bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Deficit Irrigation on Maize Physical and Chemical Properties and Ethanol Yield
Authors: Liu Liman , Klocke Norman , Yan Shuping , Rogers Danny , Schlegel Alan , Lamm Freddie , Chang Shing I. , Wang Donghai 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to study the effect of irrigation levels (five levels from 102 to 457 mm of water) on the physical and chemical properties and ethanol fermentation performance of maize. Twenty maize samples with two crop rotation systems, grain sorghum–maize and maize–maize, were harvested in 2011 and evaluated at the Kansas State University Southwest Research‐Extension Center near Garden City, Kansas, under a semiarid climate. Results showed that maize kernel weight, density, and breakage susceptibility decreased as irrigation level decreased. Starch contents of maize samples grown under a low irrigation level were approximately 3.0% lower than those under a high irrigation level. Protein contents ranged from 9.24 to 11.30% and increased as irrigation level decreased. Maize flour thermal and rheological properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and the Micro Visco‐Amylo‐Graph‐U device. Starch gelatinization temperature increased significantly as irrigation level decreased, whereas starch pasting viscosity decreased as irrigation level decreased. Free amino nitrogen (FAN) was significantly affected by irrigation level: it increased as irrigation decreased. Ethanol fermentation efficiency ranged from 90.96 to 92.48% and was positively correlated with FAN during the first 32 h of fermentation (r2 = 0.645). Deficit irrigation had a negative impact on ethanol yield. The maize with lower irrigation yielded about 4.0% less ethanol (44.14 mL/100 g of maize) than maize with high irrigation (45.92 mL/100 g of maize). Residual starch contents in the distillers dried grains with solubles were in a range of 0.80–1.02%. In conclusion, deficit irrigation had a significant effect on physical properties, chemical composition, ethanol yield, and fermentation efficiency of maize.
First Report of Downy Mildew Caused by Peronospora belbahrii on Basil (Ocimum spp.) in Ontario
Authors: Saude C. , Westerveld S. , Filotas M. , McDonald M. R. 
Published: March 2013

Basil (Ocimum spp.) is one of the most commercially significant fresh culinary herb crops worldwide. In Ontario, basil is grown both in the field and in the greenhouse. In the summer of 2011, basil plants grown in a research field at the Simcoe Research Station in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada (44°15′N, 77°35′W), were infected with downy mildew. Infected leaves exhibited interveinal chlorotic lesions on the upper surface and clear to black sporulation on the abaxial leaf surfaces. Leaf senescence and defoliation occurred at high disease severity, which reduced marketable yield. Basil downy mildew symptoms were severe on leaves of cultivars Genovese and Sweet Basil, with 40 to 100% disease incidence. Based on morphological characteristics, the basil downy mildew causal agent was identified as Peronospora belbahrii Thines (4). Infected leaves were collected and microscopic observations of the sporulating lesions were carried out and the structures measured. Sporangiophores (n = 20) were hyaline with relatively long, straight trunks and were monopodially branched, with a length of 150 to 360 μm (average 285 μm). Sporangiophores ended with two slightly curved branchlets, the longer one measuring 15 to 27 μm (average 19 μm) and the shorter one 5 to 15 μm (average 9 μm). Sporangia (n = 50) were round, or slightly ovoid, olive to brown in color, and measured 29 × 25 μm (25 to 35 × 20 to 30 μm). Genomic DNA was extracted from 10 isolates and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified with ITS4 and ITS5 primers and sequenced. The sequences of the 10 isolates were nearly identical. A BLAST search of the NCBI database with the ITS sequences (GenBank Accession No. KC756923) revealed a 98 to 100% similarity to the sequences of P. belbahrii (HQ730979, FJ436024, and HQ702191) isolated from sweet basil in Florida (3), California (1), and Hungary (2), respectively. To confirm pathogenicity, 5-week-old ‘Genovese’ seedlings were sprayed with a suspension of 1 × 105 sporangia/ml. Plants were kept in a growth chamber maintained at 23/18°C, 60 to 85% relative humidity, and 12/12 h light/dark. Non-inoculated plants served as controls. Basil downy mildew symptoms developed after 8 days on the inoculated plants and the pathogen was identified in association with symptoms consistent with downy mildew. The non-inoculated controls remained healthy. In North America, the occurrence of basil downy mildew has been reported since 2007 (3) and the disease has spread into several U.S. states. To our knowledge, this is the first report of downy mildew on sweet basil in Canada. References: (1) C. L. Blomquist et al. Plant Dis. 93:968, 2009. (2) G. Nagy and A. Horvath. Plant Dis. 95:1034, 2011. (3) P. D. Roberts et al. Plant Dis. 98:199, 2009. (4) M. Thines et al. Mycol. Res. 113:532, 2009.
