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Selected AbstractsThe impact of cattle ranching on large-scale vegetation patterns in a coastal savanna in TanzaniaJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2003M. W. Tobler Summary 1The success of large-scale cattle ranching in African savanna vegetation has often been limited by problems of bush encroachment and disease (in particular trypanosomiasis spread by tsetse flies). Mkwaja Ranch, occupying an area of 462 km2 on the coast of Tanzania, is a recent example of a large ranching enterprise that failed within the savanna environment. It was closed in 2000 after 48 years of operation. In this paper we describe the main vegetation types of the area (excluding closed forest vegetation) and relate their patterns of distribution to the former use of the ranch for cattle. 2The study area comprised the former ranch and parts of the adjacent Saadani Game Reserve, which had not been grazed by cattle for many years and had never been used for large-scale ranching. Following field surveys, 15 distinct types of grassland and bush vegetation were defined and a vegetation map was created using a Landsat TM satellite image. A multispectral classification using the maximum likelihood algorithm gave good results and enabled all 15 vegetation types to be distinguished on the map. 3Two main spatial trends were detected in the vegetation. One was a large-scale decrease in the cover of bushland from the most intensively used parts of the ranch through more extensively used areas to the game reserve; this trend was attributed to differences in management history as well as to climatic and topographic factors. A second trend was a radial vegetation pattern associated with the enclosures where cattle were herded at night. High amounts of three bushland types [dominated by (i) Acacia zanzibarica, (ii) Dichrostachys cinerea, Acacia nilotica or Acacia mellifera and (iii) Terminalia spinosa] occurred in a zone between 300 and 2500 m from the paddocks, with a peak in bush density at about 900 m (mean value for 18 paddocks). In contrast, bushland dominated by Hyphaene compressa was scarce close to the paddocks and became more abundant with distance. There was also a radial trend in the grassland communities: close to the paddocks there was short grass vegetation containing many ruderals and invasive weedy species, while the tall grassland types with species such as Hyperthelia dissoluta and Cymbopogon caesius occurred further away in the areas less affected by cattle. 4Synthesis and applications. The intensive modern livestock ranching as practised on Mkwaja Ranch proved to be unsustainable both economically and ecologically. In the end, the biggest problem faced by the ranch managers was not controlling disease, as had originally been feared, but preventing the spread of bush on pasture land. The results of our study demonstrate just how severe the problem of bush encroachment was, especially in areas close to paddocks. An important lesson for management is that grazing patterns need to be taken into consideration when determining the sustainable stocking rate for an area. To reduce the risk of bush encroachment in grazing systems with focal points such as paddocks or watering points, stocking rates need to be lower than in systems with a more uniform grazing distribution. [source] Modern pollen precipitation from an elevational transect in central Jordan and its relationship to vegetationJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2001Caroline P. Davies Aim To explore the relationship between modern pollen precipitation and vegetation patterns in an arid region of the Middle East. Location Data come from the central Jordan Rift from 1700 m elevation in the highlands to 300 m below sea level in the Dead Sea basin. Methods Modern pollen samples and descriptive vegetation data were collected from twenty-one locations at 100 m elevational intervals from the highest elevations on the eastern side of the rift valley, where woodlands grow, to the lowest elevation desert on earth, characterized by drought and salt tolerant plants. Pollen percentage data from each vegetation zone are compared descriptively and numerically using cluster and Principal Components Analyses (PCA). Results Three major vegetation zones: woodland, shrub steppe, and desert scrub, are identified by their dominant plant species. The widely spaced tree, Quercus calliprinos Webb, defines the Quercus L. woodland that grows above 1500 m elevation. The shrub steppe can be divided into two subzones found between about 1500 and 900 m elevation: Artemisia herba-alba Asso shrub steppe and Artemisia L. shrub steppe with Juniperus phoenica L. Desert scrub dominates the lower elevation landscape with Hammada salicornia (Moq.) Iljin the dominant shrub between 900 and 200 m and Haloxylon persicum Bge. found below 200 m elevation. Pollen spectra reflect the elevational vegetation zones. In particular, Quercus L., Juniperus L. and Tamarix L. pollen are abundant where the trees grow. Highly variable amounts of non-arboreal pollen taxa , primarily Artemisia L. and Chenopodiaceae Vent. , differentiate shrub steppe from desert scrub vegetation. Cluster and PCA of pollen data support the qualitative vegetation zonation. Main conclusions The main vegetation zones along the Jordan Rift from 1700 to ,300 m elevation can be distinguished by their modern pollen precipitation. Open vegetation types, in particular, can