bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of the insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki by minerals: effects of inorganic salts
Authors: Fu Qingling , Wang Wanqin , Hu Hongqing , Chen Shouwen 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe persistence of the insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is enhanced by the reactivity with soil particles and may constitute a hazard to the soil ecosystem; however, studies on the fate of the Bt toxin in soil, especially in the presence of inorganic salts, are limited. The effects of different concentrations of KNO3, KH2PO4 and NH4H2PO4 on the adsorption of Bacillus thuringiensis toxin by kaolinite, montmorillonite, goethite and silicon dioxide were investigated. Results showed that small salt concentrations tended to enhance toxin adsorption, whereas large concentrations (> 10 mmol litre−1) inhibited sorption. Similar results were observed regardless of the order in which toxin and inorganic salt were added. The degree to which individual salts affected adsorption decreased in the sequence for minerals, goethite > kaolinite ≥ montmorillonite > silicon dioxide, and for ions, H2PO4− > NO3−, NH4+ > K+. Our results indicate that inorganic salts can markedly influence the adsorption of Bt toxin by soil minerals. This investigation will help in evaluating the behaviour and fate of Bt toxins in the soil environment.
Bayesian Maximum Entropy prediction of soil categories using a traditional soil map as soft information
Authors: Brus D. J. , Bogaert P. , Heuvelink G. B. M. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBayesian Maximum Entropy was used to estimate the probabilities of occurrence of soil categories in the Netherlands, and to simulate realizations from the associated multi‐point pdf. Besides the hard observations (H) of the categories at 8369 locations, the soil map of the Netherlands 1:50 000 was used as soft information (S). The category with the maximum estimated probability was used as the predicted category. The quality of the resulting BME(HS)‐map was compared with that of the BME(H)‐map obtained by using only the hard data in BME‐estimation, and with the existing soil map. Validation with a probability sample showed that the use of the soft information in BME‐estimation leads to a considerable and significant increase of map purity by 15%. This increase of map purity was due to the high purity of the existing soil map (71.3%). The purity of the BME(HS) was only slightly larger than that of the existing soil map. This was due to the small correlation length of the soil categories. The theoretical purity of the BME‐maps overestimated the actual map purity, which can be partly explained by the biased estimates of the one‐point bivariate probabilities of hard and soft categories of the same label. Part of the hard data is collected to describe characteristic soil profiles of the map units which explains the bias. Therefore, care must be taken when using the purposively selected data in soil information systems for calibrating the probability model. It is concluded that BME is a valuable method for spatial prediction and simulation of soil categories when the number of categories is rather small (say < 10). For larger numbers of categories, the computational burden becomes prohibitive, and large samples are needed for calibration of the probability model.
Arcyptera fusca and Arcyptera tornosi repetitive DNA families: whole‐comparative genomic hybridization (W‐CGH) as a novel approach to the study of satellite DNA libraries
Authors: PITA M. , ZABAL‐AGUIRRE M. , ARROYO F. , GOSÁLVEZ J. , LÓPEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ C. , DE LA TORRE J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWhole‐comparative genomic hybridization (W‐CGH) has been used to exemplify a simple methodology which allows identifying and mapping whole genome differences for highly repetitive DNA sequences between two related species of unknown genomic background. The use of this technique to the species binomy Arcyptera fusca/Arcyptera tornosi has allowed the identification of different DNA families mainly concentrated within the para‐/peri‐centromeric and distal heterochromatic regions of different chromosomes, which are differentially expanded in both genomes. Additionally, W‐CGH allowed chromosome mapping of particular euchromatic regions immersed in the chromosome arms which have been affected by processes of DNA amplification and losses. A molecular approach was also conducted to analyse satellite DNA families in these species. We have found three different families showing an unequal representation in both species. Two of these families showed a centromeric location (EcoRV‐390CEN and Sau3A‐419CEN), whereas the last one was located at distal heterochromatic regions (Sau3A‐197TEL). As A. fusca is a widely distributed species represented in most European high mountains, whereas A. tornosi is an endemic species represented in the Iberian Peninsula, the differences and resemblances reported here offer a good basis to support a close evolutionary relationship between both of the actually isolated species. Finally, W‐CGH allowed identification of an asynchronic pattern of heterochromatin condensation through early prophase (characteristic in both species) which is uncommon or probably has been poorly analysed within classical early condensing chromosome domains through meiosis. The congruence of the obtained cytological and molecular results is analysed in light of the ancestral genome relationship between both species.
