Aluminum Foil Bags Research Articles

Fast Imaging of Eccrine Latent Fingerprints with Nontoxic Mn-Doped ZnS QDs

Fingerprints are unique characteristics of an individual, and their imaging and recognition is a top-priority task in forensic science. Fast LFP (latent fingerprint) acquirement can greatly help policemen in screening the potential criminal scenes and capturing fingerprint clues. Of the two major latent fingerprints (LFP), eccrine is expected to be more representative than sebaceous in LFP identification. Here we explored the heavy metal-free Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as a new imaging moiety for eccrine LFPs. To study the effects of different ligands on the LFP image quality, we prepared Mn-doped ZnS QDs with various surface-capping ligands using QDs synthesized in high-temperature organic media as starting material. The orange fluorescence emission from Mn-doped ZnS QDs clearly revealed the optical images of eccrine LFPs. Interestingly, N-acetyl-cysteine-capped Mn-doped ZnS QDs could stain the eccrine LFPs in as fast as 5 s. Meanwhile, the levels 2 and 3 substructures of the fingerprints could also be simultaneously and clearly identified. While in the absence of QDs or without rubbing and stamping the finger onto foil, no fluorescent fingerprint images could be visualized. Besides fresh fingerprint, aged (5, 10, and 50 days), incomplete eccrine LFPs could also be successfully stained with N-acetyl-cysteine-capped Mn-doped ZnS QDs, demonstrating the analytical potential of this method in real world applications. The method was also robust for imaging of eccrine LFPs on a series of nonporous surfaces, such as aluminum foil, compact discs, glass, and black plastic bags.

Effect of the Packing Material and Temperature on the Quality Characteristics of Dehydrated Carrot during Storage

In order to maintain quality of dehydrated carrot during storage, the effect of storage temperature and packing material on dehydrated carrot was studied. Quality changing of dehydrated carrot packed in aluminum foil bag (AF) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at low temperature or room temperature were evaluated during storage. The results showed that the quality of samples in four packing methods had a reduction. The samples in AF underwent the least reduction in quality. The thermal degradation kinetics of carotenoids in dehydrated carrot was followed the first order thermal degradation kinetics reaction. The retention of carotenoids in AF was higher than that in HDPE. The k was the least. The value of non-enzymatic browning (NEB) increased. Samples in HDPE had lower quality than the samples in AF.

HPLC Quantitative Analysis of Rhein and Antidermatophytic Activity ofCassia fistulaPod Pulp Extracts of Various Storage Conditions

Cassia fistula is well known for its laxative and antifungal properties due to anthraquinone compounds in the pods. This study quantitatively analyzed rhein in the C. fistula pod pulp decoction extracts kept under various storage conditions using HPLC. The antifungal activity of the extracts and their hydrolyzed mixture was also evaluated against dermatophytes. The contents of rhein in all stored decoction extracts remained more than 95% (95.69–100.66%) of the initial amount (0.0823 ± 0.001% w/w). There was no significant change of the extracts kept in glass vials and in aluminum foil bags. The decoction extract of C. fistula pod pulp and its hydrolyzed mixture containing anthraquinone aglycones were tested against clinical strains of dermatophytes by broth microdilution technique. The results revealed good chemical and antifungal stabilities against dermatophytes of C. fistula pod pulp decoction extracts stored under various accelerated and real time storage conditions.

Preservation of seed viability during 25 years of storage under standard genebank conditions

Maintaining sufficient viability is critical to the sustainability of ex situ conserved seed collections. For this reason, accessions are regenerated when viability falls below a predefined threshold. Viability is monitored by determining the germination ability of accessions at predefined time intervals. Optimizing the frequency of these germination tests, in order to avoid waste of resources, is hampered by the scarce availability of data about seed longevity, particularly for material maintained under genebank conditions. Here we report on the analysis of nearly 40,000 germination test results collected for a wide range of crop species over a 25-years period by the centre for genetic resources, the Netherlands (CGN), where seeds of genebank accessions are dried to 3–7 % moisture content and stored for the long term under near-vacuum in aluminium foil bags at −20 °C. The results indicate that seed viability is well maintained for the large majority of seed lots during the first 25 years after regeneration as only 3.3 % of the monitoring tests revealed below-threshold germination values. It is argued that the majority of these sub-standard seed lots are due to other causes than seed ageing, including dormancy problems and estimation error in germination testing. For material, maintained under the seed management procedures and storage conditions practiced by CGN, it is therefore recommended to delay the first germination monitoring tests to 25 years after regeneration.

