bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Processing Methods on Amaranth Starch Digestibility and Predicted Glycemic Index
Authors: Capriles V.D. , Coelho K.D. , Guerra‐Matias A.C. , Arêas J.A.G.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT:  Amaranth has attracted a great deal of interest in recent decades due to its valuable nutritional, functional, and agricultural characteristics. Amaranth seeds can be cooked, popped, roasted, flaked, or extruded for consumption. This study compared the in vitro starch digestibility of processed amaranth seeds to that of white bread. Raw seeds yielded rapidly digestible starch content (RDS) of 30.7% db and predicted glycemic index (pGI) of 87.2, the lowest among the studied products. Cooked, extruded, and popped amaranth seeds had starch digestibility similar to that of white bread (92.4, 91.2, and 101.3, respectively), while flaked and roasted seeds generated a slightly increased glycemic response (106.0 and 105.8, respectively). Cooking and extrusion did not alter the RDS contents of the seeds. No significant differences were observed among popped, flaked, and roasted RDS contents (38.0%, 46.3%, and 42.9%, respectively), which were all lower than RDS content of bread (51.1%). Amaranth seed is a high glycemic food most likely because of its small starch granule size, low resistant starch content (< 1%), and tendency to completely lose its crystalline and granular starch structure during those heat treatments.
Innovative Uses of Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Food Processing
Authors: Bock J.E. , Connelly R.K.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT:  Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has experienced widespread use as an analytical tool in the last 3 decades. Researchers today are exploring ways of applying NIRS that expand beyond compositional analyses into process control. Processes such as meat tenderness evaluation, curd cutting, and dough mixing have traditionally been controlled by highly skilled master craftsmen; new NIRS research applications are demonstrating that these complex processes can be monitored and controlled in situ to produce consistent, high quality end products with online NIRS technology. Additionally, researchers also now have the potential ability to develop new nondestructive spectroscopic techniques to probe the underlying molecular evolution of these products during processing.
Retention of Quality and Nutritional Value of 13 Fresh‐Cut Vegetables Treated with Low‐Dose Radiation
Authors: Fan X. , Sokorai K.J.B.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT:  Improving the microbial safety while maintaining quality of fresh fruits and vegetables will increase consumer confidence in fresh produce. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of irradiation at 1 kGy, a dose that potentially inactivates E. coli O157:H7 by 5 logs, on the quality of 13 common fresh‐cut vegetables: iceberg, romaine, green and red leaf lettuce, spinach, tomato, cilantro, parsley, green onion, carrot, broccoli, red cabbage, and celery. The results showed that the appearance of irradiated samples was similar to the nonirradiated ones except that irradiated carrots, celery, cilantro, and green onions had higher appearance scores than corresponding nonirradiated vegetables. There was no difference in the instrumental texture between irradiated samples and nonirradiated ones. The aroma of several irradiated vegetables was significantly better than controls after 14‐d storage, because these control samples decayed or senesced. The 1 kGy irradiation did not affect vitamin C content of most vegetables; however, irradiated green and red leaf lettuce had 24% to 53% lower vitamin C contents than the controls. Our results suggest that most fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables tested can tolerate up to 1 kGy irradiation without significant losses in any of the quality attributes.
Properties of Novel Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Films Containing Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: De Moura M.R. , Avena‐Bustillos R.J. , McHugh T.H. , Krochta J.M. , Mattoso L.H.C.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT:  In this study, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and incorporated in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films under different conditions. Mechanical properties, water vapor and oxygen permeability, water solubility, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) results were analyzed. Incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles in the films improved their mechanical properties significantly, while also improving film barrier properties significantly. The chitosan poly(methacrylic acid) (CS‐PMAA) nanoparticles tend to occupy the empty spaces in the pores of the HPMC matrix, inducing the collapse of the pores and thereby improving film tensile and barrier properties. This study is the first to investigate the use of nanoparticles for the purpose of strengthening HPMC films.
Geochemistry of Sulfide Chimneys and Basement Pillow Lavas at the Southern Mariana Trough (12.55°N–12.58°N)
Authors: Kakegawa Takeshi , Utsumi Motoo , Marumo Katsumi
Published: August 2008

Three submarine hydrothermal sites (Snail, Y and Pika sites) in the southern Mariana area were investigated to clarify the geochemical difference between off‐axis and on‐axis submarine hydrothermal activities and volcanic rocks. The Snail and Y sites are located on the axis of the spreading ridge, and the Pika site is located on the off‐axis region. Low‐temperature venting of submarine hydrothermal fluids was observed at the Snail and Y sites. High‐temperature black smoker activities were found at the Pika site. For further geochemical study, sulfide chimneys and mounds were collected from each site by manned submersible Shinkai 6500. Basement short drill cores of volcanic rocks and sulfides were also obtained from the Snail and Pika sites using a multi‐coring system. All drilled pillow lavas were tholeiitic andesite with a narrow range of chemical variation. Significant enrichments of Rb, Ba and Th were absent in both on‐axis (Y and Snail sites) and off‐axis (Pika site) samples, suggesting the least incorporation of subducting sediments to the magmatic system. Concentrations of Au and Ag in the sulfide chimney were within the range of massive sulfides at the mid‐ocean ridge rather than typical arc‐type massive sulfides. It is found that sulfur isotope compositions of sulfides were different between the on‐axis and off‐axis samples: on‐axis samples had heavy δ34S (+2.9–+8.7‰) and off‐axis samples (–0.3 to +3.8‰) were similar to the local magmatic value. Such a regional difference probably results from changes of deep hydrothermal processes during the water–rock interaction rather than differences in tectonic settings.
Myojin Rift, Izu–Bonin Arc as the Modern Analog of Hokuroku Basin, Northeast Japan: Geotectonic Significance of the New Hydrothermal Deposit in the Back‐Arc Rift
Authors: Tanahashi Michio , Fujioka Kantaro , Machida Shiki
Published: August 2008

