bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of host–fungus interactions among wood decay fungi associated with Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss (Meliaceae) in Singapore
Authors: Burcham D. C. , Wong J.‐Y. , Ali M. I. M. , Abarrientos N. V. , Fong Y.‐K. , Schwarze F. W. M. R. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryTree pruning creates wounds that are amenable for wood decay fungi colonization. To characterize the dynamic host–fungus interactions at this location in Senegal mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity tests were conducted with wood decay fungi associated with this tropical tree species. Fomitiporella caryophylii, Hymenochaete murina and Phellinus noxius isolates were included in this experiment following their frequent isolation from Senegal mahogany pruning wounds. The evaluated isolates demonstrated unique host interactions in laboratory tests that suggest equally divergent prognoses for living Senegal mahoganies affected by these fungi. Although all evaluated fungal isolates successfully breached naturally induced reaction zones, P. noxius alone caused significant mass loss to incubated wood blocks. In addition, P. noxius caused extensive wood decay after inoculation in living hosts, successfully illustrating Koch's postulates for this host–fungus relationship. The wood decay ability, invasiveness and facultative parasitism demonstrated by P. noxius suggest its dominant role in wood decay columns below pruning wounds on living Senegal mahoganies. These results highlight the importance of characterizing specific host–fungus interactions and their implications for wood decay severity below pruning wounds in living trees.
Evaluation of Pinus radiata seed treatments to control Fusarium circinatum: effects on seed emergence and disease incidence
Authors: Berbegal M. , Landeras E. , Sánchez D. , Abad‐Campos P. , Pérez‐Sierra A. , Armengol J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn this study, the effects of hot water (HWT), hydrogen peroxide and fungicides on the incidence of Fusarium circinatum on artificially inoculated Pinus radiata seeds were evaluated. Fifteen commercial fungicide formulations were screened in vitro for inhibitory activity on mycelial growth and conidial germination of F. circinatum. With half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) lower than 0.5 ppm, fluazinam, imazalil and tebuconazole were the most effective fungicides on mycelial growth, while captan, mancozeb or pyraclostrobin were the most effective (EC50 < 0.3 ppm) on conidial germination. Based on the results obtained, imazalil, fluazinam, mancozeb and pyraclostrobin were selected for further testing. The effects of HWT, hydrogen peroxide and fungicide treatments on seed emergence and the incidence of F. circinatum were assessed. Seed treatments with fungicides prior to sowing were less effective and inconsistent in reducing the incidence of F. circinatum on seedlings. In contrast, hot water and hydrogen peroxide treatments significantly reduced F. circinatum contamination on P. radiata seeds with an overall disease incidence lower than 0.8% on seedlings. Furthermore, subsequent application of fungicides on seedlings did not improve the effectiveness of HWT. These results, therefore, suggest that hot water is a better alternative to hydrogen peroxide and fungicides as Pinus seed treatment against F. circinatum and could easily be implemented as standard in commercial nurseries to control the spread of the pitch canker disease.
Northward displacement of optimal climate conditions for ecotypes ofEriophorum vaginatumL. across a latitudinal gradient inAlaska
Authors: McGraw James B. , Turner Jessica B. , Souther Sara , Bennington Cynthia C. , Vavrek Milan C. , Shaver Gaius R. , Fetcher Ned 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPlants are often genetically specialized as ecotypes attuned to local environmental conditions. When conditions change, the optimal environment may be physically displaced from the local population, unless dispersal orin situevolution keep pace, resulting in a phenomenon called adaptational lag. Using a 30‐year‐old reciprocal transplant study across a 475 km latitudinal gradient, we tested the adaptational lag hypothesis by measuring both short‐term (tiller population growth rates) and long‐term (17‐year survival) fitness components ofEriophorum vaginatumecotypes in Alaska, where climate change may have already displaced the optimum. Analyzing the transplant study as a climate transfer experiment, we showed that the climate optimum for plant performance was displaced ca. 140 km north of home sites, although plants were not generally declining in size at home sites. Adaptational lag is expected to be widespread globally for long‐lived, ecotypically specialized plants, with disruptive consequences for communities and ecosystems.
