bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of time to first shoot removal on leaf vegetable quality in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Simwambana Moses S. C. , Ferguson Theodore U. , Osiru David S. O.
Published: October 2006

A field trial was established on a sandy soil at IITA. Ibadan. Nigeria to investigate the effects of time to first shoot removal on cyanide content and chemical composition of leaves of two cassava clones: TMS 91934 and TMS 30572. Four different times to first shoot removal were imposed on each clone: 8. 14, 20 and 52 weeks after planting (WAP). Shoot removal was repeated at 8‐week intervals until harvesting at 52 WAP. Shoot removal (SR) involved removing the shoot tips just below the most fully expanded leaf. Early shoot removal during the crop growth period (SR at 8 weeks and SR at 14 weeks 14) produced significantly (P < 0.01) more fresh shoot yield than late shoot removal (SR20 and SR52 weeks). Concentrations of crude protein, iron, phosphorus and zinc were higher in the early harvested leaves but declined in concentration with increasing age of the crop (430–280 g kg−1, 680–85 mg kg−1, 88–42 g kg−1, 128–30 mg kg−1, respectively). Leaf HCN concentration was about three times that in tuberous roots (137 mg kg−1 fresh weight compared with 43 mg kg−1 fresh weight). The variation in leaf HCN concentration was not significant for all the treatments over the period.
Protein nutrition of dairy cows receiving grass silage diets: Effects of feeding a protein supplement of unbalanced amino acid composition
Authors: Chamberlain David G. , Choung Jai‐Jun , Robertson Stuart
Published: October 2006

Eight cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 latin square design experiment with period lengths of 3 weeks to investigate the effects of protein supplementation of a grass silage diet on silage intake and milk production. The four treatments were (i) the basal diet, consisting of grass silage ad libitum plus 2 kg day−1 of molassed sugar beet pulp; (ii) basal diet plus 1 kg day−1 of fish meal (F): (iii) basal diet plus 0.8 kg day−1 of feather meal 1 (FE1); and (iv) basal diet plus 0.8 kg day−1 of feather meal 2 (FE2). Silage intake was significantly (P < 0.01) increased by the F supplement but was not affected by the FE supplements; values were 9.9, 10.6, 9.6 and 9.6 kg DM day−1 for basal, F, FE1 and FE2, respectively. Relative to the basal treatment, F increased (P < 0.001) the yield of milk and milk protein but, again, these were unaffected by FE; values were, for milk yield, 13.6, 16.3, 13.7 and 13.1 kg day−1; and, for milk protein yield, 420, 545, 429 and 414 g day−1 for basal, F, FE1 and FE2, respectively. However, supplementation with FE produced increases in the concentration (P < 0.001) and yield (P < 0.05) of milk fat; values were 42.8, 39.9, 46.6 and 47.8 g kg−1 and 575, 646, 628 and 618 g day−1 respectively, for the basal, F, FE1 and FE2 treatments. The profile of amino acids in blood plasma was characterised by markedly lower (at least P < 0.01) concentrations of methionine, lysine, tryptophan and histidine for the diets containing FE compared with F. The results show pronounced effects of the amino acid composition of the undegraded protein component of the supplement on both silage intake and milk production but also draw attention to a possible relationship between amino balance and the secretion of milk fat.
Microbiological characteristics and deteriorative changes of ‘k woka’ (a nigerian non‐fermented maize dish) produced using potassium sorbate and various steaming treatment
Authors: Efiuvwevwere Bernard J. O. , Amadi Lawrence O.
Published: October 2006

‘Kwoka’ (a popular Nigerian non‐fermented maize meal) was produced using steaming for either 30 or 60 min or a combination of potassium sorbate (KS) treatment with steaming for 60 min. Microbiological characteristics and chemical quality were investigated during production and storage, together with organoleptic and objective (firmness only) assessment of quality during ambient storage (30 ± 2°C). The slurry (ie before steaming) and 30 min steamed K woka showed more diverse genera of moulds and bacteria than K woka steamed for 60 min (with or without KS). The organisms isolated from the raw materials and product belonged to the genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Aspergillus and Fusarium. During storage Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, L leichmannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae predominated. Coliforms and fungi were not detected on day 0 in KS‐treated and 60 min steamed K woka. Marked reductions in aerobic plate counts (APC) and in the population of the different bacterial groups were observed in all samples following steaming, These increased sharply within 1 day of storage, the highest (6.50 log cfu g−1) APC occurring on day 3 in 30 min steamed K woka. Of the bacterial groups, the Lactobacillus population increased most markedly and this probably reflects the significant increase in acidity observed especially on day 6. Adverse quality changes in appearance, aroma and firmness were more apparent in the control (ie without KS treatment) and the samples were unacceptable after 1 day but the shelf‐life of K woka produced using KS treatment and 60 min steaming was extended by 2 days.
Relationships of hydrophobicity and antigenic activity to fat‐binding capacity of heat denatured meat proteins
Authors: Marín María L. , Selgas Dolores , Pin Carmen , Casas Carmen
Published: October 2006

Aromatic and aliphatic hydrophobicity, measured fluorometrically for meat proteins using 8‐anilino‐1 ‐naphthalene sulphonic acid and all‐trans‐retinol as hydrophobic probes, and antigenicity studied using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (indirect‐ELISA) had significant correlations to fat‐binding capacity of heat denatured meat proteins. Simple and multiple regression analyses yielded equations to predict this functional property of meat proteins.
Post‐harvest changes in some volatile flavour constituents of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa)
Authors: Narain Narendra , Bora Pushkar Singh
Published: October 2006

The yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) was stored after harvest at ambient temperature (29 ± 2°C). Volatile flavour components were analysed up to a period of 15 days using a headspace technique combined with high‐resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Several compounds–ethyl butanoate, hexyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl acetate, 2‐heptanone, benzaldehyde and 1‐hexanol–were quantitatively monitored during post‐harvest storage of fruit.
Microstructure and texture of khoa and gulabjamun made from cows' milk: Heat‐induced changes during processing and frying
Authors: Adhikari A K
Published: October 2006

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy was carried out to study heat‐induced structural changes that occur during the processing of khoa (a heat‐desiccated Indian milk product) and gulabjamun (a product obtained by frying khoa, admixed with starch, in clarified butterfat and subsequently soaked in 60% sugar syrup). Constant boiling of milk during khoa manufacture led to the formation of casein‐whey protein complexes, which coalesced gradually on the progress of boiling, forming a fuzzy‐agglomerated mass and finally precipitated as heat‐induced milk gels, joined together by thick protein bridges. Further heat desiccation of this gel resulted in the compaction of the protein agglomerates with reduction in void spaces and fat globules interspersed in between (ie khoa). Frying of khoa in clarified butterfat resulted in the enlargement of the voids, producing a loose matrix having starch particles interlinked loosely with the agglomerated protein bodies and the clumped fat globules cemented in it (ie gulabjamun). The laboratory and market gulabjamun had significant structural similarities in the fat and protein moieties but differed markedly in the textural values, probably due to the differences in the chemical composition and typical structural manifestations of the starchy materials in the market gulabjamun. Composition and texture can be explained by the microstructural attributes for both khoa and gulabjamun.
Industrially important parameters and mineral composition of cocoa: A comparative study of cocoa pod husks and beans from plantations in south‐eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ekpa O , Akpan A A , Udo A E
Published: October 2006

The industrially significant parameters of cocoa butters from the F3 Amazon, Amelonado, and Trinitario species of cocoa, cultivated in south‐eastern Nigeria were studied. The cocoa samples were collected from three different vegetation belts in the region. Three locations were selected to represent each of the belts selected for the study. There were no substantial variations in saponification values, iodine values, acid and fatty acid values, either among species or among locations.

The Ca, Na, K and P contents of the husks were substantially higher than those of the beans for all species and all locations. For each of these elements there appeared to be an effect of location, which is the subject of continuing investigation. The pod husk appears to be a good source of P and K which might be used to supplement other sources of these minerals as plant nutrients.
Sensory astringency of 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, tannic acid and grape‐seed tannin by a time‐intensity procedure
Authors: Naish Margarita , Clifford Michael N , Birch Gordon G
Published: October 2006

The astringency of 5‐0‐caffeoylquinic acid (5‐CQA) was investigated by a time‐intensity technique alongside those of tannic acid and grape‐seed tannin. Significant differences were recorded between 5‐CQA and the other phenolic solutions for the intensity of the response, its persistence (or overall duration), its fading (or decline from maximum intensity to zero), and for the total gustatory response (or total area under the time‐intensity curve). In each case, 5‐CQA elicited a weaker response than either grape‐seed tannin or tannic acid. Nevertheless, overall, panellists recorded a response for 5‐CQA that was qualitatively similar to those for tannic acid and grape‐seed tannin, which are traditionally accepted as astringents. This phenomenon occurred, despite 5‐CQA having a molecular mass of 354 and containing only one 1,2‐dihydroxyphenyl residue, which would place it outwith the traditional definition of an astringent. The requirements appropriate to vegetable tanning may not therefore apply to oral astringency.
Determination of total glucosinolates in oilseed rape by X‐ray spectrometric analysis for oxidised sulphur (S6+)
Authors: Pinkerton Andrew , Randall Peter J , Wallace Patricia A , Vonarx Margaret M , Mailer Rodney J
Published: October 2006

A rapid X‐ray spectrometric (XRS) method has been developed for the determination of the total glucosinolate content of oilseed rape and other Brassica oilseeds. The method is based on analysis for fully oxidised sulphur (S6+), which includes half the sulphur (S) in the glucosinolate molecule, and the S in sulphate. Results are highly correlated with glucosinolate content determined by glucose release, a standard method widely used in Australia. The relationship is total glucosinolates = (23·97 S6+ ‐9·43) r2 = 0·987, where the glucosinolate content is expressed as μmol g−1 and the S6+ content in mg g−1.

The relationship is applicable to seed of any glucosinolate content and to meal, and is unaffected by changes in protein sulphur content. The correlation of glucosinolates with S6+ is shown to be closer than the correlation with total S. The latter correlation forms the basis of the existing XRS method, used within the European Community in recent years. The advantages of S6+ derive from the linearity of the regression and the elimination of errors caused by variation in protein content. The method should be valuable to the Australian oilseed industry because it allows the rapid screening of breeding lines to ensure low glucosinolate content and the assessment of deliveries for crushing and of meal.
Phospholipids of marine origin—the squid (Loligo vulgaris)
Authors: De Koning Adrianus J
Published: October 2006

