bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peste des petits ruminants in Arabian wildlife
Authors: KINNE J. , KREUTZER R. , KREUTZER M. , WERNERY U. , WOHLSEIN P. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYRecurrence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was diagnosed in the United Arabian Emirates in several wild ruminants confirmed by morphological, immunohistochemical, serological and molecular findings. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus strain belongs to lineage IV, which is different to some previously isolated PPR strains from the Arabian Peninsula. This study shows that wild ruminants may play an important epidemiological role as virus source for domestic small ruminants.
Tracking control of linear switched systems
Authors: Li R. , Feng Z.G. , Teo K.L. , Duan G.R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper deals with the optimal tracking problem for switched systems, where the control input, the switching times and the switching index are all design variables. We propose a three-stage method for solving this problem. First, we fix the switching times and switching index sequence, which leads to a linear tracking problem, except different subsystems are defined in their respective time intervals. The optimal control and the corresponding cost function obtained depend on the switching signal. This gives rise to an optimal parameter selection problem for which the switching instants and the switching index are to be chosen optimally. In the second stage, the switching index is fixed. A reverse time transformation followed by a time scaling transform are introduced to convert this subproblem into an equivalent standard optimal parameter selection problem. The gradient formula of the cost function is derived. Then the discrete filled function is used in the third stage to search for the optimal switching index. On this basis, a computational method, which combines a gradient-based method, a local search algorithm and a filled function method, is developed for solving this problem. A numerical exampleis solved, showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Asymptotic stability in the distribution of nonlinear stochastic systems with semi-Markovian switching
Authors: Hou Zhenting , Dong Hailing , Shi Peng 
Published: January 2010

abstractIn this paper, finite phase semi-Markov processes are introduced. By introducing variables and a simple transformation, every finite phase semi-Markov process can be transformed to a finite Markov chain which is called its associated Markov chain. A consequence of this is that every phase semi-Markovian switching system may be equivalently expressed as its associated Markovian switching system. Existing results for Markovian switching systems may then be applied to analyze phase semi-Markovian switching systems. In the following, we obtain asymptotic stability for the distribution of nonlinear stochastic systems with semi-Markovian switching. The results can also be extended to general semi-Markovian switching systems. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the theoretical results obtained.
A new proximity function generating the best known iteration bounds for both large-update and small-update interior-point methods
Authors: Aminis Keyvan , Haseli Arash 
Published: January 2010

AbstractInterior-Point Methods (IPMs) are not only very effective in practice for solving linear optimization problems but also have polynomial-time complexity. Despite the practical efficiency of large-update algorithms, from a theoretical point of view, these algorithms have a weaker iteration bound with respect to small-update algorithms. In fact, there is a significant gap between theory and practice for large-update algorithms. By introducing self-regular barrier functions, Peng, Roos and Terlaky improved this gap up to a factor of log n. However, checking these self-regular functions is not simple and proofs of theorems involving these functions are very complicated. Roos el al. by presenting a new class of barrier functions which are not necessarily self-regular, achieved very good results through some much simpler theorems. In this paper we introduce a new kernel function in this class which yields the best known complexity bound, both for large-update and small-update methods.
Usage of the convergence test of the residual norm in the Tsuno-Nodera version of the GMRES algorithm
Authors: Moriya K. , Nodera T. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTsuno and Nodera proposed a new variant of the GMRES(m) algorithm. Their algorithm is referred to as the GMRES(≤ mmax) algorithm and performs the restart process adaptively, considering the distribution of the zeros of the residual polynomial. However, unless the zeros of the residual polynomial are distributed uniformly, mass is always chosen and their algorithm becomes almost the same as the GMRES(m) algorithm with m = mmax. In this paper, we include a convergence test for the residual norm in the GMRES(≤ mmax) algorithm and propose a new restarting technique based on two criteria. Even if the distribution of zeros does not become uniform, the restart can be performed by using the convergence test of the residual norm. Numerical examples simulated on a Compaq Beowulf computer demonstrate that the proposed technique accelerates the convergence of the GMRES(≤ mmax) algorithm.
Biofortification of Durum Wheat with Zinc Through Soil and Foliar Applications of Nitrogen
Authors: Kutman U. Baris , Yildiz Bahar , Ozturk Levent , Cakmak Ismail 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTIncreasing zinc (Zn) concentration of cereal grains is a global challenge to alleviate Zn deficiency‐related health problems in humans caused by low dietary Zn intake. This study investigated the effects of soil‐ and foliar‐applied nitrogen (N) and Zn fertilizers on grain Zn accumulation of durum wheat (Triticum durum) grown on a Zn‐deficient soil. In addition, localization of Zn and protein within durum wheat grain was studied by using Bradford reagent for protein and dithizone (diphenyl thiocarbazone) for Zn. Grain Zn concentration was greatly enhanced by soil or foliar applications of Zn. When Zn supply was adequately high, both soil and foliar N applications improved grain Zn concentration. Consequently, there was a significant positive correlation between grain concentrations of Zn and N, when Zn supply was not limiting. Protein and Zn staining studies showed co‐localization of Zn and protein within grain, particularly in the embryo and aleurone. Results indicate that N and Zn fertilization have a synergistic effect on grain Zn concentration. Possibly, increasing N supply contributes to grain Zn concentration by affecting the levels of Zn‐chelating nitrogenous compounds or the abundance of Zn transporters. Our results suggest that nitrogen management can be an effective agronomic tool to improve grain Zn concentration.
