bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-eddy simulation of the plume generated by the fire at the Buncefield oil depot in December 2005
Authors: Devenish B.J , Edwards J.M
Published: October 2008

The explosion at the Buncefield oil depot in Hertfordshire, UK on 11 December 2005 produced the largest fire in Europe since the Second World War. The magnitude of the fire and the scale of the resulting plume thus present a stringent test of any mathematical model of buoyant plumes. A large-eddy simulation of the Boussinesq equations with suitable initial conditions is shown to reproduce the characteristics of the observed plume; both the height of the plume above the source and the direction of the downwind spread agree with the observations. This supports the use of the Boussinesq assumption, even for such a powerful plume as the one generated by the Buncefield fire. The presence of a realistic water vapour profile does not lead to significant additional latent heating of the plume, but does lead to a small increase in the final rise height of the plume due to the increased buoyancy provided by the water vapour. Our simulations include the interaction of radiation with the aerosol in the plume, and reproduce the observed optical thickness of the plume and the reduction of solar radiation reaching the ground. Far downwind of the source, solar radiation is shown to play a role in lofting the laterally spreading plume, but the manner in which it does so depends on the aerosol concentration. In the case of high aerosol concentration, the thickness of the plume increases; the incoming solar radiation is absorbed over such a small depth that only the top of the plume is lofted upwards and the level of maximum concentration remains almost unchanged relative to the case with no radiation. When the aerosol concentration is low, the whole plume is heated by the incoming solar radiation and the lofting is more coherent, with the result that the level of maximum concentration increases relative to the case with no radiation, but the thickness of the plume increases only slightly.
Representing the UK's cattle herd as static and dynamic networks
Authors: Vernon Matthew C , Keeling Matt J
Published: October 2008

Network models are increasingly being used to understand the spread of diseases through sparsely connected populations, with particular interest in the impact of animal movements upon the dynamics of infectious diseases. Detailed data collected by the UK government on the movement of cattle may be represented as a network, where animal holdings are nodes, and an edge is drawn between nodes where a movement of animals has occurred. These network representations may vary from a simple static representation, to a more complex, fully dynamic one where daily movements are explicitly captured. Using stochastic disease simulations, a wide range of network representations of the UK cattle herd are compared. We find that the simpler static network representations are often deficient when compared with a fully dynamic representation, and should therefore be used only with caution in epidemiological modelling. In particular, due to temporal structures within the dynamic network, static networks consistently fail to capture the predicted epidemic behaviour associated with dynamic networks even when parameterized to match early growth rates.
Crossovers trigger a remodeling of meiotic chromosome axis composition that is linked to two-step loss of sister chromatid cohesion
Authors: Martinez-Perez Enrique , Schvarzstein Mara , Barroso Consuelo , Lightfoot James , Dernburg Abby F. , Villeneuve Anne M.
Published: October 2008

Segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis depends on linkages (chiasmata) created by crossovers and on selective release of a subset of sister chromatid cohesion at anaphase I. During Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis, each chromosome pair forms a single crossover, and the position of this event determines which chromosomal regions will undergo cohesion release at anaphase I. Here we provide insight into the basis of this coupling by uncovering a large-scale regional change in chromosome axis composition that is triggered by crossovers. We show that axial element components HTP-1 and HTP-2 are removed during late pachytene, in a crossover-dependent manner, from the regions that will later be targeted for anaphase I cohesion release. We demonstrate correspondence in position and number between chiasmata and HTP-1/2-depleted regions and provide evidence that HTP-1/2 depletion boundaries mark crossover sites. In htp-1 mutants, diakinesis bivalents lack normal asymmetrical features, and sister chromatid cohesion is prematurely lost during the meiotic divisions. We conclude that HTP-1 is central to the mechanism linking crossovers with late-prophase bivalent differentiation and defines the domains where cohesion will be protected until meiosis II. Further, we discuss parallels between the pattern of HTP-1/2 removal in response to crossovers and the phenomenon of crossover interference.
BLAP18/RMI2, a novel OB-fold-containing protein, is an essential component of the Bloom helicase–double Holliday junction dissolvasome
Authors: Singh Thiyam Ramsing , Ali Abdullah Mahmood , Busygina Valeria , Raynard Steven , Fan Qiang , Du Chang-hu , Andreassen Paul R. , Sung Patrick , Meetei Amom Ruhikanta
Published: October 2008

