bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrite‐Cured Color and Phosphate‐Mediated Water Binding of Pork Muscle Proteins as Affected by Calcium in the Curing Solution
Authors: Zhao Jing , Xiong Youling L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Calcium is a mineral naturally present in water and may be included into meat products during processing thereby influencing meat quality. Phosphates improve myofibril swelling and meat water‐holding capacity (WHC) but can be sensitive to calcium precipitation. In this study, pork shoulder meat was used to investigate the impact of calcium at 0, 250, and 500 ppm and phosphate type [sodium pyrophosphate (PP), tripolyphosphate (TPP), and hexametaphopshate (HMP)] at 10 mM on nitrite‐cured protein extract color at various pH levels (5.5, 6.0, and 6.5) and crude myofibril WHC at pH 6.0. Neither calcium nor phosphates present in the curing brines significantly affected the cured color. Increasing the pH tended to promote the formation of metmyoglobin instead of nitrosylmyoglobin. The ability of PP to enhance myofibril WHC was hampered (P < 0.05) by increasing the calcium concentration due to PP precipitation. Calcium also decreased the solubility of TPP but did not influence its enhancement of WHC. On the other hand, HMP was more tolerant of calcium but the soluble Ca‐HMP complex was less effective than free HMP to promote water binding by myofibrils. The depressed muscle fiber swelling responding to added calcium as evidenced by phase contrast microscopy substantiated, to a certain extent, the deleterious effect of calcium, suggesting that hardness of curing water can significantly affect the quality of cured meat products.Practical Application:  Although not affecting nitrite‐cured color, calcium hampers the efficacy of phosphates to promote water binding by muscle proteins, underscoring the importance of water quality for brine‐enhanced meat products.
Modeling the Oxygen Diffusion of Nanocomposite‐based Food Packaging Films
Authors: Bhunia Kanishka , Dhawan Sumeet , Sablani Shyam S. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Polymer‐layered silicate nanocomposites have been shown to improve the gas barrier properties of food packaging polymers. This study developed a computer simulation model using the commercial software, COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze changes in oxygen barrier properties in terms of relative diffusivity, as influenced by configuration and structural parameters that include volume fraction (φ), aspect ratio (α), intercalation width (W), and orientation angle (θ) of nanoparticles. The simulation was performed at different φ (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%), α (50, 100, 500, and 1000), and W (1, 3, 5, and 7 nm). The θ value was varied from 0° to 85°. Results show that diffusivity decreases with increasing volume fraction, but beyond φ= 5% and α= 500, diffusivity remained almost constant at W values of 1 and 3 nm. Higher relative diffusivity coincided with increasing W and decreasing α value for the same volume fraction of nanoparticles. Diffusivity increased as the rotational angle increased, gradually diminishing the influence of nanoparticles. Diffusivity increased drastically as θ changed from 15° to 30° (relative increment in relative diffusivity was almost 3.5 times). Nanoparticles with exfoliation configuration exhibited better oxygen barrier properties compared to intercalation. The finite element model developed in this study provides insight into oxygen barrier properties for nanocomposite with a wide range of structural parameters. This model can be used to design and manufacture an ideal nanocomposite‐based food packaging film with improved gas barrier properties for industrial applications.Practical Applications:  The model will assist in designing nanocomposite polymeric structures of desired gas barrier properties for food packaging applications. In addition, this study will be helpful in formulating a combination of nanoparticle structural parameters for designing nanocomposite membranes with selective permeability for the industrial applications including membrane separation techniques.
