bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization for High Dynamic Range Imaging
Authors: Kim Min H. , Kautz Jan
Published: April 2008

In this paper we present a new practical camera characterization technique to improve color accuracy in high dynamic range (HDR) imaging. Camera characterization refers to the process of mapping device‐dependent signals, such as digital camera RAW images, into a well‐defined color space. This is a well‐understood process for low dynamic range (LDR) imaging and is part of most digital cameras — usually mapping from the raw camera signal to the sRGB or Adobe RGB color space. This paper presents an efficient and accurate characterization method for high dynamic range imaging that extends previous methods originally designed for LDR imaging. We demonstrate that our characterization method is very accurate even in unknown illumination conditions, effectively turning a digital camera into a measurement device that measures physically accurate radiance values — both in terms of luminance and color — rivaling more expensive measurement instruments.
Modeling a Generic Tone‐mapping Operator
Authors: Mantiuk Rafał , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2008

Although several new tone‐mapping operators are proposed each year, there is no reliable method to validate their performance or to tell how different they are from one another. In order to analyze and understand the behavior of tone‐mapping operators, we model their mechanisms by fitting a generic operator to an HDR image and its tone‐mapped LDR rendering. We demonstrate that the majority of both global and local tone‐mapping operators can be well approximated by computationally inexpensive image processing operations, such as a per‐pixel tone curve, a modulation transfer function and color saturation adjustment. The results produced by such a generic tone‐mapping algorithm are often visually indistinguishable from much more expensive algorithms, such as the bilateral filter. We show the usefulness of our generic tone‐mapper in backward‐compatible HDR image compression, the black‐box analysis of existing tone mapping algorithms and the synthesis of new algorithms that are combination of existing operators.
Women's Representation: A Comparison between Europe and the Americas
Authors: Stockemer Daniel
Published: April 2008

Prior research on women's representation conducted in various parts of the world has indicated that the type of electoral system, quotas, the timing of women's suffrage, women's participation in the workforce and a country's development all have an influence. In this study all of these characteristics are first investigated for the national parliaments of Europe. In a second step, the robustness of the model is tested by applying it to the Americas. This analysis reveals that the model generated for Europe does not provide a good fit for explaining the extent of women's representation in North, Central and South America. Consequently, it is still impossible to generalise about the state of women's representation.
New Opportunities, Same Constraints: Environmental Protection and China's New Development Path
Authors: Johnson Thomas R.
Published: April 2008

Since coming to power in 2002, China's ‘fourth generation’ leadership has attempted to steer the country on to a new development path that emphasises environmental protection and resource conservation. This article argues that this has opened up a window of opportunity for China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), long perceived as a weak body, to expand its influence and improve implementation of environmental policies. This article examines two recent SEPA initiatives, green GDP and so-called ‘environmental storms’, to see to what extent SEPA has been able to achieve these outcomes. It concludes that, although the profile of environmental issues has risen as a result of these two initiatives, they also highlight the difficulties inherent in enforcing better environmental standards in an authoritarian political system.
The Party Evolution Model: An Integrated Approach to Party Organisation and Political Communication
Authors: Lamprinakou Chrysa
Published: April 2008

Existing party organisation and political communication theories approach the issue of party behaviour from different and highly opposing angles. This article explores the potential for theoretical synthesis between party organisation and political communication and marketing approaches, focusing particularly on the role of internal party mechanisms during election periods. After providing a brief account of the deficiencies of the existing political communication and marketing models, the article outlines a coherent integrated model for party organisation and political communication. The ‘Party Evolution Model’ goes beyond the existing theories of party organisation and communication in an attempt to fill in the gap between the two approaches.
The Intellectual Perils of Broad Human Security: Deepening the Critique of International Relations
Authors: Roberts David
Published: April 2008

Pauline Ewan discussed, in a recent issue of Politics, how the human security debate is stymied by conceptual and definitional weaknesses, and how it is politicised in conventional security studies. In response, this article takes a different approach and develops from the critical security literature a working conceptualisation and definition of broad human in security. It proposes as one example of objectively identifiable and measurable dimension of human insecurity the largely preventable high rates of under five mortality (U5M) and demonstrates its origins in the socially constructed international system. In this way, it responds to Ewan's remarks concerning the need to debate subjectivity and historical (and contemporary) political determinism in order to circumvent the unending ‘circuitous debates’ that stymie the development of human security.
Estimation Strategies for Censored Lifetimes with a Lexis‐Diagram Type Model
Authors: BRUNEL ELODIE , COMTE FABIENNE , GUILLOUX AGATHE
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  When collecting right‐censored lifetime data, a sampling bias occurs in many situations. The present authors offer a new sampling scheme description based on the Lexis diagram, which includes time‐window and cohort studies. This implies a selection bias for the data collected. We also assume that censoring may occur. Hence, we provide a model selection strategy to estimate the hazard and density functions in this model. Adaptive projection estimators on trigonometric bases are developed by contrast penalization and optimal non‐parametric rates of convergence are given. Both estimators are practically studied through simulation experiments as well as real data in the case of the time‐window study.
Prehospital identification of stroke – room for improvement
Authors: Fischer C. E. , Barnung S. , Nielsen S. L. , Rasmussen L. S.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Rapid recognition of stroke is important because it allows early brain imaging and management such as thrombolytic therapy. We evaluated the identification of the diagnosis acute cerebrovascular incident in a physician‐based prehospital emergency medical system.

