bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Social Accounts Backfire: The Exacerbating Effects of a Polite Message or an Apology on Reactions to an Unfair Outcome1
Authors: Skarlicki Daniel P. , Folger Robert , Gee Julie
Published: August 2006

We examined the effects ofex antepolite or apologetic messages on an individual's responses to a low (unfair) outcome offered in an ultimatum (take‐it‐or‐leave‐it) situation. Results show that these 2 messages (a) increased, rather than decreased, participants' perceptions of unfairness; and (b) decreased, rather than increased, their acceptance of the outcome. Moreover, participants engaged in more punishing behaviors when the outcome was accompanied by either of the messages than when no account was provided. Further analysis revealed that perceived manipulative intent mediated participants' reactions to the polite message and to the apology. These results indicate that if a message seems insincere and manipulative, it can exacerbate an individual's negative reactions to an unfair outcome accompanying the message.
Generalization of Efficacy as a Function of Collective Action and Intergroup Relations: Involvement in an Anti‐Roads Struggle1
Authors: Cocking Christopher , Drury John
Published: August 2006

A questionnaire survey (n= 90) and an interview study (n= 63) of anti‐roads activities suggest links between participation and generalization. First, level of activism predicted whether others were perceived as encouraged to act environmentally. Second, participants' failure to stop construction of the road did not prevent them from developing related feelings of efficacy. Participants' perceptions of out‐groups were also examined. Participants were least hostile to those they defined as sharing their interests and capable of subjective change; they were most hostile to those seen as betraying the environmental cause. Practically, these findings suggest the importance of collective participation. Theoretically, the paper argues that efficacy theory be developed to acknowledge that identity can be collective as well as individual.
Stress and Health in Spanish Women1
Authors: Matud M. Pilar , Camacho Juan , Hernández Juan A. , Marrero Rosario J. , Carballeira Mónica , López Marisela , Rodríguez Carmen
Published: August 2006

This study examines the relationship between stress and health in a sample of 1,566 women aged between 18 and 65 years. Multiple regression analyses were conducted using the scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) scales as the dependent variables, and 21 personal and social variables as predictors. The women with more severe depression, anxiety, and somatic and social dysfunction symptoms were those who had a more emotional coping style and greater work role dissatisfaction. Moreover, depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction symptoms were predicted by low self‐esteem, while depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms were predicted by chronic stress. The women with more symptoms of anxiety and depression were those who have experienced more life events and have low perceived social support. Women with Type‐A behavior patterns were found to suffer more anxiety and somatic symptoms. Women who exercise more hours per week had fewer somatic symptoms, and those with a more rational coping style suffered less social dysfunction.
The Relationship Between Perceived In‐Group Variability, Number of Contacts, and Identification1
Authors: Weenig Mieneke W. H. , Van der Salm Corinne A. , Wilke Henk A. M.
Published: August 2006

In a field setting, we explored how the perceived variability of in‐groups is related to in‐group contacts and identification. Results from a mail questionnaire showed that up to 20 in‐group contacts, the number of in‐group contacts was positively related to in‐group identification, and both variables appeared to be negatively related to perceived in‐group variability. It is concluded that these results are more consistent with a social identity explanation of variability perceptions than with the familiarity explanation found for out‐group variability estimates.
The Effect of Instructor Gender and Race/Ethnicity on Gaining Compliance in the Classroom1
Authors: Elias Steven M. , Loomis Ross J.
Published: August 2006

How instructors' gender and race impacts their ability to gain compliance in the classroom when utilizing various bases of social power was investigated using a 2 × 2 × 3 between‐subjects design. Male and female participants (n = 297) completed the Interpersonal Power Inventory while viewing a photo depicting an instructor. The instructors depicted were male or female of varying ethnicities (Caucasian, African American, and Latino). Results indicated that instructor gender and race influenced student compliance rates when soft (subtle and noncoercive) bases of power were utilized. With regard to individual power bases, student gender, instructor gender, instructor race, and the Instructor Gender × Instructor Race interaction were found to impact compliance rates. Implications for classroom instructors, as well as other powerholders, are discussed.
Achievement Motivation, Expected Coworker Performance, and Collective Task Motivation: Working Hard or Hardly Working?1
Authors: Hart Jason W. , Karau Steven J. , Stasson Marx F. , Kerr Natalie A.
Published: August 2006

Social loafing is the tendency of individuals to work less hard collectively than individually. The present study examined the joint influence of achievement motivation and expected coworker effort on collective task performance. Participants (N= 107) who qualified and were available after pretesting on an achievement motivation scale were randomly assigned to a work condition and coworker effort condition. Dyads were asked to generate as many uses for a knife as possible within a 12‐min time period. Participants low in achievement motivation engaged in social loafing, but only when expected coworker effort was high, whereas participants high in achievement motivation did not engage in social loafing, regardless of expected coworker effort. The implication of achievement motivation for collective task performance settings is discussed.
Molding the Past: Biased Assimilation of Historical Information1
Authors: Hulsizer Michael R. , Munro Geoffrey D. , Fagerlin Angela , Taylor Stuart P.
Published: August 2006

