bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Potassium Tetrabromoaurate (III)–Luminol Chemiluminescence System for the Determination of Folic Acid in Milk Powder
Authors: Zhao Shihao , Zhang Pingping , Liang Xiaohui , Hua Dongliang , Ma Tongsuo , Pei Guanglu
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  A new chemiluminescence (CL) system based on the CL‐emitting reaction between potassium tetrabromoaurate (III) [Au(III)] and luminol in alkaline medium is described in this paper. On the basis of this study, folic acid (FA) could dramatically enhance CL intensities, and incorporated with flow injection (FI) and solid‐phase extraction (SPE), the novel CL system has been applied for the determination of FA in infant formula milk powder. Under optimum conditions, the CL intensities were linearly related to the concentration of FA in the range of 8.0 × 10−8 to 4.0 × 10−5 g/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, and the detection limit was 2.0 × 10−8 g/L. The relative standard deviation was 3.5% for 1.0 × 10−6g/L FA. The optimal conditions for the detection of FA were evaluated, and the interferences from some common inorganic ions and a couple of relevant organic compounds were also investigated.

Practical Application:  The new Au(III)–luminol chemiluminescent system is proposed for the determination of FA; it will be an adequate technique for the analysis of low FA concentrations in pharmaceutical preparations and food samples, and it will have potential analytical applications for other substances.
Formation Risk of Toxic and Other Unwanted Compounds in Pressure‐Assisted Thermally Processed Foods
Authors: Segovia Bravo K. , Ramírez R. , Durst R. , Escobedo‐Avellaneda Z.J. , Welti‐Chanes J. , Sanz P.D. , Torres J.A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Consumers demand, in addition to excellent eating quality, high standards of microbial and chemical safety in shelf‐stable foods. This requires improving conventional processing technologies and developing new alternatives such as pressure‐assisted thermal processing (PATP). Studies in PATP foods on the kinetics of chemical reactions at temperatures (approximately 100 to 120 °C) inactivating bacterial spores in low‐acid foods are severely lacking. This review focuses on a specific chemical safety risk in PATP foods: models predicting if the activation volume value (Va) of a chemical reaction is positive or negative, and indicating if the reaction rate constant will decrease or increase with pressure, respectively, are not available. Therefore, the pressure effect on reactions producing toxic compounds must be determined experimentally. A recent model solution study showed that acrylamide formation, a potential risk in PATP foods, is actually inhibited by pressure (that is, its Va value must be positive). This favorable finding was not predictable and still needs to be confirmed in food systems. Similar studies are required for other reactions producing toxic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic amines, N‐nitroso compounds, and hormone like‐peptides. Studies on PATP inactivation of prions, and screening methods to detect the presence of other toxicity risks of PATP foods, are also reviewed.
Effects of Slightly Acidic Low Concentration Electrolyzed Water on Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Sensory Quality of Fresh Chicken Breast Meat
Authors: Rahman S.M.E. , Park Jiyong , Song Kyung Bin , Al‐Harbi Naif A. , Oh Deog‐Hwan
Published: November 2011

Abstract: Anticmicrobial effect of slightly acidic low concentration electrolyzed water (SlALcEW) and strong acidic electrolyzed water (StAEW) on fresh chicken breast meat was evaluated in this study. Meat samples each of 10 ± 0.2 g in weight and 2.5 × 2.5 cm2in size were experimentally inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19115) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and subjected to dipping treatment (22 ± 2 °C for 10 min) with SlALcEW and StAEW. Shelf‐life study was conducted for inoculated and noninoculated meat samples treated with SlALcEW and StAEW at storage temperatures of 5, 15, and 25 °C. Dipping treatment with electrolyzed water significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the background and inoculated pathogens compared to untreated controls. The reduction of 1.5 to 2.3 log CFU/g was achieved by SlALcEW and StAEW against background flora, L. monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the SlALcEW and StAEW treatments efficacy. Comparing treated samples to untreated controls showed that SlALcEW and StAEW treatments extended the shelf life of chicken meat at different temperatures with marginal changes of sensory quality. Although SlALcEW and StAEW treatments showed similar antimicrobial effects but SlALcEW was more beneficial in practical application for its semineutral pH and low chlorine content.

Practical Application: Food safety issues have led to development of new sanitizers to eliminate spoilage and pathogenic organisms in food. This study provides the foundation for further application of slightly acidic low concentration electrolyzed water (SlALcEW) as a sanitizing agent in meat industry. SlALcEW can be produced on site on demand and no chemicals are necessary except NaCl solution. It does not leave any residue in food due to low chlorine concentration and it is safe to handle for its semineutral pH.
Use of Autochthonous Pediococcus acidilactici and Staphylococcus vitulus Starter Cultures in the Production of “Chorizo” in 2 Different Traditional Industries
Authors: Casquete Rocío , Benito María J. , Martín Alberto , Ruiz‐Moyano Santiago , Aranda Emilio , Córdoba María G.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The present study determined how the different ripening conditions affected the growth and development of 3 autochthonous starter cultures, and the physico–chemical and sensory characteristics of chorizo. Each of 3 strains of Pediococcus acidilactici (MC184, MS198, and MS200) and one of Staphylococcus vitulus (RS34) were associated to prepare the starter cultures, P184S34, P198S34, and P200S34. Then, chorizo was prepared following 2 manufacturing procedures. The autochthonous starter cultures were able to compete and colonize the sausages in both ripening procedures. The use of the starter cultures showed evident differences by the texture analysis, with the control batches being generally tougher than the starter culture batches. Also, the highest biogenic amine (BA) levels were found in control batches and the lowest in P200S34 batches. While the use of these starter cultures does not change the sensory characteristics of these traditional fermented sausages, it improves their homogeneity and safety, except for P184S34 batch in which more BAs are detected in industry 2.

