bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of agricultural biomass in the production of the biopolymer schizophyllan
Authors: Sutivisedsak Nongnuch , Leathers Timothy D , Nunnally Melinda S , Price Neil P J , Biresaw Girma 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Schizophyllan is a homoglucan produced by the fungus Schizophyllum commune, with a β-1,3-linked backbone and β-1,6-linked side chains of single glucose units at every other residue. Schizophyllan is commercially produced for pharmaceutical and cosmetics uses. However, the unique physical properties of schizophyllan suggest that it may have biomaterials applications. Schizophyllan is conventionally produced by submerged culture fermentation using glucose as a carbon source. This study demonstrates for the first time the efficient utilization of agricultural biomass substrates, particularly distiller’s dried grains with solubles, for schizophyllan production. Sugar composition analysis, NMR, and permethylation linkage analysis confirmed that the recovered product was schizophyllan. Schizophyllan produced from agricultural residues was of a high molecular weight and exhibited solution viscosity properties similar to those of commercially produced material. Utilization of biomass substrates could reduce the cost of schizophyllan production and provide a new value-added bioproduct for integrated biorefineries of the future.
An examination of the mechanisms underlying the effects of physical activity on brain and cognition
Authors: Marmeleira José 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPhysical activity positively influences brain health and cognitive functioning in older adults. Several physiological and psychological mechanisms have been identified to underlie such a relationship. Cardiovascular fitness is accompanied with changes in mechanisms such as cerebral blood flow, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitter systems and neural architecture that have themselves been associated with cognitive performance. Factors associated with exercise such as arousal, mood and self-perception of competence seem also to influence cognitive performance. Other explanation for the benefits of exercise in cognition, results from the fact that the performance of motor skills involve an important cognitive component (e.g., executive functions and information processing speed). Evidence of brain plasticity and behavior has been provided from studies where animals are exposed to enriched or complex environments. Exposure to such paradigms in which physical activity plays an important role has been found to influence various aspects of brain function and structure. Studies using neuroimaging techniques have established a link between the acquisition of different motor skills and the occurrence of neuroplasticity in human adults. This literature review indicates that the type of exercise and its specific perceptual and cognitive characteristics may influence cognitive performance. However, most of the research has been focused on self-paced movements or automatized skills and few intervention studies have examined the results of merging exercise and cognitive training in a single program. An important scientific challenge for the coming years is to design exercise programs capable of mobilizing several type of mechanisms underlying the effects of physical activity on brain and cognition.
Oxidative Stabilities of Enzymatically Interesterified Fats Containing Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Authors: Adhikari Prakash , Hu Peng , Yafei Zhang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInteresterified fat was produced from soybean oil (SBO) and palm stearin (PS) using two different weight ratios of substrates. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; 10 wt% on the weight of SBO and PS) was used as a functional fatty acid. Interesterification and acidolysis was simultaneously carried out to exchange fatty acids and incorporate CLA in the triacylglycerol (TAG) backbone, respectively, using immobilized lipase. Comparative study was carried out between interesterified fats and blends (before interesterification) for the quantification of physical properties (i.e., solid fat content, melting and crystallization behavior) and oxidative stability. In the interesterified fat 5.2–6.1 % CLA was incorporated in the TAG backbone. Blends showed higher solid fat content (SFC) and melting point than interesterified fat at each measured temperature. The Rancimat test was performed for the oxidative stability where the interesterified fat showed significantly lower induction time than physical blends. After the addition of antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), rosemary extract, tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), propyl gallate (PG), etc. into the interesterified fat, the induction time was significantly increased. On the other hand, different deacidification methods (alkaline, batch deodorized and short path distillation) were performed after interesterification to remove the free fatty acids. After deacidification, oxidative stability of alkaline deacidified sample showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) longer induction time compared to short path distillation (SPD) and physically deacidified samples. In this study, interesterified functional fat that may have a potential functionality for the margarines and shortenings were produced and their oxidative stability was observed.