Bloom Syndrome is an autosomal recessive cancer-prone disorder caused by mutations in the BLM gene. BLM encodes a DNA helicase of the RECQ family, and associates with Topo IIIα and BLAP75/RMI1 (BLAP for BLM-associated polypeptide/RecQ-mediated genome instability) to form the BTB (BLM–Topo IIIα–BLAP75/RMI1) complex. This complex can resolve the double Holliday junction (dHJ), a DNA intermediate generated during homologous recombination, to yield noncrossover recombinants exclusively. This attribute of the BTB complex likely serves to prevent chromosomal aberrations and rearrangements. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a novel member of the BTB complex termed BLAP18/RMI2. BLAP18/RMI2 contains a putative OB-fold domain, and several lines of evidence suggest that it is essential for BTB complex function. First, the majority of BLAP18/RMI2 exists in complex with Topo IIIα and BLAP75/RMI1. Second, depletion of BLAP18/RMI2 results in the destabilization of the BTB complex. Third, BLAP18/RMI2-depleted cells show spontaneous chromosomal breaks and are sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate treatment. Fourth, BLAP18/RMI2 is required to target BLM to chromatin and for the assembly of BLM foci upon hydroxyurea treatment. Finally, BLAP18/RMI2 stimulates the dHJ resolution capability of the BTB complex. Together, these results establish BLAP18/RMI2 as an essential member of the BTB dHJ dissolvasome that is required for the maintenance of a stable genome.
About the importance of being desulfated: Figure 1.
Authors: Khatri Richa , Schipani Ernestina
Published: October 2008

Sulfated proteoglycans have important structural and signaling functions in the growth plate. In the October 1, 2008, issue of Genes & Development, Settembre and colleagues (2645–2650) report that lack of SUMF1, a crucial enzyme in the activation of sulfatases, causes a severe chondrodysplasia by augmenting fibroblast growth factor signaling and by hampering the autophagic process, which the investigators show is constitutively on in chondrocytes. The findings highlight the essential role of desulfation in cartilage biology and organogenesis.
C. elegans SIR-2.1 translocation is linked to a proapoptotic pathway parallel to cep-1/p53 during DNA damage-induced apoptosis
Authors: Greiss Sebastian , Hall Julie , Ahmed Shawn , Gartner Anton
Published: October 2008

Caenorhabditis elegans SIR-2.1, a member of the sirtuin family related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sir2p, has previously been implicated in aging. The mammalian homolog SIRT1 plays important roles in multiple cellular processes including transcriptional repression and stress response. We show that sir-2.1 is essential for the execution of apoptosis in response to DNA damage, and that sir-2.1 genetically acts in parallel to the worm p53-like gene cep-1. This novel cep-1-independent proapoptotic pathway does not require the daf-16 FOXO transcription factor. Cytological analysis of SIR-2.1 suggests a novel mechanism of apoptosis induction. During apoptosis SIR-2.1 changes its subcellular localization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and transiently colocalizes with the C. elegans Apaf-1 homolog CED-4 at the nuclear periphery. SIR-2.1 translocation is an early event in germ cell apoptosis and is independent of apoptosis execution and cep-1, raising the possibility that SIR-2.1 translocation is linked to the induction of DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
DNA helicases Sgs1 and BLM promote DNA double-strand break resection
Authors: Gravel Serge , Chapman J. Ross , Magill Christine , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: October 2008

A key cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is 5′-to-3′ DSB resection by nucleases to generate regions of ssDNA that then trigger cell cycle checkpoint signaling and DSB repair by homologous recombination (HR). Here, we reveal that in the absence of exonuclease Exo1 activity, deletion or mutation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RecQ-family helicase, Sgs1, causes pronounced hypersensitivity to DSB-inducing agents. Moreover, we establish that this reflects severely compromised DSB resection, deficient DNA damage signaling, and strongly impaired HR-mediated repair. Furthermore, we show that the mammalian Sgs1 ortholog, BLM—whose deficiency causes cancer predisposition and infertility in people—also functions in parallel with Exo1 to promote DSB resection, DSB signaling and resistance to DSB-generating agents. Collectively, these data establish evolutionarily conserved roles for the BLM and Sgs1 helicases in DSB processing, signaling, and repair.
Effect of naproxen on the hypothalamic–pituitary– adrenal axis in healthy volunteers
Authors: Eijsbouts Agnes M. M. , Kempers Marlies J. E. , Kramer Renske S. A. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Van Den Hoogen Frank H. J. , Laan Ronald F. J. M. , Hermus Ad R. M. M. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Van De Putte Leo B. A.
Published: October 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the activity of the hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is decreased.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• It is not known how the frequent use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with RA influences the HPA axis.

• In this study the effect of the NSAID naproxen on HPA axis activity was tested in healthy volunteers.

• Two weeks' use of naproxen did not influence the activity of the HPA axis in healthy volunteers under basal circumstances, nor in response to physical stress.

AIM

To study the effect of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug naproxen on the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

