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We developed a two-stage temperature control system for a long-term stable measurement of AMoRE neutrinoless double beta decay experiment using a dilution refrigerator. The first-stage control was made with a standard PID system using an AC bridge with a ruthenium oxide thermometer as the main thermometer of the mixing chamber plate. The second-stage control was obtained with a magnetic microcalorimeter (MMC) that is configured as a sensitive thermometer for a detector tower, the main experiment. Under single-stage temperature control on the temperature of the mixing chamber plate only with the RuO2 thermometer, the MMC recorded temperature stability of the detector plate of 9 μK rms over 100 min. Under two-stage temperature control, with the first-stage of the mixing chamber plate at 11 mK via the RuO2 thermometer and the second-stage of the detector plate at 12 mK via the MMC, the MMC recorded a temperature stability of 0.5 μK rms over 100 min. Moreover, the heat channels of the AMoRE experiment obtained considerable improvement in energy resolutions when switching from single-stage (RuO2) to two-stage (RuO2 + MMC) control.

We report a detector model study for light detectors having Ge and Si wafers as absorbers with a metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC) readout. The model explains the heat flow processes between the thermal components in the detector system, including athermal and thermal phonon transfers and electronic heat diffusion. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductance values was in good agreement with their expectations. The analysis also resulted in finding the characteristic time constants of the athermal phonons for direct absorption in the phonon collector film and for the downconversion to thermal phonons of the absorber wafers. It is a complete detector model to be applied for various detector variations such as the type and dimensions of the wafer absorber.

We present a comparison of the two types of metallic magnetic calorimeters (MMCs) developed for a large-scale neutrinoless double beta decay ( $0\nu \beta \beta$ ) search experiment. As high resolution micro-calorimeters, MMCs employ micro-fabricated superconducting circuits to measure the changes in magnetization of a paramagnetic sensor material. We constructed two alpha spectrometers with two MMC sensors made of Au:Er and Ag:Er (i.e., gold and silver alloys with small concentrations of Er). A piece of gold foil with a heat capacity comparable to that of 350 g CaMoO $_4$ crystal near 10 mK was used as the absorber for each alpha spectrometer. These detector setups allowed us to investigate the temperature dependence of magnetization for the different sensor materials over a wide temperature range with various amounts of field current. The magnetization measurements for both the Au:Er and Ag:Er sensors were in good agreement with calculations for field currents of up to 100 mA. Moreover, the measured and estimated pulse heights of alpha events agreed with each other, and were compared between the different sensor materials. We discuss how the excess heat capacity from the nuclear spins in Au:Er influences the pulse size and shape in calorimetric detection. Moreover, we describe the benefit of using Ag:Er sensors in thermal calorimeters with large crystal absorbers in a $0\nu \beta \beta$ search experiment.

Comprehensive evidence regarding the treatment of non-anaemic iron deficiency in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association between non-anaemic iron deficiency and postoperative outcomes in these patients. We retrospectively analysed 321 patients of which 180 (56%) had iron deficiency (defined as serum ferritin100 ng.ml

AMoRE is an international project to search for the neutrinoless double beta decay of $^{100}$Mo using a detection technology consisting of magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs) and molybdenum-based scintillating crystals. Data collection has begun for the current AMORE-I phase of the project, an upgrade from the previous pilot phase. AMoRE-I employs thirteen $^\mathrm{48depl.}$Ca$^{100}$MoO$_4$ crystals and five Li$_2$$^{100}$MoO$_4$ crystals for a total crystal mass of 6.2 kg. Each detector module contains a scintillating crystal with two MMC channels for heat and light detection. We report the present status of the experiment and the performance of the detector modules., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, published in Journal of Low Temperature Physics (2022)

