bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AGE APPROPRIATE HEDONIC SCALES TO MEASURE FOOD PREFERENCES OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Authors: CHEN A.W. , RESURRECCION A.V.A. , PAGUIO L.P.
Published: May 2007

Seventy‐nine children ages 36–71 months evaluated 2% commercial UHT milk and 2% commercial pasteurized milk for taste, color and mouthfeel with age appropriate facial hedonic scales with Peryam and Kroll verbal descriptors. Children significantly preferred the pasteurized milk over UHT milk for taste and mouthfeel attributes. Descriptive analysis of milks with an adult trained panel showed a significantly higher cooked note in UHT milk products which may explain the difference in preference. The results also showed that children 36–47 months were able to use the 3‐point scale; children 47–59 months the 5‐point scale; and children 60–71 months the 7‐point scale to score preferences for food. Data transformation for a 0 to 100 point scale provided ease of comparison between age groups. Using the appropriate testing instruments, young children were able to provide valid food preference information.
PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS AND CLUSTER ANALYSIS FOR DESCRIPTIVE SENSORY ASSESSMENT OF INSTANT COFFEE
Authors: CALVIÑO AMALIA MIRTA , ZAMORA MARÍA CLARA , SARCHI MARÍA INÉS
Published: May 2007

The relationships among 13 aroma, flavor, mouthfeel and appearance variables for 18 soluble coffees were analyzed using flavor profiling. Three‐way ANOVA showed significant main effects for coffees and judges in all attributes. The data were submitted to principal component analyses (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Two sequential PCA were performed. The first PCA showed that flavor, bitterness and duration were the most important descriptors positively correlated with the first PC, while the variation in appearance properties dominated the second PC, negatively correlated with these attributes. Five attributes were eliminated and a subset of 8 variables was submitted to a second PCA. The meaning of the first two PC remained unchanged and, as expected, the total variation explained by the first four PC increased. Frequency of positive and negative judgments in both PC allowed to separate coffees into four categories.

Confirming the choice of the variables, the CA revealed similar distribution of coffees into four clusters. Aroma, flavor and mouthfeel attributes seemed to play a more important role in the determination of clusters than the appearance variables.
SENSORY AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRUDED POTATO PUFFS1
Authors: FALLER JIN YOUNG , HEYMANN HILDEGARDE
Published: May 2007

Although extrusion is widely used for snack foods, there are few descriptive sensory analysis studies of extrudates. This study investigated the effects of potato granule type (flour or flakes), feed moisture content (16%, 18% and 20%) and addition of oil (0%, 2% and 4%) on sensory attributes of extrudates. Generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) and Principal Component analysis (PCA) were used to describe the relationship among the sensory attributes. Additionally, GPA described the relationship between selected sensory and physical variables. Feed moisture content, as a primary factor, and added oil, as the secondary, affected the puff characteristics. High feed moisture puffs were high in hardness and chewiness, whereas low moisture ones were high in brownness, burnt flavor and fracturability. Added oil changed sensory expansion with relation to low feed moisture. Using GPA, physical properties related to appearance, color and texture were matched with corresponding sensory attributes.
VOLATILE FLAVOR COMPOUNDS AFFECTING CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF KIWIFRUIT
Authors: GILBERT JANINE M. , YOUNG HARRY , BALL RODERICK D. , MURRAY SHONA H.
Published: May 2007

Sensory research on kiwifruit has shown that specific sugars and acids, and volatile flavor compounds have causative effects on “sweet” and “acid” aroma and flavor attributes. New Zealand consumers (n = 162) assessed the perceived flavor intensity and acceptability of three volatile flavor compounds (ethyl butanoate, E‐2‐hexenal and hexanal) at varying levels in a model base solution. Increasing levels of ethyl butanoate positively affected all the acceptability attributes (“overall liking,”“liking of aroma,”“liking of flavor”) as well as increased the perceived intensity of “kiwifruit aroma” and “kiwifruit flavor.” Increasing levels of E‐2‐hexenal negatively affected all the acceptability attributes but increased the perceived intensity of “kiwifruit aroma” and “acid flavor.” An increase in hexanal increased perceived intensity of “kiwifruit aroma.” Ethyl butanoate and E‐2‐hexenel at the levels tested had the most prominent effects on consumer perceived intensity and acceptability of the “kiwifruit flavor.”
CAPSAICIN HEAT INTENSITY ‐ CONCENTRATION, CARRIER, FAT LEVEL, AND SERVING TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
Authors: BARON ROBERT F. , PENFIELD MARJORIE P.
Published: May 2007

