bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of All‐Cause 1‐Year Mortality in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients with Chronic Chagas’ Cardiomyopathy
Authors: TORO DARÍO DI , MURATORE CLAUDIO , AGUINAGA LUIS , BATISTA LUIZ , MALAN ANTONIO , GRECO OSWALDO , BENCHETRIT CHAMIA , DUQUE MAURICIO , BARANCHUK ADRIAN , MALONEY JENNIFER
Published: April 2011

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have been used in the treatment of either sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in patients with Chagas’ cardiomyopathy. This study aimed at determining mortality rate and risk factors of all‐cause 1‐year mortality in primary and secondary ICD patients with Chagas’ cardiomyopathy.

Methods: One hundred and forty‐eight Chagas’ patients with ICDs were included from the Medtronic ICD Registry Latin America. All patients were followed for 1 year.

Results: At implant, mean age was 60.1 ± 9.4 years and 72.9% were male. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 40.1 ± 11%. Mean follow‐up was 12 ± 7 months. During the follow‐up, 15 patients died (10.2%). Patients who died were older (64 ±10.8 years vs 59 ± 9.1; P = 0.04), had more atrial fibrillation (13.3% vs 3.8%; P = 0.02), had lower LVEF (33.4%± 9.8 vs 40.9%± 11.3; P = 0.01), and worse functional class (III/IV 40% vs 21.8%; P = 0.03). The multivariate analysis showed that two independent predictors of all‐cause 1‐year mortality remained statistically significant: age more than 65 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77–3.92; P = 0.03) and LVEF less than 30% (HR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.57–3.79; P = 0.04).

Conclusion: This analysis showed that patients older than 65 years of age and with LVEF less than 30% were independent predictors of all‐cause 1‐year mortality in patients with chronic Chagas’ cardiomyopathy. (PACE 2011; 34:1063–1069)
Successful Removal of a Jugular Implantable Defibrillator Lead with Mechanical Single‐Sheath Technique
Authors: CALVAGNA GIUSEPPE M. , EVOLA ROSARIO , SCARDACE GIUSEPPE , VALSECCHI SERGIO
Published: April 2011

We describe the case of a man with an implantable defibrillator and a dual‐coil lead introduced via the right internal jugular vein. Due to pocket infection and lead erosion at the jugular vein, transvenous lead extraction was attempted with a mechanical single‐sheath technique. The lead was completely removed without complications with culture and sensitivity results guiding an effective antibiotic therapy. (PACE 2012; 35:e258–e260)
Successful Catheter Ablation of Unmappable Monomorphic Postinfarction Ventricular Tachycardia Guided by a Purkinje Potential
Authors: KIEDROWICZ RADOSŁAW , KAŹMIERCZAK JAROSŁAW , WIELUSIŃSKI MACIEJ , PEREGUD‐POGORZELSKA MAŁGORZATA
Published: April 2011

We describe a case of a patient with the history of a monomorphic postinfarction ventricular tachycardia that exhibited a right bundle branch block morphology and a superior axis. Because of electrical and hemodynamic instability of arrhythmia, classical mapping techniques were not applied. An electroanatomic voltage map during sinus rhythm was performed. A Purkinje potential (PP) preceding the QRS complex was recorded at posteroseptal area of a scar. Radiofrequency energy delivery at sites where a PP was detected resulted in a successful ablation. (PACE 2012; 35:e124–e126)
Low‐Dose Protamine to Facilitate Earlier Sheath Removal from the Femoral Artery After Peripheral Endovascular Intervention
Authors: HANNA NICHOLAS , FIORILLI PAUL , GAGLIA, Jr. MICHAEL A. , TORGUSON REBECCA , VITA ANTONIA , BEN‐DOR ITSIK , XUE ZHENYI , WAKSMAN RON , BERNARDO NELSON L.
Published: April 2011

Objectives:
 This study aimed to evaluate the safety of low‐dose protamine administration to facilitate earlier vascular sheath removal.

Background:
 Vascular access complications are the most common cause of postprocedural morbidity in patients undergoing peripheral endovascular intervention (PEI). Prolonged manual compression and closure devices do not eliminate these complications.

Methods:
 A consecutive series of 166 patients who underwent PEI were retrospectively compared to an all‐comers control group of 136 patients who did not receive protamine. The study population received an intravenous dose of protamine based upon the dose of heparin received and the length of the procedure. The arterial sheath was removed when activated clotting time was less than 220 seconds. Primary end‐points included bleeding complications, comprised of groin hematomas and retroperitoneal bleeding, and vascular complications, comprised of pseudoaneurysms, access vessel thrombosis, and arteriovenous fistula formation.

Results:
 The study population on average was older than the control group (71 vs. 67 years) and had a higher incidence of hypercholesterolemia (89.8% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.002). The average dose of protamine was 1.9 ± 0.83 mg, with a total dose of heparin of 5371 ± 1327 units. The time until sheath removal was 8.9 ± 8.6 minutes in the protamine group versus 188 ± 118 minutes in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no episodes of protamine anaphylaxis or adverse reactions. The access site complication rate between the 2 groups was statistically insignificant.

