bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Nature and Reasons for Sexual Violence Within Marriage Among Young Women in Nepal
Authors: Puri Mahesh , Shah Iqbal , Tamang Jyotsna
Published: February 2010

Sexual violence within marriage (SVWM) is a major public health and human right issue and yet remains a much neglected research area, especially in Nepal. An exploratory study using free listing, in-depth case histories and causal flow analysis was conducted among two major ethnic groups in Nepal. Descriptive data collected from free listing indicate that about half of the married women aged 15 to 24 years reported ever experiencing SVWM. Data revealed that the underlying reasons for SVWM are complex and complicated due to the multiple forms and contexts in which it occurs. For many couples, multiple factors alongside, and within, their socioeconomic and cultural contexts contribute to the risk of experiencing SVWM. Major factors escalating the risk to SVWM include gender norms, economic dependence of women, poverty, alcohol consumption of husband, lack of knowledge, social stigma, and lack of supportive familial and social environment. Raising awareness about sexual violence is required for its prevention and for managing the consequences. Further research is required to identify the determinants, the effects of SVWM on sexual and reproductive health outcomes and to help programs develop the best strategies for dealing with SVWM among young couples.
Evaluating the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on the Perpetrator: The Perceived Consequences of Domestic Violence Questionnaire
Authors: Walker Denise D. , Neighbors Clayton , Mbilinyi Lyungai F. , O'Rourke Allison , Zegree Joan , Roffman Roger A. , Edleson Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2010

Surprisingly, little is known about how IPV perpetrators perceive the conse quences of their violent behavior. This article describes the development and evaluation of the Perceived Consequences of Domestic Violence Questionnaire (PCDVQ). The PCDVQ is a 27 item self report instrument designed to assess the consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) as perceived by the perpetrator. Data from 124 nontreatment seeking, male, IPV perpetrators recruited from the community provided support for the internal consistency of the PCDVQ. Participants reported an average of 9.97 ( SD = 4.57) consequences. Scores on the PCDVQ significantly predicted motivation for change, β =.19, t(113) = 2.03, p < .05, and treatment seeking, χ2( df = 1) = 10.79, p < .01, odds ratio = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10 1.46). Clinical implications of this instrument are discussed.
Breastfeeding in Preterm and Term Twins—Maternal Factors Associated With Early Cessation: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Östlund Åsa , Nordström Maria , Dykes Fiona , Flacking Renée
Published: February 2010

To investigate the duration of breastfeeding and the impact of maternal factors for cessation of breastfeeding in twin infants, the authors undertook a population-based cohort study. Breastfeeding data obtained from Child Health Centres were matched with data on infant and maternal demographics from Swedish national registers. A total of 1.657 twins were included, of whom 695 were born preterm. Breastfeeding frequencies in preterm twins were 79% at 2 months, 58% at 4 months, 39% at 6 months, 14% at 9 months, and 6% at 12 months. In term twins, the corresponding frequencies were 84%, 63%, 45%, 18%, and 6%, respectively. In both preterm and term mothers, mothers who had a lower educational level or smoked at first antenatal care visit were subject to earlier cessation of breastfeeding by 6 months of age. In addition, in mothers of term infants, mothers who were < 23 years old or primiparous had a higher risk for cessation of breastfeeding before 6 months. Thus, mothers of twins have a good potential to breastfeed, but additional support is needed for those more susceptible to early cessation of breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 26(3):235-241.
The Portuguese Version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form
Authors: Zubaran Carlos , Foresti Katia , Schumacher Marina , Thorell Mariana Rossi , Amoretti Aline , Müller Lúcia , Dennis Cindy Lee
Published: February 2010

The objective of this study was to translate and psychometrically assess a Portuguese version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (BSES-SF). The original English version of the BSES-SF was translated to Portuguese and tested among a sample of 89 mothers in southern Brazil from the 2nd to 12th postpartum week followed by face-to-face interviews. The mean total score of the Portuguese version of the BSES-SF was 63.6 ± 6.22. The reliability analysis of each item in the scale attained significant Cronbach’s alphas of 0.63 or superior. The Cronbach’s alpha generated by the entire range of 14 questions was 0.71. A factor analysis identified one factor that contributed to 20% of the variance. This study demonstrates that the original English version of the BSES-SF was successfully adapted to Portuguese. The Portuguese version of the BSES-SF constitutes a reliable research instrument for evaluating breastfeeding self-efficacy in Brazil. J Hum Lact. 26(3):297-303.
The Influence of Taxes and Subsidies on Energy Purchased in an Experimental Purchasing Study
Authors: Epstein Leonard H. , Dearing Kelly K. , Roba Lora G. , Finkelstein Eric
Published: February 2010