In a study of pungency in food systems, three carriers (water, cheese sauce, starch paste) with varying fat levels (none, low, medium, high), synthetic capsaicin concentrations (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.3 ppm), and serving temperatures (25 and 38C) were formulated. Panelists evaluated sensory heat intensity over a 3‐min interval. Time‐intensity parameters (maximum intensity‐MAX, time to maximum intensity‐TMAX, and rate of release‐RATE) were evaluated. Overall, intensity scores increased as capsaicin concentration increased. The increase was related to carrier and fat level. Water samples (0.4, 0.8, and 1.3 ppm) were perceived as more intense than cheese or starch samples at the same capsaicin level. Generally, increasing the fat level resulted in lower intensity scores. Warming samples increased RATE, the only parameter affected by temperature. The training method was effective when water was the carrier. However, physical or chemical interactions that occur in simple food systems may influence perceived pungency.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF FIBER TO SENSORY SPECIFIC SATIETY1
Authors: MANTHEY JANET , VICKERS ZATA
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to determine if higher fiber levels in a food contributed to greater sensory specific satiety. Thirty‐two subjects tasted and rated their liking of small samples of nine foods (including the test food) before and after a test meal. Test meals consisted of 500 kcal (2092 kJ) of a soup or a muffin. Both a high‐fiber (10g) and low‐fiber (1g) version of a soup and a muffin were tested. High‐fiber versions contained added microcrystalline cellulose. Data from the soup and muffin treatments were analyzed separately. Each of the test meals resulted in a greater decrease in liking for the food eaten versus the uneaten foods. However, there was no increase in sensory specific satiety for the high‐fiber treatments versus the low‐fiber treatments. There was also no main effect for gender.
National Cholesterol Education Program: Guidelines for Treating High Blood Cholesterol in Adults
Authors: Watson Joan E.
Published: May 2007

Twenty‐five percent of the adult population needs treatment to reduce elevated cholesterol levels. A national educational effort spearheaded by the National Cholesterol Education Program requires the support and active participation of health professionals, especially nurses and nurse practitioners, if it is to be effective. The NCEP Adult Treatment Panel recently established guidelines for treating high blood cholesterol in adults. Nurse practitioners in clinic, office, worksite, and community health settings are positioned ideally to implement these guidelines through cholesterol screening, monitoring, and management of hyperlipidemia.
Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatment of Persistent Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly
Authors: PhD B. Joan McDowell , Burgio Kathryn L. , MD Dorothy Candib
Published: May 2007

Research has demonstrated that behavioral interventions can help to decrease or eliminate unnary incontinence. Pharmacological agents have also been shown to be effective in the management of this problem. This article describes simple low risk behavioral techniques and pharmacological approaches that can be used by nurse practitioners to assist their incontinent patients to control this embarrassing and expensive problem.
Radon: Implications for the Health Professional
Authors: Romano Carol A.
Published: May 2007

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed by radioactive decay of radium and uranium, which are naturally present in the earth's crust. When concentrated indoors, this invisible gas becomes a potential health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually can be attributed to prolonged radon exposure. Radon is an important health issue that should be understood by all health care professionals. This paper discusses some of the important issues regarding radon, such as the incidences of lung cancer believed to be attributable to radon, the high‐risk areas in the United States, federal safety guidelines, and public apathy. These issues and their impact on the health care required by professionals, especially nurse practitioners, are discussed.
Identifying and Assisting Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: RN Amy Mairson
Published: May 2007

Nurse practitioners are in a pivotal position to identify and to assist adult survivors of child sexual abuse. An awareness of the definitions, prevalence, and dynamics of sexual abuse is essential for providing holistic care. This article outlines the nurse practitioner's role in working with clients cf either sex who may have been sexually abused as children. Correlates of undisclosed childhood sexual victimization are identified, as are strategies for providing a theraputic environment for clients to disclose their abuse experience and begin the healing process.
Nurse Practitioners Develop Leadership in Community Problem‐Solving
Authors: Jones Mary Elaine , Clark Dolores W.
Published: May 2007

If nurse practitioners are to become agents of change within the community, a shift in focus from the individual/family/caseload to one that includes population/community will be required. The nurse practitioner will need to develop the skills of community coalition building and grantsmanship. Graduate preparation in primary care nursing can provide an opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge and skills for leadership in community problem‐solving by incorporating reality‐based learning experiences into the curriculum. A model for guiding graduate study is presented.
The Nurse Practitioner's Role
Authors: Kupecz Deborah Bedner
Published: May 2007

Decisional incapacity is the inability to make decisions for oneself caused by mental or physical impairment. With technologic advances in health care and the growing proportion of elderly in American society, the problem of decisional incapacity occurs more frequently. In the past, medical decision making was based on the principle of beneficence, and the judgment of others was used to determine medical interventions. The current trend is to base decisions as much as possible on the principle of patient autonomy. Advance directives allow for the greater use of this principle.

The primary care nurse practitioner (NP) can take an active role in promoting patient autonomy by helping the adult patient plan for decisional incapacity. By including the value history as a routine part of the health history, the NP can help patients identify their beliefs, values, and attitudes about health care. This documented value history can then be used to provide evidence of a patient's wishes should he or she become decisionally incapacitated.
Pressure Ulcers, Part 1: Prevention Strategies
Authors: Sanders Susan L.
Published: May 2007

Pressure ulcers are a costly health concern. Many can be prevented by conscientious, vigorous nursing care. The nurse practitioner (NP) is an ideal professional to direct preventive care and to manage the treatment of ulcers. This article reviews the multiple risk factors and dynamics involved in the development of pressure ulcers, and preventive measures that can be implemented. The role of an NP related to pressure ulcer prevention and specific NP interventions are discussed.
Provision of Health Care in a Frontier Setting: An Alaskan Perspective
Authors: Berner Barbara J.
Published: May 2007

