bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micromorphology of Epicuticular Waxes and Epistomatal Chambers of Pine Species by Electron Microscopy and White Light Scanning Interferometry
Authors: Kim Ki Woo , Lee In Jung , Kim Chang Soo , Lee Don Koo , Park Eun Woo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHigh-resolution imaging and quantitative surface analysis of epicuticular waxes and epistomatal chambers of pine species were performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and white light scanning interferometry. Both juvenile and adult needles were collected from the two-year-old seedlings of Pinus rigida and Pinus densiflora and subjected to surface observations. Epicuticular wax structures developed on the cuticle layer as well as in the epistomatal chambers and appeared to occlude the cavities in the two pine species. The stomata of P. densiflora were characterized by more distinctly raised rings around openings than P. rigida. The most common epicuticular wax structures of the two pine species included tubules with terminal openings and coiled rodlets. Wax platelets were deposited on epistomatal chambers. Either rodlets or tubules seemed to be longer and thicker in P. rigida than those in P. densiflora. White light scanning interferometry revealed quantitative surface profiles, demonstrating more ridged (ca. 4 μm high) stomatal apertures and nearly twofold deeper (ca. 20 μm deep) epistomatal chambers of P. densiflora than those of P. rigida. These results suggest that white light scanning interferometry can be applied to unravel the quantitative surface features of epicuticular sculptures on plant leaves.
Characterization of Mesoporosity in Ceria Particles Using Electron Microscopy
Authors: Shih Shao-Ju , Herrero Pilar Rodrigo , Li Guoqiang , Chen Chin-Yi , Lozano-Perez Sergio 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe geometry and three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the ceria particles synthesized by spray pyrolysis (SP) from two different precursors—cerium acetate hydrate and cerium nitrate hydrate (CeA and CeN ceria particles)—were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. Results were compared with surface area measurements, confirming that the surface area of CeA ceria particles is twice as large as that of CeN ceria particles. This result was supported by 3D microstructural observations, which have revealed that CeA ceria particles contain open pores (connected to surfaces) and closed pores (embedded in particles), while CeN ceria particles only contained closed pores. This experimental result suggests that the type of porosity is controlled by the precursors and could be related to their melting temperature during the heating process in SP.
Structure and functions of exopolysaccharide produced by gut commensal Lactobacillus reuteri 100-23
Authors: Sims Ian M , Frese Steven A , Walter Jens , Loach Diane , Wilson Michelle , Appleyard Kay , Eason Jocelyn , Livingston Megan , Baird Margaret , Cook Gregory , Tannock Gerald W 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Lactobacillus reuteri strain 100-23 together with a Lactobacillus-free mouse model, provides a system with which the molecular traits underpinning bacterial commensalism in vertebrates can be studied. A polysaccharide was extracted from sucrose-containing liquid cultures of strain 100-23. Chemical analysis showed that this exopolysaccharide was a levan (β-2, 6-linked fructan). Mutation of the fructosyl transferase (ftf) gene resulted in loss of exopolysaccharide production. The ftf mutant was able to colonise the murine gastrointestinal tract in the absence of competition, but colonisation was impaired in competition with the wild type. Biofilm formation by the mutant on the forestomach epithelial surface was not impaired and the matrix between cells was indistinguishable from that of the wild type in electron micrographs. Colonisation of the mouse gut by the wild-type strain led to increased proportions of regulatory T cells (Foxp3+) in the spleen, whereas colonisation by the ftf mutant did not. Survival of the mutant in sucrose-containing medium was markedly reduced relative to the wild type. Comparison of the genomic ftf loci of strain 100-23 with other L. reuteri strains suggested that the ftf gene was acquired by lateral gene transfer early in the evolution of the species and subsequently diversified at accelerated rates. Levan production by L. reuteri 100-23 may represent a function acquired by the bacterial species for life in moderate to high-sucrose extra-gastrointestinal environments that has subsequently been diverted to novel uses, including immunomodulation, that aid in colonisation of the murine gut.
