bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Founding Team Capabilities and New Venture Performance: The Mediating Role of Strategic Positional Advantages
Authors: Zhao Y. Lisa , Song Michael , Storm Gregory L.
Published: May 2012

This study conceptualizes founding team human capital with three multi–item scales that are related to critical functional areas in new service ventures: marketing capabilities, market–linking capabilities, and service design capabilities. We develop and empirically test a theoretical framework linking founding team capabilities to service venture performance through two strategic positional advantages: scalability and protectability. Our results provide insight into previous inconsistent findings regarding founding teams’ impact on new venture performance, offer important managerial implications, and point to future research directions.
La Vida Local: Planting the Seeds for Growing an Organic Food Delivery Business
Authors: Simon Mark , Miree Cynthia , Dule Matilda
Published: May 2012

La Vida Local is a small organic food delivery business which was started with an investment of under $1,000. In 2008, less than 2 years after its inception, the company is grossing over $80,000. Profits, however, are minimal. Although Julie LaPorte, the owner/operator, is more interested in facilitating the consumption of organic foods than making money, she is exhausted. She wants to hire an employee to help out, but to do so she needs to find a way to generate more profits and to overcome her own desire to keep tight control over operations.
MRS in Early and Presymptomatic Carriers of a Novel Octapeptide Repeat Insertion in the Prion Protein Gene
Authors: McDade Eric M , Boeve Bradley F. , Fields Julie A , Kumar Neeraj , Rademakers Rosa , Baker Matt C. , Knopman BSc, David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Kantarci Kejal
Published: May 2012

To evaluate the proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (1H MRS) changes in carriers of a novel octapeptide repeat insertion in the prion protein gene (PRNP) and family history of frontotemporal dementia with ataxia. Four at‐risk mutation carriers and 13 controls were compared using single voxel, short TE, 1H MRS from the posterior cingulate gyrus. The mutation carriers had an increased choline/creatine, P= .003 and increased myoinositol/creatine ratio, P= .003. 1H MRS identified differences in markers of glial activity and choline metabolism in pre‐ and early‐symptomatic carriers of a novel PRNP gene octapeptide insertion. These findings expand the possible diagnostic utility of 1H MRS in familial prion disorders.
Long‐term Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes in Patients with Spontaneous Cervico‐Cranial Arterial Dissections Treated with Stent Placement
Authors: Hassan Ameer E. , Zacharatos Haralabos , Rodriguez Gustavo J. , Suri M. Fareed K. , Tariq Nauman , Vazquez Gabriela , Tummala Ramachandra P. , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the long‐term clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with spontaneous cervico‐cranial arterial dissection treated with stent placement.

OBJECTIVE

To report the immediate and long‐term clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients who received stent placement for spontaneous cervico‐cranial arterial dissection.

Methods

We reviewed clinical and angiographic data of consecutive patients with spontaneous, cervico‐cranial arterial dissection treated with stent placement. Patients with recurrent ischemic symptoms or severe hemodynamic compromise despite maximal medical therapy, or those with compressive symptoms due to expanding pseudoaneurysms were considered for stent placement. Follow‐up angiography and intravascular ultrasound (in select patients) was performed to detect in‐stent restenosis, intimal flap, thrombus, or persistent pseudoaneurysm.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients were identified, with complete resolution of stenosis achieved in 10 patients immediately post‐procedure. Clinical follow‐up ranged from 26–900 days, during which there was 1 (7%) TIA, 1 (7%) minor ischemic stroke, and 1 (7%) in hospital death (unrelated to stent placement). Stroke‐free survival was 93% at both 1 month and 6 months after the procedure. Follow‐up angiography did not reveal any in‐stent restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and intermediate term effectiveness of endovascular stent reconstruction of spontaneous, cervico‐cranial arterial dissection.
A novel mouse model of atopic dermatitis with epicutaneous allergen sensitization and the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Kim Ha‐Jung , Kim Young‐Joon , Kang Mi‐Jin , Seo Ju‐Hee , Kim Hyung‐Young , Jeong Se Kyoo , Lee Seung‐Hun , Kim Ji‐Min , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: May 2012

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease, and the pathogenesis is not completely understood. Although there are some mouse models of AD, it is not easy to establish model to represent the natural AD development in human. In this study, we developed an AD model based on outside–inside theory and investigated the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lcr35), which have known as an immune modulator in allergic diseases. SKH‐1 hairless mice underwent three 1‐week exposures (separated by 2‐week intervals) to an ovalbumin (OVA) or saline (control) patch at the same site to develop the mouse model of AD. Lcr35 (1 × 109 CFU) was administered orally every day from 1 week before the first sensitization until the end of the study. The AD model induced erythematous and itchy skin, increasing TEWL and increasing skin inflammation as assessed by histology in the mice. Oral Lcr35 attenuated all disease parameters previously mentioned. OVA‐specific IgE and skin expression of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) increased in AD mice, but were reduced in AD mice treated with Lcr35. Moreover, Lcr35 treatment led to an increase in CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes of AD mice. In conclusions, based on the ‘outside–inside’ theory, topical allergen may induce AD without skin injury. Oral application of Lcr35 prevented the development of AD in this model by suppressing production of the inflammatory cytokines, IL‐4 and TSLP in the skin via a mechanism that may involve CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells.
Assigning origins in a potentially mixed‐stock recreational sea trout (Salmo trutta) fishery
Authors: Veinott Geoff , Westley Peter A. H. , Warner Lucas , Purchase Craig F.
Published: May 2012