The Community Health Aide Program is the Indian Health Service's answer to the provision of care to 45,000 Alaska Native people living in remote areas of the state. Community health aides are local people who live and work in their villages. They offer health services from emergency to preventative care with the help of their referral physician, who may be up to 1,300 miles away. Nurse practitioners play an important role in the training and supervision of community health aides. This article gives an overview of the program, its successes and problems, with implications as a health care delivery model for care in other underserved areas of the United States.
The Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Adult Day Care
Authors: Maddox Marjorie A.
Published: May 2007

During the past 25 years, nurse practitioners (NPs) have become health care providers in a variety of settings. Adult day care is one of the settings in which it is increasingly clear that there is a role for the NP. Nurse practitioners have the potential to provide increased comprehensive primary health care to clients participating in these programs.
Stress and Tobacco Addiction
Authors: Sheahan Sharon L. , Garrity Thomas F.
Published: May 2007

Primary care providers are confronted on a daily basis with persons who are addicted to tobacco. Research studies have demonstrated an association between substance use and stress and coping. This paper discusses macro‐ and micro‐level perspectives of stress that need to be considered in the management of tobacco addiction. Lazarus's stress and coping paradigm is emphasized as a useful framework for managing addicted clients.
The Health Beliefs and Practices of an Old Order Amish Family
Authors: Virginia C.
Published: May 2007

In caring for people from different cultures, it is important that nurses acknowledge the health beliefs and practices of clients. The purpose of this case study was to describe the health beliefs and practices of one Old Order Amish family. The study was conducted by interviewing a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Old Order Amish family. The data focused on five areas of inquiry: (a) care of elderly family members, (b) health practices, (c) home births, (d) death, and (e) health insurance. This study revealed that the Old Order Amish have health beliefs and practices that are unique to their culture.
Children's Response to Acute Pain: A Developmental Approach
Authors: Lincoln Luevonue M.
Published: May 2007

Pain in children is a major concern of health care providers. To adequately relieve children's pain, nurses and other health care providers must be able to determine when children of all developmental stages are experiencing pain. The purpose of this article is to review what is known about children's response to acute pain.
Utilizing Nurse Practitioners to Provide Health Care for Elderly Patients in Massachusetts Nursing Homes
Authors: Devereaux Karen
Published: May 2007

This study evaluates the nursing contribution to the process of care utilizing nurse practitioners (NPs) to provide health care for nursing home patients in Massachusetts. Using magnetic tapes of data collected through retrospective chart reviews of 2,651 patient records in 110 Massachusetts nursing homes, comparisons were made of the process of care variables of NP/physician team and physician‐only models of care. Results from discriminant function analysis revealed process of care variables did discriminate between the two models. The conclusion that NPs provide not only a substitutive role to that of medical care but also a complementary one should be instrumental in enabling policy decisions that encourage the full utilization of NPs.
The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model: Clinical Application, Part 2
Authors: Shuler Pamela A. , Davis Jean E.
Published: May 2007

Nurse practitioners' unique contributions to primary care can be demonstrated more clearly if clinicians would adhere to a theoretical framework that reflects their combined nursing and medical role. This article explicitly delineates the process of utilizing the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model in clinical practice.
Legal Approaches to the Restraint of Trade of Nurse Practitioners: Disparate Reimbursement Patterns
Authors: Timmons Gregg , Ridenour Nancy
Published: May 2007

Nurse practitioners (NPs) can face, and have faced, several challenges in the health care environment. As with the denial of hospital admitting or staff privileges, the granting of inequitable reimbursement levels by state administrative bodies, physicians, insurers, and other members of the health care community may limit NP practice. Several strategies are discussed that will demonstrate how nurse practitioners can use legal and administrative mechanisms (e.g., antitrust laws) to eliminate restraints of trade and assure the availability of more equitable direct reimbursement patterns.
Point of View Managed Outcomes: A Strategy to Improve the Nation's Health
Authors: Pestronk Robert M. , Oxman Gary L. , Gilliss Catherine L. , Dempster Judith S. , Badgett J. Thomas. , Garrett Elizabeth A. , Parham Deborah , Toro‐Alphonso Jose
Published: May 2007

Current health care delivery systems in the United States have led to high cost, uneven quality, less than universal coverage, undue emphasis on a medical/clinical model, and scant attention to primary care and prevention. In the context of health care reform, a new strategy is introduced that reverses present trends and incentives, called managed outcomes. This strategy is not specific to any particular health care delivery system. Managed outcomes encourages experimentation and flexibility in the design of health care systems and fosters primary care, health promotion, and disease prevention models. It links purchasing decisions to established specific and measurable goals that can provide quality and cost‐effective services to improve health.
Depression in Primary Care: Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors:   Depression Guideline Panel
Published: May 2007

This Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians contains excerpts from the Clinical Practice Guideline, Depression in Primary Care: Volumes 1 and 2. It was not designed to stand on its own. Practitioners should review the Clinical Practice Guideline carefully to become familiar with the diagnosis, differential diagnoses, and treatment options for patients with major depressive disorder and then use the Quick Reference Guide to help them remember the major decision points in diagnosing and treating major depressive disorder. If the information contained in these documents is insufficient to evaluate the condition of a particular patient, the practitioner is advised to seek a consultation. The Panel's inferences as to what is optimal patient care are not expected to apply to all patients or situations. Knowledge developed through research can only provide a starting point for approaching a particular patient. Algorithms and flow charts are not applicable in every case. They do, however, provide coarse road maps for managing certain patients. Practitioners must use their own judgment in adapting guidelines to particular patients.
Chronic Constipation: Assessment and Management in the Elderly
Authors: Allison Ok Chon , Porter Mary E. , Briggs Geneva C.
Published: May 2007

This manuscript presents a comprehensive look at the assessment and management of chronic constipation in the elderly. Chronic constipation is a common problem among the elderly. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment measures can be used to manage this problem. This information can serve the practitioner as a practice guideline in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in the elderly.
Assessment and Approach to Treatment in Post‐Stroke Depression
Authors: Vogel Connie Higgins
Published: May 2007

Recent research indicates that post‐stroke depression results from neurobiological changes associated with focal cerebral injury. Family or medical personnel may identify potential depression. An accurate assessment process will determine the extent of depression and indicate treatment options. Treatment approaches using both medication and cognitive therapy can help the individual replace negative thinking patterns with positive patterns. Depression has been accepted as a normal accompaniment of stroke. The area of injury may correlate with the degree of mood disorder. Interventions to reverse depression will serve to improve rehabilitation potential and increase chances of recovering pre‐stroke capabilities.
Sexual Risk Behavior Among Urban Women of Childbearing Age: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Abel Elizabeth , Hilton Paige , Miller Ida
Published: May 2007

Cox's interaction model of client health behavior was used as an organizing framework to describe the demographic characteristics, motivation, problem‐solving, self‐esteem, and sexual risk behaviors among urban women of childbearing age (N= 125; average age = 32 years). Eighty‐five percent of the women were African American. Sexual risk behaviors were defined as more than one sex partner and not using a condom. Eight women were at the highest risk in that they reported having more than one sex partner and not using condoms. Participants reported low self‐esteem, intrinsic motivation, and adequate problem‐solving abilities. Motivation scores were significantly different based on number of sex partners (t= 2.26, p= .03). Women with more than one partner had lower scores compared to women with only one partner. There was a significant variation in reported self‐esteem among women who used condoms (t= 2.36; p= .22). Women who did not use condoms reported lower self‐esteem than women who said that they used condoms.
Breaking the Cycle of Oppression: Lessons for Nurse Practitioners?
Authors: Roberts Susan Jo
Published: May 2007

The oppressed group behavior model suggests that persons who are in groups that are subordinate to more powerful groups in their society learn certain behavior patterns that, although necessary for their survival, lead to a cycle of further oppression. Nurses have been considered an oppressed group. This article explores the implications of oppressed group behavior for nurse practitioners. Strategies for changing the cycle of oppression are described that can empower nurse practitioners and lead them to greater unity and control over their own practices.
Nurse Practitioners: Reevaluation of the Need for and Willingness to Hire by Nurse Administrators, Nurse Practitioners, and Physicians
Authors: Sabo Carolyn E. , Louis Margaret
Published: May 2007

A survey of all nurse administrators and advanced practice nurses and a simple random sample survey of licensed physicians in Nevada were completed to reevaluate the perceived need for and willingness to hire nurse practitioners (NPs). The reevaluation was deemed necessary based on a similar survey that was completed by these authors in 1990. At that time significant questions were raised concerning the lack of understanding of the role of NPs in and their contribution to the health care team.

The results of the study clearly indicate that the unique contributions of the NP to the health care team should be further publicized and clarified. In addition, for some physicians, a significant disparity continues to exist between the optimal, collaborative role and the more readily accepted dependent role of the NP. The family NP (FNP) continues to be the most desired specialty for those who hire NPs.
Quantification of the Term Frail as Applied to the Elderly Client
Authors: Gealey Sheila Giesler
Published: May 2007

The term frail appears frequently in literature concerning the elderly. It is a label often applied yet infrequently defined. Qualitative research based on a ten‐item questionnaire administered to five gerontological health care providers suggested a relationship between frailty and activities of daily living (ADLs)/index of activities of daily living (IADLs). A quantitative study was subsequently completed to ascertain whether this could be validated. A descriptive/correlational study was performed in community‐based elderly people. Nurse practitioners classified 34 individuals as frail/not frail and statistical tests were conducted that compared the classification with their ADL/IADL scores. Findings supported a relationship between the classification of frail/not frail and the scores on the ADL/IADL scales. Implications for practice are discussed.
A Preliminary Study of the Use of Peer Support in Smoking Cessation Programs for Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Albrecht Susan , Payne Lori , Stone Clement A. , Reynolds Maureen D.
Published: May 2007