be recognized by their pollen spectra. High amounts of Artemisia L. pollen distinguish the moister upper elevations where Artemisia L. steppe grows. In contrast, greater amounts of Chenopodiaceae Vent. pollen characterize the drier, lower elevation deserts. [source] Pharmacokinetics of ibafloxacin following intravenous and oral administration to healthy Beagle dogsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2002M. COULET The pharmacokinetics of ibafloxacin, a new veterinary fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent, was studied following intravenous (i.v.) and oral administration to healthy dogs. The mean absolute bioavailability of ibafloxacin after oral doses of 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg ranged from 69 to 81%, indicating that ibafloxacin was well absorbed by dogs. Ibafloxacin was also absorbed rapidly [time of maximum concentration (tmax) 1.5 h], reaching a mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of 6 ,g/mL at 15 mg/kg, well distributed in the body [large volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) and Varea of 1.1 L/kg and 4 L/kg, respectively], and exhibited an elimination half-life of 5.2 h and a low total body clearance (8.7 mL/min/kg). Both Cmax and area under the concentration,time curve (AUC) showed dose proportionality over the dose range tested (7.5,30 mg/kg). The pharmacokinetics of ibafloxacin was similar following single and repeated dosage regimens, implying no significant accumulation in plasma. Food promoted the absorption of ibafloxacin by increasing Cmax and AUC, but did not change tmax. High amounts of the metabolites, mainly 8-hydroxy- and, 7-hydroxy-ibafloxacin were excreted in urine and faeces, either unchanged or as glucuronide conjugates. Following oral administration of 15 mg ibafloxacin/kg, the total recovery of ibafloxacin, its metabolites and conjugates in urine and faeces was 61.9,99.9% of the dose within 48 h. [source] Novel B and T cell epitopes of chicken ovomucoid (Gal d 1) induce T cell secretion of IL-6, IL-13, and IFN-,CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 6 2001E. Holen Background Chicken ovomucoid (OM, Gal d 1) has an important role in the pathogenesis of IgE-mediated allergic reactions to hen's egg white. Objectives The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanisms of T cell recognition of ovomucoid using intact OM and chemically modified, characterized and homogeneous solid phase synthetic peptides covering the whole molecule. Methods Eighteen overlapping peptides were prepared by solid phase F-moc polyamide peptide synthesis (SPPS), characterized and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) purified. The peptides, together with intact, denatured and oxidized OM, were used to stimulate patient-derived cell cultures for mapping T cell epitopes. Proliferation responses, T cell phenotype and cytokine secretion using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from eight individuals and T cell lines (TCL) derived from six hen's egg-allergic patients, were examined. In addition, intact, denatured, oxidized and deglycosylated OM, as well as the peptides solely or with their keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) complexes, were tested. For locating IgE and IgG B cell epitopes, seven egg-allergic patient sera and three OM-polyclonal sera were used. Healthy non-allergic individuals were included as controls. Results Seven peptides were recognized by specific IgE, while OM-specific TCL recognized 10 peptides. Six of the OM peptides were commonly recognized both by patient S-IgE and blood-derived TCL. Among those, one novel epitope, peptide OM 61,74, had the ability to bind IgE. Another peptide, OM 101,114, was recognized by IgE and IgG sera, but not by any of the TCLs. In contrast, the peptides OM 41,56, OM 71,84, OM 131,144 and OM 171,186 were exclusively T cell epitopes with no affinity to specific antibodies. Abundant TCL secretion of IFN-,, IL-6, IL-4, IL-13, IL-10 and TNF-, in response to OM stimulation indicates the contribution of Th2 as well as Th1/Th0 CD4+ cell subsets. For allergic patients moderate amounts of IFN-,, IL-13, and high amounts of IL-6, were secreted in response to TCL stimulation by OM peptides. High amounts of IL-6 were secreted in response to all molecular forms of OM (intact-, modified-OM and the peptides 71,84 and 51,64) when TCLs from two non-allergic donors were used. Conclusions One novel B cell epitope (OM 61,74) and 10 T cell epitopes have been identified. The most reactive epitopes of the OM molecule comprise the motifs 1,14 to 71,84, the overlapping peptide-pairs OM 121,134 and OM 131,144 and peptides OM 161,174 and 171,186. Peptides OM 1,14 and 171,186 are the only ones capable of inducing IL-4 secretion. Only one peptide (OM 11,24) induces IL-10 secretion. Those peptides recognized as both T and B cell epitopes or only T cell epitopes, have the potential to induce T cell secretion of moderate to high amounts of IL-13, IFN-, and particularly IL-6. [source] Human soleus muscle protein synthesis following resistance exerciseACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2004T. A. Trappe Abstract Aim:, It is generally believed the calf muscles in humans are relatively unresponsive to resistance training when compared with other muscles of the body. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the muscle protein synthesis response of the soleus muscle following a standard high intensity bout of resistance exercise. Methods:, Eight recreationally active males (27 ± 4 years) completed three unilateral calf muscle exercises: standing calf press/heel raise, bent-knee calf press/heel raise, and seated calf press/heel raise. Each exercise consisted of four sets of 15 repetitions (,15 repetition maximum, RM, or ,70% 1RM). Fractional rate of muscle protein synthesis (FSR) was determined with a primed constant infusion of [2H5]phenylalanine coupled with muscle biopsies immediately and 3 h following the exercise in both the exercise and non-exercise (resting control) leg. Results:, FSR was elevated (P < 0.05) in the exercise (0.069 ± 0.010) vs. the control (0.051 ± 0.012) leg. Muscle glycogen concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in the exercise compared with the control leg (Decrease from control; immediate post-exercise: 54 ± 5; 3 h post-exercise: 36 ±4 mmol kg,1 wet wt.). This relatively high amount of glycogen use is comparable with previous studies of resistance exercise of the thigh (i.e. vastus lateralis; ,41,49 mmol kg,1 wet wt.). However, the exercise-induced increase in FSR that has been consistently reported for the vastus lateralis (,0.045,0.060% h,1) is on average ,200% higher than reported here for the soleus (0.019 ± 0.003% h,1). Conclusions:, These results suggest the relatively poor response of soleus muscle protein synthesis to an acute bout of resistance exercise may be the basis for the relative inability of the calf muscles to respond to resistance training programs. [source] Is there a higher risk for herbivore outhreaks after cold mast years?ECOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2000An analysis of two plant/herbivore series from southern Norway Historical data on two plant-herbivore interactions from southern Norway were used to test the hypothesis that the degree of herbivore outbreaks in post-mast years is negatively related to summer temperatures in the mast year, because plants are more depressed after a high seed production if temperatures and thus the photosynthetic activity is low. The plant species were the sessile oak Quercus petraea and the bilberry Vaceinium myrtillus. For the former species post-mast years were identified from reports given by the local forest authorities for the period 1930,48, and from acorn export curves for the period 1949,98, For the latter species, post-mast years were identified mainly from bilberry export curves for the period 1920,31, from game reports for the period 1932,78. and from diary notes for the period 1979,87. The herbivore species used were the green oak leaf roller moth Tortrix viridana and the capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. Eight moth outbreaks on oak forests were reported by the forest authorities in the period 1930,98, and they all started in a post-mast year of the sessile oak. There were however also eleven post-mast years without moth outbreaks. According to game reports, observations and autumn counts, all increases in the autumn population size of capercaillie during 1920 88 occurred in or after a year with high bilberry production. Among i8 post-mast years, there were seven with strong increase, seven with slight or moderate increase, and four with no increase. For both herbivore species, post-mast years with marked population increases had significantly lower summer temperatures in the preceding (mast) year than had post-mast years with no or slight increases. For moth populations there also was a negative effect of high temperatures in April, possibly because moth eggs tend to hatch too early relative lo budburst if spring temperatures are high. For the capercaillie, high amount of precipitation in June , July seemed to have some negative impact on the autumn population sizes, as also found in previous studies. [source] Fabrication, Characterization, and Application of ,Sandwich-Type' Electrode Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Room Temperature Ionic LiquidELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17 2008Xuzhi Zhang Abstract The much-enhanced electrochemical responses of potassium ferricyanide and methylene blue (MB) were firstly explored at the glassy carbon electrode modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT/GCE), indicating the distinct electrochemical activity of SWNTs towards electroactive molecules. A hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6), was used as electrode modification material, which presented wide electrochemical windows, proton permeation and selective extraction ability. In consideration with the advantages of SWNTs and RTIL in detecting target molecules (TMs), a novel strategy of ,sandwich,type' electrode was established with TMs confined by RTIL between the SWNT/GCE and the RTIL membrane. The strategy was used for electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA), and detection limits of 400 and 80 fmol could be obtained, respectively. The selective detection of DA in the presence of high amount of AA could also be realized. This protocol presented many attractive advantages towards voltammetric detection of TMs, such as low sample demand, low cost, high sensitivity, and good stability. [source] Oriented Grain Growth Analyses With In Situ Annealing Experiments Using High Energy Synchrotron RadiationADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 3 2010Caterina Elisabetta Tommaseo The development of the recrystallization and annealing textures of Al,Mn alloys with 0.4, 0.7 and 1,wt.