bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UV effects that come and go: a global comparison of marine benthic community level impacts
Authors: Wahl Martin , Molis Markus , Davis Andrew , Dobretsov Sergey , Dürr Simone T. , Johansson Josefin , Kinley Jeff , Kirugara David , Langer Matthias , Lotze Heike K. , Thiel Martin , Thomason Jeremy C. , Worm Boris , Zeevi Ben‐Yosef Dafna 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAmbient UV radiation has substantially increased during the last decades, but its impact on marine benthic communities is hardly known. The aim of this study was to globally compare and quantify how shallow hard‐bottom communities are affected by UV during early succession. Identical field experiments in 10 different coastal regions of both hemispheres produced a consistent but unexpected pattern: (i) UV radiation affected species diversity and community biomass in a very similar manner, (ii) diversity and biomass were reduced to a larger extent by UVA than UVB radiation, (iii) ambient UV levels did not affect the composition of the communities, and (iv) any UV effects disappeared during species succession after 2–3 months. Thus, current levels of UV radiation seem to have small, predictable, and transient effects on shallow marine hard‐bottom communities.
Influence of pH and added gums on the properties of konjac flour gels
Authors: Huang Hsien‐Yi , Lin Kuo‐Wei 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe gel strength and texture of konjac gel and mixed gels of konjac and various gums were measured after gelation at various concentrations of alkali. A selection of different alkaline reagents was used. Regardless of alkali concentration, increasing konjac levels caused a decrease in pH but an increase in hardness and strength of konjac/gellan gum mixed gels. The highest gel strength and hardness were given by mixed konjac/gellan gum gels using sodium carbonate as the gelling medium. Under similar gelling conditions, the addition of gellan gum resulted in the greatest gel hardness. Of the gums examined, a possible synergistic effect on konjac/gellan gum mixed gel texture was observed.
Distribution of the residence time in a single‐screw extruder with differing numbers of mixing elements
Authors: Seker Mahmut 
Published: December 2004

SummaryStarch was extruded with sodium trimetaphosphate and sodium hydroxide in a single‐screw extruder at 40% moisture content and screw speeds of 90 and 140 r.p.m. The effect of screw configurations, which included one and two mixing elements, on mean residence time, spread of residence time distribution (RTD), and flow pattern were determined. Increasing the screw speed and reducing the number of mixing elements reduced mean residence time. Higher RTD spread values were obtained at a screw speed of 90 r.p.m. when compared with 140 r.p.m. and increasing the number of mixing elements in the screw increased the RTD spread. The flow pattern was between plug and mixed flow, and increasing the number of a mixing element in the screw did not significantly affect the flow pattern in the single‐screw extruder.
SPME‐GC‐MS analysis of volatile organic compounds in honey from Basilicata. Evidence for the presence of pollutants from anthropogenic activities
Authors: Bentivenga Giovanni , D'Auria Maurizio , Fedeli Pietro , Mauriello Giacomo , Racioppi Rocco 
Published: December 2004

SummarySolid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of nineteen samples of honey from Basilicata (southern Italy) showed the presence of some flavour components never described before in honey. Furthermore, some phenyl‐substituted hydrocarbons were detected. These compounds may be derived from the wastewater treatment plant in the area. Furthermore, in honey collected near an oil extraction plant, hydrocarbons were found; these may be derived from such plants present in the area.
Effect of processing and storage conditions on the microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetables
Authors: Legnani Pier P. , Leoni Erica 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe microbiological contamination of minimally processed vegetables was measured before and after processing and at different times and storage temperatures (5 and 10 days at 4 and 20 °C). To evaluate the efficacy of the overall process the water used for washing and rinsing the vegetables during the various phases of the operation were also examined. Thanks to the high quality of the vegetables at origin, simple chlorine treatment was sufficient to achieve a satisfactory reduction in coliforms, Escherichia coli, coliphages and saprophytic flora, thus ensuring that all of the freshly packed samples conformed to reference standards and guidelines. This conformity was maintained when the storage instructions indicated on the package (4 °C for 5 days) were followed. However, the persistence of faecal indicators after treatment suggested a potential risk of infection that could increase if the original contamination was higher. Microbiological examination of the water used for preliminary washing and for rinsing was seen to be useful in the assessment of the safety of the vegetables, at origin and after processing. The advantage of choosing coliphages for such monitoring is that they are indicators of viral contamination that can be measured rapidly. Critical points to be checked during the process are the levels of residual chlorine remaining in the washing tanks and the storage temperatures.
