bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Renewable and Ultrasensitive Electrochemiluminescence Immunosenor Based on Magnetic RuL@SiO2-Au~RuL-Ab2 Sandwich-Type Nano-Immunocomplexes
Authors: Gan Ning , Hou Jianguo , Hu Futao , Cao Yuting , Li Tianhua , Guo Zhiyong , Wang Jun
Published: August 2011

An ultrasensitive and renewable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was developed for the detection of tumor markers by combining a newly designed trace tag and streptavidin-coated magnetic particles (SCMPs). The trace tag (RuL@SiO2-Au~RuL-Ab2) was prepared by loading Ru(bpy)32+(RuL)-conjuged secondary antibodies (RuL-Ab2) on RuL@SiO2 (RuL-doped SiO2) doped Au (RuL@SiO2-Au). To fabricate the immunosensor, SCMPs were mixed with biotinylated AFP primary antibody (Biotin-Ab1), AFP, and RuL@SiO2-Au~RuL-Ab2 complexes, then the resulting SCMP/Biotin-Ab1/AFP/RuL@SiO2-Au~RuL-Ab2 (SBAR) sandwich-type immunocomplexes were absorbed on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for detection. The immunocomplexes can be easily washed away from the surface of the SPCE when the magnetic field was removed, which made the immunosensor reusable. The present immunosensor showed a wide linear range of 0.05–100 ng mL–1 for detecting AFP, with a low detection limit of 0.02 ng mL–1 (defined as S/N = 3). The method takes advantage of three properties of the immunosensor: firstly, the RuL@SiO2-Au~RuL-Ab2 composite exhibited dual amplification since SiO2 could load large amount of reporter molecules (RuL) for signal amplification. Gold particles could provide a large active surface to load more reporter molecules (RuL-Ab2). Accordingly, through the ECL response of RuL and tripropylamine (TPA), a strong ECL signal was obtained and an amplification analysis of protein interaction was achieved. Secondly, the sensor is renewable because the sandwich-type immunocomplexes can be readily absorbed or removed on the SPCE’s surface in a magnetic field. Thirdly, the SCMP modified probes can perform the rapid separation and purification of signal antibodies in a magnetic field. Thus, the present immunosensor can simultaneously realize separation, enrichment and determination. It showed potential application for the detection of AFP in human sera.
Dengue Virus and Autophagy
Authors: Heaton Nicholas S. , Randall Glenn
Published: August 2011

Several independent groups have published that autophagy is required for optimal RNA replication of dengue virus (DENV). Initially, it was postulated that autophagosomes might play a structural role in replication complex formation. However, cryo-EM tomography of DENV replication complexes showed that DENV replicates on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae invaginations and not on classical autophagosomes. Recently, it was reported that autophagy plays an indirect role in DENV replication by modulating cellular lipid metabolism. DENV-induced autophagosomes deplete cellular triglycerides that are stored in lipid droplets, leading to increased β-oxidation and energy production. This is the first example of a virus triggering autophagy to modulate cellular physiology. In this review, we summarize these data and discuss new questions and implications for autophagy during DENV replication.
Homologous Recombination in Negative Sense RNA Viruses
Authors: Han Guan-Zhu , Worobey Michael
Published: August 2011

Recombination is an important process that influences biological evolution at many different levels. More and more homologous recombination events have been reported among negative sense RNA viruses recently. While sporadic authentic examples indicate that homologous recombination does occur, recombination seems to be generally rare or even absent in most negative sense RNA viruses, and most of the homologous recombination events reported in the literature were likely generated artificially due to lab contamination or inappropriate bioinformatics methods. Homologous recombination in negative sense RNA viruses should be reported with caution in the future, and only after stringent quality control efforts. Moreover, co-infection experiments should be performed to confirm whether recombination can occur.
On Creating a Patient-centric Database from Multiple Hospital Information Systems
Authors: De La Iglesia B. , Donell S. , Rayward-Smith V. , Bettencourt-Silva J.
Published: August 2011

Background: The information present in Hospital Information Systems (HIS) is heterogeneous and is used primarily by health practitioners to support and improve patient care. Conducting clinical research, data analyses or knowledge discovery projects using electronic patient data in secondary care centres relies on accurate data collection, which is often an ad-hoc process poorly described in the literature.

Objectives: This paper aims at facilitating and expanding on the process of retrieving and collating patient-centric data from multiple HIS for the purpose of creating a research database. The development of a process roadmap for this purpose illustrates and exposes the constraints and drawbacks of undertaking such work in secondary care centres.

Methods: A data collection exercise was carried using a combined approach based on segments of well established data mining and knowledge discovery methodologies, previous work on clinical data integration and local expert consultation. A case study on prostate cancer was carried out at an English regional National Health Service (NHS) hospital.

Results: The process for data retrieval described in this paper allowed patient-centric data, pertaining to the case study on prostate cancer, to be successfully collected from multiple heterogeneous hospital sources, and collated in a format suitable for further clinical research.

