bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen use efficiency. 3. Nitrogen fixation: genes and costs
Authors: Andrews M. , Lea P.J. , Raven J.A. , Azevedo R.A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe nitrogen use efficiencies (NUE) of N2 fixation, primary NH 4+ assimilation and NO 3− assimilation are compared. The photon and water costs of the various biochemical and transport processes involved in plant growth, N‐assimilation, pH regulation and osmolarity generation, per unit N assimilated are respectively likely to be around 5 and 7% greater for N2 fixation than for a combination of NH 4+ and root and shoot NO 3− assimilation as occurs with most crops. Studies on plant and rhizobial genes involved in nodulation and N2 fixation may lead to more rapid nodulation, production of more stress‐tolerant N2 fixing systems and transfer of the hydrogenase system to rhizobium/legume symbioses which currently do not have this ability. The activity of an uptake hydrogenase is predicted to decrease the photon cost of diazotrophic plant growth by about 1%.
Photosynthesis light curves: a method for screening water deficit resistance in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Nunes C. , Araújo S.S , Silva J.M. , Fevereiro P. , Silva A.B. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe photosynthetic performance of two transgenic Medicago truncatula lines engineered for water deficit (WD) resistance and a non‐transformed line was assessed in a growth chamber experiment in well‐watered, WD and stress recovery conditions. Direct gas exchange measurements showed that the transgenic plants had lower photosynthetic rates under well‐hydrated conditions when compared to the non‐transformed line. Photosynthesis light curves confirmed this difference but more importantly showed a progressive change in photosynthetic behaviour with intensity of dehydration. Dehydration led to sharp decreases of maximum photosynthesis (Amax), photosynthetic apparent quantum yield (Φ) and apparent light compensation point. The recovery rates showed that all plant lines had a similar capacity to regain control photosynthetic values. Furthermore, results suggested that light was more limiting for photosynthesis than atmospheric CO2 concentration. The results are discussed in terms of the use of photosynthesis light response curves as a non‐destructive and expeditious approach to select M. truncatula transformants with improved WD resistance.
A COMPARISON OF THE VOLATILE PROFILES OF FRYING EUROPEAN AND AUSTRALIAN WILD BOAR MEAT WITH INDUSTRIAL GENOTYPE PORK BY DYNAMIC HEADSPACE‐GC/MS ANALYSIS
Authors: LAMMERS MICHAEL , DIETZE KLAAS , TERNES WALDEMAR 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT Volatiles that arise from frying meat of European (sus scrofa scrofa) and Australian wild boars and domestic pigs (sus scrofa domestica) were freed of vapor and led to a Tenax (Alltech GmbH, Unterhaching, Germany) trap where they were absorbed. Elution with diethyl ether followed and after concentrating, a 200‐µL volatiles extract was obtained. Separation of compounds via gas chromatography was performed on a highly polar DB‐Wax column. More than 50 headspace volatiles could be identified, and their concentrations quantified. Most of the identified volatiles are known to contribute to meat flavor but have not, as yet, been described for wild boar meat aroma. However, S‐methyl‐methanthiosulfonate is described as a headspace volatile of meat for the first time. No character impact compound of wild boar meat was identified. In fact, results indicate that the distinguished flavor of meat from wild boar and industrial genotype pigs depends on varying amounts of potent aroma volatiles. That phenylacetaldehyde and methional play a crucial role seems possible.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis manuscript presents, to our best knowledge, the first investigation about volatiles arising from frying wild boar meat. The results enlighten the influence of the breed to aroma‐contributing volatiles of pork. Wild boar admittedly tastes different from industrial genotype pork, and is appreciated by many gourmets. This study is a valuable basis for basic and applied science. As classical gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry is chosen as analytical method, the presented data can be compared with many references and easily repeated with common laboratory equipment. The description of the sensory impression of each analyte is delivered in literature by GC in combination with olfactometry, which is an already well‐established method for the analysis of aroma‐active meat volatiles. The authors want this study to be seen as the first practical access to the aroma research of wild boar meat, and intend to be of use for further investigations in the field of, e.g., food processing or breeding.