The present study examined whether individuals' current political worldviews would bias perceptions of historical information gathered over the course of their lifetime. Kent State University students from 1995 and 2000 reported their political ideologies (e.g., conservative, liberal) and responded to items assessing their culpability and global attributions about the shooting of demonstrators by the National Guard at Kent State in 1970. The 1995 data revealed consistent support for biased responding to culpability and global attribution items. The 2000 data replicated the political ideology differences of the 1995 data. However, by including knowledge of the incident as an independent variable, the 2000 data revealed that the political ideology bias was strongest among people reporting high knowledge about the event.
An Examination of Established Antecedents of Power in Purchase Decision Making: Married and Nontraditional Couples
Authors: Reiss Michelle C. , Webster Cynthia
Published: August 2006

This research examined the extent that resource theory, sex‐role orientation, least interested partner hypothesis, and involvement apply to cohabiting heterosexual, gay, and lesbian couples. Findings revealed that (a) resources significantly affected only married partners' relative influence and strategy usage; (b) sex‐role orientation significantly affected relative influence for married partners and strategy selection for partners in both types of heterosexual couples; (c) least interest significantly affected relative influence for partners in both types of heterosexual couples and influence strategy selection for cohabi‐tors; and (d) involvement significantly affected relative influence and strategy usage for all couple types. Overall, the effect of the antecedents on relative influence and strategy usage depends on the extent that partners within any couple type are similar on various antecedents.
The Effect of Pedestrian Clothing in 18,000 Road‐Crossing Episodes
Authors: North Adrian C. , Sheridan Lorraine
Published: August 2006

A confederate dressed in either smart or unkempt clothing made 18,000 attempts to cross the road at legally designated crossing points. Consistent with their statutory obligation, drivers were more likely to stop than not stop for the confederate, irrespective of the latter's clothing. However, the findings reflected those of previous studies showing that drivers were more likely to stop when the confederate was dressed smartly.
Perceived Inequity: Does It Explain Burnout Among Medical Specialists?1
Authors: Smets Ellen M. A. , Visser Mechteld R. M. , Oort Frans J. , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , De Haes Hanneke J. C. J. M.
Published: August 2006

This study investigated, among medical specialists (N= 2,400), the association between perceived inequity in relationships at work (patients, colleagues, organization) and burnout, and the moderating role of communal orientation. Intrapersonal inequity, involving an internal standard of reference, and interpersonal inequity, taking colleagues as the standard of reference, were assessed. The adjusted response rate was 63%. Intrapersonal inequity affected all burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion in all relationships at work, depersonalization in the relationship with patients, and reduced personal accomplishment in relationships with colleagues and the organization. Intrapersonal inequity explained more variance in burnout than did interpersonal inequity. Communal orientation did not moderate these associations. Hence, medical specialists are more vulnerable to burnout if they perceive their relationships at work to be inequitable, regardless of their tendency to help others. Organizations might, therefore, prevent burnout by creating a working environment that is supportive and appreciative.
The Propensity for Abusiveness Scale (PAS) as a Predictor of Affective Priming to Anticipated Intimate Conflict
Authors: Thomas Lindsey A. , Dutton Donald G.
Published: August 2006

The current study used the Propensity for Abusiveness Scale (PAS; Dutton, 1995) to predict emotional response to conflict among university students. The participants were 162 first‐ and second‐year undergraduate students at the University of British Columbia. Participants listened to taped conflict and filled out a battery of questionnaires. The PAS correlates significantly with pre‐anger, anxiety, subanger, and general arousal levels, suggesting that a type of emotional priming takes place when persons high on the PAS know they are about to be exposed to an interpersonal conflict. It is concluded that anticipation of intimate conflict appears to heighten negative affect in some young adults and that this response may interfere with future intimate conflict‐resolution strategies.
Is “What Has Been Cared For” Necessarily Good? Further Evidence for the Negative Impact of Cosmetics Use on Impression Formation1
Authors: Huguet Pascal , Croizet Jean‐Claude , Richetin Juliette
Published: August 2006

The effects of cosmetics on impression formation were tested with students from either psychology or business and aesthetic schools. They were presented photographs of young and older female targets wearing or not wearing facial makeup and rated them for both physical attractiveness and a number of personality traits. In contrast with Graham and Jouhar's (1981) idea of a positive cosmetic stereotype, makeup had a negative impact on impression formation, especially for the young targets. More consistent with these authors' perspective, this impact was not mediated by attribution of physical attractiveness (PA), suggesting the existence of a separate cosmetic stereotype (relative to the PA stereotype). The influence of makeup was also stronger on the psychology undergraduates than on the other participants, suggesting that the way cosmetic users are perceived also depends on perceivers' group membership.
Human Leukocyte Antigen F Protein is Expressed in the Extra‐Villous Trophoblasts but Not on the Cell Surface of them
Authors: Nagamatsu Takeshi , Fujii Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Junko , Yamashita Takahiro , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji
Published: August 2006

Problem  Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐F together with other class 1b HLAs may play a pivotal role in immunological interaction at feto‐maternal interface. However, it is not elucidated whether HLA‐F is expressed on cell surface of extra‐villous trophoblasts (EVTs).

