bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of low‐energy X‐ray irradiation on physical, chemical, textural and sensory properties of Dates
Authors: Aleid Salah M. , Dolan Kirk , Siddiq Muhammad , Jeong Sanghyup , Marks Bradley 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe effect of X‐ray irradiation as postharvest treatment on physical, chemical, textural and sensory attributes of Khalas dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) was investigated. The surface of dates was subjected to low‐energy X‐ray irradiation at 3, 5 and 7 KGy. While some physical and chemical properties of dates were significantly different between treatments (fruit hardness, crude protein, total fat, tannins, total fibre and insoluble fibre), there was no detrimental effect on the quality (crude fibre, soluble dietary fibre, sucrose, glucose, fructose, moisture, total soluble solids, pH, water activity, colour and sensory evaluation). The sensory acceptability of X‐ray irradiated dates was significantly lower at 5 and 7 KGy than for untreated control. Irradiation at 3 KGy did not contribute to significant changes in physical, chemical or textural properties of dates. Adaptation to low‐energy X‐ray irradiation can be used as a potential commercial treatment for retaining the quality and ensuring the safety of dates.
Functional properties and antioxidative activity of protein hydrolysates from toothed ponyfish muscle treated with viscera extract from hybrid catfish
Authors: Klomklao Sappasith , Benjakul Soottawat , Kishimura Hideki 
Published: March 2013

SummaryFunctional properties and antioxidative activity of a protein hydrolysate prepared from toothed ponyfish (Gazza minuta) muscle, using viscera extract from hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus × Clarias gariepinus), with a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 70%, were investigated. The protein hydrolysate had a good solubility. It was soluble over a wide pH range (3–9), in which more than 77% solubility was obtained. The emulsifying activity index of the protein hydrolysate decreased with increasing concentration (P < 0.05). Conversely, the foaming abilities increased as the hydrolysate concentrations increased (P < 0.05). Protein hydrolysate exhibited the increases in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing power (FRAP) and metal chelating activity as hydrolysate concentration increased (P < 0.05). ABTS radical scavenging activity of protein hydrolysate was stable when heated at 100 °C for 180 min and subjected to a wide pH range (1–11). Therefore, protein hydrolysate from the muscle of toothed ponyfish produced by viscera extract from hybrid catfish can be used as a promising source of functional peptides with antioxidant properties.
Influence of homogenisation conditions and drying method on physicochemical properties of dehydrated emulsions containing different solid components
Authors: Holgado Francisca , Márquez‐Ruiz Gloria , Dobarganes Carmen , Velasco Joaquín 
Published: March 2013

SummaryDehydrated o/w emulsions containing sodium caseinate and lactose (sample 1), and gelatine, sucrose and maltodextrin (DE 10) (sample 2) were used to study the influence of homogenisation conditions – homogenisation pressure (15 and 70 MPa) and number of passes (1 and 2) – and the drying method – spray‐drying vs. freeze‐drying – on physicochemical parameters, including oil microencapsulation efficiency (ME), oil droplet size in reconstituted emulsions, water activity, glass transition temperature, powder bulk density and time for emulsion reconstitution in water. Results showed that small and uniform oil droplets attained with increased homogenisation pressure were not sufficient for high oil encapsulation. The permeability of the solid wall to the extraction solvent appeared to be the dominant factor, and this may increase with homogenisation pressure. With the exception of oil droplet size in sample 1 and ME in sample 2, the drying method exerted larger changes in the physicochemical parameters studied than the homogenisation pressure. For sample 2, significant changes in the ME were not observed between the freeze‐dried and spray‐dried samples, even though a great emulsion destabilisation was observed in the reconstituted emulsion of the latter.
An audit tool for environmental measurement in the UK food sector
Authors: Salvá Marta , Jones Simon , Marshall Richard J. , Bishop Chris F. H. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAn audit toolkit was developed to enable food companies to measure their suppliers in terms of environmental management. Environmental practices and performance metrics were audited using a customised survey that enabled the quantification of best practice, common practice and areas for improvement. It was tested on six suppliers to a major fresh food company. Key areas of best practice included separation and recycling of waste streams, efforts to reduce use of raw materials, energy, water, pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Some suppliers were working with stakeholders to reduce environmental impacts. The supplier with the best environmental performance had developed and implemented an Environmental Management Policy and was working towards ISO 14001 accreditation. The study identified four areas for improvement by the suppliers. These were the implementation of an Environmental Management System, the sourcing of more renewable materials and energy, the systematic measurement of the food miles of products and carbon and water footprinting.
Optimal Medical Treatment versus Carotid Endarterectomy: The Rationale and Design of the Aggressive Medical Treatment Evaluation for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis (AMTEC) Study
Authors: Kolos Igor , Loukianov Mikhail , Dupik Nikolay , Boytsov Sergey , Deev Alexandr 
Published: March 2013

