bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eyjafjallajökull ash concentrations derived from both lidar and modeling
Authors: Chazette Patrick , Bocquet Marc , Royer Philippe , Winiarek Victor , Raut Jean‐Christophe , Labazuy Philippe , Gouhier Mathieu , Lardier Mélody , Cariou Jean‐Pierre 
Published: November 2011

Following the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull on the 14 April 2010, ground‐based N2‐Raman lidar (GBL) measurements were used to trace the temporal evolution of the ash plume from 16 to 20 April 2010 above the southwestern suburb of Paris. The nighttime overpass of the Cloud‐Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization onboard Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation satellite (CALIPSO/CALIOP) on 17 April 2010 was an opportunity to complement GBL observations. The plume shape retrieved from GBL has been used to assess the size range of the particles size. The lidar‐derived aerosol mass concentrations (PM) have been compared with model‐derived PM concentrations held in the Eulerian model Polair3D transport model, driven by a source term inferred from the SEVIRI sensor onboard Meteosat satellite. The consistency between model and ground‐based wind lidar and CALIOP observations has been checked. The spatial and temporal structures of the ash plume as estimated by each instrument and by the Polair3D simulations are in agreement. The ash plume was associated with a mean aerosol optical thickness of 0.1 ± 0.06 and 0.055 ± 0.053 for GBL (355 nm) and CALIOP (532 nm), respectively. Such values correspond to ash mass concentrations of ∼400 ± 160 and ∼720 ± 670 μg m−3, respectively, within the ash plume, which was lower than 0.5 km in width. The relative uncertainty is ∼75% and mainly due to the assessment of the specific cross‐section assuming an aerosol density of 2.6 g cm−3. The simulated ash plume is smoother leading to integrated mass of the same order of magnitude (between 50 and 250 mg m−2).
Neuroborreliose bei einer Patientin mit vermeintlich kryptogenen zerebralen Infarkten
Authors: Lerch-Riedl T. , Rohringer E. , Brenneis C. , Feuchtinger J. 
Published: November 2011

ZusammenfassungEs handelt sich um den Fall einer 55-jährigen Patientin, welche zweimal einen zerebralen Infarkt erlitt, ohne dass primär eine Ursache festgestellt werden konnte. Durch eine Lumbalpunktion wurde eine aktive Neuroborreliose diagnostiziert. Eine zweiwöchige antibiotische Therapie mit Ceftriaxon führte zu einem klaren Rückgang der entzündlichen Liquorveränderungen. Ein neuerlicher Insult trat bis zum heutigen Tag nicht auf.
Remembering Ralph Steinman
Authors: Banchereau Jacques , Cohn Fern , Inaba Kayo , Muller Bill , Mellman Ira , Nathan Carl , Nussenzweig Michel , O’Garra Anne , Seder Bob , Schuler Gerold , Sher Alan 
Published: November 2011

As detailed in the Appreciation piece written by Carol Moberg, Ralph’s discovery and investigation of DCs constituted an enormous contribution to immunology. However, Ralph’s influence extended far beyond the strictly scientific. Below, some of Ralph’s closest colleagues and friends reflect on the long-lasting effects of his unwavering mentorship, enthusiasm, generosity, and friendship.
Also in this issue is a Perspective, originally commissioned by Ralph and written by Robin Weiss and Peter Vogt. Ralph passed away before he could read this engaging piece, which celebrates the centennial of the publication in the JEM of the Nobel Prize-winning work of Peyton Rous. In addition to their Nobel Prizes, Ralph and Peyton Rous shared the distinctions of being long-time leaders of Rockefeller laboratories and editors of this journal.