Synthesis of down conversion, high luminescent nano-phosphor materials based on new developed Ln3+:Y2Zr2O7/SiO2 for latent fingerprint application

New down-converting materials based on lanthanide doped yttrium zirconate nanoparticles impeded in silica matrix (x mol% Ln3+:Y2Zr2O7/SiO2 (LnYZS) where (Ln3+=Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+, Dy3+ or Pr3+; x=4, 17 and 35mol%) and YZS=Y2Zr2O7/SiO2) were synthesized by sol–gel process followed by thermal treatment at 1100°C for 8h. The LnYZS nano-phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), FT-IR and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The prepared nano-phosphor materials had a well crystalline structure with nano-size spherical morphology and exhibited an enhanced emission with different colors in the visible range depending on the type of Ln3+ ion due to different transition mechanisms. The longest PL was detected for EuYZS and TbYZS nano-phosphors which were characterized by highly pure red and green fluorescence, respectively. The PL properties of EuYZS and TbYZS nano-phosphors make them promising materials for finger print detection application. The fingerprint details on different nonporous surfaces (glass, aluminum foil, CD and plastic bag) were clearly developed with EuYZS and TbYZS nano-phosphors under UV illumination.

Thin layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometric method for chemical stability evaluation of Cassia fistula pod pulp extract: An alternative laxative drug

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical stability of Cassia fistula Linn. pod pulp extracts which were freshly prepared and were stored under accelerated and real time storage conditions for 6 months according to ASEAN guideline on drug stability study. A thin layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometric method was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of the content of rhein, a major anthraquinone constituent, in the extracts. The TLC was carried out on aluminium sheet of silica gel 60 F254 using ethyl acetate:methanol:water (100:17:10, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. The wavelength of the ultraviolet (UV) detector was set at 435 nm. The proposed TLC-densitometric method showed acceptable validation parameters. The content of rhein in the decoction extracts remained more than 95% (96.40 to 99.65%) of the initial amount (0.1446% w/w) for all storage conditions. There was no significant change of the extracts kept in glass vials and in aluminium foil bags. TLC-densitometric method is simple, rapid, sensitive, and economical for routine analysis of rhein content in C. fistula pod pulp extracts. The good chemical stability of the extracts indicates the suitability of C. fistula pod pulp extract as a raw material for the development of modern herbal laxative formulations. Key words: Cassia fistula, chemical stability, laxative, thin layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometric method.

Stability of Carotenoid Diets During Feed Processing and Under Different Storage Conditions

The stability of formulated carotenoid diets during feed processing and under different storage conditions were studied. All carotenoid diets were split into two groups with one group containing BHT (acting as an antioxidant) at 250 ppm and the other without BHT. The experiment was divided into two parts. First, all diets were evaluated in total carotenoid (TC) loss during feed processing, in dry mixed feeds after being processed and dried. In the final part, the completed dietary carotenoids were stored in an aluminum foil bag, the top of which was sealed with a bag sealer and kept under different storage conditions at 26–28 °C and 4 °C. The stability of the TC was observed during an 8-week trial period. The results showed that the diet pelleting process did not affect the carotenoid content of the diets, and the best storage temperature for the formulated carotenoid diet was at 4 °C. However, an antioxidant was added to assist in energy saving before feed processing. Thus, the addition of BHT at 250 ppm can be done at normal room temperature in order to reduce oxidation that might cause a loss of TC quantities in diets.

