bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote sensing of larch phenological cycle and analysis of relationships with climate in the Alpine region
Authors: BUSETTO L. , COLOMBO R. , MIGLIAVACCA M. , CREMONESE E. , MERONI M. , GALVAGNO M. , ROSSINI M. , SINISCALCO C. , MORRA DI CELLA U. , PARI E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis research aims at developing a remote sensing technique for monitoring the interannual variability of the European larch phenological cycle in the Alpine region of Aosta Valley (Northern Italy) and to evaluate its relationships with climatic factors. Phenological field observations were conducted in eight test sites from 2005 to 2007 to determine the dates of completion of different phenological phases. MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) 250 m 16‐days normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series were fitted with double logistic curves and the dates corresponding to different features of the curves were determined. Comparison with field data showed that the features of the fitted NDVI curve that allowed the best estimate of the start and end of the growing season were the zeroes of its third derivative (MAE of 6 and 4 days, respectively). The start and end of season were also estimated with the spring warming (SW) and growing season index (GSI) phenological models. MODIS start and end of season dates generally agreed with those obtained by the SW and GSI climate‐driven phenological models. However, phenological models provided erroneous results when applied in years with anomalous meteorological conditions. The relationships between interannual variability of the larch phenological cycle and climate were investigated by comparing the mean start and end of season yearly anomalies with air temperature anomalies. A strong linear relationship (R2=0.91) was found between mean spring temperatures and mean start of season dates, with an increase of 1 °C in mean spring temperature leading to a 7‐day anticipation of mean larch bud‐burst date. Leaf coloring dates were found to be best related with mean September temperature (R2=0.77), but with higher spring temperatures appearing to lead to earlier leaf coloring.
Association of endocrine disruptors and obesity: perspectives from epidemiological studies
Authors: Hatch E. E. , Nelson J. W. , Stahlhut R. W. , Webster T. F. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAlthough changes in diet and physical activity are undoubtedly key causal factors related to the increase in obesity, there is growing interest in the possibility that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may affect obesity‐related pathways by altering cell signalling involved in weight and lipid homeostasis. Proposed mechanisms that could underlie associations between EDCs and obesity include effects on thyroid and steroid hormones, and activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, which play a major role in adipocyte differentiation and energy storage. Most evidence supporting the hypothesis that EDCs affect obesity comes from laboratory studies. We summarize the limited epidemiological literature on the topic, including prospective studies of human prenatal exposure to EDCs. We also present findings from a cross‐sectional study of levels of six phthalate metabolites and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We found positive associations between BMI and WC among adult males for most phthalate metabolites. For example, in males aged 20–59, the adjusted mean BMI across quartiles of mono‐benzyl phthalate was 26.7, 27.2, 28.4, 29.0 (p‐trend = 0.0002). In females, BMI and WC increased with quartiles of mono‐ethyl phthalate in 12–19 year olds (adjusted mean BMI = 22.9, 23.8, 24.1, 24.7, p‐trend = 0.03), and a similar but less strong pattern was seen in 20–59 year olds. By contrast, higher levels of mono‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate were associated with lower BMI in adolescent girls and females aged 20–59. This exploratory analysis found several associations between phthalate metabolites and obesity, including notable differences by gender. However, the cross‐sectional data are a limitation. Additional prospective studies of the association between exposures to EDCs, especially during development, and obesity are warranted. As this field of research advances, there are challenging methodological questions that must be considered by both epidemiologists and toxicologists.
