bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF PE/AG2O NANO‐PACKAGING ON THE QUALITY OF APPLE SLICES
Authors: ZHOU LING , LV SINING , HE GUIPING , HE QIANG , SHI BI 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTEffects of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging and nano‐structured silver‐polyethylene (PE/Ag2O) packaging on the overall sensory quality, color, weight and solute loss of fresh‐cut apples stored at 5 and 15C were studied in this research. Results showed that, compared with normal LDPE packaging, the PE/Ag2O packaging helped to maintain the freshness of apple slices. Nano‐structured PE/Ag2O bag delayed apple browning and decreased the weight loss of apple slices during storage. In addition, it can also prevent apple slices from microbial spoilage. As a result, the quality of apple slices saved at 5C in PE/Ag2O bag was acceptable in 12 days, while those held in LDPE bag showed some deterioration in 6 days. Furthermore, considering the potential health risk resulting from silver leak, the safety of PE/Ag2O bag was evaluated, and the result indicated an acceptable safety for food packaging.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTypes of nano‐structured bags are recently commercialized for food packaging in many countries, but few documents report their performance in quality maintenance. This study indicates that nano‐structured PE/Ag2O bag is effective in maintaining the freshness of apple slices with extended shelf‐life. Results of this work may be useful for promoting the acceptance and application of similar nano‐packaging in the quality maintenance of fresh‐cut products.
RANKING BEEF MUSCLES FOR WARNER–BRATZLER SHEAR FORCE AND TRAINED SENSORY PANEL RATINGS FROM PUBLISHED LITERATURE
Authors: SULLIVAN G.A. , CALKINS C.R. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTMeat scientists have long studied palatability traits of beef muscles, but few characterized numerous muscles over significant numbers of animals. The objective of this project was to rank the major beef muscles for Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBS) and sensory traits based on a comprehensive study of the literature, thereby compiling a large number of observations for each muscle. Muscles with three or more literature sources were ranked for WBS (n = 40), sensory tenderness (n = 14), juiciness (n = 13) and beef flavor (n = 9). Psoas major and infraspinatus were the top ranked for mechanical and sensory tenderness. Semitendinosus, gluteus medius, supraspinatus and pectoralis profundus were major muscles that were among the least tender. The Pearson correlation coefficient of WBS and sensory tenderness means was −0.84 (P = 0.001). These rankings may be useful as a reference for relative palatability of muscles.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSKnowledge of the relative palatability and rank of individual muscle can serve as a resource at the retail and foodservice establishment to better meet consumers' needs, and through use in educational materials. The popularity and demand of the flat iron (infraspinatus) and petite tender (teres major) steaks are examples of better utilizing and merchandizing the carcass. Furthermore, it can aid processors and product development specialists in identifying additional muscles suitable for value‐added processing and possibilities for acceptable muscle substitutions. Utilization by academics will be through reference for research needs and classroom instruction. The results of this ranking can be utilized by all sectors of the meat industry to ultimately provide an improved product for the consumer.
ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY, SCAVENGING RADICAL ACTIVITY AND SELECTED CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF NATIVE APPLE CULTIVARS FROM CENTRAL EUROPE
Authors: ROP OTAKAR , JURIKOVA TUNDE , SOCHOR JIRI , MLCEK JIRI , KRAMAROVA DANIELA 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe main aim of this study was to focus on 10 typical native apple cultivars from Central Europe and to determine the basic characteristics such as dry matter, soluble solid content, titrable acidity, the content of pectins, phenolics, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity and the scavenging effect of 10% apple fruit extracts on hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and superoxide radical in them. In our experiments, it was found out that the highest content of organic acids was shown by the “Jeptiska” cultivar (5.40 g/kg of FM). As far as the content of pectins was concerned, the highest levels were found out in the “Strymka” cultivar (32.60 g/kg FM). In case of total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content and scavenging activity of reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and superoxide anion), high efficiency was determined in the local cultivars, namely, in “Matcino,”“Panenske ceske” and “Strymka.”PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe results shown have wide use in the alimentary industry and human nutrition as apples belong to the most widespread core fruit. There exist many apple cultivars that have not been described in detail in literature and this study provides an insight into 10 not very common cultivars in the world; and although in Central Europe these cultivars are cultivated successfully, so far they have not been utilized commercially. However, their genetic uniqueness represents an irreplaceable ecological wealth and for that reason these local cultivars could become a new and outstanding source of nutrients and food. Today, they can also be used as a potential material for further breeding and selection.
