bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on soybean seed constituents: Oil, protein, moisture, fatty acids, amino acids and sugars
Authors: Wolf R. B. , Cavins J. F. , Kleiman R. , Black L. T. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSoybean plants were grown at day/night temperatures of 24/19 C until the beginning of seed development, and then transferred to 5 different temperature regimes (18/13, 24/19, 27/22, 30/25 and 33/28 C) in the CSIRO phytotron. Mature seeds that developed under these conditions were analyzed for variances in composition. Fatty acid composition was strongly affected by temperature: linolenic and linoleic acids decreased markedly whereas oleic acid increased as the temperature increased; palmitic and stearic acids remained unchanged. Oil content was positively correlated with temperature, and protein content increased at the highest temperature. Of the sugars analyzed, sucrose concentration decreased by 56% with a 15 C increase in temperature, and stachyose showed a slight reduction; other sugars remained unchanged. Amino acid composition was generally stable; however, methionine increased with increased temperature during seed development. Moisture content was unaffected.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of thecis/trans isomer composition of edible vegetable oils
Authors: Bailey Glen F. , Horvat Robert J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA new method is presented for determining thecis/trans isomer content of edible vegetable oils. The intensities of Raman lines near 1656 and 1670 cm−1 are associated with thecis andtrans configuration, respectively. A precision of ca. 1% can be obtained in thecis/trans isomer analysis of binary mixtures of methyl esters and triglycerides of monoenes and dienes and of hydrogenated vegetable oils. The spectroscopic data also provide the iodine value of vegetable oils or isolated fractions with precision for a single determination of ca. 1%.
Double blind placebo control trial of large neutral amino acids in treatment of PKU: Effect on blood phenylalanine
Authors: Matalon R. , Michals‐Matalon K. , Bhatia G. , Burlina A. B. , Burlina A. P. , Braga C. , Fiori L. , Giovannini M. , Grechanina E. , Novikov P. , Grady J. , Tyring S. K. , Guttler F. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryLarge neutral amino acids (LNAA) have been used on a limited number of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) with the purpose of decreasing the influx of phenylalanine (Phe) to the brain. In an open‐label study using LNAA, a surprising decline of blood Phe concentration was found in patients with PKU in metabolic treatment centres in Russia, the Ukraine, and the United States. To validate the data obtained from this trial, a short‐term double‐blind placebo control study was done using LNAA in patients with PKU, with the participation of three additional metabolic centres – Milan, Padua and Rio de Janeiro. The results of the short trial showed significant lowering of blood Phe concentration by an average of 39% from baseline. The data from the double‐blind placebo control are encouraging, establishing proof of principle of the role of orally administered LNAA in lowering blood Phe concentrations in patients with PKU. Long‐term studies will be needed to validate the acceptability, efficacy and safety of such treatment.
Modulation of tight junction barrier function by outer membrane proteins of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli: Role of F‐actin and junctional adhesion molecule‐1
Authors: Puthenedam Manjula , Williams Peter H. , Lakshmi B.S. , Balakrishnan Arun 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEnteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of infantile diarrhea. In this work we investigated the effect of outer membrane proteins (OMP) of EPEC on barrier integrity and the role of actin, junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) and signaling pathways contributing to these changes. Barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). OMP of wild type EPEC, eaeA and maltoporin mutants decreased TER levels of Caco‐2 cells. The OMP of espB mutant was deficient in decreasing TER of Caco‐2 cells. The proteinase K‐digested wild type OMP and EAF mutant OMP did not cause any change in barrier function. Our previous studies have demonstrated that EPEC OMP induced changes in cadherin junctions of Caco‐2 cells. Immunofluorescence revealed disruption in actin cytoskeleton by EPEC OMP. However, no change in expression of junctional adhesion molecule‐1 was observed. NF‐κB inhibitor slightly blocked the decrease in TER and protected against actin disruption while ERK1/2 inhibitor had no effect in blocking these changes. In conclusion, our data suggest that the OMP of EPEC alter intestinal barrier function by disrupting actin cytoskeleton and signaling pathways like NF‐κB may have a role in regulating barrier changes.
The impact of economic factors and acquisition reforms on the cost of defense weapon systems
Authors: Smirnoff James P. , Hicks Michael J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper evaluates how defense budget instability, consolidation of the defense industry, acquisition reform, war, and cost estimating error are related to cost overruns in major Department of Defense Acquisition projects from 1979 to 2002. Employing a panel model of service specific cost overruns, with fixed effects, we find that funding instability in O&M and R&D budgets had large impacts on procurement costs overruns. We further found that unexpected inflation and armed conflict led to higher levels of Procurement cost overruns. Finally we found that the acquisition reforms of the Nunn–McCurdy Act of 1982, the Packard Commission Recommendations of 1986 and the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 resulted in significant reductions in procurement cost overruns.
