bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of pressure release rate and protein concentration on the formation of pressure-induced casein structures
Authors: Merel-Rausch Eva , Kulozik Ulrich , Hinrichs Jörg
Published: April 2007

The formation of pressure-induced casein structures (600 MPa for 30 min at 30°C) was investigated for different pressure release rates (20 to 600 MPa min−1) and casein contents (1 to 15 g/100 ml). Structures from liquid (sol) to solid (gel) were observed. The higher the protein content and the pressure release rate, the higher was the dynamic viscosity. A firm gel was built up at a casein content of 7 g/100 ml for a pressure release rate of 600 MPa min−1, while lower release rates resulted in less firm gels (200 MPa min−1) or liquid structures (20 MPa min−1). In a 5 g/100 ml casein solution and at a pressure release rate of 600 MPa min−1, casein aggregates were generated which were built from smaller casein particles with a larger hydrodynamic diameter and higher voluminosity than in the untreated solution. After a slow release rate casein micelles had a smaller hydrodynamic diameter and a lower voluminosity, but were similar in shape and diameter as compared with the micelles in solution before high pressure treatment.
Antibiotic survey ofLactococcus lactisstrains to six antibiotics by Etest, and establishment of new susceptibility-resistance cut-off values
Authors: Flórez Ana Belén , Danielsen Morten , Korhonen Jenni , Zycka Joanna , von Wright Atte , Bardowski Jacek , Mayo Baltasar
Published: April 2007

In order to establish cut-off values forLactococcus lactisto six antibiotics to distinguish susceptible and intrinsically resistant strains from those having acquired resistances, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol and vancomycin was determined in 93 differentLc. lactisstrains using the Etest. These bacterial strains were originally isolated from dairy and animal sources in widely separated geographical locations. Cut-offs were defined on the basis of the distribution of the MICs frequency of the studied antibiotics, which in the absence of acquired determinants should approach to a normal statistical distribution. In general, the new cut-off values proposed in this study are higher than previously defined (European Commission, 2005. The EFSA Journal 223, 1–12). Based on these new values, all the strains tested were susceptible to erythromycin, chloramphenicol and vancomycin, and 79 susceptible to all six antibiotics. However, 11 strains (around 12%) were considered resistant to tetracycline (six of which had been identified after screening of a large collection of lactococci strains for tetracycline resistance) and five (5·4%) resistant to streptomycin. Of these, two fish isolates proved to be resistance to both tetracycline and streptomycin. From the tetracycline resistant strains,tet(M) and mosaictet(L/S) genes were amplified by PCR, demonstrating they harboured acquired antibiotic resistance determinants.
Production from dairy cows of semi-industrial quantities of milk-protein concentrate (MPC) containing efficacious anti-Candida albicansIgA antibodies
Authors: Hodgkinson Alison J , Cannon Richard D , Holmes Ann R , Fischer Frank J , Willix-Payne Dawn J
Published: April 2007

Bovine milk antibodies directed against human pathogenic organisms have potential as prophylactic or therapeutic treatments of disorders affecting mucosal surfaces. The cow, however, does not naturally secrete high levels of IgA in milk, the predominant immunoglobulin of the mucosal immune system. We have patented an immunisation protocol that results in increased production of IgA in ruminant milk and in this study established that our protocol can be used on a scale sufficient to produce semi-industrial quantities of milk for processing. Cows were immunised with a common pathogenic yeast,Candida albicansand responded with high levels of antigen-specific IgA antibodies in their milk. The spray-dried milk-protein concentrate (85% protein) powder was shown to reduce adherence ofCand. albicanscells inin vitroadherence assays, demonstrating an ability to retain efficacy through the processing. These results suggest that this milk product may be of therapeutic value if the reduction inCand. albicansadhesion observedin vitrotranslates to reduced colonisationin vivo.
Effects of intravenous triacylglycerol emulsions on lymphocyte responses to mitogens in fasted dairy cows undergoing intense lipomobilization
Authors: Lacetera Nicola , Scalia Daniela , Mashek Dough G , Bernabucci Umberto , Grummer Ric R
Published: April 2007

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of intravenous infusion of triacylglycerol (TAG) emulsions derived from different lipid sources on responses to mitogens of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from fasted dairy cows. Six multiparous, non-pregnant, non-lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin Square design. For 4 d, cows were fasted and infused intravenously with a 20% TAG emulsions derived from tallow (TA), linseed oil (LO) or fish oil (FO). Fasting was employed to induce energy deficit and lipid mobilization. Emulsions were administered for 20 to 30 min every 4 h throughout the 4 d fast at a rate of 0·54 g TAG/kg BW/d. Blood samples were taken before the first infusion, and then every 24 h during the fast. Blood was utilized to assess DNA synthesis, IgM and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion by PBMC stimulated with mitogens. In TA infused cows there was a decline of PBMC ability to respond to mitogens, which was significant 48 h after initiation of the infusion period for DNA synthesis and IFN-γ secretion. In LO or FO infused cows, PBMC responses to mitogens were not altered during the infusion period, and in some cases PBMC responses to mitogen was improved at 72 and 96 h after initiation of treatments. Effects of TAG infusion on PBMC responses to mitogens depended on the lipid source suggesting that LO or FO can attenuate the negative effects of fasting on immune functions.
Anterior fracture dislocation of the odontoid peg in ankylosing spondylitis as a cause for rhinolalia clausa: a case study
Authors: Hilton J M , Tassone P , Hanif J , Blagnys B
Published: April 2007

