bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of Alicyclobacillus Strains Using Nitrocellulose Membrane Filter and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jun , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong , Lu Xiaonan , Shin Joong‐Han , Rasco Barbara 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Alicyclobacillus spp. are thermoacidophilic, spore‐forming bacteria, some of which cause spoilage in pasteurized and heat‐treated apple juice products through the production of guaiacol. It would be helpful if a rapid method to detect and discriminate Alicyclobacillus strains was available. A simple and rapid sample preparation method using nitrocellulose membrane filter (NMF) and a single reflection horizontal attenuated total reflection (HATR) accessory with Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) was developed here. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy was used and tested on 8 Alicyclobacillus strains (KF, WAC, NWN‐13501, NWN‐12697, NWN‐12654, NWN‐10682, 1016, 1101). A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was established to discriminate Alicyclobacillus strains. The sample preparation method could successfully separated strains into different groups by principal component analysis (PCA). High identification accuracy (95%) was achieved with the LDA model.Practical Application:  The method developed in the paper can be used to discriminate different Alicyclobacillus strains from each other making it possible to easily determine whether the strain of Alicyclobacillus present is associated with juice spoilage.
Role of β‐Conglycinin and Glycinin Subunits in the pH‐Shifting‐Induced Structural and Physicochemical Changes of Soy Protein Isolate
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Xiong Youling L. , Chen Jie 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Soy β‐conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S) were incubated up to 4 h in acidic (pH 1.5 to 3.5) or alkaline (pH 10 to 12) solutions to induce protein structural unfolding followed by refolding 1 h at pH 7.0, a process known as pH‐shifting. The pH‐shifting markedly increased (P < 0.05) emulsifying activity of 11S and to a lesser extent 7S; the former also produced more uniform oil droplets. The emulsifying activity improvements were accompanied by a significant rise in protein surface hydrophobicity, slight loss of the secondary structure (circular dichroism), and substantial dissociation of disulfide‐linked basic and acidic 11S subunits. The findings suggested that 11S globulins of soy protein isolate (SPI) were more responsive to pH‐shifting treatments than were 7S globulins, and the resulting emulsifying activity enhancements of 11S, in parallel with that of SPI, were indicative of its determinant role in the overall emulsifying properties of pH‐shifting‐treated SPI.Practical Application:  Extreme alkaline (pH 12) and acidic (pH 1.5) medium treatments can significantly modify the structure and enhance the emulsifying properties of both β‐conglycinin and glycinin components of SPI. The functionality improvement by the pH processes is more remarkable for the glycinin protein fraction. Therefore, SPI enriched with glycinin seems to be particularly suitable for extreme acidic or alkaline processes to produce surface‐active functional ingredients for food applications.
Effect of Rapid Thawing on the Meat Quality Attributes of USDA Select Beef Strip Loin Steaks
Authors: Eastridge Janet S. , Bowker Brian C. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The objective was to determine the meat quality effects of rapidly thawing beef steaks in a water bath. Frozen beef strip loins (n= 24) were cut into steaks sequentially from the rib end and identified by anatomical location (anterior, middle, posterior) within the loin. Within location, steaks were randomly assigned to conventional (C; 18 to 20 h, 4 °C) or rapid thawing methods. Rapid thawing methods, fast (20 min, 20 °C) or very fast (11 min, 39 °C), were conducted in a circulating water bath. The physical, thawing, cooking, color, and texture characteristics of each steak were recorded. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with a 3 thawing treatments × 3 locations factorial analysis with loin as a block. No location by thawing method interaction was detected (P > 0.05) for the measured variables. Compared to C steaks, rapidly thawed steaks exhibited lower thaw drip loss (P < 0.001) and higher a* values (P < 0.001). Thawing treatment did not influence L*, b*, cook yield, or shear force. Steaks from the posterior end had higher (P < 0.001) surface to volume ratios that may have contributed to the higher thaw loss (P < 0.01), longer cooking time (P < 0.001), lower cooking yield (P < 0.001), and higher shear force (P < 0.02) compared to steaks from the anterior and middle portions of the loins. These data indicate that beef steaks taken from the entire length of the loin can be rapidly thawed in a water bath following food safety guidelines with minimal impact on meat quality.Practical Application:  Freezing rate and frozen storage effects on meat quality have been well documented; however, there is comparatively little information on the meat quality effects of rapid thawing within food safety guidelines. This study demonstrates that beef strip loin steaks can be rapidly thawed in as few as 11 min without affecting texture or cooking yield, while reducing thaw drip loss. Thus, rapid thawing may enhance the apparent juiciness of steaks for consumers and provide an effective method for maintaining consistent control of experimental conditions for researchers.
