bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human leucocyte antigen‐identical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in major histocompatiblity complex class II immunodeficiency: reduced survival correlates with an increased incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease and pre‐existing viral infections
Authors: Renella Raffaele , Picard Capucine , Neven Bénédicte , Ouachée‐Chardin Marie , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Deist Françoise Le , Cavazzana‐Calvo Marina , Blanche Stéphane , Fischer Alain
Published: July 2006

Major histocompatibility complex class II deficiency, a rare autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency, is caused by the defective expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules due to mutated trans‐acting elements of any one of four regulatory genes (CIITA, RFXANK, RFX5, RFXAP). The impaired CD4 T‐cell differentiation and antigen presentation in the periphery results in a severe defect of cellular and humoral response consistent with severe recurrent infections, leading to a poor prognosis. Currently, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative approach, but the overall cure rate is lower than in other immunodeficiencies. We report a single centre experience of 17 HSCTs with 15 HLA‐identical donors between 1981 and 2004. Eight patients survived, while the occurrence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was 50%. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for GVHD and outcome within pre‐HSCT complications related to the immunodeficiency. Five of seven patients with pre‐existing viral infections developed acute GVHD ≥ grade II, of whom four died. Two of seven patients without detectable pre‐existing viral infection developed GVHD ≥ grade II, and one died. The difference was significant (P < 0·05). A plausible link with other factors potentially associated with the development of GVHD could not be found. We suggest that the reduced survival after HLA‐identical HSCT may be caused by the high incidence of pre‐existing viral infections and associated with the onset of severe acute GVHD.
Lumbar bone mineral density as the major factor determining increased prevalence of vertebral fractures in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Pepe Jessica , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Nofroni Italo , Fassino Valeria , Diacinti Daniele , Romagnoli Elisabetta , Minisola Salvatore
Published: July 2006

The possible relationships between biochemical measurements and both densitometric and radiographic indexes of skeletal fragility were evaluated in 65 postmenopausal women with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). There was a significantly higher prevalence of vertebral fractures in the MGUS group compared with a control population (P ≤ 0·001). The MGUS patients were then grouped according to the presence or absence of at least one mild vertebral fracture. Patients with fractures (Fx, n = 34) were older (62·8 ± 6·1 years), with long‐standing disease (8·8 ± 7·1 years) when compared with those without fractures (NFx, n = 31; 59·7 ± 5·0 years, P ≤ 0·05 and 5·8 ± 4·1 years, P ≤ 0·05). The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio was higher in Fx compared with NFx (0·092 ± 0·018 vs. 0·082 ± 0·020; P ≤ 0·05). Lumbar spine (0·811 ± 0·14 vs. 0·956 ± 0·12 g/cm2), femoral neck (0·660 ± 0·09 vs. 0·747 ± 0·10 g/cm2) and total bone mineral density (BMD) (0·788 ± 0·11 vs. 0·884 ± 0·11 g/cm2) were lower (all P ≤ 0·001) in Fx‐MGUS compared with Nfx patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified lumbar BMD as the variable that best predicted vertebral fractures (area under the curve 0·817; 95% confidence interval, 0·713–0·921). This study provides an indication for the measurement of BMD in MGUS patients, as a means of predicting vertebral fractures, especially in those that are asymptomatic. Patients with prevalent fractures should undergo pharmacological treatment to prevent further fractures.
Parity and the metabolic syndrome in older Chinese women: the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Lao X. Q. , Thomas G. N. , Jiang C. Q. , Zhang W. S. , Yin P. , Schooling M. , Heys M. , Leung G. M. , Adab P. , Cheng K. K. , Lam T. H.
Published: July 2006

Objective  To examine whether parity or gravidity contributes to the development of the metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods  The first phase of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study recruited 7352 women and 3065 men aged 50–93 years in 2003–4. Data on the number of live births and pregnancies, other reproduction‐associated factors and socioeconomic and lifestyles factors were collected by standardized interview. The MS components were determined through physical examination and measurement of fasting blood samples. MS was identified if waist circumference was ≥ 90 cm for men or ≥ 80 cm for women, plus any two of: (a) raised triglyceride (TG) level (1·7 mmol/l) or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; (b) reduced high density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol (< 1·03 mmol/l in males or < 1·29 mmol/l in females) or specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; (c) raised blood pressure (BP, systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mmHg) or hypertension therapy; and (d) raised fasting glucose (≥ 5·6 mmol/l) or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Results  Before adjustment for potential confounders, we found associations between the number of births and lifestyle and socioeconomic factors in both sexes. However, in women, but not in men, body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio, triglyceride and glucose were positively associated with the number of birth after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. The age‐adjusted prevalence of the MS increased with the number of births and pregnancies in women, but the gradient for birth was steeper than that for pregnancies [odds ratio change per birth 1·16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·11–1·22, P < 0·001; odds ratio change per pregnancy 1·11, 95% CI 1·06–1·16, P < 0·001], although attenuating the association adjustment did not affect the significance of these findings. There was no association in men with regard to the number of their partners’ live births given the same analysis and similar shared living background with the women.