Commitment strength in motivational interviewing and movement in exercise stage of change in women
Authors: Perry Cynthia K. , Butterworth Susan W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPurpose: Motivational interviewing (MI) increasingly is used in behavior change counseling. We explored whether commitment verbalized in an initial MI session predicted subsequent physical activity behavior.Data sources: As part of a 12‐week walking program targeted at rural women, an initial MI session was held that was audio‐recorded. We measured commitment strength during this MI session, stage of change (SOC) pre‐ and postintervention, and minutes of physical activity performed during the 12‐week intervention for the 20 women in the intervention.Conclusions: Commitment strength was significantly correlated with SOC, and SOC was significantly correlated with physical activity behavior. However, commitment strength did not predict physical activity. Further research is needed to determine if commitment strength predicts subsequent physical activity.Implications for practice: Understanding the role of the strength of a commitment statement made during an initial MI session could assist the APN in directing follow‐up MI sessions. This information could be useful in improving the cost effectiveness and efficiency of conducting MI.
High‐Throughput Analysis of an RNAi Library Identifies Novel Kinase Targets in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Mackey Zachary B. , Koupparis Kyriacos , Nishino Mari , McKerrow James H. 
Published: June 2011

New drugs are needed to treat human African trypanosomiasis because the currently approved treatments are toxic or limited in efficacy. One strategy for developing new drugs involves discovering novel genes whose products can be targeted for modulation by small‐molecule chemotherapeutic agents. The Trypanosoma brucei genome contains many genes with the potential to become such targets. Kinases represent one group of genes that regulate many important cell functions and can be modulated by small molecules, thus representing a promising group of enzymes to screen for potential therapeutic targets. RNAi screens could help identify the most promising kinase targets, but the lack of suitable assays represents a barrier for optimizing the use of this technology in T. brucei. Here, we describe an RNAi screen of a small RNAi library targeting 30 members of the T. brucei kinome utilizing a luciferase‐based assay. This screen both validated the luciferase‐based assay as a suitable method for conducting RNAi screens in T. brucei and also identified two kinases (CRK12 and ERK8) that are essential for normal proliferation by the parasite.
Effect of logging on rodent scatter‐hoarding dynamics in tropical forests: implications for plant recruitment
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ‐GRANADOS Gabriel 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe present study tested the hypothesis that logging affects the scatter‐hoarding behavior of rodents, which, in turn, negatively affects the quantity and quality of Pouteria campechiana (Sapotaceae) seed dispersal. A series of seed stations was established in logged and unlogged forests of ejido Señor, Yucatan Peninsula, and comparisons were made between logged and unlogged forests in terms of: (i) seed removal; (ii) number of seeds hoarded; (iii) hoarding distance; and (iv) the number of recruits and the survival of hoarded seeds. The number of both hoarded and removed seeds was significantly higher in unlogged sites. Furthermore, the mean distance of hoarding was greater in unlogged compared with logged sites. Although recruitment and survival were present in both logged and unlogged sites, there were more surviving seedlings in unlogged sites. The data indicate that both the quantity and quality of seed dispersal are negatively affected by logging because of a change in the rodent scatter‐hoarding dynamics. These changes suggest that plant‐animal interactions are crucial to the understanding of the ecology and conservation of managed tropical forests.