Conclusions: The data collection exercise described in this paper exposes the lengthy and difficult journey of retrieving and collating patient-centric, multi-source data from a hospital, which is indeed a non-trivial task, and one which will greatly benefit from further attention from researchers and hospital IT management.
Promoting Tourism in Linguistic Minority Spaces on the Web: A Study of Linguistic and Visual Resources on Tourist Websites for Dingle, Ireland and Inari, Finland
Authors: Kelly-Holmes Helen , Pietikäinen Sari , Moriarty Máiréad
Published: August 2011

This article explores the web-based promotion of tourism in two linguistic minority spaces, namely Dingle in the Corca Dhuibne Gaeltacht (designated Irish-speaking region) in Ireland and Inari in Finnish Sámiland. Tourism websites not only mediate the contact between tourist
and tourism producer, but may also become part of the touristic experience both before and after the visit. Various combinations of resources are used on websites in order to provide access to information about the particular location on the one hand, and in order to differentiate the location
and its particular attractions, on the other. Using a selection of 28 websites (14 from each location), we examine how tourist websites promote Dingle and Inari; what combination of linguistic and visual resources are used on these sites for promotional purposes; whether the relevant minority
language is used, and, if so, how.
Cruise Line Industry and Caribbean Tourism: Guests' Motivations, Activities, and Destination Preference
Authors: Teye Victor , Paris Cody Morris
Published: August 2011

This study examines passengers' motivations for taking a cruise vacation, their travel-related activities while on vacation, and their preferences to return to each destination for a land-based vacation. The study is based on a survey of cruise passengers on a 10-day itinerary with
six ports-of-call from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean. Five underlying dimensions of cruise passengers' motivations were found: Convenience/Ship Based, Exploration, Escape and Relaxation, Social, and Climate. The findings of the study indicate that while the majority of respondents participated
in shore excursions and a diverse range of activities in port, they had mixed rankings of destinations on the itinerary. Generally, passengers ranked the more developed destinations higher, spent more money in port, and traveled further from the port area. Furthermore, destinations that were
ranked high were also those that respondents indicated preference to return for land-based holidays, suggesting that the satisfaction with a port destination and the activities participated in could influence passengers' intent to return.
Economic Impacts of Domestic Tourism in the Rural Developing World: A Case Study of Zhangjiajie City, China
Authors: Xie Fengyuan , Lacher R. Geoffrey , Nepal Sanjay K.
Published: August 2011

This article examines the economic impact of tourism in and around China's Zhangjiajie City, a destination known for its protected areas and natural beauty. It is a rather unique case in that it is a natural attraction in the developing world that attracts predominately domestic tourists.
Based on the analysis of published governmental statistical data, this study concludes that tourism has accelerated the economic development of the region, transformed the industrial base of the region, and that tourism is gradually emerging as the dominant economic sector. It concludes by
discussing future threats to Zhangjiajie's tourism-centric economy.
Whether a Shock Has a Temporary or Permanent Effect on Visitor Arrivals in Singapore
Authors: Lee Chew Ging
Published: August 2011

Testing for the nonstationarity hypothesis is important in tourism research. If a visitor arrivals series is nonstationary, the occurrence of a shock will have a permanent effect on the series. This research note tests the nonstationary hypothesis on the monthly data of visitor arrivals in Singapore from seven main source countries with Zivot and Andrews unit root test. This unit root test is used in this study because it allows for one endogenous break in the series. The obtained results suggest that each of these series is nonstationary, indicating that shocks to visitor arrivals in Singapore are permanent.
Good, Better, or Best: Selecting the Right Strategy
Authors: Litvin Stephen W.
Published: August 2011

The hospitality and tourism industry, providing guests with an intangible product, is highly focused upon the need to provide a quality service product. But, in these difficult economic times, should we necessarily be striving for optimum quality? One needs to be “good,”
but does it pay to be best? The purpose of the commentary that follows is to focus hospitality and tourism marketers and managers on issues of importance as they strive to best allocate their resources to remain competitive in a challenging marketplace.
Translocation of Surface-Inoculated Escherichia coli into Whole Muscle Nonintact Beef Striploins following Blade Tenderization
Authors: JOHNS DANIEL F. , BRATCHER CHRISTY L. , KERTH CHRIS R. , McCASKEY THOMAS
Published: August 2011

