bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using calculated chemical potential relationships to account for coronas around kyanite: an example from the Bohemian Massif
Authors: ŠTÍPSKÁ P. , POWELL R. , WHITE R. W. , BALDWIN J. A.
Published: December 2009

Corona textures around kyanite, involving for example zoned plagioclase separating kyanite from the matrix, reflect the instability of kyanite with the matrix on changing P–T conditions, commonly related to decompression. The chemical potential gradients set up between the kyanite and the matrix as a consequence of slow Al diffusion drive corona development, with the zoning of the plagioclase reflecting the gradients. Calculated mineral equilibria are used to account for corona textures involving plagioclase ± garnet around kyanite, and replacement of kyanite by plagioclase + spinel symplectite, in quartz + plagioclase + K‐feldspar + garnet + kyanite granulite facies gneiss from the Blanský les massif in the Bohemian massif, Czech Republic. In the garnet‐bearing coronas, a commonly discontinuous garnet layer lies between the kyanite and the continuous plagioclase layer in the corona, with both the garnet and the plagioclase appearing mainly to replace matrix rather than kyanite. The garnet layer commonly extends around kyanite from original matrix garnet adjacent to the kyanite. Where garnet is missing in the corona, the kyanite itself may be replaced by a spinel–plagioclase corona. In a local equilibrium model, the mineral and mineral compositional spatial relationships are shown to correspond to paths in μ(Na2O)–μ(CaO)–μ(K2O)–μ(FeO)–μ(MgO)–μ(SiO2) in the model chemical system, Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (NCKFMAS). The discontinuous nature of the garnet layer in coronas is accounted for by the effect of the adjacent original garnet on the chemical potential relationships. The replacement of kyanite by spinel + plagioclase appears to be metastable with respect to replacement by corundum + plagioclase, possibly reflecting the difficulty of nucleating corundum.
Modeling and Simulation of a Transcutaneous Energy Transmission System Used in Artificial Organ Implants
Authors: Fang Wan , Liu Wei , Qian Jie , Tang Houjun , Ye Pengsheng
Published: December 2009

We present a mathematical model to simulate transcutaneous energy transmission systems. Treating such systems as resonant power electronic converters, we develop the equivalent circuit equations, for which the circuit variables are then expanded as Fourier series and a multi‐frequency averaging method was applied. Keeping terms up to first‐order, the analysis produces a dynamic and harmonic model describing these energy transmission systems. With appropriate values for the circuit parameters, numerical results are compared with those of the exact time domain model. This comparison verifies that our model can adequately represent to first‐order such energy‐transmission systems.
Language lateralization correlates with verbal memory performance in children with focal epilepsy
Authors: Everts Regula , Simon Harvey A. , Lillywhite Leasha , Wrennall Jacquie , Abbott David F. , Gonzalez Linda , Kean Michael , Jackson Graeme D. , Anderson Vicki
Published: December 2009

Purpose:  Assessment of language dominance with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuropsychological evaluation is often used prior to epilepsy surgery. This study explores whether language lateralization and cognitive performance are systematically related in young patients with focal epilepsy.

Methods:  Language fMRI and neuropsychological data (language, visuospatial functions, and memory) of 40 patients (7–18 years of age) with unilateral, refractory focal epilepsy in temporal and/or frontal areas of the left (n = 23) or right hemisphere (n = 17) were analyzed. fMRI data of 18 healthy controls (7–18 years) served as a normative sample. A laterality index was computed to determine the lateralization of activation in three regions of interest (frontal, parietal, and temporal).

Results:  Atypical language lateralization was demonstrated in 12 (30%) of 40 patients. A correlation between language lateralization and verbal memory performance occurred in patients with left‐sided epilepsy over all three regions of interest, with bilateral or right‐sided language lateralization being correlated with better verbal memory performance (Word Pairs Recall: frontal r = −0.4, p = 0.016; parietal r = −0.4, p = 0.043; temporal r = −0.4, p = 0.041). Verbal memory performance made the largest contribution to language lateralization, whereas handedness and side of seizures did not contribute to the variance in language lateralization.