Conclusions:
 This strategy offers an inexpensive, safe, and reliable method to achieve hemostasis and facilitate earlier sheath removal in patients undergoing PEI. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:278–284)
Ecophysiological traits of terrestrial and aquatic carnivorous plants: are the costs and benefits the same?
Authors: Ellison Aaron M. , Adamec Lubomír
Published: April 2011

Identification of tradeoffs among physiological and morphological traits and their use in cost–benefit models and ecological or evolutionary optimization arguments have been hallmarks of ecological analysis for at least 50 years. Carnivorous plants are model systems for studying a wide range of ecophysiological and ecological processes and the application of a cost–benefit model for the evolution of carnivory by plants has provided many novel insights into trait‐based cost–benefit models. Central to the cost–benefit model for the evolution of botanical carnivory is the relationship between nutrients and photosynthesis; of primary interest is how carnivorous plants efficiently obtain scarce nutrients that are supplied primarily in organic form as prey, digest and mineralize them so that they can be readily used, and allocate them to immediate versus future needs. Most carnivorous plants are terrestrial – they are rooted in sandy or peaty wetland soils – and most studies of cost–benefit tradeoffs in carnivorous plants are based on terrestrial carnivorous plants. However approximately 10% of carnivorous plants are unrooted aquatic plants. Here we ask whether the cost–benefit model applies equally well to aquatic carnivorous plants and what general insights into tradeoff models are gained by this comparison. Nutrient limitation is more pronounced in terrestrial carnivorous plants, which also have much lower growth rates and much higher ratios of dark respiration to photosynthetic rates than aquatic carnivorous plants. Phylogenetic constraints on ecophysiological tradeoffs among carnivorous plants remain unexplored. Despite differences in detail, the general cost–benefit framework continues to be of great utility in understanding the evolutionary ecology of carnivorous plants. We provide a research agenda that if implemented would further our understanding of ecophysiological tradeoffs in carnivorous plants and also would provide broader insights into similarities and differences between aquatic and terrestrial plants of all types.
Stimulation of muscle protein synthesis by whey and caseinate ingestion after resistance exercise in elderly individuals
Authors: Dideriksen K. J. , Reitelseder S. , Petersen S. G. , Hjort M. , Helmark I. C. , Kjaer M. , Holm L.
Published: April 2011

Sarcopenia is a well‐known phenomenon in elderly individuals and resistance exercise together with sufficient amino acid (AA) availability has proved to be a counteractive implement. However, the source of AA and supplement timing require further investigation. The objective was to compare muscle protein synthesis (MPS) to intakes of whey and caseinate after heavy resistance exercise in healthy elderly individuals, and, furthermore, to compare the timing effect of caseinate intake. Twenty‐four elderly men and women (mean ± SEM; 68 ± 1 years) were randomized to one of four groups: caseinate intake before exercise (CasPre), caseinate intake immediately after exercise (CasPost), whey intake immediately after exercise (Whey), or intake of a non‐caloric control drink (Control). Muscle myofibrillar and collagen fractional synthesis rates (FSR) were measured by a primed continuous infusion of l‐[1‐13C]leucine using labeled proteins during a 6‐h recovery period. No differences were observed in muscle myofibrillar and collagen FSR with Whey (0.09 ± 0.01%/h) compared with CasPost (0.09 ± 0.003%/h), and it did not differ between CasPre (0.10 ± 0.01%/h) and CasPost. MPS does not differ with whey and caseinate feeding immediately after heavy resistance exercise in elderly individuals, and MPS is similar with caseinate ingestion before and after exercise.
Autonomic recovery following sprint interval exercise
Authors: Stuckey M. I. , Tordi N. , Mourot L. , Gurr L. J. , Rakobowchuk M. , Millar P. J. , Toth R. , MacDonald M. J. , Kamath M. V.
Published: April 2011

The autonomic nervous activity was assessed following supramaximal exercise through heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) variability (HRV and BPV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). The beat‐to‐beat HR and BP were recorded during the supine and standing states before (PRE) and at 60 (R60) and 120 min (R120) following single (one Wingate, 1W) and multiple sprint intervals (four Wingates interspersed with 4 min of light cycling, 4W). The supine low frequency (LF) component was increased (P<0.001) and the high frequency (HF) was reduced (P<0.01) at R60 (LF, 178.1 ± 11.0; HF, 74.8 ± 10.5) compared with PRE (LF, 140.2 ± 7.4; HF, 110.4 ± 7.2) after both exercises. Supine systolic BPV LF:HF was higher at R60 (4.6 ± 1.4) compared with PRE (6.8 ± 2.4) only after 4W (P=0.035). Supine BRS was lower (P<0.001) at R60 (6.8 ± 1.1) than at PRE (15.3 ± 1.8) and R120 (11.3 ± 1.3). BRS at R120 remained lower after 4W (P=0.02). Standing BRS was less (P<0.001) at R60 (2.3 ± 0.5) than at PRE (5.6 ± 0.8) or R120 (3.7 ± 0.6) and returned to PRE values only after 1W. We concluded that (a) autonomic balance is shifted to a greater sympathetic and less parasympathetic activation following both types of exercise, (b) it takes longer than 1 h to recover following supramaximal exercise and (c) the recovery is longer after 4W than 1W.
Endocytosis and Endosomes at the Crossroads of Regulating Trafficking of Axon Outgrowth‐Modifying Receptors
Authors: Winckler Bettina , Yap Chan Choo
Published: April 2011

