bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Characteristics of Pumpkin Pectin Extracted by Microwave Heating
Authors: Yoo Sang‐Ho , Lee Byeong‐Hoo , Lee Heungsook , Lee Suyong , Bae In Young , Lee Hyeon Gyu , Fishman Marshall L. , Chau Hoa K. , Savary Brett J. , Hotchkiss Jr. Arland T. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  To improve extraction yield of pumpkin pectin, microwave heating was adopted in this study. Using hot acid extraction, pumpkin pectin yield decreased from 5.7% to 1.0% as pH increased from pH 1.0 to 2.0. At pH 2.5, no pectin was recovered from pumpkin flesh powder. After a pretreatment at pH 1.0 and 25 °C for 1 h, pumpkin powder was microwave‐extracted at 120 °C for 3 min resulting in 10.5% of pectin yield. However, premicrowave treatment at 60 °C for 20 min did not improve extraction yield. When microwave heating at 80 °C for 10 min was applied after premicrowave treatment, final pectin yield increased to 11.3%. When pH was adjusted to 2.0, the yield dropped to 7.7% under the same extraction conditions. Molecular shape and properties as well as chemical composition of pumpkin pectin were significantly affected depending on extraction methods. Galacturonic acid content (51% to 58%) of pumpkin pectin was lower than that detected in commercial acid‐extracted citrus pectin, while higher content of neutral sugars and acetyl esters existed in pumpkin pectin structure. Molecular weight (Mw) and intrinsic viscosity (ηw) determined for microwave‐extracted pumpkin pectins were substantially lower than acid‐extracted pectin, whereas polydispersity was greater. However, microwave‐extracted pectin at pH 2.0 had more than 5 times greater Mw than did the pectin extracted at pH 1.0. The ηw of microwave‐extracted pectin produced at pH 2.0 was almost twice that of other microwave‐extracted pectins, which were comparable to that of acid‐extracted pectin. These results indicate that extraction yield of pumpkin pectin would be improved by microwave extraction and different pectin structure and properties can be obtained compared to acid extraction.Practical Application:  Pumpkin is a promising alternative source for pectin material. Pumpkin pectin has a unique chemical structure and physical properties, presumably providing different functional properties compared to conventional commercial pectin sources. Depending on the conditions to produce pumpkin pectin, diverse molecular structures can be obtained and utilized in various food applications.
Calculating Quantities of Ice for Cooling and Maintenance of Freshly Harvested Fish at Sea
Authors: Davey K. R. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract: A new generalized model for predicting quantities of ice to cool and maintain freshly harvested fish at sea in insulated boxes is presented. The model addresses the universal need for fisherman to know in advance of going to sea just how much ice will be needed to cool down the expected day's catch to a desired temperature, maintain the catch, and to allow for losses. Illustrative predictions are presented for southern bluefin tuna (SBT) (Thunnus maccoyii) for a range of day's catch from 2000 to 8000 kg in ambient temperature ranging from 15 to 35 °C. The amount of ice needed to cool down SBT from an initial uniform harvest temperature of 28 °C to a maintenance temperature of 5 °C is shown to be the controlling contribution to total ice needed. Predictions highlight that a useful, safe rule‐of‐thumb is 1 kg of ice will be needed for each 3.5 kg of SBT. Importantly, the model is based on fundamental principles and predictive accuracy is demonstrated to be largely insensitive to a range of assumptions including volume of the void in the insulated boxes and overall coefficient of heat influx from ambient. The model can be used to predict the number of insulated boxes of defined dimension that will be needed to cool and hold the fish, ice and water for a wide range of fish species. It will be of interest to fisherman and boat owners and agents who invest in ice to preserve fish at sea.Practical Application: This research addresses the universal need for fisherman to know in advance of going to sea how much ice will be needed on‐board boats to cool down an expected day's catch to a desired temperature, maintain the catch and to allow for losses. The model is generalized and can be applied to a wide range of fish species.
