bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of an automated immunoglobulin G–only cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody screening assay and an assessment of the risk of transfusion transmitted CMV from seronegative blood
Authors: Seed Clive R. , Piscitelli Lisa M. , Maine Gregory T. , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Doherty Kathleen , Stricker Reto , Stricker René , Iriarte Beimar , Patel Chandu
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody donor screening assays have predominantly included both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection. However, since in the majority of cases both CMV IgG and IgM are detected concomitantly during early seroconversion, CMV assays based only on IgG are now widely applied for donor screening.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The performance of an automated microparticle CMV IgG assay (Abbott AxSYM CMV IgG microparticle enzyme immunoassay [MEIA]) was compared with an established total antibody blood screening assay (Abbott CMV Total AB EIA). Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using 5050 random blood donors and 13 seroconversion panels. A risk analysis was undertaken to estimate the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted CMV (TT‐CMV) from presumptive seronegative blood components.

RESULTS: The EIA achieved marginally (but not significantly) better resolved sensitivity (100%) than the AxSYM IgG assay (99.93%). The AxSYM IgG resolved specificity (99.34%) was superior to the EIA (96.4%). This superiority was maintained (98.61%) when a modified cutoff was applied to the AxSYM IgG assay to achieve 100 percent resolved sensitivity. The seroconversion sensitivities of the EIA and the AxSYM IgG were equivalent, detecting the same bleed as positive in the majority of the seroconversion panels tested. The median TT‐CMV residual risk estimate for the two assays was approximately 1 in 66,000 (range, 42,000‐165,000).

CONCLUSION: The AxSYM IgG MEIA is suitable for blood donor screening and was optimized by applying a modified cutoff of 9 AU per mL. The modeling predicts that implementing the AxSYM IgG assay would not negatively impact the already very low risk of TT‐CMV associated with seronegative blood components in Australia.
Measurement of phosphatidylserine exposure during storage of platelet concentrates using the novel probe lactadherin: a comparison study with annexin V
Authors: Albanyan Abdul‐Majeed , Murphy Michael F. , Rasmussen Jan T. , Heegaard Christian W. , Harrison Paul
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Annexin V binding to platelets (PLTs) is considered the gold standard for monitoring phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure. However, recent comparison of annexin V with the new calcium‐independent PS probe lactadherin revealed that annexin V requires a certain threshold of PS exposure (2%‐8%) for binding to occur. The aim of this study was to compare annexin V and lactadherin labeling of PLTs in PLT concentrates (PCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Optimal labeling conditions for lactadherin and annexin V were established and then compared in either resting or calcium ionophore (CI)‐activated PLTs from normal whole blood. Furthermore, 40 PCs (20 apheresis‐derived and 20 pooled buffy coat–derived) were stored under standard blood bank conditions and PLT activation was monitored by measuring PS exposure with annexin V and lactadherin along with CD42b, CD61, and CD62P by flow cytometry on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7.

RESULTS: Lactadherin reported a higher exposure of PS than did annexin V in normal PLTs at submaximal doses of CI. PLTs from both types of concentrate, as expected, demonstrated evidence of increased activation during storage using annexin V, lactadherin, CD42b, or CD62P. However, a significantly higher percentage of PS‐positive PLTs was found with lactadherin than annexin V.

CONCLUSION: PS exposure on the surface of stored PLTs has been previously underestimated due to the wide use of annexin V. Lactadherin provides a truer reflection of the degree of PS exposure and offers a new calcium‐independent approach to studying PLT activation and/or apoptosis.
Identification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 non‐B subtypes and antiretroviral drug–resistant strains in United States blood donors
Authors: Brennan Catherine A. , Stramer Susan L. , Holzmayer Vera , Yamaguchi Julie , Foster Greg A. , Notari IV Edward P. , Schochetman Gerald , Devare Sushil G.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: In this study, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐infected blood donors were evaluated for genetic subtype and drug resistance to determine the prevalence of divergent HIV strains in the US donor population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Subtype was determined by phylogenetic analysis of viral sequences amplified by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The drug resistance profile of the protease and reverse transcriptase (RT) genes was determined using an HIV‐1 genotyping system (ViroSeq).

RESULTS: From 1999 through 2005, 26 recently infected donors, defined as HIV‐1 RNA–positive, antibody‐negative (RNA+/Ab−), were identified (yield, 1:1.61 million). Over the same period, the frequency of anti‐HIV–positive donors was 1:34,700. Twenty RNA+/Ab− specimens were evaluated; all were infected with HIV‐1 subtype B. Drug resistance profiles obtained for 18 donors identified one strain with protease mutation L90M that confers resistance to nelfinavir and one with RT mutation Y188H that confers resistance to nevirapine. Genetic subtype was determined for 44 of 46 HIV antibody–reactive and confirmed‐positive (Ab+) specimens. Three infections (6.8%) were due to circulating recombinant forms: 2 CRF01_AE and 1 CRF02_AG. In the Ab+ group, one strain was resistant to all nucleoside RT inhibitors and one had mutations that confer resistance to protease inhibitors.