Application of the Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) as an Effective Rheological Tool for Measurement of β‐Glucan Viscosity
Authors: Gamel Tamer H. , Abdel‐Aal El‐Sayed M. , Wood Peter J. , Ames Nancy P. , Tosh Susan M. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe physiochemical characteristics of β‐glucan in oat and barley foods can affect human physiological response. A method for continuous measurement of β‐glucan viscosity with a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) was developed to overcome the complexity of the common protocols based on in vitro digestion methods. The effects of several parameters on viscosity and solubility were considered. Oat cereal foods showed different RVA viscosity profiles depending on their physiochemical characteristics. Products high in starch exhibited a high initial viscosity that was reduced by α‐amylase action, whereas products with low amounts of starch exhibited a slow increase in viscosity. The viscosity of all samples reached a plateau in the viscosity curve after 1–2 hr, which is the key for obtaining reproducible results. Optimum digestion condition was achieved using sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9) and 1% β‐glucan dispersion at 37°C and 160 rpm. A particle size of <0.6 mm gave more consistent viscosities than did larger particles without affecting the solubility of β‐glucan. Pancreatin and α‐amylase concentrations affected the viscosity profile by influencing the digestion rate of protein and starch in the samples, but pepsin had limited influence at pH 6.9. Highly significant Pearson correlation between the in vitro digestibility protocol and RVA methods was achieved, indicting that the developed method could be used as an effective alternative for measurement of β‐glucan viscosity.
MACROCALYX and JOINTLESS Interact in the Transcriptional Regulation of Tomato Fruit Abscission Zone Development
Authors: Nakano Toshitsugu , Kimbara Junji , Fujisawa Masaki , Kitagawa Mamiko , Ihashi Nao , Maeda Hideo , Kasumi Takafumi , Ito Yasuhiro 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Abscission in plants is a crucial process used to shed organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits when they are senescent, damaged, or mature. Abscission occurs at predetermined positions called abscission zones (AZs). Although the regulation of fruit abscission is essential for agriculture, the developmental mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe a novel transcription factor regulating the development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) pedicel AZs. We found that the development of tomato pedicel AZs requires the gene MACROCALYX (MC), which was previously identified as a sepal size regulator and encodes a MADS-box transcription factor. MC has significant sequence similarity to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) FRUITFULL, which is involved in the regulation of fruit dehiscent zone development. The MC protein interacted physically with another MADS-box protein, JOINTLESS, which is known as a regulator of fruit abscission; the resulting heterodimer acquired a specific DNA-binding activity. Transcriptome analyses of pedicels at the preabscission stage revealed that the expression of the genes involved in phytohormone-related functions, cell wall modifications, fatty acid metabolism, and transcription factors is regulated by MC and JOINTLESS. The regulated genes include homologs of Arabidopsis WUSCHEL, REGULATOR OF AXILLARY MERISTEMS, CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON, and LATERAL SUPPRESSOR. These Arabidopsis genes encode well-characterized transcription factors regulating meristem maintenance, axillary meristem development, and boundary formation in plant tissues. The tomato homologs were specifically expressed in AZs but not in other pedicel tissues, suggesting that these transcription factors may play key roles in pedicel AZ development.
Does pituitary radiotherapy increase the risk of stroke and, if so, what preventative actions should be taken?
Authors: Ayuk John 
Published: November 2011

SummaryRadiotherapy for pituitary adenomas is a well‐established and effective treatment, but it has been linked to a number of complications, including an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease and mortality. Possible underlying mechanisms include the direct effects of radiation on cerebral vasculature and deficiencies in specific pituitary hormones. Higher administered dose of radiotherapy is one of the main predictors of stroke. Although treatment strategies for stroke prevention in patients treated with pituitary radiotherapy have not been studied, using the lowest effective radiation dose and ensuring hormone deficiencies are adequately treated may be beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke.