Discussion:  This finding reflects the association between neocortical language and hippocampal memory regions in patients with left‐sided epilepsy. Atypical language lateralization is advantageous for verbal memory performance, presumably a result of transfer of verbal memory function. In children with focal epilepsy, verbal memory performance provides a better idea of language lateralization than handedness and side of epilepsy and lesion.
Natural, Unexpected Deaths: Reliability of a Presumptive Diagnosis*
Authors: Gill James R. , Scordi‐Bello Irini A.
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  We retrospectively analyzed 100 deaths because of suspicions and concerns expressed by the family. We compared the preautopsy cause of death, as determined by a thorough review of the clinical data and circumstances, to the autopsy‐derived cause of death. In the majority (91/100), the preautopsy and postautopsy proximate causes of death were in agreement. In 9%, the autopsy provided information that resulted in a proximate cause of death different than anticipated. In four instances, the manner of death also was incorrect and was determined to be an accident rather than the originally presumed natural. No homicide or suicide would have been misclassified. In another nine instances, where the premortem and postmortem proximate causes of death were in agreement, the autopsy provided a specific mechanism of death. With a quality initial medicolegal death investigation, a subset of sudden deaths in adults may be reliably certified without an autopsy.
Multicolor Real‐Time PCR Genotyping of ABO System Using Displacing Probes
Authors: Ruan Li , Zhao Huian , Li Qingge
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  Rapid and informative ABO genotyping has become increasingly popular in forensic use. We developed a multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach to genotype ABO major groups and subgroups. Seven differently fluorophor‐labeled displacing probes for O1(261delG), A(261G), A(796C/803C), B(796A/803C), O2 (802G>A), A2 (1059delC), and A2 (1009A>G) were combined in one or two PCRs to determine either ABO major groups or subgroups. The method correctly detected 13 reference DNA samples. A blind test of 237 samples resulted in complete agreement with their phenotypes, and 110 of these 237 samples as well as with PCR‐SSP method. The whole analysis could be finished in less than 100 min at substantially low material cost and the template DNA ranging from 0.16 to 500 ng per reaction could be quantitatively detected. Despite the limited informativeness of ABO genotyping, the developed methods could find application in rapid and inexpensive screening of forensic settings.
Gamma Irradiation as a Biological Decontaminant and Its Effect on Common Fingermark Detection Techniques and DNA Profiling
Authors: Hoile Rebecca , Banos Connie , Colella Michael , Walsh Simon J. , Roux Claude
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  The use of disease‐causing organisms and their toxins against the civilian population has defined bioterrorism and opened forensic science up to the challenges of processing contaminated evidence. This study sought to determine the use of gamma irradiation as an effective biological decontaminant and its effect on the recovery of latent fingermarks from both porous and nonporous items. Test items were contaminated with viable spores marked with latent prints and then decontaminated using a cobalt 60 gamma irradiator. Fingermark detection was the focus with standard methods including 1,2‐indanedione, ninhydrin, diazafluoren‐9‐one, and physical developer used during this study. DNA recovery using 20% Chelex extraction and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was also explored. Gamma irradiation proved effective as a bacterial decontaminant with D‐values ranging from 458 to 500 Gy for nonporous items and 797–808 Gy for porous ones. The results demonstrated the successful recovery of latent marks and DNA establishing gamma irradiation as a viable decontamination option.
Effect of Gas Chromatography Temperature Program on the Association and Discrimination of Diesel Samples*†
Authors: Baerncopf Jamie M. , McGuffin Victoria L. , Waddell Smith Ruth
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  Five diesel samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) using six GC temperature programs, aiming to investigate the effect of temperature program on association and discrimination of the samples. Temperature programs varied by ramp rate and incorporated one‐ or two‐step temperature ramps. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients and principal components analysis were used to evaluate differences in discrimination among the diesel samples afforded by each temperature program, based on the total ion chromatogram (TIC) and selected extracted ion profiles (EIPs). Association of diesel replicates and discrimination among samples based on the TIC and aromatic EIP were similar for all temperature programs based on scores plots. The alkane EIP was not useful in discriminating samples regardless of temperature program, because of similar alkane content of the diesel samples. The association and discrimination of diesel samples was largely unaffected by temperature programs that incorporated one‐ or two‐step temperature ramps.
The Reliability of Chronological Age Determination by Means of Mandibular Third Molar Development in Subjects in Croatia*
Authors: Legović Mario , Sasso Anja , Legović Izak , Brumini Gordana , Ćabov Tomislav , Šlaj Martina , Vančura Irena , Lapter Marina
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to determine the development of the mandibular third molar and its relation to chronological age. The evaluated material consisted of 979 orthopantomograms of patients of Croatian Caucasian origin aged between 5.7 and 14.6 years. Third molar developmental stages were evaluated according to the stages proposed by Nolla. The frequencies of different stages of mineralization and the mean value of the mineralization of the mandibular third molars with regard to age, gender, and size of the mandible were determined and the coefficient of correlation determined between the age of the subject and the stage of development of the mandibular molars. Statistically significant correlation was determined between mineralization of the mandibular third molar and chronological age of the subjects (boys, mandibular left third molar r = 0.779, right third molar r = 0.793; girls, mandibular left third molar r = 0.746, right third molar r = 0.725). It can be concluded that the accuracy of age estimation based on Nolla’s method is applicable for Croatian children.
Homicide‐Suicide in Konya, Turkey Between 2000 and 2007*
Authors: Dogan Kamil Hakan , Demirci Serafettin , Gunaydin Gursel , Buken Bora
Published: December 2009

Abstract: Homicide followed by the suicide of the murderer is a relatively rare lethal incident in which an individual kills another person and subsequently dies by suicide. Cases involving a homicide and a suicide in which death examinations and autopsies were performed at The Konya Branch of the Forensic Medicine Council between 2000 and 2007 were retrospectively investigated. During the studied time period, there were 10 homicide‐suicide cases identified with 10 perpetrators killing 12 victims. Nine of the perpetrators were men and eight of the victims were women. The precipitating motive was an impending divorce in four of the cases. Two perpetrators were described as severely depressed, one had a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, and one was a pedophile who had reactive depression. Firearms were used in eight of the homicide cases and seven of the suicides. Constricting the use of firearms may reduce/prevent future homicide‐suicide cases, as it is the most commonly used method to carry out homicide‐suicides.
Indicators of pretreatment suicidal ideation in adults with major depressive disorder
Authors: Morris D. W. , Trivedi M. H. , Husain M. M. , Fava M. , Budhwar N. , Wisniewski S. R. , Miyahara S. , Gollan J. K. , Davis L. L. , Daly E. J. , Rush A. J.
Published: December 2009

Morris DW, Trivedi MH, Husain MM, Fava M, Budhwar N, Wisniewski SR, Miyahara S, Gollan JK, Davis LL, Daly EJ, Rush AJ. Indicators of pretreatment suicidal ideation in adults with major depressive disorder.