The relationship between the optical density of cataract and its influence on retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measured with spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kok Pauline H. B. , van den Berg Thomas J. T. P. , van Dijk Hille W. , Stehouwer Marilette , van der Meulen Ivanka J. E. , Mourits Maarten P. , Verbraak Frank D. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to model the influence of cataract on Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT) image quality and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) thickness measurements.Methods:  SDOCT images, made with two different devices (3DOCT‐1000, Topcon and Cirrus HD‐OCT), before and after cataract surgery were compared and judged against measurements from normal subjects using artificial filters simulating the effects of cataract. Optical density of the images was calculated based on a mathematical model described previously.Results:  In total, forty‐eight eyes were included for pre‐ and postoperative cataract extraction measurements. OCT image quality significantly (p < 0.001) improved postoperative and postoperative RNFL thickness was significantly (p < 0.001) thicker in both groups of patients. The measurements using artificial filters showed a rather precise linear relation between change in filter induced optical density and change in RNFL thickness (R = 0.941, p < 0.001 for 3DOCT‐1000 and R = 0.785, p < 0.001 for Cirrus HD‐OCT). For the patient groups, the relation was less marked, 3DOCT‐1000 Rs = 0.697, p < 0.03 and Cirrus HD‐OCT Rs = 0.444, p < 0.03. The predictive potential based on the found linear relationship between OCT‐effective optical density of cataract and the cataract‐induced underestimation was however limited, and mean difference ± SD between predicted and measured RNFL thickness were 1.68 ± 7.55 (3DOCT‐1000) and 3.71 ± 2.97 (Cirrus HD‐OCT) micron.Conclusions:  A linear relationship exists between OCT‐effective optical density of cataract and underestimation of RNFL thickness measured with OCT. This finding holds promise to correct for cataract‐induced changes in RNFL measurements, but will differ for each type of OCT device.
Triceps Rupture: A Case Series, Anatomical Study of the Triceps Footprint and Description of Surgical Technique
Authors: Evans Owain G. , Lawrence Tom M. , Shahane Shantanu A. 
Published: October 2012

Background Distal triceps tendon ruptures are rare accounting for less than 1% of all tendinous injuries in the upper extremity. Such injuries should be suspected in patients who have pain about the elbow following an eccentric contraction to the upper extremity. Complete ruptures should be treated with early surgical repair with reattachment of the tendon to the olecranon. Most reports to date have used suture fixation through olecranon drill holes. This study was performed to asses the anatomy of the triceps insertion and it's implications on the adequate fixation of the triceps tendon using a novel technique. Methods Ten cadaveric adult upper extremities with no signs of prior trauma or surgery were used in this study. The specimens were stripped of all skin and subcutaneous tissue through a direct posterior approach, to identify the triceps insertion. The insertion of the triceps tendon was then mapped and the area of the medial, long and lateral heads measured. Three cases of distal triceps rupture using this new open repair technique are also described using two distal drill holes and sutures augmented with a proximal anchor. Two of the three patients also needed LARS ligament augmentation at the time of surgery due to tissue loss. Results In all cadaveric sections separate insertions were found consisting of the medial head and the conjoint tendons of the long and lateral heads. The mean surface areas for the medial and long/lateral insertions were 100.4 mm2 and 307.9 mm2 respectively. The mean total area for the triceps insertion was found to be 408.3 mm2. At follow up all cases were assessed using the Oxford Elbow Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scores. Conclusions We have shown that the insertion of the triceps tendon is a “footprint” made from the tendon of the medial head and a conjoint tendon of the long and lateral heads. For cases of distal triceps rupture we have described an open procedure using a “double row footprint reconstruction” technique which we believe anatomically reconstructs the triceps insertion.
Semiconductor‐Insulator Transition in Undoped Rutile, TiO2, Ceramics
Authors: Liu Yang , West Anthony R. 
