bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field‐derived Henry's law constants for polychlorinated biphenyls in oceanic waters
Authors: Gioia Rosalinda , Jones Kevin C. , Lohmann Rainer , Nizzetto Luca , Dachs Jordi
Published: May 2010

Accurate knowledge of Henry's law constants (Kaw) is very important for fate and transport studies of organic chemicals. Here field‐derived Kaw values for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (PCBs 28, 49, 52, 118, 138, 149, and 153) were determined in the open Atlantic Ocean, at locations where air and seawater were assumed to be at equilibrium. Field‐based Kaw values were derived from air and seawater samples simultaneously collected at these locations, and their relationship with temperature was determined. The average field‐derived Kaw for PCBs 28, 49, 52, 118, and 138 was generally 2–3 times higher than laboratory‐derived values reported in the literature. Possible causes of differences between the field and the laboratory data may be attributed to differences between pure water and seawater and the use of much higher persistent organic pollutant concentrations in laboratory studies compared to that of the remote ocean. Field‐derived Kaw values for PCB 149 and PCB 153 were up to 10 times higher than literature values. The comparison of field‐ and laboratory‐derived Kaw shows that their temperature dependence is not significantly different (95% confidence) from those reported in the literature.
Ring current formation influenced by solar wind substorm conditions
Authors: Cash M. D. , Winglee R. M. , Harnett E. M.
Published: May 2010

Single‐particle tracking with time‐dependent global magnetic and electric fields is used to investigate the generation of the ring current from ionospheric outflows during an internally driven substorm. We show that the energization of the ions is not correlated with the time that the ions leave the ionosphere; instead energization is correlated with the formation of an injection front driven by an earthward moving flux rope at onset. Because of the large gyroradius of the O+ ions, they experience strong dawn‐dusk acceleration in the vicinity of the injection front. The acceleration is strongly influenced by small‐scale structures including the Hall electric field and the development of kinks across the tail. H+ is mainly energized by betatron acceleration as it is injected into the inner magnetosphere with less average energy than the O+ ions. In this paper we investigate the conditions that lead to the formation of the injection front and small‐scale structures (∼1 RE) in the current sheet, such as tail kinking and flux ropes, that are correlated with particle convection and energization at substorm onset. High‐resolution capabilities allow us to resolve these small‐scale processes within a thin (<1000 km) current sheet, and we show that simulations with coarse grid resolution underestimate the energization of ring current particles. The role of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz on dayside particle loss is also examined. It is found that northerly turning IMF at or shortly after onset is important in producing a symmetric ring current, but the degree of turning is not as critical.
Large atmospheric shortwave radiative forcing by Mediterranean aerosols derived from simultaneous ground‐based and spaceborne observations and dependence on the aerosol type and single scattering albedo
Authors: Di Biagio Claudia , di Sarra Alcide , Meloni Daniela
Published: May 2010

Aerosol optical properties and shortwave irradiance measurements at the island of Lampedusa (central Mediterranean) during 2004–2007 are combined with Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System observations of the outgoing shortwave flux at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The measurements are used to estimate the surface (FES), the top of the atmosphere (FETOA), and the atmospheric (FEATM) shortwave aerosol forcing efficiencies for solar zenith angle (θ) between 15° and 55° for desert dust (DD), urban/industrial‐biomass burning aerosols (UI‐BB), and mixed aerosols (MA). The forcing efficiency at the different atmospheric levels is derived by applying the direct method, that is, as the derivative of the shortwave net flux versus the aerosol optical depth at fixed θ. The diurnal average forcing efficiency at the surface/TOA at the equinox is (−68.9 ± 4.0)/(−45.5 ± 5.4) W m−2 for DD, (−59.0 ± 4.3)/(−19.2 ± 3.3) W m−2 for UI‐BB, and (−94.9 ± 5.1)/(−36.2 ± 1.7) W m−2 for MA. The diurnal average atmospheric radiative forcing at the equinox is (+7.3 ± 2.5) W m−2 for DD, (+8.4 ± 1.9) W m−2 for UI‐BB, and (+8.2 ± 1.9) W m−2 for MA, suggesting that the mean atmospheric forcing is almost independent of the aerosol type. The largest values of the atmospheric forcing may reach +35 W m−2 for DD, +23 W m−2 for UI‐BB, and +34 W m−2 for MA. FETOA is calculated for MA and 25° ≤ θ ≤ 35° for three classes of single scattering albedo (0.7 ≤ ω < 0.8, 0.8 ≤ ω < 0.9, and 0.9 ≤ ω ≤ 1) at 415.6 and 868.7 nm: FETOA increases, in absolute value, for increasing ω. A 0.1 increment in ω determines an increase in FETOA by 10–20 W m−2.
Loss analysis of emitter-wrap-through silicon solar cells by means of experiment and three-dimensional device modeling
Authors: Ulzhöfer Christian , Altermatt Pietro P. , Harder Nils-Peter , Brendel Rolf
Published: May 2010