A systemic iridoviral disease in mullet, Mugil cephalus L., and tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Forsskal: a first report and study
Authors: Gibson‐Kueh S , Ngoh‐Lim G H , Netto P , Kurita J , Nakajima K , Ng M L 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA systemic iridoviral disease associated with high mortality was initially recognized in cultured mullet, Mugil cephalus L., and tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Forsskal, by histopathology and transmission electron microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on tissues and viral isolates, using four published primer sets developed for the Red Sea bream iridovirus (RSIV). An indirect fluorescent antibody test was also performed on virus‐infected ATCC gruntfin (GF) and seabass, Lates calcarifer Bloch, (SB) cells using a monoclonal antibody, RSIV M10. Our results suggested that the mullet and tiger grouper iridovirus bears genetic and antigenic similarities to RSIV.
Strong correlation between isoprene emission and gross photosynthetic capacity during leaf phenology of the tropical tree species Hymenaea courbaril with fundamental changes in volatile organic compounds emission composition during early leaf development
Authors: KUHN U. , ROTTENBERGER S. , BIESENTHAL T. , WOLF A. , SCHEBESKE G. , CICCIOLI P. , KESSELMEIER J. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTChanges of the volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission capacity and composition of different developmental stages of the tropical tree species Hymenaea courbaril were investigated under field conditions at a remote Amazonian rainforest site. The basal emission capacity of isoprene changed considerably over the course of leaf development, from young to mature and to senescent leaves, ultimately spanning a wide range of observed isoprene basal emission capacities from 0.7 to 111.5 µg C g−1 h−1 during the course of the year. By adjusting the standard emission factors for individual days, the diel courses of instantaneous isoprene emission rates could nevertheless adequately be modelled by a current isoprene algorithm. The results demonstrate the inadequacy of using one single standard emission factor to represent the VOC emission capacity of tropical vegetation for an entire seasonal cycle. A strong linear correlation between the isoprene emission capacity and the gross photosynthetic capacity (GPmax) covering all developmental stages and seasons was observed. The present results provide evidence that leaf photosynthetic properties may confer a valuable basis to model the seasonal variation of isoprenoid emission capacity; especially in tropical regions where the environmental conditions vary less than in temperate regions. In addition to induction and variability of isoprene emission during early leaf development, considerable amounts of monoterpenes were emitted in a light‐dependent manner exclusively in the period between bud break and leaf maturity. The fundamental change in emission composition during this stage as a consequence of resource availability (supply side control) or as a plant's response to the higher defence demand of young emerging leaves (demand‐side control) is discussed. The finding of a temporary emergence of monoterpene emission may be of general interest in understanding both the ecological functions of isoprenoid production and the regulatory processes involved.
The relationship between CO2 assimilation, photosynthetic electron transport and water–water cycle in chill‐exposed cucumber leaves under low light and subsequent recovery
Authors: ZHOU Y. H. , YU J. Q. , HUANG L. F. , NOGUÉS S. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe effects of chilling under low light (9/7 °C, 100 µmol m−2 s−1) on the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities and subsequent recovery were examined in two (one tolerant and one sensitive) cucumber genotypes. Chilling resulted in an irreversible inhibition of net CO2 assimilation and growth for the sensitive genotype, which was accompanied by decreases in the maximum velocity of RuBP carboxylation by Rubisco (Vcmax), the capacity for ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate regeneration (Jmax), Rubisco content and activity, and the quantum efficiency of photosystem II, in the absence of any stomatal limitation of CO2 supply or inorganic phosphate limitation. In contrast, CO2 assimilation for the tolerant genotype fully recovered after chill. The chill‐induced decrease in the proportion of electron flux for photosynthetic carbon reduction was mostly compensated by an O2‐dependent alternative electron flux driven by the water–water cycle, especially in the sensitive genotype. Compared with the tolerant genotype, the sensitive genotype after chill showed reduced capacity for scavenging reactive oxygen species and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The balance between O2‐dependent alternative electron flux and the capacity for scavenging reactive oxygen species in response to chill plays a major role in determining the tolerance of cucumber leaves to this stress factor. It is concluded that the water–water cycle operates at high rates when CO2 assimilation is restricted in cucumber leaves subjected to chill and low light conditions.
