bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of nicotine content information in smokers' subjective responses to nicotine and placebo inhalers
Authors: Darredeau Christine , Barrett Sean P.
Published: February 2011

Objective

A growing body of evidence suggests that non‐pharmacological factors may play an important role in smoking cessation outcomes using nicotine replacement therapies. This study examined the role of information about nicotine content in smokers' subjective responses to nicotine and placebo inhalers, using the four conditions of the balanced‐placebo design in a mixed within/between‐subjects design.

Methods

Twenty‐four adult smokers (12 male) completed two laboratory sessions following overnight abstinence from smoking. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either nicotine inhalers or placebo inhalers in both sessions but were told that they received a nicotine‐containing inhaler in one session and a nicotine‐free inhaler in the other. In each session participants completed subjective assessments before and after inhaler administration using visual analogue scales and the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges.

Results

While neither nicotine content nor information about it significantly affected cigarette craving associated with withdrawal relief, participants reported a greater reduction in craving associated with intention to smoke when told the inhalers contained nicotine than when told the inhalers were nicotine‐free, regardless of actual nicotine content.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that psychological factors play an important role in smokers' subjective responses to nicotine inhalers, the effects of which cannot be solely attributed to the direct pharmacological effects of nicotine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leaf Litter Decomposition of Three Riparian Tree Species and Associated Macroinvertebrates of Eswathu Oya, a Low Order Tropical Stream in Sri Lanka
Authors: Walpola Hiranthi , Leichtfried Maria , Amarasinghe Mala , Füreder Leopold
Published: February 2011

Leaf decomposition, an important component of the organic matter dynamics in streams, has been widely examined in temperate regions but much less documented in tropical regions. We report here the first study of leaf decomposition in a Sri Lankan stream. The litterbag technique was used. Coarse (8 mm) and fine (100 µm) litterbags, that included or excluded macroinvertebrates respectively, were used to enclose leaves of three dominant riparian tree species: native Ochlandra stridula (bamboo), and the introduced Alstonia macrophylla and Hevea brasiliensis (rubber). A fourth set of litterbags contained a mixture of these three species. Leaf colonization by macroinvertebrates was highest in the early stages of the decomposition process on Hevea leaves but invertebrate densities declined later. The opposite colonization effect was observed on the native Ochlandra leaves: slow colonization with continuing low densities from the beginning to the end of the process. Decomposition of all three species was significantly faster in the coarse than in the fine mesh bags. Alstonia, which has the softest leaf tissue, was most rapidly decomposed while Ochlandra, with its tough structure, was the slowest. Among the invertebrates, insects were the most important leaf colonizing animals, with Diptera, Coleoptera and Trichoptera the most dominant. The invertebrate variety in the mixed bags was higher than in the single‐species leaf bags, where Chironomidae dominated the colonizing assemblages. This study has shown that toughness, indicated by the ‘specific weight of leaf tissue’, and the quality of the leaves was more important in determining breakdown rates than their origin. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Life Cycle and Feeding Habits of Dina punctata Johansson, 1927 (Erpobdellidae, Hirudinea) in a Small Carpathian Stream
Authors: Beracko Pavel , Košel Vladimír
Published: February 2011

The leech Dina punctata Johanson, 1927 inhabits various types of running waters. This species appeared in Slovakia probably after the first Rhine‐Main‐Danube canal was built. Because little is known about its ecology, the aim of our study was to analyze the life cycle, individual growth rate, reproduction parameters and food composition of D. punctata in the Vydrica Stream. Samples of leeches were taken mainly each month from April 2003 to November 2004. The leech D. punctata had maximal 2‐year life cycle there. Mature leeches, which were recognized by the presence of clitella, were present from April to the end of August. The most individuals mature at the age of 1 year. The breeding season of D. punctata peaks in June. The number of eggs per one cocoon is from 3 to 12. The mean successfulness of development of egg to embryo is 58%. Larvae from the family Chironomidae (28%), Gammarus fossarum (20%) and oligochaetes from the subfamily Naidinae (17%) are the dominant components of the feeding niche. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Epiphytic Rotifer Abundance and Diversity in Moss Patches in Bogs and Fens in the Polesie National Park (Eastern Poland)
Authors: Bielańska‐Grajner Irena , Cudak Anna , Mieczan Tomasz
Published: February 2011

Moss‐inhabiting rotifers were studied in 2 raised bogs, 2 poor fens (i.e. intermediate between raised bogs and typical fens), 1 typical fen, and 1 base‐rich fen, located in the Polesie National Park (eastern Poland). Moss samples were collected from April till November 2007 in monthly intervals. In total, 42 taxa of Monogononta and 26 of Bdelloidea were found. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) detected highly significant differences between the habitats in conductivity (F = 37.19, P < 0.001), total organic content (F = 9.34, P < 0.001), total P (F = 51.71, P < 0.001), and nitrate N (F = 48.98, P < 0.001). The mean density of rotifers was the highest in a bog dominated by Sphagnum angustifolium Jensen (Durne Bagno), and the lowest in the base‐rich fen (Bubnów). In all the studied habitats, the Bdelloidea were the most abundant, accounting for 56 to 85% of the total rotifer density. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), made for selected physicochemical parameters and taxa, confirms strong relationships between abiotic conditions and selected rotifer taxa: Habrotrocha angusticolis, Dicranophorus capucinus, Keratella serrulata, and Lepadella elliptica. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Rotenone Treatment on Lotic Invertebrates
Authors: Kjærstad Gaute , Arnekleiv Jo Vegar
Published: February 2011