Glucose transporter protein 1 expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary gland: correlation with grade of malignancy
Authors: Demasi Ana P. D. , Costa Ana F. , Altemani Albina , Furuse Cristiane , Araújo Ney S. , Araújo Vera C. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryMucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), the most common primary salivary malignancy, shows great variability in clinical behaviour, thus demanding investigation to identify of prognostic markers. Since Warburg’s studies, unrestricted cell growth during tumorigenesis has been linked to altered metabolism, implying hypoxic stimulation of glycolysis and diminished contribution of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to cellular ATP supply. Hypothesizing that the study of MEC metabolic status could lead to the discovery of prognostic markers, we investigated by immunohistochemistry the expression of glucose transporter 1 (Glut‐1), mitochondrial antigen and peroxiredoxin I (Prx I) in samples of MEC from different histological grades. Our results showed that mitochondrial antigen and Prx I were expressed in the majority of the MEC cases independent of the histological grade. In contrast Glut‐1 expression increased significantly as the tumours became more aggressive. These results suggested that oxidative phosphorylation may contribute to ATP supply in all stages of MEC progression, and that the relative contribution of glycolysis over mitochondria for cellular ATP supply increases during MEC progression, favouring growth under low oxygen concentration. In addition, the observed high Prx I protein levels could provide protection to tumour cells against reactive oxygen species generated as a consequence of mitochondrial function and hypoxia‐reoxygenation cycling. Altogether our findings suggest that upregulation of Glut‐1 and Prx I constitute successful adaptive strategies of MEC cells conferring a growth advantage over normal salivary gland cells in the unstable oxygenation tumour environment.
Inhibition effects of green tea and grape seed extracts on lipid oxidation in bonito fillets during frozen storage
Authors: Yerlikaya Pinar , Gokoglu Nalan 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate inhibition effects of green tea and grape seed extracts on lipid oxidation in bonito (Sarda sarda) fillets during frozen storage. Dried and powdered green tea and grape seed were extracted using ethanol. Extract solutions of 1 g 100 g−1were prepared using concentrated extracts and distilled water. Bonito fillets were divided into two groups. The first group was dipped into extract solutions and then frozen. The second group of fillets was glazed by extract solutions. Oxidation increased progressively through the storage period. 2‐Thiobarbituric acid and para‐anisidine values of samples treated with green tea and grape seed extracts remained at low levels. Both plant extracts displayed successful effects in delaying lipid oxidation compared to the control groups. The best results were obtained by extract treatment of fillets before freezing.
Batch distillation of grappa: effect of the recycling operation
Authors: Da Porto Carla , Natolino Andrea , De Corti Deborha 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe effect of the recycling of foreshots and feints during batch distillation of marc has been evaluated. The distillation behaviour of ethanol and congeners was found to be unchanged by the recycle. Instead, the chemical composition of the middle‐cut fraction obtained with recycle of foreshots and feints proved to be richer in ethanol (+4%), higher alcohols (+7%), esters (+13%) and aldehydes (+10%).
Effect of pre‐ripening chilling temperatures on ripening, shelf life and quality of bananas treated with 1‐methylcyclopropene
Authors: Moradinezhad Farid , Sedgley Margaret , Able Amanda J. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryEthylene production, shelf life and fruit quality of Cavendish bananas (cv. Williams), held at different pre‐ripening storage temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C or 15 °C) prior to ethylene and/or 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) application, were determined and compared. Levels of ethylene production during ripening were highest for control fruit that had been stored at 5 °C followed by 10 °C and then 15 °C. 1‐MCP treatment (at 300 nL L−1) had no effect on ethylene production of fruit that had been stored at 10 °C by day 10 of storage, but ethylene production was significantly higher for fruit that had been stored at 15 °C and lower for those stored at 5 °C before 1‐MCP treatment. 1‐MCP also increased shelf life to a greater extent when applied to fruit that had been stored at 10 °C or 15 °C. Even though 1‐MCP had no significant effect on under peel chilling injury, it increased discolouration significantly, regardless of storage temperature. Firmness of 1‐MCP‐treated fruit decreased significantly compared to the control when fruit were held at 5 °C or 15 °C prior to ripening (and 1‐MCP application) but had no effect on fruit stored at 10 °C before ripening. These results indicate that pre‐ripening storage temperature affects ripening, shelf life and quality in both ethylene and 1‐MCP‐treated bananas.
