bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified periodontal risk assessment score: long‐term predictive value of treatment outcomes. A retrospective study
Authors: Leininger Matthieu , Tenenbaum Henri , Davideau Jean‐Luc
Published: April 2010

Leininger M, Tenenbaum H, Davideau J‐L. Modified periodontal risk assessment score: long‐term predictive value of treatment outcomes. A retrospective study. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 427–435. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01553.x.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term clinical predictive value of the periodontal risk assessment diagram surface (PRAS) score and the influence of patient compliance on the treatment outcomes.

Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects suffering from periodontitis were re‐examined 6–12 years after the initial diagnosis and periodontal treatments. The baseline PRAS score was calculated from the initial clinical and radiograph records. Patients were then classified into a low‐to‐moderate (0–20) or a high‐risk group (>20). Patients who did not attend any supportive periodontal therapy were classified into a non‐compliant group. PRAS and compliance were correlated to the mean tooth loss (TL)/year and the mean variation in the number of periodontal pockets with a probing depth (PPD) >4 mm.

Results: TL was 0.11 for the low‐to‐moderate‐risk group and 0.26 for the high‐risk group (p<0.05); PPD number reduction was 2.57 and 2.17, respectively, and bleeding on probing reduction was 6.7% and 23.3%, respectively. Comparing the compliance groups, the PPD number reduction was 3.39 in the compliant group and 1.40 in the non‐compliant group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed the reliability of PRAS in evaluating long‐term TL and patient susceptibility to periodontal disease. Our data confirmed the positive influence of patient compliance on periodontal treatment outcomes.
Short Communication: Collagenated Cortico‐Cancellous Porcine Bone Grafts. A Study in Rabbit Maxillary Defects
Authors: Nannmark Ulf , Azarmehr Iman
Published: April 2010

Background: Bone substitutes of collagenated porcine bone (CPB) have previously been shown to have osteoconductive properties and to be resorbed with time. The influence of different ratios between bone particles and collagen on bone response is not yet known.

Purpose: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different collagen ratios on the bone tissue responses to CPB grafts.

Materials and Methods: Eight rabbits were used in the study. Bilateral bone defects, 5 × 8 × 3 mm, were created in the maxilla and were filled with 60% CPB/40% collagen gel or with 80% CPB/20% collagen gel. Animals were killed after 8 weeks for histological and morphometrical evaluations.

Results: There were no differences between the two biomaterials tested. Both materials showed a high degree of bone formation, 42% and 46%, respectively. Both materials were showing signs of resorption at time of sacrifice.

Conclusions: Different collagen/CPB ratios do not influence the bone tissue responses to CPB. Both materials exhibited osteoconductive properties and were starting to be resorbed at 8 weeks.
Leadership and management in the aged care sector: A narrative synthesis
Authors: Jeon Yun‐Hee , Merlyn Teri , Chenoweth Lynn
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study is to examine the issues and the progress being made in leadership and management with relevance for the residential aged care workforce. A systematic review was conducted using scientific journal databases, hand searching of specialist journals, Google, snowballing and suggestions from experts. After a seven‐tiered culling process, we conducted a detailed review of 153 papers relevant to leadership and management development in aged care. Strong, effective leadership and management promotes staff job satisfaction and retention, high care quality and the well‐being of care recipients, and reduces associated costs. Good leadership and effective management also play a key role in bringing about a successful change to a positive workplace culture through innovative programs and research projects. Organisational investment in improving leadership and management skills and capabilities can only improve outcomes for staff stability and productivity, care quality and budgets, and better prepare the aged care sector.
Drosophila proteins involved in metabolism of uracil‐DNA possess different types of nuclear localization signals
Authors: Merényi Gábor , Kónya Emese , Vértessy Beáta G.
Published: April 2010

Adequate transport of large proteins that function in the nucleus is indispensable for cognate molecular events within this organelle. Selective protein import into the nucleus requires nuclear localization signals (NLS) that are recognized by importin receptors in the cytoplasm. Here we investigated the sequence requirements for nuclear targeting of Drosophila proteins involved in the metabolism of uracil‐substituted DNA: the recently identified uracil‐DNA degrading factor, dUTPase, and the two uracil‐DNA glycosylases present in Drosophila. For the uracil‐DNA degrading factor, NLS prediction identified two putative NLS sequences [PEKRKQE(320–326) and PKRKKKR(347–353)]. Truncation and site‐directed mutagenesis using YFP reporter constructs showed that only one of these basic stretches is critically required for efficient nuclear localization in insect cells. This segment corresponds to the well‐known prototypic NLS of SV40 T‐antigen. An almost identical NLS segment is also present in the Drosophila thymine‐DNA glycosylase, but no NLS elements were predicted in the single‐strand‐specific monofunctional uracil‐DNA glycosylase homolog protein. This latter protein has a molecular mass of 31 kDa, which may allow NLS‐independent transport. For Drosophila dUTPase, two isoforms with distinct features regarding molecular mass and subcellular distribution were recently described. In this study, we characterized the basic PAAKKMKID(10–18) segment of dUTPase, which has been predicted to be a putative NLS by in silico analysis. Deletion studies, using YFP reporter constructs expressed in insect cells, revealed the importance of the PAA(10–12) tripeptide and the ID(17–18) dipeptide, as well as the role of the PAAK(10–13) segment in nuclear localization of dUTPase. We constructed a structural model that shows the molecular basis of such recognition in three dimensions.
Hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA): molecular structure and interactions with HGFA inhibitor‐1 (HAI‐1)
Authors: Eigenbrot Charles , Ganesan Rajkumar , Kirchhofer Daniel
Published: April 2010