Two rivers in Norway were treated with rotenone in an effort to eradicate the salmon parasite, Gyrodactylus salaris. Rotenone induced an immediate catastrophic invertebrate drift, mainly of dead individuals. The response to rotenone with respect to degree and timing varied widely. Baetis rhodani, Isoperla sp. and Rhyacophila nubila displayed a strong increase in drift densities early in the treatment. Baetis niger, Ameletus inopinatus, Heptagenia sp. and Agapetus ochripes showed a delayed response. Ephemerella aurivillii, E. mucronata, Taeniopteryx nebulosa and Elmis aenea drifted at low densities throughout the treatment. Early larval instar tended to be more sensitive to rotenone than later instar, and the toxic effect of rotenone tended to increase with increasing water temperature. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antigenotoxicity of artepillin C in vivo evaluated by the micronucleus and comet assays
Authors: de Azevedo Bentes Monteiro Neto Moacir , de Souza Lima Ildercílio Mota , Furtado Ricardo Andrade , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , da Silva Filho Ademar Alves , Tavares Denise Crispim
Published: February 2011

Artepillin C (3,5‐diprenyl‐p‐coumaric acid), a major compound found in Brazilian green propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia, shows anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant and antitumoral activities, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of artepillin C and its ability to prevent the chemically induced chromosome breakage or loss and the primary DNA damage using the micronucleus and comet assays in male Swiss mice, respectively. The animals were treated by gavage with different doses of artepillin C (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg kg−1 b.w.). For the antigenotoxicity assays, the different doses of artepillin C were administered simultaneously to doxorubicin (DXR; micronucleus test; 15 mg kg−1 b.w.) and to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; comet assay; 40 mg kg−1 b.w.). The results showed that artepillin C itself was not genotoxic in the mouse micronucleus and comet assays. In the animals treated with artepillin C and DXR, the number of micronucleated reticulocytes was significantly lower in comparison with the animals treated only with DXR. Regarding antigenotoxicity, artepillin C at the tested doses significantly reduced the extent of DNA damage in liver cells induced by MMS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The extract of the jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata promotes neurotoxic effects
Authors: Carneiro Raquel Felipe Vasconcelos , Nascimento Nilberto Robson Falcão do , Costa Paula Priscila Correia , Gomes Victor Martins , de Souza Alex Jardelino Felizardo , de Oliveira Simone Cristina Buzzo , dos Santos Diz Filho Eduardo Britto , Zara Fernando José , Fonteles Manassés Claudino , de Oliveira Toyama Daniela , Toyama Marcos Hikari , Santos Cláudia Ferreira
Published: February 2011

Phyllorhiza punctata (P. punctata) is a jellyfish native to the southwestern Pacific. Herewith we present the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of an extract of the tentacles of P. punctata. The tentacles were subjected to three freeze–thaw cycles, homogenized, ultrafiltered, precipitated, centrifuged and lyophilized to obtain a crude extract (PHY‐N). Paralytic shellfish poisoning compounds such as saxitoxin, gonyautoxin‐4, tetrodotoxin and brevetoxin‐2, as well as several secretory phospholipase A2 were identified. PHY‐N was tested on autonomic and somatic neuromuscular preparations. In mouse vas deferens, PHY‐N induced phasic contractions that reached a peak of 234 ± 34.7% of control twitch height, which were blocked with either 100 μ m of phentolamine or 1 m m of lidocaine. In mouse corpora cavernosa, PHY‐N evoked a relaxation response, which was blocked with either L‐NG‐Nitroarginine methyl ester (0.5 m m) or 1 m m of lidocaine. PHY‐N (1, 3 and 10 μg ml−1) induced an increase in tonus of the biventer–cervicis neuromuscular preparation that was blocked with pre‐treatment of galamine (10 μ m). Administration of 6 mg kg−1 PHY‐N intramuscularly produced death in broilers by spastic paralysis. In conclusion, PHY‐N induces nerve depolarization and nonspecifically increases neurotransmitter release. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A possible mechanism for hepatotoxicity induced by BIRB‐796, an orally active p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor
Authors: Iwano Shunsuke , Asaoka Yoshiji , Akiyama Hideo , Takizawa Satoko , Nobumasa Hitoshi , Hashimoto Hisashi , Miyamoto Yohei
Published: February 2011