The anadromous, or sea‐going, life history form of brown trout, or sea trout (
Salmo trutta), may lead to potential mixing of populations while foraging at sea. In this article, we assess the potential that multiple populations are using common semi‐enclosed estuaries and quantify the potential levels of straying (i.e. dispersal) of foreign‐produced individuals into populations by using otolith chemical signatures as natural ‘tags’. To do so, we created a database of juvenile fish otolith chemistry (a marker of freshwater production) from four rivers and compared the chemistry of harvested fish in two estuaries important to anglers, the Renews River and Chance Cove Brook, to the database. A discriminant function analysis revealed significant differences in the otolith chemistry of juvenile fish inhabiting the four rivers with a 97% cross‐validated accuracy when classifying individual juveniles to their natal river, indicating our baseline was robust. When assigning adults caught over 3 years (2007–2009) in the recreational fishery in the Renews River estuary, it was determined that over 95% of the fish caught each year originated from Renews River. In contrast, harvested fish in Chance Cove during 2009 were disproportionately comprised of fish produced in Renews River, suggesting the potential for source‐sink population dynamics in Newfoundland. Taken as a whole, these results indicate limited population mixing in nearshore estuaries of this region, but also highlight the potential for some populations to subsidise the harvest by anglers in different areas.
Effect of cooling during inter‐exercise periods on subsequent intramuscular water movement and muscle performance
Authors: Yanagisawa O. , Otsuka S. , Fukubayashi T.
Published: May 2012

To evaluate the effects of cooling between exercise sessions on intramuscular water movement and muscle performance, the lower extremities of nine untrained men were assigned to either a cooling protocol (20‐min water immersion, 15 °C) or a noncooling protocol. Each subject performed two exercise sessions involving maximal concentric knee extension and flexion (three repetitions, 60°/s; followed by 50 repetitions, 180°/s). The peak torque at 60°/s and total work, mean power, and decrease rate of torque value at 180°/s were evaluated. Axial magnetic resonance diffusion‐weighted images of the mid‐thigh were obtained before and after each exercise session. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for the quadriceps and hamstrings were calculated for evaluating intramuscular water movement. Both groups exhibited significantly increased ADC values for the quadriceps and hamstrings after each exercise session. These ADC values returned to the pre‐exercise level after water immersion. No significant difference was observed in muscle performance from first exercise session to the next in either group, except for increased total work and mean power in knee flexion in the cooled group. Cooling intervention between exercise sessions decreased exercise‐induced elevation of intramuscular water movement and had some beneficial effects on muscle endurance of knee flexors, but not knee extensors.
Survival analysis of mandibular complete dentures with acrylic‐based resilient liners
Authors: Kimoto Suguru , Kimoto Katsuhiko , Murakami Hiroshi , Gunji Atsuko , Ito Nana , Kawai Yasuhiko
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00658.x

Survival analysis of mandibular complete dentures with acrylic‐based resilient liners

Objective:  The purpose of this long‐term randomised controlled trial was to compare the longevity of dentures constructed using a conventional acrylic resin (CAR) to that of dentures constructed using an acrylic‐based resilient liner (ARL).

Materials and methods:  The follow‐up study was essentially carried out by annual telephone calls to each of the 67 participants. The Kaplan–Meier method and life‐table analysis were used for univariate analyses. The Cox proportional‐hazards test was used as a final model for statistically adjusting predictor variables such as sex, clinician type, mandibular denture type and age at denture delivery.

Results:  The denture type was likely to affect the survival time of the dentures, while the sex and clinician type were not. The group using acrylic‐based resilient denture liners had twice the risk of having shorter denture‐survival times than those using conventional acrylic resin dentures. Younger participants were likely to have a reduced risk of having shorter denture‐survival times than older participants.

Conclusion:  We conclude that mandibular complete dentures constructed using ARL are twice as likely as dentures constructed using CAR to have shorter denture survival times, mainly because of material deterioration.
Investigation of factor affecting health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Morimata Jien , Otomaru Takafumi , Murase Mai , Haraguchi Mihoko , Sumita Yuka , Taniguchi Hisashi
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00662.x

Investigation of factor affecting health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients

Objectives:  Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have profound illness of physical, social and psychological factors that affects quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting HRQL in patients with intra‐oral prostheses.

Background:  Some cross‐sectional studies have been performed to investigate HRQL in patients with HNC, but these studies did not report in detail how factors affect the HRQL of maxillectomy and mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients.