Conclusion  Higher parity or gravidity was associated with a consistent increase in the risk of MS in Chinese women. As the association persisted after adjustment for lifestyle factors and there was no association between the risk of MS and the number of births associated with the partners of the males, the association in women may represent a biological response to pregnancy.
Comparison of iodine uptake in tumour and nontumour tissue under thyroid hormone deprivation and with recombinant human thyrotropin in thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Pötzi Christian , Moameni Abbas , Karanikas Georgios , Preitfellner Josef , Becherer Alexander , Pirich Christian , Dudczak Robert
Published: July 2006

Aim  Recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) is a new option for diagnostic follow‐up in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Iodine kinetics after administration of rhTSH is controversially discussed. The aim of our study was to compare the time course of radioiodine in tumour and normal tissue during periods of TSH elevation in patients in a hypothyroid state (HS) following hormone withdrawal, with those under euthyroidism (ES) after the administration of rhTSH.

Patients and methods  We investigated four patients who had undergone near‐total thyroidectomy and were suffering from metastatic disease. Dosimetric calculations were performed using tumour and whole‐body uptake, and background measurements from 123‐iodine scans performed 0, 4, 24 and 48 h after the application of 123I.

Results  All patients had lesser uptake of 123I under rhTSH stimulation than after hormone withdrawal. The median maximum TG (thyroglobulin) levels were 733·1 ng/ml with HS and 548·0 ng/ml with ES. The median half‐life in tumour tissue was 39·8 h (mean 65·9, range 11·5–194·0) with HS and 21·9 h (mean 38·7, range. 8·7–113·9) with ES. The median uptake dose in per cent in tumour tissue was 0·08 (mean 0·15, range 0·04–0·6) with HS and 0·05 (mean 0·08, range 0·03–0·2) with ES. Furthermore, the cumulative activity in metastatic tissue was lower after rhTSH than during hypothyroidism, with considerable variations between individual lesions.

Conclusion  In our small group of DTC patients with metastatic disease, the effectiveness of radioiodine therapy following rhTSH was anticipated to be less than that in individuals who were hypothyroid after levothyroxine (L‐T4) withdrawal. Endogenous TSH stimulation of metastatic thyroid cancer with radioiodine should not be performed without prior target tumour lesion dosimetry with 123I.
Fine needle aspiration of epididymal nodules in Chandigarh, north India: an audit of 228 cases
Authors: Gupta N. , Rajwanshi A. , Srinivasan R. , Nijhawan R.
Published: July 2006

Background  Epididymal nodules are not infrequently encountered in surgical practice. These are generally small and slippery and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is not easy. But as it is rapid and less traumatic than a biopsy, this is a favoured technique in the assessment of epididymal nodules.

Patients and methods  In the present study, all the cases of epididymal nodules aspirated from January 1998 to August 2004 were retrieved from the cytology files of the Department of Cytology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Results  A total of 228 cases were retrieved and divided as follows: tuberculous epididymitis 70 (30.7%), non‐specific inflammation 10 (4.4%), microfilaria 2 (0.9%), hydrocele 26 (11.4%), spermatocele 42 (18.4%), spermatic granulomas 12 (5.3%), adenomatoid tumour 3 (1.3%), leiomyosarcoma 1 (0.4%) and lipoma 1 (0.4%). Thirty‐six (15.8%) cases were labelled as benign aspirate not otherwise specified. FNAC material was inadequate for opinion in 22 (9.65%) cases and three (1.3%) cases revealed evidence of a haematoma.

Conclusions  FNAC was useful in the diagnosis of 90.3% of cases, thereby avoiding surgical biopsy and other investigations. Therefore, FNAC has an important role in the differential diagnosis of epididymal nodules as it can detect malignancy and benign conditions such as tuberculosis and acute and chronic epididymo‐orchitis.
Using a quality control approach to define an ‘adequately cellular’ liquid‐based cervical cytology specimen
Authors: McQueen F. , Duvall E.
Published: July 2006

Objective:  To define a minimum acceptable total squamous cellularity for (ThinPrep®) liquid‐based cervical cytology (LBC) specimens using quality control techniques.

Methods:  Two hundred LBC preparations were made containing varying numbers (<200) of severely dyskaryotic squamous cells and with varying total cellularities.

Results:  Ninety‐eight per cent of the LBC preparations that were missed by one or more of three cytoscreeners had fewer than 16 abnormal objects (single dyskaryotic cells or clumps of cells) and 87 dyskaryotic cells. The minimum ratio of dyskaryotic to total squamous cells that, in a preparation of 5000 squamous cells has a probability of at least 0.98 that 87 or more dyskaryotic cells will be present is 1 : 47. Twenty‐three preparations diagnosed as abnormal had ratios of dyskaryotic to total squamous cells of between 1 : 2.5 and 1 : 4596. There is thus no feasible minimum acceptable squamous cellularity that will give an acceptable probability of detection of all specimen vials containing abnormal cells in the observed proportions.

Conclusions:  It is suggested that the minimum acceptable cellularity for LBC specimens is set pragmatically by the screening programme to give a feasible percentage of repeat tests.
Host choice by Aphidius colemani: effects of plants, plant–aphid combinations and the presence of intra‐guild predators
Authors: BILU EINAT , HOPPER KEITH R. , COLL MOSHE
Published: July 2006

Abstract 1. This study first measured the effect of plant (radish, pepper, and wheat), aphid–plant combination (the green peach aphid Myzus persicae on pepper and radish, and the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi on wheat) and the host on which Aphidius colemani was reared (the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii on cucumber, M. persicae on radish and pepper, and R. padi on wheat) on host choice behaviour of the parasitoid and the performance of its offspring. Then, the effect of predator presence (Coccinella undecimpunctata larvae) on host preference of the wasps was tested.