Weather, climate, and farmers: an overview
Authors: Stone Roger C. , Meinke Holger 
Published: March 2007

AbstractChallenges in linking meteorological and climatological information with a wide range of farming decisions are addressed in this paper. In particular, while a considerable amount of weather and climate information is now available for farmers, some types of information under development or already operational, particularly climate forecasting, formation, may be ill‐suited for use by farmers for their decision‐making. Case studies show it is particularly important for those key farm decisions that are amenable to weather and climate information to be identified clearly so that weather and climate information can be better tailored to suit farming decisions. A participatory approach provides farmers with ownership of the processes associated with development of weather and climate information and facilitates advances in linking climate and weather information and forecasts to farm decisions. Decision‐support systems provide useful output when used with farmer discussion groups. Developing appropriate interdisciplinary systems to connect climate, weather, and agronomic information, especially including forecasting systems, with farm management is needed if uptake of weather and climate information by farmers is to be successful. Provision of output of climate change scenario and trend information to aid long‐term strategic farm management decisions needs to be considered, especially in regions where more vulnerable farming zones exist. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Agrometeorological support of fruit production: application in SW Slovenia
Authors: Suŝnik Andreja , Matajc Iztok , Kodriĉ Ivan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFruit growing in Slovenia has become one of the more important agricultural production branches over the last two decades. Due to climate variability over a relatively small area of 20,000 km2, irrigation practices are not only important but also indispensable agrotechnical measures for obtaining permanent, high quality crop yields in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the country. Hence, accurate estimation of water consumption by agricultural crops with the inclusion of metorological monitoring is essential in the field of water management. As a decision support tool, the Slovenian Agrometeorological Information System (SAgMIS) developed by Agrometeorological Department in the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (EARS) and introduced 10 years ago has improved significally over the last two years. Transfer of actual and forecasted agrometeorological data to the end users has been quick and accurate, with the last version of mobile data dissemination in testing use. A case study of water use by irrigated peach trees in the plantation orchards of lower Vipava valley was undertaken from 1996 to 2004. A variety of irrigation systems with diverse irrigation water applications was introduced for the purposes of studying irrigation water benefits derived from accurate weather data and forecasts. The results showed that important savings in the amount of irrigation water used, on an annual average of 20%, could be achieved with accurate and timely irrigation forecasts during the vegetation periods. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Is overweight a risk factor for wheezing in pre-school children? A study in 14 Brazilian communities
Authors: Saldiva S R D M , Escuder M M , Venâncio S I , Benicio M H A , Assis A M O , Oliveira L P M , Barreto M L 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association between overweight and wheezing in pre-school children in 14 small Brazilian communities.MethodsCross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted between 2001 and 2002. A sample of 3453 children under 5 years of age was taken from nine communities in the state of Bahia and five in the state of São Paulo. Data on housing, family and children were obtained by applying structured questionnaires in loco. Weight and height for each child were also measured. The association between wheezing and overweight was assessed by unconditional logistic multivariate regression models.ResultsOverweight children had a greater frequency of wheezing and an odds ratio of 2.57 (95% confidence interval 1.51–4.37) was estimated after controlling for several potential confounding variables. The magnitude of the risk was not affected by several different model specifications.ConclusionExcess weight is associated with increased risk for wheezing in this population of children below 5 years of age.
Increased prevalence of hyperthyroidism as an early and transient side-effect of implementing iodine prophylaxis
Authors: Gołkowski Filip , Buziak-Bereza Monika , Trofimiuk Małgorzata , Bałdys-Waligórska Agata , Szybiński Zbigniew , Huszno Bohdan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of hyperthyroidism just after implementation of iodine prophylaxis among adults from an area with iodine deficiency.Study design and subjectsA total of 1648 adults (age 16 years and older) were sampled from an area of southern Poland during two nationwide epidemiological surveys. Of these, 1424 adults with negative medical history for thyroid disorders qualified for final analysis. The authors compared thyroid dysfunction in participants prior to (1989–1990) and after implementation of iodine prophylaxis (1997–1999).SettingThe southern part of Poland.ResultsWe found an increase in the serum concentration of anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies from 4.9% in the years 1989–1990 to 12.1% after introduction of iodised household salt (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism (defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone < 0.4 μU ml− 1) significantly increased in the equivalent period from 4.8 to 6.5% (P = 0.009).ConclusionsWe concluded that a sudden rise in iodine intake after implementation of iodine prophylaxis among adults from the area with iodine deficiency may lead to an increase in thyroid autoimmunity and prevalence of hyperthyroidism. Those possible early side-effects appear to be only temporary and are acceptable when compared with the evident benefits of adequate iodine intake.