Translocation of Escherichia coli among beef loins processed with a mechanical tenderizer was evaluated. Two beef striploins were inoculated on the lean side with 6.4 to 7.2 ml of a nalidixic acid–resistant E. coli at 8.2 to 10.1 log CFU/ml. Total E. coli inoculated onto striploins ranged from 1.12 × 109 to 9.10 × 1010 CFU. Striploins were passed once (lean side up, anterior end first) through a mechanical blade tenderizer. After the inoculated striploins had been tenderized, uninoculated beef striploins (n = 5) were passed once (lean side up, anterior end first) through the same mechanical tenderizer. This procedure was repeated twice for a total of 12 striploins. Six core samples were taken from each striploin starting with the anterior end. Each core was cut into six sections; sections 1 through 4 represented the top 4 cm of the core sample, and sections 5 and 6 represented the remaining part of the core split in half. After tenderization, E. coli levels were highest (P < 0.05) in loin 1. Loin 2 had higher levels (P < 0.05) than did loins 4, 5, and 6. No differences in E. coli levels (P > 0.05) were found among loins 3, 4, 5, and 6, for which levels were below the limit of detection. Levels of E. coli from section 1 were higher than those for all other sections. Section 2 had higher levels (P < 0.05) than did sections 3, 4, 5, and 6. E. coli recovery from section 6 was higher (P < 0.05) than that from sections 3, 4, and 5. No differences in E. coli recovery (P > 0.05) were found among sections 3, 4, and 5. Data indicate that even after inoculation of E. coli a high initial levels, contamination from one loin to another is quickly reduced to <10 CFU/g.
Molecular Cloning, Heterologous Expression, and Characterization of Ornithine Decarboxylase from Oenococcus oeni
Authors: BONNIN-JUSSERAND MARYSE , GRANDVALET COSETTE , DAVID VANESSA , ALEXANDRE HERVÉ
Published: August 2011

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is responsible for the production of putrescine, the major biogenic amine found in wine. Oenococcus oeni is the most important lactic acid bacterium in the winemaking process and is involved in malolactic fermentation. We report here the characterization of ODC from an O. oeni strain isolated from wine. Screening of 263 strains isolated from wine and cider from all over the world revealed that the presence of the odc gene appears to be strain specific in O. oeni. After cloning, heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, and characterization, the enzyme was found to have a molecular mass of 85 kDa and a pI of 6.2 and revealed maximal activity at pH 5.5 and an optimum temperature of 35°C. Kinetic studies showed that O. oeni ODC is specific for l-ornithine with a Km value of 1 mM and a Vmax of 0.57 U·mg−1. The hypothesis that cadaverine, which results from lysine decarboxylation, may be linked to putrescine production is not valid since O. oeni ODC cannot decarboxylate L-lysine. As no lysine decarboxylase was detected in any of the O. oeni genomes sequenced, cadaverine synthesis may result from another metabolic pathway. This work is the first characterization of an ODC from a lactic acid bacterium isolated from a fermented product.
Microbiological and Sensory Effects of the Combined Application of Hot–Cold Organic Acid Sprays and Steam Condensation at Subatmospheric Pressure for Decontamination of Inoculated Pig Tissue Surfaces
Authors: SMULDERS FRANS J. M. , WELLM GABRIELE , HIESBERGER JOHANN , ROHRBACHER IRENE , BAUER ALEXANDRA , PAULSEN PETER
Published: August 2011

We studied microbiological and sensory effects of treating pig tissue for 15 s with 55 and 10°C sprays of acetic acid (AA; 0.15 to 0.3 M) and lactic acid (LA; 0.1 to 0.2 M) solutions prior to the tissue being subjected to steam condensation (18 s at 65°C or 10 s at 75°C). LA or AA spraying and then steam treatment resulted in 3- to 4-log average reductions of Pseudomonas fragi and Yersinia enterocolitica inocula (6 to 7 log CFU/cm2), regardless of acid temperature or concentration. Buffered LA or 1:1 mixtures of AA:LA and then steam treatment yielded similar reductions. Most of the acid-steam–treated samples had microbial counts below the limit of detection (2 log CFU/cm2); thus, the results likely underestimate the potential of this procedure. When the period between inoculation and acid–steam treatment was extended from 0.5 to 24 h, up to a 1-log-higher microbial reduction was observed, due to a 1- to 2-log-greater initial contamination. Increasing the LA contact time to 6 min increased the microbial reduction by 0.8 log. Acid–steam treatment effected lower L* values (darker color) on pigskin, but higher L* values on muscle and fat tissue (paler color). Many muscle samples exhibited lower a* values and off-color brown hues. Off-odors were observed immediately after treatment, but with the exception of fat tissue and AA-treated samples, they largely disappeared during further storage. Off-flavors were only detected in AA-treated muscle samples.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli Isolated from Retail Grain-Fed Veal Meat from Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: COOK ANGELA , REID-SMITH RICHARD J. , IRWIN REBECCA J. , McEWEN SCOTT A. , YOUNG VIRGINIA , RIBBLE CARL
Published: August 2011

