bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Facile Route to Synthesize the Ti5NbO14 Nanosheets by Mechanical Cleavage Process
Authors: Zhang Na , Chu Jing , Li Caixia , Chen Hongguang , Li Qiang
Published: December 2009

Layered and rod‐like K3Ti5NbO14 was synthesized via the solid‐state chemistry, and it was exfoliated into nanosheets through a novel mechanical cleavage technology. X‐ray diffraction was utilized to determine the phase changes of all the specimen during the total process, and the microstructure of the samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The formation mechanism was also discussed in detail, the results indicated that the compression and shearing should play a main function in the crack and the cleavage of the aggregated layered compound. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the consecutive buildup of the (PEI/Ti5NbO14)n film. The resulting quasi‐linear increase at the top absorbance as a function of the sequential assembly number for the multilayer film indicated that the nanosheet had deposited uniformly in each dipping cycle. The photocatalytic activity of K3Ti5NbO14‐related products was examined. Compared with original layered compound, nanosheet precipitate had good property under irradiation of ultraviolet light.
Effect of Gamma‐Ray Irradiation on the Optical Properties of PbO–B2O3–SiO2 and Bi2O3–B2O3–SiO2 Glasses
Authors: Ou Yuwen , Baccaro Stefania , Zhang Yaping , Yang Yunxia , Chen Guorong
Published: December 2009

Irradiation treatments on glasses in both PbO–B2O3–SiO2 and Bi2O3–B2O3–SiO2 systems were carried out under the 60Co γ‐ray radiation at a dose of 5.0 kGy. Ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis) transmission spectra were used to compare the optical transmittance before and after irradiation in the wavelength range of 300–800 nm. The radiation‐induced absorption coefficient (RIAC), the optical mobility gap (E0), and the width of the energy tail above the gap (ΔE) were calculated by optical transmittance. The variation of these parameters indicated that the structure of glasses changed due to irradiation. The differences in the optical properties of the two glass systems were explained from the viewpoint of glass chemistry.
Effect of Various Additives on the Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2‐Based Ultra‐High‐Temperature Ceramics at 1800°C
Authors: Hu Ping , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Han Jie‐Cai , Luo Xiao‐Guang , Du Shang‐Yi
Published: December 2009

The effect of various additives such as TiB2, HfB2, CrB2, TaB, TaSi2, LaB6, La2O3, and AlN on the oxidation behavior of ZrB2‐based ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs) at 1800°C was investigated. The additions of CrB2 and HfB2 to the ZrB2–SiC composites have minor effect on the structure evolution of the oxide scale and oxidation resistance. However, all the other additives, especially for Ti and Ta compounds, have changed the oxidation mechanism resulting in a marked detrimental effect on the oxidation resistance of ZrB2‐based UHTCs.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba3(VO4)2–Mg2SiO4Composite Ceramics
Authors: Meng Siqin , Yue Zhenxing , Zhuang Hao , Zhao Fei , Li Longtu
Published: December 2009

Novel Ba3(VO4)2–Mg2SiO4microwave dielectric composite ceramics with compositions of (1−x)Ba3(VO4)2–xMg2SiO4(x=0.50–0.65) have been prepared by firing mixtures of Ba3(VO4)2and Mg2SiO4. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that they coexist without forming secondary phases. Because their resonant frequency temperature coefficients (τf) have opposite signs, the τfof the composite ceramic can be adjusted passing through zero by changing the relative content of the two phases. Dielectric property measurements were performed using the resonator method at around 11 GHz. Ceramics with Mg2SiO455 wt% sintered at 1175°C exhibited microwave dielectric properties of dielectric constant ɛr=9.03,Q×f=52 500 GHz, and τf=0.6 ppm/°C at 11.3 GHz. In this composite ceramic, we observed that the formation of the MgSiO3secondary phase was suppressed.
TiO2–Ag Nanocomposites by Low‐Temperature Sol–Gel Processing
Authors: Li Hong , Zhao Gaoling , Chen Zhijun , Song Bin , Han Gaorong
Published: December 2009

TiO2–Ag nanocomposites with well‐crystallized TiO2 and randomly distributed metallic Ag nanoparticles were obtained at low temperature (about 50°C) by a modified sol–gel method. The size of TiO2 crystallite was 5–6 nm. With the increasing Ag, Ag particle size increased and the size distribution broadened both due to the agglomeration of Ag crystallites. TiO2–Ag nanocomposites prepared in the present work showed better photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2 prepared under the same conditions. An optimal photocatalyst was obtained when the molar ratio of Ag to Ti was 1:9.
PVP‐Mediated Crystallization of Perovskite Phase in the PMN–PT Thin Films Prepared by Sol–Gel Processing
Authors: Du Zehui H. , Zhang Tianshu S. , Zhu Minmin M. , Ma Jan
Published: December 2009