BIRB‐796, a selective inhibitor of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, has entered clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Levels of alanine transaminase, a biomarker of hepatic toxicity in clinical pathology, were found to be increased in Crohn's disease patients treated with BIRB‐796. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the molecular mechanism(s) of this hepatotoxicity. A toxicogenomic analysis using a highly sensitive DNA chip, 3D‐Gene™ Mouse Oligo chip 24k, indicated that BIRB‐796 treatment activated the nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 signaling pathway, which plays a key role in the response to oxidative stress. A reactive intermediate of BIRB‐796 was detected by the glutathione‐trapping method using mouse and human liver microsomes. The production of this reactive metabolite in the liver may be one of the causes of BIRB‐796's hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased expression of miR‐34a in mouse spleen one day after exposure to N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea
Authors: Chen David , Li Zhiguang , Chen Tao
Published: February 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single‐stranded small RNA molecules (~22 nucleotides) that are not translated into proteins and function as regulators of gene expression. Many miRNAs are involved in carcinogenesis. One of them, miR‐34a, is associated with various p53‐initiated biological processes and may act as a tumor suppressor miRNA. Its expression is generally down‐regulated in tumor tissues and up‐regulated in tissues exposed to carcinogens chronically or subchronically. However, the response of this miRNA to acute exposure of a genotoxic carcinogen is little known. In this study, miR‐34a expression was evaluated in spleen tissues of mice treated with a dose of 120 mg kg−1 body weight N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), a potent mutagenic carcinogen. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that the ENU exposure resulted in a 5.5‐fold increase of miR‐34a expression over the control one day after the treatment. The result suggests that miR‐34a expression responds sensitively to genotoxic insults within a short period after exposure of the mutagen, and therefore, this gene has the potential to be used as an indicator for genotoxin exposure.
Arsenic: toxicity, oxidative stress and human disease
Authors: Jomova K. , Jenisova Z. , Feszterova M. , Baros S. , Liska J. , Hudecova D. , Rhodes C. J. , Valko M.
Published: February 2011

Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid element that is present in air, water and soil. Inorganic arsenic tends to be more toxic than organic arsenic. Examples of methylated organic arsenicals include monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)]. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated oxidative damage is a common denominator in arsenic pathogenesis. In addition, arsenic induces morphological changes in the integrity of mitochondria. Cascade mechanisms of free radical formation derived from the superoxide radical, combined with glutathione‐depleting agents, increase the sensitivity of cells to arsenic toxicity. When both humans and animals are exposed to arsenic, they experience an increased formation of ROS/RNS, including peroxyl radicals (ROO•), the superoxide radical, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical (OH•) via the Fenton reaction, hydrogen peroxide, the dimethylarsenic radical, the dimethylarsenic peroxyl radical and/or oxidant‐induced DNA damage. Arsenic induces the formation of oxidized lipids which in turn generate several bioactive molecules (ROS, peroxides and isoprostanes), of which aldehydes [malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4‐hydroxy‐nonenal (HNE)] are the major end products. This review discusses aspects of chronic and acute exposures of arsenic in the etiology of cancer, cardiovascular disease (hypertension and atherosclerosis), neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver disease and renal disease, reproductive health effects, dermal changes and other health disorders. The role of antioxidant defence systems against arsenic toxicity is also discussed. Consideration is given to the role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (α‐tocopherol), curcumin, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in their protective roles against arsenic‐induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiotoxicity testing using pluripotent stem cell‐derived human cardiomyocytes and state‐of‐the‐art bioanalytics: a review
Authors: Mandenius Carl‐Fredrik , Steel Daniella , Noor Fozia , Meyer Thomas , Heinzle Elmar , Asp Julia , Arain Sarina , Kraushaar Udo , Bremer Susanne , Class Reiner , Sartipy Peter
Published: February 2011

In this article, recent progress in cardiotoxicity testing based on the use of immortalized cell lines or human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived cardiomyocytes in combination with state‐of‐the‐art bioanalytical methods and sensors is reviewed. The focus is on hESC‐derived cells and their refinement into competent testing cells, but the access and utility of other relevant cell types are also discussed. Recent developments in sensor techniques and bioanalytical approaches for measuring critical cardiotoxicity parameters are highlighted, together with aspects of data evaluation and validation. Finally, recommendations for further research are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Directed assembly of cell‐laden microgels for building porous three‐dimensional tissue constructs
Authors: Yanagawa Fumiki , Kaji Hirokazu , Jang Yun‐Ho , Bae Hojae , Yanan Du , Fukuda Junji , Qi Hao , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: February 2011

