bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Analysis ofα-DOX2, an Activeα-Dioxygenase Critical for Normal Development in Tomato Plants
Authors: Bannenberg Gerard , Martínez Marta , Rodríguez María José , López Miguel Angel , Ponce de León Inés , Hamberg Mats , Castresana Carmen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPlant α-dioxygenases initiate the synthesis of oxylipins by catalyzing the incorporation of molecular oxygen at the α-methylene carbon atom of fatty acids. Previously, α-DOX1 has been shown to display α-dioxygenase activity and to be implicated in plant defense. In this study, we investigated the function of a second α-dioxygenase isoform, α-DOX2, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Recombinant Slα-DOX2 and Atα-DOX2 proteins catalyzed the conversion of a wide range of fatty acids into 2(R)-hydroperoxy derivatives. Expression of Slα-DOX2 and Atα-DOX2 was found in seedlings and increased during senescence induced by detachment of leaves. In contrast, microbial infection, earlier known to increase the expression of α-DOX1, did not alter the expression of Slα-DOX2 or Atα-DOX2. The tomato mutant divaricata, characterized by early dwarfing and anthocyanin accumulation, carries a mutation at the Slα-DOX2 locus and was chosen for functional studies of α-DOX2. Transcriptional changes in such mutants showed the up-regulation of genes playing roles in lipid and phenylpropanoid metabolism, the latter being in consonance with the anthocyanin accumulation. Transgenic expression of Atα-DOX2 and Slα-DOX2 in divaricata partially complemented the compromised phenotype in mature plants and fully complemented it in seedlings, thus indicating the functional exchangeability between α-DOX2 from tomato and Arabidopsis. However, deletion of Atα-DOX2 in Arabidopsis plants did not provoke any visible phenotypic alteration indicating that the relative importance of α-DOX2 in plant physiology is species specific.
Characterization of the Entire Cystatin Gene Family in Barley and Their Target Cathepsin L-Like Cysteine-Proteases, Partners in the Hordein Mobilization during Seed Germination
Authors: Martinez Manuel , Cambra Ines , Carrillo Laura , Diaz-Mendoza Mercedes , Diaz Isabel 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Plant cystatins are inhibitors of cysteine-proteases of the papain C1A and legumain C13 families. Cystatin data from multiple plant species have suggested that these inhibitors act as defense proteins against pests and pathogens and as regulators of protein turnover. In this study, we characterize the entire cystatin gene family from barley (Hordeum vulgare), which contain 13 nonredundant genes, and identify and characterize their target enzymes, the barley cathepsin L-like proteases. Cystatins and proteases were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli cultures. Each cystatin was found to have different inhibitory capability against barley cysteine-proteases in in vitro inhibitory assays using specific substrates. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that inhibitors and enzymes present a wide variation in their messenger RNA expression patterns. Their transcripts were mainly detected in developing and germinating seeds, and some of them were also expressed in leaves and roots. Subcellular localization of cystatins and cathepsin L-like proteases fused to green fluorescent protein demonstrated the presence of both protein families throughout the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. Proteases and cystatins not only colocalized but also interacted in vivo in the plant cell, as revealed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation. The functional relationship between cystatins and cathepsin L-like proteases was inferred from their common implication as counterparts of mobilization of storage proteins upon barley seed germination. The opposite pattern of transcription expression in gibberellin-treated aleurones presented by inhibitors and enzymes allowed proteases to specifically degrade B, C, and D hordeins stored in the endosperm of barley seeds.
Effects of water dependence on the utilization pattern of woody vegetation by elephants in the Tembe Elephant Park, Maputaland, South Africa
Authors: Gaugris Jerome Y. , Van Rooyen Margaretha W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe utilization of vegetation and particularly trees in enclosed small reserves where elephant populations are confined is a contentious conservation issue. In Tembe Elephant Park in Maputaland, the diverse Sand Forest is considered the most valuable feature to conserve; yet it is considered at risk from increasing elephant utilization of the park’s vegetation in general. The mean canopy removal by elephants across the park was studied over two periods: a recent period including the twelve months before the study and an older period >12 months earlier. Age of utilization was determined from the degree of decay observed on woody fibres. The relationships between intensity of utilization, vegetation unit selection and distance to water were evaluated. Results show that utilization patterns have shifted in the recent drier period, during which elephants used vegetation communities closer to permanent water. Concurringly, a significant decrease in utilization intensity was correlated to an increasing distance from water points in the park during that period, while this effect was not observed during the wetter old period. We debate that active water availability management may be a way to limit elephant utilization in small fenced reserves.
