bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and commissioning of FBG sensors for impact test of rock fall protective barrier
Authors: Guo Yongxing , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhou Zude , Zhu Fangdong , Xiong Li 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to present an effective sensing detection system based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology for protective barriers that have been effectively applied to intercept and stop rocks from falling onto railway tracks. . Determination of exact stress and deformation values during impact tests for key components of the protective barrier forms important criteria for quality control of these barriers. Monitoring changes in force along the protective barrier when deployed in field application allows for real-time disaster warning for collapse and falling rocks.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this paper, we propose a monitoring strategy for key components of a protective barrier. During performance tests, dynamic force and strain were measured for the steel strands and supporting I-beam, respectively. Design of a special elastic structure for the force transducer based on finite element analysis and tensile tests has been discussed here. Two types of FBG force transducers were manufactured based on the elastic structure. Four FBG force transducers and four FBG strain sensors were used for impact verification testing of a new rigid protective barrier with a design protection level of 25 KJ.

Findings
– Dynamic force and strain responses were obtained during an impact of free-falling block with a kinetic energy of 25 KJ.

Originality/value
– The FBG monitoring scheme can be extremely valuable for optimized design of the barrier and can provide real-time disaster warning in regions of collapse and falling rocks.
Improving the performance of electronic nose for wound infection detection using orthogonal signal correction and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Feng Jingwei , Tian Fengchun , Jia Pengfei , He Qinghua , Shen Yue , Fan Shu 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to detect wound infection by electronic nose (Enose) and to improve the performance of Enose.

Design/methodology/approach
– Mice are used as experimental subjects. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) is applied to preprocess the response of Enose. Radical basis function (RBF) network is used for discrimination, and the parameters in RBF are optimized by particle swarm optimization.

Findings
– OSC is very suitable for eliminating interference and improving the performance of Enose in wound infection detection.

Research limitations/implications
– Further research is required to sample wound infection dataset of human beings and to demonstrate that the Enose with proper algorithms can be used to detect wound infection.

Practical implications
– In this paper, Enose is used to detect wound infection, and OSC is used to improve the performance of the Enose. This widens the application area of Enose and OSC.

