bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of different iron availability on phosphoenolpiruvate carboxilase and malate dehydrogenase in roots of maize (Zea Mays L.) plants grown under iron deficiency
Authors: Russo Marco Antonio , Belligno Adalgisa 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe effect of the different nitrate availability on some enzymatic activities has been evaluated in iron deficient and iron sufficient maize plants (Zea mays L.). In order to evaluate if the induction of sensitive to pH enzymatic activities is affected by the variation of the apoplast reaction due to the different nitrate availability, two experimental tests were done on maize plants grown in nutrient solution with different NO3- availability and with Fe-sufficiency (+Fe) (added with 80 uM Fe(III)-EDTA) and Fe-deficiency (-Fe) (added with 0.1 uM Fe(III)-EDTA).As regards 0.4 mM NO3- (NS2), independently of iron availability, phosphoenolpiruvate carboxilase and malate dehydrogenase inductions are higher than those recorded for the experiment with 4.0 mM NO3-. The two activities, for the reaction determined in citosol by NO3- uptake, show different responses according to Fe availability. In NS1 the higher nitrate uptake and the contemporaneous H+ incoming cause in (+Fe) plants a decrease of PEP-carboxilase activation and, during the first 24 hours, of malate dehydrogenase. The shifting of the peak of maximum activity shows that iron deficiency conditions, interfering with e- transport, determinate a slowing down of the enzyme induction, independently of nitrate availability. In NS2, PEPcase is higher under Fe-deficiency and malate dehydrogenase is higher under Fe-sufficiency, both during the first 24 hours.The different nitrate availability causes a different use of the acid content. In fact, in NS1 citric content, precursor of molecules for the production of phytosiderophores, increased in (-Fe) theses. On the contrary, low nitrate availabilities determined a decrease in acid contents, mostly in (-Fe) theses. This result justifies the higher energy demand to activate membrane carriers under stress conditions for the reduced nitrate availability.
ITER ICRF antenna analysis and optimization using the TOPICA code
Authors: Milanesio D. , Maggiora R. 
Published: January 2010

This paper documents the complete analysis and optimization of the ITER ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) launcher using the TOPICA code, carried out in the frame of EFDA design activities.
The possibility to simulate the detailed geometry of an ICRF antenna in front of a realistic plasma description and to obtain the antenna input parameters and the radiated near electric field distribution is of paramount importance to evaluate and predict the overall system performances.
Upon starting from a reference geometry, we pursued a detailed electrical optimization of the IC launcher and we came out with a final geometry showing a remarkable increase in terms of power coupled to plasma. The optimization procedure involved the modification of different parts of the antenna, such as the horizontal septa, the coaxial cables, the coax-to-feeder transitions, the feeders, the strap and the grounding.
Eventually, the optimized geometry has been the object of a comprehensive analysis, varying the working frequency, the plasma conditions and the poloidal and toroidal phasings between the feeding cables. The performances of the antenna have been appreciated not only in terms of input parameters or power coupled to plasma, but also by means of power spectra and with the evaluation of the RF potentials.
A comparison of the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus propofol target‐controlled infusion for sedation during fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation
Authors: Tsai C.‐J. , Chu K.‐S. , Chen T.‐I. , Lu D. V. , Wang H.‐M. , Lu I.‐C. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryFibreoptic intubation is a valuable modality for airway management. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine vs target controlled propofol infusion in providing sedation during fibreoptic intubation. Forty patients with anticipated difficult airways and due to undergo tracheal intubation for elective surgery were enrolled and randomly allocated into the dexmedetomidine group (1.0 μg.kg−1 over 10 min) (n = 20) or the propofol target controlled infusion group (n = 20). Intubating conditions and patient tolerance as graded by a scoring system were evaluated as primary outcomes. Intubation was successful in all patients. Satisfactory intubating conditions were found in both groups (19/20 in each group). The median (IOR [range]) comfort score was 2 (1–2 [1–4]) in the dexmedetomidine group and 3 (2–4 [2–5]) in the propofol group (p = 0.027), favouring the former. The dexmedetomidine group experienced fewer airway events and less heart rate response to intubation than the propofol group (p < 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). Both dexmedetomidine and propofol target‐controlled infusion are effective for fibreoptic intubation. Dexmedetomidine allows better tolerance, more stable haemodynamic status and preserves a patent airway.