Factors affecting the distribution patterns of zebra and wildebeest in a resource‐stressed environment
Authors: Groom Rosemary , Harris Stephen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUnderstanding the spatial dynamics of landscape use by free‐ranging herbivores is integral for successful ecosystem management. We used binary logistic regression analyses to determine the relative importance of biotic, abiotic and human factors in influencing the distribution (presence/absence) of wild grazers on two Maasai ranches in Kenya’s Amboseli‐Tsavo ecosystem. Both ranches had low grass biomass and suffered from regular droughts. We found that grazers consistently located themselves where grass biomass was highest, usually irrespective of grass quality, suggesting that forage quantity may be the limiting factor where grass biomass is generally low. The availability of surface water had no significant effect on the likelihood of grazers being present, even in the dry season.
Hunting differentially affects mixed‐sex and bachelor‐herds in a gregarious ungulate, the impala (Aepyceros melampus: Bovidae)
Authors: Averbeck Christiane , Apio Ann , Plath Martin , Wronski Torsten 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe investigated herd‐sizes and herd‐compositions of Impala (Aepyceros melampus) inside a protected area [Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) in western Uganda] and the unprotected adjacent ranchland [the Ankole Ranching Scheme (ARS)]. Impala experience intense hunting and poaching in the study area, and poaching is especially strong on the ARS. We found evidence for changes in overall group‐sizes in both mixed‐sex and pure bachelor herds between areas in and outside LMNP. Mixed‐sex herds strongly decreased in size outside the National Park, but bachelor herds even slightly increased in size. While the group‐composition of mixed‐sex herds was very similar in areas in and outside LMNP, bachelor herds comprised more yearlings and subadult males on the ARS. Our study suggests that effects of hunting and other human nuisance may differ between herd types: mixed herds probably decrease in size because females are more strongly hunted. Around LMNP, impala are usually hunted using nets and spears, thereby increasing the hunters’ chance of being injured. Poachers therefore prefer hornless females (and their calves), as it is less dangerous to handle net‐caught females than males. As a result, males are less hunted, but increased vigilance and, therefore, reduced aggression among the members of a bachelor herd, may account for the observed increase in herd sizes and changes in group‐compositions.
Spider family composition and species richness patterns in two savannah habitats along the eastern coastal plain of Africa
Authors: Haddad Charles R. , Russell‐Smith Anthony 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe spider faunas of two savannah reserves along the eastern coastal plain of Africa are compared. Species richness was higher in the tropical area, with 493 species (54 families) from Mkomazi Game Reserve, Tanzania. Species richness was also high in the subtropics, with a total of 431 species (46 families) recorded from Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa. Spider community structure was remarkably similar in the two reserves, with Salticidae, Gnaphosidae, Thomisidae, Theridiidae and Araneidae the most species‐rich families in both reserves. Eleven of the fourteen most species rich families were the same. A similar proportion of families were represented by singleton and doubleton species. A genus‐ and species‐level comparison of ten spider families indicates that while there is considerable overlap in the generic composition of the reserves (Sorensen’s Quotient of similarity: all >0.650 except Linyphiidae, 0.166; Corinnidae, 0.500) there is little overlap between the species occurring in the two sites (0.000–0.571), which was particularly evident in the more species‐rich families. A comparison of diversity of 57 families in each reserve with the spider biodiversity in the two sub‐regions suggests that local biodiversity is largely determined by regional biogeographical influences rather than local ecological factors.