A huge hydrothermal field, named the “Hakurei Sulfide Deposit” (HSD) was discovered in the North Myojin Rift (NMR), Izu–Bonin Back‐Arc Rift (BAR) during the 2003 survey cruise of R/V Hakurei‐maru No.2. This paper investigates the geotectonic features and the tectonic setting of ore deposits between the NMR and the Hokuroku Basin, which is representative of kuroko fields in Japan. The topographic features of the NMR and the Hokuroku Basin are similar. Both have a clear ring structure surrounded by faults and the east–west width is almost the same. Many kuroko deposits were formed on the extrusion centers of the five pre‐mineral acidic volcanic complexes, located in a loop inside the Hokuroku Basin. In the case of the NMR, seven submarine volcanoes are also located in a loop, and the HSD formed inside the summit caldera of Bayonnaise Knoll, which is one of the seven volcanoes. These topographic similarities highlight that the NMR is a modern analog of the Hokuroku Basin. Identifying such similarities is extremely useful when prospecting kuroko deposits on land equivalents as well as on the other segments of the Izu–Bonin BAR. The probability of finding kuroko deposits on land is expected to increase when the following are identified: (i) location of back‐arc rift and the volcanic front; (ii) direction of the arc–trench system and intra‐rift faults (and/or fracture zone); (iii) position of submarine volcanoes surrounding a back‐arc rift; and (iv) intersections of a caldera fault and intra‐rift fault (and/or fracture zone) inside the summit caldera of submarine volcanoes. Within these aforementioned points a ring structure, acidic volcanic complexes that circle the circuit and submarine calderas along the volcanic front, are an important indication of submarine hydrothermal deposits.
Review of the UK NEQAS (H) digital morphology pilot scheme for continuing professional development accessed via the internet
Authors: BRERETON M. L. , DE LA SALLE B. , BURTHEM J. , ARDERN J. , HICKMAN L. , SEAL L. , McTAGGART P. , WEST M. , SWIRSKY D. , PARKER‐WILLIAMS J. , HYDE K.
Published: August 2008

UK NEQAS (H) developed and instigated a pilot scheme for digital morphology, which was accessed by participants over the internet in order to assess the viability of using high quality images as an educational tool for continuing professional development. The pilot scheme was trialled over a 2‐year period with eight releases totalling 16 morphology cases. Digital images allowed participating individuals to examine and comment on exactly the same cells and compare their findings with those of other participants, consensus data from traditional glass slide surveys and expert opinion. Feedback from participants on their experience was then relayed back to the development team by UK NEQAS (H) in order to drive the educational format and to ensure that any new scheme would meet the requirements of the users.
Clinical significance of Th1/Th2 ratio in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: HAMDI W. , OGAWARA H. , HANDA H. , TSUKAMOTO N. , MURAKAMI H.
Published: August 2008

In this study, we attempted to evaluate the clinical significance of T helper 1 (Th1)/T helper 2 (Th2) ratio in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), five refractory anaemia (RA), four refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), 31 refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD), nine refractory anaemia with excess blast‐1 (RAEB‐1) and seven refractory anaemia with excess blast‐2 (RAEB‐2). Intracellular interleukin‐4 (Th2 cytokine) and interferon‐γ (Th1 cytokine) production was assessed in CD4+ T lymphocytes activated by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and ionomycin using flow cytometry. Mean Th1/Th2 ratios in each MDS group were as follows: RA/RARS, 8.8 (95% CI, 5.8–11.8), RCMD, 14.7 (95% CI, 9.5–19.9), RAEB‐1, 10.6 (95% CI, 4.6–16.6), RAEB‐2, 12.8 (95% CI, 3.0–22.7) and control 12.8 (95% CI, 9.6–16.1). There were no significant differences in Th1/Th2 ratio in the RA/RARS, RCMD, RAEB‐1 and RAEB‐2 subgroups when compared to controls. Because Th1/Th2 ratio in the RCMD group was widely distributed, we divided RCMD patients according to Th1/Th2 ratio into three groups (low, normal and high Th1/Th2 groups). There were no differences in severity of cytopenia among the three above groups. However, the percentage of CD8 cells in the low Th1/Th2 group was significantly lower than those in the high group (P < 0.01). These data suggest that Th1/Th2 imbalance induces CD4/CD8 imbalance, and serves as a marker of the biological interplay in immune regulation.
The feature of clonal expansion of TCR Vβ repertoire, thymic recent output function and TCRζ chain expression in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: ZHANG X.L. , LI Y.Q. , CHEN S.H. , YANG L.J. , CHEN S. , WU X.L. , ZHANG T. , ZHONG J. , ZHU K.E.
Published: August 2008