In neurons, many receptors must be localized correctly to axons or dendrites for proper function. During development, receptors for nerve growth and guidance are targeted to axons and localized to growth cones where receptor activation by ligands results in promotion or inhibition of axon growth. Signaling outcomes downstream of ligand binding are determined by the location, levels and residence times of receptors on the neuronal plasma membrane. Therefore, the mechanisms controlling the trafficking of these receptors are crucial to the proper wiring of circuits. Membrane proteins accumulate on the axonal surface by multiple routes, including polarized sorting in the trans Golgi network, sorting in endosomes and removal by endocytosis. Endosomes also play important roles in the signaling pathways for both growth‐promoting and ‐inhibiting molecules: signaling endosomes derived from endocytosis are important for signaling from growth cones to cell bodies. Growth‐promoting neurotrophins and growth‐inhibiting Nogo‐A can use EHD4/Pincher‐dependent endocytosis at the growth cone for their respective retrograde signaling. In addition to retrograde transport of endosomes, anterograde transport to axons in endosomes also occurs for several receptors, including the axon outgrowth‐promoting cell adhesion molecule L1/NgCAM and TrkA. L1/NgCAM also depends on EHD4/Pincher‐dependent endocytosis for its axonal polarization. In this review, we will focus on receptors whose trafficking has been reported to be modulated by the EHD4/Pincher family of endosomal regulators, namely L1/NgCAM, Trk and Nogo‐A. We will first summarize the pathways underlying the axonal transport of these proteins and then discuss the potential roles of EHD4/Pincher in mediating their endocytosis.
Lysosomal Membrane Protein Composition, Acidic pH and Sterol Content are Regulated via a Light‐Dependent Pathway in Metazoan Cells
Authors: Swetha M. G. , Sriram V. , Krishnan K. S. , Oorschot Viola M. J. , ten Brink Corlinda , Klumperman Judith , Mayor Satyajit
Published: April 2011

In metazoans, lysosomes are characterized by a unique tubular morphology, acidic pH, and specific membrane protein (LAMP) and lipid (cholesterol) composition as well as a soluble protein (hydrolases) composition. Here we show that perturbation to the eye‐color gene, light, results in impaired lysosomal acidification, sterol accumulation, altered endosomal morphology as well as compromised lysosomal degradation. We find that Drosophila homologue of Vps41, Light, regulates the fusion of a specific subset of biosynthetic carriers containing characteristic endolysosomal membrane proteins, LAMP1, V0‐ATPase and the cholesterol transport protein, NPC1, with the endolysosomal system, and is then required for the morphological progression of the multivesicular endosome. Inhibition of Light results in accumulation of biosynthetic transport intermediates that contain these membrane cargoes, whereas under similar conditions, endosomal delivery of soluble hydrolases, previously shown to be mediated by Dor, the Drosophila homologue of Vps18, is not affected. Unlike Dor, Light is recruited to endosomes in a PI3P‐sensitive fashion wherein it facilitates fusion of these biosynthetic cargoes with the endosomes. Depletion of the mammalian counterpart of Light, hVps41, in a human cell line also inhibits delivery of hLAMP to endosomes, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved pathway in metazoa.
“New” techniques for more sensitive patch testing?
Authors: Dickel Heinrich , Altmeyer Peter , Brasch Jochen
Published: April 2011

The patch test is the mainstay of diagnosis in allergic contact dermatitis. In its nearly 120‐year‐long history, numerous efforts to standardize several methodical aspects proved successful. The aim was always to enhance the validity and reliability of patch testing. This article reviews modifications of the basic patch test technique for enhancing test sensitivity. We expand on the recently validated strip patch test, which is a modification that involves affixing tape strips to the skin and removing them prior to patch testing.

Although it was first described in 1953, we proposed the first protocol for standardized performance of the “strip patch test.” The protocol was then tested in studies. As a result, test sensitivity of standardized strip patch test versus patch test was increased. The protocol produced a uniform reduction in the thickness of the stratum corneum and a good inter‐rater agreement. Additionally, there was evidence of a non‐specific stimulation of the inflammatory epidermal system. With regard to patient history, the standardized strip patch test showed a vastly better sensitivity than the patch test with only marginally lower specificity. As a complementary measure to patch testing diagnostic accuracy could be improved significantly by performing the standardized strip patch test. Further studies are needed on the reproducibility of the standardized strip patch test.
Effects of corn dried distiller's grains with solubles and enzyme premix supplements on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters in finishing pigs
Authors: LEE Sung Dae , JUNG Hyun Jung , CHO Kyu Ho , PARK Jun Cheol , KIM In Cheul , SEONG Pil Nam , SONG Young Min
Published: April 2011

