bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential use of irradiation to extend the shelf‐life of clams (Ruditapes decussatus) during live storage: effect on bacterial and biochemical profiles
Authors: Mbarki Raouf , Nahdi Hela , Barkallah Insaf , Sadok Saloua 
Published: April 2009

SummaryChanges in microbiological and biochemical quality of clams (Ruditapes decussatus) subjected to low doses of gamma irradiation (0.5 and 1 kGy) were investigated during alive storage, at 5 °C. The mortality rate was significantly lower for irradiated clams compared with the control. In the same way, ammonia content was lower for irradiated clams (especially 1 kGy irradiated group). Considerable levels of total mesophiles, coliforms, staphylococcus, faecal streptococcus and Escherichia coli were detected in the control and irradiation had immediately reduced these charges; all bacteria studied experienced a 1‐ to 3‐log reduction following 1 kGy irradiation. At the last day of storage, irradiated groups showed a noticeable reduction in the bacterial counts, whereas the mesophiles, staphylococcus and coliform germs were abundant in the control group (6.3, 2 and 1.7 log CFU g−1, respectively). Irradiation doses up to 1 kGy had not an immediate effect on fatty acids composition (P > 0.05) and lipid profile was better in irradiated samples, where polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction was maintained throughout storage using irradiation. Also, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed minor changes in proteins bands between different samples. These results demonstrated that 1 kGy irradiation appeared to be the optimum dose for treating alive clams (R. decussatus), through improving the microbial quality and alleviating biochemical changes during refrigerated storage.
Lipid and protein changes in chilled sea salmon (Pseudopercis semifasciata): effect of previous rosemary extract (Rossmarinus officinalis L.) application
Authors: Tironi Valeria , Tomás Mabel , Añón María 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe aim of this work was to analyse the effect of rosemary extract application (200 and 500 ppm) on lipid oxidation, colour and protein modifications during the chilled storage (1.0 ± 0.7 °C) of sea salmon (Pseudopercis semifasciata). Lipid oxidation and ω3‐22:6 fatty acid content modification were prevented by the addition of rosemary extract. Analysis of interaction between lipid oxidation products and proteins by fluorescence showed no relationship between their temporal changes in the aqueous phase and the lipid oxidation evolution since a similar behaviour was observed in both absence and presence of antioxidant. Protein extractability, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, differential scanning calorimetry and lysine content determinations revealed no differences between muscle untreated or treated with rosemary. Fluorescent compounds evolution in organic phase would be in relation with the appearance of lipid oxidation products. In addition, rosemary extract partially prevented the loss of red colour in chilled muscle. Although protein alterations could not be prevented, rosemary extract shows to be a promissory antioxidant in sea salmon muscle.
Effect of extrusion process on antioxidant activity, total phenolics and β‐glucan content of extrudates developed from barley‐fruit and vegetable by‐products
Authors: Altan Aylin , McCarthy Kathryn L. , Maskan Medeni 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of extrusion processing variables on antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TP) and β‐glucan content (BG) of extrudates. Products were prepared by extrusion cooking of barley flour, barley flour–tomato pomace and barley flour–grape pomace blends. Antioxidant activity as measured by the DPPH method was 43.17 ± 0.362, 27.57 ± 0.120 and 82.23 ± 0.785% while TPs, expressed as ferulic acid equivalents, were 5.29 ± 0.126, 4.66 ± 0.023 and 9.15 ± 0.015 mg g−1 dry sample in the extracts obtained from barley flour, tomato and grape pomaces, respectively. Extrusion cooking decreased AA and TP of barley, barley–tomato pomace and barley–grape pomace extrudates. Temperature and screw speed had significant (P < 0.05) effect on BGs of barley flour and barley–grape pomace extrudates. However, BG of tomato pomace blend extrudates had significantly (P < 0.05) influenced from pomace level only. Results indicated that the content of β‐glucan is higher in barley flour than in extrudates of barley flour and pomace blends.