Objective:  In order to evaluate the presence of treatment emergent suicidal ideation (SI), it becomes necessary to identify those patients with SI at the onset of treatment. The purpose of this report is to identify sociodemographic and clinical features that are associated with SI in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients prior to treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Method:  This multisite study enrolled 265 out‐patients with non‐psychotic MDD. Sociodemographic and clinical features of participants with and without SI were compared post hoc.

Results:  Social phobia, bulimia nervosa, number of past depressive episodes, and race were independently associated with SI by one or more SI measure.

Conclusion:  Concurrent social phobia and bulimia nervosa may be potential risk factors for SI in patients with non‐psychotic MDD. Additionally, patients with more than one past depressive episode may also be at increased risk of SI.
Do bone grafts or barrier membranes provide additional treatment effects for infrabony lesions treated with enamel matrix derivatives? A network meta‐analysis of randomized‐controlled trials
Authors: Tu Yu‐Kang , Woolston Andrew , Faggion Clovis Mariano
Published: December 2009

Background/Aim: Network meta‐analyses of randomized‐controlled trials were undertaken to investigate whether enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) in conjunction with other regenerative materials yield better treatment outcomes than EMD alone in the treatment of infrabony defects ≥3 mm.

Material and Methods: A literature search was conducted using the Medline, EMBASE, LILACS and CENTRAL databases up to and including December 2008. Treatment outcomes were changes in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and infrabony defect depth. Different types of bone grafts (or barrier membranes) were first treated as a group and then separately.

Results: Twenty‐eight studies were included in the review. EMD plus bone grafts and EMD plus membranes attained 0.24 mm [95% high probability density (HPD) intervals: −0.38, 0.65] and 0.07 mm (95% HPD intervals: −1.26, 1.04) more PPD reduction than EMD alone, respectively. For CAL gain, EMD plus bone grafts and EMD plus membranes attained 0.46 mm (95% HPD intervals: −0.17, 0.83) and 0.15 mm (95% HPD intervals: −1.37, 0.30), respectively. When different types of bone grafts and barrier membranes were treated separately, EMD with bovine bone grafts showed greater treatment effects.

Conclusion: There was little evidence to support the additional benefits of EMD in conjunction with other regenerative materials.
Pro‐inflammatory biomarkers during experimental gingivitis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Salvi Giovanni E. , Franco Lea M. , Braun Thomas M. , Lee Angie , Rutger Persson Gösta , Lang Niklaus P. , Giannobile William V.
Published: December 2009

Aim: To compare gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarker levels and microbial distribution in plaque biofilm (SP) samples for subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) versus healthy subjects without diabetes during experimental gingivitis (EG).

Materials and Methods: A total of nine T1DM patients and nine healthy controls of age and gender similar to the T1DM patients were monitored for 35 days during EG. Hygiene practices were stopped for 3 weeks, and GCF, SP, plaque index (PI) and gingival index were determined. IL‐1β, IL‐8, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and SP samples were assessed by DNA–DNA hybridization for a panel of 40 subgingival microbial species.

Results: IL‐1β levels in T1DM patients were elevated compared with healthy individuals, and showed differences between groups at 7–21 days while healthy patients showed IL‐1β increases from baseline to 14–21 days (p<0.05). Differences were observed in MMP‐9 levels between patients with and without T1DM at 7–14 days (p<0.05). Orange complex species and PI measurements displayed a superior correlation with biomarker levels when compared with other complexes or clinical measurements during EG.

Conclusions: The mean GCF biomarker levels for IL‐1β and MMP‐8 were most significantly elevated in T1DM subjects compared with healthy individuals during EG, not resulting from differences in the mean PI or microbial composition.
A TALE OF TWO TOWNS: GLOBALIZATION AND RURAL DEINDUSTRIALIZATION IN THE U.S.
Authors: Cole Peter
Published: December 2009

This article examines the experiences of two rural communities that, since the advent of the North American Free Trade Agreement, lost major employers. Rural deindustrialization has struck the Midwest particularly hard. While the disappearance of hundreds or thousands of jobs is devastating, some small towns have adapted faster than others. Farmington, Missouri has, for now, weathered the storm far better than another small town, Galesburg, Illinois. This article seeks to do something other than retell a familiar, if generally accurate, story about the suffering caused by the current wave of globalization, facilitated by trade deals. Rather, it will explore the possibility that corporate‐driven globalization is not an unmitigated disaster for rural America and rural Americans. Rather, some towns struggle but persevere, some suffer tremendously, while still others create jobs, although all jobs seem ever more insecure in the increasingly global economy.
THE PROFESSORS' STRIKE AT THE UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL
Authors: Mandel David
Published: December 2009