2. When reared on M. persicae on either radish or pepper, wasps preferred the aphid–plant combination from which they had emerged. Wasps reared on A. gossypii (naïve to all hosts offered) and R. padi preferred to parasitise M. persicae on radish and M. persicae on either radish or pepper, respectively. Rhopalosiphum padi on wheat was the least preferred and also the least suitable host, as determined by offspring body size.

3. Contrary to expectations, the presence of predators did not influence the host choice of A. colemani, even when predator‐free plants were offered nearby. Results indicate that wasps are more likely to remain in some host systems but not in others, even when facing risk of predation.

4. Results are discussed in respect to field data and the relative importance of risk of predation and host preference to wasp fitness.
Seasonal variation in the migration strategies of the green lacewingChrysoperla carneaspecies complex
Authors: CHAPMAN JASON W. , REYNOLDS DON R. , BROOKS STEPHEN J. , SMITH ALAN D. , WOIWOD IAN P.
Published: July 2006

Abstract1. Insect migration strategies are generally poorly understood due to the propensity for high‐altitude flight of many insect species, and the technical difficulties associated with observing these movements. While some progress has been made in the study of the migration of important insect pests, the migration strategies of insect natural enemies are often unknown.

2. Suction trapping, radar monitoring, and high‐altitude aerial netting were used to characterise the seasonal migrations in the U.K. of an assemblage of aphid predators: three green lacewings in theChrysoperla carneaspecies complex.

3.Chrysoperla carnea sens. str. was found to be very abundant at high altitudes during their summer migration, and some individuals were capable of migrating distances of ≈ 300 km during their pre‐ovipositional period. In contrast, high‐altitude flights were absent in the autumn migration period, probably due to a behavioural adaptation that increases the probability that migrants will encounter their over‐wintering sites. The other two species in the complex,C. lucasinaandC. pallida, were much rarer, making up ≈ 3% of the total airborne populations throughout the study period.

4. The summer migration ofC. carnea sens. str. was not directly temporally associated with the summer migration of its cereal aphid prey, but lagged behind by about 4 weeks. There was also no evidence of spatial association between aphid and lacewing populations.

5. The results show that to understand the population ecology of highly mobile insect species, it is necessary to characterise fully all aspects of their migration behaviour, including the role of high‐altitude flights.
Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in men with thyroid cancer
Authors: Mikosch P. , Igerc I. , Kudlacek S. , Woloszczuk W. , Gallowitsch H. J. , Kresnik E. , Stettner H. , Grimm G. , Lind P. , Pietschmann P.
Published: July 2006

Background  Suppressive thyroid hormone therapy is generally a lifelong treatment for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, long‐standing thyrotropin (TSH) suppression is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) are central regulators of bone turnover. The aim was to analyze the effects of a suppressive thyroid hormone therapy in males with DTC on the OPG/RANKL system and on bone metabolism.

Patients and methods  The OPG and soluble RANKL (sRANKL) were determined in 40 men (mean age, 53·2 years) with DTC on suppressive thyroid hormone therapy (TSH; 0·053 ± 0·037 mU L−1, duration 5·7 ± 4·4 years) and 120 healthy controls matched for age. The markers of bone metabolism were C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen in serum (sCTx) and osteocalcin (OC).

Results  The control group had OPG values (mean ± SD) of 1·9 ± 1·0 pmol L−1 and sRANKL values of 0·40 ± 0·62 pmol L−1. In patients with DTC, results for OPG were 3·03 ± 1·04 pmol L−1 (P < 0·05) and for sRANKL were 0·13 ± 0·16 pmol L−1 (P < 0·05). The control group presented values for sCTx of 2669 ± 1132 pmol L−1 and for OC of 17·89 ± 6·5 ng mL−1. Patients with DTC on suppressive thyroid hormone therapy had increased sCTx values of 3810 ± 2020 pmol L−1 (P = 0·03) but comparable OC values of 19·21 ± 7·67 ng mL−1 (NS).

Conclusion  Suppressive thyroid hormone therapy in men with DTC increased bone degradation and induced significant changes in the OPG/RANKL system. These changes include, besides the risk of osteoporosis, possible negative effects on the vascular function and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A model incorporating the diffuse double layer to predict the electrical conductivity of bulk soil
Authors: Mojid M. A. , Rose D. A. , Wyseure G. C. L.
Published: July 2006

A model has been developed to predict the electrical conductivity of bulk soil. The total soil‐water content is divided into free water and water in the diffuse double layer (DDL) around clay particles. These two fractions of soil water conduct electrical current through the soil and are assumed to act in parallel with the soil solid. The volume of water in the DDL is evaluated from the surface area of the clay and the thickness of the DDL. The surface area of the clay is estimated from its cation exchange capacity (CEC) and surface charge density. A transmission coefficient correcting for the effect of the tortuous flow path of current through the soil, and a proportionality constant relating the electrical conductivity of water in the DDL to that of free water, are included in the model. The transmission coefficient is a function of the contents of water and clay and has been modelled in terms of these factors. The values of the proportionality constant and those relating to the transmission coefficient were optimized for five different soils. The electrical conductivities of the five soils estimated by the model compare well with the measured values, which, however, deviate systematically from predictions by the three‐component model of Rhoades et al.
Scaling plant size to below‐ground zone of influence in annuals under contrasting competitive environments
Authors: BERGER A. G. , McDONALD A. J. , RIHA S. J.
Published: July 2006

Understanding the development of plants’ below‐ground zone of influence, the region over which a plant acquires soil resources, is essential for understanding and predicting interplant competition.