Identification and Quantification of Aroma Compounds of Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) and Some of Its Milling Fractions
Authors: Janeš Damjan , Prosen Helena , Kreft Samo 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) seeds have a strong aroma that characteristically differs from the aroma of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). Its phytochemical background has only been recently investigated. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify individual compounds responsible for tartary buckwheat aroma. Volatiles from different samples (whole seed, flour, and husks) were extracted with simultaneous extraction and distillation by Likens–Nickerson apparatus and analyzed by GC‐MS. A total of 48 compounds were quantified and their odor activity values (OAV) were calculated. OAV of 26 compounds was higher than 10; therefore, they significantly contribute to the overall tartary buckwheat aroma. The compounds with OAV > 500 were: (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, 2‐phenylethanol, (E,E)‐2,4‐nonadienal, hexanal, decanal, and nonanal. The most important difference from the aroma of common buckwheat is the absence of salicylaldehyde and presence of naphthalene. Salicylaldehyde could be proposed as a marker to detect contamination/adulteration of tartary buckwheat with common buckwheat.Practical Application:  Buckwheat is becoming one of important alternative crops. Its products which are rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants have been associated with healthy nutrition. Although tartary buckwheat is similar to more familiar common buckwheat, their characteristic aromas differ notably. This study expands recent research on aroma of tartary buckwheat tea to seed, flour, and husks, and suggests how products from different species of buckwheat can be distinguished by analysis of aroma compounds.
Use of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Nanohydrogels for the Controlled Release of Pimaricin in Active Packaging
Authors: Fuciños C. , Guerra N.P. , Teijón J.M. , Pastrana L.M. , Rúa M.L. , Katime I. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  We propose here a delivery drug‐polymer system using poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) nanohydrogels that enables pimaricin to be protected from hostile environments and allows the controlled release of the antifungal through environmental stimuli. We synthesized 2 nanohydrogels, 1 with 100% N‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPA(5)) and 1 with 80% N‐isopropylacrylamide copolymerized and 20% acrylic acid (PNIPA‐20AA(5)). Both were then, loaded with a pimaricin aqueous solution. The pimaricin release profiles of these 2 nanohydrogels were considerably different: PNIPA(5) released 10% and PNIPA‐20AA(5) released 30% with respect to the free pimaricin release. Moreover, the diffusion experiments showed that pimaricin was released from the PNIPA‐20AA(5) nanohydrogel for up to 3 times longer than free pimaricin. Therefore, incorporating acrylic acid as comonomer into the PNIPA nanohydrogel resulted in a slower but more continuous release of pimaricin. The highest pimaricin levels were reached when the most hydrophilic nanohydrogel was used. The bioassay results showed that the pimaricin‐nanohydrogel system was highly effective in inhibiting the growth of the indicator strain in conditions of thermal abuse. The spoilage in acidified samples stored under fluorescent lighting was reduced by 80.94%± 33.02% in samples treated with a pimaricin‐loaded nanohydrogel, but only by 19.91%± 6.68% in samples treated with free pimaricin. Therefore, 2 conclusions emerge from this study. One is that the nanohydrogel delivery system could impede the degradation of pimaricin. The other is that the inhibitory effect of the antifungal on yeast growth is more pronounced when it is added included into the nanohydrogel to the food, especially in an acidic environment.Practical Application:  This article presents relevant results on the use of nanohydrogels in food packaging. Nanohydrogels could provide protection so that the pimaricin remains active for a longer time. They also allow the controlled release of pimaricin, which thus regulates the unnecessary presence of the antifungal in the food.
Determination of Very Low Levels of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)‐2‐furaldehyde (HMF) in Natural Honey: Comparison Between the HPLC Technique and the Spectrophotometric White Method
Authors: Truzzi Cristina , Annibaldi Anna , Illuminati Silvia , Finale Carolina , Rossetti Monica , Scarponi Giuseppe 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  In this work we compared 2 official methods for the determination of HMF in honey, the spectrophotometric White method and the HPLC method (International Honey Commission) for the determination of HMF in unifloral honey and honeydew samples with a very low HMF content (<4 mg/kg), which is the most critical determination in terms of accuracy and precision of methods. In honey solutions, the limits of quantification for HPLC and White methods are 0.83 mg/L and 0.67 mg/L, respectively, and the linearity range is confirmed up to 20 mg/L for the HPLC method and up to 5 mg/L for the White method. In honeys with HMF >5 mg/kg, the molar extinction coefficient is 15369, lower than the literature value of 16830, and should be used for HMF determination. For samples with HMF content in the range 1–4 mg/kg the accuracy of the 2 methods is comparable both for unifloral and honeydew samples, whereas as regards precision, the HPLC method gives better results (3.5% compared with 6.4% for the White method). So, in general, the HPLC method seems to be more appropriate for the determination of HMF in honey in the range 1–4 mg/kg thanks to its greater precision, but for samples with a HMF content of less than 1 mg/kg the analyses are inaccurate for both methods.Practical Application:  This work can help governmental and private laboratories that perform food analyses to choose the best method for the determination of HMF at very low levels in unifloral honey and honeydew samples.