Rationale Carotid endarterectomy and medical therapy (aspirin) were shown superior to medical therapy alone for asymptomatic (⩾60%) carotid stenosis. The role of modern medical therapy (statins, antihypertensive treatment, and aspirin) in the treatment of such patients is undefined. Establishing the safety, efficacy, and durability of optimal medical therapy and lifestyle modification requires rigorous comparison with carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic patients. Aims The objective is to compare the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy + optimal medical therapy versus optimal medical therapy alone in patients with asymptomatic (70–79%) extracranial carotid stenosis. Design The Aggressive Medical Treatment Evaluation for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis study is a prospective, randomized, parallel, two-arm, multicenter trial. Primary end-points will be analyzed using standard time-to-event statistical modeling with adjustment for major baseline covariates. The primary analysis is on an intent-to-treat basis. Study Outcomes The primary outcome is nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and death during follow-up of up to five-years, and the secondary outcome includes death from any cause and stroke.
Novel prototype sewing device, EndoSew®, for minimally invasive surgery: an extracorporeal ileal conduit construction pilot study in 10 patients
Authors: Roth Beat , Birkhäuser Frédéric D. , Thalmann George N. , Zehnder Pascal 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The EndoSew® prototype was first tested in a porcine model several years ago. The investigators found it both simple to master and reliable, its greatest advantage being a 2.4‐fold time saving compared with straight laparoscopic suturing. In addition to that publication, there is a single case report describing the performance of an open EndoSew® suture to close parts (16 cm) of an ileal neobladder. The time for suturing the 16 cm ileum was 25 min, which is in line with our experience. The knowledge on this subject is limited to these two publications.
We report on the first consecutive series of ileal conduits performed in humans using the novel prototype sewing device EndoSew®. The study shows that the beginning and the end of the suture process represent the critical procedural steps. It also shows that, overall, the prototype sewing machine has the potential to facilitate the intracorporeal suturing required in reconstructive urology for construction of urinary diversions.
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the novel prototype sewing device EndoSew® in placing an extracorporeal resorbable running suture for ileal conduits.
Patients and Methods
We conducted a prospective single‐centre pilot study of 10 consecutive patients undergoing ileal conduit, in whom the proximal end of the ileal conduit was closed extracorporeally using an EndoSew® running suture.
The primary endpoint was the safety of the device and the feasibility of the sewing procedure which was defined as a complete watertight running suture line accomplished by EndoSew® only. Watertightness was assessed using methylene blue intraoperatively and by loopography on postoperative days 7 and 14.
Secondary endpoints were the time requirements and complications ≤30 days after surgery.
Results
A complete EndoSew® running suture was feasible in nine patients; the suture had to be abandoned in one patient because of mechanical failure. In three patients, two additional single freehand stitches were needed to anchor the thread and to seal tiny leaks. Consequently, all suture lines in 6/10 patients were watertight with EndoSew® suturing alone and in 10/10 patients after additional freehand stitches.
The median (range) sewing time was 5.5 (3–10) min and the median (range) suture length was 4.5 (2–5.5) cm.
There were no suture‐related complications.
Conclusions
The EndoSew® procedure is both feasible and safe.
After additional freehand stitches in four patients all sutures were watertight.
With further technical refinements, EndoSew® has the potential to facilitate the intracorporeal construction of urinary diversions.
Lifecycle Portfolio Choice With Systematic Longevity Risk and Variable Investment—Linked Deferred Annuities
Authors: Maurer Raimond , Mitchell Olivia S. , Rogalla Ralph , Kartashov Vasily 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThis article assesses the impact of variable investment‐linked deferred annuities (VILDAs) on lifecycle consumption and portfolio allocation, allowing for systematic longevity risk. Under a self‐insurance strategy, insurers set premiums to reduce the chance that benefits paid exceed provider reserves. Under a participating approach, the provider avoids taking systematic longevity risk by adjusting benefits in response to unanticipated mortality shocks. Young households with participating annuities average one‐third higher excess consumption, while 80‐year‐olds increase consumption about 75 percent. Many households would prefer to participate in systematic longevity risk unless insurers can hedge it at a very low price.
Scenario Analysis in the Measurement of Operational Risk Capital: A Change of Measure Approach
Authors: Dutta Kabir K. , Babbel David F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAt large financial institutions, operational risk is gaining the same importance as market and credit risk in the capital calculation. Although scenario analysis is an important tool for financial risk measurement, its use in the measurement of operational risk capital has been arbitrary and often inaccurate. We propose a method that combines scenario analysis with historical loss data. Using the Change of Measure approach, we evaluate the impact of each scenario on the total estimate of operational risk capital. The method can be used in stress‐testing, what‐if assessment for scenario analysis, and Loss Given Default estimates used in credit evaluations.
Luminescence Properties and Energy Transfer of Ce3+,Tb3+‐Coactivatedβ‐SiAlON Phosphors
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Zhao Zhengyan , Shi Yurong , Wang Chuang , Wu Quansheng , Wang Yuhua 
Published: March 2013