Materials and Methods:  The University of Washington Quality of Life version 4 questionnaires (Japanese version) was administered to 50 maxillectomy and 50 mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients with intra‐oral prostheses who were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Gathered data were statistically analyzed to investigate how a number of factors, namely, age, sex, pathologic diagnosis, neck dissection, resection size, radiotherapy and dental condition affect HRQL.

Results:  In the maxillectomy patients, there were no significant differences between malignant and benign tumor in pathological diagnosis or between dentate and edentulous in dental condition. Age, sex, neck dissection and radiotherapy affected HRQL. In the mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients, there was no significant difference between dentate and edentulous in dental condition. Age, sex, glossectomy, neck dissection and radiotherapy affected HRQL.

Conclusions:  The factors affecting HRQL in the maxillectomy patients were different from those in the mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients. Though they wore stable prostheses; we were still able to show that resection size, radiotherapy and neck dissection affected HRQL.
Provision of dental care in aged care facilities, NSW, Australia – Part 1 as perceived by the Directors of Nursing (care providers)
Authors: Webb Bettine C. , Whittle Terry , Schwarz Eli
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00670.x

Provision of dental care in aged care facilities, NSW, Australia – Part 1 as perceived by the Directors of Nursing (care providers)

Objective:  To ascertain the Directors of Nursing (DONs) perception of the provision of dental care and the difficulties in oral health maintenance for residents in New South Wales (NSW) aged care facilities (ACFs).

Background:  There were no specific figures relating to DONs’ perceptions of oral health needs and dental care nor obstructions to dental care of residents.

Materials and methods:  A total of 414 questionnaires, encoded for confidentiality, were posted to all DONs of ACFs in NSW and the data analysed.

Results:  Questionnaires were returned from 255 ACFs (response rate 61.6%) representing 16 861 residents with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:3.45. Of these residents, 48% had a dental assessment on admission by qualified dental staff. In 74.2% of facilities, no regular visits by dental staff took place, and 58.6% considered the perceived unwillingness of dental professionals to visit residents a barrier to good oral health. DONs reported that 53.6% of residents had dentures only, while 18.3% had natural teeth only. The most frequent difficulties reported by staff were residents’ use of abusive language (78.2%) and residents refusing to open mouth (60.9%).

Conclusion:  Lack of involvement of dental professionals in admission assessment and in ongoing programmes was of concern to DONs in ACFs.
N‐glycosylation promotes the cell surface expression of Kv1.3 potassium channels
Authors: Zhu Jing , Yan Jenny , Thornhill William B.
Published: May 2012

The voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3 plays an essential role in modulating membrane excitability in many cell types. Kv1.3 is a heavily glycosylated membrane protein. Two successive N‐glycosylation consensus sites, N228NS and N229ST, are present on the S1–S2 linker of rat Kv1.3. Our data suggest that Kv1.3 contains only one N‐glycan and it is predominantly attached to N229 in the S1–S2 extracellular linker. Preventing N‐glycosylation of Kv1.3 significantly decreased its surface protein level and surface conductance density level, which were ∼ 49% and ∼ 46% respectively of the level of wild type. Supplementation of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), l‐fucose or N‐acetylneuraminic acid to the culture medium promoted Kv1.3 surface protein expression, whereas supplementation of d‐glucose, d‐mannose or d‐galactose did not. Among the three effective monosaccharides/derivatives, adding GlcNAc appeared to reduce sialic acid content and increase the degree of branching in the N‐glycan of Kv1.3, suggesting that the N‐glycan structure and composition had changed. Furthermore, the cell surface half‐life of the Kv1.3 surface protein was increased upon GlcNAc supplementation, indicating that it had decreased internalization. The GlcNAc effect appears to apply mainly to membrane proteins containing complex type N‐glycans. Thus, N‐glycosylation promotes Kv1.3 cell surface expression; supplementation of GlcNAc increased Kv1.3 surface protein level and decreased its internalization, presumably by a combined effect of decreased branch size and increased branching of the N‐glycan.
Trait-Affect, Depressed Mood, and Male Sexual Functioning: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Peixoto Manuela , Nobre Pedro
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The relationship between trait-affect, depressed mood, and sexual functioning has been studied; however, the nature of that relation is not yet well established.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediator role that depressed mood plays in the relation between trait-affect and sexual functioning in men.

Methods

A total of 205 men from the general population participated in the study and completed self-reported measures assessing trait-affect, depressed mood, and sexual functioning.

Main Outcome Measures

Trait-affect was measured by the Positive Affect–Negative Affect Scale—Expanded Version, depressed mood was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, and male sexual function was measured by the International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Regression analysis showed that negative trait-affect and depressed mood were significant predictors of sexual functioning. Moreover, mediation analyses indicated that depressed mood partially mediate the relationship between negative trait-affect and sexual functioning in men.