The trypsin‐like serine protease hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA) undergoes proteolytic activation during blood coagulation, resulting in a 34 kDa ‘short form’, consisting mainly of the protease domain. The crystal structures of the recombinantly expressed HGFA ‘short form’ discussed herein have provided molecular insights into its interaction with inhibitors and substrates, as well as the regulation of catalytic activity. The HGFA structures revealed enzymatically competent and noncompetent forms associated with the conformational states of two substrate specificity‐determining loops, the 220‐loop and 99‐loop. The implied dynamic behavior of these loops, which are intimately involved in substrate interaction, has precedents in other members of the S1 family of serine proteases, and may be associated with specific mechanisms of enzyme regulation. Furthermore, HGFA activity is strongly inhibited by HGFA inhibitor‐1, a membrane‐spanning multidomain inhibitor containing two Kunitz domains, of which only the N‐terminal Kunitz domain‐1 (KD1) inhibits enzymatic activity. In the structure of the KD1–HGFA complex, the inhibitor interacts with the active site region by making contacts with all substrate specificity‐determining loops and by occupying subsites S1, S2 and S4 in a substrate‐like manner. In fact, the side chains of KD1 residues occupying these sites are virtually superimposable on the P1, P2 and P4 residues of the pro‐hepatocyte growth factor‐derived substrate mimic Lys‐Gln‐Leu‐Arg chloromethyl ketone bound to HGFA. These structures also allow us to rationalize the apparently narrow substrate specificity of HGFA, which is limited to the two known macromolecular substrates pro‐hepatocyte growth factor and pro‐macrophage‐stimulating protein.
Hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA): its regulation by protein C inhibitor
Authors: Suzuki Koji
Published: April 2010

Protein C inhibitor (PCI; SERPINA5) is a plasma serine protease inhibitor, and a potent inhibitor of activated protein C (APC), which plays a critical role in the anticoagulant protein C pathway. Recently, PCI was also found to form a complex with the serine protease hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), inhibiting the HGFA‐catalyzed activation of the single‐chain hepatocyte growth factor precursor. In vivo studies using human PCI‐transgenic (hPCI‐Tg) mice, which mimic PCI expression in humans, showed that the regeneration rate of the liver after partial hepatectomy was significantly impaired as compared with wild‐type mice. The decreased liver regeneration in hPCI‐Tg mice was restored by pretreatment with antibody against human PCI. Furthermore, APC protected hepatic nonparenchymal cells from thrombin‐induced inflammation in vitro, suggesting that plasma PCI may inhibit the cytoprotective action of APC on hepatic cells in hPCI‐Tg mice. It was shown that the levels of HGFA–PCI are increased in plasma of patients who have been subjected to hepatectomy, as compared with complex levels in the plasma of normal individuals. Thus, PCI may play a role as a potent inhibitor of HGFA and APC in plasma and/or at the sites of tissue injury in the regulation of tissue regeneration.
D VALUES OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN TILAPIA MEAT
Authors: SEVILLA KRISTINE P. , GABRIEL ALONZO A.
Published: April 2010

In this study, the decimal reduction times (D values) of the reference strain Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) were established in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) meat homogenate. Known numbers of cells were inoculated to irradiated meat homogenate prior to heat treatments at 65, 70 and 75C. In all heating temperatures, inactivation rates significantly increased with increasing exposure times. The D values calculated from the E. coli survivor curves ranged from 0.50 to 1.13 min. The thermal resistance constant (Z value) calculated from the established D values was 28.5C. The established D and Z values of the reference strain may be used in calculating adequate thermal process schedules for tilapia meat, and possibly, other similar products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study established the heat resistance characteristics of the bacterium Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) in a tilapia meat medium. The results of this study may be applied in food manufacturing and food service industries where tilapia meat is used as a raw material or an ingredient. The thermal resistance parameters determined in this study can be used in establishing adequate thermal process or cooking schedules to ensure the inactivation of the target microorganism.
PROXIMATE ANALYSIS. FATTY ACID PROFILES AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF MEATS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: KARAKÖK SERAP GÖNCÜ , OZOGUL YESIM , SALER MÜCELLA , OZOGUL FATIH
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to compare chemical parameters, fatty acid composition and mineral contents of farm animal meats which are marketed in Turkey. Different kinds of meats were purchased from the meat market including beef, lamb, broiler, turkey, ostrich and quail meat, which are mostly preferred for different reasons by consumers. However, little information exists about the composition of meats of different farm animal species. The results of proximate analysis showed that the high level of protein (24.38%) and low level crude fat (1.19 ± 0.13%) were found in turkey meats, while the low level of protein (18.75%) and high level fat (8.79%) were found in lamb meats. The fatty acid compositions of meats were in the range of 22.68–48.37% for saturated, 21.38–42.45% for monounsaturated and 3.75–47.47% for polyunsaturated acids. The highest micro mineral was determined as zinc (5.7417 ppm) in lamb and ostrich (5.0923 ppm).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumers attitudes toward meat “safety” greatly affect their overall choices and the variety of meat types available for sale. Some meats are more likely to cause heart disease – saturated fats and trans fats. These fats are usually found in foods from animals such as meat milk, cheese and butter. The dietary saturated fatty acids elevate serum cholesterol concentrations, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce serum cholesterol concentrations and monounsaturated fatty acids have little or no effect. Therefore, knowledge concerning the exact fatty acid composition of the meat is extremely important for the consumer and processing sector. This study provides comparative information to consumer and processing sector about proximate and fatty acid compositions and mineral contents of beef, lamb, broiler, turkey, ostrich and quail meats.
ASSESSING CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR RIB‐EYE STEAK CHARACTERISTICS USING CONFOUNDED FACTORIAL CONJOINT CHOICE EXPERIMENTS
Authors: YONG CHIN KHIAN , ESKRIDGE KENT M. , CALKINS CHRIS R. , UMBERGER WENDY J.
Published: April 2010