This study estimated the prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli isolates in fresh retail grain-fed veal obtained in Ontario, Canada. The prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns were examined for points of public health significance. Veal samples (n = 528) were collected from February 2003 through May 2004. Twenty-one Salmonella isolates were recovered from 18 (4%) of 438 samples and underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance to one or more antimicrobials was found in 6 (29%) of 21 Salmonella isolates; 5 (24%) of 21 isolates were resistant to five or more antimicrobials. No resistance to antimicrobials of very high human health importance was observed. Ampicillin-chloramphenicol-streptomycin-sulfamethoxazole-tetracycline resistance was found in 5 (3%) of 21 Salmonella isolates. Campylobacter isolates were recovered from 5 (1%) of 438 samples; 6 isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance to one or more antimicrobials was documented in 3 (50%) of 6 Campylobacter isolates. No Campylobacter isolates were resistant to five or more antimicrobials or category I antimicrobials. E. coli isolates were recovered from 387 (88%) of 438 samples; 1,258 isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance to one or more antimicrobials was found in 678 (54%) of 1,258 E. coli isolates; 128 (10%) of 1,258 were resistant to five or more antimicrobials. Five (0.4%) and 7 (0.6%) of 1,258 E. coli isolates were resistant to ceftiofur and ceftriaxone, respectively, while 34 (3%) of 1,258 were resistant to nalidixic acid. Ciprofloxacin resistance was not detected. There were 101 different resistance patterns observed among E. coli isolates; resistance to tetracycline alone (12.7%, 161 of 1,258) was most frequently observed. This study provides baseline prevalence and antimicrobial resistance data and highlights potential public health concerns.
Thermal Resistance Parameters for Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli in Apple Juice
Authors: ENACHE ELENA , MATHUSA EMILY C. , ELLIOTT PHILIP H. , BLACK D. GLENN , CHEN YUHUAN , SCOTT VIRGINIA N. , SCHAFFNER DONALD W.
Published: August 2011

The purpose of the present study was to determine the heat resistance of six non-O157 Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotypes in comparison to E. coli O157:H7 in single-strength apple juice without pulp. The thermal parameters for stationary-phase and acid-adapted cells of E. coli strains from serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157:H7 were determined by using an immersed coil apparatus. The most heat-sensitive serotype in the present study was O26. Stationary-phase cells for serotypes O145, O121, and O45 had the highest D56°C-value among the six non-O157 serotypes studied, although all were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of E. coli O157:H7. At 60°C E. coli O157:H7 and O103 demonstrated the highest D-values (1.37 ± 0.23 and 1.07 ± 0.03 min, respectively). The D62°C for the most heat-resistant strain belonging to the serotype O145 was similar (P > 0.05) to that for the most resistant O157:H7 strain (0.61 ± 0.17 and 0.60 ± 0.09 min, respectively). The heat resistance for stationary-phase cells was generally equal to or higher than that of acid-adapted counterparts. Although E. coli O157:H7 revealed D-values similar to or higher than the individual six non-O157 STEC serotypes in apple juice, the z-values for most non-O157 STEC tested strains were greater than those of E. coli O157:H7. When data were used to calculate heat resistance parameters at a temperature recommended in U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance to industry, the D71.1°C for E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 STEC serotypes were not significantly different (P > 0.05).
Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Retail Milk-Fed Veal Meat from Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: COOK ANGELA , REID-SMITH RICHARD J. , IRWIN REBECCA J. , McEWEN SCOTT A. , YOUNG VIRGINIA , BUTT KELLY , RIBBLE CARL
Published: August 2011

This study estimated the prevalence of Escherichia coli isolates in fresh retail milk-fed veal scallopini pieces obtained from grocery stores in Ontario, Canada. In addition, the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns were examined for points of public health significance. One hundred fifty-three milk-fed veal samples were collected over the course of two sampling phases, January to May 2004 and November 2004 to January 2005. E. coli isolates were recovered from 87% (95% confidence interval, 80.54 to 91.83%) of samples, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted on 392 isolates. The prevalence of resistance to one or more antimicrobials was 70% (274 of 392), while the resistance to five or more antimicrobials was 33% (128 of 392). Resistance to ceftiofur (2.8%), ceftriaxone (3.6%), nalidixic acid (12%), and ciprofloxacin (3.8%) alone or in combination was observed. Eighty-five resistance patterns were observed; resistance to tetracycline only (7.4%) was observed most frequently. Individual antimicrobial resistance prevalence levels were compared with grain-fed veal and retail beef data from samples collected in Ontario. In general, resistance to individual antimicrobials was observed more frequently in E. coli isolates from milk-fed veal than in isolates from grain-fed veal and beef. Resistance to one or more antimicrobials and to five or more antimicrobials in E. coli isolates was more frequent in isolates from milk-fed veal than in isolates from grain-fed veal and beef. This study provides baseline data on the occurrence of resistance in E. coli isolates from milk-fed veal that can be compared with data for other commodities. Additionally, E. coli resistance patterns may serve as an indicator of antimicrobial exposure.
Survival of Listeria innocua in Rainbow Trout Protein Recovered by Isoelectric Solubilization and Precipitation with Acetic and Citric Acids†
Authors: OTTO R. A. , PAKER I. , BANE L. , BEAMER S. , JACZYNSKI J. , MATAK K. E.
Published: August 2011