Presence of obsessive compulsive symptoms in first‐episode schizophrenia or related disorders is associated with subjective well‐being and quality of life
Authors: de Haan Lieuwe , Sterk Bouke , van der Valk Renate 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimThe study aims to evaluate whether the presence of obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) in first‐episode schizophrenia patients is associated with subjective well‐being or quality of life.MethodsThis study used a cross‐sectional study of consecutively diagnosed patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or related disorder.ResultsThere were 23 out of 198 (12%) consecutively assessed patients that reported co‐morbid OCS. Co‐morbid OCS were associated with a lower mean total score on a subjective well‐being scale (P ≤ 0.001), especially on the social integration subscale (P = 0.002) and emotional regulation subscale (P = 0.008), and lower scores on subjective aspects of quality of life (P = 0.043), especially concerning mental health (P = 0.001) and physical health (P = 0.002).ConclusionThese results support the clinical relevance of OCS co‐morbidity in schizophrenia or related disorders and the need for research into specific interventions.
Dispersal patterns of a saproxylic beetle,Osmoderma eremita, inMediterranean woodlands
Authors: Chiari Stefano , Carpaneto Giuseppe M. , Zauli Agnese , Zirpoli Giancarlo M. , Audisio Paolo , Ranius Thomas 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDispersal patterns of a beetle inhabiting tree hollows,Osmoderma eremita(Scopoli, 1763) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae), were studied in a cork oak (Quercus suber) woodland in central Italy, the southernmost part of its distribution range. During 2 years, we used radio telemetry to monitor dispersal of 39 free‐ranging individuals (16 males, 23 females).Telemetered beetles spent their lifetime not only inside hollow trees but also in other habitats, such as above or under the ground surface.Beetles were more active at the beginning of the season. Eighty‐one per cent of the males and 69% of the females conducted dispersals during their lifetime.The dispersal distance over individuals' lifetime did not differ between sexes. The longest dispersal was conducted by a female that moved 1504 m. Thirty‐nine per cent of dispersing individuals reached distances farther than 250 m. Both dispersal rate and range are higher than what has been found in Northern Europe.The population size per tree is low, most of the adults leave their natal tree, and a high predation rate (at least 28%) was observed among dispersing beetles. Therefore, to balance the local extinction risk from single trees, a high density of hollow trees is probably required. It is desirable that suitable trees are concentrated at a spatial scale of a few hundred metres.
Sexual function in male patients with obstructive sleep apnoea after 1 year of CPAP treatment
Authors: Petersen Marian , Kristensen Ellids , Berg Søren , Midgren Bengt 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveOur objective was to investigate what impact 1 year of effective nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment had on general and functional aspects of sexuality in male patients with a confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).MethodsBefore and after 1 year of CPAP treatment, a total of 207 CPAP‐compliant male patients (age 26–77) received a survey with questions drawn from two self‐administered questionnaires on sexuality – Life Satisfaction 11 (LiSat‐11) and brief sexual function inventory (BSFI). For assessment of daytime sleepiness, we used the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS).ResultsResponse rate was 76%. We found no significant changes in satisfaction with relation to partner or life as a whole, but satisfaction with sexual life (LiSat‐11) and both general and functional aspects of sexuality (BSFI) were significantly improved after 1 year of CPAP treatment. ESS score decreased significantly after 1 year of CPAP treatment.ConclusionOne year of CPAP treatment improves all aspects of sexual function in male patients with OSA. Our data indirectly suggest that organic factors are the most likely explanation to these improvements.
