bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of decomposition process of BrCN with microwave discharge flow of Ar
Authors: Wada Akira , Araki Hitoshi , Ito Haruhiko 
Published: January 2010

CN(X
2Σ+) radicals were produced from the dissociative excitation reaction of BrCN with the microwave discharge flow of Ar. This plasma reaction was studied by the combined analysis of the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and electrostatic-probe measurements. The Ar pressure, P
Ar, was in the range 0.2–0.5 Torr. The absolute densities of CN(X
2Σ+) radicals, n
CN(X), and that of the metastable state of Ar atoms, n
M, were determined by observing the CN(A
2Πi–X
2Σ+) and Ar(3P1–3P2) transitions, respectively. The temperature, T
e, and the density, n
e, of free electrons were determined from the electrostatic-probe measurement. When a trace amount of H2O vapour was introduced into the reaction system, n
CN(X), n
M, T
e and n
e were varied. By comparing the decrements of n
CN(X), n
M and n
e upon the addition of H2O vapour into the reaction system, the production process of CN(X
2Σ+) was found, predominantly, to be the energy transfer from the metastable state of Ar atoms.
Influence of Microwave Heating on Biological Activities and Electrophoretic Pattern of Albumin Fraction of Wheat Grain
Authors: Warchalewski J. R. , Gralik J. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTMicrowave treatment is a sufficiently alternative technique to be applied widely in food production and cereals protection against insect pests. Water‐soluble proteins were washed out from microwave‐heated wheat grain for the purpose of assaying the influence on biological activities, reducing sugars content, and SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis proteins patterns. The differences between microwave‐heated grain samples were verified by analysis of variance at the P ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Microwave heating of wheat grain within the temperature range of 28–98°C caused a decrease in water‐extractable proteins, statistically significant when grain temperature reached 79 and 98°C. Statistically significant increase in reducing sugars content was noted in grain samples heated only to 48°C; a decrease was noted above this temperature. All biological activities studied (amylolytic and inhibition activities against α‐amylases from insects (Sithophilus granarius L., Tribolium confusum Duv., Ephestia kuehniella Zell.), human saliva, hog pancreas, antitryptic activity) were distinctly diminished in grain samples heated to 79°C. At the highest grain temperature of 98°C, the loss of all biological activities were even more pronounced due to denaturation of ≈45% of extractable proteins. Among the wheat albumins studied by SDS‐PAGE, only eight and nine protein bands were detected in the grains heated to 98 and 28°C, respectively, whereas 12 bands were present in the control. The highest number of protein bands (13) was found in the grains heated to 48 and 64°C, respectively.
Freeze‐Thaw Stability of Bualoy Thai Dessert Using Waxy Rice Flour
Authors: Vatanasuchart Nednapis , Attaviboonkul Payom , Niyomwit Boonma , Varanyanond Warunee , Naivikul Onanong 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTFrozen food products are gaining acceptance in Thai food industry and frozen bualoy dessert is a good opportunity for marketing in domestic and for exports. One important factor affecting quality of frozen starchy foods is retrogradation of starch gels. Thus freeze‐thaw stability of a frozen bualoy made from total waxy rice flour was studied and compared among the samples modified by 20 and 30% cross‐linked tapioca starch (CTS) derivatized with phosphorylation and 0.25% propylene glycol alginate (PGA). The waxy rice flour was pregelatinized by adding boiled water before shaping as a ball, then boiled and mixed with coconut syrup. All samples were subjected to five freeze‐thaw cycles over 60 days in a conventional freezer (–18°C). Texture analysis firmness and stickiness of the nonfrozen gels substituted with 20% CTS (382 ± 43, 20.5 ± 7.1 g·f) and 30% CTS (493 ± 37, 31.1 ± 7.0 g·f) were significantly different as compared with the control (329 ± 22, 14.8 ± 3.1 g·f). Similar results were observed for the samples continuously frozen for 60 days. The effects of freeze‐thaw stability to the frozen gels of the control, CTS, and PGA substituted samples appeared after two cycles and exhibited a large increase in firmness and stickiness at the fourth cycle. The firmness values obtained from the control and the samples substituted with 20% and 30% CTS were 2,397 ± 197, 2,182 ± 203, and 2,104 ± 200 g·f, respectively. This evidence was also observed with the samples containing PGA, but the effect was slightly less. This might account for the recrystallization of amylopectin molecules induced by freeze‐thawings. With DSC, the waxy rice gels showed a significant increase in the melting enthalpy (2.39 ± 0.23 J/g) at the fifth cycle from the nonfrozen gels (0.11 ± 0.02 J/g). The sensory tests of the bualoys were correlated with textural qualities that were acceptable to the panelists when the freeze‐thawing went no further than the second cycle.