The seven‐week professors' strike at the Université du Québec in Montréal (UQAM) that ended on April 24, 2009 in a significant, if partial, victory is, unfortunately, too rare an event in contemporary Quebec, and, for that matter, North America. It is therefore worth looking into this conflict to see what lessons it might offer for public‐sector and other unions in Canada and beyond.
LABOUR INFLUENCE IN THE NEW SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT
Authors: Bond Patrick
Published: December 2009

South Africa's labour movement has unprecedented access to state power in Pretoria via SA Communist Party ministers and a new ministerial post devoted to economic development held by a labour leader. But this power comes with structural constraints, no matter the courage of leaders. The economic collapse suffered since 2008 is only the latest stage in an unfolding crisis of accumulation which South African capital has only shaken since the 1970s through escaping the country's shores, through financialisation, and through imposition of neoliberal policies on the society. But these have not generated a sustainable growth path, but instead, yet more social tensions. How labour marshals and channels these tensions is the crucial test of the coming period.
Deep multi-frequency radio imaging in the Lockman Hole — II. The spectral index of submillimetre galaxies
Authors: Ibar Edo , Ivison R. J. , Best P. N. , Coppin K. , Pope A. , Smail Ian , Dunlop J. S.
Published: December 2009

We have employed the Giant Metre-wave Radio Telescope and the Very Large Array to map the Lockman Hole. At 610 and 1400 MHz, we reach noise levels of 15 and 6 μJy beam−1, respectively, with well-matched resolutions (∼5 arcsec). At this depth, we obtained reliable detections for about half of the known sub-mm galaxies (SMGs) in the field. For radio-identified SMGs, which are typically at z ∼ 2, we measure a mean radio spectral index of α1400610 = −0.75 ± 0.06 (where Sν∝να) and standard deviation of 0.29, between approximate rest-frame frequencies of 1.8 and 4.2 GHz. The slope of their continuum emission is indistinguishable from that of local star-forming galaxies and suggests that extended optically thin synchrotron emission dominates the radio output of SMGs. Cooling effects by synchrotron emission and Inverse Compton scattering off the cosmic microwave background do not seem to affect their radio spectral energy distributions. For those SMGs judged by Spitzer mid-infrared colours and spectroscopy to host obscured active galactic nuclei (AGN), we find a clear deviation from the rest of the sample – they typically have steeper radio spectral indices, α1400610 ≲ −1.0. These findings suggest these mid-IR-/AGN-selected SMGs may have an intrinsically different injection mechanism for relativistic particles, or they might reside in denser environments. This work provides a reliable spectral template for the estimation of far-IR/radio photometric redshifts, and will enable accurate statistical K-corrections for the large samples of SMGs expected with SCUBA-2 and Herschel.
Judges' Use of Examinee Performance Data in an Angoff Standard‐Setting Exercise for a Medical Licensing Examination: An Experimental Study
Authors: Clauser Brian E. , Mee Janet , Baldwin Su G. , Margolis Melissa J. , Dillon Gerard F.
Published: December 2009

Although the Angoff procedure is among the most widely used standard setting procedures for tests comprising multiple‐choice items, research has shown that subject matter experts have considerable difficulty accurately making the required judgments in the absence of examinee performance data. Some authors have viewed the need to provide performance data as a fatal flaw for the procedure; others have considered it appropriate for experts to integrate performance data into their judgments but have been concerned that experts may rely too heavily on the data. There have, however, been relatively few studies examining how experts use the data. This article reports on two studies that examine how experts modify their judgments after reviewing data. In both studies, data for some items were accurate and data for other items had been manipulated. Judges in both studies substantially modified their judgments whether the data were accurate or not.
The Hierarchy Consistency Index: Evaluating Person Fit for Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment
Authors: Cui Ying , Leighton Jacqueline P.
Published: December 2009

In this article, we introduce a person‐fit statistic called the hierarchy consistency index (HCI) to help detect misfitting item response vectors for tests developed and analyzed based on a cognitive model. The HCI ranges from −1.0 to 1.0, with values close to −1.0 indicating that students respond unexpectedly or differently from the responses expected under a given cognitive model. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the power of the HCI in detecting different types of misfitting item response vectors. Simulation results revealed that the detection rate of the HCI was a function of type of misfit, item discriminating power, and test length. The best detection rates were achieved when the HCI was applied to tests that consisted of a large number of highly discriminating items. In addition, whether a misfitting item response vector can be correctly identified depends, to a large degree, on the number of misfits of the item response vector relative to the cognitive model. When misfitting response behavior only affects a small number of item responses, the resulting item response vector will not be substantially different from the expectations under the cognitive model and consequently may not be statistically identified as misfitting. As an item response vector deviates further from the model expectations, misfits are more easily identified and consequently higher detection rates of the HCI are expected.
EVALUATION OF MONOSTAPH PLUS IN COMPARISON TO TWO OTHER LATEX AGGLUTINATION TESTS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: SØRUM MARIT , SKOV ROBERT
Published: December 2009