This article describes preliminary findings of an experimental, randomized, three‐group, controlled design examining the effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention for pregnant teens. The three groups are: Teen FreshStart with a buddy program (TFSB), a Teen FreshStart program (TFS) without peer support, and the Usual Care (UC) control group. Forty‐six subjects completed the post‐intervention assessment of smoking status. The TFSB group consistently achieved greater smoking cessation across all measures when compared to the subjects in the other two groups. These results indicate that the use of peer support may be an effective adjunct in smoking cessation programs for pregnant adolescents.
Health Promotion Practices of the Old‐Old
Authors: Resnick Barbara
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to describe the health promotion activities of older adults in a life care community. A total of 195 older adults participated in a health promotion survey. The old and old‐old age groups demonstrated a decrease in cancer screening behaviors, aerobic exercise, and compliance with a low cholesterol diet. Moreover, these individuals indicated that they had lived a sufficient period of time, and were no longer interested in disease prevention and prolongation of life. Older adults may benefit from an individualized approach to health promotion that focuses on quality rather than quantity of life.
Are Banking Systems in East Asia Stronger?*
Authors: TURNER Philip
Published: May 2007

The Asian crisis was severe because local banking systems were weak. The major policy effort to improve supervision and strengthen banking systems that followed has achieved substantial results. But these achievements have been somewhat uneven across the region. The current favourable environment should not lull governments into complacency: new risks are arising and continued reforms are needed.
Crisis and Recovery: What We Have Learned from the South Korean Experience?*
Authors: LEE Jong‐Wha , RHEE Changyong
Published: May 2007

This paper analyzes the process of recovery from the 1997 financial crisis in South Korea, and draws some lessons from it. The fast restoration of financial stability due to early closure of non‐viable financial institutions and quick resolution of non‐performing loans was critical for the speedy recovery of the South Korean economy. The swift adjustment in fiscal and monetary policies in addition to the large depreciation of real exchange rates also supported the fast recovery. Corporate and government bond markets played an important role in the financial restructuring and macroeconomic adjustment process. Structural reforms helped to alleviate the weaknesses in the corporate sector, particularly in chaebol groups. However, the fast recovery also generated unwelcome side‐effects. Because of aggressive fiscal expansion through government‐guaranteed bonds and public credit guarantee programs, sovereign liabilities increased greatly and transparency of the official fiscal stance deteriorated. Thanks to structural reform, corporate and financial sectors began to recognize the importance of micro risk management, but increased risk aversion contributed to the slowdown of corporate investment and, therefore, reduced long‐run growth perspective in South Korea. How to revive long‐term growth rates remains an important question in South Korea despite fast recovery from the crisis.
Development, characterization, and comparative analysis of polymorphism at common bean SSR loci isolated from genic and genomic sources
Authors: Hanai Luiz Ricardo , de Campos Tatiana , Camargo Luis Eduardo Aranha , Benchimol Luciana Lasry , de Souza Anete Pereira , Melotto Maeli , Carbonell Sérgio Augusto Moraes , Chioratto Alisson Fernando , Consoli Luciano , Formighieri Eduardo Fernando , Siqueira Marcos Vinícius Bohrer Monteiro , Tsai Siu Mui , Vieira Maria Lucia Carneiro
Published: May 2007

Microsatellites or SSRs (single sequence repeats) have been used to construct and integrate genetic maps in crop species, including Phaseolus vulgaris . In the present study, 3 cDNA libraries generated by the Bean EST project ( http://lgm.esalq.usp.br/BEST/ ), comprising a unigene collection of 3126 sequences and a genomic microsatellite-enriched library, were analyzed for the presence of SSRs. A total of 219 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were found to carry 240 SSRs (named EST-SSR), whereas 714 genomic sequences contained 471 SSRs (named genomic-SSR). A subset of 80 SSRs, 40 EST-SSRs, and 40 genomic-SSRs were evaluated for molecular polymorphism in 23 genotypes of cultivated beans from the Mesoamerican and Andean genetic pools, including Brazilian cultivars and 2 related species. Of the common bean genotypes, 31 EST-SSR loci were polymorphic, yielding 2–12 alleles as compared with 26 polymorphic genomic-SSRs, accounting for 2–7 alleles. Cluster analysis from data using both genic and genomic-SSR revealed a clear separation between Andean and Mesoamerican beans. The usefulness of these loci for distinguishing bean genotypes and genetic mapping is discussed.
SUPPRESSION OF CELLULAR ALTERNANS IN GUINEA PIG VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES WITH LQT2: INSIGHTS FROM THE LUO–RUDY MODEL
Authors: BONDARENKO VLADIMIR E. , RASMUSSON RANDALL L.
Published: May 2007