Methods:  From the Copenhagen Mobile Emergency Care Unit (MECU) register we identified patients classified as having an acute cerebrovascular incident through a 2‐year period. We subsequently searched the hospital registration system and compared the consistency between the primary hospital discharge diagnosis and the MECU diagnosis made on referral. Our primary aim was to calculate the proportion of admitted patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis from the category ‘acute cerebrovascular incident.’

Results:  In total, 583 patients were included in our study. In 25 patients, no hospital discharge diagnosis could be found. Of the remaining 558 patients, a hospital discharge diagnosis of cerebrovascular incident was made for 168 (30.1%) patients. Other cerebral disease was found in 171 (30.7%), systemic disease in 52 (9.3%), and other diagnoses in 167 (29.9%).

Discussion:  We found a low accuracy of the clinical diagnosis acute cerebrovascular incident in the prehospital setting with room and need for improvement in order to allow appropriate and expeditious referral for thrombolytic therapy.
Diagnostic performance of clinical motor and non‐motor tests of Parkinson disease: a matched case–control study
Authors: Bohnen N. I. , Studenski S. A. , Constantine G. M. , Moore R. Y.
Published: April 2008

Background and purpose: The diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD) is made typically on the basis of motor abnormalities. PD is now recognized to have both motor and non‐motor manifestations, indicating a need for the development of reliable non‐motor diagnostic tests for PD. The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of various clinical motor and non‐motor tests for the diagnosis of PD.

Methods: Forty‐five PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–3; mean age 59.5 ± 10.0 years) and 45 healthy controls matched for gender and age completed a clinimetric motor test battery to assess limb bradykinesia, tremor and balance. Non‐motor tests consisted of depression, anxiety and smell identification ratings. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was used.

Results: We found that smell identification was the most accurate predictor of the presence of PD within the overall group of patients and matched control subjects (AUC = 0.886) and also in the subgroups of mild severity (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–1.5; AUC = 0.923), young‐onset (AUC = 0.888) and female PD patients (AUC = 0.797). The second best diagnostic test was the grooved pegboard test for the clinically most affected body side.

Conclusions: We conclude that olfactory function is the most accurate diagnostic predictor within a heterogeneous sample of patients with PD.
Sensory evaluation and physico‐chemical measurements of tomatoes commonly consumed in New Zealand
Authors: Busch Janette M. , Savage Geoffrey P. , Searle Bruce P.
Published: April 2008

Five different locally sourced commercially grown tomatoes (cultivars; Aranca, Excell, Flavourine, Mondeo and Solairo) and one grown in Australia (Gourmet) were subjected to sensory evaluation using a consumer taste panel. Physico‐chemical characteristics (CIE colour, dry matter, °Brix, titratable acidity, pH and °Brix : acid ratio) were also measured on the tomatoes. Overall, the sensory evaluation results showed that there were differences between the tomato cultivar most likely to be purchased (Excell, bright red skin colour) and the tomato liked most overall (Aranca, darker red skin colour). Panellists gave a wide range of juiciness and hardness scores to the tomatoes evaluated. Cultivars Flavourine, Aranca and Solairo were moderately sweet while Excell, Mondeo and Gourmet were regarded as not sweet at all. Physico‐chemical results showed that the New Zealand grown tomato varieties evaluated were comparable with other tomatoes grown in New Zealand while most tomatoes were redder and had higher titratable acidity compared with studies of tomato varieties from other countries. The panellists initially ranked the tomatoes on the redness of skin colour but changed their rankings when they had assessed their taste and texture.
Reproductive hormonal changes and catamenial pattern in adolescent females with epilepsy
Authors: El‐Khayat Hamed A. , Soliman Nancy A. , Tomoum Hoda Y. , Omran Maher A. , El‐Wakad Amany S. , Shatla Rania H.
Published: April 2008

Summary

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effect of epilepsy on the reproductive hormones levels among female patients, and to investigate the frequency of catamenial pattern of seizures.

Methods: A total of 42 female patients with epilepsy and 21 healthy females (control group) were included. Subjects were at least 2 years postmenarche with regular cycles. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were assessed using calendar of premenstrual experience scoring. Patients were evaluated for catamenial pattern of seizures. Levels of FSH, LH, estradiol (E), and progesterone (P) were assessed for all subjects in the three phases of the cycles. Pelvi‐abdominal ultrasound was performed near time of ovulation, to follow up size of mature follicle.

