bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mix of Fiscal and Monetary Policy Rules and Inflation Dynamics in China
Authors: Guo Qingwang , Jia Junxue , Zhang Yongjie , Zhao Zhiyun 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe present paper examines the role of the mix of fiscal and monetary policy rules in determining inflation dynamics using fiscal and monetary policy reaction functions and Markov‐switching vector autoregression methods based on quarterly data in the period 1992–2007. Our results show that fiscal and monetary policies in China can be adequately described using some simple rules, and that significant regime shifts took place around 1998. Fiscal policy tended to be active and countercyclical in the pre‐1998 period, then switched to be passive and more countercyclical, whereas monetary policy was characterized as passive and procyclical in the pre‐1998 period, and switched to be active and countercyclical afterwards. The mix of fiscal and monetary policy rules can explain inflation dynamics better than the monetary policy rule alone. Therefore, price stability requires not only appropriate monetary policy but also appropriate fiscal policy.
Navigating the Impact of Globalization on Bank Efficiency in China
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Habibullah Muzafar Shah 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe paper provides for the first time empirical evidence on the impact of economic globalization on bank efficiency in a developing economy. Using the data envelopment analysis method, we compute the efficiency of the Chinese banking sector during 2000–2007. The empirical findings suggest that the inefficiency of the Chinese banking sector stems largely from scale rather than pure technical inefficiencies. Examining different components of economic globalization, we find that greater economic integration through higher trade flows, cultural proximity and political globalization have significant and positive influence on bank efficiency levels. The empirical findings suggest that liberalization (restrictions) of the capital account exerts a negative (positive) influence on bank efficiency levels in China.
Rheology of Milk Foams Produced by Steam Injection
Authors: Jimenez‐Junca Carlos A. , Gumy Jean C. , Sher Alexander , Niranjan Keshavan 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Rheology of milk foams generated by steam injection was studied during the transient destabilization process using steady flow and dynamic oscillatory techniques: yield stress (τy) values were obtained from a stress ramp (0.2 to 25  Pa) and from strain amplitude sweep (0.001 to 3 at 1 Hz of frequency); elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli were measured by frequency sweep (0.1 to 10 Hz at 0.05 of strain); and the apparent viscosity (ηa) was obtained from the flow curves generated from the stress ramp. The effect of plate roughness and the sweep time on τy was also assessed. Yield stress was found to increase with plate roughness whereas it decreased with the sweep time. The values of yield stress and moduli—G′ and G″—increased during foam destabilization as a consequence of the changes in foam properties, especially the gas volume fraction, ϕ, and bubble size, R32 (Sauter mean bubble radius). Thus, a relationship between τy, ϕ, R32, and σ(surface tension) was established. The changes in the apparent viscosity, η, showed that the foams behaved like a shear thinning fluid beyond the yield point, fitting the modified Cross model with the relaxation time parameter (λ) also depending on the gas volume fraction. Overall, it was concluded that the viscoelastic behavior of the foam below the yield point and liquid‐like behavior thereafter both vary during destabilization due to changes in the foam characteristics.Practical Application:  Studying the transient rheology of milk foams during destabilization contributes to our knowledge of the relationships between the changes in foam properties: texture and mouth feel during the consumption of hot foamed beverages.