Originality/value
– The innovative concept paves the way for the application of Enose.
Generalist hydrocarbon‐degrading bacterial communities in the oil‐polluted water column of the North Sea
Authors: Chronopoulou Panagiota‐Myrsini , Sanni Gbemisola O. , Silas‐Olu Daniel I. , van der Meer Jan Roelof , Timmis Kenneth N. , Brussaard Corina P. D. , McGenity Terry J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe aim of this work was to determine the effect of light crude oil on bacterial communities during an experimental oil spill in the North Sea and in mesocosms (simulating a heavy, enclosed oil spill), and to isolate and characterize hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria from the water column. No oil‐induced changes in bacterial community (3 m below the sea surface) were observed 32 h after the experimental spill at sea. In contrast, there was a decrease in the dominant SAR11 phylotype and an increase in Pseudoalteromonas spp. in the oiled mesocosms (investigated by 16S rRNA gene analysis using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), as a consequence of the longer incubation, closer proximity of the samples to oil, and the lack of replenishment with seawater. A total of 216 strains were isolated from hydrocarbon enrichment cultures, predominantly belonging to the genus Pseudoaltero monas; most strains grew on PAHs, branched and straight‐chain alkanes, as well as many other carbon sources. No obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were isolated or detected, highlighting the potential importance of cosmopolitan marine generalists like Pseudoalteromonas spp. in degrading hydrocarbons in the water column beneath an oil slick, and revealing the susceptibility to oil pollution of SAR11, the most abundant bacterial clade in the surface ocean.
Effect of the food production chain from farm practices to vegetable processing on outbreak incidence
Authors: Jung Yangjin , Jang Hyein , Matthews Karl R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe popularity in the consumption of fresh and fresh‐cut vegetables continues to increase globally. Fresh vegetables are an integral part of a healthy diet, providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other health‐promoting compounds. The diversity of fresh vegetables and packaging formats (spring mix in clamshell container, bagged heads of lettuce) support increased consumption. Unfortunately, vegetable production and processing practices are not sufficient to ensure complete microbial safety. This review highlights a few specific areas that require greater attention and research. Selected outbreaks are presented to emphasize the need for science‐based ‘best practices’. Laboratory and field studies have focused on inactivation of pathogens associated with manure in liquid, slurry or solid forms. As production practices change, other forms and types of soil amendments are being used more prevalently. Information regarding the microbial safety of fish emulsion and pellet form of manure is limited. The topic of global climate change is controversial, but the potential effect on agriculture cannot be ignored. Changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity and wind can impact crops and the microorganisms that are associated with production environments. Climate change could potentially enhance the ability of pathogens to survive and persist in soil, water and crops, increasing human health risks. Limited research has focused on the prevalence and behaviour of viruses in pre and post‐harvest environments and on vegetable commodities. Globally, viruses are a major cause of foodborne illnesses, but are seldom tested for in soil, soil amendments, manure and crops. Greater attention must also be given to the improvement in the microbial quality of seeds used in sprout production. Human pathogens associated with seeds can result in contamination of sprouts intended for human consumption, even when all appropriate ‘best practices’ are used by sprout growers.
Lentiviral Vector‐Mediated Dopamine D3 Receptor Modulation in the Rat Brain Impairs Alcohol Intake and Ethanol‐Induced Conditioned Place Preference
Authors: Bahi Amine , Dreyer Jean‐Luc 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundIt has been reported that dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) knockout mice display similar ethanol (EtOH) consumption compared to wild types. In addition, studies with D3R pharmacological targeting were inconclusive.MethodsIn the current study, we used both gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches to test the effects of central D3R manipulation on voluntary alcohol intake and EtOH‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. To this aim, we developed a lentiviral‐mediated gene transfer approach to examine whether D3R knockdown (LV‐siD3R) or overexpression (LV‐D3R) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is sufficient to modulate voluntary alcohol consumption and EtOH‐CPP.ResultsUsing the standard 2‐bottle choice drinking paradigm and an unbiased CPP procedure, our results indicated that, like the D3R selective antagonist SB‐277011‐A, LV‐siD3R attenuated voluntary alcohol consumption. In contrast, LV‐D3R increased EtOH intake with no effect on total fluid intake. Similarly, the D3R agonist 7‐OH‐DPAT also exacerbated EtOH intake. Interestingly, neither pharmacological nor genetic manipulation of D3R activity affected saccharin and quinine consumption and preference. More importantly, we report that LV‐siD3R blocked, whereas LV‐D3R exacerbated, EtOH‐CPP.ConclusionsThese results support the notion that the D3R plays an important role in alcohol reward in rats and suggest that a key threshold range of D3R levels is associated with impaired alcohol consumption. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the D3R is an essential component of the molecular pathways underlying the reinforcing properties of alcohol. Thus, medications targeting the D3Rs may be beneficial to tackle EtOH abuse and alcoholism in humans.
Alcoholic Beverage Strength Discrimination by Taste May Have an Upper Threshold