Conclusion

Findings support the role of negative trait-affect and depressed mood on male sexual functioning.
Effects of carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis) feeding on carrot yield and content of sugars and phenolic compounds
Authors: Nissinen A.I. , Lemmetty A. , Pihlava J.‐M. , Jauhiainen L. , Munyaneza J.E. , Vanhala P.
Published: May 2012

Carrot psyllid, Trioza apicalis, is a serious pest of carrot in Northern Europe, as it can significantly damage young carrot seedlings in a period as short as 3 days. This study was conducted to investigate effects of carrot psyllid feeding at different plant growth stages on carrot yield and to assess changes in content of sugars, phenolics and related compounds in carrot roots resulting from the psyllid feeding. In addition, reflectance of carrot leaves was measured to assess the intensity of discolouration in damaged leaves. Results showed that carrot yield was significantly reduced by a 3‐day carrot psyllid feeding period when the seedlings were exposed to psyllids at 1‐ or 2‐leaf stage. However, at 4‐leaf stage feeding by one carrot psyllid did not reduce yield. Sucrose concentration in the damaged roots was significantly decreased, whereas concentrations of some phenolic compounds were significantly increased. The reflectance of leaves of damaged carrots differed significantly from those of undamaged control leaves. These observations indicate that carrot psyllid damage has potential to lower not only the carrot yield, but also the carrot crop quality. No phytoplasma was detected in the carrots exposed to psyllids, but recently, T. apicalis has been associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’. The role of carrot psyllid feeding and the psyllid‐associated bacterium in the damage formation are discussed.
Groundwater Remediation: The Next 30 Years
Authors: Hadley Paul W. , Newell Charles J.
Published: May 2012

Groundwater remediation technologies are designed, installed, and operated based on the conceptual models of contaminant hydrogeology that are accepted at that time. However, conceptual models of remediation can change as new research, new technologies, and new performance data become available. Over the past few years, results from multiple‐site remediation performance studies have shown that achieving drinking water standards (i.e., Maximum Contaminant Levels, MCLs) at contaminated groundwater sites is very difficult. Recent groundwater research has shown that the process of matrix diffusion is one key constraint. New developments, such as mass discharge, orders of magnitude (OoMs), and SMART objectives are now being discussed more frequently by the groundwater remediation community. In this paper, the authors provide their perspectives on the existing “reach MCLs” approach that has historically guided groundwater remediation projects, and advocate a new approach built around the concepts of OoMs and mass discharge.
Survival estimates for the Australian sea lion: Negative correlation of sea surface temperature with cohort survival to weaning
Authors: McIntosh Rebecca R. , Arthur Anthony D. , Dennis Terry , Berris Mel , Goldsworthy Simon D. , Shaughnessy Peter D. , Teixeira Carlos E. P.
Published: May 2012

Abstract

The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) population at Seal Bay Conservation Park, South Australia, is estimated to be declining at a rate of 1.14% per breeding season. To better understand the potential causes of this decline, survival rates were examined to 14 yr of age for eight cohorts marked as pups (aged 0.17 yr) between 1991 and 2002. Apparent yearly survival rates (Φ) varied by cohort for pups from marking to weaning at 1.5 yr (Φ= 0.30–0.67). Postweaning juvenile survival (1.5–3 yr) was 0.89 and survival from 3 to 14 yr was constant (Φ female:male = 0.96:0.89). Φ of pup cohorts was negatively correlated to local sea surface temperature where the sea lions forage (SST) and was especially low for cohort 7 in 2000 (0.30). It is possible that periods of unusually warm oceanographic conditions may be limiting primary production and inhibiting maternal provisioning to pups. Pup survival to weaning is relatively low compared to other otariid species, is likely to limit recruitment, and may be contributing to the decline in pup abundance observed in the colony.
Role of the blood–brain barrier in the evolution of feeding and cognition
Authors: Banks William A.
Published: May 2012

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulates the blood‐to‐brain passage of gastrointestinal hormones, thus informing the brain about feeding and nutritional status. Disruption of this communication results in dysregulation of feeding and body weight control. Leptin, which crosses the BBB to inform the CNS about adiposity, provides an example. Impaired leptin transport, especially coupled with central resistance, results in obesity. Various substances/conditions regulate leptin BBB transport. For example, triglycerides inhibit leptin transport. This may represent an evolutionary adaptation in that hypertriglyceridemia occurs during starvation. Inhibition of leptin, an anorectic, during starvation could have survival advantages. The large number of other substances that influence feeding is explained by the complexity of feeding. This complexity includes cognitive aspects; animals in the wild are faced with cost/benefit analyses to feed in the safest, most economical way. This cognitive aspect partially explains why so many feeding substances affect neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and cognition. The relation between triglycerides and cognition may be partially mediated through triglyceride's ability to regulate the BBB transport of cognitively active gastrointestinal hormones such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin.
Neuroaxonal Regeneration is More Pronounced in Early Multiple Sclerosis than in Traumatic Brain Injury Lesions
Authors: Schirmer Lucas , Merkler Doron , König Fatima B. , Brück Wolfgang , Stadelmann Christine
Published: May 2012