The objective of this experiment was to characterize root system development of four weed species (Abutilon theophrasti Medic., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L. and Setaria faberi Herm.) when grown in monoculture and in mixture to assess the influence of maize competition on root system volume and shape.

Using a herbicide‐injection technique, root development was assessed at two field sites with contrasting soil textures. Lateral root growth (LRG) was measured over the growing season at 15, 30 and 60 cm depths. Similarly, vertical root growth (VRG) was assessed when roots reached 15, 30 and 60 cm depths. The technique proved useful for quantifying VRG and LRG over time for all four weed species. From vertical and lateral root system expansion, the volume of soil exploited by the root system (V) was calculated and used as an estimator of the below‐ground zone of influence.

For A. theophrasti and A. retroflexus, VRG was less influenced than LRG by interspecific competition, and was independent of plant size. In contrast, LRG was strongly related to plant size. Differences in LRG were primarily responsible for the sizeable reductions in below‐ground zone of influence for plants of similar ages but of lower above‐ground biomass (AGB) due to competition with maize.

Above‐ground biomass of A. theophrasti and A. retroflexus was exponentially related to below‐ground zone of influence with a scaling exponent of 0·71 (AGB = 84·14V0·71, R2 = 0·74). Soil type (sandy loam vs silt loam), plant species, or interspecific competition (monoculture vs mixture with maize) did not substantially influence this relationship.

The scaling factor reported in this study could be used to improve dynamic models of plant competition in annual agroecosystems. This work also provides insights into the likelihood of below‐ground competition between neighbouring plants during root system development.
Cyclic fatigue resistance and three‐dimensional analysis of instruments from two nickel–titanium rotary systems
Authors: Grande N. M. , Plotino G. , Pecci R. , Bedini R. , Malagnino V. A. , Somma F.
Published: July 2006

Aim  To determine how instrument design affects the fatigue life of two nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) rotary systems (Mtwo and ProTaper) under cyclic fatigue stress in simulated root canals.

Methodology  Cyclic fatigue testing of instruments was performed in stainless steel artificial canals with radii of curvature of 2 or 5 mm and an angle of curvature of 60°. A total of 260 instruments were rotated until fracture occurred and the number of cycles to failure were recorded. The morphology of Ni–Ti rotary instruments was investigated by measuring the volume of millimetre slices of each instrument size starting from the tip to the shank by means of μCT analysis. The fracture surface of three representative samples of each size was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analysed by one‐way anova, Holm t‐test, paired t‐test and linear regression; the significance was determined at the 95% confidence level.

Results  Cycles to failure significantly decreased as the instrument volume increased for both the radii of curvature tested (P < 0.01). The radius of curvature had a statistically significant influence on the fatigue life of the instruments (P < 0.05). Larger instruments underwent fracture in less time under cyclic stress than smaller ones. SEM evaluation showed typical features of fracture through fatigue failure.

Conclusions  The metal volume in the point of maximum stress during a cyclic fatigue test could affect the fatigue life of Ni–Ti rotary instruments. The larger the metal volume, the lower the fatigue resistance.
Identification of Predominant Aroma Compounds in Muscadine Grape Juice
Authors: BAEK H.H. , CADWALLADER K.R. , MARROQUIN E. , SILVA J.L.
Published: July 2006

The aroma components of muscadine (Vitis rotundifoliaMichx) grape juice were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry and GC/olfactometry (aroma extract dilution analysis). 2,5‐Dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)‐furanone (furaneol), with a burnt sugar‐like aroma, was the most intense aroma in the juice. Other predominant compounds included 2,3‐butanedione, ethyl butanoate, ethyl 2‐methylbutanoate, 2‐phenylethanol, and o‐aminoacetophenone. These compounds were described as buttery/cream cheese, bubble gum/fruity, green apple/fruity, rosy, and foxy, respectively. Furaneol and o‐aminoacetophenone were thought to be responsible for characteristic candy and foxy‐like aroma notes of muscadine grape juice. Flavor dilution chromatograms were similar for juices prepared from grapes harvested on different dates and from different locations.
Aroma Volatiles in Cooked Alligator Meat
Authors: BAEK H.H. , CADWALLADER K.R.
Published: July 2006

Volatile components from cooked (convection oven at 176.7°C for 30 min) alligator meat were isolated by vacuum simultaneous distillation and solvent extraction (V‐SDE) and dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) and analyzed by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, or olfactometry. We identified 56 compounds in V‐SDE extracts and 13 in DHS extracts. Volatile profiles were similar for all alligator meat samples regardless of alligator size (length). However, concentration of volatiles increased as alligator size increased. Most volatile compounds were lipid‐derived aldehydes, which made up 73.9–79.4% of total volatiles in V‐SDE extracts and 82.4–89.2% in DHS extracts. Hexanal, the most abundant compound, and (Z)‐4‐heptenal were considered responsible for the green, grassy and fishy, rancid off‐odor of cooked alligator meat samples.
Destruction and Inhibition of Bacterial Spores by High Voltage Pulsed Electric Field
Authors: MARQUEZ V.O. , MITTAL G.S. , GRIFFITHS M.W.
Published: July 2006