Seed dispersal in Hong Kong, China: past, present and possible futures
Authors: CORLETT Richard T. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn the present article, published and unpublished information regarding seed dispersal in the degraded landscape of Hong Kong, China, is reviewed. Information was available for 1681 native plant species, of which 1165 were assigned to probable seed dispersal modes. Endozoochory accounted for one‐third (34.4%) of all species evaluated, half (54.4%) of those from forests, and more than two‐thirds (69.2%) of all trees and tall shrubs. Wind dispersal (25.9%) and dispersal by an unknown agent (30.7%) accounted for most of the rest, with the unknown species mostly small‐seeded herbs. Although the frugivore fauna of the Hong Kong region has been truncated since the late Pleistocene, there are few clear examples of failed mutualisms. The most striking is the absence of scatter‐hoarding rodents from Hong Kong, despite the presence of forest trees that appear to require them for effective dispersal. There are also some large Lauraceae fruits that appear to be targeted at larger‐gaped birds than currently present. Most endozoochorous species are dispersed by 3 small passerine birds (Pycnonotus jocosus, P. sinensis, and Zosterops japonicus), with larger birds, fruit bats (Cynopterus sphinx, Rousettus leschenaulti), rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), civets (Paguma larvata, Viverricula indica), and muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjac) accounting for the remainder. The low plant diversity in frugivore droppings, seed traps, and secondary vegetation suggests plant succession may be dispersal limited, although this has not been investigated experimentally. Planting underdispersed species is the simplest solution but, in the longer term, the (re)introduction of a scatter‐hoarding rodent should be considered as well as that of other locally and regionally extinct frugivores.
Frugivory and seed dispersal in the Galápagos: what is the state of the art?
Authors: HELENO Ruben , BLAKE Stephen , JARAMILLO Patricia , TRAVESET Anna , VARGAS Pablo , NOGALES Manuel 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe Galápagos are considered a model oceanic archipelago, with unique flora and fauna currently threatened by alien invasive species. Seed dispersal is an important ecosystem function with consequences for plant population dynamics and vegetation structure. Hence, understanding the seed dispersal abilities of the assemblages of frugivores will inform scientists and managers of the dynamics of plant invasions and improve management planning. Here we provide the first comprehensive review of published information on frugivory and animal seed dispersal in the Galápagos. We collected data from a variety of sources, including notes of the first naturalist expeditions, gray literature available only in Galápagos collections, and peer‐reviewed journal articles. Plant–animal frugivorous interactions were retrieved from 43 studies and compiled into an interaction matrix describing 366 unique interactions. Most studies focused on fruit consumption as a driving force for natural selection, but seed fate was seldom considered. Although most (71%) of the interactions involved native plants, more than one‐quarter (28%) involved introduced species. Interactions involving birds are considerably more common than those of reptiles and mammals, probably reflecting a research bias towards birds. Despite the historical importance of the archipelago as the laboratory for evolutionary and ecological research, understanding of its seed dispersal systems is limited. We end the review by suggesting 3 priority areas of research on frugivory and seed dispersal in the Galápagos: (i) target research to close knowledge gaps; (ii) the use of a network approach to frame seed dispersal at the community level; and (iii) evaluation of the effect of seed dispersal as a selective pressure acting upon plants and frugivores. Finally, the output of this research has to be properly delivered to the Galápagos National Park Services to help increase management effectiveness.