Three latex agglutination kits for rapid identification of Staphylococcus aureus were compared by testing a selection of isolates, which included methicillin resistant S. aureus, methicillin sensitive S. aureus and a diverse selection of coagulase‐negative staphylococci. The sensitivities of Monostaph Plus (Bionor Laboratories, Skien, Norway), Pastorex Plus (Bio‐Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) and Staphaurex Plus (Oxoid, Cambridge, UK) were 98.5, 98.3 and 98.3% respectively, and the specificities were 97.5, 97.0 and 96.5%, respectively. None of the kits detected Staphylococcus lugdunensis correctly. This evaluation shows that the Monostaph Plus agglutination kit performs well and comparable to Pastorex Staph‐Plus and Staphaurex Plus.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Latex agglutination kits are very useful in the routine identification of Staphylococcus aureus, but can occasionally give false‐positive or false‐negative results. Knowledge of how the various available kits are performing is, therefore, very important when selecting a kit for use. Correct identification of S. aureus is important, especially in relation to methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, since other staphylococci species are known to carry the methicillin‐resistance determinant mecA, but are of less clinical importance. This study is the first study comparing an improved version of the Monstaph‐Plus kit with other latex agglutination kits, and provides new data about this kit.
PRODUCTION OF SHIGA‐LIKE TOXINS BY ESCHERICHIA COLI O157 : H7: EFFECTS OF OTHER BACTERIA AND ANALOGS OF QUORUM SENSING MOLECULES
Authors: TU SHU‐I. , UKNALIS JOSEPH , PAOLI GEORGE , HE YIPING , GEHRING ANDREW
Published: December 2009

Accompanied with the growth of Escherichia coli O157 : H7, there was a production of Shiga‐like toxins by this pathogenic bacterium. Time‐course studies indicated that the accumulation of toxins in the medium occurred mainly at the stationary phase of cell growth. The growth of E. coli O157 : H7 in culture media was not significantly affected by the presence of other bacteria, e.g., E. coli K‐12, E. coli B6, Salmonella and Pseudomonas, even at high ratios. However, the production of Shiga‐like toxins by E. coli O157 : H7 could be reduced by certain other bacteria, e.g., E. coli K‐12, Pseudomonas aeruginosa but not Pseudomonas putida. These lowering effects by other background bacteria on the toxin production were also observed in experiments using regular and irradiated ground beef. The presence of analogs of quorum‐sensing molecules such as homoserine lactone (HSL) and indole, in general decreased the production of toxins by E. coli O157 : H7. This decrease could be partially reversed by the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. The complex nature of the control of Shiga toxin production is discussed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The toxic effects of pathogenic bacterium E. coli O157 : H7 are related to the production of Shiga‐like toxins by the pathogen. Current studies on the influence of environmental factors such as cell density, presence of other bacteria, chemicals and food components indicated a complex influence on the production of Shiga‐like toxins by E. coli O157 : H7. The observation that the presence of certain other bacteria could lower the ability of E. coli O157 : H7 to produce the toxins was of particular interest. The analyses of the results suggested several practical possibilities to lower the production of the toxins, and thus, the health risk of the pathogen to the general public.
SIMPLE AND RAPID METHOD FOR DETECTING FOODBORNE SHIGELLA BY A LOOP‐MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION
Authors: LI SULONG , ZHANG XINBO , WANG DEGUO , KUANG YANYUN , XU YIGANG
Published: December 2009

A novel method was developed and evaluated for detecting Shigella by a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in this paper. Specific primers were specially designed and selected for recognizing seven distinct sequences of ipaH gene, which was performed only by Shigella. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was 43 cfu/mL, approximately equal to that of real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. The LAMP assay developed in this study is specific, sensitive and suitable for the detection of foodborne Shigella.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The LAMP method reported here provided a powerful tool for detection of foodborne Shigella due to its specificity, sensitivity and rapidity.
LOOP‐MEDIATED ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION – AN ASSAY FOR THE DETECTION OF ATYPICAL FURUNCULOSIS CAUSED BY AEROMONAS SALMONICIDA IN ATLANTIC COD, GADUS MORHUA
Authors: KULKARNI AMOD , CAIPANG CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE A. , BRINCHMANN MONICA F. , KORSNES KJETIL , KIRON VISWANATH
Published: December 2009

A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)‐based assay was developed for the detection of atypical furunculosis, caused by Aeromonas salmonicida in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Gene gyrB encoding the B subunit of DNA gyrase present in the pathogen was selected for designing five sets of primers targeting the flanking regions of the gene. The primers were specific for the detection of A. salmonicida with no cross reactions to other bacterial pathogens commonly infecting Atlantic cod, e.g., Vibrio anguillarum, Francisella piscicida, Yersinia ruckeri and some endogenous bacteria found in the gut of Atlantic cod. The detection limit of the assay was 1 picogram of bacterial DNA mL−1, whereas there was a decrease in detection limit by 1 log dilution in the presence of mucus as inhibitor. Because of its specificity and sensitivity, LAMP can be considered a useful tool in routine surveillance programs in aquaculture systems for monitoring atypical furunculosis in Atlantic cod and other marine species.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