Method of study  The localization of HLA‐F in placenta of each trimester was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The expression modality of HLA‐F molecule was compared with that of HLA‐G in cultured EVTs using flowcytometry.

Results and conclusion  In immunohistochemical study, remarkable staining for HLA‐F was confirmed in EVTs throughout gestation. HLA‐F expression was restricted to be intracellular in cultured EVTs. HLA‐F expression was increased with time in culture, which was accompanied by the increase of cell surface HLA‐G. Consequently, HLA‐F lacking in cell surface expression on EVTs may not contribute to the direct cell‐to‐cell immune reaction but might work supportively modifying the function of HLA‐G.
Comparative Roosting Ecology of Cynopterus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) Fruit Bats in Peninsular Malaysia1
Authors: Campbell Polly , Reid Noah M. , Zubaid Akbar , Adnan Adura M. , Kunz Thomas H.
Published: August 2006

Although the use of modified roosts has been reported in more than 20 species of bats in the tropics, comparative studies of the roosting ecology of congeneric tent‐roosting species are notably lacking. In the Paleotropics, this unique behavior has been described in two species belonging to the genus, Cynopterus: C. sphinx and C. brachyotis. However, it is not known whether tent roosting is an essential component of their roosting ecology, or whether the behavior is found in other members of the genus. In this study we characterize the roosting ecology of four sympatric species of Cynopterus in peninsular Malaysia and use these data to address two main questions. (1) Do all four species use modified roosts and, in those that do, is tent‐roosting obligate or opportunistic? (2) Do species pairs overlap in roost preferences and roosting habitat and, if so, is there evidence for interspecific interactions in relation to these resources? We radio‐tracked bats at two floristically distinct sites and located a total of 249 roosts. Interspecific roost niche overlap was minimal at both sites and we found no evidence for interspecific competition for roost resources at the local level. Species differences in roosting ecology were defined primarily by spatial separation of roosting habitats and secondarily by within‐habitat differences in roost selection. Importantly, we found that although periodic use of modified roosts was a characteristic shared by all four species, most roosts were unmodified, indicating that tent roosting is a facultative behavior in Malaysian Cynopterus.
Different Patterns of Changes in the Dry Season Diameter at Breast Height of Dominant and Evergreen Tree Species in a Mature Subtropical Forest in South China
Authors: Yan Jun‐Hua , Zhou Guo‐Yi , Zhang De‐Qiang , Tang Xu‐Li , Wang Xu
Published: August 2006

Information on changes in diameter at breast height (DBH) is important for net primary production (NPP) estimates, timing of forest inventory, and forest management. In the present study, patterns of DBH change were measured under field conditions during the dry season for three dominant and native tree species in a monsoon evergreen broad‐leaved forest in the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve. For each tree species, different patterns of DBH change were observed. In the case of the fast‐growing tree species Castanopsis chinensis Hance, large diurnal fluctuations occur, with a peak DBH in the early morning (around 05:00 h) that decreases to a minimum by about 14:00 h. Both Schima superba Gardn. et Chemp and Cryptocarya chinensis (Hance) Hemsl. exhibited less diurnal swelling and shrinkage. Diurnal fluctuations for these species were observed on a few occasions over the period of observation. Graphical comparisons and statistical analysis of changes in DBH with meteorological variables indicate that for different trees, the different changes in DBH observed responded to different meteorological variables. Large stem changes were found to occur for Ca. chinensis trees that were associated with variations in solar radiation. However, both S. superba and Cr. chinensis were found to be less sensitive to solar radiation. Changes in the DBH of these two species were found to be controlled mainly by soil temperature and soil moisture. During the later dry season, with a lower soil temperature and soil moisture, all three tree species stopped growing and only negligible shrinkage, expansion, or fluctuation occurred, suggesting that the optimum time to measure tree growth in the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve is the later dry season.

(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Effects of Salt Stress on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Desert Soil Alga Microcoleus vaginatus Gom.
Authors: Chen Lan‐Zhou , Li Dun‐Hai , Song Li‐Rong , Hu Chun‐Xiang , Wang Gao‐Hong , Liu Yong‐Ding
Published: August 2006

The effects of salt stress on carbohydrate metabolism in Microcoleus vaginatus Gom., a cyanobacterium isolated from desert algal crusts, were investigated in the present study. Extracellular total carbohydrates and exopolysaccharides (EPS) in the culture medium produced by M. vaginatus increased significantly during the growth phase and reached a maximum during the stationary phase. The production of extracellular carbohydrates also significantly increased under higher salt concentrations, which was attributed to an increase in low molecular weight carbohydrates. In the presence of NaCl, the production of cellular total carbohydrates decreased and photosynthetic activity was impaired, whereas cellular reducing sugars, water‐soluble sugars and sucrose content and sucrose phosphate synthase activity increased, reaching a maximum in the presence of 200 mmol/L NaCl. These parameters were restored to original levels when the algae were transferred to a non‐saline medium. Sodium and K+ concentrations of stressed cells decreased significantly and H+‐ATPase activity increased after the addition of exogenous sucrose or EPS. The results suggest that EPS and sucrose are synthesized to maintain the cellular osmotic equilibrium between the intra‐ and extracellular environment, thus protecting algal cells from osmotic damage, which was attributed to the selective exclusion of cellular Na+ and K+ by H+‐ATPase.