In order to identify the feature of T cells immune status in idiopathic/immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients, TCR Vβ repertoire, T‐cell receptor (TCR) excision DNA circles (TRECs) and TCRζ chain gene expression were examined. Reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, genescan and real‐time PCR techniques were used to analyze. DNA and cDNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 18 ITP patients were investigated and 25 normal individuals served as control. The results showed that only 4–11 Vβ subfamilies could be detected in each ITP case. The most frequently expressed Vβ subfamilies were Vβ2 and Vβ3, while 11 Vβ subfamilies were absent. Clonal expansion of Vβ T cells were found in all patients. The most frequent clonal expansion T cell was Vβ21. The number of TRECs in ITP patients (2.60 ± 2.99 copies/1000 PBMCs) was not significant different, compared with control (3.76 ± 3.42 copies/1000 PBMCs). The expression level of TCRζ gene was significantly lower in ITP samples than those in control (P = 0.017). In summary, T cells in ITP patients were characterized by restricted expression of TCR Vβ subfamilies and clonal expansion predominant in Vβ21. The alteration of peripheral TCR Vβ repertoire pattern may not relate to the thymic, recent output function in ITP patients. Our report is the first description of decreased TCRζ mRNA level in the majority of ITP patients.
The Classed Body in the Sociological Imagination
Authors: Adair Vivyan C.
Published: August 2008

Class theorists of embodiment in Sociology point to and illuminate both an over‐ and an under‐exposed body and experience that ultimately mark the bodies of the poor as ideologically, discursively and materially abject. In this essay, I map out theories of the bodies of the poor, including those of Marx, Engels, Elias, Bourdieu, Foucault, Donzelot and Adair. I suggest that an understanding of the ways in which the bodies of the poor are positioned as abject can facilitate a flexible and reflexive heuristic through which we can negotiate epistemic shifts between material and discursive categories, as well as providing us with a template through which we can come to understand even the most profoundly abject bodies, those of poor women in a welfare state, as potential sites of embodied agency and resistance, all central to the ethical and holistic study of sociology.
Alteration in left ventricular normal and shear strains evaluated by 2D‐strain echocardiography in the athlete's heart
Authors: Nottin S. , Doucende G. , Schuster‐Beck I. , Dauzat M. , Obert P.
Published: August 2008

The contraction of cardiomyocytes induces a systolic increase in left ventricular (LV) normal (radial, circumferential and longitudinal) and shear strains, whose functional consequences have not been evaluated, so far, in athletes. We used 2D ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI) to evaluate LV regional strain in high‐level cyclists compared to sedentary controls. Sixteen male elite cyclists and 23 sedentary controls underwent conventional, tissue Doppler, and STI echocardiography at rest. We assessed LV long and short axis normal strains and shear strains. We evaluated circumferential–longitudinal shear strain from LV torsion, and circumferential–radial shear strain from the difference between subendocardial and subepicardial torsion. Apical radial strain (42.7 ± 10.5%versus 52.2 ± 14.3%, P < 0.05) and LV torsion (6.0 ± 1.8 deg versus 9.2 ± 3.2 deg, P < 0.01) were lower in cyclists than in controls, respectively. Rotations and torsion were higher in the subendocardial than in the subepicardial region in sedentary controls, but not in cyclists. Haemodynamic and tissue Doppler based indexes of global LV diastolic and systolic functions were not different between cyclists and controls. Athlete's heart is associated with specific LV adaptation including lower apical strain and lower myocardial shear strains, with no change in global LV diastolic and systolic function. These mechanical alterations could improve the cardiovascular adjustments to exercise by increasing the radial strain and torsional (and thus untwisting) response to exercise, a key element of diastolic filling and thus of cardiac performance in athletes.
Allelic variance between GRM6 mutants, Grm6nob3 and Grm6nob4 results in differences in retinal ganglion cell visual responses
Authors: Maddox Dennis M. , Vessey Kirstan A. , Yarbrough Gary L. , Invergo Brandon M. , Cantrell Donald R. , Inayat Samsoon , Balannik Victoria , Hicks Wanda L. , Hawes Norman L. , Byers Shannon , Smith Richard S. , Hurd Ron , Howell Douglas , Gregg Ronald G. , Chang Bo , Naggert Jürgen K. , Troy John B. , Pinto Lawrence H. , Nishina Patsy M. , McCall Maureen A.
Published: August 2008