LAMP is a potential diagnostic technique that can be used for the rapid and early detection of atypical Aeromonas salmonicida, the causative agent of furunculosis in Atlantic cod. This technique does not require sophisticated equipment and can be performed under isothermal conditions. The assay is highly sensitive to enable detection of the pathogen prior to the onset of infection, thus, mitigating measures can be applied to prevent heavy losses of the cultured stock.
POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION‐BASED ASSAYS FOR THE DETECTION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF POULTRY SIGNIFICANT PSEUDOMONADS
Authors: HANNING IRENE , JARQUIN ROBIN , O'LEARY AWILDA , SLAVIK MICHAEL
Published: December 2009

Pseudomonas genus‐specific primers targeting the 16s rRNA gene were used in a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for rapid analysis of Pseudomonas isolated from retail chicken carcasses. A multiplex PCR assay was also designed using specific primers targeting the gyrase B sub‐unit gene to rapidly distinguish between several species of poultry significant Pseudomonads. The assays were used to evaluate the species and level of spoilage Pseudomonads on raw chicken carcasses over an 8‐day storage period. No Pseudomonas were detected on the chicken carcasses until 4 days after storage using culturing and plating techniques, but the PCR‐based assays developed in this research were more sensitive and detected Pseudomonas in carcass rinses performed immediately after processing. With the multiplex PCR assay, it was determined that most of the Pseudomonas spoilage was because of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas fragi.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Economic losses as a result of spoilage are estimated between 5 and 17 billion dollars annually. In the poultry industry, the Pseudomonads not only cause the majority of this spoilage, but are also primary biofilm formers which may harbor and spread pathogens. Currently, only biochemical assays are available in the food industry for detection and differentiation of Pseudomonads. However, biochemical assays require 5 days for results, are limited to detection of a few species, and often produce erroneous results. The PCR assays developed in this work can reduce detection time to a few hours. Furthermore, these nucleic acid‐based assays have the potential to simplify the identification process, reduce food spoilage and foodborne illness, and speed the diagnosis of ill birds.
MODIFICATION OF FUNG DOUBLE TUBE AND CP ANASELECT OXYPLATE METHODS TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE IN ENUMERATING CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS FROM SEWAGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL WATERS
Authors: VIJAYAVEL KANNAPPAN , FUNG DANIEL Y.C. , FUJIOKA ROGER S.
Published: December 2009

The Fung Double Tube (FDT) and the newly developed CP AnaSelect Oxyplates methods can enumerate concentrations of Clostridium perfringens without need for external anaerobic generating systems. Because Clostridium perfringens is a reliable indicator of fecal contamination and it is one of the fastest growing fecal bacteria, these two methods were evaluated as feasible methods to screen recreational waters for sewage contamination. To increase the sensitivity and selectivity of these methods, three modifications were evaluated. The first modification was to pretreat the water samples using a microwave oven to attain high temperature (70C) for a short time (2.5 min) to reduce the interfering growth of non‐C. perfringens colonies on the selective media. The second modification was the addition of phosphatase reaction, thus enumerated colonies could be confirmed as C. perfringens. The third modification was to increase the sample volume for the FDT test from 5 to 10 mL/tube. The data collected showed that these modifications improved the selectivity and sensitivity of these two methods to enumerate C. perfringens from sewage‐contaminated water samples as well as environmental water samples such as streams, harbors, canals and coastal swimming beaches. The recovery efficiencies of the FDT and experimental CP AnaSelect Oxyplate for C. perfringens were similar to traditionally used membrane C. perfringens, tryptose sulfite cycloserine and Shahidi Ferguson perfringens agar media by membrane filtration technology, followed by incubation in anaerobic chambers. These results show that the modified FDT and CP AnaSelect Oxyplate methods are feasible and reliable methods to monitor environmental waters for C. perfringens. The FDT method is especially promising because it is simple, inexpensive and can produce results in 5–6 h.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Clostridium perfringens is currently being evaluated as a reliable indicator of sewage contamination in recreational waters. However, traditional methods to assay for C. perfringens are expensive and cumbersome because of the need for external anaerobic generating systems. In addition, target colonies must be confirmed by a second test. In this study, two methods are described, with capabilities to self‐generate anaerobic conditions and to immediately confirm the target colonies as C. perfringens. Moreover, one of the methods meets the difficult criterion of obtaining results in 6 h so decision on closing the beach can be reached on the same day the beach water sample is tested. Since these two methods are feasible and reliable, it will encourage many laboratories to assay their recreational waters for C. perfringens and a national database to determine the quality of recreational waters based on concentrations of C. perfringens can be developed.
APPLICATION OF ORGANIC ACIDS FOR TEXTURE MODIFICATION OF OCTOPUS (OCTOPUS VULGARIS) MUSCLE
Authors: KATSANIDIS EUGENIOS , AGRAFIOTI PARASKEVOULA T.
Published: December 2009