Currently, the emitter-wrap-through (EWT) design of Si solar cells is being intensively investigated as a potential candidate for cheap, low-quality Si materials. So far, experimentally achieved energy conversion efficiencies have stayed unexpectedly far below the expectations of common device theory. Therefore, we analyze fabricated EWT cells in detail and refine device theory to account for the limiting loss mechanisms present only in EWT cells. By means of rigorous three-dimensional numerical device modeling, we show that the fill factor (FF) is significantly reduced, primarily due to a effect we call the via-resistance induced recombination enhancement effect. The FF is only secondarily reduced by the resistive losses in the vias where the emitter is wrapped through the cell. This implies that lowering the base resistivity will improve cell efficiency more effectively than lowering the resistance in the vias. Our simulations predict that the EWT design with a nonpassivated rear emitter and a homogeneous emitter diffusion leads to an efficiency improvement of about 1% absolute, as compared to the common front-junction design. This is so for excess carrier lifetimes in the bulk between 1 and 100 μs, which means also for multicrystalline cells.
Morphology and magnetic properties of size-selected Ni nanoparticle films
Authors: D’Addato S. , Gragnaniello L. , Valeri S. , Rota A. , di Bona A. , Spizzo F. , Panozaqi T. , Schifano S. F.
Published: May 2010

We present the results of a study on the morphology and magnetic properties of size-selected Ni nanoparticles films grown on Si/SiOx substrates. The films were produced by deposition of preformed Ni nanoparticles, using a gas aggregation nanocluster source and an electric quadrupole mass filter. The diameter d of the produced particles ranged between 3 and 10 nm. The morphology of the films, with average thickness t varying from t=0.5 up to t=7 nm, was studied with atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, combining in this way information about height and lateral topography. We observed the presence of some small aggregates made of two or three particles at the early stage of film formation, probably due to some degree of cluster diffusion on the substrate, and particle average flattening. For increasing values of t, large agglomerates are formed in the films, resulting in a porous structure. Information about the magnetic properties was obtained with field cooled-zero field cooled (FC/ZFC) magnetization curves. We observed a reversibility-irreversibility transition at temperatures 70 K<TI<80 K, and a significant deviation from the superparamagnetic behavior at T>TI, even for the lowest coverage studied (t=2 nm for ZFC/FC measurements, ⟨d⟩=5.5 nm). A comparison with Monte Carlo simulations of the FC/ZFC curves reveals the concurrence between interparticle exchange interaction and single particle random anisotropy.
A method for the analysis of thermal tweezers for manipulation and trapping of nanoparticles and adatoms on crystalline surfaces
Authors: Flegg Mark B. , Mason Daniel R. , Gramotnev Dmitri K. , Gramotnev Galina
Published: May 2010

We develop a computationally efficient method for the theoretical analysis of thermophoresis of nanoparticles and adatoms on crystalline surfaces (thermal tweezers) for efficient parallel nanofabrication. The analysis of surface diffusion of particles or adatoms in the presence of strong temperature gradients is conducted through the direct determination of probability distributions for diffusing particles, using the numerical solution of the Smoluchowski diffusion equation with varying (temperature-dependent) diffusion constant. The local values of the diffusion constant are determined from the Fokker–Planck equation for the considered crystalline potential of the substrate and local temperature. Steady-state and nonsteady-state particle distributions on the surface are obtained and analyzed in the presence of optically-induced strong temperature gradients. Detailed comparison of this approach with the previously obtained results from the Monte Carlo simulations of the Langevin equation is conducted, demonstrating high computational efficiency, and accuracy of the new method in the high-friction regime. Applicability conditions for the developed method are also determined and discussed.
Current-induced stabilization of surface morphology in stressed solids: Validation of linear stability theory
Authors: Tomar Vivek , Gungor M. Rauf , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: May 2010

Results are reported of a comprehensive analysis of the surface morphological response of an electrically conducting crystalline solid under the simultaneous action of an electric field and mechanical stress. The analysis is based on self-consistent dynamical simulations according to a fully nonlinear model of driven surface morphological evolution in conjunction with linear stability theory. The possibility is examined of current-induced stabilization of the surface morphology due to surface electromigration in stressed conductors that, in the absence of the electric current, would undergo cracklike surface instabilities. Current-induced surface stabilization of stressed solids is demonstrated and the corresponding stability domain boundaries are determined over a range of electromechanical conditions. Systematic comparisons are carried out of the numerical simula-tion results with the predictions of the linear stability theory and are used to establish the range of validity of the linear stability theory.
Dispersion characteristics of the electromagnetic waves in a relativistic electron beam guided by the ion channel
Authors: Mirzanejhad Saeed , Sohbatzadeh Farshad , Ghasemi Maede , Sedaghat Zeinab , Mahdian Zeinab
Published: May 2010