During mechanical fish processing, a substantial amount of protein is discarded as by-products. Isoelectric solubilization and precipitation (ISP) is a process that uses extreme pH shifts to solubilize and precipitate protein from by-products to recover previously discarded protein. Typically, strong acids are used for pH reduction, but these acids do not have a pasteurization effect (6 log reduction) on bacterial load; therefore, organic acids were used during ISP processing to test the impact on Listeria innocua concentrations. Headed and gutted rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were inoculated with L. innocua, homogenized, and brought to the target pH with granular citric acid (pH 2.0 and 2.5) or glacial acetic acid (pH 3.0 and 3.5). Proteins were solubilized for 10 min at 4°C, and insoluble components (e.g., skin and insoluble protein) were removed by centrifugation. The remaining solution was pH shifted to the protein isoelectric point (pH 5.5) with sodium hydroxide, and precipitated protein was separated from the water. Microbial cells for each component (proteins, insolubles, and water) were enumerated on modified Oxford agar (MOX) and tryptic soy agar with 6% yeast extract (TSAYE). The sums of the surviving cells from each component were compared with the initial inoculum levels. No significant differences were observed between results obtained from TSAYE and from MOX (P > 0.05). Significant reductions in microbial populations were detected, regardless of pH or acid type (P < 0.05). The greatest reduction was at pH 3.0 with glacial acetic acid, resulting in a mean reduction of 6.41 log CFU/g in the recovered protein and 5.88 log CFU/g in the combined components. These results demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of organic acids in ISP processing.
Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogens in Grilled Chicken from Street Vendors and Retail Outlets in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: DÍAZ-LÓPEZ A. , CANTÚ-RAMÍREZ R. C. , GARZA-GONZÁLEZ E. , RUIZ-TOLENTINO L. , TELLEZ-LUIS S. J. , RIVERA G. , BOCANEGRA-GARCÍA V.
Published: August 2011

We analyzed a total of 70 grilled chicken samples bought randomly from street vendors and retail outlets in the city of Reynosa, Mexico, to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli (Shiga toxin producing and enterotoxin producing), Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria spp., and Campylobacter spp. using microbiological methods and PCR detection of bacterial sequences. Of the 70 samples, 27 (38.5%) were from retail outlets and 43 (61.4%) from street vendors. All specimens were negative by both microbiological and molecular methods for Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga toxin 2 of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, lt of enterotoxin-producing E. coli, and st enterotoxin, and all were negative for Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter jejuni by PCR. Of the samples studied, 49 (70%) had undetectable levels of the foodborne pathogens studied with the methods used. In the remaining 21 (30%) specimens, at least one pathogen was isolated or detected, with E. coli being the pathogen most frequently isolated and with two samples bearing the hlyA gene. We found no statistical difference in bacterial prevalence between retail and street vendor samples. The presence of pathogens in grilled chicken is an important public health risk because of the great demand for and daily consumption of this product in this region.
Identification of the Cellular Location of Internalized Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Mung Bean, Vigna radiata, by Immunocytochemical Techniques
Authors: DEERING AMANDA J. , PRUITT ROBERT E. , MAUER LISA J. , REUHS BRADLEY L.
Published: August 2011

Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been associated with numerous outbreaks involving fresh produce. Previous studies have shown that bacteria can be internalized within plant tissue and that this can be a source of protection from antimicrobial chemicals and environmental conditions. However, the types of tissue and cellular locations the bacteria occupy in the plant following internalization have not been addressed. In this study, immunocytochemical techniques were used to localize internalized E. coli O157:H7 expressing green fluorescent protein in germinated mung bean (Vigna radiata) hypocotyl tissue following contamination of intact seeds. An average of 13 bacteria per mm3 were localized within the sampled tissue. The bacteria were found to be associated with every major tissue and corresponding cell type (cortex, phloem, xylem, epidermis, and pith). The cortical cells located on the outside of the vascular bundles contained the majority of the internalized bacteria (61%). In addition, the bacteria were localized primarily to the spaces between the cells (apoplast) and not within the cells. Growth experiments were also performed and demonstrated that mung bean plants could support the replication of bacteria to high levels (107 CFU per plant) following seed contamination and that these levels could be sustained over a 12-day period. Therefore, E. coli O157:H7 can be internalized in many different plant tissue types after a brief seed contamination event, and the bacteria are able to grow and persist within the plant.
Microbiological Quality of Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice and Efficacy of Fruit Surface Decontamination Methods in Microbiological Quality
Authors: BAGCI UFUK , TEMIZ AYHAN
Published: August 2011

The aims of this study were to evaluate the microbiological quality of fresh-squeezed orange juice and to reduce the microbial population by using various chemical and physical fruit surface decontamination methods. In the first step of the study, polyethylene-bottled fresh-squeezed orange juice samples purchased in Ankara, Turkey, were examined. The average aerobic plate count (APC) and coliform count (CC) varied within the ranges of 3 to 5 log CFU/ml and 1 to 4 log MPN/ml, respectively. Ten of 60 samples contained various levels of Escherichia coli, while Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 were not detected in any of the samples. Comparing the efficacy of various fruit surface decontamination methods on microbial population of oranges, the best results were obtained following two applications of submersion in boiling water and 5% H2O2 solution for both the uninoculated and inoculated samples. Orange juice samples obtained from surface-inoculated and decontaminated oranges were also examined. We showed that about 17.4% of the E. coli population was transferred to orange juice after extraction, indicating the separation of microbial contaminants from fruit peel during extraction. Finally, the levels of microbial contamination occurred throughout the extraction process on the inner surfaces of a commercial juice extractor at one of the sale points investigated. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in the APC and CC were determined in surface samples of the extractor after the extraction. Surface decontamination and extraction are critical steps in fresh juice production for preventing microbial contamination. Immersion in boiling water for 0.5 min, without using any chemicals, can be offered as an effective method to reduce microbial population on orange surfaces.
Reduced Detectability of Listeria monocytogenes in the Presence of Listeria innocua
Authors: ZITZ ULRIKE , ZUNABOVIC MARIJA , DOMIG KONRAD J. , WILRICH PETER-THEODOR , KNEIFEL WOLFGANG
Published: August 2011