Results: Symptoms of PMS were not different in patients and controls, or in patients with and those without catamenial tendency. In both perimenstrual (M) and midluteal phases, FSH and P levels were lower and E/P ratio higher in patients group. There was a catamenial pattern of seizures in 31% of patients (53.8% M C
1
; 46.15% inadequate luteal phase C
3
pattern). Patients with C
3
pattern showed lower P levels in the midluteal phase compared to patients with noncatamenial pattern, to those with C
1
pattern or to controls. Patients with C
1
pattern had lower P levels than controls in the M phase.

Conclusion: There was evident disruption in the reproductive hormones in female patients with epilepsy with lower FSH and P levels and higher E/P ratio. A total of 31% of patients showed catamenial pattern of seizures (C
1
and C
3
patterns) that was significantly related to P withdrawal.
Local spatial effect of 50 Hz cortical stimulation in humans
Authors: Gwinn Ryder P. , Spencer Dennis D. , Spencer Susan S. , Duckrow Robert B. , Vives Kenneth , Wu Kun , Tkeshelashvili David , Zaveri Hitten P.
Published: April 2008

Summary

Purpose: Cortical stimulation to abort seizures is under human investigation. Ideal electrode placement and stimulating parameters are unknown with poor understanding of tissue volume affected by stimulation or duration and nature of its effect on cortical activity. To help characterize this effect, we analyzed electrocorticography (ECoG) recorded adjacent to stimulated contacts during and after bipolar stimulation in patients undergoing functional cortical mapping with subdural electrodes.

Methods: We analyzed four functional mapping procedures in three patients. One row of contacts was chosen for bipolar stimulation at sequential distances. Stimulation parameters were those used for functional mapping. Pooled Teager energy (TE) and band power were calculated for: (1) baseline, (2) 5 s during stimulation, and (3) 5–15 s after the stimulus.

Results: Average TE increased during stimulation, falling with distance from the stimulus. Average poststimulus TE increased (284–905%) compared to baseline. Increased TE was observed: (1) up to 10 s after stimulation, (2) stimulation amplitudes of 4 mA or greater, and (3) up to 2 cm from the stimulus. There was no difference in poststimulus TE between the stimulated pair of contacts and outside the pair. Greatest increase in poststimulus signal power occurred in beta and gamma bands.

Conclusions: Human cortical stimulation of 50 Hz resulted in elevated ECoG energy measurements up to 10 s poststimulation. Contacts >2 cm from stimulated electrodes did not show significant response to stimulation. Separating contacts >2 cm on the cortical surface may not result in efficacious treatment of seizure activity using common stimulation amplitudes (2–10 mA).
Alternative Delivery of a 4Fr Lumenless Pacing Lead in Children
Authors: LAPAGE MARTIN J. , RHEE EDWARD K.
Published: April 2008

Background: The potential advantages of using a 4Fr lumenless pacing lead (3830 SelectSecure™, Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in children are largely negated due to the large size of the delivery system. Here we describe an innovative, sheath guided, delivery technique using conventional 5F sheaths.

Methods: Transvenous access was obtained via the left cephalic or axillary vein. A 5Fr introducer set with a 45° curved tip (CheckFlo® Performer® Introducer Set with the Children's Hospital Boston Modification, Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN, USA) was placed over a wire into the right atrium (RA) or right ventricle (RV). The sheath was modified by cutting off the valved end and a SelectSecure™ lead was introduced through the sheath. Rotating the sheath provided steerability and allowed for precise placement of the lead. After successful lead placement, the sheath was removed with a universal sheath splitter.

Results: We placed seven atrial and six ventricular leads in eight patients during nine separate cases with this method. Patient ages and weights ranged from 5 to 16 years and 16 to –59 kg respectively. Pacing thresholds were excellent at implant. Leads were placed successfully in all attempts. There were no procedural complications. One patient had leads placed twice; both lead systems were removed for suspected infection. Over short‐term follow‐up in five patients, lead position and characteristics have remained stable.

Conclusion: Delivery of the SelectSecure™ lead in children can be successfully and precisely performed using a modified 5Fr sheath obviating the need for a large steerable delivery system.
Successful Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Originating from Underneath the Mechanical Prosthetic Aortic Valve
Authors: YAMADA TAKUMI , McELDERRY H. THOMAS , DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , NEAL KAY G.
Published: April 2008

A 67‐year‐old man who developed sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) 4 years after a prosthetic aortic valve replacement, underwent electrophysiologic testing and catheter ablation. The mechanism of the VT was suggested to be triggered activity because the VT could be induced by programmed ventricular stimulation, and burst ventricular pacing demonstrated overdrive suppression without a transient entrainment. Successful catheter ablation using a transseptal approach was achieved underneath the mechanical prosthetic aortic valve on the blind side for that approach. This case demonstrated that catheter mapping and ablation of the entire LV using a transseptal approach might be possible.
Delayed Pericarditis Associated with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation Using an Active‐Fixation Atrial Lead
Authors: KONO KOICHI , TODOROKI MASAKATSU , KARASAWA TSUYOSHI , ITO ITARU , TADOKORO KAZUYOSHI , SHINBO GORO , HORINAKA SHIGEO , MATSUOKA HIROAKI , MOCHIZUKI YOSHIHIKO
Published: April 2008