CONCLUSION: The data show that antiretroviral drug–resistant HIV strains are being transmitted in the United States. Overall 6.5 percent (4 of 62) of HIV‐1–infected donors harbored drug‐resistant strains. HIV‐1 non‐B strains accounted for 4.7 percent (3 of 64) of the infections in donors. HIV‐1 subtype B is still the predominant strain in the United States; however, non‐B strains are increasing.
CD34+ cell responsiveness to stromal cell–derived factor‐1α underlies rate of engraftment after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Marquez‐Curtis Leah A. , Turner A. Robert , Larratt Loree M. , Letcher Brenda , Lee Siow F. , Janowska‐Wieczorek Anna
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Stromal cell–derived factor (SDF)‐1, a chemokine produced in the bone marrow (BM), is essential for the homing of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) to the BM after transplantation. This study examines whether there is a correlation between the in vitro chemotaxis of CD34+ HSPC toward an SDF‐1 gradient and in vivo hematopoietic engraftment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty‐five patients underwent granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor HSPC collection and autologous transplant with a median dose of 7.7 (range, 3.9‐41.5) × 106 CD34+ cells per kg body weight. The chemotactic index (CI) of CD34+ cells isolated from leukapheresis products collected from these patients was calculated as the ratio of the percentages of cells migrating toward an SDF‐1 gradient to cells migrating to media alone. Expression of the SDF‐1 receptor CXCR4 on CD34+ cells was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Spontaneous cell migration (range, 3.1 ± 0.6 to 26.5 ± 7.7%) and SDF‐1–directed chemotaxis (11.1 ± 0.7 to 54.9 ± 8.3%) of CD34+ cells did not correlate with time to neutrophil engraftment, which occurred at a median of 10 days (range, 8‐16 days). Nonparametric tests showed a negative correlation (r = −0.434) between CI and CD34+ cell dose such that neutrophil recovery occurred within the same period in patients transplanted with a lower dose of CD34+ cells but having a high CI as in those transplanted with a higher dose of CD34+ cells but having a low CI. Moreover, CI correlated (r = 0.8) with surface CXCR4 expression on CD34+ cells.

CONCLUSION: In patients transplanted with a relatively lower CD34+ cell dose who achieved fast engraftment, a higher responsiveness to SDF‐1 and high CI could have compensated for the lower cell dose. However, to apply the CI as a prognostic factor of the rate of engraftment requires validation in a larger number of patients.
Ultrasound‐enabled topical anesthesia for pain reduction of phlebotomy for whole blood donation
Authors: Stowell Christopher P. , Trieu My‐Quyen , Chuang Han , Katz Nathaniel , Quarrington Carole
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound‐facilitated delivery of topical anesthetics has been used to achieve effective anesthesia within 5 minutes for venipuncture and the insertion of intravenous access devices, but has never been studied for blood donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a single‐center, prospective, randomized, sham treatment–controlled, single‐blinded clinical evaluation. Repeat donors were randomly assigned to undergo treatment with ultrasound and topical anesthetic or sham ultrasound and placebo anesthetic before phlebotomy for whole blood donation. The primary outcome measures were pain assessments using the Verbal Categorical Scale (VCS) and the Visual Analogue Scale and the assessment of skin irritation at the target site.

RESULTS: One‐hundred subjects were enrolled and all completed the study. Compared to the sham/placebo control group, donors receiving ultrasound/anesthetic had lower pain scores on the VCS (1.81 ± 0.67 vs. 2.17 ± 0.68; p = 0.01) and Visual Analog Scale (17.2 ± 15.5 vs. 27.6 ± 19.5; p = 0.006). The proportion of subjects in the treatment group who experienced skin irritation (8%) was similar to that in the control group (2%; p = 0.20).

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound‐enhanced delivery of topical anesthetic was demonstrated to be a safe means of quickly achieving clinically meaningful reduction in the pain of phlebotomy for whole blood donation compared to sham/placebo treatment.
Acute Simultaneous Proximal Occlusion of Two Major Coronary Arteries in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Successful Treatment with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: MAAGH PETRA , WICKENBROCK I. , SCHRAGE M.O. , TRAPPE H.‐J. , MEISSNER A.
Published: October 2008

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to acute simultaneous proximal occlusion of two major coronary arteries (ASOMC) is a rare but life‐threatening situation. Most patients die suddenly or go into cardiogenic shock (CS). In patients with AMI due to ASOMC identified by coronary angiography (CA), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed in both infarct‐related arteries (IRAs) at the same time as diagnostic CA is the fastest option to complete revascularization. However, no prospective studies regarding the outcome of such procedures have been published so far.

Methods: In this prospective single‐center study, between October 2004 and March 2007, consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) reporting to our university hospital and regional referral center were evaluated for ASOMC by means of emergent CA. When diagnosed with ASOMC, PCI of the IRAs was performed. Clinical data were obtained at baseline, discharge, after 6 months, and after 1 year.

Results: Out of 417 patients with ACS, 379 patients (90.9%) suffered an AMI. In 5 patients CA revealed an ASOMC. PCI was performed in 4 patients. One patient with severe triple‐vessel disease was referred for emergent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery after conventional PCI of one IRA. One patient died in‐hospital due to early in‐stent thrombosis after PCI. At 6‐month follow‐up and at 1‐year follow‐up, 4 patients were alive.

