bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial Activity Inhibition in Chilled Mackerel (Scomber Scombrus) by Employment of an Organic Acid‐Icing System
Authors: Sanjuás‐Rey Minia , Gallardo José M. , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Aubourg Santiago P. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The present study concerns Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) traded as a chilled product. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of including a mixture of organic acids (citric, ascorbic, and lactic) in the icing medium employed during the fish chilled storage. To this end and according to preliminary trials results, an aqueous solution including 0.050% (w/v) of each acid was employed as icing medium; its effect on the microbial activity development in mackerel muscle was monitored for up to 13 d of chilled storage and compared to a counterpart‐fish batch kept under traditional water ice considered as control. Results indicated a lower bacterial growth in mackerel muscle subjected to storage in the organic acid‐icing system by comparison with control fish. Thus, statistically‐significant (P < 0.05) differences between both batches for all 6 microbial groups investigated (aerobes, anaerobes, psychrotrophes, Enterobacteriaceae, lipolytics, and proteolytics) and for 2 chemical indices related to microbial activity development (total volatile bases and trimethylamine) were obtained. The surface wash caused by the melting of the ice during storage and the subsequent antimicrobial effect of such acids on skin microflora of the fish can be invoked as the main reasons for the limited bacterial growth found in the corresponding mackerel muscle.Practical Application:  Among natural antioxidants, citric, ascorbic, and lactic acids are low molecular weight organic compounds that represent a relevant choice because of their easy availability, low commercial cost, and wide range of permitted concentrations for their use in foods. Present results obtained by their inclusion in a novel icing system have led to a lower microbial development in chilled mackerel when compared to its counterpart fish kept under traditional icing conditions. Such a finding indicated that inclusion of this acid mixture in the icing medium can lead to a marked quality and safety enhancement as well as to profitable commercial value increases.
Effects of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Protein on the Pasting Properties of Different Types of Wheat Flour
Authors: Chen J.S. , Wang S.Y. , Deng Z.Y. , Zhang X.Y. , Feng S.L. , Yuan H.Q. , Tian J.C 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  As one of the most effective methods to modify proteins, enzymatic hydrolysis is used widely in the preparation of wheat products in the food industry. During the same process, starch pasting occurs frequently. The effects of wheat protein hydrolysis with papain, pepsin, and trypsin on the pasting properties of 3 different kinds of flour were investigated in 5 concentrations. Results showed that the peak viscosity, trough, final, and integral area of pasting curve of these flours decreased with increasing enzymatic hydrolysis of protein, and decreased significantly with the increasing enzyme concentrations. Medium‐gluten flour was the least sensitive to enzymatic activity and weak‐gluten the most sensitive. Downtrends appeared with increasing papain and trypsin concentrations in the form of breakdown. Enzymes had no significant different effect on the peak times of strong‐ and medium‐gluten flour, but prolonged peak time slightly in weak‐gluten flour. The pasting time and temperature of strong‐ and medium‐gluten flour were significantly increased in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, there were no significant effects on the pasting times of weak‐gluten flour. These results could supply a basis for utilization of enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat protein in food industry and for further studies into the interactions between hydrolyzed protein and starch in food or processing industries.Practical Application:  Illuminating the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis of protein on the pasting properties of different types of wheat flour is very important in food industry. Flour viscosity decreases after enzymatic hydrolysis of protein/gluten. Enzymes have different effects on peak time, pasting time, and pasting temperatures for different types of flour. These results could supply a basis for utilization of enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat protein in food industry and for further studies into the interactions between hydrolyzed protein and starch in food or processing industries.
Rapid Tomato Volatile Profiling by Using Proton‐Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry (PTR‐MS)
Authors: Farneti Brian , Cristescu Simona M. , Costa Guglielmo , Harren Frans J.M. , Woltering Ernst J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The availability of rapid and accurate methods to assess fruit flavor is of utmost importance to support quality control especially in the breeding phase. Breeders need more information and analytical tools to facilitate selection for complex multigenic traits such as flavor quality. In this study, it is shown that proton‐transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) is a suitable method to monitor at high sensitivity the emission of volatiles determining the tomato aromatic profile such as hexanal, hexenals, methanol, ethanol, and acetaldehyde. The volatiles emitted by 14 tomato varieties (at red stage) were analyzed by 2 solvent‐free headspace methods: solid‐phase microextraction/gas chromatography MS and PTR‐MS. Multivariate statistics (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) of the PTR‐MS results allow an unambiguous separation between varieties, especially with a clear fingerprinting separation between the different tomato types: round truss, cocktail, and cherry tomatoes. PTR‐MS was also successfully used to monitor the changes in volatile profiles during postharvest ripening and storage.Practical Application:  These results show that proton‐transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) is suited to monitor at high sensitivity the emission of a large number of volatiles that describe the tomato aroma profile. This technology can easily monitor and quantify compounds related to ripening and/or senescence so that it can be used to improve the breeding of new fruit and vegetable cultivars based on volatiles. Moreover, PTR‐MS can be used to monitor changes in volatile profile during ripening and storage.