Practical Application:  The 3 autochthonous starter cultures selected could be used in traditional industries because they are able to compete well and colonize the dry fermented sausages “chorizo.” The use of these starter cultures improves the texture and homogeneity of traditional fermented sausages. Biogenic amines decreased in the starter cultures batches improving the safety.
Mexican Flypaper: Money Sticks Where it Hits . . . But Every Time?
Authors: Espinosa Salvador
Published: November 2011

This article uses the flypaper effect theory to analyze the asymmetric effect of revenue‐sharing transfers on spending by state governments in Mexico. Studies in the field commonly assume that the expenditure response to a marginal change in a transfer is the same across the board, but the characteristics of each local government can be so different that the assumption seems unrealistic. This article uses a panel of 31 Mexican states to derive effect measures for each entity. The analysis shows that differences in the spending outcomes exist and that there is a connection between the magnitude of the response and the income level of the recipient. If the goal is to attain a sustainable fiscal decentralization, it would be a mistake to assume that all states behave in the same way.
The Strength of the Finance Commission in Mexico's Chamber of Deputies
Authors: García Flores Brenda K.
Published: November 2011

A committee is an important filter for turning bills into law. In the fiscal arena in Mexico, close to 60% of bills do not move past the committee. This article analyzes the work of the Finance Committee in México's Chamber of Deputies from 1997 to 2009 with regard to tax proposals. This analysis shows that, despite the fact that committees are strong, particularly the Finance Committee in the Chamber, among other factors, the inclusion of other actors in public fiscal policy making, such as legislative and political leaders, and the executive power limit them.
Piloting a practice research network: A 12‐month evaluation of the Human Givens approach in primary care at a general medical practice
Authors: Andrews William , Twigg Elspeth , Minami Takuya , Johnson Gina
Published: November 2011

Objective. To investigate the effectiveness of the Human Givens (HG) approach to the management of emotional distress in a primary care setting.

To investigate whether or not the use of a shorter version (i.e., CORE‐10) of a well‐established psychometric instrument (i.e., Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation (CORE) CORE‐outcome measure, CORE‐OM) for sessional data collection is feasible for large‐scale implementation of a practice research network (PRN).

Design. All clients who chose to opt into assessment for treatment with three accredited HG therapists following referral for management of psychological distress, primarily anxiety and depression, by General Medical Practitioners (GPs) or GP practice nurses working in a primary care general medical practice over a 12‐month period were included.

Methods. The primary outcome measures were the CORE‐OM and CORE‐10. Pre–post effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated using pre, post, and pooled standard deviations to facilitate comparison with previously published studies. Mixed‐design analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to look at differences in pre‐ and post‐treatment symptoms and potential treatment effects based on type of termination and gender. Observed intent‐to‐treat pre–post effect size using the CORE‐OM was also benchmarked against data from Clark et al. (2009) improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) pilot site data. Results obtained using CORE‐OM were compared with those obtained using CORE‐10 to evaluate the feasibility of using the CORE‐10 for routine use in real‐world clinical settings.

Results. Pre‐ to post‐treatment changes measured with the CORE‐OM and CORE‐10 suggested that the therapy was highly effective, with clients remaining in treatment to completion demonstrating the greatest benefit. Reliable change and recovery rates comparisons between the CORE‐OM and CORE‐10 indicated that the CORE‐10 is a viable alternative to the CORE‐OM. Result of the benchmarking indicated that the observed pre–post effect size was clinically equivalent to IAPT data published by Clark et al. (2009).

Conclusions. Although replications are warranted as the current investigation is a pilot study, the HG approach appears to be an effective treatment. CORE‐10 is a satisfactory generic sessional assessment to use in place of the 34‐item CORE‐OM. Use of a shorter yet reliable outcome measure is likely to increase assessment completion rates. PRNs appear to be a suitable mechanism to establish treatment effectiveness across a wide range of treatments in different settings.
Non-Darcy Binomial Deliverability Equations for Partially Penetrating Vertical Gas Wells and Horizontal Gas Wells
Authors: Lu Jing , Ghedan Shawket , Zhu Tao , Tiab Djebbar
Published: November 2011