The organization of cells within a well‐defined microenvironment is important in generating the resulting tissue function. However, the cellular organization within biodegradable scaffolds often does not resemble those of native tissues. In this study, we present directed assembly of microgels to organize cells for building porous 3D tissue constructs. Cell‐laden microgels were generated by molding photocrosslinkable polyethylene glycol diacrylate within a poly(dimethyl siloxane) stencil. The resulting microgels were subsequently packed as individual layers (1 mm in height) on a glass substrate by removing the excess prepolymer solution around the microgels. These clusters were crosslinked and stacked on one another to fabricate thick 3D constructs that were greater than 1 cm in width and 3 mm in thickness. To generate pores within the engineered structures, sodium alginate microgels were integrated in the engineered constructs and used as a sacrificial template. These pores may be potentially useful for fabricating a vascular network to supply oxygen and nutrients to the engineered tissue constructs. This simple and versatile building approach may be a useful tool for various 3D tissue culture and engineering applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Tumoral calcinosis: Sonographic sedimentation sign
Authors: Chakarun Corey J. , Talkin Brenna , White Eric A. , Romero Miriam , Ralls Philip W.
Published: February 2011

We present the sonographic findings of tumoral calcinosis in two patients compared with conventional radiography, CT, and MRI. Sonography in both patients demonstrated fluid‐sedimentation levels, with more echogenic debris layering dependently. This appearance has been referred to as the “sedimentation sign” on conventional radiography and results from dependent layering of hydroxyapatite crystals within cystic spaces of the lesion. There are only three reported cases in the world literature of sonographic findings in patients with tumoral calcinosis. We describe the first two cases of sonography demonstrating the “sedimentation sign,” which may aid in the diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Transvaginal sonography of postabortal (redo) syndrome
Authors: Sherer David M. , Salame Ghadir , Shah Tana , Lee Yi‐Chun , Serur Eli , Economos Katherine , Gorelick Constantine , Abulafia Ovadia
Published: February 2011

Acute hematometra, also termed the postabortal syndrome or redo syndrome, is a rare immediate complication of suction curettage characterized by severe lower abdominal cramping in association with an enlarged and markedly tender uterus. We describe the transvaginal sonographic features of this syndrome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Variations on cops and robbers
Authors: Frieze Alan , Krivelevich Michael , Loh Po‐Shen
Published: February 2011

We consider several variants of the classical Cops and Robbers game. We treat the version where the robber can move R≥1 edges at a time, establishing a general upper bound of , where α = 1 + 1/R, thus generalizing the best known upper bound for the classical case R = 1 due to Lu and Peng, and Scott and Sudakov. We also show that in this case, the cop number of an n‐vertex graph can be as large as n1 − 1/(R − 2) for finite R≥5, but linear in n if R is infinite. For R = 1, we study the directed graph version of the problem, and show that the cop number of any strongly connected digraph on n vertices is O(n(loglogn)2/logn). Our approach is based on expansion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory.
Post‐traumatic osteoarthritis: Improved understanding and opportunities for early intervention
Authors: Anderson Donald D. , Chubinskaya Susan , Guilak Farshid , Martin James A. , Oegema Theodore R. , Olson Steven A. , Buckwalter Joseph A.
Published: February 2011

Even with current treatments of acute joint injuries, more than 40% of people who suffer significant ligament or meniscus tears, or articular surface injuries, will develop osteoarthritis (OA). Correspondingly, 12% or more of all patients with lower extremity OA have a history of joint injury. Recent research suggests that acute joint damage that occurs at the time of an injury initiates a sequence of events that can lead to progressive articular surface damage. New molecular interventions, combined with evolving surgical methods, aim to minimize or prevent progressive tissue damage triggered by joint injury. Seizing the potential for progress in the treatment of joint injuries to forestall OA will depend on advances in (1) quantitative methods of assessing the injury severity, including both structural damage and biologic responses, (2) understanding of the pathogenesis of post‐traumatic OA, taking into account potential interactions among the different tissues and the role of post‐traumatic incongruity and instability, and (3) application of engineering and molecular research to develop new methods of treating injured joints. This paper highlights recent advances in understanding of the structural damage and the acute biological response following joint injury, and it identifies important directions for future research. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:802–809
Autologous chondrocyte implantation drives early chondrogenesis and organized repair in extensive full‐ and partial‐thickness cartilage defects in an equine model
Authors: Nixon Alan J. , Begum Laila , Mohammed Hussni O. , Huibregtse Barbara , O'Callaghan Michael M. , Matthews Gloria L.
Published: February 2011

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has been used clinically for over 15 years and yet definitive evidence of chondrocyte persistence and direct impact on cartilage repair in full‐thickness lesions is scant and no data are available on ACI in partial‐thickness defects in any animal model. This study assessed the effect of chondrocytes secured using periosteal overlay in partial‐ and full‐thickness cartilage defects in the equine model. Paired cartilage defects 15 mm in diameter were made in the patellofemoral joint of 16 horse and repaired with ACI or periosteal flap alone. Response was assessed at 8 weeks by clinical, microradiographic, and histologic appearance, and by collagen type II immunohistochemistry, and proteoglycan and DNA quantification. ACI improved histologic scores in partial‐ and full‐thickness cartilage defects, including defect filling, attachment to the underlying subchondral bone, and presence of residual chondrocyte accumulations. For partial‐thickness defects chondrocyte predominance, collagen type II content, and toluidine stained matrix were enhanced, and attachment to the surrounding cartilage improved. DNA and PG content of grafted partial‐thickness defects was improved by chondrocyte implantation. Periosteal patches alone did not induce cartilage repair. This study indicated implantation of chondrocytes to cartilage defects improved healing with a combination of persisting chondrocyte regions, enhanced collagen type II formation, and better overall cartilage healing scores. Use of ACI in the more challenging partial‐thickness defects also improved histologic indices and biochemical content. The equine model of cartilage healing closely resembles cartilage repair in man, and results of this study confirm cell persistence and improved early cartilage healing events after ACI. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1121–1130, 2011
Reduced platelet concentration does not harm PRP effectiveness for ACL repair in a porcine in vivo model
Authors: Mastrangelo Ashley N. , Vavken Patrick , Fleming Braden C. , Harrison Sophia L. , Murray Martha M.
Published: February 2011

