bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validating the alkane pair technique to estimate dry matter intake in equids
Authors: SMITH D. G. , MAYES R. W. , HOLLANDS T. , CUDDEFORD D. , YULE H. H. , MALO LADRERO C. M. , GILLEN E. 
Published: January 2007

The estimation of dry matter intake (DMI) using the alkane pair technique has been validated in ruminants, but not in equids. The current paper reports the finding of three comparative validation studies carried out using a total of 12 cattle, 29 donkeys and 10 horses during which directly measured intake was compared to estimated intake using the alkane pair technique. Two methods were developed to dose the even chain alkanes that were used as external markers. Study I, carried out in Zimbabwe, compared the accuracy of estimated intake with measured intake in cattle and donkeys using hexatriacontane (C36) as the external marker. Studies II and III were carried out in the UK with horses and donkeys and compared the accuracy of estimated intake with measured intake using dotriacontane (C32) as the external marker. Study III also tested the effect on the accuracy of intake estimates of two marker dosing levels (mean daily dose of 224 mg per animal and 448 mg per animal) and two dosing frequencies (2× and 3× daily). Twice daily dosing of even-chain alkane at the lower dose level provided an estimate of DMI similar to that obtained by thrice daily dosing at this low level. The higher dose level given twice daily tended to produce large variation in faecal concentrations of dosed even-chain alkanes, this variation was reduced when dosing frequency was increased to thrice daily. The accuracy of estimated intake improved progressively as the number of faecal sampling days was increased from one to six with no significant difference between estimated intake based on day 5 or 6 of faecal sampling.The results of all three studies indicate that the alkane pair technique provides a robust method of estimating intake in equids with no significant difference between measured and estimated values in all but one case. Using C31 as an internal marker provided a more accurate estimated intake than using C33 as the internal marker in all cases. Faecal recoveries of alkanes in equids do not appear to show the same influence of carbon chain length that has been observed in ruminant studies.
Are maxillary mucosal cysts a manifestation of inflammatory sinus disease?
Authors: Harar R P S , Chadha N K , Rogers G 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground:The aetiology of maxillary mucosal cysts is uncertain. Chronic rhinosinusitis has been proposed as a probable aetiological explanation for their formation.Method:We recruited 500 consecutive patients who had undergone computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinuses for possible chronic sinus disease. We identified 110 (22 per cent) cases of maxillary mucosal cysts.Results:Patients' mean age was 42.65 years, with a female to male ratio of 0.69:1 (45:65). The mean cyst size was 14.27 mm, and most were located on the inferior surface of the antrum. Only in two cases did the cyst obstruct the sinus ostium. Of patients with antral cysts, 52.7 per cent had computed tomography evidence of sinus disease, whereas only 41.3 per cent of noncyst (control) patients had sinus pathology. The total Lund–Mackay score was significantly greater in the cyst group (n=390) compared with the noncyst group (Mann–Whitney; p<0.05).Conclusion:Chronic rhinosinusitis plays an important role in the aetiology of maxillary mucosal cysts.
Betavulgaris L. Suspension Cultures Permeabilized with Triton X‐100 Retain Cell Viability and Betacyanines Production Ability: A Digital Image Analysis Study
Authors: Trejo‐Tapia Gabriela , Cuevas‐Celis Jonathan , Salcedo‐Morales Guadalupe , Luis Trejo‐Espino José , Arenas‐Ocampo Martha L. , Jiménez‐Aparicio Antonio 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe influence of Triton X‐100 on Beta vulgaris L. permeabilized cell culture viability, regrowth, and ability to produce betacyanines was evaluated in this study. A non‐destructive method based on the analysis of images in the RGB (red, green, blue) system was developed to estimate betacyanines content. A treatment for 15 min with 0.7 mM Triton X‐100 induced the release of 30% of betacyanines without loss of cell viability (≥70%). After this permeabilization treatment, B. vulgaris cultures regrew normally, reaching a maximum biomass concentration of 48% higher than non‐permeabilized cultures after 14 days of culture. Also, maximum betacyanines concentration was only 25% lower than that of non‐permeabilized cultures.
Alignment‐Based Approach for Durable Data Storage into Living Organisms
Authors: Yachie Nozomu , Sekiyama Kazuhide , Sugahara Junichi , Ohashi Yoshiaki , Tomita Masaru 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe practical realization of DNA data storage is a major scientific goal. Here we introduce a simple, flexible, and robust data storage and retrieval method based on sequence alignment of the genomic DNA of living organisms. Duplicated data encoded by different oligonucleotide sequences was inserted redundantly into multiple loci of the Bacillus subtilis genome. Multiple alignment of the bit data sequences decoded by B. subtilis genome sequences enabled the retrieval of stable and compact data without the need for template DNA, parity checks, or error‐correcting algorithms. Combined with the computational simulation of data retrieval from mutated message DNA, a practical use of this alignment‐based method is discussed.