Comparison of Lipid Content and Fatty Acid Composition and Their Distribution within Seeds of 5 Small Grain Species
Authors: Liu KeShun 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Barley, oats, rice, sorghum, and wheat, each with two genotypes, were sequentially abraded by an electric seed scarifier. The pearling fines (PF) and pearled kernels (PK) at each cycle were analyzed for lipid (mostly nonpolar) content and fatty acid (FA) composition. The oil content in whole or dehulled grains ranged from 2.18% of a wheat variety to 6.38% of an oat line. Compared with barley and wheat, rice, oat, and sorghum had higher relative % of C18:1 (31.60 to 36.64 compared with 12.15 to 15.61) and lower % of C18:2 (35.69 to 45.44 compared with 50.79 to 61.50). The relationship between oil content in PF and the cumulative level of surface removal essentially describes the distribution pattern of oil content within a seed. Barley, rice, and sorghum had a similar distribution pattern, characterized by a rapid rate of decreasing for the first few outer layers and then by gradual decrease to a flat value toward the inner core. In contrast, distribution within oats was characterized by a gradual reduction in oil content across the seed. The distribution of oil within wheat fell between the former 2 types. For all 10 grains, from seed surface to inner core, C16:0 and C18:0 increased, C18:1 and C18:3 decreased, and C18:2 changed slightly, providing a new reason for improved oxidative stability for pearled kernels. The differences in the changing intensity of FA composition among grain species correspond to those in oil distribution within a seed, while varietal difference in distribution patterns of content and FA composition of lipids within a species was insignificant.Practical Application:  This study was the first to document fatty acid distribution across a grain seed. Results provide 2 major reasons for improved oxidative stability of pearled grains: reduced oil content and shift of fatty acids toward more saturated and less unsaturated composition.
MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION – APPLICATION OF SYSTEM BCC MODEL
Authors: Chen Yu‐chuan , Chiu Yung‐ho , Li Meng‐chen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFor the first time, this research adopts the system BCC model in data envelopment analysis in order to evaluate mutual fund performance and compares the results between the BCC model and the system BCC model. This study is based on the sample of stock funds and balanced funds in Taiwan, with the empirical results summarised as follows. (i) Under the system BCC model, the average score of balanced funds is greater than the average score of stock funds. (ii) There is a significant difference in efficiency scores between the BCC model and the system BCC model, and it is proper to adopt the system BCC model. (iii) The number of major reference sets that have been referenced under the BCC model is larger than under the system BCC model. (iv) If we neglect the distinctions between stock funds and balanced funds, there will be errors on performance assessment. Ultimately, the results reveal that there is a significant difference between the two models. Provided no consideration is made for the funds belonging to two different systems, errors in performance evaluation are inevitable. This research provides investors with both a more accurate and comprehensive evaluation method.
Clinical, Bronchoscopic, Histopathologic, Diagnostic Imaging, and Arterial Oxygenation Findings in West Highland White Terriers with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Heikkilä H.P. , Lappalainen A.K. , Day M.J. , Clercx C. , Rajamäki M.M. 