There is limited research on how taxes and subsidies would influence the energy and nutritional quality of food purchases. Using an experimental analogue purchasing task, we examined the effects of increasing the price of high-calorie-for-nutrient foods or reducing the price of low-calorie-for-nutrient foods by 12.5% and 25% on mothers’ purchases of 68 common foods and drinks. Taxing less healthy foods with low nutrient density reduced energy (caloric) intake, while reducing the proportion of fat and increasing the proportion of protein purchased. Subsidizing more healthful foods with high nutrient density increased energy intake, without changing the macronutrient profile of foods purchased. These results favor taxes as a way to reduce caloric intake.
Attention and the Evolution of Hollywood Film
Authors: Cutting James E. , DeLong Jordan E. , Nothelfer Christine E.
Published: February 2010

Reaction times exhibit a spectral patterning known as 1/ f, and these patterns can be thought of as reflecting time-varying changes in attention. We investigated the shot structure of Hollywood films to determine if these same patterns are found. We parsed 150 films with release dates from 1935 to 2005 into their sequences of shots and then analyzed the pattern of shot lengths in each film. Autoregressive and power analyses showed that, across that span of 70 years, shots became increasingly more correlated in length with their neighbors and created power spectra approaching 1/ f. We suggest, as have others, that 1/ f patterns reflect world structure and mental process. Moreover, a 1/ f temporal shot structure may help harness observers’ attention to the narrative of a film.
Infection Breeds Reticence
Authors: Mortensen Chad R. , Becker D. Vaughn , Ackerman Joshua M. , Neuberg Steven L. , Kenrick Douglas T.
Published: February 2010

Social living brings humans great rewards, but also associated dangers, such as increased risk of infection from others. Although the body’s immune system is integral to combating disease, it is physiologically costly. Less costly are evolved mechanisms for promoting avoidance of people who are potentially infectious, such as perceiving oneself as less social and increasing the tendency to make avoidant movements. In Experiment 1, exposure to a disease prime led participants to rate themselves as less extraverted than did exposure to a control prime, and led participants high in perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) to rate themselves as less agreeable and less open to experience than did exposure to a control prime. In Experiment 2, a disease prime facilitated avoidant tendencies in arm movements when participants viewed photographs of faces, especially for participants high in PVD. Together, these findings reveal functional changes in perception and behavior that would serve to promote avoidance of potentially infectious individuals.
Microfossil record of the Holocene evolution of coastal wetlands in a tectonically active region of New Zealand
Authors: Hayward Bruce W. , Wilson Kate , Morley Margaret S. , Cochran Ursula , Grenfell Hugh R. , Sabaa Ashwaq T. , Daymond-King Rhiannon
Published: February 2010

The shallow tidal Wairau coastal lagoons, New Zealand, are in a prime location for investigating the relative roles of tectonic and eustatic sea level on their palaeogeographic evolution. The Wairau lagoons are unique in New Zealand for their wide seasonal and tidal salinity range, from hyposaline (10—20 psu) to hypersaline (35—54 psu). Foraminiferal and ostracod associations are recognised, using Q-mode cluster analysis, living in and around these lagoons and detrended canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA) shows that their distributions are strongly correlated with tidal elevation and salinity. Analyses of the modern analogue faunal data combined with Holocene microfaunal data from five 2.5—9 m deep cores enables direct palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the fossil faunas and elucidation of the lagoons’ palaeogeographic evolution. The area was inundated by rising eustatic sea level from 8.5 ka onwards, forming a fully marine, sheltered, subtidal bay. Sediment supply outpaced local tectonic subsidence and the bay filled with mud, shallowing to intertidal by 4.5—3.5 ka, still with an open mouth to the sea. Since then sediment supply has kept pace with 3—4 m of inferred tectonic subsidence. At ~1.5 ka the calcareous-dominated foraminiferal faunas suddenly changed to agglutinate-dominated faunas, indicating a switch to a semi-closed lagoon linked to the Wairau River estuary, with highly varied salinity like today. We infer this was caused by northwards extension of the Wairau Boulder Bank across the bay’s mouth in response to a sharp eustatic sea-level fall after 2 ka. Sediment supply switched to fluvially derived sand which built a flood-delta into the lagoon dividing it into three water bodies. Relative sea-level rise in the last 600 years from earthquake-related compaction (AD 1855) and accelerating eustatic rise (0.6 m) has resulted in increased marginal erosion of the lagoons and their re-amalgamation into one linked water body.
Factors affecting the perceptions of Iranian agricultural researchers towards nanotechnology
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mahmood , Rezaei Rohollah
Published: February 2010

This descriptive survey research was undertaken to design appropriate programs for the creation of a positive perception of nanotechnology among their intended beneficiaries. In order to do that, the factors affecting positive perceptions were defined. A stratified random sample of 278 science board members was selected out of 984 researchers who were working in 22 National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs). Data were collected by using a mailed questionnaire. The descriptive results revealed that more than half of the respondents had “low” or “very low” familiarity with nanotechnology. Regression analysis indicated that the perceptions of Iranian NARI Science Board Members towards nanotechnology were explained by three variables: the level of their familiarity with emerging applications of nanotechnology in agriculture, the level of their familiarity with nanotechnology and their work experiences. The findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the present situation of the development of nanotechnology and the planning of appropriate programs for creating a positive perception of nanotechnology.
Stakeholder engagement in food risk management
Authors: Walls John , Rowe Gene , Frewer Lynn
Published: February 2010