Squid (Loligo vulgaris) was found to contain 25 g kg−1 lipids of which approximately 75% were phospholipids. The phospholipids were shown to consist of phosphatidylcholine (56% of total phospholipids), phosphatidylethanolamine (29%), phosphatidylserine (2%), phosphatidylinositol (2%). sphingomyelin (5%), lyso‐phosphatidylcholine(3%) and the unusual lipid ceramide aminoethylphosphonic acid (3%). The major saturated fatty acid in both phospholipids and non‐phosphorylated lipid was C16:0 (26% and 21%, respectively, of total fatty acids), while the major unsaturated fatty acid in both lipid fractions was C22:6n‐3 (34% and 23%, respectively) followed by C20:5n‐3 (14% in both lipids).
Effect of beet vinasse on germination and seedling performance of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam cv Barwoltra)
Authors: Murillo José M , Cabrera Francisco , López Rafael
Published: October 2006

The effect of a concentrated, depotassified beet vinasse (desugared beet molasses) on both germination (in vitro and in soil) and seedling development (in soil) of ryegrass Lolium multiflorum has been studied. Germination and root elongation of the ryegrass in vitro were more negatively affected by vinasse (concentration of 0.15 and 0.5% w) than those of cress (Lepidium sativum). Seedling emergence of ryegrass in pots sown in three different soils (a moderately acid, sandy loam soil, without CaCO3; a red, sandy clay loam soil, 12% CaCO3; and a light yellowish‐brown sandy clay loam soil, 30% CaCO3) was, in general, not affected by the application of a moderate dose of pure vinasse ( ∼ 3 t ha−1) at sowing or 30 days before. Only in the acid soil was seedling emergence significantly (P < 0.05) limited during the first week. The application of vinasse at sowing caused an initial significant shortening (P < 0.05) of the primary roots of ryegrass in the three soils studied (measured at the fourth day). However, plant fresh weights (measured at the thirtieth day) were not affected by this treatment, especially in the calcareous soils. In general, the vinasse application produced beneficial results for ryegrass seedling in the three soils.
Detection of cows' milk in ewes' milk and cheese by a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Authors: Rodríguez Elena , Martín Rosario , García Teresa , González Isabel , Morales Paloma , Sanz Bernabé , Hernández Pablo E
Published: October 2006

A sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been successfully developed for the detection of defined amounts of cows' milk in ewes' milk and cheese. Polyclonal antibodies were raised in goats against bovine caseins (BC). The resultant antibodies were recovered from the crude antiserum by ammonium sulphate precipitation and further purified by immunoatisorption of the cross‐reacting antibodies onto columns containing immobilised ovine, caprine and bovine caseins, followed by elution of the bovine caseins specific antibodies (anti‐BC) from the column containing the bovine caseins. The anti‐BC bound to the wells of a microtitre plate were used to capture the BC from milk and cheese mixtures. Further immunorecognition of the captured proteins was attained with the same specific antibodies conjugated to biotin. ExtrAvidin‐peroxidase was used to detect biotinylated antibodies bound to their specific antigens. Subsequent enzymic conversion of substrate gave clear absorbance differences when assaying mixtures of ewes' milk and cheese containing variable amounts of cows' milk.
The carbohydrate composition of cotyledons and hulls of cultivars of Lupinus angustifolius from Western Australia
Authors: Evans Anthony J , Cheung Peter C‐K , Cheetham Norman W H
Published: October 2006

The hulls and cotyledons from three Western Australian cultivars (Gungurru, Yorrel and Danja) of Lupinus angustifolius, all of low alkaloid content, were analysed separately for their carbohydrate content and composition. Only minor differences in composition between these three cultivars were observed. More notably, the cotyledons of all the cultivars contained levels of non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP), ranging from 290 to 310 g kg−1 dry weight considerably higher than had been measured previously in cultivars of this species. Galactose, arabinose and uronic acid residues accounted for approximately 67%, 13% and 10%, respectively, of the cotyledon NSP. Although only a small proportion of the cotyledon NSP is soluble, a much larger proportion could be extracted with hot EDTA treatment. The oligosaccharide content of the cotyledons ranged from 74 to 80 g kg−1 dry weight. Cotyledons had very low contents of cellulose, lignin and starch. Hulls consisted predominantly of NSP, with values ranging from 856 to 891 g kg−1 dry weight. Glucose, xylose, uronic acids and arabinose were the principal sugar residues present reflecting the compositions of the major constituent polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectins. Only low levels of lignin were measured in hulls. Cotyledon NSP and hulls from these cultivars may have considerable value as sources of dietary fibre in the human diet.
Inverse relationship between oil content and specific gravity of groundnut kernels
Authors: Misra Jitendra B , Yadav Sushil K , Chauhan Sheela
Published: October 2006

Thirty‐two samples of groundnut kernels were analysed for oil content by the standard Soxhlet extraction procedure. The oil content ranged between 425.6 and 549.5 g kg−1. The specific gravity of groundnut kernels was determined both for the whole kernels and the split kernels (cotyledons with testa). The specific gravity of whole kernels varied between 0.9358 and 1.0730 while that of split kernels between 1.0547 and 1.1227. A highly significant correlation (r = ‐0.9459) was found between oil content and specific gravity of split kernels. It should, therefore, be possible to predict the oil content of the groundnut samples on the basis of specific gravity of split kernels.
Three extraction methods for determination of lipids in fish meal: Evaluation of a hexane/isopropanol method as an alternative to chloroform‐based methods
Authors: Gunnlaugsdottir Helga , Ackman Robert G
Published: October 2006