Recent foodborne crises have demonstrated the importance of monitoring food safety. In terms of microbiological criteria, food safety requires the reliable detection of pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes along the food chain by appropriate analytical methods. However, indications exist that accompanying Listeria innocua strains suppress the growth of L. monocytogenes during selective enrichment, which may cause reduced or even inhibited detection. To study these effects, the limit of detection of L. monocytogenes was investigated in the presence of L. innocua using the International Organization for Standardization standard method ISO 11290-1 and the VIDAS LDUO system, an automated method based on enzyme-linked fluorescence technology. The challenge was to provide low initial Listeria concentrations at sufficient precision to quantify the influence on the probability of detection of L. monocytogenes. The application of reference materials appropriate for quantitative test methods and a standardized dilution procedure were necessary to ensure accurate CFU levels of defined proportions of mixtures of both Listeria species. During selective enrichment, overgrowth of L. monocytogenes by L. innocua could be confirmed, leading to high rates of false-negative results. Moreover, with both methods, a significant decrease in the detectability of L. monocytogenes could be quantified at ratios of 2:1 at very low concentrations representative of natural contamination levels often found in foods and environments. It is concluded that there is a need to improve existing procedures with respect to selective enrichment, as well as the detection techniques.
Leisure time activities, free time boredom, and aggressive behavioral tendencies among at-risk youth in a poverty area: Implications for recreational therapy
Authors: Yang, PhD, CTRS Heewon , Schraer, MS Kevin N. , Malkin, EdD, CTRS Marjorie , Yi, PhD Hansook
Published: August 2011

The primary purpose of this study was to examine sociobehavioral characteristics [ie, leisure time activities, free time boredom (FTB), and aggressive behavioral tendencies] of at-risk youth in an area of general poverty. The participants of this study were attendees of an after-school program provided by a local social service agency, and the majority of the participants was African American (n = 75, 87.2 percent). This study examined their leisure participation patterns as well as barriers to leisure participation and desired facilities in the area. This study also revealed the participants’ perceived FTB level and aggressive behavioral tendencies. This article, lastly, suggests guidelines for therapeutic recreation practitioners who work with youth at-risk in poverty areas.
Evolution of egalitarian punishment
Authors: Tamura Kohei , Morita Rieko C , Ihara Yasuo
Published: August 2011

Punishment has been deemed as a key to solve the puzzle of the evolution of cooperation. Recent studies have suggested that altruistic punishment may be motivated by preference for social equality (egalitarian punishment). Here we construct individual-based models to investigate the effectiveness of egalitarian punishment in promoting cooperation. Based on computational experiments, we first show that egalitarian punishment is as effective as classic punishment, which directly observes others' strategies, in a meta-population model. We then use a scale-free network model to show that egalitarian punishment can be effective even when heterogeneity in the number of interactions among individuals is incorporated. Finally, we show that generosity in punishment can affect co-evolution of egalitarian punishment and cooperation.
Perception of human face does not induce cooperation in darkness
Authors: Tane Kengo , Takezawa Masanori
Published: August 2011