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of corn dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) and enzyme premix (mannanase + phytase) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality parameters in finishing pigs. Sixty hybrid pigs (L × LW × D) with initial weight of 63.92 ± 1.50 kg were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design with main effects of DDGS levels (0, 10 and 20%) and enzyme premix levels (0% vs. 0.14%). Average daily gain (ADG, P < 0.01) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, P < 0.05) were decreased due to an increased level of DDGS additive while the feed conversion ratio was improved (P < 0.05) by adding enzyme premix. The diet cost/gain (won/kg) was saved (P < 0.01) due to an increased level of DDGS additive. There were no significant differences in carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters of Longissimus dorsi muscle by DDGS level and enzyme premix. Palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased (P < 0.05) according to DDGS level. The results indicate that DDGS may be used in feeds for finishing pig as a replacement of corn and soybean meal without affecting their carcass characteristics and meat quality.
OPTIMIZING THE TEXTURE ATTRIBUTES OF A FAT‐BASED SPREAD USING INSTRUMENTAL MEASUREMENTS
Authors: RADOČAJ OLGICA , DIMIĆ ETELKA , DIOSADY LEVENTE L. , VUJASINOVIĆ VESNA
Published: April 2011

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of a commercial stabilizer and hemp oil content on the texture of pumpkin seed oil press‐cake spreads, using a penetration test as part of instrumental texture profile analysis. The response variables were the most significant spread texture attributes: hardness, penetration work, elasticity and adhesiveness. Spreads were formulated according to a central composite, two factorial experimental designs on five levels. Both independent variables significantly affected the texture of the obtained spreads, which had an appearance and texture comparable to commercial peanut butter. In terms of the selected texture attributes determined by the instrumental analysis, the optimum combination of variables with 1–1.2% of added stabilizer and 20–40% of added hemp oil produced desirable spreads that mimic commercial peanut butter; however, they were not sticky. RSM helped to optimize the composition of the spreads to obtain the product with the minimum hardness, penetration work and adhesiveness with the maximum value for elasticity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This paper describes how the texture attributes of a novel fat‐based spread can be predicted using instrumental measurements, specifically a penetration test, while having peanut butter as a control sample to set desired value boundaries for each texture attribute separately. The penetration test was used to predict the texture of the spreads, compared with commercial peanut butter, without conducting the expensive and time‐consuming sensory evaluation of the product. The use of the response surface methodology and mathematical models could describe and predict experimental data of the component's content and to optimize the variables that mostly affected the spreads' texture. The described process can help in designing the spreads based on the pumpkin seed oil press‐cake with optimum texture properties. This screening technique can help the food industry to select formulations when new products are developed without using sensory panels at the product designing stage.
TEXTURE OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL‐ENRICHED MASHED POTATOES: SENSORY, INSTRUMENTAL AND STRUCTURAL RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: ALVAREZ MARÍA DOLORES , FERNÁNDEZ CRISTINA , JIMÉNEZ MARÍA JOSÉ , CANET WENCESLAO
Published: April 2011

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the addition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on instrumental textural properties, sensory texture profile analysis, and microstructure of fresh and frozen/thawed mashed potatoes formulated without and with added cryoprotectants (kappa‐carrageenan [κ‐C] and xanthan gum [XG]). EVOO behaves as soft filler due to droplet aggregates, whereas addition of cryoprotectants led to more structured mashed potatoes (MP) thanks to the gelling properties of κ‐C. Both the percentage of added EVOO and processing had a much less significant effect on the texture of the MP containing κ‐C and XG, evidencing the ability of this biopolymer blend to impart freeze/thaw stability. All samples with added EVOO were perceived as significantly softer and creamier than the samples without EVOO, whereas all MP samples with added cryoprotectants were perceived as significantly thicker and creamier than those without hydrocolloids.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Previous studies showed that the quality after freezing and thawing may be improved by the addition of 1.5 g/kg of kappa‐carageenan and 1.5 g/kg of xanthan gum, and/or incorporation of dietary fiber, improvement of mashed potatoes texture by retarding starch retrogradation and increasing water‐holding capacity. Growing awareness of the link between diet and health is fast changing consumer habits, so that there has been increasing demand for foods with health‐enhancing properties. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has important nutritional characteristics linked to its biophenol content and has very important antioxidant properties. The results have shown that although instrumental textural data were able to explain differences in consistency perceived, structural information is needed to understand differences in creaminess. Back extrusion test is recommended to industry as practical quality control tool in the commercial production of mashed potatoes with added EVOO.
THE IMPACT OF MALTODEXTRIN‐BASED FAT MIMETICS ON RHEOLOGICAL AND TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EDIBLE VEGETABLE FAT
Authors: HADNAĐEV MIROSLAV , DOKIĆ LJUBICA , HADNAĐEV TAMARA DAPČEVIĆ , PAJIN BILJANA , KRSTONOŠIĆ VELJKO
Published: April 2011

The functionality of two types of maltodextrins as fat mimetics was studied. Vegetable fat was replaced at levels of 16.7, 33.3 and 50% by different aqueous gels of maltodextrin: Pmdx (potato maltodextrin gel) and WMmdx (waxy maize maltodextrin gel). Vegetable fat without the addition of fat mimetics was used as a control sample. Steady shear viscosity, hysteresis and dynamic moduli were measured at semi‐solid conditions (30C), whereas textural measurements were determined in the solid state (20C). Up to 50% fat replacement without much change in firmness could be achieved with WMmdx. However, blends containing Pmdx expressed significant decrease in firmness. Fat replacement caused a strong increase in dynamic moduli, especially with WMmdx. Steady shear viscosity was increased at replacement levels ≥33.3% and to a larger extent with WMmdx. In contrast to Pmdx, incorporation of WMmdx did not affect the steady shear hysteresis of the blends.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Edible vegetable fat serves as an ingredient in many foods. In confectionary fat fillings, the vegetable fat is included to control texture and spreadability. Typical confectionary fat filling contains 30–35% fat. Because confectionary products are high in calories, development of reduced fat product with desirable taste and texture is a very challenging task.

