bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation of Menhaden Fish Oil Containing Soluble Rice Bran Fiber Using Spray Drying Technology
Authors: Wan Yuting , Bankston Jr Joseph David , Bechtel Peter J. , Sathivel Subramaniam
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Emulsion (EFMO) containing purified menhaden oil (PMO) and soluble rice bran fiber (SRBF) was dried in a pilot scale spray dryer and produced microencapsulated PMO with SRBF (MFMO). EFMO had well isolated spherical droplets with the size of 1 to 10 μm and showed pseudoplastic fluid and viscoelastic characteristics. EFMO had lower lipid oxidation than the emulsion containing PMO without SRBF when both emulsions were stored at 20 and 40 °C for 88 h, which indicated that the SRBF reduced the lipid oxidation in the EFMO. The estimated MFMO production rate (3.45 × 10−5 kg dry solids/s) was higher than the actual production rate (2.31 × 10−5 kg dry solids/s). The energy required to spray dry the EFMO was 12232 kJ/kg of emulsion. EPA and DHA contents of MFMO were 11.52% and 4.51%, respectively. The particle size of 90% MFMO ranged from 8 to 62 μm, and the volume–length diameter of MFMO was 28.5 μm.
Shrimp Processing Assessed by Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, and Physicochemical Measurements—The Effect of Polyphosphate Content and Length of Prebrining on Shrimp Muscle
Authors: Gudjónsdóttir María , Jónsson Ásbjörn , Bergsson Arnljótur Bjarki , Arason Sigurjón , Rustad Turid
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  The effect of using polyphosphates during prebrining and the effect of prebrining time of cold water shrimp (Pandalus borealis) was studied with low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) transverse relaxation time measurements (benchtop and unilateral) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with the aim of improving shrimp processing. Strong calibrations were obtained for moisture content and water‐holding capacity (WHC) using the NIR technique. Multivariate analysis indicated significant correlations between benchtop NMR parameters and moisture content and WHC, as measured with physicochemical methods and NIR spectroscopy. Significant correlations were also observed between NMR parameters and muscle pH, protein content, and phosphate content. The study showed that LF‐NMR contribute to improved understanding of the shrimp brining process and to improved process control on‐line or at‐line, especially in combination with NIR measurements. However, optimization of the unilateral device is necessary.

Practical Application:  Shrimp processing contains various steps that can lead to denaturation or aggregation of proteins, such as during cooking or freezing. Optimization of shrimp processing is therefore an essential task to ensure minimal moisture loss and to ensure a high quality of the final product. Traditional analytical methods for physicochemical measurements are, however, time‐consuming, sample‐destructive and expensive, and are, therefore, poorly suited for on‐line or at‐line process monitoring and optimization. The study showed the potentials of using LF‐NMR and NIR spectroscopy for on‐line or at‐line process control during processing of cold water shrimp. The methods showed strong correlations to various physicochemical properties, such as muscle pH, moisture content, and WHC, which are important quality factors during shrimp processing. Moreover, the techniques are fast, reliable, and nonsample destructive and may therefore suit well for on‐line or at‐line applications.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Interesterification in Packed Bed Reactor Using 2 Different Temperatures
Authors: Chae Mi‐Hwa , Park Hye‐Kyung , Kwon Kwang‐Il , Kim Jong‐Wook , Hong Seung In , Kim Yangha , Kim Byung Hee , Kim In‐Hwan
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Lipase‐catalyzed interesterification of high oleic sunflower oil and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (70 : 30, wt/ wt) was carried out in a packed bed reactor using an immobilized lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipozyme TL IM) and the effect of a stepwise temperature protocol involving the 2 different temperatures, 60 and 70 °C, was investigated. The melting point of a fat that was incubated at 70 °C for 9 min was 57 °C, which suggested that it should be to employ a lower reaction temperature of 60 °C, after the first 9 min of the reaction. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in the conversion degree, triacylglycerol profile, and solid fat content between a constant temperature protocol (70 °C) and a stepwise temperature protocol (a combination of 70 and 60 °C). After 50 cycles, the overall residual activities of enzymes employed in stepwise temperature protocol were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of enzymes employed in constant temperature protocol.
Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Condensed Tannins in Acetonic Extract of Selected Raw and Processed Indigenous Food Ingredients from Kenya
Authors: Kunyanga Catherine Nkirote , Imungi Jasper Kathenya , Okoth Michael , Momanyi Clare , Biesalski Han Konrad , Vadivel Vellingiri
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Recently, tannins have received considerable attention as health‐promoting component in various plant foods and several studies have reported on its nutraceutical properties. However, no study has established the role of condensed tannins in indigenous foods of Kenya. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP) and antidiabetic effects (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition activities) of condensed tannins in some selected raw and traditionally processed indigenous cereals, legumes, oil seeds, and vegetables. The condensed tannin content of the grains and vegetables ranged between 2.55 and 4.35 g/100 g DM and 1.53 and 5.73 g/100 g DM, respectively. The scavenging effect of acetonic extract on DPPH radical ranged from 77% to 90% while the reducing power was found to be 31 to 574 mmol Fe(II)/g DM in all the investigated food ingredients. The condensed tannin extracts of the analyzed samples showed promising antidiabetic effects with potential α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition activities of 23% to 44% and 58% to 88%, respectively. Condensed tannins extracted from the amaranth grain, finger millet, field bean, sunflower seeds, drumstick, and amaranth leaves exerted significantly higher antioxidant and antidiabetic activities than other food ingredients. Among the traditional processing methods, roasting of grains and cooking of vegetables were found to be more suitable mild treatments for preserving the tannin compound and its functional properties as opposed to soaking + cooking and blanching treatments. The identified elite sources of optimally processed indigenous food ingredients with promising results could be used as health‐promoting ingredients through formulation of therapeutic diets.