Many studies showed that a concern to maintaining good reputation induces cooperation. Haley & Fessler (2005) found that an illustration of a human face makes people cooperative in the dictator game. We demonstrate that this effect is moderated by a particular contextual variable – darkness. We found that the illustration of a human face did not increase an amount of donation in the dictator game when it was presented in a dark sound proof room. In darkness, an observer often has a hard time in monitoring an actor even when an actor can see an observer. Hence, we conjecture that the human face-like stimuli does not increase a concern to reputation when presented in darkness, because the risk of an observer to identify the actor is low. Current experimental results show a possibility that a system that makes people cooperative in response to cues indicating the presence of the others is triggered only in a specific condition.
Lake breezes in the southern Great Lakes region and their influence during BAQS-Met 2007
Authors: Sills D. M. L. , Brook J. R. , Levy I. , Makar P. A. , Zhang J. , Taylor P. A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Meteorological observations from the BAQS-Met field experiment during the summer months of 2007 were integrated and manually analyzed in order to identify and characterize lake breezes in the southern Great Lakes region of North America, and assess their potential impact on air quality. Lake breezes occurred frequently, with one or more lake breezes identified on 90 % of study days. They affected all parts of the study region, including southwestern Ontario and nearby portions of southeast Lower Michigan and northern Ohio, with lake-breeze fronts occasionally penetrating from 100 km to over 200 km inland. Occurrence rates and penetration distances were found to be higher than previously reported in the literature. This comprehensive depiction of observed lake breezes allows an improved understanding of their influence on the transport, dispersion, and production of pollutants in this region. The observational analyses were compared with output from subsequent runs of a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model. The model accurately predicted lake breeze occurrence and type in a variety of synoptic wind regimes, but selected cases showed substantial differences in the detailed timing and location of lake-breeze fronts, and with the initiation of deep moist convection. Knowledge of such strengths and weaknesses aids in the interpretation of results from air quality models driven by this meteorological model.
Cloud condensation nuclei as a modulator of ice processes in Arctic mixed-phase clouds
Authors: Lance S. , Shupe M. D. , Feingold G. , Brock C. A. , Cozic J. , Holloway J. S. , Moore R. H. , Nenes A. , Schwarz J. P. , Spackman J. R. , Froyd K. D. , Murphy D. M. , Brioude J. , Cooper O. R. , Stohl A. , Burkhart J. F.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. We propose that cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations are important for modulating ice formation of Arctic mixed-phase clouds, through modification of the droplet size distribution. Aircraft observations from the Aerosol, Radiation, and Cloud Processes affecting Arctic Climate (ARCPAC) study in northern Alaska in April 2008 allow for identification and characterization of both aerosol and trace gas pollutants, which are then compared with cloud microphysical properties. Consistent with previous studies, we find that the concentration of precipitating ice particles (>400 μm) is correlated with the concentration of large droplets (>30 μm). We are further able to link the observed microphysical conditions to aerosol pollution, originating mainly from long range transport of biomass burning emissions. The case studies demonstrate that polluted mixed-phase clouds have narrower droplet size distributions and contain 1–2 orders of magnitude fewer precipitating ice particles than clean clouds at the same temperature. This suggests an aerosol indirect effect leading to greater cloud lifetime, greater cloud emissivity, and reduced precipitation. This result is opposite to the glaciation indirect effect, whereby polluted clouds are expected to precipitate more readily due to an increase in the concentration of particles acting as ice nuclei.
The Arctic vortex in March 2011: a dynamical perspective
Authors: Hurwitz M. M. , Newman P. A. , Garfinkel C. I.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Despite the record ozone loss observed in March 2011, dynamical conditions in the Arctic stratosphere were unusual but not unprecedented. Weak planetary wave driving in February preceded cold anomalies in the polar lower stratosphere in March and a relatively late breakup of the Arctic vortex in April. La Niña conditions and the westerly phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) were observed in March 2011. Though these conditions are generally associated with a stronger vortex in mid-winter, the respective cold anomalies do not persist through March. Therefore, the La Niña and QBO-westerly conditions cannot explain the observed cold anomalies in March 2011. In contrast, positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Pacific may have contributed to the unusually weak tropospheric wave driving and strong Arctic vortex in late winter 2011.
Extension of an assessment model of ship traffic exhaust emissions for particulate matter and carbon monoxide
Authors: Jalkanen J.-P. , Johansson L. , Kukkonen J. , Brink A. , Kalli J. , Stipa T.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A method is presented for the evaluation of the exhaust emissions of marine traffic, based on the messages provided by the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which enable the positioning of ship emissions with a high spatial resolution (typically a few metres). The model also takes into account the detailed technical data of each individual vessel. The previously developed model was applicable for evaluating the emissions of NOx, SOx and CO2. This paper addresses a substantial extension of the modelling system, to allow also for the mass-based emissions of particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO). The presented Ship Traffic Emissions Assessment Model (STEAM2) allows for the influences of accurate travel routes and ship speed, engine load, fuel sulphur content, multiengine setups, abatement methods and waves. We address in particular the modeling of the influence on the emissions of both engine load and the sulphur content of the fuel. The presented methodology can be used to evaluate the total PM emissions, and those of organic carbon, elemental carbon, ash and hydrated sulphate. We have evaluated the performance of the extended model against available experimental data on engine power, fuel consumption and the composition-resolved emissions of PM. As example results, the geographical distributions of the emissions of PM and CO are presented for the marine regions surrounding the Danish Straits.
Short-lived brominated species – observations in the source regions and the tropical tropopause layer
Authors: Brinckmann S. , Engel A. , Bönisch H. , Quack B. , Atlas E.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. We conducted measurements of up to the five important short-lived brominated species in the marine boundary layer (MBL) of the mid-latitudes (List/Sylt, North Sea) in June 2009 and of the tropical Western Pacific during the TransBrom ship campaign in October 2009. For the one-week time series in List mean mixing ratios of 2.0, 1.1, 0.2, 0.1 ppt were analysed for CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHBr2Cl and CH2BrCl, with maxima of 5.8 and 1.6 ppt for the two main components CHBr3 and CH2Br2. Along the cruise track in the Western Pacific (between 41° N and 13° S) mean mixing ratios of 1.0, 0.9, 0.2, 0.1 and 0.1 ppt for CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHBrCl2, CHBr2Cl and CH2BrCl were determined. Air samples with coastal influence showed considerably higher mixing ratios than the samples with open ocean origin. Correlation analyses of the two datasets yielded strong linear relationships between the mixing ratios of four of the five species (except for CH2BrCl). Using a combined dataset from the two campaigns, rough estimates of the molar emission ratios between the correlated substances were derived as follows: 9/1/0.3/0.3 for CHBr3/CH2Br2/CHBrCl2/CHBr2Cl. Additional measurements were made in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) above Teresina (Brazil, 5.07° S, 42.87° W) in June 2008, using balloon-borne cryogenic whole air sampling technique. Near the level of zero clear-sky net radiative heating (LZRH) at 14.8 km about 2.25 ppt organic bromine was bound to the five short-lived species, making up 13 % of total organic bromine (17.82 ppt). CH2Br2 (1.45 ppt) and CHBr3 (0.56 ppt) accounted for 90 % of the budget of short-lived compounds in that region. Near the tropopause (at 17.5 km) organic bromine from short-lived substances was reduced to 1.35 ppt, with 1.07 ppt and 0.12 ppt attributed to CH2Br2 and CHBr3 respectively.
Three representative UK moorland soils show differences in decadal release of dissolved organic carbon in response to environmental change
Authors: Stutter M. I. , Lumsdon D. G. , Rowland A. P.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Moorland carbon reserves in organo-mineral soils may be crucial to predicting landscape-scale variability in soil carbon losses, an important component of which is dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Surface water DOC trends are subject to a range of scaling, transport and biotic processes that disconnect them from signals in the catchment's soils. Long-term soil datasets are vital to identify changes in DOC release at source and soil C depletion. Here we show, that moorland soil solution DOC concentrations at three key UK Environmental Change Network sites increased between 1993–2007 in both surface- and sub- soil of a freely-draining Podzol (48 % and 215 % increases in O and Bs horizons, respectively), declined in a gleyed Podzol and showed no change in a Peat. Our principal findings were that: (1) considerable heterogeneity in DOC response appears to exist between different soils that is not apparent from the more consistent observed trends for streamwaters, and (2) freely-draining organo-mineral Podzol showed increasing DOC concentrations, countering the current scientific focus on soil C destabilization in peats. We discuss how the key solubility controls on DOC associated with coupled physico-chemical factors of ionic strength, acid deposition recovery, soil hydrology and temperature cannot readily be separated. Yet, despite evidence that all sites are recovering from acidification the soil-specific responses to environmental change have caused divergence in soil DOC concentration trends. The study shows that the properties of soils govern their specific response to an approximately common set of broad environmental drivers. Key soil properties are indicated to be drainage, sulphate and DOC sorption capacity. Soil properties need representation in process-models to understand and predict the role of soils in catchment to global C budgets. Catchment hydrological (i.e. transport) controls may, at present, be governing the more ubiquitous rises in river DOC concentration trends, but soil (i.e. source) controls provide the key to prediction of future C loss to waters and the atmosphere.
Review of effective emissions modeling and computation
Authors: Paoli R. , Cariolle D. , Sausen R.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. An important issue in the evaluation of the environmental impact of emissions from concentrated sources such as transport modes, is to understand how processes occurring at the scales of exhaust plumes can influence the physical and chemical state of the atmosphere at regional and global scales. Indeed, three-dimensional global circulation models or chemistry transport models generally assume that emissions are instantaneously diluted into large-scale grid boxes, which may lead, for example, to overpredict the efficiency of NOx to produce ozone. In recent times, various methods have been developed to incorporate parameterizations of plume processes into global models that are based e.g. on correcting the original emission indexes or on introducing "subgrid" reaction rates in the models. This paper provides a review of the techniques proposed so far in the literature to account for local conversion of emissions in the plume, as well as the implementation of these techniques into atmospheric codes.
Generalized analytical solution for advection-dispersion equation in finite spatial domain with arbitrary time-dependent inlet boundary condition
Authors: Chen J.-S. , Liu C.-W.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. This study presents a generalized analytical solution for one-dimensional solute transport in finite spatial domain subject to arbitrary time-dependent inlet boundary condition. The governing equation includes terms accounting for advection, hydrodynamic dispersion, linear equilibrium sorption, and first order decay processes. The generalized analytical solution is derived by using the Laplace transform with respect to time and the generalized integral transform technique with respect to the spatial coordinate. Some special cases are presented and compared to illustrate the robustness of the derived generalized analytical solution. Result shows an excellent agreement between the analytical and numerical solutions. The analytical solutions of the special cases derived in this study have practical applications. Moreover, the derived generalized solution which consists an integral representation is evaluated by the numerical integration to extend its usage. The developed generalized solution offers a convenient tool for further development of analytical solution of specified time-dependent inlet boundary conditions or numerical evaluation of the concentration field for arbitrary time-dependent inlet boundary problem.