bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Characteristics of Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage in Elderly Fallers Presenting to the Emergency Department without Focal Findings
Authors: Gangavati Anupama S. , Kiely Dan K. , Kulchycki Lara K. , Wolfe Richard E. , Mottley J. Lawrence , Kelly Sean P. , Nathanson Larry A. , Abrams Alan P. , Lipsitz Lewis A.
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and associated characteristics of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in elderly fallers presenting to the emergency department (ED) without focal findings.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: University‐affiliated teaching hospital ED.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 65 and older presenting with a fall to the ED and undergoing a head computed tomography (CT) scan.

MEASUREMENTS: Electronic medical records and CT scans of 404 consecutive patients were reviewed. Characteristics of patients with and without ICH were compared using unadjusted analyses. Patients taking warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel alone or in combination were compared with those not taking these medications. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine variables independently associated with ICH.

RESULTS: Forty‐seven of 404 elderly fallers (11.6%) without focal findings had an ICH. Unadjusted analyses in these pilot data showed that warfarin was not significantly associated with ICH. Multivariate analyses indicated that elderly people living in at home were more likely to have ICH than those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities (odds ratio (OR)=3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.30–8.13) and that those with head trauma were more likely to have ICH than those without (OR=3.9, 95% CI=1.25–7.80). Aspirin was found to be protective (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.24–0.98).

CONCLUSION: ICH is common in elderly fallers presenting to the ED without focal findings. Anticoagulation alone did not appear to increase the risk of ICH, and aspirin was found to be protective, but prospective studies are needed to better assess this relationship.
Flexural Strength of Interim Resin Materials for Fixed Prosthodontics
Authors: Nejatidanesh Farahnaz , Momeni Glareh , Savabi Omid
Published: June 2009

Purpose: Flexural strength of interim materials is of particular concern with long‐span fixed partial dentures (FPDs) or in areas of heavy contact. The purpose of this study was to compare the flexural strength of seven resins used to fabricate interim fixed prostheses.

Materials and Methods: Ten identical 25 × 2 × 2 mm specimens were made from seven interim materials (N = 70) (Trim, Acropars, Protemp 3 Garant, Unifast LC, TempSpan, Tempron, Duralay) according to ADA specification #27. After 14 days’ storage in artificial saliva and thermocycling for 2500 cycles (5˚C to 55˚C), a standard three‐point bending test was conducted on the specimens with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.75 mm/min. The mean values of flexural strength of each interim material were calculated. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U‐test, and the significance level was set at α= 0.05.

Results: The lowest and highest flexural strengths were found for Trim from ethyl methacrylate resins and TempSpan from bis‐acryl resins, respectively. The mean rank of flexural strength of the studied materials was TempSpan = 66.3, Protemp 3 Garant = 53.4, Tempron = 47.5, Duralay = 38.3, Unifast LC = 24.1, Acropars = 17.9, and Trim = 5.9. There was no significant difference between Tempron and Protemp 3 Garant, but the other resins were significantly different.

Conclusions: Bis‐acryl interim materials exhibited higher flexural strength than the methacrylate resins tested in this study. These higher values should be considered in making interim fixed prostheses, especially when long‐term use or long‐span FPDs are planned.
The Change in Retentive Values of Locator Attachments and Hader Clips over Time
Authors: Evtimovska Elizabeta , Masri Radi , Driscoll Carl F. , Romberg Elaine
Published: June 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine early changes in retentive values of implant overdenture attachments during multiple pulls.

Materials and Methods: Two implant attachment systems (Hader bar and clip, Locator system) were used in this study. The experimental groups were divided into yellow Hader clips, white Locator attachments, and green Locator attachments. Each group consisted of 21 matrix attachments. The attachments were placed into a custom‐made acrylic resin block seated passively on another acrylic block containing a Hader bar or two Locator abutments with different angulations. Each attachment was subjected to 20 consecutive pulls using a universal testing machine. The peak load‐to‐dislodgement of the attachments after each pull was documented, and the percent reduction of the peak load‐to‐dislodgement was calculated. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference test were used for data analyses. A p≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: There was a significant difference in the percent reduction in peak load‐to‐dislodgement between the attachments after the first pull (p= 0.005) and after the final pull (p= 0.0001). The yellow Hader clips exhibited the least percent reduction in peak load‐to‐dislodgement (6.50 ± 3.59%) after the first pull, followed by the white Locator attachments (8.60 ± 4.42%); the green Locator attachments exhibited the greatest reduction (11.05 ± 4.94%).

Conclusion: The results of this in vitro study demonstrate that retentive values of the Locator attachments are reduced significantly after multiple pulls. Although this reduction might not be noticeable to the patient, it is recommended that the clinician place and remove the overdenture multiple times before delivery.
Pontine Hemorrhage Following a Recently Implanted Intrathecal Drug Delivery System
Authors: Rosenfeld David M. , Trentman Terrence , Patel Naresh P.
Published: June 2009

Background:  This report describes a pontine hemorrhage in a patient following implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system.

