bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Pectin Content on Mechanical Properties and Water Vapor Permeability of Banana Puree Films
Authors: Martelli Milena R. , Barros Taís T. , de Moura Márcia R. , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Assis Odilio B. G. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  Puree prepared from over‐ripe peeled bananas was used as raw material for films processing in a laboratory padder. Pectin and glycerol as plasticizer were added in small concentrations and chitosan nanoparticles (88.79 ± 0.42 nm medium size) incorporated at 0.2% (dry weight basis) as reinforcement material. The mechanical properties, water vapor transmission, thermal stability, and scanning electron microscopy of fractured film surfaces were characterized. Both pectin and glycerol demonstrated an important role in promoting elongation and film handability as was expected. The incorporation of nanoparticles promoted noticeable improvement of the mechanical properties and acted in reducing the water vapor permeation rate, by 21% for films processed with pectin and up to 38% for films processed without pectin, when compared to the control (puree films with no pectin and nanoparticles additions). Microscopic observation revealed a denser matrix when nanoparticles are incorporated into the films.Practical Application:  The development of films from fruit purees head to a new strategy for plastic processing from natural resources. The over‐ripe or even waste banana can be adequately prepared for batch films processed with reasonable mechanical and barrier properties, suitable for applications in the food segment. The addition of small fractions of chitosan nanoparticles, form nanocomposites enhancing mechanical and thermal stability broadening potential film applications.
Characterization of the Red Layer and Pericarp of Processing Tomato using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Lu , Barrett Diane M. , McCarthy Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  The characteristics of tomato pericarp are closely associated with peelabililty, an important quality attribute of processing tomatoes. Different types of tissue exist in the pericarp of tomato. The outermost region of the pericarp, the red layer, is removed with the skin during peeling. This study investigated the morphological features and tissue properties of red layer and pericarp for 3 processing tomato cultivars using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The red layer can be visualized in MR images with T2 weighting, indicating the red layer has different properties compared to the rest of the pericarp region. Tomatoes were imaged with a set of MRI sequences with signal intensity dependent on different water proton properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the statistical features revealed clustering of fruit by cultivar. The spatial distribution of cultivars in the PCA score plot followed their rank of peeling performance. MRI demonstrated potential as a nondestructive method to characterize tomato pericarp and evaluate the peelability of processing tomatoes.Practical Application:  Peelability of tomatoes affects the quality of value‐added whole peel and diced tomato products. The properties of the pericarp of tomato are directly related to the peelability of tomatoes. MRI provided a fast and nondestructive method to characterize the properties of tomato pericarp. The result of this work gives insight into the correlation between tomato pericarp characteristics and peelability.
In vitro Antifungal Activity of Dehydrozingerone and its Fungitoxic Properties
Authors: Kubra I. Rahath , Murthy Pushpa S. , Rao L. Jagan Mohan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  The efficacy of Dehydrozingerone (DZ; dehydroderivative of zingerone) as an antifungal agent and its mode of action against food spoilage fungal pathogens was studied and presented. DZ is a constituent of ginger (Zingiber officinale rhizomes) and structural half analogue of curcumin. Its efficacy against Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum was evaluated. Effect of DZ on the growth and sporulation of A. ochraceus was also studied. The fungal species were susceptible to DZ and the minimum inhibitory concentration and fungicidal concentration ranged from 755 to 911 μM and 880 to 1041 μM respectively. The mycelial and spore germination was significantly inhibited; reduction in the weight of the cell mass, carbohydrate, protein, DNA and RNA constituents in the cells isolated from cultures of A. ochraceus grown with DZ were observed. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed morphological observations such as cell lysis, inhibition and morphological alterations in hyphae and sporulation in A. ochraceus on treatment with DZ.Practical application:  Current investigations revealed that DZ is a potential antifungal agent and can find application as an additive or adjuvant in food and pharmaceutical industries after appropriate toxicological studies.