Comparison of the use of cabergoline and gonadotrophin to treat primary and secondary anoestrus in bitches
Authors: Nak D , Nak Y , Simsek G 
Published: April 2012

Objective  To determine the efficacy and reliability of cabergoline and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) for induction of oestrus in bitches with primary or secondary anoestrus.Procedures  We studied 39 healthy bitches of various breeds aged 2–6 years and in primary or secondary anoestrus: 20 bitches were administered 5 µg/kg/day cabergoline orally until day 2 after the onset of pro‐oestrus or for a maximum of 42 days, and 19 bitches were administered 20 IU/kg/day PMSG intramuscularly for 5 consecutive days, followed by an additional single injection of 25 IU/kg of human chorionic gonadotrophin on the fifth day.Results  The rates of oestrus induction in the primary and secondary anoestrous bitches treated with cabergoline and PMSG were found to be similar. Pregnancy and whelping rates in the cabergoline group were statistically different from the rates in the PMSG group (P < 0.001).Conclusion  Cabergoline is more effective and reliable for the induction of a fertile oestrus in bitches with primary or secondary anoestrous.
Prevalence of breech‐strike in mulesed, clipped and unmulesed Merino hoggets in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Larsen JWA , Tyrell LD , Anderson N 
Published: April 2012

Objective  To compare the prevalence of breech flystrike (‘breech‐strike’) on 12–20‐month‐old Merino hoggets that were mulesed, had breech and tail clips applied (‘clipped’) or were left unmulesed but treated strategically with long‐acting insecticide.Design  A cohort study on three farms in southern Victoria.Methods  Three treatment groups were established at lamb marking on each farm. The unmulesed group was treated with dicyclanil when 12 months old in September or October (‘early‐season treatment’). The prevalence of breech‐strike and key risk factors, including soiling of the breech with faeces (‘dag’) and urine (‘stain’), and breech wrinkle, were compared between the groups.Results  Over all the farms, breech‐strike occurred on 1.1% of mulesed sheep and 7.7% of clipped sheep. Clipped sheep had a relative risk of breech‐strike of 18.2‐, 16.8‐ and 3.0‐fold that of mulesed sheep on the three farms. Unmulesed sheep treated with dicyclanil had a similar prevalence of breech‐strike to that of mulesed sheep (overall 0.9%, range 0–2.5%), but had significantly more dag, stain and wrinkle.Conclusion  Early‐season treatment of unmulesed sheep prevented most breech‐strikes during the spring and early summer, and offers a short‐ to medium‐term option for the control of breech‐strike in south‐eastern Australia. There were some benefits associated with using clips, namely less dag and stain, and a shorter time spent crutching. However, to control breech‐strike the clipped sheep should be treated the same as unmulesed sheep. Reducing the prevalence and severity of dag will be a major component of strategies to control breech‐strike of Merinos in this region.
TLR2 and TLR4 Gene Expression in Peripheral Monocytes in Nondiabetic Hypertensive Patients: The Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure–Lowering
Authors: Marketou Maria E. , Kontaraki Joanna E. , Zacharis Evangelos A. , Kochiadakis George E. , Giaouzaki Aikaterini , Chlouverakis Gregory , Vardas Panos E. 
Published: April 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:330–335. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The activation of innate immune receptors, such as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), participates in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The authors evaluated TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in the peripheral monocytes of nondiabetic hypertensive patients compared with normotensive individuals and investigated the effect of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP)–lowering. Included were 43 nondiabetic hypertensive patients with essential hypertension who were randomly assigned to an intensive treatment arm, with an SBP target of <130 mm Hg, or a standard arm, with an SBP target of <140 mm Hg. TLR2 and TLR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in monocytes were estimated before and 12 weeks after therapy initiation. Sixteen healthy individuals were included for comparison. Hypertensives revealed significantly higher TLR4 mRNA levels compared with normotensives (985±885 vs 554±234, P=.005). In contrast, no statistically significant difference was found in TLR2. Compared with standard treatment, intensive treatment significantly downregulated TLR2 and TLR4 mRNAs, expressed as fold induction (0.66±0.49 vs 1.38±1.65 and 0.62±0.3 vs 1.9±1.2, respectively; P<.001 for both). In conclusion, TLR4 mRNA levels in peripheral monocytes are significantly elevated in nondiabetic hypertensive patients. Intensive control of SBP results in attenuation of TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in those patients. Our findings suggest that a strict SBP target in nondiabetic hypertensive patients may offer additional benefits.
