bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHELF‐LIFE OF RETAIL BEEF MUSCLES FOLLOWING STORAGE IN A LOW OXYGEN ENVIRONMENT
Authors: BEGGAN M. , ALLEN P. , BUTLER F.
Published: September 2010

The effect of low oxygen storage followed by three aerobic display treatments on color, visual lean color acceptability, microbiological counts and sensory attributes of four beef muscles (M. longissimus thorasic et lumborum (LTL), M. semimembranosus (Sm), M. psoas major (PM) and M. gluteus medius (GM)) was investigated. Low oxygen, gas flushed steaks and vacuum‐packed primals were stored for 3 weeks. At display, packs were either perforating or the steaks were wrapped in an oxygen permeable film. The LTL steaks bloomed at display resulting in a 3 day display life compared to 2 days for the control. The Sm, GM and PM steaks failed to bloom due to oxidation of myoglobin to metmyoglobin during storage. Microbiological and sensory parameters were satisfactory for all muscles and all treatments. Thus, lean color was the limiting factor in the success of this system, which was successful for long term storage of the LTL steaks only.
EFFECT OF PREVENTOX ON THE STORAGE STABILITY OF RAW AND PRECOOKED PORK PATTIES
Authors: CHEN G. , XIONG Y.L. , WANG L. , GOMEZ‐BASAURI J. , NICASTRO F.
Published: September 2010

A commercial blend of antioxidants (Preventox, Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY) was evaluated for its antioxidant efficacy in raw and precooked pork patties subjected to storage at 2C up to 10 days. Both raw and precooked pork patties containing 313 and 625 ppm Preventox had a reduced peroxide formation and a lower thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance content during storage (P < 0.05). Preventox at 625 ppm increased the Minolta (Osaka, Japan) colorimetric L* value of raw patties throughout storage (P < 0.05) and the a* value of 1‐day samples (P < 0.05). Raw patties treated with Preventox tended to have a greater myoglobin content within the first day, but the antioxidant did not prevent the conversion of myoglobin to metmyoglobin, and hence, color loss during subsequent storage. The results indicated that Preventox was more effective to inhibit lipid oxidation in pork patties, especially precooked samples, than to preserve the red color of raw pork patties during aerobic, refrigerated storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The efficacy of natural antioxidants in food products depends on the matrix of the food system. The results obtained from this study demonstrated that Preventox, a mixture of tocopherols, rosemary extract and citrate, provided a dose‐dependent protection of low‐fat raw and precooked ground pork against lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage, suggesting that it may be used to extend the shelf life of this type of meat product.
INFLUENCE OF BREED, SEX AND GROWTH HORMONE AND HALOTHANE GENOTYPES ON CARCASS COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS IN PIGS
Authors: FRANCO M.M. , ANTUNES R.C. , BORGES M. , MELO E.O. , GOULART L.R.
Published: September 2010

The objective of this study was to verify the influence of the growth hormone (GH) and halothane (Hal) genotypes, breed and sex on carcass and meat quality. Ninety‐six pigs (Piétrain, Large White and Landrace) were dissected. For each breed, 16 were noncastrated males and 16 were females. The Piétrain animals presented the greatest lean meat percentage, the heaviest ham and shoulder and the lightest belly weight and fat thickness. Landrace presented the heaviest belly. Females presented the greatest drip loss; L*, b* and fat thickness; the heaviest ham and loin; and the lightest shoulder and tenderloin. Hal–NN and Nn presented greater loin weight than nn animals. Nn animals presented smaller belly weight than homozygotes. The nn animals presented greater drip loss than NN and Nn, and greater lean meat than NN. Interestingly, GH–D2D2 animals also showed higher drip loss than those with D1D1 genotype. This investigation presents relevant associations between important economic traits and specific GH and Hal genotypes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The identification of new molecular markers related to pig production has been increasing in importance, especially when these markers are related to carcass and meat quality traits, which are difficult to predict. When a marker is intensively used in a selection program, it reaches fixation, so it is important to identify new markers to replace it. This work shows, for the first time, the association of a GH polymorphism with an important meat quality trait and reinforces the possibility of its use in programs of marker‐assisted selection.
NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RAINBOW TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS) CAUGHT FROM THE ATATÜRK DAM LAKE IN TURKEY
Authors: CELIK MEHMET , GÖKÇE MAHMUT ALI , BAŞUSTA NURI , KÜÇÜKGÜLMEZ AYGÜL , TAŞBOZAN OĞUZ , TABAKOĞLU Ş. SURHAN
Published: September 2010