Optimisation of process parameters to develop nutritionally rich spray‐dried honey powder with vitamin C content and antioxidant properties
Authors: Suhag Yogita , Nanda Vikas 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe aim of present research was to optimise the conditions to develop nutritionally rich honey powder using honey, whey protein concentrate (WPC), aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn) and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract with the help of co‐current spray drier. Response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of inlet temperature (160–180 °C), whey protein concentrate (25–35%), feed flow rate (0.08–0.13 mL s−1), aonla extract (6–8%) and basil extract (6–8%) on product responses, viz. bulk density, hygroscopicity, antioxidant activity (AOA), total phenolic content (TPC) and vitamin C. Statistical analysis revealed that independent variables significantly affected all the responses. The results demonstrated that increasing inlet temperature lowered the bulk density, hygroscopicity, AOA, TPC and vitamin C, whereas addition of aonla extract and basil extract increased the AOA (82.73%), TPC (63.27%) and total vitamin C content (94.89%) as these functional compounds were encapsulated by WPC. Similarly, with increase in feed flow rate and WPC, there was increase and decrease in the bulk density and hygroscopicity, respectively. The recommended optimum spray‐drying conditions were inlet air temperature (170 °C), feed rate (0.11 mL s−1), whey protein concentrate (35%), aonla (8%) and basil extract (6%).
Effect of instant controlled pressure drop process on some physicochemical and nutritional properties of snacks produced from chickpea and wheat
Authors: Yağcı Sibel , Evci Tuba 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe chickpea and wheat seeds were processed using laboratory‐scale equipment of instant controlled pressure drop process (DIC) to produce nutritious snack products. In this study, we present the results concerning the effect of various DIC‐processing variables, moisture content, steam pressure and processing time on some physicochemical (water absorption (WAI) and water solubility (WSI) indices) and nutritional properties (total phenolic and phytic acid contents, starch gelatinisation and digestibility values). Among the DIC‐processing conditions, processing pressure and time had the highest significance rather than the moisture content. DIC process increased the total phenolic content of chickpea by approximately twofold, whereas it usually decreased in that of wheat. Severe processing conditions such as long processing time and high steam pressures generally led to an increase in WAI, WSI and starch gelatinisation as well as phenolic content, but a decrease in the antinutritional factor of phytic acid content within the working limit of the study. DIC treatment significantly increased the level of starch gelatinisation and digestibility of snack products.
Phytochemicals and quality characteristics of candied paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) during storage
Authors: Kim Suna , Park Jihyun , Moon BoKyung 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn this study, we prepared candied paprika from various coloured fresh paprika and compared the changes in phytochemicals and quality for 42 days by analysing carotenoids, ascorbic acids and total phenolic content, and by assessing sensory and instrumental qualities. We identified five types of carotenoids from candied red paprika (CRP) and three from candied orange paprika (COP) and candied yellow paprika (CYP). At 0‐day storage, capsanthin and β‐carotene in CRP were quantitatively analysed to 26.96 μg g−1 fw and 3.81 μg g−1 fw, zeaxanthin and β‐carotene in COP were 9.35 μg g−1 fw and 4.16 μg g−1 fw, and lutein and β‐carotene in CYP were 0.27 μg 100 g−1 fw and 0.70 μg 100 g−1 fw, respectively. After 42‐days storage, CRP retained approximately 68.6% carotenoids, COP retained 40%, and CYP retained 33%. Ascorbic acid and total phenolic content decreased during storage as carotenoids did. However, rates of decrease were different in different coloured paprika, especially, ascorbic acid in COP and phenolic acid in CRP were considerably conserved for 42 days. Hardness, springiness and chewiness in all samples were significantly increased by 14‐days storage and maintained until 42‐days storage, and all the sensory parameters, including colour, appearance, odour, texture, paprika flavour and overall consumer preference showed no differences until 28 days.