The use of sugammadex in a patient with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Unterbuchner C. , Fink H. , Blobner M. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryMyasthenia gravis, affecting neuromuscular transmission, leads to a large variability in sensitivity to depolarising and non‐depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs. We report the successful use of the modified μ‐cyclodextrin sugammadex in a myasthenic patient to reverse a rocuronium‐induced deep level of neuromuscular block. After spontaneous neuromuscular recovery of T2 (second twitch of the train‐of‐four series), we administered 2 mg.kg−1 of sugammadex intravenously, reversing neuromuscular blockade to a train‐of‐four ratio (T4/T1) > 90% within 210 s. Sugammadex, in combination with objective neuromuscular monitoring, can be used to reverse rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular blockade in patients with myasthenia gravis, thereby avoiding the need for reversal with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Growth patterns during childhood and the relationship with acylation‐stimulating protein
Authors: Leunissen R. W. J. , Gao Y. , Cianflone K. , Stijnen T. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryBackground/Objectives  Acylation‐stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipose tissue‐derived hormone, which stimulates glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) uptake into adipocytes. Changes in ASP metabolism are associated with alterations in lipid metabolism. As postnatal catch‐up growth has been associated with dyslipidaemia in later life, we investigated the association between ASP and birth size, adult size and different growth patterns during childhood.Methods  The associations were investigated by multiple regression analyses in 285 young adults, aged 18–24. Subsequently, differences in ASP were analysed in four clinically relevant subgroups, young adults either born small for gestational age with short stature (SGA‐S) or with catch‐up growth (SGA‐CU), or born appropriate for gestational age with idiopathic short stature (ISS) or with normal stature (controls).Results  Weight gain during childhood, particularly fat accumulation, was positively related to ASP levels in early adulthood, independent of birth size, age and gender. Foetal growth, reflected by birth size, was not related to ASP levels. Between the subgroups, no differences in ASP were found, but SGA‐CU and ISS subjects had significantly higher levels of FFA.Conclusion  Exaggerated weight gain during childhood, but not foetal growth, contributes to alterations in ASP metabolism, which may be associated with impaired FFA uptake and delayed triglycerides clearance. Therefore, exaggerated weight gain during childhood should be prevented.
AFLP reveals cryptic population structure in migratory European red admirals (Vanessa atalanta)
Authors: BRATTSTRÖM OSKAR , ÅKESSON SUSANNE , BENSCH STAFFAN 
Published: January 2010

1. The genetic differentiation in a migratory butterfly, the red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), was investigated to discern patterns of migratory routes used across Europe. AFLP profiles showed significant differences between almost all sampled locations, but there was no clear pattern of isolation‐by‐distance.2. Using the software STRUCTURE 2.2, we found two distinct genotype clusters present in different frequencies at all study sites. The frequencies of these genotypic clusters varied significantly between years within the same site. Remarkably few individuals were of mixed ancestry, indicating that some isolating mechanisms are present. Twenty‐seven mtDNA haplotypes were identified but they showed no geographic structure, nor were they related to either of the two genotype clusters identified in the AFLP data.3. Most field observations of migrating red admirals suggest a regular north–south migration pattern in Europe. Our data indicate both long‐distance migration and a more variable pattern in orientation, since the composition of the two genotypic clusters shows dramatic variation between sites and years in the northern part of the distribution range.