Practical Application:  The consumption of a diet full of dietary antioxidants can be substantially enhanced with the right food combinations, and with appropriate food processing and preparation techniques. The consumption of processed grains and vegetables would not only improve the nutrient utilization but also act as potential nutraceuticals as well as therapeutic foods for human health. In this connection, in the present study, the functional properties of condensed tannins extracted from certain indigenous food ingredients were analyzed and also the suitable and mild treatment has been identified. The findings of this research could be suitable in developing/formulating therapeutic supplementary foods for vulnerable group in Kenya.
Control of Singlet Oxygen Generation Photosensitized by meso‐Anthrylporphyrin through Interaction with DNA
Authors: Hirakawa Kazutaka , Hirano Toru , Nishimura Yoshinobu , Arai Tatsuo , Nosaka Yoshio
Published: April 2011

To control the activity of photosensitized singlet oxygen (1O2) generation, the electron donor‐connecting porphyrin, 5‐(9′‐anthryl)‐10,15,20‐tris(p‐pyridyl)porphyrin (AnTPyP), was designed and synthesized. AnTPyP became water‐soluble by the protonation of the pyridyl moieties in the presence of 5 mm trifluoroacetic acid (pH 2.3). The photoexcited state of the porphyrin ring in an AnTPyP molecule was effectively deactivated by intramolecular electron transfer from the anthracene moiety within 0.04 ns in an aqueous solution. The deactivation was suppressed by the interaction with a DNA strand, resulting in the elongation of the lifetime of the porphyrin excited state and the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the interaction enabled the photoexcited AnTPyP to generate 1O2. Selective 1O2 generation by forming a complex with DNA should be the initial step to realize the target selective photodynamic therapy.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of C.I. Basic Violet 2 Using TiO2–SiO2 Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Mahyar Ali , Behnajady Mohammad Ali , Modirshahla Naser
Published: April 2011

In this report, TiO2–SiO2 composite nanoparticles were prepared by the thermal hydrolysis method using titanium tetrachloride and tetraethylorthosilicate as TiO2 and SiO2 precursors, respectively. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), nitrogen adsorption/desorption and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results indicated that, in comparison with pure TiO2, TiO2–SiO2 composite nanoparticles had a higher thermal stability, which prevents phase transformation from anatase to rutile. In addition, the TiO2–SiO2 nanoparticles had a higher specific surface area, larger pore volume, greater band gap energy and smaller crystallite size. Thus, the surface area of TiO2–40% SiO2 composite nanoparticles was about 17 times higher than that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2–SiO2 composite nanoparticles in the photodegradation of C.I. Basic Violet 2 was investigated. The photodegradation rate of Basic Violet 2 using TiO2–40% SiO2 nanoparticles calcined at 600°C was much faster than that using pure TiO2 and Degussa P25 TiO2 by 10.9 and 4.3 times, respectively. The higher photoactivity of the TiO2–SiO2 composite nanoparticles was attributed to their higher surface area, larger pore volume, greater band‐gap energy and smaller crystallite size compared with pure TiO2.
The Role of Human Capital in the Development Process of Industrial Clusters: Evidence from Metalworking Clusters in Sri Lanka*
Authors: Nihal Padmasiri H.M.
Published: April 2011

This article seeks to explain how human capital assists industrial development through the developmental process of metalworking clusters in Sri Lanka. For this purpose, an individual firm’s data set collected by the author is used. The study yields four major findings: highly educated and experienced managers in the cluster tended to use brand names; the managers’ human capital as accumulated through formal education and experience positively influenced the firms’ performance; the engineers and machinists who comprised the most skilled labour made a positive contribution to the size of the firm; and the managers’ education played a crucial role in accessing international markets.
Blended Learning in Finance: Comparing Student Perceptions of Lectures, Tutorials and Online Learning Environments Across Different Year Levels*
Authors: Farley Alan , Jain Ameeta , Thomson Dianne
Published: April 2011

In modern pedagogy, a blended approach is used comprising both face‐to‐face and online learning. This study investigates how undergraduate students majoring in finance view the different learning environments, and evaluates the changes in perception over the three years of the degree after controlling for gender, age, international/domestic student and English as a first language. Using a purpose designed survey instrument, students across the three years of undergraduate study rated the importance of lectures, tutorials and web‐based learning environments in a blended learning model. The results indicate that there is still a strong preference for face‐to‐face learning. Additionally, there were significant differences in attitudes and perception by year level.
Does the Political Institution Matter for Financial Development?
Authors: Voghouei Hatra , Azali M. , Law Siong Hook
Published: April 2011