Case report:  A 70‐year‐old old female patient with metastatic breast carcinoma underwent placement of an implantable intrathecal drug delivery system. Before implant she was neurologically intact with only mild memory deficiencies attributed to narcotics and malignancy. No recent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was on record. On post‐implant day 2 after the initiation of intrathecal hydromorphone 0.45 mg/day and bupivacaine 2.7 mg/day, she developed dizziness, lethargy, and mild gait instability. Despite decreasing drug dosages, these symptoms progressed over the ensuing days, and subsequently the patient developed upper extremity numbness and tinnitus. The device was turned off on post‐implant day 9 with the patient showing no signs of improvement. She underwent computerized tomography scan of the head, which identified an acute pontine hemorrhage. A follow‐up MRI scan confirmed the hemorrhage and revealed a previously undiagnosed underlying metastatic lesion with surrounding vasogenic edema. She was treated with supportive measures in hospice and expired 20 days after implantation.

Conclusions:  This case emphasizes several important points. First, changes in neurologic and mental status after initiating intrathecal drug therapy may be related to new or pre‐existing pathology and not due to intrathecal medications. Second, consideration should be given to central nervous system imaging before intrathecal pump insertion in patients with widely metastatic malignancies. Finally, cerebral spinal fluid hypotension from dural puncture may have contributed to the timing of the hemorrhage in this patient.
Reconsideration of Economic Views of a Classical Empire and a Nation‐State During the Mercantilist Ages
Authors: Bulut Mehmet
Published: June 2009

Abstract

While the main aim of the economic policies of European nation‐states was to use the power of the state to promote trade and economic growth and to build up national industries and manufacture, the Ottoman Empire continued to follow its provisionist, fiscalist, and traditional economic policies of land expansion in the early modern period. In Western Europe, this experience gave birth to a new class that gradually improved its trade ability and expanding industries and markets under a capitalist system. The Ottoman imperial policy was mostly concerned about the continuity of strong central authority and land expansion, which never meant improving the industry or trade concerns. Instead, the economic policies of the Ottomans were subsistence of the people, provisioning the major population centers, collection of taxes, and maintaining freedom of trade. The balance and stability in society explain the priority for the Ottomans in the economy. However, commercialization and profit explain the priority for the Dutch nation in the economy. This article elaborates the economic views of the Dutch Republic and the Ottoman Empire in the mercantilist ages.
Business Success Through Social Networks? A Comment on Social Networks and Business Success
Authors: Egbert Henrik
Published: June 2009

Abstract

In the literature on entrepreneurship in developing countries, the argument that social networks are an essential factor for entrepreneurial success has been given considerable attention. This article challenges this one‐sided view by pointing out negative and restrictive effects of social networks on entrepreneurial success in particular, and on economic development in general. The article is structured as a comment on Kristiansen (2004), who worked on social networks and conducted field research in the city of Tanga, Tanzania, similar to the author, who had done the same two years previously. The findings from a six‐month field research are used in order to articulate important aspects left out in Kristiansen's discussion.
With Friends Like These: Endogenous Labor Market Segregation with Homogeneous, Nonprejudiced Agents
Authors: Barr Tavis
Published: June 2009

Abstract

In the economics literature, labor market segregation is typically assumed to arise either from prejudice (Becker 1971) or from group differences in human capital accumulation (Benabou 1993; Durlauf 2006; Fryer 2006). Many sociological studies, by contrast, consider social network structure as an embodiment of various forms of social capital, including the creation of obligations, information channels, and enforceable trust (Coleman 1988; Portes and Sensenbrenner 1993). When firms hire by referral, social network segregation can lead to labor market segregation (Tilly 1998). Various social network structures may arise from the actions of self‐interested individuals (Watts and Strogatz 1998; Jackson 2006); by incorporating concepts of social capital into an economic framework of profit‐maximizing firms, this article develops a model of labor markets in which segregation arises endogenously even though agents are homogeneous and have no dislike for each other. Firms hire through referrals, and can enforce discipline by bribing a referrer to prevent a hiree from getting any outside job offers from other friends if he or she shirks. This is possible only if social networks are reasonably closed, so that the referee knows a majority of his or her friends' friends. By segregating into small communities, workers can more effectively create closed social networks. Social networks with different reservation wages will receive different wages; firms can induce such segregation and wage discrimination in the interest of profit. Workers may not benefit from such segregation, except as a best response to being in a society where it already exists; the “friends” in these social networks act as a worker discipline device, and in this way treat each other inimically.
Economic Crime as Hiding Behavior
Authors: Engdahl Oskar
Published: June 2009