A modified sol–gel processing has been developed by using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as modifier and lead nitrate as lead source to synthesize (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3,Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 (PMN–PT) thin films with x=0.23–0.43. The composition distribution and morphology of the gel particles in the PMN–PT solutions have been investigated. It shows that PVP addition results in spatial separation between Pb and Nb ions in the gel particles, leading to the perovskite crystallization via a columbite‐like route in the resultant PMN–PT thin films. Pyrochlore phase is circumvented and perovskite phase can directly crystallize from amorphous films at the temperature as low as 460°C, while in the non‐PVP films, B‐site rich pyrochlore phase (Pb1.83Nb1.71Mg0.29O6.39) is always formed in the temperature range used (460°–650°C).
Microstructural Characterization of Alumina Films During Constrained Sintering
Authors: Guillon Olivier , Nettleship Ian
Published: December 2009

Alumina films were sintered on a rigid substrate to different densities. Stereological measurements suggest that microstructural anisotropy develops during the final stage of sintering, which can be interpreted in terms of the elimination of pore sections rather than anisotropic growth of isolated particle necks. Pore separation seems to be a better measure than grain intercept when compared with phenomenological models.
Mediating Dilemmas: Local NGOs and Rural Development in Neoliberal Mexico
Authors: Richard Analiese M.
Published: December 2009

Analysis of the role of NGOs as mediators of change may yield important theoretical insights into the processes by which neoliberalizing projects become embedded in and consequently transformed by specific settings. In recent decades, NGOs have played an important role in mediating intertwined and often contradictory processes of political and economic liberalization in countries around the globe. However, changes to the political context in which NGOs work have altered the nature of the interventions these groups make. This article examines how members of a Mexican NGO community centered in the provincial city of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, rework cultural idioms of mediation to position themselves as legitimate intermediaries linking rural cooperatives, state officials, international donors, and global activist networks. Their strategies for confronting their own entrapment in processes of structural reform illuminate the constraints faced by Southern activists in negotiating possibilities for social change after the Washington Consensus. They also underline the importance of renewed attention to the role of intermediaries in enabling and enacting structural change.
Uprooting Identities: The Regulation of Olive Trees in the Occupied West Bank
Authors: Braverman Irus
Published: December 2009

Trees in general, and olive and pine trees in particular, perform a pivotal role in the Zionist and the Palestinian national narratives. This article reveals the complex historical and cultural processes that have led to the strong identification between the olive tree and the Palestinian people, arguing that this identification is not only a reflection of the olive's unique economic and cultural status in this region but also an act of resistance to Israel's occupation. The article also explains how Israel's tightening of surveillance, practiced in the name of olive protection, actually ends up forcing an alien set of spatial and temporal regimes on the everyday life of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In this sense, the project of resistance performed by Palestinians through the rooting of the olive into the land has become yet another means for Israeli domination.
A randomized controlled study of paroxetine and cognitive‐behavioural therapy for late‐life panic disorder
Authors: Hendriks G.‐J. , Keijsers G. P. J. , Kampman M. , Oude Voshaar R. C. , Verbraak M. J. P. M. , Broekman T. G. , Hoogduin C. A. L.
Published: December 2009

Hendriks G‐J, Keijsers GPJ, Kampman M, Oude Voshaar RC, Verbraak MJPM, Broekman TG, Hoogduin CAL. A randomized controlled study of paroxetine and cognitive‐behavioural therapy for late‐life panic disorder.

Objective:  To examine the effectiveness of paroxetine and cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) in elderly patients suffering from panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD(A)).

Method:  Forty‐nine patients aged 60+ years with confirmed PD(A) were randomly assigned to 40 mg paroxetine, individual CBT, or to a 14‐week waiting list. Outcomes, with avoidance behaviour and agoraphobic cognitions being the primary measures, were assessed at baseline and at weeks 8, 14 (conclusion CBT/waiting list), and at week 26 (treated patients only) and analysed using mixed models.

Results:  All outcome measures showed that the patients having received CBT and those treated with paroxetine had significantly better improvement compared with those in the waiting‐list condition. With one patient (1/20, 5%) in the CBT and three (3/14, 17.6%) in the paroxetine condition dropping out, attrition rates were low.

Conclusion:  Patients with late‐life panic disorder respond well to both paroxetine and CBT. Although promising, the outcomes warrant replication in larger study groups.
Bone‐supportive behavior of microplasma‐sprayed CaP‐coated implants: mechanical and histological outcome in the goat
Authors: Junker R. , Manders P. J. D. , Wolke J. , Borisov Y. , Jansen J. A.
Published: December 2009

Background: New microplasma spray (MPS) equipment to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed. With this apparatus, it is possible to spray fine particles, as well as to apply textured hydroxylapatite coatings onto titanium surfaces. Moreover, due to the low heat power of the microplasma jet, overheating of the powder particles as well as excessive local overheating of the substrate is reduced. Furthermore, because of the small laminar plasma jet, it is possible to achieve high spray efficiency in the case of spraying of dental implants. Additionally, the low level of noise (25–50 dB) and hardly any dust makes it possible to operate the MSE under normal workroom conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the biological properties of different MPS – CaP coatings on titanium implants when inserted into the femoral condyle of goats.