There are considerable uncertainties regarding how stakeholder engagement should be enacted. The lack of clear guidelines on good practice is arguably a consequence of an absence of evaluations on the effectiveness of past engagement exercises. Here we describe the evaluation of one engagement event concerning food risk management. This event involved presenting a novel food risk analysis model to key stakeholders in two workshops (in 2005 and 2007) in order to gather opinions and to consider the model’s likely impact on the wider community. The workshops and their evaluation, using elements of a previously developed evaluation framework, are described. The discussion emphasises how the organisers utilised the first evaluation report in order to improve the subsequent workshop. In the concluding section, the merits of both the engagement process and the methods used to evaluate it are discussed. Broader lessons for the academic, practitioner and policy communities are developed.
Government management of two media-facilitated crises involving dioxin contamination of food
Authors: Jacob Casey J. , Lok Corie , Morley Katija , Powell Douglas A.
Published: February 2010

Incidents become crises through a constant and intense public scrutiny facilitated by the media. Two incidents involving dioxin contamination of food led to crises in Belgium and the Republic of Ireland in 1999 and 2008, respectively. Thought to cause cancer in humans, dioxins reached the food supply in both incidents through the contamination of fat used for animal feed. The food and agricultural industries connected to each incident relied on crisis management activities of federal governments to limit adverse public reaction. Analysis of the management of the two crises by their respective federal governments, and a subsequent review of crisis management literature, led to the development of an effective crisis management model. Such a model, appropriately employed, may insulate industries associated with a crisis against damaged reputations and financial loss.
Antirationalist critique or fifth column of scientism? Challenges from Doctor Who to the mad scientist trope
Authors: Orthia Lindy A.
Published: February 2010

Much of the public understanding of science literature dealing with fictional scientists claims that scientist villains by their nature embody an antiscience critique. I characterize this claim and its founding assumptions as the “mad scientist” trope. I show how scientist villain characters from the science fiction television series Doctor Who undermine the trope via the programme’s use of rhetorical strategies similar to Gilbert and Mulkay’s empiricist and contingent repertoires, which define and patrol the boundaries between “science” and “non-science.” I discuss three such strategies, including the literal framing of scientist villains as “mad.” All three strategies exclude the characters from science, relieve science of responsibility for their villainy, and overtly or covertly contribute to the delivery of pro-science messages consistent with rationalist scientism. I focus on scientist villains from the most popular era of Doctor Who, the mid 1970s, when the show embraced the gothic horror genre.
Framing and sources: a study of mass media coverage of climate change in Peru during the V ALCUE
Authors: Takahashi Bruno
Published: February 2010

Studies about mass media framing have found divergent levels of influence on public opinion; moreover, the evidence suggests that issue attributes can contribute to this difference. In the case of climate change, studies have focused exclusively on developed countries, suggesting that media influence perceptions about the issue. This study presents one of the first studies of media coverage in a developing country. It examines newspapers’ reporting in Peru during the Fifth Latin America, Caribbean and European Union Summit in May 2008. The study focuses on the frames and the sources to provide an initial exploratory assessment of the coverage. The results show that the media relied mostly on government sources, giving limited access to dissenting voices such as environmentalists. Additionally, a prominence of “solutions” and “effects” frames was found, while “policy” and “science” frames were limited. The results could serve as a reference point for more comprehensive studies.
Steps in Intervention Research: Designing and Developing Social Programs
Authors: Fraser Mark W. , Galinsky Maeda J.
Published: February 2010

This article describes a 5-step model of intervention research. From lessons learned in our work, we develop an outline of core activities in designing and developing social programs. These include (a) develop problem and program theories; (b) design program materials and measures; (c) confirm and refine program components in efficacy tests; (d) test effectiveness in a variety of practice settings; and (e) disseminate program findings and materials. Last, using a risk and protective factor perspective, we discuss the adaptation of interventions for new settings and populations.
Preventing Childhood Bullying: Findings and Lessons From the Denver Public Schools Trial
Authors: Jenson Jeffrey M. , Dieterich William A. , Brisson Daniel , Bender Kimberly A. , Powell Anne
Published: February 2010

Twelve-month follow-up outcomes from a group-randomized trial (GRT) of a classroom curriculum aimed at preventing bullying and victimization among elementary students in the Denver, Colorado, public school system are presented. Twenty-eight elementary schools were randomly assigned to receive selected modules of Youth Matters (YM), a skills-training curriculum that targets bullying and victimization, or to a no-treatment control group. Linear growth models were fitted to five waves of data collected over 3 years to test the effect of the intervention on the rate of change in self-reported bullying and victimization. Participation in YM was associated with a 7% decline in bully victimization 1 year after the intervention ended. Practice and methodological challenges encountered in the investigation are discussed in the larger context of intervention research in school settings. Strategies to increase school-based intervention research by social work investigators are outlined.
The Research Relationship as a Facilitator of Remoralization and Self-Growth: Postearthquake Suffering and Healing
Authors: Kumar Ravi Priya
Published: February 2010