Abstract

The article introduces “hiding behavior” as a concept for understanding why people conceal economic problems and solve them by committing crimes. This concept's theoretical purport, empirical applicability, and relevance for the research area are considered through an analysis of an empirical case. An explanatory model is then developed, focusing on the concrete social relations in which hiding behavior originates and in which it remains embedded. From case studies we see how hiding behavior is situated in social relations characterized by a specific form of uncertainty arising from engulfment and isolation. In these relations money plays a central role, providing a medium for action‐coordination essential in the incidence of economic crime. Finally, the explanatory power of the proposed conceptual model is discussed, with several possible refinements suggested for it.
Voter Responses to Referenda Seeking to Exceed Revenue Limits
Authors: MAHER CRAIG S. , SKIDMORE MARK
Published: June 2009

Following voter approval of California's Proposition 13, a body of research has attempted to explain referenda outcomes aimed at restricting public sector tax and spending authority. Evaluating the determinants of voter attitudes toward referenda to exceed spending/revenue limits, however, has received little attention. Using data for all Wisconsin school districts, we examine the outcomes of referenda to exceed revenue caps. A key finding of our research is that when voters support bonding for capital expenditures, they tend also to approve referenda to override revenue limits. This enables school districts to cover new operating costs often associated with new capital projects.
A Reconnaissance of Alternative Measures of Effective Property Tax Rates
Authors: Bell Michael E. , Kirschner Charlotte
Published: June 2009

Informed policy discussions on local property tax reform initiatives require accurate and reliable information about the tax's current use. This paper reviews two popular measures of property tax burden and their limitations. The paper then reports the results of a reconnaissance of measures of effective property tax rates and how they vary across the 50 states. The paper also reports the findings of a 50‐state survey that indicates how states calculated and reported effective property tax rates. These comparisons lead to a suggested framework for certain methodologies for calculating effective property tax rates.
Arrhythmia Detection in Single‐ and Dual‐Chamber Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: The More Leads, the Better?
Authors: FRANCIA PIETRO , BALLA CRISTINA , UCCELLINI ARIANNA , CAPPATO RICCARDO
Published: June 2009

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) offers life‐saving therapies for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in high‐risk patients. However, ICD detection algorithms consistently misclassify a substantial proportion of supraventricular rhythms, thus carrying the risk for inappropriate therapies. Although single‐chamber ICD (Sc‐ICD) discrimination tools have been reported to provide high specificity in rejecting sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation with a relatively low ventricular rate, accurate recognition of atrial fibrillation with faster ventricular rates, atrial tachycardias, atrial flutter, and some reentrant tachycardias is still an issue. Dual‐chamber ICDs (Dc‐ICDs) are supposed to overcome specificity issues by enhancing detection algorithms with information derived from the atrial and ventricular timing relationship. The initial promise of Dc‐ICDs was to improve detection specificity without compromising sensitivity, and to translate this advantage over Sc‐ICDs in a more selective use of aggressive therapies. Despite this solid background, superiority of Dc‐ over Sc‐ICDs has never been convincingly demonstrated. The present review focuses on the efficacy of contemporary ICD arrhythmia discrimination tools and appraises the so far reported evidence supporting the superiority of Dc‐ICDs in preventing inappropriate therapies.
ACGME Outcome Project: Phase 3 in Emergency Medicine Education
Authors: Schneider Sandra M. , Chisholm Carey D.
Published: June 2009

In this article we present a summary of two interactive panel discussions held at the 2008 Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD) annual meeting. Attendees attempted to identify measurable outcomes for resident performance that could be used to evaluate program effectiveness.
The Moderating Effect of Diversity Strategy on the Relationship Between Racial Diversity and Organizational Performance
Authors: Cunningham George B.
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which a proactive diversity‐management strategy moderated the relationship between racial diversity and organizational performance. Data were gathered from 75 NCAA athletic departments. Hierarchal regression analysis indicated that, after controlling for the department expenditures and department size, racial diversity was positively associated with objective measures of overall performance. These effects were qualified by the moderating effects of a proactive diversity‐management strategy, as departments that were racially diverse and followed a proactive diversity‐management strategy had the greatest performance. The total model explained 68% of the variance in the department's performance. Results are discussed in terms of contributions and implications.
Estimating Xylella fastidiosa transmission parameters: decoupling sharpshooter number and feeding period
Authors: Daugherty M. P. , Almeida R. P. P.
Published: June 2009