Conservation genetics and evolution in an endangered species: research in Sonoran topminnows*
Authors: Hedrick Philip W. , Hurt Carla R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractConservation genetics of endangered species has primarily focused on using neutral markers to determine units of conservation and estimating evolutionary parameters. Because the endangered Sonoran topminnow can be bred in the laboratory and has a relatively short generation length, experiments to examine both detrimental and adaptive variations are also possible. Here, we discuss over two decades of empirical and experimental observations in the Sonoran topminnow. Results from this research have been used to determine species and evolutionary significant units using neutral markers, document inbreeding and outbreeding depression and genetic load using experimental crosses, and measure adaptive differences in fitness‐related traits and variation in pathogen resistance among populations and major histocompatibility complex genotypes. In addition, both premating and postmating reproductive isolation between Gila and Yaqui topminnows have been experimentally determined, and the predicted and observed ancestry of these two species in experimental crosses has been examined over time. Although some have suggested that endangered species are unsuitable for experimentation because of both practical and ethical considerations, these results demonstrate that in this case an endangered species can be employed to examine fundamental questions in conservation and evolution.
Evolution of critical day length for diapause induction enables range expansion of Diorhabda carinulata, a biological control agent against tamarisk (Tamarix spp.)
Authors: Bean Dan W. , Dalin Peter , Dudley Tom L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn classical weed biological control, small collections of arthropods are made from one or a few sites in the native range of the target plant and are introduced to suppress the plant where it has become invasive, often across a wide geographic range. Ecological mismatches in the new range are likely, and success using the biocontrol agent may depend on postrelease evolution of beneficial life history traits. In this study, we measure the evolution of critical day length for diapause induction (day length at which 50% of the population enters dormancy), in a beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) introduced into North America from China to control an exotic shrub, Tamarix spp. Beetle populations were sampled from four sites in North America 7 years after introduction, and critical day length was shown to have declined, forming a cline over a latitudinal gradient At one field site, decreased critical day length was correlated with 16 additional days of reproductive activity, resulting in a closer match between beetle life history and the phenology of Tamarix. These findings indicate an enhanced efficacy and an increasingly wider range for D. carinulata in Tamarix control.
Caries prevalence, severity, and 3‐year increment, and their impact upon New Zealand adolescents' oral‐health‐related quality of life
Authors: Foster Page Lyndie A. , Thomson W. Murray 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective: To examine dental caries experience among New Zealand adolescents and determine the nature of caries‐associated differences in oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents.Method: Follow‐up was conducted of a random sample of 430 children first examined in 2003 at age 13, when they completed the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11‐14). At age 16, 255 (59.3% of the baseline sample) were re‐examined and again completed the CPQ11‐14.Results: Caries prevalence (1 + DMFS) rose from 68% to 79.2%; mean DMFS rose from 2.9 (SD 4.7) to 3.6 (SD 4.8), and the prevalence of high caries experience (5 + DMFS) rose from 20.0% to 40.8%. The 3‐year mean net caries increment of 0.5 surfaces (SD 2.6) was dominated by occlusal surfaces. At both ages, overall CPQ11‐14 scores, as well as emotional well‐being subscale scores, were significantly higher for those with DMFS values of 5 or more.Conclusion: Caries experience increased over the three years; this age group is caries‐active. Dental caries affects adolescents' OHRQoL, although not as strongly as maybe expected.
Visualization of blood drainage area from hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma on ultrasonographic images during hepatic arteriogram: Comparison with depiction of drainage area on contrast‐enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Kita Ryuichi , Sakamoto Azusa , Nagata Yoshiaki , Nishijima Norihiro , Ikeda Atsuyuki , Matsuo Hiroo , Okada Mitsumasa , Ashida Shinji , Taniguchi Toshikatsu , Kimura Toru , Osaki Yukio 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Corona enhancement is the visualized drainage area from a hypervascular tumor observed on single‐level dynamic computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and is thought to be a high‐risk area for micrometastases. However, because it cannot be visualized with ordinary ultrasonography (US), we aimed to visualize corona enhancement on US by means of arterial injection of the contrast material and to measure its thickness.Method:  Forty‐one hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases were prospectively investigated. US during hepatic arteriography (USHA) was executed by means of selective injection of the contrast material perfluorobutane (Sonazoid) from the hepatic artery. Ordinary contrast‐enhanced US with venous administration of contrast material and single‐level dynamic CTHA were also performed.Results:  Corona enhancement was observed in 36 cases (88%) on USHA and in 25 cases (61%) on single‐level dynamic CTHA. The thickness of corona enhancement of 36 cases visualized with USHA ranged 3.1–18.4 mm and the mean thickness ± standard deviation was 6.0 ± 3.0 mm. Thickness of corona enhancement was less than 10.0 mm in 34 cases (94%).Conclusion:  Corona enhancement could be visualized even on US images, and the average thickness of them was 6 mm.