Conclusion: In spite of the complex interventions, PCI patients had low in‐hospital mortality and good clinical results at 1‐year follow‐up. Our observations are important in the clinical decision‐making process of AMI due to ASOMC.
Status of Plasmapheresis for the Treatment of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Japan
Authors: Yamada Hiromichi , Takamori Kenji
Published: October 2008

This study describes the efficacy of plasmapheresis for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), as reported in Japan. TEN patients treated with plasmapheresis were collected from Japanese literature. The type of plasmapheresis, number of sessions, efficacy of plasmapheresis, and present outcome were examined. Forty‐seven TEN patients treated with plasmapheresis have been reported in the literature: 19 men and 28 women with ages ranging from 1 to 96 years (mean 50.3 years). Twenty‐five of these treatments included simple plasma exchange (PE), 13 included double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), and one included PE and DFPP. The number of plasmapheresis sessions ranged from 1 to 6 and the mean number of sessions was 3.1. The efficacy of plasmapheresis for the treatment of TEN was as follows: excellent, 30 cases; good, 8 cases; fair, 3 cases; no effect, 5 cases; and unknown, 1 case. The rate of effectiveness was 80.9%; eleven patients died; and the mortality rate was 23.4%. In summary, plasmapheresis, including both PE and DFPP, were found to be effective treatments for Japanese patients with TEN, who had been unresponsive to corticosteroids, and for those who show severe clinical manifestations.
A Case Report of Osteomyelitis Pubis in a Hemodialysis Patient With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dovas Spiros , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Simopoulou Theodora , Giannopoulou Myrto , Kanaki Angeliki , Anifandis Georgios , Stefanidis Ioannis
Published: October 2008

Osteomyelitis pubis is a rare form of osteomyelitis. Known risk factors are urogynecologic surgery, trauma caused by sport activities, pelvic malignancy and intravenous drug use. Immunocompromised patients, including hemodialysis patients, and those with diabetes are also susceptible to infection. Particularly in the hemodialysis population, the use of intravenous catheters frequently results in bacteremia and metastatic infectious complications such as osteomyelitis. We describe the first case of osteomyelitis pubis in a woman on chronic maintenance hemodialysis with diabetes mellitus.
A Case Report of an Anorexia Nervosa Patient With End‐stage Renal Disease Due to Pseudo Bartter's Syndrome and Chinese Herb Nephropathy Requiring Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Wada Kentaro , Shinoda Toshio
Published: October 2008

The extent of end stage renal disease (ESRD) has not been well documented in anorexia nervosa (AN). We herein describe a 47‐year‐old female with ESRD who required maintenance hemodialysis (HD) following a 27 year history of AN, and seven years of diuretic and purgative abuse. In spite of HD treatment, her serum inorganic phosphorus level remained elevated (10.2–15.8 mg/dL). Tissue degradation due to catabolism, insufficient dialysis treatment, and use of Chinese herbal medicine, including aristolochic acid, are speculated as the cause of her hyperphosphatemia. We also speculated that the causes of her renal dysfunction are as follows: chronic interstitial nephritis caused by pseudo Bartter's syndrome resulting from chronic abuse of diuretics and purgatives, and Chinese herb nephropathy.
EFFECT OF PLANT MATURITY ON THE MINERAL CONTENT OF THE LEAVES OF MOMORDICA BALSAMINA L. AND VIGNA UNGUICULATA SUBSP. SESQUIPEDALIS (L.) VERDC.
Authors: FLYMAN MICHAEL V. , AFOLAYAN ANTHONY J.
Published: October 2008

Vegetable quality can be influenced by various factors including preharvest conditions and stage of maturity. Consumers are increasingly demanding for food with acceptable internal quality attributes like vitamins and mineral composition, in addition to sensory properties like appearance, texture, taste and aroma. The purpose of this study was to examine the mineral content of two traditional leafy vegetables in Botswana, namely Momordica balsamina and Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, at different stages of maturity. Both vegetables exhibited different variation patterns in their leaf mineral contents with advancing age and the effect of maturity stage was significant (P < 0.05). Although M. balsamina and V. unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis could be integrated into a food‐based strategy to alleviate micronutrient malnutrition, the recommended harvesting stages would be dictated by the specific mineral deficiency being addressed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The research findings are relevant in communities where home gardens and wild vegetable gathering are promoted as strategies to increase the intake of micronutrient‐rich foods. Practical uses are in the formulation of guidelines toward the optimal harvesting times for different vegetables depending on specific mineral nutrient deficiencies being addressed.
ARTIFICIAL CELL STUDIES IN SIMULATED APPLE AND POTATO STARCH CELL COMPLEX DURING OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION
Authors: TORTOE CHARLES , ORCHARD JOHN , BEEZER ANTHONY
Published: October 2008

Visking tubing was employed as an artificial cell system to investigate the behavior of water in simulated apple and potato starch cell complex during osmotic dehydration. The study involved a factorial experimental design at three levels of temperature (32.2, 40 and 55C) and five levels of solute concentration solutions (four sucrose concentrations: 40, 50, 60 and 70%; one sodium chloride concentration: 0.5%). A time period of 0–3 h was implemented with 30‐min sampling period for every treatment. Three phases of a sharp decrease in the initial weight of the visking tubing in the first 30 min were observed for all temperatures and solute concentrations. In all the treatments, there was an incremental increase in water loss with increased temperature and sucrose and salt concentrations.