Photoperiod affects compensating developmental rate across latitudes in the damselflyLestes sponsa
Authors: ŚNIEGULA SZYMON , JOHANSSON FRANK 
Published: January 2010

1. Although there is a great deal of theoretical and empirical data about the life history responses of time constraints in organisms, little is known about the latitude‐compensating mechanism that enables northern populations' developmental rates to compensate for latitude. To investigate the importance of photoperiod on development, offspring of the obligatory univoltine damselflyLestes sponsafrom two populations at different latitudes (53°N and 63°N) were raised in a common laboratory environment at both northern and southern photoperiods that corresponded to the sites of collection.2. Egg development time was shorter under northern photoperiod regimes for both populations. However, the northern latitude population showed a higher phenotypic plasticity response to photoperiod compared with the southern latitude population, suggesting a genetic difference in egg development time in response to photoperiod.3. Larvae from both latitudes expressed shorter larval development time and faster growth rates under northern photoperiod regimes. There was no difference in phenotypic plastic response between northern and southern latitude populations with regard to development time.4. Data on field collected adults showed that adult sizes decreased with an increase in latitude. This adult size difference was a genetically fixed trait, as the same size difference between populations was also found when larvae were reared in the laboratory.5. The results suggest phenotypic plasticity responses in life history traits to photoperiod, but also genetic differences between north and south latitude populations in response to photoperiod, which indicates the presence of a latitudinal compensating mechanism that is triggered by a photoperiod.
Permeability of receptive fig fruits and its effects on the re‐emergence behaviour of pollinators
Authors: HAO‐YUAN HU , LI‐MING NIU , GUANG‐CHANG MA , YUE‐GUAN FU , ZHENG‐QIANG PENG , DA‐WEI HUANG 
Published: January 2010

1. Figs and pollinating fig wasps provide a model system for studying mutualism. The permeability of the syconium changes during receptivity or between seasons, which may affect the behaviour of pollinators. Fig fruits are permeable during receptivity, and in some species, pollinators can enter and re‐emerge after oviposition/pollination. We studied the relationship between fig permeability and pollinator re‐emergence behaviour with a functional dioecious fig, Ficus hispida and the obligate pollinator Ceratosolen solmsi marchali.2. The relationship reflects the interaction of figs and pollinators in the mutualism and also the conflicts of interests between the two partners: figs benefit from the enclosed fig fruits which have low permeability, but pollinators benefit from their re‐emergence behaviour, which requires high fig permeability.3. The results showed that at the end of receptivity, the permeability of fig fruits lowered rapidly with changes to the ostiole structures, and re‐emergence rate was low, with more re‐emerging pollinators trapped in the ostiolar bracts. Our results also showed that in the rainy season, the length of receptivity was shorter and fig permeability was lower. The re‐emergence rates were also lower than those in the dry season. The results elucidated that figs' interests dominated in the conflicts between fig and pollinating wasp.4. Based on a new criteria which employed the classification of pollinators found dead in the ostiolar bracts and which involved a survey of 6 monoecious and 12 dioecious fig species, we found that re‐emergence behaviour was prevalent among fig species, and was more prevalent in functional dioecious figs than monoecious ones.
Weedbeds and big bugs: the importance of scale in detecting the influence of nutrients and predation on macroinvertebrates in plant‐dominated shallow lakes
Authors: BERESFORD ANGELA L. , JONES J. IWAN 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. The scale of investigations influences the interpretation of results. Here, we investigate the influence of fish and nutrients on biotic communities in shallow lakes, using studies at two different scales: (i) within‐lake experimental manipulation and (ii) comparative, among‐lake relationships.2. At both scales, fish predation had an overriding influence on macroinvertebrates; fish reduced macroinvertebrate biomass and altered community composition. Prey selection appeared to be size based. Fish influenced zooplankton abundance and light penetration through the water column also, but there was no indication that fish caused increased resuspension of sediment.3. There were effects of nutrients at both scales, but these effects differed with the scale of the investigation. Nutrients increased phytoplankton and periphyton at the within‐lake scale, and were associated with increased periphyton at the among‐lake scale. No significant effect of nutrients on macroinvertebrates was observed at the within‐lake scale. However, at the among‐lake scale, nutrients positively influenced the biomass and density of macroinvertebrates, and ameliorated the effect of fish on macroinvertebrates.4. Increased prey availability at higher nutrient concentrations would be expected to cause changes in the fish community. However, at the among‐lake scale, differences were not apparent in fish biomass among lakes with different nutrient conditions, suggesting that stochastic events influence the fish community in these small and relatively isolated shallow lakes.5. The intensity of predation by fish significantly influences macroinvertebrate community structure of shallow lakes, but nutrients also play a role. The scale of investigation influences the ability to detect the influence of nutrients on the different components of shallow lake communities, particularly for longer lived organisms such as macroinvertebrates, where the response takes longer to manifest.