In this article, the dispersion characteristics of the paraxial (near axis) electromagnetic (EM) waves in a relativistic electron beam guided by the ion channel are investigated. Equilibrium fields such as ion-channel electrostatic field and self-fields of relativistic electron beam are included in this formalism. In accordance with the equilibrium field structure, radial and azimuthal waves are selected as base vectors for EM waves. It is shown that the dispersion of the radially polarized EM and space charge waves are influenced by the equilibrium fields, but azimuthally polarized wave remain unaffected. In some wave number domains, the radially polarized EM and fast space charge waves are coupled. In these regions, instability is analyzed as a function of equilibrium structure. It is shown that the total equilibrium radial force due to the ion channel and electron beam and also relativistic effect play a key role in the coupling of the radially polarized EM wave and space charge wave. Furthermore, some asymptotic behaviors such as weak and strong ion channel, nonrelativistic case and cutoff frequencies are discussed. This instability could be used as an amplification mechanism for radially polarized EM waves in a beam-plasma system where a relativistic electron beam is guided by the ion channel.
Transportable distance measurement system based on superheterodyne interferometry using two phase-locked frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers
Authors: Azouigui S. , Badr T. , Wallerand J.-P. , Himbert M. , Salgado J. , Juncar P.
Published: May 2010

We describe a transportable distance measurement system based on synthetic wavelength interferometry. Two frequency-doubled Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet lasers at 532 nm are used to generate a synthetic wavelength of ∼2.5 cm. A nonpolarizing interferometric system has been set up to eliminate polarization cross-talk issue. A superheterodyne detection was performed to measure the synthetic phase and to determine absolute distances. The capability to achieve fringe interpolation of 2π/5600 has been demonstrated and an agreement in distance measurement at the 4 μm level has been achieved, compared to an optical interferometric 3 m long displacement bench.
Virial coefficients, thermodynamic properties, and fluid-fluid transition of nonadditive hard-sphere mixtures
Authors: Santos Andrés , López de Haro Mariano , Yuste Santos B.
Published: May 2010

Different theoretical approaches for the thermodynamic properties and the equation of state for multicomponent mixtures of nonadditive hard spheres in d dimensions are presented in a unified way. These include the theory by Hamad, our previous formulation, the original MIX1 theory, a recently proposed modified MIX1 theory, as well as a nonlinear extension of the MIX1 theory proposed in this paper. Explicit expressions for the compressibility factor, Helmholtz free energy, and second, third, and fourth virial coefficients are provided. A comparison is carried out with recent Monte Carlo data for the virial coefficients of asymmetric mixtures and with available simulation data for the compressibility factor, the critical consolute point, and the liquid-liquid coexistence curves. The merits and limitations of each theory are pointed out.
Counterintuitive Coulomb hole around the bond midplane
Authors: Wang Jian , Kim Kwang S. , Baerends Evert Jan
Published: May 2010

The Coulomb hole does not have its largest depth around an electron in or near the bond midplane. It splits into two parts, localized on both nuclear sites forming the bond. Even counterintuitive positive values of the “hole” around such a position may be observed. This happens when the Fermi hole is deeper than the total exchange-correlation hole at the reference electron position. This Coulomb “heap” is shown to arise from correlation effects on the one-electron density rather than correlation effects in the pair density. Left-right correlation tends to enhance the effect of the nuclear attraction, contracting the electron density around the nuclear positions and depleting the bond center region. Possible alternative definitions of the Coulomb hole are discussed, including one based on the exact Kohn–Sham exchange hole. Approximate density functional theory methods (generalized gradient approximation) are not accurate enough to realize the advantages of this definition.
High-performance organic charge trap flash memory devices based on ink-jet printed 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene transistors
Authors: Park Young-Su , Chung Seungjun , Kim Soo-Jin , Lyu Si-Hoon , Jang Jae-Wan , Kwon Soon-Ki , Hong Yongtaek , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: May 2010

Organic nanofloating gate memory devices were developed based on ink-jet printed 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS) pentacene thin-film transistors (TFTs) embedding gold nanoparticles. The programming/erasing operations showed that the organic memory devices exhibited good programmable memory characteristics that resulted in a gate-voltage controlled reliable threshold voltage shift of the programmed/erased states. The data retention and endurance measurements also showed the reliable nonvolatile memory properties. Solution processes were used for synthesis of the charge trapping elements and TIPS-pentacene TFTs were made by the ink-jet printing technique at low temperatures. Therefore, these processes can readily be adopted in all-printed organic memory devices on flexible substrates.
Ultrafast dynamics of excitons in delafossite CuScO2 thin films
Authors: Liu Fucai , Makino T. , Hiraga H. , Fukumura T. , Kong Yongfa , Kawasaki M.
Published: May 2010

Ultrafast carrier dynamics were investigated in a delafossite CuScO2, a material with a remarkably large binding energy of exciton (∼0.4 eV), using femtosecond transient transmission spectroscopy. Differential transmission spectra showed dispersive structures in the excitonic resonance energies. We have observed a delayed rise-up on a time scale of 10 ps, suggesting slow carrier cooling. It is followed by a slower decay, time constant of which corresponds to the lifetime of exciton (approximately 0.75 ns). These results were analyzed in terms of the generalized many-body Elliott model, accounting for a screening effect of excitons.
Thermodynamics of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions. Part 3. Hydrolases
Authors: Goldberg Robert N. , Tewari Yadu B.
Published: May 2010