The effect of using organic acids to tenderize octopus (Octopus vulgaris) muscle during heat processing was investigated. They can decrease the stability and increase the solubility of the collagen that is responsible for the toughness of the octopus muscle. Acetic, lactic or citric acid was added at 0.05 and 0.1 M levels during the heat processing of octopus. Toughness was assessed by measuring the force required for a 2‐mm probe to fully penetrate a 5‐mm thick mantle muscle segment using a TA‐XT2i texture analyzer. Addition of the organic acids resulted in significant tenderization compared with the untreated control. No difference in the tenderizing effect of acetic, lactic and citric acids was observed. Differences in the cooking yield of the octopus were observed to be caused by the lowering of the pH of the muscle by the citric acid.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The effect of the application of organic acids on octopus muscle was investigated. Based on the results of the study, application of acetic or lactic acid in low concentrations can significantly reduce toughness of octopus muscle and, thus, decrease the duration of the heat processing required to achieve the desired texture, without compromising the yield of the processed product and, thus resulting in significant cost and energy savings.
EFFECT OF NaCl AND WATER CONTENT ON EXPANSION AND COLOR OF CASSAVA AND POTATO STARCHES ON BAKING
Authors: FARAHNAKY A. , MAJZOOBI M. , SHOJAEI Z.A.
Published: December 2009

Due to the importance of the role of NaCl in starch‐based systems, the effect of NaCl and water content on specific volume, color parameters and moisture loss of cassava and potato starches was studied and response surface methodology was used to find and estimate any nonlinearity between the parameters under study. Glass transition (Tg) is one of the main factors determining the quality parameters of toasted and baked samples. Therefore, Tg of two starch systems (cassava and potato) at low water levels (<20%) as affected by NaCl and water content was investigated. Using experimental modeling, equations were obtained to relate expansion, color change and moisture loss of baked samples to salt level and water content. Differential scanning calorimetry‐measured Tg showed that NaCl had negative impact on glass/rubber transition temperature of starch–salt mixtures compared with the samples without NaCl. This could have practical implications in baking, toasting and extrusion processing of starch‐based systems.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Due to concerns over health‐related issues of high intake of salt by the consumers, recently, the reduction of salt in different food products has become the focus of many industrial projects, conferences and workshops. In breakfast cereals, other than starch type, other added ingredients such as sugar and salt can have profound effects on the physical characteristics of final products. The inclusion of salt in breakfast cereals has some important technological roles, e.g., structure formation and flavor and color generation. Salt plays a key role in the expansion of low‐moisture extruded starch‐based products. Using the findings of this paper, one may quantify the effects of salt level on expansion and color of baked, toasted or extruded starch‐based cereal products and relate the changes to the glass rubber transition of the system.
Is Growth in Land‐based Wealth Sustaining Part‐time Farming? L’augmentation de la valeur du patrimoine foncier soutient‐ elle l’agriculture à temps partiel ? Fördert der Wohlstand durch Bodenwerterhöhung Nebenerwerbslandwirte?
Authors: Jack Claire G. , Moss Joan E. , Wallace Michael T.
Published: December 2009

Is Growth in Land‐based Wealth Sustaining Part‐time Farming?

Small‐scale farm holdings in many EU countries have shown remarkable resilience in the face of declining real farm incomes and a widening gap between farm and non‐farm earnings. This article examines the extent to which favourable off‐farm labour market conditions coupled with growth in land values has contributed to the observed resilience of small‐scale family farms. Using Northern Ireland data, our analysis indicates that farm household behaviour is influenced not just by current farm income, but also expected capital asset returns. Increased wealth, associated with continuing land ownership, gives rise to the proposition that the link between off‐farm incomes, increased land values and remaining in farming may be associated with farmers pursuing wealth maximizing objectives, whilst still maintaining a rural way of life. In this context, the capitalization of agricultural support payments into land values, under successive CAP reforms, has encouraged farmers to hold land back from the market in expectation of future gains. In addition, preferential tax arrangements in the treatment of land also impede adjustment. Alongside increased wealth through land ownership the study confirms off‐farm sources of income and, in particular, income from off‐farm employment, as being of paramount importance in ensuring the sustainability of small farms.
The Role of Social Networks in Immigrant Women's Political Incorporation
Authors: Gidengil Elisabeth , Stolle Dietlind
Published: December 2009

This article examines how immigrant women's social networks affect their propensity to vote and to participate in unconventional political activities, as well as their knowledge of politics and government services and programs. Our primary source of data is a telephone survey of women living in Canada's two largest metropolitan areas. Our findings show that contrary to the social capital literature, bonding ties do not exert strong negative effects on political incorporation, while bridging ties are not as helpful as hypothesized. What is important for immigrant women are the resources that are embedded in their social networks.
Striving for a Better Position: Aspirations and the Role of Cultural, Economic, and Social Capital for Irregular Migrants in Belgium
Authors: van Meeteren Masja , Engbersen Godfried , van San Marion
Published: December 2009

Drawing upon 120 semi-structured interviews with irregular migrants in Belgium, this article focuses on their aspirations and the resources needed in order to realize these. It is demonstrated that specific aspirations require specific forms of capital. A typology is constructed, based on three types of aspirations with corresponding resources. First, investment migrants, who aspire to return and invest in upward social mobility in their country of origin, require job competencies (cultural capital) and social leverage (social capital). Second, legalization migrants, who aspire to obtain legal residence, require different forms of capital, depending on the marriage market they are active in. Third, settlement migrants, aiming at residing legally or illegally in the receiving society, require both social support and social leverage (combined social capital). These findings indicate it is important to adopt a contextualized approach studying the mechanisms through which various forms of capital lead to different outcomes for irregular migrants.
What Determines the Embeddedness of Forced-Return Migrants? Rethinking the Role of Pre- and Post-Return Assistance
Authors: Ruben Ruerd , van Houte Marieke , Davids Tine
Published: December 2009