Postharvest application of 1‐Methylcyclopropene modulates fruit ripening, storage life and quality of ‘Tegan Blue’ Japanese plum kept in ambient and cold storage
Authors: Khan Ahmad S. , Singh Zora , Swinny Ewald E. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe role of postharvest application of 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) in modulating ‘Tegan Blue’ Japanese plum fruit ripening and quality under ambient and cold storage conditions was investigated. 1‐MCP‐treated fruit (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μL L−1) were allowed to ripen at ambient temperature in Experiment 1, while in the second experiment the fruit were kept in cold storage (0, 3 and 6 weeks) before ripening. In both experiments, 1‐MCP treatment significantly delayed (2–8 days), suppressed (30–70%) the climacteric ethylene production, maintained higher fruit firmness (34–60%), titratable acidity, L*, chroma, hue angle of fruit skin and pulp, and reduced concentrations of soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total anti‐oxidants as compared to the control. 1‐MCP (1.0 μL L−1) treatment suppresses and delays the climacteric ethylene production with acceptable fruit quality during ripening at ambient temperature and is effective in extending the storage life up to 6 weeks with minimal loss of plum fruit quality.
Estimation of apparent thermal conductivity of carrot purée during freezing using inverse problem
Authors: Mariani Viviana Cocco , Do Amarante Álvaro Cesar Camargo , Dos Santos Coelho Leandro 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThis article presents an inverse problem to determine the apparent thermal conductivity of carrot purée during the freezing process. The heat diffusion equation with the enthalpy model is solved to estimate the thermal conductivity. A modern meta‐heuristic of evolutionary computation field called Differential Evolution (DE) is applied for the solution of inverse problem. Experiments were performed to estimate the thermal conductivity of the carrot purée as a function of temperature, using two piecewise functions. A best least square fitting between the experimental and predicted temperature curves during freezing conditions is obtained using DE. Statistical analysis are considered with Gaussian error of 0.05 and zero mean showing than the results for one piecewise function are more stable than with another piecewise function. Good agreement between the reported and estimated temperature curves was obtained. The apparent thermal conductivity was observed to decrease asymptotically with temperature in the range [−40 °C, 0 °C] and stay approximately a constant value for temperatures bigger than 0 °C.
Music‐assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality: meta‐analysis
Authors: De Niet Gerrit , Tiemens Bea , Lendemeijer Bert , Hutschemaekers Giel 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle. Music‐assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality: meta‐analysis.Aim. This paper is a report of a meta‐analysis conducted to evaluate the efficacy of music‐assisted relaxation for sleep quality in adults and elders with sleep complaints with or without a co‐morbid medical condition.Background. Clinical studies have shown that music can influence treatment outcome in a positive and beneficial way. Music holds the promise of counteracting psychological presleep arousal and thus improving the preconditions for sleep.Data sources. We conducted a search in the Embase (1997 – July 2008), Medline (1950 – July 2008), Cochrane (2000 – July 2008), Psychinfo (1987 – July 2008) and Cinahl (1982 – July 2008) databases for randomized controlled trials reported in English, German, French and Dutch. The outcome measure of interest was sleep quality.Methods. Data were extracted from the included studies using predefined data fields. The researchers independently assessed the quality of the trials using the Delphi list. Only studies with a score of 5 points or higher were included. A pooled analysis was performed based on a fixed effect model.Results. Five randomized controlled trials with six treatment conditions and a total of 170 participants in intervention groups and 138 controls met our inclusion criteria. Music‐assisted relaxation had a moderate effect on the sleep quality of patients with sleep complaints (standardized mean difference, −0·74; 95% CI: −0·96, −0·46). Subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant contribution of accompanying measures.Conclusion. Music‐assisted relaxation can be used without intensive investment in training and materials and is therefore cheap, easily available and can be used by nurses to promote music‐assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality.