Marine integrons containing novel integrase genes, attachment sites, attI, and associated gene cassettes in polluted sediments from Suez and Tokyo Bays
Authors: Elsaied Hosam , Stokes Hatch W , Kitamura Keiko , Kurusu Yasurou , Kamagata Yoichi , Maruyama Akihiko 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
In order to understand the structure and biological significance of integrons and associated gene cassettes in marine polluted sediments, metagenomic DNAs were extracted from sites at Suez and Tokyo Bays. PCR amplicons containing new integrase genes, intI, linked with novel gene cassettes, were recovered and had sizes from 1.8 to 2.5 kb. This approach uncovered, for the first time, the structure and diversity of both marine integron attachment site, attI, and the first gene cassette, the most efficiently expressed integron-associated gene cassette. The recovered 13 and 20 intI phylotypes, from Suez and Tokyo Bay samples, respectively, showed a highly divergence, suggesting a difference in integron composition between the sampling sites. Some intI phylotypes showed similarity with that from Geobacter metallireducens, belonging to Deltaproteobacteria, the dominant class in both sampling sites, as determined by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Thirty distinct families of putative attI site, as determined by the presence of an attI-like simple site, were recovered. A total of 146 and 68 gene cassettes represented Suez and Tokyo Bay unsaturated cassette pools, respectively. Gene cassettes, including a first cassette, from both sampling sites encoded two novel families of glyoxalase/bleomycin antibiotic-resistance protein. Gene cassettes from Suez Bay encoded proteins similar to haloacid dehalogenases, protein disulfide isomerases and death-on-curing and plasmid maintenance system killer proteins. First gene cassettes from Tokyo Bay encoded a xenobiotic-degrading protein, cardiolipin synthetase, esterase and WD40-like β propeller protein. Many of the first gene cassettes encoded proteins with no ascribable function but some of them were duplicated and possessed signal functional sites, suggesting efficient adaptive functions to their bacterial sources. Thus, each sampling site had a specific profile of integrons and cassette types consistent with the hypothesis that the environment shapes the genome.
Perspectives on Sunflower as an Energy Crop
Authors: Flagella Zina , Monteleone Massimo 
Published: January 2011

Sunflower is one of the leading oilseed crops cultivated for the production of oil for human consumption, which is also considered an important crop for biodiesel production. During the period 2003-2007, the average annual world production of sunflower seed was about 28.5 million t from a cultivated area of approximately 22.6 million ha . Sunflower oil accounts for only 5% of global biodiesel production despite it's potential to meet current biodiesel standards. Sunflower high oleic hybrids are suitable for biodiesel production due to the higher oxidative stability of the oil regardless of the cultivation conditions. In contrast, sunflower oil composition from traditional genotypes may be highly affected by the environment, giving the best performance in warmer regions.
Besides biodiesel production, anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are considered with respect to sunflower characteristics in this review.
Whatever the energy conversion process involved, the general purpose should be to significantly enhance the energy yield and the overall efficiency of the process itself. Energy is required to grow crops and convert biomass into biofuel; energy balance is the approach to determine whether alternative fuels provide benefits over the fossil fuels they should displace in term of energy demand and gains. Data on sunflower energy balance related to cultivation and transformation are thus provided. Finally, strategic perspectives concerning sunflower energy exploitation are outlined.