A Patient With Loin Hematuria Syndrome and Chronic Flank Pain Treated With Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Splanchnic Nerves
Authors: Moeschler Susan M. , Hoelzer Bryan C. , Eldrige Jason S. 
Published: March 2013

Introduction:
Chronic abdominal and flank pain can be multifactorial and difficult to treat. Loin pain hematuria syndrome (LPHS) is a rare clinical cause of chronic abdominal and flank pain and is a diagnosis of exclusion with limited treatment options, ranging from medications to renal autotransplantation or even nephrectomy in resistant cases.

Case Description:
A 50-year-old man with a history of recurrent nephrolithiasis secondary to hypercalcemia presented to the pain clinic with bilateral flank pain. After failed conservative medical management, the decision was made to proceed to interventional modalities. He responded for a short duration to a splanchnic nerve block and subsequently had a longer analgesic response to pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) ablation to the splanchnic nerves.

Discussion:
LPHS is a difficult clinical scenario to diagnose and treat. Conservative options are often unsuccessful, but the more extreme interventions such as renal autotransplantation and nephrectomies are invasive and not always effective. In this case report, we describe the novel use of PRF to the splanchnic nerves as an alternative treatment modality for patients with LPHS.
Although the exact mechanism of action of PRF on nerve tissue is unclear, its indication in pain management requires further research and discussion. Our patient experienced substantial and sustained relief of his flank pain. PRF may be a viable option for patients with LPHS.
Phosphorylation of Phytochrome B Inhibits Light-Induced Signaling via Accelerated Dark Reversion in Arabidopsis
Authors: Medzihradszky Mátyás , Bindics János , Ádám éva , Viczián András , Klement éva , Lorrain Séverine , Gyula Péter , Mérai Zsuzsanna , Fankhauser Christian , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Kunkel Tim , SchÄfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) interconverts between the biologically active Pfr (λmax = 730 nm) and inactive Pr (λmax = 660 nm) forms in a red/far-red–dependent fashion and regulates, as molecular switch, many aspects of light-dependent development in Arabidopsis thaliana. phyB signaling is launched by the biologically active Pfr conformer and mediated by specific protein–protein interactions between phyB Pfr and its downstream regulatory partners, whereas conversion of Pfr to Pr terminates signaling. Here, we provide evidence that phyB is phosphorylated in planta at Ser-86 located in the N-terminal domain of the photoreceptor. Analysis of phyB-9 transgenic plants expressing phospho-mimic and nonphosphorylatable phyB–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusions demonstrated that phosphorylation of Ser-86 negatively regulates all physiological responses tested. The Ser86Asp and Ser86Ala substitutions do not affect stability, photoconversion, and spectral properties of the photoreceptor, but light-independent relaxation of the phyBSer86Asp Pfr into Pr, also termed dark reversion, is strongly enhanced both in vivo and in vitro. Faster dark reversion attenuates red light–induced nuclear import and interaction of phyBSer86Asp-YFP Pfr with the negative regulator PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR3 compared with phyB–green fluorescent protein. These data suggest that accelerated inactivation of the photoreceptor phyB via phosphorylation of Ser-86 represents a new paradigm for modulating phytochrome-controlled signaling.
The food environment in leisure centres and health clubs: how appropriate is it for children?
Authors: Nowak Magdalena , Jeanes Yvonne , Reeves Sue 
Published: March 2013

PurposeLeisure centres and health clubs are ideal places for promoting healthy lifestyle. They promote physical exercise and many activities for children, such as swimming, soft play areas, crèche, and team sports. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the food environment for children in leisure centres and health clubs in London.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 67 venues were visited. All food and drink options were recorded and the proportion of “healthy” options was calculated according to the School Food Trust criteria and Nutrient Profiling Model.FindingsIn total, 96 per cent of the venues had vending machines and 51 per cent had onsite restaurants/cafés. According to The School Food Trust criteria, only 13 per cent of vending machine drinks, 77.2 per cent of meals, and 24 per cent of snacks would be allowed in school canteens.Research limitations/implicationsThe study revealed that a low proportion of healthy foods and drinks were offered to children in Leisure centres in London. However, the survey was only extended to venues in the capital.Practical implicationsThe results of the study suggest that new recommendations such as the Healthy Food Code of Good Practice, omitted leisure centres. The findings presented here could provide scientific evidence for campaigns and interventions aimed at improving the quality and the appropriateness of foods and drinks offered to children.Originality/valueThe paper shows that health campaigns and legislation should target leisure centres and health clubs, in order to improve the food and drinks facilities and promote healthy eating, particularly in light of the upcoming Olympic Games in London 2012.