Three different extraction methods were compared for the determination of lipids in both oxidised and antioxidant‐stabilised brown fish meal. The three methods under investigation were those of Smith‐Ambrose‐Knobl using chloroform/methanol/water, Bligh and Dyer also using chloroform/methanol/water but monophasic, and Hara and Radin using hexane/isopropanol. The fat content, determined gravimetrically, was significantly lower (P < 0.05) when hexane/isopropanol was used for lipid extraction from both oxidised and antioxidant‐stabilised fish meal, than when either of the chloroform systems was used. Determination of lipid classes in the lipid extracts using silica gel thin‐layer chromatography on Chromarods‐SIII, with flame ionisation detection by latroscan, suggested that the lower lipid recovery by the hexane/isopropanol method may be due to a less effective extraction of the more polar lipid classes. including oxidation products, present in brown fish meal.
Effect of irradiation and other processing methods on in‐vitro digestibility of rapeseed protein
Authors: Badshah Amal , Sattar Aurangzeb, A , Bibi Nizakat
Published: October 2006

Abstract. Effect of irradiation (1 kGy), autoclaving (121°C at 103.5 kPa for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min), dry heating (121°C for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 60 min), sprouting (36 h) and their combination on in‐vitro digestibility of rapeseed protein was studied. Digestibility was significantly affected by processing methods (P < 0.05). Digestibility of untreated rapeseed protein was 85.7%. Irradiation alone and irradiation plus dry heating showed no effect on the digestibility, while irradiation plus autoclaving markedly improved (88.9%) the digestibility. The digestibility was influenced by the time of autoclaving and dry heating. Maximum value for in‐vitro digestibility was recorded for 60 min of dry heating (91.8%). Sprouting of rapeseed exhibited a significant decrease (82.8%) in the digestibility.
A simple method for the extraction of the isocoumarin 6‐methoxymellein from carrot tissues
Authors: Mercier Julien , Arul Joseph
Published: October 2006

The use of boiling water for the extraction of 6‐mcthoxymellein, a phytoalexin of carrot, was investigated instead of the conventional organic solvent method. The recovery (118%) obtained by a two‐step extraction with boiling water compared favourably with that obtained by the conventional two‐step extraction with acetone.
Volatile constituents of the essential oil of Monodora myristica (Gaertn) dunal
Authors: Onyenekwe P C , Ogbadu G H , Deslauriers Hetena , Gagnon Michel , Collin Guy J
Published: October 2006

The essential oil of Monodora myristica was obtained by steam distillation with a yield of 45‐6 g kg−1. The composition of the oil was analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The oil was found to contain 75% monoterpene hydrocarbons; the major compounds being α‐phellandrene (50–4%), α‐pinene (5–5%) and myrcene (4–35%). There were also a few sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (3%) and oxygenated compounds such as germacrcne‐D‐4‐ol (9–5%). Germacrene‐D‐4‐ol, α‐pinene, Δ2‐carene, β‐caryophyllene, valencene. γ‐muurolol and carvacryl acetate have not previously been reported in M myristica.
Application of hydrogenated palm kernel oil and palm stearin in whipping cream
Authors: Nesaretnam K , Robertson N , Basiron Y , Macphie C S
Published: October 2006

Non‐dairy creams made from hydrogenated palm kernel oil (HPKO) are generally more stable than dairy creams. However, in summer the emulsion tends to separate. This paper outlines some steps that were taken to modify the HPKO with the intention of increasing the stability without affecting whipping performance. This was achieved by blending HPKO with palm stearin (POs). Interesterification was employed to eliminate the increase in solid fat content at 37°C and 40°C. Results of the experiment showed that an interesterified HPKO: POs 66:34 blend proved to have satisfactory whipping performance when compared to creams made with HPKO alone.
The extraction of a glucomannan polysaccharide from konjac corms (elephant yam, Amorphophallus rivierii)
Authors: Wootton A Nicola , Luker‐Brown Martin , Westcott Roger J , Cheetham Peter S J
Published: October 2006

Abstract: A process for the micropropagation of Amorphophallus rivierii (elephant yam or konjac) and for the extraction and purification of the glucomannan polysaccharide from fresh konjac plant corms has been developed. This process involves extraction with 2‐propanol, which has the additional benefit of extracting carotenoids as a potentially valuable side‐product. Starch granules with an unusually high and homogeneous gelatinisation temperature range are normally present in the corms, particularly immature ones, and this greatly reduces the strength of gels formed using the glucomannan. Therefore, the extraction process also involves the selective hydrolysis of the starch, by α‐ and β‐amylases that have been specially selected for an absence of contaminating β‐mannanase or β‐glucanase activity that would depolymerise the glucomannan and render it nonfunctional. Bacillus lichenformis α‐amylase was preferred. Using this process pure glucomannan could be extracted which, when mixed with K‐carrageenan, forms a gel almost twice as strong as locust bean gum‐K‐carrageenan gels of the same concentration.
Electrophoretic studies of chhana whey and effect of temperature and time of storage on its quality
Authors: Jindal Anita R , Grandison Alistair S , Campbell‐Platt Geoffrey
Published: October 2006

Chhana whey contains less protein than Cheddar cheese whey, acid casein and cottage cheese whey, and the protein composition is quite different. Electrophoretic methods demonstrated that most of the proteins in chhana whey were denatured, and there was considerable variation in the protein composition between samples of chhana whey and paneer whey obtained from different sources. The effect of storage temperature and time (up to 10 h at 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C and 80°C) on the quality of chhana whey was investigated. There were no significant changes in the pH and titratable acidity in any of these cases. Electrophoretic separation showed no qualitative changes in the protein composition pattern of chhana whey after up to 10 h of storage at 70°C.
Vitamin D‐like activity in Cestrum diurnum grown in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Prema Thiyyari P , Raghuramulu Namala
Published: October 2006