Material and methods: For histomorphometrical evaluation as well as mechanical testing, 48 screw‐type titanium implants were inserted into the femoral condyles of 12 goats each. The implants were either coated with a conventionally plasma‐sprayed CaP ceramic, MPS CaP ceramic, or acid‐etched without an additional CaP coating. Six and 12 weeks after implantation, the animals were sacrificed and bone‐to‐implant contact, amount of bone, as well as mechanical bone fixation were evaluated.

Results: For bone‐to‐implant contact no statistically significant difference was found between the different CaP coatings. However, statistically significant differences were found between non‐coated, acid‐etched titanium implants and CaP‐coated implants after 6 and 12 weeks of healing. The bone values were not statistically significantly different between the different CaP coatings at 6 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, CaP ceramic‐coated implants showed statistically significantly higher torque values compared with the non‐coated implants after 6 and at 12 weeks of healing. No significant differences existed between the various types of CaP coatings.

Conclusion: On the basis of our observations, we conclude that conventionally plasma‐sprayed CaP ceramic‐coated implants, as well as MPS‐coated implants have a comparable effect on adjacent bone response.

To cite this article:
 Junker R, Manders PJD, Wolke J, Borisov Y, Jansen JA. Bone‐supportive behavior of microplasma‐sprayed CaP‐coated implants: mechanical and histological outcome in the goat. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 189–200. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01819.x
Beyond the information centre hypothesis: communal roosting for information on food, predators, travel companions and mates?
Authors: Bijleveld Allert I. , Egas Martijn , Van Gils Jan A. , Piersma Theunis
Published: December 2009

Communal roosting – the grouping of more than two individuals resting together – is common among animals, notably birds. The main functions of this complicated social behaviour are thought to be reduced costs of predation and thermoregulation, and increased foraging efficiency. One specific hypothesis is the information centre hypothesis (ICH) which states that roosts act as information centres where individuals actively advertise and share foraging information such as the location of patchily distributed foods. Empirical studies in corvids have demonstrated behaviours consistent with the predictions of the ICH, but some of the assumptions in its original formulation have made its wide acceptance problematic. Here we propose to generalise the ICH in two ways: (1) dropping the assumption that information transfer must be active, and (2) adding the possibilities of information exchange on, for example, predation risk, travel companions and potential mates. A conceptual model, inspired by shorebirds arriving at roosts after foraging on cryptic prey, is proposed to illustrate how testable predictions can be generated. The conceptual model illustrates how roost arrival timing may convey inadvertent information on intake rate, prey density, forager state (i.e. digestive processing capacity) and food quality. Such information could be used by naïve or unsuccessful foragers to select with whom to leave the roost at the subsequent foraging opportunity and thus increase foraging success. We suggest that inadvertent information transfer, rather than active information exchange, predominates in communal roosts.
Conservative and Esthetic Cast Gold Fixed Partial Dentures—Inlay, Onlay, and Partial Veneer Retainers, Custom Composite Pontics, and Stress Breakers: Part II: Utilization of Additional Retentive Features and Fabrication of Custom Pontic Facings
Authors: STEVENSON III RICHARD G. , REFELA JANE A.
Published: December 2009

