Influence of Low-temperature Blanching Combined with High-pressure Shift Freezing on the Texture of Frozen Carrots

ABSTRACT: Freezing causes texture loss of tissue-based systems such as fruits and vegetables. To evaluate the potentials of high-pressure freezing for minimizing freezing damage, the effects of high-pressure shift freezing and regular freezing conditions on the texture of carrot cylinders were investigated. To improve the strength of the plant material by a pectin-based network, carrot cylinders were submitted to different pretreatment conditions before freezing. The reduced freezing time of high-pressure shift freezing compared with conventional freezing results in a limited positive effect on the hardness of non-pretreated carrots. A pronounced hardness improvement was obtained when calcium soaking followed by thermal (30 min at 60°C) or high-pressure (15 min at 60°C and 300 MPa) pretreatment was combined with high-pressure shift freezing. During subsequent frozen storage at -18°C, the increased hardness values of pretreated, high-pressure frozen carrots could not be maintained.     

Enzyme infusion prior to thermal/high pressure processing of strawberries: Mechanistic insight into firmness evolution

Strawberries were infused with fungal pectinmethylesterase (PME) and calcium chloride, followed by a thermal (70 °C–0.1 MPa), a high pressure (25 °C–550 MPa) or a combined thermal-high pressure (70 °C–550 MPa) process. Macroscopic (firmness) and microscopic characteristics were assessed to evaluate the texture of the fruits. In order to interpret the texture changes, the chemical structure of pectin was investigated. Processing of strawberries caused a decrease in firmness, which was limited by infusion of PME and calcium chloride, although the extent of beneficial effects depended on the type of processing. PME was able to decrease the degree of methoxylation of pectin, which was accompanied by an increased crosslinking of the chains. During high pressure or combined thermal-high pressure processing, the degree of methoxylation of pectin in infused strawberries was even further decreased, probably due to a higher activity of the fungal PME under high pressure. In case of the high pressure process, this was reflected in a very firm texture. However, the combined thermal-high pressure process caused more severe tissue damage, in spite of the advantageous pectin properties.Industrial relevanceDuring high pressure processing of strawberries many nutritional and sensorial characteristics are quite well preserved. Unfortunately, texture of strawberries deteriorates during such processes. This paper provides mechanistic insight into how infusion of fungal pectinmethylesterase and calcium ions in strawberries can preserve the firmness of these fruits during high pressure processing.     

Spatial disparities across the regions of Turkey: an exploratory spatial data analysis

The aim of this paper is to perform an exploratory spatial data analysis on the growth and development level of the 76 Turkish regions over 1995–2001. While our choropleth maps indicate that the Western part of the country is significantly more developed than the East, the tools of spatial statistics reveal the presence of spatial dependence across provinces. The presence of heterogeneity is reflected in the distribution of Local Indicators of Spatial Association statistics. Overall, our results shed new light on the distribution of growth across Turkish regions and its relation with public investments and human capital, two indicators of development.     

Fetal Health Locus of Control scale: Development and validation.

Describes the development of the 18-item Fetal Health Locus of Control (FHLC) scale and demonstrates the scale's utility in predicting maternal health-related behavior during pregnancy using 63 pregnant women (aged 17–37 yrs). Normative data are presented, along with information on its factor structure and internal consistency. Evidence for discriminant validity of the FHLC in contrast to another measure of locus of control is also provided. Reported cigarette and caffeine consumption during pregnancy were related to locus of control expectancies. Ss' intentions to participate in prepared childbirth classes (a means of enhancing self-control over the labor and delivery process) were also related to their locus of control beliefs. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

LED路灯透镜的二次光学设计介绍

LED的二次光学元件设计对LED路灯的配光及光学输出效率至关重要。良好的道路照明要求LED路灯的配光为长方形的光型,路灯发出的所有光刚刚可以覆盖住马路,而马路之外的光污染几乎为零。非对称自由曲面二次光学元件的采用可以使LED路灯的长方形配光直接在单个LED模组上实现。整体路灯只需要将这些LED模组阵列按照相同方向排列即可,从而可以简化路灯机构、散热及控制电源的设计。本文介绍了LED路灯的二次光学设计,及一种用于LED路灯的自由曲面二次光学透镜的设计方法。     

Rieske Oxygenases and Other Ferredoxin-Dependent Enzymes: Electron Transfer Principles and Catalytic Capabilities

Enzymes that depend on sophisticated electron transfer via ferredoxins (Fds) exhibit outstanding catalytic capabilities, but despite decades of research, many of them are still not well understood or exploited for synthetic applications. This review aims to provide a general overview of the most important Fd-dependent enzymes and the electron transfer processes involved. While several examples are discussed, we focus in particular on the family of Rieske non-heme iron-dependent oxygenases (ROs). In addition to illustrating their electron transfer principles and catalytic potential, the current state of knowledge on structure–function relationships and the mode of interaction between the redox partner proteins is reviewed. Moreover, we highlight several key catalyzed transformations, but also take a deeper dive into their engineerability for biocatalytic applications. The overall findings from these case studies highlight the catalytic capabilities of these biocatalysts and could stimulate future interest in developing additional Fd-dependent enzyme classes for synthetic applications.