Enhanced primary repair of the ACL using a collagen scaffold loaded with platelets has been shown to improve the functional healing of suture repair in animal models. In this study, our objectives were to determine if lowering the platelet concentration would reduce the structural properties of the repaired ACL and increase postoperative knee laxity. Eight Yucatan mini‐pigs underwent bilateral suture repair. In one knee, the repair was augmented with a collagen scaffold saturated with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) containing five times the systemic baseline of platelets (5×) while the contralateral knee had a collagen scaffold saturated with PRP containing three times the systemic baseline of platelets (3×). After 13 weeks of healing, knee joint laxity and the structural properties of the ACL were measured. The 3× platelet concentration resulted in a 24.1% decrease in cellular density of the repair tissue (p < 0.05), but did not significantly decrease the structural properties [3× vs. 5×: 362 N vs. 291 N (p = 0.242) and 70 N/mm vs. 53 N/mm (p = 0.189) for the yield load and linear stiffness, respectively]. The 3× platelet concentration also did not significantly change the mean anteroposterior knee laxity at 30° and 90° of flexion [5× vs. 3×: 3.5 mm vs. 5.1 mm (p = 0.140), and 6.1 mm vs. 6.3 mm (p = 0.764)] but did result in a lower AP laxity at 60° [5× vs. 3×: 8.6 mm vs. 7.3 mm (p = 0.012)]. The decrease in platelet concentration from 5× to 3× to enhance suture repair of the ACL did not significantly harm the mechanical outcomes in this animal model. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1002–1007, 2011
Application of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering in cell analysis
Authors: Xie Wei , Su Le , Shen Aiguo , Materny Arnulf , Hu Jiming
Published: February 2011

In surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), the scattered intensity is drastically increased due to a resonant interaction with surface plasmons of coin metals. SERS is a nondestructive spectroscopic method applied also to biomedical samples. It inherits the advantages of normal Raman spectroscopy and at the same time overcomes the inherent low sensitivity problem. These properties endow SERS with exciting opportunities to be a successful analytical tool for cell analysis. SERS can be used to detect only molecules located on or close to the metallic nanostructures which can support surface plasmon resonances for the enhancement of the Raman signals. Therefore, these metallic nanostructures play a key role in the application of SERS in cell analysis. By incorporating the SERS substrates into the biosamples, molecular structural probing and cellular imaging become possible. In the past decade, analysts worldwide have developed many schemes to study the chemical changes and component distribution in cells by using SERS. In this paper, the application of SERS in cell analysis is reviewed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and IR studies of BaBi2Ta2O9 prepared by a sol–gel process
Authors: Ma̧czka M. , de Sousa Pinheiro G. , Hermanowicz K. , Freire P. T. C. , Hanuza J.
Published: February 2011

The formation of ferroelectric BaBi2Ta2O9 (BBT) by a sol–gel process was studied by X‐ray, Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Our results show that the formation of a Bi‐layered phase proceeds via an intermediate fluorite‐type phase. This method allows obtaining a BBT phase already at 750 °C. This temperature is about 150–200 °C lower than that required in the conventional solid‐state reaction. Therefore, a material with smaller particle size can be obtained. Raman and IR studies of the obtained Bi‐layered phase show that phonon properties of the synthesized particles are slightly different from those of the bulk material due to the size effect, defects and weak changes in local order. Temperature dependence of Raman and IR wavenumbers is consistent with the orthorhombic distortion of the BBT structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman characterisation of conventional and cross‐linked polyethylene in acetabular cups run on a hip joint simulator
Authors: Taddei P. , Di Foggia M. , Affatato S.
Published: February 2011

