bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shelf Life Study of Fresh Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Grown under Different Nitrogen Fertilization Treatments
Authors: Rizzo Valeria , Muratore Giuseppe , Russo Marco Antonio , Belligno Adalgisa 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Nitrogen fertilization is useful for obtaining higher growth and quality of productions, and the use of nitrogen fertilization is widespread. To evaluate the influence of nitrogen‐rich fertilizers on quality characteristics of celery, shelf life tests of celery grown with 2 levels of nitrogen and 2 different nitrogen fertilizers were performed. The treatments of the celery samples were identified as follows: T1, mineral nitrogen (80 kg ha−1); T2, mineral nitrogen (120 kg ha−1); T3, organic nitrogen (80 kg ha−1); T4, organic nitrogen (120 kg ha−1); R4, residual organic nitrogen (120 kg ha−1); and C, untreated control. Celery plants were selected and packaged in either of the following 2 plastic films: antifog polyolefin (AFP) film or microperforated polypropylene (MPP) film. The nitrate contents, weight loss, hardness, changes in color parameters, and total phenols were studied for both packaging types during storage. The results demonstrated that celery fertilized with organic nitrogen and packaged in AFP film reached a shelf life of 37 d. The control sample packaged in MPP film was not marketable after 20 d, but the same untreated sample packaged in AFP film reached a shelf life of 30 d.Practical Application:  We consider the opportunity to apply a new packaging solution that could increase the shelf life of the product having highest interest on the markets. The positive effect of the organic nitrogen fertilization supply together with the packaging solutions a possible increasing in shelf life, reducing almost completely weight loss, and guaranteeing better hygiene and conservation. The organic nitrogen fertilization and the packaging solution could achieve the best result for the environment and for the economic management of agricultural cooperative.
Mineral Oil–Chitosan Emulsion Coatings Affect Quality and Shelf‐Life of Coated Eggs during Refrigerated and Room Temperature Storage
Authors: Torrico Damir D. , No Hong Kyoon , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Janes Marlene , Corredor José A.H. , Osorio Luis F. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Effects of mineral oil (MO) and 4 emulsions (prepared with different emulsifier types) of MO and chitosan solution (CH) at a fixed ratio of MO:CH = 25:75 as coating materials in preserving the internal quality of eggs were evaluated during 5 wk at 25 °C and 20 wk at 4 °C. Generally, as storage time increased, Haugh unit and yolk index values decreased whereas weight loss increased. However, MO and/or 4 emulsion coatings minimized the weight loss (<1.5%) and preserved the albumen and yolk quality of eggs (with the final B grade) for at least 3 wk longer than those observed for noncoated eggs at 25 °C. At 4 °C, all coated eggs changed from AA to A grade after 5 wk and they maintained this grade for 10 wk (5 wk longer than that of noncoated eggs). Although refrigeration (4 °C) alone could maintain the B grade of noncoated eggs for up to 20 wk, coating treatments were necessary to keep the weight loss below 2%. Compared with 4 °C, the increasing weight loss showed stronger negative correlation (P < 0.01) with the decreasing Haugh unit (–0.46 to –0.89) and yolk index (–0.36 to –0.89) at 25 °C. The emulsifier type used in this study generally did not affect the internal quality of eggs. Salmonella spp. detection was negative for all coated and noncoated eggs. This study demonstrated that MO and MO:CH emulsion coatings preserved the internal quality, prolonged the shelf‐life, and minimized weight loss (<2%) of eggs.Practical Application:  Eggs are highly susceptible to internal quality deterioration. The most profound factor that affects quality deterioration rate of eggs is storage temperature. Nevertheless, in some developing regions of the world where refrigeration of eggs is seldom practiced, surface coating is an alternative method to preserve the internal quality of eggs and to prevent microbial contamination. This study demonstrated that MO:CH emulsion coatings could preserve the internal quality, prolong the shelf‐life, and minimize weight loss of eggs during storage.
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Fesoterodine in Asian Patients with Overactive Bladder
Authors: YAMAGUCHI Osamu , NISHIZAWA Osamu , TAKEDA Masayuki , YOSHIDA Masaki , CHOO Myung‐Soo , GU LEE Jeong , TONG‐LONG LIN Alex , LIN Ho‐Hsiung , ANDREW YIP Wai‐chun , ISOWA Hitoshi , HIRO Shintaro 
Published: April 2011