(Managing editor: Ping He)
Effect of Seasonality on Distribution of Macroalgae in a Stream System (Xin'an Spring) in Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Hu Bian‐Fang , Xie Shu‐Lian
Published: August 2006

A survey of the seasonal distribution of macroalgae in a stream system in Shanxi Province, north China, was undertaken from July 2004 to April 2005. The relative abundance and percentage cover of macroalgae, and several environmental factors were monitored along a 20‐m stretch at each of four sites, at intervals of approximately three months (one sampling per season). Several stream conditions were relatively constant over the sampling period (pH, maximum width and maximum depth), whereas others exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern (water temperature and specific conductance), and some fluctuated with no discernable seasonal pattern (current velocity and dissolved oxygen). Forty‐two species of macroalgae were found, with a predominance of Chlorophyta (26 species, 61.9%). Rhodophyta and Charophyta represented the smallest proportion (1 species each, 2.38%). Six macroalgae species were the most widespread, occurring in all four sampling sites. Twelve species were found at only one site each. In terms of seasonality, eight species occurred throughout the year, whereas 16 species were found in only one season each. The macroalgal community at Xin'an Spring was species rich relative to other streams. Species richness per sampling site was negatively correlated with pH. Principal component analysis revealed that no single variable had much influence on the macroalgal seasonal dynamics. We calculated Sorensen similarity indices to compare our study with other continent‐wide surveys of stream macroalgae, but the similarity indices were all very low. This study also shows that macroalgae in different locations have significant reproductive isolation.

(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Proteomic Analysis of the Response of Liangyoupeijiu (Super High‐Yield Hybrid Rice) Seedlings to Cold Stress
Authors: Yang Ping‐Fang , Li Xiao‐Juan , Liang Yu , Jing Yu‐Xiang , Shen Shi‐Hua , Kuang Ting‐Yun
Published: August 2006

Liangyoupeijiu is a super high‐yield hybrid rice. Despite its advantages with respect to yield and grain quality, it is sensitive to cold, which keeps it from being widely cultivated. We subjected Liangyoupeijiu seedlings to 4°C cold treatment, then extracted the leaf proteins. After 2‐D gel electrophoresis separation and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis, a series of differentially displayed proteins were identified. Some metabolism‐associated proteins were found among the downregulated proteins, such as carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, transketolase 1, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase. The upregulated proteins included both stress‐resistance proteins such as nucleoside diphosphate kinase I and proteins that are negative for rice growth, such as FtsH‐like protein, plastid fusion and/or translocation factor (Pftf) and actin. Our results indicate that cold may inhibit Liangyoupeijiu growth through decreasing metabolic activity and damaging cell structure.

(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
A Hedonic Price Analysis of Farmland Option Premiums Under Urban Influences
Authors: Isgin Tamer , Forster D. Lynn
Published: August 2006

An emerging theory, real option pricing, suggests that an important component of urban fringe farmland values may be the option value arising from nearby urban development. This new option pricing theory, as opposed to its standard conventional counterpart in finance, incorporates both the uncertainty about the future net benefits of a land conversion decision and the irreversibility of this action taken. We demonstrate that parsimonious empirical hedonic models of the errors‐in‐variables type, when corrected for heteroskedasticity, can provide adequate representations of farmland option premiums. Data for a random sample of cash rented Ohio farmland parcels are used, and the impacts of urban development on farmland option premiums are estimated. Results provide evidence that (a) both land‐use conversion probability and urban influences have been important factors affecting the option value of the state's farmland, and (b) these option premiums associated with irreversible and uncertain land development are capitalized into farmland values.

Une nouvelle théorie, l'évaluation des options réelles, semble indiquer qu'un élément important de la valeur des terres agricoles périurbaines pourrait être la valeur d'option découlant du développement urbain avoisinant. Cette nouvelle théorie, contrairement aux options financières, inclut à la fois l'incertitude quant aux bénéfices nets futurs liés à la décision de convertir une terre et l'irréversibilité de cette décision. Nous avons démontré que les modèles empiriques parcimonieux et hédoniques du type erreurs sur les variables peuvent, une fois l'hétéroscédasticité corrigée, donner des présentations adéquates des prix de l'option des terres agricoles. Nous avons utilisé les données d'un échantillon aléatoire de parcelles de terres agricoles louées au comptant en Ohio et nous avons estimé l'impact du développement urbain sur le prix de l'option des terres agricoles. Les résultats ont montré: a) que la probabilité de conversion de l'utilisation des terres et les influences urbaines sont des facteurs importants qui influent sur la valeur de l'option des terres agricoles de l'État; b) que ces prix de l'option associés à un aménagement urbain irréversible et incertain sont intégrés dans la valeur des terres agricoles.
Antitrust Aspects of Prepaid Legal Services Plans
Authors: Meeks James E.
Published: August 2006