Using the solid‐state reaction method, Ce3+,Tb3+‐coactivated Si5AlON7 (Si6−zAlzOzN8−z, z = 1) phosphors were successfully synthesized. The obtained phosphors exhibit high absorption and strong excitation bands in the wavelength range of 240–440 nm, matching well with the light emitting‐diode (LED) chip. The ET from Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions in Si5AlON7:Ce3+,Tb3+ has been studied and demonstrated by the luminescence spectra and decay curves. Moreover, the phosphors show tunable emissions from blue to green by tuning the relative ratio of the Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions. Thermal quenching properties of Si5AlON7:Ce3+,Tb3+ had also been investigated and the quenching temperature is ~190°C. These results show that Si5AlON7:Ce3+,Tb3+ could be a promising candidate for a single‐phased color‐tunable phosphor applied in UV‐chip pumped LEDs.
TEM Study of the High‐Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Hot‐Pressed ZrB2–SiC Composites
Authors: Seong Young‐Hoon , Lee Seung Jun , Kim Do Kyung 
Published: March 2013

The oxidation behaviors of ZrB2‐ 30 vol% SiC composites were investigated at 1500°C in air and under reducing conditions with oxygen partial pressures of 104 and 10−8 Pa, respectively. The oxidation of ZrB2 and SiC were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Due to kinetic difference of oxidation behavior, the three layers (surface silica‐rich layer, oxide layer, and unreacted layer) were observed over a wide area of specimen in air, while the two layers (oxide layer, and unreacted layer) were observed over a narrow area in specimen under reducing condition. In oxide layer, the ZrB2 was oxidized to ZrO2 accompanied by division into small grains and the shape was also changed from faceted to round. This layer also consisted of amorphous SiO2 with residual SiC and found dispersed in TEM. Based on TEM analysis of ZrB2–SiC composites tested under air and low oxygen partial pressure, the ZrB2 begins to oxidize preferentially and the SiC remained without any changes at the interface between oxidized layer and unreacted layer.
Preparation of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ Phosphor by SrSi Alloy Precursor and Its Long‐lasting Phosphorescence Properties
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Lei Bingfu , Qin Jinlan , Li Jinfang , Liu Yingliang , Liu Xiaotang , Zheng Mingtao , Xiao Yong , Dong Hanwu 
Published: March 2013