Decreased numbers of peripheral blood dendritic cells in patients with coronary artery disease are associated with diminished plasma Flt3 ligand levels and impaired plasmacytoid dendritic cell function
Authors: Van Brussel Ilse , Van Vré Emily A. , De Meyer Guido R.Y. , Vrints Christiaan J. , Bosmans Johan M. , Bult Hidde 
Published: January 2011

We investigated whether activation of circulating DCs (dendritic cells) or levels of Flt3L (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand) and GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor), haematopoietic growth factors important for DC differentiation, could account for reduced blood DC numbers in CAD (coronary artery disease) patients. Concentrations of Flt3L and GM-CSF were measured in plasma from CAD patients (n = 15) and controls (n = 12). Frequency and phenotype of mDCs (myeloid dendritic cells) and pDCs (plasmacytoid dendritic cells) were analysed by multicolour flow cytometry in fresh blood, and after overnight incubation with TLR (Toll-like receptor)-4 or -7 ligands LPS (lipopolysaccharide) or IQ (imiquimod). DC function was measured by IL (interleukin)-12 and IFN (interferon)-α secretion. Circulating numbers of CD11c+ mDCs and CD123+ pDCs and frequencies of CD86+ and CCR-7+ (CC chemokine receptor type 7) mDCs, but not pDCs, were declined in CAD. In addition, plasma Flt3L, but not GM-CSF, was lower in patients and positively correlated with blood DC counts. In response to LPS, mDCs up-regulated CD83 and CD86, but CCR-7 expression and IL-12 secretion remained unchanged, similarly in patients and controls. Conversely, pDCs from patients had lower CD83 and CCR-7 expression after overnight incubation and had a weaker IQ-induced up-regulation of CD83 and IFN-α secretion. In conclusion, our results suggest that reduced blood DC counts in CAD are, at least partly, due to impaired DC differentiation from bone marrow progenitors. Decreased levels of mDCs are presumably also explained by activation and subsequent migration to atherosclerotic plaques or lymph nodes. Although mDCs are functioning normally, pDCs from patients appeared to be both numerically and functionally impaired.
Fresh meat packaging: trends for retail and food service.
Authors: Nassu R. T. , Juárez M. , Uttaro B. , Aalhus J. L. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Meat packaging implies the extension of shelf-life, by retarding the activity of spoilage bacteria, oxidative processes and changes in sensory properties such as colour and flavour. The use of case-ready meat or centralized packaging of meat in retail food establishments continues to increase. The development of new packaging materials and systems during the last 10 years has been based on consumers' concerns regarding safety, quality and environmental sustainability and industry's need to address ease of distribution and labour requirements. The objective of this review is to examine the current understanding and trends of the most traditional and common packaging systems, such as vacuum packaging and modified-atmosphere packaging, as well as the emerging technologies being used by the meat industry, such as high-pressure processing, irradiation, active packaging and intelligent packaging.
Overexpression of Sinapine Esterase BnSCE3 in Oilseed Rape Seeds Triggers Global Changes in Seed Metabolism
Authors: Clauß Kathleen , von Roepenack-Lahaye Edda , Böttcher Christoph , Roth Mary R. , Welti Ruth , Erban Alexander , Kopka Joachim , Scheel Dierk , Milkowski Carsten , Strack Dieter 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Sinapine (O-sinapoylcholine) is the predominant phenolic compound in a complex group of sinapate esters in seeds of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Sinapine has antinutritive activity and prevents the use of seed protein for food and feed. A strategy was developed to lower its content in seeds by expressing an enzyme that hydrolyzes sinapine in developing rape seeds. During early stages of seedling development, a sinapine esterase (BnSCE3) hydrolyzes sinapine, releasing choline and sinapate. A portion of choline enters the phospholipid metabolism, and sinapate is routed via 1-O-sinapoyl-β-glucose into sinapoylmalate. Transgenic oilseed rape lines were generated expressing BnSCE3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter. Two distinct single-copy transgene insertion lines were isolated and propagated to generate homozygous lines, which were subjected to comprehensive phenotyping. Sinapine levels of transgenic seeds were less than 5% of wild-type levels, whereas choline levels were increased. Weight, size, and water content of transgenic seeds were significantly higher than those of wild-type seeds. Seed quality parameters, such as fiber and glucosinolate levels, and agronomically important traits, such as oil and protein contents, differed only slightly, except that amounts of hemicellulose and cellulose were about 30% higher in transgenic compared with wild-type seeds. Electron microscopic examination revealed that a fraction of the transgenic seeds had morphological alterations, characterized by large cavities near the embryonic tissue. Transgenic seedlings were larger than wild-type seedlings, and young seedlings exhibited longer hypocotyls. Examination of metabolic profiles of transgenic seeds indicated that besides suppression of sinapine accumulation, there were other dramatic differences in primary and secondary metabolism. Mapping of these changes onto metabolic pathways revealed global effects of the transgenic BnSCE3 expression on seed metabolism.