A 57‐year‐old man with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia underwent routine dual chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. An active‐fixation atrial lead was positioned at the lateral wall of the right atrium. He subsequently developed chronic severe pericarditis. Histopathological findings of the pericardium showed mechanical stimulus localized pericarditis. This case demonstrates that contact of the screw of the active‐fixation atrial lead with the pericardium may be a possible mechanism for pericarditis after pacemaker/ICD implantation.
Reticulated Telangiectatic Erythema of the Pacemaker
Authors: MARTIN LUCY K. , WENDSCHUH PHILIP , WENDSCHUH PETER
Published: April 2008

Reticulated telangiectatic erythema is a rare entity; it has been reported to occur following the placement of implanted cardiac devices and drug delivery systems. Histologically, reticulated telangiectatic erythema of the pacemaker is characterized by slight spongiosis and increased dermal telangiectasias. We describe a patient that developed reticulated telangiectatic nonpruritic patches on the left chest after the placement of a pacemaker. The patient responded favorably to the removal of the pacemaker.
Left Innominate Vein Aneurysm Finding during Pacemaker Lead Insertion
Authors: PELLIZZARI NICOLA , CARASI MASSIMO , IAVERNARO ANTONIO , ZADRO MIRCO , REGINATO ANNALISA , CUCCHINI FRANCESCO
Published: April 2008

Thoracic vein aneurysms are very rare vascular lesions, usually detected as incidental findings. We describe the case of a patient with an advanced atrioventricular block who underwent definitive pacemaker implantation. In order to explain the difficult advancement of a pacemaker lead, vein angiography was performed during the procedure and a large innominate vein aneurysm was observed. Successful lead placement was then performed without further complications.
Brugada Syndrome with Marked Conduction Disease: Dual Implications of a SCN5A Mutation
Authors: VOROBIOF GABRIEL , KROENING DANIEL , HALL BURR , BRUGADA RAMON , HUANG DAVID
Published: April 2008

A 51‐year‐old woman presented with an episode of syncope. Upon further review she was found to have a typical Brugada type pattern on her electrocardiogram. She did not have evidence for structural heart disease. At electrophysiological testing she was found to have marked infrahisian conduction disease and had easily inducible polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. She underwent implantation of a dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and family screening was recommended. Genetic analysis revealed a novel nonsense mutation in the gene encoding for the sodium channel (SCN5A). Five months after ICD implantation the patient had an episode of ventricular fibrillation documented on ICD interrogation. This case is unique as it is consistent with an overlap syndrome, namely both Brugada Syndrome and distal atrioventricular (AV) conduction disease secondary to a novel SCN5A mutation in a young female. This finding highlights the phenotypic heterogeneity of novel SCN5A mutations.
Transcatheter Ablation via a Sternotomy Approach as a Hybrid Procedure in a Univentricular Heart
Authors: KHAIRY PAUL , FOURNIER ANNE , RUEST PIERRE , VOBECKY SUZANNE J.
Published: April 2008

Hybrid procedures that combine surgical and interventional techniques are increasingly utilized in patients with congenital heart disease. We performed a novel hybrid intervention involving transcatheter ablation via a sternotomy approach and atriotomy incision. A recalcitrant accessory pathway was successfully ablated in a patient with hemodynamically unstable supraventricular tachycardia and an extracadiac Fontan for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
A new US–UK diagnostic project: mood elevation and depression in first‐year undergraduates at Oxford and Stanford universities
Authors: Chandler R. A. , Wang P. W. , Ketter T. A. , Goodwin G. M.
Published: April 2008

Objective:  To investigate differences in prevalence of mood elevation, distress and depression among first‐year undergraduates at Oxford and Stanford universities.

Method:  An online survey was sent to Oxford and Stanford first‐year undergraduate students for two consecutive years in the winter of 2005 and 2006. Students completed a survey that assessed mood symptoms and medication use.

Results:  Both universities had similar rates of distress by General Health Questionnaire (Oxford – 42.4%; Stanford – 38.3%), depression by Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (Oxford – 6.2%; Stanford – 6.6%), and psychotropic and non‐psychotropic medication usage (psychotropic: Oxford – 1.5%; Stanford 3.5%; non‐psychotropic: Oxford – 13.3%; Stanford – 18%). Oxford had higher rates of mood elevation by Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) (Oxford – 4%; Stanford – 1.7%).