Evaluating the true clinical utility of the red dot system in radiograph interpretation
Authors: Brown Nicholas , Leschke Paul 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroduction: The ‘red dot’, or ‘asterisk’, system is used in many hospitals as a method for radiographers to identify potential abnormalities on plain radiographs prior to reporting by radiologists. While published studies into the accuracy of the ‘red dot’ system exist, analysis of its reliability in identifying subtle pathology is lacking. This is relevant because the prevalence and apparent success of the ‘red dot’ system has been cited by some authors as justification for non‐radiologist reporting of medical imaging. It is important that all systems within medical imaging add value, and this audit evaluates the accuracy and clinical value of the ‘red dot’ system, particularly in the critical area of detecting undisplaced fractures.Methods: All appendicular musculoskeletal trauma radiographs performed in the Department of Emergency Medicine at a major Australian metropolitan hospital over a continuous four‐month period were retrospectively assessed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the ‘red dot’ system. The presence or absence of an asterisk was correlated with validated radiologist reports. A sub‐analysis of fractures displaced <1mm was also performed.Results: A total of 3638 radiographs were assessed and 938 (25.8%) fractures identified; 338 (9.3%) contained undisplaced fractures. Overall sensitivity and specificity of the ‘red dot’ in detecting appendicular fractures are 80.4% and 98.0%, respectively. PPV is 93.6% and NPV is 93.5%. However, the accuracy of the ‘red dot’ in detecting undisplaced fractures is significantly reduced, with a sensitivity of 45.9% and a PPV of 74.8%.Conclusions: Detection of subtle abnormalities is fundamental to the service provided by radiologists. The ‘red dot's’ inability to reliably detect undisplaced fractures following trauma limits its value within a tertiary radiology department and suggests that role extension of plain film reporting to non‐radiologists has potential to yield less accurate assessments. To maintain the highest quality of medical imaging services and standards of patient care, it is optimal that clinical decisions are based upon radiograph reports issued by medical specialists who have completed appropriate radiology training. Strategies to maintain this are suggested.
The postoperative radiological features of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Barnard Stuart A , Rahman Habib , Foliaki Antonio 
Published: July 2012

SummaryObesity is rapidly becoming one of the major challenges for health care systems. Surgery has proved to be one of the most effective methods of helping patients to achieve sustainable weight loss.Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively new bariatric surgical technique. A staple line is placed in a line parallel to the lesser curve of the stomach, excluding up to 85% of the volume of the stomach. The excluded stomach is then resected leaving a ‘tube’ of residual stomach.Radiologists may be asked to perform and interpret imaging studies in the postoperative period and should be familiar with the normal appearances and common complications. Postoperative radiological investigations will typically be for suspected leak or obstruction. A water soluble contrast upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series should be performed in both suspected leak and obstruction if the patient is conscious and able to swallow.A normal postoperative UGI series will show free flow of contrast into the gastric remnant, which will be tubular with no spillage of contrast beyond the staple line, which is located on the caudal aspect of the gastric remnant. Stenosis or obstruction of the stomach may occur if the stomach remnant is too tight or torsion of the stomach.Stenosis is usually treated endoscopically with dilation and torsion is treated surgically. Leaks are often treated with covered stents which may be placed with endoscopic or radiological guidance. Collections may be drained under fluoroscopic, ultrasound or computed tomography guidance.