Personal practice: How we manage the risk of bleeding and thrombosis in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Astwood Emma , Vora Ajay 
Published: January 2011

SummaryBleeding and thrombosis are not infrequent problems in children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The exact frequency varies with age, co‐morbidity and treatment schedule, but the risk is highest in the first few weeks of treatment when disease and treatment‐related haemostatic abnormalities prevail. Recommendations for prevention and management are lacking due to a weak evidence base, resulting in considerable variation in practice. This article describes our personal practice in this area with reference to the available literature on the subject.
Altered distribution of caveolin‐1 in early liver steatosis
Authors: Mastrodonato Maria , Calamita Giuseppe , Rossi Roberta , Mentino Donatella , Bonfrate Leonilde , Portincasa Piero , Ferri Domenico , Liquori Giuseppa E. 
Published: January 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 642–651AbstractBackground  Caveolin‐1, the main structural protein of caveolae, is involved in cholesterol homoeostasis, transcytosis, endocytosis and signal transduction and thought to play an important role in lipidogenesis. Little is known about the pathophysiological role of caveolin‐1 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome and characterized by abnormal accumulation of intrahepatic triglycerides with a potentially harmful risk of evolution to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Materials and methods  Liver steatosis (micro/macrovesicular) was induced in adult rats fed a choline‐deficient diet for 14 days and compared with a control normal diet. The expression and subcellular distribution of caveolin‐1 was assessed using light and electron microscopy by immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical techniques and by Western blotting.Results  Caveolin‐1 was mainly associated with the hepatocyte basolateral plasma membrane. Fatty hepatocytes were characterized by a significant increase in the expression of caveolin‐1 around and within the lipid droplets as well as in the inner membrane of mitochondria.Conclusions  Our data suggest the involvement of caveolin‐1 in the case of abnormal lipogenesis and mitochondrial function typical of steatotic hepatocytes in NAFLD. Addressing the role played by caveolin‐1 in liver membranes in NAFLD may help future therapeutic choices in a frequent metabolic liver disease.
The influence of magma plumbing complexity on monogenetic eruptions, Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Brenna Marco , Cronin Shane J. , Németh Károly , Smith Ian E. M. , Sohn Young Kwan 
Published: January 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 70–75, 2011AbstractContinuous pyroclastic successions from monogenetic volcanoes in the Jeju Island Volcanic Field (Korea) were targeted for detailed geochemical investigations of juvenile ejecta to show that multiple distinct magma pulses may be erupted during a single monogenetic eruption. Deeply derived, and possibly multiply sourced, evolving magma pulses may erupt sequentially from the same vent and form generally uninterrupted depositional sequences with continuous chemical trends. Alternatively, pulses can rise independently, resulting in breccia horizons and truncation surfaces in depositional sequences and in stepped and mixed chemical trends. We infer that uninterrupted eruptions result from clear plumbing systems in which a single large dyke system feeds an eruption and where differently sourced magmas are erupted independently. Congested plumbing systems consisting of dyke complexes give rise to vent shifts, asymmetrical eruptive centres and composite depositional sequences. Integration of chemical variation and eruptive dynamics provides a powerful means of understanding monogenetic volcanoes.