Compared to human‐ and wildlife‐transmitted pathogens, less emphasis has been placed on developing models of plant pathogen transmission by insects. Here, we describe the transmission ecology of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al., the causal agent of Pierce’s disease in grapevines, by its leafhopper vectors. First, we performed a meta‐analysis of transmission studies of X. fastidiosa by its two most important vectors in the Western USA, the invasive glassy‐winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis Germar, and the native blue‐green sharpshooter, Graphocephala atropunctata Signoret (both Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The importance of vector number, pathogen acquisition period, and inoculation access period (IAP) for transmission differed between the two species. We fit these transmission datasets to two biologically derived transmission models, i.e., a binomial and a Poisson probability model. The Poisson model provided substantially better fit and produced estimates of H. vitripennis transmission efficiency that were dramatically lower than for G. atropunctata. We also conducted a separate pair of experiments that decoupled vector number from IAP. These experiments supported the results of the meta‐analysis. Interestingly, high vector loads not only increased transmission rate, but also shortened X. fastidiosa incubation period in grapevines. This work provides quantitative estimates of transmission of an economically important pathogen that is analogous to risk models for arthropod‐vectored human and wildlife diseases. In addition, this work suggests that heterogeneous vector loads may accelerate the disease cycle, increasing the potential for secondary spread in vineyards.
Use of infochemicals to attract carrion beetles into pitfall traps
Authors: Podskalská H. , Růžička J. , Hoskovec M. , Šálek M.
Published: June 2009

When the bodies of small vertebrates start to decay shortly after death, a number of organosulfur compounds are produced, including methanethiol, dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethyldisulfide (DMDS), dimethyltrisulfide (DMTS), and S‐methyl thioacetate. These molecules appear to attract various necrophagous animals. We tested the roles of DMS, DMDS, and DMTS (in order of decreasing volatility) as attractants of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae: Nicrophorinae) in a field experiment in an agricultural landscape in southern Bohemia, Czech Republic. We collected a total of 362 adult Nicrophorus vespillo (L.) that were attracted to 220 baited pitfall traps in a 3‐day experiment. Sets of traps baited with DMTS were more successful in catching N. vespillo than sets baited with a blank. Traps containing DMDS had higher trapping success than traps containing DMS. In addition, trapping success strongly increased using DMTS in the presence of DMDS but not of DMS, suggesting a synergistic effect of DMDS and DMTS. We observed similar patterns between males and females in response to the infochemicals tested.
On the relationship between population differentiation and sampling effort: is more always better?
Authors: Björklund Mats , Bergek Sara
Published: June 2009

Given the relative ease by which genotypic data now can be obtained, studies of population differentiation can attain high statistical power provided the number of individuals and loci scored are sufficiently high. This has led to a misunderstanding of the concept of power, and studies with a low number of individuals and loci are dismissed despite highly significant results. This raises statistical, biological and ethical concerns, which we discuss in this note. We suggest that authors should routinely report the number of additional non‐significant loci as a measure of the robustness of the results.
Trivial and non‐trivial applications of entropy maximization in ecology: a reply to Shipley
Authors: Haegeman Bart , Loreau Michel
Published: June 2009

Entropy maximization (EM) is becoming an increasingly popular modelling technique in ecology, but its potential and limitations are still poorly understood. In our previous contribution (Haegeman and Loreau 2008), we showed that even a trivial application of EM can yield predictions that provide an excellent fit to empirical data. In his response, Shipley (2009) distinguishes two different versions of the EM procedure, an information‐theoretical version and a combinatorial version, to justify a trivial application of EM. Here we first provide a brief user's guide to EM to clarify the various steps involved in the procedure. We then show that the information‐theoretical and combinatorial rationales for EM are but complementary views on the same procedure. Lastly, we attempt to identify the conditions that lead to trivial and non‐trivial applications of EM. We discuss how non‐trivial applications of EM can yield valuable new insights in ecology.
Insect herbivory in an experimental agroecosystem: the relative importance of habitat area, fragmentation, and the matrix
Authors: Haynes Kyle J. , Crist Thomas O.
Published: June 2009

Habitat area, fragmentation, and the surrounding matrix influence levels of herbivory in various ecosystems, but the relative importance of these effects has rarely been assessed. We compared levels of herbivory and densities of dominant arthropod herbivores (the hemipteran insectsAgallia constricta, Empoasca fabae, Therioaphis trifolii, Lygus lineolarisandHalticus bractatus) among experimental plots that varied in the area and fragmentation of clover habitat and the composition of the matrix (bare ground or grass) surrounding clover habitat. To assess levels of herbivory, we compared clover biomass within herbivore exclosures to the biomass accessible to herbivores. The area and fragmentation of clover habitat, as well as matrix composition, significantly influenced the collective densities of herbivores, although each species exhibited unique responses to habitat structure. Herbivory was strongest in plots with large (64 m2) as compared to small (16 m2) amounts of clover habitat. The difference in clover biomass between the inside and outside of exclosures increased significantly with increasing density ofEmpoasca fabaebut was unrelated to the densities of the other herbivores, suggesting thatEmpoasca fabaewas an exceptionally important herbivore in this system. This study supports the view that herbivore densities and herbivory generally increase with increasing area of plant monocultures, but emphasizes that levels of herbivory may be driven primarily by one or a few key herbivore species.
Serum sCD14, polymorphism of CD14−260 and periodontal infection
Authors: Raunio T , Knuuttila M , Karttunen R , Vainio O , Tervonen T
Published: June 2009

Background and Aims:  CD14 is a co‐receptor involved in the recognition of Gram‐negative and positive bacteria. Infections are known to influence serum sCD14 levels, and CD14 gene promoter polymorphism (CD14 C−260T) has been reported to be associated with many infectious diseases. Our aim was to investigate whether serum sCD14 concentration is associated with periodontal infection and the CD14−260 genotype.