Effects of phytase, cellulase and dehulling treatments on zinc in vitro solubility in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) flour and seed fractions
Authors: Luo Yuwei , Xie Weihua , Cui Qunxiang 
Published: January 2010

SummarySimulations of gastro‐intestinal digestion was used to try to identify the nature of the complexes between antinutritional factors and zinc in faba bean fractions. In the hull fraction, the action of phytases and the simultaneous action of cellulase and phytase allowed about 7% and 35% additional zinc to be solubilised, respectively. Single enzymatic degradation of phytates from dehulled faba bean allowed solubilisation from 65% to 93% of zinc depending upon the treatment. The zinc of faba bean flour was mainly linked to phytates and the greater the degree of phytate degradation before in vitro digestion, the greater the quantity of zinc released. In dehulled faba bean zinc was almost exclusively chelated by phytates. In the hull of faba bean, the majority of zinc was chelated in complexes between phytates and fibres.
Aminopeptidase from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) hepatopancreas: purification, characterisation, and casein hydrolysis
Authors: Osuna‐Ruíz Idalia , Yepiz‐Plascencia Gloria , Rouzaud‐Sández Ofelia , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat Marina 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAn aminopeptidase (AP) was partially purified from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) hepatopancreas with 154.24‐fold and yield of 6.15%. The purification procedure consisted of ammonium sulphate fractionation and DEAE‐Sephacel chromatography. The enzyme was approximately 48–53 kDa as estimated by SDS‐PAGE. With l‐leu‐p‐NA, it had optimum activity at pH 8.0 and 30 °C. The Km and Vmax/Km values of the enzymes for l‐leu‐p‐NA were 0.326 mm and 2787 at 37 °C, respectively. Activation energy (Ea) of the enzyme was 53.50 kJ M−1.The AP showed activity against seven synthetic substrates: l‐proline>l‐methionine>Ac. l‐γ‐glutamic>l‐glycine>l‐leucine>l‐alanine>l‐lysine‐p‐NA. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Bestatin, partially inhibited by a metal‐chelating agent and by PCMB, a cystein protease inhibitor. Zn2+ and (or) Ca2+ seemed to be its metal cofactor(s). Incubation of casein with the partially purified AP resulted in a degree of hydrolysis of 6%.
The effect of phenotypic traits and external cues on natal dispersal movements
Authors: Delgado María del Mar , Penteriani Vincenzo , Revilla Eloy , Nams Vilis O. 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. Natal dispersal has the potential to affect most ecological and evolutionary processes. However, despite its importance, this complex ecological process still represents a significant gap in our understanding of animal ecology due to both the lack of empirical data and the intrinsic complexity of dispersal dynamics.2. By studying natal dispersal of 74 radiotagged juvenile eagle owlsBubo bubo(Linnaeus), in both the wandering and the settlement phases, we empirically addressed the complex interactions by which individual phenotypic traits and external cues jointly shape individual heterogeneity through the different phases of dispersal, both at nightly and weekly temporal scales.3. Owls in poorer physical conditions travelled shorter total distances during the wandering phase, describing straighter paths and moving slower, especially when crossing heterogeneous habitats. In general, the owls in worse condition started dispersal later and took longer times to find further settlement areas. Net distances were also sex biased, with females settling at further distances. Dispersing individuals did not seem to explore wandering and settlement areas by using a search image of their natal surroundings. Eagle owls showed a heterogeneous pattern of patch occupancy, where few patches were highly visited by different owls whereas the majority were visited by just one individual. During dispersal, the routes followed by owls were an intermediate solution between optimized and randomized ones. Finally, dispersal direction had a marked directionality, largely influenced by dominant winds. These results suggest an asymmetric and anisotropic dispersal pattern, where not only the number of patches but also their functions can affect population viability.4. The combination of the information coming from the relationships among a large set of factors acting and integrating at different spatial and temporal scales, under the perspective of heterogeneous life histories, are a fruitful ground for future understanding of natal dispersal.