Annual cyclicity in high‐resolution stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in the wood of the mangrove tree Rhizophora mucronata
Authors: VERHEYDEN A. , HELLE G. , SCHLESER G. H. , DEHAIRS F. , BEECKMAN H. , KOEDAM N. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the high‐resolution stable carbon (13C/12C) and oxygen (18O/16O) isotope ratio profiles in the wood of the mangrove Rhizophora mucronata Lam., a tropical tree species lacking distinct growth rings, were investigated. Variations of both isotope ratios revealed a remarkable annual cyclicity with lowest values occurring at the latewood/earlywood boundary (April–May) and highest values during the transition from earlywood to latewood (October–November). Based on the current knowledge of the physiology of this mangrove species, as well as on the current literature available on high‐resolution profiles of stable isotope ratios in tree rings, possible driving forces responsible for this seasonal pattern are discussed. The annual cyclicity, together with a conspicuous isotope pattern appearing in the El‐Niño year 1997, promises great potential for tropical dendrochronology.
Storage of Fresh Bovine Semen in a Diluent Based on the Ionic Composition of Cauda Epididymal Plasma
Authors: Verberckmoes S , Van Soom A , Dewulf J , De Pauw I , De Kruif A 
Published: December 2004

ContentsFor artificial insemination (AI) in cattle, much lower insemination doses can be applied when fresh semen is used instead of frozen–thawed semen. However, a particular disadvantage of fresh semen is its limited shelf life. As bovine spermatozoa can be stored for several weeks in the cauda epididymis without negative effects on their fertilizing capacity, it is an interesting organ to serve as a model in order to prolong the shelf life of fresh semen. First, the storage capacity of a diluent [cauda epididymal plasma (CEP‐1)] with the same ionic composition, pH and osmolarity as the bovine CEP was compared with a Tris diluent for extended preservation of fresh ejaculated bovine semen. Secondly, the ionic composition of the CEP‐1 diluent was modified (CEP‐2) and its storage capacity was compared with this of the CEP‐1 and Tris diluent. Finally, the effect of addition of different polyols (sorbitol, glycerol, mannitol) and egg yolk concentrations (5, 10 and 20%) to the CEP‐2 diluent was assessed. Sperm quality decreased rapidly in the CEP‐1 diluent. The quality and especially progressive motility of spermatozoa stored in the CEP‐2 diluent were better those in the CEP‐1 and Tris diluent. No significant effects of different sugars or egg yolk concentrations on the quality of fresh bovine semen in the CEP‐2 diluent were observed. In conclusion, the CEP‐2 diluent with 10% egg yolk and 1 g/l sorbitol may be used for extended preservation of fresh bovine semen at 5°C up to 6 days.
A Comparative Expression Analysis of Gene Transcripts in Post‐fertilization Developmental Stages of Bovine Embryos Produced in Vitro or in Vivo
Authors: Tesfaye D , Ponsuksili S , Wimmers K , Gilles M , Schellander K 
Published: December 2004

ContentsThis study was carried out to examine the temporal variation in the relative abundance of transcripts during the post‐fertilization stages of bovine embryos derived from in vitro or in vivo culture. For this purpose, cumulus–oocyte complexes obtained from ovaries from slaughterhouses were matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro. The in vitro culture was carried out using CR1 medium. In vivo embryos were derived from superovulated and artificially inseminated Simmental heifers and cows. Embryos were recovered from both systems approximately at day 1 (two‐cell), day 2 (four‐cell), day 3 (eight‐cell), day 4 (16‐cell), day 5 (morula) and day 7 (blastocyst) after insemination. Relative abundance of target transcripts was performed using real‐time PCR. The transcripts studied were the nucleosome assembly protein, mRNA for alivin 1, Pleckstrin homology Sec7 coiled domain, polyadenylate binding protein, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2, high‐mobility group transcription factor, cytokine‐like nuclear factor, NY‐REN‐58 antigen mRNA, mRNA for KIAA1764 and one novel transcript. These transcripts were derived from our previous study conducted using mRNA differential display reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (DDRT‐PCR) between in vitro‐produced bovine eight‐, 16‐cell, morula and blastocyst‐stage embryos. The results of the present study have demonstrated the temporal variation in the relative abundance of these transcripts between in vitro and in vivo culture systems. Such variation in the relative abundance of transcripts during the post‐fertilization developmental stages of in vitro and in vivo embryos may reflect the effect of the in vitro culture condition on the transcriptional activity thereby on the developmental competence of the resulting embryos.