Water loss was higher for simulated apple and 1% potato starch solutions compared with 15% potato starch solution. Starch in the visking tubing competed for the removal of water during osmotic dehydration. The amount of starch contributed to the differences in the rate of water loss in the visking tubing.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In order to better understand the behavior of water in simulated apple and potato starch cell complex during osmotic dehydration of plant materials, the Visking tubing was used as an artificial cell in simulating biological membranes. Simulated apple and potato starch was studied as representatives of cellulosic and starchy plant materials, respectively. Notably, there was antagonistic effect between starch and salt solutions, starch and sugar solutions similar to sugar and salt solutions as a result of differences in their molecular weights. This study is industrial applicable to achieve efficient osmotic dehydration processes for plant materials that are cellulosic or starchy in nature.
EFFECTS OF EXTRUSION CONDITIONS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF A MUTANT RICE CULTIVAR, GOAMI2 – HIGH IN NONDIGESTIBLE CARBOHYDRATES
Authors: CHOI I. , CHUN A. , SUH S.‐J. , RYU G.‐H. , CHUN J. , KIM J.‐H.
Published: October 2008

A mutant rice Goami2, a cultivar high in nondigestible carbohydrates (NDCs), was extrusion‐cooked at feed moisture (20, 25%), screw speed (200, 300 rpm) and barrel temperature (110, 120 and 130C). Effects of extrusion conditions on the physical and functional properties were investigated. NDCs were determined by total dietary fiber (TDF) and resistant starch (RS) contents. Increasing moisture resulted in an increment of density, water absorption index (WAI) and hardness, and a decrement in expansion and water solubility index (WSI). A higher barrel temperature decreased the hardness and increased the WSI probably due to a higher proportion of gelatinized starch. Extrusion caused a reduction in TDF in the extrudates, as well as a significant decrease in RS contents. However, extrudates processed at moisture (%), screw speed (rpm) and barrel temperature (C) combinations of 25/200/110 and 25/200/120 showed no significant difference in TDF contents compared with its raw rice. Multiple regression models showed that feed moisture had the most pronounced effect on extrudate qualities, followed by barrel temperature and screw speed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Rice, being one of the primary dietary sources of carbohydrates worldwide, is the major energy and nutritional sources. In recent years, demands have been increasing for rice with a wide range of value‐added properties, such as enhanced nutrient, aroma, color and rice kernel shape, including functional properties. Goami2 is a mutant rice of Ilpumbyeo, a high japonica rice cultivar, and has been revealed to have higher nondigestible fractions. However, Goami2 rice has unsuitable properties for traditional cooking because of the difficulty of gelatinization, which might result in a hard texture of cooked rice compared with that of ordinary rice. On the basis of its nutritional and functional benefits, exploiting the possible utilization of Goami2 for processed food products would increase the potential consumption of Goami2 for various food products.
STUDIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND STORAGE STABILITY OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEA) BURFI
Authors: KHAN M.A. , SEMWAL A.D. , SHARMA G.K. , YADAV D.N. , SRIHARI K.A.
Published: October 2008

Groundnut burfi with or without sorbic acid (0.3%) based on roasted groundnut, sugar, milk powder, condensed milk and flavoring materials was developed. The changes in quality of groundnut burfi packed in polypropylene (PP, 75 µ) and metallized polyester (12 µ) low density/linear low density (MP, 75 µ) were monitored during storage in order to assess the shelf life. The sample without sorbic acid spoiled within 30 days of storage due to mold growth and fermented odor. Groundnut burfi containing sorbic acid did not support any microbial growth during storage of up to 8 months. Groundnut burfi remained stable and acceptable up to 6 months and 8 months under ambient temperatures (15–34C) in PP and MP pouches, respectively. Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values were higher for the product packed in PP than for the one packed in MP pouches. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid present in fat extracted from groundnut burfi followed by linoleic and palmitic acids. Sorbic acid degraded during storage of groundnut burfi and the rate of degradation was higher for samples packed in PP than those packed in MP pouches.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Groundnut is a rich and economic source of protein and other micronutrients. Products based on groundnut, such as burfi, may be highly useful in alleviating protein malnutrition in underdeveloped countries. As sweet items are highly relished by children, products like groundnut burfi will go a long way to provide nutritious, calorie dense and highly palatable products to the consumers.
MICROBIOLOGICAL SHELF‐LIFE STUDIES ON COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED YEAST
Authors: O'BRIEN S.S. , LINDSAY D. , VON HOLY A.
Published: October 2008