Five sets of differently sterilised conventional ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) acetabular cups were run for 5 million cycles on a hip joint simulator in order to evaluate their wear behaviour in relation to material properties (PE grade, conventional or cross‐linked) and sterilisation method (ethylene oxide (EtO) treatment or γ‐irradiation). Gravimetric measurements revealed that conventional UHMWPE wore significantly more than XLPE. The differences in wear behaviour could be partly related to the orthorhombic contents obtained by Raman spectroscopy in the unworn areas of the cups: XLPE cups showed a significantly higher crystallinity degree than the UHMWPE specimens. Raman analysis showed that wear testing did not significantly modify the orthorhombic content of any of the tested acetabular cups. However, the set of cups that showed the highest weight loss, i.e. γ‐sterilised PE GUR1020, appeared the most homogeneously polished upon wear testing; from a molecular point of view, only this set of cups showed a significant increase of the I1130/I1060 intensity ratio, suggesting the occurrence of chain orientation. On the other hand, XLPE cups, despite the lowest weight loss undergone, showed a decrease in the amorphous content upon wear testing as well as a limited orthorhombic → monoclinic transformation, which did not appear detrimental. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fano resonance in heavily doped porous silicon
Authors: Pusep Y. A. , Rodrigues A. D. , Borrero‐González L. J. , Acquaroli L. N. , Urteaga R. , Arce R. D. , Koropecki R. R. , Tirado M. , Comedi D.
Published: February 2011

Unexpectedly, the Fano resonance caused by the interference of continuum electron excitations with the longitudinal optical (LO) phonons was observed in random porous Si by Raman scattering. The analysis of the experimental data shows that the electron states trapped at the SiSiO2 interface dominate in the observed Raman scattering. The gap energy associated with the interface states was determined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revealing the invisible: using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify minute remnants of color in Winslow Homer's colorless skies
Authors: Brosseau Christa L. , Casadio Francesca , Van Duyne Richard P.
Published: February 2011

The fading of pigments in items of importance to cultural heritage, such as paintings, works of art on paper, and textiles, is a ubiquitous problem. Tools currently available that can detect and identify organic colorants in severely degraded works of art are rare, given the heavy deterioration and restricted availability of the sample. Recently, however, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has shown great promise in detecting and identifying mass‐limited samples. The art conservation field has seized upon the opportunity opened up by this powerful analytical technique to enable the identification of microscopic amounts of organic molecules used as artists' colorants in complex matrices, such as biomaterials (i.e. dyed natural textiles, linseed oil biofilms present in oil paintings, etc.), a possibility that was previously precluded due to interfering fluorescence and small sample size. Here, we report SERS spectra recorded directly on single particles of red lake pigments from an important historical watercolor by the American master Winslow Homer (1836–1910) that suffered some degree of fading. The accurate colorant identification provided by SERS, enhanced by comparison with reference samples of historical watercolors, has thus enabled important discoveries regarding the materials and intended meanings behind artworks from one of the most influential American watercolor painters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical properties and sensory quality of ice cream fortified with fish protein
Authors: Shaviklo Gholam Reza , Thorkelsson Gudjon , Sveinsdottir Kolbrun , Rafipour Fereidon
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND:Fish protein powder is a functional ingredient that can be used for enhancing the nutritional value of food products. In this study the effect of fortification with different levels of fish protein powder (FP) on chemical properties and sensory quality of Persian ice cream with 0, 30 and 50 g kg−1FP during storage at − 18 °C for 4 months was investigated.

RESULTS:Ice creams fortified with 50 and 30 g kg−1FP had significantly higher protein and solid‐non‐fat content than ice cream with 0% FP or 83, 69 and 51 g kg−1protein and 215, 204 and 181 g kg−1solid non‐fat, respectively. All products had the same levels of fat, lactose, acidity and pH. They had similar sensory quality after production except for colour, but sensory properties of fortified samples changed significantly after 2 months of storage. Colour faded, cohesiveness decreased, sandiness/coarseness increased, sweetness decreased and fish flavour and off‐odour increased. The control ice cream scored highest for additives odour and flavour.

CONCLUSION:Development of ice cream fortified with fish protein powder could be an effective way to enhance nutritional and functional value of ice cream. But studies on storage stability, consumers' acceptance and attitudes are recommended if companies are planning to do so. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutritional and functional added value of oat, Kamut®, spelt, rye and buckwheat versus common wheat in breadmaking
Authors: Angioloni Alessandro , Collar Concha
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Multicereal/pseudocereal blends based on major and minor seeds with high nutritional profile appear as a promising strategy, hardly explored, to obtain enhanced value grain‐based foods such as bread.

RESULTS: In a preliminary stage the suitability of minor/ancient cereals (rye, oat, Kamut® wheat, spelt wheat) and pseudocereals (buckwheat) was assessed in single (100% of wheat flour replacement) and multigrain (from 20 to 44% of wheat flour replacement) matrices. The research allowed identification of the qualitative (oat, rye, buckwheat) and quantitative (up to 75% of wheat flour replacement) grains in the mixed matrices providing enhancement of nutritional quality (higher protein content, higher mineral content, lower digestible starch, higher viscous fibre content, higher resistant starch content, source of antioxidants) and minimisation of techno‐functional impairment and sensory depreciation of the resulting breads.