This study was carried out to determine the proximate, fatty acid, cholesterol, mineral and trace element compositions of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which is commonly consumed in Turkey. The moisture, protein, lipid and ash contents of the rainbow trout were 71.65, 19.60, 4.43 and 1.36%, respectively. Total lipids were mainly characterized by low cholesterol levels (35.04 mg/100 g). The composition of fatty acids showed that total monounsaturated fatty acids (35.56%) were the highest, followed by saturated fatty acids (27.65%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (23.09%). The mineral and trace elements determined were Ca, Na, K, P, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Pb, Hg, As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Co. Among the minerals analyzed, K was the highest followed by Mg, Na, P and Ca. The most abundant trace elements were Co, Cu, Zn followed by Fe, and all trace elements were present in amounts below the limits proposed by the World Health Organization and the Turkish Food Codes for human consumption in the meat of rainbow trout.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This investigation provides practical and useful information on the chemical composition of rainbow trout, which is widely consumed in Turkey. These results will be important for the fishing industry, nutritionists, investigators for improving processing and marketing. It is also helpful for similar academic studies and to prepare tables of compositions of food.
MINIATURIZED TWO‐FOLD DILUTION METHOD FOR ENUMERATING TOTAL MICROBIAL LOAD AND COLIFORMS IN RAW MILK
Authors: COSTELLO M. , RHEE M.S. , KANG D.H.
Published: September 2010

A rapid and simple method for enumerating total aerobic plate counts (APC) and coliforms in raw milk was developed and compared with conventional plating method. Following two‐fold serial dilution of samples in a 96 well microtiter plate, double strength of two different modified media for APC or coliforms was added to each well. The final positive well (purple to yellow color) was determined and converted to dilution factors. The dilution factor of each sample was converted to Log10 DF (Dilution factors) and compared to actual microbial numbers Log10 CFU/mL. The results of 2‐fold dilution method (Log10 DF) were strongly correlated to conventional plating method (Log10 CFU/mL) (P < 0.05). The correlation of the scatterplot of spread plating and 2‐fold dilution method indicated a high level of agreement between two methods (R2= 0.921 for total counts and R2= 0.916 for forms from raw milk). This 2‐fold dilution method is an easy, rapid, and economical method for enumeration of total microbial loads and coliforms in raw milk.
THE USE OF TIME‐RESOLVED FLUOROIMMUNOASSAY TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DETECT ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7, SALMONELLA ENTERICA SEROVAR TYPHIMURIUM AND SALMONELLA ENTERICA SEROVAR ENTERIDITIS IN FOODS1
Authors: TU SHU‐I , GOLDEN MARSHA , ANDREOTTI PETER , IRWIN PETER
Published: September 2010

Immunomagnetic beads (IMB) were used to capture and concentrate Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteriditis. The captured bacteria were allowed to form sandwiched complexes with europium (Eu) labeled anti‐E. coli O157 antibodies and/or samarium (Sm) labeled anti‐Salmonella antibodies. After washing the complexes utilizing a magnetic particle concentrator (MPC), the lanthanide labels were extracted from the cell/antibody complexes utilizing PerkinElmer Wallac Enhancement Solution (PerkinElmer Wallac, Turku, Finland) which causes the release of the Eu or Sm from the antibodies and the formation of highly fluorescent Eu‐(2‐NTA)3(TOPO)2–3 or Sm‐(2‐NTA)3(TOPO)2,3, micellar complexes. The specific time‐resolved fluorescence (TRF) associated with Eu and Sm were measured to estimate the quantity of E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. The sensitivity of the method was in the range of 103 to 104 CFU/mL for pure cultures of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium or Salmonella enterica serovar Enteriditis. The approach of applying sandwich complexes yielded a minimum cross‐reactivity with non‐targeted bacteria. After an enrichment of spiked hamburger, turkey or pork for 4.5 h at 37C in EC medium containing novobiocin, one CFU/g of either E. coli or Salmonella or both was detected. The results demonstrated that low levels of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteriditis in foods could be detected alone or in‐pair by the TRF approach within 8h.
LOW NUTRIENT R2A CULTURE MEDIUM FOR BACTERIAL ENUMERATION FROM POULTRY FEEDS
Authors: MACIOROWSKI K.G. , PILLAI S.D. , JONES F.T. , RICKE S.C.
Published: September 2010

Poultry feed matrices can be particularly stressful to bacterial populations and limit recovery and accurate enumeration of viable organisms. The objectives in this study were to enumerate bacterial populations with either tryptic soy plate medium or an R2A minimal nutrient medium from commercial poultry and turkey dry feeds and compare enumerations from the two media with feed composition. Total population estimates from tryptic soy plates varied between 3.7 and log10 5.4 CFU per g feed and depended upon poultry feed source (P < 0.05). R2A plate counts varied between 2.7 and log10 5.4 CFU per g feed, but were not significantly different among poultry feed sources. Feed R2A plate count populations were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with tryptic soy plate count populations enumerated from the feed sources, but not protein and fat content of the feed source. It is apparent that bacterial counts recovered by minimal R2A medium are similar to enumerations using tryptic soy plate medium and that R2A medium could be substituted for tryptic soy plate medium for bacterial enumeration in poultry feeds.
POTENTIAL FOR RAPID IN VITRO ASSAYS TO MEASURE FOODBORNE SALMONELLA VIRULENCE IN FOODS – A REVIEW
Authors: NUTT JEFF D. , WOODWARD CASENDRA L. , KUBENA LEON F. , NISBET DAVID J. , KWON YOUNG M. , RICKE STEVEN C.
Published: September 2010