Objectives: To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg once daily (QD) compared with placebo in Asian subjects with overactive bladder (OAB) after 12 weeks of treatment. Methods: This phase II, dose‐finding study consisted of a 2‐week placebo run‐in period followed by a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, treatment period. Eligible subjects were aged ≥20 years with ≥8 micturitions per 24 h and ≥1 urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per 24 h reported in a 3‐day diary. The subjects were randomized to receive placebo, fesoterodine 4 mg, or fesoterodine 8 mg QD for 12 weeks. Results: Of 1232 subjects who entered the placebo run‐in period, 951 received double‐blind treatment. The mean number of UUI episodes per 24 h at baseline was 2.2 among the three treatment groups. The two fesoterodine groups showed statistically significant decreases from baseline in the mean number of UUI episodes per 24 h at week 12 (primary endpoint) compared with placebo. Most all‐causality adverse events (e.g. dry mouth and constipation) were mild or moderate. The percentage of subjects with severe adverse events was low and similar among the treatment groups (placebo, 1.3%; fesoterodine 4 mg, 1.9%; fesoterodine 8 mg, 1.0%). Conclusion: Fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg QD were significantly better than placebo in improving OAB symptoms. Overall, the two fesoterodine dosing regimens were well tolerated. These results suggest that fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg QD are effective and well‐tolerated treatments for OAB in Asian subjects.
Role of surgery for stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Jun 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPerhaps no topic other than stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer management is as controversial among surgeons, radiologists and medical oncologists. Much of the debate relates to the choice between surgical resection and radiation as the local control modality. Although limited, available evidence from randomized controlled trails raised concerns about the role of surgical resection. However, there is no perfect study, and the results should not be over‐interpreted. This mini review will scrutinize these trials, focusing on the study design, results and, most importantly, limitations, and will explore the possible role of surgery for stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer.
Credibility clusters, preferences, and helpfulness beliefs for specific forms of psychotherapy
Authors: Sandell Rolf , Clinton David , Frövenholt Josefin , Bragesjö Maria 
Published: April 2011

Background. There is some evidence that the perceived credibility of specific forms of psychotherapy, beliefs about helpful and not‐so‐helpful interventions, and differential treatment preferences may influence both therapeutic alliance and outcome, at least in the short term. The present study explored whether distinct clusters exist, based on credibility ratings, and how these may be related to treatment preferences and beliefs about the helpfulness of specific interventions.Method. Written descriptions of psychodynamic, cognitive, and cognitive‐behavioural psychotherapy were rated by a random community sample with the ‘normal’ level of psychiatric treatment (n= 121), psychiatric outpatients with limited previous experience of psychiatric care (n= 118), and a group of psychiatric ‘veterans’ with long experience of psychiatric care (n= 48). Participants completed a questionnaire focusing on beliefs about the helpfulness of specific therapy components, rated the credibility of each form of psychotherapy, and ranked the alternatives in terms of preferences.Results. Using cluster analysis, six distinct groups of participants were delineated. Some approached psychotherapy in an undifferentiated manner, tending to either embrace all or reject all of the methods examined. Others had differentiated ideas about the credibility of specific therapeutic approaches. These clusters were strongly associated with differential treatment preferences. They were also associated with helpfulness beliefs, type of psychological problems, previous experiences with psychotherapy, and gender. Analysis of the interactions among these factors revealed that the distribution across clusters was almost entirely accounted for by the helpfulness beliefs.Conclusions. For clinicians, it may be important to investigate the differential appeal of specific components of psychotherapy as well as entire therapy packages in individual cases prior to commencing therapy. For researchers, it may be important to consider whether outcome studies would become more informative by taking patients’ beliefs and preferences into account.
Acupuncture and Massage Therapy for Neuropathic Pain following Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Norrbrink Cecilia , Lundeberg Thomas 
Published: April 2011

Objective The study sought to explore the possibility of using acupuncture and massage therapy for relieving neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). Design 30 individuals with SCI and neuropathic pain were assigned to treatment of either massage or acupuncture, with 15 individuals in each group. Both groups received treatment twice weekly for 6 weeks. Treatments were evaluated at the end of treatment and 2 months later (follow-up). Results Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Within the groups, ratings of present pain, general pain, pain unpleasantness and coping improved significantly at the end of treatment after acupuncture compared to baseline values, and following massage therapy ratings of pain interference on the Multidimensional Pain Inventory improved. At follow-up no significant improvements were seen. Between-group differences were seen regarding ratings of worst pain intensity at the end of treatment, and regarding pain unpleasantness and coping with pain at follow-up, both in favour of acupuncture. At the end of treatment, eight of the 15 individuals receiving acupuncture and nine receiving massage reported an improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale, and at follow-up six patients in the acupuncture group and one patient in the massage group still reported a favourable effect from the treatment. Few side effects were reported and neither dropout from the study did this due to adverse events. Conclusion Neuropathic pain following SCI is often only partially responsive to most interventions. Results from this study indicate, however, that both acupuncture and massage therapy may relieve SCI neuropathic pain. For this reason, larger randomised controlled trials are warranted for assessing the long-term effects of these treatments.
Solitaire FR thrombectomy system: immediate results in 56 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Machi Paolo , Costalat Vincent , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Lima Maldonado Igor , Vendrell Jean Francois , Riquelme Carlos , Bonafé Alain 
Published: April 2011