An electroretinogram (ERG) screen identified a mouse with a normal a‐wave but lacking a b‐wave, and as such it was designated no b‐wave3 (nob3). The nob3 phenotype mapped to chromosome 11 in a region containing the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 gene (Grm6). Sequence analyses of cDNA identified a splicing error in Grm6, introducing an insertion and an early stop codon into the mRNA of affected mice (designated Grm6nob3). Immunohistochemistry of the Grm6nob3 retina showed that GRM6 was absent. The ERG and visual behaviour abnormalities of Grm6nob3 mice are similar to Grm6nob4 animals, and similar deficits were seen in compound heterozygotes (Grm6nob4/nob3), indicating that Grm6nob3 is allelic to Grm6nob4. Visual responses of Grm6nob3 retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to light onset were abnormal. Grm6nob3 ON RGCs were rarely recorded, but when they were, had ill‐defined receptive field (RF) centres and delayed onset latencies. When Grm6nob3 OFF‐centre RGC responses were evoked by full‐field stimulation, significantly fewer converted that response to OFF/ON compared to Grm6nob4 RGCs. Grm6nob4/nob3 RGC responses verified the conclusion that the two mutants are allelic. We propose that Grm6nob3 is a new model of human autosomal recessive congenital stationary night blindness. However, an allelic difference between Grm6nob3 and Grm6nob4 creates a disparity in inner retinal processing. Because the localization of GRM6 is limited to bipolar cells in the On pathway, the observed difference between RGCs in these mutants is likely to arise from differences in their inputs.
Evolution and modulation of intracellular calcium release during long‐lasting, depleting depolarization in mouse muscle
Authors: Royer Leandro , Pouvreau Sandrine , Ríos Eduardo
Published: August 2008

Intracellular calcium signals regulate multiple cellular functions. They depend on release of Ca2+ from cellular stores into the cytosol, a process that in many types of cells appears to be tightly controlled by changes in [Ca2+] within the store. In contrast with cardiac muscle, where depletion of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is a crucial determinant of termination of Ca2+ release, in skeletal muscle there is no agreement regarding the sign, or even the existence of an effect of SR Ca2+ level on Ca2+ release. To address this issue we measured Ca2+ transients in mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) skeletal muscle fibres under voltage clamp, using confocal microscopy and the Ca2+ monitor rhod‐2. The evolution of Ca2+ release flux was quantified during long‐lasting depolarizations that reduced severely the Ca2+ content of the SR. As in all previous determinations in mammals and non‐mammals, release flux consisted of an early peak, relaxing to a lower level from which it continued to decay more slowly. Decay of flux in this second stage, which has been attributed largely to depletion of SR Ca2+, was studied in detail. A simple depletion mechanism without change in release permeability predicts an exponential decay with time. In contrast, flux decreased non‐exponentially, to a finite, measurable level that could be maintained for the longest pulses applied (1.8 s). An algorithm on the flux record allowed us to define a quantitative index, the normalized flux rate of change (NFRC), which was shown to be proportional to the ratio of release permeability P and inversely proportional to Ca2+ buffering power B of the SR, thus quantifying the ‘evacuability’ or ability of the SR to empty its content. When P and B were constant, flux then decayed exponentially, and NFRC was equal to the exponential rate constant. Instead, in most cases NFRC increased during the pulse, from a minimum reached immediately after the early peak in flux, to a time between 200 and 250 ms, when the index was no longer defined. NFRC increased by 111% on average (in 27 images from 18 cells), reaching 300% in some cases. The increase may reflect an increase in P, a decrease in B, or both. On experimental and theoretical grounds, both changes are to be expected upon SR depletion. A variable evacuability helps maintain a constant Ca2+ output under conditions of diminishing store Ca2+ load.
Mechanical ventilatory constraints during incremental cycle exercise in human pregnancy: implications for respiratory sensation
Authors: Jensen Dennis , Webb Katherine A. , Davies Gregory A. L. , O'Donnell Denis E.
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to identify the physiological mechanisms of exertional respiratory discomfort (breathlessness) in pregnancy by comparing ventilatory (breathing pattern, airway function, operating lung volumes, oesophageal pressure (Poes)‐derived indices of respiratory mechanics) and perceptual (breathlessness intensity) responses to incremental cycle exercise in 15 young, healthy women in the third trimester (TM3; between 34 and 38 weeks gestation) and again 4–5 months postpartum (PP). During pregnancy, resting inspiratory capacity (IC) increased (P < 0.01) and end‐expiratory lung volume decreased (P < 0.001), with no associated change in total lung capacity (TLC) or static respiratory muscle strength. This permitted greater tidal volume (VT) expansion throughout exercise in TM3, while preserving the relationship between contractile respiratory muscle effort (tidal Poes swing expressed as a percentage of maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax)) and thoracic volume displacement (VT expressed as a percentage of vital capacity) and between breathlessness and ventilation . At the highest equivalent work rate (HEWR = 128 ± 5 W) in TM3 compared with PP: , tidal Poes/PImax and breathlessness intensity ratings increased by 10.2 l min−1 (P < 0.001), 8.8%PImax (P < 0.05) and 0.9 Borg units (P < 0.05), respectively. Pulmonary resistance was not increased at rest or during exercise at the HEWR in TM3, despite marked increases in mean tidal inspiratory and expiratory flow rates, suggesting increased bronchodilatation. Dynamic mechanical constraints on VT expansion (P < 0.05) with associated increased breathlessness intensity ratings (P < 0.05) were observed near peak exercise in TM3 compared with PP. In conclusion: (1) pregnancy‐induced increases in exertional breathlessness reflected the normal awareness of increased and contractile respiratory muscle effort; (2) mechanical adaptations of the respiratory system, including recruitment of resting IC and increased bronchodilatation, accommodated the increased VT while preserving effort–displacement and breathlessness– relationships; and (3) dynamic mechanical ventilatory constraints contributed to respiratory discomfort near the limits of tolerance in late gestation.
Hyperoxia prevents exercise‐induced intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunt in healthy humans
Authors: Lovering Andrew T. , Stickland Michael K. , Amann Markus , Murphy Joan C. , O'Brien Matthew J. , Hokanson John S. , Eldridge Marlowe W.
Published: August 2008