Antimicrobial activity of omwaprin, a new member of the waprin family of snake venom proteins
Authors: Nair Dileep G. , Fry Bryan G. , Alewood Paul , Kumar Prakash P. , Kini R. Manjunatha 
Published: January 2007

We have isolated and characterized omwaprin, a 50-amino-acid cationic protein from the venom of inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus). It is a new member of the waprin family of snake venom proteins. A synthetic gene was designed and constructed for expressing the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. Recombinant omwaprin was used for carrying out functional analyses. The protein is non-toxic to Swiss albino mice at doses of up to 10 mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally. However, it shows selective and dose-dependant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The minimum inhibitory doses were in the range 2–10 μg for selected species of bacteria in radial diffusion assays. The antibacterial activity is salt-tolerant up to 350 mM NaCl. However, omwaprin lost its antibacterial activity upon reduction and alkylation of its cysteine residues, or upon deletion of six N-terminal amino acid residues, four of which are positively charged. These observations indicate that the three-dimensional structure constrained by four disulfide bonds and the N-terminal residues are essential for its activity. The mechanism of action is via membrane disruption, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Importantly, omwaprin lacks haemolytic activity on human erythrocytes. This demonstrates the specificity of omwaprin for bacterial membranes. Unlike other reported WAP (whey acidic protein) domain-containing antibacterial proteins, including elafin, EPPIN (epididymal proteinase inhibitor), SWAM1 and SWAM2 [single WAP (whey acidic protein) motif proteins 1 and 2] and SLPI (secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor), omwaprin shows species-specific activity on the Gram-positive bacteria tested.
SARP, a new alternatively spliced protein phosphatase 1 and DNA interacting protein
Authors: Browne Gareth J. , Fardilha Margarida , Oxenham Senga K. , Wu Wenjuan , Helps Nicholas R. , da Cruz E Silva Odete A. B. , Cohen Patricia T. W. , Cruz E Silva Edgar F. da 
Published: January 2007

PP1 (protein phosphatase 1) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase whose activity towards different substrates appears to be mediated via binding to specific proteins that play critical regulatory and targeting roles. In the present paper we report the cloning and characterization of a new protein, termed SARP (several ankyrin repeat protein), which is shown to interact with all isoforms of PP1 by a variety of techniques. A region encompassing a consensus PP1-binding motif in SARP (K354VHF357) modulates endogenous SARP–PP1 activity in mammalian cells. This SARP–PP1 interaction motif lies partially within the first ankyrin repeat in contrast with other proteins [53BP2 (p53 binding protein 2), MYPT1/M110/MBS (myosin binding protein of PP1) and TIMAP (transforming growth factor β inhibited, membrane-associated protein)], where a PP1-binding motif precedes the ankyrin repeats. Alternative mRNA splicing produces several isoforms of SARP from a single human gene at locus 11q14. SARP1 and/or SARP2 (92–95 kDa) are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues with high levels in testis and sperm, where they are shown to interact with both PP1γ1 and PP1γ2. SARP3 (65 kDa) is most abundant in brain where SARP isoforms interact with both PP1α and PP1γ1. SARP is highly abundant in the nucleus of mammalian cells, consistent with the putative nuclear localization signal at the N-terminus. The presence of a leucine zipper near the C-terminus of SARP1 and SARP2, and the binding of mammalian DNA to SARP2, suggests that SARP1 and SARP2 may be transcription factors or DNA-associated proteins that modulate gene expression.
Farmer decisions to adopt genetically modified crops.
Authors: Alexander C. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
This article reviews the literature on farmer decision-making related to genetically modified (GM) crops. The literature based on farmer surveys, linear programming models and yield trials clearly shows that the adoption of GM crops benefits many farmers, but not all and that these benefits depend on the specific characteristics of the producer and the operation. Research on farmer adoption of GM crops provides insight into the interaction between farmers human capital, information and their risk preferences. As new GM crops are introduced or receive approval for planting, research will continue to be needed to understand which farmers will benefit.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-induced disease.
Authors: Thacker E. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Respiratory disease remains a significant problem to the swine industry. In most production systems, multiple pathogens and their interactions are responsible for the pneumonia and reduced productivity that are observed.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
, the cause of enzootic pneumonia, remains an important contributor to respiratory disease in swine herds throughout the world. Recent research has demonstrated that different isolates of
M. hyopneumoniae
exhibit varied degrees of virulence and can complicate diagnostics. Diagnostics associated with
M. hyopneumoniae
can be frustrating due to the chronic nature of the organism and its location within the airways of infected pigs.
M. hyopneumoniae
is also problematic to the swine industry because of its impact on disease caused by other pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Vaccination remains the primary method of control, although judicial use of antibiotics can help reduce disease. Controlling
M. hyopneumoniae
-induced disease is an important strategy for increased productivity and improved respiratory health in most herds and is economically justified in most herds.