In this paper the capability of hydrated maltodextrin gel particles to replace certain amounts of fat in different foods was investigated. Therefore, rheological and textural properties of blends consisted of vegetable fat and different type, content and concentration of aqueous maltodextrin gel were determined. Hence, a step toward food products containing water stabilized by small amount of gelling maltodextrin with rheological and textural properties of conventional food product was made.
ANALYSIS OF STRESS–STRAIN BEHAVIOR OF ALASKA POLLOCK SURIMI PASTE AT CONSTANT MOISTURE CONTENT
Authors: YOON WON BYONG , PARK JAE W.
Published: April 2011

Mechanical responses to the applied stress on Alaska pollock surimi paste were analyzed with respect to the strain, storage modulus (G′), and loss modulus (G″). The mechanical properties of the paste with 83% moisture were measured using a dynamic rheometer (Bohlin CS‐50, West Brunswick, NJ, USA). The yield stress was analyzed based on the stress–strain behavior during stress sweep test at 0.1 Hz. Two‐yield stress values, such as 218 Pa and 653 Pa, were obtained from the cross‐sectional points of the three linear segments from the stress–strain curve in logarithmic scale. Structural meaning of two‐yield stress values was interpreted based on the changes of dynamic properties of surimi paste, such as G′ and G″, during stress sweep. The yield stress value from the first cross‐sectional point might indicate the stress that changes from solid‐like gel to liquid‐like sol, and the yield stress from the second point was the change from liquid‐like sol to shear thinning fluid.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Yield stress of the surimi paste is significantly important in designing the equipment for surimi seafood manufacturing. Particularly, in the molding operation of kamaboko and crabstick processing, the yield stress and shear thinning behavior of paste play major roles in designing the shape of extrusion die located between the pumping unit and heating unit. Appropriate design of extrusion head or molding die would be necessary to produce various shapes of commercial surimi seafood. In addition, the structural meaning of two‐yield stress values will give an insight into developing the final product formula, if the yield stress values are obtained at various ingredient levels, such as moisture and/or starch content.
UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION AND STRUCTURAL DEFORMATION OF FERMENTED SOYBEAN SEED
Authors: OGAWA YUKIHARU , TAGUCHI SATOSHI , YAMAMOTO NAMI
Published: April 2011

In order to investigate relationships between changes in a physical response against mechanical compression and histological changes in a tissue by compression relative deformation of fermented soybeans, the structural changes occurring in a sample to a specific compression percentage were measured by means of microscopic techniques. As a result, it was observed that the resistance force linearly increased up to 30% compression, and the force was approximately 3 N at the compression of 30–50%. The histological disruption close to inner area of hilum on the lateral plane of cotyledon and the rupture‐like collapse at contact face of cotyledons were found in the 40% compression sample. At above 50% compression, the force increased exponentially with increasing of compression ratio, and large collapses were found in the tissue, which should be results of expansion of histological disruptions and/or collapses at 40% compression.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The combination of microscopic technique and instrumental evaluations for mechanical properties concerning the compression relative deformation of food materials has a potential to indicate what components are main factors for the texture characteristics of food.
INFLUENCE OF ADDITIVES ON FUNCTIONAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK GRAM FLOUR INCORPORATED PASTA
Authors: MADHUMITHA S. , PRABHASANKAR P.
Published: April 2011

To improve the functional and nutritional profile of pasta, the present study aims to develop black gram pasta using a blend of 70% Triticum durum semolina and 30% black gram flour; and it also aims to understand the influence of additives on the quality of pasta. Black gram pasta samples were evaluated for cooking quality, color, texture, protein profile, pasting characteristics, in vitro starch hydrolysis, microstructure and sensory quality. Results indicated protein content improvement for black gram substituted durum pasta (BGDP30) with 3% gluten and 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellose (HPMC); black gram substituted durum pasta with HMPC(BGDPC)(16.49%) from that of 30% BGDP30 (14.37%) and control (12.37%). The lightness value of BGDPC (51.66) was closer to control (50.88). The texture was improved from 1.01 N to 1.53 N, but it was still lesser than control (2.12N). The overall quality score for BGDPC (25.17) was better than control (23.96). The study indicated that with combination of gluten and HPMC, more desirable black gram pasta could be produced.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Pasta products rank as number two staple food and it is consumed worldwide. Black gram is known to be hypoglycemic agent and a good source of protein. The present manuscript demonstrated that the use of black gram flour (BGF) along with additives would improve the pasta product functional and nutritional quality. The present study indicates that the use of BGF along with additives will improve the nutritional quality of the pasta in terms of antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity. The outcome of the present study will have greater potential for pasta industries to develop healthier pasta products using BGF.
How can primary care providers manage pediatric obesity in the real world?
Authors: Hopkins Kristy F. , DeCristofaro Claire , Elliott Lydia
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To provide information regarding evidence‐based interventions and clinical practice guidelines as a basis for a clinical toolkit utilizing a step management approach for the primary care provider in managing childhood obesity.