Conclusion:  Oxford and Stanford students have similar rates of mood distress, depression and general medication usage. Students at Oxford have a higher prevalence of MDQ scores that possibly indicate a bipolar disorder, while Stanford students are prescribed more psychotropics.
Myoblast Fusion in Fly and Vertebrates: New Genes, New Processes and New Perspectives
Authors: Richardson Brian E. , Nowak Scott J. , Baylies Mary K.
Published: April 2008

Muscle formation and repair depends critically on the fusion of myoblasts. Despite the importance of this process, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating fusion. Forward genetic screens in Drosophila melanogaster have uncovered genes that, when mutated, prevent myoblast fusion. Analyses of these gene products have indicated that the actin cytoskeleton and its regulation play a central role in the fusion process. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field, including new imaging approaches to analyze fusion as well as a description of novel genes required for fusion. In particular, we highlight what has been learned about the requirement of a specific actin structure at the site of fusion. We also place these findings from Drosophila within the context of myoblast fusion in vertebrates.
Multivariate permutation analysis associates multiple polymorphisms with subphenotypes of major depression
Authors: Hahn M. K. , Blackford J. U. , Haman K. , Mazei‐Robison M. , English B. A. , Prasad H. C. , Steele A. , Hazelwood L. , Fentress H. M. , Myers R. , Blakely R. D. , Sanders‐Bush E. , Shelton R.
Published: April 2008

Unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent, disabling condition with multiple genetic and environmental factors impacting disease risk. The diagnosis of MDD relies on a cumulative measure derived from multiple trait dimensions and alone is limited in elucidating MDD genetic determinants. We and others have proposed that MDD may be better dissected using paradigms that assess how specific genes associate with component features of MDD. This within‐disease design requires both a well‐phenotyped cohort and a robust statistical approach that retains power with multiple tests of genetic association. In the present study, common polymorphic variants of genes related to central monoaminergic and cholinergic pathways that previous studies align with functional change in vitro or depression associations in vivo were genotyped in 110 individuals with unipolar MDD. Subphenotypic characteristics were examined using responses to individual items assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), the 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D) and the NEO Five Factor Inventory. Multivariate Permutation Testing (MPT) was used to infer genotype–phenotype relationships underlying dimensional findings within clinical categories. MPT analyses show significant associations of the norepinephrine transporter (NET, SLC6A2) ‐182 T/C (rs2242446) with recurrent depression [odds ratio, OR = 4.15 (1.91–9.02)], NET ‐3081 A/T (rs28386840) with increase in appetite [OR = 3.58 (1.53–8.39)] and the presynaptic choline transporter (CHT, SLC5A7) Ile89Val (rs1013940) with HAM‐D‐17 total score {i.e. overall depression severity [OR = 2.74 (1.05–7.18)]}. These relationships illustrate an approach to the elucidation of gene influences on trait components of MDD and with replication, may help identify MDD subpopulations that can benefit from more targeted pharmacotherapy.
Alternative binding proteins: Biological activity and therapeutic potential of cystine‐knot miniproteins
Authors: Kolmar Harald
Published: April 2008

Cystine‐knot miniproteins are members of a large family of small proteins that are defined by a common structural scaffold which is stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bonds. Cystine‐knot miniproteins display a broad spectrum of therapeutically useful natural biological activities and several family members are marketed as therapeutics or are in clinical development. Because of their extraordinary intrinsic chemical and proteolytic stability they provide promising scaffolds for the introduction of therapeutically relevant functionalities. Several successful engineering efforts have been reported to generate miniproteins with novel activities by rational design via functional loop grafting or by directed evolution via screening of scaffold‐constrained random libraries. Owing to their small size they are amenable to recombinant as well as to chemical routes of synthesis, which opens up new avenues in optimizing biological activity, specificity and bioavailability by site‐specific modification, introduction of non‐natural amino acids or chemical conjugation.
Premature Ejaculation: Current Medical Treatment and New Directions (CME)
Authors: Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Watson Richard
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common form of male sexual dysfunction. Until very recently, scientific investigation of PE has been hampered by a lack of standardized definitions and objective, validated questionnaires. Small numbers of randomized controlled studies evaluating various treatment options have also added to the challenges facing the clinicians who manage PE.

Aim

This article provides a summary of some of the more relevant the peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the medical therapy of premature ejaculation.

Methods

A retrospective review of peer reviewed publications relevant to the field of premature ejaculation and related medical therapies.

Main Outcome Measures

Review of safety and efficacy of various medical therapies for premature ejaculation.

Results

Selective serotonin release inhibitors have been the most promising agents to date. The on-demand “PRN” use of these agents is more convenient, but its efficacy is less well established. Chronic use of this class of medications has been associated with minor, but bothersome side effects. More recently, concern over the risk of an increased suicide rate in young men upon initiation of SSRIs has dampened enthusiasm. Recent experience with the use of Tramadol raises the hope that this might prove to be an agent as effective as SSRIs with less worrisome risk of side-effects. New trials on novel formulations of topical solutions are currently underway in the United States.