The study examines the effect of economic institutions on financial development, where economic institutions themselves are endogenous and determined by political power. Following the theory of “economic institution” proposed by Acemoglu et al. (2004), two groups of political power (de jure political power or political institution and de facto political power or distribution of resource) are employed in the analysis. By using the panel data of sixty counties during 1980–2006, the empirical results show that political power is a statistically significant determinant of economic institutions and hence affects the development of financial systems. The result demonstrates that de jure political power has great significant effect on financial development than de facto political power.
Monetary and Fiscal Policy: How an Agreed Inflation Target Affects Fiscal Policy
Authors: Brash Donald
Published: April 2011

When the 1989 legislation was passed giving the Reserve Bank of New Zealand a high degree of operational independence, with an overriding responsibility for achieving and maintaining stability in the general level of prices, the extent to which this would inevitably drive change in fiscal policy was not widely understood. It wasn’t long before the Government realised the inevitable inter‐relationship.
The effect of priming materialism on women's responses to thin‐ideal media
Authors: Ashikali Eleni‐Marina , Dittmar Helga
Published: April 2011

Consumer culture is characterized by two prominent ideals: the ‘body perfect’ and the material ‘good life’. Although the impact of these ideals has been investigated in separate research literatures, no previous research has examined whether materialism is linked to women's responses to thin‐ideal media. Data from several studies confirm that the internalization of materialistic and body‐ideal values is positively linked in women. After developing a prime for materialism (N= 50), we present an experimental examination (N= 155) of the effects of priming materialism on women's responses to thin‐ideal media, using multiple outcome measures of state body dissatisfaction. Priming materialism affects women's body dissatisfaction after exposure to thin media models, but differently depending on the dimension of body image measured. The two main novel findings are that (1) priming materialism heightens the centrality of appearance to women's self‐concept and (2) priming materialism influences the activation of body‐related self‐discrepancies (BRSDs), particularly for highly materialistic women. Exposure to materialistic media has a clear influence on women's body image, with trait materialism a further vulnerability factor for negative exposure effects in response to idealized, thin media models.
A procedure for isolating social desirability variance in a three‐way component analysis
Authors: Lorenzo‐Seva Urbano , Ferrando Pere J.
Published: April 2011

Three‐way component analysis aims to summarize all the information in a three‐way data set related, for example, to the responses of individuals to a set of items in a set of situations. The data are decomposed into three component matrices (person, item and situation components) and a core matrix. Such data are generally obtained by means of a situation‐response questionnaire administered to a sample of participants. This paper proposes a preprocessing procedure for controlling social desirability in these kinds of questionnaires. The essential idea is to isolate the variance due to social desirability response bias and remove it from the data set. The procedure is demonstrated through its empirical application in the personality domain. Its performance is also assessed by means of a simulation study which shows that the presence of social desirability bias in a data set had different consequences: (1) the variance effect due to persons increased, and the effect of the triple interaction persons × items × situations decreased; (2) the person component and core matrix were partially distorted. However, the social desirability bias in the data set was successfully controlled by our preprocessing method.
Probabilistic Presentation of the Still Water Loads of Tankers. Which Way Ahead?
Authors: Ivanov Lyuben D. , Wang Ge
Published: April 2011

This paper analyzes the state-of-the-art concerning this subject. The objectives are (1) to provide data of still water bending moments and shear forces that were collected from loading manuals of dozens of tankers, (2) to conduct statistical analysis of the loading cases, and (3) to discuss possible ways for further improvement of knowledge about the variability of still water loads during real ships’ operation.
Investigation of Restoring Stiffness in the Hydroelastic Analysis of Slender Marine Structures
Authors: Senjanović I. , Hadžić N. , Tomić M.
Published: April 2011

The restoring stiffness, which couples displacements and deformations, plays a very important role in hydroelastic analysis of marine structures. The problem of its formulation is quite complex and is still discussed in relevant literature. In this paper, the recent formulations of restoring stiffness are correlated and analyzed. Due to some common terms of the restoring and geometric stiffness, the unified stiffness is established and compared with the complete restoring stiffness known in relevant literature. It is found out that the new formula deals with more terms and that under some assumptions, it is reduced to the known complete restoring stiffness. The unified stiffness constitution is analyzed through derived analytical formulae for prismatic pontoon. Its consistency is checked for the rigid body displacements. Also, numerical results of the hydroelastic response of segmented barge are correlated with available model test results. Some issues, that are important for practical implementation in the hydroelastic code for flexible structures, are described.
A Joint Probability Model for Environmental Parameters
Authors: Sagrilo Luís Volnei Sudati , Prates de Lima Edison Castro , Papaleo Arnaldo
Published: April 2011