Oxidative stress physiology in relation to life history traits of a free‐living vertebrate: the spotted snow skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus
Authors: ISAKSSON Caroline , WHILE Geoffrey M. , OLSSON Mats , KOMDEUR Jan , WAPSTRA Erik 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRecent research suggests that oxidative stress, via its links to metabolism and senescence, is a key mechanism linking life history traits such as fecundity and growth with survival; however, this has rarely been put under empirical scrutiny within free‐living populations. Using a wild population of live‐bearing skinks, we explored how plasma antioxidant activity (OXY), reactive oxidative metabolites (ROM), and the estimated oxidative stress index are associated with female and male life history. We found that male skinks have a significantly higher ROM and estimated oxidative stress index than female skinks, but this was not accompanied by a sex difference in mortality. Both sexes showed a non‐linear association between OXY and age, indicating that the oldest and youngest individuals had the lowest OXY. Interestingly, female skinks with high OXY showed a decreased probability of survival to the following season. However, we found no significant associations between female reproductive investment (litter size or litter mass) or parturition date (i.e. metabolism) and oxidative status. Combined, our results offer mixed support for a role of oxidative stress in mediating life history traits and suggest that future studies need to explore oxidative stress during vitellogenesis in addition to using an intra‐individual approach to understand the cost of reproduction and patterns of aging.
Blood electrolytes of the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in response to treatment with a botanical pesticide (latex of Euphorbia royleana)
Authors: PRASAD ManiRam , KUMAR Abhishek , MISHRA Diwakar , SRIVASTAV Sunil K. , SRIVASTAV Ajai K. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to determine changes in blood electrolytes (calcium and phosphate) in the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis following short‐ and long‐term exposure to latex of Euphorbia royleana. To investigate the effects of short‐term exposure, fish were exposed to 80% of the 96‐h LC50 of E. royleana latex (2.47 mg/L) for 96 h. To assess the effects of long‐term exposure, fish were exposed to 20% of the 96‐h LC50 of E. royleana latex (0.618 mg/L) for 28 days. Fish were killed after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h (short‐term experiments) or after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days (long‐term experiments). Blood samples were collected and sera were analyzed to determine calcium and inorganic phosphate levels. Serum calcium levels decreased progressively in H. fossilis after 48 h exposure to E. royleana latex. This decrease persisted until the end of the experiment (96 h). Serum inorganic phosphate levels in treated fish decreased progressively from 72 h. After 7 days exposure to E. royleana latex, decreased serum calcium levels were noted in H. fossilis that persisted until the end of the experiment. Serum phosphate levels were decreased in H. fossilis on days 21 and 28 of exposure to E. royleana latex. It is concluded that E. royleana latex alters the blood electrolyte content of the fish. The change in these electrolytes, particularly calcium levels, may cause disturbances in the normal vital physiological functions of the fish, its growth rate, and even its ability to survive in nature.
Ranging behavior of the François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) in limestone habitats of Nonggang, China
Authors: ZHOU Qihai , HUANG Chengming , LI Ming , WEI Fuwen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRanging behavior is an important aspect of animal behavior that researchers use to investigate ecological influences on individual behavior. We collected data on the ranging behavior of one group of François' langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) between August 2003 and July 2004 in a limestone habitat within Nonggang Nature Reserve, China. We evaluated the influences of food availability, water resources and sleeping sites on ranging behavior. During the study period, the total home range size for the study group was 64.5 or (69.3 ha if the lacunae within the borders in which langurs were not observed were included), and the mean daily path length was 541 m. These are well within the range of variation reported in Trachypithecus species. The monthly range size was between 9.8 and 23.3 ha, and monthly range size correlated negatively with young leaf availability. The langurs tended to use a larger range size during young leaf‐lean periods. The langurs did not use their home range uniformly, and 74% of their activities occurred within 35% of their home range. The most heavily used quadrats in the home range were located near the most frequently used sleeping sites, suggesting that sleeping sites have a significant influence on the ranging behavior of François' langurs in limestone habitats.