We present an unusual cause of rhinolalia clausa secondary to an oropharyngeal mass. A 69-year-old male presented to the otorhinolaryngology clinic with a one year history of a ‘plummy’ voice. He had a longstanding history of severe ankylosing spondylitis. Examination revealed an obvious hyponasal voice and a smooth hard mass in the midline of the posterior nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal walls. Subsequent computed tomography scans and lateral plain neck X-ray showed a fracture dislocation of the odontoid peg, secondary to ankylosing spondylitis, which had eroded through the body of the C1 vertebra to lie anteriorly, resulting in the aforementioned impression into the pharyngeal mucosa. The radiological images, the role of the nasal airways in phonation and the causes of hyponasal speech are discussed.
Genetics of osteoporosis
Authors: Ralston Stuart H.
Published: April 2007

Osteoporosis is a common disease with a strong genetic component characterised by reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Twin and family studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to osteoporosis by influencing bone mineral density (BMD), and other phenotypes that are associated with fracture risk, although the heritability of fracture itself is modest. Linkage studies have identified several quantitative trait loci that regulate BMD but most causal genes remain to be identified. In contrast, linkage studies in monogenic bone diseases have been successful in gene identification, and polymorphisms in many of these genes have been found to contribute to the regulation of bone mass in the normal population. Population-based studies have identified polymorphisms in several candidate genes that have been associated with bone mass or osteoporotic fracture, although individually these polymorphisms only account for a small amount of the genetic contribution to BMD regulation. Environmental factors such as diet and physical activity are also important determinants of BMD, and in some cases specific nutrients have been found to interact with genetic polymorphisms to regulate BMD. From a clinical standpoint, advances in knowledge about the genetic basis of osteoporosis are likely to be important in increasing the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease; providing new genetic markers with which to assess fracture risk and in identifying genes and pathways that form molecular targets for the design of the next generation of drug treatments.
n-3 PUFA in CVD: influence of cytokine polymorphism
Authors: von Schacky C.
Published: April 2007

In their current guidelines cardiac societies recommend the consumption of the twon-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to prevent cardiovascular complications. Cardiovascular events are reduced by EPA and DHA, because they are antiarrhythmic, mitigate the course of atherosclerosis and stabilise plaque. As atherosclerosis is considered an inflammatory disorder a number of studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of EPA and DHA in a cardiovascular context in human dietary intervention studies. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, or cytokines reflecting inflammatory processes, e.g. IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNFα, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A and -B and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), are reduced by ingestion of EPA and DHA by human subjects. Interestingly, C-reactive protein remains largely unaltered. However, inin vitroand animal models, but less so in human subjects, soluble cytokines reflecting interactions between blood cells and the vessel wall, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, are reduced. Moreover, in contrast to common expectations, oxidative stress seems to be reduced after ingestion of EPA and DHA, at least as indicated by measurement of urinary F2isoprostane excretion. Notably, for PDGF-A and -B and for MCP-1 the reduction has been demonstrated to occur at the gene expression level, which indicates that a deliberate change in diet can alter gene expression quantitatively. The precise underlying mechanism, however, remains to be clarified, but might involve PPAR, NF-κB and/or the eicosanoid system. The same holds true for the mechanisms by which levels of other cytokines are altered by EPA and DHA.
The interplay between nutrients and the adipose tissue
Authors: Haugen Fred , Drevon Christian A.
Published: April 2007

The importance of adipose tissue in health as well as disease has been demonstrated in several studies recently, and it has become appropriate to use the term ‘adipose organ’ when referring to adipose tissue as a whole. The obesity epidemic, with a marked increase in the incidence of the metabolic syndrome leading to diabetes type 2 as well as cardiovascular complications, has stimulated considerable interest in adipose tissue biology. Moreover, several studies in different species have shown that limited energy intake is associated with less inflammation, improved biomarkers of health and a marked increase in longevity. In addition, there is convincing evidence that an optimal amount of adipose tissue is essential for many body functions such as immune response, reproduction and bone quality. Some nutrients and their metabolites are important as energy sources as well as ligands for many transcription factors expressed in adipose tissue, including all energy-providing nutrients both directly and indirectly as well as cholesterol, vitamin E and vitamin D. In particular, fatty acids can be effectively taken up by adipocytes and they can interact with several transcription factors crucial for growth, development and metabolic response, e.g. PPARα, −δ and −γ, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins1 and 2 and liver X receptors α and β). Moreover, glucose is also readily taken up and stored as fatty acids via lipogenesis in adipocytes. It is known that some metabolic signals released as proteins from adipose tissue (adipokines) are important for normal as well as pathological responses to the amount of energy stored in the adipose organ. The future challenge will be to understand the function of adipose tissue in energy homeostasis and the interplay with nutrients in order to be able to give optimal advice for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
ApoE genotype, cardiovascular risk and responsiveness to dietary fat manipulation
Authors: Minihane A. M. , Jofre-Monseny L. , Olano-Martin E. , Rimbach G.
Published: April 2007

