bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synaptic mRNAs are modulated by learning
Authors: Ferrara Eugenia , Cefaliello Carolina , Eyman Maria , De Stefano Rosanna , Giuditta Antonio , Crispino Marianna 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe have recently demonstrated that brain plastic events significantly modify synaptic protein synthesis measured by the incorporation of [35S]methionine in brain synaptosomal proteins. Notably, in rats learning a two‐way active avoidance task, the local synthesis of two synaptic proteins was selectively enhanced. Because this effect may be attributed to transcriptional modulation, we used reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction methods to determine the content of discrete synaptosomal mRNAs in rats exposed to the same training protocol. Correlative analyses between behavioral responses and synaptosomal mRNA content showed that GAT‐1 mRNA (a prevalent presynaptic component) correlates with avoidances and escapes in rat cerebellum, while glial fibrillary acid protein mRNA (an astrocytic component) correlates with freezings in cerebellum and cerebral cortex. These observations support the hypothesis that synaptic protein synthesis may be transcriptionally regulated. The cellular origin of synaptic transcripts is briefly discussed, with special regard to those present at large distances from neuron somas. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An assessment of temperature and precipitation change projections over Italy from recent global and regional climate model simulations
Authors: Coppola Erika , Giorgi Filippo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe present an assessment of climate change projections over the Italian peninsula for the 21st century from the CMIP3 global and PRUDENCE regional model experiments. We consider the A2, A1B, B2 and B1 emission scenarios. The climate change signal over Italy varies seasonally, with maximum warming in summer (up to several °C) and minimum in winter, decreased precipitation over the entire peninsula in summer (locally up to −40%) and a dipolar precipitation change pattern in winter (increase to the north and decrease to the south). Inter‐annual variability increases in all seasons for precipitation and in summer for temperature, while it decreases for winter temperature. The seasonal temperature anomaly probability density functions (PDFs) show a shift as well as a broadening and flattening in future climate conditions, especially in summer. This implies larger increases for extreme hot seasons than mean summer temperatures. The seasonal precipitation anomaly PDFs are greatly affected in summer, with a strong increase of very dry seasons. Moreover, seasons with large precipitation amounts tend to increase in future climate conditions, i.e. we find an increase of very dry (drought prone) and very wet (flood prone) seasons. The magnitude of future climate change depends on the emission scenario and the temperature and precipitation change signals show substantial fine‐scale structure in response to the topographical forcing of the Italian major mountain systems. In addition, the change signal is greater than the inter‐model standard deviation for temperature in all seasons and for precipitation in the summer. Finally, the CMIP3 ensemble captures the observed 20th century trends of temperature and precipitation change over northern Italy. A broad agreement between the projections obtained with the CMIP3 and PRUDENCE ensembles is found, which adds robustness to the findings. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Recent severe heat waves in central Europe: how to view them in a long‐term prospect?
Authors: Kyselý Jan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe study examines whether recent occurrences of severe heat waves in central Europe were exceptional in the context of past fluctuations, and estimates their recurrence probabilities under several climate change scenarios. Using data from a network of meteorological stations in the Czech Republic since 1961, it is found that 1994 was the year with the most severe heat waves over majority of the area. The other seasons with enhanced heat wave characteristics were 1992, 2003 and 2006. Analysis of the long‐term temperature series at Prague‐Klementinum reveals that the July 2006 heat wave, covering 33 consecutive days, was the longest and most severe individual heat wave since 1775. Probabilities of long and severe heat waves are estimated from daily temperature series generated by a first‐order autoregressive model with a deterministic component (incorporating a seasonal cycle and a long‐term trend). The model is validated with respect to the simulation of heat waves in present climate (1961–2006) and subsequently run under several assumptions reflecting various rates of summer warming over 2007–2100. The return period of a heat wave reaching or exceeding the length of the 2006 heat wave in Prague is estimated to be around 120 years in 2006. Owing to an increase in mean summer temperatures, probabilities of very long heat waves have already risen by an order of magnitude over the recent 25 years, and are likely to increase by another order of magnitude by around 2040 under the summer warming rate assumed by the mid‐scenario. Even the lower bound scenario yields a considerable decline of return periods associated with intense heat waves. Nevertheless, the most severe recent heat waves appear to be typical rather of a late 21st century than a mid‐21st century climate. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Validation of the abrupt change in GPCP precipitation in the Congo River Basin