Overweight and obesity in a Swiss city: 10-year trends
Authors: Kyle Ursula G , Kossovsky Michel P , Genton Laurence , Pichard Claude 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundIncreased rates of overweight/obesity have been reported in recent years in developed countries. This population study of healthy subjects evaluated the changes in overweight/obesity prevalence in 2003, compared with 1993, and determined the association of age, sex and leisure-time activity with body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI).DesignTwo transversal samples of convenience.ParticipantsHealthy volunteers (1993, n = 802; 2003, n = 1631).MethodsFat-free mass was determined using the bioelectrical impedance multiple regression equation. Multivariable linear regression, including confounding variables (age, sex, leisure-time activity), was used to model the body composition evolution between the 1993 and the 2003 subjects.ResultsBMI and FMI were higher in 2003 than in 1993, P < 0.001. FFMI was not higher in 2003 than in 1993, P = 0.38. More subjects were overweight/obese in 2003 than in 1993 (27.5 versus 17.2%, chi-square P < 0.001), and had a high FFMI (30.2 versus 21.8%, chi-square P < 0.001) and high FMI (28.0 versus 20.3%, chi-square P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regressions showed that leisure-time activity was negatively, and sex, age and inclusion year were positively associated with BMI, FFMI and FMI (the exception was a negative association with sex) (P < 0.001).ConclusionOverweight prevalence increased between 1993 and 2003 in a Swiss city, and was associated with a higher fat mass. This observation remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, sex and leisure-time activity.
Determinants of high vitamin A supplementation coverage among pre-school children in Mali: the National Nutrition Weeks experience
Authors: Ayoya Mohamed Ag , Bendech Mohamed Ag , Baker Shawn K , Ouattara Fatimata , Diané Konaké Alima , Mahy Lina , Nichols Lisa , Touré Aménatou , Franco Ciro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo assess vitamin A supplementation (VAS) coverage of children aged 6–59 months and the factors that favour or limit this coverage during the National Nutrition Weeks in Mali.DesignCross-sectional study. Interviews about demographic factors and children's adherence to the vitamin A capsule distribution programme were conducted. Professionals' knowledge of vitamin A and various aspects related to the supplementation strategy were assessed.SettingFive regions out of the eight regions in the country, in addition to Bamako District. Three rural communes were selected in three regions to represent rural areas.SubjectsParents or caregivers of children under 5 years of age, health agents who participated in the weeks, and community and administrative leaders.ResultsAt least 80% of the children received the supplement. More ‘traditional’ communication channels (town criers, friends and family members) appeared to be more effective in reaching the target groups than modern methods, i.e. radio and television. Mothers' possession of a radio (Pearson χ2 = 5.03; P = 0.025) and fathers' education (Pearson χ2 = 19.02; P < 0.001), possession of a radio (Pearson χ2 = 8.93; P = 0.003) and listening to it (Pearson χ2 = 7.62; P = 0.006) all appeared to be statistically and significantly associated with children's coverage. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the study site (urban/rural) (P = 0.004), ‘traditional channels’ (P = 0.02) and fathers' education (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with children's coverage. Knowledge about VAS was high among community and administrative leaders, and health professionals. The planning and implementation of activities at the district level were found to be good in general.ConclusionNational Nutrition Weeks provide a successful example of a periodic VAS strategy with high coverage among children aged 6–59 months in Mali. Campaigns aimed at informing and sensitising populations during the Nutrition Weeks should also target children's fathers.
The Social Liminality of Musicians: Case Studies from Mughal India and Beyond
Authors: BUTLER BROWN KATHERINE 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper offers a new, cross-cultural paradigm for understanding the location of professional musicians in modern social hierarchies. Basing my argument on Victor Turner’s theories of liminality and on primary-source research on North Indian musicians in the Mughal empire (c. 1658–1858), I maintain that professional musicians in most, if not all, societies possess institutionally liminal status. Although the occupation of ‘musician’ is relatively low, being essentially both service profession and cultural labour, the cultural capital that accrues to the product of their labour – their music – enables musicians to cross over into higher-status spaces, to mingle on more equal terms with their patrons, and, in the moment of performance, to exercise power over them. While this may offer opportunities of permanent social elevation for the best performers, in many societies patrons may apply subtle social sanctions to those who attempt to overstep the boundaries, in order to keep musicians in their place. While this hypothesis has clear resonances with Merriam’s famous tripartite formulation of low status/high importance/tolerance of ‘deviance’, institutional liminality also makes sense of the puzzling exceptions to his rule.
Music, Time, and Dance in Orchestral Performance: The Conductor as Shaman
Authors: COTTRELL STEPHEN 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper explores the relationship between music, time, and movement in those Western art music rituals within which orchestral performance occurs. It begins by reviewing some of the literature on the symphonic performance event itself, particularly the work of Christopher Small, who has written about this at length. It goes on to consider the nature of the conductor’s gestures within these events, and argues that these can be construed as a form of dancing, and that the functional ambiguity of these gestures serves only to enhance their symbolic significance; their greater importance, in fact, is in connection with the creation of another world of time. Finally, the paper compares the work and gestures of conductors with shamanistic practice in other cultures, both in terms of the conductor’s role within the concert hall and as a result of the images of them presented to us in various media.
Factors relating to terminally ill cancer patients' willingness
to continue living at home during the early phase of home care after
discharge from clinical cancer centers in Japan
Authors: HIRABAYASHI YUKA , MIYASHITA MITSUNORI , KAWA MASAKO , KAZUMA KEIKO , YAMASHITA KOHSUKE , OKAMOTO NAOYUKI 
Published: February 2007

Objective: To assess the willingness of Japanese terminally
ill cancer patients to continue living at home during the early phase of
home care after discharge from a Clinical Cancer Center (CCC) in Japan,
and to identify factors relating to their willingness to continue living
at home.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of a
convenient sample of both Japanese terminally ill cancer patients and
their caregivers (PFCs) was conducted (n = 294, effective
response rate 25.0%). Questionnaires were mailed and medical records were
accessed for 73 pairs of respondents, comprising one terminally ill cancer
patient and one PFC.Results: At about 10 days after discharge, 64 patients (88%)
wished to continue living at home. A hierarchical logistic regression
analysis was performed on the data. It was found that the fewer the
medical treatments undergone (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.72), the
higher the patients' perception that their condition was consistent
with care at home (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.08–8.62) and with their
functional well-being (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.08–2.17). In addition,
the higher the caregivers' satisfaction with life (OR = 2.37, 95% CI:
1.15–5.77), the more willing patients tended to be to continue
living at home.Significant of results: The willingness of Japanese
terminally ill cancer patients to continue living at home appears to be
affected by caregiver status. This indicates a need for discharging
facilities to monitor the state of home assistance and to investigate the
nature of assistance required for continuing home care.
Struggling in change at the end of life: A nursing inquiry
Authors: HUTCHINGS DEANNA 
Published: February 2007

Objective: The purpose of this human science nursing inquiry is to explore the meaning of struggling in change for persons at the end of life.Methods: Guided by Parse's theory of human becoming, a descriptive exploratory method was used to answer the research question: What is the meaning of the experience of struggling in change for persons at the end of life? Eight persons who were living with dying described experiences of struggling in change during face-to-face audiotaped interviews.Results: A process of analysis–synthesis revealed three themes that are discussed in relation to extant related literature and interpreted in light of the human becoming perspective.Significance of results: Findings from the study contribute new knowledge about human experience at the end of life from a human science perspective and offer new insights on struggling in change as a rhythmical pattern of living and dying. Implications for palliative practice, research, and education are discussed.
Crying: A force to balance emotions among cancer patients in palliative home care
Authors: RYDÉ KERSTIN , FRIEDRICHSEN MARIA , STRANG PETER 
Published: February 2007

Objective: Crying is a common but seldom studied phenomenon in palliative care. The aim of this study was to explore the significance of patients crying in a palliative care context.Methods: Tape-recorded interviews with 14 cancer patients in palliative home care were carried out. To gain deeper understanding, a hermeneutic analysis and interpretation was used.Results: Crying was described in different dimensions: (1) intense and despondent crying as a way of ventilating urgent needs, (2) gentle, sorrowful crying as a conscious release of emotions, and (3) quiet, tearless crying as a protection strategy. Crying seems to be an expression for an inner emotional force, provoked by different factors, which cause changes in the present balance. To cry openly but also to cry on the inside meant being able to achieve or maintain balance. Crying may be something useful, which could create release and help reduce tension, but it may also have a negative impact as it consumes energy and creates feelings of shame.Significance of results: Professionals need to understand the different levels of crying. In such situations sometimes comforting the patient may not be the best solution, as some may need privacy.