Toward a theory of online communication in illness: concept analysis of illness blogs
Authors: Heilferty Catherine McGeehin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Toward a theory of online communication in illness: concept analysis of illness blogs. Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of illness blogs and their relevance to nursing research on communication during illness.Background.  Blogs are being used by patients and family members to describe the experience of illness, but very little is known about this phenomenon.Data sources.  Seventeen English language databases and one Internet search engine were searched from 1990 to 2007 using the truncated term ‘blog*’. Specific illness terms together with ‘blog*’, for example, blog* and diabetes; and blog* and cancer, were used to expand the search.Review methods.  Reports were included if they were of qualitative or quantitative research that included a definition of blogs or blogging and some identification or description of blog uses pertinent to the discipline. Specific emphasis was placed on blog use by individuals coping with illness experiences. ‘Meta’ writings by authors about their own blogging intentions and experiences were excluded.Results.  An illness blog is the online expression of the narrative of illness. Theoretical and operational definitions, defining attributes, uses, antecedents and consequences were developed. The literature search returned 45 works from 17 disciplines referring to the definition and uses of blogging. Support is offered from the review of literature and analysis of the concept for the development of a theory of online communication during illness.Conclusion.  Reading and incorporating illness blogs into care will enhance patient‐provider relationships. Analysis of the narratives being created online about the illness experience will contribute significantly to nursing’s body of knowledge.
Effects of forest removal on amphibian migrations: implications for habitat and landscape connectivity
Authors: Todd Brian D. , Luhring Thomas M. , Rothermel Betsie B. , Gibbons J. Whitfield 
Published: April 2009

SummaryHabitat loss is a leading cause of global amphibian declines. Forest removal is a particularly significant threat because an estimated 82% of amphibians rely on forests for part of their lives.Biphasic amphibians rely on suitable terrestrial habitat to support their post‐metamorphic growth and survival and also to maintain appropriate habitat and landscape connectivity.We created 4 replicate, 16‐ha experimental arrays in the southeastern USA to examine the effects of forest removal on migratory movements of adult biphasic amphibians. Each array contained four forest‐harvesting treatments that included an unharvested control, a partially harvested stand, a clearcut with coarse woody debris retained, and a clearcut with coarse woody debris removed.Some amphibian species emigrated from wetlands in significantly greater numbers through forest controls compared with harvested treatments. Also, salamanders were generally more sensitive to forest removal than were frogs, with a significantly greater proportion of salamanders migrating through forested habitat compared to frogs.For several species, individuals were significantly more likely to avoid clearcuts when emigrating compared to immigrating. Individuals that emigrated into clearcut treatments were more likely to reverse direction and return to wetlands in some species.Synthesis and applications. Our study identifies one mechanism by which forest removal shapes the abundance and distribution of amphibians in terrestrial habitat. To promote the persistence of amphibian populations, conservation efforts should focus on preserving forest habitat adjacent to reproduction sites. Such measures are especially important where forest habitat connects local populations or where it links reproduction sites to other habitat features necessary for amphibian growth, survival, or overwintering.
Supporting teachers' reflection and learning through structured digital teaching portfolios
Authors: Sung Y.‐T. , Chang K.‐E. , Yu W.‐C. , Chang T.‐H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDigital teaching portfolios have been proposed as an effective tool for teacher learning and professional development, but there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness. This study proposed the design of a structured digital portfolio equipped with multiple aids (e.g. self‐assessment, peer assessment, discussion and journal writing) for the professional development of teachers. This study also empirically evaluated the reflection and professional development as demonstrated in digital teaching portfolios with multiple supporting measures. Forty‐four in‐service substitute teachers participated in a course of classroom assessment and used a Web‐based portfolio system. Based on the framework of teacher reflective thinking developed by Sparks‐Langer et al., we found that most teachers demonstrated moderate levels of reflection in their journals but only one‐third of them showed the highest level of reflection. We also found that the professional knowledge of teachers about classroom assessment – as shown by their implementation of it – improved significantly during the construction of portfolios. The above findings also represent good evidence that digital portfolios with multiple aids are beneficial to teacher reflection and professional development.
