bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SAKACIN A‐CONTAINING PULLULAN FILM: AN ACTIVE PACKAGING SYSTEM TO CONTROL EPIDEMIC CLONES OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY‐TO‐EAT FOODS
Authors: TRINETTA VALENTINA , FLOROS JOHN D. , CUTTER CATHERINE N. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of sakacin A, a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus sakei DSMZ 6333, was evaluated against epidemic clones of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from foodborne outbreaks; sakacin A activity was determined in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) foods, and a biopolymer was identified to deliver the bacteriocin onto a RTE food. Sakacin A demonstrated antimicrobial activity against epidemic clones of L. monocytogenes in food slurries. When sakacin A (50 mg/mL) was applied directly to experimentally inoculated turkey breast, populations of the most sensitive epidemic clone were reduced more than 2 log10 cfu/g after 3 weeks at 4C. Sakacin A‐containing (1 mg/cm2) pullulan films demonstrated antimicrobial activity in vitro. When experimentally inoculated surfaces of turkey breast were treated with these pullulan films, L. monocytogenes populations were reduced 3 log10 cfu/g after 3 weeks under refrigerated storage. These results demonstrate the possibility of using sakacin A‐containing‐pullulan film to inhibit or reduce L. monocytogenes on the surface of a RTE food.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIncreased use of synthetic packaging films has led to ecological problems due to their nonbiodegradability. Consumers are demanding that food packaging materials be made of biobased materials, and to be easily biodegradable and recyclable. The incorporation and/or slow release of antimicrobial agents in packaging materials may provide a means of extending the bacterial lag phase, reducing microorganism growth rate and extending the shelf life of foods. Bacteriocins are compounds that can be used as a means of biopreservation. In this study, we demonstrated the effectiveness of sakacin A‐containing pullulan films to control Listeria monocytogenes growth and the applicability of active pullulan films as a means of delivering a bacteriocin directly to a food surface. Pullulan films require less antimicrobial, demonstrate longer antimicrobial activity and allow for controlled migration of the molecule from film to the food matrix, as compared with the direct addition of sakacin A to ready‐to‐eat meat products.
INHIBITORY EFFECT OF CLOVE OIL (SYZIUM AROMATICUM) AGAINST LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES CELLS INCUBATED IN FRESH‐CUT SALMON
Authors: MILADI HANENE , CHAIEB KAMEL , AMMAR EMNA , BAKHROUF AMINA 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT The ability of Listeria monocytogenes to survive and grow at refrigeration temperature in a wide spectrum of foods is a public health concern. Essential oil of clove (Syzium aromaticum) was investigated for its ability to inhibit the growth of this pathogen in food. Three strains of L. monocytogenes (106 cfu/g) were inoculated on fresh‐cut salmon and stored (4C and 25C) for 2 weeks. The effect of clove oil (1% and 2%) on the growth of cells was determined. The results proved that all strains survived and grew at 4C and 25C. In addition, we noted that the growth was inhibited under storage conditions in the presence of clove oil (1% or 2%). Listeria counts in treated samples were 1–4 log10 cfu/g less compared with controls at different intervals during storage. The results revealed the potential of clove oil as a natural preservative in fresh salmon.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Listeria monocytogenes continues to be a significant threat to the safety of the food supply. It was isolated from a variety of foods and ready‐to‐eat products and generated a serious public health problem. Because of its growth capacity at refrigerating temperatures and its survival in diverse environments, the control of L. monocytogenes is becoming a challenge.Several agents were used to suppressing contamination by L. monocytogenes, such as the addition of biopreservatives and essential oil. Spices and herbs are commonly used in food preservation because they do not have a strong effect on food quality unlike chemical and synthetic compounds. Clove oil, contains eugenol which when tested on various agar media, has antimicrobial properties, and it was able to restrict the proliferation of L. monocytogenes in food products. For this reason, clove oil has good potential as an antilisterial substance in food preservation as it may be more acceptable to consumers.
Green Spaces of Self‐Interest Within Shared Urban Governance
Authors: Perkins Harold A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMunicipal governments in Western Europe and the United States historically built and programmed public, urban park spaces to promote citizenship in accord with middle class values. In many cities these decades‐old green spaces have recently fallen into disrepair as fiscally austere governments cut parks budgets. Shared governance for green space is a new solution to parks disinvestment whereby responsibility for their upkeep is redistributed among corporations, non‐profits, and local residents. Individual citizenship status in this process is not gained by patronizing parks as in the past, but by assuming responsibility for rebuilding and reprogramming them. But while shared governance increases the number of stakeholders in decision making, its democratic potential is often subverted by entrepreneurial growth coalitions that wield disproportionate power to make market‐based, urban environmental decisions. An extension of what counts as governable green space comes with an increase in entrepreneurialism – from the largest waterfront redevelopment projects to the smallest gardens on vacant neighborhood lots. The uneven distribution and quality of green space under market forms of shared governance is intensified as ‘communities of self‐interest’ arise around green spaces in some locations whereas others continue to be disinvested in the absence of direct state support. I provide three examples of green space renovation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to further demonstrate that shared governance arrangements possess democratic potential despite the injustice of their exclusivity as currently negotiated.