Postmortem aging is one of the most extensively adopted post-harvest processing practices. Aging is a natural process to ensure the establishment of palatability through the action of endogenous proteolytic systems in fresh muscle. Over the years, Dr. Kim’s group have identified key factors that affect the rate and extent of postmortem aging impacts on meat quality and proposed a novel “Smart-aging” system. Smart-aging is a conceptual system for the development of readily applicable template aging strategies to improve meat quality and value. Dr. Kim’s laboratory has determined that aging can be further optimized through identifying specific post-harvest aging parameters. Coupled with using novel metabolomics techniques, Dr. Kim’s group has elucidated the biochemical mechanism underpinning muscle-specific aging responses to color and oxidative stability as well as tenderness and flavor developments of fresh meats. For example, dry-aging is a traditional century-old process, where carcass side or subprimals with no protective packaging materials are stored in a cold environment for several weeks to months. Through dry-aging, unique dry-aging flavor is generated, but specific flavor compounds and liberation mechanisms associated with dry-aged flavor have not been fully understood. Dr. Kim’s laboratory identified key metabolites associated with dry-aged flavor of beef loins. They further demonstrated that dry-aging under an optimized condition results in significant improvements of flavor and consumer acceptability of beef through the generation of flavor-related metabolites. Concurrently, Dr. Kim’s laboratory works on identifying key molecules in fresh meat samples that can be used for the future development of simple marker-based detection systems for establishing optimal Smart-aging practices. While having its own set of limitations, metabolomics is a tool that has a great deal of potential in the future of muscle food research. This presentation will give a brief overview of metabolomics technologies, highlighting novel areas of research and seeking to identify research gaps and future directions for metabolomics applications in meat science.

The objective of this study was to create various pH/temp decline rates in hot-boned bull beef M. longissimus lumborum (LL) through a combination of electrical stimulation (ES) and pre-rigor holding temperature. The relationship between the pre-rigor interventions, the activities of µ-calpain and small heat shock proteins (sHSP), and the impacts on meat product quality were determined. Paired LL loins from 13 bulls were hot-boned within 40 min of slaughter, immediately ES and subjected to various holding temperatures (5, 15, 25, and 35°C) for 3 hr. The rate of muscle pH decline, sarcomere length, shear force, and proteolysis of muscle proteins were measured. ES-25°C had a longer sarcomere length compared to non-electrical stimulation samples. ES-25°C and ES-35°C samples had lower shear force values, higher µ-calpain activity and higher desmin, troponin-T, and sHSP degradation. The above findings suggest that pH/temp decline rates created in hot-boned muscle impacted muscle protein proteolysis by increasing the activity of proteases and degradation of sHSP.

We present the first observation by the Telescope Array Surface Detector (TASD) of the effect of thunderstorms on the development of cosmic ray single count rate intensity over a 700 km$^{2}$ area. Observations of variations in the secondary low-energy cosmic ray counting rate, using the TASD, allow us to study the electric field inside thunderstorms, on a large scale, as it progresses on top of the 700 km$^{2}$ detector, without dealing with the limitation of narrow exposure in time and space using balloons and aircraft detectors. In this work, variations in the cosmic ray intensity (single count rate) using the TASD, were studied and found to be on average at the $\sim(0.5-1)\%$ and up to 2\% level. These observations were found to be both in excess and in deficit. They were also found to be correlated with lightning in addition to thunderstorms. These variations lasted for tens of minutes; their footprint on the ground ranged from 6 to 24 km in diameter and moved in the same direction as the thunderstorm. With the use of simple electric field models inside the cloud and between cloud to ground, the observed variations in the cosmic ray single count rate were recreated using CORSIKA simulations. Depending on the electric field model used and the direction of the electric field in that model, the electric field magnitude that reproduces the observed low-energy cosmic ray single count rate variations was found to be approximately between 0.2-0.4 GV. This in turn allows us to get a reasonable insight on the electric field and its effect on cosmic ray air showers inside thunderstorms.