Mobile Learning projects – a critical analysis of the state of the art
Authors: Frohberg D. , Göth C. , Schwabe G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper provides a critical analysis of Mobile Learning projects published before the end of 2007. The review uses a Mobile Learning framework to evaluate and categorize 102 Mobile Learning projects, and to briefly introduce exemplary projects for each category. All projects were analysed with the criteria: context, tools, control, communication, subject and objective. Although a significant number of projects have ventured to incorporate the physical context into the learning experience, few projects include a socializing context. Tool support ranges from pure content delivery to content construction by the learners. Although few projects explicitly discuss the Mobile Learning control issues, one can find all approaches from pure teacher control to learner control. Despite the fact that mobile phones initially started as a communication device, communication and collaboration play a surprisingly small role in Mobile Learning projects. Most Mobile Learning projects support novices, although one might argue that the largest potential is supporting advanced learners. All results show the design space and reveal gaps in Mobile Learning research.
25‐hydroxyvitamin D accumulation during summer in elderly women at latitude 60ºN
Authors: Burgaz A. , Åkesson A. , Michaëlsson K. , Wolk A. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Objectives.  During half of the year, cutaneous synthesis of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is not detectable at northern latitudes, leaving the population dependent on other sources for optimal vitamin D status. During April to September, 25(OH)D status may be improved by solar exposure. In this study, we measured seasonal differences in serum 25(OH)D concentrations and identified the major predictors of summer 25(OH)D concentrations.Design.  We assessd serum 25(OH)D concentrations during both winter and summer amongst 100 women, aged 61–83 years, randomly sampled from the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Participants completed two detailed questionnaires covering diet, use of dietary supplements and sun‐related behaviour, the first in January through March and a second time in August through September.Results.  The mean seasonal increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations was 38% from mean 72 ± 23 nmol L−1 during winter to 99 ± 29 nmol L−1 in summer. High summer 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with higher winter concentrations, preference of staying in sun instead of shade, having a nonsensitive skin type and normal body mass index. Based on multiple linear regression modelling, preferring sun, having nonsensitive skin type and normal weight as compared with preferring shade, having sensitive skin type and being obese, was associated with a 64 nmol L−1 higher 25(OH)D concentrations during summer.Conclusions.  Women with high winter 25(OH)D serum concentrations, with preference of staying in the sun instead of shade during summer, a skin type allowing for longer sun exposure and a normal weight had the highest summer 25(OH)D concentrations.
Genetic structure within and between island populations of the flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)
Authors: DUFFIE CAROLINE V. , GLENN TRAVIS C. , VARGAS F. HERNAN , PARKER PATRICIA G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe assessed colony‐ and island‐level genetic differentiation for the flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi), an endangered Galápagos endemic that has one of the most limited geographical distributions of any seabird, consisting of only two adjacent islands. We screened 223 individuals from both islands and nine colonies at five microsatellite loci, recovering 23 alleles. We found highly significant genetic differentiation throughout the flightless cormorant's range on Fernandina and Isabela Islands (global FST = 0.097; P < 0.0003) both between islands (supported by Bayesian analyses, FST and RST values) and within islands (supported only by FST and RST values). An overall pattern of isolation‐by‐distance was evident throughout the sampled range (r = 0.4169, one‐sided P ≤ 0.02) and partial Mantel tests of this relationship confirmed that ocean is a dispersal barrier (r = 0.500, one‐sided P ≤ 0.003), especially across the 5‐km gap between the two islands. The degree of detected genetic differentiation among colonies is surprising, given the flightless cormorant's limited range, and suggests a role for low vagility, behavioural philopatry, or both to limit dispersal where physical barriers are absent. We argue that this population should be managed as at least two genetic populations to better preserve the species‐level genetic diversity, but, for demographic reasons, advocate the continued conservation of all breeding colonies.