The contribution of SHBG to the variation in HOMA‐IR is not dependent on endogenous oestrogen or androgen levels in postmenopausal women
Authors: Davis Susan R. , Robinson Penelope J. , Moufarege Alain , Bell Robin J. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryObjective  Sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) is a robust predictor of insulin resistance. Whether this is independent of circulating sex steroid levels remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of SHBG in postmenopausal women and whether the relationship between SHBG and insulin resistance is independent of oestrogen and androgen levels.Design  A cross‐sectional study of naturally and surgically menopausal women.Participants  Seven hundred and sixty three postmenopausal women not using any systemic hormone therapy, mean age 54·4 ± 5·8 years, recruited in the US, Canada, Australia, UK and Sweden between July 2004 and February 2005.Measurements  Relationships between log‐transformed (ln) SHBG and ln homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were explored, taking into account age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and circulating oestradiol, oestrone, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.Results  Taking into account age, race, years since menopause, menopause type, BMI, BP, prior postmenopausal hormone use and the sex steroids measured, 34·4% of the variation in SHBG could be explained by the model that included negative contributions by HOMA‐IR, BMI and diastolic BP, and a positive contribution by total testosterone (P < 0·001). None of the sex steroids made independent contributions to HOMA‐IR, which was best explained by the model that included BMI, SHBG, systolic BP and surgical menopause, with each variable being positively related to HOMA‐IR (r2 = 0·3152, P = 0·03).Conclusions  The relationship between SHBG and HOMA‐IR, as an estimate of insulin resistance, is not explained by endogenous oestrogen and androgen levels and is, at least in part, independent of BMI in postmenopausal women.
The influences of climatic variation and vegetation on stream biota: lessons from the Big Dry in southeastern Australia
Authors: Thomson James R. , Bond Nick R. , Cunningham Shaun C. , Metzeling Leon , Reich Paul , Thompson Ross M. , Mac Nally Ralph 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAquatic biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change, escalating exploitation of water and land use intensification. Loss of vegetation in catchments (= watersheds) has been identified as a substantial problem for many river basins, and there is an urgent need to better understand how climate change may interact with changes in catchment vegetation to influence the ecological condition of freshwater ecosystems. We used 20 years of biological monitoring data from Victoria, southeastern Australia, to explore the influences of catchment vegetation and climate on stream macroinvertebrate assemblages. Southeastern Australia experienced a severe drought from 1997 to 2009, with reductions of stream flows >50% in some areas. The prolonged drying substantially altered macroinvertebrate assemblages, with reduced prevalence of many flow‐dependent taxa and increased prevalence of taxa that are tolerant of low‐flow conditions and poor water quality. Stream condition, as assessed by several commonly used macroinvertebrate indices, was consistently better in reaches with extensive native tree cover in upstream catchments. Prolonged drought apparently caused similar absolute declines in macroinvertebrate condition indices regardless of vegetation cover, but streams with intact catchment and riparian vegetation started in better condition and remained so throughout the drought. The largest positive effects of catchment tree cover on both water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblages occurred above a threshold of ca. 60% areal tree cover in upstream catchments and in higher rainfall areas. Riparian tree cover also had positive effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages, especially in warmer catchments. Our results suggest that the benefits of extensive tree cover via improved water quality and in‐channel habitat persist during drought and show the potential for vegetation management to reduce negative impacts of climatic extremes for aquatic ecosystems.