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Acidolysis of Olive Oil with Echium Oil Stearidonic Acid: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Bilgiç Sena , Yeşilçubuk Neşe Şahin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, our aim was to enrich olive oil with stearidonic acid (SDA) together with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis using olive oil (OO) and free fatty acids of Echium oil, in the presence of Lipozyme® TL IM. The reaction conditions were optimized by using response surface methodology. A three‐factor, five level central composite circumscribed designs was used to generate the design points. The factors chosen were: substrate molar ratio (Sr, 4–6 mol/mol), reaction temperature (T, 55–65 °C), and reaction time (t, 6–9 h). Targeted incorporation (5 %) of SDA into OO was achieved at substrate molar ratio of 6 mol/mol, 55 °C, and 8.4 h. Model verification performed under these conditions for mg‐ and g‐scale production yielded SDA contents of 4.9 and 4.8 %, respectively. Moreover, it was observed that the structured lipid (SL) obtained under optimum conditions contained approximately 42 % oleic acid and 43 % PUFA including linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid, and γ‐linolenic acid. Omega‐6/omega‐3 fatty acid ratio of SLs was 0.7. Analysis of oxidative properties resulted in lower oxidative stability of SL than unmodified OO. This type of SL containing SDA and other PUFA is believed to be beneficial for human health.
Water‐Blown Rigid Biofoams from Soy‐Based Biopolyurethane and Microcrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Luo Xiaogang , Mohanty Amar , Misra Manju 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA novel soy‐based polyurethane biofoam (BioPU) from two polyols (soybean oil‐derived polyols SOPEP and petrochemical polyol Jeffol A‐630 = 1:1 in weight) and poly (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) (pMDI) has been prepared by using a free‐rise method with water as a blowing agent, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a reinforcement. The photographs of the samples show that the biofoams have similar appearances, and the cell morphology of the resulting biofoams was examined by scanning electron microscope. Density of the composites decreased as a result of increase in MCC content. FTIR study exhibited characteristic peaks for MCC and BioPU. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, compressive modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus of the samples were substantially improved with the increase in MCC content. Similarly, improvements in glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus around and after Tg of the neat biofoam were also observed with the composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed an improvement in mechanical properties as well as better thermal stability of the composites over the neat biofoam. Thermogravimetric analysis showed improved thermal stability of the biofoams reinforced with MCC. This research has provided a simple method for preparing the biofoam, while exploring the potential of substituting up to 50 % of the petroleum‐based polyol in biofoam applications.
Iron Oxide Catalysts Supported on Porous Silica for the Production of Biodiesel from Crude Jatropha Oil
Authors: Suzuta Tetsuya , Toba Makoto , Abe Yohko , Yoshimura Yuji 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA heterogeneous catalyst, FeOx/SiO2, prepared by the pore‐filling method, was found to be active in the transesterification of crude Jatropha oil with methanol. When the transesterification reaction was carried out with a reaction temperature of 220 °C, a catalyst amount of 15 wt%, a methanol/oil molar ratio of 218:1, and a reaction time of 3 h, the yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in the product exceeded 99.0 %, and met with EN standards for allowable contents of glycerine and mono‐, di‐, and tri‐glycerides. The correlation between the FAME production activity and measured acidity of the FeOx/SiO2 catalysts showed that the transesterification reaction was promoted via the acidic function of these catalysts, which are less inhibited by coexisting free fatty acids in the feedstock triglycerides.
Physico‐chemical Properties of Marine Phospholipid Emulsions
Authors: Lu F. S. H. , Nielsen N. S. , Baron C. P. , Jensen L. H. S. , Jacobsen C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMany studies have shown that marine phospholipids (PL) have better bioavailability, better resistance towards oxidation and contain higher polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) than triglycerides (TAG) present in fish oil. The objective of this study was to investigate the emulsifying properties of various commercial marine PL and the feasibility of using them to prepare stable emulsions prepared with or without addition of fish oil. In addition, this study also investigated the relationship between chemical composition of marine PL and the stability of their emulsions. Physical stability was investigated through particle size distribution (PSD), zeta potential, microscopy inspection and emulsion separation (ES); while the oxidative and hydrolytic stability of emulsions were investigated through peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acids value (FFA) after 32 days storage at room temperature and at 2 °C. In conclusion, marine PL showed good emulsifying properties and it was possible to prepare marine PL emulsions with and without addition of fish oil. Emulsion with both good oxidative stability and physical stability could be prepared by using marine PL of high purity, less TAG, more PL, cholesterol and higher antioxidant content.
A case of alpha‐fetoprotein‐producing esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Yi‐Yu , Hsu Wen‐Hung , Hu Huang‐Ming , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Lin Wen‐Yi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAlpha‐fetoprotein is a well‐known tumor marker in the screening and follow‐up of hepatocellular carcinoma. In Taiwanese society, a high prevalence of hepatitis and hepatoma and elevation of alpha‐fetoprotein associated with liver function impairment usually suggested clinics undertake further examination for liver or genital tumor. We report the case of 45‐year‐old man who was found to have an alpha‐fetoprotein‐producing esophageal adenocarcinoma with an initial presentation of liver function impairment and rapid elevation of alpha‐fetoprotein. Esophageal cancer was diagnosed via endoscope and a biopsy proved the presence of adenocarcinoma. A small endoscopic biopsy specimen failed to identify the alpha‐fetoprotein positive tumor cell. Esophagectomy was performed and histopathological study of surgical specimen revealed grade II adenocarcinoma with regional metastatic lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemical study was focal positive for alpha‐fetoprotein. Serum alpha‐fetoprotein declined transiently after esophagectomy and fluctuation of alpha‐fetoprotein level was noted during the treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy. Finally, 19 months after the operation, the patient died due to multiple organ metastases with multiple organ failure. Thus, a small specimen for upper endoscopy may not be sufficient in the presence of alpha‐fetoprotein‐producing adenocarcinoma. Monitoring of serum alpha‐fetoprotein may be useful in the evaluation and follow‐up of esophageal alpha‐fetoprotein‐producing adenocarcinoma.
Improvement of survival of the house fly (Musca domestica L.) larvae under mass-rearing conditions
Authors: Čičková H. , Kozánek M. , Takáč P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTwo new approaches were examined, aimed at increasing survival of the house fly (Musca domestica L.) larvae under mass-rearing conditions of a biodegradation facility: modification of the larval substrate and dispersal of the eggs during inoculation. The two types of pig manure used in this study (manure with sawdust and manure without sawdust) differed in terms of larval survival and nutritional value for the house fly larvae. Larval survival in manure without sawdust in the control treatment was low (46.8 ± 2.1%) and its nutritional value for the larvae were high. Addition of 5.7% of previously biodegraded manure did not significantly affect larval survival (52.3 ± 1.9%), but larval development was faster and the pupae were significantly smaller (14.28 ± 0.4 mg) compared to the control (16.29 ± 0.5 mg). Using alternative substrate for incubation of eggs and first-instar larvae significantly increased larval survival (63.3 ± 3.3%) and decreased the mean weight of produced pupae (14.39 ± 0.71 mg). Overall, the weight of recovered biomass in the alternative substrate treatment increased by 14.3 kg ton−1 of manure compared to the control. Larval survival in manure with sawdust was generally higher than 70%, but its nutritional value for the larvae was lower than in manure without sawdust. Dispersal of eggs over the surface of manure with sawdust significantly affected larval survival and mean weight of pupae. Larval survival was significantly lower (59.2 ± 4.0%) and pupae were significantly heavier (18.45 ± 0.8 mg) when eggs were applied to a small area on the manure surface (spot treatment), as compared to diagonal, Z-line and multiple zig-zag dispersal (72.5 ± 2.4 to 74.6 ± 3.0% and 14.76 ± 0.6 to 15.97 ± 0.6 mg, respectively). No significant differences were observed in larval survival or mean weight of pupae when comparing the diagonal, Z-line and multiple zig-zag dispersal patterns. Implementation of the techniques which improve larval survival and increase the weight of produced fly biomass may decrease demand for production of house fly eggs and, therefore, reduce the maintenance costs of adult colony, as well as increase the revenue earned by selling the products.
The Almacık mafic-ultramafic complex: exhumed Sakarya subcrustal mantle adjacent to the İstanbul Zone, NW Turkey
Authors: BOZKURT ERDİN , WINCHESTER JOHN A. , SATıR MUHARREM , CROWLEY QUENTIN G. , OTTLEY CHRISTIAN J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Almacık Mountains in northwestern Turkey expose an upper-amphibolite-facies complex consisting of alternating ultramafic (harzburgitic and websteritic) and mafic (metagabbroic) rock types. In the eastern part of this complex are island arc meta-tholeiites and transitional to calc-alkaline metabasites that are chemically quite similar to those of the Permo-Triassic Çele mafic complex north of Bolu, and this suggests an equivalence. However, much of the section exposes structurally deeper and chemically different mafic and ultramafic rocks, which have no equivalent in the Çele mafic complex, and isotopic dating has suggested that these rocks also formed during the Permian period and underwent Triassic and Jurassic metamorphism. Furthermore, sparse inherited ages, unlike those from İstanbul Zone granitoids, suggest a link with North African-derived Armorican-type basement (and hence the Sakarya Zone), rather than Amazonia-derived Avalonian basement. Alternating mafic and ultramafic rocks suggest structural repetition, supported by the exposure of discrete high-strain zones or poorly exposed shattered rock west of each outcrop of ultramafic rocks. The high grade of metamorphism, and the absence of either extrusive lavas or sheeted dyke rocks, suggests that the Almacık complex was not an ophiolite, but formed instead as subcontinental lower crust and subjacent mantle. Dominantly calc-alkaline geochemistry suggests that it formed the basement to an active continental margin bounding the north side of the Sakarya Continent, with S-dipping subduction of Palaeotethys. The Almacık complex was uplifted as a late result of compression against the southern margin of the İstanbul Zone in the Jurassic period. Lack of coeval high-grade metamorphism in the İstanbul Zone indicates that the latter was overthrust southwards over the Sakarya margin, and that there was therefore a change of subduction polarity in the Triassic period. The evidence further casts doubt on the existence of a Mesozoic Intra-Pontide Ocean in northwestern Turkey and suggests that the latest Permian magmatism, with subsequent Triassic and Jurassic metamorphism, was instead related to the closure of the Palaeotethyan Ocean.
A reading-time study of the main verb versus reduced relative clause ambiguity resolution by English learners in Taiwan
Authors: YANG PI-LAN , SHIH SU-CHIN 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTUsing a self-paced reading task, the study aimed to investigate (a) whether English learners in Taiwan immediately resolve main verb versus reduced relative clause ambiguities in a similar way as native English speakers and (b) whether the learners at various English proficiency levels show diverse profiles. With analyses and syntheses of reading times for critical segments, results showed that different proficiency groups of Taiwanese English learners resolved such ambiguities in a way similar to native speakers to varying extents. The findings suggest that the sentence-processing mechanism of human language is subject to sufficient facility with syntactic access and/or with a network of lexical, semantic, and pragmatic information of individual speakers.