Although in today's dental world implant restorations are considered the standard of care in the replacement of missing teeth, clinical contraindications and patient nonacceptance of implant placement can be encountered. Several scenarios are discussed here in which a single missing tooth can be restored with conservative fixed partial dentures (FPD) that employ cast gold retainers; each with a customized design in order to preserve tooth structure, maintain esthetics, and provide a long‐term prognosis. The abutment teeth are prepared for conservative partial coverage restorations by using Brasseler burs (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA). Impressions are taken of the preparations, along with any retentive features, utilizing either the Vented Pin Channel technique or the Shooshan Plastic Pin technique. The latter technique utilizes Kodex twist drills and corresponding impression pins (Coltene Whaledent Inc., Mahwah, NJ, USA). The conservative FPD with non‐rigid connectors is fabricated by using type III gold alloy. The pontic cage portion is chemically prepared utilizing the Panavia F2.0 cement kit (Kuraray America Inc., Houston, TX, USA) or other dual‐polymerizing resin cement and restored with any type of direct composite resin material. A palette of opaquers and tints are used for chairside characterization of the esthetic pontic facing. The final polish of the pontic is completed by using FlexiDisc and FlexiBuff discs (Cosmedent Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In cases where an implant restoration is contraindicated for replacement of a single tooth, a semi‐precision FPD is a conservative, functional, and esthetic alternative.
Effect of Light Irradiation on Tooth Whitening: Enamel Microhardness and Color Change
Authors: GOMES MAURICIO NEVES , FRANCCI CARLOS , MEDEIROS IGOR STUDART , SALGADO NÍVEA REGINA DE GODOY FROES , RIEHL HERALDO , MARASCA JOSÉ MILTON , MUENCH ANTÔNIO
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of light exposure associated with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Pola Office, SDI, Melbourne, Vic., Australia) or 15% hydrogen peroxide (BriteSmile, Discus, Culver City, CA, USA) on the microhardness and color changes of bovine enamel. Experimental groups were Britesmile + Light (BL) (15% hydrogen peroxide + plasm arc; 4 × 20 minutes), Britesmile + No Light (BN) (BL, no light), Pola office + Light (PL) (35% hydrogen peroxide + LED; 4 × 8 minutes), and Pola office + No light (PN) (PL, no light). Color changes (ΔE) and the CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l' Eclairage, L*a*b* color system) parameters (L*, a*, and b*) were assessed with a spectrophotometer before (B), immediately (A), 1 day and 7 days after bleaching. The microhardness was measured before (B) and after (A), the obtained data were submitted to a two‐way analysis of variance, and ΔE were submitted to t‐test for each period. Only Pola Office, in which the peroxide is associated with the light, improved ΔE when evaluated immediately after bleaching (p < 0.001). Light exposure did not influence ΔE after 1 day or 7 days for either bleaching system. The enamel microhardness was not altered after bleaching for BriteSmile. However, enamel microhardness was reduced after bleaching for Pola Office, 283 MPa (±21) and 265 MPa (±27), respectively. It was concluded that these two bleaching systems were efficient regardless of the light systems used. However, the 35% hydrogen peroxide altered the enamel microhardness.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Enamel microhardness was affected by a 35% hydrogen peroxide in‐office bleaching therapy. Moreover, the in‐office bleaching outcome was not improved by using the light associated with systems tested in this study.
Multidrug efflux pumps: Substrate selection in ATP‐binding cassette multidrug efflux pumps – first come, first served?
Authors: Ernst Robert , Kueppers Petra , Stindt Jan , Kuchler Karl , Schmitt Lutz
Published: December 2009

Multidrug resistance is a major challenge in the therapy of cancer and pathogenic fungal infections. More than three decades ago, P‐glycoprotein was the first identified multidrug transporter. It has been studied extensively at the genetic and biochemical levels ever since. Pdr5, the most abundant ATP‐binding cassette transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is highly homologous to azole‐resistance‐mediating multidrug transporters in fungal pathogens, and a focus of clinical drug resistance research. Despite functional equivalences, P‐glycoprotein and Pdr5 exhibit striking differences in their architecture and mechanisms. In this minireview, we discuss the mechanisms of substrate selection and multidrug transport by comparing the fraternal twins P‐glycoprotein and Pdr5. We propose that substrate selection in eukaryotic multidrug ATP‐binding cassette transporters is not solely determined by structural features of the transmembrane domains but also by their dynamic behavior.
Endoribonucleases – enzymes gaining spotlight in mRNA metabolism
Authors: Li Wai Ming , Barnes Tavish , Lee Chow H.
Published: December 2009

The efficient turnover of messenger RNA represents an important mechanism that allows the cell to control gene expression. Until recently, the mechanism of mRNA decay was mainly attributed to exonucleases, comprising enzymes that degrade RNAs from the ends of the molecules. This article summarizes the endoribonucleases, comprising enzymes that cleave RNA molecules internally, which were identified in more recent years in eukaryotic mRNA metabolism. Endoribonucleases have received little attention in the past, based on the difficulty in their identification and a lack of understanding of their physiological significance. This review aims to compare the similarities and differences among this group of enzymes, as well as their known cellular functions. Despite the many differences in protein structure, and thus difficulties in identifying them based on amino acid sequence, most endoribonucleases possess essential cellular functions and have been shown to play an important role in mRNA turnover.
Immunity‐related gene single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Rhodococcus equi infection in foals
Authors: Horin P. , Sabakova K. , Futas J. , Vychodilova L. , Necesankova M.
Published: December 2009

In previous work, we found significant associations of horse polymorphic microsatellite and immunity‐related (IR) gene markers with Rhodococcus equi infection of foals. Here, a statistically significant association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the interleukin 7 receptor‐encoding gene (IL7R) with high R. equi burden in transtracheal aspirates was found (Fisher’s F = 0.043, odds ratio: 8.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.127–56.795). Further positional and/or functional candidate genes investigated TLR2, IL13, IL17A, IL28R, TACE/ADAM 17 and GBP1, were not associated with infection in this study. SNPs analysed were found by sequencing and appropriate restriction fragment length polymorphism markers were developed. Their associations with R. equi infection were tested by genotyping thoroughbred foals from the original study. The association was confirmed by analysing genotypes composed with genes previously reported to be associated with R. equi infection in the same group.
Study on VNTR polymorphism of gene IL‐1RA in 19 Chinese populations
Authors: Jiang J. , Zhang X. , Sun D. , Jin Y. , Bai J. , Chen F. , Fu S.
Published: December 2009