Effects of genotype and growing locations on properties of wheat starch gels
Authors: Nhan Minh Tri , Copeland Les 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis study examines the contributions of genotype and the effects of growing location and storage to variability in the strength, syneresis and in vitro enzyme digestibility of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) starch gels. The study involved starch that was extracted from five wheat varieties grown in four locations. Length of storage at 4 °C after hydrothermal treatment of the starch accounted for 30–50% of the variance in the three gel properties. Genotype contributed significantly to variability in syneresis and enzyme digestibility of the starch gels, indicating a degree of heritability of these characteristics in the wheat varieties studied. Gel strength was strongly influenced by effects from the growing location. Syneresis and enzyme‐resistant starch were negatively correlated with granule size and swelling power of native starch. Syneresis was also correlated negatively with pasting viscosities of starch granules, and positively with amylose content and pasting temperature. Gel strength was correlated positively with relative crystallinity and negatively with the breakdown of peak viscosity. Length of storage had a major influence on gel strength, syneresis and in vitro enzyme digestibility, although genotype contributed significantly to variability in syneresis and enzyme‐digestibility. Growing conditions were a significant influence on gel strength.
Production of Agaricus brasiliensis mycelium from food industry residues as a source of antioxidants and essential fatty acids
Authors: Mokochinski João B. , López Begoña G. C. , Sovrani Vanessa , Dalla Santa Herta S. , González‐Borrero Pedro Pablo , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena F. , Schmidt Eduardo M. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Torres Yohandra R. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryAgaricus brasiliensis is a medicinal mushroom traditionally employed in prevention and treatment of cancer, used as immunostimulant and as a source of antioxidants. We investigated the chemical composition of the mycelium produced by submerged (SF) and solid‐state fermentation (SSF), using residues from food industry as substrates. After fermentation, antiradical activity and levels of antioxidants were enhanced, indicating that the micro‐organism produces these metabolites. For myceliated substrate (mushroom mycelia grown around and into the substrate particles) obtained by SSF, phenolics ranged from 18.57 to 70.46 mg g−1 and flavonoids from 0.83 to 4.51 mg g−1. For myceliated substrate obtained by SF, the variation was 27.19 to 66.99 mg g−1 and 0.75 to 5.34 mg g−1 for phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The fatty acid profile determined by FT‐ICR MS and UPLC‐MS showed predominance of palmitic, linoleic, linolenic and oleic acids. Our findings indicated that mycelium has nutraceutical potential and can be incorporated in food supplements.
Characteristics of collagen from the skin of clown featherback (Chitala ornata)
Authors: Kittiphattanabawon Phanat , Benjakul Soottawat , Sinthusamran Sittichoke , Kishimura Hideki 
Published: May 2015

SummaryAcid soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) from the skin of clown featherback (Chitala ornata) were isolated and characterised. Yields of ASC and PSC were 27.64 and 44.63% (dry weight basis) with total collagen recovery of 82.08%. Both collagens contained glycine as the major amino acid with relatively high content of proline, hydroxyproline and glutamic acid/glutamine. Nevertheless, they had the low content of cysteine, histidine and tryrosine. The collagen was characterised as type I, comprising (α1)2α2‐heterotrimer. Pepsin‐aided process did not affect triple‐helical structure of PSC as determined by FTIR spectra. Thermal transition temperature of ASC (36.28 °C) was slightly higher than that of PSC (35.23 °C). However, no differences in isoelectric point (5.54–5.68) between ASC and PSC were observed. Therefore, collagen from the skin of clown featherback could be successfully extracted for further applications.