CONCLUSION: The quality profile of associated mixtures of oat, rye, buckwheat and common wheat flours (20:20:20:40 w/w/w/w) endorsed the proposed grain blend as suitable to make highly nutritious, modern and innovative baked goods meeting functional and sensory standards in terms of nutritional added value (improved dietary fibre fractions, minerals and antioxidant activity, slower starch hydrolysis), palatability (high sensory scores), convenience (extended keepability during storage) and easy handling during processing. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Testing the corrosion resistance of stainless steels during the fermentation of probiotic drink
Authors: Pečar Darja , Slemnik Mojca , Goršek Andreja
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Over recent years, food producers have devoted much attention to the production of safe foods. Simultaneously, using advanced process technologies, it has been necessary to carefully select materials for use in process equipment. Milk and its products are exposed to metal surfaces from the time they are processed, through the various stages of handling and manufacture, to the packaging of the finished products for market. The selection of suitable materials for daily use in the dairy industry cannot be governed solely by their price and mechanical properties but must also take into consideration their influence on the quality of milk products.

RESULTS: This paper presents the results of testing the corrosion resistance of three stainless steels during the fermentation of a specific probiotic drink, kefir. Experiments were conducted using preliminarily activated kefir grains as a starter culture. Corrosion resistance was studied using a gravimetric and two electrochemical methods. The two steels showing the best corrosion performance differed mainly in their Mo and Nb contents.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated that Nb played the most protective role against corrosion during kefir fermentation, since the steel containing Nb but no Mo showed the lowest corrosion rate. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of wet corn distillers grains with solubles ensiled in combination with whole plant corn
Authors: Mjoun Kamal , Kalscheur Kenneth F , Garcia Alvaro D
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDG) are prone to aerobic spoilage when stored for an extended period of time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of ensiling WDG with whole plant corn (WPC) using the following combinations: (1) 100% WPC; (2) 75% WPC + 25% WDG; (3) 50% WPC + 50% WDG; and (4) 100% WDG.

RESULTS: The initial pH was greatest for 100% WPC and lowest for 100% WDG (5.7, 4.6, 4.0, and 3.1, respectively). Concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (12.0, 26.8, 40.7, and 50.8 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)) and Crude protein (CP) (98.7, 155.8, 206.8, and 307.9 g kg−1 of DM) increased with increasing concentrations of WDG. Lactic acid concentration prior to ensiling was greatest for 100% WDG (9.0 g kg−1 DM) and decreased with WPC in the silage. Acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were not present prior to ensiling. The pH of the ensiled feeds dropped below 4.0 by day 3, with no further decrease over time. Acetic acid increased from undetected amounts at day 0 to 38.8, 43.9, 43.2, and 2.2 g kg−1 of DM at day 129 as concentration of WDG increased. Aerobic stability was enhanced with increasing WDG concentration in the silage.

CONCLUSION: Fermentation, nutrient profile, and aerobic stability can be improved when ensiling wet distillers grains with whole plant corn. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of a novel microextraction technique for aqueous samples: Porous membrane envelope filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes coated with molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: Tan Feng , Deng Minjie , Liu Xue , Zhao Hongxia , Li Xiaona , Quan Xie , Chen Jingwen
Published: February 2011

A novel microextraction technique based on membrane‐protected multiwalled carbon nanotubes coated with molecularly imprinted polymer (MWCNTs‐MIP) was developed. In this technique, MWCNTs‐MIP were packed inside a polypropylene membrane envelope, which was then clamped onto a paper clip. For extraction, the packed membrane envelope was first impregnated with toluene and then placed in sample solutions. Target analytes in the solutions were first extracted into toluene in the membrane envelope, and were then extracted specifically onto the MWCNTs‐MIP. After the extraction, target analytes were desorbed in methanol for liquid chromatography analysis. MWCNTs‐MIP of prometryn were used as a model to demonstrate the feasibility of this novel microextraction technique. Factors affecting the extraction including organic solvent, stirring rate, extraction time, salt concentration, and pH were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3) for the selected triazine herbicides were 0.08–0.38 μg/L. The prepared membrane envelope could be used at least 50 times. The developed method was used for the analysis of the triazines spiked in river water, wastewater, and liquid milk, with recoveries ranging from 79.3–97.4, 58.9–110.3 and 76.2–104.9%, respectively.
Information searching and the travel behaviours of MICE travellers: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Chiang Che‐Chao , King Brian Edward , Nguyen Thu‐Huong
Published: February 2011