Subjects and Methods:  The periodontal status of 56 subjects with chronic periodontitis and 28 controls was clinically examined. Serum sCD14 concentration was analyzed using ELISA and CD14−260 genotype using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:  The mean concentration of sCD14 in serum was significantly higher in subjects with periodontitis than in control subjects (4.9 μg ml−1vs 3.8 μg ml−1, P < 0.001). Serum sCD14 concentration associated significantly with the extent of advanced periodontal disease. In a regression analysis including both subject groups, the CD14−260 genotype was a significant determinant for serum sCD14 concentration. After stratification by periodontal health status (periodontitis vs controls), the influence of the CD14−260 genotype on serum sCD14 concentration was seen only in the control group.

Conclusions:  Periodontal infection is associated with the serum concentration of sCD14. Moderate to severe periodontal infection overshadows the influence of the genotype on serum sCD14 concentration.
RS Ophiuchi: thermonuclear explosion or disc instability?
Authors: King A. R. , Pringle J. E.
Published: June 2009

Sokoloski, Rupen & Mioduszewski have recently reported evidence that the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi produced a pair of highly collimated radio jets within days of its 2006 outburst. This suggests that an accretion disc must be present during the outburst. However, in the standard picture of recurrent novae as thermonuclear events, any such disc must be expelled from the white dwarf vicinity, as the nuclear energy yield greatly exceeds its binding energy. We suggest instead that the outbursts of RS Oph are thermal-viscous instabilities in a disc irradiated by the central accreting white dwarf. The distinctive feature of RS Oph is the very large size of its accretion disc. Given this, it fits naturally into a consistent picture of systems with unstable accretion discs. This picture explains the presence and speed of the jets, the brightness and duration of the outburst, and its rise time and linear decay, as well as the faintness of the quiescence. By contrast, the hitherto standard picture of recurrent thermonuclear explosions has a number of severe difficulties. These include the presence of jets, the faintness of quiescence, and the fact the accretion disc must be unstable unless it is far smaller than any reasonable estimate.
MEASURING RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SPREADABILITY OF SOFT FOODS USING A MODIFIED SQUEEZE‐FLOW APPARATUS
Authors: SUN ADRIANO , GUNASEKARAN SUNDARAM
Published: June 2009

The rheological characteristics of soft foods such as peanut butter, mayonnaise and margarine were evaluated by the UW Meltmeter, a modified squeezing‐flow device, applying a constant load under constant volume and changing area. Sample thickness profiles were measured as a function of time and the yield stress was calculated via a Herschel–Bulkley model as a measure of spreadability. Peanut butter exhibited the highest yield stress value (1.31–1.45 kPa) followed by margarine (0.80 kPa) and mayonnaise (0.31 kPa). Calculated values of biaxial extensional viscosity and consistency coefficient values calculated from the UW Meltmeter data followed the expected trends of relative spreadability of peanut butter, margarine, and mayonnaise. These results show that the UW Meltmeter is a relatively simple and reliable device for measuring yield stress and rheological properties of soft foods.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A new method has been proposed to measure yield stress of spreadable foods.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MOZZARELLA CHEESE DETERMINED BY CREEP/RECOVERY TESTS: EFFECT OF SAMPLING DIRECTION, TEST TEMPERATURE AND RIPENING TIME
Authors: OLIVARES MARÍA LAURA , ZORRILLA SUSANA E. , RUBIOLO AMELIA C.
Published: June 2009