Data sources: Evidence‐based literature including original clinical trials, literature reviews, and clinical practice guidelines.

Conclusions: Interventions can be stratified based on initial screening of children and adolescents so that selection of treatment options is optimized. For all treatments, lifestyle modifications include attention to diet and activity level. Levels of initial success, as well as maintenance of target body mass index, may be related to the intensity and duration of interventions; involvement of family may increase success rates. For failed lifestyle interventions, or for patients with extreme obesity and/or certain comorbidities, pharmacologic or surgical options should be considered.

Implications for practice: Many intensive programs have shown success, but the resources required for these approaches may be unavailable to the typical community provider and family. However, using current guidelines, the primary care provider can initiate and manage ongoing interventions in pediatric obesity. A toolkit for primary care implementation and maintenance interventions is provided.
The evolution of specialists in women's health care across the lifespan: Women's health nurse practitioners
Authors: Fontenot Holly , Hawkins Joellen W.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: In this article, we will trace the beginnings of this nurse practitioner specialist, illustrating with the stories of women's health nurse practitioners who were some of the pioneers in developing the role and models of care to meet the unique needs of women across their lifespan.

Data sources: Oral history interviews with pioneers in the role who graduated from both certificate and master's programs preparing nurse practitioners informed and shaped the story. Additional data came from the literature on the evolution of advanced practice nurse roles and education and documents from early educational programs and the legal and regulatory literature affecting the roles and practices of advanced practice nurses.

Conclusions: Women's health nurse practitioners have evolved to fill an important role in healthcare delivery, caring for women across generations often within the same families.

Implications for practice: Women's health nurse practitioners, as do all nurse practitioners, offer a unique approach to care. To paraphrase the words of one participant, I think we address a major healthcare need because if women are educated about themselves and what they need to do to take care of themselves, the result is a better community
Investigating the Role of Zinc in a Rat Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Baraka A. M. , Hassab El Nabi W. , El Ghotni S.
Published: April 2011

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of zinc (Zn) in pilocarpine‐induced seizures and its interrelation with an antiepileptic drug, namely, valproic acid. Methodology: The study was carried out on 110 male Wistar albino rats that were divided into the following groups: Group I, control rats that received intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline vehicle; Groups II–V received Zn in a medium dose, Zn in a high dose, valproic acid in a therapeutic dose, as well as a combination of valproic acid with medium dose Zn, respectively, for 3 weeks before saline injection, Group VI received i.p. pilocarpine to induce seizures; Groups VII–XI received Zn in a medium dose, Zn in a high dose, valproic acid in a therapeutic dose, a combination of therapeutic dose of valproic acid with medium dose Zn, as well as a combination of subeffective dose of valproic acid with medium dose of Zn, respectively, for 3 weeks before pilocarpine injection. The seizure's latency and severity for each rat was recorded. Blood and brain hippocampal samples were collected for determination of serum neuron specific enolase (NSE), hippocampal Zn, interleukin‐1 beta concentrations as well as hippocampal superoxide dismutase and caspase‐3 activities. Results: The results of the current study demonstrated that pretreatment with high dose of Zn exacerbated pilocarpine‐induced seizures. Whereas, a medium dose of Zn and valproic acid either alone or in combination reduced the severity of pilocarpine‐induced limbic seizures and increased the latency to attain the forelimb clonus. Also both drugs, either alone or in combination, ameliorated all studied biochemical parameters with the exception of hippocampal Zn concentration, which was only significantly increased by pretreatment with Zn, either alone or in combination with valproic acid. Conclusions: The present study highlights the antiepileptic role that could be played by Zn, when given in appropriate doses.
Learning to See in Irmgard Keun's Das kunstseidene Mädchen
Authors: McBride Patrizia
Published: April 2011

This essay examines Irmgard Keun's novel Das kunstseidene Mädchen (1932) against the backdrop of Weimar‐era discourses on the emancipatory potential of vision. While the narrative's thematization of vision has been productively analyzed from the perspective of feminist and film theory, less attention has been paid to its ties to contemporary discourses concerned with retooling a vision enhanced by new technologies like film into an instrument of emancipatory self‐fashioning. As the article shows, Keun's novel reflects critically on these discourses by casting its heroine's sentimental journey in terms of an education in vision that leads to acknowledging the distance between the visual as a mode of inscription and the visible as a domain of perception. In so doing the novel delivers a critical commentary on contemporary discourses that located agency in a conquest of the visible attained by manipulating the visual.
Model‐aided learning for adaptive management of natural resources: an evolutionary design perspective
Authors: Groot Jeroen C. J. , Rossing Walter A. H.
Published: April 2011

1. Researchers using the adaptive management paradigm consider learning about the behaviour of social‐ecological systems as an inherent element of endeavours to improve the provision of ecosystem services. Learning‐by‐experience about social‐ecological systems is a slow process attributable to system complexity. We review recent developments in systems modelling which support learning by creating a salient diversity of management alternatives and by translating science‐based results into stakeholder perspectives.