Glutenin Macropolymer in Salted and Alkaline Noodle Doughs
Authors: Ong Y. L. , Ross A. S. , Engle D. A. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTAn attempt was made to understand the physicochemical attributes that are the basis of physical differences between alkaline and salted noodle doughs. Flour and dough properties of one soft and three hard‐grained wheat cultivars were observed. Doughs were made with either sodium chloride or sodium carbonate. Each formulation variant was tested at both high and low water additions. Samples for glutenin macropolymer (GMP) isolation were taken at selected noodle dough processing stages. When a 1.67% w/v Na2CO3 solution was used for mixograph testing, dough characteristics were radically altered and differences between cultivars were masked. In lubricated squeezing flow (LSF) testing, hard wheat noodle doughs had significantly (P < 0.01) longer relaxation times and higher % residual force values than soft wheat doughs in both the salted and alkaline variants. LSF maximum force and biaxial viscosity were significantly higher in alkaline doughs than salted. GMP extracted from alkaline doughs was gummy and sticky, and was more opaque than GMP from salted doughs. GMP weight decreased sequentially when extracted from samples taken in the active phase (mix, compound, sheet) of noodle dough processing and decreased more in alkaline doughs. GMP weight increased more after 24 hr of dough rest in salted doughs. GMP gel strength was noticeably higher in GMP extracted from alkaline doughs. After dough resting, alkaline GMP gel strength significantly increased, whereas it decreased in GMP from salted doughs, suggesting a role for GMP in the increased stiffness of alkaline noodle doughs.
Combined bezafibrate and medroxyprogesterone acetate have efficacy without haematological toxicity in elderly and relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
Authors: Murray Jim A. , Khanim Farhat L. , Hayden Rachel E. , Craddock Charlie F. , Holyoake Tessa L. , Jackson Nick , Lumley Matthew , Bunce Chris M. , Drayson Mark T. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) causes life‐threatening deficits of functional blood cells that require management using red cell and platelet transfusion and aggressive treatment of neutropenic infections. Current cytotoxic chemotherapy further worsens the problem of reduced haemopoiesis and two‐thirds of patients are too frail to tolerate intensive chemotherapy at all. Median survival amongst these patients remains at <3 months emphasizing the urgent need for anti‐AML therapies that do not suppress haemopoiesis. Our laboratory studies showed combined Bezafibrate and Medroxyprogesterone acetate (BaP) had activity against AML without toxicity to normal stem cells. Here we report the safety and efficacy of BaP in 20 patients (19 AML, 1 high‐risk myelodysplasia) for whom intensive chemotherapy was not an option. No patient exhibited haematological toxicity from BaP. Eleven patients took BaP alone for >4 weeks. One reverted from high risk myelodysplasia and remains transfusion independent after 201 weeks of therapy. Three AML patients gained major haematological improvements for 22–30 weeks; in one, marrow was available to document a partial AML response. Thus, this trial indicates that BaP therapy has potential for treatment of elderly and relapsed AML.