Assessing the public health risk to consumers of foods is a priority in terms of food safety because of frequency of foodborne illness outbreaks caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella. Innovative and rapid methods continue to be devised to detect, isolate and measure the potential for foodborne disease caused by foodborne Salmonella spp. in the U.S.A. To develop rapid in vitro assays for assessment of virulence, it is important to understand the physiological and genetic principles that enable Salmonella to become invasive and infective within a host. Combining this knowledge with rapid detection technologies will lead to more extensive and real time appraisal of Salmonella physiological and pathogenic status in food matrices.
CONTROL OF DEFORMATION IN TEXTURE TESTS *
Authors: VOISEY PETER W. , KLOEK M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The motion of the Instron crosshead during small deformations (e. g. 0.25 mm) in tensile tests performed at the available range of deformation rates was examined. Large errors are introduced in the deformation readings if it is assumed that the deformation rate was constant at the rate selected because, as with any instrument of this type, the crosshead requires time to accelerate to the selected speed. The characteristic behaviour of the food is subject to misinterpretation if the applied deformation profile is unknown. It was found that the errors are larger when the instrument is used incorrectly by performing tensile tests below the crosshead. The work demonstrated some of the limitations that must be recognized when applying the Instron, or any deformation mechanism, to certain texture tests. It is concluded that food behaviour, under small deformations, could be recorded precisely and interpreted correctly providing that both the force and deformation are recorded against time.

Control of the crosshead stopping and reversal points was also examined, particularly in relation to the instrumental texture profile analysis. Crosshead acceleration affects the readings and interpretation of the data at the reversal point. If the deformation rate is changed, the stopping point must be adjusted.
EFFECT OF ORANGE JUICE COMPOSITION ON FLOW BEHAVIOUR OF SIX‐FOLD CONCENTRATE
Authors: MIZRAHI S. , FIRSTENBERG R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The effect of the pulp content and the relative viscosity of the serum on the flow behaviour of a six‐fold orange juice concentrate, as represented by the generalized Casson equation and the power law, was studied on samples prepared with a single factor varied at a time. These general flow equations, optimal in terms of multiple correlation coefficients, were established and confirmed on commercial samples. Both equations were successfully applied in predicting the flow behaviour of orange juice concentrates. The generalized Casson equation was found to be somewhat more accurate than the power law.
MEASUREMENT OF FLOW PROPERTIES OF FOOD SUSPENSIONS WITH A MIXER
Authors: RAO M. A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Flow properties of selected food suspensions (tomato puree, apple sauce, and apple pulp) were studied with a mixer. Power law constants for the suspensions were determined by employing an approximate method based on power correlations for mixers in the laminar flow regime. The studied suspensions cannot be characterized with narrow gap viscometers because of the size and segregation of the particles (formation of a dilute phase next to the rotor).
CONSISTENCY OF COMMERCIAL SOYBEAN LECITHINS
Authors: YARON ANINA , LETAN A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. This study deals with changes of viscosity in commercial soybean lecithins caused by differences in either the phosphatides concentration or in the oil/oleic acid ratio in the acetone‐solubles. Viscosity was determined with a plate and cone viscometer at selected constant rates of shear.

The flow curves obtained showed Newtonian behavior only at comparatively low shear rates. Decrease in viscosity due to addition of oil and/or oleic acid was much more drastic in commercial lecithins containing higher (over 65%) concentrations of phosphatides. Addition to commercial lecithins of liquid soybean oil reduced more pronouncedly the products' viscosity than did addition of oleic acid. Samples of commercial lecithins containing less than 2% water were homogeneous and their viscosity was almost unaffected by the water content.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SOY PROTEIN FIBERS FRACTURED BY VARIOUS TEXTURE MEASURING DEVICES
Authors: AGUILERA JOSE M. , KOSIKOWSKI FRANK V. , HOOD LAMARTINE F.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Spun soy fibers fractured by the tensile test, Warner‐Bratzler shear, Kramer Shear Press and a modified Volodkevich wedge were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Fracture in the tensile test occurred almost always at a macrocavity, the weakest point in the fiber. Warner‐Bratzler shear induced compression and flow at the zone of rupture, but not as markedly as in the case of the modified Volodkevich wedge. Fracture by the Kramer Shear Press was the closest to pure shear. Some of the exposed fracture surfaces revealed internal structures in the fibers such as macrocavities and distinct skin and core sections. The mechanism of rupture by these tests was more complex than expected.
ESPRESSO COFFEE BEVERAGE: CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTURE TERMS
Authors: NAVARINI L. , CAPPUCCIO R. , SUGGI‐LIVERANI F. , ILLY A.
Published: September 2010

The present study reports on the classification of terms used to describe texture and/or mouthfeel characteristics of coffee, particularly espresso coffee, resorting to the classical food texture approach and putting in evidence how consumption habits (i.e., the brewing method) affect the terms used to describe it. Trained panelists have been interviewed in order to generate spontaneously a large number of descriptive texture terms. The terms collection was processed according to methodology previously adopted for liquid foods and beverages to classify the terms into well known mouthfeel categories. This classification identified a reduced number of texture terms categories to set up a list of terms submitted to the same trained panelists and to 93 Italian and 143 non‐Italian consumers in the form of a questionnaire with forced choice. Results show that the term “body” alone cannot be used to describe the mouthfeel of coffee beverages, prepared with different brewing methods. The obtained responses may constitute the basis for the development of an appropriate terminology for communicating the mouthfeel characteristics of espresso coffee, and may assist in addressing the finding of correlations between perceived texture and objective measurements of physical properties of the beverage.
TRANSGLUTAMINASE IN DAIRY PRODUCTS: CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, APPLICATIONS
Authors: JAROS DORIS , PARTSCHEFELD CLAUDIA , HENLE THOMAS , ROHM HARALD
Published: September 2010

Literature on the effects of microbial transglutaminase on various dairy‐based systems is discussed. Beginning with a short synopsis on the development of microbial transglutaminase as a functional tool for modifying foods, the principles of reactions catalyzed by transglutaminase and their structural implications, as well as the mechanisms of formation and cleavage of isopeptide bonds are reviewed. After summarizing the present knowledge on the specificity of microbial transglutaminase towards milk proteins, including reactions determined by individual lysine and glutamine residues, emphasis is placed on the effects of enzymatic cross‐linking on physicochemical properties in foods and, particularly, dairy‐based systems. Discussed are implications of cross‐linking on acidified milk gels including yogurt and effects on single milk protein fractions, with respect to several physicochemical properties including rheology and mechanical properties of these systems, but also syneresis, and emulsification behaviour.
ROLE OF TUBER DENSITY IN POTATO SLOUGHING
Authors: BLAHOVEC JIŘÍ , HEJLOVÁ ANNA
Published: September 2010

A new CPEM method was developed and used to study the cooking curves of two potato varieties showing differences in texture and of one variety cultivated in four different regimes. The two main cooking curve stages (i.e., cooking and disintegration) can be described by simple linear equations, with density as an independent parameter. The parameters in the equation describing the cooking stage were reformulated to express directly the role of starch. The two new parameters obtained were weakly correlated and expressed separately cooking time sensitivity to starch content and the basic potato characteristic in relation to sloughing. Data obtained indicate only a minor role of starch content during the first part of cooking that is determined primarily by basic potato characteristics probably related to the cell wall properties. In the second stage of disintegration, starch content plays a more important role.
So You Want to Be an Expert Witness?
Authors: KOLODINSKY JANE
Published: September 2010

This commentary gives an insider's view of an expert witness experience, followed by attorney Seth Richard Lesser's response with some of the rules of the expert witness road and what anyone needs to expect if planning to take on expert work.
Toward a New Corporate Reorganization Paradigm
Authors: Bernstein Donald S.
Published: September 2010

Chapter 11 is becoming an increasingly flexible, market‐driven forum for determining who will become the owners of financially troubled enterprises. With increasing frequency, distressed companies are sold in Chapter 11 as going concerns. At the same time, distressed investors, including hedge funds and private equity investors, are actively trading the debt of such companies in much the same way that equity investors trade the stock of solvent companies. Market forces drive the troubled company's debt obligations into the hands of those investors who value the enterprise most highly and who want to decide whether to reorganize or to sell it. One way or the other, the Chapter 11 process is used to effect an orderly transfer of control of the enterprise into new hands, whether the creditors themselves or a third party.

But if the market‐oriented elements of this new reorganization process promise to increase creditor recoveries and preserve the values of corporate assets, other recent developments could present obstacles to achieving these goals. In particular, the increased complexity of corporate capital structures and investment patterns—including the issuance of second‐lien debt and the dispersion of investment risks among numerous parties through the use of derivatives and other instruments—threatens to increase inter‐creditor conflicts and reduce transparency in the restructuring process. These factors, coupled with provisions added to the Bankruptcy Code that selectively permit “opt‐out” behavior by favored constituencies, could interfere with the ability of troubled companies to reorganize as the next cycle of defaults unfolds.
Morgan Stanley Roundtable on Managing Financial Trouble
Authors: Altman Edward
Published: September 2010

Against the current backdrop of troubled credit markets and the possibility of growing defaults, a distinguished group of bankruptcy academics and practitioners explore a number of questions raised by the emergence of increasingly active distressed investors: Are these relatively new market forces and mechanisms at least partly responsible for today's historically low default rates? Can they be expected to continue keeping default rates low, even if the economy goes into recession? And perhaps most important, by preventing or delaying defaults, will these new reorganization methods end up increasing recoveries and preserving value?

The second half of the discussion focuses on some of the potential problems, or obstacles to the working of these market forces. For example, how will distressed situations play out in cases involving dispersed creditors, such as the holders of CDOs and CLOs? Will there be negative side effects from other financial innovations such as credit derivatives?

While acknowledging the challenges of resolving some relatively new kinds of inter‐creditor conflicts, most of the panelists expressed confidence that today's distressed investors, working within the context of a streamlined Chapter 11 process, can be expected to play a major role in preserving values for creditors. At the same time, such investors will help perform the critical economic function of ensuring, in Douglas Baird's words, “that those companies that should survive do survive” and that corporate assets, whether liquidated piecemeal or kept within the firm, end up in their highest‐valued uses with their most efficient users.
Lessons from the Financial Crisis of 1907*
Authors: Bruner Robert F. , Carr Sean D.
Published: September 2010

The story of the panic and crash of 1907 suggests that major financial crises can be the result of a convergence of certain market forces—forces of the market's “perfect storm,” if you will—that cause investors and depositors to react with alarm. The storm begins with a highly complex financial system, whose very complexity makes it difficult for anyone to know what might be going wrong. By definition, the multiple parts of the financial system are linked, which means that trouble in one institution, city, or region can travel easily and quickly to others. Buoyant growth in the economy makes the financial system more fragile, due partly to the demand for capital and partly to the tendency of some institutions to take more risk than is prudent. Leaders in government and the financial sector implement policies that inadvertently or otherwise elevate the exposure to risk of crisis. When an economic shock hits the financial system, the mood of the market swings from optimism to pessimism, creating a self‐reinforcing downward spiral. Collective action by leaders succeeds in arresting the spiral, thought he speed and effectiveness with which they act ultimately determines the length and severity of the crisis.

In reflecting on the crash and panic of 1907, this article considers these market forces, both t heir interact ion with one another in the past and their possible relevance to market conditions a century later.
Building Capacity for the Continuous Improvement of Health‐Promoting Schools
Authors: Hoyle Tena B. , Samek Beverly B. , Valois Robert F.
Published: September 2010

Background:  There has been much educational verbosity over the past decade related to building capacity for effective schools. However, there seems to be a scarcity of clarification about what is meant by school capacity building or how to accomplish and sustain this process. This article describes the preexisting conditions and ongoing processes in Pueblo, Colorado School District 60 (Pueblo 60) that built capacity for the development and continuous improvement of health‐promoting schools.

Methods:  Capacity building strategies and a program‐planning model for continuous improvement for health‐promoting schools were used that included: (a) visionary/effective leadership and management structures, (b) extensive internal and external supports, (c) development and allocation of adequate resources, (d) supportive policies and procedures, and (e) ongoing, embedded professional development.

Results:  Pueblo 60 strategically developed an infrastructure through which they successfully delivered a wide array of health programs and services.

Conclusions:  Through building organizational capacity at the school district and school level, additional school health programming can be developed and sustained.
Substance Use Behavior and Suicide Indicators Among Rural Middle School Students
Authors: Dunn Michael S. , Goodrow Bruce , Givens Connie , Austin Susan
Published: September 2010

Background:  This study provides a descriptive profile of substance use behavior and the prevalence of suicide indicators (thought about, considered, and planned) among rural middle school students and examines the association between substance use and suicidal indicators among middle school students participating in the Coordinated School Health Program in a rural state.

Methods:  During April and May 2004, 10,273 middle school students completed the middle school Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Results:  This study found that a large percentage of students had initiated substance use behavior, with the greatest number of students having tried cigarettes (40.9% females and 42.7% males), followed by alcohol use (37.2% females and 41.3% males). Additionally, suicidal ideation and behavior were prevalent. Significant associations were found between substance use and suicidal ideation and behavior among middle school students.

Conclusions:  Prevention programs for adolescent suicide should be implemented during the middle school years and should focus on preventing substance use given its relationship to suicide.
OIL AND GAS ACCUMULATIONS IN OVERTHRUST BELTS ‐ I
Authors: Pratsch J.‐C.
Published: September 2010

Overthrust belts are zones of high crustal mobility leading to major vertical and lateral movements of rock units. They developed throughout the geologic history of the Earth. Their preferred habitat is the active continental margin, but intra‐oceanic and intra‐continental occurrences are common. Oil‐ and gasfields exist only in small portions of the known overthrust belts; their distribution is closely related to the present existence of generative depocenters. Preservation of hydrocarbon fields formed prior or during thrusting is rare; most oil‐ and gasfields in overthrust belts have been formed after the major thrust deformation. Definition of present effective depocenters and prediction of preferred lateral and vertical hydrocarbon migration are the main parameters in any basin evaluation or “play” definition, in overthrust belts as well as in normal basins.
THE DIAGENESIS OF RESERVOIR SANDS OF THE ZUBAIR FORMATION (EARLY CRETACEOUS), NORTHERN KUWAIT ‐ ARABIAN GULF
Authors: Khalaf F. I. , Gharib I. M. , Mukhopadhyay A.
Published: September 2010

A total of ten conventional core samples of the Lower Cretaceous Zubair Sandstone Formation, as encountered in the Raudhatain sabriyah oilfields of Kuwait have been studied by grain‐size analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination. Diagenesis of the sandstone members, in the form of silica overgrowths in optical continuity with the detrital quartz grains and the formation of authigenic kaolinite, is indicated. Further studies will be required in order to establish a possible correlation among the reservoir properties, diagenetic changes and oil accumulation in the Zubair Formation examined in these two fields.
A GRAPHICAL METHOD FOR STUDYING MODELS OF OIL GENERATION
Authors: Burke W. H. , von Rosenberg D. U.
Published: September 2010

Various types of mathematical models are used to represent the natural processes of oil generation from kerogen. One type models the generation process as consisting of several independent, parallel, first‐order reactions, each of which is defined by an Arrhenius relation. We present here a graphical method for studying predictions of models of this type. Each point on a plot of log,10 A versus E represents a reaction, and the order of occurrence of these reactions with increasing temperature is shown by rotating a line across the graph. The greatest value of the plot is that it enables one to see at a glance many of the deductions that follow from assuming the correctness of a particular model and also to see quickly many of the effects of changing the model's assumptions. As an example, we present a plot of this type for reactions of Tissot and Espitalié (1975) Type II kerogen undergoing natural maturation, and also undergoing laboratory pyrolysis. For comparison, we include numerical computations for these reactions.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIC MATTER, SULPHUR AND PHOSPHATE CONTENTS IN UPPER CRETACEOUS MARINE CARBONATES (KARABOGAZ FORMATION, SE TURKEY): IMPLICATIONS FOR EARLY OIL GENERATION
Authors: Inan S. , Ugur F. Alp , Inan T. , Yalçin M. N. , Mann U.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we discuss the relationship between the organic matter, sulphur and phosphate contents of Upper Cretaceous marine carbonates (Karabogaz Formation) in the Adiyaman Petroleum Province of SE Turkey. The results of organic geochemical analyses of core samples obtained from the Karabogaz Formation suggest that phosphate deposition occurred in settings where the water column was oxic to sub‐oxic. However, the preservation of organic matter was favoured in anoxic environments. Moreover, the presence of sulphur (especially sulphur incorporated into kerogen) in organic matter‐rich layers led to early oil generation. The results of stepwise py‐gc analyses are consistent with a model in which, with increasing maturity, S‐S and C‐S bonds are the first to be eliminated from the macromolecular kerogen structure. Study of the maturity evolution of S‐rich kerogen by laboratory pyrolysis implies that marginally mature and/or mature kerogen in the Karabogaz Formation, which may be classified as classic “Type II” kerogen, was most probably Type II/S at lower maturity stages. This enabled oil generation to occur at relatively shallow burial depths and relatively early stages of maturation. It is reasonable to conclude that Type II/S kerogen, overlooked in previous studies, was abundant in TOC‐rich intervals in the Karabogaz Formation. Early generation (and expulsion) from Type II/S kerogen may have sourced the sulphur‐rich oils in the Adiyaman area oilfields.
HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF THE LATE CRETACEOUS GONGILA AND FIKA FORMATIONS, BORNU (CHAD) BASIN, NE NIGERIA
Authors: Alalade B. , Tyson R. V.
Published: September 2010

The hydrocarbon potential of possible shale source rocks from the Late Cretaceous Gongila and Fika Formations of the Chad Basin of NE Nigeria is evaluated using an integration of organic geochemistry and palynofacies observations. Total organic carbon (TOC) values for about 170 cutting samples range between 0.5% and 1.5% and Rock‐Eval hydrogen indices (HI) are below 100 mgHC/gTOC, suggesting that the shales are organically lean and contain Type III/IV kerogen. Amorphous organic matter (AOM) dominates the kerogen assemblage (typically >80%) although its fluorescence does not show a significant correlation with measured HI. Atomic H/C ratios of a subset of the samples indicate higher quality oil‐ to gas‐prone organic matter (Type II‐III kerogens) and exhibit a significant correlation with the fluorescence of AOM (r2= 0.86). Rock‐Eval Tmax calibrated against AOM fluorescence, biomarker and aromatic hydrocarbon maturity data suggests a transition from immature (<435°C) to mature (>435°C) in the Fika Formation and mature to post‐mature (>470°C) in the Gongila Formation.

The low TOC values in most of the shales samples limit their overall source rock potential. The immature to early mature upper part of the Fika Formation, in which about 10% of the samples have TOC values greater than 2.0%, has the best oil generating potential. Oil would have been generated if such intervals had become thermally mature. On the basis of the samples studied here, the basin has potential for mostly gaseous rather than liquid hydrocarbons.
Influences on nurses’ communications with older people at the end of life: perceptions and experiences of nurses working in palliative care and general medicine
Authors: Clarke Amanda , Ross Helen
Published: September 2010

Aim.  This paper reports an exploratory study investigating nurses’ perceptions and experiences regarding listening and talking to dying older people about issues relating to the end of life.

Background.  At the end of life, nurses need to be able to communicate with older people in an open and sensitive manner. Although studies highlight that many nurses feel ill‐prepared to respond when patients express their concerns and needs about the end of life, few consider nurses’ views of caring specifically for dying older people in acute medical settings.

Methods.  Focus groups and interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of nurses, including students and support workers, on general medical and palliative care units (24 participants). These were recorded on mini‐disc, transcribed verbatim and offered to participants for comment and clarification. Guided by the principles of the constant comparative technique, transcripts were analysed for broad similarities and differences in the data and participants given the opportunity to comment on the findings. Following the study, a workshop comprising participants and experts in the field reviewed and discussed the implications of the findings for practice.