A confounded factorial conjoint choice experiment was conducted with 12 University of Nebraska classes (six Animal Science and six Statistics classes) to examine the effects of price, country‐of‐origin labeling, marbling, tenderness guarantee, traceable‐to‐the‐farm labeling, class discipline and the possibility of receiving a gift on preferences toward beef rib‐eye steaks. All factors, except class discipline and the possibility of receiving a gift, had a significant impact on consumer preferences. Based on the odds ratios, the relative importance of these factors were price (1.97), tenderness guarantee (1.92), country‐of‐origin label (1.68), marbling (1.43) and traceable‐to‐the‐farm labeling (1.30). This relative order of importance was also supported by the willingness‐to‐pay estimates: tenderness guarantee ($3.03/lb), country‐of‐origin label ($2.40/lb), marbling ($1.67/lb) and traceable‐to‐the‐farm label ($1.20/lb). Preferences were also affected by a number of interactions. Our results indicated that a tenderness guarantee and country‐of‐origin label are almost as important as price in student purchase intent, but that the relative importance was dependent upon other factors such as the level of knowledge about beef and marbling level. In addition, the large number of significant interactions indicated and the ability to evaluate these interactions with confounded factorial conjoint experiments demonstrated the importance of using these experimental designs.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The relative importance of the factors studied was price, tenderness guarantee, country‐of‐origin label, marbling and traceable‐to‐the‐farm labeling. Interactions among the factors also suggested that consumers knowledgeable about beef placed a high value on marbling when the country‐of‐origin was known, while the country‐of‐origin label had little impact on the value of marbling for less knowledgeable consumers. These results are useful in the packaging, placement, marketing and advertising of beef steaks. Also, we used confounded factorial conjoint choice experiments, which are promising new designs useful for assessing the effects of many factors and their interactions on consumer preferences that do not overburden respondents with long survey forms and provide more information than traditional choice experimental plans.
ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY FOR SCREENING ANTIBIOTIC AND HORMONE RESIDUES IN BROILER CHICKEN MEAT IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN
Authors: KADIM I.T. , MAHGOUB O. , AL‐MARZOOQI W. , AL‐MAQBALY R. , ANNAMALI K. , KHALAF S.K.
Published: April 2010

Administration of antibiotics or hormones to broiler chickens for therapeutic and performance‐enhancing purposes may lead to deposit of residuals in their carcasses. This could be a potential human health hazard upon exposure to these residues. The objective of this study was to detect residue levels of tetracycline, streptomycin, sulfamethazine, chloramphenicol, trenbolon, estradiol‐17ß, and testosterone in broiler chicken meat commonly marketed in the Sultanate of Oman. The Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique was used to detect residues in 128 broiler chicken breast muscles, representing various poultry processing companies from six countries representing four continents. Generally, samples contained various levels of residues of different antibiotic and hormones. Tetracycline levels ranged between 35 and 56 ng/kg (mean 45.9); streptomycin ranged between 30 and 155 ng/kg (mean 100.0); sulfamethazine levels ranged between 0.079 and 5.60 ng/kg (mean 1.07); trenbolon ranged between 0.70 and 3.12 ng/kg (mean 1.67); estradiol 17‐ß ranged from 0.06 to 2.00 ng/kg (mean 0.70); chloramphenicol ranged from 5.00 to 74.00 ng/kg (mean 14.38); and testosterone ranged from 4 to 70 ng/kg (mean 25.53). There were significant differences in residue levels of antibiotics and hormones between the companies and countries. There were significant differences in antibiotic and anabolic agents' residues with the exception of trenbolon between continents. This study indicated that broiler chicken meat products available in the local market contained various levels of residues of several antibiotic and anabolic agents. Although levels of some of these residues did not exceed the maximum allowable limits, they still poise a human health hazard.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There has been an increasing awareness of the widespread drug therapy and the possibility of residues in meat and consequently the potential human health hazards associated with exposure to these residues. Many of these are now classified as carcinogenic, toxic and allergenic, which interfere with human natural physiological functions. The Enzyme‐linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is one of the sophisticate techniques to detect residuals based on enzyme‐labeled reagents. Therefore, investigations using ELISA technique to monitor residues of various drugs in meat products should be applicable to insure the safety of animal food products for human consumption.
MOLECULAR AND BIOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING SKELETAL MUSCLE CELLS AFTER SLAUGHTERING AND THEIR IMPACT ON MEAT QUALITY: A MINI REVIEW
Authors: PARK K.M. , PRAMOD A.B. , KIM J.H. , CHOE H.S. , HWANG I.H.
Published: April 2010