ObjectivesIn the broiler industry, high photoperiod (the duration of light exposure per day) regimes have traditionally been utilized to increase yield of breast meat, as well as maximize feed intake and growth rate in the growing period. However, recent literature reports this practice may have adverse effects on broiler welfare, resulting in impaired mobility and increased incidence of leg abnormalities. However, little information available in the current literature regarding effects of photoperiod on meat quality attributes and oxidative stability of broiler meat. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics and lipid/protein oxidative stability of breast meat from broilers that were exposed to different photoperiod combinations.Materials and MethodsA total of 432 Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated among 4 rooms each subjected to one of the following photoperiod treatments (hours Light: Dark): 20L:4D, 18L:6D, 16L:8D and 12L:12D, with 6 pens per treatment. At d 42, 2 broilers per pen (12 broilers/treatment) were randomly selected, harvested and air chilled for 24 h at 2°C. At l day postmortem, paired breast muscles (M. pectoralis) were collected for the meat quality analyses such as, water-holding capacity (drip/purge/cook loss), Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and display color for 7 d under fluorescent light (1450 lx). Lipid oxidation was assessed via the TBARS assay and protein oxidation by thiol content measured at d 1 and d 7 of display. The experimental design was randomized complete block design. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS, and means were separated using least significant differences (P < 0.05).ResultsPhotoperiod had no effect on fillet yield and pH (P > 0.05). No significant difference in WBSF was found between treatments, although 12L:12D had a trend of higher WBSF (P = 0.08). Higher moisture loss during carcass chilling was found in carcasses from 20L:4D compared to 16L:8D and 12L:12D treatments (P < 0.05). No other measure of water-holding capacity was affected, though the 16L:8D treatment demonstrated a trend of higher freezing/thawing loss compared to other treatments (P = 0.06). Proximate moisture, protein and lipid contents were unaffected by photoperiod (P > 0.05), but higher ash was observed in 16L:8D over 20L:4D and 18L:6D (P < 0.05). Different photoperiod combinations affected color stability of breast meat during display (P < 0.05). Of note, fillets from 20L:4D maintained highest L* and hue angle, and least a* values (P < 0.05), indicating inferior color stability compared to other treatments. Oxidation increased with display, and fillets from 20L:4D and 18L:6D had higher TBARS over 12L:12D (P < 0.05); no photoperiod effect was observed in thiol content (P > 0.05).ConclusionResults suggest 20L:4D photoperiod regimes may be detrimental to meat quality, as carcasses from this treatment group had higher moisture loss during chilling, and color measurements characterized these fillets as being paler and more discolored than other treatments. Fillets from 12L:12D maintained lower TBARS than 20L:4D and 18L:6D, suggesting photoperiod regimes allowing more hours of dark may be beneficial in improving oxidative stability. Further studies determining the effects of photoperiod on quality and protein functionality of chicken meat for processing technological would be highly warranted.

This study aimed to investigate the association between serum ferritin levels and the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in postmenopausal women.Two hundred and forty-one postmenopausal women who participated in a heath examination program were enrolled in the present study. Serum ferritin tertiles were categorized as follows: T1, ≤46.4 ng/ml; T2, 46.5-76.1 ng/ml; and T3, ≥76.2 ng/ml. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NAFLD were calculated after adjusting for confounding variables across serum ferritin tertiles using multiple logistic regression analysis.The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 41.4% and was significantly increased in accordance with the serum ferritin tertiles as follows: 30.0% for T1, 40.7% for T2, and 54.3% for T3, respectively. As compared with the lowest tertile, the OR (95% CI) for NAFLD in the highest tertile was 2.69 (1.16-5.28) after adjusting for age, body mass index, regular exercise, mean arterial pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and leukocyte count.The serum ferritin level was positively and independently associated with NAFLD in postmenopausal women and could be a useful additional measure in assessing the risk of NAFLD in postmenopausal women.

Background Although a contributory role of vitamin D levels for the development of chronic hepatitis C has been suggested, the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in combination with conventional antiviral therapy consisting of pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFN-α) injection and oral ribavirin (RBV) remains unclear. We investigated its efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C via a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and the bibliographies of relevant articles to locate additional publications in September 2016. Three evaluators independently reviewed and selected eligible studies based on predetermined selection criteria. Results Of 522 articles meeting our initial criteria, a total of seven open-label, randomised controlled trials involving 548 participants, were included in the final analysis. Vitamin D supplementation in combination with Peg-IFN-α injection and oral RBV significantly increased the rate of viral response for hepatitis C at 24 weeks after treatment in a random-effects meta-analysis (relative risk = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.62; I2 = 75.9%). Also, its significant efficacy was observed in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1, which is known to be refractory to antiviral therapy. Conclusions In summary, we observed that additional use of vitamin D has a positive effect on sustained viral response rates of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. However, we cannot establish the efficacy because of substantial heterogeneity, a small sample size and a low methodological quality.

The Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower has various biological and pharmacological effects, but effects of its absolute on skin regeneration or wound healing-linked responses remain unknown. In the present study, effects of Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower absolute were explored on the proliferation and migration of normal human keratinocytes as well as the composition of absolute from Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower absolute stimulated both proliferation and migration of the keratinocytes. It also enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and serine/threonine-specific protein kinase in human keratinocytes. Moreover, the Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower absolute increased the sprout outgrowth of human keratinocytes. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower absolute allowed identification of 16 compounds. These findings indicated that the absolute promoted the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes. Therefore, Hemistepta lyrata Bunge flower absolute might play a beneficial role in skin regeneration or wound healing by elevating migration and proliferation of keratinocytes.

Supplemental material, Supplementary_Material for Long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of non-lung cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies by H-B Kim, J-Y Shim, B Park and Y-J Lee in Perspectives in Public Health

Evidence for a large-scale supergalactic cosmic-ray multiplet (arrival directions correlated with energy) structure is reported for ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray (UHECR) energies above 1019 eV using 7 years of data from the Telescope Array (TA) surface detector and updated to 10 years. Previous energy–position correlation studies have made assumptions regarding magnetic field shapes and strength, and UHECR composition. Here the assumption tested is that, because the supergalactic plane is a fit to the average matter density of the local large-scale structure, UHECR sources and intervening extragalactic magnetic fields are correlated with this plane. This supergalactic deflection hypothesis is tested by the entire field-of-view (FOV) behavior of the strength of intermediate-scale energy–angle correlations. These multiplets are measured in spherical cap section bins (wedges) of the FOV to account for coherent and random magnetic fields. The structure found is consistent with supergalactic deflection, the previously published energy spectrum anisotropy results of the TA (the Hotspot and Coldspot), and toy-model simulations of a supergalactic magnetic sheet. The seven year data posttrial significance of this supergalactic structure of multiplets appearing by chance, on an isotropic sky, is found by Monte Carlo simulation to be 4.2σ. The 10 years of data posttrial significance is 4.1σ. Furthermore, the starburst galaxy M82 is shown to be a possible source of the TA Hotspot, and an estimate of the supergalactic magnetic field using UHECR measurements is presented.

For chromaticity correction, it is necessary to dispense high viscosity phosphor slurry since it greatly affects the performance of white LEDs. However, it is quite difficult to dispense high viscosity fluorescent materials. In the current study, micro-discharge electrostatic printing has been used for dispensing various high viscosity phosphor slurries. We have achieved dispersions of up to 50 µg using drop on demand (DOD) discharge experiments. The experiments were conducted with different combinations of process variables such as applied voltage, pneumatic pressure, and frequency.