In new-paradigm research, empathic witnessing by the researcher might create within the researcher—participant relationship a space for participants to share and transcend their suffering. I explore this theme through the constructionist grounded theory analysis of interviews, fieldnotes, and my self-reflexive commentary from an original study conducted to understand the experiences of suffering and healing among the survivors of an earthquake that occurred in India in 2001. The five categories that emerged—getting overwhelmed while verbalizing suffering, search for the cultural meaning of the research relationship, piecing together of self, reaffirmation of moral status, and continuing bond revalidating the self—provide insights about this theme. Also, my reflections on participants’ suffering and healing not only facilitated my healing but also inspired me to expand my boundary of I to feel “oneness” with all forms of nature or existence. The findings and discussion not only enhance understanding of the communications and complexities of the researcher—participant relationship, but indicate the nature of support and education needed if researchers are to be effective witnesses to suffering.
Lost the Feel for the Game: Meanings of Onset and Diagnosis of AIDS Dementia for Significant Others
Authors: Kelly Angela
Published: February 2010

The onset and diagnosis of AIDS dementia marks a new dimension to living with HIV, an aspect few imagine or are equipped for. As a result of the profound changes that AIDS dementia makes to the ways the person with HIV acts, the life of significant others is similarly altered. Drawing on the metaphor of “the game” from Bourdieu’s work on habitus, I explore how the onset and subsequent diagnosis of AIDS dementia comes to signify for significant others a moment in which life is permanently altered, whereby they no longer have the feel for the game. With AIDS dementia, life (“the game”) is altered. Significant others feel that AIDS dementia is not a normal or acceptable AIDS illness: fears are contested, secrets managed and disclosed, and relations strained. This change in play further marginalizes significant others, and increases their sense of alterity from others living with and affected by HIV alone, because dementia is not the socially acceptable way of being ill with HIV.
Cerebral Localization of Functions and the Neurology of Language: Fact versus Fiction or Is It Something Else?
Authors: Ross Elliott D.
Published: February 2010

Over the last 15 years there has been a burgeoning number of publications using functional brain imaging (>40,000 articles based on an ISI/Web of Science search) to localize behavioral and cognitive processes to specific areas in the human brain that are often not confirmed by traditional, lesion-based studies. Thus, there is a need to reassess what cerebral localization of functions is and is not. Otherwise, there is no rational way to interpret the escalating claims of localization in the functional imaging literature that is taking on the appearance of neurophysiologic “phrenology”. This article will present arguments to suggest that functional localization in the brain is a robust but very dynamic, four-dimensional process. It is a learned phenomenon driven over time by large-scale, spatially distributed, neural networks seeking to efficiently maximize the processing, storage, and manipulation of information for cognitive and behavioral operations. Because of historical considerations and space limitations, the main focus will be on localization of language-related functions whose theoretical neurological basis can be generalized for any complex cognitive-behavioral function.
Hospital Safety Climate and Safety Outcomes: Is There a Relationship in the VA?
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , Singer Sara , Shibei Zhao  , Shokeen Priti , Meterko Mark , Gaba David
Published: February 2010

Strengthening safety climate is recognized as a necessary strategy for improving patient safety. Yet there is little empirical evidence linking hospitals’ safety climate with safety outcomes.The authors explored the potential relationship between safety climate and Veterans Health Administration hospital safety performance using the Patient Safety Indicator (PSI) rates. Safety climate survey data were merged with hospital discharge data to calculate PSIs. Linear regressions examined the relationship between hospitals’ safety climate and dimensions of safety climate with individual PSIs and a PSI composite measure, controlling for organizational-level variables. Safety climate overall was not related to the PSIs or to the PSI composite, although a few individual dimensions of safety climate were associated with specific PSIs. Perceptions of frontline staff were more closely aligned with PSIs than those of senior managers.
Sensory, Nutritive and Functional Properties of Sweet Cherry as Affected by Cultivar and Ripening Stage
Authors: Díaz-Mula H.M. , Castillo S. , Martínez-Romero D. , Valero D. , Zapata P.J. , Guillén F. , Serrano M.
Published: February 2010

In this article 11 commercial sweet cherry cultivars were selected to evaluate sensory, nutritive and functional properties over the maturation process on tree. Fruit quality was significantly different among cultivars and maturity stages at harvest, with the highest quality scores being found in the harvest which was 4 days beyond current commercial harvest maturity for all the cultivars tested. Taking into account all of the measured parameters (weight, firmness, color, acidity and total soluble solids), ‘NY-6479’, ‘Prime Giant’ and ‘Sunburst’ could be classified as having the highest quality in terms of sensory attributes. However, ‘Cristalina’ and ‘Sonata’ had the highest functional quality, as determined by the measurement of bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity. We conclude that a delay of a few days in harvesting of sweet cherries would lead to achieve maximal nutritional (highest sugar and organic acid contents), sensory (greatest firmness and color development) and functional (greatest phenolics content, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity) quality to provide both eating enjoyment and health benefits to the consumer.
Immobilization and Characterization of Tannase and its Haze-removing
Authors: Erzheng Su  , Tao Xia  , Liping Gao  , Qianying Dai  , Zhengzhu Zhang
Published: February 2010