The postmortem factors like rate of glycolysis and muscle shortening have a major role on meat characteristics and these have been efficiently manipulated by methods like chilling regime, electrical stimulation and different hanging. These methods have been optimized with time leaving a little scope for further improvement. During the harvesting process of meat there is a generalized cell death often referred to as necrosis or apoptosis. This process of cell death has been well studied with respect to various physiological functions in vivo but its role in postmortem meat quality has received little attention. It is mainly regulated by caspases and also probably by calpains, cathepsins, proteasomes, lysosomal enzymes and other molecules, antioxidants and stress proteins. The term apoptosis appears to be more appropriate as evident by involvement of the enzyme systems and cell shrinkage. Further, examination of postmortem events effecting meat quality and correlate them to understand the cell death process may reveal the possible involvement of both apoptosis and necrosis processes, one preceding the other. This article is an attempt to review the apoptotic process of various cell lines and possible implication for muscle cells after slaughter and meat quality control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Understanding the intricate biochemical mechanisms governing cell death processes after slaughter may help us provide better solutions for preslaughter animal handling and postslaughter interventions to manage meat toughness. Investigations on these tracks would distinguish muscle cell death processes after slaughter from apoptosis or necrosis, and consequently may lead to enhanced technological meat quality as available literature suggests that a number of molecules such as caspase family are likely to be involved in cell death process after slaughter and also in meat tenderization.
EFFECT OF ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) EXTRACT ON MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF REFRIGERATED BEEF MEAT
Authors: IRKIN REYHAN , ARSLAN MIKAIL
Published: April 2010

The effect of onion (Allium cepa L.) extract on the fresh beef fillet meat was investigated. Beef fillet samples were cut into pieces and treated with 5, 10, 20 and 50 % onion‐water extract (v/v) and stored in refrigeration conditions at 4C. Microbiological quality of the samples was investigated during storage for (0, 1, 3, 6 and 9) 9 days. Increasing concentrations of onion extract significantly affected Escherichia coli and yeast‐mould counts (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); Pseudomonas spp., aerobic mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms were not affected significantly (P > 0.05) for some concentrations and days. The count of bacteria of the samples reached and exceeded the spoilage limit after 9 days at 4C. High concentrations of onion extract were effective in protecting beef meat, depending on the reduction of some microbial contaminations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The effects of onion extracts on beef meat microbial spoilage were evaluated. Microbial spoilage of meat is an important factor influencing consumer health directly as well as influencing the cost and food availability. Antimicrobial activity of onion juice in different researches was previously reported. In this study, onion extract reduces some microbial contamination of beef fillet meat by inhibiting Escherichia coli and yeast‐mould counts during 9 days at refrigeration conditions. Onion extract can find applications especially with service preservation of meat meals, with the aid of refrigeration, which is also prepared with onion flavor (döner kebap, meat balls, cig köfte, etc.).
EFFECT OF SODIUM METABISULFITE AND CITRIC ACID ON THE QUALITY OF CRAYFISH (ASTACUS LEPTODACTYLUS)
Authors: MOL SÜHENDAN , TÜRKMEN ÖZGÜR AKKUŞ
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was the determination of the effect of sodium metabisulfite and citric acid on the quality of crayfish. The first group of crayfish (control) was boiled, chilled and packaged. The second group was treated with chemicals (100 g live crayfish for 1 L water, 0.1 g sodium metabisulfite and 0.5 g citric acid), then boiled, chilled and packaged. The last group was boiled with the same chemicals, chilled and packaged. Samples were stored at +4C. Treated samples were acceptable until the eighth day. However, the control samples spoiled according to the sensory analysis on the sixth day, and their pH, mesophilic and psychrophilic aerobic bacteria counts were (P < 0.05) higher than treated ones on that day. Using citric acid and sodium metabisulfite lower than the limits (50 mg/kg for cooked crustaceans according to Turkish and European Union legislations) improve the sensory quality and generally decrease the pH, mesophilic and psychrophilic aerobic bacteria counts of crayfish.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results obtained from this study demonstrated that sodium metabisulfite and citric acid, used in limits determined by law, especially improve the sensory quality of crayfish. To maintain more remarkable results, using other chemicals with or without sodium metabisulfite and citric acid according to the legislations may be studied. These findings can be well utilized by researchers as well as manufacturers in their studies on improving the shelf life of crayfish. Based on our results, suitable methods of processing can be developed for improving the shelf life of crayfish.
A RESEARCH NOTE: EFFECT OF COOKING TEMPERATURE AND TIME ON COLOR AND GEL STRENGTH OF SURIMI‐LIKE PORK
Authors: KANG G.H. , JOO S.T. , PARK G.B. , CHOI S.G. , HAN C.Y. , KIM B.C.
Published: April 2010