REALIMENTATION OF CULL BEEF COWS. I. LIVE PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS AND MUSCLE CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: HOLMER S.F. , HOMM J.W. , BERGER L.L. , BREWER M.S. , MCKEITH F.K. , KILLEFER J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether culled beef cows fed a high‐concentrate diet (FED) would have improved live performance, carcass traits and muscle characteristics compared with forage fed (CON) cows. In addition, ractopamine (RAC) supplementation was evaluated for added benefits over high concentrate alone. Live weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling, quality grade and carcass fat measurements increased (P ≤ 0.05) by realimentation. As a percent of hot carcass weight, muscle yields did not differ (P > 0.05). Lipid content increased (P ≤ 0.05) in 5 out of the 10 muscles from FED cows. Cows fed ractopamine showed some numeric improvements over feeding alone, but few statistical differences (P > 0.05). This may result from variability associated with cull cows, and warrants investigation into the best dose/duration for ractopamine. However, realimentation by itself was able to improve cull cow quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONThe U.S. beef industry continues to explore new avenues to enhance undervalued sectors of the production system. Through realimentation, cull cow quality can be improved. The data presented herein demonstrate that feeding a high‐concentrate diet to cull cows increases both live and carcass weights. In addition, high concentrate‐fed cull cows display more marbling and whiter fat cover than those fed at maintenance level. Qualification for premium programs, heavier weights and overall higher quality may lead to increased value for this underutilized sector of the beef industry.
IDENTIFICATION OF POULTRY MEAT FROM PORK AND BEEF ON THE BASIS OF THE TITIN PEVK REGION USING PCR
Authors: SPYCHAJ ANITA , MOZDZIAK PAUL E. , POSPIECH EDWARD 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT The possibility of distinguishing three kinds of meat species (chicken, porcine and bovine) alone or in two‐component meat mixtures was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction. The contribution of each component in the meat mixtures ranged from 1 to 100%. The identification of meat was performed on the basis of the sequence coding the PEVK region of titin and by employing polymerase chain reaction. DNA was isolated from raw, fresh and chilled meat. The data presented in this study suggest that it is possible to detect chicken meat, pork and beef in meat mixtures on the basis of PEVK region by using PCR. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a precise and quick technique that has many practical applications. Using PCR with primer sets designed on the basis of the PEVK region present in titin can be a convenient tool for species identification, especially for chicken meat mixed with pork and beef meat in two‐component meat mixtures. Reliable and sensitive methods for species differentiation can give consumers confidence about authentic meat product composition.
EFFECTS OF SOLUTION ENHANCEMENT ON PALATABILITY AND SHELF‐LIFE CHARACTERISTICS OF LAMB RETAIL CUTS
Authors: SAWYER JASON T. , BROOKS J. CHANCE , APPLE JASON K. , FITCH GERALD Q. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT The low demand for lamb in the U.S.A. requires the sheep industry to focus on the development of a means to simultaneously protect fresh lamb consumption from deteriorating and entice new consumer purchases based on palatability characteristics. Thus, the shelf‐life and palatability attributes of lamb enhanced with salt, phosphate and rosemary were compared with traditional, fresh, nonenhanced lamb cuts. Wholesale loins and legs (n = 30/subprimal) were either injected to 112.5% of raw weight with the enhancement treatment (ENH) or not (Ctrl), and both ENH and Ctrl cuts were vacuum‐packaged and stored 24 h before fabrication into 2.54‐cm‐thick chops/steaks. While color scores decreased (P < 0.05) for both loin chops and leg steaks over the 7‐day display period, sensory panelists preferred (P < 0.05) ENH lamb over Ctrl chops and steaks. Results indicate that enhancement can improve the palatability attributes of lamb without detrimental effects on product shelf life.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSInformation presented in the current experiment can be used as a tool to define the sensory taste and color quality characteristics of solution‐enhanced lamb retail cuts. More specifically, this information could be used to support future studies in the areas of color stability/packaging applications and a means to identify a threshold for solution enhancement of lamb muscles. With an industry that relies on the identification of new cuts for the retail market, and consumers placing tremendous emphasis on muscle color at the time of purchase, a thorough understanding of color stability for solution‐enhanced lamb is necessary. Lastly, this information can be used to further enhance the potential marketability of such muscles from the lamb carcass that tend to receive severe discounts as a result of a lack in consumer preference for lamb products in the retail setting.