Seasonal variation in forages utilized by the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the succulent thicket of South Africa
Authors: Tshabalala Thulani , Dube Sikhalazo , Lent Peter C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe succulent thicket of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is characterized by densely wooded vegetation that is dominated by succulents with little understory of ephemeral and weakly perennial grasses and forbs. Studies have developed around the question: how do bulk grazers such as the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) survive in the succulent thicket? In this study, the diet of the African buffalo at the Great Fish River Reserve (GFRR) was studied in two seasons (wet and dry). The diet profile was assessed from faecal matter, using the micro‐histological analysis method. During the wet season, grass species contributed 72% to the diet while 28% was contributed by browse species. In the dry season there was a significant increase in the intake of browse by 5% (χ2 = 19.94, df = 11, P < 0.05). There were species that were neglected in the wet season but became principal dietary items in the dry season, these included Setaria neglecta, Cymbopogon plurinodis, Capparis sepiaria and Portulacaria afra. Diet quality, as estimated from faecal samples, suggested that the buffalo were nutritionally stable; however, the presence of sarcoptic mange in the buffalo suggests nutritional stress.
Inbreeding and inbreeding depression in a threatened endemic plant, the African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha ssp. grotei), of the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Kolehmainen Johanna , Korpelainen Helena , Mutikainen Pia 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMating among closely‐related individuals in small and isolated plant populations may result in reduced vigour of the inbred offspring, i.e. inbreeding depression, especially in naturally outbreeding plants. Occurrence of inbreeding and inbreeding depression was studied in Saintpaulia ionantha ssp. grotei, a threatened endemic plant species with a narrow ecological amplitude from the East Usambara Mountains. The level of inbreeding (measured as the fixation index, F) was investigated in twelve populations by analyzing variation at one microsatellite marker locus. The effect of one generation of selfing and outcrossing on the progeny fitness was studied by controlled crosses in two small patches that differ in the level isolation. The fixation index (F) across the populations was on the average 0.21 and varied among the populations from substantial inbreeding (F = 0.58) to surplus heterozygosity (F = −0.29). High inbreeding depression (δ) was observed at early and late stages of the life‐cycle. The isolated patch exhibited lower inbreeding depression than did the non‐isolated patch. The results of this study suggest that inbreeding and subsequent inbreeding depression are potential threats to the survival of Saintpaulia populations.
Phantom testis syndrome: prevalence, phenomenology and putative mechanisms
Authors: Pühse Gerald , Wachsmuth Julia Urte , Kemper Sebastian , Husstedt Ingo W. , Kliesch Sabine , Evers Stefan 
Published: September 2009

SummaryChronic phantom pain has been found in up to 78% of limb amputees and is a major complication of limb amputation. Less is known about phantom phenomena after the amputation of other, i.e. visceral, parts of the body. In a retrospective design, we identified 539 patients in whom one testis was removed between 1995 and 2005. The operative technique was a unilateral standard radical inguinal orchiectomy. The underlying pathology in all cases was a testicular germ cell tumour. All patients received a detailed questionnaire asking about the occurrence of phantom testis pain (pain felt in the removed testis), phantom testis sensations (non‐painful sensations as if the removed testis was still intact) and hallucinations (illusionary perceptions on the removed testis). Furthermore, we asked about the occurrence and clinical presentation of pain before and after surgery and about pre‐operative testicular pain. Out of 238 respondents, 125 patients (53%) reported any kind of phantom experience. The prevalence of phantom testis pain was 25% (60/238), non‐painful phantom sensations 16% (37/238) and male gonad hallucinations 12% (28/238). Patients with phantom symptoms reported pre‐operative pain in the removed testis more often than patients without phantom symptoms. This study presents first data on the clinical characteristics and possible mechanisms of the phantom testis syndrome after surgical removal of one testis.
Changes in physical and sensory characteristics of marinated broiler drumsticks, treated with nisin and lactoperoxidase system
Authors: Tan Fa‐Jui , Ockerman Herbert W. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe lactoperoxidase system (LPS) and nisin have been shown to inactivate some micro‐organisms in foods. However, further studies were needed to evaluate whether these treatments had any influence on the physical and sensory characteristics of broiler drumsticks. In this study, a solution that contained 1% acetic acid and 3% salt with pH adjusted to 4 was developed as a standard marinade. The LPS consisted of 1‐μg mL−1 lactoperoxidase, 5.9‐mm potassium thiocyanate (KSCN), and 2.5‐mm H2O2 was added to the marinade, followed by nisin at 100 IU mL−1. The results showed that the physical characteristics, including raw and cooked drumstick pH, percentage incorporation of marinade solution, cooking loss, skin and muscle L*, a*, b* values, and sensory characteristics, including skin and muscle sensory colour, aroma and flavour, off aroma, off flavour, juiciness and tenderness of the broiler drumsticks, treated with 100‐IU mL−1 nisin and LPS were not impaired.