Thermal stability and transition temperatures of monovalent salts of high‐acyl gellan gels
Authors: Murillo‐Martínez María M. , Tecante Alberto 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the thermal stability and determine the transition temperatures of the sodium and potassium salts of high‐acyl gellan (HAG) in the presence of 0–100 mm NaCl and KCl, respectively. TG/DTG revealed the potassium gellan (KHAG) gels to be more stable than those of sodium gellan (NaHAG), regardless of external cation concentration. Rheometry and DSC showed the melting (Tm) and gelling (Tg) temperatures to increase with cation concentration. The DSC peak temperatures showed thermal hysteresis contrary to rheometry. In most cases, DSC revealed KHAG to exhibit higher Tm and Tg than NaHAG. Consequently, thermal characteristics of NaHAG and KHAG gels depend on the size of the external cation and its ability to coordinate water molecules. Cation salts of HAG exhibit significantly lower transition temperatures than the commercial preparation from which they were produced.
Influenza surveillance in Europe: comparing intensity levels calculated using the moving epidemic method
Authors: Vega Tomás , Lozano José E. , Meerhoff Tamara , Snacken René , Beauté Julien , Jorgensen Pernille , Ortiz de Lejarazu Raúl , Domegan Lisa , Mossong Joël , Nielsen Jens , Born Rita , Larrauri Amparo , Brown Caroline 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesAlthough influenza‐like illnesses (ILI) and acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) surveillance are well established in Europe, the comparability of intensity among countries and seasons remains an unresolved challenge. The objective is to compare the intensity of ILI and ARI in some European countries.Design and settingWeekly ILI and ARI incidence rates and proportion of primary care consultations were modeled in 28 countries for the 1996/1997–2013/2014 seasons using the moving epidemic method (MEM). We calculated the epidemic threshold and three intensity thresholds, which delimit five intensity levels: baseline, low, medium, high, and very high. The intensity of 2013/2014 season is described and compared by country.ResultsThe lowest ILI epidemic thresholds appeared in Sweden and Estonia (below 10 cases per 100 000) and the highest in Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia (above 100 per 100 000). The 2009/2010 season was the most intense, with 35% of the countries showing high or very high intensity levels. The European epidemic period in season 2013/2014 started in January 2014 in Spain, Poland, and Greece. The intensity was between low and medium and only Greece reached the high intensity level, in weeks 7 to 9/2014. Some countries remained at the baseline level throughout the entire surveillance period.ConclusionsEpidemic and intensity thresholds varied by country. Influenza‐like illnesses and ARI levels normalized by MEM in 2013/2014 showed that the intensity of the season in Europe was between low and medium in most of the countries. Comparing intensity among seasons or countries is essential for understanding patterns in seasonal epidemics. An automated standardized model for comparison should be implemented at national and international levels.
Spatial segregation and realized niche shift during the parallel invasion of two olive subspecies in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Cornuault Josselin , Khimoun Aurélie , Cuneo Peter , Besnard Guillaume 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimGreater understanding of the processes underlying biological invasions is required to determine and predict invasion risk. Two subspecies of olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea and Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) have been introduced into Australia from the Mediterranean Basin and southern Africa during the 19th century. Our aim was to determine to what extent the native environmental niches of these two olive subspecies explain the current spatial segregation of the subspecies in their non‐native range. We also assessed whether niche shifts had occurred in the non‐native range, and examined whether invasion was associated with increased or decreased occupancy of niche space in the non‐native range relative to the native range.LocationSouth‐eastern Australia, Mediterranean Basin and southern Africa.MethodsEcological niche models (ENMs) were used to quantify the similarity of native and non‐native realized niches. Niche shifts were characterized by the relative contribution of niche expansion, stability and contraction based on the relative occupancy of environmental space by the native and non‐native populations.ResultsNative ENMs indicated that the spatial segregation of the two subspecies in their non‐native range was partly determined by differences in their native niches. However, we found that environmentally suitable niches were less occupied in the non‐native range relative to the native range, indicating that niche shifts had occurred through a contraction of the native niches after invasion, for both subspecies.Main conclusionsThe mapping of environmental factors associated with niche expansion, stability or contraction allowed us to identify areas of greater invasion risk. This study provides an example of successful invasions that are associated with niche shifts, illustrating that introduced plant species are sometimes readily able to establish in novel environments. In these situations the assumption of niche stasis during invasion, which is implicitly assumed by ENMs, may be unreasonable.