The viscoelastic properties of mozzarella cheese using a creep/recovery test considering different sampling directions (parallel and perpendicular to protein fiber orientation), test temperatures (20, 30 and 40C) and ripening times (1, 8, 15, 29 and 36 days) were studied. Creep data were interpreted by a Burger model of four parameters. A semiempirical approach was proposed to obtain the contribution of each main compliance to the total deformation of the system. Creep tests at different temperatures allowed gaining a better understanding of changes that occur in the cheese matrix during heating and ripening. Sampling direction did not affect any of the parameters studied. Finally, it was clearly observed that cheese matrix behaves as a quite different physicochemical system depending on temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the rheological tests at different temperatures to evaluate appropriately the viscoelastic properties of mozzarella cheese.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Mozzarella cheese must have certain characteristics to be used on pizzas and on other prepared foods that use the cheese in melted state. The protein chains in the mozzarella curds coalesce into large strands that are oriented in the direction of stretching. For this reason, mozzarella cheese has an anisotropic structure. Therefore, it is relevant to determine the effect of protein fiber orientation on the rheological properties. Valuable information may be obtained through the creep/recovery test of mozzarella cheese samples to study its rheological properties and to explain molecular mechanisms that occur during ripening or melting processes considering sampling direction.
Incarnation: Metaphysical Issues
Authors: Poidevin Robin Le
Published: June 2009

The last quarter of the twentieth century saw a resurgence of realism in various areas of philosophy, including metaphysics and the philosophy of religion, and this trend has continued in the first decade of the twenty‐first century. In philosophy of religion this led to explorations of the philosophical coherence of orthodox doctrines, such as the Christian doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. In metaphysics, there was renewed interest in debates concerning persistence, composition, the relation between mind and body, time and necessity, among others. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the links between these two strands of realist inquiry, focusing on some metaphysical issues raised by the Incarnation. It ends with some suggestions as to how recent developments in metaphysical debate might inform our understanding of this most central of Christian beliefs.
Similarity judgements of odour quality and pleasantness
Authors: McAtamney Geraldine , Annett Judith
Published: June 2009

Assumptions are often made about the generalisabilty of experiences, particularly perceptual experiences. Individual differences in experiences, we suggest, are of fundamental interest to the foodservice and general hospitality industries, and may be analysed at many levels. Using as background a small‐scale study of odour similarity and pleasantness ratings and drawn from the perspective of traditional psychological research, this paper considers olfactory experiences, an area of particular significance when considering food‐related activities, both from the perspective of sensory analysis and the general foodservice industry. Some common, implicit psychological assumptions are questioned, particularly those indicated by the general failure to specify a response model in interpretation of individual reports of sensory and perceptual experiences. A variety of attributes contributes to the overall experience of food, and understanding of fundamental psychological processes could help foodservice academics and professionals elucidate the issues underlying the ultimate biopsychosocial experience, food.
Collaborated Death: An Exploration of the Swiss Model of Assisted Suicide for Its Potential to Enhance Oversight and Demedicalize the Dying Process
Authors: Ziegler Stephen J.
Published: June 2009

Medicalized Death and the Right to Die Movement Prior to the 20th Century, most Americans died at home, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. Religion, not medicine, governed the death bed for there was little physicians could do for the dying. Eventually, however, advances in medicine and technology would lead to dramatic changes in the timing and location of death: patients not only began living longer, they were also dying longer, and unlike their predecessors, were more likely to die alone, in institutions, and among strangers. Modern medicine, in its zeal to conquer death, had become obsessed with its curative function and ability to extend the lives of the dying. To many in the medical community, death represented failure and was something to be avoided at all costs, and like many other social problems in the United States, had become medicalized.
When Scientists Deceive: Applying the Federal Regulations
Authors: O'Neil Collin C. , Miller Franklin G.
Published: June 2009

Informed consent is a basic ethical and legal requirement for human subjects research. The U.S. federal regulations governing research on human subjects stipulate general requirements for informed consent. Investigators are required to disclose to prospective subjects material information about the purpose, procedures, and likely consequences of the study, among other things. However, investigators sometimes employ deception for methodological reasons. In order to keep subjects’ responses unbiased, investigators deceive subjects about such things as the fact that they are taking part in research, the purpose of the research, the research interventions or interactions, or the likely consequences of those interventions or interactions. When investigators deceive subjects about such aspects of a study, the study fails to meet these general requirements for informed consent.
Differences in Regulatory Frameworks Governing Genetic Laboratories in Four Countries
Authors: Tassé Anne Marie , Petit Élodie , Godard Béatrice
Published: June 2009

A recent Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) survey demonstrated that an internationalization of genetic laboratory services currently emerged from the rarity of certain genetic abnormalities and from the small of laboratories performing specialized testing. When DNA samples cross national boundaries for genetic testing services to be performed in another country, the heterogeneity of national legal frameworks raises important questions regarding quality of genetic services available internationally.