Earlier studies suggested that a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in intron 2 of the interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) gene might be associated with some chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases and solid tumours. To study the distribution of this polymorphism in China, 1352 samples were collected from 19 widely distributed Chinese populations. PCR was used to genotype the VNTR. The overall frequencies of allele 1 and allele 2 were 0.913 and 0.064 respectively. The frequency of the allele 2 was significantly different between the northeastern and the northwestern populations. Moreover, the allele frequencies at this locus in three Chinese Han populations were different from that in minority populations. When compared with other populations worldwide, the frequencies of the two alleles in China were not significantly different from those in the Asian and Pacific Islands. However, the prevalence of allele 1 in China was significantly higher, and the prevalence of allele 2 was significantly lower, than those in American and European Caucasians, and the pairwise Fst values reinforced this observation. The differences of the allele frequencies between different regions and within the same region showed that geography and race have important roles in the population differentiation for the IL‐1RA gene. In summary, our results provide a valuable reference for population genetic information and future disease association studies in Chinese populations.
Molecular systematics of the speciose Indo‐Pacific soft coral genus, Sinularia (Anthozoa: Octocorallia)
Authors: McFadden Catherine S. , Van Ofwegen Leen P. , Beckman Elizabeth J. , Benayahu Yehuda , Alderslade Phil
Published: December 2009

Abstract. The speciose tropical soft coral genus Sinularia traditionally has been divided into five intrageneric taxonomic groups based on variation in a single morphological character: the shape of the club sclerites (calcite skeletal elements) embedded in the surface tissues of the colony. To test the phylogenetic utility of this system of classification, we used a 735‐bp fragment of the octocoral‐specific mitochondrial msh1 gene to construct a molecular phylogeny that included 80 of the ∼150 recognized morphospecies of Sinularia. The msh1 phylogeny recovered five well‐supported clades, but they were not congruent with the traditional intrageneric taxonomic groups. Mapping of characters onto the tree suggested that the five major clades plus several additional sub‐clades of Sinularia can be distinguished based on a suite of four morphological characters; these include the presence of sclerites in the tentacle, collaret, and point regions of the polyps, in addition to the shape of the club sclerites in the surface tissues. The overall growth form of the colony also distinguishes some clades. Polyp sclerites have for the most part been overlooked taxonomically in Sinularia, and as a result information on these characters is lacking or is incorrect in many species descriptions. As has been the case in other recent studies of lower metazoan groups, construction of a molecular phylogeny has led us to recognize the phylogenetic and taxonomic importance of previously overlooked morphological characters. A revised taxonomic key that includes these characters is already improving our ability to discriminate species boundaries, and facilitating description of new Sinularia species.
Female genitalia of goblin spiders (Arachnida: Araneae: Oonopidae): a morphological study with functional implications
Authors: Burger Matthias
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Fine morphological details of the genitalia have large potential consequences for the understanding of the reproductive biology of a particular species, especially when mating behavioral studies are difficult to conduct. Oonopidae are a highly diverse spider family comprising a variety of species with complex female reproductive systems, which may have evolved under sexual selection by cryptic female choice. The present study describes the female genitalia of five oonopid species belonging to both conventionally recognized subfamilies by means of semi‐thin sections and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the male palps are briefly described. The organization of the female genitalia in Scaphiella hespera and Scaphiella sp. resembles the entelegyne type. A chitinized canal connects the receptaculum, where sperm are stored, with the uterus. Sperm are also present in the uterus and the canal is suggested to function as fertilization duct. The genitalia of the parthenogenetic species Triaeris stenaspis are surprisingly complex. A large sac with glands is proposed to represent the equivalent of a receptaculum in sexually reproducing females. In females of Opopaea recondita, sperm are stored in a bulge derivating from the uterus. Contractions of muscles attached to the bulge may lead to sperm dumping. The uterus can be closed by a sclerite in its anterior wall. The receptacula of females of Stenoonops reductus are joined together and contain masses of spermatozoa. Additional sperm were found in the receptacula connection suggesting that fertilization takes place there. The male palps of all the investigated species, except for S. hespera, seem to lack a distincly sclerotized sperm duct. Spermatozoa and secretions are stored in a large reservoir inside the genital bulb surrounded by glandular epithelium.
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF TACCA INVOLUCRATA TUBERS
Authors: RAJI A.O. , AHEMEN S.A.
Published: December 2009

Tacca involucrata is a crop popular for its natural starch with almost zero fat. Its processing has remained unmechanized. This study focused on the determination of some engineering properties of four dimensional classes of the tuber. The geometric mean diameters obtained ranged from 39.46 to 71.00 mm, the sphericity from 0.79 to 0.84, true densities and bulk densities from 1199.70 to 1365.50 kg/m3 and 489.91 to 560.60 kg/m3, respectively.