In Vitro Sperm Penetration Speed and its Relationship with In Vivo Bull Fertility
Authors: Puglisi R , Balduzzi D , Galli A 
Published: December 2004

ContentsThe in vitro tests utilized to evaluate sperm quality represent an interesting and important approach to evaluate ejaculated fecundant capacity. In the present work, the oocyte‐penetrating ability of sperm from two bulls with low and two with high in vivo fertility rate was investigated. Sperm‐quality parameters, such as sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, acrosome and total sperm anomalies, proximal cytoplasmic drops and live : dead sperm ratio were assessed and batches of sperm homologues in these parameters were selected. In expt 1, a sperm : oocyte ratio of 3000 was used and the oocytes were fixed 5, 10, 15 and 18 h post‐insemination (hpi). In expt 2, the sperm : oocyte ratio was reduced to 1000 and the eggs were fixed at 8 and 10 hpi. The results, analysed by chi‐square test, showed significant differences (p < 0.001) among bulls at 15 hpi in expt 1 and 8 hpi in expt 2; nevertheless, no accordance was found between sperm penetration rate and in vivo fertility. At 18 hpi, the low‐fertility bulls exceeded the two high‐fertility bulls, supporting previous reports that suggest an opposite correlation between in vivo and in vitro fertility rate at low doses of heparin. Furthermore, a more efficient zona binding ability of one high‐fertility bull was pointed out in expt 2 after the reduction of sperm : oocyte ratio, as it reached the highest percentage of penetration when compared with all the others.
Vaginal and Cervical Dilatation Intrapartum is Associated with Eosinophilic Infiltration in the Cow but not in the Sheep
Authors: Wehrend A , Gümbel B , Leiser R , Failing K , Bostedt H 
Published: December 2004

ContentsDuring parturition maximal dilatation of the vagina and cervix is necessary for expulsion of the neonate. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cell infiltration of the vagina and cervix that is associated with this event in cows and sheep. For this purpose, vaginal and cervical tissue were removed from four pluriparous cows and four sheep immediately after delivery of the neonate by biopsy under visual control (group 1), and the eosinophilic granulocytes were stained selectively. Four cows that were in interoestrus were used for control (group 2). In a third group of cows (n = 10), blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of eosinophilic granulocytes from the fifth day antepartum up to the sixth day postpartum (group 3). A high degree of infiltration with eosinophilic granulocytes was detected in the bovine vagina and cervix intrapartum but not during interoestrus and in the ovine tissue intrapartum (p < 0.001). In the bovine tissue, the cell density was higher in the vagina than in the cervix (p < 0.05). The intrapartal tissue infiltration was associated with a short‐term blood eosinopenia. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates eosinophilic infiltration in the bovine vagina and cervix intrapartum, which differs from the situation in sheep. We suggest that this difference can be explained by the fact that cows deliver at high oestrogen and low progesterone values, but sheep show relatively high intrapartal P4 levels, which might suppress tissue infiltration with eosinophilic granulocytes.