Within‐plant isoprene oxidation confirmed by direct emissions of oxidation products methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein
Authors: Jardine Kolby J. , Monson Russell K. , Abrell Leif , Saleska Scott R. , Arneth Almut , Jardine Angela , Ishida Françoise Yoko , Serrano Ana Maria Yanez , Artaxo Paulo , Karl Thomas , Fares Silvano , Goldstein Allen , Loreto Francesco , Huxman Travis 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIsoprene is emitted from many terrestrial plants at high rates, accounting for an estimated 1/3 of annual global volatile organic compound emissions from all anthropogenic and biogenic sources combined. Through rapid photooxidation reactions in the atmosphere, isoprene is converted to a variety of oxidized hydrocarbons, providing higher order reactants for the production of organic nitrates and tropospheric ozone, reducing the availability of oxidants for the breakdown of radiatively active trace gases such as methane, and potentially producing hygroscopic particles that act as effective cloud condensation nuclei. However, the functional basis for plant production of isoprene remains elusive. It has been hypothesized that in the cell isoprene mitigates oxidative damage during the stress‐induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the products of isoprene‐ROS reactions in plants have not been detected. Using pyruvate‐2‐13C leaf and branch feeding and individual branch and whole mesocosm flux studies, we present evidence that isoprene (i) is oxidized to methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein (iox) in leaves and that iox/i emission ratios increase with temperature, possibly due to an increase in ROS production under high temperature and light stress. In a primary rainforest in Amazonia, we inferred significant in plant isoprene oxidation (despite the strong masking effect of simultaneous atmospheric oxidation), from its influence on the vertical distribution of iox uptake fluxes, which were shifted to low isoprene emitting regions of the canopy. These observations suggest that carbon investment in isoprene production is larger than that inferred from emissions alone and that models of tropospheric chemistry and biota–chemistry–climate interactions should incorporate isoprene oxidation within both the biosphere and the atmosphere with potential implications for better understanding both the oxidizing power of the troposphere and forest response to climate change.
Employing an intelligence model and sensitivity analysis to investigate some physicochemical properties of coated bell pepper during storage
Authors: Mohebbi Mohebbat , Amiryousefi Mohammad Reza , Hasanpour Nasim , Ansarifar Elham 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe objectives of this work were to study the effects of three different coatings (gum Tragacanth, sesame oil and gum Tragacanth–sesame oil), temperature and time on shelf life of bell pepper. Moisture reduction, shrinkage as well as firmness and colour changes were studied during 30 days at 4, 10, 15 and 23 °C. Results of this study showed that bell peppers treated with gum Tragacanth at higher temperatures, such as 10 °C, had good quality up to 30 days of storage. However, sharp changes in physicochemical characters were observed in bell peppers stored at 23 °C. In order to predict moisture reduction, shrinkage, firmness and colour changes genetic algorithm–artificial neural network model was developed. It was found that artificial neural network with eight hidden neurons truly could predict the physicochemical changes of bell pepper during storage (R2 > 0.9598). The results of sensitivity analysis showed that shrinkage percentage and also changes of firmness and colour were very sensitive to storage time, while storage temperature had the most effect on moisture reduction.
Microbiological and physico‐chemical characteristics of fufu analogue from breadfruit (Altocarpus altilis F)
Authors: Adekanmi Adeniran H. , Gbadamosi Saka O. , Omobuwajo Taiwo O. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBreadfruit was processed into a novel form analogous to retted cassava or fufu. The fruits and cassava tubers were each peeled, comminuted and fermented for 5 days. The slurries obtained were dewatered, oven‐dried at 50˚C and then milled to flour. Microbial and physico‐chemical analyses of the flour samples were evaluated. During fermentation, total viable count, lactic acid bacteria count and yeast/mould count of breadfruit increased from 2.9 × 104 to 64 × 105, 24.8 × 105 to 11.9 and 6.7 × 105 to 2.6 × 106, respectively. Corresponding increases were recorded for cassava. The ˚Brix of the steep waters increased steadily while the pH decreased over the fermentation period. Pasting characteristics of breadfruit recorded for unfermented breadfruit starch were higher than those of fermented starch (P < 0.05). Processing of breadfruit into a culturally familiar form analogous to fufu will increase the utilisation of breadfruit, especially in several food deficit countries where fermented cassava products are already accepted as staple foods.