Learning and Liking of Melody and Harmony: Further Studies in Artificial Grammar Learning
Authors: Loui Psyche 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMuch of what we know and love about music is based on implicitly acquired mental representations of musical pitches and the relationships between them. While previous studies have shown that these mental representations of music can be acquired rapidly and can influence preference, it is still unclear which aspects of music influence learning and preference formation. This article reports two experiments that use an artificial musical system to examine two questions: (1) which aspects of music matter most for learning, and (2) which aspects of music matter most for preference formation. Two aspects of music are tested: melody and harmony. In Experiment 1 we tested the learning and liking of a new musical system that is manipulated melodically so that only some of the possible conditional probabilities between successive notes are presented. In Experiment 2 we administered the same tests for learning and liking, but we used a musical system that is manipulated harmonically to eliminate the property of harmonic whole‐integer ratios between pitches. Results show that disrupting melody (Experiment 1) disabled the learning of music without disrupting preference formation, whereas disrupting harmony (Experiment 2) does not affect learning and memory but disrupts preference formation. Results point to a possible dissociation between learning and preference in musical knowledge.
Interactions between Scenedesmus and Microcystis may be used to clarify the role of secondary metabolites
Authors: Harel Moshe , Weiss Gad , Lieman‐Hurwitz Judy , Gun Jenny , Lev Ovadia , Lebendiker Mario , Temper Violeta , Block Colin , Sukenik Assaf , Zohary Tamar , Braun Sergei , Carmeli Shmuel , Kaplan Aaron 
Published: July 2012

SummaryMicrocystis sp. are major players in the global intensification of toxic cyanobacterial blooms endangering the water quality of freshwater bodies. A novel green alga identified as Scenedesmus sp., designated strain huji (hereafter S. huji), was isolated from water samples containing toxic Microcystis sp. withdrawn from Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Israel, suggesting that it produces secondary metabolites that help it withstand the Microcystis toxins. Competition experiments suggested complex interaction between these two organisms and use of spent cell‐free media from S. huji caused severe cell lysis in various Microcystis strains. We have isolated active metabolites from the spent S. huji medium. Application of the concentrated allelochemicals interfered with the functionality and perhaps the integrity of the Microcystis cell membrane, as indicated by the rapid effect on the photosynthetic variable fluorescence and leakage of phycobilins and ions. Although some activity was observed towards various bacteria, it did not alter growth of eukaryotic organisms such as the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Outcome of Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome after a Whiplash Type Injury
Authors: Shyamsundar Srinivasan , Pandey Radhakanth 
Published: July 2012

Introduction Road traffic accident (RTA) particularly with whiplash type injury has been associated with impingement syndrome of shoulder. However, the results of surgery for this group of patients have never been compared to the non accident group to see if the results are any different. In our study we aim to see if the results of these patients are worse after surgery as opposed to a group who did not sustain whiplash type injuries. Background To investigate the association between patients who have been involved in a Road Traffic accident sustaining a whiplash type injury presenting with impingement and asses their outcome after surgery. Methods The study group consisted of 13 patients. All of them where involved in a RTA where they were rear shunted and sustained a whiplash type injury. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) was performed in 2005–09 for impingement. The mean age was 49.5 years. All patients were assessed with Oxford shoulder score preoperatively and at least twice post op (once within 3 months and once around the year mark). This group were compared with cohort of 13 consecutive patients (age and sex matched) done during the same period. Their scores were also assessed and analysed. Statistical tools were used to compare the results in the two groups. Results All 13 patients had an improvement in their Oxford score over one year. While the improvement was only marginal ( p = 0.08) in the first three months it was better at the end of the year ( p = 0.04). Comparatively in the cohort who haven't been involved in RTA the improvement was more marked in the first three months ( p = 0.05) and this improvement was maintained over the year ( p = 0.03). The overall improvement in Oxford score was more in the cohort of patients who were not involved in a RTA as opposed to our study group. Conclusion The results of the study show that even though there was an improvement in shoulder scores after an Arthroscopic Subacromial decompression it was much slower and overall results were far poorer in the study group as opposed to the controls. We conclude that caution should be used when offering ASAD for patients with Impingement following an RTA with a whiplash type injury more conservative measure should be pursued in these circumstances and if surgery is to be performed patients to be warned of prognosis.