Characterization of a 12 kDa Thermal‐Stable Antigenic Protein in Bovine Blood
Authors: Ofori Jack Appiah , Hsieh Yun‐Hwa Peggy 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  We have previously developed an immunoassay based on monoclonal antibody (MAb) Bb1H9 for quantitative detection of ruminant blood in processed food and feedstuffs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the unknown 12 kDa thermal‐stable ruminant‐specific antigenic protein recognized by MAb Bb1H9 in order to better define the application scope of the developed assay. Extracts obtained from raw and heat‐treated bovine blood‐derived products were analyzed with indirect ELISA and Western blot. Target proteins resolved by 2D electrophoresis were subjected to N‐terminal sequencing. Results indicated that the 12 kDa protein is a monomer of the tetrameric hemoglobin molecule (64.5 kDa) and that the heme group is not required for its binding with MAb Bb1H9. This MAb can be utilized as a probe for red blood cell derived products of ruminant origin in raw or processed food and feedstuffs to enforce labeling regulations and to address consumer concerns.Practical Application:  MAb Bb1H9 represents the first antibody with the capacity to recognize bovine hemoglobin both in the absence and presence of the heme group, regardless of the heat treatment. MAb Bb1H9 can therefore be utilized in immunoassays by manufacturers and regulators to detect any ingredients containing hemoglobin or globin (hemoglobin without the heme group) in both raw and processed food and feed materials for product quality control and labeling law enforcement.
Central Composite Design for the Optimization of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid Extraction of Fatty Acids from Borago Officinalis L. Flower
Authors: Ramandi Negin Fasih , Najafi Nahid Mashkouri , Raofie Farhad , Ghasemi Ensieh 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  In the present study, fatty acids and essential oils of the flower of borage (Borago officinalis L.) were obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction under different conditions. The extracts obtained were compared to oils of borage flower oil isolated by hydrodistillation. The obtained oils were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra. The experimental parameters of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were optimized using a central composite design after a full factorial experimental design. Extraction yields based on SFE varied in the range of 0.02% to 1.96% (w/w), and the oil yield based on the hydrodistillation was 0.05% (v/w). The optimum conditions of  SFE were obtained at a pressure of 350 atm, a temperature of 65 °C, a methanol modifier volume of 100 μL, and static and dynamic extraction time of 10 min. Main components of the extracts under optimum SFE conditions were palmitic acid, linoleic acid, γ‐linolenic acid, and oleic acid. The results indicated that by using the suitable extraction conditions, SFE is more effective than the conventional hydrodistillation method in the extraction of fatty acids and the preservation of its quality.Practical Application:  SFE is a good technique for the extraction of oils from plants. The extraction yields by SFE are more than the conventional method. SFE is used on a large scale for production of essential oils and pharmaceutical products from plants.
ICSH recommendations for the measurement of Haemoglobin A2
Authors: STEPHENS A. D. , ANGASTINIOTIS M. , BAYSAL E. , CHAN V. , FUCHAROEN S. , GIORDANO P. C. , HOYER J. D. , MOSCA A. , WILD B. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE STANDARDISATION OF HAEMATOLOGY (ICSH)
Published: October 2011

SummaryAlthough DNA analysis is needed for characterization of the mutations that cause β‐thalassaemia, measurement of the Hb A2 is essential for the routine identification of people who are carriers of β‐thalassaemia. The methods of quantitating Hb A2 are described together with pitfalls in undertaking these laboratory tests with particular emphasis on automated high‐performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.
Novel primers for complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing in mammals
Authors: NAIDU ASHWIN , FITAK ROBERT R. , MUNGUIA‐VEGA ADRIAN , CULVER MELANIE 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSequence‐based species identification relies on the extent and integrity of sequence data available in online databases such as GenBank. When identifying species from a sample of unknown origin, partial DNA sequences obtained from the sample are aligned against existing sequences in databases. When the sequence from the matching species is not present in the database, high‐scoring alignments with closely related sequences might produce unreliable results on species identity. For species identification in mammals, the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene has been identified to be highly informative; thus, large amounts of reference sequence data from the cyt b gene are much needed. To enhance availability of cyt b gene sequence data on a large number of mammalian species in GenBank and other such publicly accessible online databases, we identified a primer pair for complete cyt b gene sequencing in mammals. Using this primer pair, we successfully PCR amplified and sequenced the complete cyt b gene from 40 of 44 mammalian species representing 10 orders of mammals. We submitted 40 complete, correctly annotated, cyt b protein coding sequences to GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first single primer pair to amplify the complete cyt b gene in a broad range of mammalian species. This primer pair can be used for the addition of new cyt b gene sequences and to enhance data available on species represented in GenBank. The availability of novel and complete gene sequences as high‐quality reference data can improve the reliability of sequence‐based species identification.