Leaves of Cestrum diurnum grown in Hyderabad, India were tested for vitamin D‐like activity in vitamin D‐deficient rat and chick and also in rachitic rat models. Vitamin D‐dependent serum and bone parameters, and calcium transport by the gut which were altered in vitamin D‐deficiency were restored to control levels (ie to the levels found in rats given vitamin D3 from weanling, 25 IU day−1) by incorporation of C diurnum leaf powder at a 2% level in the diet. Similarly, in rachitic rats, the extent of new bone calcification was significantly improved either by C diurnum leaf incorporation in the diet or by vitamin D3 administration. An approximate estimate of the vitamin D‐like activity indicated that the plant had about 100000 IU cholecalciferol equivalents kg−1 dry leaf powder, which is three times higher than the values reported earlier. This may be because of long exposure to sunlight of the plants grown in this part of the world.
Whole body amino acid composition of the growing pig
Authors: Kyriazakis I , Emmans G C , McDaniel R
Published: October 2006

The protein in the whole bodies of 76 Landrace × Large White entire male and female pigs fed different diets (different combinations of protein and non‐protein energy intake) for 0, 4, 6 or 8 weeks from 12 kg liveweight, were analysed for their amino acid composition. The purpose was to see if the composition changed in any systematic way with body protein weight. It was found that there were some effects of dietary treatment and sex on the concentrations of some amino acids, but these effects were exerted through their effects on protein weight. The concentrations, in the protein, of lysine and histidine increased significantly (P <0.01), whereas cystine concentration decreased significantly (P <0.001) with increasing protein weight. These changes were consistent with the assumption that there is a change in the proportion of total body protein as hair protein with increasing body protein weight, since lysine and histidine are present in relatively high proportions in the body (excluding hair) of the pigs, whereas cystine is present in particularly high concentrations in the hair. The concentration of an amino acid in the body of the pig could thus be expressed as a function of body protein weight; this allows for changes in the amino acid concentrations of the body protein as the animal increases in size.
Comparison of calpain and cathepsin (B, L and D) activities during dry‐cured ham processing from heavy and light large white pigs
Authors: Sárraga Carmen , Gil Marta , García‐Regueiro José Antonio
Published: October 2006

Calpain and cathepsin (B, L and D) levels in the Semimembranosus and the Biceps femoris muscles were determined during dry‐curing of hams from heavy and light Large White pigs, to evaluate the use of heavy pigs in the production of high quality dry‐cured hams. Calpains were detected only in green hams and after the salting step, while cathepsins were observed throughout the curing. Hams from heavy pigs showed lower enzyme levels than hams from light pigs, particularly in green hams. The lower levels could be attributed to the slower protein turnover of heavy pigs. Commercial improvement by means of slow curing processes on heavy White hams is suggested.
Effect of fat‐enriched diets on rabbit meat fatty acid composition
Authors: Cobos Angel , Cambero María I. , Ordóñez Juan A , De La Hoz Lorenzo
Published: October 2006

The effects of beef tallow‐, soya and sunflower olein‐ and soya bean oil‐enriched (3%) diets on the chemical and fatty acid composition of total, a polar and polar lipids of rabbit meat have been studied. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in the meat chemical composition were observed between groups. However, a large effect of the diet on the total and apolar lipid fatty acids was found, with C18:1 and C18:2 the most affected fatty acids. The influence of the diets on the fatty acids of the polar fraction was less marked. It is concluded that the enrichment of the rabbit diet with either soya and sunflower oleins or soya bean oil allows the production of rabbit meat with a higher unsaturation degree than is obtained by using conventional diets, which constitutes an important nutritional benefit to the human being.
Identification of yeast strains using the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Ness FréDéRique , Lavallée Francois , Dubourdieu Denis , Aigle Michel , Dulau Laurent
Published: October 2006

Commonly used techniques for the identification of industrial yeast strains are usually time‐consuming and cumbersome. Moreover, some of these methods may give ambiguous results. A novel strategy has been developed for identifying yeast strain employing polymerase chain reaction technology. Using customised oligonucleotides, some regions of the yeast genome between δ elements are amplified to give an ‘amplified’ sequence polymorphisml (Skolnick and Wallace 1988) characteristic of the strains. With this technique it is possible to identify individual strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Isolation and characterisation of lignin from rice hull
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vázquez Refugio , Areyzaga Mildred , Parada Angel , Rios‐Leal Elvira , Anguis‐Terrazas Carlos
Published: October 2006

Lignin was isolated from rice hull by dioxane acidolysis with concentrations of HCl in the solvent medium of 1.88, 3.76, 5.66, 7.56, or 11.40 g conc HCl litre−1, and extraction times of 1 h and 2 h. Phenolic, methoxyl, and guaiacyl group contents were slightly low at 2 h of extraction, furthermore, at 2 h, the guaiacyl content of lignin extracted was reduced as the acid concentration was increased. The coniferyl group content was affected by acid concentration and extraction time. A maximum lignin yield was observed at the 5.66 g conc HCl litre−1 level and 2 h.
Analysis of mineral composition of some Assam and Darjeeling black teas
Authors: Kalita Jatindra N , Mahanta Pradip Kr
Published: October 2006