EFFECT OF I199V POLYMORPHISM ON PRKAG3 GENE ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS IN SLOVENIAN COMMERCIAL PIGS
Authors: ŠKRLEP M. , KAVAR T. , SANTÉ‐LHOUTELLIER V. , ČANDEK‐POTOKAR M. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT The effect of I199V polymorphism at the PRKAG3 gene on carcass and meat quality of commercial pigs was studied independently from PRKAG3 200Q or RYR1 “n” allele, known to decrease meat quality, i.e., animals were genotyped for RYR1 R615C, PRKAG3 I199V and R200Q substitutions, and only pigs without 200Q and “n” were retained for the analysis of carcass and meat quality traits (n = 274). Genotype frequencies were 12.0, 57.7 and 30.3% for I/I, I/V and V/V, respectively. The I199V polymorphism affected significantly fat thickness and drip loss and tended to affect ultimate pH. Interestingly, I/V were the fattest and significantly different from V/V, with I/I pigs being intermediate. The ultimate pH of I/I was higher than the one of I/V or V/V pigs. Regarding drip loss, significant difference was detected between I/I and V/V pigs. The heterozygous I/V pigs were intermediate with differences to I/I or V/V tending toward significance.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSOur results provide new evidence about the significant effect of second polymorphism on the PRKAG3 gene (I199V) on carcass and meat quality. Because of low frequencies of I/I genotype in the majority of modern pig breeds, the available literature data for genotype I/I are scarce. Our results confirm a beneficial impact of 199I allele for pork quality, but indicate possible adverse impact for carcass leanness. It would be worthwhile rechecking the interesting position of heterozygous I/V pigs, which turned out to be the fattest. We expect the results to be useful for breeders in search of the compromise between carcass and meat quality.
Evaluating glutathione S‐Transferase (GST) null genotypes (GSTT1 and GSTM1) as a potential biomarker of predisposition for developing leukopenia
Authors: GONCALVES M. S. , MOURA NETO J. P. , SOUZA C. L. , MELO P. , REIS M. G. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryGlutathione S‐transferase (GST) enzymes protect cells against xenobiotics and oxidative stress products through an electrophilic conjugation process. We investigated the theta (GSTT1) and mu (GSTM1) null genotypes in a group of leukopenic subjects and normal subjects from Northeast Brazil, evaluating their use as biomarkers of susceptibility for developing leukopenia. In a sample‐based case–control study, we analysed white blood cell (WBC) counts and GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes. A total of 278 subjects were analysed: 91 with leukopenia and 187 controls. GSTT1 null genotype conferred a 5.92‐fold risk for occurrence of leukopenia [odds ratios (OR) = 5.92, CIMLE: 1.64–26.72, PMLE = 0.002] and a 3.90‐fold risk of neutropenia (OR = 3.90; CIMLE: 1.05–13.66; PMLE = 0.02), while GSTM1 null genotype conferred a 1.78‐fold risk for leukopenia (OR = 1.75; CIMLE: 1.04–3.06, PMLE = 0.017) and no risk of neutropenia (OR = 1.71; CIMLE: 0.88–3.35; PMLE = 0.06). The GSTT1, but not the GSTM1 null genotype, was found to be associated with leukopenia and neutropenia. More cellular and molecular studies are needed to evaluate the existence of genotype interactions, and to confirm the appropriateness of using the GSTT1 and/or GSTM1 null genotypes as biomarkers of susceptibility to white blood‐cell deficiencies.