Changes in germination characteristics and seedling growth between storage and non-storage of primed tall fescue seed

In seed priming studies, seeds usually are sown directly in the field or stored for short periods of time. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of storage on the primed seed of tall fescue. Hydropriming and osmopriming methods were used in this study to prime the seeds. The water osmotic potential for osmopriming was between -1.5 and -2.2 MPa. After drying, the seeds were first divided into two groups. For the first group, the seeds were sealed in aluminum foil bags and stored at 25°C for up to 1 year and the second group was used for un-stored germination test. Germination percentage for primed seeds stored at 25°C for 1 year decreased significantly compared to the un-stored primed seeds in most treatments, but the control seeds (stored non-primed seeds) in comparison with hydropriming for 1 day had the lowest germination value. The results reveal that there were significant decreased in the germination percentage in stored seeds. The mean germination times of seeds primed and unstored were lower than those of stored primed seeds. Generally, results show that in order to improve seed germination performance without loss of longevity of tall fescue species, hydropriming can be advised.

Physiological and biochemical responses of ultra-dry storage of Elymus dahuricus seed

The silica gel drying method was utilized to reduce the moisture content of Elymus dahuricus seeds from an original content of 9.03 to 7.69, 6.10, 4.97, 4.47, 3.83, 2.58 and 1.26%. After sealing the seeds in aluminum foil bags, they were placed at -4°C, 4°C, room temperature and 45°C to store for 12 months and to identify their physiological and biochemical indicators. Results indicate that ultra-dry storage can: 1) Improve the storability and membrane permeability of E. dahuricus seeds, 2) increase the activity of E. dahuricus SOD, POD and CAT, and 3) lower MDA content. Moderate ultra-dry storage at room temperature can reach the conserved effect of low-temperature without intense ultra-drying. Therefore, the moderate ultra-dry can be use as effective measure for the conservation of E. dahuricus germplasm resources. Key words: Elymus dahuricus, ultra-dry storage, moisture content.

Studies on the stability of salvianolic acid B as potential drug material

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is one of the major water-soluble compounds isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Although much research on the general stability of Sal B has been undertaken and reported, there is still a need for further study of the stability required as a potential drug material. To study the stability of Sal B in the solid state and in normal saline (NS) solution during storage, as required in the ICH guidelines (2003) and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2005). Sal B stability was analysed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. HPLC coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOFMS) was applied for the separation and identification of the degradation products of Sal B. In the solid state, Sal B packaged in aluminium foil bags was stable for 6 months under 'accelerated conditions' (40°C, 75% relative humidity, RH). However, solid Sal B degradation was observed under open exposure to stress conditions of high temperature (60°C) or high humidity (92.5 or 75% RH). In NS solution, Sal B underwent severe degradation under accelerated conditions. Through HPLC-TOFMS, nine degradation products were identified and the possible degradation pathway was deduced. The results demonstrate that the potential drug material Sal B could be used in a solid formulation, but is not suitable for use as a liquid formulation.

The Effect of Initial Moisture Content, Packaging and Storage Period on Succinate Dehydrogenase and Cytochrome Oxidase Activity of Soybean Seed

The quality of soybean seed is easily decreased, so that it is difficult to keep them for a long time. The research aims to study the effect of initial moisture content, packaging material and storage period on succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activity. The experimental design was arranged in Factorial in RCB consisting of 3 factors: moisture content, i.e. 8. 10 and 12 percent, packaging materials, i.e. polyethylene, wheat and aluminium foil; storage period i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months. Changes in seed water content, specific activity of succinate and cytochrome oxidase, respiration rate, germination coefficient velocity germination, and abnormal seedlings were monthly determined. It was found that seed moisture content was increase and showed positive correlation with seed moisture content and abnormal seedlings and showed negative correlation with specific activity of succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase, respiratory rate, germination and coefficient velocity germination. From this experiment, soybean seeds were stored in polyethylene and aluminium foil bags observed highly succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase specific activity, respiration rate, germination, coefficient velocity germination and keep moisture content in low level could delay seed deterioration followed by polyethylene and wheat bags. Key words: moisture content, succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, soybean

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds darken rapidly and phenolic content falls when stored at higher temperature, moisture and light intensity

Faba beans cv. Fiesta with seed moisture content (SMC) modified to 8, 10, 12 and 14% were packed in polyethylene lined aluminium foil bags and stored at 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 37, 45, 50 or 60 °C (± 2 °C) for one year. Samples were analysed for moisture content and seed coat (testa) colour over the storage period using a chroma meter. A continuous increase in L∗ and b∗ values was found in all samples with the passage of time whereas a∗ values first increased and then decreased in samples stored at relatively high temperatures (≥ 37 °C). The initial beige testa colour changed to light brown, dark reddish-brown or almost black depending on storage conditions. The higher the temperature and SMC the faster the rate of change in colour (▵Eab∗ values). Seeds with 8% SMC had more stable testa colour compared to seeds with higher SMC. Exposure to artificial light (350 μ mol m−2 s−1) substantially accelerated the colour darkening. Cotyledons stored at 37 ± 2 °C also darkened with the storage time. A loss in total free phenolics, total tannins and proanthocyanidins was found with increased darkness of testa and cotyledons during storage.