Some aspects of the genetic laboratories’ services are abundantly discussed by the literature, among which most prominent are quality control standards and patients rights. Firstly, a 2003 study identified key distinctions between the different legal frameworks for genetic services. While some countries impose exhaustive regulatory requirements, others favor guidelines for good practices. Moreover, proficiency assessment, clinical validity, retention of laboratory records and test reports are not dealt with uniformly.
Improving Information on Public Health Law Best Practices for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Tortolero Susan R. , Popham Karyn , Jacobson Peter D.
Published: June 2009

This paper is the companion to “Assessment of Information on Public Health Law Best Practices for Obesity Prevention and Control,” and the fourth of four action papers produced as part of the National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control, convened June 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Society for Law, Medicine Ethics. The four action papers present options to address gaps in the four core elements of public health legal preparedness as outlined in the relevant companion papers. The four core elements are: (1) laws and legal authorities; (2) legal competencies for public health professionals to apply those laws and authorities; (3) coordination of law-based efforts across jurisdictions and sectors, and (4) information on public health law best practices.
Antagonistic Activity of Spent Culture Supernatants of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Helicobacter Pylori Growth and Infection in Human Gastric Epithelial AGS Cells
Authors: Lin Wen‐Hsin , Lin Chien‐Ku , Sheu Sen‐Je , Hwang Chin‐Fa , Ye Wan‐Ting , Hwang Wen‐Zhe , Tsen Hau‐Yang
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  We investigated the bactericidal activity and exclusion effect of 10 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from different commercial food products and infant feces against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in human gastric epithelial AGS cells. Antagonistic activity of spent culture supernatants (SCS) from LAB (LAB‐SCS) was tested, and the content of organic acids in SCS was analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, the bactericidal activities of LAB‐SCS were estimated by a time‐kill assay and by measuring the exclusion effect of LAB‐SCS against H. pylori in AGS cells. The results showed that SCS from certain strains with higher concentrations of organic acids dramatically decreased the viability of H. pylori. We also proved that the organic acids could inhibit H. pylori adhesion and invasion of AGS cells. Furthermore, the concentration and speciation of organic acids in SCS after fermentation of LAB are important factors in the inhibition of H. pylori infection. In addition, the in vitro methods used in this study might provide for the rapid screening of potential probiotics with anti‐H. pylori activity in the dairy industry.
Effect of Time, Temperature, and Slicing on Respiration Rate of Mushrooms
Authors: Iqbal T. , Rodrigues F. A. S. , Mahajan P. V. , Kerry J. P.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  Respiration rate measurement considering the effects of cutting, temperature, and storage time are important for the shelf life study and modified atmosphere‐packaging design of fresh‐cut produce. This study investigates in the respiration rate of fresh whole and sliced mushrooms at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 °C under ambient atmosphere and different storage times. The O2 consumption rate increased with temperature and ranged from 22.13 to 102.41 mL/(kg.h) and 28.87 to 143.22 mL/(kg.h) for whole and sliced mushrooms, respectively, in the temperature range tested. Similar trend was observed for CO2 production rate. Slicing of mushrooms increased the respiration rate by 30% at 0 °C and 40% at 20 °C indicating that the mushrooms are not as sensitive to the stress caused by cutting as other fresh produce. Storage time affected both respiration rate of whole and sliced mushrooms and this effect was prominent at higher temperatures. The respiration rates increased initially for some time, then decreased and reached steady state value at 12, 16, and 20 °C. A 2nd‐order polynomial equation was used to fit the respiration rate data as a function of time at each temperature tested.
Directed evolution of the transcription factor XylS for development of improved expression systems
Authors: Vee Aune Trond Erik , Bakke Ingrid , Drabløs Finn , Lale Rahmi , Brautaset Trygve , Valla Svein
Published: June 2009

The inducible Pm promoter together with its cognate positive transcription regulator XylS has been shown to be useful for recombinant protein production under high cell density conditions. Here we report directed evolution of XylS resulting in mutant proteins with increased ability to stimulate transcription in Escherichia coli from Pm. A first round of mutagenesis using error‐prone PCR on xylS was used to construct a library consisting of about 430 000 clones, and this library could be efficiently screened with respect to stimulation of expression from Pm due to a positive correlation between the level of expression of the reporter gene, bla (encoding β‐lactamase), and the ampicillin tolerance of the corresponding host cells. Fourteen different amino acid substitutions in XylS were found to separately lead to up to nearly a threefold stimulation of expression under induced conditions, relative to wild type. These mutations were all located in the part corresponding to the N‐terminal half of the protein. Varying combinations of the mutations resulted in further stimulation, and the best results (about 10‐fold stimulation under induced conditions) were obtained by using a random shuffling procedure followed by a new round of screening. The uninduced levels of expression for the same mutants also increased, but only about four times. Through in silico 3D modelling of the N‐terminal domain of XylS, it was observed that the evolved mutant proteins contained substitutions that were positioned in different parts of the predicted structure, including a β‐barrel putatively responsible for effector binding and a coiled coil probably important for dimerization. The total production of the host‐toxic antibody fragment scFv‐phOx expressed from Pm with the evolved XylS mutant protein StEP‐13 was about ninefold higher than with wild‐type XylS, demonstrating that directed evolution of transcription factors can be an important new tool to achieve high‐level recombinant protein production.
Policy analytical capacity and evidence‐based policy‐making: Lessons from Canada
Authors: Howlett Michael
Published: June 2009