Results.  Factors influencing nurses’ communication with older people at the end of life, included: nurses’ perceptions and experiences of talking and listening to older people; learning from other members of the multi‐professional team; environmental and organizational constraints such as time, privacy and the culture of care; and perceived differences between the values of nurses and those of doctors and patients’ families. All participants recognized the importance of communicating with older people at the end of life, but general medical nurses expressed the need for further support.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Fostering a palliative care approach, through education and organizational culture that focuses on person‐centred care and multi‐professional teamwork in a supportive environment, is essential. This should ensure that nurses engage with older people in a meaningful way as they face the end of their lives.
The challenges in adopting care pathways for the dying for use in care homes
Authors: Partington Lynne
Published: September 2010

An increasing number of older people are requiring palliative care within the care home setting. There are currently a number of initiatives that are generally gaining approval and being implemented within health care in general with the goal of improving standards of palliative care. These are the Integrated Care Pathway for the dying person, the Gold Standards Framework and the Preferred Place of Care document. The Liverpool Care Pathway is being used across a wide range of care settings to improve care in the last 24–48 hours of life and is being implemented in care homes as part of a national rollout programme. This article aims to explore some of the issues associated with the use of the care pathways in care homes, particularly without the input of additional resources and support for the care homes. It also questions the appropriateness of the pathway in its current format without further work on the specific palliative care needs of the residents dying in care homes.
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN METRIC SKULL CHARACTERS AMONG PROPOSED SUBPOPULATIONS AND STOCKS OF HARBOR PORPOISE, PHOCOENA PHOCOENA, IN THE WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC
Authors: Gao Anli , Gaskin D. E.
Published: September 2010

Abstract

A total of 433 skulls of harbor porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, were examined to evaluate geographical variation within the western North Atlantic, using analysis of covariance and discriminant analysis based on 45 measurements of skull components. The relationship between condylobasal length and body length was sigmoid in both sexes. Condylobasal length is generally less in adult males than in adult females.

Despite some overlap, morphological differences between different regions and even adjacent local stocks could be recognized by ANCOVA and discriminant analysis. The percentage of correct classification by discriminant functions was 65.2% for the four regional samples: (1) North Canadian Atlantic (which includes Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland), (2) Bay of Fundy, (3) Gulf of Maine‐New York, and (4) Maryland‐South Carolina. It was 65.9% for the four local geographical areas (10s of km) within the Bay of Fundy; Quoddy‐region porpoises revealed a closer relationship with the southwestern Nova Scotia population than with other adjacent stocks. The results at this level imply that gene flow is restricted to some degree even among closely adjacent geographical units. Management of this species should aim, therefore, for conservation of a variety of local stocks.
DOES RADIO TAGGING AFFECT THE SURVIVAL OR REPRODUCTION OF SMALL CETACEANS? A TEST
Authors: Martin A. R. , Da Silva V. M. F. , Rothery P. R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract

A long‐term study of botos (inia geoffrensis) in the Brazilian Amazon permitted the comparison of survival and reproduction between 51 adults fitted with radio transmitters and an equal number that were captured and handled in the same way but released without a transmitter. For both sexes combined, 47 radio tagged botos (92.2%) survived at least three years after release compared with 42 (82.4%) without radios, equating to annual survival of 97.3% and 93.6% respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. Eight of 15 closely monitored radio tagged females were lactating at capture, and all their calves weaned successfully. Two that were pregnant at capture subsequently gave birth. The mean number of calves per year born to these 15 females after first release was 0.172 (SD = 0.107) and to 17 non‐tagged was 0.174 (SD = 0.095), again a non‐significant difference. These results indicate that the anchoring of packages to the dorsal fin of dolphins can be accomplished with no measurable impact on their subsequent survival or reproductive output. However, botos may be unusually robust to handling, and this study should not be used to justify using similar techniques on other species without customary caution, diligence, and expert guidance.
Genes, brain, and behavior: development gone awry in autism?
Authors: Lewis Michael J. , Dictenberg Jason B.
Published: September 2010