Developing the service process of municipal home care catering
Authors: Tikkanen Irma , Silvan Anne 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the service process of municipal home care catering with respect to both sub‐processes and their development needs. One case is introduced.Design/methodology/approachExisting research on Meals‐On‐Wheels is illustrated. The theoretical concepts include service design, a service process, and a foodservice production process. Empirical data were collected from the two representatives of the case organisation by using a theme interview form.FindingsThe service process of home care catering comprises an information system and four sub‐processes: customer registration and ordering; food production; meal delivery; and invoicing. The main development needs focus on the electronic information system. Other development needs concern menu design, utilizing a cook‐chill method, delivering chilled meals, offering a service voucher, and implementing invoicing with other municipalities.Practical implicationsDue to an aging population, demand on the municipal home care catering services is increasing. The efficiency of the sub‐processes has to be improved by an electronic information system. Alternative models in home care catering service have to be offered.Originality/valueThe findings offer ideas to other home care catering organisations for developing their service processes.
Assessment of nutritional status of primary school children in Ibadan, South‐West Nigeria
Authors: Oyeyoyin Olanipekun Taiwo , Adeoti Obatolu Veronica , Bosede Fasoyiro Subuola , Olubukola Ogunba Beatrice 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine and compare the nutritional status of children aged 5‐10 years attending private (fee paying‐FP) and public (non‐fee paying‐NFP) primary schools in Ibadan South‐West Local Government Area (ISWLGA) of Oyo State, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachAnthropometry method was used in the study. Two basic variables (height and weight) and a single derived variable (body mass index‐BMI) were utilized. All the anthropometric measurements were taken following standard techniques.FindingsThe prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the NFP pupils than in the FP pupils. The incidence of stunting, underweight and wasting among NFP pupils (boys and girls) was 44.8 percent and 43.05 percent; 41.07 percent and 38.88 percent; 43.59 percent and 40.29 percent, respectively. For the pupils from FP schools, the incidence of stunting, underweight and wasting, respectively, (boys and girls) was 34.21 percent and 27.77 percent; 30.70 percent and 27.77 percent; 27.19 percent and 5.55 percent. Higher percentages of boys were malnourished in the two groups of pupils studied.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to Ibadan South‐West local Government Area of Oyo state, Nigeria; it does not give a holistic view of the nutritional status of Nigerian school children.Originality/valueThe results of this study, shows that the average school child in Ibadan, Nigeria is under nourished. Also, higher percentages of boys were malnourished in the two groups of pupils studied. Urgent steps should therefore be taken to meet the nutritional needs of the children.
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) consumption and blood thiocyanate concentration in rats
Authors: Khalesi Saman , Jamaluddin Rosita , Ismail Amin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeFlaxseed (FL) is a nutrient rich seed but contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) into the body after consumption. This study aims to determine the cyanogenic content of raw and heated (170°C, 15 min) flaxseed as well as its effect on the blood thiocyanate (SCN−) concentration, a derivate of HCN, in rats. Changes in liver and kidney enzymes level of blood are further studied.Design/methodology/approachRats were assigned into groups of control, 10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent of either raw or heated FL, in basal diet, for duration of 30 days. Cyanogenic content of FL analyzed using picrate method and blood thiocyanate concentration analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography.FindingsRaw ground flaxseed had 251.14±9.11 mg HCN/kg food, which significantly reduced by 8.5 percent after heating. Generally heated FL groups showed lower (but not significant) blood thiocyanate compared to raw FL groups. Blood SCN elevated by increasing the dosage of flaxseed. However, only in 30 percent raw FL group the difference was significant (p<0.05). Liver and kidney enzymes were not changed significantly in all groups (p>0.05). This study suggests that consumption of flaxseed in high dosage (20 percent to 30 percent) is better to be in heated form to result in lower blood thiocyanate concentration.Originality/valueThis study may provide better understanding for safer usage of flaxseed in animals and even human interventional studies and may be applicable to flaxseed consuming food industries.
Evaluation of cassava flour in the production of cocoa powder‐based biscuits
Authors: Gyedu‐Akoto Esther , Laryea Damian 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to promote the local consumption of cassava through its utilization in baked products such as cocoa powder‐based biscuits.Design/methodology/approachWheat flour was substituted with cassava flour at different levels – 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent in the production of cocoa powder‐based biscuits. The products obtained were analyzed for protein and ash contents. Sensory analysis was also conducted on the products to determine the optimum level of inclusion of cassava flour.FindingsThe incremental addition of cassava flour to the biscuits reduced the sensory and chemical quality of the products. The use of sole cassava flour (100 percent) could not form dough to produce biscuits. However, biscuits with 20 percent cassava flour were found to be most acceptable. Regression analysis of the data showed that the quality of the products depended on their texture and protein content since these attributes had R2 values higher than 0.80.Originality/valueThis study was done to determine the potential use of cassava flour in baked products to meet the needs of the dynamic consumer market and also help in the reduction of excess cassava on the Ghanaian market.