-% manganese is analyzed using specific techniques that allow the detection of changes in grain orientation during in situ annealing. In order to investigate the evolution of texture components during annealing, highly rolled samples were annealed from room temperature to 500,°C at a constant heating rate. The advantage of in situ annealing experiments using synchrotron radiation is the detection of grain orientations over time, which allows observation of the development of the recrystallization and annealing textures in a sample. In fact, the recrystallization and annealing textures in the Al,0.4Mn are characterized by an interruption in the detection of most of the grain orientations between 380 and 425,°C and by competition between the cube {001}<100>, {011}<1-33>, {011}<0-11> and rotated-cube {001}<110> grain orientations, where the latter is detected until the end of the experiment. In the Al,0.7Mn sample a competition between the cube {001}<100>, {011}<100>, and rotated cube {001}<110>, {011}<0,11> grain orientations is observed. In the sample with the highest manganese concentration (1,wt.-%) an unhindered grain growth of all possible grain orientations with a high amount of the {011}<0-11> grain orientation is observed. The evolution of the resulting local textures is discussed in terms of preferentially oriented grain growth depending on the temperature and manganese concentration. [source] Immunocytochemical characterization of ectopic enamel deposits and cementicles in human teethEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2003Dieter D. Bosshardt Despite the relative frequency and clinical relevance of radicular enamel deposits and cementicles, their etiology and nature are unknown. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the presence and distribution of mineralization-associated non-collagenous matrix proteins (NCPs) in various types of root-associated ectopic mineralizations. Human teeth were processed for embedding in epoxy or acrylic resins. Tissue sections were incubated with antibodies to amelogenins (AMEL), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN). Radicular enamel deposits contained residual organic matrix that labeled for AMEL. In contrast, BSP and OPN were not detected in the residual enamel matrix, they were found in the cementum deposited on its surface as well as in collagen-free cementicle-like structures in the adjacent periodontal ligament. True cementicles consisted of a collagenous matrix intermixed with a non-collagenous ground substance. Labeling for BSP and OPN was mainly associated with the interfibrillar ground substance. No immunoreactivity for AMEL was detected in cementicles. These data indicate that ectopic enamel deposits on the root retain a high amount of AMEL, whereas cementicles contain BSP and OPN, two NCPs typically found in bone and cementum. These NCPs may, like in their normal tissue counterparts, play a role in the mineralization process. [source] Chemical composition of the essential oils of Marrubium parvi,orum Fisch.FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2005& C. A. Mey., Marrubium vulgare L. from Iran Abstract The composition of essential oil samples obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Marrubium parvi,orum Fisch. & C. A. Mey. and Marrubium vulgare L. (family Lamiaceae), were investigated by GC and GC,MS. Fifty-one components in the oil of M. parvi,orum, representing 96.8% of the total oil, and 34 components in the oil of M. vulgare, representing 95.1% of the total oil, were identi,ed. Both essential oils were characterized by a high amount of sesqiterpenes (77.8% and 82.5%, respectively) with bicyclogermacrene (26.3%), germacrene D (21.5%) and , -caryophyllene (15.6%) as the major constituents of M. parvi,orum, and , -bisabolene (25.4%), , -caryophyllene (11.6%), germacrene D (9.7%) and E - , -farnesene (8.3%) as the major component of M. vulgare. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Bigger is better: implications of body size for flight ability under different light conditions and the evolution of alloethism in bumblebeesFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2007A. KAPUSTJANSKIJ Summary 1In social insects, reproductive success and survival of the colony critically depend on the colony's ability to efficiently allocate workers to the various tasks which need to be performed. In bumblebees, workers show a large variation of body size within a colony. Large workers tend to leave the nest and forage for nectar and pollen, whereas small workers stay inside the nest and fulfill nest duties. It was speculated that size-related differences of the sensory system might contribute to alloethism found in bumblebee colonies. 2In the first part, we investigated how body size determines eye morphology. We measured several eye parameters of Bombus terrestris workers and drones. In both, workers and drones, larger individuals had larger eyes with larger facet diameters, more ommatidia and larger ocelli. At similar body size, drones exhibited larger eyes and ocelli compared to workers. Due to theoretical considerations, we predict that large individuals with large eyes should be better able to operate in illumination conditions of lower intensity than small individuals, since ommatidial sensitivity is proportional to the square of facet diameter. 