Joint probabilistic models (JPMs) for the environmental parameters such as wave, wind, and current are nowadays of paramount importance in order to perform the reliability analysis of marine structures. These JPMs are also essential for long-term statistics-based design of offshore structures and to perform dynamic response analysis of floating units that are strongly dependent on the directionality of the environmental actions such as turret-moored floating, production, storage, and offloading vessels (FPSOs). Recently, some JPMs have been proposed in literature to represent the joint statistics of a reduced number of environmental parameters. However, it is a difficult task to obtain practical and reliable models to express the complete statistical dependence among the environmental parameters intensities and their correspondent directions. This paper presents a methodology, based on the Nataf transformation, to create a JPM of wave, wind, and current environmental parameters taking into account, also, the statistical correlation between intensities and directions. The proposed model considers ten short-term environmental variables: the significant wave height, peak period, and direction of the sea waves, the significant wave height, peak period, and direction of the swell waves, the amplitude and direction of the 1 h wind velocity, and, finally, the amplitude and direction of the surface current velocity. The statistical dependence between them is modeled using concepts of linear-linear, linear-circular, and circular-circular variables correlation. Some results of the proposed JPM methodology are presented based on simultaneous environmental data gathered in an offshore Brazil location.
Modeling of Co-planar Type Single-Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel
Cells
Authors: Akhtar Naveed , Decent Stephen P. , Loghin Daniel , Kendall Kevin
Published: April 2011

A two dimensional, nonisothermal numerical model of a single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell has been developed. For the sake of simplicity in developing the model, hydrogen-air mixture (80% hydrogen, 20% air by volume, which is considered as safe) has been chosen instead of hydrocarbon-air mixtures (which require complex modeling strategy such as reforming via partial oxidation and modeling of two active fuels, i.e., hydrogen and carbon monoxide). The model is based on considering yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as an electrolyte supported material, nickel yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) as anode, and lanthanum strontium manganite as a cathode material. The effect of varying distance between anode and cathode, flow rate, temperature, porosity, and electrolyte thickness has been investigated in terms of electrochemical performance. It has been found that the flow rate and distance between the electrodes’ pair are the most sensitive parameters in such type of fuel cells. The model was coded in a commercial software package of finite element analysis, i.e., COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS, 3.3a.
Theoretical investigations of the impurity axial displacement for ZnO:V3+
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hong , Wu Shao-Yi , Zhang Hua-Ming
Published: April 2011

The local structure of the V3+ center in ZnO crystal is theoretically investigated using the perturbation formulas of the spin Hamiltonian parameters for a 3d2 ion in trigonally distorted tetrahedra. From the studies, the impurity V3+ is found not to occupy the ideal Zn2+ site in ZnO but to suffer an outward displacement of about 0.08 Å away from the oxygen triangle along the C3 axis. The calculated spin Hamiltonian parameters based on the above impurity displacement show good agreement with the experimental data. The outward displacement of the impurity V3+ in ZnO can be attributed to the local tension due to the size and charge mismatching substitution of the host Zn2+ by the larger and higher charged V3+. The studies of this work would be helpful to the investigations of the structure properties of ZnO (or other similar II-VI semiconductors) doped with transition-metal ions.
Gradual pressure release for reliable nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Wi Jung-Sub , Wilson Robert J. , White Robert M. , Wang Shan X.
Published: April 2011

Reliable generation of nanometer-scale features is one of the most critical subjects for the industrial use of nanoimprint lithography. In this brief report, the authors investigate the influence of imprinting pressure history on the fidelity of a molded pattern in thermal nanoimprint lithography. The authors demonstrate that the morphology of molded patterns can be drastically improved by altering the pressure applied during the cooling step. A gradual release of imprinting pressure is found to augment reliable pattern transfer of high-density nanodot arrays without any noticeable polymer reflow or delamination of the patterned layer.
In Vitro Selection of
ramR
and
soxR
Mutants Overexpressing Efflux Systems by Fluoroquinolones as Well as Cefoxitin in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Bialek-Davenet Suzanne , Marcon Estelle , Leflon-Guibout Véronique , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Bert Frédéric , Moreau Richard , Nicolas-Chanoine Marie-Hélène
Published: April 2011

The relationship between efflux system overexpression and cross-resistance to cefoxitin, quinolones, and chloramphenicol has recently been reported in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. In 3 previously published clinical isolates and 17
in vitro
mutants selected with cefoxitin or fluoroquinolones, mutations in the potential regulator genes of the AcrAB efflux pump (
acrR
,
ramR
,
ramA
,
marR
,
marA
,
soxR
,
soxS
, and
rob
) were searched, and their impacts on efflux-related antibiotic cross-resistance were assessed. All mutants but 1, and 2 clinical isolates, overexpressed
acrB
. No mutation was detected in the regulator genes studied among the clinical isolates and 8 of the mutants. For the 9 remaining mutants, a mutation was found in the
ramR
gene in 8 of them and in the
soxR
gene in the last one, resulting in overexpression of
ramA
and
soxS
, respectively. Transformation of the
ramR
mutants and the
soxR
mutant with the wild-type
ramR
and
soxR
genes, respectively, abolished overexpression of
acrB
and
ramA
in the
ramR
mutants and of
soxS
in the
soxR
mutant, as well as antibiotic cross-resistance. Resistance due to efflux system overexpression was demonstrated for 4 new antibiotics: cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ertapenem. This study shows that the
ramR
and
soxR
genes control the expression of efflux systems in
K. pneumoniae
and suggests the existence of efflux pumps other than AcrAB and of other loci involved in the regulation of AcrAB expression.
In VivoandIn VitroAntimalarial Properties of Azithromycin-Chloroquine Combinations That Include the Resistance Reversal Agent Amlodipine
Authors: Pereira Marcus R. , Henrich Philipp P. , Sidhu Amar bir Singh , Johnson David , Hardink Joel , Van Deusen Jeffrey , Lin Jian , Gore Katrina , O'Brien Connor , Wele Mamadou , Djimde Abdoulaye , Chandra Richa , Fidock David A.
Published: April 2011