A double‐blind, randomized study in two groups of 20 healthy volunteers was performed. The activity of the HPA axis was measured before and after the use of naproxen or placebo during a period of 2 weeks. Basal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, 24‐h urinary cortisol, and circadian cortisol rhythm in saliva were determined. Plasma ACTH and cortisol were also measured during submaximal physical exercise.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the placebo and naproxen groups in basal plasma ACTH [09.00 h 3.1 pmol l−1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0, 4.2, and 2.8 pmol l−1, 95% CI 1.9, 3.7, respectively], cortisol levels (09.00 h 0.45 µmol l−1, 95% CI 0.39, 0.51, and 0.40 µmol l−1, 95% CI 0.35, 0.44, respectively), 24 h urinary cortisol excretion (67.5 nmol 24 h−1, 95% CI 54.3, 80.7, and 86.8 nmol 24 h−1, 95% CI 54.4, 119.2, respectively), circadian cortisol rhythm measured in salivary samples, or ACTH and cortisol concentrations after physical exercise. After the use of placebo or naproxen for 2 weeks, no significant change in any of the parameters occurred (ACTH 09.00 h 3.0 pmol l−1, 95% CI 2.0, 3.9, and 3.0 pmol l−1, 95% CI 2.2, 3.8, respectively; cortisol 09.00 h 0.45 µmol l−1, 95% CI 0.37, 0.52, and 0.39 µmol l−1, 95% CI 0.34, 0.44, respectively; cortisol urine 79.5 nmol 24 h−1, 95% CI 59.5, 99.4, and 81.7 nmol 24 h−1, 95% CI 64.0, 99.4, respectively), and no significant differences were found in these parameters between the placebo and naproxen groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of naproxen does not influence the activity of the HPA axis in healthy volunteers under basal circumstances or in response to physical stress.
Bronchoalveolar neutrophils, interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 and interleukin-7 in AIDS-associated tuberculosis
Authors: Kibiki G S , Myers L C , Kalambo C F , Hoang S B , Stoler M H , Stroup S E , Houpt E R
Published: October 2008

During advanced AIDS tuberculosis (TB) often presents atypically with smear-negative and non-cavitary disease, yet immune features associated with this change are poorly characterized. We examined the local immune response in a cohort of Tanzanian AIDS-associated TB patients who underwent bronchoalveolar lavage. TB infection was confirmed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid by culture, probe and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among TB patients CD4 count correlated positively with the extent of cavitary disease as well as BAL TB load (qPCR CT). TB patients had significantly higher granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) than non-TB patients, and those with non-cavitary TB had significantly higher BAL interferon gamma-inducible protein (IP-10) and interleukin (IL)-7 than those with cavities. BAL neutrophils were as prevalent as monocytes/macrophages or epithelial cells, and immunohistochemistry revealed that neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and epithelial cells were major sources of the IP-10 and IL-7. These data suggest a dysregulated cytokine profile may contribute to the TB of advanced AIDS.
Affinity maturation of immunoglobulin A anti-tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies during development of coeliac disease
Authors: Westerlund A , Ankelo M , Simell S , Ilonen J , Knip M , Simell O , Hinkkanen A E
Published: October 2008

Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by ingestion of wheat gluten and related cereals in genetically predisposed individuals. Circulating immunoglobulin A (IgA) class autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase (IgA–TGA) are highly specific and sensitive serological markers for CD, which is ultimately confirmed by duodenal biopsy. Although CD is considered a life-long disorder, transient or fluctuating IgA–TGA seropositivity has been observed in asymptomatic individuals on a gluten-containing diet. We set out to explore possible differences in the maturation of IgA–TGA avidity between individuals progressing to CD and subjects remaining healthy despite occasional expression of autoantibodies. We developed a time-resolved fluorometric IgA–TGA assay based on human recombinant tissue transglutaminase (tTG), and further modified the method to also measure urea-dependent avidity of the autoantibodies. We measured the autoantibody titres and avidities of sequential serum samples from 10 children developing CD and 10 children presenting transient or fluctuating autoantibodies. Both the initial titres at seroconversion and peak values of transient/fluctuating IgA–TGA were significantly lower than corresponding autoantibody titres in samples drawn from individuals with progressing CD (P = 0·004 and P = 0·0002, respectively). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the initial or peak avidity index values between the two groups of children. The avidity index values increased during the follow-up period (P = 0·013 for both groups) with no significant difference in the rate of avidity maturation between children with transient/fluctuating IgA–TGA and children developing CD. According to our results, high autoantibody titres have a higher predictive value than avidity maturation of TGA-IgA in screening for CD.
Increased serum high mobility group box-1 level in Churg–Strauss syndrome THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED
Authors: Taira T , Matsuyama W , Mitsuyama H , Kawahara K-I , Higashimoto I , Maruyama I , Osame M , Arimura K
Published: October 2008

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare form of systemic vasculitis occurring in patients with asthma and hypereosinophilia; however, its mechanisms involved in the severe tissue inflammation with vasculitis are poorly understood. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, originally identified as a DNA binding protein, also has potent pro-inflammatory and proangiogenic properties. In this study, we hypothesized that HMGB1 might be associated with CSS, and examined serum HMGB1 levels and compared those of asthma patients and healthy volunteers. We also investigated HMGB1 expression in the lesion, and eosinophil HMGB1 amount in CSS patients. We found that the serum HMGB1 levels in CSS patients were significantly higher than those of asthma patients and healthy volunteers. Eosinophils in the CSS lesion expressed HMGB1 and HMGB1 level in eosinophils from CSS patients was significantly higher than that of asthma patients, while there was no significant difference in HMGB1 levels in peripheral mononuclear cells. The serum HMGB1 level in CSS patients decreased after the steroid therapy, and showed significant positive correlations with several molecules, including soluble interleukin-2 receptor, soluble thrombomodulin, and eosinophil cationic protein in sera. We propose that HMGB1 might contribute to the pathogenesis of CSS.
Time–course of Toll-like receptor 2 expression, as a predictor of recurrence in patients with bacterial infectious diseases
Authors: Orihara K , Nagata K , Hamasaki S , Oba R , Hirai H , Ishida S , Kataoka T , Oketani N , Ogawa M , Mizoguchi E , Ichiki H , Tei C
Published: October 2008