Authors: Yin Xungang , Gruber Arnold 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) monthly precipitation exhibits a significant negative trend during 1979–2004 over southern tropical Africa from the Congo River Basin to the east coast. This trend appears as a more than 20% drop beginning in 1992 in the 6‐year and 9‐year averages of the areal mean GPCP satellite‐gauge precipitation, whose magnitude is largely determined by the gauge analyses. This paper's analysis of satellite precipitation estimates, gauge precipitation analyses, and gauge coverage information suggests that the negative precipitation trend is only true in part of southern tropical Africa but the magnitude is much smaller than that calculated from the GPCP. In the eastern portion of the region, the precipitation drop in the GPCP is confirmed by the satellite‐only estimates but the decrease of more than 16% is amplified by a change in gauge coverage. In the western portion of the region, basically the southern Congo River Basin, all gauge dependent products show a negative precipitation trend, which is much larger in the GPCP merged satellite‐gauged data set, but not supported by the satellite‐only precipitation estimates. In this study we conclude that for the Congo River Basin, where both the mean precipitation and its spatial gradient are high, the spurious negative trend detected in the GPCP precipitation is caused by a significant change in local gauge coverage and the methodology used by the GPCP to merge satellite and gauge data during the analysis period. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Three‐source partitioning of CO2 efflux from maize field soil by 13C natural abundance
Authors: Werth Martin , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA natural‐13C‐labeling approach—formerly observed under controlled conditions—was tested in the field to partition total soil CO2 efflux into root respiration, rhizomicrobial respiration, and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. Different results were expected in the field due to different climate, site, and microbial properties in contrast to the laboratory. Within this isotopic method, maize was planted on soil with C3‐vegetation history and the total CO2 efflux from soil was subdivided by isotopic mass balance. The C4‐derived C in soil microbial biomass was also determined. Additionally, in a root‐exclusion approach, root‐ and SOM‐derived CO2 were determined by the total CO2 effluxes from maize (Zea mays L.) and bare‐fallow plots. In both approaches, maize‐derived CO2 contributed 22% to 35% to the total CO2 efflux during the growth period, which was comparable to other field studies. In our laboratory study, this CO2 fraction was tripled due to different climate, soil, and sampling conditions. In the natural‐13C‐labeling approach, rhizomicrobial respiration was low compared to other studies, which was related to a low amount of C4‐derived microbial biomass. At the end of the growth period, however, 64% root respiration and 36% rhizomicrobial respiration in relation to total root‐derived CO2 were calculated when considering high isotopic fractionations between SOM, microbial biomass, and CO2. This relationship was closer to the 50% : 50% partitioning described in the literature than without fractionation (23% root respiration, 77% rhizomicrobial respiration). Fractionation processes of 13C must be taken into account when calculating CO2 partitioning in soil. Both methods—natural 13C labeling and root exclusion—showed the same partitioning results when 13C isotopic fractionation during microbial respiration was considered and may therefore be used to separate plant‐ and SOM‐derived CO2 sources.
Lichen colonization of an active volcanic environment: a Raman spectroscopic study of extremophile biomolecular protective strategies
Authors: Jorge‐Villar Susana E. , Edwards Howell G. M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Raman spectra of some sixteen lichen specimens from eight genera growing on basaltic lava and wood substrates on new lava fields on the Kilauea volcano, Kona, Hawaii, have been analysed in therms of the pigments and biomolecules produced in this extreme environment. Chlorophyll and a carotenoid, probably lutein or astaxanthin, are ubiquitous, but otherwise, a range of protective pigments have been identified, including atranorin, usnic acid, gyrophoric acid, parietin and pulvinic acid dilactone. In addition, some species were observed to produce calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate. Clearly, several strategies for survival were being adopted by the lichens to combat radiation insolation, desiccation and high temperatures; in one case, of the same lichen species colonizing wood and lava in the same location, a different survival strategy could be detected related to their substrate, but further long‐term ecological experiments would be indicated to derive more detailed information on this aspect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a liquid–liquid extraction method for the determination of pyrimethanil, metalaxyl, dichlofluanid and penconazol during the fermentative process of must by GC‐NPD
Authors: Vaquero‐Fernández Luis , Sanz‐Asensio Jesús , Fernández‐Zurbano Purificación , Sainz‐Ramírez Miguel , López‐Alonso Miguel , Epifanio‐Fernández Sara‐Isabel , Martínez‐Soria Mará‐Teresa 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: A rapid, selective and sensitive gas chromatographic method is described for the analysis of four fungicides—pyrimethanil, metalaxyl, penconazol and dichlofluanid, widely used in vineyards—in must and wine, as well as samples during alcoholic fermentation. The effect of alcoholic fermentation on pyrimethanil concentration in synthetic and real musts was studied.RESULTS: The proposed method was based on liquid–liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography with nitrogen–phosphorus detector. n‐Hexane was the most appropriate solvent for extracting the target fungicides in synthetic and real samples. Quality parameters of the proposed method presented good recovery (ca 78.3% for almost all compounds) and precision (between 1.4% and 6.1%), and quantification limits lower than maximum residue limits. However, for dichlofluanid recovery levels of well over 100% were found.CONCLUSIONS: There was no matrix effect in the analysis of pyrimethanil, metalaxyl or penconazol, but this effect was observed for dichlofluanid in synthetic and real matrices. The application of the fermentative process on pyrimethanil fungicide caused a high decrease in the concentration of this compound, and no product appeared in degradation. The decrease of pyrimethanil in fermented samples was similar in both synthetic and real samples. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression, purification and refolding of recombinant Cry1Ab/Ac obtained in Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies
Authors: Cao Sishuo , Xu Wentao , Luo Yunbo , He Xiaoyun , Guo Xing , Yuan Yanfang , Yuan Changmei , Huang Kunlun 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The Cry toxins are already a useful alternative or supplement to synthetic chemical pesticide application in commercial agriculture and forest management.RESULTS: The Cry1ab/ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis was cloned from the genome of genetically modified rice by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Owing to the large number of Escherichia coli low‐usage codons in the Cry1ab/ac gene, the first 20 codons were optimised by PCR to improve the expression of the Cry1ab/ac gene in E. coli. The Cry1Ab/Ac protein was highly expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies that could be dissolved in 8 mol L−1 urea and purified on a His Trap™ FF crude column under denaturing conditions. The purified Cry1Ab/Ac protein was dialysed in refolding buffers to obtain a soluble and biologically active protein. To achieve better biological activity, the His‐tag was digested from the Cry1Ab/Ac protein with enterokinase, and the Cry1Ab/Ac protein was further purified by gel filtration on a fast performance liquid chromatography Superdex 75 HR 10/30 column using an AKTA purifier. The identity of the purified Cry1Ab/Ac protein sequence was confirmed by western blot and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The final purified Cry1Ab/Ac protein was 99.2% pure and retained its biological activity, as determined in a growth inhibition assay of Chilo suppressalis.CONCLUSION: The purified Cry1Ab/Ac protein could be used to evaluate the food safety of transgenic plants containing the Cry1ab/ac gene and to produce antibodies for immune‐based methods employed in the detection of genetically modified organisms containing the Cry1ab or Cry1ac gene. It might also serve as a new biological insecticide to reduce the use of broad‐spectrum insecticides. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of intensifying high‐temperature ripening on proteolysis, lipolysis and flavor of Jinhua ham
Authors: Zhang Jianhao , Zhen Zongyuan , Zhang Wangang , Zeng Tao , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The flavor quality of dry‐cured ham comes from proteolysis, lipolysis and lipid oxidation, Maillard reaction and Strecker amino acid degradation. Intense proteolysis, lipolysis and lipid oxidation make major contributions to flavor development of dry‐cured ham. Increasing the temperature in fermenting and ripening could promote these reactions and accelerate flavor development in dry‐cured hams. The specific aroma flavor of Jinhua ham is developed only during long‐time high‐temperature ripening in July and August. Our objective was to effectively shorten the process time by intense high‐temperature ripening based on the flavor and quality features of traditional Jinhua ham.RESULTS: Muscle dehydration rate of 80‐day ripened hams (29.43 ± 1.16%) was higher than that of the traditional process (P < 0.05). The total free fatty acids in ripened hams of 45–80 days were all higher than that of traditional hams (P < 0.05) and the level of TBARS was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The flavor profile of modern‐processed hams was different from that of the traditional Jinhua ham. The contents of carboxylic acids and aldehydes were obviously higher than those of the traditional products (P < 0.05). The results of organoleptic evaluation for flavor and quality showed that 80‐day ripened hams reached the first‐grade level of traditional Jinhua ham.CONCLUSION: Long‐time (25–30 days) intensifying high‐temperature ripening (35–37 °C) could accelerate the proteolysis, lipolysis, lipids oxidation, flavor development and effectively shorten the process time based on the traditional flavor and quality features of dry‐cured ham. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and lab‐on‐a‐chip capillary electrophoresis for the specific identification of game and domestic meats
Authors: Fajardo Violeta , González Isabel , Dooley John , Garret Steve , Brown Helen M , García Teresa , Martín Rosario 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to adapt and improve previously published polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) methods aimed at the identification of game and domestic meats, by replacing the gel electrophoretic steps for DNA fragment analysis by a chip‐based capillary electrophoresis system.RESULTS: PCR amplification of a mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene fragment and subsequent digestion of the amplicons with either MseI or a combination of MboII, BslI, and ApoI endonucleases generated characteristic PCR‐RFLP profiles that allowed discrimination among ten relevant game and domestic meat species. The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer utilises capillary electrophoresis on a microchip device that is capable of rapidly sizing DNA fragments, offering a valuable recent development for the analysis of complex DNA banding patterns.CONCLUSION: Results obtained in this work indicated that banding resolution on the system was sensitive, with detection of some small DNA fragments that were not observed with the published conventional PCR‐RFLP gel‐based method. Therefore, the new faster and easy handling procedure provides an additional powerful tool that can be employed for meat speciation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and antioxidant and radical‐scavenging activities ofPeriploca laevigataroot bark extracts