Cardiovascular risk is determined by the complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The apoE genotype represents the most-widely-studied single nucleotide polymorphism in relation to CVD risk, with >3600 publications cited in PubMed. Although originally described as a mediator of lipoprotein metabolism, the lipoprotein-independent functions of apoE are being increasingly recognised, with limited data available on the potential impact of genotype on these metabolic processes. Furthermore, although meta-analyses suggest that apoE4 carriers may have a 40–50% increased CVD risk, the associations reported in individual studies are highly heterogeneous and it is recognised that environmental factors such as smoking status and dietary fat composition influence genotype–phenotype associations. However, information is often derived from observational studies or small intervention trials in which retrospective genotyping of the cohort results in small group sizes in the rarer E2 and E4 subgroups. Either larger well-standardised intervention trials or smaller trials with prospective recruitment according to apoE genotype are needed to fully establish the impact of diet on genotype–CVD associations and to establish the potential of dietary strategies such as reduced total fat, saturated fat, or increased antioxidant intakes to counteract the increased CVD burden in apoE4 carriers.
Developmental programming of energy balance and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Cottrell Elizabeth C. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: April 2007

The increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in numerous populations throughout the world is currently of major concern, and presents a huge global health problem. The link between low birth weight and the subsequent development of obesity, disrupted glucose homeostasis and hypertension is now well established, and there is extensive evidence supporting these associations in both epidemiological and experimental studies. Alterations in the secretion of, and responses to, the circulating hormones insulin and leptin are likely candidates in terms of disease development. The aim of current research is to define how the central and peripheral pathways in which these signals exert their effects may be disrupted following poor early growth, and how this disruption contributes to the development of metabolic disease. The present review aims to outline the existing evidence whereby alterations in early growth may programme an individual to be at increased risk of the metabolic syndrome. The development of central appetite and expenditure circuits and of peripheral metabolic tissues, are likely to play a key role in the long-term regulation of energy balance.
Professional regulation of nutritionists: where are we now?
Authors: Landman Jacqueline P. , Wootton Stephen A.
Published: April 2007

Waterlow's (1981) Sixth Boyd Orr Lecture on a ‘crisis of identity for nutrition’ stimulated the Nutrition Society's drive to professionalisation. Twenty-five years on, the Society begins a new stage; first, towards an independent voluntary regulator, and then towards statutory regulation. It is timely to reflect on progress and identify the remaining challenges. The Society has made impressive progress as a voluntary regulator since 1991 when the Insitute of Biology opened a register in cooperation with the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Nutrition Society; the present register is 2·75-fold larger. The Society has specialist standards for course accreditation that enable graduates to apply for direct entry to the register, having met standards of competency in nutrition or public health nutrition. A code of ethics and a statement of professional conduct underpin a functioning system for oversight and governance that protects the public, the hallmark of all professions. Registered nutritionists lay easy claim to a unique science basis for their profession. A scheme for continuing professional development (CPD) started in July 2006, 1 year before a sample audit starts to show the link between CPD and re-registration. The scheme will be piloted in the first year. The critical challenge is the issue of identity. Waterlow (1981) stated that professional registration must lead explicitly and formally to a specific vocation, an occupation that provides services that society requires and one that contributes to the well-being and health of all. The present time may be the last and best chance for nutritionists, as nutrition has a higher priority for government in the UK than ever before. The Society has begun to help in strategic public health workforce planning and development; new and still plastic, it is the ideal locus from which a discipline and a profession can emerge. The CPD scheme will work if it helps nutritionists meet their own needs; more mutual cooperation and consensus about real world standards of performance are needed. Nutritionists need to show how they actually contribute to national health and/or wealth. Then, sustained resources can be advocated for and the support of the voting public and legislators secured, without which it will not be possible to get the legal protection that is desirable for the profession.
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON SAVING LIVES
Authors: MACLEAN DOUGLAS
Published: April 2007

In “Weighing Lives”, John Broome defends a very weak consequentialist account of the value of saving lives. This paper challenges the commitments of this kind of account and describes some reasons for saving lives that would appeal to a non-consequentialist.
Scleroderma and radiotherapy as part of the treatment of breast carcinoma: Six cases and a short critical review of the literature
Authors: Kirova Youlia M. , Bollet Marc A. , Dys Isabelle , Campana Francois , Laki Fatima , Dendale Remi , Salmon Remy , Fourquet Alain
Published: April 2007

Purpose: To add six new cases to the literature and to determine whether women with pre-existing scleroderma have an increased incidence of complications after breast-conserving therapy.

Methods and Materials: From 1995 to 2005, nine patients with pre-existing scleroderma were treated for their breast cancer at the Institute Curie. Six of them underwent radiotherapy. The patients who underwent radiotherapy were irradiated using high-energy photons of a cobalt unit and/or linear accelerator, either before or after surgery, or were exclusively treated using radiation therapy. The early and late skin reactions have been evaluated using the Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria (RTOG) and Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme (RTOG, EORTC).