Processing of pigmented‐flesh potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) on the retention of bioactive compounds
Authors: Kaspar Kerrie L. , Park Jean S. , Mathison Bridget D. , Brown Charles R. , Massimino Stefan , Chew Boon P. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryRetention of bioactive compounds in white‐ (WFP), yellow‐ (YFP), red‐ (RFP) and purple (PFP)‐fleshed potatoes after drum‐drying (DD) and Refractance Window™ drying (RW) was compared with freeze‐drying (FD). Processing, generally, did not influence total phenolics. Total carotenoid was high in YFP, but decreased with DD. Both DD and RW decreased lutein concentration in YFP. The RFP and PFP had the highest total anthocyanin, and their concentrations were decreased by DD. RW decreased total anthocyanin in PFP only. Total antioxidant activity in WFP was higher with DD but lower with RW. In contrast, DD and RW drying had no significant effect on total antioxidants in YFP, RFP and PFP. Therefore, drying generally decreased antioxidants, with FD and RW retaining the highest concentration of bioactive compounds.
Gene conversion rapidly generates major histocompatibility complex diversity in recently founded bird populations
Authors: SPURGIN LEWIS G. , Van OOSTERHOUT COCK , ILLERA JUAN CARLOS , BRIDGETT STEPHEN , GHARBI KARIM , EMERSON BRENT C. , RICHARDSON DAVID S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPopulation bottlenecks can restrict variation at functional genes, reducing the ability of populations to adapt to new and changing environments. Understanding how populations generate adaptive genetic variation following bottlenecks is therefore central to evolutionary biology. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are ideal models for studying adaptive genetic variation due to their central role in pathogen recognition. Whilede novoMHC sequence variation is generated by point mutation, gene conversion can generate new haplotypes by transferring sections of DNA within and across duplicated MHC loci. However, the extent to which gene conversion generates new MHC haplotypes in wild populations is poorly understood. We developed a 454 sequencing protocol to screen MHC class I exon 3 variation across all 13 island populations of Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelotii). We reveal that just 11–15 MHC haplotypes were retained when the Berthelot’s pipit dispersed across its island range in the North Atlantic ca. 75 000 years ago. Since then, at least 26 new haplotypes have been generatedin situacross populations. We show that most of these haplotypes were generated by gene conversion across divergent lineages, and that the rate of gene conversion exceeded that of point mutation by an order of magnitude. Gene conversion resulted in significantly more changes at nucleotide sites directly involved with pathogen recognition, indicating selection for functional variants. We suggest that the creation of new variants by gene conversion is the predominant mechanism generating MHC variation in genetically depauperate populations, thus allowing them to respond to pathogenic challenges.
Objective definition and detection of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation revisited: is there room for improvement?
Authors: Holloway R. H. , Boeckxstaens G. E. E. , Penagini R. , Sifrm D. A. , Smout A. J. P. M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  The advent of drugs that inhibit transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) necessitates accurate identification and scoring. We assessed the intra‐ and inter‐assessor variability of the existing objective criteria for TLESR, improving them where necessary.Methods  Two 3‐h postprandial esophageal manometric and pH recordings were performed in 20 healthy volunteers. Each recording was duplicated. The recordings were analyzed by five experienced observers for TLESRs based on their expert opinion. TLESRs were also analyzed for the presence of the original four criteria as well as inhibition of the crural diaphragm (ID), a prominent after‐contraction (AC), acid reflux and an esophageal common cavity.Key Results  The overall inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements for TLESRs scored, according to observer’s expert opinion, were 59% (range 56–67%) and 74% (60–89%), respectively. When TLESRs were restricted to those fulfilling the original criteria, these agreements fell to 46% (40–53%) and 60% (44–67%), respectively. Cleaning the recordings by removal of technically flawed sections improved agreements by 5%. Inclusion of additional criteria (ID and AC) resulted in inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements of 62% (52–70%) and 69% (53–79%), respectively. A consensus analysis performed collectively by three observers and based on the new criteria (original ± ID and AC) resulted in 84% agreement between the paired recordings.Conclusions & Inferences  The original criteria for the definition of TLESRs allows for substantial inter‐ and intra‐observer variability, which can be reduced by incorporation of additional objective criteria. However, the highest level of intra‐observer agreement can be achieved by consensus analysis.