Obligate asex in a rotifer and the role of sexual signals
Authors: STELZER C.‐P. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTransitions to asexuality have occurred in many animals and plants, yet the biological mechanisms causing such transitions have often remained unclear. Cyclical parthenogens, such as cladocerans, rotifers or aphids often give rise to obligate asexual lineages. In many rotifers, chemical signals that accumulate during population crowding trigger the induction of sexual stages. In this study, I tested two hypotheses on the origin of obligate parthenogenesis in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus: (i) that obligate parthenogens have lost the responsiveness to the sexual signal; and (ii) that obligate parthenogens have lost the ability to produce the sexual signal. Pairwise cross‐induction assays among three obligate parthenogenetic strains and two cyclically parthenogenetic (sexual) strains were used to test these hypotheses. I found that obligate parthenogens can induce sexual reproduction in sexual strains, but not vice versa. This demonstrates that obligate parthenogens do still produce the sexual signal, but have lost responsiveness to that signal.
Migration load in plants: role of pollen and seed dispersal in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: LOPEZ S. , ROUSSET F. , SHAW F. H. , SHAW R. G. , RONCE O. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEvolution of local adaptation depends critically on the level of gene flow, which, in plants, can be due to either pollen or seed dispersal. Using analytical predictions and individual‐centred simulations, we investigate the specific influence of seed and pollen dispersal on local adaptation in plant populations growing in patchy heterogeneous landscapes. We study the evolution of a polygenic trait subject to stabilizing selection within populations, but divergent selection between populations. Deviations from linkage equilibrium and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium make different contributions to genotypic variance depending on the dispersal mode. Local genotypic variance, differentiation between populations and genetic load vary with the rate of gene flow but are similar for seed and pollen dispersal, unless the landscape is very heterogeneous. In this case, genetic load is higher in the case of pollen dispersal, which appears to be due to differences in the distribution of genotypic values before selection.
Gelatinized to non‐gelatinized starch ratio in the diet of Labeo rohita: effect on digestive and metabolic response and on growth
Authors: Kumar V. , Sahu N. P. , Pal A. K. , Kumar S. , Gupta S. K. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryA 60‐days experiment was conducted to study the optimum gelatinized (G) to non‐gelatinized (NG) starch ratio in the diet of Labeo rohita juveniles with respect to digestive and metabolic response and on growth. Two‐hundred and thirty‐four juveniles (avg. wt 2.53 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed in six treatment groups with each of three replicates. Six semipurified diets either containing NG and/or G corn starch viz., T1 (100% NG, 0% G starch), T2 (80% NG, 20% G starch), T3 (60% NG, 40% G starch), T4 (40% NG, 60% G starch), T5 (20% NG, 80% G starch) and T6 (0% NG, 100% G starch) were prepared. The dry matter digestibility and carbohydrate digestibility were highest (p < 0.05) in T6 group and lowest in T3 and T4 groups. The amylase activity in intestine increased as G:NG level increased in the diet. Protease activity in intestine was highest in T6 group and lowest in T1 group. Similar trend was recorded for specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein utilization. Liver glycogen, hepatosomatic index and blood glucose level increased linearly with the increasing level of G starch in the experimental diet. The results indicate that higher nutrient digestibility and growth was recorded either at low (20% G starch, T2) or high (100% G starch, T6) G starch fed group. But high G starch fed group (T6) exhibits higher liver glycogen and blood glucose level, which may lead to stress due to long‐term feeding. Hence, it is suggested that 20% G and 80% NG starch is optimum for better nutrient digestibility and growth in L. rohita juveniles.