The extent of irreversible neuroaxonal damage is the key determinant of permanent disability in traumatic and inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system (CNS). Structural damage is nevertheless in part compensated by neuroplastic events. However, it is unknown whether the same kinetics and mechanisms of neuroaxonal de‐ and regeneration take place in inflammatory and traumatic conditions. We analyzed neuroaxonal degeneration and plasticity in early multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neuroaxonal degeneration identified by the presence of SMI31+ chromatolytic neurons and SMI32+ axonal profiles were characteristic features of leukocortical TBI lesions. Axonal transport disturbances as determined by amyloid precursor protein (APP)+ spheroids were present in both TBI and MS lesions to a similar degree. Neurons expressing growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43) and synaptophysin (Syn) were found under both pathological conditions. However, axonal swellings immunopositive for GAP43 and Syn clearly prevailed in subcortical MS lesions, suggesting a higher regenerative potential in MS. In this context, GAP43+/APP+ axonal spheroid ratios correlated with macrophage infiltration in TBI and MS lesions, supporting the idea that phagocyte activation might promote neuroplastic events. Furthermore, axonal GAP43+ and Syn+ swellings correlated with prolonged survival after TBI, indicating a sustained regenerative response.
Optimization of Hull‐Less Pumpkin Seed Roasting Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Vujasinović Vesna , Radočaj Olga , Dimić Etelka
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize hull‐less pumpkin seed roasting conditions before seed pressing to maximize the biochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the virgin pumpkin oils obtained using a hydraulic press. Hull‐less pumpkin seeds were roasted for various lengths of time (30 to 70 min) at various roasting temperatures (90 to 130 °C), resulting in 9 different oil samples, while the responses were phospholipids content, total phenols content, α‐ and γ‐tocopherols, and antioxidative activity [by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free‐radical assay]. Mathematical models have shown that roasting conditions influenced all dependent variables at P < 0.05. The higher roasting temperatures had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on phospholipids, phenols, and α‐tocopherols contents, while longer roasting time had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on γ‐tocopherol content and antioxidant capacity, among the samples prepared under different roasting conditions. The optimum conditions for roasting the hull‐less pumpkin seeds were 120 °C for duration of 49 min, which resulted in these oil concentrations: phospholipids 0.29%, total phenols 23.06 mg/kg, α‐tocopherol 5.74 mg/100 g, γ‐tocopherol 24.41 mg/100 g, and an antioxidative activity (EC50) of 27.18 mg oil/mg DPPH.

Practical Application:  A well‐defined roasting process is very important for the food industry to be able to produce pumpkin seed oil with desirable nutritive and chemical characteristics of this unique salad oil, which changes during the roasting. This study contributes to the knowledge of a product design process for the roasting conditions of naked pumpkin seeds based on results that have demonstrated that an increase in roasting temperature significantly increased the biochemical values and antioxidant properties of the obtained virgin oils.
Application of Ozonated Dry Ice (ALIGAL™ Blue Ice) For Packaging and Transport in the Food Industry
Authors: Fratamico Pina M. , Juneja Vijay , Annous Bassam A. , Rasanayagam Vasuhi , Sundar M. , Braithwaite David , Fisher Steven
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Dry ice is used by meat and poultry processors for temperature reduction during processing and for temperature maintenance during transportation. ALIGAL™ Blue Ice (ABI), which combines the antimicrobial effect of ozone (O3) along with the high cooling capacity of dry ice, was investigated for its effect on bacterial reduction in air, in liquid, and on food and glass surfaces. Through proprietary means, O3 was introduced to produce dry ice pellets to a concentration of 20 parts per million (ppm) by total weight. The ABI sublimation rate was similar to that of dry ice pellets under identical conditions, and ABI was able to hold the O3 concentration throughout the normal shelf life of the product. Challenge studies were performed using different microorganisms, including E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Listeria, that are critical to food safety. ABI showed significant (P < 0.05) microbial reduction during bioaerosol contamination (up to 5‐log reduction of E. coli and Listeria), on chicken breast (approximately 1.3‐log reduction of C. jejuni), on contact surfaces (approximately 3.9 log reduction of C. jejuni), and in liquid (2‐log reduction of C. jejuni). Considering the stability of O3, ease of use, and antimicrobial efficacy against foodborne pathogens, our results suggest that ABI is a better alternative, especially for meat and poultry processors, as compared to dry ice. Further, ABI can potentially serve as an additional processing hurdle to guard against pathogens during processing, transportation, distribution, and/or storage.