Agricultural systems: sensitivity to climate change.
Authors: Fuhrer J. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Agriculture is among the sectors most directly exposed to climate variability and change, with consequences for food production and food security. This paper aims to review the most recent literature on the sensitivity to climate change of agricultural systems by considering four hierarchical levels: (i) crops and grasslands, (ii) cropping systems, (iii) livestock systems, and (iv) farming systems. The available information suggests that a significant rise in mean temperature is likely to reduce crop yields in many areas, with the most threatened systems located in areas with decreasing rainfall. In cooler regions, more favourable mean temperatures and the extension of the growing season may stimulate potential productivity. More frequent dry spells in a warmer climate are likely to increase the risk of crop failure, unless irrigation can be expanded and be combined with improved water retention and water yield. In grasslands, the sensitivity may be larger in extensively than in intensively managed systems because of the lack of adaptive management interventions. Finally, climate change could seriously alter the productivity of animal systems, both through direct effects on the animal well-being and indirect effects via diet quality and forage availability. Overall, there is ample evidence that agricultural systems are sensitive to climate change, and that effects on potential productivity ranges from being extremely negative in already water-limited areas to more favourable in currently temperature-limited regions.
Diagnosis and control of heartwater,
Ehrlichia ruminantium
, infection: an update.
Authors: Mahan S. M. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Heartwater, an acute and fatal tick-transmitted disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by a rickettsial agent
Ehrlichia ruminantium
, continues to negatively impact animal health and production in sub-Saharan Africa. Its control is hampered by the absence of safe and effective vaccines. Over the last two decades in particular, major advances have occurred facilitating a better understanding of its epidemiology, vector biology and dynamics of transmission, pathogen propagation and characterization, molecular biology, antigenic repertoire and immunity. This research has facilitated development of improved diagnostic assays and strategically influenced research on development of efficacious vaccines. Heartwater serology is constrained by the detection of antigenic cross-reactions with genetically related ehrlichial agents. Serology therefore is not a reliable method for diagnosis of heartwater or for predicting its distribution or spread. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection, especially targeting the sequences of the pCS20 gene fragment of
E. ruminantium
, is reliable and has been determined to be the most specific method for pathogen detection and hence disease surveillance. The pCS20 PCR assay readily detects infected ticks and clinically ill animals but does not always detect carrier animals. The reason for this observation will be discussed. Research on improved vaccines has focused on development of attenuated, inactivated and recombinant vaccines for heartwater. This research has led to the field evaluation of an inactivated vaccine which has provided the proof of concept for the development of recombinant vaccines for heartwater. The inactivated vaccine protects cattle, sheep and goats against natural field tick challenge, but these trials have highlighted that
E. ruminantium
antigenic disparity will be an important factor affecting vaccine deployment in the field. Progress in recombinant vaccine research has led to preliminary testing of some E. ruminantium antigens delivered as DNA vaccines. The recent publication of the genome sequence of two strains of
E. ruminantium
is likely to expedite the development of recombinant vaccines for heartwater, especially through reverse vaccinology, which has been used to successfully identify protective antigens of various other pathogens.
Chemical alternatives to methyl bromide for vegetable crop production in Florida, United States.
Authors: Santos B. M. , Gilreath J. P. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Vegetable crop production in Florida, USA, relies on planting on polyethylene-mulched beds fumigated with methyl bromide plus chloropicrin (MBr+Pic) for soil-borne disease, nematode and weed control. However, MBr for agricultural use has been phased out because it is an ozonedepleting molecule. A considerable amount of research has been conducted to identify alternatives to MBr in Florida, where most of the year soil-borne pests thrive under its subtropical climate. Most of the published articles have studied the efficacy of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), Pic, dazomet and metam on soil-borne pests. Also, there are preliminary results with methyl iodide, propylene oxide and dimethyl disulfide, which currently are still the subject of scrutiny. Reported studies have shown that there is no definitive one-to-one replacement to this fumigant for controlling soil-borne disease, nematodes and weeds. Instead, pest management has focused on combining the activity of several active ingredients and improving fumigant retention in the soil with mulches. In particular, the majority of available MBr alternatives provide effective control against most soil-borne diseases and nematodes, assuming that correct application methods and rates are used. However, in situations where
Cyperus
is troublesome, alternative fumigants could be combined with herbicides to minimize weed interference.
Nearby nature and green areas encourage outdoor activitiesand decrease mental stress.