Digestion and deposition of individual fatty acids in growing‐finishing pigs fed diets containing either beef tallow or sunflower oil
Authors: Mitchaothai J. , Everts H. , Yuangklang C. , Wittayakun S. , Vasupen K. , Wongsuthavas S. , Srenanul P. , Hovenier R. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe apparent digestibility and deposition in carcass of individual dietary fatty acids (FA) were determined in growing‐finishing pigs fed diets containing either beef tallow or sunflower oil. The beef tallow was rich in saturated FA (SFA) and the sunflower oil had a high content of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). A total of 39 barrows was used. The experimental diets contained 5% (w/w) of the variable fat source and were fed ad libitum. The dietary fat type had no effect (p > 0.05) on growth performance, even though the apparent digestibilities of crude fat and crude protein were higher (p < 0.05) in the animals fed sunflower oil. The pigs fed the sunflower oil diet showed higher apparent digestibilities (p < 0.05) of the sum of SFA, monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and PUFA, but had a lower digestibility (p < 0.05) of stearic acid. The intakes of individual digestible FA were derived feed intake data, FA contents of the diets and the digestibility of individual FA. For the entire feeding period of 13 weeks, the ratio of deposition in carcass to intake of digestible FA was increased (p < 0.05) for palmitic and stearic acid in the pigs fed sunflower oil, but the ratios for oleic acid and linoleic acid were decreased (p < 0.001). In the pigs fed sunflower oil instead of beef tallow, the deposition:intake ratio was raised for the SFA (p < 0.001), but diminished for the MUFA (p < 0.05). The calculated minimum de novo synthesis of SFA was increased (p < 0.05) and that of MUFA decreased (p < 0.05) in the pigs fed sunflower oil. It is concluded that the feeding of a diet with sunflower oil instead of beef tallow improved apparent digestibility of SFA, MUFA and PUFA, increased the deposition:digestible intake ratio for SFA, but lowered that for MUFA and PUFA.
The long‐term effect of α‐ketoglutarate, given early in postnatal life, on both growth and various bone parameters in pigs
Authors: Andersen N. K. , Tatara M. R. , Krupski W. , Majcher P. , Harrison A. P. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe long‐term effect of α‐ketoglutarate (AKG) given for 21–24 days post‐partum, on the skeleton of commercial pigs, was investigated. In experiment A, 12 pigs were given AKG [0.1 g/kg of body weight (b.w.) per day per os], while 12 controls were administered vehicle. At day 169, the left and right femur, humerus and sixth ribs were analysed for mechanical and geometrical properties and quantitative computed tomography. In experiment B, 32 piglets were divided equally into an AKG group (0.3 g/kg of b.w. per day) or a control group. Blood, taken at days 24 and 53 was analysed for plasma 17 β‐oestradiol. The main bone effect of AKG was to increase bone length in the sixth rib (7.3%, p < 0.01), ultimate strength (23%, p < 0.05), Young´s modulus (52%, p < 0.001) and maximum elastic strength (31%, p = 0.056) compared with controls. In both experiments, AKG preferentially increased the growth of female piglets, whilst for male piglets AKG had the opposite effect. In addition, AKG elevated plasma 17 β‐oestradiol levels compared to those of controls at the end of the period of treatment (20%, p = 0.002). It is concluded that AKG has long‐term effects on rib properties when given early in postnatal life whilst it elevates plasma 17 β‐oestradiol levels only so long as it is being administered.