Matrix projection models meet variation in the real world
Authors: Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , De Kroon Hans 
Published: January 2010

Summary 1. Projection matrices have become the dominant modelling approach in plant demography because they (i) are relatively easy to formulate, (ii) compile complex data in a structured and analytically tractable manner, (iii) provide numerous parameters with direct biological meaning, (iv) allow the investigator to address broad or specific, experimental and/or theoretical, ecological and evolutionary questions, and (v) produce uniform outputs, enabling direct comparisons between the results of different studies. 2. The last decade has witnessed major advancements in this field that have brought demographic models much closer to the real world, in particular in the analysis of effects of spatial and temporal environmental variation on populations. The present Special Feature contributes to that progress with novel methodologies and applications on Integral Projection Models, stochastic Life Table Response Experiment analyses, stochastic elasticities, transient dynamics and phylogenetic analyses. 3.
Synthesis. Environmental stochasticity is an integral part of ecosystems, and plant populations exhibit a tremendous array of demographic strategies to deal with its effects. The analytical challenge of understanding how populations avoid, tolerate or depend on stochasticity is finally overcome with the new matrix approaches. The tools are now available to interpret the effects of changes in temporal and spatial variation on plant populations.
Assessment of dietitians’ nutrition counselling self‐efficacy and its positive relationship with reported skill usage
Authors: Lu A. H. , Dollahite J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  Previous studies on nutrition counselling self‐efficacy have assessed small groups of dietitians in focused practice areas or evaluated the effectiveness of skills training on only a few skills. This descriptive study developed a comprehensive scale to examine self‐efficacy in a large, cross‐sectional sample of practising dietitians when performing various counselling skills that promote dietary behaviour changes.Methods:  A valid and reliable instrument was developed and administered through the Internet to survey dietitians in the USA from various areas of dietetics and with varying years of experience. Items included counselling self‐efficacy, skill usage and counselling‐related job characteristics. Of the 612 respondents, one group (n = 486) conducted counselling for more than 50% of their work week, and the other group (n = 126) for less than 50%. Factor analysis was used for scale development. Independent samples t‐tests and chi‐square tests were performed for group comparisons. Correlations and multiple regression analyses further assessed the relationships among variables.Results:  The resultant unidimensional scale contained 25 items. Dietitians reported high self‐efficacy scores and frequent skill usage. Those who counsel for more than 50% of their work week were more likely to work in outpatient settings and private practice, reported higher self‐efficacy scores, and held longer and repeated sessions. Self‐efficacy scores were positively correlated with counselling‐related job characteristics. Years of counselling experience and skill usage significantly predicted self‐efficacy scores.Conclusions:  Dietitians perceive themselves to be highly self‐efficacious in using counselling skills which may contribute positively to their professional practice. However, the relationship between counselling self‐efficacy and actual performance warrants further investigation.
Students’ experiences and perceptions of the use of portfolios in UK preregistration dietetic placements: a questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Brennan K. M. , Lennie S. C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  Reflective portfolios were introduced to dietetic practice placements in 2005, providing evidence for learning outcomes achieved and acting as a summative assessment tool. Portfolios may measure clinical competence more effectively than conventional examinations, but can be time consuming and subjective. The present study investigated current dietetic students’ experiences and perceptions of the use and effectiveness of portfolio based learning and assessment during practice placements.Methods:  Current UK dietetic students, who had completed a B or B and C placement, were invited to participate, via University course leaders, in an online questionnaire exploring opinions and experiences of portfolio preparation, generation, assessment, and personal and professional development and reflection.Results:  One hundred and fourteen students from 11 Universities participated. Seventy‐seven percent would have liked more information about portfolio construction prior to placement. Eighty percent of students believed that reflection helped monitor their strengths and weaknesses. Perceived reflective skills were significantly positively correlated with students’ perceived writing skills (P < 0.0005) and academic ability (P = 0.002). Of the respondents, 92% agreed the portfolio was a valuable learning experience; however, 76% agreed that the amount of paperwork involved was excessive and 67% felt there were inconsistencies in portfolio assessment by different supervisors.Conclusions:  Portfolio weaknesses identified are not specific to dietetics but are inherent to portfolio assessment across many professions. The introduction of national standardised assessment processes, practices, tools and training for assessors may help improve inter‐departmental and inter‐rater reliability, respectively.