Consideration of dispersal processes and northern refugia can improve our understanding of past plant migration rates in North America
Authors: Snell Rebecca S. , Cowling Sharon A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimAccording to the palynological record, rapid plant migrations following the retreat of the last glacier were common in North America and Europe. However, providing an explanation for these rapid migration rates has been challenging considering modern‐day seed dispersal distances. We used the newly developed seed dispersal functionality in a hybrid dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) to simulate two theories that have been proposed to explain rapid plant migrations: long‐distance seed dispersal and northern refugial populations.LocationIdealized landscapes representing temperate and boreal regions of North America.MethodsVegetation migration rates for three species (Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia and Picea glauca) were simulated in response to climate change across a landscape. All simulations included long‐distance seed dispersal; however, we compared landscape colonization rates both with and without the presence of northern refugial populations.ResultsFor all three species, the colonization rates were faster when there was a northern refugial population. Increasing the number of locations of refugia further increased the rate of landscape colonization, and this was most effective when refugial populations were spatially separated. The perceived migration rates (i.e. the time it took to spread the furthest distance away from the southern refugium) were approximately twice as fast when a refugium was present. For example, A. rubrum had a perceived migration rate of 119 m yr−1 without refugia and a perceived migration rate of 204 m yr−1 with a northern refugium.Main conclusionsThe simulated migration rates that matched the rapid migration rates observed in the pollen record for Acer were only achieved when both long‐distance dispersal and northern refugial populations were included in the simulations. Even with refugial populations, migration rates for P. glauca and F. grandifolia were slower than historical rates. The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that plant migration rates calculated from the pollen record overestimate the ability of most species to track rapid climate change.
N‐acetyl‐l‐tryptophan, but not N‐acetyl‐d‐tryptophan, rescues neuronal cell death in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Sirianni Ana C. , Jiang Jiying , Zeng Jiang , Mao Lilly L. , Zhou Shuanhu , Sugarbaker Peter , Zhang Xinmu , Li Wei , Friedlander Robert M. , Wang Xin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and proteasomal dysfunction are all responsible for ALS pathogenesis. N‐acetyl‐tryptophan has been identified as an inhibitor of mitochondrial cytochrome c release and therefore is a potential neuroprotective agent. By quantifying cell death, we demonstrate that N‐acetyl‐l‐tryptophan (L‐NAT) and N‐acetyl‐DL‐tryptophan are neuroprotective in NSC‐34 motor neuron‐like cells and/or primary motor neurons, while their isomer N‐acetyl‐d‐tryptophan has no protective effect. These findings are consistent with energy minimization and molecular modeling analysis, confirming that L‐NAT generates the most stable complex with the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R). L‐NAT inhibits the secretion of Substance P and IL‐1β (Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay and/or dot blots) and mitochondrial dysfunction by effectively inhibiting the release of cytochrome c/Smac/AIF from mitochondria into the cytoplasm and activation of apoptotic pathways, including the activation of caspase‐1, ‐9, and ‐3, as well as proteasomal dysfunction through restoring chymotrypsin‐like, trypsin‐like, and caspase‐like proteasome activity. These data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which L‐NAT offers neuroprotection in models of ALS and suggest its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for ALS.
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We demonstrate that L‐NAT (N‐acetyl‐l‐tryptophan), but not D‐NAT, rescues NSC‐34 cells and primary motor neurons from cell death. L‐NAT inhibits the secretion of Substance P and IL‐1β, and caspase‐1 activation, the release of cytochrome c/Smac/AIF, and the activation of caspase ‐9, and ‐3, as well as proteasomal dysfunction. The data suggest the potential of L‐NAT as a novel therapeutic strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). AIF, apoptosis‐inducing factor.