Recent efforts to implement prepaid legal services plans have raised antitrust questions, and the objective of this article is a systematic analysis of those questions and the problems to which they lead. After an introduction to prepaid legal services plans that sets the factual background, a number of specific antitrust problems will be examined: jurisdictional issues, the exemption for state action, minimum price fixing, joint ventures, maximum price fixing, discrimination against certain types of plans, and exclusive dealing problems. Finally, prepaid legal services plans will be examined in light of the McCarran-Ferguson Act exemption of the “business of insurance” from antitrust coverage which, in turn, will necessitate a look at existing and potential state regulatory control over prepaid legal services plans.
Chitosan Protects Cooked Ground Beef and Turkey Against Clostridium perfringens Spores During Chilling
Authors: Juneja Vijay K. , Thippareddi Harshavardhan , Bari Latiful , Inatsu Yasuhiro , Kawamoto Shinichi , Friedman Mendel
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  We investigated the inhibition of Clostridium perfringens spore germination and outgrowth by the biopolymer chitosan during abusive chilling of cooked ground beef (25% fat) and turkey (7% fat) obtained from a retail store. Chitosan was mixed into the thawed beef or turkey at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, or 3.0% (w/w) along with a heat‐activated 3‐strain spore cocktail to obtain a final spore concentration of 2 to 3 log10 CFU/g. Samples (5 g) of the ground beef or turkey mixtures were then vacuum‐packaged and cooked to 60 °C in 1 h in a temperature‐controlled water bath. Thereafter, the products were cooled from 54.4 to 7.2 °C in 12, 15, 18, or 21 h, resulting in 4.21, 4.51, 5.03, and 4.70 log10 CFU/g increases, respectively, in C. perfringens populations in the ground beef control samples without chitosan. The corresponding increases for ground turkey were 5.27, 4.52, 5.11, and 5.38 log10 CFU/g. Addition of chitosan to beef or turkey resulted in concentration‐ and time‐dependent inhibition in the C. perfringens spore germination and outgrowth. At 3%, chitosan reduced by 4 to 5 log10 CFU/g C. perfringens spore germination and outgrowth (P≤ 0.05) during exponential cooling of the cooked beef or turkey in 12, 15, or 18 h. The reduction was significantly lower (P < 0.05) at a chilling time of 21 h, about 2 log10 CFU/g, that is, 7.56 log10 CFU/g (unsupplemented) compared with 5.59 log10 CFU/g (3% chitosan). The results suggest that incorporation of 3% chitosan into ground beef or turkey may reduce the potential risk of C. perfringens spore germination and outgrowth during abusive cooling from 54.4 to 7.2 °C in 12, 15, or 18 h.
Effect of Yam (Dioscorea alata Compared to Dioscorea japonica) on Gastrointestinal Function and Antioxidant Activity in Mice
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Chin , Huang Yi‐Chia , Yin Mei‐Chin , Lin Shyh‐Jye
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  Effects of Chinese yam (Dioscorea alata) and Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica) on gastrointestinal functions including intestinal microflora and intestinal enzymes' activities, as well as antioxidant protection against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced oxidative damage, in Balb/cA mice were examined. In part I, mice were fed yam‐supplemented diet for 4 or 8 wk, and killed with carbon dioxide. In part II, mice were fed yam‐supplemented diet for 4 wk, and followed by intraperitoneal LPS treatment (i.p. 4 mg/kg bodyweight). The intake of Chinese yam and Japanese yam significantly changed intestinal microflora, in which the colony numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were increased and the colony numbers of Clostridium perfringens were decreased (P < 0.05). The intake of both Chinese and Japanese yams also significantly elevated the activity of leucine aminopeptidase and lipase (P < 0.05), and the activities of sucrase and maltase were increased only in 20% yam‐treated groups (P < 0.05). The preintake of yam significantly alleviated subsequent LPS‐induced oxidative injury by decreasing lipid oxidation level and fibronectin production and elevating superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.05). Both Chinese and Japanese yams contained dietary fibers, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which may contribute to the observed gastrointestinal function and antioxidant protection. These results suggest that both Chinese yam and Japanese yam were beneficial for intestinal health and oxidation prevention.
Radiation Processing of Minimally Processed Pineapple (Ananas comosus Merr.): Effect on Nutritional and Sensory Quality
Authors: Hajare Sachin N. , Dhokane Varsha S. , Shashidhar R. , Saroj Sunil , Sharma Arun , Bandekar Jayant R.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  Radiation processing of minimally processed pineapple at a dose of 2 kGy was investigated. Effect of this treatment on different quality parameters like vitamin C content, total carotenoids content, sensory attributes, texture, and color was determined over a storage period of 12 d at 8 to 10 °C. Results showed that the irradiation treatment showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on total vitamin C content of pineapple samples but a significant decrease (P≤ 0.05) in vitamin C during storage period in both controls as well as irradiated samples was observed. However, total carotenoids were not affected by irradiation and were stable during the whole storage period as well (P > 0.05). Sensory evaluation studies revealed that irradiation had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the ratings of any of the sensory attributes of pineapple samples. Taste panelists could not differentiate between control and irradiated samples. Textural studies showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) of irradiation as well as storage period on the firmness of the central edible region of pineapple samples. Color attributes of both control and irradiated samples showed slight variation during the storage period of 12 d. However, irradiation at 2 kGy did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on all color coordinates. Thus, radiation processing with 2 kGy did not affect significantly the nutritional value as well as the sensory quality of minimally processed pineapple samples.
cDNA Microarrays as a Tool for Identification of Biomineralization Proteins in the CoccolithophoridEmiliania huxleyi(Haptophyta)
Authors: Quinn Patrick , Bowers Robert M. , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wahlund Thomas M. , Fanelli Michael A. , Olszova Daniela , Read Betsy A.
Published: August 2006