Food Animals and Antimicrobials: Impacts on Human Health
Authors: Marshall Bonnie M. , Levy Stuart B. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARY
Antimicrobials are valuable therapeutics whose efficacy is seriously compromised by the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. The provision of antibiotics to food animals encompasses a wide variety of nontherapeutic purposes that include growth promotion. The concern over resistance emergence and spread to people by nontherapeutic use of antimicrobials has led to conflicted practices and opinions. Considerable evidence supported the removal of nontherapeutic antimicrobials (NTAs) in Europe, based on the “precautionary principle.” Still, concrete scientific evidence of the favorable versus unfavorable consequences of NTAs is not clear to all stakeholders. Substantial data show elevated antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with animals fed NTAs and their food products. This resistance spreads to other animals and humans—directly by contact and indirectly via the food chain, water, air, and manured and sludge-fertilized soils. Modern genetic techniques are making advances in deciphering the ecological impact of NTAs, but modeling efforts are thwarted by deficits in key knowledge of microbial and antibiotic loads at each stage of the transmission chain. Still, the substantial and expanding volume of evidence reporting animal-to-human spread of resistant bacteria, including that arising from use of NTAs, supports eliminating NTA use in order to reduce the growing environmental load of resistance genes.
Current Knowledge of Trichosporon spp. and Trichosporonosis
Authors: Colombo Arnaldo L. , Padovan Ana Carolina B. , Chaves Guilherme M. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYTrichosporonspp. are basidiomycetous yeast-like fungi found widely in nature. Clinical isolates are generally related to superficial infections. However, this fungus has been recognized as an opportunistic agent of invasive infections, mostly in cancer patients and those exposed to invasive medical procedures. It is possible that the ability ofTrichosporonstrains to form biofilms on implanted devices, the presence of glucuronoxylomannan in their cell walls, and the ability to produce proteases and lipases are all factors likely related to the virulence of this genus and therefore may account for the progress of invasive trichosporonosis. Disseminated trichosporonosis has been increasingly reported worldwide and represents a challenge for both diagnosis and species identification. Phenotypic identification methods are useful forTrichosporonsp. screening, but only molecular methods, such as IGS region sequencing, allow the complete identification ofTrichosporonisolates at the species level. Methods for the diagnosis of invasive trichosporonosis include PCR-based methods, Luminex xMAP technology, and, more recently, proteomics. Treating patients with trichosporonosis remains a challenge because of limited data on thein vitroandin vivoactivities of antifungal drugs against clinically relevant species of the genus. Despite the mentioned limitations, the use of antifungal regimens containing triazoles appears to be the best therapeutic approach.
Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas' Disease in the United States
Authors: Bern Caryn , Kjos Sonia , Yabsley Michael J. , Montgomery Susan P. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYChagas' disease is caused by the protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruziand causes potentially life-threatening disease of the heart and gastrointestinal tract. The southern half of the United States contains enzootic cycles ofT. cruzi, involving 11 recognized triatomine vector species. The greatest vector diversity and density occur in the western United States, where woodrats are the most common reservoir; other rodents, raccoons, skunks, and coyotes are also infected withT. cruzi.In the eastern United States, the prevalence ofT. cruziis highest in raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and skunks. A total of 7 autochthonous vector-borne human infections have been reported in Texas, California, Tennessee, and Louisiana; many others are thought to go unrecognized. Nevertheless, mostT. cruzi-infected individuals in the United States are immigrants from areas of endemicity in Latin America. Seven transfusion-associated and 6 organ donor-derivedT. cruziinfections have been documented in the United States and Canada. As improved control of vector- and blood-borneT. cruzitransmission decreases the burden in countries where the disease is historically endemic and imported Chagas' disease is increasingly recognized outside Latin America, the United States can play an important role in addressing the altered epidemiology of Chagas' disease in the 21st century.