2. Design‐oriented learning cycles aimed at developing ecosystem services could be improved using systematic model‐based diversification and selection of natural resource management alternatives.

3. Recent advances in spatially explicit computer‐based ecological modelling and in visualization of results can effectively support repeated learning cycles.

4. Prioritization and weighing of conservation objectives and ecosystem services should be postponed until after the exploration of the synergies and trade‐offs among objectives.

5. Investigating whether this evolutionary design approach can increase adoption of management adjustments and help to avoid lock‐in onto unsustainable development trajectories should be part of efforts to understand the way we learn.
Conceptualizing men: A transdiagnostic model of male distress
Authors: Kingerlee Roger
Published: April 2011

Purpose. This review aims to produce a comprehensive, parsimonious, and empirically based model of male psychological distress from the perspective of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) that may apply in the majority of clinical situations involving men in Britain and possibly elsewhere.

Methods. This paper reviews studies that pertain to male psychological distress. Studies are selected via examination of the literatures around men's psychological health. Criteria for inclusion of studies are direct and indirect relevance to male distress. Studies are examined on the basis of their possible contribution to a comprehensive yet critical model of male functioning, and are grouped according to their neurological, developmental, and cultural origins.

Results. The review suggests that certain factors inform the psychological presentation of males across disorders, and can help predict therapy‐interfering behaviours and outcomes. A transdiagnostic model of male distress emerges from existing data and theory containing the hypothesized reflection abandonment mechanism (RAM) that helps account for characteristic male externalizing and therapy‐interfering behaviours.

Conclusions. Existing data and theory can be synthesized to produce a cognitive behavioural model of male distress that adds value to case conceptualizations regardless of the disorder involved, and has predictive value regarding men's access to and engagement with psychological services.
Psychological treatment outcomes in routine NHS services: What do we mean by treatment effectiveness?
Authors: Barkham Michael , Stiles William B. , Connell Janice , Mellor‐Clark John
Published: April 2011

Objectives. The question of how effective therapies are in routine practice is crucial. The answer depends on how we define effectiveness. Both the definition of who was treated and the index chosen to represent outcome can affect estimates dramatically.

Design. We used data from the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) Primary Care National Practice‐Based Evidence database‐2005 on the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) from 33,587 patients and examined rates of improvement in psychological therapies in UK National Health Service (NHS) primary care services using various definitions of effectiveness.

Methods. We constructed successively more restrictive sub‐samples of patients, including practice‐based analogues of several types of intent‐to‐treat (ITT) groups and completer groups. We focussed on patients scoring above clinical cut‐off at intake, but we also considered samples that included sub‐clinical patients. We assessed two types of recovery rates, improvement rates, mean pre–post change, and pre–post effect sizes for each sub‐sample.

Results. There was wide variation in the overall effectiveness of treatments as a function of which subset of data was considered and which specific criterion of recovery rate was adopted. Recovery rates and pre–post effect sizes ranged from 19% to 65% and 0.60 to 1.95, respectively.

Conclusions. Because estimates of effectiveness could have significant policy implications, clarity on the meanings of the differing constructions is essential.
Experimental and Computational Analyses of Methane and Hydrogen Mixing in a Model Premixer
Authors: Akbari Amin , Hill Scott , McDonell Vincent , Samuelsen Scott
Published: April 2011

The mixing of fuel and air in combustion systems plays a key role in overall operability and emissions performance. Such systems are also being looked to for operation on a wide array of potential fuel types, including those derived from renewable sources such as biomass or agricultural waste. The optimization of premixers for such systems is greatly enhanced if efficient design tools can be utilized. The increased capability of computational systems has allowed tools such as computational fluid dynamics to be regularly used for such purpose. However, to be applied with confidence, validation is required. In the present work, a systematic evaluation of fuel mixing in a specific geometry, which entails cross flow fuel injection into axial nonswirling air streams has been carried out for methane and hydrogen. Fuel concentration is measured at different planes downstream of the point of injection. In parallel, different computational fluid dynamics approaches are used to predict the concentration fields resulting from the mixing of fuel and air. Different steady turbulence models including variants of Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) have been applied. In addition, unsteady RANS and large eddy simulation are used. To accomplish mass transport with any of the RANS approaches, the concept of the turbulent Schmidt number is generally used. As a result, the sensitivity of the RANS simulations to different turbulent Schmidt number values is also examined. In general, the results show that the Reynolds stress model, with use of an appropriate turbulent Schmidt number for the fuel used, provides the best agreement with the measured values of the variation in fuel distribution over a given plane in a relatively time efficient manner. It is also found that, for a fixed momentum flux ratio, both hydrogen and methane penetrate and disperse in a similar manner for the flow field studied despite their significant differences in density and diffusivity.
Semialgebraic Regularization of Kinematic Loop Constraints in Multibody System Models
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: April 2011