Dietary amino acids fed in free form or as protein do differently affect amino acid absorption in a rat everted sac model
Authors: Nolles J. A. , Peeters I. G. S. , Bremer B. I. , Moorman R. , Koopmanschap R. E. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Schreurs V. V. A. M. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn the present study, the effect of free amino acid (FAA) diets on the intestinal absorption rate of methionine and leucine was studied ‘ex vivo’ with rats adapted for different periods of time to the diets, using the everted sac method. The adaptation period to the 21% FAA diet with an amino acid content based on casein was either, 0 (no adaptation, N‐ADA), 5 (short‐term adaptation, ST‐ADA), or 26–33 days (long‐term adaptation, LT‐ADA). Within the ST‐ADA and the LT‐ADA groups, three different levels of methionine were included: 50%, 100% and 200% of the level normally present in casein. All diets were iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐caloric. After the adaptation period (0, 5, or 26–33 days), intestinal everted sacs were prepared. Methionine or leucine was added to the medium as transport substrate. The methionine absorption rate of the rats of the LT‐ADA groups was higher than that of the N‐ADA groups. Furthermore, adaptation to 200% dietary methionine levels caused a significantly slower leucine absorption compared to the 100%, and 50% group. Methionine absorption was similar in the 100% and 200% groups, but the absorption of methionine in the 50% group was enhanced in the distal part of the intestines. We concluded that in response diets with 21% FAAs as only amino acid source, amino acid absorption is decreased to avoid toxic effects of high levels of methionine in the circulation.
The effect of weight loss by energy restriction on metabolic profile and glucose tolerance in ponies
Authors: Van Weyenberg S. , Hesta M. , Buyse J. , Janssens G. P. J. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn nine initially obese ponies, a weekly weight loss according to 1% of their ideal body weight was evaluated for its impact on insulin sensitivity and metabolic profile. Weight loss was obtained solely through energy restriction, initially at 70% of maintenance energy requirements, but to maintain constant weight loss, feed amount had to be decreased to 50% and 35% of maintenance energy requirement during the course of the trial. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17. Fasted blood samples were taken on weeks 0, 3, 10, 17 for analysis of triglycerides (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), T3, T4and leptin. Total average weight loss was 18.2%. When the OGTT was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17, ponies had lost 0.22%, 9.9% and 16.3% of their initial weight respectively. Weight loss was associated with a decreased AUC for glucose and insulin. Moreover, greater % weight loss was associated with a significantly lower glucose peak and a lower area under the curve (AUC glucose). The lower glucose response after an OGTT in lean ponies was not the result of an increased insulin secretion, but an improved insulin sensitivity. Restricted feeding led to mobilization of TG and NEFA and to a reduced basal metabolism, with lower LDH, CPK, T3and leptin. In conclusion: in obese Shetland ponies, weight loss at a rate of 1% of ideal body weight per week through restricted energy intake, ameliorated insulin sensitivity.
Effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings
Authors: Ogunji J. O. , Kloas W. , Wirth M. , Neumann N. , Pietsch C. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryA 56‐day feeding trial was conducted to access the effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Seven feeds formulated to contain 36% protein and 20 kJ g−1 gross energy (dry matter basis), were prepared by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Fifteen fingerlings (initial average weight 2.0 ± 0.1 g) stocked per experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% body weight in two portions per day (a level previously established). Growth and food conversion ratio were adequate and comparable without any significant differences (p < 0.5) between feeding groups. Mean values for haematocrit and plasma glucose were not significantly different (p < 0.05) among the feeding groups. Fish group fed control diet (containing highest inclusion level of fish meal and without magmeal) gave the lowest haemoglobin concentration (5.96 ± 0.22 g dl−1). This value was significantly different from other feeding groups. Stressful conditions in fish and in mammals are associated with decreased growth, haematocrit (packed cell volume) and haemoglobin values, increased whole blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) and plasma cortisol concentrations. No such physiological changes were observed in this study. Results suggest that feeding O. niloticus fingerling with magmeal diets did not cause any form of physiological stress. Magmeal can be used as a good alternative protein source in tilapia diets.