The clinical course of bacterial infectious diseases is often variable, especially in elderly patients. Thus, new biological markers have been sought to predict the disease outcome. Recent studies have revealed that Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and/or TLR4 on circulating monocytes are significantly up-regulated in bacterial infections. However, the lack of reliable quantification methods hampers extensive study on the modulation of these molecules in response to the patient's clinical condition. In this study, we developed a new quantitative flow cytometric analysis system for TLR2. We then carried out a longitudinal study on TLR2 expression levels on monocytes from patients suffering from bacterial infectious diseases during and after antibiotic treatment. The clinical outcome divided 37 patients into ‘cure’ (n = 24) and ‘recurrence’ (n = 13) groups. A significant difference between the two groups was recognized in the TLR2 levels just after antibiotic treatment (antibody-binding sites/cell, 4395 ± 784 versus 5794 ± 1484, P < 0·001). The risk of recurrence was associated significantly with TLR2 (P < 0·001), but not C-reactive protein (P = 0·351) levels assayed during the first remission. Furthermore, antibiotic effectiveness was associated inversely with TLR2 levels during antibiotic administration (P < 0·001). Taken together, TLR2 expression levels on monocytes provide critical information for planning treatment against bacterial infectious diseases.
Inhalation of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-derived peptides can protect against recurrent autoimmune but not alloimmune responses in the non-obese diabetic mouse
Authors: Ravanan R , Wong S F , Morgan N G , Mathieson P W , Smith R M
Published: October 2008

Systemic administration of islet-derived antigens has been shown to protect against diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse by the induction of antigen-specific regulatory T cells. Bystander regulation to related and unrelated islet-derived antigens (intramolecular and intermolecular recognition) in this context is recognized. We tested if intranasal administration of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD 65)-derived peptides could protect against both autoimmune and, through bystander regulation, alloimmune responses in a NOD mouse model. Spontaneously diabetic female NOD mice underwent islet transplantation from either C57Bl/6 or NOD islet donors. Islet recipients were treated with intranasal GAD 65-derived peptides or control (ovalbumin) peptide pre- and post-transplantation. In-vitro analysis of the effect of inhalation was defined using lymph node proliferation assays and supernatant analysis for cytokines. GAD 65-derived peptide inhalation resulted in significant protection against recurrent autoimmune disease, with the generation of an interleukin (IL)-10-producing immune phenotype in a syngeneic islet transplant model. This phenotype, however, was not robust enough to protect against alloimmune responses. Inhalation of GAD-derived peptides induces an immunoregulatory response that protects against recurrent autoimmune, but not alloimmune responses in the NOD mouse.
Translational Mini-Review Series on Vaccines: Peptide vaccines for myeloid leukaemias
Authors: Barrett A J , Rezvani K
Published: October 2008

The graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effect following allogeneic stem cell transplantation is clear evidence that T lymphocytes can control and eliminate myeloid leukaemias. The successful identification of a range of leukaemia specific antigens (LSA) in recent years has stimulated efforts to induce leukaemia specific T cell responses to these antigens with peptide vaccines. An ideal LSA should be restricted in its expression to leukaemia including progenitor cells, intrinsically connected with the leukaemic phenotype, and capable of inducing strong cytotoxic T cell responses to the leukaemia. Peptides from three well-characterized LSA, the breakpoint cluster region–abelson (BCR–ABL) fusion protein of chronic myelogenous leukaemia, proteinase-3 and Wilms tumour 1 protein, serve as the basis for several clinical trials using peptide and adjuvants to treat patients with a variety of myeloid malignancies. Preliminary results from these studies indicate that these peptides induce immune responses which can translate into clinical responses which include complete remissions from leukaemia. These promising early results point the way to optimizing the administration of peptide vaccines and suggest ways of combining vaccination with allogeneic stem cell transplantation to boost GVL effects.
Translational Mini-Review Series on Vaccines: Monitoring of human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Dillner J , Arbyn M , Dillner L
Published: October 2008

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer. Moreover, HPV type 16 (and to a lesser degree HPV type 18) is linked with more rare cancers, namely cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, oropharynx and larynx. Effective prophylactic vaccines have been developed. In this review, we briefly address immunological aspects of HPV infection and the results of HPV vaccination trials. Internationally standardized monitoring and evaluation of prophylactic HPV vaccination programmes will be essential for arriving at the most (cost-)effective strategies for cancer control.
Soil carbon sequestration in a pine forest after 9 years of atmospheric CO2 enrichment
Authors: LICHTER JOHN , BILLINGS SHARON A. , ZIEGLER SUSAN E. , GAINDH DEEYA , RYALS REBECCA , FINZI ADRIEN C. , JACKSON ROBERT B. , STEMMLER ELIZABETH A. , SCHLESINGER WILLIAM H.
Published: October 2008