Black teas manufactured in Darjeeling and Assam were analysed for various macrominerals such as P, K, Ca, Mg and microminerals such as Mn, Fe and Cu. A considerable amount of minerals, eg K (40‐46 mg), Mg (2.7‐3.0 mg), Ca (0.48‐0.66 mg) and traces of Mn (0.28‐0.40 mg), Fe (0.16‐0.20 mg), P (29‐41 μg) and Cu (12‐22 μg) were found in a cup of black tea brew. Black teas manufactured from the leaf coming from a pruned section and fine portion usually showed higher mineral content than tea manufactured from unpruned sections and coarse grade teas of Darjeeling. Assam CTC tea was found to be richer in mineral content compared to Darjeeling orthodox tea.
Bioavailability of new synthesised glucooligosaccharides in the intestinal tract of gnotobiotic rats
Authors: Valette Pascale , Pelenc Vincent , Djouzi Zakia , Andrieux Claude , Paul François , Monsan Pierre , Szylit Odette
Published: October 2006

Using germ‐free rats and previously germ‐free rats inoculated with a complex human flora (heteroxenic rats), the digestibility of new glucooligosaccharides (GOS) and the effect of the digestive flora on their fermentation were studied. The GOS were synthesized using a glucosyltransferase reaction and were composed of a mixture of mono‐ to heptasaccharides (degree of polymerisation (DP) from 1 to 7), with α‐1,6 and α‐1,2 linkages. In germ‐free rats, two diets containing GOS (20 g kg−1 diet and 40 g kg−1 diet) were compared to a control diet containing sucrose. The extent of GOS digestion was about 20% and the major component, DP 5, was almost fully resistant to the action of endogenous enzymes. In heteroxenic rats, only GOS (20 g kg−1 diet) was compared to the control diet. Gaseous H2 and CH4 excretions measured in a respiratory chamber significantly increased by GOS fermentation (1.8 and 2.9 times, respectively, P < 0.001). As compared to the control group, there were no modifications of the pH, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA), and lactic acid concentrations in the caecum of rats fed with the GOS diet, but there were changes of the SCFA profile, ie butyric, isobutyric and isovaleric acid proportions significantly decreased (P < 0.01), whereas the caproic acid proportion increased (P < 0.05). GOS appeared to be completely fermented. Changes in the gaseous excretion and in the SCFA profile suggest that the intake of a low amount of this new synthetised GOS led to some decrease in the proteolytic activity and in an enhancement of the glycolytic fermentation.
The influence of pig slurry fertilisation on the mineral content of horticultural crops grown in calcareous soils
Authors: Bernal M Pilar , Roig Asunción
Published: October 2006

The influence of pig slurry applications on the nutrient composition of three horticultural crops (pepper, tomato and lettuce) grown on two calcareous soils under irrigated conditions was studied. The optimum dose of pig slurry for nitrogen nutrition of the crops was found to be 100 m3 ha−1 and was independent of the number of previous applications. Soil characteristics had a great influence on the amount of phosphorus taken up by the plants. This is due to the large amount of phosphorus added in the slurry which remained in the soil in a plant‐available form. As the number of applications increased, the amount of slurry required to satisfy the phosphorus requirement of the crops decreased. Amounts of slurry within 100‐150 m3 ha−1 were required for adequate potassium plant nutrition. However, soil characteristics, particularly the amount of clay and thus its exchange capacity, had a significant influence on the plant potassium uptake.
Determination of hydrogen using a novel hydrogen‐specific electronic sensor: A potential method for detecting irradiated food
Authors: Hitchcock Christopher H S
Published: October 2006

Irradiated water and the headspace above it has been analysed using a novel hydrogen‐specific electronic sensor, calibrated with standard hydrogen dilutions. The results demonstrate that this detector is well capable of distinguishing between irradiated and non‐irradiated water through the quantitative determination of the hydrogen generated during irradiation. This hydrogen diffuses away within 12 h if the water is left in an open vessel. The potential application of the detector for monitoring irradiated food is therefore limited to packaged or solid foods which retain the characteristic hydrogen marker.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of α‐tocopherol, retinol and retinyl esters in human serum using a monolithic column for the monitoring of anticancer therapy side effects
Authors: Urbánek Lubor , Krčmová Lenka , Solichová Dagmar , Melichar Bohuslav , Opletalová Veronika , Solich Petr
Published: October 2006

Among other side effects, administration of anticancer agents is accompanied by manifestations of gastrointestinal toxicity and disturbances of antioxidant balance. The monitoring of these toxic effects in clinical practice is impeded by a dearth of reliable laboratory methods. Therefore, a simple and rapid reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography procedure for selective and sensitive determination of retinol, α‐tocopherol, and retinyl esters (retinyl‐palmitate and retinyl‐stearate) in blood serum has been developed and presented in this study. A Series 200 LC HPLC instrument from Perkin Elmer (Norwalk, USA) with diode‐array detector (DAD) was used for the analysis. Separations of retinol, α‐tocopherol, retinyl‐palmitate, and retinyl‐stearate were performed using a Chromolith Performance RP‐18e, 100×4.6 mm monolithic column from Merck (Darmstadt, Germany). Gradient elution was used at a flow rate of 3 mL/min; the mobile phase was methanol‐water (95 : 5, v/v) for 0–2.1 min and methanol‐2‐propanol (60 : 40, v/v) for 2.1–4.9 min. The total time of analysis was 6 min. The injection volume was 20 μL and the analysis was performed at ambient temperature. Detection of retinol, α‐tocopherol, and retinyl esters was carried out at 325, 295, and 330 nm, respectively. For practical assessment of the method, the vitamin A absorption test was performed on seven healthy controls as well as on six patients with non‐small cell lung carcinoma or head and neck carcinoma previously treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, six patients with rectal carcinoma before chemoradiotherapy, four patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) before treatment with imatinib, and a breast cancer patient with chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea. Present data demonstrate the feasibility of large scale HPLC determination of vitamin E, vitamin A, and retinyl esters in human serum using a silica monolithic column, and this method may represent a valuable aid in the laboratory monitoring of the toxicity of anticancer therapy.
Metathesis of Unsaturated Fatty Esters
Authors: Verkuijlen E. , Boelhouwer C.
Published: October 2006