Equilibrium constants and enthalpy changes for reactions catalyzed by the hydrolase class of enzymes have been compiled. For each reaction the following information is given: The reference for the data; the reaction studied; the name of the enzyme used and its Enzyme Commission number; the method of measurement; the conditions of measurement [temperature, pH, ionic strength, and the buffer(s) and cofactor(s) used]; the data and an evaluation of it; and, sometimes, commentary on the data and on any corrections which have been applied to it or any calculations for which the data have been used. The data from 145 references have been examined and evaluated. Chemical Abstract Service registry numbers are given for the substances involved in these various reactions. There is a cross reference between the substances and the Enzyme Commission numbers of the enzymes used to catalyze the reactions in which the substances participate.
Distance between Home and Work: A Multilevel Analysis of Individual Workers, Neighbourhoods, and Employment Sites in Northern Ireland
Authors: Shuttleworth Ian , Gould Myles
Published: May 2010

We explore the distances between home and work for employees at twenty-eight different employment sites across Northern Ireland. Substantively, this is important for better understanding the geography of labour catchments. Methodologically, with data on the distances between place of residence (566 wards) and place of work for some 15 000 workers, and the use of multilevel modelling (MLM), the analysis adds to the evidence derived from other census-based and survey-based studies. Descriptive analysis is supplemented with MLM that simultaneously explores individual, neighbourhood, and site variations in travel-to-work patterns using hierarchical and cross-classified model specifications, including individual and ecological predictor variables (and their cross-level interactions). In doing so we apportion variability to different levels and spatial contexts, and also outline the factors that shape spatial mobility. We find, as expected, that factors such as gender and occupation influence the distance between home and work, and also confirm the importance of neighbourhood characteristics (such as population density observed in ecological analyses at ward level) in shaping individual outcomes, with major differences found between urban and rural locations. Beyond this, the analysis of variability also points to the relative significance of residential location, with less individual variability in travel-to-work distance between workers within wards than within employment sites. We conclude by suggesting that, whilst some general ‘rules’ about the factors that shape labour catchments are possible (eg workers in rural areas and in higher occupations travel further than others), the complex variability between places highlighted by the MLM analysis illustrates the salience of place-specific uniqueness.
Burying the ‘Refuse Revolution’: The Rise of Controlled Tipping in Britain, 1920–1960
Authors: Cooper Timothy
Published: May 2010

This paper investigates the emergence of ‘controlled tipping’ as the dominant method of municipal waste disposal in Britain between 1920 and 1960. The triumph of controlled tipping, despite the availability of alternative disposal technologies, needs to be understood in the context of the contested meanings of ‘waste’ and ‘wasteland’, which helped to determine attitudes and approaches to disposal. Following the conclusion of the First World War there was an urgent requirement for a cheap means of disposing of increasing amounts of urban municipal waste. The obvious choice was tipping. Before the war, however, refuse tipping had been rejected as insanitary by the emerging waste disposal profession. Public cleansing professionals therefore had to recuperate tipping as a medically and environmentally benign mode of disposal that was reconcilable with the needs of sanitary science and landscape preservation. Controlled tipping, with its combined claims to scientific progress and the revalorization of refuse, enabled dumping to be successfully re-produced as the dominant mode of municipal refuse disposal in Britain. However, tipping faced further challenges after 1945 from changing popular understandings of the value of ‘derelict’ landscapes and from the politics of amenity. The ‘refuse revolution’ was a work in progress.
Pre‐operative management is associated with low rate of post‐operative morbidity in penetrating Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zerbib P. , Koriche D. , Truant S. , Bouras A. F. , Vernier‐Massouille G. , Seguy D. , Pruvot F. R. , Cortot A. , Colombel J. F.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 459–465

Background  Ileocaecal resection for penetrating Crohn’s disease is still challenging with a high rate of post‐operative morbidity and faecal diversion.

Aim  To report retrospectively the results of pre‐operative management for penetrating Crohn’s disease focusing on the rate of post‐operative major morbidities and need for faecal diversion.

Methods  Between 1997 and 2007, 78 patients with penetrating Crohn’s disease underwent a first ileocaecal resection after a pre‐operative management consisting in bowel rest, nutritional therapy, intravenous antibiotics, weaning off steroids and immunosuppressors, and drainage of abscesses when appropriate.

Results  Resection was performed for terminal ileitis associated with (n = 41), abscesses (n = 37) or both (n = 5). A pre‐operative nutritional therapy was performed in 50 patients (68%) for 23 days (range, 7–69 days) along with a weaning off steroids and immunosuppressors. A diverting stoma was performed for six patients (7.7%). There was no post‐operative death. Post‐operative complications were classified as minor in 10 patients (12.8%), and major in four patients (5%). Overall, the post‐operative course was uneventful in 58 patients (74%).

Conclusion  Pre‐operative management for penetrating Crohn’s disease allowed ileocaecal resection with low rates of post‐operative morbidity and faecal diversion.
Systematic review: outcome of compensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C infection
Authors: Alazawi W. , Cunningham M. , Dearden J. , Foster G. R.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 344–355

Background  Most studies evaluating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) natural history have taken the development of cirrhosis as an end‐point.

Aim  To perform a systematic review of the literature to establish the outcome of compensated HCV cirrhosis.

Methods  A systematic literature review was performed. Only data regarding HCV mono‐infected patients were included. Weighted mean annual percentage rates for death/transplantation, decompensation of cirrhosis and development of HCC were calculated.