Results: Median follow-up of the six irradiated patients was 34 months (range from 10 to 120 months). Early reactions were as follows: grade 1 in two cases, grade 2 in two cases, and grade 3 in two cases. Late toxicity was as follows: grade 0 in three patients, currently at 56, 48, and 12 months of follow-up; grade 1, slight atrophy, in two patients; grade 3 reaction with marked atrophy in one patient, followed up for 120 months now. There was no toxicity worse than grade 3 in these series.

Conclusions: This small study cannot provide evidence that scleroderma increases the risk of developing early and late toxicity. Patients with scleroderma must be discussed in multidisciplinary meetings to adapt their treatment to their rheumatologic history. When radiotherapy is considered, more attention must be paid to the protection of normal tissues. Careful follow-up during and after the radiation therapy remains of paramount importance in this specific population of patients.
Über die Schwierigkeit, unparteiische Entscheidungen zu fällen
Authors: Messner Claude , Schmid Benjamin
Published: April 2007

Zusammenfassung: Von Schiedsrichtern und Schiedsrichterinnen im Fußball wird erwartet, dass ihre Urteile keine Mannschaft übervorteilen. Wegen der Umstände, unter denen sie Entscheidungen treffen müssen, sind unparteiische Urteile jedoch unwahrscheinlich. Eine hinreichende Bedingung für eine Bevorzugung ist Ähnlichkeit. Als Maß der Ähnlichkeit verwendeten wir die Übereinstimmung der kulturellen Herkunft von Mannschaften und des jeweiligen Schiedsrichters. In der Schweiz gibt es eine französischsprachige und eine deutschsprachige Kultur. Wir analysierten 1 033 Spiele der höchsten Schweizer Fußballliga der Männer. Es zeigte sich, dass eine Mannschaft einen Vorteil hat, wenn sie aus derselben Kultur wie der Schiedsrichter stammt. Der Vorteil zeigte sich in der Höhe des Sieges, der Höhe der gewonnenen Punkte, der Anzahl gelber Karten und der Anzahl der Platzverweise.
The sensitivity of the southwest monsoon phytoplankton bloom to variations in aeolian iron deposition over the Arabian Sea
Authors: Wiggert Jerry D. , Murtugudde Raghu G.
Published: April 2007

A coupled, 3‐D biophysical ocean general circulation model is used to investigate how aeolian iron deposition affects the Arabian Sea ecosystem. Two separate aeolian iron deposition fields, derived from the GISS and GOCART atmospheric transport models, have been applied as surface boundary conditions. The model results exhibit widespread biogeochemical sensitivity to the choice of deposition field. With GOCART deposition, SW Monsoon phytoplankton blooms in the western and central Arabian Sea are enhanced and exhibit greater realism. The central Arabian Sea bloom is supported by supplemental input of horizontally advected iron from a pool that undergoes a yearlong progression that begins in the Gulf of Oman, where the difference in aeolian iron enrichment between the two deposition fields is most prevalent. The GOCART‐enhanced blooms result in a more pronounced shift toward netplankton, an increase in euphotic zone export flux of up to a 20% during the SW Monsoon and an additional annual biogenic export of 3.5 TgC. The potential ramifications of regional N‐cycle alteration through stimulation of N2‐fixation that is promoted by significant aeolian mineral flux needs to be explored. The canonical thinking that the northern Arabian Sea is invariably iron replete is now being challenged by both our model results and recent observational studies. As well, our results indicate that Arabian Sea iron concentrations are strongly modulated by the specific nature of aeolian mineral deposition. Thus climate or land use influences on dust mobilization could exercise leading‐order controls on regional biogeochemical variability, metabolic status and air‐sea exchanges of CO2.
Effect of aragonite saturation, temperature, and nutrients on the community calcification rate of a coral reef
Authors: Silverman Jacob , Lazar Boaz , Erez Jonathan
Published: April 2007

In this study we investigated the relations between community calcification of an entire coral reef in the northern Red Sea and annual changes in temperature, aragonite saturation and nutrient loading over a two year period. Summer (April–October) and winter (November–March) average calcification rates varied between 60 ± 20 and 30 ± 20 mmol·m−2·d−1, respectively. In general, calcification increased with temperature and aragonite saturation state of reef water with an apparent effect of nutrients, which is in agreement with most laboratory studies and in situ measurements of single coral growth rates. The calcification rates we measured in the reef correlated remarkably well with precipitation rates of inorganic aragonite calculated for the same temperature and degree of saturation ranges using empirical equations from the literature. This is a very significant finding considering that only a minute portion of reef calcification is inorganic. Hence, these relations could be used to predict the response of coral reefs to ocean acidification and warming.
Wind wave spectral observations in Currituck Sound, North Carolina
Authors: Long Charles E. , Resio Donald T.
Published: April 2007