Evidence of emergingPlasmodium falciparumresistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies, documented in western Cambodia, underscores the continuing need to identify new antimalarial combinations. Given recent reports of the resurgence of chloroquine-sensitiveP. falciparumparasites in Malawi, after the enforced and prolonged withdrawal of this drug, and indications of a possible synergistic interaction with the macrolide azithromycin, we sought to further characterize chloroquine-azithromycin combinations for theirin vitroandin vivoantimalarial properties.In vitro96-h susceptibility testing of chloroquine-azithromycin combinations showed mostly additive interactions against freshly culturedP. falciparumfield isolates obtained from Mali. Some evidence of synergy, however, was apparent at the fractional 90% inhibitory concentration level. Additionalin vitrotesting highlighted the resistance reversal properties of amlodipine for both chloroquine and quinine.In vivoexperiments, using the Peters 4-day suppressive test in aP. yoeliimouse model, revealed up to 99.9% suppression of parasitemia following treatment with chloroquine-azithromycin plus theRenantiomer of amlodipine. This enantiomer was chosen because it does not manifest the cardiac toxicities observed with the racemic mixture. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses in this rodent model and subsequent extrapolation to a 65-kg adult led to the estimation that 1.8 g daily ofR-amlodipine would be required to achieve similar efficacy in humans, for whom this is likely an unsafe dose. While these data discount amlodipine as an additional partner for chloroquine-based combination therapy, our studies continue to support azithromycin as a safe and effective addition to antimalarial combination therapies.
Syntrophomonadaceae-Affiliated Species as Active Butyrate-Utilizing Syntrophs in Paddy Field Soil
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Qiu Qiongfen , Lu Yahai
Published: April 2011

DNA-based stable-isotope probing was applied to identify the active microorganisms involved in syntrophic butyrate oxidation in paddy field soil. After 14 and 21 days of incubation with [U-13C]butyrate, the bacterialSyntrophomonadaceaeand the archaealMethanosarcinaceaeandMethanocellalesincorporated substantial amounts of13C label into their nucleic acids. Unexpectedly, members of thePlanctomycetesandChloroflexiwere also labeled with13C by yet-unclear mechanisms.
The Agr-Like Quorum-Sensing System Regulates Sporulation and Production of Enterotoxin and Beta2 Toxin by Clostridium perfringens Type A Non-Food-Borne Human Gastrointestinal Disease Strain F5603
Authors: Li Jihong , Chen Jianming , Vidal Jorge E. , McClane Bruce A.
Published: April 2011

Clostridium perfringens
type A strains producing enterotoxin (CPE) cause one of the most common bacterial food-borne illnesses, as well as many cases of non-food-borne human gastrointestinal disease. Recent studies have shown that an Agr-like quorum-sensing system controls production of chromosomally encoded alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O by
C. perfringens
, as well as sporulation by
Clostridium botulinum
and
Clostridium sporogenes
. The current study explored whether the Agr-like quorum-sensing system also regulates sporulation and production of two plasmid-encoded toxins (CPE and beta2 toxin) that may contribute to the pathogenesis of non-food-borne human gastrointestinal disease strain F5603. An isogenic
agrB
null mutant was inhibited for production of beta2 toxin during vegetative growth and in sporulating culture, providing the first evidence that, in
C. perfringens
, this system can control production of plasmid-encoded toxins as well as chromosomally encoded toxins. This mutant also showed reduced production of alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O during vegetative growth. Importantly, when cultured in sporulation medium, the mutant failed to efficiently form spores and was blocked for CPE production. Complementation partially or fully reversed all phenotypic changes in the mutant, confirming that they were specifically due to inactivation of the
agr
locus. Western blots suggest that this loss of sporulation and sporulation-specific CPE production for the
agrB
null mutant involves, at least in part, Agr-mediated regulation of production of Spo0A and alternative sigma factors, which are essential for
C. perfringens
sporulation.
The
l
-Arabinan Utilization System of Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Authors: Shulami Smadar , Raz-Pasteur Ayelet , Tabachnikov Orly , Gilead-Gropper Sarah , Shner Itzhak , Shoham Yuval
Published: April 2011