Oxynitride long‐lasting phosphorescence (LLP) phosphor SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ was prepared by a new method using SrSi alloy as a precursor. Its properties were systematically investigated utilizing XRD, photoluminescence, excited‐state decay curve, long‐lasting phosphorescence, and thermoluminescence spectrum. This phosphor was found to be well‐crystallized by calcinations of the Sr1−xEuxSi alloy and the SiO2 mixture at 1400°C for 3 h. After irradiation under the 280 nm UV light, the afterglow emission of Eu2+ (4f65d1 → 4f7) was obviously observed for at least 2 h in the limit of light perception of dark‐adapted human eyes (0.32 mcd/m2). Furthermore, the possible mechanism for the LLP of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphor is also discussed in this article.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Graphene/Bi2WO6 Composite with High Adsorptivity and Photoactivity for Azo Dyes
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Huang Zheng‐Hong , Xu Yong , Kang Feiyu 
Published: March 2013

Graphene/Bi2WO6 composites have been synthesized by hydrothermal reduction at 160°C for 24 h using ethanol as the reducing agent. All as‐prepared composites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption, and photocatalytic activity evaluation. The effective charge separation of graphene/Bi2WO6 composites was caused by the electrical conduction of graphene which is the most important factor. The results have proved the formation of interfacial contact between graphene nanosheets and Bi2WO6 nanoplates. The adsorptivity for azo dyes was enhanced greatly with the introduction of graphene. The oxy‐functional groups located at the edges of graphene were responsible for the enhanced adsorptivity. As‐prepared graphene/Bi2WO6 composites exhibited enhanced light absorption from UV to visible‐light region. In addition, the introduction of graphene would also result in smaller crystalline size and lower crystallinity of Bi2WO6. Graphene/Bi2WO6 composites containing an appropriate amount of graphene were proved to exhibit higher adsorptivities and photocatalytic activities for azo dyes. High photocatalytic activities of graphene/Bi2WO6 composites were considered to be the synergetic effects of high adsorption, high light absorption, and high electrical conduction induced by the introduction of graphene.
Personality Traits Associated with Occupational ‘Burnout’ in ABA Therapists
Authors: Hurt Amy A. , Grist Cathy Lann , Malesky Lann A. , McCord David M. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundApplied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapists typically work one‐to‐one with children with autism for extended periods of time, which often leads to high levels of job‐related stress, lower levels of job satisfaction, increased frequency of occupational ‘burnout’ and higher than average job turnover (Journal of Autism Development, 39, 2009 and 42). This is particularly unfortunate, in that these vulnerable clients need stability and consistency in care, both of which are empirically related to clinical outcomes (Journal of Autism Development, 39, 2009 and 42). It is reasonable to assume that some individuals, by virtue of their personal characteristics, are better suited to this type of work than are others.MethodThe purpose of the this study was to investigate associations between personality traits, using the five‐factor model of personality, and key job‐related variables, including burnout and job satisfaction, in a sample of therapists (n = 113) who work one‐to‐one with individuals diagnosed with autism.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between Neuroticism and all three subscales of burnout (Exhaustion, Cynicism and Professional Efficacy). Extraversion and Conscientiousness were significantly negatively correlated with Cynicism and positively correlated with Professional Efficacy. Agreeableness was positively associated with Professional Efficacy. Job satisfaction was correlated positively with Extraversion and negatively with Neuroticism. Level of perceived personal and professional support partially mediated the effect of personality traits on job satisfaction.ConclusionsThese results may help to identify job applicants who are dispositionally less suited to this type of work, as well as currently employed therapists who are in need of support or intervention.
Advantages of a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator in LAMP2 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: ZAKI ALY , ZAIDI AMIR , NEWMAN WILLIAM G. , GARRATT CLIFFORD J. 
Published: March 2013