Many gas reservoirs are with bottom water drive. In order to prevent or delay unwanted water into the wellbore, the producing wells are often completed as partially penetrating vertical wells, and more and more horizontal wells have been drilled in recent years in bottom water drive gas reservoirs to reduce water coning and increase productivity. For a well, non-Darcy flow is inherently a near wellbore phenomenon. In spite of the considerable study that non-Darcy behavior of fully penetrating vertical wells, there has been no study of a partially penetrating vertical well or a horizontal well in a gas reservoir with bottom water drive. This paper presents new binomial deliverability equations for partially penetrating vertical gas wells and horizontal gas wells, assuming that only radial flow occurs in the near wellbore non-Darcy’s flow domain. The inflow performance of a vertical gas well is compared with that of a horizontal gas well. The proposed equations can account for the advantages of horizontal gas wells.
Analysis of a scheme for de-magnified Talbot lithography
Authors: Urbanski L. , Marconi M. C. , Isoyan A. , Stein A. , Menoni C. S. , Rocca J. J.
Published: November 2011

The authors describe a photolithographic scheme based on the replication of a periodic transparent mask in a photoresist utilizing the coherent self-imaging Talbot effect. A periodic two-dimensional diffractive structure (or Talbot mask) composed of unit tiles distributed in a square matrix was illuminated by a coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) beam from a table top EUV laser. The illumination beam was reflected in a spherical mirror and the Talbot mask was placed in the path of the convergent beam. At designed locations determined by the Talbot distance, reduced replicas of the mask were obtained and used to print the slightly de-magnified copies of the mask on the surface of a photoresist. Experimental results showing the de-magnification effect are in good agreement with the diffraction theory. The limits of the technique are discussed.
Aerosol Indirect Effect on Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate
Authors: Mahowald Natalie
Published: November 2011

Anthropogenic aerosols can affect climate through their impacts on biogeochemical cycles.
Direct Observation of Molecular Preorganization for Chirality Transfer on a Catalyst Surface
Authors: Demers-Carpentier Vincent , Goubert Guillaume , Masini Federico , Lafleur-Lambert Raphael , Dong Yi , Lavoie Stéphane , Mahieu Gautier , Boukouvalas John , Gao Haili , Rasmussen Anton M. H. , Ferrighi Lara , Pan Yunxiang , Hammer Bjørk , McBreen Peter H.
Published: November 2011

Scanning tunneling microscopy and theoretical calculations shed light on an asymmetric heterogeneous catalyst.
tRNAs Marked with CCACCA Are Targeted for Degradation
Authors: Wilusz Jeremy E. , Whipple Joseph M. , Phizicky Eric M. , Sharp Phillip A.
Published: November 2011

Transfer RNAs with unstable acceptor stems can be tagged by CCA-adding enzymes and targeted for destruction by 3′-5′ exonucleases.
Blue Brain Founder Responds to Critics, Clarifies His Goals
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: November 2011

In an interview with
Science
last week, neuroscientist Henry Markram defended his claim that it should be possible to model the human brain in silico within 10 years but painted a more nuanced picture of his goals.
Setting Priorities Has Never Been Fun
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: November 2011

Government support for research has grown steadily since the late 1940s, and the process for determining the "right" level comes up every time there is a funding crisis.
NSF Goes Back to Basics to Preserve Basic Research
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: November 2011

NSF launches initiatives designed to make its dollars go further without weakening support for academic research. But is it too much of a stretch?
Will Tight Budgets Sink NASA Flagships?
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: November 2011

The space agency may have to find international partners to fulfill even part of the wishes of the U.S. astronomy and planetary science communities.
Proteomic Profiling of the Human Cytomegalovirus UL35 Gene Products Reveals a Role for UL35 in the DNA Repair Response
Authors: Salsman Jayme , Jagannathan Madhav , Paladino Patrick , Chan Pak-Kei , Dellaire Graham , Raught Brian , Frappier Lori
Published: November 2011

Human cytomegalovirus infections involve the extensive modification of host cell pathways, including cell cycle control, the regulation of the DNA damage response, and averting promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-mediated antiviral responses. The UL35 gene from human cytomegalovirus is important for viral gene expression and efficient replication and encodes two proteins, UL35 and UL35a, whose mechanism of action is not well understood. Here, affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify previously unknown human cellular targets of UL35 and UL35a. We demonstrate that both viral proteins interact with the ubiquitin-specific protease USP7, and that UL35 expression can alter USP7 subcellular localization. In addition, UL35 (but not UL35a) was found to associate with three components of the Cul4DCAF1E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (DCAF1, DDB1, and DDA1) previously shown to be targeted by the HIV-1 Vpr protein. The coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence microscopy of DCAF1 mutants revealed that the C-terminal region of DCAF1 is required for association with UL35 and mediates the dramatic relocalization of DCAF1 to UL35 nuclear bodies, which also contain conjugated ubiquitin. As previously reported for the Vpr-DCAF1 interaction, UL35 (but not UL35a) expression resulted in the accumulation of cells in the G2phase of the cell cycle, which is typical of a DNA damage response, and activated the G2checkpoint in a DCAF1-dependent manner. In addition, UL35 (but not UL35a) induced γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci, indicating the activation of DNA damage and repair responses. Therefore, the identified interactions suggest that UL35 can contribute to viral replication through the manipulation of host responses.
Influence of relative humidity on prolonged exercise capacity in a warm environment
Authors: Watson P , Otani H , Maughan R J
Published: November 2011