Authors: Nielsen T. S. , Hansen K. B. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The article presents the results from a Danish representative study of the use of green areas; the importance of access; and the effect of access to green areas, as well as use frequency, on mental stress. Results indicate that the users of green areas are mainly attracted by the possibility of experiencing greenery and nature; that time constraints and climate are major obstacles to the use of green areas; and that ease of access from the home has a substantial impact on use frequencies. The results also indicate that short distances to green areas from the dwelling and high frequency of use for green areas and gardens are related to lower levels of mental stress. The effect of green areas on mental stress has made green space a target and a tool in health policy and urban planning in the City of Copenhagen. Policies will improve access to green areas and increase the attractiveness of the areas with the aim of increasing the use of green areas and the exposure to greenery and it is hoped that this will increase the health standard of the inhabitants of Copenhagen.
Navigating the Water Framework Directive: implications for agriculture and beyond.
Authors: Lago M. , Mouratiadou I. , Moran D. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a key piece of European environmental legislation introduced in 2000 to deliver on water quality objectives. The Directive introduces a set of principles and measures that rationalize both the supply and the demand for water across member states, with few industries being exempt from its influence. Water is a good with many uses and elements of both public and private ownership. Optimizing its use therefore represents a complex challenge for social planners trading off efficiency and equity dimensions of competing uses of an essentially scarce resource. This paper considers how the Directive introduces economic principles into water use; effectively treating water (quantity and quality) as an economic good rather than a free resource. Focusing predominantly on agriculture, this perspective helps to clarify the nature of all discharge and abstraction uses by the sector and how agricultural uses lead to social tradeoffs with other non-agricultural users. Ultimately, the perspective helps to illuminate how and where water is best employed to maximize its value to society.
Weed control with methyl bromide alternatives.
Authors: Hanson B. D. , Shrestha A. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Methyl bromide (MeBr) has been used for several decades for preplant (PRE) soil fumigation in high-value agricultural and horticultural crops because it can provide broad-spectrum control of insects, nematodes, pathogens, and weeds. However, MeBr has been identified as an ozone-depleting chemical and is associated with hazards to human heath, plants, and animals. Therefore, a global agreement to gradually phase-out ozone depleting chemicals was made with the signing of the 'Montreal Protocol' in 1987 and research for effective and sustainable alternatives to MeBr has been a priority since 1995. Several alternative fumigants and non-chemical alternatives for weed control have been tested. In many agricultural systems the phase-out of MeBr presents a critical challenge because alternative pest control measures are ineffective, costly, or pose hazards to the environment and human health. In this paper, we review the status of MeBr alternatives with a focus on weed control in high-value cropping systems. It is concluded that no currently available alternative chemical or management practice has the same broad-spectrum efficacy and consistency as MeBr. Because the development of a single alternative to MeBr is unlikely, weed control in many high-value fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops will become an even greater challenge in the absence of MeBr. Development of crop- and region-specific integrated pest management systems that include appropriate fumigants, herbicides and cultural practices will be necessary to maintain productivity at levels and prices that meet current grower and consumer expectations.
Amelioration strategies for salinity-induced land degradation.
Authors: Qadir M. , Schubert S. , Noble A. D. , Saqib M. , Saifullah Saifullah 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Salinization of soils is a major impediment to their optimal utilization in many arid and semi-arid regions throughout the world. In several large irrigation schemes, salinity-induced land degradation has increased steadily over the last few decades with concurrent reductions in agricultural productivity and sustainability. Currently, saline soils occur within at least 100 countries. These soils need explicit approaches in their amelioration since soil salinization cannot be reduced by routine irrigation and crop management practices. The approaches used to ameliorate saline soils can be broadly divided into four major categories: (1) leaching of bare saline soils to move excess soluble salts from upper to lower soil depths or out of soil profile in the presence of a natural or artificial drainage system; (2) leaching of cropped saline soils with certain plant species, which can withstand ambient salinity levels; (3) surface flushing or mechanical removal of salts from soils that contain salt crusts at the surface or where drainage is inadequate and leaching is restricted by the presence of a shallow water table or highly impermeable profile; and (4) reduction of salts from saline soils through biological means - the harvest and removal of high-salt accumulating aerial plant parts - in areas with negligible irrigation water or rainfall for leaching. Research and practice have shown that in the presence of a drainage system, saline soils can be brought back to a highly productive state by leaching the excess soluble salts from the effective rooting depth. Among the amelioration methods, cropping in conjunction with leaching has an advantage; cropping during or between leaching events increases salt removal efficiency because of a decrease in soil-water content under unsaturated water flow conditions with a concurrent decrease in large pore bypass and drainage volume. However, anaerobic conditions in soil may occur during leaching of cropped soils, thereby affecting growth of those plant species that are sensitive to such conditions. Thus, in addition to existing salt-resistant plant species, research is needed to explore or develop genotypes that can withstand the twin stresses of salinity and hypoxia. Although significant efforts have been made to develop models for simulating movement and reactions of salts in saline soils during the amelioration process, these models need evaluation and verification under actual field conditions.