Genetic and drug-induced abnormalities of cardiac repolarization have been linked to fatal arrhythmias. These arrhythmias result from a complex interaction of the remaining currents during excitation and repolarization. In this review, we examine recent advancement in investigations of genetic heart diseases and mechanisms of arrhythmia generation. We also present our simulation of repolarization during rapid pacing for different levels of block of the rapid delayed rectifier current, IKr, and pharmacological interventions using the Luo–Rudy model. Control simulations showed the development of alternans at a basic cycle length (BCL) of 131 ms. Two levels of IKrblock were simulated corresponding to type 2 of familial long QT syndrome, LQT2. At 100% IKrblock, the threshold BCL for the appearance of alternans increased to 145 ms and for shorter cycle lengths showed increasingly complex patterns of periodic and chaotic behavior. We examined the potential of other currents to correct this complex behavior. Improvement of the threshold for bifurcation as a function of BCL was achieved by: (1) 100% block of a nonspecific Ca2+-activated current; (2) 15% block of L-type Ca2+current; (3) 20% increase of Na+/ K+pump current; (4) 50% increase of SERCA2 pump activity. Conversely, increased L-type Ca2+current, decreased Na+/ K+pump current, or decreased SERCA2 pump activity increased the threshold BCL. Modification of several other currents had little effect. Alternans and chaotic activity develop at fast pacing rates in model guinea pig ventricular myocytes through a sequence of bifurcations. We elucidated mechanisms that modify the development of alternans which may provide novel targets for treatment of patients with LQT2.
A BIPARAMETRIC BIFURCATION IN 3D CONTINUOUS PIECEWISE LINEAR SYSTEMS WITH TWO ZONES: APPLICATION TO CHUA'S CIRCUIT
Authors: FREIRE E. , PONCE E. , ROS J.
Published: May 2007

In this paper, a possible degeneration of the focus-center-limit cycle bifurcation for piecewise smooth continuous systems is analyzed. The case of continuous piecewise linear systems with two zones is considered, and the coexistence of two limit cycles for certain values of parameters is justified. Finally, the Chua's circuit is shown to exhibit the analyzed bifurcation. The obtained bifurcation set in the parameter plane is similar to the degenerate Hopf bifurcation for differentiable systems.
STABILITY OF CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS WITH DISTRIBUTIVE TIME DELAYS AND NOISE PERTURBATIONS
Authors: HSU CHENG-HSIUNG , YANG TZI-SHENG
Published: May 2007

This work investigates the global stability of cellular neural networks with distributive time delays and noise perturbations. Two types of noise perturbations are considered in the system, one is internal noise and another is external noise. We show that the deterministic system preserves the globally exponential stability when it is perturbed by the internal noise with small noise strength. On the other hand, the deterministic system can only preserve weaker stability when it is perturbed by the external noise. We also provide some numerical simulations to support our theoretical analysis.
IMPACT DYNAMICS OF LARGE DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS
Authors: HOMER M. E. , HOGAN S. J.
Published: May 2007

In this paper we present a model of impact dynamics in large dimensional systems. We describe a hybrid method, based on graph theory and probability theory, which enables us qualitatively to model the statistics of global dynamics as parameters are varied. Direct numerical simulation reveals a sudden jump from no impacts within the system to many repeated impacts at a critical value of system parameters. We show that a simple model of the most likely number of impacts also possesses a sudden jump and provides good agreement with the numerical results for large impact probability. A refinement of this model improves the agreement at lower impact probability values.
RESHAPING-INDUCED CONTROL OF CHAOS AND CRISIS PHENOMENA IN A DAMPED, PARAMETRICALLY DRIVEN PENDULUM
Authors: CHACÓN R. , GARCÍA-HOZ A. MARTÍNEZ , MARTÍNEZ J. A.
Published: May 2007

The behavior of a damped pendulum parametrically excited by a periodic string of symmetric pulses of finite width and amplitude is investigated. Analytical (Melnikov method) and numerical (bifurcation diagrams) results show that chaos and crises are reliably controlled over a wide range of parameters by hump-doubling of a parametric excitation which is initially formed by a periodic string of single-humped symmetric pulses. In particular, the analysis reveals that the chaotic threshold amplitude when altering solely the pulse shape presents a minimum as a single-humped pulse transforms into a double-humped pulse, the remaining parameters being held constant. Additionally, the mechanism underlying the hump-doubling-induced crises is discussed with the help of a two-dimensional map.
STOCHASTIC RESONANCE SIGNAL PROCESSOR: PRINCIPLE, CAPACITY ANALYSIS AND METHOD
Authors: SUN SHUIFA , KWONG SAM
Published: May 2007

In this letter, a signal processor based on the bistable aperiodic stochastic resonance (ASR), that can be used to detect the base-band binary pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) signal transmitting over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, is studied. The principle of the ASR signal processor is analyzed and the information capacity of such a communication system is evaluated by the Bit Error Ratio (BER) and the bit rate, according to the well-known Shannon information theory. The roles played by the noise on this capacity are analyzed. It is observed that keeping the bit rate unchanged we can neither decrease BER nor increase the bit rate and keep BER unchanged by adjusting the density of the noise. Simulation results also agree well with this observation. In addition, a statistical method to improve the performance of the system is proposed with theory and experiment.
Bispecific Antibodies: Molecules That Enable Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Fischer Nicolas , Léger Olivier
Published: May 2007

Bispecific antibodies are unique in the sense that they can bind simultaneously two different antigens. This property enables the development of therapeutic strategies that are not possible with conventional monoclonal antibodies. The large panel of imaginative bispecific antibody formats that has been developed reflects the strong interest for these molecules. Although in many cases the manufacturing of clinical grade material remains challenging, several bispecific antibody formats are currently in clinical trials.
Heterogeneous Expression of Claudin-4 in Human Colorectal Cancer: Decreased Claudin-4 Expression at the Invasive Front Correlates Cancer Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Ueda Junya , Semba Shuho , Chiba Hideki , Sawada Norimasa , Seo Yasushi , Kasuga Masato , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: May 2007