Association between fruit juice consumption and self‐reported body mass index among adult Canadians
Authors: Akhtar‐Danesh N. , Dehghan M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of obesity and being overweight is rising among adult Canadians and diet is recognised as one of the main causes of obesity. The consumption of fruit and vegetables is shown to be protective against obesity and being overweight but little is known about the association of fruit juice consumption and obesity and being overweight. The present study aimed to investigate the association between fruit juice consumption and self‐reported body mass index (BMI) among adult Canadians.Methods:  This analysis is based on the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 3.1. A regression method was used to assess the association of fruit juice consumption with self‐reported BMI in 18–64‐year‐old Canadians who had been adjusted for sex, age, total household income, education, self‐rated health, and daily energy expenditure. Because the analysis is based on a cross‐sectional dataset, it does not imply a cause and effect relationship.Results:  Almost 38.6% of adult Canadians reported a fruit juice intake of 0.5–1.4 times per day and 18.2% consumed fruit juice more than 1.5 times per day. Participants with normal weight were likely to consume more fruit juice than obese individuals. Regression analysis showed a negative association between fruit juice consumption and BMI after adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, income, total fruit and vegetable intake, daily energy expenditure, and self‐rated health. On average, for each daily serving of fruit juice, a −0.22 unit (95% confidence interval = −0.33 to −0.11) decrease in BMI was observed.Conclusions:  The results obtained showed a moderate negative association between fruit juice intake and BMI, which may suggest that a moderate daily consumption of fruit juice is associated with normal weight status.
Do microsatellites reflect genome‐wide genetic diversity in natural populations? A comment on Väliet al.(2008)
Authors: LJUNGQVIST MARCUS , ÅKESSON MIKAEL , HANSSON BENGT 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA recent study byVäli et al. (2008)highlights that microsatellites will often provide a poor prediction of the genome‐wide nucleotide diversity of wild populations, but does not fully explain why. To clarify and stress the importance of identity disequilibrium and marker variability for correlations between multilocus heterozygosity and genome‐wide genetic variability, we performed a simple simulation with different types of markers, corresponding to microsatellites and SNPs, in populations with different inbreeding history. The importance of identity disequilibrium was apparent for both markers and there was a clear impact of marker variability.
Quantitative genetic and translocation experiments reveal genotype‐by‐environment effects on juvenile life‐history traits in two populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: EVANS M. L. , NEFF B. D. , HEATH D. D. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic architecture of phenotypic plasticity is required to assess how populations might respond to heterogeneous or changing environments. Although several studies have examined population‐level patterns in environmental heterogeneity and plasticity, few studies have examined individual‐level variation in plasticity. Here, we use the North Carolina II breeding design and translocation experiments between two populations of Chinook salmon to detail the genetic architecture and plasticity of offspring survival and growth. We followed the survival of 50 800 offspring through the larval stage and used parentage analysis to examine survival and growth through freshwater rearing. In one population, we found that additive genetic, nonadditive genetic and maternal effects explained 25%, 34% and 55% of the variance in larvae survival, respectively. In the second population, these effects explained 0%, 24% and 61% of the variance in larvae survival. In contrast, fry survival was regulated primarily by additive genetic effects, which indicates a shift from maternal to genetic effects as development proceeds. Fry growth also showed strong additive genetic effects. Translocations between populations revealed that offspring survival and growth varied between environments, the degree of which differed among families. These results indicate genetic differences among individuals in their degree of plasticity and consequently their ability to respond to environmental variation.