Abstract:Evidence‐based policy‐making represents a contemporary effort to reform or re‐structure policy processes in order to prioritize evidentiary or data‐based decision‐making. Like earlier efforts in the “policy analysis movement,” its aim is to avoid or minimize policy failures caused by a mismatch between government expectations and actual, on‐the‐ground conditions through the provision of greater amounts of policy‐relevant information. A significant factor affecting the ability of policy‐makers to engage in evidence‐based policy‐making pertains to both governmental and non‐governmental “policy analytical capacity.” That is, governments require a reasonably high level of policy analytical capacity to perform the tasks associated with managing the policy process in order to implement evidence‐based policy‐making and avoid several of the most common sources of policy failures. Recent studies, however, suggest that, even in advanced countries such as Canada, the level of policy analytical capacity found in many governments and non‐governmental actors is low, potentially contributing to both a failure of evidence‐based policy‐making as well as effectively dealing with many complex contemporary policy challenges.

Sommaire:L'élaboration de politiques axée sur des éléments probants représente un effort contemporain de réforme ou de structuration des processus de politiques dans le but de donner la prioritéà la prise de décisions s'appuyant sur les preuves ou fondée sur les données. Comme pour les efforts antérieurs du « mouvement d'analyse de politiques », le but est d'éviter ou de minimiser les échecs de politiques causés par un décalage entre les attentes du gouvernement et les conditions réelles sur le terrain, grâce à la disposition de plus amples informations pertinentes aux politiques. Un facteur important touchant à l'aptitude des élaborateurs de politiques à s'engager dans une élaboration de politiques axée sur les éléments probants est liéà la « capacité d'analyse de politiques » aussi bien gouvernementale que non gouvernementale. C'est‐à‐dire que les gouvernements exigent un niveau raisonnablement élevé de capacité d'analyse de politiques en vue d'exécuter les tâches associées à la gestion du processus politique pour mettre en œuvre l'élaboration de politiques axée sur les éléments probants et éviter ainsi plusieurs sources courantes d'échecs de politiques. Néanmoins, des études récentes laissent entendre que, même dans les pays développés comme le Canada, le niveau de capacité d'analyse de politiques observé dans de nombreux gouvernements et chez un grand nombre d'acteurs non gouvernementaux est faible ; cela pourrait éventuellement contribuer à la fois à un échec de l'élaboration de politiques axées sur les éléments probants ainsi qu'à l'échec de régler efficacement de nombreux problèmes contemporains complexes en matière de politiques.
Les transformations du travail et de l'entreprise : qu'attendre des politiques publiques?1
Authors: Bernstein Stéphanie , Coiquaud Urwana , Dupuis Marie‐Josée , Fontaine Laurence Léa , Morissette Lucie , Paquet Esther , Vallée Guylaine
Published: June 2009

Sommaire : Les politiques publiques du travail ont été conçues pour offrir des mesures de protection aux salariés travaillant à temps plein, pour un seul employeur, sous son contrôle et sur les lieux de l'entreprise. Or, le marché du travail est aujourd'hui composé d'une pluralité de relations d'emploi qui limitent l'efficacité de ces protections. Ce constat soulève la question suivante : que devraient contenir les politiques publiques pour être mieux adaptées au marché du travail? La première partie de cet article examine les voies de renouvellement possible des politiques publiques pour tenir compte des transformations du travail et de l'entreprise. Certaines suggèrent de faire reposer l'octroi de droits et d'avantages sur l'existence d'un travail ou d'une activité professionnelle alors que d'autres les rattachent à l'individu ou au citoyen. Ces propositions ne pourront cependant voir le jour que si elles font l'objet d'une appropriation par les acteurs sociaux et étatiques. Une réflexion sur le contenu des politiques doit ainsi être combinée à l'étude des processus sociaux susceptibles de faire émerger de telles réformes. Cette question est abordée dans la deuxième partie de l'article à partir de trois exemples récents de réformes législatives.

Abstract: Public labour policies were developed to ensure the protection of workers who work for one employer on a full‐time basis, at the employer's place of work and under his control. However, today's labour market is composed of a multiplicity of employment relations that limit the effectiveness of the protection. This raises the following question: what features should public policies include to better meet the needs of the labour market? The first part of this article examines how public policies could be renewed in order to take work and organizational transformations into account. Some policies suggest that rights and benefits should be granted on the basis of a job or professional activity, whereas others link rights and benefits to the individual or the citizen. However, these proposals will only emerge if they are appropriated by social and governmental stakeholders. A reflection on the content of the policies must therefore be undertaken in combination with a study of the social processes that may influence the emergence of such reforms. This question is examined in the second part of the article through a review of three recent examples of legislative reform initiatives.