During three replicate studies, cream, compressed and dry yeast samples were stored for 21 days at 4, 10, 25 and 37C. At 3‐day intervals, bacteria were quantified using standard plate counting procedures, and 1,044 predominant colonies isolated and characterized. The highest counts of aerobic bacteria and Enterococcus spp., up to 7 and 8 log colony‐forming units (cfu) per mL or g, were found when cream and compressed yeast samples were exposed to elevated temperatures (25 and 37C), while lower counts (4 and 6 log cfu/mL or g) were obtained from refrigerated samples (4C). At 10C, counts of aerobic bacteria and Enterococcus spp. increased from 4 to 7 log cfu/mL or g, highlighting the importance of temperature control during the storage and distribution of perishable cream and compressed yeast. Vacuum‐packaging of dry yeast reduced the growth of aerobic populations. Throughout storage, Lactobacilli dominated the bacterial populations in both cream and compressed yeast (45 to 78%), while Enterococcaceae predominated in vacuum‐packaged dry yeast (54 to 68%), suggesting they were primarily responsible for the spoilage of commercial yeast products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In addition to producing high quality yeast for baking and brewing, it is an important objective for yeast manufacturers to increase product shelf life. Temperatures chosen for this shelf‐life study simulated various elevated temperatures of practical use for yeast processors and downstream consumers. For example, 4C (recommended refrigeration temperature), 10C (potential abuse temperature during transportation), 25C (wine‐making temperature) and 37C (temperatures often encountered in bakeries). Results from our study showed that storage temperature and time considerably influenced bacterial growth patterns associated with commercially manufactured fresh yeast. Bacterial spoilage and sensory deterioration were observed during lengthened storage periods, and especially at higher storage temperatures. Even when stored at 10C, cream and compressed yeast samples became bacteriologically and visually spoiled. It was therefore apparent that any break in the cold chain during processing, storage or distribution could affect the development of spoilage bacteria resulting in shortened product shelf life of commercially manufactured fresh yeast. Conversely, this study found vacuum‐packaged dry yeast to be the most bacteriologically stable manufactured product.
SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF A RED WINE AGED WITH OAK CHIPS IN STAINLESS STEEL TANKS OR USED BARRELS: EFFECT OF THE CONTACT TIME AND SIZE OF THE OAK CHIPS
Authors: CANO‐LÓPEZ MARTA , BAUTISTA‐ORTÍN ANA B. , PARDO‐MÍNGUEZ FRANCISCO , LÓPEZ‐ROCA JOSE M. , GÓMEZ‐PLAZA ENCARNA
Published: October 2008

The influence of adding oak chips to a wine stored either in a stainless steel tank or in used barrels was assessed by sensory analysis, using descriptive analysis as well as triangular tests to determine whether differences between the samples could be clearly perceived. Both the size of the oak chips and the length of contact time were studied. The results were also compared with the scores reached by wines aged in new oak barrels. The sensory analyses showed that when the wines were aged in tanks, the effect of adding oak chips was readily appreciated by the panelists and the differences were clearer than when the panelist had to differentiate wines aged in used barrels, with or without chips. Also, the panelists were able to clearly differentiate between wines aged in new barrels and those aged in tanks and in contact with wood chips. When the wood pieces were added to used barrels, the differences between the resulting wine and that aged in new barrels, although smaller, were still perceived, the latter reaching higher scores in the sensory analysis.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Aging wines in barrels improves their quality and contributes to their organoleptic characteristics. After a period of oak barrel maturation, the wines are enriched in aromatic substances, the color is more stable and mouthfeel complexity is improved. However, barrels are expensive, take up a lot of space in the winery and their lifetime is not very long. Therefore, alternatives have been developed in order to simplify the aging process while ensuring that the wood‐originated volatiles are released into the wine. One of these techniques consists of the addition of small pieces of wood, commonly known as oak chips, to the wine kept in stainless steel tanks or used barrels. These alternatives to oak aging were not a legal practice in European Union (EU) countries until last October when the EU approved the use of pieces of oak wood in winemaking and the designation and presentation of wine so treated. The rapid spread of these techniques makes it necessary to carry out studies to assess the influence of oak chips on the chemical and sensory characteristics of wines and to evaluate the differences with the traditional oak aging systems.
Chaebols and Small and Medium‐Sized Capitalists: The Forgotten Players in Korean and Taiwanese Democratization
Authors: Lim Sunghack
Published: October 2008

The democratization process in Korea and Taiwan displays great disparities, although common conditions exist. Both countries were under the Japanese occupation; they displayed similar trends of economic growth, and they sensitively responded to any changes in international environment. The main argument in this paper is that in Korea and Taiwan, the capitalists, such as the chaebols and small and medium‐sized capitalists, have played active roles in the process of democratization. This paper demonstrates the fact that historical characteristics, autonomy, and disintegration of the capitalists are the important variables that appropriately explain the democratization process in Korea and Taiwan.
The Second Nuclear Crisis and U.S. Foreign Policy: Should the U.S. Resolve the North Korean Security Dilemma?
Authors: Hwang Jihwan
Published: October 2008

There has been a perception gap between the Bush and Clinton administrations about the true nature of the North Korean regime and the best ways to deal with the regime, and this perception gap has produced divergent policies between the two administrations. Drawing on recent developments in realist literature, however, I argue that an equally important variable to explain U.S. policy is the international situation around the Korean peninsula ‐ offensive or defensive ‐ that each administration perceives. The second nuclear crisis has been strongly influenced by the offensive strategy of the U.S. after the terrorist attacks of 2001. Such an offensive movement has dramatically worsened North Korea's security fears and led to the current nuclear deadlock. Thus, the U.S. needs to resolve the North Korean security dilemma by taking conciliatory measures, and North Korea also needs to engage in cooperative behavior with the U.S. simultaneously.
Political Economy of Economic System Change in the Age of Neoliberalism: A Comparative Study of Germany and Korea
Authors: Jung Young‐Tae
Published: October 2008

This paper explores the plausibility of the neoliberal convergence theory, by exploring recent developments in the German and Korean economies. These two countries are the focus of this paper largely because their original economic systems had many features which contrasted with and were distinctive from the Anglo‐American economic system; however, it appears that they have now moved toward the Anglo‐American system.