The effect of the cooking temperatures (65, 70, 75, 80 and 85C) and the cooking time (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 min) on color and gel strength of surimi‐like pork (SLP) derived from porcine semi‐membranosus muscle was investigated. The hardness value of SLP gel increased significantly with increasing cooking temperature. However, after 20 min cooking time at 75C, the gels did not significantly increase in hardness. Results implied that cooking time and temperature both had effects on color and gel strength of SLP.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cooking temperature and cooking time on color and gel strength of surimi‐like pork. Cooking temperature and times are very important to manufacture of the surimi‐like pork.
EFFECT OF POSTMORTEM AGING AND HYDRODYNAMIC PRESSURE PROCESSING ON PORK LOIN QUALITY
Authors: BOWKER B.C. , LIU M.N. , EASTRIDGE J.S. , CALLAHAN J.A. , PAROCZAY E.W. , SOLOMON M.B.
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) and aging on the overall quality and protein characteristics of pork loins. Boneless pork loins (n = 12) were split into anterior and posterior halves and were assigned to control and HDP treatments. Following treatment on day 0, each half was divided into two portions (0 and 7 days aging). Samples were removed for the determination of Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), centrifugal moisture loss (CML), gravitational drip loss (DL), color, protein solubility and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis of whole muscle protein extracts. WBSF decreased with HDP (P < 0.05) and aging treatments (P < 0.0001). CML decreased (P < 0.0001) with aging. Controls exhibited slightly less DL after 1 day than HDP samples, but the increase in DL between 1 and 7 days was similar for control and HDP samples.

Treatment effects on L*, a* and b* measurements were minimal. Myofibrillar and total protein solubility were higher (P < 0.01) in HDP samples compared with controls at day 0 but not at day 7. Sarcoplasmic protein solubility decreased (P < 0.05) with aging. SDS‐PAGE analysis of muscle proteins demonstrated a strong aging effect and only minor HDP differences. With aging, bands corresponding to 30–33 and 135 kDa increased (P < 0.0001), while bands corresponding to 38 and 95 kDa decreased (P < 0.05) in intensity (relative to the actin band). The 60 kDa band intensity increased (P < 0.05) with both aging and HDP treatments. Thus, data from this study suggest that HDP enhances aging tenderization in pork loins through the physical disruption of the muscle ultrastructure while having little detrimental effect on other parameters of pork quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates that hydrodynamic pressure processing is an effective postharvest technology for enhancing aging tenderization in pork loins through the physical disruption of the muscle ultrastructure with minimal impacts on other pork quality parameters such as water‐holding capacity and color.
Thermal Stability of l‐Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid Oxidase in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Munyaka Ann Wambui , Makule Edna Edward , Oey Indrawati , Van Loey Ann , Hendrickx Marc
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  The thermal stability of vitamin C (including l‐ascorbic acid [l‐AA] and dehydroascorbic acid [DHAA]) in crushed broccoli was evaluated in the temperature range of 30 to 90 °C whereas that of ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) was evaluated in the temperature range of 20 to 95 °C. Thermal treatments (for 15 min) of crushed broccoli at 30 to 60 °C resulted in conversion of l‐AA to DHAA whereas treatments at 70 to 90 °C retained vitamin C as l‐AA. These observations indicated that enzymes (for example, AAO) could play a major role in the initial phase (that is, oxidation of l‐AA to DHAA) of vitamin C degradation in broccoli. Consequently, a study to evaluate the temperature–time conditions that could result in AAO inactivation in broccoli was carried out. In this study, higher AAO activity was observed in broccoli florets than stalks. During thermal treatments for 10 min, AAO in broccoli florets and stalks was stable until around 50 °C. A 10‐min thermal treatment at 80 °C almost completely inactivated AAO in broccoli. AAO inactivation followed 1st order kinetics in the temperature range of 55 to 65 °C. Based on this study, a thermal treatment above 70 °C is recommended for crushed vegetable products to prevent oxidation of l‐AA to DHAA, the onset of vitamin C degradation.