Separating the effects of acoustic and phonetic factors in linguistic processing with impoverished signals by adults and children
Authors: NITTROUER SUSAN , LOWENSTEIN JOANNA H. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTCochlear implants allow many individuals with profound hearing loss to understand spoken language, even though the impoverished signals provided by these devices poorly preserve acoustic attributes long believed to support recovery of phonetic structure. Consequently, questions may be raised regarding whether traditional psycholinguistic theories rely too heavily on phonetic segments to explain linguistic processing while ignoring potential roles of other forms of acoustic structure. This study tested that possibility. Adults and children (8 years old) performed two tasks: one involving explicit segmentation, phonemic awareness, and one involving a linguistic task thought to operate more efficiently with well-defined phonetic segments, short-term memory. Stimuli were unprocessed (UP) signals, amplitude envelopes (AE) analogous to implant signals, and unprocessed signals in noise (NOI) that provided a degraded signal for comparison. Adults’ results for short-term recall were similar for UP and NOI, but worse for AE stimuli. The phonemic awareness task revealed the opposite pattern across AE and NOI. Children's results for short-term recall showed similar decrements in performance for AE and NOI compared to UP, even though only NOI stimuli showed diminished results for segmentation. Conclusions were that perhaps traditional accounts are too focused on phonetic segments, something implant designers and clinicians need to consider.
Reframing family-centred obesity prevention using the Family Ecological Model
Authors: Davison Kirsten K , Jurkowski Janine M , Lawson Hal A 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveAccording to the Family Ecological Model (FEM), parenting behaviours are shaped by the contexts in which families are embedded. In the present study, we utilize the FEM to guide a mixed-methods community assessment and summarize the results. Additionally, we discuss the utility of the FEM and outline possible improvements.DesignUsing a cross-sectional design, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to examine the ecologies of parents' cognitions and behaviours specific to children's diet, physical activity and screen-based behaviours. Results were mapped onto constructs outlined in the FEM.SettingThe study took place in five Head Start centres in a small north-eastern city. The community assessment was part of a larger study to develop and evaluate a family-centred obesity prevention programme for low-income families.SubjectsParticipants included eighty-nine low-income parents/caregivers of children enrolled in Head Start.ResultsParents reported a broad range of factors affecting their parenting cognitions and behaviours. Intrafamilial factors included educational and cultural backgrounds, family size and a lack of social support from partners. Organizational factors included staff stability at key organizations, a lack of service integration and differing school routines. Community factors included social connectedness to neighbours/friends, shared norms around parenting and the availability of safe public housing and play spaces. Policy- and media-related factors included requirements of public assistance programmes, back-to-work policies and children's exposure to food advertisements.ConclusionsBased on these findings, the FEM was refined to create an evidence-based, temporally structured logic model to support and guide family-centred research in childhood obesity prevention.
Determinants of middle-school students asking parents for fruits and vegetables: a theory-based salient belief elicitation
Authors: Middlestadt Susan E , Lederer Alyssa M , Smith Nicole K , Doss Darleesa , Hung Chia-Ling , Stevenson Laurel D , Fly Alyce D 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveDespite the benefits of fruit and vegetable intake, many young Americans do not consume them at adequate levels. The present study sought to determine the beliefs that children have about asking their parents to have fruits and vegetables available at home in order to better understand the role children may play in influencing their own fruit and vegetable consumption.DesignAn instrument utilizing the Reasoned Action Approach, with closed-ended questions on demographic and behavioural variables and open-ended questions eliciting the belief structure underlying asking parents to make fruits and vegetables available, was distributed. Thematic and frequency analyses were performed for open-ended questions. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess differences between children who had v. had not asked for fruits and vegetables.SettingThree middle schools in rural Indiana, USA.SubjectsA sub-sample of sixty students aged 12–15 years from a larger study of 344 students.ResultsQualitative analysis identified benefits (i.e. make me healthier; make parents happy), disadvantages (i.e. will upset my parents) and strategies (i.e. asking when you are at the store) that could be used to improve fruit and vegetable intake. Findings also revealed that students who asked their parents for fruits and vegetables were significantly more likely to perform several healthy eating and physical activity behaviours.ConclusionsData suggest that young people's view of parental reactions is critical. While additional research is necessary, the findings support a role for children in shaping their own environment and suggest multilevel interventions that simultaneously address parents and children.