Growth patterns of a stream vertebrate differ between urban and forested catchments
Authors: BARRETT KYLE , HELMS BRIAN S. , SAMORAY STEPHEN T. , GUYER C. 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. Urban development results in the decline of amphibian density and species richness. A logical next step towards understanding why urbanisation negatively impacts amphibians is to track species‐specific demographic responses to urbanisation.2. We monitored growth of two‐lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera Green) larvae over two complete cohorts (2006 and 2007) in nine western Georgia, U.S.A. streams.3. We found that salamanders in streams surrounded by urbanised and developing catchments hatched at the same size as their reference‐stream counterparts, but achieved larger sizes within the first few months of growth. We evaluated the effect of four variables that correlate with the urban‐forest gradient and found that elevated temperatures in the urban environment, coupled with decreased intraspecific competition because of lower survivorship in these same habitats, were two of the most likely explanations for increased growth rates.4. Such an increase in growth of surviving larvae may maintain population viability in urban areas where it has been shown survival is difficult because of increased in‐channel flow during flood events. Because larvae that do survive in urban streams undergo metamorphosis at large sizes, they may recoup a component of fitness (i.e. increased adult survivorship and reproduction) through growth.
Fining of red wines with gluten or yeast extract protein
Authors: Iturmendi Nerea , Durán Daniel , Marín‐Arroyo Mª Remedios 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDue to a growing interest in alternatives to substitute gelatin as clarifying agent, this work investigates the use of yeast extracts and glutens. Physico‐chemical characteristics of proteins were analysed. Fining experiments were carried out on young red wines. Turbidity reduction, lees volume and effects on polyphenolic content and colour characteristics were determined. The results indicated that glutens and yeast extracts turbidity reduction is comparable to gelatin. Lees production was considerably reduced by non‐animal proteins: yeast extracts produced 44%, wheat glutens 60% and maize gluten 92% less than gelatin. Lees volume is highly correlated (R = −0.720) with the absolute superficial charge density value (SCD) and with the pI (0.936) when clarifier was used in combination with bentonite. Treatments with glutens reduced less the polyphenolic content (between 0.6 and 8.7 units) than gelatin did. There were slight differences on the modification of colour intensity.
A novel photochromic time–temperature indicator to support cold chain management
Authors: Kreyenschmidt Judith , Christiansen Henning , Hübner Antonia , Raab V. , Petersen Brigitte 
Published: January 2010

SummaryA detailed investigation of the behaviour of a new printable photochromic time–temperature indicator (TTI) was conducted to characterise its properties under specific temperature conditions and to analyse the influence of ultra violet (UV) light irradiation (activation) on the discolouration process. The reproducibility of the charging process and the discolouration process of the TTI were analysed. For different charging times the calculated activation energies based on the Arrhenius model ranged from 23.2 to 25.3 kcal mol−1 depending on the UV light irradiation (charging time). A quality contour diagram was established to define the appropriate charging time for different kinds of products. Due to the possibility of defining the shelf life of a TTI by different charging times, this novel TTI constitutes a reliable tool to monitor the cold chains of a broad range of food products on their way from production to consumption.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of pomegranate peel extract improves the shelf life of chicken products
Authors: Kanatt Sweetie R. , Chander Ramesh , Sharma Arun 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of pomegranate peel and seed extract was investigated. Pomegranate peel extract (PE) showed excellent antioxidant activity while the seed extract (PS) did not have any significant activity. The IC50 value of PE for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging was 4.9 μg mL–1 while that of Butylated hydroxy toluene was 21.2 μg mL–1, indicating that it was a stronger antioxidant. The efficacy of PE in scavenging hydroxyl and superoxide anion radical was also very high. It also had good reducing power and iron chelation capacity. PE showed good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus having minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.01%. Pseudomonas could be inhibited at a higher concentration of 0.1% while it was ineffective against Escherichia coli and S. typhimurium. Addition of PE to popular chicken meat products enhanced its shelf life by 2–3 weeks during chilled storage. PE was also effective in controlling oxidative rancidity in these chicken products.