REVIEW: Biofortification of Durum Wheat with Zinc and Iron
Authors: Cakmak Ismail , Pfeiffer Wolfgang H. , McClafferty Bonnie 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTMicronutrient malnutrition affects over 2 billion people in the developing world. Iron (Fe) deficiency alone affects >47% of all preschool aged children globally, often leading to impaired physical growth, mental development, and learning capacity. Zinc (Zn) deficiency, like iron, is thought to affect billions of people, hampering growth and development, and destroying immune systems. In many micronutrient‐deficient regions, wheat is the dominant staple food making up >50% of the diet. Biofortification, or harnessing the powers of plant breeding to improve the nutritional quality of foods, is a new approach being used to improve the nutrient content of a variety of staple crops. Durum wheat in particular has been quite responsive to breeding for nutritional quality by making full use of the genetic diversity of Fe and Zn concentrations in wild and synthetic parents. Micronutrient concentration and genetic diversity has been well explored under the HarvestPlus biofortification research program, and very positive associations have been confirmed between grain concentrations of protein, Zn, and Fe. Yet some work remains to adequately explain genetic control and molecular mechanisms affecting the accumulation of Zn and Fe in grain. Further, evidence suggests that nitrogen (N) nutritional status of plants can have a positive impact on root uptake and the deposition of micronutrients in seed. Extensive research has been completed on the role of Zn fertilizers in increasing the Zn density of grain, suggesting that where fertilizers are available, making full use of Zn fertilizers can provide an immediate and effective option to increase grain Zn concentration, and productivity in particular, under soil conditions with severe Zn deficiency.
REVIEW: An Overview on Fusarium Mycotoxins in the Durum Wheat Pasta Production Chain
Authors: Visconti Angelo , Pascale Michelangelo 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTFusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the major diseases of wheat (both common and durum wheat) caused by various fungi including Microdochium nivale and different Fusarium species. Most of the Fusarium species associated with FHB (mainly F. graminearum, F. culmorum and F. sporotrichioides), under favourable environmental conditions, can produce various toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) that can contaminate grains. The major Fusarium mycotoxins that can occur in wheat and derived products are deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins, and zearalenone. Processing has generally significant effects on the levels of mycotoxins in the final products. Deoxynivalenol is typically concentrated in the bran coat which is removed in the production of semolina; consequently, a consistent reduction of deoxynivalenol levels has been observed during each of the processing steps, from raw durum wheat to pasta production. To allow monitoring programs and protect consumers' health, several analytical methods have been developed for Fusarium mycotoxins, based on chromatographic or immunometric techniques. The European Union has established maximum permitted levels for some Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals and cereal‐based products (including unprocessed durum wheat, bran, wheat flour, and pasta). Recommendations for the prevention and reduction of Fusarium mycotoxins contamination in cereals based on identification of critical risk factors and crop management strategies have been published by the Codex Alimentarius and the European Commission.
Folic Acid Content of Ready‐to‐Eat Cereals Determined by Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry: Comparison to Product Label and to Values Determined by Microbiological Assay
Authors: Phillips Katherine M. , Ruggio David M. , Ashraf‐Khorassani Mehdi , Eitenmiller Ronald R. , Cho Sungeun , Lemar Linda E. , Perry Charles R. , Pehrsson Pamela R. , Holden Joanne M. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTTwelve popular ready‐to‐eat breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid were sampled in the United States in 2006, and the data have been incorporated into the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Cereals were collected from three statistically selected retail outlets in each of four primary census regions, and four composites of each product were prepared using random groupings of three locations each. Folic acid was determined using a validated LC‐MS method, with 13C‐folic acid as an internal standard, after trienzyme treatment and solid phase extraction. A cereal reference material (AACC VMA399) was analyzed as a control. Selected samples were also assayed using the standard microbiological method, with and without trienzyme extraction, to generate an estimate of endogenous folate. On average, as shown on the label, folate content was underestimated. In seven cereals, folate was within 5% of the declared value; in four cereals, it was 5–20% higher; and in two cereals, it was >20% greater, representing –75 to +69 μg/serving (mean 17) of the label value, equivalent to –19% to +17% of the 400 μg/daily value. The microbiologically determined folic acid was higher than LC‐MS by 10–67% (mean 40%). Therefore, use of label values might underestimate folate intake from some breakfast cereals.