The development of a homogeneous catalyst (WCl6Sn(CH3)4) for the metathesis of unsaturated fatty esters encloses new routes in fat chemistry. By these reactions an exchange of alkylidene moities takes place, thus methyl oleate is converted into 9‐octadecene and 9‐octadecenedioic dimethyl ester. The metathesis of poly‐unsaturated esters leads to a much larger number of products, namely polyenes, mono‐ and dicarboxylic esters, and cyclopolyenes. Specially the formation of 1,4‐cyclohexadiene is of great interest. The metathesis of unsaturated fatty oils and the cometathesis with alkenes are also possible. Reactants of technical purity with a low acid value (< 0.1) can undergo metathesis. The reaction is essentially thermoneutral; the distribution of products is statistical and no completion of the reaction occurs in one way or an other. Thus separation of reaction products and unconverted material is necessary. By the metathesis of mono‐unsaturated esters this can be done by fractional crystallization. A review is given of these and other applications on account of the latest research development.
Gemeinschaftsarbeiten der DGF, 78. Mitteilung Deutsche Einheitsmethoden zur Untersuchung von Fetten, Fettprodukten und verwandten Stoffen, 55. Mitt.: Analyse von organischen grenzflächenaktiven Stoffen IX
Authors: Arens M. , Krusche G.
Published: October 2006

Die Fachgruppe „Analyse und Einheitsmethoden”︁ der DGF beabsichtigt, die nachfolgenden, vom „Gemeinschaftsausschuß für die Analytik von Tensiden (GAT)”︁ erarbeiteten und zur Publikation freigegebenen Methoden in die „Einheitsmethoden zur Untersuchung von Fetten, Fettprodukten und verwandten Stoffen”︁1 aufzunehmen. Die Methoden werden hiermit zur Diskussion gestellt.
Stanley Fahn Lecture 2005: The staging procedure for the inclusion body pathology associated with sporadic Parkinson's disease reconsidered
Authors: Braak Heiko , Bohl Jürgen R. , Müller Christian M. , Rüb Udo , de Vos Rob A.I. , Del Tredici Kelly
Published: October 2006

The synucleinopathy known as sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem disorder that severely damages predisposed nerve cell types in circumscribed regions of the human nervous system. A recent staging procedure for the inclusion body pathology associated with PD proposes that, in the brain, the pathological process (formation of proteinaceous intraneuronal Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites) begins at two sites and continues in a topographically predictable sequence in six stages, during which components of the olfactory, autonomic, limbic, and somatomotor systems become progressively involved. In stages 1 to 2, the Lewy body pathology is confined to the medulla oblongata/pontine tegmentum and anterior olfactory structures. In stages 3 to 4, the substantia nigra and other nuclei of the basal mid‐ and forebrain become the focus of initially subtle and, then, severe changes. During this phase, the illness probably becomes clinically manifest. In the final stages 5 to 6, the lesions appear in the neocortex. This cross‐sectional study originally was performed on 168 autopsy cases using material from 69 incidental cases and 41 clinically diagnosed PD patients as well as 58 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Here, the staging hypothesis is critically reconsidered and discussed. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Large‐ring cyclodextrins. Further support for the preferred conformations of CD26 in water solution: Molecular dynamics studies on CD26‐derived conformations of CDn (n = 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30)
Authors: Gotsev Martin G. , Ivanov Petko M.
Published: October 2006

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in water solution were performed on six large ring cyclodextrins (LR‐CDs) with a degree of polymerization (DP) 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30, using as starting structures geometries derived from CD26, which was studied previously by MD. The present research was aimed at further extending our knowledge on the structural dynamics and the energetics of this new class of compounds, focusing on several representatives flanking CD26, the largest LR‐CD for which X‐ray data are available. The most recent parameterization for carbohydrates, Glycam‐04, and explicit water molecules (TIP3P) were used in the 10.0‐ns simulations. Preceding 10.0‐ns simulations of CD26, with the AMBER parm99 force field, revealed that the overall shape of the macromolecule did not change significantly during the last 5.0‐ns simulations. We now further test for the probability of prevalence of this conformation by using a different force field and by examining the effect of the size of the macro‐ring on the preferred conformations of LR‐CDs with DP within a range of 24–30. Indeed, we found CD26‐like geometries present for CD25, CD27, and CD28, which could be interpreted as an indication for an enhanced stability of the CD26 conformation in water solution. Again, we witnessed high flexibility of the macro‐cycles, and different local structural motifs were detected: twisted helical double parallel strand (CD25, CD30), single helix of three turns (CD29), a spiral (CD25, CD27, CD30), open‐shaped loops and helical turns (CD28; “CD26‐like geometry”), a rectangular cavity (CD24), a triple‐lobe fragment (CD29) or a portion shaped like a jaw (CD24, CD27), and an overall shape of the macromolecule that resembled a butterfly (CD27) or “X” (CD28). Thus, we conclude that the same conformation of CD26 could be also the preferred conformation in water solution of other LR‐CDs with DP in the close vicinity of 26. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Sozialprestige von Ausbildungsberufen aus der Sicht von Realschüler/-innen
Authors: Tomasik Martin J. , Heckhausen Jutta
Published: October 2006