Practical Application: The results reported in this study are applicable for both domestic and industrial processing of vegetables into products such as juices, soups, and purees. In this report, we have demonstrated that processing crushed broccoli in a temperature range of 30 to 60 °C could result in the conversion of l‐ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic (DHAA), a very important reaction in regard to vitamin C degradation because DHAA could be easily converted to other compounds that do not have the biological activity of vitamin C.
The Impact of Grape Skin Bioactive Functionality Information on the Acceptability of Tea Infusions Made from Wine By‐Products
Authors: Cheng Vern Jou , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , Sedcole Richard , Hamid Nazimah
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  The effect of information on the health benefits of bio‐active compounds on the acceptability of 5 tea infusions made from grape skins generated from wine processing waste (from Vitis vinifera var. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris) was investigated. Samples of tea infusions with natural additives (PNHGT25 and PGGT50) and without additives (control PN, control PG, and PNPG50) were evaluated by 45 in‐home consumer panels (30 female, 15 male) before and after information on the health benefits of grape skins were provided. Information significantly increased the overall acceptability, overall aroma, flavor, and aftertaste of the infusions. The results obtained showed a clear tendency toward increased purchase intention (by 29%) when information on the health benefits of the tea infusion samples was provided to consumers. Interactions existed between gender/infusion samples and stage of information on the purchase intention. Females recorded a significant increase (by 53%) in purchase intention, whereas no change in the males' purchase intention was found after information was provided.
Flavor Lexicon for Sensory Descriptive Profiling of Different Rice Types
Authors: Limpawattana M. , Shewfelt R.L.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  Rice flavor is a significant factor in determining quality and consumer acceptability as exemplified by scented rice, which is highly favored and commands a price premium. Sensory descriptive analysis has primarily been performed to assess rice flavor characteristics, but these studies feature only a limited lexicon for characterizing specific flavors or the range of flavor types is limited. This study was undertaken to establish a descriptive lexicon with reference standards for describing the flavor properties of a broad spectrum of rice types and use the developed lexicon to characterize which sensory attributes are most important in rice flavor quality. A rice flavor lexicon consisting of 24 descriptive notes was developed and expanded by 8 trained sensory panelists to characterize the flavor of cooked rice differing in terms of forms, types, and specialty (n = 36). Of these 24 descriptive terms, 19 were aromatic notes and 5 were fundamental tastes and oral feeling factors. Eighteen aromatic terms were significantly present in most rice samples whereas some descriptors exhibited unique characteristics of a specific‐rice type. Subsequent multivariate analysis indicated that 18 descriptive terms were required to fully understand the characteristics of rice flavor in greater details. This lexicon covered a wider range of rice samples than in the previous studies and will facilitate targeting the characteristic notes important to rice processors as well as producers.
Influence of Nutrients Addition to Nonlimited‐in‐Nitrogen Must on Wine Volatile Composition
Authors: González‐Marco Ana , Jiménez‐Moreno Nerea , Ancín‐Azpilicueta Carmen
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  Several factors can affect production of volatile compounds in wines, including nutritional differences in the must. Among the nutritive compounds of must, the amino acids are of great importance due to the fact that they can serve as precursors of esters or may play an indirect role in supporting cellular metabolic activities. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the addition of a complex nutrient such as the yeast autolysate to a nitrogen nonlimited must of Chardonnay variety on the formation of esters, alcohols, and acids. Yeast autolysate supplied fatty acids, amino acids (above all, tyrosine, threonine, and glutamic acid), and an insoluble fraction formed by yeast cell walls. It was observed that the nutrient enrichment of the Chardonnay must did not favor the formation of either esters or alcohols. These results demonstrate that when juice is sufficient in nitrogen, the addition of amino acids does not improve the volatile composition of wine. Under these conditions, the amino acids would have probably been used for other cellular processes that do not produce volatile compounds.
Young people at risk of psychosis: a user‐led exploration of interpersonal relationships and communication of psychological difficulties
Authors: Byrne Rory , Morrison Anthony P.
Published: April 2010

Aim: The aim of the present study was to qualitatively explore experiences and perceptions of interpersonal relationships and interpersonal communication among young people at risk of psychosis.

Method: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted using a qualitative grounded theory approach. Participants had entered into a service providing psychological interventions for young people assessed to be at a high risk of developing psychosis (Northwest UK). Our sample comprised one female and seven male participants (n = 8), ranging in age from 16 to 28 years, with a mean age of 22.4 years.

Results: Analyses identified three central themes: difficulty with interpersonal relationships and reduced opportunities for helpful communication, difficulty talking to others about psychological problems, and experiences of talking to others about psychological problems.

Conclusions: Individuals at risk of psychosis may have experienced significant difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Such difficulties may contribute directly to the development of unusual psychological experiences, and to an inability or reluctance to communicate these to others. In addition, commonly held stigmatizing ideas associated with unusual psychological experiences may contribute to a fear among at‐risk individuals that they are ‘going mad’, and this may lead to concealment of their difficulties, and to delayed help‐seeking. For at‐risk individuals, helpful communication of psychological distress offers significant benefits, including improved psychological and emotional well‐being and reduced risk of psychosis. Thus, while concealment of distress may directly impact on the development of unusual psychological difficulties, communication of such difficulties may be central to recovery.
Modeling of Sediment Yield From Anjeni‐Gauged Watershed, Ethiopia Using SWAT Model1
Authors: Setegn Shimelis G. , Dargahi Bijan , Srinivasan Ragahavan , Melesse Assefa M.
Published: April 2010

Setegn, Shimelis G., Bijan Dargahi, Ragahavan Srinivasan, and Assefa M. Melesse, 2010. Modeling of Sediment Yield From Anjeni‐Gauged Watershed, Ethiopia Using SWAT Model.Journal of the American Water Resources Association(JAWRA) 46(3):514‐526. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00431.x