Marine unicellular coccolithophore algae produce species-specific calcite scales otherwise known as coccoliths. While the coccoliths and their elaborate architecture have attracted the attention of investigators from various scientific disciplines, our knowledge of the underpinnings of the process of biomineralization in this alga is still in its infancy. The processes of calcification and coccolithogenesis are highly regulated and likely to be complex, requiring coordinated expression of many genes and pathways. In this study, we have employed cDNA microarrays to investigate changes in gene expression associated with biomineralization in the most abundant coccolithophorid,Emiliania huxleyi. Expression profiling of cultures grown under calcifying and noncalcifying conditions has been carried out using cDNA microarrays corresponding to approximately 2,300 expressed sequence tags. A total of 127 significantly up- or down-regulated transcripts were identified using aPvalue of 0.01 and a change of >2.0-fold. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR was used to test the overall validity of the microarray data, as well as the relevance of many of the proteins predicted to be associated with biomineralization, including a novel gamma-class carbonic anhydrase (A. R. Soto, H. Zheng, D. Shoemaker, J. Rodriguez, B. A. Read, and T. M. Wahlund, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 72:5500-5511, 2006). Differentially regulated genes include those related to cellular metabolism, ion channels, transport proteins, vesicular trafficking, and cell signaling. The putative function of the vast majority of candidate transcripts could not be defined. Nonetheless, the data described herein represent profiles of the transcription changes associated with biomineralization-related pathways inE. huxleyiand have identified novel and potentially useful targets for more detailed analysis.
Comparison of rRNA and Polar-Lipid-Derived Fatty Acid Biomarkers for Assessment of
13
C-Substrate Incorporation by Microorganisms in Marine Sediments
Authors: MacGregor Barbara J. , Boschker Henricus T. S. , Amann Rudolf
Published: August 2006

We determined whether a recently developed method to isolate specific small-subunit (SSU) rRNAs can be used in
13
C-labeling studies to directly link community structure and function in natural ecosystems. Replicate North Sea sediment cores were incubated at the in situ temperature following addition of
13
C-labeled acetate, propionate, amino acids, or glucose. Eukaryotic and bacterial SSU rRNAs were separated from total RNA by means of biotin-labeled oligonucleotide probes and streptavidin-coated paramagnetic beads, and the
13
C content of the isolated rRNA was determined by elemental analysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The SSU rRNA yield with the bead-capture protocol was improved by using helper probes. Incorporation of label into bacterial SSU rRNA was detectable after 2 h of incubation. The labeling was always much greater in bacterial SSU rRNA than in eukaryotic SSU rRNA, suggesting that bacteria were the main consumers of the
13
C-labeled compounds. Similar results were obtained with the
13
C-labeled polar-lipid-derived fatty acid (PLFA) approach, except that more label was detected in bacterial PLFA than in bacterial SSU rRNA. This may be attributable to the generally slow growth of sediment microbial populations, which results in low ribosome synthesis rates and relatively few ribosomes per cell. We discuss possible ways to improve the probe-capture protocol and the sensitivity of the
13
C analysis of the captured SSU rRNA.
Microbial Colonization and Competition on the Marine Alga
Ulva australis
Authors: Rao Dhana , Webb Jeremy S. , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: August 2006

Pseudalteromonas tunicata
and
Roseobacter gallaeciensis
are biofilm-forming marine bacteria that are often found in association with the surface of the green alga
Ulva australis
. They are thought to benefit the plant host by producing inhibitory compounds that are active against common fouling organisms. We investigated factors that influence the ability of
P. tunicata
and
R. gallaeciensis
to attach to and colonize the plant surface and also the competitive interactions that occur between these organisms and other isolates from
U. australis
during biofilm formation on the plant surface. A surprisingly high number of
P. tunicata
cells, at least 10
8
cells ml
−1
, were required for colonization and establishment of a population of cells that persists on axenic surfaces of
U. australis
. Factors that enhanced colonization of
P. tunicata
included inoculation in the dark and pregrowth of inocula in medium containing cellobiose as the sole carbon source (cellulose is a major surface polymer of
U. australis
). It was also found that
P. tunicata
requires the presence of a mixed microbial community to colonize effectively. In contrast,
R. gallaeciensis
effectively colonized the plant surface under all conditions tested. Studies of competitive interactions on the plant surface revealed that
P. tunicata
was numerically dominant compared with all other bacterial isolates tested (except
R. gallaeciensis
), and this dominance was linked to production of the antibacterial protein AlpP. Generally,
P. tunicata
was able to coexist with competing strains, and each strain existed as microcolonies in spatially segregated regions of the plant.
R. gallaeciensis
was numerically dominant compared with all strains tested and was able to invade and disperse preestablished biofilms. This study highlighted the fact that microbial colonization of
U. australis
surfaces is a dynamic process and demonstrated the differences in colonization strategies exhibited by the epiphytic bacteria
P. tunicata
and
R. gallaeciensis
.
Exposure to Salt and Organic Acids Increases the Ability ofListeria monocytogenesTo Invade Caco-2 Cells but Decreases Its Ability To Survive Gastric Stress
Authors: Garner Matthew R. , James Karen E. , Callahan Michelle C. , Wiedmann Martin , Boor Kathryn J.
Published: August 2006