Tannase was effectively immobilized on alginate by the method of crosslinking-entrapment-crosslinking with a high activity recovery of 76.6%. The properties of immobilized tannase were investigated. Its optimum temperature was determined to be 35 ° C, decreasing 10 °C compared with that of free enzyme, whereas the optimum pH of 5.0 did not change. The thermal and pH stabilities of immobilized tannase increased to some degree. The kinetic parameter, Km, for immobilized tannase was estimated to be 11.6 × 10-4 mol/L. Fe2+ and Mn2+ could activate the activity of immobilized tannase. The immobilized tannase was also applied to treat the tea beverage to investigate its haze-removing effect. The content of non-estern catechins in green tea, black tea and oolong tea increased by 52.17%, 12.94% and 8.83%, respectively. The content of estern catechins in green tea, oolong tea and black tea decreased by 20.0%, 16.68% and 5.04%, respectively. The anti-sediment effect of green tea infusion treated with immobilized tannase was significantly increased. The storage stability and reusability of the immobilized tannase were improved greatly, with 72.5% activity retention after stored for 42 days and 86.9% residual activity after repeatedly used for 30 times.
Effect of Extraction Parameters on the Properties of Gelatin from King Weakfish (Macrodon ancylodon) Bones
Authors: da Trindade Alfaro A. , Simões da Costa C. , Graciano Fonseca G. , Prentice C.
Published: February 2010

Fish bones are important sources of collagen and are usually discarded by the processing industries. A response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the extraction process of gelatin from king weakfish (Macrodon ancylodon) bones submitted to alkali pre-treatment. The experimental responses were gel strength and gelatin yield, while the studied variables were sodium hydroxide concentration (2 and 4 g/100 g), maceration time (48 and 72 h) and extraction temperature (60 °C and 80 °C). An increase in extraction temperature carried out a significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in gelatin gel strength. The increase in the NaOH concentration during maceration increased the process yield. Extraction temperature, NaOH concentration and their interaction had a pronounced effect on process yield. High extraction temperatures resulted in higher yields, but reduced the strength of gelatin gel.
Konjac Glucomannan as a Carrier Material for Time—Temperature Integrator
Authors: Wang J. , Deng Li , Li Yin , Xu X. , Gao Yi , Hilaire Nahimana , Chen H. , Jin Z. , Kim Jin Moon , He L.
Published: February 2010

Hardness, springiness and water retention of konjac glucomannan gel (g-KGM) as a novel carrier material for time—temperature integrator (TTI) in aseptic processing were determined and compared with those of sodium alginate gel (g-SA). Hardness of both g-KGM and g-SA increased with temperature: values of g-SA were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of g-KGM at all temperatures. No significant difference in springiness between g-KGM and g-SA from 40°C to 90 °C and significant differences (p < 0.05) between 100 °C and 140 °C were found. Water retention property of g-KGM was lower than that of g-SA between 60 °C and 100 °C, but much higher between 100 °C and 140 °C. Heat transfer tests performed on g-KGM alone as well as on g-KGM as a carrier, embedded with TTI, α-amylase as an integrator, indicated that g-KGM was suitable for industrial ultrahigh temperature sterilization test.
Thermal and Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Value of the Protein Fraction of Mexican Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.)
Authors: Olivos-Lugo B.L. , Valdivia-López M.Á. , Tecante A.
Published: February 2010

Thermal, functional and nutritional properties of the main protein fractions and a protein isolate of chia seed from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, gelling, foaming, water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil-holding capacity, amino acid profile, chemical score and in vitro digestibility tests. The protein isolate showed good WHC (4.06 g/g) and excellent oil-retention capacities (4.04 g/g), making it attractive as an additive in bakery products and food emulsions. It also contained high amounts of glutamic acid (123 g/kg raw protein), arginine (80.6 g/kg raw protein) and aspartic acid (61.3 g/kg raw protein). However, its essential amino acid profile showed deficiencies with respect to the 1985 standard of the FAO/WHO/UNU for pre-school children. Therefore, its use as a sole protein source is not recommended; supplementation with a lysine-rich source would be necessary, as this was the limiting amino acid.
Thin Layer Modeling of Tom Yum Herbs in Vacuum Heat Pump Dryer
Authors: Artnaseaw A. , Theerakulpisut S. , Benjapiyaporn C.
Published: February 2010