S‐ICD in Danon DiseaseDanon disease is a rare X‐linked lysosomal disease causing severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (LAMP2 cardiomyopathy) and an extremely poor prognosis in males, with several reported cases of sudden cardiac death despite the use of transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (TV‐ICD). We describe a case in which a TV‐ICD was unable to defibrillate induced ventricular fibrillation (VF), but a wholly subcutaneous system (S‐ICD) was successful in terminating induced VF and spontaneous ventricular tachycardia. These findings have relevance to the selection of device therapy in the management of these individuals and a wider group of young patients with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Dabigatran versus Warfarin Therapy for Uninterrupted Oral Anticoagulation During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: MADDOX WILLIAM , KAY G. NEAL , YAMADA TAKUMI , OSORIO JOSE , DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , PLUMB VANCE J. , GUNTER ALICIA , MCELDERRY H. THOMAS 
Published: March 2013

Dabigatran versus Warfarin for AF AblationBackgroundUninterrupted oral anticoagulant (OA) therapy with warfarin has become the standard of care at many centers performing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Compared with warfarin, dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of stroke in nonvalvular AF with similar bleeding risk. Few data exist on the safety profile of uninterrupted dabigatran therapy during AF ablation.MethodsWe compared the safety and efficacy of uninterrupted OA therapy with either warfarin or dabigatran in all patients undergoing AF catheter ablation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between November 1, 2010 and January 31, 2012. All patients underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) on the day of their ablation procedure to assess for the presence of intracardiac thrombi. All complications were identified and classified as bleeding, thromboembolic events, or other.ResultsThere were 212 patients in the dabigatran group and 251 patients in the warfarin group. The groups were well matched. There were 3 complications in the dabigatran group and 6 in the warfarin group (P = 0.45). There were 2 bleeding complications in the dabigatran group and 6 in the warfarin group (P = 0.23). There was one thromboembolic complication (a possible TIA) in the dabigatran group and none in the warfarin group (P = 0.28).ConclusionThe administration of dabigatran is as safe and effective as warfarin for uninterrupted OA therapy during catheter ablation of AF.
Optimal life‐history schedule in a metapopulation with juvenile dispersal
Authors: Cotto O. , Olivieri I. , Ronce O. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPrevious models have predicted that when mortality increases with age, older individuals should invest more of their resources in reproduction and produce less dispersive offspring, as both their future reproductive value and their prospect of competing with their own sib decline. Those models assumed stable population sizes. We here study for the first time the evolution of age‐specific reproductive effort and of age‐specific offspring dispersal rate in a metapopulation with extinction‐recolonization dynamics and juvenile dispersal. Our model explores the evolutionary consequences of disequilibrium in the age structure of individuals in local populations, generated by disturbances. Life‐history decisions are then shaped both by changes with age in individual performances, and by changes in ecological conditions, as young and old individuals do not live on average in the same environments. Lower juvenile dispersal favours the evolution of higher reproductive effort in young adults in a metapopulation with extinction‐recolonization compared with a well‐mixed population. Contrary to previous predictions for stable structured populations, we find that offspring dispersal should generally increase with maternal age. This is because young individuals, who are overrepresented in recently colonized populations, should allocate more to reproduction and less to dispersal as a strategy to exploit abundant recruitment opportunities in such populations.
Codon‐optimized expression of fish iridovirus capsid protein in yeast and its application as an oral vaccine candidate
Authors: Seo J Y , Chung H J , Kim T J 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFish iridovirus causes systemic disease with high morbidity and mortality in various species of wild and farm‐raised fish, resulting in severe economic losses. Recently, frequent outbreaks of iridovirus infection have occurred among cultured fish in many Asian countries, emphasizing the need for a protective vaccine programme or the development of a suitable therapy. In this study, we expressed a recombinant major capsid protein (rMCP) of rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) from yeast using codon optimization. The rMCP in yeast was added to feed in an attempt to induce intestinal mucosal immunity for protection against and/or to reduce the severity of fish iridovirus infection. We found that fish immunized orally with rMCP underwent a successful induction of antibodies (P < 0.05) and were protected (P = 0.0001) against viral challenge. Based upon these results, oral administration of immunogenic protein as an antigen can be considered a useful method for implementation of vaccine programmes against iridovirus as well as other marine viral diseases.