Liver colourations as well as performance and digestive tract characteristics of broilers may change as influenced by stage and schedule of feed restriction
Authors: Ocak N. , Sivri F. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryTo investigate the changes in characteristics (CIE L*, a* and b*) of liver colour as well as growth, carcass and digestive tract of broilers as influenced by stage and schedule of feed restriction, 400 two‐week‐old broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 20 floor pens. Four replicate pens of 20 equally mixed sex birds per pen were randomly allotted each of the five treatments. Birds in control were fed ad libitum. Birds in QFRM and QFRL were restricted 75% of ad libitum intake (quantitative feed restriction, QFR) for 10 days. Birds in FTRM and FTRL were fed ad libitum for 7 days per a period of 10 days with third, fifth and seventh days of feed withdrawal (feeding time restriction, FTR). The restrictions in the QFRM and FTRM started on day 14 (at middle age, M) while the restrictions in the QFRL and FTRL started on day 31 (at late age, L). The restricted broilers consumed less feed than the full‐fed birds (p < 0.05). The QFRM and FTRM birds consumed less feed than QFRL and FTRL birds (p < 0.05). The body weight gain decreased by the QFRL and FTRL, the feed efficiency increased by the QFRM and FTRM compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The QFRL and FTRL increased a* and b* values of liver and the relative weights of gut and liver, and the FTRL increased the L* value of liver compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The QFRL and FTRL decreased the relative weight of abdominal fat compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, (i) the restricted feeding at middle stage improved feed efficiency; (ii) the restricted feeding at later stage decreased growth rate and abdominal fat; and (iii) limited‐time feeding during later period caused a measurable variation in the liver colour.
Effect of feeding sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) to sows during mid‐lactation on plasma prolactin and litter performance
Authors: Kopinski J. S. , Blaney B. J. , Murray S.‐A. , Downing J. A. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryDiets containing 3% sorghum ergot (16 mg alkaloids/kg, including 14 mg dihydroergosine/kg) were fed to 12 sows from 14 days post‐farrowing until weaning 14 days later, and their performance was compared with that of 10 control sows. Ergot‐fed sows displayed a smaller weight loss during lactation of 24 kg/head vs. 29 kg/head in control sows (p > 0.05) despite feed consumption being less (61 kg/head total feed intake vs. 73 kg/head by control sows; p < 0.05). Ergot‐fed sows had poorer weight gain of litters over the 14‐day period (16.6 kg/litter vs. 28.3 kg/litter for controls; p < 0.05) despite an increase in consumption of creep feed by the piglets from the ergot‐fed sows (1.9 kg/litter compared with 1.1 kg/litter by the control; p > 0.05). Sow plasma prolactin was reduced with ergot feeding after 7 days to 4.8 μg/l compared with 15.1 μg/l in the control sows (p < 0.01) and then at weaning was 4.9 μg/l compared with 8.0 μg/l (p < 0.01) in the control sows. Two sows fed ergot ceased lactation early, and the above sow feed intakes, body weight losses with litter weight gains and creep consumption indirectly indicate an ergot effect on milk production.
Subacute hepatic failure due to hepatitis E
Authors: Ramachandran Jeyamani , Ramakrishna Banumathi , Eapen Chundamannil Eapen , Abraham Priya , Zachariah Uday George , Jayram Aruna , Mathews Manoj , Kurian George , Mukopadhya Ashis , Chandy George 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The data available on subacute hepatic failure due to hepatitis E virus is scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical spectrum and outcome of this condition.Methods:  This is a retrospective hospital‐based study of patients with acute hepatitis E and subacute hepatic failure from January 2001 to June 2006.Results:  We encountered 12 patients with this condition during the study period. There were four females and eight males (age 39 ± 16). Jaundice and ascites were present in all. The model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score was 25 ± 8. All of them had normal‐sized liver on ultrasonogram. Transjugular liver biopsies were done in nine patients and revealed extensive bridging, submassive necrosis and cholestasis. Complications included spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (four) and urinary tract infections (two), renal failure (three) and encephalopathy (three). The in‐hospital mortality was 25% (3/12). The remaining nine patients left the hospital alive with normalization of liver functions in eight of them over the next few months.Conclusion:  Subacute hepatic failure caused by hepatitis E is a distinct entity with a better prognosis compared with the previously published series of subacute hepatic failure. Liver biopsy is useful to differentiate from hepatitis E virus superinfection on underlying chronic disease. Poor prognostic factors were female sex, younger age, encephalopathy and persistent renal failure. These patients should be considered for liver transplantation.