Despite growing academic interest in meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) travel in recent years, there has been little investigation of the comparative information search behaviours of MICE travellers on the basis of their country of origin and cultural background. This paper proposes that country of residence and primary language spoken are significant factors in explaining the information searching and travel behaviours of MICE travellers. The sample population included Japanese‐, English‐ and Chinese‐speaking MICE travellers. A self‐completion questionnaire was administered to travellers undertaking MICE‐related travel in Taipei, Taiwan. Some significant differences were identified between the three respondent groups. The findings demonstrate the important role that is played by internal and external information sources among MICE travellers as a predictor of their subsequent travel to Taiwan. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thanatourism or peace tourism: perceived value at a North Korean resort from an indigenous perspective
Authors: Lee Choong‐Ki , Bendle Lawrence J. , Yoon Yoo‐Shik , Kim Myung‐Ja
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the underlying factors that affected perceived value among South Korean tourists who visited the North Korean Mt Kumgang resort. Results identified emotional, functional and economic values as core elements that directly affected guest satisfaction, which influenced intentions to recommend and revisit. Seen as a peace tourism site when the Sunshine Policy of rapprochement guided inter‐Korean strategy, we argue that the resort project is a heterotopia of comparison combining idealized cultural and contradictory political spaces in one place. Understanding this needs Korean ideas that lead to a thanatourism with an indigenous perspective, which is applicable to other non‐Western thanatourism‐like sites. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined prospective and retrospective motion correction to relax navigator requirements
Authors: Maclaren Julian , Lee Kuan J. , Luengviriya Chaiya , Speck Oliver , Zaitsev Maxim
Published: February 2011

Prospective motion correction can prevent motion artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. However, for high‐resolution imaging, the technique relies on precise tracking of head motion. This precision is often limited by tracking noise, which leads to residual errors in the prospectively‐corrected k‐space data and artifacts in the image. This work shows that it is possible to estimate these tracking errors, and hence the true k‐space sample locations, by applying a two‐sided filter to the tracking data after imaging. A conjugate gradient reconstruction is compared to gridding as a means of using this information to retrospectively correct for the effects of the residual errors. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of muscles affected by myositis using magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: McCullough Matthew B. , Domire Zachary J. , Reed Ann M. , Amin Shreyasee , Ytterberg Steven R. , Chen Qingshan , An Kai‐Nan
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs, or myositis) represent a group of autoimmune diseases that result in decreased muscle strength and/or endurance. Non‐invasive tools to assess muscle may improve our understanding of the clinical and functional consequences of myopathies and their response to treatment. In this study we examine magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), a non‐invasive technique that assesses the shear modulus (stiffness) of muscle, in IIM subjects. Methods: Nine subjects with active myositis completed the MRE protocol. Participants lay in a positioning device, and scans of the vastus medialis (VM) were taken in the relaxed state and at two contraction levels. Manual inversion was used to estimate the stiffness. Results: A significant reduction in muscle stiffness was seen in myositis subjects compared with healthy controls during the “relaxed” condition. Discussion: The use of non‐invasive technologies such as MRE may provide greater understanding of the pathophysiology of IIM and improve assessment of treatment efficacy. Muscle Nerve, 2011
A three‐dimensional staggered finite element approach for random parametric modeling of thermo‐hygral coupled phenomena in porous media
Authors: Meftah F. , Dal Pont S. , Schrefler B. A.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this paper is to present a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element modeling of heat and mass transfer phenomena in partially saturated open porous media with random fields of material properties. Randomness leads to transfer processes within the porous medium that naturally need a full 3D modeling for any quantitative assessment of these processes. Nevertheless, the counterpart of 3D modeling is a significant increase in computations cost. Therefore, a staggered solution strategy is adopted which permits to solve the equations sequentially. This appropriate partitioning reduces the size of the discretized problem to be solved at each time step. It is based on a specific iterative algorithm to account for the interaction between all the transfer processes. Accordingly, a suitable linearization of mass convective boundary conditions, consistent with the staggered algorithm, is also derived. After some validation tests, the 3D numerical model is used for studying the drying process of a cementitious material with regard to its intrinsic permeability randomness. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Support vector regression to predict the performance of stabilized aggregate bases subject to wet–dry cycles
Authors: Maalouf Maher , Khoury Naji , Laguros Joakim G. , Kumin Hillel
Published: February 2011

Durability is a notion that is integrated with the performance of stabilized pavement materials. Also, because it can be quantified and measured, it carries significant influence on the design of pavements. This study focuses on using support vector machine, a machine learning algorithm, in assessing the performance of stabilized aggregate bases subject to wet–dry cycles. Support Vector Regression (SVR) is a statistical learning algorithm that is applied to regression problems and is gaining popularity in pavement and geotechnical engineering. In our study, SVR was shown to be superior to the least‐squares (LS) method. Results of this study show that SVR significantly reduces the mean‐squared error (MSE) and improves the coefficient of determination (R2) compared to the widely used LS method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Galerkin lumped parameter methods for transient problems
Authors: Bermúdez A. , Pena F.
Published: February 2011

In this paper we propose a general methodology to obtain lumped parameter models for systems governed by parabolic partial differential equations which we call Galerkin lumped parameter methods. The idea consists of decomposing the computational domain into several subdomains connected through so‐called ports. Then a time‐independent adapted reduced basis is introduced by numerically solving several elliptic problems in each subdomain. The proposed lumped parameter model is the Galerkin approximation of the original problem in the space spanned by this basis. The relationship of these methods with classical lumped parameter models is analyzed. Numerical results are shown as well as a comparison of the solution obtained with the lumped model and the ‘exact’ one computed by standard finite element procedures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.