Background and purposePrompt recanalization of cerebral arteries in patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke is known to be associated with a better clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to present our initial experience regarding the efficacy and safety of the Solitaire FR as a revascularization device.Methods56 consecutive patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke underwent intra-arterial therapy using the Solitaire FR revascularization device. Immediate angiographic results and early clinical outcomes are presented.ResultsSolitaire FR was successful in achieving recanalization in 50 out of 56 patients (89%) with a final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b. Five out of 56 patients had procedure related complications: two asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhages, two thromboembolic events and one symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (PH2). Thirty patients (53.5%) demonstrated at discharge a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score of ≤1 or an improvement of at least 10 points from baseline, and 26 patients (46%) had a modified Rankin Score ≤2.ConclusionsSolitaire FR is successful in achieving a high rate of arterial recanalization with a low complication rate. The Solitaire FR is a promising thrombectomy tool with a high degree of effectiveness, safety and ease of use.
Mass media campaigns designed to support new pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets: evidence of a complementary relationship
Authors: Brennan Emily , Durkin Sarah J , Cotter Trish , Harper Todd , Wakefield Melanie A 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundIn Australia, introduction of pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets was supported by a televised media campaign highlighting illnesses featured in two of the warning labels—gangrene and mouth cancer.MethodsTwo studies examined whether the warnings and the television advertisements complemented one another. Population telephone surveys of two cross-sections of adult smokers measured changes in top-of-mind awareness of smoking-related health effects from before (2005; n=587) to after the pack warnings were introduced (2006; n=583). A second study assessed cognitive and emotional responses and intentions to quit after smokers watched one of the campaign advertisements, comparing outcomes of those with and without prior pack warning exposure.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2006, the proportion of smokers aware that gangrene is caused by smoking increased by 11.2 percentage points (OR=23.47, p=0.000), and awareness of the link between smoking and mouth cancer increased by 6.6 percentage points (OR=2.00, p=0.006). In contrast, awareness of throat cancer decreased by 4.3 percentage points, and this illness was mentioned in the pack warnings but not the advertisements. In multivariate analyses, smokers who had prior exposure to the warnings were significantly more likely to report positive responses to the advertisements and stronger post-exposure quitting intentions.ConclusionsTelevision advertisements and pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets may operate in a complementary manner to positively influence awareness of the health consequences of smoking and motivation to quit. Jurisdictions implementing pictorial warnings should consider the benefits of supportive mass media campaigns to increase the depth, meaning and personal relevance of the warnings.
The power-normal distribution: application to forest stands
Authors: Mønness Erik 
Published: April 2011

Foresters have long sought distribution functions capable of modeling a tree distribution that have good fit, yield flexible models, and are easy to use. The power-normal (PN) distribution originates from the inverse Box–Cox transformation and might be proven to fulfill these requirements. The PN has similarities with Johnson’s system-bounded (SB) distribution and can be seen as a contender. The PN is used in this study to fit the frequency distributions of tree diameter and height. PN is flexible in describing different shapes of observed distributions as indicated by the certain areas in the skewness × kurtosis shape plane. The estimation of the parameters using maximum likelihood is straightforward and the resulting numerical properties are desirable. The shapes achieved by PN are very diverse, even though only three parameters are used. Johnson’s SB has four parameters and estimation is often susceptible to numerical problems when fitted by maximum likelihood estimation. Our results indicate that the performance of PN is superior to that of Johnson’s SB, as shown by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic and visual inspection, particularly for fitting tree height distributions.
Examining 40-year stand development following vegetation control: white spruce planted in a trembling aspen dominated cutover
Authors: Fleming Robert L. , Smith Allister D. 
Published: April 2011

Many of the major questions regarding stand establishment practices involve implications for longer-term ecosystem development. We examined 41-year treatment effects on stand composition and dynamics using a white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) planting, mechanical site preparation (MSP) – herbicide (2,4-D plus 2,4,5-T) trial in a trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) dominated mixedwood. Both barrel and blade MSP with planting increased total and white spruce year 41 stand-level biomass over that in untreated areas. Year 2 herbicide application reduced year 41 trembling aspen biomass without substantially increasing that of white spruce, resulting in total yields similar to those in untreated areas. Barrel MSP increased year 41 trembling aspen biomass over that of untreated areas whereas blade MSP reduced it. Herbicide-related declines in trembling aspen biomass persisted or increased with time whereas white spruce response to herbicide varied with time and MSP. By accounting for inherent growth patterns, age shift calculations gave more balanced temporal depictions of planted white spruce response than effect size or percentage gain calculations. With barrel MSP, stand composition demonstrated a degree of mixedwood homeostasis whereas with blading, trembling aspen composition declined unilaterally from year 20 to 41.
Habitat selection and spatial relationships of black bears (Ursus americanus) with woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in northeastern Alberta
Authors: Latham A.D.M. , Latham M.C. , Boyce M.S. 
Published: April 2011