The use of 51Cr as a dietary marker in rats for the determination of 59Fe absorbability in terms of mucosal uptake and mucosal transfer of 59Fe
Authors: Wienk K. J. H. , Beynen A. C. , Marx J. J. M. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe use of 51CrCl3 as a non‐absorbable dietary marker for the determination of mucosal uptake and transfer of 59Fe ascorbate has been investigated in rats. In order to be useful, this marker has to satisfy two properties. Firstly, the gastrointestinal transit times of 51Cr and 59Fe have to be similar, and secondly, 51Cr absorption has to be low, and independent of the diet to which it is added. We tested these prerequisites by determination of the isotope ratios in faecal samples, and 51Cr retention in rats that were fed either a control diet, or a diet that was supplemented with ascorbic acid or phytate, which are thought to affect 51Cr absorption. The study found similar faecal 51Cr/59Fe ratios for day 1 and 2 versus day 3. 51Cr retention averaged 3.14 %, and was independent of the diet. It is concluded that this double‐isotope in vivo method is suitable for the determination of iron absorption in terms of mucosal uptake and mucosal transfer in rats, and that it may be a useful alternative for current in vivo methods that can be applied only within terminal animal experiments.ZusammenfassungDer Einsatz von 51Cr zur Bestimmung der 59Fe‐Absorption und der mukosalen Aufnahme und des mukosalen Transfer von 59Fe bei RattenDer Einsatz von 51CrCl3 als nicht absorbierbarem Marker wurde zur Bestimmung der mukosalen Aufnahme und des mukosalen Transfer von 59Fe‐Askorbat bei Ratten geprüft. Dazu muß der Marker zwei Bedingungen erfüllen. Die 51Cr‐Absorption muß niedrig sein und zwar unabhängig von der verabreichten Diät. Ob diese Voraussetzungen erfüllt sind, wurde mit Hilfe des Verhältnisses von 51Cr zu 59Fe im Rattenkot untersucht. Dabei erhielten die Ratten eine Kontrolldiät und Diäten mit Askorbinsäure bzw. Phytat als Zusatz, da Askorbinsäure und Phytat die 51Cr‐Absorption beeinflussen sollen. Dabei wurde ein gleiches 51Cr/59Fe‐Verhältnis von Tag 1 und 2 im Vergleich zu Tag 3 gefunden. Die 51Cr‐Retention lag bei 3,14% und zwar unabhängig von der verabreichten Diät. Daraus läßt sich ableiten, daß die Doppelmarkierung in vivo für Mehrfachbestimmungen an denselben Tieren zu verschiedenen Meßzeitpunkten geeignet ist.
Body surface area in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Farriol M. , Rosselló J. , Schwartz S. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryA study was designed to measure the body surface area of Spraguc‐Dawley rats and to compare the results with those obtained using the mathematical formulas described by four authors to estimate this parameter. The animals were killed by an overdose of ether anaesthesia. To determine the gold standard body surface area, the skin of the animals was dissected completely and measured. The gold standard was compared with the body surface area obtained in the same rats using the mathematical equations proposed by Meeh, Rubner, Vallois and San Roman. Analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in body surface area results between the gold standard and Meeh's, Rubner'S, and San Roman'S equations. However, no significant differences were found with Vallols's formula, indicating that results with this calculation were similar to the measured body surface. Further statistical analysis showed that in the small animals the body surface area was underestimated and in the large animals it was overestimated by a mean of ± 20 cm2 using the Vallois formula.ZusammenfassungDie Messung der Körperoberfläche bei Sprague‐Dawley RattenIn der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde die Körperoberfläche von Sprague‐Dawley Ratten gemessen und mit Resultaten aus mathematischen Formeln von vier verschiedenen Autoren verglichen. Die Tiere wurden durch eine Überdosis von Ether getötet, um dann mit Hilfe des Umrisses der Haut die Körperoberfläche zu messen. Die Ergebnisse aus der Hautoberflächen‐Messung wurde mit den Gleichungen von Meeh, Rubner, Vallois und San Roman verglichen. Die Varianzanalyse zeigt deutliche statistische Unterschiede (p < 0.05) zwischen dem ermittelten Wert und den mathematischen Ableitungen bzw. Gleichungen von Meeh, Rubner und San Roman. Es wurden keine statistischen Unterschiede zwischen den vorliegenden Messungen und der Formel von Vallois gefunden. Das zeigt, daß die Ergebnisse dieser Berechnung in ihrer Genauigkeit übereinstimmen. Zusätzliche Analysen zeigen, daß die Anwendung der Vallols'schen Formel die Körperoberfläche kleiner Tiere unterschätzt und die großer Tiere um einen durchschnittlichen Wert von 20 cm2 überschätzt.