The impact of anthropogenic CO2 emissions on climate change may be mitigated in part by C sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems as rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations stimulate primary productivity and ecosystem C storage. Carbon will be sequestered in forest soils if organic matter inputs to soil profiles increase without a matching increase in decomposition or leaching losses from the soil profile, or if the rate of decomposition decreases because of increased production of resistant humic substances or greater physical protection of organic matter in soil aggregates. To examine the response of a forest ecosystem to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, the Duke Forest Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment in North Carolina, USA, has maintained atmospheric CO2 concentrations 200 μL L−1 above ambient in an aggrading loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation over a 9‐year period (1996–2005). During the first 6 years of the experiment, forest‐floor C and N pools increased linearly under both elevated and ambient CO2 conditions, with significantly greater accumulations under the elevated CO2 treatment. Between the sixth and ninth year, forest‐floor organic matter accumulation stabilized and C and N pools appeared to reach their respective steady states. An additional C sink of ∼30 g C m−2 yr−1 was sequestered in the forest floor of the elevated CO2 treatment plots relative to the control plots maintained at ambient CO2 owing to increased litterfall and root turnover during the first 9 years of the study. Because we did not detect any significant elevated CO2 effects on the rate of decomposition or on the chemical composition of forest‐floor organic matter, this additional C sink was likely related to enhanced litterfall C inputs. We also failed to detect any statistically significant treatment effects on the C and N pools of surface and deep mineral soil horizons. However, a significant widening of the C : N ratio of soil organic matter (SOM) in the upper mineral soil under both elevated and ambient CO2 suggests that N is being transferred from soil to plants in this aggrading forest. A significant treatment × time interaction indicates that N is being transferred at a higher rate under elevated CO2 (P=0.037), suggesting that enhanced rates of SOM decomposition are increasing mineralization and uptake to provide the extra N required to support the observed increase in primary productivity under elevated CO2.
Storms can cause Europe‐wide reduction in forest carbon sink
Authors: LINDROTH ANDERS , LAGERGREN FREDRIK , GRELLE ACHIM , KLEMEDTSSON LEIF , LANGVALL OLA , WESLIEN PER , TUULIK JANNO
Published: October 2008

Disturbance of ecosystems is a major factor in regional carbon budgets, and it is believed to be partly responsible for the large inter‐annual variability of the terrestrial part of the carbon balance. Forest fires have so far been considered as the most important disturbance but also other forms of disturbance such as insect outbreaks or wind‐throw might contribute significantly to the largely unexplained inter‐annual variability, at least in specific regions. The effect of wind‐throw has not yet been estimated because of lack of data on how carbon fluxes are affected. The Gudrun storm, which hit Sweden in January 2005, resulted in ca. 66 million m3 of wind‐thrown stem wood on an area of ca. 272 000 ha. Using a model (BIOME‐BGC) calibrated to CO2 flux measurements at two sites, the annual net ecosystem productivity during the first year after the storm was estimated to be in the range −897 to −1259 g C m−2 yr−1. This is a much higher loss compared with harvested (clear‐cut) forests in Europe, which ranged between ca. −420 and −100 g m−2 yr−1. The reduction in the carbon sink scaled to the whole wind‐thrown area was estimated at ca. 3 million tons C during the first year. By historical data on wind‐throw in Europe combined with modelling, we estimated that the large Lothar storm in 1999 reduced the European carbon balance by ca. 16 million tons C, this is ca. 30% of the net biome production in Europe. We conclude that the impact of increased forest damage by more frequent storms in future climate change scenarios must be considered and that intermittent large wind‐throw events may explain a part of the large inter‐annual variability in the terrestrial carbon sink.
Influence of typhoons on annual CO2 flux from a subtropical, humic lake
Authors: JONES STUART E. , KRATZ TIMOTHY K. , CHIU CHIH‐YU , McMAHON KATHERINE D.
Published: October 2008

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts dramatic changes in precipitation patterns over the next century. One potential method for inferring how these changes in annual precipitation and intensity of storm events will influence aquatic ecosystems is to study and model present‐day lakes that share climatic characteristics with future climate scenarios. A small lake in north‐central Taiwan provided an excellent opportunity to explore the influence of intense meteorological events on CO2 exchange between surface waters and the atmosphere. Each year Yuan Yang Lake (YYL) is influenced by multiple typhoons that pass near the island of Taiwan. This lake has been instrumented with a sensor network that monitors water column and meteorological parameters at a high temporal resolution (2–10 min intervals). Using this high‐resolution data and manually collected CO2 samples, a mass‐balance model of CO2 dynamics in YYL was developed. In addition, a generalized simulation model was used to explore how typhoon frequency, intensity, and timing impact CO2 efflux to the atmosphere. Our findings suggest that increased annual precipitation and frequency of storm events results in greater epilimnetic interaction with the watershed and hypolimnion. These interactions resulted in elevated epilimetic CO2 concentrations and therefore greater evasion of CO2 to the atmosphere.
‘Best before period once opened’ for honey samples from oceanic climates on the basis of their acidity types
Authors: Mar Cavia María del , Fernández‐Muiño Miguel A. , Francisco Huidobro José , Teresa Sancho María
Published: October 2008