The demand for electricity in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Arshad , Qayyum Abdul 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the patterns of electricity demand in Pakistan over the period 1970–2006 using autoregressive distributed lag technique to cointegration. Long run and short‐run price and income elasticities are examined for the national level and for the three major consumer's categories—households, industry and agriculture. The overall results suggest that income and price elasticities possess expected signs at aggregate and disaggregate levels in the long run as well as in the short run. The error correction terms possess expected negative signs and are highly significant with reasonable magnitudes. Furthermore, the estimated long run and short‐run electricity demand functions remains stable over the sample period. The results thus convey important information to the agents operating in the electricity market regarding the pricing policies and helps in planning the future strategy of electricity demand management.
Time discounting and long‐run issues: the controversy raised by the Stern Review of the economics of climate change
Authors: Godard Olivier 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe Stern Review on the economics of climate change has been a huge international event. It also raised an ardent controversy on the use of economic methodology. Did the Stern team cook the book to reach desired catastrophic outcomes? This paper is focused on the specific debate on time discounting when the far distant future is at stake. Examining arguments of protagonists, it concludes that the Stern Review's foundations were consistent with the utilitarian philosophy without falling into empirically erring conclusions, while critics of the Review had to reveal the dubious set of assumptions on which their own views were based. But the standard translation of utilitarianism into cost‐benefit analysis can be questioned. Various avenues of progress are identified.
Aviation fuel demand modelling in OECD and developing countries: impacts of fuel efficiency
Authors: Mazraati Mohammad , Alyousif Osama M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractOn the quest for reducing the fuel consumption per passenger per flight for economical and environmental reasons, commercial aircraft manufacturers are implementing new strategies for optimising aircraft performance by using new lighter and stronger materials and enhancing engines' efficiencies in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance requirements. With the rising and falling of economies, whether in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries or other developing countries, the aviation industry has been affected by multiple factors such as passenger traffic, freight traffic, airport capacities and oil prices. Aircraft manufacturers have worked on improving the engine efficiency of their newly built airplanes (e.g. Airbus's A‐380 and Boeing's B‐787), and many airports in the world have increased the number of their runways to face the increasing demand for air traffic in the world. Aviation efficiency can also be achieved through better load management, which in return enables airliners to cope with higher oil prices or rising costs. Aviation fuel demand is modelled in OECD North America, Europe and Pacific regions and some selected developing countries. Price elasticities of fuel demand in all regions are low, while income elasticities are high. The elasticity of aviation fuel demand on passenger kilometre performed (PKP) is considerably low. One per cent increase in PKP leads to less than half a per cent increase in aviation fuel demand, confirming an ongoing fuel efficiency in aviation industry.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Mutations Involved in Clarithromycin Resistance inHelicobacter pyloriIsolates from Patients in the Western Central Region of Colombia
Authors: Álvarez Adalucy , Moncayo José Ignacio , Santacruz Jorge Javier , Santacoloma Mario , Corredor Luisa Fernanda , Reinosa Elizabeth 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTResistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin (amoxicilline) was found in 82, 3.8, and 1.9% of 106Helicobacter pyloriisolates, respectively. No tetracycline-resistant isolates were found. In all of the clarithromycin-resistant isolates, only one point mutation was present, either A2143G or A2142G. Our results indicate that metronidazole should not be included in the empirical treatment ofH. pyloriinfection in this region.
Evaluation of Target Specificity of Antibacterial Agents Using
Staphylococcus aureus ddlA
Mutants and
d
-Cycloserine in a Silkworm Infection Model
Authors: Kurokawa Kenji , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Matsuo Miki , Nishida Satoshi , Yamane Noriko , Lee Bok Luel , Murakami Kazuhisa , Maki Hideki , Sekimizu Kazuhisa 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

The availability of a silkworm larva infection model to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of antibiotics was examined. The 50% effective doses (ED
50
) of
d
-cycloserine against the
Staphylococcus aureus ddlA
mutant-mediated killing of larvae were remarkably lower than those against the parental strain-mediated killing of larvae. Changes in MICs and ED
50
of other antibiotics were negligible, suggesting that these alterations are
d
-cycloserine selective. Therefore, this model is useful for selecting desired compounds based on their therapeutic effectiveness during antibiotic development.