Development of rice reference material and its use for evaluation of analytical performance of food analysis laboratories

Data quality is one of the major concerns in development of food composition database and to editors of many peer-reviewed journals in accepting a scientific paper for publication. Regular use of a reference material and participation in a proficiency testing programme could improve the reliability of the analytical data. The objectives of this project were to prepare rice test material with assigned values and to use it to assess the analytical performance of laboratories which are involved in research and analysis of rice. The international guidelines, ISO Guide 35, ISO 13528 and ISO Guide 43, were followed as much as possible throughout the preparation of the reference material and the laboratory performance study. Brown rice (Jasmine variety) was ground to particle size which passed completely through a sieve with pore size 250 μm and packed in laminated aluminum foil bags under vacuum. Based on the analyses of representative nutrients – moisture, protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B1 – the samples were demonstrated homogeneous. Ten expert laboratories from various countries, 36 laboratories from Thailand, and 16 laboratories from ASEAN and Asia registered for the laboratory performance study. The samples were sent for analysis of selected proximate composition (moisture, protein, dietary fibre and ash), two minerals (iron, zinc), and one labile nutrient (vitamin B1) using routine analytical methods. The assigned values of the nutrients in the test materials, as robust mean ± robust SD or predicted SD, were established with their uncertainties. For proximate composition, 67–87% of participating laboratories showed good analytical performance. However, many of them showed questionable and unsatisfactory performance on the analyses of dietary fibre (55%) and vitamin B1 (47%). The evaluation of the results of moisture, protein and iron with their uncertainties against the assigned values of the test material using En score was also demonstrated. Finally, the consensus values of nutrients in the rice sample as mean ± SD were developed from the analytical results of laboratories with good performance for both within- and between-laboratories. This test material can be used as a reference material for internal and external quality control systems to improve the quality of the analytical data.

Formation of Heterocyclic Amines in Fried Fish Fiber during Processing and Storage

The formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) in fried fish fiber during processing and storage was studied. Fried fish fiber was prepared by boiling of raw fish, followed by eviscerating, pressing, chopping, and then the fish meat was subjected to frying, during which the various additives such as sugar, soybean sauce, and edible oil were added. The various HAs in fried fish fiber were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection. Only four HAs, Norharman, Harman, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole, and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole were detected in fried fish fiber. The amount of HAs increased with increasing frying temperature. Amino acids might play a more important role for HA formation than reducing sugar during processing of fried fish fiber. During storage, the HAs increased with increasing storage temperature when the fried fish fiber was packed in an aluminum foil bag. However, the relationship between storage temperature and HAs formation was not consistent when the fried fish fiber was packed in a plastic bag.

Lipid peroxidation and peroxide‐scavenging in soybean seeds during aging

The possible role of lipid peroxidation in seed deterioration was investigated during natural aging and accelerated aging of seeds of edible soybean (Glycine max [L], Merr. cv. Kaohsiung Selection No. 1). Natural aging was achieved by sealing the seeds in aluminum foil bags coated with polyethylene and storing the seeds at room temperature for 3 to 12 months. Accelerated aging was obtained by incubating the seeds at 45°C and close to 100% relative humidity for 3 to 12 days, after which the seeds were air dried to their original moisture level (8%). The results indicate that both natural and accelerated aging enhanced lipid peroxidation, as germination was depressed. Aging also inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase. The changes in germination and physiological activities, expressed as a function of aging duration, were somewhat similar in the two aging treatments.