Stability of food is of particular interest, as we should know the period for which a given food maintains its original quality. Acidity is a very important parameter as regards honey quality control. In this study we analysed a possible ‘best before period once opened’, regarding the evolution of acidity in honey throughout 30 months in samples from regions with oceanic climates. The study was carried out at room temperature (between 15 and 25 °C) by analysing all samples in duplicate each 5 months. We also researched the possible influence of induced granulation on the acidity evolution of honey samples, observing that as the analysis of variance showed significant differences at P‐value <0.05, this process had a significant influence on free acid and total acidity. All samples fulfilled the European Regulations regarding free acid, because no honey sample showed a free acid value higher than the limit of 50 meq kg−1. Nevertheless, all honey samples suffered a continuous decrease of pH from 20 months on (averages: from 4.1 ± 0.25 at 20 months to 4.0 ± 0.23 at 30 months), and a continuous increase of both free acid (averages: from 27.6 ± 6.22 meq kg−1 at 20 months to 33.5 ± 6.44 meq kg−1 at 30 months) and total acidity (averages: from 42.5 ± 7.60 meq kg−1 at 20 months to 44.7 ± 7.60 meq kg−1 at 30 months). On the basis of acidity types, 20 months should be considered the ‘best before period once opened’ for honey from regions with oceanic climates.
Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of lentils (Lens culinaris), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), peas (Pisum sativum L.) and soybeans (Glycine max), and their quantitative changes during processing
Authors: Han Hwa , Baik Byung‐Kee
Published: October 2008

Total phenolic content (PC) was ∼12 mg g−1 in lentils, 2.2 mg g−1 in chickpeas, 2.3 mg g−1 in soybeans, 2.5 mg g−1 in yellow peas and 1.2 mg g−1 in green peas. Total antioxidant activity (AA) determined by ABTS (2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethyl‐benzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assay was highest in lentils at around 14 μmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) g−1 and lowest in green peas at 1.9 μmol TEAC g−1. Bound phytochemicals contributed to 82–85% total AA in lentils. Free phytochemicals contributed more to total AA in chickpeas, yellow peas, green peas and soybeans than bound phytochemicals. AA and PC was reduced by ∼80% in lentils and <30% in yellow peas by decortication, by 16–41% in lentils, chickpeas and peas by cooking, and by 22–42% in lentils by soaking. Total AA was significantly correlated with total PC. Soybeans had the greatest ability to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation and chelate metals among the legumes tested. Different legumes exhibited different AA mechanisms.
A new vegetable oil from noni (Morinda citrifolia) seeds
Authors: West Brett J. , Jarakae Jensen Claude , Westendorf Johannes
Published: October 2008

The nutritional quality and safety of oil extracted from noni (Morinda citrifolia) seeds was evaluated to determine its potential as a useful vegetable oil. The average oil content of noni seeds was found to be 124.9 g kg1. The mean linoleic acid content of crude noni seed oil was 59.4%. The average β‐sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and α‐tocopherol contents of noni seed oil were 4310, 2195, 2020, and 382 mg kg−1, respectively. No evidence of acute oral toxicity was observed for noni seed or the oil at 5 g kg−1 b.w. and 10 mL kg−1 b.w., respectively. Noni seed oil was not gentoxic in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay or the in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay. These results indicate that noni seeds may be a useful new source of vegetable oil.
The effects of soluble gas stabilisation on the quality of packed sardine fillets (Sardina pilchardus) stored in air, VP and MAP
Authors: Mendes Rogério , Pestana Carla , Gonçalves Amparo
Published: October 2008

Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is a species that for its abundance assumes great importance in the Portuguese fishing sector. In order to contribute for a better utilisation of this species, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the pre‐treatment with soluble gas stabilisation (SGS) (100% CO2 at 2 bar, during 15 and 30 min) on the quality and shelf‐life of sardine fillets, packed in air (AP), vacuum (VP) and modified atmosphere (MAP: 5% O2/35% CO2/60% N2). During the chilled storage, the quality changes were evaluated by sensory evaluation, chemical and microbiological analysis. The total volatile basic nitrogen content remained almost constant, between 16 and 19 mg N/100 g muscle, during the storage period, for all samples. The TBARs values increased with storage time, for all batches and storage conditions. The application of SGS treatment to sardine fillets, resulted in a bacteriostatic effect, contributing to the improvement of the microbiological quality of fillets. Considering a sensory criteria, the shelf‐life of SGS pre‐treated sardine fillets was found to be 5 days in AP and MAP while in VP‐treated fillets a shelf‐life of 8 days was reported. At sensory rejection, sardine fillets presented a K‐value of 30% in AP and MAP batches and 40% in VP batch.
Changes of bioactive compounds and anti‐oxidant activity during cold storage of carrots
Authors: Koca Nuray , Karadeniz Feryal
Published: October 2008