Major sports championships are often scheduled in warm/dry and warm/humid environments, so it is important to be able to quantify the influence of these environmental extremes on work capacity. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of relative humidity on endurance exercise performance in a warm environment. Eight male volunteers (mean ± SD age 26 ± 4 years; height 1.80 ± 0.03 m; body mass 72.0 ± 7.0 kg; VO2max 4.38 ± 0.65 l/min) performed four cycle exercise trials at 70% maximum oxygen uptake until volitional exhaustion in an environmental chamber maintained at 30.2 ± 0.2°C. Volunteers were tested under four relative humidity (rh) conditions: 24%, 40%, 60% and 80%. Core and weighted mean skin temperature, heart rate, skin blood flow, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) were recorded at rest and at regular intervals during exercise. Mean (SD) time to exhaustion was 68 ± 19, 60 ± 17, 54 ± 17, and 46 ± 14 min at 24, 40, 60, and 80% rh, respectively (P < 0.001); exercise time was significantly less at 60 (P = 0.013) and 80% (P = 0.005) rh than recorded at 24% rh. There were no differences in core temperature (P = 0.480) and heart rate (P = 0.097) between trials. Core temperature at exhaustion was 39.0 ± 0.3°C at 24, 40, and 60% rh and 39.1 ± 0.3°C at 80% rh (P = 0.159). Mean skin temperature at the point of exhaustion was higher at 80% rh than at 24% rh (P < 0.001). Total sweat loss was similar between trials (P = 0.345), but sweating rate was higher at 60 and 80% rh than at 24% rh (P < 0.001). The results suggest that exercise capacity at moderate intensity in a warm environment is progressively impaired as the relative humidity increases. Early fatigue in the higher humidity trials was accompanied by a faster rate of rise in core temperature and a greater weighted mean skin temperature, with no differences in heart rate, skin blood flow or the metabolic response to exercise.
Tactical analysis of the Barcelona counter-attack
Authors: Sarmento H , Marques A , Martins J , Anguera T , Campaniço J , Leitão J
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to observe and to characterise the tactical performance in the counter-attack (CA) of the Football Club Barcelona (FCB) in the 2009/2010 sporting season, using sequential analysis. Sixty-two sequences of CA, resulting from twelve games, were encoded using the observational instrument developed by Sarmentoet al(Medicina (Kaunas)2010;46:401–7). The reliability of the data was calculated by the intra- and inter-observer agreement, and values above 0.90 for all criteria were achieved. Observational methodology was used, with special reference to the sequential analysis. For the treatment of the data SDIS-GSEQ software was used. There is a probability that the recovery of the ball possession (RBP) by disarm is followed by a dribble (Z=2.24) and, when the RBP is due an intervention of the goalkeeper, there are a tendency to the sequence to keep going by the right side of the field, in a controlled way, performing actions like the dribble (Z=2.47) and the conduction of the ball (Z=2.71). The execution of the “long pass” is related with ends of the offensive process (EOP) without efficacy, like the EOP due the rules of the game (Z=2.21). In the other hand, the results showed that have behaviours, as the dribble (Z=3.32), the crossing (z=2.82), and the intervention of the opponent without efficacy (Z=3.32), that induce the shot with the goal. The detection of behaviour patterns in the CA of the FCB proves to be particularly interesting. The study of these regularities made it possible, in a phased way, to characterize the observed offensive actions and provide important information for coaches that can be used in the training process.
Total haemoglobin mass and selected anthropometric parameters in male and female judokas
Authors: Malczewska-Lenczowska J , Sitkowski D , Pokrywka A , Błach W , Maj A , Borowiak W
Published: November 2011

Total haemoglobin mass (tHb-mass) is one of the most important factors contributing to aerobic performance. Its level strongly depends on body size, so it is usually expressed in relation to kg body mass (BM), but some studies in male endurance athletes have shown that lean body mass (LBM) is a more appropriate reference for expression of tHb-mass. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between tHb-mass and selected anthropometric reference parameters in a discipline with diverse body mass. 43 highly trained judokas (28 males and 15 females) underwent tHb-mass determination (optimised CO rebreathing method) and anthropometric evaluation (skinfold, body mass and height measurement) with estimation of lean body mass (LBM), and body surface area (BSA). Linear regression analysis between tHb-mass and anthropometric indices was performed, and Pearson's coefficients of correlation were calculated. Influence of gender on the tHb-mass/BM, /LBM and /BSA relationships was tested by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Gender differences in tHb-mass expressed in relation to this parameters were tested by Student's t-test (significance level p<0.05). BM values were in the range 59.8–169.0 kg in male judokas and 48.8–170.0 kg in females. In both groups, tHb-mass correlated with BM (r=0.82, r=0.92), LBM (r=0.86, r=0.96), and BSA (r=0.88, r=0.94) in male and female judokas, respectively. Mean values of tHb-mass in male and female athletes were 11.1±1.1 and 8.8±1.3 g/kg BM (p<0.0001), respectively. This difference was smaller, but still statistically significant when tHb-mass was divided by LBM (12.8±1.0 and 11.9±0.9 /kg LBM, p<0.01) or BSA (470±40 and 335±23 /m2; p<0.001). ANCOVA showed that gender has a significant influence on tHb-mass not only after normalisation for BM (p<0.001) but also for LBM (p<0.01) and BSA (p<0.001). Gender has a significant influence on tHb-mass even when expressed in relation to LBM or BSA, probably due to gender differences in the fraction of skeletal muscle mass in LBM.
Muscle activity in cycling: the double burst
Authors: Arkesteijn M , Jobson S A , Hopker J , Passfield L
Published: November 2011