Results  Thirteen papers were included. Despite some heterogeneity, we extracted data relating to 2386 patients. In compensated HCV cirrhosis, the estimated annual rate of death/transplantation is 4.58%, that of decompensation is 6.37% per and that of HCC, 3.36%. When compared with studies of untreated patients, studies that included treated patients reported significantly lower mean annual percentage rates of HCC (2.52% vs. 4.79%, P = 0.02), but not decompensation (5.34% vs. 7.88%, P = 0.026) and death/transplantation (3.79% vs. 4.62%, P = 0.25).

Conclusions  These rates highlight the need for continued vigilance for the occurrence of HCC, while confirming the relatively slow progress of compensated HCV cirrhosis. Heterogeneity in reporting means that these data may underestimate the rate of disease progression, particularly HCC development. It will be important to ensure clearer distinction between treatment responses in future studies.
Meta‐analysis: antioxidant supplements for liver diseases – the Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary Group
Authors: Bjelakovic G. , Gluud L. L. , Nikolova D. , Bjelakovic M. , Nagorni A. , Gluud C.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 356–367

Background  Several liver diseases have been associated with oxidative stress. Accordingly, antioxidants have been suggested as potential therapeutics for various liver diseases. The evidence supporting these suggestions is equivocal.

Aim  To assess the benefits and harms of antioxidant supplements for patients with liver diseases.

Methods  We identified trials through electronic and manual searches until August 2009. We included randomized trials comparing antioxidant supplements (beta‐carotene, vitamin A, C, E and selenium) vs. placebo or no intervention for autoimmune liver diseases, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis (any aetiology). Random‐effects and fixed‐effect meta‐analyses were conducted. Results were presented as relative risks (RR), or mean difference (MD), both with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results  Twenty randomized trials with 1225 participants were included. The trials assessed beta‐carotene (3 trials), vitamin A (2 trials), vitamin C (9 trials), vitamin E (15 trials) and selenium (8 trials). The majority of the trials had high risk of bias and showed heterogeneity. Overall, the assessed antioxidant supplements had no significant effect on all‐cause mortality [relative risk (RR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–1.19, I2 = 0%] or liver‐related mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39–2.05, I2 = 37%). Stratification according to the type of liver disease assessed did not affect the conclusions. Antioxidant supplements significantly increased the activity of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (MD 24.21 IU/L, 95% CI 6.67–41.75, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions  We found no evidence to support or refute antioxidant supplements in patients with liver disease. Antioxidant supplements may increase liver enzymes.
Hepatocyte growth factor is a significant risk factor for white matter lesions in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Anan Futoshi , Masaki Takayuki , Jikumaru Kimiko , Iwao Tetsu , Eshima Nobuoki , Saikawa Tetsunori , Yoshimatsu Hronobu
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 585–590

Background  The presence of white matter lesions (WML) is an important prognostic factor for the development of stroke. Elevated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels are associated with a high mortality rate in type 2 diabetic patients. The preliminary study was therefore designed to test the hypothesis that the presence of WML correlates with HGF and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients not receiving insulin treatment.

Material and methods  Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging, 92 type 2 diabetic patients were divided into two groups: WML‐positive group (age 60 ± 5 years, mean ± SD, n = 35) and WML‐negative group (age 59 ± 6 years, mean ± SD, n = 57. The level of blood glucose was assessed by fasting plasma glucose, fasting immunoreactive insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Results  The body mass index was higher in the WML‐positive group than that in the WML‐negative group (P < 0·005). Plasma levels of triglycerides were higher while high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in the WML‐positive group than in the WML‐negative group (P < 0·01 and P < 0·0001 respectively). Fasting plasma glucose (P < 0·0001), insulin concentrations (P < 0·0001), HOMA index (P < 0·0001) and HGF (< 0·0001) levels were higher in the WML‐positive group than in the WML‐negative group. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that WML was independently predicted by the high HGF and insulin resistance (P < 0·0001 and P < 0·0001 respectively).

Conclusion  The results of this preliminary study indicate that the presence of WML was associated with the high HGF and insulin resistance in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Effect of high oxygen modified atmosphere on post‐harvest physiology and sensorial qualities of mushroom
Authors: Liu Zhanli , Wang Xiangyou , Zhu Jiying , Wang Juan
Published: May 2010

The changes in physiology and sensorial qualities of mushroom stored at 2 °C for 12 days under high oxygen (100% O2, 80% O2) atmosphere and air had been investigated. Respiration rate was suppressed in mushroom in 80% O2 and 100% O2. No significant differences were found between 80% O2 and 100% O2. Weight loss was not more than 1.5% in all treatments. Weight loss and firmness of mushroom held in high oxygen were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in air. Total soluble solid (TSS) was only slightly affected by high oxygen treatment. High oxygen, especially 100% O2 treatment was effective at reducing browning degree and electrolyte leakage of mushroom. The surface colour of mushroom changed slightly before tenth day under high oxygen treatment. From day 2 the L‐value of mushroom flesh was significantly (P < 0.05) lower under air atmosphere compared with high oxygen treated mushroom. High oxygen, especially 100% O2 was effective at inhibiting discoloration. The PPO activity of mushroom was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 100% O2 compared with air treatment. The POD activity was highest in high oxygen at eighth day, then reduced. High oxygen, especially 100% O2 was effective at maintaining the quality of mushroom.
Kinetic study of high pressure microbial and enzyme inactivation and selection of pasteurisation conditions for Valencia Orange Juice
Authors: Katsaros George I. , Tsevdou Maria , Panagiotou Theodora , Taoukis Petros S.
Published: May 2010