The 100% oxygen (O2) technique has been used to detect and quantify right‐to‐left shunt for more than 50 years. The goal of this study was to determine if breathing 100% O2 affected intrapulmonary arteriovenous pathways during exercise. Seven healthy subjects (3 females) performed two exercise protocols. In Protocol I subjects performed an incremental cycle ergometer test (60 W + 30 W/2 min; breathing room air, ) and arteriovenous shunting was evaluated using saline contrast echocardiography at each stage. Once significant arteriovenous shunting was documented (bubble score = 2), workload was held constant for the remainder of the protocol and was alternated between 1.0 (hyperoxia) and 0.209 (normoxia) as follows: hyperoxia for 180 s, normoxia for 120 s, hyperoxia for 120 s, normoxia for 120 s, hyperoxia for 60 s and normoxia for 120 s. For Protocol II, subjects performed an incremental cycle ergometer test until volitional exhaustion while continuously breathing 100% O2. In Protocol I, shunting was seen in all subjects at 120–300 W. Breathing oxygen for 1 min reduced shunting, and breathing oxygen for 2 min eliminated shunting in all subjects. Shunting promptly resumed upon breathing room air. Similarly, in Protocol II, breathing 100% O2 substantially decreased or eliminated exercise‐induced arteriovenous shunting in all subjects at submaximal and in 4/7 subjects at maximal exercise intensities. Our results suggest that alveolar hyperoxia prevents or reduces blood flow through arteriovenous shunt pathways.
Parasite Treatment Affects Maternal Investment in Sons
Authors: Reed T. E. , Daunt F. , Hall M. E. , Phillips R. A. , Wanless S. , Cunningham E. J. A.
Published: August 2008

Parasitism can be a major constraint on host condition and an important selective force. Theoretical and empirical evidence shows that maternal condition affects relative investment in sons and daughters; however, the effect of parasitism on sex ratio in vertebrates is seldom considered. We demonstrate experimentally that parasitism constrains the ability of mothers to rear sons in a long-lived seabird, the European shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelis
. The effect contributes to the decline in offspring survival as the breeding season progresses and hence has important population-level consequences for this, and potentially other, seasonal breeders.
A Rubberlike Stretchable Active Matrix Using Elastic Conductors
Authors: Sekitani Tsuyoshi , Noguchi Yoshiaki , Hata Kenji , Fukushima Takanori , Aida Takuzo , Someya Takao
Published: August 2008

By using an ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, we uniformly dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as chemically stable dopants in a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer matrix to form a composite film. We found that the SWNT content can be increased up to 20 weight percent without reducing the mechanical flexibility or softness of the copolymer. The SWNT composite film was coated with dimethyl-siloxane–based rubber, which exhibited a conductivity of 57 siemens per centimeter and a stretchability of 134%. Further, the elastic conductor was integrated with printed organic transistors to fabricate a rubberlike active matrix with an effective area of 20 by 20 square centimeters. The active matrix sheet can be uniaxially and biaxially stretched by 70% without mechanical or electrical damage. The elastic conductor allows for the construction of electronic integrated circuits, which can be mounted anywhere, including arbitrary curved surfaces and movable parts, such as the joints of a robot's arm.
Atmospheric Warming and the Amplification of Precipitation Extremes
Authors: Allan Richard P. , Soden Brian J.
Published: August 2008

Climate models suggest that extreme precipitation events will become more common in an anthropogenically warmed climate. However, observational limitations have hindered a direct evaluation of model-projected changes in extreme precipitation. We used satellite observations and model simulations to examine the response of tropical precipitation events to naturally driven changes in surface temperature and atmospheric moisture content. These observations reveal a distinct link between rainfall extremes and temperature, with heavy rain events increasing during warm periods and decreasing during cold periods. Furthermore, the observed amplification of rainfall extremes is found to be larger than that predicted by models, implying that projections of future changes in rainfall extremes in response to anthropogenic global warming may be underestimated.
Stabilization of combined wastewater sludge: anaerobic processes
Authors: Anderson B. C. , Mavinic D. S. , Oleszkiewicz J. A.
Published: August 2008