Abstract: The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was tested for prediction of sediment yield in Anjeni‐gauged watershed, Ethiopia. Soil erosion and land degradation is a major problem on the Ethiopian highlands. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance and applicability of SWAT model in predicting monthly sediment yield and assess the impacts of subbasin delineation and slope discretization on the prediction of sediment yield. Ten years monthly meteorological, flow and sediment data were used for model calibration and validation. The annual average measured sediment yield was 24.6 tonnes/ha. The annual average simulated sediment yield was 27.8 and 29.5 tones/ha for calibration and validation periods, respectively. The study found that the observed values showed good agreement with the simulated sediment yield with Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) = 0.81, percent bias (PBIAS) = 28%, RMSE‐observations standard deviation ratio (RSR) = 0.23, and coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.86 for calibration and NSE = 0.79, PBIAS = 30%, RSR = 0.29, andR² = 0.84 for validation periods. The model can be used for further analysis of different management scenarios that could help different stakeholders to plan and implement appropriate soil and water conservation strategies.
Effect of Watershed Subdivision and Filter Width on SWAT Simulation of a Coastal Plain Watershed1
Authors: Cho Jaepil , Lowrance Richard R. , Bosch David D. , Strickland Timothy C. , Her Younggu , Vellidis George
Published: April 2010

Cho, Jaepil, Richard R. Lowrance, David D. Bosch, Timothy C. Strickland, Younggu Her, and George Vellidis, 2010. Effect of Watershed Subdivision and Filter Width on SWAT Simulation of a Coastal Plain Watershed. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(3):586‐602. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00436.x

Abstract:  The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) does not fully simulate riparian buffers, but has a simple filter function that is responsive to filter strip width (FILTERW). The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate SWAT hydrology and water quality response to changes in watershed subdivision levels and different FILTERW configurations and (2) provide guidance for selecting appropriate watershed subdivision for model runs that include the riparian buffer feature through the FILTERW parameter. Watershed subdivision level is controlled by the critical source area (CSA) which defines the minimum drainage area required to form the origin of a stream. SWAT was calibrated on a 15.7 km2 subdrainage within the Little River Experimental Watershed, Georgia. The calibrated parameter set was applied to 32 watershed configurations consisting of four FILTERW representations for each of eight CSA levels. Streamflow predictions were stable regardless of watershed subdivision and FILTERW configuration. Predicted sediment and nutrient loads from upland areas decreased as CSA increased when spatial variations of riparian buffers are considered. Sediment and nutrient yield at the watershed outlet was responsive to different combinations of CSA and FILTERW depending on selected in‐stream processes. CSA ranges which provide stable sediment and nutrient yields at the watershed outlet was suggested for avoiding significant modifications in selected parameter set.
Review of Pesticide Retention Processes Occurring in Buffer Strips Receiving Agricultural Runoff1
Authors: Arora Kapil , Mickelson Steven K. , Helmers Matthew J. , Baker James L.
Published: April 2010

Arora, Kapil, Steven K. Mickelson, Matthew J. Helmers, and James L. Baker, 2010. Review of Pesticide Retention Processes Occurring in Buffer Strips Receiving Agricultural Runoff. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(3):618‐647. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00438.x

Abstract:  Review of the published results shows that the retention of the two pesticide carrier phases (runoff volume and sediment mass) influences pesticide mass transport through buffer strips. Data averaged across different studies showed that the buffer strips retained 45% of runoff volume (ranging between 0 and 100%) and 76% of sediment mass (ranging between 2 and 100%). Sorption (soil sorption coefficient, Koc) is one key pesticide property affecting its transport with the two carrier phases through buffer strips. Data from different studies for pesticide mass retention for weakly (Koc < 100), moderately (100 < Koc < 1,000), and strongly sorbed pesticides (Koc > 1,000) averaged (with ranges) 61 (0‐100), 63 (0‐100), and 76 (53‐100) %, respectively. Because there are more data for runoff volume and sediment mass retention, the average retentions of both carrier phases were used to calculate that the buffer strips would retain 45% of weakly to moderately sorbed and 70% of strongly sorbed pesticides on an average basis. As pesticide mass retention presented is only an average across several studies with different experimental setups, the application of these results to actual field conditions should be carefully examined.
Commercializing bycatch can push a fishery beyond economic extinction
Authors: Lobo Aaron Savio , Balmford Andrew , Arthur Rohan , Manica Andrea
Published: April 2010

Tropical bottom trawling is among the most destructive fishing practices, catching large quantities of bycatch, which are usually discarded. We used questionnaire surveys of trawl fishers to look at changes in catches over the last 30 years (1978–2008) along India's Coromandel Coast. We show that catches and income from target species have declined sharply over the last two decades. Meanwhile, costs of fishing have increased substantially and now almost exceed income from target species. Over the same period, bycatch (which was traditionally discarded) has now become increasingly marketable, being sold for local consumption, and as fish meal to supply the region's rapidly growing poultry industry. Without this income from bycatch, the fishery would scarcely be economically viable. While such a change in the use of bycatch is good news in terms of reducing waste and improving livelihoods, it is also responsible for pushing the Indian bottom trawl fishery beyond the economic extinction of its target species.
Comparative Efficacy of Aliskiren Monotherapy and Ramipril Monotherapy in Patients with Stage 2 Systolic Hypertension: Subgroup Analysis of a Double‐blind, Active Comparator Trial
Authors: Andersen Karl , Weinberger Myron H. , Egan Brent , Constance Christian M. , Wright Melanie , Lukashevich Valentina , Keefe Deborah L.
Published: April 2010