Characterization of ecosystem responses to climatic controls using artificial neural networks
Authors: MOFFAT ANTJE M. , BECKSTEIN CLEMENS , CHURKINA GALINA , MUND MARTINA , HEIMANN MARTIN 
Published: January 2010

AbstractUnderstanding and modeling ecosystem responses to their climatic controls is one of the major challenges for predicting the effects of global change. Usually, the responses are implemented in models as parameterized functional relationships of a fixed type. In contrast, the inductive approach presented here based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) allows the relationships to be extracteddirectly from the data. It has been developed to explore large, fragmentary, noisy, and multidimensional datasets, such as the carbon fluxes measured at the ecosystem level with the eddy covariance technique. To illustrate this, our approach has been systematically applied to the daytime carbon flux dataset of the deciduous broadleaf forest Hainich in Germany. The total explainable variability of the half‐hourly carbon fluxes from the driving climatic variables was 93.1%, showing the excellent data mining capability of the ANNs. Total photosynthetic photon flux density was identified as the dominant control of the daytime response, followed by the diffuse radiation. The vapor pressure deficit was the most important nonradiative control. From the ANNs, we were also able to deduce and visualize the dependencies and sensitivities of the response to its climatic controls. With respect to diffuse radiation, the daytime carbon response showed no saturation and the light use efficiency was three times greater for diffuse compared with direct radiation. However, with less potential radiation reaching the forest, the overall effect of diffuse radiation was slightly negative. The optimum uptake of carbon occurred at diffuse fractions between 30% and 40%. By identifying the hierarchy of the climatic controls of the ecosystem response as well as their multidimensional functional relationships, our inductive approach offers a direct interface to the data. This provides instant insight in the underlying ecosystem physiology and links the observational relationships to their representation in the modeling world.
Identification of vegetation and soil carbon pools out of equilibrium in a process model via eddy covariance and biometric constraints
Authors: CARVALHAIS NUNO , REICHSTEIN MARKUS , CIAIS PHILIPPE , COLLATZ G. JAMES , MAHECHA MIGUEL D. , MONTAGNANI LEONARDO , PAPALE DARIO , RAMBAL SERGE , SEIXAS JÚLIA 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAssumptions of steady‐state conditions in biogeochemical modelling are often invoked because knowledge on the development status of the modelling domain is generally unavailable. Here, we investigate the role of vegetation pool sizes on nonequilibrium conditions through model‐data integration approaches for a set of sites using eddy covariance CO2 flux data. The study is based on the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model, modified (CASAG) in order to evaluate the sensitivity of simulated net ecosystem production (NEP) fluxes to vegetation pool sizes. The experimental design is based on the inverse model optimization of different parameter vectors performed at the measurement site level. Each parameter vector prescribes different simulation dynamics that embody different model structural assumptions concerning (non)steady‐state conditions in vegetation and soil carbon pools. We further explore the potential of assimilating biometric constraints through the cost function for sites where in situ information on aboveground biomass or wood pools is available. The integration of biometric data yields marked improvements in the simulation of vegetation C pools compared to single constraints with eddy flux data. Overall, it is necessary to relax both vegetation and soil carbon pools for consistency with the observed data streams. Multiple constraints approaches also leads to variable model performance among the different experimental setups and model structures. We identify and assess the limitations of various model structures and the role of multiple constraints approaches for tackling issues of equifinality. These studies emphasize the need for establishing consistent data sets of fluxes and biometric data for successful model‐data fusion.
Ecological relevance of laboratory determined temperature limits: colonization potential, biogeography and resilience of Antarctic invertebrates to environmental change
Authors: BARNES D. K. A. , PECK L. S. , MORLEY S. A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe relevance of laboratory experiments in predicting effects of climate change has been questioned, especially in Antarctica where sea temperatures are remarkably stable. Laboratory studies of Southern Ocean marine animal capacities to survive increasing temperature mainly utilize rapid temperature elevations, 100 ×–10 000 × faster than sea temperature is predicted to rise. However, due to small‐scale temperature fluctuations these studies may be crucial for understanding colonization patterns and predicting survival particularly through interactions between thermal tolerance and migration. The colonization of disjunct shelves around Antarctica by larvae or adult drift requires crossing or exposure to, rapid temperature changes of up to 2–4 °C over days to weeks. Analyses of responses to warming at varying rates of temperature change in the laboratory allow better predictions of the potential species have for colonizing disjunct shelf areas (such as the Scotia Arc). Inhabiting greater diversities of localities increases the geographic and thermal range species experience. We suggest a strong link between short‐term temperature tolerance, environmental range and prospects for surviving changing environments.