Purification and characterisation of antioxidative peptides from unfractionated rice bran protein hydrolysates
Authors: Adebiyi Abayomi P. , Adebiyi Ayobamitale O. , Ogawa Tomohisa , Muramoto Koji 
Published: September 2009

SummaryCrude rice bran protein (CRBP) was prepared by alkaline extraction and then treated with 0.6 m HCl to remove phytic acid. The phytate‐free rice bran protein (PFRBP) was hydrolysed with proteases M, N, S, P and pepsin under optimal conditions. Hydrolysates obtained from various hydrolysis periods were subjected to analysis for their degree of hydrolysis (DH) and functional properties. The hydrolysates were fractionated by reversed‐phase column chromatography on Kaseigel ODS resin (120–140 μm) using a stepwise gradient of aqueous ethanol, and their activities were measured. The 40% ethanol fraction of protease P 4 h‐hydrolysate was separated by successive reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography and the amino acid sequences of isolated antioxidative peptides were determined by a protein sequencer and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation‐time of flight mass spectrometry. Crude rice bran protein had higher antioxidative activity than PFRBP, due to the presence of phytic acid. Phytate contents of rice bran, CRBP and PFRBP were 2.5%, 1.42% and 0%, respectively. The activity of PFRBP increased upon protease digestion. Protease M hydrolysates showed the highest DH, but the lowest antioxidative activity. Hydrolysates with DH below 10% had higher antioxidative activity than those above 20%. This result indicates that the antioxidative activity of the hydrolysates is inherent to their characteristics amino acid sequences of peptides depending on the protease specificities.
Effect of heat treatment and refrigerated storage on antioxidant properties of pre‐cut celery (Apium graveolens L.)
Authors: Viña Sonia Z. , Chaves Alicia R. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThis work studies the effect of two types of heat treatment, dry air at 48°C for 1 h and water immersion at 50°C for 90 s, and of storage time at 0°C on a number of quality parameters for pre‐cut celery: browning potential, soluble phenols content, total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity. Pre‐cut celery was placed in crystal polyethylene terephthalate trays covered with polyvinyl chloride film. Samples were taken after 0, 1, 7, 14 and 21 storage days. Treatments reduced browning potential and chlorogenic acid content and, in addition, allowed ascorbic acid concentration to be retained for a longer time. For this reason, the application of heat treatments in minimally processed celery would be beneficial.
Fluorescence spectroscopy in monitoring of extra virgin olive oil during storage
Authors: Sikorska Ewa , Khmelinskii Igor V. , Sikorski Marek , Caponio Francesco , Bilancia Maria T. , Pasqualone Antonella , Gomes Tommaso 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe present study demonstrates the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for monitoring changes in virgin olive oil during storage. Total luminescence and synchronous scanning fluorescence spectroscopy techniques were tested with the purpose to check their ability to monitor changes occurring in olive oil during storage in different conditions: in clear and green glass bottles exposed to light, and in darkness. Total luminescence spectra of the initial oil samples in n‐hexane solutions exhibited intense peaks, one with a maximum appearing at 320 nm in emission and 290 nm in excitation, attributed to tocopherols, and another appearing at 670 nm in emission and 405 nm in excitation, belonging to the pigments of the chlorophyll group. The intensity of these emissions decreased during storage depending on the storage conditions. Additional bands appeared in oils exposed to light in the intermediate range of excitation and emission wavelengths, arising from unidentified compounds. Bands attributed to tocopherols, chlorophylls and those tentatively ascribed to phenolic compounds were observed in the synchronous scanning fluorescence spectra, allowing monitoring of the storage effects on these constituents and their quantitative assessment after appropriate calibration. The results presented confirm the capability of the fluorescence techniques to monitor the quality of oil products.