Electric field strengths (E) from 20 to 50 kV/cm with pulse numbers ranging from 15 to 50 were applied to Bacillus spore suspensions in 0.10 to 0.15% NaCl solution. The lowest count of viable spores, expressed as the logarithmic ratio of initial count before treatment to surviving spores (log(No/N) 3.425 and 5 at 25°C) was obtained at 50 kV/cm with 30 and 50 pulses for B. subtilis and B. cereus, respectively. The log(No/N) increased with increased treatment temperature or increased time gap between pulses. Spores were unable to repair damage even after 1 mo.
Covalent Cross‐linking Effects on Thermo‐Rheological Profiles of Fish Protein Gels
Authors: LEE H.G. , LANIER T.C. , HAMANN D.D.
Published: July 2006

The extent of covalent cross‐linking in surimi sols by transglutaminase was modified by addition of either EDTA (inhibition by calcium sequestering), variation of preincubation time at 25°C to allow action of endogenous transglutaminase, or by addition of a microbial transglutaminase. Gels were cooked following preincubation to fix the effects of the cross‐linking reaction. Torsion, dynamic (small strain) test and stress relaxation measurements were made on the gels over a range of temperatures. Gels preincubated with EDTA had similar rheological response to temperature as gels cooked without preincubation. The stress relaxation and thermo‐rheological profiles of gels with increased covalent cross‐linking (induced by added or endogenous transglutaminase) were increasingly rubber elastic in their behavior.
Physicochemical Changes in Prawns (Machrobrachium rosenbergii) Subjected to Multiple Freeze‐Thaw Cycles
Authors: SRINIVASAN SUBRAMANIAN , XIONG YOULING L. , BLANCHARD SUZANNE P. , TIDWELL JAMES H.
Published: July 2006

Fresh prawns were subjected to five freeze‐thaw cycles (–29°C ⇄ 22°C) and associated physicochemical changes in muscle were determined. Shear force to break prawn tails was dependent on prawn size, more on weight (r = 0.75–0.81) than on diameter (r = 0.56–0.66). No change (P > 0.05) in shear force was observed in raw prawns after five freeze‐thaw cycles. However, shear force of cooked prawns decreased after three freeze‐thaw cycles which coincided with accelerated lipid oxidation in raw prawns. Electrophoretic analysis revealed gradual decreases in myosin, actin, and most other myofibrillar proteins with each successive freeze‐thaw cycle. Enthalpy of protein denaturation decreased from 16.6 J/g (fresh) to 13.5 J/g after one freeze‐thaw cycle with minor changes thereafter.
Fractal Analysis and Crust Water Diffusivity of a Restructured Potato Product During Deep‐Fat Frying
Authors: RUBNOV M. , SAGUY I.S.
Published: July 2006

The effect of added fructose (0–10% w/w) on restructured potato product surface characteristics, mechanical properties, moisture loss, oil uptake and color changes during deep‐fat frying was investigated. The apparent fractal dimension derived from the silhouettes of the sample contour was related to surface ruggedness, and displayed a marked linear effect of the added fructose on reducing its value from 1.27 to 1.08. The apparent fractal dimension correlated linearly with oil uptake and UR, suggesting a practical criterion for predicting oil uptake during deep‐fat frying. Added fructose reduced water diffusivity coefficients of pre‐fried specimens from 2.00 × 10−9 to 1.26 × 10−9 m2/s. Porosity ranged from 0.79 to 0.82.
Development and Characterization of Biodegradable/Edible Wheat Protein Films
Authors: RAYAS LUIS M. , HERNANDEZ RUBEN J. , NG PERRY K.W.
Published: July 2006

Biodegradable and edible films were prepared from three types of wheat flours: commercial bread, hard red winter, and soft white. Films were produced at two pH values (4 and 11) and tested for oxygen permeability as related to temperature. Films were also produced with a cross‐linked agent and tested for tensile strengths. Oxygen permeability was 5.9 × 10−20 to 18.5 × 10−20 m3O2 m m−2 s−1 Pa−1 similar to values for commercial nylon. The oxygen permeability activation energy varied from 9.1 to 14.5 kcal mol−1, depending on type of flour and pH did not affect oxygen permeability. Presence of the cross‐linking agent increased the strength of films and elongation at break ranged from 490% to 640%, while tensile stress at break ranged from 25.8 × 10−3 kg m−2 to 44.1 × 10−3 kg m−2, lower than commercial nylon.
Quality Characteristics of Ham Formulated with Modified Corn Starch and Kappa‐Carrageenan
Authors: PRABHU G. A. , SEBRANEK J.G.
Published: July 2006

Eight treatments utilizing kappa‐carrageenan (0%, 1.5%) and starch (0%, 2%, 3.5%, 5%) in hams were compared. Hams were evaluated for cooking yields, purge, color, texture and sensory characteristics. Incorporation of carrageenan at 1.5% increased yield, decreased purge and resulted in sensory perception of reduced juiciness. Increasing starch increased perception of juiciness. There was no synergistic effect on moisture retention due to a combination of starch and carrageenan. Microstructural characteristics revealed that starch and carrageenan were randomly distributed in localized areas with no evidence of interaction.
Texture Profile Analysis of Heat‐Formed Gels and Cakes Prepared with Low Cholesterol Egg Yolk Concentrates
Authors: PARASKEVOPOULOU A. , KIOSSEOGLOU V.
Published: July 2006

Gels were formed by heating water dispersions of egg yolk protein concentrates of low cholesterol content, prepared from yolk by applying different lipid extraction methods. Texture profiles, obtained by applying an Instron double compression test, showed that in general, gels exhibited higher hardness and springiness and lower cohesiveness than those of the control yolk. Cakes prepared with yolk concentrates showed higher hardness and similar cohesiveness and springiness values and, with one exception, harder textures compared to control cakes, as assessed by panelists. Results were related to the differences in protein and lipid composition of yolk samples.
Sensitivity Analysis for Hygrostress Crack Formation in Cylindrical Food During Drying
Authors: LIU HONG , ZHOU LIUMING , HAYAKAWA KAN‐ICHI
Published: July 2006