The effects of environmental stress exposure onListeria monocytogenesgrowth and virulence-associated characteristics were investigated. Specifically, we measured the effects of temperature (7 or 37°C), pH (5.5 or 7.4), the presence of salt and organic acids (375 mM NaCl, 8.45 mM sodium diacetate [SD], 275 mM sodium lactate [SL], or a combination of NaCl, SD, and SL), and deletion ofsigB, which encodes a key stress response regulator, on the ability ofL. monocytogenesto grow, invade Caco-2 cells, and survive exposure to synthetic gastric fluid (pH 2.5 or 4.5). Our results indicate that (i)L. monocytogeneslog-phase generation times and maximum cell numbers are not dependent on the alternative sigma factor σBin the presence of NaCl and organic acids at concentrations typically found in foods; (ii) growth inhibition ofL. monocytogenesthrough the addition of organic acids is pH dependent; (iii) the ability ofL. monocytogenesto invade Caco-2 cells is affected by growth phase, temperature, and the presence of salt and organic acids, with the highest relative invasion capabilities observed for cells grown with SL or NaCl at 37°C and pH 7.4; (iv) growth ofL. monocytogenesin the presence of NaCl, SD, or SL reduces its ability to survive exposure to gastric fluid; and (v) exposure ofL. monocytogenesto gastric fluid reduces the enhanced invasiveness caused by growth in the presence of NaCl or SL. These findings suggest that virulence-associated characteristics that determine theL. monocytogenesinfectious dose are likely to be affected by food-specific properties (e.g., pH or the presence of salt or organic acid).
Measurement of Biocolloid Collision Efficiencies for Granular Activated Carbon by Use of a Two-Layer Filtration Model
Authors: Paramonova Ekaterina , Zerfoss Erica L. , Logan Bruce E.
Published: August 2006

Point-of-use filters containing granular activated carbon (GAC) are an effective method for removing certain chemicals from water, but their ability to remove bacteria and viruses has been relatively untested. Collision efficiencies (α) were determined using clean-bed filtration theory for two bacteria (
Raoutella terrigena
33257 and
Escherichia coli
25922), a bacteriophage (MS2), and latex microspheres for four GAC samples. These GAC samples had particle size distributions that were bimodal, but only a single particle diameter can be used in the filtration equation. Therefore, consistent with previous reports, we used a particle diameter based on the smallest diameter of the particles (derived from the projected areas of 10% of the smallest particles). The bacterial collision efficiencies calculated using the filtration model were high (0.8 ≤ α ≤ 4.9), indicating that GAC was an effective capture material. Collision efficiencies greater than unity reflect an underestimation of the collision frequency, likely as a result of particle roughness and wide GAC size distributions. The collision efficiencies for microspheres (0.7 ≤ α ≤ 3.5) were similar to those obtained for bacteria, suggesting that the microspheres were a reasonable surrogate for the bacteria. The bacteriophage collision efficiencies ranged from ≥0.2 to ≤0.4. The predicted levels of removal for 1-cm-thick carbon beds ranged from 0.8 to 3 log for the bacteria and from 0.3 to 1.0 log for the phage. These tests demonstrated that GAC can be an effective material for removal of bacteria and phage and that GAC particle size is a more important factor than relative stickiness for effective particle removal.
HER2, TOP2A, CCND1, EGFR and C-MYC oncogene amplification in colorectal cancer
Authors: Al-Kuraya Khawla , Novotny Hedvika , Bavi Prashant , Siraj Abdul K , Uddin Shahab , Ezzat Adnan , Sanea Nasser Al , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Mana Hadeel , Sheikh Salwa S , Mirlacher Martina , Tapia Coya , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Terracciano Luigi , Tornillo Luigi
Published: August 2006

Aim:Recent studies had suggested substantial molecular differences between tumours from different ethnic groups. In this study, the molecular differences between the incidences of colorectal carcinoma in Saudi and Swiss populations are investigated.

Method:518 cases of colon cancer tumours (114 from Saudi Arabia and 404 from Switzerland) were analysed in a tissue microarray format. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was used to estimate frequencies of copy number changes of known oncogenes, including HER2, TOPO2A, CCND1, EGFR and C-MYC.

Results:Using FISH, amplifications were mostly low level (gene-to-centromere ratio 2 to 4), which is in contrast with other tumour types with more frequent gene amplifications. The amplifications were particularly frequent for MYC (Saudi 9% and Swiss 14.2%) but unrelated to clinical outcome and pathological information. Remarkably, there were four tumours exhibiting classic high-level gene amplification for HER2 (Swiss 1.3%), a pattern often accompanied by response to trastuzumab (Herceptin) in breast cancer. Occasional high-level amplifications were also observed for CCND1 (Saudi 1/106, 0.9%; Swiss 2/373, 0.5%) and EGFR (Swiss 2/355; 0.6%).