Carotenoids, total phenolics and anti‐oxidant activity of carrots were determined during 6 months of storage at 0 °C, 85–90% relative humidity. In addition to changes in CIE colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, h and C), physicochemical properties of carrots including water soluble solids; pH and titratable acidity were evaluated. Cold storage of carrots did not affect the carotenoid levels (β‐carotene, α‐carotene and total carotenoid) except lutein, which showed a 37.5% loss. Total phenolic concentration of carrots decreased significantly (P < 0.05) over the entire storage period. The anti‐oxidant activity of carrots decreased with a level of 31% and was found correlated with total phenolics and lutein content in carrots. While CIE L* and a* parameters decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 6 months of storage, the b* and C parameters were statistically unchanged for the first 4 months of storage, but decreased gradually for the following period.
Common date palm in Tunisia: chemical composition of pulp and pits
Authors: Saafi Emna B. , Trigui Maher , Thabet Raouf , Hammami Mohamed , Achour Lotfi
Published: October 2008

Date pulp and seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) of a mixture of some mature common varieties called ‘Khalti’, from the South‐Eastern region of Tunisia, were evaluated for their main chemical composition. Studies were also conducted on the profiles of the extracted oil fatty acid. The following average values (on a dry‐weight basis) were obtained from the pulp and pits, respectively: total sugars 63.38% and 8.12%, reducing sugars 51.56% and 6.63%, sucrose 11.82% and 1.49%, protein 3.86% and 5.31%, oil 0.26% and 8.33%. Gas–liquid chromatography revealed that the major unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid (32.77%) for the pulp and oleic acid (47.66%) for the pits, while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (20.55%) for the pulp and lauric acid (17.39%) for the pits. Myristic, stearic and linolenic acids were also found in both the pulp and seeds.

The uses of common dates, which are currently used only for animal feed, are assessed with suggestions for potential uses as sources of nutraceutical fructose and edible, pharmaceutical oils.
Damage inhibition during refrigerated storage of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets by a presoaking in quince (Cydonia oblonga) polyphenolic extract
Authors: Fattouch Sami , Sadok Saloua , Raboudi‐Fattouch Faten , Slama Mourad Ben
Published: October 2008

The effect of quince (Cydonia oblongaMiller) polyphenolic extract on preserving mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets during refrigerated (4 °C) storage for 11 days was investigated. The quince extract, mainly consisted of procyanidin B dimer (50.8%) and hydroxycinnamic acids (36.62%), was found to quench 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals by nearly 59.3%. As deduced from the lower peroxide value of the fillet fat fraction and the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation, the quince extract (8.9 ± 0.4 mg phenolics mL−1) was found to prevent fish oil from oxidative deterioration compared to control samples. Moreover, the extract was found to be active forin vitroinhibiting the growth of a range of food‐borne bacteria, includingVibrio fluvialis, a halophilic bacterium responsible for a relevant number of sporadic gastroenteritis attributed to contaminated seafood. The minimal inhibition and bactericide concentration (MIC, MBC) values were about 0.37–1.2 mg of polyphenols mL−1. In a second experiment, following cold smoking of fillets, sensory attributes firmness, astringency, acidity, colour and odour were analysed. The use of multivariate statistical methods (cluster analysis and principal component analysis) revealed no significant differences between samples pre‐treated and non‐pre‐treated (control) with the quince‐phenolic extract.
Evaluation of the mechanical properties and diffusion coefficients of osmodehydrated melon cubes
Authors: Ferrari Cristhiane Caroline , Hubinger Miriam Dupas
Published: October 2008

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of osmotic agents, their concentration and temperature, on the mass transfer kinetics and mechanical properties of osmodehydrated melon cubes. Samples were immersed in a hypertonic solution of sucrose or maltose up to 8 h under controlled temperature and agitation. Water loss, sugar gain and mechanical properties were analysed throughout the process. Mass transfer kinetics was modelled according to Peleg and Fick equations. Higher water loss, lower sugar uptake and stress at rupture values more similar to fresh fruit were observed in samples treated with maltose solutions. Peleg’s model showed the best adjustment to all the experimental data, however the k1 and k2 parameters did not show a clear trend with the solution concentration or temperature increase. The effective diffusivity obtained using Fick’s equation varied from 3.93 × 10−9 to 6.45 × 10−9m2 s−1 for water loss and from 7.57 × 10−10 to 3.14 × 10−9m2 s−1 for sugar gain.
Monitoring struturants of fat blends with ultrasound based in‐line rheometry (ultrasonic velocity profiling with pressure difference)
Authors: Young Niall W. G. , Wassell Paul , Wiklund Johan , Stading Mats
Published: October 2008

Ultrasonic velocity profiling with pressure difference (UVP‐PD) was demonstrated to be a successful, non‐invasive, in‐line measurement system for instantaneous velocity and rheological flow profiling of complex, opaque fat blends. Model systems of 25% Akomic, 75% rapeseed oil; and 25% Akomic, 74% rapeseed oil and 1% Grindsted® Crystalliser 110 were compared under real process conditions with UVP‐PD. Results indicated that the sample containing the crystalliser had twice the viscosity of the control. These in‐line results are in agreement with previous off‐line results, and offer the chance to probe the mechanics of fat blend physics under real, dynamic conditions.
Effect of fermentation on in vitro digestibilities and the level of antinutrients in moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal]
Authors: Bhandal Amrit
Published: October 2008