We examine a set of 1626 high‐resolution frequency‐direction wind wave spectra and collocated winds collected during a 7‐month period at a site in Currituck Sound, North Carolina, in terms of one‐dimensional spectral structure and directional distribution functions. The data set includes cases of shore‐normal winds in broad‐fetch conditions as well as winds oblique to the basin geometry, with all fetches of order 10 km or less. Using equilibrium‐range scaling, all one‐dimensional spectra have a spectral peak region, an equilibrium range of finite bandwidth following an f−4 slope at slightly higher frequencies, and a high‐frequency tail that falls off more rapidly than f−4. For shore‐normal winds, spectral peakedness appears to be high and approximately constant for young waves, low and approximately constant for old waves, and steeply graded for intermediate inverse wave ages in the range 1.0 < u10/cp < 1.7. Equilibrium‐range bandwidth seems to be narrow for young waves and increases with increasing wave age. Directional distribution functions in shore‐normal winds are symmetric about the wind direction, narrow at spectral peaks, and broad at high frequencies with distinct directionally bimodal peaks, consistent with other observations. In oblique‐wind cases, directional distribution functions are asymmetric and directionally sheared in spectral peak regions, with peak directions aligned with longer fetch directions. At high frequencies, directional distributions are more nearly symmetric about the wind direction. One‐dimensional spectra tend to have reduced spectral peakedness and highly variable equilibrium‐range bandwidths in oblique‐wind conditions, clearly indicating a more complex balance of source terms in these cases than in the more elementary situation of shore‐normal winds. These complications are not without consequence in wave modeling, as any bounded or semibounded lake or estuary will be subject to oblique winds, and current operational models do not deal well with conditions like those we find here.
The radiative consistency of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer cloud retrievals
Authors: Kahn Brian H. , Fishbein Evan , Nasiri Shaima L. , Eldering Annmarie , Fetzer Eric J. , Garay Michael J. , Lee Sung‐Yung
Published: April 2007

The consistency of cloud top temperature (TC) and effective cloud fraction (f) retrieved by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) observation suite and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the EOS‐Aqua platform are investigated. Collocated AIRS and MODIS TC and f are compared via an “effective scene brightness temperature” (Tb,e). Tb,e is calculated with partial field of view (FOV) contributions from TC and surface temperature (TS), weighted by f and 1−f, respectively. AIRS reports up to two cloud layers while MODIS reports up to one. However, MODIS reports TC, TS, and f at a higher spatial resolution than AIRS. As a result, pixel‐scale comparisons of TC and f are difficult to interpret, demonstrating the need for alternatives such as Tb,e. AIRS‐MODIS Tb,e differences (ΔTb,e) for identical observing scenes are useful as a diagnostic for cloud quantity comparisons. The smallest values of ΔTb,e are for high and opaque clouds, with increasing scatter in ΔTb,e for clouds of smaller opacity and lower altitude. A persistent positive bias in ΔTb,e is observed in warmer and low‐latitude scenes, characterized by a mixture of MODIS CO2 slicing and 11‐μm window retrievals. These scenes contain heterogeneous cloud cover, including mixtures of multilayered cloudiness and misplaced MODIS cloud top pressure. The spatial patterns of ΔTb,e are systematic and do not correlate well with collocated AIRS‐MODIS radiance differences, which are more random in nature and smaller in magnitude than ΔTb,e. This suggests that the observed inconsistencies in AIRS and MODIS cloud fields are dominated by retrieval algorithm differences, instead of differences in the observed radiances. The results presented here have implications for the validation of cloudy satellite retrieval algorithms, and use of cloud products in quantitative analyses.
Water percolation through the deep vadose zone and groundwater recharge: Preliminary results based on a new vadose zone monitoring system
Authors: Rimon Yaara , Dahan Ofer , Nativ Ronit , Geyer Stefan
Published: April 2007

A study on water infiltration and groundwater recharge was conducted in the coastal plain, Israel. The study implemented a novel development, flexible time domain reflectometry sensors (FTDR), which enabled the continuous monitoring of water content at selected points through the entire vadose zone. Data on water content variation with time and depth was collected throughout the rainy season of 2004/2005 at two sites. One site was located in a sand dune area with a 21 m thick vadose zone; the other was located in an undeveloped urban area with an 8.4 m thick vadose zone. The lithology of both sites consisted of unconsolidated sand with silt and clay interbeds. The resultant data allowed tracing of the infiltration progress through the entire vadose zone. Each large rain event initiated an infiltration wave that propagated into the vadose zone and pushed the wetting front farther down. The wetting front appeared to progress in a step‐like pattern, controlled by the frequency of large rain events and followed by a slower drainage process. Clay interbeds did not seem to prevent or significantly delay progress of the wetting front down to the groundwater. The apparent wetting front signal reached the groundwater table at 21 m below land surface (bls) only 3 months after the first significant rain event. Groundwater recharge was calculated from the variations in vadose zone water storage. An increase in vadose zone water storage was attributed to an infiltration event, while a reduction in water storage was attributedto a draining process.
Critical tunnel cavities for water exclusion in “Green and Ampt” and “Gardner” soils
Authors: Youngs E. G. , Kacimov A. R.
Published: April 2007

The limiting case of the analytical solution for the downward flow of water in a Green and Ampt soil around a tunnel cavity of critical shape resting on a permeable substratum at infinite depth gives the shape of the cavity and also the shape of the fringe surface of the surrounding tension‐saturated region as parabolas. The cavity shape is compared with the parabolic shape obtained analytically for the water exclusion from a critical tunnel cavity in a Gardner soil of infinite extent where parabolic isobaric surfaces surround the cavity. The results are used to relate the parameters in the two models. They also add confidence for their use in soil hydrology.
Mobilization and preferential transport of soil particles during infiltration: A core‐scale modeling approach
Authors: Majdalani Samer , Michel Eric , Di Pietro Liliana , Angulo‐Jaramillo Rafael , Rousseau Marine
Published: April 2007

Understanding particle movement in soils is a major concern for both geotechnics and soil physics with regard to environmental protection and water resources management. This paper describes a model for mobilization and preferential transport of soil particles through structured soils. The approach combines a kinematic‐dispersive wave model for preferential water flow with a convective‐dispersive equation subject to a source/sink term for particle transport and mobilization. Particle detachment from macropore walls is considered during both the steady and transient water flow regimes. It is assumed to follow first‐order kinetics with a varying detachment efficiency, which depends on the history of the detachment process. Estimates of model parameters are obtained by comparing simulations with experimental particle breakthrough curves obtained during infiltrations through undisturbed soil columns. Both water flux and particle concentrations are satisfactorily simulated by the model. Particle mobilization parameters favoring both attachment and detachment of particles are related to the incoming solution ionic strength by a Fermi‐type function.
Relations among storage, yield, and instream flow
Authors: Vogel Richard M. , Sieber Jack , Archfield Stacey A. , Smith Mark P. , Apse Colin D. , Huber‐Lee Annette
Published: April 2007

An extensive literature documents relations between reservoir storage capacity and water supply yield and the properties of instream flow needed to support downstream aquatic ecosystems. However, the literature that evaluates the impact of reservoir operating rules on instream flow properties is limited to a few site‐specific studies, and as a result, few general conclusions can be drawn to date. This study adapts the existing generalized water evaluation and planning model (WEAP) to enable general explorations of relations between reservoir storage, instream flow, and water supply yield for a wide class of reservoirs and operating rules. Generalized relationships among these variables document the types of instream flow policies that when combined with drought management strategies, are likely to provide compromise solutions to the ecological and human negotiations for water for different sized reservoir systems. The concept of a seasonal ecodeficit/ecosurplus is introduced for evaluating the impact of reservoir regulation on ecological flow regimes.
Tricyclic antidepressant pharmacology and therapeutic drug interactions updated
Authors: Gillman P K
Published: April 2007

New data on the pharmacology of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), their affinities for human cloned CNS receptors and their cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition profiles, allow improved deductions concerning their effects and interactions and indicate which of the TCAs are the most useful. The relative toxicity of TCAs continues to be more precisely defined, as do TCA interactions with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). TCA interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have been, historically, an uncertain and difficult question, but are now well understood, although this is not reflected in the literature. The data indicate that nortriptyline and desipramine have the most pharmacologically desirable characteristics as noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), and as drugs with few interactions that are also safe when coadministered with either MAOIs or SSRIs. Clomipramine is the only available antidepressant drug that has good evidence of clinically relevant serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (SNRI). These data assist drug selection for monotherapy and combination therapy and predict reliably how and why pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions occur. In comparison, two newer drugs proposed to have SNRI properties, duloxetine and venlafaxine, may have insufficient NRI potency to be effective SNRIs. Combinations such as sertraline and nortriptyline may therefore offer advantages over drugs like venlafaxine that have fixed ratios of SRI/NRI effects that are not ideal. However, no TCA/SSRI combination is sufficiently safe to be universally applicable without expert knowledge. Standard texts (e.g. the British National Formulary) and treatment guidelines would benefit by taking account of these new data and understandings.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 737–748; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707253
Chemokines and their receptors as potential targets for the treatment of asthma
Authors: Palmqvist C , Wardlaw A J , Bradding P
Published: April 2007

Asthma is a chronic and sometimes fatal disease, which affects people of all ages throughout the world. Important hallmarks of asthma are airway inflammation and remodelling, with associated bronchial hyperresponsiveness and variable airflow obstruction. These features are orchestrated by cells of both the innate (eosinophils, neutrophils and mast cells) and the adaptive (TH2 T cells) immune system, in concert with structural airway cells. Chemokines are important for the recruitment of both immune and structural cells to the lung, and also for their microlocalisation within the lung tissue. Specific blockade of the responses elicited by chemokines and chemokine receptors responsible for the pathological migration of airway cells could therefore be of great therapeutic interest for the treatment of asthma.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 725–736; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707263
Effect of two active compounds obtained from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea on the acute inflammatory responses elicited by LPS in the rat paw
Authors: Medeiros R , Passos G F , Vitor C E , Koepp J , Mazzuco T L , Pianowski L F , Campos M M , Calixto J B
Published: April 2007

Background and purpose:

α‐Humulene and trans‐caryophyllene are sesquiterpene compounds identified in the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea which display topical and systemic anti‐inflammatory effects in different experimental models. However, the molecular mechanisms through which they exert their anti‐inflammatory activity still remain unclear. Here, we evaluate the effects of α‐humulene and trans‐caryophyllene on the acute inflammatory responses elicited by LPS.

Experimental approach:

The biological activities of α‐humulene and trans‐caryophyllene were investigated in a model of acute inflammation in rat paw, induced by LPS and characterized by paw oedema, neutrophil recruitment, cytokine production, activation of MAP kinases and NF‐κB and up‐regulated expression of kinin B1 receptors.

Key results:

Treatment with either α‐humulene or trans‐caryophyllene effectively reduced neutrophil migration and activation of NF‐κB induced by LPS in the rat paw. However, only α‐humulene significantly reduced the increase in TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels, paw oedema and the up‐regulation of B1 receptors following treatment with LPS. Both compounds failed to interfere with the activation of the MAP kinases, ERK, p38 and JNK.

Conclusions and Implications:

Both α‐humulene and trans‐caryophyllene inhibit the LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation and neutrophil migration, although only α‐humulene had the ability to prevent the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β and the in vivo up‐regulation of kinin B1 receptors. These data provide additional molecular and functional insights into the beneficial effects of the sesquiterpenes α‐humulene and trans‐caryophyllene isolated from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea as agents for the management of inflammatory diseases.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 618–627; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707270
US FDA Question-Based Review for Generic Drugs: A New Pharmaceutical Quality Assessment System
Authors: Yu Lawrence X. , Raw Andre , Lionberger Robert , Rajagopalan Radhika , Lee Lai Ming , Holcombe Frank , Patel Rashmikant , Fang Florence , Sayeed Vilayat , Schwartz Paul , Adams Richard , Buehler Gary
Published: April 2007

The US Food and Drug Administration Office of Generic Drugs has developed a question-based review (QbR) for the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) evaluation of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA). This new QbR system incorporates quality by design and implements risk-based assessment. It recommends that ANDAs be submitted using the Common Technical Document and include the Quality Overall Summary (QOS) that addresses all the QbR questions. The main benefits of this QbR system are to (1) assure product quality through design and performance-based specifications, (2) facilitate continuous improvement and reduce CMC supplements through risk assessment, (3) enhance the quality of reviews through standardised review questions, and (4) reduce CMC review time when applicants submit a QOS that addresses the QbR questions. The QbR was partially implemented in 2006 and is being fully implemented in 2007.
Acoustic wave propagation in a macroscopically inhomogeneous porous medium saturated by a fluid
Authors: De Ryck L. , Groby J.-P. , Leclaire P. , Lauriks W. , Wirgin A. , Fellah Z. E. A. , Depollier C.
Published: April 2007

The equations of motion in a macroscopically inhomogeneous porous medium saturated by a fluid are derived. As a verification of their validity, these equations are reduced and solved for rigid frame porous systems. The reflection and transmission coefficients and their corresponding time signals are calculated numerically using wave splitting Green’s function approach for a two-layer porous system considered as one single porous layer with a sudden change in physical properties. The results are compared to experimental results and to those of the classical transfer matrix method for materials saturated by air in the ultrasonic frequency range.
Nonlinear magnetization behavior near the spin-glass transition in the layered III-VI diluted magnetic semiconductor Ga1−xMnxS
Authors: Pekarek T. M. , Watson E. M. , Garner J. , Shand P. M. , Miotkowski I. , Ramdas A. K.
Published: April 2007

Magnetic properties of single crystalline Ga1−xMnxS (x=0.09) have been measured near the spin-glass transition. No other III-VI DMS is currently known to exhibit a spin-glass transition for comparison with Ga1−xMnxS. Ga1−xMnxS (Tc=11.2K) shows unexpected similarity to II-VI DMS Zn1−xMnxTe (Tc=20.8K). For both systems, the quantity χnl=−Mnl∕H (where Mnl=Mtotal−Mlinear) diverges as the temperature approaches the spin-glass transition temperature Tc from above. It also increases with applied field at temperatures just above Tc for both systems. The spin-glass transitions in both Ga1−xMnxS and Zn1−xMnxTe follow the same universal scaling function with the same critical exponent values (γ=4.0±1.0 and β=0.8±0.2). The temperature of Ga1−xMnxS’s low-field spin-glass transition cusp was found to occur at 10.9K. As expected, this is slightly lower than the true spin-glass transition temperature Tc=11.2±0.2K obtained from the scaling analysis. The asymptotic, zero-field limit of the spin-glass transition cusp was found to persist at 10.9K up to ∼1T before being suppressed to lower temperatures with increasing field. Questions remain about if Ga1−xMnxS should belong in the same universality class as Zn1−xMnxTe since Ga1−xMnxS is quasi-two-dimensional and Zn1−xMnxTe is three-dimensional.
Evidence of magnetoelastic spin ordering in dilute magnetic oxides
Authors: Dionne Gerald F.
Published: April 2007

Parallel spin alignment under moderate magnetic fields has been reported in numerous magnetically dilute oxides at temperatures above 300K. It is proposed that magnetoelastic effects from 3dn series ions with Jahn-Teller orbital occupancy cause lattice-assisted paramagnetism. Theoretical models are offered for the magnetoelastic properties and for the high spin-ordering temperature that is limited by the lattice Debye temperature (∼500K). Measurement data from Fe+Cu and Cr in In2O3 are examined, and spin ordering in magnetically dilute TiO2, SnO2, (Ba,Sr)TiO3, ZnO, and GaAs is discussed.
Is the first-order magneto-optical effect really proportional to the magnetization?
Authors: Guillot Maurice , Zhang Fang , Xu You , Yang Jie Hui , Wei Xing
Published: April 2007