Soybean variety and storage effects on soymilk flavour and quality
Authors: Achouri Allaoua , Boye Joyce Irene , Zamani Youness 
Published: September 2009

SummarySoymilk prepared from five soybean cultivars, grown in Ontario, were analysed for protein, oil, mineral composition, viscosity, colour, lipoxygenase (LOX) activities and flavour profile. Among the five soybean cultivars, the Vinton 81 variety contained the highest protein and the lowest fat. The yield of soymilk from all five cultivars was similar. Major differences were observed in viscosity and in the composition of both the soymilk and the okara. Higher protein and fat extractability was found in soymilk made from S08‐80 and Vinton 81 varieties. Their okara protein contents were also among the highest. Minimum extractability was observed with S03W4 cultivar. Soymilk made from S 03W4 and Vinton 81 cultivars had the whitest colour (lowest ΔE values). Viscosity values were the highest for S08‐80, FG1 and S20‐20 varieties. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography was used to analyse volatile compounds in soymilk. A total of fourteen volatiles were identified, among which aldehydes and their corresponding alcohols were the major compounds. Similar volatile compounds were identified in all the samples analysed but at different concentrations. The highest LOX activity was observed in the Vinton 81 and S20‐20 soybean cultivars, which had the highest total volatile and hexanal contents. A positive correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.82) between enzymatic activity and the total volatiles was observed. Vinton 81 cultivar was subjected to storage (at 18 °C and 50% relative humidity) for a period of 10 months. Soymilk was prepared at different times during storage. The results showed that the soymilk colour, LOX and total volatiles were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the storage of the soybeans over time.
Microbiological and biochemical quality of grouper (Epinephelus chlorostigma) stored in dry ice and water ice
Authors: Jeyasekaran Geevarethnam , Anandaraj Ramasamy , Ganesan Ponesakki , Jeya Shakila Robinson , Sukumar Duraisamy 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe changes in the microbiological and biochemical quality of grouper (Epinephelus chlorostigma) stored in dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) were investigated. Fresh fish stored in dry ice at the ratio of 1:1 (wt/wt) were found to be organoleptically suitable for consumption when they were stored for 30 h without re‐icing. Fish stored in water ice (as control) at the ratio of 1:1 (wt/wt) and in a combination of dry ice and water ice at the ratio of 1:0.2:0.5 (wt/wt/wt) were acceptable up to 18 and 24 h, respectively. Total bacterial load ranged from 105 to 107 CFU g−1, while total psychrophiles from 103 to 106 CFU g−1. Total lactics were found in the levels of 102–104 CFU g−1. Total volatile basic nitrogen contents were within the limit of acceptability in all the three treatments, whereas trimethylamine nitrogen content exceeded the limit (15 mg%) and hypoxanthine content was 11.11 mg (100 g)−1 on the 30 h in grouper stored only in dry ice. Lowest temperature of −5.8 °C was recorded in grouper stored only in dry ice. Hundred percent CO2 environment within the package was found in grouper that were stored in dry ice and combination of dry ice and water ice.
Possibility of using near infrared spectroscopy for evaluation of bacterial contamination in shredded cabbage
Authors: Suthiluk Phunsiri , Saranwong Sirinnapa , Kawano Sumio , Numthuam Sonthaya , Satake Takaaki 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe possibility of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure the amount of bacterial contamination in shredded cabbage was investigated. NIR measurements in the short wavelength region from 700 to 1100 nm were done using two types of saline solutions: one was used to stomach with the samples as the conventional method and the other was used to wash the outer surface of the sample to examine the possibility of a non‐destructive method. Partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to develop the equations for bacterial amount. Spectra from the stomacher solution and the washing solution produced similar results. Sufficiently accurate results could be obtained with the bias‐corrected standard error of prediction (SEPs) of 0.46 log CFU g−1 for the stomacher solution and 0.44 log CFU g−1 for the washing solution. NIR spectroscopy was clarified to be a rapid and non‐destructive method for prediction of bacterial contamination in shredded cabbage.