Objective: Claudin-4 plays a key role in constructing the tight junction (TJ), and altered claudin-4 expression has been documented in various human malignancies; however, little is known about the biological significance of claudin-4 in colorectal cancers (CRCs). The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of claudin-4 expression in CRC and its association with clinicopathological factors. Methods: The levels of claudin-4 expression in a total of 129 CRCs and 44 metastatic tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry. A small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated claudin-4 knockdown examination was also conducted to assess the biological role(s) of claudin-4 in cultured cells. Results: Expression of claudin-4 at the intercellular membrane was well preserved at the surface of the tumor; however, decreased claudin-4 expression was detected in 57% of CRCs, particularly at the invasive front. Interestingly, decreased claudin-4 expression was detected in metastatic lesions of CRC. The siRNA-mediated claudin-4 knockdown in SW480 claudin-4-positive CRC cells upregulated cell motility, whereas no significant change was detected in cell proliferation. Conclusions: These observations suggested that disruption of claudin-4-mediated TJ construction enhances cancer cell invasion and metastasis in human CRC. Claudin-4 might be a good biomarker for diagnosing the risk of distant metastasis.
Several Clinical Aspects of Thalamic Pulvinotomy
Authors: Yoshii N. , Fukuda S.
Published: May 2007

Several clinical aspects of thalamic pulvinotomy were investigated. Influence of electrical stimulation of pulvinar on consciousness, speech, memory, evoked response, emotion, intelligence, character, ophthalmic and auditory examinations were studied during operation and compared between pre-, post, and during operation.
Electrical Impedance as a Locating Method in Human Stereotactic Surgery
Authors: Mori Kazuo , Iwayama Kaoru , Ito Morio , Shimabukuro Haruhiro , Handa Hajime
Published: May 2007

During stereotactic surgery, electrical impedance was measured by means of a roving electrode technique with a sine wave current of 10 kc. Impedance showed a characteristic decrease when the electrode was passing through the thalamus and consequently the impedance profile corresponding to the thalamic area exhibited the characteristic shape of a ‘frying pan’. By observing the impedance, it is possible to differentiate the thalamic gray matter from the surrounding structures with some accuracy.
Use of the Hemostatic Agent QuikClot® for the Treatment of Massive Splenic Injury in a Rat Model
Authors: Mahajna Ahmad , Hirsh Mark , Krausz Michael M.
Published: May 2007

Background: In the present study, QuikClot®(QC) was used to treat intra-abdominal bleeding induced by massive splenic injury (MSI) in rats. Study Design: 40 animals were divided into five groups: (1) sham operated; (2) MSI untreated; (3) MSI treated with 41.5 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution (RL); (4) MSI treated with QC, and (5) MSI treated with QC and RL. Results: Untreated MSI was followed by mortality of 60%, total blood loss (TBL) of 33.69% and mean survival time (MST) of 153.9 min. MSI treatment with RL resulted in mortality of 100%, TBL of 61.8% (p < 0.001), and MST of 92.2 min (p < 0.05). MSI treated with QC was followed by TBL of 14.1% (p < 0.005) and MST of 237.5 min (p < 0.05) with no mortality. MSI treated by QC and RL led TBL of 27.4% (p < 0.001 vs. group 3), and MST of 233.3 min (p < 0.05) and no mortality. Conclusions: QC significantly reduced blood loss from the injured spleen with improved survival. Combination of RL and QC prevented the increase in blood loss and improved survival compared to RL alone.
Effects of AIT-082, a Purine Derivative, on Tremor Induced by Arecoline or Oxotremorine in Mice
Authors: Nannan Gao , Runmei Yang , Fusheng Lin , Shoulan Zhang , Guangqing Lei
Published: May 2007

The effects of AIT-082, a hypoxanthine derivative, on tremor in mice were investigated. The mice received intragastric administration of AIT-082 for consecutive 60 days at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg·kg–1. The results showed that AIT-082 not only effectively inhibited the tremor induced by arecoline or oxotremorine, but also alleviated the tremor intensity and significantly shortened the tremor durations. The inhibition of tremor was perhaps associated with the central cholinergic nerve depressant effects as well as the stimulation of proliferation and differentiation of nerve cells.
Clinical Pharmacology as an Approach to the Study of Biochemical Sleep Mechanisms: the Action of L-Dopa
Authors: Bergonzi P. , Chiurulla C. , Cianchetti C. , Tempesta E.
Published: May 2007

The authors have attempted to confirm, on the basis of clinicopharmacological research, the action of dopa on sleep stages and sleep organization; this was then well studied in laboratory researches. They have recorded patients suffering from Parkinson''s disease before and after treatment with L-dopa, at various quantities of drug, throughout the night and during spontaneous sleep. In the basic night records they found a decrease in the IV and REM stages, and an increase of wakefulness. After average doses of L-dopa (about 3 g) a decrease in wakefulness, a slight increase in slow sleep stages and a sharp rise in REM stage can be seen; moreover, the number of awakenings and the period for falling asleep are reduced. A higher dosage of the drug (about 5 g) causes the alterations and the disturbances of the basic night recordings to reappear.
Language, Cognition and the Thalamus
Authors: Brown Jason W.
Published: May 2007

The clinical picture associated with various lesions of the thalamus is described. The effects of surgical Iesion in thalamus are reviewed in light of the author''s experience with VL thalamotomy, and in unilateral and bilateral pulvinectomy. The relation of thalamus to language and cognition is complex. True aphasia does not appear to follow thalamic lesion but rather there is a ‘withering’ of the language mechanism to a final state of mutism. Evidence is also presented for a ‘mass action’ at the thalamic level.
Thalamotomy for Alleviation of Intractable Pain
Authors: Uematsu S. , Konigsmark B. , Walker A.E.
Published: May 2007

17 patients had thalamotomies for alleviation of pain due to malignancy since January, 1970. In 12 of them, thalamic electrodes were implanted through occipital burr holes for subsequent radiofrequency thalamotomies. In 4 cases, the lesions were made by the bifrontal approach and 1 case was approached from the left occipital and right frontal. In 13 cases, the thalamic lesions were made in the vicinity of pulvinar, ventrocaudalis, parvocellularis, centromedianum and/or the adjacent structures. The size of histologically verified lesions in 7 specimens was 3 × 4 × 47 mm maximum and 4 × 3 × 4 mm minimum. Three of the 17 cases required no analgesics between thalamotomy and death or at least 6 months. In these cases, thalamic lesions were made in the vicinity of the posterior medial portion of thalamic nuclei and in one case the lesion was extended to the anterior thalamic radiation. In 7 cases requiring nonnarcotic analgesics, the lesions were located in the vicinity of the posterior median portion of thalamic nuclei, involving pulvinar, ventrocaudalis posterior, centromedian, internal medullary lamina or medial mass of thalamus. The remaining 8 thalamotomies in 7 patients required narcotics. In 4 of them, the lesions were made outside the posterior medial portion of thalamic nuclei. Histological confirmation is available in 6 cases.
Transphenoidal Microsurgery for Acromegaly
Authors: Becker Donald P. , Atkinson Richard , Sakalas Romas , Vries John K. , Young Harold F. , Vines Frederick S. , Martinez Julio
Published: May 2007

Twelve patients with active acromegaly were treated by sublabial, transphenoidal microsurgery. The goal was to remove the tumor, lower growth hormone to a normal level, and preserve normal pituitary function. Early results demonstrate that this is usually possible in patients who have not been operated upon previously. In patients with a history of previous surgery, total sella clean-out may be required to cure the acromegalic state. Long term follow-up is needed.
Behavioral Changes Correlated with Thalamotomy Site
Authors: Andy O.J. , Jurko M.F. , Giurintano L.P.
Published: May 2007

This study is based upon a retrospective analysis of behavior in 34 patients who had thalamotomy for seizure, motor and sensory disorders. Unilateral single lesions, especially in the medial part of the center median nucleus, improved aggression more than hyperkinesia and patho-affect. Bilateral lesions in the center median nucleus resulted in maximum improvement for the three categories of behavior, aggression, hyperkinesia and patho-affect.
Hypoplasia of the Circle of Willis Associated with Cerebrocerebellar Vascular Micromalformations in a Child (lts Relationship to Nishimoto-Kudo’s Disease)
Authors: Vuia O.
Published: May 2007

The present paper is an anatomoclinical study of a 12-year-old girl who died within a few hours from a cerebello-subarachnoid haemorrhage. The gross and microscopic examination revealed accentuated hypoplasia of the circle of Willis, in its rostral aspect, associated with hypoplasia of the cerebral and cerebellar meningeal and parenchymatous vessels. Cerebellar haemorrhage was produced by hypoplasia of the vessels, there being no evidence of local aneurysmal or angiomatous alterations. This case demonstrates the existence of a non-obstructive form of Nishimoto-Kudo’s disease, which is the manifestation of a generalized malformation of the cerebral vessels in the circle of Willis, of the meningeal and intracerebral vessels.
Electrophysiological Studies of Somatosensory Projections to the Septum of the Cat
Authors: Feldman S. , Hayat A.
Published: May 2007

Evoked potentials were recorded in the various septal nuclei of cats under chloralose anesthesia, following sciatic nerve stimulation, and four types of responses which had both short and long latencies, were demonstrated. During the penetration of the septum, changes in amplitude, the appearance of new waves and phase reversals were found. A series of experiments were performed to determine the pathways which mediate the long latency responses to the septum. These experiments, which included the recording of evoked potentials in the hypothalamus, the study of neuronal recovery cycles as well as hypothalamic stimulations and lesions, have suggested that the impulses arrive by polysynaptic pathways to the medial forebrain bundle and from there are propagated to the septum, thus confirming anatomical observations. The septum has an important function in behavioral, autonomic and endocrine mechanisms and the described somatosensory projections and their interaction with central inputs play undoubtedly an important role in its regulatory activities.
On a Lower Brain Stem Localization of the Center of Periodic Blinking
Authors: Herishanu Y.
Published: May 2007

A patient suffering from subacute panencephalitis, showing periodic blinking in a close time-relation with the breathing and the EEG complexes is presented. This relationship raises the question of a lower brain stem reticular location of a center of periodic blinking, in proximity to the respiratory center.