Effects of off‐vine bunches shading and cryomaceration on free and glycosilated flavours of Malvasia delle Lipari wine
Authors: Piombino Paola , Genovese Alessandro , Gambuti Angelita , Lamorte Simona Antonella , Lisanti Maria Tiziana , Moio Luigi 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThis study evaluated the impact on free and bound volatiles of Malvasia delle Lipari passito wine of two transformation variables at different stages of the winemaking process: different sun exposures of post‐harvested grapes during drying and pre‐fermentative cryomaceration. Wine volatiles were analysed by solid‐phase extraction/GC‐MS (gas‐chromatography/mass spectrometry) and odour by sensory descriptive analysis. The off‐vine bunches dried in shaded conditions (MLsh wine) and juice cryomaceration (6 °C, 12 h) of the dried grapes (MLc wine), both significantly affected the volatiles of Malvasia delle Lipari traditionally produced (MLs wine). The MLsh wine was richest (67%) in free volatiles. Total bound terpenoids had a higher level in the MLsh wine (20%). Total free volatiles of the cryomacerated wine (MLc) were higher (45%) than those of MLs. Total bound volatiles were 36% higher in the cryomacerated sample. Sensory analysis showed that compositional differences of the wine volatiles reflected on their odour character.
Effects of different nitric oxide application on quality of kiwifruit during 20 °C storage
Authors: Zhu Shuhua , Sun Lina , Zhou Jie 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe effects of fumigating with 0, 10, 20, 30 μL L−1 nitric oxide (NO) gas and dipping in 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μmol L−1 NO aqueous solution on quality of kiwifruit (Actinidia Chinensis Planch cv Xuxiang) during storage at 20 °C were evaluated. It was found that fumigating with 20 μL L−1 NO gas and dipping in 1.0 μmol L−1 NO aqueous solution delayed firmness lost and increased SSC/TA ratios of kiwifruits. In comparison with the kiwifruits fumigated with 20 μL L−1 NO, the kiwifruits dipped in 1.0 μmol L−1 NO solution had slower ethylene production, lower contents of soluble solids and malondialdehyde (MDA), higher contents of vitamin C and E, but no significant difference existed in chlorophyll contents. The results suggested that dipping kiwifruits in 1.0 μmol L−1 NO aqueous solution was more effective in maintaining kiwifruits quality during 20 °C storage.
A novel spectrophotometric method for quantitative determination of lactulose in food industries
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Wang He , Yang Ruijin , Jiang Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2010

SummaryA sensitive and simple spectrophotometric method for quantification of lactulose without interference from aldoses was developed. The method was based on hydrolysis of lactulose under acidic conditions. The hydrolysed product reacts with cysteine hydrochloride‐tryptophon reagent, giving an absorption peak at 518 nm. By following the conditions optimised in this paper, the absorbance value generated by lactose or galactose was far less than that of lactulose of the same amount, suggesting that the interference from aldoses for determination of lactulose could be neglected. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 5–25 μg mL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection of lactulose at 518 nm was 0.58 μg mL−1. The variation between the results for lactulose (18 μg mL−1) was 1.02%. These facts revealed that the method can be recommended for the quantitative determination of lactulose in case of syrups, biological fluids or dairy products.