1-Hexyl-2-cyanoacrylate compound (Neucrylate) bactericidal properties
Authors: Friedman Peter , Casillas Violeta , Kerber Charles W 
Published: October 2011

IntroductionThe need for medical grade tissue adhesives both in surgery and to treat trauma has become well established. Such a device has been developed and preliminary toxicity testing completed on a compounded cyanoacrylate (Neucrylate), and its properties have been modified so it may be used as an intravascular embolic agent. Given the high incidence of iatrogenic infections in hospital, it would be desirable to have such an implantable device that inhibits dangerous bacteria.Materials and methodSeven separate cultures of common bacteria were grown and exposed to Neucrylate. The impact on the exposed microorganisms was analyzed visually as well as by means of fluorescence and optical microscopy.ResultsThe device produced high degrees of antibacterial effect when exposed to gram positive bacteria whereas it had modest impact on gram negative bacteria.
Resuscitating Wild-Type p53 Expression by Disrupting Ceramide Glycosylation: A Novel Approach to Target Mutant p53 Tumors
Authors: Liu Yong-Yu 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Mutant p53 is frequently detected in cancers in which p53 has lost its ability in tumor suppression and gained function in promoting tumor progression. Restoration of p53 functions by replacement of wild-type p53 and inhibition of its degradation or increment of its transcriptional activity has been applied to the prevention and treatment of cancers. Recent evidence indicates that disrupting ceramide glycosylation can resuscitate wild-type p53 expression and p53-dependent apoptosis in mutant p53 tumors. A posttranscriptional process that can turn on wild-type p53 expression and abrogate mutant p53 may provide a new strategy to eradicate mutant p53 cancers. Cancer Res; 71(20); 6295–9. ©2011 AACR.
Vitamin E δ-Tocotrienol Augments the Antitumor Activity of Gemcitabine and Suppresses Constitutive NF-κB Activation in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Husain Kazim , Francois Rony A. , Yamauchi Teruo , Perez Marta , Sebti Said M. , Malafa Mokenge P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe NF-κB transcription factor functions as a crucial regulator of cell survival and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Recent studies suggest that tocotrienols, which are the unsaturated forms of vitamin E, are a promising class of anticancer compounds that inhibit the growth and survival of many cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer. Here, we show that tocotrienols inhibited NF-κB activity and the survival of human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found the bioactivity of the four natural tocotrienol compounds (α-, β-, δ-, and γ-tocotrienol) to be directly related to their ability to suppress NF-κB activity in vitro and in vivo. The most bioactive tocotrienol for pancreatic cancer, δ-tocotrienol, significantly enhanced the efficacy of gemcitabine to inhibit pancreatic cancer growth and survival in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we found that δ-tocotrienol augmentation of gemcitabine activity in pancreatic cancer cells and tumors is associated with significant suppression of NF-κB activity and the expression of NF-κB transcriptional targets (Bcl-XL, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, and survivin). Our study represents the first comprehensive preclinical evaluation of the activity of natural vitamin E compounds in pancreatic cancer. Given these results, we are conducting a phase I trial of δ-tocotrienol in patients with pancreatic cancer using pancreatic tumor cell survival and NF-κB signaling components as intermediate biomarkers. Our data also support future clinical investigation of δ-tocotrienol to augment gemcitabine activity in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(12); 2363–72. ©2011 AACR.
Using Spatial Context to Support Prospective Memory in Simulated Air Traffic Control
Authors: Loft Shayne , Finnerty Dannielle , Remington Roger W. 