Thin layer vacuum heat pump drying experiments were conducted to determine drying models for Tom Yum herbs (chili, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaf and galangal slice). The drying experiments were conducted in a vacuum heat pump dryer at a constant drying pressure of 0.2 bars and drying temperatures ranging from 50 °C to 65 °C. The experimental results were fitted to a number of well-known thin layer drying models and it was found, for the range of drying temperature tested, that the Midilli model is the best model for all Tom Yum herbs. To account for the influence of drying temperature, the constants and coefficients of model were formulated as functions of the drying temperature. Statistical tests of agreement between the model and experimental results were performed by determining the coefficient of determination (R2) , reduced chi-square (χ2) and root mean square error (RMSE). It was found that the model is in very good agreement with the experimental results.
Pectin Extraction from Lemon By-product with Acidified Date Juice: Rheological Properties and Microstructure of Pure and Mixed Pectin Gels
Authors: Masmoudi M. , Besbes S. , Ben Thabet I. , Blecker C. , Attia H.
Published: February 2010

The microstructure and the rheological properties of lemon-pectin mixtures were studied and compared to those of pure lemon (high methoxyl: HM) and date (low methoxyl: LM) pectins. Rheological properties were carried out in the presence of 30%, 45% and 60% sucrose, and increasing calcium concentrations (0-0.1%). The presence of date with lemon pectin led to a gel formation at 45% sucrose and in the presence of calcium, which was not the case for lemon pectin alone under the same conditions. It is suggested that lemon and date pectins interacted, leading to gel formations at different gelling temperatures, which were strongly dependant on degree of methylation. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, which revealed inhomogeneous gels where dense aggregated network and loose, open network areas were present. Addition of calcium to pectin mixture gels led to stronger and faster gel formation.
Collaborative problem-solving with distributed information: The role of inferences from interdependent information
Authors: Deiglmayr Anne , Spada Hans
Published: February 2010

This article studies inferences from distributed, interdependent information in group problem-solving. Three inference types (collaborative, individual, and shared) are distinguished, based on information sharing and distribution, with a special focus on collaborative inferences that generate new information no individual group member could have inferred. In an experiment, n= 27 dyads solved a specifically designed inference task. Inferences from shared information were the most likely, individual inferences from unshared information less likely, and collaborative inferences from unshared, distributed information the least likely to be drawn. An analysis of inference patterns in dyads’ discussions points towards the individual- and group-level processes involved in drawing collaborative inferences, and explains why first support measures explored in this study were not optimally designed.
IGFBP-5 Metabolism Is Disrupted in the Rat Medial Meniscal Tear Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yates Matthew P. , Settle Steven L. , Yocum Sue A. , Aggarwal Poonam , Vickery Lillian E. , Aguiar Dean J. , Skepner Adam P. , Kellner Debra , Weinrich Scott L. , Sverdrup Francis M.
Published: February 2010

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) has been proposed to promote cartilage anabolism through insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signaling. A proteolytic activity towards IGFBP-5 has been detected in synovial fluids from human osteoarthritic (OA) joints. The purpose of this study was to determine if protease activity towards IGFBP-5 is present in the rat medial meniscal tear (MMT) model of OA and whether inhibition of this activity would alter disease progression. Sprague-Dawley rats were subject to MMT surgery. Synovial fluid lavages were assessed for the presence of IGFBP-5 proteolytic activity. Treatment animals received intra-articular injections of vehicle or protease inhibitor peptide PB-145. Cartilage lesions were monitored by India ink staining followed by macroscopic measurement of lesion width and depth. The MMT surgery induced a proteolytic activity towards IGFPB-5 that was detectable in joint fluid. This activity was stimulated by calcium and was sensitive to serine protease inhibitors as well as peptide PB-145. Significantly, intra-articular administration of PB-145 after surgery protected cartilage from lesion development. PB-145 treatment also resulted in an increase in cartilage turnover as evidenced by increases in serum levels of procollagen type II C-propeptide (CPII) as well as synovial fluid lavage levels of collagen type II neoepitope (TIINE). IGFBP-5 metabolism is disrupted in the rat MMT model of OA, potentially contributing to cartilage degradation. Inhibition of IGFBP-5 proteolysis protected cartilage from lesion development and enhanced cartilage turnover. These data are consistent with IGFBP-5 playing a positive role in anabolic IGF signaling in cartilage.
Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC)
Authors: Benthien J. P. , Behrens P.
Published: February 2010

Options for the treatment of cartilage defects include chondral resurfacing with abrasion, debridement, autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT), matrix-induced chondrocyte transplantation (MACI), or osteochondral autologous transplantation (OATS). This article describes the new method of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), a 1-step procedure combining subchondral microfracture with the fixation of a collagen I/III membrane by a partially autologous fibrin glue. Indications and contraindications are provided; a technical note is given. This method is primarily applied in osteochondral lesions of the knee and ankle joints; other joints may qualify.
Gas6 deficiency in recipient mice of allogeneic transplantation alleviates hepatic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Burnier Laurent , Saller François , Kadi Linda , Brisset Anne C. , Sugamele Rocco , Baudino Lucie , Bono Françoise , Herbert Jean-Marc , Carmeliet Peter , Schapira Marc , Izui Shozo , Angelillo-Scherrer Anne
Published: February 2010

Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is expressed in antigen-presenting cells and endothelial cells (ECs) but not in T cells. When wild-type (WT) or Gas6−/− mice received allogeneic non–T cell–depleted bone marrow cells, hepatic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was alleviated in Gas6−/− recipients regardless of donor genotype, but not in WT recipients. T-cell infiltration was more prominent and diffuse in WT than in Gas6−/− recipients' liver. When mice received 0.5 × 106 allogeneic T cells with T cell–depleted allogeneic bone marrow, clinical signs indicated that GVHD was less severe in Gas6−/− than in WT recipients, as shown by a significant improvement of the survival and reduced liver GVHD. These data demonstrate that donor cells were not involved in the protection mechanism. In addition, lack of Gas6 in antigen-presenting cells did not affect WT or Gas6−/− T-cell proliferation. We therefore assessed the response of WT or Gas6−/− ECs to tumor necrosis factor-α. Lymphocyte transmigration was less extensive through Gas6−/− than WT ECs and was not accompanied by increases in adhesion molecule levels. Thus, the lack of Gas6 in ECs impaired donor T-cell transmigration into the liver, providing a rationale for considering Gas6 pathway as a potential nonimmunosuppressive target to minimize GVHD in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Nonredundant roles for Runx1 alternative promoters reflect their activity at discrete stages of developmental hematopoiesis
Authors: Bee Thomas , Swiers Gemma , Muroi Sawako , Pozner Amir , Nottingham Wade , Santos Ana Cristina , Li Pik-Shan , Taniuchi Ichiro , de Bruijn Marella F. T. R.
Published: February 2010

The transcription factor Runx1 is a pivotal regulator of definitive hematopoiesis in mouse ontogeny. Vertebrate Runx1 is transcribed from 2 promoters, the distal P1 and proximal P2, which provide a paradigm of the complex transcriptional and translational control of Runx1 function. However, very little is known about the biologic relevance of alternative Runx1 promoter usage in definitive hematopoietic cell emergence. Here we report that both promoters are active at the very onset of definitive hematopoiesis, with a skewing toward the P2. Moreover, functional and morphologic analysis of a novel P1-null and an attenuated P2 mouse model revealed that although both promoters play important nonredundant roles in the emergence of definitive hematopoietic cells, the proximal P2 was most critically required for this. The nature of the observed phenotypes is indicative of a differential contribution of the P1 and P2 promoters to the control of overall Runx1 levels, where and when this is most critically required. In addition, the dynamic expression of P1-Runx1 and P2-Runx1 points at a requirement for Runx1 early in development, when the P2 is still the prevalent promoter in the emerging hemogenic endothelium and/or first committed hematopoietic cells.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells regulate B-cell growth and differentiation via CD70
Authors: Shaw Joanne , Wang Yui-Hsi , Ito Tomoki , Arima Kazuhiko , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: February 2010

The ability of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to promote plasma cell differentiation and immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion through the production of type I interferon and interleukin-6 has been well documented, although the role of additional factors, including tumor necrosis factor receptor-ligand interactions, has not been addressed. On stimulation with the Toll-like receptor ligand CpG (B type, 2006) we found that pDCs exhibit strong and stable expression of CD70, a tumor necrosis factor family ligand that binds to its receptor CD27 expressed on memory B cells and promotes plasma cell differentiation and Ig secretion. Using a pDC/B-cell coculture system, we found that CpG-stimulated pDCs can induce the proliferation of CD40L-activated human peripheral B cells and Ig secretion. This occurs independently of interferon and residual CpG, and requires physical contact between pDCs and B cells. CpG-stimulated pDCs can induce the proliferation of both naive and memory B cells, although Ig secretion is restricted to the memory subset. Blocking the interaction of CD70 with CD27 using an antagonist anti-CD70 antibody reduces the induction of B-cell proliferation and IgG secretion by CpG-stimulated pDCs. We have therefore identified CD70 as an important factor in the regulation of B-cell growth and differentiation by pDCs.
Multiple alterations of platelet functions dominated by increased secretion in mice lacking Cdc42 in platelets
Authors: Pleines Irina , Eckly Anita , Elvers Margitta , Hagedorn Ina , Eliautou Sandra , Bender Markus , Wu Xunwei , Lanza Francois , Gachet Christian , Brakebusch Cord , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: February 2010