Aliskiren is the first direct renin inhibitor approved for the treatment of hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) control in stage 2 hypertension with aliskiren monotherapy has not been reported. This was a post hoc analysis of the subgroup of patients with stage 2 systolic hypertension (baseline mean sitting systolic BP [msSBP]≥160 mmHg) who completed the 12‐week monotherapy phase of a 6‐month, double‐blind, randomized study. A total of 175 patients were randomized to aliskiren 150 mg (n = 88) or ramipril 5 mg (n = 87) with optional up‐titration to aliskiren 300 mg or ramipril 10 mg, respectively, at weeks 6 and 12. In the subgroup of patients with stage 2 systolic hypertension, aliskiren lowered msSBP and mean sitting diastolic BP (msDBP) by 22.3/12.7 mmHg from baseline to week 12; compared with a reduction of 18.1/10.2 mmHg with ramipril. The maximum BP reductions achieved with aliskiren were 60.0/34.0 mmHg (from a baseline of 172.7/107.3 mmHg). Aliskiren was noninferior (P < 0.0001) to ramipril for SBP reduction with nonsignificant superiority (P= 0.052), and superior (P= 0.043) to ramipril for DBP reduction. The proportion of patients who achieved BP control (<140/90 mmHg) after 12 weeks of monotherapy was larger with aliskiren (34/88, 38.6%) than with ramipril (22/87, 25.3%; P= 0.038). In this post hoc analysis, 12 weeks of monotherapy with aliskiren 150–300 mg provided effective mean BP reductions (22/13 mmHg) and was superior to ramipril 5–10 mg in controlling BP in patients with stage 2 systolic hypertension.
Denitrifier abundance and activity across the San Francisco Bay estuary
Authors: Mosier Annika C. , Francis Christopher A.
Published: April 2010

Over 50% of external dissolved inorganic nitrogen inputs to estuaries are removed by denitrification – the microbial conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas under anaerobic conditions. In this study, denitrifier abundance, potential rates and community structure were examined in sediments from the San Francisco Bay estuary. Abundance of nirK genes (encoding Cu‐containing nitrite reductase) ranged from 9.7 × 103 to 4.4 × 106 copies per gram of sediment, while the abundance of nirS genes (encoding cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase) ranged from 5.4 × 105 to 5.4 × 107 copies per gram of sediment. nirK gene abundance was highest in the riverine North Bay, whereas nirS gene abundance was highest in the more marine Central and South Bays. Denitrification potential (DNP) rate measurements were highest in the San Pablo and Central Bays and lowest in the North Bay. nirS‐type denitrifiers may be more biogeochemically important than nirK‐type denitrifiers in this estuary, because DNP rates were positively correlated with nirS abundance, nirS abundance was higher than nirK abundance at every site and time point, and nirS richness was higher than nirK richness at every site. Statistical analyses demonstrated that salinity, organic carbon, nitrogen and several metals were key factors influencing denitrification rates, nir abundance and community structure. Overall, this study provides valuable new insights into the abundance, diversity and biogeochemical activity of estuarine denitrifying communities and suggests that nirS‐type denitrifiers likely play an important role in nitrogen removal in San Francisco Bay, particularly at high‐salinity sites.
Implementation of Approximate Riemann Solver to Two-Phase Flows in Mortar Systems
Authors: Acharya Ragini , Kuo Kenneth
Published: April 2010

This work presents a mathematical model for the two-phase flows in the mortar systems and demonstrates the application of approximate Riemann solver on such model. The mathematical model for the two-phase gas-dynamical processes in the mortar tube consists of a system of first-order, nonlinear coupled partial differential equations with inhomogeneous terms. The model poses an initial value problem with discontinuous initial and boundary conditions that arise due to the design complexity and nonuniformity of granular propellant distribution in the mortar tube. The governing equations in this model possess characteristics of the Riemann problem. Therefore, a high-resolution Godunov-type shock-capturing approach was used to address the formation of flow structure such as shock waves, contact discontinuities, and rarefaction waves. A linearized approximate Riemann solver based on the Roe–Pike method was modified for the two-phase flows to compute fully nonlinear wave interactions and to directly provide upwinding properties in the scheme. An entropy fix based on Harten–Heyman method was used with van Leer flux limiter for total variation diminishing. The three-dimensional effects were simulated by incorporating an unsplit multidimensional wave propagation method, which accounted for discontinuities traveling in both normal and oblique coordinate directions. A mesh generation algorithm was developed to account for the projectile motion and coupled with the approximate Riemann solver. The numerical method was verified by using exact solutions of three test problems. The specific system considered in this work is a 120 mm mortar system, which contains an ignition cartridge that discharges hot gas-phase products and unburned granular propellants into the mortar tube through multiple vent-holes on its surface. The model for the mortar system was coupled with the solution of the transient gas-dynamic behavior in the ignition cartridge. The numerical results were validated with experimental data. Based on the close comparison between the calculated results and test data, it was found that the approximate Riemann solver is a suitable method for studying the two-phase combustion processes in mortar systems.