Published: March 2011

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, interstitial lung disease primarily affecting West Highland White Terriers (WHWTs).Objective: To describe the clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging features in WHWTs with IPF.Animals: Twelve WHWTs with IPF and 14 healthy control WHWTs.Method: Prospective study. Clinical signs and findings of physical examination, blood and arterial blood gas analyses, radiography, high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of IPF dogs were obtained and compared with controls. Histopathologic changes in IPF dogs were evaluated.Results: Mean partial pressure of oxygen was significantly lower in IPF (mean ± SD, 65.5 ± 15.4 mmHg) than in controls (99.1 ± 7.8 mmHg, P<.001). The alveolar‐arterial oxygen gradient was significantly higher in IPF (50.1 ± 17.3 mmHg) than in controls (17.5 ± 4.9 mmHg, P<.001). In HRCT, ground glass opacity (GGO) was detected in all IPF dogs, traction bronchiectasis in 4, and honeycombing in 1. Bronchoscopic airway changes were noted in all IPF dogs. On BAL fluid (BALF) cytology, the total cell count (TCC) was higher in IPF dogs, and the numbers but not the percentages of macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells were increased. On histopathology, multifocal or diffuse interstitial fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, prominent intraalveolar macrophages, distortion of alveolar architecture, and emphysematous change were detected.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: IPF causes substantial hypoxemia. In HRCT, GGO is a consistent finding. IPF dogs have concurrent airway changes and an increase in BALF TCC.
MicroRaman spectroscopy of diamond and graphite in Almahata Sitta and comparison with other ureilites
Authors: ROSS Aidan J. , STEELE Andrew , FRIES Marc D. , KATER Lukas , DOWNES Hilary , JONES Adrian P. , SMITH Caroline L. , JENNISKENS Peter M. , ZOLENSKY Michael E. , SHADDAD Muawia H. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract–This work is the first detailed study of carbon phases in the ureilite Almahata Sitta (sample #7). We present microRaman data for diamond and graphite in Almahata Sitta, seven unbrecciated ureilites, and two brecciated ureilites. Diamond in Almahata Sitta was found to be distinct from that in unbrecciated and brecciated ureilites, although diamond in unbrecciated and brecciated ureilites is indistinguishable. Almahata Sitta diamond shows a peak center range of 1318.5–1330.2 cm−1 and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) range of 6.6–17.4 cm−1, representing a shock pressure of at least 60 kbar. The actual peak shock pressure may be higher than this due to postshock annealing, if shock synthesis is the source of ureilite diamonds. Diamond in unbrecciated and brecciated ureilites have peak center wave numbers closer to terrestrial kimberlite diamond, but show a wider range of FWHM than Almahata Sitta. The larger peak shift observed in Almahata Sitta may indicate the presence of lonsdaleite. Alternatively, the lower values in brecciated ureilites may be evidence of an annealing step either following the initial diamond‐generating shock or as a consequence of heating during reconsolidation of the breccia. Graphite in Almahata Sitta shows a G‐band peak center range of 1569.1–1577.1 cm−1 and a G‐band FWHM range of 24.3–41.6 cm−1 representing a formation temperature of 990 ± 120 °C. Amorphous carbon was also found. We examine the different theories for diamond formation in ureilites, such as chemical vapor deposition and shock origin from graphite, and explore explanations for the differences between Almahata Sitta and other ureilites.
ON THE VERY IDEA OF CRITERIA FOR PERSONHOOD
Authors: Chappell Timothy 
Published: March 2011

abstractI examine the familiar criterial view of personhood, according to which the possession of personal properties such as self‐consciousness, emotionality, sentience, and so forth is necessary and sufficient for the status of a person. I argue that this view confuses criteria for personhood with parts of an ideal of personhood. In normal cases, we have already identified a creature as a person before we start looking for it to manifest the personal properties, indeed this pre‐identification is part of what makes it possible for us to see and interpret the creature as a person in the first place. This pre‐identification is typically based on biological features. Except in some interesting special or science‐fiction cases, some of which I discuss, it is human animals that we identify as persons.
KNOWLEDGE HAPPENS: WHY ZAGZEBSKI HAS NOT SOLVED THE MENO PROBLEM
Authors: Dougherty Trent 
Published: March 2011

abstractI argue that Linda Zagzebski's proposed solution to the Meno Problem faces serious challenges. The Meno Problem, roughly, is how to explain the value that knowledge, as such, has over mere true belief. Her proposed solution is that believings—when thought of more like actions—can have value in virtue of their motivations. This meshes nicely with her theory that knowledge is, essentially, virtuously motivated true belief. Her solution fails because it entails that, necessarily, all knowledge is motivated in a way that resembles the motivation of actions. Crucially, Zagzebski says the value derived from motivation comes from certain laudable feelings—like love of truth (she is explicit that love is a feeling). But there are possible cases of knowledge—probably some of which are actual—in which subjects do not or cannot experience these feelings.