Populations of woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) have declined across much of their range. Wolves ( Canis lupus L., 1758) are believed to be responsible for the majority of mortality in adult female caribou; however, we hypothesize that other predators such as black bears ( Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) may be important contributors to calf mortality. We assessed habitat selection by black bears and spatial relationships of caribou – black bears during the caribou calving season in northeastern Alberta, Canada. Black bears avoided bogs and fens, while selecting upland mixed woods and various industrial features. Conversely, caribou showed strong selection for bogs and fens relative to bears, supporting the hypothesis that caribou in the boreal forest attempt to minimize predation risk by selecting peatlands to avoid areas frequented by predators. However, habitat selection by individual black bears was highly variable and some bears selected habitats similar to those selected by caribou, i.e., bogs and fens. Bears that specialize on foraging in peatlands might be responsible for some of the predation on caribou calves. Because declines in caribou populations have resulted from a combination of high adult female and calf mortalities, management actions to conserve woodland caribou should consider the entire suite of potential predators rather than focusing only on wolves.
Gill morphology and acute hypoxia: responses of mitochondria-rich, pavement, and mucous cells in the Amazonian oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), two species with very different approaches to the osmo-respiratory compromise
Authors: Matey Victoria , Iftikar Fathima I. , De Boeck Gudrun , Scott Graham R. , Sloman Katherine A. , Almeida-Val Vera M.F. , Val Adalberto L. , Wood Chris M. 
Published: April 2011

The hypoxia-intolerant rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)) exhibits increased branchial ion permeability and Na+influx during acute exposure to moderate hypoxia (Po2 = 80 torr; 1 torr = 133.3224 Pa), manifesting the usual trade-off between gas exchange and electrolyte conservation. In contrast, the hypoxia-tolerant oscar ( Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz, 1831)) is unusual in exhibiting decreased branchial ion permeability to ions and Na+influx during acute exposure to severe hypoxia (Po2 = 10–20 torr). These different physiological approaches to the osmo-respiratory compromise correlate with rapid, oppositely directed changes in gill morphology. In oscar, pavement cells (PVCs) expanded, partially covering neighboring mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs), which were recessed and reduced in size. Those remaining open were transformed from “shallow-basin” to “deep-hole” forms with smaller openings, deeper apical crypts, and smaller numbers of subapical microvesicles, changes that were largely reversed during normoxic recovery. In contrast, moderate hypoxia caused outward bulging of MRCs in rainbow trout with increases in size, surface exposure, and number of subapical microvesicles, accompanied by PVC retraction. These changes were partially reversed during normoxic recovery. In both rainbow trout and oscar, hypoxia caused discharge of mucus from enlarged mucous cells (MCs). Rapid, divergent morphological changes play an important role in explaining two very different physiological approaches to the osmo-respiratory compromise.
Diets of two congeneric species of crayfish worm (Annelida: Clitellata: Branchiobdellidae) from western Canada
Authors: Gale K.S.P. , Proctor H.C. 
Published: April 2011

Crayfish worms (Branchiobdellidae) are obligatory ectosymbionts of crustaceans, primarily crayfish. Little is known about their diets or ecology. A single crayfish can host several species and age classes of branchiobdellidans at one time, creating the potential for intra- and inter-specific competition. Coexistence of competitors can be promoted through dietary differences; therefore, we examined gut contents of Cambarincola chirocephalus Ellis, 1919 and Cambarincola vitreus Ellis, 1919, two species of branchiobdellidan occasionally found on the same host (the crayfish Orconectes virilis (Hagen, 1870) in Western Canada) to assess evidence of dietary niche partitioning. We also compared gut contents of conspecific adults and juveniles to determine whether diets differed with age. We found a range of diatoms and invertebrates, particularly rotifers, in the guts of both Cambarincola species. The species appear to have different diets, in that guts of C. chirocephalus contained more invertebrate material than did those of C. vitreus. There was no statistical difference in composition of gut contents between adult and juvenile conspecifics. We found very limited evidence of dietary niche expansion in C. vitreus in the absence of C. chirocephalus. The observed dietary differences between species may promote their continued coexistence in areas where their ranges overlap.