The period of a muscle's activity during cycling can be described by the onset and offset of electrical activity. Certain muscles can exhibit two distinct periods of activity (a ‘double burst'), reflecting different muscular functions during a pedal revolution. Our aims were to determine (1) the consistency of the double burst pattern in the Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) muscle during cycling and (2) by how much the reliability of the offset of GL is improved by taking the double burst into account. 11 cyclists volunteered to participate. Participants cycled for 6 min at 265 W and 90 rev.min-1on three separate days. Using surface electromyography, an ensemble-average of GL was constructed from a 30 s segment. Onset and offset threshold was set at 25% of the peak activity of the ensemble-averaged pattern to determine the crank angle of onset/offset. Two onsets/offsets were recorded for double bursts. Reliability of the primary offset was determined using the Standard Method (SM), that is, the offset of the final activity; and an Alternative Method (AM), which incorporated the muscular function, with the most frequent offset across days being regarded as the ‘primary' offset. A double burst was consistently detected for only 7 of the 11 cyclists. AM showed better reliability for the offset than SM (Standard Error of Measurement: 6.8° vs 21.3°, Intra Class Correlation: 0.82 vs 0.47). The double burst pattern is commonly observed in GL while cycling in trained cyclists. However, detection across several days is more difficult and could lead to erroneous conclusions about the (double) burst pattern. When analysing muscles with a possible double burst pattern, researchers could incorporate the muscle's function. This decreases the impact of an inconsistent double burst pattern across measurements.
Physical activity in urban Portuguese adults according to age, intensity and sex
Authors: André Joana , Carvalho João , Raia Luís , Martins João , Marques Adilson
Published: November 2011

The aim was to analyse physical activity (PA) practice of urban Portuguese adults, according to age, intensity and sex. 2657 people (1130 male, 1527 female), aged from 20 to 60 (43±7), participated in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire about PA type, intensity and amount (frequency and duration). The intensity of PA was divided in low PA (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), according to the compendium of PA. Student'st-test, ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis were used to analyse sex and age differences. The subjects reported to practise PA an average of 2.9±3.1 times (male 3.0±3.1, female 2.9±3.1) and 184±214 min/week (male 210±235, female 164±195). For the entire sample there was no significant differences between sexes regarding the number of times they practise PA per week (p=0.459), but differences were found in the practice of LPA (male 155±70 min/week, female 89±52 min/week,p<0.001) and MVPA (male 224±117 min/week, female 182±94 min/week,p<0.001). Analysing each age-group, men reported to practise significantly more min/week of LPA than women, with the exception of the youngsters (31–40 y – 152±72 vs 101±54,p=0.010; 41–50 y – 147±62 vs 88±54,p=0.001; 51–60 y – 203±80 vs 60±30,p=0.004). For the time expended practising MVPA, it was observed that youngsters and older men and women were not statistically different, even though the men responded to practise more time (20–30 y – 288±127 vs 197±114,p=0.060; 51–60 y – 230±112 vs 207±107,p=0.395). On the other hand, differences on MVPA were found between men and women with 31–40 y (226±123 vs 171±92,p<0.001) and 41–50 y (217±113 vs 187±91,p=0.010). The results showed that although men and women practise PA every week almost the same number of times, men are more active, exercising for longer time than women. We believe that the results are related to the social role attributed to females in society.
Changes in core temperature and hydration status during a competitive football match played in cool conditions
Authors: Watson P , Clark M , Bryan J , Maughan R J
Published: November 2011

Football is played throughout the world in a wide range of environmental conditions. Thermal responses to match play in temperate and warm conditions have been widely reported, but there little published work that has quantified changes in core temperature and hydration status when football is played in cool conditions. Fifteen male university football players (age 20 ± 1 y, height 1.81 ± 0.06 m, body mass 79.7 ± 9.5 kg) took part in a competitive match in cool conditions (6.5 ± 0.8°C, 66 ± 4% relative humidity). Core temperature (Tc) was measured using an ingestible telemetric sensor (HQ Inc. Florida, USA). Sweat losses were assessed from the change in body mass after correction for the volume of fluid consumed. Tc prior to the start of the match was 37.3±0.3°C. T of the starting players increased as the match progressed (P < 0.05), with values of 39.0±0.4°C and 39.1±0.4°C recorded at half time and full time respectively. The highest individual Tc was 39.6°C. The Tc of the reserve players (n=5) increased above resting values after the warm up (P < 0.05), but decreased as the match progressed. While this was not statistically different from prematch values, two reserves did fall below 37.0°C. Body mass losses of starting players were 1.04±0.35 kg (range 0.57–1.48 kg). Fluid intake during the match was 0.72±0.34 l. When corrected for the ingestion of fluid, and any urine output, the estimated sweat losses were 1.53±0.41 l (range 0.75–2.00 l), which corresponds to a sweat rate of 1.0±0.3 l/h (range 0.5–1.3 l/h). The present study suggests that players involved in competitive football matches played in cool conditions exhibit similar thermoregulatory and hydration responses to those reported during match play in more temperate conditions. As competitive football is played in colder conditions than those experienced in this study, further research into the physiological response of players to these conditions is warranted.
Knee skin strength and hyperlaxity in athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction
Authors: Akhtar M A , Keating J F , Muir A Y , Simpson H
Published: November 2011