Novel Expression Vector for Secretion of Cecropin AD in
Bacillus subtilis
with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhu Faming , Cao Yunhe , Qiao Shiyan 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Cecropin AD, a chimeric antimicrobial peptide obtained from cecropins, is effective at killing specific microorganisms. However, a highly efficient expression system is still needed to allow for commercial application of cecropin AD. For the exogenous expression of cecropin AD, we fused the cecropin AD gene with a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) gene and a signal peptide of SacB, while a
Bacillus subtilis
expression system was constructed based on
Bacillus subtilis
cells genetically modified by the introduction of an operon including an isopropyl-β-
d
-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible Spac promoter, a signal peptide of
amyQ
, and the SUMO protease gene. The recombinant cecropin AD was expressed, and 30.6 mg of pure recombinant protein was purified from 1 liter of culture supernatant. The purified cecropin AD displayed antimicrobial activity against some pathogens, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Escherichia coli
, and was especially effective toward
Staphylococcus aureus
, with MICs of <0.05 μM (0.2 μg/ml). Stability analysis results showed that the activity of cecropin AD was not influenced by temperatures as high as 55°C for 20 min; however, temperatures above 85°C (for 20 min) decreased the antimicrobial activity of cecropin AD. Varying the pH from 4.0 to 9.0 did not appear to affect the activity of cecropin AD, but some loss of potency was observed at pH values lower than pH 4.0. Under the challenge of several proteases (proteinase K, trypsin, and pepsin), cecropin AD maintained functional activity. The results indicated that the recombinant product expressed by the designed
Bacillus subtilis
expression system was a potent antimicrobial agent and could be applied to control infectious diseases of farm animals or even humans.
Potent Activity of a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, 4′-Ethynyl-2-Fluoro-2′-Deoxyadenosine, against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in a Model Using Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell-Transplanted NOD/SCID Janus Kinase 3 Knockout Mice
Authors: Hattori Shinichiro , Ide Kazuhiko , Nakata Hirotomo , Harada Hideki , Suzu Shinya , Ashida Noriyuki , Kohgo Satoru , Hayakawa Hiroyuki , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Okada Seiji 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

4′-Ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA), a recently discovered nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, exhibits activity against a wide spectrum of wild-type and multidrug-resistant clinical human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates (50% effective concentration, 0.0001 to 0.001 μM). In the present study, we used human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-transplanted, HIV-1-infected NOD/SCID/Janus kinase 3 knockout mice for in vivo evaluation of the anti-HIV activity of EFdA. Administration of EFdA decreased the replication and cytopathic effects of HIV-1 without identifiable adverse effects. In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice, the CD4
+
/CD8
+
cell ratio in the spleen was low (median, 0.04; range, 0.02 to 0.49), while that in mice receiving EFdA was increased (median, 0.65; range, 0.57 to 1.43). EFdA treatment significantly suppressed the amount of HIV-1 RNA (median of 9.0 × 10
2
copies/ml [range, 8.1 × 10
2
to 1.1 × 10
3
copies/ml] versus median of 9.9 × 10
4
copies/ml [range, 8.1 × 10
2
to 1.1 × 10
3
copies/ml];
P
< 0.001), the p24 level in plasma (2.5 × 10
3
pg/ml [range, 8.2 × 10
2
to 5.6 × 10
3
pg/ml] versus 2.8 × 10
2
pg/ml [range, 8.2 × 10
1
to 6.3 × 10
2
pg/ml];
P
< 0.001), and the percentage of p24-expressing cells in the spleen (median of 1.90% [range, 0.33% to 3.68%] versus median of 0.11% [range, 0.00% to 1.00%];
P
= 0.003) in comparison with PBS-treated mice. These data suggest that EFdA is a promising candidate for a new age of HIV-1 chemotherapy and should be developed further as a potential therapy for individuals with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 variants.