Angle of repose and porosity are 35.33° to 37.68° and 54.34 to 59.18%, respectively. The coefficient of internal friction ranged from 0.28 to 0.61, while the coefficient of friction on wood, mild and galvanized steel surfaces are 0.49 to 0.56, 0.42 to 0.51 and 0.34 to 0.48, respectively. Deformation, stress and Young's modulus at break are, respectively, 10.44 mm, 701.23 N/mm2 and 6666.18 N/mm2 in the natural rest position and 15.06 mm, 755.80 N/mm2 and 7362.00 N/mm2 in minor diameter position. These are within the ranges for similar tubers.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

These data, useful in the design and development of handling and processing machines to replace the commonly used traditional manual methods for Tacca tubers, are not available currently in literature.
EFFECTS OF SOME EXPERIMENTAL PARAMETERS ON YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTS OF CINNAMON BARK
Authors: BASERI HADI , LOTFOLLAHI MOHAMMAD NADER , ASL ALI HAGHIGHI
Published: December 2009

Supercritical CO2 extraction of the volatile oil from cinnamon bark was carried out under different conditions of temperature (30, 50 and 70C), pressure (16, 20 and 24 MPa) and dynamic extraction time (20, 40, 60 and 80 min), in order to evaluate their influence on the global yield and the composition of the volatile oil using a pilot‐scale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE ) system. The maximum yield of cinnamon SFE sample can reach 8% at 70C, 24 MPa and for a 40‐min dynamic extraction time. The chemical composition of each SFE sample was analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Thirty compounds consisting of over 98% of the total SFE of the volatile oil were identified by GC‐MS. The major components were cinnamonaldehyde (70–98%),α‐muurolene (1–6%), eugenol (2–8%),α‐caryophyllen (1–3%) andγ‐muurolene (1–3%).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results obtained in this work can be used to develop the supercritical fluid extraction from cinnamon bark. Cinnamon bark has many applications in food additives, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. According to these results, the effects of various parameters on the global yield of extract and composition of volatile oil are obtained. The best supercritical extractions were found to be 24 MPa, 70C and for 40 min of dynamic extraction time.
SUCROSE INVERSION OF HARD CANDIES FORMULATED WITH REWORK SYRUP WITH ADDITION OF SODIUM LACTATE
Authors: NADALETTI MICHELE , DI LUCCIO MARCO , CICHOSKI ALEXANDRE JOSÉ
Published: December 2009

This work investigated the use of rework syrup with addition of sodium lactate in hard candy manufacturing, following the inversion of sucrose in hard candies where 10% of the glucose syrup of the formulation was substituted by the rework syrup. Moisture, mass net gain, water activity and visual inspection of crystallization and cold melt were carried out in the final product. The candies prepared with rework syrup with up to 4 g of sodium lactate solution/100 g presented lower pH, decrease of sucrose content and increase in glucose and fructose concentrations. The increase in fructose content was followed by an increase in net weight of the candies, inducing crystallization and cold melt. The addition of 2 g of sodium lactate/100 g in the rework syrup and 2/100 g in the final syrup before cooking was effective in reducing inversion of sucrose.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The occurrence of products that are out of specification is common in manufacturing hard candy. Usually, these products are dissolved again in water and are filtered, the aroma and dyes are removed and the resulting syrup, called rework syrup, is used in the preparation of new sucrose syrup for hard candy production. However, the addition of rework syrup to the formulation of new candies creates a problem, as the sucrose in this syrup may have been partially hydrolyzed, yielding glucose and fructose. The resulting hard candy would then have a high fructose content, which will induce crystallization and cold melt of the candy, decreasing its shelf life. The results of this work show that the rework syrup could be improved by the addition of a buffering agent, sodium lactate, which decreases the rate of sucrose hydrolysis, improving the quality of the resulting candies, as well as their shelf life.
PROCESSING OF PEACH NECTAR BY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS WITH RESPECT TO PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROBIAL INACTIVATION
Authors: ALTUNTAŞ JULIDE , AKDEMIR EVRENDILEK GULSUN , SANGUN MUSTAFA K. , ZHANG HOWARD Q.
Published: December 2009

Applicability of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to process peach nectar as a function of electric field strength and treatment time with respect to microbial inactivation and measurement of physical and chemical properties of peach nectar was evaluated. No significant difference was detected in terms of pH, °Brix, titration acidity (TA), conductivity, color (L*, a* and b*), nonenzymatic browning index (NBI), metal ion concentration, ascorbic acid content and beta carotene concentration between control and PEF‐treated peach nectar samples (P > 0.05). On the other hand, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Erwinia carotowora, Pseudomonas syringae, Botrytis cinerea and Penicillum expansum were significantly inactivated (P ≤ 0.05). PEF can successfully be applied to peach nectar with significant amount of microbial inactivation without a significant adverse effect on physical and chemical properties.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing, considered a novel technology, posses a significant potential to achieve nonthermal (cold) pasteurization and/or sterilization of liquid materials, especially fruit juices. This study was performed to determine potential use of PEF to process peach nectar based on the measurement of changes in physical and chemical properties as well as in microbial inactivation. PEF processing significantly inactivated inoculated microorganisms without adverse effects on both physical and chemical properties. Based on the results, it can be concluded that PEF technology can successfully be applied pasteurization of peach nectar.
CREDIT POLICY STRESS IN THE WEST AFRICAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION
Authors: DUFRÉNOT Gilles
Published: December 2009