Heterogeneity of archaeal and bacterial ammonia‐oxidizing communities in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Wu Yucheng , Xiang Yan , Wang Jianjun , Zhong Jicheng , He Jizheng , Wu Qinglong L. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryAmmonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) communities within the surface sediments of Lake Taihu, a large eutrophic freshwater lake in China, were investigated using molecular approaches targeting the ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) gene. Large intra‐lake variability in the composition and the relative abundance of both groups of ammonia‐oxidizing prokaryotes was observed. Archaeal amoA far outnumbered bacterial amoA at most sites except those located in the Eastern Taihu Bay. This bay, which is used for intensive pen aquaculture, harboured the most unique AOA communities but was dominated by AOB in terms of relative abundance. Accumulation of organic substances rather than presence of submersed macrophytes significantly influenced the relative abundance of AOA. In contrast, shifts in the abundance of AOB were not found to be significantly related to the investigated environmental parameters. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all archaeal amoA sequences fell within either the Crenarchaeotal Group (CG) I.1b or the CG I.1a subgroup, and all AOB clustered exclusively with the genus Nitrosomonas. These findings represent the first detailed survey of AOA in eutrophic freshwater lake sediments by demonstrating that AOA dominate the ammonia‐oxidizing communities, and are negatively correlated with the accumulation of organic substances.
Phenotypic variation in Azospirillum brasilense exposed to starvation
Authors: Lerner Anat , Valverde Angel , Castro‐Sowinski Susana , Lerner Hadas , Okon Yaacov , Burdman Saul 
Published: March 2010

SummaryBacteria have developed mechanisms that allow them maintaining cell viability during starvation and resuming growth when nutrients become available. Among these mechanisms are adaptive mutations and phase variation, which are often associated with DNA rearrangements. Azospirillum brasilense is a Gram‐negative, nitrogen‐fixing, plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium. Here we report phenotypic variants of A. brasilense that were collected after exposure to prolonged starvation or after re‐isolation from maize roots. The variants differed in several features from the parental strains, including pigmentation, aggregation ability, EPS amount and composition and LPS structure. One of the phenotypic variants, overproducing EPS and showing an altered LPS structure, was further characterized and showed differential response to several stresses and antibiotics relative to its parental strain. Characterization of the variants by repetitive‐PCR revealed that phenotypic variation was often associated with DNA rearrangements.
Characterization of blood cells in the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
Authors: Salakij Chaleow , Salakij Jarernsak , Prihirunkit Kreangsak , Narkkong Nual‐Anong , Pitakkingthong Decha 
Published: March 2010

Background: The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most frequently encountered wild cat in most of Southeast Asia. Limited hematologic investigation exists for this species.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess routine hematologic measurements and parameters and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in Leopard Cats.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 adult healthy captive Leopard Cats (7 males and 5 females). Complete blood counts were performed using an automated hematology analyzer and manual differential counts. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], periodic acid‐Schiff [PAS], α‐naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and β‐glucuronidase [BG]) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods.Results: Median (range) hematologic results were as follows: PCV 0.46 L/L (0.30–0.55 L/L), hemoglobin 136.5 g/L (100–183 g/L), WBC 9.0 × 109/L (6.9–15.2 × 109/L), band neutrophils 0.07 × 109/L (0–0.30 × 109/L), segmented neutrophils 2.9 × 109/L (1.2–6.34 × 109/L), lymphocytes 5.3 × 109/L (2.7–8.1 × 109/L), eosinophils 0.14 × 109/L (0–0.73 × 109/L), basophils 0/L (0–0.22 × 109/L), and monocytes 0.08 × 109/L (0–0.30 × 109/L). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, PO, and PAS; lymphocytes had fine granular positivity for ANAE and BG; monocytes were weakly positive for ANAE and BG; and basophils were strongly positive for BG. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils contained many large rod‐shaped granules with prominent crystalloid core structures, ribosomes, and mitochondria. Basophils contained many round to oval specific granules with homogeneous contents. Low number of basophils contained a few small vacuoles that usually were not detected by light microscopy.Conclusion: These findings will facilitate interpretation of hematologic results for future investigative and diagnostic studies of this species.