Adaptation to host plants may prevent rapid insect responses to climate change
Authors: PELINI SHANNON L. , KEPPEL JESSICA A. , KELLEY ANN E. , HELLMANN JESSICA. J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe must consider the role of multitrophic interactions when examining species' responses to climate change. Many plant species, particularly trees, are limited in their ability to shift their geographic ranges quickly under climate change. Consequently, for herbivorous insects, geographic mosaics of host plant specialization could prohibit range shifts and adaptation when insects become separated from suitable host plants. In this study, we examined larval growth and survival of an oak specialist butterfly (Erynnis propertius) on different oaks (Quercus spp.) that occur across its range to determine if individuals can switch host plants if they move into new areas under climate change. Individuals from Oregon and northern California, USA that feed on Q. garryana and Q. kelloggii in the field experienced increased mortality on Q. agrifolia, a southern species with low nutrient content. In contrast, populations from southern California that normally feed on Q. agrifolia performed well on Q. agrifolia and Q. garryana and poorly on the northern, high elevation Q. kelloggii. Therefore, colonization of southern E. propertius in higher elevations and some northern locales may be prohibited under climate change but latitudinal shifts to Q. garryana may be possible. Where shifts are precluded due to maladaptation to hosts, populations may not accrue warm‐adapted genotypes. Our study suggests that, when interacting species experience asynchronous range shifts, historical local adaptation may preclude populations from colonizing new locales under climate change.
Developmental reprogramming of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction in sheep: native steroids vs. environmental steroid receptor modulators
Authors: Padmanabhan V. , Sarma H. N. , Savabieasfahani M. , Steckler T. L. , Veiga‐Lopez A. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe inappropriate programming of developing organ systems by exposure to excess native or environmental steroids, particularly the contamination of our environment and our food sources with synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals that can interact with steroid receptors, is a major concern. Studies with native steroids have found that in utero exposure of sheep to excess testosterone, an oestrogen precursor, results in low birth weight offspring and leads to an array of adult reproductive/metabolic deficits manifested as cycle defects, functional hyperandrogenism, neuroendocrine/ovarian defects, insulin resistance and hypertension. Furthermore, the severity of reproductive dysfunction is amplified by excess postnatal weight gain. The constellation of adult reproductive and metabolic dysfunction in prenatal testosterone‐treated sheep is similar to features seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Prenatal dihydrotestosterone treatment failed to result in similar phenotype suggesting that many effects of prenatal testosterone excess are likely facilitated via aromatization to oestradiol. Similarly, exposure to environmental steroid imposters such as bisphenol A (BPA) and methoxychlor (MXC) from days 30 to 90 of gestation had long‐term but differential effects. Exposure of sheep to BPA, which resulted in maternal levels of 30–50 ng/mL BPA, culminated in low birth weight offspring. These female offspring were hypergonadotropic during early postnatal life and characterized by severely dampened preovulatory LH surges. Prenatal MXC‐treated females had normal birth weight and manifested delayed but normal amplitude LH surges. Importantly, the effects of BPA were evident at levels, which approximated twice the highest levels found in human maternal circulation of industrialized nations. These findings provide evidence in support of developmental origin of adult reproductive and metabolic diseases and highlight the risk posed by exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Ecophysiological differences between genetic lineages facilitate the invasion of non‐native Phragmites australis in North American Atlantic coast wetlands
Authors: Mozdzer Thomas J. , Zieman Joseph C. 