Zusammenfassung: Die Entwicklung von Konzepten zur sozialen Ungleichheit und des Verständnisses von beruflichem Prestige ist ein bedeutsamer Aspekt der ökonomischen Sozialisation von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Dieses sozial vermittelte Wissenssystem steht in direkter Abhängigkeit zu Werten und Normen der sozialisatorischen Instanzen (z. B. Eltern oder Lehrer). Es wird argumentiert, dass die Wahrnehmung und Beurteilung beruflichen Prestiges, genau wie bei anderen sozialen Phänomenen, zum Teil auch von der sozialen Position des Beurteilenden geprägt ist. Im empirischen Teil dieses Artikels werden Prestigeurteile Jugendlicher mit niedrigem und mittlerem sozialen Hintergrund sowie im Ost-West-Vergleich vorgestellt. Den Annahmen entsprechend unterscheiden sich diese Urteile merklich von gesamtgesellschaftlich aggregierten Prestigemaßen und zwischen Gruppen mit unterschiedlichem sozialisatorischen Hintergrund.
Ice‐tethered profilers sample the upper Arctic Ocean
Authors: Toole John , Krishfield Richard , Proshutinsky Andrey , Ashjian Carin , Doherty Kenneth , Frye Daniel , Hammar Terrence , Kemp John , Peters Donald , Timmermans Mary‐Louise , von der Heydt Keith , Packard Gwyneth , Shanahan Timothy
Published: October 2006

Studies conducted over the past decade indicate that the Arctic may be both a sensitive indicator of climate change and an active agent in climate variability. Although progress has been made in understanding the Arctic's coupled atmosphere‐ice‐ocean system, documentation of its evolution is hindered by a sparse data archive. This observational gap represents a critical shortcoming of the ‘global’ ocean observing system's ability to quantify the complex interrelated atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial changes now under way throughout the Arctic and that have demonstrated repercussions for society [Symon et al., 2005].

Motivated by the Argo float program, an international effort to maintain an ensemble of approximately 3000 autonomous profiling instruments throughout the temperate oceans (see http://w3.jcommops.org), a new instrument, the ‘Ice‐Tethered Profiler’ (ITP) was conceived to repeatedly sample the properties of the ice‐covered Arctic Ocean at high vertical resolution over time periods of up to three years.
On “‘Walking on water” and the geoscientists' fear of social controversy”
Authors: Book David L.
Published: October 2006

In “‘Walking on water’ and the geoscientists' fear of social controversy” (Eos, 87(39), 2006), Doron Nof describes how he and two colleagues published an article in the Journal of Paleolimnology offering a ‘natural explanation’ for the legend that Jesus walked on water. He argues that "the more light we shed on whatever the rest of society thinks and does, the more appreciated science will become.”

I can think of at least two objections to that view. The first has undoubtedly occurred already to Nof himself. He writes that of the thousands of e‐mail messages sent to him following publication of the article,“most were hate mail from those who think that science and religion should be kept separate.” He says he received death threats as well. It would seem that religious fundamentalists do not want their miracles to have a scientific basis and do not appreciate any science that provides one.
Capillary-Oxygenation-Level-Dependent Near-Infrared Spectrometry in Frontal Lobe of Humans
Authors: Rasmussen Peter , Dawson Ellen A , Nybo Lars , van Lieshout Johannes J , Secher Niels H , Gjedde Albert
Published: October 2006

Brain function requires oxygen and maintenance of brain capillary oxygenation is important. We evaluated how faithfully frontal lobe near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) follows haemoglobin saturation ( SCap) and how calculated mitochondrial oxygen tension ( PMitoO2) influences motor performance. Twelve healthy subjects (20 to 29 years), supine and seated, inhaled O2 air-mixtures (10% to 100%) with and without added 5% carbon dioxide and during hyperventilation. Two measures of frontal lobe oxygenation by NIRS (NIRO-200 and INVOS) were compared with capillary oxygen saturation ( SCap) as calculated from the O2 content of brachial arterial and right internal jugular venous blood. At control SCap (78% ± 4%; mean ± s.d.) was halfway between the arterial (98% ± 1%) and jugular venous oxygenation ( SVO2; 61% ± 6%). Both NIRS devices monitored SCap ( P < 0.001) within ~5% as SvO2 increased from 39% ± 5% to 79% ± 7% with an increase in the transcranial ultrasound Doppler determined middle cerebral artery flow velocity from 29 ± 8 to 65 ± 15 cm/sec. When SCap fell below ~70% with reduced flow and inspired oxygen tension, PMitoO2 decreased ( P < 0.001) and brain lactate release increased concomitantly ( P < 0.001). Handgrip strength correlated with the measured (NIRS) and calculated capillary oxygenation values as well as with PMitoO2 ( r > 0.74; P < 0.05). These results show that NIRS is an adequate cerebral capillaryoxygenation-level-dependent (COLD) measure during manipulation of cerebral blood flow or inspired oxygen tension, or both, and suggest that motor performance correlates with the frontal lobe COLD signal.