This paper examines credit policy stress in the West African Economic and Monetary Union and provides evidence that a regional credit policy would not suit all the countries that are members of this currency union. Some countries obtain a higher volume of domestic credit when policy is conducted at a domestic level than they would in the context of a single regional policy. Furthermore, there are differences in the country‐specific reaction function to changes in the economic environment. To show the inappropriateness of a regional credit policy within the West African Economic and Monetary Union area, we compute credit stress indicators both for the countries and for the region taken as a whole. The stress indicators represent the gap between the optimal policies conducted at country and regional levels. Our study covers the period from 1980 to 2007.
DOLLARIZATION OF DEBT CONTRACTS: EVIDENCE FROM CHILEAN FIRMS
Authors: FUENTES Miguel
Published: December 2009

This paper uses a new data set to estimate the causes and consequences of foreign currency debt in firms' balance sheets. The evidence from this sample of Chilean firms indicates that dollar‐denominated debt increases with firms' size and degree of exposure to foreign competition. We find evidence that dollar‐denominated debt combines with exchange rate movements to produce a negative balance‐sheet effect that reduces firms' investment in periods of strong exchange rate depreciation. This negative balance‐sheet effect is associated with long‐term debt and appears to be nonlinear in the amount of real exchange rate depreciation.
Economic analysis model for inpatient parenteral nutrition: A pilot study
Authors: POOLE Rosalind , GILLANDERS Lyn , PLANK Lindsay , MCILROY Kerry , DAVOREN Hugh , PARRY Bryan
Published: December 2009

Aim:  Parenteral nutrition is a high‐cost but essential support service in contemporary health care, yet no model exists to determine the total cost. This study aimed to create a cost analysis model identifying both direct and indirect costs of parenteral nutrition inpatient care.

Methods:  A health economics analysis model was constructed and used to create an audit tool for measuring parenteral nutrition costs in seven predefined categories. This tool was piloted on a cohort of 21 consecutive patients commencing parenteral nutrition at a large city hospital between March and April 2008. These patients were prospectively audited for a maximum 12 days or until parenteral nutrition cessation (192 patient days). Costs and adherence to evidence‐based guidelines were compared across the seven categories and between patient subgroups determined by ward locality upon commencement.

Results:  The mean total cost for all parenteral nutrition patients was $1579(NZD)/day, of which non‐parenteral hospital costs comprised 85%. For patients treated solely outside the intensive care unit, cost was $1045 per day, of which 24% was directly attributed to provision of parenteral nutrition. Formula accounted for nearly two‐thirds (63%) of parenteral nutrition direct costs and 8.5% of that prescribed was wasted. Return to oral or enteral nutrition was achieved in 57% patients within 12 days of commencing parenteral nutrition.

Conclusions:  Direct costs involved in providing parenteral nutrition appear to be less than previously reported, and represent a relatively small proportion of the total cost of care. This cost category analysis may have application in measuring and comparing parenteral nutrition service delivery in other institutions.
Assessment of typical food portion sizes consumed among Australian adults
Authors: RANGAN Anna M. , SCHINDELER Suzanne , HECTOR Debra J. , GILL Tim P.
Published: December 2009

Aim: To document the typical portion sizes of commonly consumed foods as reported by adults in the 1995 National Nutrition Survey, and to compare these data with existing information on serving sizes used in Australia.

Methods: Portion sizes of foods were defined as total amounts of food consumed per eating occasion, using estimated food portion weight data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Age‐ and sex‐specific median (typical) and interquartile ranges were produced for the most commonly consumed foods for Australian adults. These were compared with other data on weighed food records, sample servings as used in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and ‘unspecified’ serves as used in nutritional analysis software.

Results: Typical portion sizes for many commonly consumed foods varied significantly by age and sex of the consumer, with larger portion sizes being consumed by men, and by younger adults. Portion size differences between sex were not consistent across food types; therefore, a fixed ratio cannot be applied to all food types. Typical portion sizes estimated from the National Nutrition Survey were similar to median portion sizes obtained from weighed food records for many foods but were not similar to the generic sample servings and ‘unspecified’ serves.

Conclusions: The significant age and sex differences in portion sizes consumed indicate the need for age‐ and sex‐specific portion sizes in dietary analysis. Portion size research has particular relevance to the current revision of the dietary guidelines, core food groups and the development of a new food guide in Australia.
Dietary guidance for older Australians
Authors: TRUSWELL A. Stewart
Published: December 2009

Aim:  This paper reviews the literature on dietary guidance for older Australians.

Methods:  The components of the 1999 National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians are reviewed in conjunction with the current literature.