Autism and its highly variable symptomology were the themes of the 23rd Annual International Symposium of the Center for the Study of Gene Structure and Function at Hunter College in New York City, held 15 January 2010. The meeting explored the extensive research on autism from several perspectives—integrating research on genetics, neuroscience, and behavior—from researchers presenting new and innovative approaches to understanding the autism spectrum. Early diagnosis, intervention, and genetics were major themes because they are seen as essential areas in which progress is needed before the rise in numbers of cases of autism throughout the world, which some describe as approaching an epidemic, can be stemmed. Several genetic, neurobiological, and behavioral markers of autism have been identified that may ultimately provide the basis for early identification, and that presently define the key areas requiring intensive intervention.
Thermal, High Pressure, and Electric Field Processing Effects on Plant Cell Membrane Integrity and Relevance to Fruit and Vegetable Quality
Authors: Gonzalez Maria E. , Barrett Diane M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Advanced food processing methods that accomplish inactivation of microorganisms but minimize adverse thermal exposure are of great interest to the food industry. High pressure (HP) and pulsed electric field (PEF) processing are commercially applied to produce high quality fruit and vegetable products in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Both microbial and plant cell membranes are significantly altered following exposure to heat, HP, or PEF. Our research group sought to quantify the degree of damage to plant cell membranes that occurs as a result of exposure to heat, HP, or PEF, using the same analytical methods. In order to evaluate whether new advanced processing methods are superior to traditional thermal processing methods, it is necessary to compare them. In this review, we describe the existing state of knowledge related to effects of heat, HP, and PEF on both microbial and plant cells. The importance and relevance of compartmentalization in plant cells as it relates to fruit and vegetable quality is described and various methods for quantification of plant cell membrane integrity are discussed. These include electrolyte leakage, cell viability, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR).
Onion Cells After High Pressure and Thermal Processing: Comparison of Membrane Integrity Changes Using Different Analytical Methods and Impact on Tissue Texture
Authors: Gonzalez Maria E. , Anthon Gordon E. , Barrett Diane M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Two different analytical methods were evaluated for their capacity to provide quantitative information on onion cell membrane permeability and integrity after high pressure and thermal processing and to study the impact of these processing treatments on cell compartmentalization and texture quality. To determine changes in cell membrane permeability and/or integrity the methodologies utilized were: (1) measurement of a biochemical product, pyruvate, formed as a result of membrane permeabilization followed by enzymatic activity and (2) leakage of electrolytes into solution. These results were compared to previously determined methods that quantified cell viability and 1H‐NMR T2 of onions. These methods allowed for the monitoring of changes in the plasma and tonoplast membranes after high pressure or thermal processing. High pressure treatments consisted of 5 min holding times at 50, 100, 200, 300, or 600 MPa. Thermal treatments consisted of 30 min water bath exposure to 40, 50, 60, 70, or 90 °C. There was strong agreement between the methods in the determination of the ranges of high pressure and temperature that induce changes in the integrity of the plasma and tonoplast membranes. Membrane rupture could clearly be identified at 300 MPa and above in high pressure treatments and at 60 °C and above in the thermal treatments. Membrane destabilization effects could already be visualized following the 200 MPa and 50 °C treatments. The texture of onions was influenced by the state of the membranes and was abruptly modified once membrane integrity was lost.

Practical Application:  In this study, we used chemical, biochemical, and histological techniques to obtain information on cell membrane permeability and onion tissue integrity after high pressure and thermal processing. Because there was strong agreement between the various methods used, it is possible to implement something relatively simple, such as ion leakage, into routine quality assurance measurements to determine the severity of preservation methods and the shelf life of processed vegetables.
Critical Electric Field Strengths of Onion Tissues Treated by Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Asavasanti Suvaluk , Ersus Seda , Ristenpart William , Stroeve Pieter , Barrett Diane M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  The impact of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on cellular integrity and texture of Ranchero and Sabroso onions (Allium cepa L.) was investigated. Electrical properties, ion leakage rate, texture, and amount of enzymatically formed pyruvate were measured before and after PEF treatment for a range of applied field strengths and number of pulses. Critical electric field strengths or thresholds (Ec) necessary to initiate membrane rupture were different because dissimilar properties were measured. Measurement of electrical characteristics was the most sensitive method and was used to detect the early stage of plasma membrane breakdown, while pyruvate formation by the enzyme alliinase was used to identify tonoplast membrane breakdown. Our results for 100‐μs pulses indicate that breakdown of the plasma membrane occurs above Ec= 67 V/cm for 10 pulses, but breakdown of the tonoplast membrane is above either Ec= 200 V/cm for 10 pulses or 133 V/cm for 100 pulses. This disparity in field strength suggests there may be 2 critical electrical field strengths: a lower field strength for plasma membrane breakdown and a higher field strength for tonoplast membrane breakdown. Both critical electric field strengths depended on the number of pulses applied. Application of a single pulse at an electric field up to 333 V/cm had no observable effect on any measured properties, while significant differences were observed for n≥10. The minimum electric field strength required to cause a measurable property change decreased with the number of pulses. The results also suggest that PEF treatment may be more efficient if a higher electric field strength is applied for a fewer pulses.
A New Method to Quantify the Application Thickness of Sunscreen on Skin
Authors: Bauer Ulrike , O’Brien Dominique S. , Kimlin Michael G.
Published: September 2010

Proper application of sunscreen is essential as an effective public health strategy for skin cancer prevention. Insufficient application is common among sunbathers, results in decreased sun protection and may therefore lead to increased UV damage of the skin. However, no objective measure of sunscreen application thickness (SAT) is currently available for field‐based use. We present a method to detect SAT on human skin for determining the amount of sunscreen applied and thus enabling comparisons to manufacturer recommendations. Using a skin swabbing method and subsequent spectrophotometric analysis, we were able to determine SAT on human skin. A swabbing method was used to derive SAT on skin (in mg sunscreen per cm2 of skin area) through the concentration–absorption relationship of sunscreen determined in laboratory experiments. Analysis differentiated SATs between 0.25 and 4 mg cm−2 and showed a small but significant decrease in concentration over time postapplication. A field study was performed, in which the heterogeneity of sunscreen application could be investigated. The proposed method is a low cost, noninvasive method for the determination of SAT on skin and it can be used as a valid tool in field‐ and population‐based studies.