Lipid peroxidation and peroxide-scavenging enzymes of naturally aged soybean seed

Aging is known to reduce seed viability in many crop species. The phenomenon is due in part to the aging-induced lipid peroxidation, which has the potential to damage membranes of the seed tissues. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of natural aging on germination and several physiological characteristics related to peroxidation in the seeds of two edible soybean cultivars produced in different seasons. Natural aging was achieved by sealing the seeds in aluminum foil bags coated with polyethylene and storing the seeds at 5 or 25°C for for 3,6,9, and 12 months. The results indicate that at both 5 and 25°C, aging inhibited seed germination and enhanced lipid peroxidation, but with more rapid seed deterioration and a greater extent of lipid peroxidation at the latter temperature. Aging also inhibited the activity of peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and lipoxygenase. The seeds harvested from the spring crop were more susceptible to aging than the seeds harvested from the autumn crop. The changes in germination and physiological activities, expressed as a function of growing season and aging condition, were similar in the two cultivars.

Acceleration of heat transfer in vial freeze-drying of pharmaceuticals. II. A fluid cushion device.

A simple device for the improvement of freeze-drying efficiency is described. The device is an aluminum foil bag which contains a small amount of glycerin. The device can be either reusable or disposable. When placed on a freeze-drying tray the liquid is about 1 mm thick. When vials are placed on the device it conforms to the shape of the vial bottoms. Since both the aluminum foil and the glycerin are better heat conductors than a vacuum, the device improves heat transfer from the shelf to the vial. Drying times obtained with and without the device are compared for different sizes as well as different types of vials. In most cases the use of the device reduces the drying time by nearly a factor of two. The use of the device also increases vial-to-vial uniformity and minimizes the effect of spillage.

Control of shoot elongation in ponderosa pine: relative roles of apical and axillary meristems.

Buds of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum Engelm.) from which the shoot apical meristems had been surgically removed elongated normally but did not form new terminal buds. Shoot, stem unit and needle growth were similar to those of controls. Removal of needle fascicles from buds starting to elongate inhibited growth, whether or not the shoot apical meristem had been removed. The length of completely defoliated shoots increased by 8.3%, the length of shoots defoliated on the upper half increased by 29.6%, and the length of those defoliated on the lower half increased by 44.9%. The length of controls increased by 137.4% during the same period. On partially defoliated shoots, defoliated stem units elongated less than undefoliated ones. Shoots developing from buds enclosed in light-proof, aluminum-foil bags elongated normally but apparently lacked chlorophyll. Increases in dry weight were significantly correlated with number of stem units (r(2) = 0.53). Results suggest that shoot elongation is controlled endogenously. This control may be mediated by IAA outputs from axillary meristems proportional to meristem number, and the importation of carbohydrates, proportional to the output of IAA.

Determination of relationship between heating value and the thermal resistance of microorganisms in canned meat.

Meat was sterilized with gamma-radiation in an aluminum foil bag and then contaminated with a determined quantity of Bacillus subtilis spores. The bag was then placed in the centre of a can filled with meat. After autoclave sterilization, the whole contents of the aluminum foil bags were examined for the quantity of survived bacteria. This procedure enables the determination of thermal resistance of some bacteria on the condition that appears during typical heating processes. Moreover from all the critical areas all surviving microorganisms can be determined.

Effect of Light on Growth of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Fruits1

Abstract Sweet cherry fruits covered with aluminum foil bags at the beginning of pit hardening were visibly larger than those exposed to light when examined 14 days later. With ‘Bing’ fruits this difference in size remained nearly constant until harvest while with ‘Royal Ann’ it continued to diverge during “final swell.” The size of covered fruits was larger at harvest, but soluble solids content was much less than in exposed fruits. The alcohol insoluble substances (AIS) of control mesocarp tissue of ‘Bing’ decreased from 15 to 7% during the 2 weeks prior to harvest; those of dark-grown fruits decreased from 13 to 10%. The trends for the ‘Royal Ann’ fruits were similar. About 45% of the AIS was hydrolyzable with pectinase. Comparisons of levels of gibberellins, auxin-like and ABA-like substances between covered and exposed fruits showed neither consistent trends nor differences correlative to size increase during 3 weeks before harvest wherein the possible roles of these hormones could be ascribed. Humidity and ambient temp were not effective factors compared to light in this growth phenomenon.