It will be argued that the neoliberal convergence theory is too simplistic and, therefore, misleading for both theoretical and empirical reasons. Rather, the reality is that different countries and institutions undergo different degrees of change toward the neoliberal model of political economic organization largely due to distinctive characteristics of prior established institutions‐more precisely, due to different configurations of socio‐political forces. It will be suggested that there may be two alternative development strategies open to the two countries in question for the future. One is that they may have to transform their underlying cultural factors and their ‘superstructures’‐ i.e., political institutions and practices‐if an Anglo‐American economic system is really recognized as the best for them. The other is that they may have to modify the Anglo‐American system to make it more suitable for their societies if the latter is not really the best, but just one of many best̂ economic systems.
China's Maritime Evolution: Military and Commercial Factors
Authors: Erickson Andrew S. , Collins Gabriel
Published: October 2008

China is rapidly emerging as a maritime power, with global commercial and regional military influence. Historically preoccupied with securing its land borders, China is now becoming increasingly reliant on the sea to import energy and raw materials as well as transport finished goods to market. Maritime security, therefore, is becoming a more serious strategic concern for Beijing. China's maritime industry contributed roughly 10 percent of national economic output in 2006 and its share of the national economy will likely rise sharply in coming years. As Chinese maritime interests continue to globalize, questions arise concerning the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)‘s ability to secure key sea lines of communication (SLOC) in a time of crisis. This disparity arises in part because China's PLAN is currently structured primarily to address sovereignty claims on China's maritime periphery, particularly concerning the status of Taiwan. It is unclear whether China will continue to rely on the U.S. Navy to maintain international SLOC security. Reshaping the PLAN into a “blue water” force capable of protecting sea lanes far from China would be an expensive and strategically provocative venture. This analysis examines the role that China's rapid commercial maritime development could play in driving such a transformation and offers barometers that might indicate if China were to pursue such a course.
Ceramide Biogenesis Is Required for Radiation-Induced Apoptosis in the Germ Line of
C. elegans
Authors: Deng Xinzhu , Yin Xianglei , Allan Richard , Lu Diane D. , Maurer Carine W. , Haimovitz-Friedman Adriana , Fuks Zvi , Shaham Shai , Kolesnick Richard
Published: October 2008

Ceramide engagement in apoptotic pathways has been a topic of controversy. To address this controversy, we tested
loss-of-function (lf)
mutants of conserved genes of sphingolipid metabolism in
Caenorhabditis elegans
. Although somatic (developmental) apoptosis was unaffected, ionizing radiation–induced apoptosis of germ cells was obliterated upon inactivation of ceramide synthase and restored upon microinjection of long-chain natural ceramide. Radiation-induced increase in the concentration of ceramide localized to mitochondria and was required for BH3-domain protein EGL-1–mediated displacement of CED-4 (an APAF-1–like protein) from the CED-9 (a Bcl-2 family member)/CED-4 complex, an obligate step in activation of the CED-3 caspase. These studies define CEP-1 (the worm homolog of the tumor suppressor p53)–mediated accumulation of EGL-1 and ceramide synthase–mediated generation of ceramide through parallel pathways that integrate at mitochondrial membranes to regulate stress-induced apoptosis.
The Origin and Evolution of Religious Prosociality
Authors: Norenzayan Ara , Shariff Azim F.
Published: October 2008

We examine empirical evidence for religious prosociality, the hypothesis that religions facilitate costly behaviors that benefit other people. Although sociological surveys reveal an association between self-reports of religiosity and prosociality, experiments measuring religiosity and actual prosocial behavior suggest that this association emerges primarily in contexts where reputational concerns are heightened. Experimentally induced religious thoughts reduce rates of cheating and increase altruistic behavior among anonymous strangers. Experiments demonstrate an association between apparent profession of religious devotion and greater trust. Cross-cultural evidence suggests an association between the cultural presence of morally concerned deities and large group size in humans. We synthesize converging evidence from various fields for religious prosociality, address its specific boundary conditions, and point to unresolved questions and novel predictions.
Molecular Architecture of the "Stressosome," a Signal Integration and Transduction Hub
Authors: Marles-Wright Jon , Grant Tim , Delumeau Olivier , van Duinen Gijs , Firbank Susan J. , Lewis Peter J. , Murray James W. , Newman Joseph A. , Quin Maureen B. , Race Paul R. , Rohou Alexis , Tichelaar Willem , van Heel Marin , Lewis Richard J.
Published: October 2008

A commonly used strategy by microorganisms to survive multiple stresses involves a signal transduction cascade that increases the expression of stress-responsive genes. Stress signals can be integrated by a multiprotein signaling hub that responds to various signals to effect a single outcome. We obtained a medium-resolution cryo–electron microscopy reconstruction of the 1.8-megadalton “stressosome” from
Bacillus subtilis
. Fitting known crystal structures of components into this reconstruction gave a pseudoatomic structure, which had a virus capsid–like core with sensory extensions. We suggest that the different sensory extensions respond to different signals, whereas the conserved domains in the core integrate the varied signals. The architecture of the stressosome provides the potential for cooperativity, suggesting that the response could be tuned dependent on the magnitude of chemophysical insult.
Bacterial Protection of Beetle-Fungus Mutualism
Authors: Scott Jarrod J. , Oh Dong-Chan , Yuceer M. Cetin , Klepzig Kier D. , Clardy Jon , Currie Cameron R.
Published: October 2008

Host-microbe symbioses play a critical role in the evolution of biological diversity and complexity. In a notably intricate system, southern pine beetles use symbiotic fungi to help overcome host-tree defenses and to provide nutrition for their larvae. We show that this beetle-fungal mutualism is chemically mediated by a bacterially produced polyunsaturated peroxide. The molecule's selective toxicity toward the beetle's fungal antagonist, combined with the prevalence and localization of its bacterial source, indicates an insect-microbe association that is both mutualistic and coevolved. This unexpected finding in a well-studied system indicates that mutualistic associations between insects and antibiotic-producing bacteria are more common than currently recognized and that identifying their small-molecule mediators can provide a powerful search strategy for therapeutically useful antimicrobial compounds.
Surface-Modified Carbon Nanotubes Catalyze Oxidative Dehydrogenation of
n
-Butane
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Xi , Blume Raoul , Zhang Aihua , Schlögl Robert , Su Dang Sheng
Published: October 2008

Butenes and butadiene, which are useful intermediates for the synthesis of polymers and other compounds, are synthesized traditionally by oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of
n
-butane over complex metal oxides. Such catalysts require high O
2
/butane ratios to maintain the activity, which leads to unwanted product oxidation. We show that carbon nanotubes with modified surface functionality efficiently catalyze the oxidative dehydrogenation of
n
-butane to butenes, especially butadiene. For low O
2
/butane ratios, a high selectivity to alkenes was achieved for periods as long as 100 hours. This process is mildly catalyzed by ketonic C

O groups and occurs via a combination of parallel and sequential oxidation steps. A small amount of phosphorus greatly improved the selectivity by suppressing the combustion of hydrocarbons.
Rates of Molecular Evolution Are Linked to Life History in Flowering Plants
Authors: Smith Stephen A. , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: October 2008

Variable rates of molecular evolution have been documented across the tree of life, but the cause of this observed variation within and among clades remains uncertain. In plants, it has been suggested that life history traits are correlated with the rate of molecular evolution, but previous studies have yielded conflicting results. Exceptionally large phylogenies of five major angiosperm clades demonstrate that rates of molecular evolution are consistently low in trees and shrubs, with relatively long generation times, as compared with related herbaceous plants, which generally have shorter generation times. Herbs show much higher rates of molecular change but also much higher variance in rates. Correlates of life history attributes have long been of interest to biologists, and our results demonstrate how changes in the rate of molecular evolution that are linked to life history traits can affect measurements of the tempo of evolution as well as our ability to identify and conserve biodiversity.
Assessment of Specific Antibodies to F Protein in Serum Samples from Chinese Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Interferon plus Ribavarin
Authors: Gao De-Yong , Zhang Xin-Xin , Hou Gang , Jin Gen-Di , Deng Qiang , Kong Xiao-Fei , Zhang Dong-Hua , Ling Yun , Yu De-Min , Gong Qi-Ming , Zhan Qin , Yao Bi-Lian , Lu Zhi-Meng
Published: October 2008

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) alternate reading frame protein or F protein of the HCV 1b genotype is a double-frameshift product of the HCV core protein. In order to assess the presence of antibodies specific for F protein and their clinical relevance in sera from HCV patients, we produced recombinant F protein and core protein of the HCV 1b genotype inEscherichia coli. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed using purified recombinant HCV core, F protein, and a 99-residue synthetic F peptide (F99). The seroprevalences of anticore, anti-F protein, and anti-F99 synthetic peptide were 95%, 68%, and 36%, respectively, in 168 HCV patients. The prevalence of anti-F antibodies did not correlate with viral load, genotype, or alanine aminotransferase level. Interferon combination therapy induced a decline in the level of anti-F antibodies in 55 responders (P< 0.01). Thirteen responders (24%) lost their anti-F recombinant protein antibodies, and 17 (31%) lost their anti-F synthetic peptide antibodies, whereas no decrease was observed for the 17 nonresponders. These changes were significant between responders and nonresponders (P< 0.05). Meanwhile, no change was found in the anticore antibody titer of the 72 treated patients. The percentage of anti-F-protein-negative patients (15/15 [100%]) who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) was higher than that of the anti-F-positive patients (70%) (P< 0.05). Based on these findings, HCV F protein elicits a specific antibody response other than the anticore protein response. Our data also suggest that the presence and level of anti-F antibody responses might be influenced by the treatment (interferon plus ribavirin) and associated with an SVR in Chinese hepatitis C patients.
Identification of
Staphylococcus
spp. by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of
dnaJ
Gene
Authors: Hauschild Tomasz , Stepanović Srdjan
Published: October 2008

A PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis method that analyzes a part of the
dnaJ
gene was designed for the rapid and accurate identification of
Staphylococcus
spp. XapI or Bsp143I digestion of the PCR-generated products rendered distinctive RFLP patterns that allowed 41 reference species and subspecies to be identified with a high degree of specificity. The novel method was validated by the identification of 23 clinical staphylococcal strains, and the results were compared with those obtained by other genotypic identification methods. A 100% concordance of the results was shown. Therefore, PCR-RFLP analysis of the
dnaJ
gene is proposed as a reliable and reproducible method for the identification of
Staphylococcus
spp.
Comparative Study of Selective Chromogenic (chromID VRE) and Bile Esculin Agars for Isolation and Identification of
vanB
-Containing Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci from Feces and Rectal Swabs
Authors: Grabsch E. A. , Ghaly-Derias S. , Gao W. , Howden B. P.
Published: October 2008

The new chromogenic agar chromID VRE (cIDVRE; bioMérieux) was compared with bile esculin agar (BD) containing 6 mg/liter vancomycin for the detection of colonization with
vanB
-containing vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). At 48 h of incubation, the results obtained with both media were comparable. However, cIDVRE detected significantly more VRE at 24 h (39.3% versus 21.3%,
P
= 0.003), and its use may facilitate the timely implementation of infection control procedures.
Isolation of a Protozoan Parasite Genetically Related to the Insect Trypanosomatid
Herpetomonas samuelpessoai
from a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patient
Authors: Morio Florent , Reynes Jacques , Dollet Michel , Pratlong Francine , Dedet Jean-Pierre , Ravel Christophe
Published: October 2008

Severely immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients can develop various opportunistic infections due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. Here we report the first isolation of a flagellated protozoan genetically closely related to
Herpetomonas samuelpessoai
, which is usually a parasite of insects, from the blood of an HIV-infected patient.
Thymidine-Dependent
Staphylococcus aureus
Small-Colony Variants: Human Pathogens That Are Relevant Not Only in Cases of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Authors: Besier Silke , Zander Johannes , Siegel Ekkehard , Saum Stephan H. , Hunfeld Klaus-Peter , Ehrhart Annabelle , Brade Volker , Wichelhaus Thomas A.
Published: October 2008

We report the isolation of thymidine-dependent small-colony variants (TD-SCVs) of
Staphylococcus aureus
from unusual infection sites of patients with chronic soft tissue infection, tympanitis, bronchitis, peritonitis, and septicemia. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the essential growth factor for TD-SCVs, i.e., thymidine, and its metabolite dTMP are present in various human specimens.
Serotype Distribution and Penicillin Resistance of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates from Middle Ear Fluids of Pediatric Patients with Acute Otitis Media in Japan
Authors: Hotomi Muneki , Billal Dewan S. , Kamide Yosuke , Kanesada Keiko , Uno Yoshifumi , Kudo Fumiyo , Ito Masato , Kakehata Seiji , Sugita Rinya , Ogami Masashi , Yamanaka Noboru
Published: October 2008

Out of 175 pneumococcal isolates from middle ear fluids, 26.3% were penicillin-resistant
S. pneumoniae
(PRSP). Serotypes 19F and 23F occurred most frequently among PRSP strains. The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) showed better coverage of PRSP strains (87.0%). The 7-valent PCV may reduce the prevalence of PRSP in Japan.
Extreme Genetic Diversity of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Strains Disseminated among Healthy Japanese Children
Authors: Jamaluddin Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku , Kuwahara-Arai Kyoko , Hisata Ken , Terasawa Masahiko , Cui Longzhu , Baba Tadashi , Sotozono Chie , Kinoshita Shigeru , Ito Teruyo , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: October 2008

For the past few years, we have been observing the dissemination of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in the community. From 2001 to 2003, an evaluation of nasal samples from 1,285 children in five day-care centers and two kindergartens in three districts in Japan revealed that methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRC-NS) have been widely disseminated in the Japanese community. Their prevalence is much greater than community-acquired methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA). Forty-nine children (3.81%) were colonized with MRSA, whereas 390 children (30.35%) were colonized with MRC-NS. These MRC-NS strains predominantly harbored a pair of cassette chromosome recombinase types A2 and B2 (
ccrAB2
). Of these, 40.8% harbored type IVa staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) elements, a distinct/characteristic type of SCC
mec
in pandemic clones of CA-MRSA. Interestingly, there was also a high frequency of nontypeable strains which possessed atypical structures compared to previous SCC
mec
types. Among the MRC-NS, the majority of strains (63.59%) were methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(MRSE). Their genotypes, as judged from pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), were highly diverse. They were so diverse that there was no sign of an immediate transmission of any MRSE clone among children in the same institutions. In a previous report, we expounded that a few CA-MRSA clones with distinct SCC
mec
types were disseminated among children in the same institutions. Au contraire, with the case of CA-MRSE, there was no single genotype of CA-MRSE disseminated among children even in the same institution or class.