Geobacillus stearothermophilus
T-6 is a thermophilic soil bacterium that has a 38-kb gene cluster for the utilization of arabinan, a branched polysaccharide that is part of the plant cell wall. The bacterium encodes a unique three-component regulatory system (
araPST
) that includes a sugar-binding lipoprotein (AraP), a histidine sensor kinase (AraS), and a response regulator (AraT) and lies adjacent to an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) arabinose transport system (
araEGH
). The lipoprotein (AraP) specifically bound arabinose, and gel mobility shift experiments showed that the response regulator, AraT, binds to a 139-bp fragment corresponding to the
araE
promoter region. Taken together, the results showed that the
araPST
system appeared to sense extracellular arabinose and to activate a specific ABC transporter for arabinose (AraEGH). The promoter regions of the arabinan utilization genes contain a 14-bp inverted repeat motif resembling an operator site for the arabinose repressor, AraR. AraR was found to bind specifically to these sequences, and binding was efficiently prevented in the presence of arabinose, suggesting that arabinose is the molecular inducer of the arabinan utilization system. The expression of the arabinan utilization genes was reduced in the presence of glucose, indicating that regulation is also mediated via a catabolic repression mechanism. The cluster also encodes a second putative ABC sugar transporter (AbnEFJ) whose sugar-binding lipoprotein (AbnE) was shown to interact specifically with linear and branched arabino-oligosaccharides. The final degradation of the arabino-oligosaccharides is likely carried out by intracellular enzymes, including two α-
l
-arabinofuranosidases (AbfA and AbfB), a β-
l
-arabinopyranosidase (Abp), and an arabinanase (AbnB), all of which are encoded in the 38-kb cluster.
Genome Sequence of Chthoniobacter flavus Ellin428, an Aerobic Heterotrophic Soil Bacterium
Authors: Kant Ravi , van Passel Mark W. J. , Palva Airi , Lucas Susan , Lapidus Alla , Glavina del Rio Tijana , Dalin Eileen , Tice Hope , Bruce David , Goodwin Lynne , Pitluck Sam , Larimer Frank W. , Land Miriam L. , Hauser Loren , Sangwan Parveen , de Vos Willem M. , Janssen Peter H. , Smidt Hauke
Published: April 2011

Chthoniobacter flavus
Ellin428 is the first isolate from the class
Spartobacteria
of the bacterial phylum
Verrucomicrobia. C. flavus
Ellin428 can metabolize many of the saccharide components of plant biomass but is incapable of growth on amino acids or organic acids other than pyruvate.
Cardiopulmonary, blood metabolite and rating of perceived exertion responses to constant exercises performed at different intensities until exhaustion
Authors: Pires Flávio O , Noakes Timothy D , Lima-Silva Adriano E , Bertuzzi R , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Lira Fabio S , Kiss Maria Augusta P D M
Published: April 2011

Objective

This study analysed cardiopulmonary, metabolic and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses during exercise bouts performed below, at and above the second lactate threshold (LT2) intensity.

Methods

10 healthy men performed constant workloads to exhaustion at the first lactate threshold (LT1), LT2 and 25% of the difference between LT2 and maximal aerobic power output (TW25%) identified during an incremental test. The time to exhaustion (TE) was 93.8 (18.0), 44.5 (16.0) and 22.8 (10.6) min at LT1, LT2 and TW25%, respectively (p < 0.001). Metabolic and cardiopulmonary parameters and RPE data were time normalised to the exercise bout duration. The correlation between the slope of these variables and TE was calculated.

Results

Differences were found for respiratory exchange ratio (RER), RPE and potassium at LT1; RER, RPE, norepinephrine and potassium at LT2; and ventilation, respiratory rate (RR), RPE, lactate and potassium at TW25%. Except for RR, no cardiopulmonary or metabolic parameter increased significantly after 50% of the exercise duration, indicating a physiological steady state. VO2, heart rate and lactate at exhaustion in all exercise bouts were significantly lower than values reached in the maximal incremental test. The slope of most metabolic variables was not correlated to TE in LT1, LT2 and TW25%, whereas the slope of RPE was significantly correlated to TE (r = −0.72 to −0.84; p < 0.05) for the three exercise intensities.

Conclusion

Contrary to traditional suggestions, exercise at LT1, LT2 and TW25%intensities is performed and terminated in the presence of an overall physiological steady state.
A systematic review of sensorimotor function during adolescence: a developmental stage of increased motor awkwardness?
Authors: Quatman-Yates Catherine C , Quatman Carmen E , Meszaros Andrew J , Paterno Mark V , Hewett Timothy E
Published: April 2011

Background

Although adolescent motor awkwardness and increased injury susceptibility have often been speculated and researched, studies regarding adolescent regressions in motor control have yielded inconsistent conclusions. Thus, the relationship between adolescent maturation and injury risk remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature relative to two questions: (1) Which sensorimotor mechanisms are not fully mature by the time children reach adolescence? and (2) Is adolescence a period when children exhibit delays or regressions in sensorimotor mechanisms?

Methods

Systematic searches for keywords were performed in February 2010 using PubMed MEDLINE (from 1966), CINAHL (from 1982) and SPORTDiscus (from 1985) databases. Articles were reviewed relative to predetermined criteria, and the methodological quality of each included study was assessed.

Results

The search identified 2304 studies, of which 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. All 33 identified studies provided results associated with Question 1, 6 of which also yielded results pertaining to Question 2. The search results indicated that many aspects of sensorimotor function continue to mature throughout adolescence, and at least some children experience delays or regressions in at least some sensorimotor mechanisms. The results also exposed several significant weaknesses in our knowledge base.