Heat stress (HS) has depletory effects on intestinal morphology, induces metabolic changes, and disposes pigs to oxidative stress. Zinc has roles in gut health, nutrient and insulin mediated metabolism. To better understand the effects of cyclic heat and dietary Zn supplementation on gut integrity, carcass composition, and pork quality, commercial crossbred mixed-sex pigs (n = 400; initially 72.2 kg) were housed under either thermoneutral (TN; 18.9–16.7°C) or cycling HS conditions simulating chronic summer heat (30°C/26.7°C for 12h:12h on days 24–65) with acute heat periods of 32-33°C/29-30°C for 12h:12h on days 21–24, 42–45, and 63–65. Treatments were arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial with main effects of environment (HS vs. TN), added Zn level (50 vs. 130 mg/kg available Zn), and added Zn source (inorganic from ZnO vs. organic from Availa®Zn; Zinpro Corp, Eden Prairie, MN). Relative to TN, HS elevated (P < 0.050) body temperatures during the growing period. Heat stress was correlated with ileal villus height (r=-0.51, P = 0.015) and HSP-70 expression (r=0.46, P = 0.041). Growth was reduced such that carcasses from HS pigs were lighter (P = 0.011) and exhibited improved carcass quality with higher (P = 0.001) 24-hour loin pH, decreased (P = 0.034) drip loss, and greater (P < 0.050) subjective color and firmness scores compared to TN carcasses. Relative to TN, loin chops and sausage patties manufactured from the HS carcasses had similar oxidative stability (CIE L*a*b* color, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) throughout a 10-day simulated retail display. The HS induced fatty acid profile differences in the pork product but were not sufficient to shift IV (P > 0.10). Belly firmness and slice lean were also unaffected (P > 0.10) by HS. Zinc supplementation had minimal impact on the carcass quality characteristics studied. Further research is necessary to better understand the impact of HS duration, combination with additional stressors, and refine the ability to utilize thermal monitoring to manage negative impacts of HS.

ObjectivesPost-weaning transport of pigs was commonly practiced in the swine industry, however, adversely impact animal growth and well-being due to concurrent stress from weaning and transport. Further, our recent study found that post-weaning transport may have long-term effects on final pork quality attributes in terms of inferior texture and water-holding capacity. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are anti-apoptotic chaperone proteins, protecting against apoptosis under a variety of cell death stimuli including postmortem muscle conversion process. While a potential role of apoptosis in meat tenderization has been proposed, how early life stress influences apoptotic/proteolytic process and metabolism of postmortem muscles is largely unknown. Thus, the study objective was to evaluate apoptotic and proteolytic attributes and metabolomic changes in postmortem muscles of market weight pigs exposed to early life transport/weaning stress at two seasons.Materials and MethodsTwo repetitions of newly weaned pigs (N = 480) were transported for 12 h in a trailer truck during July 2016 (SUMMER) and April 2017 (SPRING) in north-central Indiana. Upon reaching market weight, 10 animals were randomly chosen from each season and slaughtered in January 2017 and September 2017, respectively. Pairs of longissimus dorsi and psoas major muscles from each carcass were separated at 1d and 7d postmortem. Proteolytic and apoptotic factors including desmin, troponin T, calpain 1, HSP27, and aβ-crystallin were quantified using Western-blot assays, and mitochondria membrane permeability (MMP) was evaluated. Metabolome profiles of 1d samples were analyzed using the GC-TOF-MS/MS platform. Multivariate analyses PCA and PLS-DA were used to determine changes of metabolites. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS to compare the traits across season, muscle, and aging effects.ResultsPreviously, SUMMER pigs were reported showing decreased body weight, muscling, and fat deposition, as well as increased shear force and water loss during aging. In the present study, SPRING muscles exhibited increases in calpain 1 autolysis and structural protein degradation, coincided with accelerated apoptosis shown as higher MMP compared to the SUMMER counterparts (P < 0.05). Moreover, PCA and PLS-DA clustering indicated distinct metabolome profiles affected by season and muscle. Seasonal effect mainly altered lipid, glucose, and nitrogen metabolism. A group of 16C to 18C fatty acids were increased in SPRING, probably due to increased lipid anabolism during warm growing/finishing season. Changes of urea, ornithine, aspartic acid, and 5’methylthioadenosine suggested increased amino acid catabolism in SUMMER, corroborating the decreased lean and fat accretion. Seasonal changes of key metabolites related to stress response, including histidine, GABA, and ascorbic acid, suggested increased stress defense in SUMMER pigs, which implied the suppression of apoptotic and proteolytic activities.ConclusionTaken together, SUMMER pigs showed suppressed onset of apoptosis with compromised growth and meat quality, possibly due to alternations in seasonal metabolic response. This may in turn affect the proteolytic potential of early postmortem muscles. Further studies elucidating the involvement of apoptotic process in proteolytic activities in postmortem muscles should be warranted.