Evidence for a dual role of PBP1 in the cell division and cell separation of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pereira Sandro F. F. , Henriques Adriano O. , Pinho Mariana G. , De Lencastre Herminia , Tomasz Alexander 
Published: April 2009

SummaryPenicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs) catalyse the synthesis of cell wall peptidoglycan. PBP1 of Staphylococcus aureus is a high‐molecular‐weight monofunctional transpeptidase (TPase) and previous studies with a conditional mutant showed that this protein was essential for bacterial growth and survival: cells in which PBP1 was depleted stopped dividing but continued to enlarge in size, accompanied by rapid loss of viability. Also, cell walls produced under PBP1 depletion appeared to have normal composition. We describe here construction of a second PBP1 mutant in which the active site of the TPase domain was inactivated. Cells in which the wild‐type PBP1 was replaced by the mutant protein were able to initiate and complete septa and undergo at least one or two cell divisions after which growth stopped accompanied by inhibition of cell separation, downregulation in the transcription of the autolytic system and production of cell walls with increased proportion of monomeric and dimeric muropeptides and decrease in oligomeric muropeptides. PBP1 seems to perform a dual role in the cell cycle of S. aureus: as a protein required for septation and also as a transpeptidase that generates a critical signal for cell separation at the end of cell division.
New insights into the protective effect of manganese against oxidative stress
Authors: McEwan Alastair G. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryManganese has emerged as an important trace element in bacterial physiology. The correlation between manganese accumulation and resistance to oxidative stress has led to the suggestion that, in addition to a role as a prosthetic group in superoxide dismutase, manganese could exert its antioxidant effect via non‐enzymatic redox reactions. The article by Anjem et al. in the current issue of Molecular Microbiology investigates the role of manganese ions in the defence against hydrogen peroxide in Escherichia coli. The results indicate that the redox activity of manganese is not linked to its protective effect. Instead, it is suggested that manganese replaces ferrous iron in enzymes that contain divalent cations at their active site. This enables the cell to avoid oxidative stress associated with iron release in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Stimulation of the potassium sensor KdpD kinase activity by interaction with the phosphotransferase protein IIANtr in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lüttmann Denise , Heermann Ralf , Zimmer Björn , Hillmann Antje , Rampp Isabella Sofia , Jung Kirsten , Görke Boris 
Published: April 2009

SummaryProteins EINtr, NPr and IIANtr form a phosphoryl group transfer chain (Ntr‐PTS) working in parallel to the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (transport‐PTS) in Escherichia coli. Recently, it was shown that dephosphorylated IIANtr binds and inhibits TrkA, a low‐affinity potassium transporter. Here we report that the Ntr‐PTS also regulates expression of the high‐affinity K+ transporter KdpFABC, which rescues K+ uptake at limiting K+ concentrations. Transcription initiation at the kdpFABC promoter is positively controlled by the two‐component system KdpD/KdpE in response to K+ availability. We found that kdp promoter activity is stimulated by the dephosphorylated form of IIANtr. Two‐hybrid data and biochemical analysis revealed that IIANtr interacts with sensor kinase KdpD and stimulates kinase activity, resulting in increased levels of phosphorylated response regulator KdpE. The data suggest that exclusively dephosphorylated IIANtr binds and activates KdpD. As there is cross‐talk between the Ntr‐PTS and the transport‐PTS, carbon source utilization affects kdpFABC expression. Expression is enhanced, when cells utilize preferred carbohydrates like glucose, which results in preferential dephosphorylation of the transport‐PTS and also of IIANtr. Taken together, the data show that the Ntr‐PTS has an important role in maintaining K+ homeostasis and links K+ uptake to carbohydrate metabolism.