Results:  Advice on a healthy diet for older people from different professionals can sometimes seem to be looking in opposite directions in terms of amount and types of food to recommend. Appropriate nutritional guidance should be determined by the stage of ageing, not by chronological age. For those in the third age—older but still active—advice should be somewhat modified from the dietary guidelines for younger adults. For example, maintaining muscles and bones become more important than keeping a low body mass index.

Conclusions:  The 1999 National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians provide a sensible framework for considering recent evidence. In old people who are frail and losing weight, the ‘fourth age’, our main concern should be to prevent (further) malnutrition. The popular dietary rules of low calories, sugar, fat and salt no longer apply.
The Controversy Over Natural Channel Design: Substantive Explanations and Potential Avenues for Resolution1
Authors: Lave Rebecca
Published: December 2009

Lave, Rebecca, 2009. The Controversy Over Natural Channel Design: Substantive Explanations and Potential Avenues for Resolution.Journal of the American Water Resources Association(JAWRA) 45(6):1519‐1532.

Abstract: The controversy over Natural Channel Design (NCD) has perplexed, and sometimes paralyzed, the stream restoration community in the United States for more than a decade. Despite the high level of energy expended by participants on both sides, the content of the discussion has not advanced significantly. The two sides seem to be talking past each other, rather than engaging in constructive conversation. This paper attempts to start that conversation. Based on five years of primarily social science research, this paper explains the key components of the NCD approach, evaluates a number of the most common objections raised by its critics, offers a brief explanation for the widespread use of NCD, and concludes with suggestions about how to bring the controversy to a close.
North Africa and Europe: energy partnership
Authors: Bahgat Gawdat
Published: December 2009

The European Union (EU) is heavily dependent on Russia to meet its vast and growing demand for oil and gas supplies. In the last several years, because of disagreements between Russia and Ukraine, natural gas supplies to Europe had been interrupted. This interruption has highlighted the EU's over‐dependence on its large neighbour. Given Russia's massive hydrocarbon resources and geographical proximity, the EU–Russia interdependence is likely to endure for many years. Still, in order to reduce Brussels' energy vulnerability, the EU has sought to initiate and consolidate cooperation with major oil‐ and gas‐producing regions. This paper examines the emerging energy partnership between the EU and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt and Libya). The growing cooperation between the two sides is likely to improve Europe's energy security.
Theoretical explanations for asymmetric relationships between gasoline and crude oil prices with focus on the US market
Authors: Honarvar Afshin
Published: December 2009

Asymmetric movements of gasoline and crude oil prices have been the focus of many studies since 1990s. Recent volatile crude oil prices in the global market have reignited interest in the link between gasoline and crude oil prices. Asymmetry between gasoline and crude oil prices is defined as the process of non‐symmetric response of gasoline prices to changes in crude oil prices. This study presents a survey of papers which address various aspects and explanations of asymmetry between gasoline and crude oil prices. The studies in this literature cover different stages of the market between retail gasoline and crude oil. Although the different studies employ different methodologies to uncover asymmetry, the reliability of some of the methods has been questioned. Several explanations are offered for asymmetry like retailer's market power, asymmetric role of inventories, consumer search costs and so on. With the exception of market power explanation, the explanations are compatible with competitive market hypothesis. The review, highlights inconsistencies between economic theories and employed models, and identifies importance of distinguishing between margin and pass‐through rate in future investigation.
Integrating Early Cretaceous fossils into the phylogeny of living angiosperms: Magnoliidae and eudicots
Authors: DOYLE James A. , ENDRESS Peter K.
Published: December 2009

Abstract Over the past 25 years, discoveries of Early Cretaceous fossil flowers, often associated with pollen and sometimes with vegetative parts, have revolutionized our understanding of the morphology and diversity of early angiosperms. However, few of these fossils have been integrated into the increasingly robust phylogeny of living angiosperms based primarily on molecular data. To remedy this situation, we have used a morphological dataset for living basal angiosperms (including basal eudicots and monocots) to assess the most parsimonious positions of early angiosperm fossils on cladograms of Recent plants, using constraint trees that represent the current range of hypotheses on higher‐level relationships, and concentrating on Magnoliidae (the clade including Magnoliales, Laurales, Canellales, and Piperales) and eudicots. In magnoliids, our results confirm proposed relationships ofArchaeanthus(latest Albian?) to Magnoliaceae,Endressinia(late Aptian) to Magnoliales (the clade comprisingDegeneria,Galbulimima,Eupomatia, and Annonaceae), andWalkeripollispollen tetrads (late Barremian?) to Winteraceae, but they indicate thatMauldinia(early Cenomanian) was sister to both Lauraceae and Hernandiaceae rather than to Lauraceae alone. Among middle Albian to early Cenomanian eudicots, we confirm relationships ofNelumbitestoNelumbo, platanoid inflorescences andSapindopsisto Platanaceae, andSpanomerato Buxaceae. With the possible exception ofArchaeanthus, these fossils are apparently not crown group members of living families but rather stem relatives of one or more families.