Integrating Communication and Engineering Education: A Look at Curricula,Courses, and Support Systems

In this article we point to the ways in which engineering and communication disciplines can work together to ensure the ABET criterion that encompasses effective communication is represented in engineering curricula. Drawing upon examples from several universities in North America, we offer useful portraits of writing across the curriculum approaches, interdisciplinary courses, integrated programs, and a variety of support systems including writing and communication centers and online resources. As we develop increased awareness of the importance of including communication instruction in engineering curricula, the variety of possibilities presented in this article can help us integrate communication and engineering education.     

Dual-mode reflectance and fluorescence near-video-rate confocal microscope for architectural, morphological and molecular imaging of tissue

We have developed a near‐video‐rate dual‐mode reflectance and fluorescence confocal microscope for the purpose of imaging ex vivo human specimens and in vivo animal models. The dual‐mode confocal microscope (DCM) has light sources at 488, 664 and 784 nm, a frame rate of 15 frames per second, a maximum field of view of 300 × 250 μm and a resolution limit of 0.31 μm laterally and 1.37 μm axially. The DCM can image tissue architecture and cellular morphology, as well as molecular properties of tissue, using reflective and fluorescent molecular‐specific optical contrast agents. Images acquired with the DCM demonstrate that the system has the sub‐cellular resolution needed to visualize the morphological and molecular changes associated with cancer progression and has the capability to image animal models of disease in vivo. In the hamster cheek pouch model of oral carcinogenesis, the DCM was used to image the epithelium and stroma of the cheek pouch; blood flow was visible and areas of dysplasia could be distinguished from normal epithelium using 6% acetic acid contrast. In human oral cavity tissue slices, DCM reflectance images showed an increase in the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio and density of nuclei in neoplastic tissues as compared to normal tissue. After labelling tissue slices with fluorescent contrast agents targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, an increase in epidermal growth factor receptor expression was detected in cancerous tissue as compared to normal tissue. The combination of reflectance and fluorescence imaging in a single system allowed imaging of two different parameters involved in neoplastic progression, providing information about both the morphological and molecular expression changes that occur with cancer progression. The dual‐mode imaging capabilities of the DCM allow investigation of both morphological changes as well as molecular changes that occur in disease processes. Analyzing both factors simultaneously may be advantageous when trying to detect and diagnose disease. The DCM's high resolution and near‐video‐rate image acquisition and the growing inventory of molecular‐specific contrast agents and disease‐specific molecular markers holds significant promise for in vivo studies of disease processes such as carcinogenesis.     

Interacting Effects of pH and NaCl on Heat Resistance of Bacterial Spores

Spores of PA3679 (C. sporogenes) and Clostridium botulinum 213B were less heat resistant when heated in a menstruum of decreasing pH. The D value of the spore population decreased by 50% when heated in pH 5.0 buffer compared to pH 7.0 buffer. Addition of NaCl to the recovery medium reduced the number of colony forming units in a population of heated spores. Presence of NaCl at 2.0% in the recovery medium decreased the spore D-value by 20-40% irrespective of pH of the heating menstruum. Combined effects of pH and NaCl could be illustrated by three-dimensional histograms.     

ESTABLISHMENT OF BASELINE DATA ON THE MICROBIOTA OF MEATS

The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has initiated the National Microbiological Baseline Data Collection Programs to determine the prevalence and levels of selected bacteria on meat and poultry slaughtered under federal inspection. This paper reviews the methodology and results of the first completed study on samples collected from steer and heifer carcasses. Potential applications for this type of testing are discussed.     

PASTEURIZATION OF VACUUM-SEALED PACKAGES OF SUMMER SAUSAGE INOCULATED WITH LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Packages containing chubs of summer sausage were inoculated with about 10⁸ cfu/mL of a three-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes and vacuum sealed. The fate of the pathogen was then monitored after pasteurization at 150F (66C), 170F (77C), 190F (88C) and 21 OF (99C) for 0 to 240 s. Pathogen numbers were reduced by about 3 log₁₀ cfu per gram within 30, 60, or 90s at 21 OF (99C), 190F (88C), or 170F (77C), respectively, whereas numbers were reduced by <2.0 log₁₀ cfu per gram after 240 s of heating at 150F (66C). The calculated D values were 2.08 min at 150F (66C), 0.84 min at 170F (77C), 0.37 min at 190F (88C), and 0.28 min at 21 OF (99C). These results establish the feasibility of using pasteurization to control L. monocytogenes in packaged summer sausage.     

Factors influencing consumer choice

The dramatic changes in food consumption revealed in the recent Household Food Consumption and Expenditure 1990 survey, which studies trends over the period 1940–90, are reviewed. The increase in the number of meals eaten away from home is discussed together with the underlying causes for the changes in the United Kingdom. The factors which influence the consumer's choice of food are complex and must be added to variables such as Pavour, texture, appearance, advertising etc. Demographic and household role changes and the introduction of microwave ovens have produced changes in eating habits, a reduction in traditional cooking, fragmentation of family meals and an increase in snacking. The vigorous sale of chilled and other prepared foods is related to the large numbers of working wives and single people who require and value convenience. Developments in retailing, with the concentration of 80% of food sales in supermarkets, is also important. Consumers are responding to messages about safety and healthy eating—they are concerned about the way in which food is produced and want safe, 'natural', high quality food at an appropriate price. The increase in sales of organic produce probably relates to concerns about intensive farming methods and animal welfare. The choice of food by young people—future consumers—has caused some concern. The introduction of the Single Market in 1993 with the free movement of people and goods within Europe should alter food choice for consumers. Many consumer organizations are concerned about lower standards of consumer protection and the implications for food safety .     

Chemical Composition of Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) from Soft White Wheat, Hard Red Wheat and Corn

The chemical composition of distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) produced from two varieties of soft white wheat, a blend of hard red wheats, and corn was determined. On the average, the concentration of protein increased 2.4–3.1 times, crude fiber 2.6–3.8 times, and lipid 1.4–2.4 times. The carbohydrate decreased by 30–50% in DDGS compared to the corresponding starting grain. The ash in DDGS was 3.8–7.8 times that of the original grain. Many of the differences (p < 0.05) in the concentration of lipid, protein, and crude fiber among the starting grains were also present in the DDGS products.