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in athletic population. Hyperlaxity is thought to be a risk factor for ACL injuries and results in stretched scar following surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the strength of the knee skin and hyperlaxity assessed by the Beighton score. Prospective data was collected for 13 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using quadruple hamstring tendon as a graft, including demographic details, mechanism of injury and hyperlaxity. Clinical examination was used to assess hyperlaxity using the Beighton score. Laxity is scored on a 0–9 scale. Scores of 4 or above are indicative of hyperlaxity. We studied 20 specimens of knee skin from 13 patients between Nov 2008 and July 2009. These specimens were mounted on a professional material testing system (ZWICK- allround line) and vertical load was applied to reach yield. Data was recorded electronically and analysed using Microsoft excel. The mean age was 29 years with a range from 20 to 43. Most common sports resulting in ACL injuries were football and skiing in 3 patients each followed by rugby and cycling in 2 patients each. There were 10 male and 3 female patients. The average Beighton score was 2.9 with a range from 0 to 9. 5 patients had a Beighton score of 4 or more indicating hyperlaxity. The average force required to reach yield for knee skin was 56 N with a range from 12 to 107 N. There was no correlation between the force required for yield and Beighton score for patients individually. We studied the force required to produce yield of the knee skin in athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction and found no correlation between hyperlaxity and the force. This data does not show an obvious link between hyperlaxity and the strength of the knee skin for patients individually. The stretched scars following surgery in patients with hyperlaxity may be associated with the method of skin closure and further studies are needed to assess this relation and prevent wound related complications.
The effect of 800 μg and 1600 μg inhaled salbutamol on FEV1 in non-asthmatic football players
Authors: Hu J , Dickinson J , Chester N , Drust B , Whyte G , Loosemoore M
Published: November 2011

The World Anti-doping Agency stipulates that athletes who declare the use of salbutamol should not exceed 1600 μg over a 24 h period. Most studies investigating the effect of inhaled salbutamol on maximal flow volume values, such as FEV1, have investigated doses of up to 800 μg of salbutamol. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inhaling 800 μg or 1600 μg on the FEV1in non-asthmatic football players. Five male non-asthmatic football players (mean+SD; age 24+4 y; weight 71+4 kg; height 175+5 cm) volunteered. Participants attended the laboratory on six occasions to inhale either a placebo, 800 μg of salbutamol or 1600 μg salbutamol and complete a football-specific run. Maximal Flow Volume Loops were measured at baseline, 10 min following inhalation of salbutamol or placebo and 5 min following the football specific run. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed to investigate the changes in FEV110 min post salbutamol and post football specific treadmill run. Significance was assumed if p<0.05. There was a significant difference (p=0.02) between FEV1following the inhalation of either 800 μg (4.4+0.5 l) or 1600 μg (4.4+0.4 l) salbutamol when compared to placebo (4.3+0.5 l) prior to the football-specific run. This significant difference was maintained following the completion of the football specific run following the inhalation of either 800 μg or 800 μg (4.5+0.5 l) or 1600 μg (4.5+0.5 l) salbutamol when compared placebo (4.3+0.5 l). The improvements in FEV1following the inhalation of 800 μg or 1600 μg salbutamol prior to the football-specific treadmill run appears to suggest there is a potential for significant bronchodilation in the airways of non-asthmatic football players. The difference in FEV1between placebo and salbutamol appears to be maintained following the completion of a football-specific treadmill run.
The epidemiology of sports head injuries in a rural population
Authors: Beck A J , Kerr J
Published: November 2011

There have been very few studies looking into the epidemiology of sports injuries, and in particular sports head injuries (SHI) within a rural location. Head injury is a significant cause of resultant disability in young people, and is the major cause of death in those under 45 years who suffer an injury of any kind. In view of this we aimed to investigate the epidemiology of SHI in the rural Scottish Borders and the demands placed upon the department as a result. This was a retrospective study looking at all patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) of the Borders General Hospital (BGH) over a 4-month period with a head injury sustained during a sporting event. Over this period, 51 individuals presented to the BGH ED with a SHI. SHI accounted for 15% of all head injury presentations during this period and occurred most frequently in those aged 10–15 years participating in rugby, horse riding or mountain biking. The incidence of injury was higher for males with a male:female ratio of 3.3:1. Significant demands placed upon the ED included imaging of 45% of these patients and admission of 31% of patients attending with a SHI. Sports are a frequent cause of head injury in this rural population and contribute significantly to the workload of the ED. This is an important health matter as they are one of the leading causes of disability within young people. Three specific sports contributed to the majority of the injuries. This may be due to specific mountain bike centres such as Glentress and Innerleithen as well as the popularity of rugby and horse riding within the borders area.
Effect of different warming-up protocols on time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed
Authors: Rodriguez de la Cruz C , Brennenraedts C , Bury T
Published: November 2011