Habitat differences in dung beetle assemblages in an African savanna–forest ecotone: implications for secondary seed dispersal
Authors: KUNZ Britta K. , KRELL Frank‐Thorsten 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe probability and pattern of secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) depend on their community structure and composition at the site of primary deposition, which, in turn, seem to be strongly determined by vegetation. Consequently, we expected pronounced differences in secondary seed dispersal between forest and savanna in the northern Ivory Coast, West Africa. We found 99 dung beetle species at experimentally exposed dung piles of the olive baboon (Papio anubis (Lesson, 1827)), an important primary seed disperser in West Africa. Seventy‐six species belonged to the roller and tunneler guilds, which are relevant for secondary seed dispersal. Most species showed a clear habitat preference. Contrary to the Neotropics, species number and abundance were much higher in the savanna than in the forest. Rollers and tunnelers each accounted for approximately 50% of the individuals in the savanna, but in the forest rollers made up only 4%. Seeds deposited into the savanna by an omnivorous primary disperser generally have a higher overall probability of being more rapidly dispersed secondarily by dung beetles than seeds in the forest. Also, rollers disperse seeds over larger distances. In contrast to other studies, small rollers were active in dispersal of large seeds, which were seemingly mistaken for dung balls. Our results suggest that rollers can remove seeds from any plant dispersed in primate dung in this ecosystem.
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition For The Treatment Of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Higgins Peter , Dawson Jesse , Lees Kennedy R. , McArthur Kate , Quinn Terrence J. , Walters Matthew R. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBackgroundXanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI) reduces oxidative stress in the vasculature. Moreover it reduces uric acid levels, a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. As such, XOI holds a potentially dual mechanism for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.AimsThrough systematic review, we sought to clarify the extent of available evidence that has evaluated the effect of XOI upon clinical or surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease and function in humans.MethodsA systematic search strategy was used to interrogate the Ovid Medline (1950–June Week 4 2010) and Embase (1980–2010 Week 25) databases, to identify relevant studies. Meta‐analysis was planned for frequently studied endpoints.ResultsThirty‐eight publications (reporting 40 studies) were identified. There was heterogeneity between studies in all aspects of study design, including the outcome measures of interest. Prospective assessment of surrogate markers predominated. Combined meta‐analysis was feasible for three outcome parameters, with favorable modifications in each following xanthine oxidase inhibition: brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (five studies: XOI n = 75, control n = 69) increased by 2.50% (95% CI, 0.15–4.84); forearm blood flow responses to acetylcholine infusion (five studies: XOI n = 74, control n = 74) increased by 68.80 (95% CI, 18.70–118.90; percent change relative to noninfused control arm); circulating markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, six studies: XOI n = 78, control n = 68) reduced by 0.56 nmol/mL (95% CI, 0.26–0.87).ConclusionsXOI improves endothelial function and circulating markers of oxidative stress in patients with, or at risk of, cardiovascular disease. Large prospective studies examining definitive end points are lacking but now appear indicated.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of friedelin isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. in mouse and rat models
Authors: Antonisamy Paulrayer , Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu , Ignacimuthu Savarimuthu 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Friedelin was isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. leaves collected from Kallakurichi, Villuppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of friedelin have been investigated in Wistar rats and mice.

Methods
Friedelin was isolated from the hexane extract of leaves of A. tetracantha using column chromatography. The effects of friedelin on inflammation were studied by using carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema, croton oil-induced ear oedema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and adjuvant-induced arthritis. The analgesic effect of friedelin was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response, formalin-induced paw licking response and the hot-plate test. The antipyretic effect of friedelin was evaluated using the yeast-induced hyperthermia test in rats.

Key findings
In the acute phase of inflammation, maximum inhibitions of 52.5 and 68.7% (P &lt; 0.05) were noted with 40 mg/kg friedelin in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and croton oil-induced ear oedema, respectively. Administration of friedelin (40 mg/kg) significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet at a rate of 36.3%. In the adjuvant-induced arthritis test friedelin inhibited 54.5% of paw thickness. Friedelin inhibited acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. Friedelin also produced significant (P &lt; 0.05) analgesic activity in the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response and formalin-induced paw licking response. In the hot-plate test, friedelin did not show any significant results when compared with control. Treatment with friedelin showed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats.

Conclusions
The results suggested that friedelin possessed potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities.