results showed that the SFCs of interesterified products at 25 °C were 9% (60:40, PS:CCSO), 18.50% (70:30, PS:CCSO), and 29.2% (80:20, PS:CCSO), respectively. The β′ crystal form was found in most of the interesterified products. Furthermore, no trans fatty acids were detected in the products. Such zero‐trans MCT‐enriched fats may have a potential functionality for shortenings and margarines which may become a new type of nutritional plastic fat for daily diet.
Precipitation of Salivary Proteins After the Interaction with Wine: The Effect of Ethanol, pH, Fructose, and Mannoproteins
Authors: Rinaldi Alessandra , Gambuti Angelita , Moio Luigi
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Astringency is a complex sensation mainly caused by the precipitation of salivary proteins with polyphenols. In wine it can be enhanced or reduced depending on the composition of the medium. In order to investigate the effect of ethanol, tartaric acid, fructose, and commercial mannoproteins (MPs) addition on the precipitation of salivary proteins, the saliva precipitation index (SPI) was determined by means of the sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human saliva after the reaction with Merlot wines and model solutions. Gelatin index, ethanol index, and Folin–Ciocalteu index were also determined. As resulted by Pearson's correlation, data on SPI were well correlated with the sensory analysis performed on the same samples. In a second experiment, increasing the ethanol (11%–13%–17%), MPs (0–2–8 g/L), fructose (0–2–6 g/L) level, and pH values (2.9–3.0–3.6), a decrease in the precipitation of salivary proteins was observed. A difference in the SPI between model solution and red wine stated that an influence of wine matrix on the precipitation of salivary proteins occurred.

Practical Application:  Results provide interesting suggestions for enologists, which could modulate the astringency of red wine by: (i) leaving some residual reducing sugars (such as fructose) in red wine during winemaking of grapes rich in tannins; (ii) avoiding the lowering of pH; (iii) adding commercial mannoproteins or promoting a “sur lie” aging; and (iv) harvesting grapes at high technological maturity in order to obtain wines with a satisfactory alcoholic content when possible.
Attachment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Abiotic Surfaces of Cooking Utensils
Authors: Tsuji Makiko , Yokoigawa Kumio
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  We examined the attachment of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 to abiotic surfaces of cooking utensils. When the cell suspension in 0.85% NaCl (about 100 cells/mL, 10 mL) was contacted with various abiotic surfaces (square pieces, 25 cm2) at 25 °C for 20 min, the number of attached cells varied depending on the types of abiotic materials. The pathogen well attached to stainless steel (about 50 cells/25 cm2), pure titanium (35 to 45 cells/25 cm2), and glass (about 20 cells/25 cm2), but little attached to aluminum foil and plastics, irrespective of strains used. Fewer cells (below 10 cells/25 cm2) attached to stainless steel, pure titanium, and glass surfaces conditioned with aseptically sliced beef (sirloin) and autoclaved beef tallow at 25 °C for 20 min, but bovine serum albumin did not reduce the number of attached cells. The cells grown at 15 °C to the stationary phase (OD660 = about 2.8) less attached to the abiotic surfaces than those grown at 25 °C and 37 °C. When we pretreated the cells at 37 °C for 2 h with 50 μM N‐hexanoyl‐L‐homoserine lactone (HHL), the number of cells attached to stainless steel was reduced by 70%. The number of cells attached to cooking utensils seemed to change depending on types of abiotic materials, adhesion of beef tallow to abiotic surfaces, growth temperature of the pathogen, and HHL‐producing bacteria.
The Impact of Anthocyanin‐Rich Red Raspberry Extract (ARRE) on the Properties of Edible Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) Films
Authors: Wang Sunan , Marcone Massimo , Barbut Shai , Lim Loong‐Tak
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  To modify the properties of edible soy protein isolate (SPI) films, 0.5% anthocyanin‐rich red raspberry (Rubus strigosus) extract (ARRE) (0.5 g raspberry powder in 95% ethyl alcohol/water/85% lactic acid [80:19:1. v/v/v]) was incorporated into film‐forming solutions. ARRE resulted in an SPI film having significantly enhanced tensile strength (P < 0.05) and % elongation at break (P < 0.05), as well as increased water swelling ratio (P < 0.05) and in vitro pepsin digestibility (P < 0.05). The resultant films also showed significantly decreased water solubility and water vapor permeability (P < 0.05). In addition, ARRE increased darkness, redness, and yellowness film appearance as evidenced by a lower L* (P < 0.05), greater positive a* (P < 0.05), and a higher b* (P < 0.05) than the control film. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that extract‐added films had denser and more compact cross‐section microstructure. Fourier transform infrared spectra illustrated that ARRE‐created hydrogen bonding involved conformational changes of soy protein without destroying its backbone structure. SDS‐PAGE electrophoretograms revealed that the extract induced intermolecular interaction of the soy protein monomers. Natural plant extracts would be a promising ingredient to make SPI films with different physicochemical properties and applications.

Practical Application:  This study characterizes the potential physicochemical changes of SPI film with incorporated raspberry extract. Upon the above modification, the resultant film was found to enhance the applications of pure SPI film in food packaging. For example, SPI‐ARRE film could prolong the usage life of SPI film due to increased strength, or could be useful as a desiccant (drying agent) such as a water‐absorbing sheet for preserving dried foods due to its increased hydrophilic surface and water‐swelling ratio. SPI‐ARRE film could also be alternately used as a food wrap with unique color.
Second Line Options for Hyperlipidemia Management after Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Shah M.K.H. , Critchley W.R. , Yonan N. , Williams S.G. , Shaw S.M.
Published: April 2012

Despite widespread statin therapy, 91% of cardiac transplant patients have hyperlipidemia within 5 years from cardiac transplantation. The implications of this are profound, particularly given that coronary allograft vasculopathy is a leading cause of death. Unfortunately the solution is not easy, with problems of toleration at higher statin doses and a lack of good quality evidence for second line agents. We review the literature and discuss some of the key issues transplant physicians are faced with when considering alternatives to statin therapy.
Managing Risk of Supply Disruptions: Incentives for Capacity Restoration
Authors: Hu Xinxin , Gurnani Haresh , Wang Ling
Published: April 2012

A supplier facing the prospect of disruption has to decide whether or not to invest in restoration capability. With restoration capability, if disruption occurs, additional costly effort can be exerted to rebuild capacity, although its outcome is uncertain. We study how a firm (buyer) can use incentive mechanisms to motivate a supplier's investment in capacity restoration, and compare this approach with the traditional approach of diversifying part of the order to an expensive but reliable supplier. Under a Restoration Enhancement (RE) strategy, the buyer uses price and/or order quantity incentives to encourage the supplier's restoration investment decision. Two different cases are considered—when the incentive is committed to ex ante (prior to disruption) and when it is committed to ex post (after disruption). In contrast, under a Supplier Diversification (SD) strategy, the buyer splits orders between a reliable supplier and an unreliable supplier to hedge against the disruption risk. Here, the buyer does not provide any separate incentive to the unreliable supplier. Our analysis indicates that under the RE strategy, where the buyer offers incentives, both the buyer and the supplier (weakly) prefer the ex ante commitment over the ex post one. Furthermore, the RE strategy is preferred over the SD strategy when the unreliable supplier's restoration outcome is more predictable or when a high restoration outcome is more likely. However, the buyer's preference for the SD strategy increases as market demand increases.
Can distal border fragments of the navicular bone be a primary cause of lameness?
Authors: Biggi M. , Blunden T. , Dyson S.
Published: April 2012

A horse with unilateral forelimb lameness and pain localised to the palmar aspect of the foot was evaluated using radiography and low field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. A distal border fragment of the navicular bone, an osseous cyst‐like lesion (OCLL) in the distal third of the navicular bone and focal distal sesamoidean impar desmitis were identified as the most likely causes of pain and lameness. No other lesions likely to contribute to pain and lameness were identified on MR images or gross post mortem examination. The OCLL was characterised histologically by enlarged bone lacunae containing proliferative fibrovascular tissue. Focal lesions of the distal aspect of the navicular bone are rarely found in isolation but can be causes of pain and lameness in horses.
Placement of bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a fracture of the greater tubercle of the humerus
Authors: Madron M. , Caston S. , Kersh K.
Published: April 2012