ObjectivesProlonged photoperiod (light) is a common practice in the broiler industry to maximize feed intake, growth and yield. Several studies, however, have found negative impacts of extended photoperiod on animal welfare-related characteristics (e.g., leg abnormalities). While the previous research has primarily focused on animal growth/welfare aspects, the effect of photoperiod on functional properties and quality attributes of broiler meat has not been evaluated. Thus, this study was aimed to determine functional properties, physicochemical attributes and oxidative stability of ground meat from broilers reared under different photoperiod conditions.Materials and MethodsRoss 308 broiler chicks (n = 432) were assigned to 4 rooms with 6 pens per treatment, which were equipped with one of the following photoperiods (T20, T18, T16, and T12; the hours of lighting per day), started from Day 15. At 42 d of age, the broilers (n = 12/treatment) were randomly taken, slaughtered and chilled for 24 h at 2°C. At 1 d postmortem, tenderloins and leg muscles were separated from the carcasses and stored at –40°C until further processing. In three batches, meat samples were ground using 1/4 in plate and formed into patties (100 g each). The ground samples were measured for pH, protein solubility, emulsion activity index, protein denaturation, salt-induced water uptake and subsequent cooking loss and final yield. The patties were displayed at 2°C under light (l × 1800) and color stability, lipid oxidation (TBARS) and thiol contents were examined. The patties were also measured for purge/cooking loss and texture profile analysis (TPA). All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (v.9.4). Means were separated using least significant differences (P < 0.05).ResultsT20 samples had the lowest sarcoplasmic protein solubility among treatments, while T18 had a lower myofibrillar protein solubility compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). The emulsion activity index of T20 was higher in sarcoplasmic fraction than T12 (P < 0.05). T20 group also had a lower extractable protein concentration compared to other treatments, which subsequently resulted in an increase in protein denaturation (P < 0.05). T20 samples had a lower value of pH, salt-induced water uptake, and cooking loss, while T18 had a lower final yield than T16 and T12 (P < 0.05). No differences in physicochemical traits of patties were found between treatments, indicated by TPA, purge and cooking loss results (P > 0.05), however T20 had a greater display weight loss than T12 (P < 0.05). T20 patties maintained the highest L* and hue angle values during entire display, which could be attributed to its inferior water-holding capacity (P < 0.05). Both lipid (TBARS) and protein oxidation (thiol content) were increased with display (P < 0.05), but no significant photoperiod effect was found (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe results from the present study indicate that extended photoperiod would result in adverse impacts on functional/technological properties and oxidative stability of broiler meat. This is the first study reporting the importance of broiler housing condition (photoperiod) and its subsequent impacts on final meat quality and processing properties. The findings would provide insights into development of mitigating strategies for the poultry industry to prevent quality deteriorations of broiler meat due to the extended photoperiod.

ZnO:Al thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering were post-annealed and the electrical and optical properties of ZnO:Al thin films were investigated before and after anneling. We confirmed that the ZnO:Al thin film was affected by post-annealing temperature. As post-annealing temperature increases, crystallinity and transmittance in visible area (400~800 nm) of ZnO:Al thin films decreased. While sheet resistance of thin films increased sharply with increasing to . This result is due to reduce of carrier concentration caused by absorption of or at surface of thin film.

We study the anisotropy of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR) events collected by the Telescope Array (TA) detector in the first 40 months of operation. Following earlier studies, we examine event sets with energy thresholds of 10 EeV, 40 EeV, and 57 EeV. We find that the distributions of the events in right ascension and declination are compatible with an isotropic distribution in all three sets. We then compare with previously reported clustering of the UHECR events at small angular scales. No significant clustering is found in the TA data. We then check the events with E>57 EeV for correlations with nearby active galactic nuclei. No significant correlation is found. Finally, we examine all three sets for correlations with the large-scale structure of the Universe. We find that the two higher-energy sets are compatible with both an isotropic distribution and the hypothesis that UHECR sources follow the matter distribution of the Universe (the LSS hypothesis), while the event set with E>10 EeV is compatible with isotropy and is not compatible with the LSS hypothesis at 95% CL unless large deflection angles are also assumed. We show that accounting for UHECR deflections in a realistic model of the Galactic magnetic field can make this set compatible with the LSS hypothesis., 10 pages, 9 figures