Conclusions

Interest in medical therapy for PE is rapidly increasing and reflected in a disproportionate number of publications in this field in the past few years. Clinical research in this field is hampered by the complexity, variability among different men and cultures, and subjectivity of PE. Reliable, appropriately controlled and assessed studies are generally lacking and carefully devised, methodically conducted research is much needed.
THE CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN COLD‐PRESSED PLANT OILS
Authors: SIGER ALEKSANDER , NOGALA‐KALUCKA MALGORZATA , LAMPART‐SZCZAPA ELEONORA
Published: April 2008

Many nontraditional vegetable oils have been introduced to the market relatively recently, and therefore data on their antioxidant potential have not been reported. Such data are of importance for the evaluation of the nutritional and health impact of these oils. Antioxidant properties of the methanolic extracts of cold‐pressed oils such as soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, corn, grapeseed, hemp, flax, rice bran and pumpkin were studied. The methanolic extracts were obtained by solid phase extraction and separation, and identification of phenolic acids was conducted by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The obtained extracts were characterized by different scavenging activities of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals. The best antioxidant properties were displayed by the extract from hemp, pumpkin and rapeseed oils. The highest content of total phenolic compounds was determined for the pumpkin and hemp oils – about 2.4 mg/100 g. Rapeseed oil was characterized by the highest content of phenolic acids, especially sinapic acid. To better understand the beneficial effects of antioxidant compounds in vegetable oils, it is important to investigate whether these bioactive compounds in oils differ in their reactions with free radicals.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Phenolic compounds have been reported to be present in all vegetable oils, which is very important for the oxidative stability of the polyunsaturated fatty acids of these oils. Additionally, edible oils rich in natural antioxidants may play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Thus, the oils examined may be used in different food applications to provide nutrition and health benefits.
FATTY ACID AND PHOSPHOLIPID PROFILE OF FRESHWATER SARDINE MIROGREX TERRAESANCTAE FROM THE SEA OF GALILEE
Authors: HANUŠ LUMÍR O. , ŘEZANKA TOMÁŠ , DEMBITSKY VALERY M.
Published: April 2008

Fatty acid and lipid compositions from different tissues of Galilee Sardine important in the diet of East Mediterranean inhabitants were examined. More than 50 fatty acids were detected in freshwater fish sardines (Mirogrex terraesanctae). The muscles of this fish contained a high level of omega‐3 fatty acids.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Sardines are an important commercial freshwater fish species. The lipids of different sardine tissues, fished in Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee), were examined. The benefits of including omega‐3 fatty acids in the diets of humans are well documented. Fatty acids play a major role in the functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of all hormonal systems in the body. Sardines (Mirogrex terraesanctae) are an excellent source of both docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Sardines are one of the most popular treats in Israeli homes.
A STUDY OF ADLAY ON LOWERING SERUM AND LIVER LIPIDS IN HAMSTERS
Authors: LIN YULING , TSAI CHINGMIN E.
Published: April 2008

The functional component of adlay responsible for lowering blood lipids was studied using an animal model. Forty male hamsters were randomly divided into four dietary groups, including control, whole grain adlay (WGA), oil‐free adlay (OFA) and adlay oil (AO) groups. All groups were fed a high fat diet containing 11.8% oil and 0.2% cholesterol for 8 weeks. The results showed that the WGA, OFA and AO diets could decrease triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations in serum (P < 0.05). Specifically, all lipid levels were significantly lowered in the WGA and OFA groups as compared to the AO group (P < 0.05). Ingestion of WGA or OFA also reduced liver TAG and TC concentrations (P < 0.05). The data demonstrated that WGA, OFA and AO prolonged the lag phase of LDL oxidation (P < 0.05). Moreover, hamsters fed with WGA or OFA had lower activity of malic enzyme in liver than those fed with control or AO diet (P < 0.05). WGA, OFA and AO diets were also found to enhance the activity of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Thus, the beneficial components of adlay were mainly in the OFA portion.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Adlay is one of the most common components used in Chinese herbal medicine for hypolipidemic effect and immunoregulation. Numerous studies had demonstrated that adlay can decrease serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in animal models and human subjects. However, the shelf‐life of processed adlay products is relatively short due to the easy oxidation of its oil. According to the results of this study, it seems reasonable to remove the oil component of adlay grains to prevent its peroxidation and the development of off‐flavor in products while retaining most of the hypolipidemic effects of adlay.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS OF TURKISH SHORTENINGS WITH EMPHASIS ON TRANS FATTY ACIDS
Authors: BASOL BELGIN , TASAN MURAT
Published: April 2008