Return migration is not always a process of simply “going home.” Particularly when return is not fully voluntarily, returnees face severe obstacles. This study argues that such return can only become sustainable when returnees are provided with possibilities to become re-embedded in terms of economic, social network, and psychosocial dimensions. We analyze the return migration experiences of 178 rejected asylum seekers and migrants who did not obtain residence permit to six different countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sierra Leone, Togo and Vietnam. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis, we identify several key factors that influence prospects for embeddedness, such as individual and family characteristics, position in the migration cycle, and the role of pre- and post-return assistance. We find that the possibilities for successful return are highly dependent on the living circumstances provided in the host country: returnees who were enabled to engage in work, had access to independent housing and freedom to develop social contacts proved to be better able to exercise agency and maintain self-esteem. Post-return assistance by non-governmental organizations will be particularly helpful when financial support is combined with human guidance and practical information to enhance a more sustainable return process.
A preliminary study of the epidemiological factors related to honey bee colony loss in Spain
Authors: Higes Mariano , Martín‐Hernández Raquel , Martínez‐Salvador Amparo , Garrido‐Bailón Encarna , González‐Porto Amelia Virginia , Meana Aránzazu , Bernal José Luis , Del Nozal Maria Jesús , Bernal José
Published: December 2009

In recent years, a worldwide decline in the Apis mellifera populations has been detected in many regions, including Spain. This decline is thought to be related to the effects of pathogens or pesticides, although to what extent these factors are implicated is still not clear. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of honey bee colony depopulation symptoms in a random selected sample (n = 61) and we explored the implication of different pathogens, pesticides and the flora visited in the area under study. The prevalence of colony depopulation symptoms in the professional apiaries studied was 67.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 54.6–79.8; P < 0.0001]. The most prevalent pathogen found in the worker honey bee samples was Nosema ceranae[65.6%; 95% CI = 52.8–78.3; P < 0.0001], followed by Varroa destructor[32.7%; 95% CI = 20.2–45.4; P < 0.0001] and 97.5% of the colonies infected by N. ceranae were unhealthy (depopulated). Co‐infection by V. destructor and N. ceranae was evident in 22.9% (95% CI = 11.6–34.3; P < 0.0001) of the samples and only in unhealthy colonies. Of the 40 pesticides studied, only nine were detected in 49% of the stored pollen samples analysed. Fipronil was detected in only three of 61 stored pollen samples and imidacloprid was not detected in any. Acaricides like fluvalinate, and chlorfenvinphos used to control Varroa mite were the most predominant residues in the stored pollen, probably as a result of their application in homemade formulae. None of the pesticides identified were statistically associated to colony depopulated. This preliminary study of epidemiological factors suggests that N. ceranae is a key factor in the colony losses detected over recent years in Spain. However, more detailed studies that permit subgroup analyses will be necessary to contrast these findings.
Diversity and pathogenic potential of vibrios isolated from Abrolhos Bank corals
Authors: Alves Jr Nelson , Neto Oswaldo S. Maia , Silva Bruno S. O. , De Moura Rodrigo L. , Francini‐Filho Ronaldo B. , Barreira e Castro Clovis , Paranhos Rodolfo , Bitner‐Mathé Blanche C. , Kruger Ricardo H. , Vicente Ana Carolina P. , Thompson Cristiane C. , Thompson Fabiano L.
Published: December 2009

We performed the first taxonomic characterization of vibrios and other culturable microbiota from apparently healthy and diseased Brazilian‐endemic corals at the Abrolhos reef bank. The diseases affecting corals were tissue necrosis in Phyllogorgia dillatata, white plague and bleaching in Mussismilia braziliensis and bleaching in Mussismilia hispida. Bacterial isolates were obtained from mucus of 22 coral specimens originated from the Abrolhos Bank (i.e. Itacolomis reef, Recife de Fora reef and Santa Barbara Island) in 2007. Vibrios counts in the water and coral mucus were approximately 104 cfu ml−1 and 106 cfu ml−1 respectively. One hundred and thirty‐one representative vibrio isolates were identified. Most vibrio isolates (n = 79) fell into the core group using the pyrH identification marker. According to our analysis, diseased corals did not possess a unique vibrio microbiota. Vibrio species encompassed strains originated from both apparently healthy and diseased corals. The pathogenic potential of representative vibrio isolates (V. alginolyticus 40B, V. harveyi‐like 1DA3 and V. coralliilyticus 2DA3) were evaluated in a standardized bioassay using the animal model Drosophila melanogaster and caused 25–88% mortality. This is the first taxonomic characterization of the culturable microbiota from the Brazilian‐endemic corals. Endemic Brazilian corals are a reservoir of the vibrio core group. Vibrio alginolyticus, V. harveyi and V. coralliilyticus are dominant in the mucus of these corals and may be a normal component of the holobiont.