Al-doped ZnO thin films were deposited with various Ar flow rate by RF magnetron sputtering, and theire properties were studied. A high-quality thin film was obtained by controlling the Ar flow rate, and the influence of the Ar flow rate on the Al-doped ZnO thin film was confirmed. In all Al-doped ZnO thin films, light transmittance had above 80%. Through Hall measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, the sample of 60 sccm, which had the lowest resistivity, showed the lower Al concentration. This result was attributed to oxygen vacancy rather than Al concentration.

ObjectivesSupplementation of ruminal bypass amino acids, such as arginine (Arg) and lysine (Lys), in beef cattle rations has been suggested to improve growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass composition. However, its impacts on meat quality characteristics have not been fully investigated. Previous studies have indicated supplementation of Arg may have an antioxidative effect on skeletal muscle. Postmortem aging is widely practiced in the beef industry to improve eating quality characteristics, but extended aging period has been shown to adversely affect oxidative stability, resulting in rapid discoloration and/or off-flavor development. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ruminal bypass Arg and Lys supplementation on meat quality and oxidative stability of beef loins with 14 and 28 d aging times. Materials and MethodsForty cattle fed 4 different diets for 180 d (control-basal diet; additional supplementation of metabolizable treatments (10 g/d) of each Arg, Lys, and ArgLys, respectively) were harvested. At 1 d postmortem, paired loins (M. Longissimus lumborum) were separated from each carcass, vacuum-packaged, and assigned to 14 and 28 d aging at 2°C. After each assigned aging time, 3 beef steaks (2-cm thick) were made from each loin to measure meat quality attributes, such as pH, water-holding capacity (WHC) and Warner-Bratzler shear force. One steak was overwrap-packaged with polyvinylchloride film and displayed for 7 d at 2°C under fluorescent light (1450 lx) for instrumental and trained panel color evaluation. Oxidative stability was determined by measuring total reducing activity (TRA) and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The experimental design was a split-plot design with diet effect as whole plot and aging time as sub-plot. All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC), and means were separated by least significant differences (P 0.05). An increase in aging duration decreased shear force (P 0.05). This could indicate a synergistic ArgLys combination impact on oxidative stability of beef samples. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that Arg supplementation could be an effective strategy to improve color stability of beef loins with extended aging. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism through which Arg mitigates the negative effects of extended aging storage on color and oxidative stabilities are highly warranted. In particular, the influence of Arg supplementation on the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) via the L-arginine-NO pathway in aged beef loins is under investigation.

Purpose: To describe computed tomography (CT) venographic appearances of systemic‐to‐pulmonary venous shunts with CT venography and three‐dimensional reconstruction images from patients with superior vena cava obstruction. Material and Methods: From January 1994 to April 2002, CT venography was performed in 45 patients with superior vena cava obstruction using a single‐detector helical CT scanner ( n=38) and four‐detector row CT scanner ( n=7). Analysis of CT scan data included the cause and degree of venous obstruction, the presence of pleural thickening and enhancement, and the attenuation of pulmonary veins. The causative factor for systemic‐to‐pulmonary venous shunt was evaluated using the Fisher exact test. Results: Systemic‐to‐pulmonary venous shunts were observed in four patients (9%) who had high‐attenuated pulmonary veins and pleural enhancement on CT venography. Pleural thickening ( P=0.01) and a history of pulmonary tuberculosis ( P=0.034) are statistically significant risk factors. Conclusion: CT venography showed strong pleural enhancement and high‐attenuated pulmonary veins indicating systemic‐to‐pulmonary venous shunts. Radiologists should study the earlier enhancement of pulmonary veins in patients with superior vena cava obstruction.