Medical applications of shortwave FM radar: Remote monitoring of cardiac and respiratory motion
Authors: Mostov K. , Liptsen E. , Boutchko R. 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:This article introduces the use of low power continuous wave frequency modulated radar for medical applications, specifically for remote monitoring of vital signs in patients.Methods:Gigahertz frequency radar measures the electromagnetic wave signal reflected from the surface of a human body and from tissue boundaries. Time series analysis of the measured signal provides simultaneous information on range, size, and reflective properties of multiple targets in the field of view of the radar. This information is used to extract the respiratory and cardiac rates of the patient in real time.Results:The results from several preliminary human subject experiments are provided. The heart and respiration rate frequencies extracted from the radar signal match those measured independently for all the experiments, including a case when additional targets are simultaneously resolved in the field of view and a case when only the patient's extremity is visible to the radar antennas.Conclusions:Micropower continuous wave FM radar is a reliable, robust, inexpensive, and harmless tool for real‐time monitoring of the cardiac and respiratory rates. Additionally, it opens a range of new and exciting opportunities in diagnostic and critical care medicine. Differences between the presented approach and other types of radars used for biomedical applications are discussed.
Ultrasound B‐scan image simulation, segmentation, and analysis of the equine tendon
Authors: Meghoufel Ali , Cloutier Guy , Crevier‐Denoix Nathalie , de Guise Jacques A. 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:The hypothesis is that an imaging technique based on decompression and segmentation of B‐scan images with morphological operators can provide a measurement of the integrity of equine tendons.Methods:Two complementary approaches were used: (i) Simulation of B‐scan images to better understand the relationship between image properties and their underlying biological structural contents and (ii) extraction and quantification from B‐scan images of tendon structures identified in step (i) to diagnose the status of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) by using the proposed imaging technique.Results:The simulation results revealed that the interfascicular spaces surrounding fiber fascicle bundles were the source of ultrasound reflection and scattering. By extracting these fascicle bundles with the proposed imaging technique, quantitative results from clinical B‐scan images of eight normal and five injured SDFTs revealed significant differences in fiber bundle number and areas: mean values were 50 (±11) andfor the normal SDFT data set. Different values were observed for injured SDFTs where the intact mean fiber bundle number decreased to 40 (±7); inversely, mean fiber bundle areas increased to, which indicate disruption of the thinnest interfascicular spaces and of their corresponding fiber fascicle bundles where lesions occurred.Conclusions:To conclude, this technique may provide a tool for the rapid assessment and characterization of tendon structures to enable clinical identification of the integrity of the SDFT.
Radiation protection measurements around a 12 MeV mobile dedicated IORT accelerator
Authors: Soriani Antonella , Felici Giuseppe , Fantini Mario , Paolucci Massimiliano , Borla Oscar , Evangelisti Giovanna , Benassi Marcello , Strigari Lidia 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:The aim of this study is to investigate radioprotection issues that must be addressed when dedicated accelerators for intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) are used in operating rooms. Recently, a new version of a mobile IORT accelerator (LIAC™ Sordina SpA, Italy) with 12 MeV electron beam has been implemented. This energy is necessary in some specific pathology treatments to allow a better coverage of thick lesions. At an electron energy of 10 MeV, leakage and scattered x‐ray radiation (stray radiation) coming from the accelerator device and patient must be considered. If the energy is greater than 10 MeV, the x‐ray component will increase; however, the most meaningful change should be the addition of neutron background. Therefore, radiation exposure of personnel during the IORT procedure needs to be carefully evaluated.Methods:In this study, stray x‐ray radiation was measured and characterized in a series of spherical projections by means of an ion chamber survey meter. To simulate the patient during all measurements, a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) slab phantom with volume and density was used. The PMMA phantom was placed along the central axis of the beam in order to absorb the electron beams and the tenth value layer (TVL) and half value layer (HVL) of scattered radiation (at 0°, 90°, and 180° scattering angles) were also measured at 1 m of distance from the phantom center. Neutron measurements were performed using passive bubble dosimeters and a neutron probe, specially designed to evaluate ambient dose equivalent .Results:The x‐ray equivalent dose measured at 1 m along the beam axis at 12 MeV was . The value measured at 1 m at 90° scattering angle was . The HVL and TVL values were 1.1 and 3.5 cm of lead at 0°, and 0.4 and 1 cm at 90°, respectively. The highest equivalent dose of fast neutrons was found to be at the surface of the phantom on the central beam axis , while a lower value was observed below the phantom . The neutron dose equivalent at 90° scattering angle and on the floor plane on the beam axis below the beam stopper was negligible.Conclusions:Our data confirm that neutron exposure levels around the new dedicated IORT accelerator are very low. Mobile shielding panels can be used to reduce x‐ray levels to below regulatory levels without necessarily providing permanent shielding in the operating room.