Prognostic factors in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension: Two Japanese nationwide epidemiological surveys in 1999 and 2005
Authors: Murai Yoko , Ohfuji Satoko , Fukushima Wakaba , Tamakoshi Akiko , Yamaguchi Shohei , Hashizume Makoto , Moriyasu Fuminori , Hirota Yoshio 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  To investigate factors affecting disease prognosis among patients with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH).Methods:  Two Japanese nationwide epidemiological surveys on IPH were conducted in 1999 and 2005. Analyzing data from each cross‐sectional survey separately, we examined the consistent prognostic factors detected from each analysis and assessed the effect of treatments for varices on IPH prognosis. Outcome was the disease condition at last observation compared with that at diagnosis, categorized into two levels (recovered/improved and unchanged/aggravated/deceased). To evaluate the association with each characteristic, we calculated adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a binary model for logistic regression.Results:  Among 160 patients with IPH in 1999 and 85 in 2005, 10% had aggravated disease at a mean of 6–7 years after the diagnosis. Statistically significant ORs were observed for two factors: esophageal varices, especially of F2–3 stage, at diagnosis (OR = 6.83, 95% CI = 2.10–22.1 in 1999; OR = 10.7, 95% CI = 1.08–105 in 2005) ameliorated IPH; and hepatic encephalopathy at diagnosis (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.03–1.04 in 1999; crude OR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01–0.60 in 2005 using a proportional odds model) worsened IPH. Further analyses explained that the apparent ameliorating effect of esophageal varices was due to the effect of subsequent treatment (OR = 4.59, 95% CI = 0.89–23.7 in 2005).Conclusion:  The prognosis of IPH would be better if varices were adequately controlled. Patients with liver failure at diagnosis would be at high risk for subsequent disease aggravation.
The Impact of Corporate Governance on the Relationship between Investment Opportunities and Dividend Policy: An Endogenous Switching Model Approach*
Authors: Lin Kun‐Li , Shen Chung‐Hua 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the role of corporate governance in the relationship between investment opportunities and dividend payouts. The study sample is divided into strong and weak governance regimes to investigate outcome and substitute effects, where the former stresses the negative relationship between investment opportunity and dividend payouts in a strong governance regime while the latter emphasizes the positive relationship between the two in a weak governance regime. Using the endogenous switching model on a sample of Taiwan publicly listed firms from 2000 to 2009, this study concludes that the substitute model hypothesis is supported using different governance variables, but no outcome effect is identified.
Market Reactions to the Split‐share Structure Reform and the Determinants of Compensation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: Cheng Li , Chiou Jeng‐Ren , Chen Yenn‐Ru , Lee Bong Soo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe split‐share structure is a unique characteristic of corporate ownership in China, and is often linked to poor firm performance and inefficient corporate governance. In this paper, we investigate market reactions around several important event days during the process of the split‐share structure reform (share reform) in Chinese listed firms. The market reacts differently to different events during the process. First, the market reacts positively to firms’ intention of implementing the share reform when the reform prospectus is disclosed and when the compensation is actually paid. Second, after the reform is actually implemented, the market reacts negatively when the expiration date of the lockup agreement is announced, because the restricted trading shares can be freely traded and thus share supply increases after the expiration date. In addition, the compensation paid to tradable shareholders by non‐tradable shareholders is determined by the stock liquidity before the reform, the proportion of restricted trading shares, and the type of ultimate shareholders. We further find that the payment of compensation, the proportion of restricted shares after the share reform, and a time gap between suspension and resumption days are the main factors affecting the market reaction.
Is There a Relationship Between Corporate Governance and Value‐based Financial Performance Measures? A Study of Turkey as an Emerging Market
Authors: Bayrakdaroglu Ali , Ersoy Ersan , Citak Levent 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of value‐based performance measures – economic value added (EVA), market value added (MVA) and cash value added (CVA) – with corporate governance using data on 41 corporations listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange‐100 Index. Multiple panel regression is used covering the 1998–2007 period. The findings indicate that EVA, MVA, and CVA increase if the CEO is a member of the board at the same time, and board size does not significantly affect performance. Ownership concentration is significantly related to all performance measures except for MVA, while manager ownership is not a significant variable in increasing corporate performance. Foreign ownership is found to increase EVA but decrease MVA.