Authors: Mohamed Hajji , Ons Masmoudi , Yosra Ellouz‐Triki , Rayda Siala , Neji Gharsallah , Moncef Nasri 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:The root powder ofPeriploca laevigatais used for preparing soft drinks and as an aromatic in Tunisia. The infusion or decoction of its root bark has widespread use in folk medicine. The plant is used to treat digestive disorders and hypertensive effects as well as other health problems.RESULTS:The antioxidant activities of extracts ofP. laevigataroot bark obtained with solvents of different polarity were investigated using assays of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging activity, ferric‐reducing capacity, β‐carotene‐bleaching ability, hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition. The methanol extract, with the highest amount of total phenolics and flavonoids, showed the highest antioxidant activities in all assays, followed by the water extract. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of the water and methanol extracts. Thirty‐four compounds were identified in the methanol extract, with proflavine (516.2 g kg−1dry matter (DM)) and 4‐methoxysalicylaldehyde (198.3 g kg−1DM) being the most abundant. Sixteen compounds were identified in the water extract, of which 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenethylene glycol (351.2 g kg−1DM) was the main component.CONCLUSION:As far as is known, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activities of phenolic extracts fromP. laevigata. The results of the study indicate that the root bark of this plant might be a good candidate for further investigation in developing new antioxidants. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
PET‐CT in recurrent head neck cancers: A study to evaluate impact on patient management
Authors: Pantvaidya G.H. , Agarwal J.P. , Deshpande M.S. , Rangarajan V. , Singh V. , Kakade A. , D'Cruz A.K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPET‐CT has shown promise in the management of head neck cancers. However, there have been only few studies evaluating its impact on management of patients with recurrent cancers in the presence of available clinicoradiologic methods of assessment. We conducted this study to assess the same in patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancer.MethodsCase histories were presented to two oncologists, who were blinded to PET‐CT reports. Treatment plans were made by these oncologists based on clinical findings and other conventional imaging. These plans were then compared to the actual treatment received by patients after PET‐CT. Any change was recorded as “change in management.”ResultsForty‐nine patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancer were evaluated in the study. Overall, there was a 38.7% change in management because of the addition of PET‐CT to conventional methods of assessment. Eight patients (16.3%) had a major change in therapy while in 11 patients (22.4%), diagnostic procedures like endoscopies, biopsies and examination under anesthesia were avoided.ConclusionIn our study, PET‐CT had a significant impact on the management of patients with suspected recurrent head neck cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:401–403. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transoral excision of the submandibular gland: Techniques and results of nine cases
Authors: Kauffman Ryan M. , Netterville James L. , Burkey Brian B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:We will discuss the transoral surgical approach to excising the submandibular gland, the relevant anatomy, the indications, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. We will present our case series of nine patients.Study Design:A retrospective review of a series of nine patients in which transoral submandibular gland excision was attempted over the past 10 years was performed.Methods:The series of nine patients who underwent transoral submandibular gland excision was examined for age, indication for operation, complications, length of stay, and postoperative pathology. Relevant indications, risks, and benefits are also discussed in conjunction with relevant surgical anatomy and approach utilized.Results:Of nine patients who underwent attempted transoral submandibular gland excision, eight operations were completed transorally. Only one operation was converted to a standard external approach due to severe scarring. Six of nine patients presented with chronic sialadenitis, three of nine having obstructing sialoliths. Three patients presented with other benign cystic lesions consistent with a ranula, an infected mucocele, and a cystic teratoma. There was only one patient with a complication of incision breakdown and delayed healing in an irradiated field. There were no long‐term complications involving the lingual or hypoglossal nerves, and there were no hemostatic complications.Conclusions:Transoral excision of the submandibular gland is a viable and safe approach to be utilized. There are no external scars caused, there is minimal risk to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, and skin incisions through irradiated fields are avoided. Although the surgical anatomy is somewhat novel, the transoral approach has been used effectively and without complication in removing benign submandibular gland pathology in our series. Laryngoscope, 119:502–507, 2009