Motility Assessment of Porcine Spermatozoa: a Comparison of Methods
Authors: Vyt P , Maes D , Rijsselaere T , Dejonckheere E , Castryck F , Van Soom A 
Published: December 2004

ContentsAlthough widely used in practice, visual motility assessment of boar spermatozoa is a very subjective method. The aim of this study was to compare the visual motility assessment of boar spermatozoa with two objective, automated systems, namely the Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA‐IIC) and the Hamilton–Thorne computer‐based semen analyzer (HTR). In addition, concentrations as determined by the Bürker counting chamber and HTR were compared. Motility of 30 semen samples from 30 different boars (22 Piétrain, seven Landrace boars and one Large White) was examined during three consecutive days, subjectively by two independent persons (visual motility assessment) and objectively with both automated systems. The use of the SQA‐IIC and HTR for assessing boar sperm motility was evaluated and the repeatability of the measurements was estimated. The Sperm Motility Index (SMI), determined by SQA‐IIC, and the percentage motile spermatozoa determined by the HTR showed a good correlation (r = 0.71; p < 0.05). The visual examination performed by Person 2 showed a good correlation with the SMI (r = 0.81) and with the percentage of motile spermatozoa measured by the HTR (r = 0.66) (p < 0.05). There was a very poor correlation and a limited agreement between the visual assessments of both persons emphasizing the subjectivity of visual motility assessment. Nevertheless, motility scores of each person during the three consecutive days were highly correlated (r = 0.67 and 0.72, p < 0.05). The limits of agreement plots showed poor agreement between both persons and the HTR. The repeatability of measurements for most parameters evaluated by the HTR and by the SQA‐IIC was good with coefficients of variation below 10%. In addition, for fertile Piétrain boars (n = 22), reference values for the different HTR‐parameters are presented showing a high curvilinear velocity (157.3 ± 19.5 μm/s) and a low straightness and linearity of the movement of the spermatozoa (62.7 ± 8.7 and 35.5 ± 7.6%, respectively).Concentration as determined by the Bürker counting chamber (56.0 ± 16.8 × 106/ml) was significantly higher compared with HTR measurement (37.6 ± 7.7 × 106/ml). The high number of counted cells and the low variation render the HTR concentration measurement more reliable. It can be concluded that visual motility assessment is highly subjective and should therefore be replaced by automated systems that allow for a more objective and detailed motility assessment of boar spermatozoa. In addition, based on the present results, highly repeatable results were obtained by the SQA‐IIC and especially by the HTR.
Combination of α‐interferon with lamivudine reduces viral breakthrough during long‐term therapy
Authors: JANG MYOUNG KUK , CHUNG YOUNG‐HWA , CHOI MIN HEE , KIM JEONG A , RYU SOO HYUNG , SHIN JUNG WOO , KIM IN SOOK , PARK NEUNG HWA , LEE HAN CHU , LEE YUNG SANG , SUH DONG JIN 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Viral breakthrough is frequently encountered during long‐term lamivudine therapy, mostly associated with YMDD mutants. In this study, we investigated the effects of α‐interferon (IFN‐α) combined with lamivudine on the occurrence of viral breakthrough during long‐term lamivudine therapy.Methods:  Eighty‐three patients with biopsy‐proven chronic hepatitis B were randomly allocated to a combination of lamivudine and IFN‐α (LAM/IFN; n = 41) or lamivudine only (LAM; n = 42), and then followed up for >12 months. We calculated the cumulative rate of undetectable serum HBV‐DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss, as well as the cumulative occurrence rate of viral breakthrough. We also evaluated the relationship between YMDD mutants and the occurrence of viral breakthrough.Results  There was no difference in cumulative rates of undetectable serum HBV‐DNA (100%vs 100% at 24 months, P = 0.13) and cumulative rates of serum HBeAg loss between the LAM/IFN group and the LAM group (49%, 61% and 67%vs 31%, 39% and 42%, respectively, at 12, 24 and 36 months; P = 0.07). The cumulative occurrence rate of viral breakthrough, however, was significantly lower in the LAM/IFN group compared with the LAM group (5%, 20% and 30%vs 10%, 55% and 58%, respectively, at 12, 24 and 36 months; P = 0.006). From the patients with viral breakthrough, YMDD mutants were detected in 82% (18 of 22) of the LAM group in contrast with 56% (five of nine) of the LAM/IFN group in their sera.Conclusion  IFN‐α combined with lamivudine may reduce viral breakthrough during long‐term lamivudine therapy, probably by suppressing the appearance of YMDD mutants.