Platelet activation at sites of vascular injury is crucial for hemostasis, but it may also cause myocardial infarction or stroke. Cytoskeletal reorganization is essential for platelet activation and secretion. The small GTPase Cdc42 has been implicated as an important mediator of filopodia formation and exocytosis in various cell types, but its exact function in platelets is not established. Here, we show that the megakaryocyte/platelet-specific loss of Cdc42 leads to mild thrombocytopenia and a small increase in platelet size in mice. Unexpectedly, Cdc42-deficient platelets were able to form normally shaped filopodia and spread fully on fibrinogen upon activation, whereas filopodia formation upon selective induction of GPIb signaling was reduced compared with wild-type platelets. Furthermore, Cdc42-deficient platelets showed enhanced secretion of α granules, a higher adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, increased aggregation at low agonist concentrations, and enhanced aggregate formation on collagen under flow. In vivo, lack of Cdc42 resulted in faster occlusion of ferric chloride–injured arterioles. The life span of Cdc42-deficient platelets was markedly reduced, suggesting increased clearing of the cells under physiologic conditions. These data point to novel multiple functions of Cdc42 in the regulation of platelet activation, granule organization, degranulation, and a specific role in GPIb signaling.
Latent herpesvirus infection arms NK cells
Authors: White Douglas W. , Keppel Catherine R. , Schneider Stephanie E. , Reese Tiffany A. , Coder James , Payton Jacqueline E. , Ley Timothy J. , Virgin Herbert W. , Fehniger Todd A.
Published: February 2010

Natural killer (NK) cells were identified by their ability to kill target cells without previous sensitization. However, without an antecedent “arming” event, NK cells can recognize, but are not equipped to kill, target cells. How NK cells become armed in vivo in healthy hosts is unclear. Because latent herpesviruses are highly prevalent and alter multiple aspects of host immunity, we hypothesized that latent herpesvirus infection would arm NK cells. Here we show that NK cells from mice latently infected with Murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) were armed as evidenced by increased granzyme B protein expression, cytotoxicity, and interferon-γ production. NK-cell arming occurred rapidly in the latently infected host and did not require acute viral infection. Furthermore, NK cells armed by latent infection protected the host against a lethal lymphoma challenge. Thus, the immune environment created by latent herpesvirus infection provides a mechanism whereby host NK-cell function is enhanced in vivo.
Rearrangement of CRLF2 is associated with mutation of JAK kinases, alteration of IKZF1, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and a poor outcome in pediatric B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Harvey Richard C. , Mullighan Charles G. , Chen I-Ming , Wharton Walker , Mikhail Fady M. , Carroll Andrew J. , Kang Huining , Liu Wei , Dobbin Kevin K. , Smith Malcolm A. , Carroll William L. , Devidas Meenakshi , Bowman W. Paul , Camitta Bruce M. , Reaman Gregory H. , Hunger Stephen P. , Downing James R. , Willman Cheryl L.
Published: February 2010

Gene expression profiling of 207 uniformly treated children with high-risk B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia revealed 29 of 207 cases (14%) with markedly elevated expression of CRLF2 (cytokine receptor-like factor 2). Each of the 29 cases harbored a genomic rearrangement of CRLF2: 18 of 29 (62%) had a translocation of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene IGH@ on 14q32 to CRLF2 in the pseudoautosomal region 1 of Xp22.3/Yp11.3, whereas 10 (34%) cases had a 320-kb interstitial deletion centromeric of CRLF2, resulting in a P2RY8-CRLF2 fusion. One case had both IGH@-CRLF2 and P2RY8-CRLF2, and another had a novel CRLF2 rearrangement. Only 2 of 29 cases were Down syndrome. CRLF2 rearrangements were significantly associated with activating mutations of JAK1 or JAK2, deletion or mutation of IKZF1, and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (Fisher exact test, P < .001 for each). Within this cohort, patients with CRLF2 rearrangements had extremely poor treatment outcomes compared with those without CRLF2 rearrangements (35.3% vs 71.3% relapse-free survival at 4 years; P < .001). Together, these observations suggest that activation of CRLF2 expression, mutation of JAK kinases, and alterations of IKZF1 cooperate to promote B-cell leukemogenesis and identify these pathways as important therapeutic targets in this disease. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00005603.
Targeted delivery of interferon-alpha via fusion to anti-CD20 results in potent antitumor activity against B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Xuan Caiyun , Steward Kristopher K. , Timmerman John M. , Morrison Sherie L.
Published: February 2010

The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has substantially improved outcomes in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. However, many patients are not cured by rituximab-based therapies, and overcoming de novo or acquired rituximab resistance remains an important challenge to successful treatment of B-cell malignancies. Interferon-alpha (IFNα) has potent immunostimulatory properties and antiproliferative effects against some B-cell cancers, but its clinical utility is limited by systemic toxicity. To improve the efficacy of CD20-targeted therapy, we constructed fusion proteins consisting of anti-CD20 and murine or human IFNα. Fusion proteins had reduced IFNα activity in vitro compared with native IFNα, but CD20 targeting permitted efficient antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects against an aggressive rituximab-insensitive human CD20+ murine lymphoma (38C13-huCD20) and a human B-cell lymphoma (Daudi). In vivo efficacy was demonstrated against established 38C13-huCD20 grown in syngeneic immunocompetent mice and large, established Daudi xenografts grown in nude mice. Optimal tumor eradication required CD20 targeting, with 87% of mice cured of rituximab-insensitive tumors. Gene knockdown studies revealed that tumor eradication required expression of type I IFN receptors on the tumor cell surface. Targeting type I IFNs to sites of B-cell lymphoma by fusion to anti-CD20 antibodies represents a potentially useful strategy for treatment of B-cell malignancies.