Middle distance races are characterised by a start at high intensity without progression. Some studies focused on the warming-up (WU) effects on physiological parameters during race from 95% to 120% of the work rate at VO2max. The aim was to determine the efficiency of different WU protocols on time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed (M.A.S.). We recruited 11 middle distance runners (mean age 30±4 years, height 177± 7 cm, VO2max 59.7±6.4 mlO2.min-1.kg-1, M.A.S. 17.7±1.16 km/h). Subjects performed a triangular aerobic test to determine M.A.S. and three randomised rectangular tests at M.A.S. after three different WU protocols at 7 days of interval. The three WU protocols consist in no warming-up; 20 min WU at 55% of VO2max (low WU); 15 min WU AT 55% and 5 min at ((speed at LT 1 + speed at O.B.L.A.) / 2) (intense WU). After the WU, subjects observed 5 min rest before the rectangular test. Blood lactate concentration was measured four times (before WU, after WU, before and after rectangular test); whereas heart rate, VO2and ventilation were monitored continually. The mean heart rate during the rectangular test was higher (p<0.05) from the 1st–7th min after low and intense WU than without WU. The VO2max kinetic was the same in the three tests. Average blood lactate concentration was similar at the end of the race in the three protocols (6.9±0.8 mmol.l-1without WU, 6.8±0.8 mmol.l-1low WU and 6.6±0.7 mmol.l-1intense WU). Time to exhaustion at M.A.S. was higher (p<0.05) after intense WU. Results suggest that the intense WU has a positive effect on time to exhaustion at M.A.S. and therefore on aerobic performance. This is probably the result of a faster cardiovascular adaptation.
Cortinarius species diversity in British Columbia and molecular phylogenetic comparison with European specimen sequences
Authors: Harrower Emma , Ammirati Joseph F. , Cappuccino Adam A. , Ceska Oldriska , Kranabetter J.M. , Kroeger Paul , Lim SeaRa , Taylor Terry , Berbee Mary L.
Published: November 2011

Throughout the world, the diversity of fungi remains poorly characterized and Cortinarius is a classical example of a difficult, species-rich, and under-researched mushroom genus. Here, we sequenced and analyzed ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence barcodes from herbarium specimens to improve understanding of Cortinarius species diversity in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Starting with 962 specimen sequences, 617 from B.C. herbaria, we present a maximum likelihood tree showing 179 putative Cortinarius species in British Columbia. As a working definition, we considered a “species” to be a monophyletic clade that included a reliably identified reference sequence, with a maximum of 3% ITS sequence variation. If no reference sequence was available, “species” were groups sharing 97% or more sequence identity. By these criteria, 110 putative B.C. species matched European species and 12 B.C. species matched species exclusively found in the Americas. Of the 56 B.C. species that did not match an identified reference sequence, some may be new to science, while others likely represent described species without available sequences. By depositing sequences from B.C. specimens into GenBank and BOLD, and by providing our alignment to TreeBASE, we have supplied the resources necessary to improve accuracy in identifications of Cortinarius in future systematic and ecological studies.
ENHANCING SOFTWARE RELIABILITY OF A COMPLEX SOFTWARE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL-NETWORKS ENSEMBLE
Authors: KAPUR PARMOD KUMAR , YADAVALLI V. S. SARMA , KHATRI SUNIL KUMAR , BASIRZADEH MASHAALLAH
Published: November 2011

Modeling of software reliability has gained lot of importance in recent years. Use of software-critical applications has led to tremendous increase in amount of work being carried out in software reliability growth modeling. Number of analytic software reliability growth models (SRGM) exists in literature. They are based on some assumptions; however, none of them works well across different environments. The current software reliability literature is inconclusive as to which models and techniques are best, and some researchers believe that each organization needs to try several approaches to determine what works best for them. Data-driven artificial neural-network (ANN) based models, on other side, provide better software reliability estimation. In this paper we present a new dimension to build an ensemble of different ANN to improve the accuracy of estimation for complex software architectures. Model has been validated on two data sets cited from the literature. Results show fair improvement in forecasting software reliability over individual neural-network based models.
Photo-catalytic activity of cationic zinc(II) complexes of phthalocyanine and porphyrazine derivatives loaded on the surface of silica gel
Authors: Kasuga Kuninobu , Irie Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hidekazu , Ikeue Takahisa , Sugimori Tamotsu , Handa Makoto
Published: November 2011

Cationic 2,9,16,23-tetra(3-N,N,N-trimethylaminoethyloxy)phthalocyaninatozinc(II) (complex 1) and 22,23-di(4-N,N,N-trimethylaminophenyl)benzo[b]-7,8,12,13,17,18-hexa(4-t-butylphenyl) porphyrazinatozinc(II) (complex 2) were loaded on the surface of silica gel by use of an electrostatic interaction with deprotonated silanol groups of silica gel. While complex 1 formed its dimer with increase in the amount of the complex in the composite, complex 2 hardly formed the dimer in the composite due to the steric hindrance of its peripheral substituents. 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran was photo-oxidized using the composites as the sensitizer in aerated methanol. The reaction proceeded with singlet dioxygen generated by the visible-light irradiation upon the sensitizer. While the initial reaction rate with the composite of complex 2 steadily increased in accordance with increase in the amount of the complex, that with the composite of complex 1 at first increased, but subsequently decreased due to the formation of the photo-inactive dimer. Bilirubinditaurate was also photo-oxidized using the composites as the sensitizer in an aerated aqueous solution. The reaction proceeded with superoxide instead of singlet dioxygen. The relationship between the initial reaction rate and the amount of the complex was similar to that in methanol.
Templated synthesis of catenanes incorporating Zn(II) or Rh(III)-complexed porphyrins: the coordination chemistry-only approach
Authors: Beyler Maryline , Heitz Valérie , Taesch Julien , Sauvage Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2011