Published: October 2011

Objective: The aim was to examine whether prospective memory error and response costs to ongoing tasks in an air traffic control simulation could be reduced by providing spatial context. Background: Prospective memory refers to remem-bering to perform an intended action at an appropriate point in the future. Failures of prospective memory can occur in air traffic control. Method: For this study, three conditions of participants performed an air traffic control task that required them to accept and hand off aircraft and to prevent conflicts. The prospective memory task required participants to remember to press an alternative key rather than the routine key when accepting target aircraft. A red line separated the display into upper and lower regions. Participants in the context condition were told that the prospective memory instruction would apply only to aircraft approaching from one region (upper or lower). Those in the standard condition were not provided this information. In the control condition, participants did not have to perform the prospective memory task. Results: In the context condition, participants made fewer prospective memory errors than did those in the standard condition and made faster acceptance decisions for aircraft approaching from irrelevant compared with relevant regions. Costs to hand-off decision time were also reduced in the context condition. Spatial context provided no benefit to conflict detection. Conclusion: Participants could partially localize their allocation of attentional resources to the prospective memory task to relevant display regions. Application: The findings are potentially applicable to air traffic control, whereby regularities in airspace structure and standard traffic flows allow controllers to anticipate the location of specific air traffic events.
Empowering caregivers: Impact analysis of FamilyLink Education Programme (FLEP) in Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok
Authors: Chiu Marcus Y. L. , Wei Grace F. W. , Lee Sing , Choovanichvong Somrak , Wong Frank H. T. 
Published: October 2011

Background: Education and support for caregivers is lacking in Asia and the peer-led FamilyLink Education Programme (FLEP) is one of the few provisions to address this service gap. This study aims to evaluate quantitatively its efficacy in reducing subjective burdens and empowering the participants. Method: One hundred and nine caregiver participants in three Asian cities were successfully surveyed at pre-intervention, post-intervention and six-month intervals with a number of standard inventories. Mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures showed significant programme impact over time intervals for all sites, and subsequently an empowerment measurement model was tested. Results: FLEP was found effective in reducing worry and displeasure, significantly improving intra-psychic strain, depression and all empowerment measures. The measurement model had an acceptable good fit. Baseline difference showed no interference with the programme efficacy. Conclusions: Apart from the initial support for FLEP, the current study also provides some hindsight on the empowerment practice in mental health for Asia, whose sociocultural political contexts are vastly different from that of the developed countries. It remains to be seen whether qualitative data or more stringent research design will yield consistent results and whether FLEP can also work in rural areas.
International collaborative project to compare and monitor the nutritional composition of processed foods
Authors: Dunford Elizabeth , Webster Jacqui , Metzler Adriana Blanco , Czernichow Sebastien , Mhurchu Cliona Ni , Wolmarans Petro , Snowdon Wendy , L’Abbe Mary , Li Nicole , Maulik Pallab K , Barquera Simon , Schoj Verónica , Allemandi Lorena , Samman Norma , de Menezes Elizabete Wenzel , Hassell Trevor , Ortiz Johana , de Ariza Julieta Salazar , Rahman A Rashid , de Núñez Leticia , Garcia Maria Reyes , van Rossum Caroline , Westenbrink Susanne , Thiam Lim Meng , MacGregor Graham , Neal Bruce ,   (for the Food Monitoring Group)
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the world with overnutrition a primary cause of diet-related ill health. Excess energy intake, saturated fat, sugar, and salt derived from processed foods are a major cause of disease burden. Our objective is to compare the nutritional composition of processed foods between countries, between food companies, and over time.

Design
Surveys of processed foods will be done in each participating country using a standardized methodology. Information on the nutrient composition for each product will be sought either through direct chemical analysis, from the product label, or from the manufacturer. Foods will be categorized into 14 groups and 45 categories for the primary analyses which will compare mean levels of nutrients at baseline and over time. Initial commitments to collaboration have been obtained from 21 countries.

Conclusions
This collaborative approach to the collation and sharing of data will enable objective and transparent tracking of processed food composition around the world. The information collected will support government and food industry efforts to improve the nutrient composition of processed foods around the world.