Pilot-scale research was conducted to quantify the effects of stabilizing combined wastewater sludges (primary and biological nutrient removal waste activated sludges), in a common high-rate, single-stage anaerobic digestion operation. Various ratios of primary to waste activated sludge were used, and digester operational efficiency was assessed on the basis of the amount and rate of volatile mass removal, biogas production, and digester supernatant quality. It was found that, depending on the sludge ratio, addition of the biological nutrient removal waste activated sludge decreased digester operational efficiency; for example, almost 20% less volatile mass reduction, up to 25% reduction in metabolic reaction rates, and reduced gas production rates of up to 40% were observed. This was attributed to the presence of the cell membrane encapsulating the fermentable substrates of waste activated sludge, making them less available in the digestion process. It was concluded that, unless some type of pretreatment operation is utilized to liberate these substrates, this type of commonly used codigestion system will be of less benefit to a wastewater treatment plant, especially the smaller facilities which will lose a ready source of power in the form of biogas production, and the full value of the waste activated sludge as a resource will not be realized. Key words: anaerobic sludge digestion, biogas production, biological nutrient removal, biosolids, combined sludge, fermentation, volatile mass reduction.
An ORP screening protocol for biological phosphorus removal in sequencing batch reactors
Authors: Wareham D. G. , Hall K. J. , Mavinic D. S.
Published: August 2008

This research discusses two strategies for adding acetate to sequencing batch reactors operating as biological removal (Bio-P) systems. The control (fixed-time) reactor adds the acetate at a set time of 1 h 25 min, which is an assumed time for complete denitrification. The experimental (real-time) reactor adds the acetate when a computer detects the disappearance of nitrates, as indicated by a distinctive "breakpoint" or "kink" in the oxidation-reduction potential versus time profile. This control strategy is therefore based upon a known time for complete denitrification. The time-of-occurrence of the nitrate breakpoint is utilized in the development of a screening protocol for interpreting the behaviour (in terms of nitrate reactions) for reactors operating in biological phosphorus removal mode. The protocol involves categorizing the timing of the nitrate breakpoint into two groupings. A "failure" category corresponds to acetate being added prior to the breakpoint, because, in these cases, the acetate is used partially for denitrification and partially for Bio-P carbon storage. A "success" category corresponds to breakpoints occurring prior to the addition of acetate. In such cases, acetate is used solely for carbon storage by Bio-P organisms. Key words: oxidation-reduction potential, biological phosphorus removal, sequencing batch reactor, real-time computer control.
Development and evaluation of numerical hydrodynamic models for small lakes and reservoirs
Authors: John V. Chandy , Satish M. G. , Waller D. H.
Published: August 2008

The response of a small lake or reservoir system to wind and streamflow forcing is examined in this paper using a numerical model based on Navier–Stokes equation and a numerical hydraulic model using the segment-node approach. The main mass transport in the lake has been found to be due to wind; the circulation caused by stream inflow and outflow of the lake contributes a relatively small fraction of the total transport. The above-mentioned models have been applied to different wind regimes and constant or variable inflow–outflow conditions of Long Lake (Nova Scotia). Comparisons are made between observed data and model results by both models. The model response has also been studied for generation of seiches and wind setup in the lake; and the response of the lake to these forcing functions has been presented. The comparison of model results with in situ field data establishes model's suitability to make predictions. Drogue and water level measurements were made at a number of locations in the Long Lake to validate the numerical models. The results from the numerical simulation using the two models compare favourably with the observed data. As may be expected, the segment-node modelling scheme was found to be computationally more efficient and relatively easy to run on a personal computer. Key words: numerical model, hydrodynamics, circulation, Long Lake, temperature, dissolved oxygen, stratification, Nova Scotia.
Transferability of aggregate intercity total demand models
Authors: Kumarage Amal S. , Wirasinghe S. C.
Published: August 2008

Over the last 15 years, extensive research has been done on the transferability of travel demand models. However, much of this work has been concentrated towards investigating the transferability of disaggregate mode choice models. The transferability of an aggregate total demand model for intercity travel is examined. Model transfer is possible only when a number of preconditions for transferability are satisfied. One of the principal obstacles to the successful transfer of intercity demand models is the inability to overcome the contextual differences between calibration and application. Here, the components of the intercity total demand model are separated into exogenous and intrinsic (contextual) factors. The latter is thereafter classified as being either transferable or nontransferable. It is shown that transferable attributes can accompany a model during transfer. Nontransferable attributes, on the other hand, will free the model of city or city-pair specific contextual characteristics which should not be transferred to other city pairs. The issues involved in transferring an aggregate model are also investigated. Aggregate data on interdistrict travel by public transportation in Sri Lanka have been used to successfully calibrate a total demand model with a number of transferable and nontransferable attributes that represent both temporal and spatial contextual factors. It is shown that the forecasting ability of this model is far superior to a counterpart model without the intrinsic variables. Key words: travel demand, aggregate, forecasting, transferability, intercity, Sri Lanka.
Seismic response of instrumented structures during the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake
Authors: Ventura Carlos E. , Finn W. D. Liam , Schuster Norman D.
Published: August 2008