Conclusion

The identified knowledge gaps are critical barriers because they hinder methods for identifying children at high risk and diminish the efficacy of targeted prevention programmes. Implications regarding research on adolescent injury risk are discussed and recommendations for future research such as improved methodological designs and integration of non-linear analyses are provided.
EXTENDING A HYBRID GODUNOV METHOD FOR RADIATION HYDRODYNAMICS TO MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS
Authors: SEKORA MICHAEL D.
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a hybrid Godunov method for three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics. The multidimensional technique outlined in this paper is an extension of the one-dimensional method that was developed by Sekora and Stone 2009, 2010. The earlier one-dimensional technique was shown to preserve certain asymptotic limits and be uniformly well behaved from the photon free streaming (hyperbolic) limit through the weak equilibrium diffusion (parabolic) limit and to the strong equilibrium diffusion (hyperbolic) limit. This paper gives the algorithmic details for constructing a multidimensional method. A future paper will present numerical tests that demonstrate the robustness of the computational technique across a wide-range of parameter space.
CHAOTIC DYNAMICS OF A SIMPLE PARAMETRICALLY DRIVEN DISSIPATIVE CIRCUIT
Authors: PHILOMINATHAN P. , SANTHIAH M. , MOHAMED I. RAJA , MURALI K. , RAJASEKAR S.
Published: April 2011

We introduce a simple parametrically driven dissipative second-order chaotic circuit. In this circuit, one of the circuit parameters is varied by an external periodic control signal. Thus by tuning the parameter values of this circuit, classic period-doubling bifurcation route to chaos is found to occur. The experimentally observed phenomena is further validated through corresponding numerical simulation of the circuit equations. The periodic and chaotic dynamics of this model is further characterized by computing Lyapunov exponents.
MOLECULE MODEL FOR KAONIC NUCLEAR CLUSTER $\bar{K}NN$
Authors: FABER M. , IVANOV A. N. , KIENLE P. , MARTON J. , PITSCHMANN M.
Published: April 2011

We analyze the properties of the kaonic nuclear cluster (KNC) [Formula: see text] with the structure [Formula: see text], having the quantum numbers [Formula: see text], and treated as a quasi-bound hadronic molecule state. We describe the properties of the hadronic molecule, or the KNC [Formula: see text], in terms of vibrational degrees of freedom with oscillator wave functions and chiral dynamics. These wave functions, having the meaning of trial wave functions of variational calculations, are parametrized by the frequency of oscillations of the [Formula: see text] pair, which is fixed in terms of the binding energy of the strange baryon resonance Λ(1405), treated as a quasi-bound [Formula: see text] state. The binding energies BX and widths ΓX of the states [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, are calculated in the heavy-baryon approximation by using chiral Lagrangians with meson–baryon derivative couplings invariant under chiral SU (3)× SU (3) symmetry at the tree-level approximation. The results are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the widths of non-pionic [Formula: see text], NΣ and pionic [Formula: see text] decay modes, calculated for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively.
RADIATION EFFECTS ON SUPERCONDUCTING FUSION MAGNET COMPONENTS
Authors: WEBER HARALD W.
Published: April 2011

Nuclear fusion devices based on the magnetic confinement principle heavily rely on the existence and performance of superconducting magnets and have always significantly contributed to advancing superconductor and magnet technology to their limits. In view of the presently ongoing construction of the tokamak device ITER and the stellerator device Wendelstein 7X and their record breaking parameters concerning size, complexity of design, stored energy, amperage, mechanical and magnetic forces, critical current densities and stability requirements, it is deemed timely to review another critical parameter that is practically unique to these devices, namely the radiation response of all magnet components to the lifetime fluence of fast neutrons and gamma rays produced by the fusion reactions of deuterium and tritium. I will review these radiation effects in turn for the currently employed standard "technical" low temperature superconductors NbTi and Nb3Sn , the stabilizing material ( Cu ) as well as the magnet insulation materials and conclude by discussing the potential of high temperature superconducting materials for future generations of fusion devices, such as DEMO.
THE UNCERTAIN GENERALIZED OWA OPERATOR AND ITS APPLICATION TO FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING
Authors: MERIGÓ JOSÉ M. , CASANOVAS MONTSERRAT
Published: April 2011

We introduce the uncertain generalized OWA (UGOWA) operator. This operator is an extension of the OWA operator that uses generalized means and uncertain information represented as interval numbers. By using UGOWA, it is possible to obtain a wide range of uncertain aggregation operators such as the uncertain average (UA), the uncertain weighted average (UWA), the uncertain OWA (UOWA) operator, the uncertain ordered weighted geometric (UOWG) operator, the uncertain ordered weighted quadratic averaging (UOWQA) operator, the uncertain generalized mean (UGM), and many specialized operators. We study some of its main properties, and we further generalize the UGOWA operator using quasi-arithmetic means. The result is the Quasi-UOWA operator. We end the paper by presenting an application to a decision-making problem regarding the selection of financial strategies.
AN OPTIMAL TRUST MANAGEMENT METHOD TO PROTECT PRIVACY AND STRENGTHEN OBJECTIVITY IN UTILITY COMPUTING SERVICES
Authors: HWANG JUNSEOK , KIM SO YOUNG , KIM HAK-JIN , PARK JIHYOUN
Published: April 2011