Preparation of Recombined Milk Using Modified Butterfats Containing α‐Linolenic Acid
Authors: Shin Jung‐Ah , Yang Dan , Gan Lujing , Hong Soon‐Taek , Lee Eui Suk , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Ki‐Teak 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  Modified butterfats (MBFs) were produced by lipase‐catalyzed interesterification with 2 substrate blends (6:6:8 and 4:6:10, by weight) of anhydrous butterfat (ABF), palm stearin, and flaxseed oil in a stirred‐batch type reactor after short path distillation. The 6:6:8 and 4:6:10 MBF contained 21.7% and 26.5%α‐linolenic acid, respectively. Total saturated fatty acids of the MBFs ranged from 41.4% to 47.4%. The cholesterol contents of the 6:6:8 and 4:6:10 MBFs were 21.0 and 12.1 mg/100 g, respectively. In addition, the melting points of the 6:6:8 and 4:6:10 MBFs were 32 °C and 31 °C, respectively. After preparation of recombined milks (oil‐in‐water emulsions) with MBFs, the stability of emulsions prepared with the MBFs (6:6:8 and 4:6:10) was compared to those with ABF during 10‐d storage at 30 °C. Skim milk powder (containing 1% protein) was added to prepare emulsions as an emulsifier. Microstructures of emulsions freshly prepared with the ABF and the MBFs consisted of uniform fat globules with no flocculation during 10‐d storage. With respect to fat globule size distribution, the volume‐surface mean droplet diameter (d32) of the 6:6:8 and 4:6:10 MBF emulsions ranged between 0.33 and 0.34 μm, which was similar to the distribution in ABF emulsion.Practical Application:  Milk, an expensive dairy food, has been widely used in various milk‐derived food products. Modified butterfats (MBFs) contain α‐linolenic acid as an essential fatty acid. Emulsion stability of recombined milks (oil‐in‐water emulsions) with MBFs was similar to that in anhydrous butterfat emulsion during 10‐d storage. They may be a promising alternative for reconstituted milks to use in processed milk‐based products.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Constraints on the Genesis of the Carbonate‐Hosted Jebel Ghozlane Pb–Zn Deposit (Nappe Zone, Northern Tunisia)
Authors: Jemmali Nejib , Souissi Fouad , Carranza Emmanuel John M. , Vennemann Torsten W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Pb–Zn deposit at Jebel Ghozlane, in the Nappe zone (northern Tunisia), is hosted by Triassic dolostones and Eocene limestones and is located along faults and a thrust‐sheet boundary. The sulfide mineralization of the deposit consists mainly of galena and sphalerite and occurs as vein, stockwork, breccia, dissemination and replacement ores. Three hydrothermal stages are involved in the formation of the ores: stage I is dominated by celestite‐barite, hydrothermal dolomite DII, colloform sphalerite, and galena I; stage II consist of galena II; and stage III contains calcite. Galena in the deposit yielded average 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.705, 15.667 and 38.734, respectively, suggesting a single upper crustal source reservoir for metals. Trace element data indicate the presence of Zn‐ and As‐free galena and As‐rich galena (with 0.2–0.5% As). Sphalerite contains 0.4% As, 0.7–0.9% Cd and 0.1–1.5% Fe. Microthermometric analysis of fluid inclusions in celestite shows that the deposit formed from fluids composed of heterogeneous mixtures of saline (19.5 ± 1 wt% NaCl eq.) aqueous solutions sourced from basinal brines, and gaseous CO2‐rich phases bearing low amounts of CH4, N2 and/or H2S, at temperatures of 172 ± 5°C.