The effect of fermentation with varying temperatures and time periods on the nutritive value of Moth bean was studied. Results indicated that at 30 °C, protein digestibility increased from 60% in the non‐processed moth bean to 77%, 78% and 80% and at 35 °C, increased to 81%, 83% and 85% following 12, 18 and 24 h of fermentation (controlled) period, respectively. Fermentation also caused an appreciable enhancement (96–133%) in starch digestibility with increase in period and temperature of fermentation. Fermentation of moth bean resulted in 24–34% reduction in phytic acid content at 30 °C and 33–42.5% at 35 °C. Polyphenol content was reduced by 42%, 48% and 51% at 30 °C and by 44%, 49% and 54% at 35 °C after 12, 18 and 24 h of fermentation period, respectively. Prolonging the period of fermentation from 12 to 18 and 24 h at 30 °C also caused a loss in TIA.
Resonance Raman monitoring of lipid oxidation in muscle foods
Authors: Kathirvel Priya , Ermakov Igor V. , Gellermann Werner , Mai Jimbin , Richards Mark P.
Published: October 2008

A non‐invasive optical method, Resonance Raman spectroscopy was used to follow the progression of lipid oxidation in mechanically separated turkey (MST) through oxidative bleaching of β‐carotene. Endogenous or 20–50 ppm exogenously added β‐carotene in MST served as an inert marker of lipid oxidation, and the corresponding detectable Raman signals were highly correlated with the concentration of lipid oxidation products in muscle tissue based on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Adding 100 ppm β‐carotene accelerated lipid oxidation in MST, and thus should not be used. No carotenoid Raman response was obtained for washed cod with added hemoglobin, which indicates that washed cod was devoid of any endogenous β‐carotene. Moreover, the absence of any heme protein Raman response eliminates the use of heme as an alternative biomarker to β‐carotene at the excitation wavelength employed. These studies indicate that resonance Raman detection of endogenous or exogenous β‐carotene can be used as a simple and non‐invasive method for assessing lipid oxidation status in finely comminuted muscle tissues.
Establishing the contribution of nursing in the community to the health of the people of Scotland: integrative literature review
Authors: Kennedy Catriona , Christie Jane , Harbison Jean , Maxton Fiona , Rutherford Ishbel , Moss Dawn
Published: October 2008

Title.  Establishing the contribution of nursing in the community to the health of the people of Scotland: integrative literature review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of an integrative literature review to explore the evidence base for nursing in the community.

Background.  The Scottish Executive (2005) in Scotland (UK), announced that a review of nursing in the community should be undertaken to inform implementation of the policy Delivering for Health. This policy called for a fundamental shift in the focus of care away from acute hospitals into the community where health care in the future will be concentrated. To inform this review of nursing in the community, the Scottish Executive commissioned a literature review.

Methods.  An integrative literature review was carried out during 2006 (February to April). We carried out an extensive literature search using multiple electronic databases and hand‐searched key texts to find suitable systematic reviews and primary quantitative and qualitative papers for review (1996–March 2006). We included English language publications describing systematic reviews and primary empirical research about community nurses' contributions to the health of people.

Findings.  Seventy‐three papers (12 systematic reviews and 61 studies) met our inclusion criteria. All of the studies were scored as either ‘low’ or ‘medium’ quality. None merited a ‘high’ quality rating.

Conclusions.  There is little research evaluating the impact of community nursing actions. Adequately resourced research is needed to strengthen the evidence base to support nurses in the community in delivering effective and efficient care that meet the health needs of people and communities.
Partners in care: investigating community nurses’ understanding of an interdisciplinary team‐based approach to primary care
Authors: O’Neill Mary , Cowman Seamus
Published: October 2008

Aim.  This study investigated community nurses understanding of teamwork in primary care.

Background.  Internationally trends indicate a movement towards the development of primary care as a key element in health service delivery. This will have implications for the organisation of community nursing services by creating the need for more coherent integrated structures for service delivery. In this context, teamwork is associated with a range of positive outcomes including higher levels of quality care and job satisfaction.

Design.  A research study was undertaken to investigate community nurses’ understanding of an interdisciplinary team‐based approach to primary care using a qualitative research design. Focus groups were held with community nurses working in the areas of public health nursing, general nursing and practice nursing.

Methods.  Three focus groups were established. Twenty seven participants were recruited to form three groups comprising public health nurses (n = 10), general nurses (n = 10) and practice nurses (n = 7). A sequenced‐questioning framework guided the systematic process of data collection. Data analysis engaged a thematic content analysis framework.

Results.  The analysis of the data revealed the following themes: teamwork, promoting community services, promoting health, professional roles and skills and knowledge for primary care.

Conclusion.  Nurses can contribute significantly to the re‐orientation and development of primary care services. There must be greater efforts to encourage interdisciplinary approaches. The outcomes of this study can inform strategies for effective team working in primary care. Collective team efforts enhance patient care and effective teamwork requires a greater understanding of group processes and team development.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses clearly articulated their contribution to primary care, but recognised that there are many challenges to overcome. An enhanced primary care team has the potential to allow the public access to both the individual and collective skills and knowledge of team members.