Practical Application:  A new product known as ALIGAL™ Blue Ice (ABI) incorporates ozone in dry ice pellets, combining the high cooling capacity of dry ice pellets and the antimicrobial efficacy of ozone. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of ABI compared to dry ice under potential commercial processing conditions, specifically examining the impact on airborne, surface, moisture, and food contamination. Treatment with ABI resulted in higher reductions of bacteria with airborne contamination, on chicken breast, on surfaces, and in liquid compared to dry ice. Thus, ABI can serve as an additional processing hurdle to guard against pathogens during food processing and storage.
Selection of Dominant NSLAB from a Mature Traditional Cheese According to their Technological Properties and in vitro Intestinal Challenges
Authors: Papanikolaou Zacharias , Hatzikamari Magdalini , Georgakopoulos Panayiotis , Yiangou Minas , Litopoulou‐Tzanetaki Evanthia , Tzanetakis Nikolaos
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Isolates (47) of lactobacilli from 5 different productions of Melichloro cheese were examined for potential use as adjunct cultures. The sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) of whole‐cell proteins classified 29 isolates as L. paraplantarum and 18 as L. paracasei subsp. paracasei. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction (RAPD‐PCR) analysis differentiated the L. paraplantarum and L. paracasei subsp. paracasei isolates at strain level and both, RAPD analysis and whole‐cell protein profiling provided useful information about the diversity of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) in the different cheese productions. The isolates were slow acidifiers and about 70% of them degraded, preferentially αs‐casein. The amounts of amino acids accumulated in the milk increased with the incubation time. A similar enzyme profile was exhibited by strains of both species, except for α‐mannosidase and α‐fucosidase, which were not detected in the L. paracasei subsp. paracasei strains. All strains grew in the presence of bile at 0.3% and the majority was able to withstand pH 2.5 and pancreatin at 0.1%. Moreover, all strains reduced cholesterol in vitro, with higher removal ability recorded for strains of L. paraplantarum. A narrow spectrum of antibacterial activity was recorded for 88% of the strains. Selected isolates with appropriate technological and interesting in vitro intestinal challenges could be used as adjuncts and deserve further studies.

Practical Application:  Strains selected by this study could be used as adjuncts to make the Melichloro cheese. Their contribution to cheese flavor is then going to be studied to select the most appropriate. Of course these strains have to be also studied for their probiotic potential, to say that we have a probiotic food.
From archives to conservation: why historical data are needed to set baselines for marine animals and ecosystems
Authors: McClenachan Loren , Ferretti Francesco , Baum Julia K.
Published: May 2012

Intergenerational loss of information about the abundance of exploited species can lead to shifting baselines, which have direct consequences for how species and ecosystems are managed. Historical data provide a means of regaining that information, but they still are not commonly applied in marine conservation and management. Omission of relevant historical information typically results in assessments of conservation status that are more optimistic, recovery targets that are lower, and fisheries quotas that are higher than if long‐term data were considered. Here, we review data and methods that can be used to estimate historical baselines for marine species including bony fishes, sharks, turtles, and mammals, demonstrate how baselines used in management change when historical data are included, and provide specific examples of how data from the past can be applied in management and conservation including extinction risk assessment, recovery target setting, and management of data‐poor fisheries. Incorporating historical data into conservation and management frameworks presents challenges, but the alternative—losing information on past population sizes and ecological variability—represents a greater risk to effective management of marine species and ecosystems.
Social networks supporting governance of coastal ecosystems in Solomon Islands
Authors: Cohen Philippa J. , Evans Louisa S. , Mills Morena
Published: May 2012

To address biodiversity loss and secure livelihoods reliant on natural resources, environmental governance is increasingly focused on connecting local management to higher scales of policy and planning. Governance networks can foster cross‐scale relations between actors for collective purposes. We examine a governance network of non‐governmental organizations, government agencies, and local communities involved in adaptive co‐management of coastal ecosystems in Solomon Islands. We use quantitative social network analysis to examine patterns of collaborative and knowledge‐exchange relations among agencies. We examine network structure alongside qualitative data to understand the potential of the network to facilitate coordination and learning among management actors. We identify social networks that transcend the formal membership of the governance network. Cross‐scale analysis highlights that network members are the only functional pathway for cross‐scale knowledge‐exchange and higher‐level representation of local issues. We find midscale managers (e.g., provincial governments) are poorly connected. The governance network also provides the primary means for knowledge‐exchange between agencies and is important for multi‐actor learning about best practice for conservation. Yet, we identify geographic, logistical, and institutional barriers and tradeoffs to multi‐actor and cross‐scale coordination and learning.
Prognostic factors and survival of patients with small cell lung cancer in a northeastern Chinese population
Authors: Liu Sha , Zhang Guoli , Li Chunhong , Chen Xuesong , Wang Shun , Wang Mingkun , Cai Li
Published: May 2012

Background:  This study presents the characteristics and treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and an analysis of the factors that impact survival in northeastern Chinese populations, among both smokers and non‐smokers.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed using 485 Chinese patients diagnosed with pathologically confirmed SCLC diagnoses between January 2001 and December 2007. Data on patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcome information was collected systematically. Univariate analysis and the Cox multivariate regression model were used to evaluate prognostic factors.