This paper presents an overview of strong motion records obtained from instrumented structures during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It describes the behaviour of buildings, bridges, and dams that have been instrumented by the major strong motion instrumentation networks operating in California and highlights important features of the most significant structural motions recorded during the earthquake. The structural damage observed during a reconnaissance visit to the affected areas by the earthquake is correlated with preliminary analyses of the recorded motions. Detailed discussions of the dynamic behaviour of two instrumented reinforced concrete buildings that suffered damage during the earthquake are presented. The behaviour of these buildings during previous earthquakes is also examined. This paper and the companion paper on ground motions provide comprehensive information about instrumental records obtained in the region affected by the earthquake. Key words: earthquake engineering, structural response, strong motion instrumentation, damage evaluation, buildings, bridges, dams, structural dynamics, acceleration, amplification.
Performance of steel structures during the 1994 Northridge earthquake
Authors: Tremblay Robert , Filiatrault André , Timler Peter , Bruneau Michel
Published: August 2008

The performance of concentrically braced steel frames and moment resisting steel frames during the January 17, 1994, Northridge, California, earthquake is examined. Most of the observations made during the reconnaissance visits confirmed the current knowledge on the inelastic response of these structural systems. This permits the anticipation of proper seismic behavior for buildings designed according to the seismic provisions that have been recently introduced in the Canadian building code and standard for steel structures. In some cases, however, the observed damage raised concerns that should be addressed in future investigations or next editions of these codes. Preventing potentially hazardous nonstructural damage, avoiding premature nonductile failures anywhere along the lateral load paths, limiting structural and nonstructural damage due to brace buckling, and accounting for the vertical ground motion are among those issues. Key words: earthquake, seismic, steel, concentrically braced frames, moment resisting frames, weld.
Seismic weaknesses of some residential wood framed buildings: confirmations from the 1994 Northridge earthquake
Authors: Filiatrault André , Stieda Chris K. A.
Published: August 2008

As part of the reconnaissance team of the Canadian Association for Earthquake Engineering (CAEE), the authors visited the epicentral region of the January 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake. This paper reviews the various potential weaknesses of some residential timber framed buildings. The damage observed during the Northridge earthquake as a result of these weaknesses is used to illustrate the need to introduce engineering concepts in the seismic design and retrofit of residential wood structures. Typical mitigation procedures to strengthen and increase the earthquake safety of wood buildings are discussed. Recognizing the close similarity between residential construction practice in Canada and the U.S., the information presented is topical for Canadian engineers, architects and owners. Key words: earthquake, seismic, timber, wood framed buildings.
Nonstructural damage from the Northridge earthquake
Authors: McKevitt W. E. , Timler P. A. M. , Lo K. K.
Published: August 2008

The occurrence of the January 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake prompted site visits by teams of Canadian engineers to study the effects of the earthquake. This paper summarizes the observations of nonstructural damage to commercial, institutional, industrial, and utility facilities in the Northridge area. The performance of nonstructural components recorded in this paper is correlated to available estimates of ground acceleration at each site. Nonstructural damage was extensive throughout the area. The examples chosen include a broad range of representative damage. Some examples of well-performed systems are also included. Key words: earthquake, seismic, Northridge, nonstructural, codes, reconnaissance.
Enhanced PDE4B expression augments LPS-inducible TNF expression in ethanol-primed monocytes: relevance to alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Gobejishvili Leila , Barve Shirish , Joshi-Barve Swati , McClain Craig
Published: August 2008

Increased plasma and hepatic TNF-α expression is well documented in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and is implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. We have previously shown that monocytes from patients with alcoholic hepatitis show increased constitutive and LPS-induced NF-κB activation and TNF-α production. Our recent studies showed that chronic ethanol exposure significantly decreased cellular cAMP levels in both LPS-stimulated and unstimulated monocytes and Kupffer cells, leading to an increase in LPS-inducible TNF-α production by affecting NF-κB activation and induction of TNF mRNA expression. Accordingly, the mechanisms underlying this ethanol-induced decrease in cellular cAMP leading to an increase in TNF expression were examined in monocytes/macrophages. In this study, chronic ethanol exposure was observed to significantly increase LPS-inducible expression of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE)4B that degrades cellular cAMP. Increased PDE4B expression was associated with enhanced NF-κB activation and transcriptional activity and subsequent priming of monocytes/macrophages leading to enhanced LPS-inducible TNF-α production. Selective inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram abrogated LPS-mediated TNF-α expression at both protein and mRNA levels in control and ethanol-treated cells. Notably, PDE4 inhibition did not affect LPS-inducible NF-κB activation but significantly decreased NF-κB transcriptional activity. These findings strongly support the pathogenic role of PDE4B in the ethanol-mediated priming of monocytes/macrophages and increased LPS-inducible TNF production and the subsequent development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Since enhanced TNF expression plays a significant role in the evolution of clinical and experimental ALD, its downregulation via selective PDE4B inhibitors could constitute a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of ALD.
Ursodeoxycholic acid stimulates Nrf2-mediated hepatocellular transport, detoxification, and antioxidative stress systems in mice
Authors: Okada Kosuke , Shoda Junichi , Taguchi Keiko , Maher Jonathan M. , Ishizaki Kaoru , Inoue Yoshimi , Ohtsuki Makio , Goto Nobuharu , Takeda Koichi , Utsunomiya Hirotoshi , Oda Koji , Warabi Eiji , Ishii Tetsuro , Osaka Keiko , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: August 2008