Utility computing services constitute business opportunities in the customer-to-customer (C2C) marketplace. Providers deal with the risks and uncertainties faced by users while transacting with unfamiliar counterparts. Ensuring trustworthy transactions among unfamiliar users is an important condition of utility-computing service. Many peer-to-peer (P2P) sites utilize reputation systems; however, such systems are subject to lack of reviewer objectivity and robustness against attacks as well as unfair ratings. In this study, we propose the manual adjustment of reputation ratings by means of transaction monitoring and establish that the resulting enhanced objectivity and robustness in utility-computing service transactions will strengthen the trust management system. We also propose the optimal level of monitoring and penalizing activities based on the level of privacy concerns among users and the appropriate complementary service.
An Empirical Study of the Impact of Intellectual Capital on Business Performance
Authors: Chu Samuel Kai Wah , Chan Kin Hang , Yu Ka Yin , Ng Hing Tai , Wong Wai Kwan
Published: April 2011

This empirical study examines the intellectual capital (IC) performance of Hong Kong companies and its association with business performance. Data were collected from constituent companies of the Hang Seng Index listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2005–2008). An IC measurement, Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAICTM), was utilised to evaluate the IC investment of the companies.

Four accounting ratios: market-to-book value (MB), return on assets (ROA), asset turnover (ATO) and return on equity (ROE) were used as the indicators of business performance. Regression analyses were conducted to test the ability of IC and its components in order to explain the variance in business performance measures.

No conclusive evidence was found to support the associations between VAICTM as an aggregate measure and the four financial indicators. However, components of VAICTM were found to predict a substantial variance in business performance. Capital Employed Efficiency (CEE) was found to be a key factor in predicting business financial performance. Structural Capital Efficiency (SCE) was found to have a significant effect on businesses' market valuation, as measured by MB, and on profitability, as measured by ROE. Negative correlations were found between Human Capital Efficiency (HCE) and the financial indicators. The findings indicate a gap between the traditional accounting perspective and the value creation perspective, which is central to the VAICTM methodology in measuring IC.

It is believed that the findings of this research provide insights for business stakeholders of Hong Kong companies in utilising IC, particularly the noted impact of structural capital. While our findings indicate the importance of IC for corporations, as shown by the significant effect of SCE on ROE, physical and financial assets may still be considered as the key resources in delivering business success.
Corporate Posts and Tweets: Brand Control in Web 2.0
Authors: Hartzel Kathleen S. , Mahanes Christopher J. , Maurer Gregory J. , Sheldon Jennette , Trunick Christopher , Wilson Shanon J.
Published: April 2011

Social networking, through media such as Twitter and Facebook, is changing influence streams on consumer (customer) attitudes and behaviours. The direct and readily available consumer-to-consumer communication, made accessible through social networking, provides a repository of information from one's referent group, as well as an organisation's customer-facing facade. Therefore as connections among customers increase, the customers assume a higher degree of brand control at the expense of corporate marketing efforts to establish a specific brand image. This paper presents the results of interviews with four organisations that have created interactive marketing strategies built upon social networking. These companies are using social media and social networks to create online communities where they can leverage peer-to-peer network influence and use this influence to reinforce or increase a positive brand image.
NASA Lasers Monitor the Health of Planet Earth
Authors: Barnes Norman
Published: April 2011

A wide variety and range of information is needed to assess the health of Planet Earth. Laser systems in a polar orbit can gather needed information globally. This can be utilized as a basis for reasoned policy decisions. There are several types of laser measurement techniques. Different measurement techniques require different types of lasers. The parameters that can be measured, their economic impact, and the laser development required for these lasers are presented.
Novel Solution Synthesis of White LED Phosphors by Microreaction Method
Authors: Okura Hiroshi , Murakawa Takuro , Miyamoto Yoshinobu , Ohmi Koutoku
Published: April 2011

A rare earth ion activated phosphor material has been successfully synthesized for the first time using a newly developed microreaction system. Control of the particle size of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) yellow phosphor powder has been attempted by changing the reaction space. The size can be varied between 400-1000 nm by maintaining almost the same photoluminescent performance. An internal quantum efficiency of 85% has been achieved for the YAG:Ce powder sample having an average particle size of 400 nm.
Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Green Oxynitride Phosphor
Authors: Porob Digamber G. , Manepalli Satya Kishore , Prasanth Kumar Nammalwar , Setlur Anant
Published: April 2011

Nitride and oxy nitride based phosphors are of significant interest for use in phosphor converted white light emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs). In particular, silicon based nitrides such as M2Si5N8:Eu2+ (M = Ca,Sr,Ba), MSi2O2N2: Eu2+ (M= Ca, Sr, Ba), CaAlSiN3 and Sialon:Eu2+ have been studied extensively as phosphors. In this article, we discuss synthesis and luminescence properties of (Ba1-xSrx)3Si6O12N2 phosphor. The Eu2+ activated material shows efficient green emission around ~525 nm under 405nm excitation. Our results indicate a continuous redshift up to 30nm in Eu2+ luminescence with increasing concentration of Sr2+. These phosphors also show good thermal stability at high temperatures.