Results:  Median survival time was 16 months in all patients, 31 months in limited stage (LS) patients, and 10 months in extensive‐stage (ES) patients. Never‐smoking patients (P= 0.0368) with good performance status (PS) (P= 0.0044) or with normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (P < 0.0001), demonstrated superior survival rates. Multivariate analysis identified that cycles of chemotherapy, PS, LDH levels, recurrence or progression, and clinical stage were each independent prognostic factors applicable to all patients. In LS‐SCLC, cycles of chemotherapy were the only prognostic indicator; however, cycles of chemotherapy, LDH levels, and recurrence or progression, were all significant factors in ES‐SCLC.

Conclusion:  Cycles of chemotherapy, PS, LDH levels, recurrence or progression, and clinical stage were proved to be independent prognostic factors for SCLC with variant value based on the SCLC tumor stage.
Accent, Intelligibility, and the Role of the Listener: Perceptions of English‐Accented German by Native German Speakers
Authors: Hayes‐Harb Rachel , Watzinger‐Tharp Johanna
Published: May 2012

We explore the relationship between accentedness and intelligibility, and investigate how listeners’ beliefs about nonnative speech interact with their accentedness and intelligibility judgments. Native German speakers and native English learners of German produced German sentences, which were presented to 12 native German speakers in accentedness judgment and intelligibility tasks. Accentedness and intelligibility were correlated when all talkers were considered together; however, the correlation was not significant for the English‐accented speech alone. Native German listeners also completed a questionnaire concerning their beliefs about the roles of different factors in determining native‐likeness. Analyses revealed that the different beliefs of listeners do not necessarily lead to different judgments of nonnative speech. However, the qualitative data pointed to considerable variance in the native German listeners’ assessment of second language pronunciation.
Parotid salivary gland carcinoma in a geriatric horse
Authors: McConnell E. J. , Sanz M. G. , Kafka U. C. M. , Duncan N. M.
Published: May 2012

This case report describes a geriatric gelding with a 2 month history of fast‐growing masses within the parotid and submandibular regions. The horse was dyspnoeic on presentation and upper airway endoscopy revealed partial airway obstruction at the level of the pharynx, secondary to a space‐occupying mass. Cytological evaluation of multiple fine‐needle aspirates obtained from the masses were suggestive of salivary gland neoplasia, therefore the horse was subjected to humane euthanasia. A computed tomographical scan was obtainedpost mortemand revealed a large multi‐lobulated mass involving both guttural pouches, resulting in 80% occlusion of the naso‐ and oropharynx. Histopathology confirmed a parotid salivary gland carcinoma (papillary‐cystic type). Salivary gland tumours are extremely rare in horses, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Treatment of these malignancies proves to be challenging, requiring complete parotidectomy or surgical debulkment, in combination with adjunctive therapy.
Pattern recognition receptors in equine endotoxaemia and sepsis
Authors: WERNERS A. H. , BRYANT C. E.
Published: May 2012

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on host cells detect pathogens to activate innate immunity which, in turn, initiates inflammatory and adaptive immune responses. Successful activation of PRRs is, therefore, critical to controlling infections and driving pathogen‐specific adaptive immunity, but overactivity of PRRs causes systemic inflammation, which is detrimental to the host. Here we review the PRR literature as it relates to horses and speculate on the role PRRs may play in sepsis and endotoxaemia.
An explant based‐method for differentiating adipocytes from equine adipose tissue
Authors: SUAGEE J. K. , CORL B. A.
Published: May 2012

Culturing adipocytes enables fine control of experimental conditions and helps minimise animal use. This report describes an explant‐based method for isolating stromal‐vascular cells from equine adipose tissue that enables use of small amounts of tissue. Subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissues were harvested post mortem and stromal‐vascular cells grown from explants, prior to testing the capacity of several differentiation media to induce lipid droplet formation and increase transcript abundance of adipocyte markers. Inclusion of rosiglitazone at 1 and 5 µmol/l concentrations, along with other media components, induced differentiation of cultured equine stromal‐vascular cells derived from subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissues.
The separate roles of the reflective mind and involuntary inhibitory control in gatekeeping paranormal beliefs and the underlying intuitive confusions
Authors: Svedholm Annika M. , Lindeman Marjaana
Published: May 2012

Intuitive thinking is known to predict paranormal beliefs, but the processes underlying this relationship, and the role of other thinking dispositions, have remained unclear. Study 1 showed that while an intuitive style increased and a reflective disposition counteracted paranormal beliefs, the ontological confusions suggested to underlie paranormal beliefs were predicted by individual differences in involuntary inhibitory processes. When the reasoning system was subjected to cognitive load, the ontological confusions increased, lost their relationship with paranormal beliefs, and their relationship with weaker inhibition was strongly accentuated. These findings support the argument that the confusions are mainly intuitive and that they therefore are most discernible under conditions in which inhibition is impaired, that is, when thinking is dominated by intuitive processing. Study 2 replicated the findings on intuitive and reflective thinking and paranormal beliefs. In Study 2, ontological confusions were also related to the same thinking styles as paranormal beliefs. The results support a model in which both intuitive and non‐reflective thinking styles and involuntary inhibitory processes give way to embracing culturally acquired paranormal beliefs.
Optimizing charge neutralization for a magnetic sector SIMS instrument in negative mode
Authors: Pivovarov Alexander L. , Guryanov Georgiy M.
Published: May 2012