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Kanteres Fotis , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundGiven the association between alcohol consumption and negative health consequences, there is a need for individuals to be aware of their consumption of ethanol, which requires knowledge of serving sizes and alcoholic strength. This study is one of the first to systematically investigate the ability to discriminate alcoholic strength by taste.MethodsNine discrimination tests (total n = 413) according to International Standardization Organization (ISO) 4120 sensory analysis methodology “triangle test” were performed.ResultsA perceptible difference was found for vodka in orange juice (0.0 vs. 0.5% vol; 0 vs. 1% vol), pilsner and wheat beer (0.5 vs. 5% vol), and vodka in orange juice (5 vs. 10% vol, 20 vs. 30% vol, and 30 vs. 40% vol). The percentage of the population perceiving a difference between the beverages varied between 36 and 73%. Alcoholic strength (higher vs. lower) was correctly assigned in only 4 of the 7 trials at a significant level, with 30 to 66% of the trial groups assigning the correct strength. For the trials that included beverages above 40% vol (vodka unmixed, 40 vs. 50% vol and vodka in orange juice, 40 vs. 50% vol), testers could neither perceive a difference between the samples nor assign correct alcoholic strength.ConclusionsDiscrimination of alcoholic strength by taste was possible to a limited degree in a window of intermediate alcoholic strengths, but not at higher concentrations. This result is especially relevant for drinkers of unlabeled, over‐proof unrecorded alcoholic beverages who would potentially ingest more alcohol than if they were to ingest commercial alcohol. Our study provides strong evidence for the strict implementation and enforcement of labeling requirements for all alcoholic beverages to allow informed decision making by consumers.
Alcohol Consumption During Gestation Causes Histone3 Lysine9 Hyperacetylation and an Alternation of Expression of Heart Development‐Related Genes in Mice
Authors: Pan Bo , Zhu Jing , Lv Tiewei , Sun Huichao , Huang Xupei , Tian Jie 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAlcohol abuse during gestation may cause congenital heart diseases (CHDs). The underlying mechanisms of alcohol‐induced cardiac deformities are still not clear. Recent studies suggest that histone modification may play a crucial role in this pathological process. Moreover, our previous studies reported that ethanol could induce histone3 lysine9 (H3K9) hyperacetylation and overexpression of heart development‐related genes in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption during gestation on the imbalance of H3K9 acetylation and the alternation of the expression of heart development‐related genes during cardiogenesis.MethodsPregnant mice were exposed to a single dose of alcohol (10 μl/g/d, 56% alcohol) by gavage every day in the morning from embryo day 7.5 (E7.5) to E15.5. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was applied for observing the structure of the embryonic hearts. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used for detecting the level of H3K9 acetylation and gene expression. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities were detected by colorimetric assay and fluorometric assay.ResultsH&E staining of cardiac tissue showed abnormalities of embryonic hearts at E17.5. The level of H3K9 acetylation reached peak at E17.5 and decreased sharply to a low level at birth and maintained at low level afterward. Alcohol exposure increased H3K9 acetylation at E11.5, E14.5, E17.5, and E18.5, respectively (p < 0.05), and enhanced the expression of Gata4 in the embryonic hearts at E14.5 and E17.5, Mef2c at E14.5, and Nkx2.5 at E14.5 and E17.5, (p < 0.05) but not for Tbx5 (p > 0.05). On embryonic day 17.5, HAT activities of embryonic hearts increased significantly, however alcohol exposure did not alter HDAC activities.ConclusionsThese data indicate a time course of H3K9 acetylation change during heart development and demonstrate that alcohol exposure in utero may induce an increase of HAT activities, which results in H3K9 hyperacetylation and an increase of the expression of heart development‐related genes. These findings reveal a novel epigenetic mechanism that connects the alcohol consumption during the pregnancy and the development of CHD in the fetus.
Oral Self‐Administration of EtOH: Sex‐Dependent Modulation by Running Wheel Access in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Piza‐Palma Carlos , Barfield Elizabeth T. , Brown Jadeda A. , Hubka James C. , Lusk Cade , Schonhar Charles A. , Sweat Sean C. , Grisel Judith E. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe effects of stress, including neuroendocrine and behavioral sequelae aimed at maintaining homeostasis, are associated with increased alcohol consumption. Because both stress and drinking are multifactorial, the mechanisms underlying the relationship are difficult to elucidate. We therefore employed an animal model investigating the influence of blocked access to a running wheel on drinking in C57BL/6J (B6) mice.MethodsIn the first experiment, naïve, adult male and female subjects were individually housed for 2 weeks with 24‐hour access to a running wheel and 12% ethanol (EtOH) in a 2‐bottle, free choice paradigm. After determining baseline consumption and preference, experimental subjects had the running wheel placed in a locked position for 6 hours, and the EtOH bottle was removed during the first half of this period. Two subsequent experiments, again in adult, naïve B6 mice, examined the influence of locked running wheels on self‐administration of 20% EtOH in a limited access paradigm, and blood EtOH concentrations (BECs) were determined on the final day of this protocol.ResultsIn all 3 studies, using both between‐ and within‐subject analyses, females showed transient yet reliable increases in alcohol drinking during blocked access to a rotating activity, while drinking in male mice was largely insensitive to this manipulation, although both sexes showed appreciable BECs (>130 mg/dl in females and 80 mg/dl in males) following a 2‐hour EtOH access period.ConclusionsThese data add to a burgeoning literature suggesting that the factors contributing to excessive alcohol use differ between males and females and that females may be especially sensitive to the influence of wheel manipulation. Elucidating the sex‐dependent mechanisms mediating differences in alcohol sensitivity and response is critical to understanding the causes of alcoholism and in developing effective treatments and interventions.
The Dopamine β‐Hydroxylase Inhibitor, Nepicastat, Reduces Different Alcohol‐Related Behaviors in Rats