A mature Thoroughbred gelding that was used as a high level jumper presented for evaluation of a nonweightbearing forelimb lameness following a fall. Radiographs revealed a complete, noncomminuted, minimally displaced sagittal fracture of the greater tubercle. Supporting limb laminitis was a major concern in the short term based on the severe lameness at presentation. Open reduction with internal fixation was chosen over stall rest in an attempt to more rapidly return the weightbearing function to the limb. The procedure was performed standing and 3 bone screws were placed standing in an attempt to avoid implant or catastrophic bone failure that can accompany recovery from general anaesthesia. The day following surgery the lameness was significantly improved as the horse was able to bear some weight on the heel. The gelding was discharged 5 days following surgery and was fully weightbearing at the walk. Six months following surgery the horse was free of lameness and resumed training. This report describes our experience and rationale in placing bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a greater tubercle fracture.
A real‐time respiratory motion monitoring system using KINECT: Proof of concept
Authors: Xia Junyi , Siochi R. Alfredo
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a low‐cost respiratory motion monitoring system based on the MicrosoftKINECT sensor.

Methods:

The authors increasedKINECT's inherent depth resolution from 1 cm to 1 mm via a motion magnification system. Using the KINECT software development kit, the authors programmed the KINECT to capture depth images and determine the average depth over a thoracic region of interest, viewed almost parallel to the subject's surface. KINECT respiratory traces (average depth vs time at a rate of 30 Hz) were acquired from four volunteers and compared with those simultaneously acquired using a commercially available strain gauge respiratory gating system.

Results:

The correlation coefficient (CC) betweenKINECT and strain gauge traces varied from 0.958 to 0.978, with a mean CC of 0.969. This strong correlation was also demonstrated by the joint probability distribution and visual inspection.

Conclusions:

It is feasible to use theKINECT for respiratory motion tracking. Traces are similar to those of a clinically used strain gauge system. The KINECT‐based system provides a new and economical way to monitor respiratory motion.
The State and Fate of Himalayan Glaciers
Authors: Bolch T. , Kulkarni A. , Kääb A. , Huggel C. , Paul F. , Cogley J. G. , Frey H. , Kargel J. S. , Fujita K. , Scheel M. , Bajracharya S. , Stoffel M.
Published: April 2012

Going More Slowly

Himalayan glaciers sometimes are called the “Third Pole” because of the amount of snow and ice they contain. Despite their importance as a global water reservoir and their essential role in Asian hydrology, how their mass is changing in response to global warming is not well known.

Bolch
et al.

(p.
310
) review the contemporary evolution of glaciers in the Himalayan region, including those of the less well sampled region of the Karakoram to the Northwest, in order to provide a current, comprehensive picture of how they are changing. Most Himalayan glaciers are retreating at rates comparable to glaciers elsewhere in the world. In the Karakorum, on the other hand, advancing glaciers are more common.
Nuclear Genomic Sequences Reveal that Polar Bears Are an Old and Distinct Bear Lineage
Authors: Hailer Frank , Kutschera Verena E. , Hallström Björn M. , Klassert Denise , Fain Steven R. , Leonard Jennifer A. , Arnason Ulfur , Janke Axel
Published: April 2012

Ancient Bears

Polar bears are well known for adapting to their cold Arctic climate. Some recent studies, based on mitochondrial DNA, concluded that they are a relatively young species and that these adaptations occurred quite quickly. Although mitochondrial DNA is regularly used to estimate evolutionary history, it has some well-known drawbacks, including sex-biased dispersal and hybridization. Thus,

Hailer
et al.

(p.
344
) looked at neutral genetic data that are distributed more widely across the genome of a relatively large sample of polar, brown, and black bears. Consistent with fossil-based studies, the analysis reveals polar bears as a sister lineage to all brown bears, with an estimated divergence time of 300,000 to 900,000 years ago. Thus, polar bears are indeed of a more ancient lineage, and more recent estimates based on mitochondrial DNA are likely to have been affected by past hybridization with brown bear.