Physicochemical and Enzyme Characterization of Small and Large Starch Granules Isolated from Two Maize Cultivars
Authors: Utrilla‐Coello Rubí G. , Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Barba de la Rosa Ana Paulina , Rodríguez‐Ambriz Sandra L. , Bello‐Pérez Luis Arturo 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTIn this study, some morphological, physicochemical, and the initial characterization of the starch granule enzymes of blue and white maizes of small and large granules are described. Starch was isolated from blue and white maizes, and the small and large granules were separated. The efficiency of separation was higher in large granules than small of the blue maize starch. The amylose content was slightly greater (1.3%) in large granules than smaller in both starches studied. No differences in the average gelatinization temperature were found between large and small granules, but the enthalpy of gelatinization value was higher in the small granules. The electrophoretic pattern showed that the granule‐bound starch synthase (GBSSI) had higher expression in large than small granules and that explain the higher amylose content in the former granules. The differences showed in the starch biosynthesis enzymes in small and large granules might explain partially the physicochemical and functional properties of maize.
Quality of Fiber‐Enriched Spaghetti Containing Microbial Transglutaminase
Authors: Sissons Mike , Aravind Nisha , Fellows Christopher M. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe effects of transglutaminase (TG) on the properties of semolina dough and pasta cooking properties in durum‐only and fiber‐enriched pasta were investigated. TG was blended at levels 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% of semolina weight with semolina and semolina‐pollard (60% w/w) and semolina‐guar gum (15%) mixtures. The addition of TG increased dough maximal resistance, making the dough inextensible at >1%. Optimum effects on dough strength were obtained at 0.5% TG; this dough gave the firmest and least sticky pasta. A more extensive and thicker protein matrix was observed in the TG pasta by confocal scanning laser microscopy, indicating more cross‐links were formed, a finding supported by measuring percentage of unextracted polymeric protein. TG was unable to overcome the negative effect of 60% pollard on cooking loss or 15% guar gum on stickiness. Gluten was generally more effective than TG in restoring the properties of pastas with added fiber.
Effect of Formulation and Processing Treatments on Viscosity and Solubility of Extractable Barley β‐Glucan in Bread Dough Evaluated Under In Vitro Conditions
Authors: Moriartey Stephanie , Temelli Feral , Vasanthan Thava 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTβ‐Glucan shows great potential for incorporation into bread due to its cholesterol lowering and blood glucose regulating effects, which are related to its viscosity. The effects of β‐glucan concentration, gluten addition, premixing, yeast addition, fermentation time, and inactivation of the flour enzymes on the viscosity of extractable β‐glucan following incorporation into a white bread dough were studied under physiological conditions, as well as, β‐glucan solubility in fermented and unfermented dough. β‐Glucan was extracted using an in vitro protocol designed to approximate human digestion and hot water extraction. The viscosity of extractable β‐glucan was not affected by gluten addition, the presence of yeast, or premixing. Fermentation produced lower (P ≤ 0.05) extract viscosity for the doughs with added β‐glucan, while inactivating the flour enzymes and increasing β‐glucan concentration in the absence of fermentation increased (P ≤ 0.05) viscosity. The physiological solubility of the β‐glucan concentrate (18.1%) and the β‐glucan in the unfermented dough (20.5%) were similar (P > 0.05), while fermentation substantially decreased (P ≤ 0.05) solubility to 8.7%, indicating that the reduction in viscosity due to fermentation may be highly dependent on solubility in addition to β‐glucan degradation. The results emphasize the importance of analyzing β‐glucan fortified foods under physiological conditions to identify the conditions in the dough system that decrease β‐glucan viscosity so that products with maximum functionality can be developed.
The embryonic origins of lymphatic vessels: an historical review
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Crivellato Enrico 
Published: January 2010

SummaryWork on the lymphatic system began in the 17th century, and by the beginning of the 19th century the anatomy of most of the lymphatic system had been described. One of the most important questions in this field has been the determination of the embryological origin of the lymphatic endothelium. Two theories were proposed. The first suggested that lymphatic endothelium derived by sprouting from venous endothelium, the so‐called centrifugal theory. The second, the so‐called centripetal theory, suggested that lymphatic endothelium differentiates in situ from primitive mesenchyme, and secondarily acquires connection with the vascular system. More recent evidence has provided support for both hypotheses.
Prognostic relevance of dic(9;20)(p11;q13) in childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster (BFM) protocols containing an intensive induction and post‐induction consolidation therapy
Authors: Pichler Herbert , Möricke Anja , Mann Georg , Teigler‐Schlegel Andrea , Niggli Felix , Nebral Karin , König Margit , Inthal Andrea , Krehan Daniela , Dworzak Michael N. , Janousek Dasa , Harbott Jochen , Schrappe Martin , Gadner Helmut , Strehl Sabine , Haas Oskar A. , Panzer‐Grümayer Renate , Attarbaschi Andishe ,   on behalf of the Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster (BFM) Study Group
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe presence of a dicentric chromosome dic(9;20) has been reported to have an unfavourable prognosis in children with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP‐ALL). As outcome may be influenced by type and composition of treatment, we analyzed 19 BCP‐ALL patients with dic(9;20) who have been treated with ALL‐BFM (Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster) protocols that included a 4‐drug induction and subsequent consolidation therapy. All patients were good responders to prednisone and in complete remission after induction therapy. Eight patients had no molecular disease after induction and another eight patients had levels ≤10−4 after consolidation therapy. After a median follow‐up of 3·4 years, probabilities of 5‐year event‐free and overall survival were 75 ± 11% and 94 ± 6%, respectively. Of note, there was a tendency for extramedullary disease in case of relapse (two of three relapses with central nervous system involvement). In conclusion, in the context of ALL‐BFM protocols dic(9;20)‐positivity appeared to have a favourable prognosis, which could be due to a dose‐ and time‐intensified induction and induction consolidation therapy. Given that in vitro studies have shown high cellular sensitivity of dic(9;20)‐positive leukemic blasts to l‐asparaginase and cytarabine, it is reasonable to speculate that both drugs, as given early during BFM‐like induction and consolidation therapy, may have contributed to this good outcome.
The effects of alterations in temperature and flow regime on organic carbon dynamics in Mediterranean river networks
Authors: ACUÑA V. , TOCKNER K. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIt is only recently that freshwaters have been identified as important quantitative components of the carbon (C) cycle at global and regional scales. To date there are no studies that quantitatively predict the effects of alterations in temperature and flow regimes, individually, or in concert, on organic C dynamics in streams. To address this need, we applied a mechanistic model to simulate organic C dynamics in Mediterranean river networks under 27 different scenarios of altered temperature and flow regimes. We predict that the organic C dynamics in freshwaters in the Mediterranean, as well as in other semiarid regions, will be highly sensitive to global climate change owing to major increases in the degree of intermittency as well as in flood frequency and magnitude. Results indicate that flow regime alterations increase C export rates, whereas temperature alterations increase instream metabolism of organic C. However, flow regime alterations exhibit a much greater influence on C dynamics than do changes in the temperature regime. Reservoirs partly counteract the effects of flow extremes on C export rates, and their role in the C dynamics increases with increasing flow variability. The present study is one of the first studies to quantify the complex interactions between the flow and the temperature regime on C dynamics, emphasizing the key role of extreme events such as dry periods and floods, compared with overall trend effects. This information is pivotal in understanding the impact of future climate change on global C dynamics.
Atmospheric water vapor as driver of litter decomposition in Mediterranean shrubland and grassland during rainless seasons
Authors: DIRKS INGA , NAVON YAEL , KANAS DINA , DUMBUR RITA , GRÜNZWEIG JOSÉ M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractLitter production in many drought‐affected ecosystems coincides with the beginning of an extended season of no or limited rainfall. Because of lack of moisture litter decomposition during such periods has been largely ignored so far, despite potential importance for the overall decay process in such ecosystems. To determine drivers and extent of litter decay in rainless periods, a litterbag study was conducted in Mediterranean shrublands, dwarf shrublands and grasslands. Heterogeneous local and common straw litter was left to decompose in open and shaded patches of various field sites in two study regions. Fresh local litter lost 4–18% of its initial mass over about 4 months without rainfall, which amounted to 15–50% of total annual decomposition. Lab incubations and changes in chemical composition suggested that litter was degraded by microbial activity, enabled by absorption of water vapor from the atmosphere. High mean relative humidity of 85% was measured during 8–9 h of most nights, but the possibility of fog deposition or dew formation at the soil surface was excluded. Over 95% of the variation in mass loss and changes in litter nitrogen were explained by characteristics of water‐vapor uptake by litter. Photodegradation induced by the intense solar radiation was an additional mechanism of litter decomposition as indicated by lignin dynamics. Lignin loss from litter increased with exposure to ultraviolet radiation and with initial lignin concentration, together explaining 90%–97% of the variation in lignin mass change. Our results indicate that water vapor, solar radiation and litter quality controlled decomposition and changes in litter chemistry during rainless seasons. Many regions worldwide experience transient periods without rainfall, and more land area is expected to undergo reductions in rainfall as a consequence of climate change. Therefore, absorption of water vapor might play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in an increasing number of ecosystems.