The fatty acid (FA ) composition and the trans FA (TFA) content of Turkish shortenings were determined by capillary gas–liquid chromatography. The saturated FA, monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA contents were within the ranges of 27.4–48.8, 33.8–56.7 and 8.4–35.3% of total FA, respectively. The total TFA ranged from 2.7 to 23.9% of total FA. The total trans C18:1 acid was the major TFA in all the analyzed brands, representing 82.3–94.5% of total TFA. The total trans C18:2 acid varied from 0.2 to 2.9% of total FA, while the total trans C18:3 acid was only found at very low levels (0.1% of total FA) in the samples of two brands. It is clear from the results that partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with high TFA content are still the major raw materials used in the production of Turkish shortenings.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The fatty acid (FA) composition of the shortenings, with emphasis on trans FA (TFA), was studied. It is important to reduce the amounts of dietary TFA because of their deleterious effects on human health, mainly on the cardiovascular system. As demonstrated in the present investigation, nevertheless, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with high TFA content are still the major raw materials used for shortening production. On the other hand, reducing the total TFA content in the shortenings leads to an increase in saturated FA content. It is important to consider the data obtained in the industrial applications in order to improve the FA profile of the shortenings.
QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF ALKYLRESORCINOLS IN CEREAL GRAINS: INDEPENDENCE OF THE LENGTH OF THE ALIPHATIC SIDE CHAIN
Authors: KULAWINEK MARIOLA , KOZUBEK ARKADIUSZ
Published: April 2008

Two general spectrophotometric methods were used to analyze alkylresorcinols and determine their total amounts in rye, wheat and cereal products. Alkylresorcinols were extracted from rye bran with acetone, hydrogenated to obtain a mixture of saturated homologues, subjected to preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to obtain individual species with the side chain ranging from 15 to 25 carbon atoms, and finally quantified by colorimetric reaction with the diazonium salt Fast Blue B (2‐methoxy‐4‐nitoraniline) and by HPLC. The intensity of the reaction between the same weight amounts of homologues with Fast Blue B decreased in the order C15:0 > C17:0 > C19:0 > C21:0 > C23:0 > C25:0. It was demonstrated that calibration curves based on molecular concentration instead of weight amount of the particular homologues were characterized by the same regression equation and showed an acceptable linearity in the range of 5–30 nmol of homologue in a sample. This confirmed that the colorimetric reaction of alkylresorcinols with Fast Blue B is independent of the length of the aliphatic side chain. Total alkylresorcinols were accordingly determined in cereal grain materials. Two extraction systems (acetone and ethyl acetate) were used. The results of the colorimetric method and those calculated from calibration curves based on the weight amounts of the homologues C15:0 and C19:0 were different. In contrast, the results calculated from the calibration curves based on the mole amounts of the particular homologues were very similar or even identical.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The color and intensity of the reaction between alkylresorcinols and the diazonium salt Fast Blue B was independent of the length of the alkyl side chain. This feature could be helpful for the differential determination of the phenolic and resorcinolic lipids present in biological samples. Most cereal material and products contain a mixture of various homologues that is characteristic not only of the source (rye, wheat, triticate, barley), but also of the variety and the growth conditions. Therefore, for accurate calibration curves independent of the composition of homologues, they should be prepared on the basis of the mole fraction of the alkylresorcinols present, similar to the quantitation of phospholipids via phosphorus determination. This procedure will also allow the direct comparison of their amounts in different sources of alkylresorcinols. Nevertheless, simultaneous determination of the homologue composition in the samples is desirable (e.g., by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography) as different homologues may have various impacts on the biological activity of alkylresorcinols from cereal products.
EXTRACTION OF COCOA BUTTER BY SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE: OPTIMIZATION OF OPERATING CONDITIONS AND EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE
Authors: TAN TENG‐JU , JINAP SELAMAT , KUSNADI ASEP EDI , HAMID NAZIMAH SHEIKH ABDUL
Published: April 2008

The optimum operating conditions for the extraction of cocoa butter from cocoa liquor using supercritical carbon dioxide and the effect of sample particle size on cocoa butter extraction under optimized operating conditions were investigated. The optimization was conducted at 10–45 MPa and 35–75C, with extraction times of 1–12 h by response surface methodology. The effect of particle size was studied using cocoa liquor, ground cocoa nibs and crushed cocoa nibs with particle sizes of approximately 74 µm, 0.85–1 mm and 4–6 mm, respectively. The yield was analyzed for total fat content by gravimetric method and triacylglycerol (TAG) profile by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed higher yield of cocoa butter with higher values of pressure, temperature and extraction time. The optimum conditions for cocoa butter extraction were 45 MPa, 75C and 12 h. The smaller particle size produced a higher yield of cocoa butter. 1,3‐Dipalmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol (POP), 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐3‐stearoyl‐glycerol (POS) and 1,3‐distearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol (SOS) were the major TAGs present in the extracted cocoa butter, with POS being the highest (>30%) for all treatments studied.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The application of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction offers a pollution‐free technology that will gain wide acceptance globally because of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The results from the study would assist the industry in the production of cocoa butter that is safe for consumption and free from contaminants, in contrast to those produced by organic solvent and mechanical expression.
Seroprevalence of H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 influenza viruses in pigs in seven European countries in 2002–2003
Authors: Van Reeth Kristien , Brown Ian H. , Dürrwald Ralf , Foni Emanuela , Labarque Geoffrey , Lenihan Patrick , Maldonado Jaime , Markowska‐Daniel Iwona , Pensaert Maurice , Pospisil Zdenek , Koch Guus
Published: April 2008

Objectives  Avian‐like H1N1 and human‐like H3N2 swine influenza viruses (SIV) have been considered widespread among pigs in Western Europe since the 1980s, and a novel H1N2 reassortant with a human‐like H1 emerged in the mid 1990s. This study, which was part of the EC‐funded ‘European Surveillance Network for Influenza in Pigs 1’, aimed to determine the seroprevalence of the H1N2 virus in different European regions and to compare the relative prevalences of each SIV between regions.