A parametric analysis was performed to examine the influence of several factors on stress crack formation in cylindrical food during drying using a previously developed, validated simulation method. They included initial food moisture (Wo), air humidity (Rh) and temperature (Ta), convective surface mass transfer coefficient (hm), convective surface heat transfer coefficient (ht), moisture diffusivity (Dw), and initial food diameter (do). Rh influenced most strongly drying time for crack formation (tcf), followed by Ta and Wo. The other 4 parameters in descending order of influence were hm, ht, do and Dw. The influence of all parameters, except Wo, was due to their influence on mass transfer Biot number, Bim, that was closely related to moisture concentration gradient in food. The influence of Wo was due to increased critical stress for crack formation with a reduced moisture level.
Whey Changes during Processing Determined by Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: POULIOT MICHEL , PAQUIN PAUL , MARTEL RICHARD , GAUTHIER SYLVIE F. , POULIOT YVES
Published: July 2006

We assessed the potential application of near infrared (NIR) spectrophotometry using a remote optic fiber probe for the development of calibrations. We evaluated the heat denaturation of whey proteins, the chemical composition of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) during production, and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of whey proteins during trypsin hydrolysis. Partial least square (PLS) calibrations were developed for these applications and were related to a variety of products and processing conditions, so as to increase their reliability. NIR has potential applications in real time analysis for whey processing lines.
Oxidation Kinetics of Menhaden Oil with TBHQ
Authors: FARKAS J.K. , FLOROS J.D. , LINEBACK D.S. , WATKINS B.A.
Published: July 2006

The oxidation kinetics of menhaden oil containing 0% to 0.02% tertbutylhydroquinone (TBHQ) were evaluated at 37°C. Induction periods, and monomolecular and bimolecular oxidation rates were determined from thiobarbituric acid analysis. The disappearance rates of several fatty acids were determined from GC analysis. Free fatty acid and viscosity changes were evaluated. Induction periods were directly related to TBHQ concentration. Monomolecular rates decreased with increasing TBHQ concentration, but bimolecular rates did not change. The rate of disappearance of unsaturated fatty acids was proportional to their degree of unsaturation, but not related to TBHQ concentration. Free fatty acid content and viscosity increased rapidly after the monomolecular period.
Carrageenan Effects on Thermal Stability of Meat Proteins
Authors: DeFREITAS Z. , SEBRANEK J.G. , OLSON D.G. , CARR J.M.
Published: July 2006

Meat myofibrillar protein (MP) gels and ground pork were used as model systems for studying thermal transition temperatures. Addition of up 2% of κ, ι, or λ carrageenan (CGN) to MP caused a very slight change in the thermal denaturation of the meat proteins. Three transition temperatures were found in ground pork samples, which were characteristic of myosin (59.4°C), sarcoplasmic proteins (67.8°C), and actin (82.4°C). Mixtures of high ionic strength had lower thermal transition peaks. CGN did not cause major shifts in transition temperatures, suggesting that molecular interactions between CGN and meat proteins did not occur.
Particle Size Distribution in Tomato Concentrate and Effects on Rheological Properties
Authors: DEN OUDEN F.W.C. , VAN VLIET T.
Published: July 2006

The particle size distribution of a tomato concentrate was determined by wet sieving. Wet sieve fractions were then investigated by microscopy and a method based on laser diffraction. Both methods showed that the size of many particles was considerably larger (up to two to three times) than the diameter of the pores through which they have passed during wet sieving. This was explained by the deformability of the tomato cell wall. Effects of particle size distribution on rheological properties were studied by standardizing wet sieve fractions (dry matter, pH). Highest values for yield stress and apparent viscosity were found for the 90–125 and 125–180 μm wet sieve fractions.
Simple, Sensitive Assay for Microbial Aminopeptidase
Authors: SANZ YOLANDA , TOLDRÁ FIDEL , VILA RAFAEL
Published: July 2006

A fluorimetric assay has been developed using several aminoacyl‐7‐amido‐4‐methyl coumarin (AMC) substrates (L‐leucine‐, L‐alanine‐, L‐arginine‐, L‐tyrosine‐, L‐phenylalanine‐, L‐serine‐ and L‐valine‐AMC) in black multi‐well plates to measure microbial aminopeptidase activity in lactobacilli intact cell suspensions (109–1010 CFU/mL). The fluorescence emission was visually evaluated by panelists and showed that substrate concentrations of 0.01 mM were optimal for visual detection and thus useful for rapid screening of many strains. The different ratios of activities quantitated in a multiscan fluorimeter showed a potential for differentiation among strains.
Solubility and Emulsifying Properties of Soy Protein Isolates Modified by Pancreatin
Authors: QI M. , HETTIARACHCHY N.S. , KALAPATHY U.
Published: July 2006

