A comparison of chemical and physical methods for treating French fries to produce an acceptable microwaved product

Frozen par-fries were processed in January and February using BelRus and Russet Burbank potatoes which were obtained from the same source and held under the same storage conditions. Prior to par-frying the raw potato slices were treated chemically or physically in order to increase the amount of bound water, or to remove water. At each processing date total solids of the raw and treated tissue were determined. Par-fries were analyzed for fat content. Treated samples were microwave heated and evaluated for sensory qualities as compared to frozen par-fries heated in a conventional oven. In no cases were the microwaved fries superior to the oven-heated fries in color, flavor, or texture. Drying the blanched fries in an oven for 10 min. prior to par-frying produced a microwaved product that was quite similar to the oven-heated fries, particularly in the case of the BelRus potatoes. In all cases BelRus potatoes absorbed less fat on par-frying than did Russet Burbank potatoes.     

Sensory quality of Ontario potatoes compared with principal varieties grown in Maine

Baked potatoes of five varieties grown at the same location in Maine were evaluated for quality shortly after harvest and after six months’ storage by sensory panels of 16 and 18 members. The Ontario variety was rated significantly poorer (P = 0.05) in flavor than Russet Burbank, Katahdin, and Superior, but did not differ from Kennebec when tested in November. Following storage, however, these differences were not significant. At the 1% level of detection, Ontario tubers were judged significantly less mealy than those of the Russet Burbank, Katahdin, Superior, and Kennebec varieties (Nov. Kennebec excepted) and were grayer (Mar. Superior excepted). Due to the low mealiness ratings and grayness of flesh, tubers of the Ontario variety were considered less desirable for table stock than potatoes of other principal varieties grown in Maine.     

Suspected sphenoid bone osteomyelitis causing visual impairment in two dogs and one cat

Objective  To present the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis.
Procedures  Two dogs (English Springer Spaniel – ESS, Golden Retriever – GR) and one cat (Domestic Long Haired) were presented with a 2–14-day history of visual deficits and reduced pupillary light reflexes. Investigations included physical, ophthalmologic and neurological examination as well as hematology, serum biochemistry, MRI of the head and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
Results  MRI changes included thickening of the sphenoid bone and a loss of normal bone marrow signal on T1W MRI. Enhancement of the sphenoid bones, ventral meninges and ventral surface of the brain was present using paramagnetic contrast medium. CSF analysis was abnormal in the two dogs with increased cellularity, neutrophilic pleocytosis, intracellular bacteria and increased total protein in one, and with lymphocytic pleocytosis in another. CSF analysis was normal in the cat.
An underlying cause for the osteomyelitis could not be identified. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for 3–6 weeks combined with anti-inflammatory medications proved effective. Full clinical recovery occurred with no relapse during the follow up time of 7 (ESS) and 4 (Domestic Long Haired) years. The GR relapsed 10 months after treatment and recovered following a second 3-week course of broad-spectrum antibiotics with no relapse during the following 3 years.
Conclusion  Visual pathway deficits in dogs and cats may be due to sphenoid bone osteomyelitis. MRI and CSF analysis can assist diagnosing this potentially treatable condition. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis in these species.     

Interactions between protected areas and their surroundings in human-dominated tropical landscapes

Protected areas (PAs) often depend on landscapes surrounding them to maintain flows of organisms, water, nutrients, and energy. Park managers have little authority over the surrounding landscape although land use change and infrastructure development can have major impacts on the integrity of a PA. The need for scientifically-based regional-scale land use planning around protected areas is acute in human-dominated landscapes to balance conservation goals with livelihood needs for fuelwood, fodder, and other ecosystem services. As a first step, we propose the designation of a “zone of interaction” (ZOI) around PAs that encompasses hydrologic, ecological, and socioeconomic interactions between a PA and the surrounding landscape. We illustrate the concept by delineating the ZOI in three Indian PAs - Kanha, Ranthambore, and Nagarahole - using remote sensing, population census, and field data. The ZOI in Ranthambore is three times the size of the park and is largely defined by the socioeconomic interactions with surrounding villages. Ranthambore is located in headwaters and wildlife corridors are largely severed. In Nagarahole, the ZOI is more than seven times larger than the park and includes upstream watershed and elephant corridors. Kanha’s ZOI is approximately four times larger than the park and is mostly defined by contiguous surrounding forest. The three examples highlight the differing extents of ZOIs when applying equivalent criteria, even though all are located in densely-populated landscapes. Quantitative understanding of which activities (e.g. collection of forest products, grazing, road construction, tourism development) and which locations within the ZOI are most crucial to conservation goals will enable improved land use planning around PAs in human-dominated landscapes.     

Range-wide analysis of wildlife habitat: Implications for conservation

The range-wide habitat status of many endangered species is unclear. We evaluated the status and spatial distribution of the habitat of the endangered giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) across its entire geographic range (i.e., six mountain regions located in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, China) by integrating field and remotely sensed data to develop a habitat distribution model. Results suggest that current suitable habitat corresponds to ca. 1/4 of the habitat baseline (i.e., maximum amount of habitat possible). The highest proportion of suitable habitat relative to the baseline is in the Qinling mountain region. Overall, around 40% of the suitable habitat is inside nature reserves, but the proportion of habitat inside them varied among different mountain regions, ranging from ca. 17% (Lesser Xiangling) to ca. 66% (Qinling). The habitat model also predicted the occurrence of potentially suitable habitat outside the currently accepted geographic range of the species, which should be further evaluated as potential panda reintroduction sites. Our approach is valuable for assessing the conservation status of the entire habitat of the species, for identifying areas with significant ecological roles (e.g., corridors), for identifying areas suitable for panda reintroductions, and for establishing specific conservation strategies in different parts of the giant panda geographic range. It might also prove useful for range-wide habitat analyses of many other endangered species around the world.