The protective action of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in cholestatic liver diseases may be mediated by choleresis, detoxification, and cytoprotection against oxidative stress. Nrf2, one transcription factor, serves as a cellular stress sensor and is a key regulator for hepatic induction of detoxifying enzymes, antioxidative stress genes, and numerous Mrp family members. We aimed to investigate whether UDCA induces hepatic Mrp expression along with that of detoxifying enzymes and antioxidative stress genes via the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway. The protein level, subcellular localization, and mRNA level of Mrp family members were assessed in livers of Keap1 gene-knockdown ( Keap1-kd) mice and those of UDCA-fed wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 gene-null ( Nrf2-null) mice. Nuclear levels of Nrf2 in livers of Keap1-kd mice markedly increased, resulting in constitutive activation of Nrf2. Keap1-kd mice have high-level expression of hepatic Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4 relative to WT mice. UDCA potently increased nuclear Nrf2 expression level in livers of WT mice, and the treatment showed maximal hepatic induction of Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4 in association with enhanced membranous localizations in an Nrf2-dependent manner. UDCA similarly increased nuclear Nrf2 expression level in rat hepatocytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays using mouse hepatocytes revealed the binding of Nrf2 to antioxidant response elements in the promoter regions of Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4. These findings demonstrate an important role of Nrf2 in the induction of Mrp family members in livers and suggest that a therapeutic mechanism of UDCA action is, via Nrf2 activation, a stimulation of detoxification and antioxidative stress systems, along with Mrp-mediated efflux transport.
In vivo differences between endothelial transcriptional profiles of coronary and iliac arteries revealed by microarray analysis
Authors: Zhang Ji , Burridge Kelley A. , Friedman Morton H.
Published: August 2008

Endothelial cells (ECs) from different vascular beds display a remarkable heterogeneity in both structure and function. Phenotypic heterogeneity among arterial ECs is particularly relevant to atherosclerosis since the disease occurs predominantly in major arteries, which vary in their atherosusceptibility. To explore EC heterogeneity between typical atheroprone and atheroresistant arteries, we used DNA microarrays to compare gene expression profiles of freshly harvested porcine coronary (CECs) and iliac artery (IECs) ECs. Statistical analysis revealed 51 genes that were differentially expressed in CECs relative to IECs at a false discovery rate of 5%. Seventeen of these genes are known to be involved in atherogenesis. Consistent with coronary arteries being more atherosusceptible, almost all putative atherogenic genes were overexpressed in CECs, whereas all atheroprotective genes were downregulated, relative to IECs. A subset of the identified genes was validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR results suggest that the differences in expression levels between CECs and IECs for the HOXA10 and HOXA9 genes were >100-fold. Gene ontology (GO) and biological pathway analysis revealed a global expression difference between CECs and IECs. Genes in twelve GO categories, including complement immune activation, immunoglobulin-mediated response, and system development, were significantly upregulated in CECs. CECs also overexpressed genes involved in several inflammatory pathways, including the classical pathway of complement activation and the IGF-1-mediated pathway. The in vivo transcriptional differences between CECs and IECs found in this study may provide new insights into the factors responsible for coronary artery atherosusceptibility.
Low-frequency fatigue and neuromuscular performance after exercise-induced damage to elbow flexor muscles
Authors: Dundon James M. , Cirillo John , Semmler John G.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to quantify the association between low-frequency fatigue (LFF) and the increase in EMG and force fluctuations after eccentric exercise of elbow flexor muscles. Ten subjects performed two tasks involving voluntary isometric contractions of elbow flexors: a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and a constant-force task at five submaximal target forces (5, 10, 20, 40, 60% MVC) while EMG was recorded from biceps and triceps brachii. A third task involved electrical stimulation of biceps brachii at 12 frequencies (1–100 Hz). These tasks were performed before, after, and 2 h and 24 h after concentric or eccentric exercise. MVC force declined after eccentric exercise (34% decline) and remained depressed 24 h later (22% decline), whereas the reduced force following concentric exercise (32%) was recovered 2 h later. Biceps brachii EMG and force fluctuations during the submaximal voluntary contractions increased after eccentric exercise (both ∼2× greater) with the greatest effect at low forces. LFF was equivalent immediately after both types of exercise (50–60% reduction in 20:100 Hz force) with a slower recovery following eccentric exercise. A significant association was found between the change in LFF and EMG ( r2values up to 0.52), with the strongest correlations observed at low forces (20% MVC) and at 2 h after exercise. In contrast, there were no significant associations between LFF and force fluctuations during voluntary or electrically evoked contractions, suggesting that other physiological factors located within the muscle are likely to be playing a major role in the impaired motor performance after eccentric exercise.