Soy protein isolates (SPI) with varying degrees of hydrolysis (DH of 7, 11, 15, 17%) were produced using pancreatin. The surface hydrophobicity indices of pancreatin hydrolyzed SPI (PSPI) (34.5, 34.9, 39. 1, and 40.7 for 7, 11, 15, 17% DH, respectively) were higher than that of SPI (10.5) and control SPI (CSPI) (12.5, 11.9, 12.9, and 12.6 for 10, 60, 120, and 180 min incubation, respectively). The solubilities of PSPI at pH 4.5 were 2.7, 9.1, 11.9, and 18.7%, for 7, 11, 15, and 17% DH, respectively, while the solubilities of SPI and CSPI at the same pH were about 1. 6%. Solubilities of PSPI at pH 7. 0 were > 90% for all DHs tested, while those of SPI and CSPI were 85%. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) of PSPI increased with increasing DH. PSPI with 15% DH had highest EAI (1. 122) which was higher (P < 0. 05) than those of SPI (0.550) and CSPI after 120 min incubation without enzyme (0.568). These results suggest that PSPI could be used as an ingredient for emulsified products and where high solubility at low pH is required.
Viscoelastic Properties of Xanthan Gels Interacting with Cations
Authors: MA L. , BARBOSA‐CÁNOVAS G.V.
Published: July 2006

Viscoelastic properties of gels were greatly affected by xanthan gum concentration and types of cations. The storage moduli (G'), measured at 1.0 Hz, were 8.3, 10, and 2700 Pa for xanthan gels at 0.5% polymer concentration and 37, 42, and 13000 Pa for xanthan gels at 1.0% polymer concentration in the presence of Na+, Ca2+, or Fe3+, respectively. The elastic recovery was 27.9, 61.6, and 66.3% for 0.5% xanthan gels, and 38.5, 22.5, and 69.1% for 1.0% xanthan gels, in the presence of Na+, Ca2+, or Fe3+, respectively. The generalized Kelvin model simulated creep compliance and ferric ion was an excellent crosslinker for a rigid, firm gel.
Gas Concentrations in Modified Atmosphere Bulk Vegetable Packages as Affected by Package Orientation and Perforation Location
Authors: NGADI MICHAEL , RULIBIKIYE ANASTASE , EMOND JEAN‐PIERRE , VIGNEAULT CLEMENT
Published: July 2006

A perforated plexiglass package box was used to study the effects of package orientation and perforation location on gas concentration profiles during modified atmosphere packaging of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) florets. Three package orientations and perforation locations were studied. Two temperature conditions were studied namely: constant temperature at 2°C and variable temperature between 2 and 20°C. Package orientation and perforation location affected gas concentration gradients across the package. Placing the package in a vertical orientation with perforation at the top side, resulted in higher gas concentration gradients in the package. Lower gas concentration gradients were obtained when the package was placed in a vertical orientation with perforation at the lower side. Temperature variation resulted in gas concentration fluctuation in the package.
Method to Measure Microwave‐Induced Toughness of Bread
Authors: MILLER R. A. , HOSENEY R. C.
Published: July 2006

Bread slices were placed in a custom holding device and cut with a wire cutter attached to a TA.XT2 Texture Analyzer. The peak force required to cut the bread was taken as a measure of toughness. Microwave reheated, conventionally reheated, and unheated bread were compared as were the effects of bread age (firming). Certain emulsifiers were added and microwave toughness of bread compared. Use of certain emulsifiers and increasing the water content of the bread (through use of fiber) decreased toughness of microwave‐reheated bread. The developed method was effective in measuring microwave heating induced toughness.
Sodium Alginate Plus Modified Tapioca Starch Improves Properties of Low‐Fat Beef Patties
Authors: BERRY B.W.
Published: July 2006

Sodium alginate (A) in combination with modified tapioca starch (T) was evaluated in low‐fat beef patties cooked by broiling or grilling to 68 or 74°C. Added water was used with AT formulations at 7% (AT7) or 14% (AT14) levels. In comparisons with all‐beef patties (8 and 20% fat), AT provided improvements in tenderness, juiciness and cooking yields without increasing fat retention or affecting beef flavor. In sensory comparisons with 14 commercially processed, low‐fat beef patties, AT7 and 14 patties received the highest ratings. Combined use of A and T would provide improved acceptability of low‐fat patties over that from using single fat replacers.
Measuring Texture of Crackers with a Multiple‐point Sheet Sensor
Authors: KOHYAMA KAORU , NISHI MIDORI , SUZUKI TATEO
Published: July 2006

A multiple‐point sheet sensor was used to observe the distribution of pressure on the surface during fracture of food. This multiple‐point measurement was compared with a single‐point measurement of uniaxial compression for crackers with different water activities. Textural characteristics were clearly reflected in the pressure distribution data successively detected by the multiple‐point sensor. Little pressure distribution appeared during compression of a homogeneous sample. Crackers with low water activity showed a wide pressure distribution both with time and at different positions. The multiple‐point measurement directly determined textural differences caused by the mechanical and geometrical properties of the crackers.
Composition and Stability of Goat Meat Patties as Affected by Breed Type and Feeding Regimen
Authors: RHEE K.S. , ZIPRIN Y.A. , BISHOP C.E. , WALDRON D.F.
Published: July 2006

Ground meat patties were made using knife‐separable lean (frozen‐thawed) composites from meat‐type (Spanish, Spanish Boer) goats assigned to two feeding regimens (feedlot or range) and fiber‐type (Angora, Spanish Angora) goats assigned to the feedlot regimen. Weight losses from pan‐frying (mainly moisture loss) were 17.7 to 21.6%. Range meat‐type goat samples had a higher proportion of total saturated fatty acids than the feedlot counterparts. After refrigerated storage, raw or cooked patties (aerobically packaged) from the range goats had lower TBA values than those from the feedlot goats. At – 20°C, all samples, raw or cooked, exhibited low TBA values throughout 120 days of storage.
Physical and Biochemical Effects of Broiler Breast Tenderization by Aging after Pre‐rigor Deboning
Authors: McKEE S.R. , HIRSCHLER E.M. , SAMS A.R.
Published: July 2006