Electrode displacement strain imaging of thermally‐ablated liver tissue in an in vivo animal model
Authors: Rubert N. , Bharat S. , DeWall R. J. , Andreano A. , Brace C. , Jiang J. , Sampson L. , Varghese T. 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:Percutaneous thermal ablation is increasingly being used to destroy hepatic tumors in situ. The success of ablative techniques is highly dependent on adequate ablation zone monitoring, and ultrasound‐based strain imaging could become a convenient and cost‐effective means to delineate ablation zone boundaries. This study investigates in vivo electrode displacement‐based strain imaging for monitoring hepatic ablation procedures that are difficult to perform with conventional elastography.Methods:In our method, minute displacements (less than a millimeter) are applied to the unconstrained end of the ablation electrode, resulting in localized tissue deformation within the ablation zone that provides the mechanical stimuli required for strain imaging. This article presents electrode displacement strain images of radiofrequency ablation zones created in porcine liverin vivo .Results:Cross‐sectional area measurements from strain images of these ablation zones were obtained using manual and automated segmentation. Area measurements from strain images were highly correlated with areas measured on histopathology images, quantitated using linear regression (, and , , respectively).Conclusions:This study further demonstrates that electrode displacement elastography is capable of providing high‐contrast images using widely available commercial ultrasound systems which may potentially be used to assess the extent of thermal ablation zones.
Dose convolution filter: Incorporating spatial dose information into tissue response modeling
Authors: Huang Yimei , Joiner Michael , Zhao Bo , Liao Yixiang , Burmeister Jay 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:A model is introduced to integrate biological factors such as cell migration and bystander effects into physical dose distributions, and to incorporate spatial dose information in plan analysis and optimization.Methods:The model consists of a dose convolution filter (DCF) with single parameter . Tissue response is calculated by an existing NTCP model with DCF‐applied dose distribution as input. The authors determined of rat spinal cord from published data. The authors also simulated the GRID technique, in which an open field is collimated into many pencil beams.Results:After applying the DCF, the NTCP model successfully fits the rat spinal cord data with a predicted value of , consistent with 2 mm migration distances of remyelinating cells. Moreover, it enables the appropriate prediction of a high relative seriality for spinal cord. The model also predicts the sparing of normal tissues by the GRID technique when the size of each pencil beam becomes comparable to .Conclusions:The DCF model incorporates spatial dose information and offers an improved way to estimate tissue response from complex radiotherapy dose distributions. It does not alter the prediction of tissue response in large homogenous fields, but successfully predicts increased tissue tolerance in small or highly nonuniform fields.
Evaluation of delivered monitor unit accuracy of gated step‐and‐shoot IMRT using a two‐dimensional detector array
Authors: Cheong Kwang‐Ho , Kang Sei‐Kwon , Lee MeYeon , Kim Su SSan , Park SoAh , Hwang Tae‐Jin , Kim Kyoung Ju , Oh Do Hoon , Bae Hoonsik , Suh Tae‐Suk 
Published: March 2010

Purpose: To overcome the problem of organ motion in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), gated IMRT is often used for the treatment of lung cancer. In this study, the authors investigated the accuracy of the delivered monitor units (MUs) from each segment during gated IMRT using a two‐dimensional detector array for user‐specific verification purpose.Methods: The authors planned a 6 MV photon, seven‐port step‐and‐shoot lung IMRT delivery. The respiration signals for gated IMRT delivery were obtained from the one‐dimensional moving phantom using the real‐time position management (RPM) system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). The beams were delivered using a Clinac iX (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) with the Millennium 120 MLC. The MatriXX (IBA Dosimetry GmbH, Germany) was validated through consistency and reproducibility tests as well as comparison with measurements from a Farmer‐type ion chamber. The authors delivered beams with varying dose rates and duty cycles and analyzed the MatriXX data to evaluate MU delivery accuracy.Results: There was quite good agreement between the planned segment MUs and the MUs computed from the MatriXX within ±2% error. The beam‐on times computed from the MatriXX data were almost identical for all cases, and they matched well with the RPM beam‐on and beam‐off signals. A slight difference was observed between them, but it was less than 40 ms. The gated IMRT delivery demonstrated an MU delivery accuracy that was equivalent to ungated IMRT, and the delivered MUs with a gating signal agreed with the planned MUs within ±0.5 MU regardless of dose rate and duty cycle.Conclusions: The authors can conclude that gated IMRT is able to deliver an accurate dose to a patient during a procedure. The authors believe that the methodology and results can be transferred to other vendors’ devices, particularly those that do not provide MLC log data for a verification purpose.