Authors: Colombo Giancarlo , Maccioni Paola , Vargiolu Daniela , Loi Barbara , Lobina Carla , Zaru Alessandro , Carai Mauro A. M. , Gessa Gian Luigi 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundRecent experimental data indicate that treatment with the selective dopamine β‐hydroxylase inhibitor, nepicastat, suppressed different reward‐related behaviors, including self‐administration of chocolate and reinstatement of cocaine and chocolate seeking, in rats. This study was designed to extend to different alcohol‐related behaviors the investigation on the “anti‐addictive” properties of nepicastat.MethodsSardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats, selectively bred for excessive alcohol consumption, were exposed to different procedures of alcohol drinking and self‐administration.ResultsRepeated treatment with nepicastat (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.], once daily for 10 consecutive days) produced a stable and dose‐related reduction in daily alcohol intake in sP rats exposed to the homecage 2‐bottle “alcohol (10% v/v) versus water” choice regimen with unlimited access. Acute treatment with nepicastat (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) completely suppressed the “alcohol deprivation effect” (i.e., the temporary increase in alcohol intake occurring after a period of abstinence; model of alcohol relapse episodes) in sP rats exposed to the 2‐bottle choice regimen. Acute treatment with nepicastat (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) dose dependently and selectively reduced oral alcohol self‐administration in sP rats trained to lever respond for alcohol (15% v/v) on a fixed ratio 4 schedule of reinforcement. Finally, combination of nepicastat (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and alcohol (2 g/kg, intragastrically) did not alter spontaneous locomotor activity in sP rats.ConclusionsTogether, these data extend to alcohol the capacity of nepicastat to suppress different behaviors motivated by natural stimuli and drugs of abuse.
U.S. Trends in Light, Moderate, and Heavy Drinking Episodes from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Kerr William C. , Mulia Nina , Zemore Sarah E. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundRisks and potential benefits associated with alcohol use vary with the amount of alcohol consumed on a drinking occasion. Over time, changes in the absolute and relative numbers of light or heavy drinking episodes may occur, impacting health and social problems.MethodsAnalyses of the 2000, 2005, and 2010 National Alcohol Surveys focus on trends in the volumes of alcohol consumed on days where the drinker had 1 to 2, 3 to 4, or 5 or more drinks separately. These volume measures were obtained from graduated frequency questions with adjustments for estimated drink alcohol content for each drinker based on reported beer brand, spirits drink and pour method, contexts of drinking, and demographic characteristics. Respondents with especially high alcohol content drinks were adjusted up 1 category, and those with especially low alcohol content drinks were adjusted down 1 category. Trend significance was tested with adjusted Wald tests and in negative binomial models with 2000 as the reference year, indicators for race/ethnicity group and interactions between these and survey year, and adjustments for age, educational attainment, income, employment status, and wetness region. Analyses were conducted both in the overall sample including abstainers and in the current drinker sample only.ResultsOverall trend results indicate an increase in drink alcohol content‐adjusted alcohol volume of 25% from 2000 to 2010 with similar changes between 2000 to 2005 and 2005 to 2010. Most of the increase from 2000 to 2005 resulted from increased volume from light drinking (1 to 2 drinks) days for men and women and moderate to heavy drinking (3 to 4 drinks) days for women, while the change from 2005 to 2010 resulted mostly from volume from heavy drinking days (5+ drinks per day) for men. Black and Hispanic women were found not to have participated in the overall trend of increased alcohol volume.ConclusionsFindings highlight shifts in drinking patterns suggesting increased heavy occasion drinking in 2010, particularly among men.
An ADH1B Variant and Peer Drinking in Progression to Adolescent Drinking Milestones: Evidence of a Gene‐by‐Environment Interaction
Authors: Olfson Emily , Edenberg Howard J. , Nurnberger John , Agrawal Arpana , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Almasy Laura A. , Chorlian David , Dick Danielle M. , Hesselbrock Victor M. , Kramer John R. , Kuperman Samuel , Porjesz Bernice , Schuckit Marc A. , Tischfield Jay A. , Wang Jen‐Chyong , Wetherill Leah , Foroud Tatiana M. , Rice John , Goate Alison , Bierut Laura J. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAdolescent drinking is an important public health concern, one that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The functional variant rs1229984 in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) has been associated at a genome‐wide level with alcohol use disorders in diverse adult populations. However, few data are available regarding whether this variant influences early drinking behaviors and whether social context moderates this effect. This study examines the interplay between rs1229984 and peer drinking in the development of adolescent drinking milestones.MethodsOne thousand five hundred and fifty European and African American individuals who had a full drink of alcohol before age 18 were selected from a longitudinal study of youth as part of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA). Cox proportional hazards regression, with G × E product terms in the final models, was used to study 2 primary outcomes during adolescence: age of first intoxication and age of first DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder symptom.ResultsThe minor A allele of rs1229984 was associated with a protective effect for first intoxication (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.76) and first DSM‐5 symptom (HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.77) in the final models. Reporting that most or all best friends drink was associated with a hazardous effect for first intoxication (HR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.01) and first DSM‐5 symptom (HR = 2.17, 95% 1.88 to 2.50) in the final models. Furthermore, there was a significant G × E interaction for first intoxication (p = 0.002) and first DSM‐5 symptom (p = 0.01). Among individuals reporting none or few best friends drinking, the ADH1B variant had a protective effect for adolescent drinking milestones, but for those reporting most or all best friends drinking, this effect was greatly reduced.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the risk factor of best friends drinking attenuates the protective effect of a well‐established ADH1B variant for 2 adolescent drinking behaviors. These findings illustrate the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of drinking milestones during adolescence.