Successful self-adjusted charge compensation was demonstrated for a CAMECA magnetic-sector secondary ion mass spectrometer applied in negative mode. Operation with the normal-incidence electron gun (NEG) potential positively biased relative to a sample potential enables substantial broadening of the Cs primary-ion-current density range available for analysis of insulators. The decrease of the negative NEG potential by 30 V allows the highest value of primary current density used for the analysis of a silica sample to increase by a factor of more than 6. By applying the improved charge neutralization technique, accurate Na depth profiles for SiO2 samples were obtained within detection limits of ∼3 × 1015 atoms/cm3.
Nutritional management of adults with inflammatory bowel disease: practical lessons from the available evidence
Authors: Smith Melissa A , Smith Trevor , Trebble Timothy M
Published: May 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with impairment of nutritional status both anthropometrically and biochemically, which results from both qualitative and quantitative changes in dietary intake alongside disease activity. Dietary intervention to replace deficiency is essential and may also be used to treat active disease and to reduce symptoms. The evidence for dietary interventions in this area is reviewed and the following recommendations made:

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Assessment of nutritional status is an essential part of the investigation of all patients with IBD and deficiency should be actively sought.

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Any patient with macro- or micronutrient deficiency should be referred for dietetic assessment.

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Micronutrient deficiency (most frequently iron, vitamin B12, folate and magnesium) should be replaced aggressively, parenterally if necessary.

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Significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms can be achieved by low-residue diets (for stricturing disease) and (always under dietetic supervision) management of lactose and other intolerances.

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Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in patients with IBD can respond to low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets, again this must be done under dietetic supervision.

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Active Crohn's disease can be treated by exclusive enteral nutrition (elemental/polymeric/altered fat formulations all have equivalent efficacy).

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Enteral nutrition can maintain remission in Crohn's disease and in this context can be given alongside normal oral intake.

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Nutritional support does not have an established role in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis, other than in the management of malnutrition.

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Total parenteral nutrition should not be used unless intestinal failure occurs.

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There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of Ω3 fish oil, prebiotics and glutamine in the treatment of active IBD.
The white nipple sign: Figure 1
Authors: Kasturi Rangarajan , Patodi Nishant , Ahmed Mohammed Monzur , Lim Chee
Published: May 2012

The white nipple sign is a term used to describe a fresh fibrin clot on a varix that has bled recently. The authors describe a case to highlight the importance of prompt endo-therapy when this sign is recognised as disturbing this clot can cause brisk bleeding
Steroids in villous atrophy: opening a can of worms?
Authors: Lee Lennard , Blaker Paul , Gill Baljit , Lucas Sebastian , Muir Victoria , Irving Peter M
Published: May 2012

A 60 year old man presented to the emergency department with septic shock and respiratory distress. He noted significant weight loss over the last 6 months with associated postprandial bloating. Endoscopy demonstrated partial villous atrophy. He had been on a gluten free diet, received empirical treatment for giardiasis and was receiving treatment with high dose systemic steroids for retroperitoneal fibrosis. This case discusses histology findings, differentials and reason for this acute presentation.
PARAMETER ANALYSIS IN ACOUSTIC CONTRAST CONTROL DESIGN SCHEME FOR A LOUDSPEAKER ARRAY
Authors: WU BO-HSIEN , TOO GEE-PINN
Published: May 2012

The concept of acoustic contrast control divides a sound field into bright zone and dark zone. A source array is used to increase acoustic potential energy density in the bright zone and to decrease acoustic potential energy density in the dark zone by controlling amplitude and phase of each source. In the present study, a personal audio system which is based on acoustic contrast control is designed. The purpose is to focus the acoustic potential energy around the region of listener. The optimal configuration for sound field is controlled by using a loudspeaker array. Parameters analysis is considered in simulation. Parameters, such as: the quantity of loudspeakers, the spacing of loudspeakers, the length of array, and the emission frequency are discussed. Finally, two experiments are conducted in a semi-anechoic room and a reverberation room, respectively. The results are shown to verify this approach in the present study.
SIMULATION OF A MIXTURE MODEL FOR ULTRASOUND PROPAGATION THROUGH CANCELLOUS BONE USING STAGGERED-GRID FINITE DIFFERENCES
Authors: GILBERT ROBERT P. , GUYENNE PHILIPPE , LI JING
Published: May 2012

In this paper we treat the cancellous bone as is done in mixture theory, i.e. each point in the material has both a fluid and a solid phase co-existing there. Each phase is weighted by the volume fraction of material in the composite structure. It is seen that in such a material attenuation of amplitude as frequency increases occurs as is observed in laboratory experiments33,34and as was observed in the finite element homogenization approach used by Hackl, Ilic and Gilbert.