Keeping quality of fresh orange juice is highly dependent on pectinolytic enzyme activity and the growth of spoilage microorganisms. The inactivation kinetics of indigenous pectin methylesterase (PME) and of the two more pressure resistant species of spoilage lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus plantarum and L. brevis in freshly squeezed Valencia orange juice under high hydrostatic pressure (100–500 MPa) combined with moderate temperature (20–40 °C) was investigated. PME inactivation followed first order kinetics with a residual PME activity (15%) at all pressure–temperature combinations used. The values of activation energy and activation volume were estimated at each pressure and at each temperature, respectively. Values of 90 kJ/mol and −30 mL/mol at reference pressure of 300 MPa and reference temperature of 35 °C were estimated respectively. The corresponding zT and zP values of LAB inactivation were also estimated at all conditions tested. Values of 19.5 °C and 95 MPa at reference pressure of 300 MPa and reference temperature of 30 °C were estimated respectively for L. plantarum, while the corresponding values for L. brevis were 40 °C and 82 MPa, respectively, at the same reference conditions. Pressure and temperature were found to act synergistically both for PME and LAB inactivation. The PME and LAB inactivation rate constants were expressed as functions of the temperature and pressure process conditions. These functions allow the determination of the pressure/temperature conditions that achieve the target enzyme and microbial inactivation at a selected processing time. The process conditions of 350 MPa at 35 °C for 2 min are proposed as effective for Valencia orange juice cold pasteurisation.
Stability of the antioxidant capacity of twenty‐five commercially available fruit juices subjected to an in vitro digestion
Authors: Ryan Lisa , Prescott Stuart L.
Published: May 2010

Fruit juice is known to be rich in a variety of antioxidants, which may have protective effects against certain diseases. The objective of the present study was to analyse the total antioxidant capacity of twenty‐five commercially available juices [via ferric‐ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)] and to determine the stability of the antioxidant capacity after an in vitro digestion procedure. All of the juices analysed were a significant source of antioxidants however there was wide variation between the different types of juice (1405–10232 μmol FeII L−1, 30.5–84.8% inhibition of DPPH). Pomegranate juice had the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the other types of juice analysed (orange, apple, pineapple, grapefruit, red grape, cranberry). For many of the juices, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced after an in vitro digestion. In general, there was little difference in antioxidant capacity between premium brand and budget brand varieties of fruit juice.
Detection of potentially enterotoxigenic food‐related Bacillus cereus by PCR analysis
Authors: Bonerba Elisabetta , Di Pinto Angela , Novello Lucia , Montemurro Filomena , Terio Valentina , Colao Valeriana , Ciccarese Giuseppina , Tantillo Giuseppina
Published: May 2010

This study provides data on the prevalence of potentially pathogenic Bacillus cereus in foods from catering kitchens by evaluating the occurrence of B. cereus and the presence of virulence‐associated genes. B. cereus was detected in 72/250 (28.8%) food samples. Specifically, B. cereus was highlighted in 34/74 (45.9%) pastries, 16/40 (40%) rice samples, 4/38 (10.5%) potato meals, 6/54 (11.1%) mozzarella samples and 12/44 (27.3%) meat meals. PCRs aimed at the hbl (C, D, A, B), nhe (A, B, C), bceT and cytK genes demonstrated a widespread distribution of the toxin‐encoding genes among B. cereus isolates. The results highlight the frequent failure of control measures in catering kitchens and the need for intensive and continuous monitoring in order to assess the human health risk, as proposed by Regulation (EC) no. 1441/2007 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs.
Use of the response surface methodology and desirability approach to model Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spore inactivation
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2010

This article proposes the use of the surface response approach to study the effects of pH (3.5–5.5), cinnamaldehyde (0–160 mg L−1) and heat‐processing time at 90 °C (0–16 min) on the germination/inactivation of the spores of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. In a first phase the assays were performed in a laboratory medium (malt extract broth), inoculated with ca. 103 spores mL−1 of a cocktail of six strains of A. acidoterrestris. The reduction of spore number just after the thermal treatment (RN) and the growth/inactivation rate of alicyclobacilli throughout the storage (μ) were submitted to a stepwise regression procedure, thus pointing out the conditions to achieve the maximal inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores; pH, 4.3; cinnamaldehyde, 97 mg L−1; processing time, 9 min. Then, some experiments were performed in a commercial tomato juice, assessing that some combinations (80 mg L−1 of cinnamaldehyde 4 min−1 at 90 °C or 40 mg L−1 of cinnamaldehyde 12 min−1 at 90 °C) could inhibit spore germination for at least 10 days.
Effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the functional properties of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) proteins
Authors: Kamara Mohamed Tabita , Amadou Issoufou , Tarawalie Fatmata , Huiming Zhou
Published: May 2010