Sorkhe‐Dizaj Iron Oxide–Apatite Ore Deposit in theCenozoicAlborz‐Azarbaijan Magmatic Belt,NW Iran
Authors: Nabatian Ghasem , Ghaderi Majid , Daliran Farahnaz , Rashidnejad‐Omran Nematollah 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTheSorkhe‐Dizaj iron oxide–apatite deposit in theCenozoicAlborz‐Azarbaijan magmatic belt,NW Iran, is hosted mainly by aLateEocene toOligocene quartz‐monzonitic body, and subordinately in theEocene volcanic and volcanoclastic sequences. TheSorkhe‐Dizaj intrusive body is anI‐type granitoid of the calc‐alkaline series. Mineralization is associated with actinolization,K‐feldspar, sericitic, propylitic, and tourmaline alteration types. The orebodies are massive, banded, stockwork, and breccia in shape and occur mainly along the fault zones within the quartz‐monzonitic intrusion, volcanic, and volcanoclastic rocks. Ore minerals dominantly comprise magnetite, apatite, and monazite, as well as minor amounts of chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite. Four major paragenetic stages are discriminated in the mineralization including early, oxide, sulfide, and late stage. TheSorkhe‐Dizaj deposit is similar in the aspects of host rock lithology, alteration, and mineralogy to theKiruna‐type deposits associated with minorCusulfide minerals. Spatial and temporal association of the mineralization with theLateEocene–EarlyOligocene quartz‐monzonite intrusive body suggests that the ore fluid was probably related to magmatic activity.
Effects of Ozone on Leaf Senescence, Photochemical Efficiency and Grain Yield in Two Winter Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Burkart S. , Bender J. , Tarkotta B. , Faust S. , Castagna A. , Ranieri A. , Weigel H.‐J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe adverse effects of tropospheric ozone (O3) on crop photosynthesis, growth and yield have been documented in numerous studies over the last decades, but little information from field experimentation exists on how modern European winter wheat cultivars respond to O3. Two winter wheat cultivars (Astron and Pegassos) differing in development characteristics were exposed to non‐filtered ambient air or non‐filtered air plus 30 ppb and non‐filtered air plus 60 ppb O3 (8 h day−1) in open‐top field chambers. At several dates during growth, green leaf area was determined by destructive harvests. Leaf gas exchange, pigment content and xanthophyll cycle activity, and photochemical efficiency by chlorophyll a fluorescence were measured. O3 exposure induced accelerated senescence with no difference between cultivars. Photosynthesis declined especially in Pegassos; however, stomatal conductance was hardly affected by O3. Pigment contents were reduced by O3 exposure, and de‐epoxidation index increased. Photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) declined, whereas actual quantum yield (ΦPSII) did not respond to O3. O3 exposure reduced grain yield in both cultivars. However, yield of Pegassos was more affected by O3 exposure than yield of Astron, suggesting a higher O3 sensitivity of Pegassos. The data presented in this manuscript indicate a need to test whether high‐yield varieties such as Pegassos are particularly sensitive to O3 exposure.
In Situ Synchrotron X‐Ray Diffraction Study of the Cubic to Rhombohedral Phase Transformation in Ln6WO12 (Ln = Y,Ho,Er,Yb)
Authors: Apostolov Zlatomir D. , Sarin Pankaj , Haggerty Ryan P. , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: December 2012

The fcc‐to‐rhombohedral phase transformation in Ln6WO12 (Ln = Y, Ho, Er, Yb) was investigated by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction. The transformation was determined to be an irreversible, first‐order, diffusional ordering process, which occurred over a temperature range starting at 1240°C. The transformation can be described as a shape change in the rhombohedral unit cell in the parent fcc phase, determined as elongation along the [111] axis and contraction in the (111) plane, resulting in an overall volume decrease on heating. A discontinuity in both volume per formula unit and rhombohedral angle α was observed across the transformation region for all four compositions. Trends in lattice parameters, ΔV and Δα at room and transformation temperatures were established according to Ln cation type and were found to closely mirror the cationic radii sequence of the corresponding rare earth elements.
Is reaction time variability in ADHD mainly at low frequencies?
Authors: Karalunas Sarah L. , Huang‐Pollock Cynthia L. , Nigg Joel T. 