Design  Laboratories from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Poland and Spain participated in an international serosurvey. A total of 4190 sow sera from 651 farms were collected in 2002–2003 and examined in haemagglutination inhibition tests against H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2.

Results  In Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain seroprevalence rates to each of the three SIV subtypes were high (≥30% of the sows seropositive) to very high (≥50%), except for a lower H1N2 seroprevalence rate in Italy (13·8%). Most sows in these countries with high pig populations had antibodies to two or three subtypes. In Ireland, the Czech Republic and Poland, where swine farming is less intensive, H1N1 was the dominant subtype (8·0–11·7% seropositives) and H1N2 and H3N2 antibodies were rare (0–4·2% seropositives).

Conclusions  Thus, SIV of H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 subtype are enzootic in swine producing regions of Western Europe. In Central Europe, SIV activity is low and the circulation of H3N2 and H1N2 remains to be confirmed. The evolution and epidemiology of SIV throughout Europe is being further monitored through a second ‘European Surveillance Network for Influenza in Pigs’.
Situational Waste in Landscape Watering: Residential and Business Water Use in an Urban Utah Community1
Authors: Endter‐Wada Joanna , Kurtzman Judith , Keenan Sean P. , Kjelgren Roger K. , Neale Christopher M.U.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Landscape water conservation is an important issue for municipalities throughout the Western United States, and especially in Utah as rapid growth strains existing water supplies. We conducted interdisciplinary research in Layton, Utah, that aimed at understanding patterns of landscape water use among households and businesses. The research project involved three basic tasks. First, a landscape “water budget” was developed by producing a calibrated and classified mosaic of landscape type and area from airborne multispectral digital imagery, integrating this information with Layton City parcel boundary data to determine landscape vegetated areas per lot, and estimating irrigation needs derived from reference evapotranspiration (ETo) obtained using weather data for the Salt Lake City metropolitan region. Second, utilizing Layton water billing data, water use for each household and business was identified and categorized as “conserving,”“acceptable” or “wasteful” by determining how much the water applied varied from actual landscape plant need. Third, surveys were administered to a random stratified sample of households and businesses in the study area to investigate various factors that were hypothesized to be predictive of wasteful watering practices. This paper primarily focuses on analysis of the household and business survey data, which explores factors affecting urban landscape water use from a human behavioral perspective. We found that the most significant factors predicting actual water use were the type of irrigation system and whether the location was a household or business. Attitudinal and motivational characteristics were not consistently associated with water use. We found that wasteful watering is the result of many factors embedded in the complex context of urban landscapes. This implies that water conservation programs should identify potential wasteful users through analyses of water billing data and direct water conservation measures at these users by focusing on site‐specific evaluations and recommendations. Water audits or water checks are one such tool that some communities have employed to help people understand and assess the quantity of water needed by and applied to their landscapes. This approach provides an opportunity to evaluate situational constraints at particular locations and design appropriate strategies for reducing water waste.
Measuring the Impact of Urbanization on Channel Widths Using Historic Aerial Photographs and Modern Surveys1
Authors: Galster Joshua C. , Pazzaglia Frank J. , Germanoski Dru
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Land use in a watershed is commonly held to exert a strong influence on trunk channel form and process. Land use changes act over human time‐scales, which are short enough to measure effects on channels directly using historic aerial photographs. We show that high‐resolution topographic surveys for the channels of paired watersheds in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, are comparable, but have channel widths that have changed dramatically in the past five decades. The two watersheds, Little Lehigh Creek and Sacony Creek, are similar in most aspects except in their respective amount of urban land use. Aerial photographs of the urbanized Little Lehigh Creek show that a majority of the measured widths (67 of 85) were statistically wider in 1999 than in 1947. In contrast, the measured widths from the agricultural Sacony Creek are more evenly distributed among those that widened (18), narrowed (28), and those that were statistically unchanged (6) from 1946 to 1999. From 1946 to 1999 the only section of Sacony Creek that widened was that reach downstream of the only sizable urban area in the watershed. The current land use in Sacony Creek watershed resembles that of 1946, while the Little Lehigh Creek watershed has more than tripled its urban area. These data, in concert with other recent hydrologic data from the watersheds suggest that the increase in urban area‐generated peak discharges is the mechanism behind the widening that occurred in the Little Lehigh Creek. These wider channels can affect water quality, aquatic habitat, suspended sediment loads, and river esthetics.