In this study, we examined the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the functional properties of defatted foxtail millet proteins. Defatted foxtail millet flour (DFMF) was enzymatically hydrolysed by several commercially available proteases (Protamex, Papain, Alcalase 2.4L, Flavourzyme and Neutrase), with protein recovery of 59. 6%, 62.8%, 81.8%, 78.9%, and 67.5%, respectively. Essential amino acids were above the recommended amount by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) for humans. The molecular weight ranged below 200 and 5000 Da above, hydrophobicities of 122.75 and 166.05, maximum solubility of 91% and 83% at pH 12.0, emulsifying capacity was 82.33% and 72.32%, foam capacity and foam stability ranged from 185.33 to 137.80 g mL−1 and from 185.33 to 111.1 g mL−1 for both defatted foxtail millet protein hydrolysate (DFMPH) and defatted foxtail millet protein isolate (DFMPI), respectively. Enzymatic modification was responsible for changes in the protein functionality and DFMPH are potential as functional food ingredient.
Batter rheology and bread texture of sorghum‐based gluten‐free formulations modified with native or pregelatinised cassava starch and α‐amylase
Authors: Onyango Calvin , Mutungi Christopher , Unbehend Günter , Lindhauer Meinolf G.
Published: May 2010

The influence of α‐amylase (0–0.3 U g−1) on the crumb properties of gluten‐free sorghum batter and bread, respectively, was investigated. The formulations were modified using native or pregelatinised cassava starch (i.e. batter A – 17% pregelatinised starch, 83% sorghum, 100% water fwb; batter B – 17% native starch, 83% sorghum, 100% water fwb; and batter C – 30% native starch, 70% sorghum, 80% water fwb). The batters had solid viscoelastic character with the storage modulus predominant over the loss modulus. Storage moduli of batter A decreased with increasing angular frequency, whereas the moduli of batters B and C were independent from the angular frequency. Increasing enzyme concentration did not affect the loss factors of the batters. Batters’ resistance to deformation, from highest to lowest, followed the order C > A > B. Increasing enzyme concentration decreased crumb firmness, cohesiveness, springiness, resilience and chewiness but increased adhesiveness. Overall, breads containing native starch had better crumb properties (i.e. springier and less firm, chewy and adhesive) than breads containing pregelatinised starch.
Simultaneous determination of theanine, gallic acid, purine alkaloids, catechins, and theaflavins in black tea using HPLC
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaorong , Li Kaikai , Li Chengren , Li Linlin , Li Jiaxian , Huang Hualin , He Yumei , Ye Chuangxing , Song Xiaohong
Published: May 2010

In the present study, we employed high performance liquid chromatography with an amide‐C16 column to determine the eighteen major active ingredients in black tea, including theanine, gallic acid, four purine alkaloids, eight catechins and four theaflavins. The method was successfully used to analyse two new kinds of black teas from the leaves of Camellia ptilophylla and Camellia kucha in China and several other world‐ famous black teas. Forty percentage ethanol was chosen as the extraction solvent for preparing tea extracts. All of the eighteen compounds could be separated within 86 min with a gradient elution system. Excellent linearity was observed for all the standard calibration curves, and correlation coefficients were above 0.9991. The developed method is accurate and sensitive enough for the determination of active components in black tea.
Influence of a combined hot air and UV‐C treatment on quality parameters of fresh‐cut broccoli florets at 0 °C
Authors: Lemoine Maria Laura , Civello Pedro Marcos , Chaves Alicia Raquel , Martínez Gustavo Adolfo
Published: May 2010

Broccoli is a horticultural product with a high nutritional value that can be consumed fresh but also minimally processed. However, broccoli is highly perishable since it develops a senescence quickly that deteriorates commercial and nutritional quality of the product. In this work we analysed the effect of a combination of UV‐C and heat treatment on quality and senescence of fresh‐cut broccoli florets stored at 0 °C. Combined treatment delayed yellowing as evidenced by higher Hue values and lower chlorophyll degradation. The treatment diminished respiratory activity indicating higher tissue integrity. Treated samples showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. On day 21 of storage, treated samples had higher levels of total sugars, and total proteins. The results suggest that a combined treatment with heat and UV‐C may reduce senescence, tissue damage and helps to maintain a better quality of the product during storage at 0 °C.
A mixed‐mode approach to data collection: combining web and paper questionnaires to examine nurses’ attitudes to mental illness
Authors: Guise Veslemøy , Chambers Mary , Välimäki Maritta , Makkonen Pekka
Published: May 2010

guise v., chambers m., välimäki m. & makkonen p. (2010) A mixed‐mode approach to data collection: combining web and paper questionnaires to examine nurses’ attitudes to mental illness. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1623–1632.

Title.  A mixed‐mode approach to data collection: combining web and paper questionnaires to examine nurses’ attitudes to mental illness

Aim.  This paper is a report an evaluation of the use of a sequential mixed‐mode approach to data collection in a study of attitudes to mental illness and people with mental health problems held by Registered Nurses working in adult acute inpatient and psychiatric intensive care settings.