Redundant constraints in multibody system (MBS) models, reflected by a singular constraint Jacobian, impair the efficient dynamics simulation. In particular, kinematic loop constraints are often found to be permanently redundant. This problem is commonly attacked numerically by decomposing the constraint Jacobian either at every simulation time step or beforehand in an admissible assembly (assuming that the redundancy is permanent). This paper presents a method for the elimination of permanently redundant loop closure constraints, which, instead of numerically decomposing the constraints, relies on the geometric characterization of kinematic loops comprising lower kinematic pairs. In particular, the invariant vector space of velocities of a kinematic loop is taken into account, which can be determined as the sum of Lie (screw) algebras of two subchains of a kinematic loop. The actual reduction is achieved by restricting the constraints to this space. The presented method does not interfere with the actual generation of constraints but can be considered as a preprocessing step of MBS models. It is numerically robust and only uses a geometrically exact model. The method is able to completely eliminate redundant loop constraints for “nonparadoxical” single-loop mechanisms and applies conservatively to multiloop MBS. The presented method only requires information (vectors, matrices) that is readily available in any MBS simulation package. The only numerical operations involved are cross products and a singular value decomposition of a low dimensional matrix.
Parameter Identification in Multibody Systems Using Lie Series Solutions and Symbolic Computation
Authors: Vyasarayani Chandrika P. , Uchida Thomas , McPhee John
Published: April 2011

This paper studies the application of the Lie series to the problem of parameter identification in multibody systems. Symbolic computing is used to generate the equations of motion and the associated Lie series solutions automatically. The symbolic Lie series solutions are used to define a procedure for computing the sum of the squared Euclidean distances between the true generalized coordinates and those obtained from a simulation using approximate system parameters. This procedure is then used as an objective function in a numerical optimization routine to estimate the unknown parameters in a multibody system. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated by estimating the parameters of a structural system, a spatial slider-crank mechanism, and an eight-degree- of-freedom vehicle model.
Microresonator-Based Optical Frequency Combs
Authors: Kippenberg T. J. , Holzwarth R. , Diddams S. A.
Published: April 2011

The series of precisely spaced, sharp spectral lines that form an optical frequency comb is enabling unprecedented measurement capabilities and new applications in a wide range of topics that include precision spectroscopy, atomic clocks, ultracold gases, and molecular fingerprinting. A new optical frequency comb generation principle has emerged that uses parametric frequency conversion in high resonance quality factor (
Q
) microresonators. This approach provides access to high repetition rates in the range of 10 to 1000 gigahertz through compact, chip-scale integration, permitting an increased number of comb applications, such as in astronomy, microwave photonics, or telecommunications. We review this emerging area and discuss opportunities that it presents for novel technologies as well as for fundamental science.
Response to Comment on “Erosion of Lizard Diversity by Climate Change and Altered Thermal Niches”
Authors: Sinervo B. , Miles D. B. , Martínez-Méndez N. , Lara-Resendiz R. , Méndez-De la Cruz F. R.
Published: April 2011

We derived physiological models that accurately predicted extinctions of Mexican and other lizards. Clusella-Trullas and Chown argue that global forecasts are unreliable without incorporating variance in microenvironmental temperatures,
T
e
. Here, we show that
T
e
variance is small relative to
T
e
increases from climate warming. Thus, extinction forecasts are reliable (

R
¯

2

=
0.72

) even without
T
e
variance data.
Science Buddies: Advancing Informal Science Education
Authors: Hess Kenneth L. , Corda Courtney J. , Lanese Kristina M.
Published: April 2011

An innovative nonprofit enables scientists to present inspiring project ideas based on their own research to K–12 students, parents, and teachers.
The Spatial Periodicity of Grid Cells Is Not Sustained During Reduced Theta Oscillations
Authors: Koenig Julie , Linder Ashley N. , Leutgeb Jill K. , Leutgeb Stefan
Published: April 2011

Grid cell firing vanished after medial septum inhibition, while most hippocampal place cell firing was retained.
Low-Voltage, Low-Power, Organic Light-Emitting Transistors for Active Matrix Displays
Authors: McCarthy M. A. , Liu B. , Donoghue E. P. , Kravchenko I. , Kim D. Y. , So F. , Rinzler A. G.
Published: April 2011

Efficient organic light-emitting transistors use carbon nanotubes as the source electrode.
Dodging Responsibility
The Blame Game
Spin, Bureaucracy, and Self-Preservation in Government

by Christopher Hood

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2011. 238 pp. $39.95, £27.95. ISBN 9780691129952.
Authors: Brehm John
Published: April 2011

Focusing primarily on politicians and bureaucrats, Hood discusses the extent and impact of efforts to avoid blame.
Thomas Eisner (1929–2011)
Authors: Meinwald Jerrold
Published: April 2011

A biologist who marveled at insects and their arsenal of compounds sparked the field of chemical ecology.
U.S. Spending Bill Limits Joint Efforts With China
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2011

Representative Frank Wolf (R–VA) has added a spending ban to the final agreement on the 2011 budget that cuts off funding for a host of scientific interactions between the United States and China.
Shortages of Cancer Drugs Put Patients, Trials at Risk
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: April 2011

A shortage of cytarabine, a crucial drug for many leukemia patients, including children, has drawn an outcry from oncologists around the country. Many other generic cancer drugs are also in short supply, experts say.
Faculties Wither as Higher Education System Rapidly Expands
Authors: Bagla Pallava
Published: April 2011

India has opened more than 100 elite higher education institutions in the past 5 years, yet almost a third of faculty positions at elite institutions—both new and long established—are vacant due to an acute shortage of trained teachers.