The effects of different rumen protected forms, oleamide, Ca oleate, of dietary oleic acid on the carcass quality and fatty acid composition in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat tissues of Hanwoo steer were examined. Sixty, 25 month old Hanwoo steers divided into three groups were fed no supplement (Control), 2% of oleamide (Oleamide) or Ca-oleate (Ca-Oleate) in their diet for 45 or 90 days. Disappearance rates of oleic acid supplements in digestive tracts (Rumen bypass, abomasal and intestinal disappearance rate) were 48.5, 68.4 for oleamide and Ca oleate, respectively. Both oleic acid supplements affected feed intake, growth rate, cold carcass weight and carcass fatness. Live weight gain, carcass weight, backfat thickness and marbling score were higher in the oleic acid supplemented steers compared with those from the control. Oleic acid supplements increased marbling score and ether extract in Hanwoo steer m. logissi thoracicmus. Rumen protected oleic acid increased not only the level of oleic acid but also polyunsaturated fatty acids in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat tissue. Total saturated fatty acid contents in both fat tissues were decreased whereas total unsaturated fatty acid content was increased compared with those from control. Linoleic acid, linolenic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were significantly higher in Ca oleate than any other steers. Lipid metabolites in blood were increased in rumen protected oleic acid treatments. HDL content in blood was increased in Ca-oleate supplemented steers whereas LDL was decreased compared with control. The changes of fatty acid compositions in the rumen protected oleic acid supplemented steers suggest that the oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acid were protected from rumen biohydrogenation and can be deposited in the fat tissues.

Synopsis The aim of this study was to develop a new natural preservative system making up for the weak points of chitosan as a preservative. As reported in a previous manuscript (20th IFSCC Congress, Cannes, France, 1998), the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of water-soluble chitosan against bacteria and yeast were 0.9–3.0 mg mL−1, whereas MICs of chitosan against Aspergillus niger were over 5.0 mg mL−1. However, the result of recent study showed that the MICs of Inula helenium L. extract against A. niger were below 1.0 mg mL−1. Thus, we could develop a new preservative system containing both chitosan and I. helenium L. extract named CI-mixture. MICs of CI-mixture against bacteria and fungi (yeast and mould) were 2.0–4.0 mg mL−1. When 10.0% of the mixture (the ratio of chitosan to I. helenium L. extract = 7.5% : 2.5%) was applied to cosmetic formulae such as skin lotion, milk lotion, cream and pack, it revealed appropriate preservative efficacy. Our result of the patch test also showed that this preservative system reduced skin irritation by about 30–50%, as compared to the organic preservative system. Therefore, the good natural preservative system including chitosan and Inula helenium L. extract could be incorporated in cosmetic formulations. Resume Le but de cette etude etait de developper un nouveau systeme conservateur naturel en ameliorant les proprietes du chitosan en tant que conservateur. Comme decrit dans un manuscrit precedent (20ieme Congres IFSCC Cannes, France, 1998), les C.M.I (concentrations minimales inhibitrices) du chitosan hydro-soluble contre les bacteries et levures etaient de 0.9–3 mg mL−1 et superieures a 5 mg mL−1 conte A. niger. Cependant, des resultats recents conferaient a un extrait d' Inula helenium L. des CMI contre A niger inferieures a 1 mg mL−1. Ainsi, il devenait possible de developper un systeme conservateur combinant ces deux composes (chitosan et I. helenium L.) denomme ici melange CI. Les CMI du melange CI contre les bacteries et champignons (levures et moisissures) etaient de 2–4 mg mL−1. Lorsque ce melange CI (rapport chitosan/Inula = 7.5% : 2.5%) etait introduit a 10% dans des formules cosmetiques telles que lotion cutanee, lait cutane, creme. il montrait de bonnes proprietes conservatrices. Des resultats de patch tests cutanes montraient aussi que ce systeme conservateur reduisait l'irritation cutanee d'environ 30a 50% par rapport a un systeme conservateur organique. Le systeme de conservateur naturel optimal contenant le chitosan et l'extrait d'I. helenium L. peut ainsi etre incorpore dans les formulations cosmetiques