Shear values of breast fillets were greater after 0 hr than after either 23 or 47 hr aging, which were both greater than after 71 hr post harvest aging. However, the 71 hr shear value was still greater than that for breast muscle aged 24 hr on the carcass. The 0 hr fillets had shorter sarcomeres than fillets frozen after 47 or 71 hr aging. Myofibrillar fragmentation increased from 0 to 47 hr and from 47 to 71 hr post‐harvest aging. Decreased residual calpain and calpastatin activities, combined with the appearance and accumulation of the 30 kDa protein is characteristic of calpain activity. This suggested that the myofibrillar fragmentation during post‐harvest aging involved calpain‐mediated proteolysis similar to that occurring during normal meat aging.
Structure‐Mechanical Properties of Heat‐Induced Whey Protein/Cassava Starch Gels
Authors: AGUILERA JOSÉ M. , BAFFICO P.
Published: July 2006

Structure‐mechanical properties of heat‐induced whey protein isolate/cassava starch (WPI/CS) gels were studied by hot‐stage video microscopy (HSVM) and axial compression testing (ACT). Elastic moduli (or compression stress) of pure WPI and CS gels followed a power dependence with concentration. ACT confirmed that reinforcement occurred when CS was added at 10–25% of total solids. HSVM revealed that CS granules swelled first, removed water from the system and concentrated the WPI solution that gelled later. Reinforced gels had a continuous WPI phase filled with swollen CS granules. A modified Takayanagi model accounting for water redistribution during gelatinization accurately fitted the mechanical properties of these gels.
Degradation Kinetics of Myosin Heavy Chain of Pacific Whiting Surimi
Authors: YONGSAWATDIGUL JIRAWAT , PARK JAE W. , KOLBE EDWARD
Published: July 2006

Pacific whiting surimi paste was ohmically heated to investigate degradation of myosin heavy chain (MHC) caused by endogenous proteinase over a range of 40–85°C and 0.5–35 min. Degradation was best described with an apparent reaction order of 1.4. Changes of degradation rate increased with temperature and reached a maximum at 57°C. Then, rate of MHC degradation decreased with higher temperature and reached a minimum at 75°C. Ea values of activation and inactivation zone were 142.3 and 83.1 kJ/mol, respectively. Generally, failure shear stress and shear strain increased linearly with MHC content. Proteolytic degradation of actin exhibited the same trend as that of MHC but at a slower rate. The synergistic effect of actin in the gelation of whiting surimi was predominant at ≥75°C.
Evaluating Previous Thermal Treatment of Chicken Patties by Visible/Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: CHEN H. , MARKS B.P.
Published: July 2006

Cooking history at the center point in chicken patties was quantified in terms of both time‐temperature integrated indices (C and F) and endpoint temperature (Tmax). Intact cooked patties were scanned for reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy. Reflectance resulted in better calibrations for the indices of thermal history than did transmittance. Three reflectance wavelength ranges, visible (400 to 700 nm), near‐infrared (1100 to 2500 nm), and visible/near‐infrared (400 to 2500 nm), were evaluated, and visible/near‐infrared yielded the highest accuracy. The best calibration resulted in a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.11 log10(min) for log10C, 0.25 log10(min) for log10F, and 2.54°C for Tmax on an independent validation sample set.
Reduction of Fluid Loss from Grapefruit Segments with Wax Microemulsion Coatings
Authors: BAKER ROBERT A. , HAGENMAIER ROBERT D.
Published: July 2006

Fresh whole peeled grapefruit or segments produced by vacuum infusion with pectinases are considered minimally processed products. When dry packed, segments from mature late season fruit had fluid losses >15% during 4 wk storage. Edible wax microemulsion coatings reduced leakage of dry‐packed segments by 80% after 2 wk, and 64% after 4 wk storage, and were optimally effective in reducing leakage when diluted to 12% solids. Coatings could be made with polyethylene, candelilla or carnauba wax, and with lauric, stearic, palmitic, oleic or myristic acids. Coatings with carnauba wax were most effective. Whether made with morpholine or ammonia as the base, coatings were not detected by informal taste panels before or after storage.
Histological Changes in High‐Pressure‐Frozen Carrots
Authors: FUCHIGAMI MICHIKO , MIYAZAKI KOICHI , KATO NORIKO , TERAMOTO AI
Published: July 2006

Histological changes in carrots frozen using a computer‐programmed high pressure pilot unit for food processing were examined by light microscope. When raw carrots were frozen at 50 MPa, – 15°C; 100 MPa, –15°C; 150 MPa, –25°C; 200 MPa, –28°C, they were extremely damaged due to volume expansion by the formation of ice I. Conversely, carrots pressurized at 100 MPa, – 10°C (between liquid phase and ice I) and 200 MPa at –20°C (liquid phase) were not damaged because they were frozen rapidly during pressure reduction. They were not damaged even after pressurizing‐then‐immersing in LN2. Carrots frozen at 240 MPa, –28°C and at 280 MPa, –25°C, were also not damaged, although ice III formed. The structure of carrots frozen at 400 MPa, –20°C (ice V) was comparatively intact. When carrots were preheated at 60°C for 30 min and frozen at 100 MPa, –15°C or at 400 MPa, –20°C, damage was reduced further.