Published: October 2012

The electrical conductivity of undoped rutile ceramics is very dependent on sample processing conditions, especially the temperature and atmosphere during sintering and the subsequent cooling rate. Samples become increasingly semiconducting when quenched from temperatures above ~700°C without the need for a reducing atmosphere. Thus, samples quenched from 1400°C in air have conductivity ~1 × 10−2 Scm−1with activation energy ~0.01(1) eV over the temperature range 10–100 K, whereas similar samples that are slow cooled or annealed in air at 300°C–500°C are insulating with activation energy 1.67(2) eV and conductivity, e.g., 1 × 10−7 Scm−1 at 400°C. The very wide range of electrical properties is attributed to variations in oxygen content which are too small to be detected using thermogravimetry. Impedance analysis shows that, depending on cooling rate, partially oxidized samples may be prepared in which samples retain a semiconducting core, but have an oxidized outer layer.
The Composition and Temperature‐Dependent Structure Evolution and Large Strain Response in (1−x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3−xBa(Al0.5Ta0.5)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Bai Wangfeng , Bian Yanlong , Hao Jigong , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei 
Published: October 2012

The (1−x) (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3−xBa(Al0.5Ta0.5)O3((1−x)BNT‐xBAT) lead‐free piezoceramics was fabricated using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. The temperature and composition‐dependent strain behavior, dielectric, ferroelectric (FE), piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties have been systematically investigated to develop lead‐free piezoelectric materials with large strain response for actuator application. As the BAT content increased, the FE order is disrupted resulting in a degradation of the remanent polarization, coercive field, and the depolarization temperature (Td). A large strain of 0.36% with normalized strain d33* = 448pm/V was obtained for the optimum composition x = 0.045 at room temperature. The bipolar and unipolar strains for the compositions x = 0.035 and x = 0.04 reach almost identical maximum values when the temperature is in the vicinity of their respective depolarization temperature (Td). The Raman‐spectra analysis, macroscopic properties, thermal depolarization results, and temperature‐dependent relationships of both polarization and strain demonstrated that the origin of the large strain response for this investigated system is attributed to a field‐induced relaxor to FE phase transformation.
Synthesis of Monodispersed Spherical Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) Powders by a Homogeneous Precipitation Method
Authors: Xu Xiaojuan , Sun Xudong , Liu Hong , Li Ji‐Guang , Li Xiaodong , Huo Di , Liu Shaohong 
Published: October 2012

Monodispersed yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) powders have been synthesized via homogeneous precipitation method from the mixed solutions of yttrium nitrate, aluminum nitrate, and ammonium aluminum sulfate using urea as the precipitant. The molar ratio of aluminum nitrate to ammonium aluminum sulfate has a significant effect on morphology and particle size of the precursor powders. It was found that spherical precursor particles can be obtained when the ratio is 1:1. During the homogeneous precipitation process, aluminum ions precipitate first and form monodispered spherical powders, and then yttrium ions precipitate onto the surface of the existing spheres. Monodispersed spherical YAG particles with 500 nm in diameter were obtained by calcining the precursor powder at 1100°C for 5 h. The so‐prepared monodispersed spherical Nd:YAG powders have good sinterability, and can be sintered into transparent ceramics by vacuum sintering at 1650°C for 3.5 h.
Influence of LNO Top Electrodes on Electrical Properties of KNN/LNO Thin Films Prepared by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Genshui , Li Kui , Sama Nossikpendou , Remiens Denis , Dong Xianlin 
Published: October 2012

Highly (001) oriented (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) lead‐free piezoelectric thin films were grown on LaNiO3 (LNO)‐coated silicon by RF magnetron sputtering. The effects of the top electrodes on the electrical properties of KNN thin films were investigated. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties were remarkably improved in LNO/KNN/LNO (εr = 899 at 1 kHz, d33 = 58 pm/V), compared with that in Pt/KNN/LNO (εr = 584 at 1 kHz, d33 = 26 pm/V). An enhanced ferroelectricity was also obtained in LNO/KNN/LNO, with a remnant polarization of 12 μC/cm2 and a maximum polarization of 23 μC/cm2 at the applied field of 200 kV/cm. Besides, the temperature dependence of piezoelectricity of the films was characterized in this study.