Background.  The use of electronic tools for data collection is becoming increasingly common in nursing research. Currently there is a lack of reports of the use of mixed‐mode designs featuring both web and paper questionnaires. The efficacy of this approach remains unclear.

Method.  Web and paper versions of a questionnaire including the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill scale were distributed in 2007 to all 148 Registered Nurses working in acute care settings in an English mental healthcare organization.

Results.  The mixed‐mode design was successful in increasing overall response rate. Data collection mode was indicative of statistically significantly different response rates, but had no impact on differences in nurses’ socio‐demographic characteristics or attitudes to mental illness. The use of email reminders had a positive impact on the web questionnaire return rate.

Conclusion.  Future nursing studies could benefit from a mixed‐mode study design to attain increased response rates and reduce non‐response bias, although further research should be undertaken with larger groups of nurses to verify consistently the absence of mode effect on study outcomes.
Vocal Discrimination in Mate Guarding Male Australian Sea Lions: Familiarity Breeds Contempt
Authors: Attard Marie R. G. , Pitcher Benjamin J. , Charrier Isabelle , Ahonen Heidi , Harcourt Robert G.
Published: May 2010

The vocal characteristics of a species can be immensely diverse, and can significantly impact animal social interactions. The social structure of a species may vary with geographical variation in call characteristics. The ability of pinnipeds (true seals, fur seals, sea lions and walrus) to distinguish between conspecifics may assist male reproductive strategies, particularly mate acquisition. We assessed the ability of mate guarding Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) males to discriminate local from foreign males’ barks recorded from a geographically distant breeding colony. Bark characteristics were significantly different between colonies, with barks produced by males from the Lewis Island breeding colony higher pitched and longer in both duration and interval duration than barks produced by males on Kangaroo Island. Mate guarding males displayed inter‐colony discrimination of barks, with a significantly stronger response to barks from local males than to those of males from a colony approx. 180 km away. Local males’ barks were apparently considered a greater threat than barks from unfamiliar males. We propose that discrimination of acoustic characteristics may facilitate reproductive isolation in this species that may lead to an ethological–acoustic barrier between breeding colonies, and subsequent genetic isolation.
Transgenic rice plants carrying RNA interference constructs of AOS (allene oxide synthase) genes show severe male sterility
Authors: Bae H. K. , Kang H.‐G. , Kim G.‐J. , Eu H.‐J. , Oh S.‐A. , Song J. T. , Chung I.‐K. , Eun M.‐Y. , Park S. K.
Published: May 2010

With 3 figures

Male sterility is an important trait for rice breeding programmes based on heterosis. To generate male‐sterile plants, we utilized RNAi technology with the promoters for two anther‐specific genes, Osc4 and Osg6b, and one for rice allene oxide synthase (OsAOS). AOS catalyzes the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid and plays an important role in anther development. The promoters isolated from Osc4 and Osg6b were introduced into pK7gwiwgL, a promoter‐less RNAi Gateway binary vector. Partial DNA fragments of OsAOS1 and OsAOS2 were combined into the Osc4::RNAi and Osg6b::RNAi cassettes by LR recombination. The resulting four RNAi constructs were transformed into rice calli by Agrobacterium. During the reproductive growth stage, 28% of OsAOS1 and 48% of OsAOS2 transgenic plants under the control of the Osg6b promoter exhibited a complete‐ or severe‐sterility phenotype compared with the normal wild type. Here, we report that RNA interference of OsAOS2 with the Osg6b promoter is the most effective system for obtaining engineered genic male sterility in rice.
Structure–activity relationship of butyrate analogues on apoptosis, proliferation and histone deacetylase activity in HCT‐116 human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Ooi Cheng Cheng , Good Norm M , Williams Desmond B , Lewanowitsch Tanya , Cosgrove Leah J , Lockett Trevor J , Head Richard J
Published: May 2010

1. Butyrate, a bacteria fermentative product in the colonic lumen, has been shown to produce a wide variety of biological effects in human cancer cells in vitro. However, there are pharmacological drawbacks associated with the use of butyrate therapy and there are limited published data on the structure–activity relationship of butyrate analogues in colorectal cancer cells. Previously, we determined structure–activity relationship using HT‐29 human colorectal cancer cells. However, it was viewed as important to explore similar relationships in another colorectal cancer cell line.

2. Therefore, in the present study, the in vitro structure–activity relationship of butyrate analogues was examined by investigating their effects on apoptosis, cell proliferation, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage as a measure of cell toxicity in HCT‐116 human colorectal cancer cells.

3. Of the 32 analogues tested, only 4‐benzoylbutyrate, 3‐benzo‐ylpropionate, 4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)butyrate and 3‐(4‐fluorobenzoyl)propionate exhibited comparable biological effects to butyrate. The common structural properties of the compounds of interest were to lack amino or hydroxyl substitutions at the 2‐, 3‐ and/or 4‐position of the aliphatic moiety of butyrate.

4. The present study reveals a dissociation between the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, HDAC activity and LDH leakage. The results indicate differential responses of butyrate analogues in HT‐29 and HCT‐116 colorectal cancer cells.