The magnetic and magneto-optical properties of the paramagnetic Nd3Ga5O12 crystal including the magnetic susceptibility, the magnetization, and circular magnetic birefringence (Faraday rotation) in a large wavelength range under high magnetic field were analyzed within the framework of the one-ion model. H was along the [111] cubic direction in the 4.2–300K temperature range. A good simulation of all the available experimental results is obtained considering spin-orbit coupling, the crystal field interaction, and the Zeeman effect. The high-order correction of the Zeeman effect plays a very important role. This explains why no saturation of M and of Faraday rotation (FR) happens at very low temperatures even when H is above 30T. The main conclusion drawn from our calculation is that the magneto-optical coefficient (Verdet constant divided by magnetic susceptibility) presents a linear variation versus the reciprocal temperature in the 70–300K range. In other words the first-order magneto-optical effect (FR or circular magnetic birefringence) is not proportional to the magnetization.
Low recycling and high power density handling physics in the Current Drive Experiment-Upgrade with lithium plasma-facing components
Authors: Kaita R. , Majeski R. , Gray T. , Kugel H. , Mansfield D. , Spaleta J. , Timberlake J. , Zakharov L. , Doerner R. , Lynch T. , Maingi R. , Soukhanovskii V.
Published: April 2007

The Current Drive Experiment-Upgrade [T. Munsat, P. C. Efthimion, B. Jones, R. Kaita, R. Majeski, D. Stutman, and G. Taylor, Phys. Plasmas 9, 480 (2002)] spherical tokamak research program has focused on lithium as a large area plasma-facing component (PFC). The energy confinement times showed a sixfold or more improvement over discharges without lithium PFCs. This was an increase of up to a factor of 3 over ITER98P(y,1) scaling [ITER Physics Basis Editors, Nucl. Fusion 39, 2137 (1999)], and reflects the largest enhancement in confinement ever seen in Ohmic plasmas. Recycling coefficients of 0.3 or below were achieved, and they are the lowest to date in magnetically confined plasmas. The effectiveness of liquid lithium in redistributing heat loads at extremely high power densities was demonstrated with an electron beam, which was used to generate lithium coatings. When directed to a lithium reservoir, evaporation occurred only after the entire volume of lithium was raised to the evaporation temperature. The ability to dissipate a beam power density of about 60MW∕m2 could have significant consequences for PFCs in burning plasma devices.
Highly transparent and low-resistant ZnNi/indium tin oxide Ohmic contact on p-type GaN
Authors: Chae S. W. , Kim K. C. , Kim D. H. , Kim T. G. , Yoon S. K. , Oh B. W. , Kim D. S. , Kim H. K. , Sung Y. M.
Published: April 2007

The authors report the improvement of GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by applying a ZnNi/indium tin oxide (ITO) (5nm∕380nm) electrode with high transparency and low resistance to p-GaN. The Pt/ITO (5nm∕380nm), Ni∕Au∕ITO (2.5nm∕5nm∕380nm), and Ni∕Au (2.5nm∕5nm) electrodes were prepared and annealed at 400, 500, and 600°C for 1min in air. The ZnNi/ITO contacts showed the lowest specific contact resistance of ∼1.27×10−4Ωcm2 and the highest transmittance of ∼90% at 460nm. LEDs fabricated with ZnNi/ITO p electrodes showed the best performance with a forward voltage of 3.28V and a typical brightness of 11. 7mcd at 20mA.
Controlled InAs quantum dot nucleation on faceted nanopatterned pyramids
Authors: Wong P. S. , Balakrishnan G. , Nuntawong N. , Tatebayashi J. , Huffaker D. L.
Published: April 2007

The selective quantum dot (QD) nucleation on nanofaceted GaAs pyramidal facets is explored. The GaAs pyramids, formed on a SiO2 masked (001) GaAs substrate, are characterized by well-defined equilibrium crystal shapes (ECSs) defined by three crystal plane families including {11n}, {10n}, and (001). Subsequent patterned QD (PQD) nucleation on the GaAs pyramidal facets is highly preferential towards the (11n) planes due to superior energy minimization. The GaAs pyramid ECS and PQDs are examined using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and room temperature photoluminescence.
Ab initio studies of ferromagnetic properties of a nitronyl nitroxide radical and a nucleoside with π-conjugated nitroxide spin label
Authors: Zhu L. , Yao K. L. , Liu Z. L.
Published: April 2007

Full potential linearized augmented plane-wave calculations have been performed to study the electronic band structure and the ferromagnetic (FM) properties of the organic radical 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrafluorobenzimidazol-2-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl and a nucleoside with π-conjugated nitroxide spin label. The calculation reveals that the origin of the ferromagnetic properties of these two compounds all come from the spin polarization effect. It is found that the unpaired electrons in these two compounds are localized in a molecular orbital constituting primarily of π*(NO) orbital, and the main contribution of the spin magnetic moment comes from the NO free radical.