Conclusions:Rare high-level amplifications of therapeutic target genes were found in patients with colon cancer. Although no molecular differences were found between incidences of colon cancer cases in Swiss and Saudi populations, these observations emphasise the urgent need for clinical studies investigating the effect of targeted therapies.
Antinociceptive Effects of Heterotopic Electroacupuncture in Formalin-Induced Pain
Authors: Kim Jae Hyo , Gwak Young Seob , Lee Inhyung , Sohn In Churl , Kim Min Sun , Choi Dong Ok , Baek Dae Bong , Park Byung Rim
Published: August 2006

This study examined the antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture (EA) to heterotopic acupoints on formalin-induced pain in rats. EA (2 ms, 10 Hz, and 3 mA) was delivered to heterotopic acupoints HE7 and PE7, or non-acupoints at the right fore limb, for 30 min and was immediately followed by subcutaneous formalin injection into the left hind paw, respectively. The quantified pain score, electromyogram (EMG) response of the C-fiber reflex, and cFos immunoreactivity were assessed, respectively. EA to heterotopic acupoints significantly reduced both early- and late-phase pain-like behaviors and significantly decreased the EMG responses of the C-fiber reflex after formalin injection. By contrast, EA to non-acupoints had no significant effects on pain-like behavior or the EMG response. In addition, EA to heterotopic acupoints decreased cFos immunoreactivity in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn. Therefore, EA induced pre-emptive antinociception via the extra-segmental inhibition of the formalin-induced pain, suggesting that EA to heterotopic acupoints is a useful treatment for inflammatory pain.
EXPLORING PIANIST PERFORMANCE STYLES WITH EVOLUTIONARY STRING MATCHING
Authors: MADSEN SØREN TJAGVAD , WIDMER GERHARD
Published: August 2006

We propose novel machine learning methods for exploring the domain of music performance praxis. Based on simple measurements of timing and intensity in 12 recordings of a Schubert piano piece, short performance sequences are fed into a SOM algorithm in order to calculate 'performance archetypes'. The archetypes are labeled with letters and approximate string matching done by an evolutionary algorithm is applied to find similarities in the performances represented by these letters. We present a way of measuring each pianist's habit of playing similar phrases in similar ways and propose a ranking of the performers based on that. Finally, an experiment revealing common expression patterns is briefly described.
GENOPHONE: EVOLVING SOUNDS AND INTEGRAL PERFORMANCE PARAMETER MAPPINGS
Authors: MANDELIS JAMES , HUSBANDS PHIL
Published: August 2006

This paper explores the application of evolutionary techniques to the design of novel sounds and their characteristics during performance. It is based on the "selective breeding" paradigm and as such dispensing with the need for detailed knowledge of the Sound Synthesis Techniques involved, in order to design sounds that are novel and of musical interest. This approach has been used successfully on several SSTs therefore validating it as an Adaptive Sound Meta-synthesis Technique. Additionally, mappings between the control and the parametric space are evolved as part of the sound setup. These mappings are used during performance.
GUEST-HOST POLED POLYMERS WITH HIGH LOADING LEVEL BY USING CHROMOPHORES WITH SMALL DIPOLE MOMENT
Authors: QIN ANJUN , BAI FENGLIAN , CUI GUANGLEI , ZHU PEIWANG , YE CHENG
Published: August 2006

Poled polymers are currently of great interest in second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) applications such as electro-optic (EO) modulation, optical switching, etc. The EO active chromophores doped in polymer matrices generally have large dipole moment. The strong electrostatic interaction between molecular dipoles causes orientation relaxation after poling, decrease of poling efficiency, phase separation, and etc. at high doping concentration. A new type of NLO chromophore with low ground-state dipole moment has been designed and synthesized. It was doped in PMMA polymer matrix. The electrostatic interaction between chromophore molecules in this doped film is reduced greatly. This provides a way to increase the doping level in guest-host poled polymer system. At a very high loading level of 52% wt. (N = 6.41 × 1020/ cm 3), which is over 2 times of the theoretically predicated value for the spherical shape molecules, reasonable film quality and dipole orientation stability have been achieved.
POLAR MICRO STRUCTURES OF THE B2- AND B4-PHASES OF BENT-SHAPED LC-MOLECULES RESOLVED BY NONLINEAR OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
Authors: MORALES-SAAVEDRA OMAR G. , JÁKLI ANTAL , HEPPKE GERD , EICHLER HANS J.
Published: August 2006

A nonlinear optical (NLO) microscope has been developed based on recording the second harmonic generation (SHG) signals of the B 2- and B 4-phases of bent shaped liquid crystalline (LC) materials. We observed that the microstructures of the polar order can be accurately characterized by 2D scanned images implementing this device. Specifically, we have investigated two bent-core compounds, which have either B 4 or B 2 phases at room temperature and exhibit SHG activity. The NLO microscope was calibrated according to the Maker-fringes method allowing the in situ evaluation of the relative SHG efficiency. The developed NLO microscopy device may serve as an important tool to characterize liquid crystalline features at a microscopic scale for both fundamental and applied research.