High and Frequency‐Insensitive Converse Piezoelectric Coefficient Obtained in AgSbO3‐Modified (Li,K,Na)(Nb,Ta)O3 Lead‐Free Piezoceramics
Authors: Zhou Jia‐Jun , Wang Ke , Li Fu , Li Jing‐Feng , Zhang Xiao‐Wen , Wang Qing‐Ming 
Published: October 2012

AgSbO3 was doped into KNN‐based lead‐free piezoceramics with an optimized composition of Li0.02(Na0.53K0.48)0.98Nb0.8Ta0.2O3 (abbreviated as LKNNT) to further enhance its piezoelectric property. The doping of AgSbO3 was found to be effective in reducing the grain sizes, resulting in more uniform microstructure in AgSbO3‐doped LKNNT ceramics. AgSbO3 lowers tetragonal‐orthorhombic phase transition point (TT‐O), but with a more gentle rate as compared with other dopants. A large converse piezoelectric coefficient d33* up to 598 pm/V under a relatively low electric field of 1 kV/mm was obtained in the LKNNT‐5 mol% AgSbO3 composition, whose tetragonal‐orthorhombic phase transition point (TT‐O) was controlled near room temperature, but its Curie temperature was kept at 235°C. The d33* obtained in the present material is a very high value for nontextured KNN‐based ceramics, which is attributed to the polymorphism phase transition effect and “soft” behavior caused by the addition of AgSbO3.
Low parasitism rates in parthenogenetic bagworm moths do not support the parasitoid hypothesis for sex
Authors: Elzinga J. A. , Chevasco V. , Mappes J. , Grapputo A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe parasite hypothesis for sex is one of the many theories that have been suggested to solve the mystery of the widespread occurrence of sex despite its high short‐term costs. It suggests that sexual lineages have an evolutionary advantage over parthenogens because they can frequently generate new genotypes that are temporarily less prone to coevolving parasites. In this study, we looked for further supporting evidence for the parasite hypothesis of sex in an attempt to understand the coexistence of sexual and parthenogenetic bagworm moths (Naryciinae). The bagworm moths and their parasitoids form one of the few natural host–parasite systems where sexual and parthenogenetic hosts are apparently not separated by ecological or geographical barriers. Furthermore, in support of the parasite hypothesis for sex, parthenogenetic presence is negatively correlated with parasitism rate. We specifically tested, by identifying the reproductive mode of the parasitized individuals, whether parasitoids preferentially attack the parthenogens in sites with both sexual and parthenogenetic forms, as predicted by the parasite hypothesis. We collected hosts from sites with different frequencies of parthenogenetic and sexual moths. A DNA barcoding approach was used to determine the reproductive mode of the parasitized hosts. Furthermore, we investigated whether differences in host and parasitoid phenology could provide an alternative explanation for the variation in parasitism rates between parthenogens and sexuals. Our results contradict the prediction of the parasite hypothesis because parthenogenetic bagworm moths were less parasitized than sexuals in sympatric sites. Our findings can be explained by differences in phenology between the parthenogenetic and sexual moths rather than genetic incompatibility between parthenogenetic hosts and parasitoids. The stable coexistence of sexual and parthenogenetic Naryciinae despite the many apparent costs of sex in this system remains a mystery. Our work adds to the list of studies were the assumptions of the parasite hypothesis for sex are not all met.
Population differences in response to hypoxic stress in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Côte J. , Roussel J.‐M. , Le Cam S. , Bal G. , Evanno G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractUnderstanding whether populations can adapt to new environmental conditions is a major issue in conservation and evolutionary biology. Aquatic organisms are increasingly exposed to environmental changes linked with human activities in river catchments. For instance, the clogging of bottom substratum by fine sediments is observed in many rivers and usually leads to a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentrations in gravel beds. Such hypoxic stress can alter the development and even be lethal for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) embryos that spend their early life into gravel beds. In this study, we used a common garden experiment to compare the responses to hypoxic stress of four genetically differentiated and environmentally contrasted populations. We used factorial crossing designs to measure additive genetic variation of early life‐history traits in each population. Embryos were reared under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and we measured their survival, incubation time and length at the end of embryonic development. Under hypoxic conditions, embryos had a lower survival and hatched later than in normoxic conditions. We found different hypoxia reaction norms among populations, but almost no population effect in both treatments. We also detected significant sire × treatment interactions in most populations and a tendency for heritability values to be lower under stressful conditions. Overall, these results reveal a high degree of phenotypic plasticity in salmon populations that nevertheless differ in their adaptive potential to hypoxia given the distinct reaction norms observed between and within populations.
Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis A, Rotavirus and Genogroup I Norovirus by RT‐qPCR in Fresh Produce from Packinghouse Facilities
Authors: Felix‐Valenzuela L. , Resendiz‐Sandoval M. , Burgara‐Estrella A. , Hernández J. , Mata‐Haro V. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFood‐borne outbreaks caused by virus have been associated with the consumption of fresh produce. However, it is difficult to track the source of contamination due to the lack of sensitive methods of detection. In this study, we evaluated the presence of norovirus (NoV), rotavirus (RV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in fresh produce from the northwestern part of Mexico by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). Fresh produce was sampled from field and packinghouse facilities during different stages of the packing process. Surfaces of equipment, as well as water used for disinfection were also sampled. A total of 46 samples were analyzed for the quantification of virus: HAV was found in 28.2% of the samples, NoV in 32.6% and RV in 13.0%. Eleven samples were positive with at least two different viruses. These results show a high prevalence of these viruses in fresh produce and highlight the need to establish further virological surveys for this kind of products.Practical ApplicationsViruses are considered important causal agents of food‐borne diseases. Many outbreaks implicate the consumption of fresh produce, mainly because fresh vegetables are usually consumed raw or with minimum processing. In spite of this, in many undeveloped countries, analyses for microbial quality imply testing for bacterial but not for viruses' contamination. For that reason, it is necessary to generate information on the risk of virus transmission in fresh produce. In that way, producers can be warned of the risk of virus contamination, and they could implement good manufacturing practices to improve sanitary conditions in fresh produce processing plants for consumer protection to diminish food‐borne outbreaks. We evaluated the prevalence of enteric viruses in fresh produce, water and surfaces of equipment by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR, a sensitive method not commonly used for sanitary monitoring of food products.
Mortality after urinary tract infections in patients with advanced cirrhosis – Relevance of acute kidney injury and comorbidities
Authors: Reuken Philipp A. , Stallmach Andreas , Bruns Tony 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundBacterial infections increase mortality four‐fold in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. However, specific mortality associated with urinary tract infections (UTI) in cirrhosis is not known.MethodsRetrospective single‐centre analysis of all hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent first paracentesis between 2006 and 2011 to determine 90‐day mortality associated with UTI defined as pyuria with significant bacteriuria using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsA total of 108 patients with at least one episode of UTI and 291 with exclusion of UTI were identified. Bacterial infections other than UTI were diagnosed in 136 (34%) of patients at the time of urine analysis. Female gender, Child‐Pugh stage C, higher grade of ascites and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were associated with UTI. After adjustment for liver function and co‐morbidity, the hazard ratios (HR) of death within 90 days after urine analysis were 2.08 (95% CI 1.28–3.38) in patients with UTI, 2.93 (1.90–4.52) in patients with other bacterial infections and 3.39 (2.03–5.65) in patients with UTI and concomitant infection. Independent predictors of death after UTI were renal dysfunction at presentation (HR 2.52; 95% CI 2.52), subsequent acute kidney injury within 48 h after diagnosis (4.57; 2.54–8.24), concomitant bacterial infection (1.77; 1.04–3.00) and malignant comorbidity (1.85; 1.03–3.30). The combination of these factors was more accurate in predicting 90‐day mortality than the MELD score or C‐reactive protein.ConclusionsThe presence of UTI indicates an increased risk of 90‐day mortality in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Renal dysfunction and comorbidities are predictors of death in these patients.