Multiplex Immunoassay for Lyme Disease Using VlsE1-IgG and pepC10-IgM Antibodies: Improving Test Performance through Bioinformatics
Authors: Porwancher Richard B. , Hagerty C. Greg , Fan Jianqing , Landsberg Lisa , Johnson Barbara J. B. , Kopnitsky Mark , Steere Allen C. , Kulas Karen , Wong Susan J. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends a 2-tier serologic approach to Lyme disease laboratory diagnosis, comprised of an initial serum enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for antibody toBorrelia burgdorferifollowed by supplementary IgG and IgM Western blotting of EIA-positive or -equivocal samples. Western blot accuracy is limited by subjective interpretation of weakly positive bands, false-positive IgM immunoblots, and low sensitivity for detection of early disease. We developed an objective alternative second-tier immunoassay using a multiplex microsphere system that measures VlsE1-IgG and pepC10-IgM antibodies simultaneously in the same sample. Our study population comprised 79 patients with early acute Lyme disease, 82 patients with early-convalescent-phase disease, 47 patients with stage II and III disease, 34 patients post-antibiotic treatment, and 794 controls. A bioinformatic technique called partial receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) regression was used to combine individual antibody levels into a single diagnostic score with a single cutoff; this technique enhances test performance when a high specificity is required (e.g., ≥95%). Compared to Western blotting, the multiplex assay was equally specific (95.6%) but 20.7% more sensitive for early-convalescent-phase disease (89.0% versus 68.3%, respectively; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] for difference, 12.1% to 30.9%) and 12.5% more sensitive overall (75.0% versus 62.5%, respectively; 95% CI for difference, 8.1% to 17.1%). As a second-tier test, a multiplex assay for VlsE1-IgG and pepC10-IgM antibodies performed as well as or better than Western blotting for Lyme disease diagnosis. Prospective validation studies appear to be warranted.
A Critical Threshold of Meningococcal Factor H Binding Protein Expression Is Required for Increased Breadth of Protective Antibodies Elicited by Native Outer Membrane Vesicle Vaccines
Authors: Koeberling Oliver , Delany Isabel , Granoff Dan M. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTNative outer membrane vesicles (NOMV) (not detergent treated), which are prepared from recombinant strains with attenuated endotoxin activity and overexpressed factor H binding protein (fHbp), elicited broad serum bactericidal antibody responses in mice. The amount of overexpressed fHbp required for optimal immunogenicity is not known. In this study we prepared NOMV vaccines from LpxL1 knockout (ΔLpxL1) mutants with penta-acylated lipooligosaccharide and attenuated endotoxin activity. The recombinant strains had wild-type (1×) fHbp expression or were engineered for 3-fold- or 10-fold-increased fHbp expression (3× or 10× fHbp). Control vaccines included NOMV from ΔLpxL1/ΔfHbp mutants or recombinant fHbp. In mice, only the 10× fHbp NOMV vaccine elicited significantly higher serum IgG anti-fHbp antibody titers than the corresponding 1× fHbp NOMV or recombinant fHbp vaccine. The 10× fHbp NOMV vaccine also elicited higher bactericidal responses (P< 0.05) against five group B strains with heterologous PorA than the recombinant fHbp or 1× fHbp NOMV vaccine. The 3× fHbp NOMV vaccine gave higher bactericidal titers against only one strain. Serum bactericidal titers in mice immunized with the control ΔfHbp NOMV vaccines were <1:10, and bactericidal titers in mice immunized with the 10× fHbp NOMV vaccine were <1:10 after adsorption of anti-fHbp antibodies. Mixing antiserum to NOMV vaccines from fHbp knockout mutants with antiserum to recombinant fHbp did not increase anti-fHbp bactericidal titers. Thus, a critical threshold of increased fHbp expression is required for NOMV vaccines to elicit broad serum bactericidal responses, and the antibodies conferring protection are directed primarily at fHbp.
Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant, Genetically Engineered, Live-Attenuated Vaccine against Canine Blastomycosis
Authors: Wüthrich Marcel , Krajaejun Theerapong , Shearn-Bochsler Valerie , Bass Chris , Filutowicz Hanna I. , Legendre Alfred M. , Klein Bruce S. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBlastomycosis is a severe, commonly fatal infection caused by the dimorphic fungusBlastomyces dermatitidisin dogs that live in the United States, Canada, and parts of Africa. The cost of treating an infection can be expensive, and no vaccine against this infection is commercially available. A genetically engineered live-attenuated strain ofB. dermatitidislacking the major virulence factor BAD-1 successfully vaccinates against lethal experimental infection in mice. Here we studied the safety, toxicity, and immunogenicity of this strain as a vaccine in dogs, using 25 beagles at a teaching laboratory and 78 foxhounds in a field trial. In the beagles, escalating doses of live vaccine ranging from 2 × 104to 2 × 107yeast cells given subcutaneously were safe and did not disseminate to the lung or induce systemic illness, but a dose of <2 × 106yeast cells induced less fever and local inflammation. A vaccine dose of 105yeast cells was also well tolerated in vaccinated foxhounds who had never had blastomycosis; however, vaccinated dogs with prior infection had more local reactions at the vaccine site. The draining lymph node cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes from vaccinated dogs demonstrated gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) specifically in response to stimulation withBlastomycesantigens. Thus, the live-attenuated vaccine against blastomycosis studied here proved safe, well tolerated, and immunogenic in dogs and merits further studies of vaccine efficacy.
First Report of a Hip Prosthetic and Joint Infection Caused by Lactococcus garvieae in a Woman Fishmonger
Authors: Aubin G. G. , Bémer P. , Guillouzouic A. , Crémet L. , Touchais S. , Fraquet N. , Boutoille D. , Reynaud A. , Lepelletier D. , Corvec S. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

We describe the first case of hip prosthetic infection due to
Lactococcus garvieae
. The patient, a 71-year-old woman fishmonger, developed a hip infection 7 years after total hip arthroplasty. The origin of infection was possibly due to the manipulation or intake of seafood or fish contaminated with
Lactococcus garvieae
.
Multicenter, Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Respiratory Samples from Subjects at Risk for Pneumocystis jirovecii Infection by Use of a Commercial Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Hauser Philippe M. , Bille Jacques , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Geltner Christian , Feldmesser Marta , Levi Michael , Patel Hitesh , Muggia Victoria , Alexander Barbara , Hughes Martin , Follett Sarah A. , Cui Xiaohui , Leung Flora , Morgan Gillian , Moody Adrian , Perlin David S. , Denning David W. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia (PCP) is a common opportunistic infection. Microscopic diagnosis, including diagnosis using the Merifluor-Pneumocystis direct fluorescent antigen (MP-DFA) test, has limitations. Real-time PCR may assist in diagnosis, but no commercially validated real-time PCR assay has been available to date. MycAssay Pneumocystis is a commercial assay that targets the
P. jirovecii
mitochondrial large subunit (analytical detection limit, ≤3.5 copies/μl of sample). A multicenter trial recruited 110 subjects: 54 with transplants (40 with lung transplants), 32 with nonmalignant conditions, 13 with leukemia, and 11 with solid tumors; 9 were HIV positive. A total of 110 respiratory samples (92% of which were bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] specimens) were analyzed by PCR. Performance was characterized relative to investigator-determined clinical diagnosis of PCP (including local diagnostic tests), and PCR results were compared with MP-DFA test results for 83 subjects. Thirteen of 14 subjects with PCP and 9/96 without PCP (including 5 undergoing BAL surveillance after lung transplantation) had positive PCR results; sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were 93%, 91%, 59%, and 99%, respectively. Fourteen of 83 subjects for whom PCR and MP-DFA test results were available had PCP; PCR sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93%, 90%, 65%, and 98%, respectively, and MP-DFA test sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93%, 100%, 100%, and 98%. Of the 9 PCR-positive subjects without PCP, 1 later developed PCP. The PCR diagnostic assay compares well with clinical diagnosis using nonmolecular methods. Additional positive results compared with the MP-DFA test may reflect low-level infection or colonization.