Published: December 2012

Background:  Intraindividual variability in reaction times (RT variability) has garnered increasing interest as an indicator of cognitive and neurobiological dysfunction in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Recent theory and research has emphasized specific low‐frequency patterns of RT variability. However, whether group differences are specific to low frequencies is not well examined.Method:  Two studies are presented. The first is a quantitative review of seven previously published studies that have examined patterns of RT variability in ADHD. The second provides new data from a substantially larger sample of children than in prior studies (NControl = 42; NADHD = 123). The children completed a choice RT task as part of a traditional go/stop task. Fast‐Fourier transform analyses were applied to assess patterns of variability.Results:  Quantitative review of previous studies indicated that children with ADHD demonstrate more low‐frequency variability than non‐ADHD controls (Hedge’s g = .39; 95% CI: .16–.62), but an equivalent excess variability in a faster frequency comparison band (g = .36; 95% CI: .03–.69), with a trivial and nonsignificant difference between ESs in each band. New data replicated results of the quantitative review with nearly identical effects in the low‐frequency (g = .39; 95% CI: .05–.75) and faster frequency comparison bands (g = .40; 95% CI: .04–.74) and no evidence of diagnosis × frequency interaction (p = .954).Conclusions:  Results suggest that theories of RT variability in ADHD that focus on low‐frequency variability will need to be modified to account for the presence of variability at a broader range of frequencies.
Challenges in achieving optimal glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients with declining renal function: The Southeast Asia perspective
Authors: CC Chow Francis , Chan Siew‐Pheng , Hwu Chii‐Min , Suwanwalaikorn Sompongse , Wu Akira YT , Gan Susan Yu , Zacarias Manuel B 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIt is well recognised that Asia is at the epicenter of the global type 2 diabetes epidemic. Driven by socioeconomic changes involving industrialization, urbanization and adoption of Western lifestyles, the unprecedented increases in the prevalence of diabetes are particularly evident in Southeast Asia. The impact of diabetes is immense, and despite evidence of the benefit of optimal glucose control in reducing the risk of disease progression and development of macrovascular and microvascular complications, many individuals in this region remain poorly controlled. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common diabetes‐associated complication in Asian patients. Furthermore, Southeast Asia has one of the highest rates of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world. Consequently, CKD in diabetes is associated with considerable morbidity and cardiovascular‐related mortality, highlighting the need to screen and assess patients early in the course of the disease. The management of type 2 diabetes patients with declining renal function represents a significant challenge. Many of the older antidiabetic agents, such as metformin and sulfonylureas, are limited in their utility in CKD as a result of contraindications or hypoglycemic episodes. In contrast, dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV inhibitors have provided a welcome addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for achieving glycemic control in these special populations. With comparable efficacy to and more favorable pharmacokinetic and side‐effect profiles than traditional therapies, agents in this drug class, such as linagliptin, offer a more tailored approach to disease control in type 2 diabetes patients with declining renal function.
Rapid identification of Sporothrix schenckii in biopsy tissue by PCR
Authors: Liu X. , Zhang Z. , Hou B. , Wang D. , Sun T. , Li F. , Wang H. , Han S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  The dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the etiological agent of sporotrichosis, an important cutaneous mycosis with a worldwide distribution. At present, it is challenging to rapidly discover and identify Sporothrix schenckii in biopsy tissues nowadays.Aims  To explore new methods for rapid diagnosis of sporotrichosis.Materials and Methods  We screened specific primers for Sporothrix schenckii using 50 clinical isolates from patients with sporotrichosis. DNA was extracted from the lesions of 30 cases of clinically suspected sporotrichosis using the Graham s method of CTAB and amplified by PCR using the screened specific primers.Results  The primer S2‐R2 was applicable for the identification of S. schenckii from different geographic areas and clinical types with high specificity and sensitivity. Twenty‐five out of the thirty cases (83.3%) amplified using the primer S2‐R2 showed positive bands. Further positive bands were observed in 95.6% of cases tested positive by fungal culture.Conclusions  Using the PCR technique and specific primers, we developed a new diagnostic method that can rapidly diagnose sporotrichosis with tissues obtained from clinical biopsies.
In vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from acne patients: an Egyptian university hospital‐based study
Authors: Abdel Fattah N.S.A. , Darwish Y.W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  Antibiotics have been used for more than 40 years against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the most common agent of acne. Antibiotic resistance to this bacterium becomes a worldwide problem in recent years. No studies are available on antibiotic susceptibility patterns of P. acnes among Egyptian acne patients.Objective  To determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of P. acnes isolated from acne patients attending the Dermatology outpatient clinic of an Egyptian university hospital to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and to determine the difference in relation to age of patients, disease duration and previous antibiotic therapy for acne.Methods  Cutaneous samples were obtained from pustular acne lesions on the face of 115 patients, which were cultured in anaerobic media to demonstrate the presence of P. acnes. Antibiotic susceptibility tests of isolated P. acnes were then performed to clindamycin, erythromycin, azithromycin, oxytetracycline and doxycycline by disk diffusion method.Results  Propionibacterium acnes was isolated from 98 patients. Eighty‐nine isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, followed by doxycycline and oxytetracycline isolated from 82 and 72 patients respectively. Resistance of P. acnes to clindamycin was detected in 65 patients, followed by erythromycin in 48 patients. Comparing the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of P. acnes isolated from patients with and without previous antibiotic therapy for acne revealed statistically non‐significant differences as regards any of the antibiotics tested except for clindamycin and erythromycin. Statistically non‐significant differences existed between antibiotic susceptibility patterns of P. acnes to all tested antibiotics regarding age of patients (< or ≥20 years) and disease duration (< or ≥2 years).Conclusion  Propionibacterium acnes in vitro susceptibility patterns differed among Egyptian patients to the commonly prescribed antibiotics with the highest to lowest resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and azithromycin.
Mortality of bullous pemphigoid in the first year after diagnosis: a retrospective study in a Spanish medical centre
Authors: Gual A. , Mascaró J.M. , Rojas‐Farreras S. , Guilabert A. , Julià M. , Iranzo P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  Prognosis of patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) is controversial, with a 1‐year mortality rate ranging from 6% to 48%.Objective  To determine the mortality rate of a large cohort of patients with BP and to identify prognostic factors associated with early mortality.Methods  Patients diagnosed with BP between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2010 in a referral unit for blistering skin diseases at a university hospital in Spain were studied retrospectively. Outcome measures were mortality rate during the first year after diagnosis, standardized mortality rate and poor prognostic factors.Results A total of 101 patients were included in the study. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 77.8 years, and 52 (51.5%) were men. Overall mortality during the first year was 12.9%. We found a standardized mortality ratio of 2.33 [CI95 = (1.25–4.03)]. Advanced age (patient group >80 years old) was the only risk factor for lethal outcome found, with a multivariate risk estimate of 1.09 [CI95 = (1.02–1.16)]. No significant association with mortality was detected for comorbidities, hospitalization history or treatment received for BP.Conclusions  We found an increased mortality of our BP patients compared with the general population. The mortality rate of BP patients was 2.3 times the expected rate. Observed mortality rate was lower than described in previous European studies. Advanced age impacts the prognosis of patients with BP. Specific treatment for BP appeared not to influence survival.
Patterns of cranial ontogeny in lacertid lizards: morphological and allometric disparity
Authors: Urošević A. , Ljubisavljević K. , Ivanović A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe explored the ontogenetic dynamics of the morphological and allometric disparity in the cranium shapes of twelve lacertid lizard species. The analysed species (Darevskia praticola, Dinarolacerta mosorensis, Iberolacerta horvathi, Lacerta agilis, L. trilineata, L. viridis, Podarcis erhardii, P. melisellensis, P. muralis, P. sicula, P. taurica and Zootoca vivipara) can be classified into different ecomorphs: terrestrial lizards that inhabit vegetated habitats (habitats with lush or sparse vegetation), saxicolous and shrub‐climbing lizards. We observed that there was an overall increase in the morphological disparity (MD) during the ontogeny of the lacertid lizards. The ventral cranium, which is involved in the mechanics of jaw movement and feeding, showed higher levels of MD, an ontogenetic shift in the morphospace planes and more variable allometric patterns than more conserved dorsal crania. With respect to ecology, the allometric trajectories of the shrub‐climbing species tended to cluster together, whereas the allometric trajectories of the saxicolous species were highly dispersed. Our results indicate that the ontogenetic patterns of morphological and allometric disparity in the lacertid lizards are modified by ecology and functional constraints and that the identical mechanisms that lead to intraspecific morphological variation also produce morphological divergence at higher taxonomic levels.