Probiotics as functional foods: documented health benefits
Authors: Sarkar S. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeProbiotics confer protection against pathogens owing to their capability to compete with pathogens or their displacement by adhering to intestinal epithelial cells. Diverse health benefits extended by probiotics led to their application as functional foods. The aim of this paper is to explore probiotics as functional foods.Design/methodology/approachEndeavour has been made to explore prerequisites for a cultured milk product to be called as a probiotics food. Potentiality of probiotics for their exploitation as functional foods has also been delineated.FindingsProbiotics demonstrate various prophylactic properties and their efficacy are influenced by strain of cultures employed. Probiotics confer diverse human health benefits such as normalization of intestinal flora, anticarcinogenesis, hypocholesterolemic effect, alleviation of lactose malabsorption and allergy. Beneficial properties of probiotics suggest their application as functional foods.Originality/valueIngestion of cultured milk products containing probiotic cultures may provide health benefits and could be recommended for consumption as functional foods.
Encapsulation efficiency of coenzyme Q10‐liposomes in alginate
Authors: Sakchareonkeat Phornsinee , Huang Tzou‐Chi , Suwannaporn Prisana , Hsuan Chiang Yu , Liang Hsu Jue , Han Hong Yong 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of alginate as a vehicle to protect coenzyme Q10 in liposomes.Design/methodology/approachEncapsulation efficiency and stability were conducted at varying temperatures (20, 30, 40°C) for 5 d and at exposure to simulated gastric conditions (pH 2) for 2 h. The content of coenzyme Q10 was determined using HPLC (LC/MS). Cytotoxicity and phagocytosis of mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) was determined.FindingsResults showed that thermostability was strongly improved by alginate complex formation with liposomes. Moreover, alginate could maintain coenzyme Q10 at a significantly higher level in simulated gastric pH for at least 2 h (p<0.00).Practical implicationsThis allowed a higher amount of coenzyme Q10 remaining to be absorbed in the small intestine. Alginate not only showed no toxic effect on mouse macrophages but also activated their proliferation and phagocytosis ability.Originality/valueAs a consequence, alginate could be applied as an aid to encapsulation stability and immunostimulating potency.
Effect of pasteurization and storage on bioactive components of Aloe vera gel
Authors: Saberian Hamed , Hamidi‐Esfahani Zohreh , Abbasi Soleiman 
Published: March 2013

PurposeAloe vera gel has nutritional and therapeutic properties due to presence of bioactive components. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of pasteurization and storage time at different temperatures on some bioactive components of Aloe vera gel juice.Design/methodology/approachAloe vera gel juice (Aloe barbadensis Miller) was pasteurized at 90°C for 1 min and stored up to 30 days at 4 and 25°C. The effect of pasteurization and storage time on glucomannan, vitamin C, DPPH inhibition (percent) and color of the juice was evaluated.FindingsThe results showed that pasteurization reduced vitamin C content and antioxidant activity 16% and 57%, respectively. During storage at 4 and 25°C, vitamin C and glucomannan contents reduced from 84.47 to 54.96 and 46.82 mg vitamin C/100 g dm and from 2.11 to 1.77 and 1.71 g/L, respectively. DPPH inhibition (percent) and Browning index (BI) increased significantly at both storage temperatures, which was more intensive at 25 than 4°C.Originality/valueThis paper is believed to be the only one which investigates the effect of thermal pasteurization and storage time at different temperatures on some bioactive components of Aloe vera gel juice.
Enrichment of a rational polynomial family of shape functions with regularity Ck0, k=0,2,4…
Authors: de Suarez Oscar A.G. , Rossi Rodrigo , da Silva Cláudio R.A. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the approximation performance of a family of piecewise rational polynomial shape functions, which are enriched by a set of monomials of order p to obtain high order approximations. To numerically demonstrate the features of the enriched approximation some examples on the mechanical elastic response and free‐vibration of axisymmetric plates and shells are carried out.Design/methodology/approachThe global approximation is based on a particular family of weight function, which is defined on the parametric domain of the element, ξ∈[−1,1], resulting in shape functions with compact support, which have regularity C0k,k=0,2,4… in the global domain Σ. The PU shape functions are enriched by a set of monomials of order p to obtain high order approximation spaces.FindingsBased on the numerical results of elastic axisymmetric plates and shells, it is demonstrated that the proposed methodology produces satisfactory results in terms of keeping the ill‐conditioning of the system of equations under accepted levels. Comparisons are established between linear and Hermitian shape functions showing similar results. The observed results for the free‐vibration problem of plates and shells show the potential of the proposed approximation space.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper the formulation is limited to the modeling of axisymmetric plate and shell problems. However, it can be applied to model other problems where the high regularity of the approximation is required.Originality/valueThe paper presents an alternative approach to construct partition of unity shape functions based on a particular family of weight function.