Published: January 2010

Summary 1. Over the last century, native Phragmites australis lineages have been almost completely replaced along the North American Atlantic coast by an aggressive lineage originating from Eurasia. Understanding the mechanisms that facilitate biological invasions is critical to better understand what makes an invasive species successful. 2. Our objective was to determine what makes the introduced lineage so successful in the study area by specifically investigating if morphological and ecophysiological differences exist between native and introduced genetic lineages of P. australis. We hypothesized a priori that due to phenotypic differences and differences in plant nitrogen (N) content between lineages, the introduced lineage would have a greater photosynthetic potential. 3. In situ ecophysiological and morphological data were collected for 2 years in a mid‐Atlantic tidal marsh and in a glasshouse experiment. We measured photosynthetic parameters (Amax, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance) using infrared gas analysis, in conjunction with ecophysiological and morphological parameters [specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area, chlorophyll content, N content]. 4. Introduced P. australis maintained 51% greater rates of photosynthesis and up to 100% greater rates of stomatal conductance which are magnified by its 38–83% greater photosynthetic canopy compared to the native type. The introduced lineage also had a significantly greater SLA and N content. Glasshouse‐grown plants and naturally occurring populations demonstrated similar trends in ecophysiological characteristics, verifying the heritability of these differences. These ecophysiological differences, when combined with an extended growing season, provide the mechanism to explain the success of introduced P. australis in North America. 5. Our findings suggest the native type is a low‐nutrient specialist, with a more efficient photosynthetic mechanisms and lower N demand, whereas the introduced type requires nearly four times more N than the native type to be an effective competitor. 6. Synthesis. Our study is the first to combine field and laboratory data to explain a biological invasion attributed to ecophysiological differences between genetic lineages. Our data corroborates earlier work suggesting anthropogenic modification of wetland environments has provided the state change necessary for the success of introduced P. australis. Finally, our results suggest that genotypic differences within species merit further investigations, especially when related to biological invasions.
Coagulation disorders in patients with severe leptospirosis are associated with severe bleeding and mortality
Authors: Wagenaar J. F. P. , Goris M. G. A. , Partiningrum D. L. , Isbandrio B. , Hartskeerl R. A. , Brandjes D. P. M. , Meijers J. C. M. , Gasem M. H. , Van Gorp E. C. M. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryObjective  To determine the involvement of coagulation in bleeding and poor outcome in patients with severe leptospirosis.Methods  In a prospective study, parameters of the coagulation system were measured on admission and during follow‐up in 52 consecutive patients with severe leptospirosis.Results  All patients showed coagulation disorders, such as prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time, marked procoagulant activity [thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complexes, prothrombin fragment 1+2, D‐dimer], reduced levels of anticoagulant markers (protein C, antithrombin) and increased (anti‐) fibrinolytic activity [plasmin–antiplasmin (PAP) complexes, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1]. These disorders were more pronounced in patients who died eventually. PT prolongation was associated with mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–1.8, P = 0.04). Bleeding occurred in 31 subjects (60%). Of these, 24 had mild bleeding and seven had severe haemorrhages. Thrombocytopenia (platelets ≤100 × 109/l) was significantly associated with clinical bleeding (OR 4.6, 95% CI: 1.3–16). A subanalysis of patients with and without severe bleeding revealed a more pronounced imbalance of the coagulation system in patients with severe bleeding, as reflected by a significant association with PT (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–1.8, P = 0.05) and the TAT/PAP ratio (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0–1.6, P = 0.05), which is an indicator of the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was found in 10 (22%) of the 46 patients for whom the score could be calculated. There was no significant association between DIC scores, bleeding diathesis or poor outcome.Conclusion  The coagulation system was strongly activated in patients with leptospirosis. This was more pronounced in the deceased and in patients with severe bleeding than in than the survivors and in those without severe bleeding.