Porphyrin-containing [2]catenanes were obtained from relatively simple organic precursors thanks to "coordination chemistry-only". When the central porphyrin metal is Zn2+ the [2]catenanes were assembled in two steps by using Cu(I)–N interactions to assemble acyclic complexes and Zn(II)–N interactions to generate rings. These sophisticated architectures were obtained in excellent yield since the formation of the thermodynamic products is favored over that of kinetic products. This also explains why a perfect fit in terms of distances and angles between the components to assemble leads to highly stable coordination chemistry-assembled species. When a second row metal with an inert coordination sphere, like Rh(III) was chosen as metal centre of the porphyrins, direct metalation of porphyrinic compounds with [Rh(CO)2Cl]2 was not met with success when the bidentate chelate used as connector was metal free. A three-step strategy was used for the synthesis of a tetra-rhodiumporphyrin[2]-catenane: (i) copper(I)-driven entwining of two free-base porphyrin-bearing bidentate chelates followed (ii) by insertion of rhodium in the porphyrin nuclei and finally (iii) cyclisation via formation of N-Rh coordination bonds.
RELATIVISTIC IMPLICATIONS OF SOLAR ASTROMETRY
Authors: SIGISMONDI COSTANTINO
Published: November 2011

The modern methods of measurement of the solar diameter and oblateness are reviewed. Either ground-based or balloon-borne and satellite measurements are considered. The importance of solar astrometry for General Relativity is emphasized, particularly attention is given to the solar oblateness problem, as well as the studies of solar astrophysics to the whole world of physics from nucleosynthesis to neutrinos.
MEASUREMENT OF THE CASIMIR INTERACTION BETWEEN A Au SPHERE AND Au GRATINGS
Authors: DECCA RICARDO S.
Published: November 2011

The measurements between a Au coated sphere and Au gratings with different structural parameters are presented. While the main effect of the grating is to reduce the interaction observed between the same sphere and a Au plane at the same distance, it is observed that the reduction is non-trivial. While at small separations the interaction is greater than what is expected from purely geometrical effects, at large separations the effect not only becomes smaller but it also presents a faster decay than the corresponding geometrical contribution.
OBSERVATION OF THE THERMAL CASIMIR FORCE IS OPEN TO QUESTION
Authors: KLIMCHITSKAYA G. L. , BORDAG M. , FISCHBACH E. , KRAUSE D. E. , MOSTEPANENKO V. M.
Published: November 2011

We discuss theoretical predictions for the thermal Casimir force and compare them with available experimental data. Special attention is paid to the recent claim of the observation of that effect, as predicted by the Drude model approach. We show that this claim is in contradiction with a number of experiments reported so far. We suggest that the experimental errors, as reported in support of the observation of the thermal Casimir force, are significantly underestimated. Furthermore, the experimental data at separations above 3 μm are shown to be in agreement not with the Drude model approach, as is claimed, but with the plasma model. The seeming agreement of the data with the Drude model at separations below 3 μm is explained by the use of an inadequate formulation of the proximity force approximation.
YUKAWA CORRECTIONS TO THE NEWTONIAN GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL: FINITE SIZE EFFECTS IN A RECENT EXPERIMENT
Authors: JAMELL C. R. , DECCA R. S.
Published: November 2011

We provide a formalism to calculate the effect of the finite size of the sample on hypothetical Yukawa-like corrections to the Newtonian gravitational potential. It is explicitly shown that finite size effect contributions are negligible when the extent of the sample is larger than the range of the Yukawa term. In particular we show that these contributions are small in the configuration of a recent experiment. In the experiment a gold coated sphere was moved across the interface between two materials with different mass densities. In view of these new experimental results, we analyze the situation when the error on the hypothetical correction could result to be significant.
IS QFT WITH EXTERNAL BACKGROUNDS A CONSISTENT MODEL?
Authors: GAVRILOV S. P. , GITMAN D. M.
Published: November 2011

We discuss consistency of the concept of external background in QFT. Different restrictions on magnitude of magnetic and electric fields are analyzed. The back reaction due to strong electric field is calculated and restrictions on the magnitude and duration of such a field are obtained. The problem of consistency of Dirac equation with a superstrong Coulomb field is discussed.
TWO TESTS FOR THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE
Authors: HARPAZ AMOS
Published: November 2011

The question: "Is the equivalence principle (EP) a general principle" is examined by analyzing solutions to two cases: 1. The Twin Paradox, and 2. Does a static charge located in a gravitational field radiate? The solutions to these two cases are given first by using EP, and then by physical analysis of the system involved. The fact that the two methods yield the same solutions, may be considered as test cases for the validity of the EP.