3In the second part, we tested this prediction. In a behavioural experiment, we first caught bumblebees of various sizes in the field and then determined the lowest light intensity level at which they are just able to fly under controlled laboratory conditions. We tested workers of B. terrestris and B. pascuorum, and workers and drones of B. lapidarius. Large bumblebees were able to fly under lower light levels compared to small bees, with light intensity thresholds ranging from 1·1 to 5·5 lux. 4Our results indicate that the increased light sensitivity of the visual system of large bumblebees allows them to fly under poor light conditions, for example, very early in the morning or late at dusk. This is of potential benefit to the survival of a bumblebee colony since flowers that open early in the morning usually have accumulated a relatively high amount of nectar and pollen throughout the night, and large bumblebees can utilize these resources earlier than most other bees. Thus, our findings have important implications for the understanding of the functional significance and evolution of alloethism in bumblebee colonies. [source] The ecology and agronomy of Miscanthus sinensis, a species important to bioenergy crop development, in its native range in Japan: a reviewGCB BIOENERGY, Issue 2 2009J. RYAN STEWART Abstract Among several candidate perennial taxa, Miscanthus×giganteus has been evaluated and promoted as a promising bioenergy crop. Owing to several limitations, however, of the sterile hybrid, both at the taxon and agronomic production levels, other options need to be explored to not only improve M. ×giganteus, which was originally collected in Japan, but to also consider the development of other members of its genus, including Miscanthus sinensis, as bioenergy crops. Indeed, there is likely much to be learned and applied to Miscanthus as a bioenergy crop from the long history of intensive interaction between humans and M. sinensis in Japan, which in some regions of the country spans several thousand years. Combined with its high amount of genetic variation, stress tolerance, biotic interactions with fauna, and function as a keystone species in diverse grasslands and other ecosystems within its native range, the unique and extensive management of M. sinensis in Japan as a forage grass and building material provides agronomists, agroecologists, and plant breeders with the capability of better understanding this species in terms of potential contribution to bioenergy crop development. Moreover, the studies described in this review may serve as a platform for future research of Miscanthus as a bioenergy crop in other parts of the world. [source] SiOC Ceramic Monoliths with Hierarchical PorosityINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Cekdar Vakifahmetoglu SiOC glass monoliths possessing hierarchical porosity were produced by a one-pot processing method. Periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) particles were embedded into a foamed siloxane preceramic polymer. After pyrolysis at 1000°C in inert atmosphere, open celled, permeable SiOC ceramic monoliths with a high amount of pores, ranging in size from hundred of micrometers to a few nanometers, were obtained. The components possessed a specific surface area of 137 m2/g, indicating the retention of most of the mesopores after the pyrolytic conversion of the PMO precursor particles. These fillers converted to truncated rhombic dodecahedral SiOC mesoporous micron-sized grains, homogeneously distributed throughout the SiOC cellular matrix. The produced porous ceramics possessed compression strength of about 1.7 MPa, which is adequate for their use in several engineering applications. [source] Blue fish burgers: nutritional characterisation and sensory optimisationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2009Rossella Di Monaco Summary In order to reduce waste of marine resources, valorise fishing discards and move towards fish consumption, a new ready-to-cook seafood product was developed. In particular, a chemical investigation on chub mackerel and hake was conducted to the aim of mixing the two fish species to produce nutritionally balanced fish burgers. In addition, to evaluate consumer opinion about these new fresh products and best acceptability of different proportions of mackerel and hake, focus group interviews and consumer test were also performed. The results of the chemical analyses achieved on both selected fish species gave rise to minimally processed fish products with a high amount of chub mackerel, therefore providing the desired nutritional properties and low level of hake in order to obtain firmer and wetter burgers. By means of focus group interviews, the novelty and high level of convenience of the developed fresh commodity was highlighted. Consumer test declared that the most successful sample was that with 70% chub mackerel and 30% hake. [source] The effects of physical exercise on depressive symptoms among the aged: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 5 2006Noora Sjösten Abstract Objective To determine the effects of physical exercise on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged. Method A literature search covering various medical databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT's) about the effects of exercise treatments on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged. The studies were classified according to the baseline depression status of participants and assessed in relation to allocation concealment, blinding at outcome assessment, follow-up and whether intention to treat analysis was used. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were accepted. Results Exercise was effective in treating depression among those suffering from minor or major depression and in reducing depressive symptoms among those with a high amount of depressive symptoms at baseline. However, both the allocation concealment and the blinding method were adequately described in only four studies. Furthermore, intention-to-treat analysis was conducted in half of the studies and some follow-up information after the intervention has been published for five studies. Conclusions Physical exercise may be efficient in reducing clinical depression and depressive symptoms in the short-term among the aged suffering from depression or a high amount of depressive symptoms. More well controlled studies are needed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Significance of Fas expression alteration during tumor progression of renal cell carcinomaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2006TAKEHIRO SEJIMA Background:, In order to characterize the alteration of apoptotic regulatory molecule expression during tumor progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we compared the expression between tumor and normal tissues, and evaluated the relationship of the expression in tumors with pathological and clinical characteristics. Methods:, Competitive reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction (RT,PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) allowed the determination of Fas and bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression in surgically resected tumor and normal tissue of 50 RCC. Results:, The mRNA expression of Fas and bcl-2 in RCC was significantly reduced compared to that in normal tissues. An IHC analysis was supportive of the RT,PCR results. In terms of relationships with pathological and clinical characteristics, the mRNA and protein expression of Fas in high-stage or high-grade tumors was significantly higher than that in low-stage or low-grade tumors. Moreover, a statistically poor prognosis was observed in tumor cases expressing a high amount of mRNA. In bcl-2 analysis, the mRNA and protein expression was significantly reduced in clear cell tumors compared to chromophobe cell tumors. Conclusion:, It is suggested that the reduced expression of Fas and bcl-2 in RCC compared with the expression in normal kidney is a prominent alteration of apoptotic regulatory molecules. The alteration of the up-regulated Fas expression might be characterized during the tumor progression stage. It is also suggested that the effect of alteration of bcl-2 expression might be minimal during the tumor progression stage because of the reduced expression in tumors of the clear cell type, which is the most dominant cell type in RCC. [source] Preparation and flame retardancy of 2-EHA/n -BA acrylic PSA containing single and combined flame retardantsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Eun-Young Park Abstract UV curable acrylic PSAs (pressure-sensitive adhesives) were modified with organic and inorganic flame retardants to improve flame retardancy of PSAs minimize the sacrifice of adhesion properties. The flame retardancy (UL-94 test) of acrylic PSAs were enhanced by the addition of 5,30 wt % of an organic flame retardant such as TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate), PBPE (pentabromophenyl ether), and TBBPA(3,3,5,5,-tetrabromobisphenol A). Especially, TBBPA is the best flame retardant for acrylic PSAs when it works alone. However, PSAs compounded with aluminum trihydroxide (Al(OH)3) showed a little reduction in burning time up to 30 wt %. An apparent synergic effect was observed only for an acrylic PSAs with a combination of TCEP and PBPE flame retardants. The addition of flame retardants brought a no significant effect on curing even in high amount. It was surmised that the miscibility between PSAs and flame retardant was closely related with flame retardancy and adhesion properties of acrylic PSAs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Effect of the structure of silane-coupling agent on dynamic mechanical properties of dental resin-nanocompositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Irini D. Sideridou Abstract This work was aimed at the study by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of dental composites consisted of a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (50/50 wt/wt) matrix and silica nanoparticles (Aerosil OX50) as filler, silanized with various silanes. The silanes used were 3-[(1,3(2)-dimethacryloyloxypropyl)-2 (3)-oxycarbonylamido] propyltriethoxy-silane (UDMS), 3-methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPS), octyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS), blends of UDMS/OTMS (50/50 wt/wt), or MPS/OTMS (50/50 wt/wt). The total amount of silane was kept constant at 10% by weight fraction relative to the filler weight. The silanized nanoparticles were mixed with the dimethacrylate matrix (60% filler by weight fraction). The composites were light cured and tested by DMA for the determination of storage modulus (E,), loss modulus (E,), tangent delta (tan ,), and glass transition temperature (Tg). Measurements were performed in samples immediately after curing and samples stored in water at 37°C for 1, 7, 30, or 120 days. OTMS-composite in which OTMS does not form covalent bond with the dimethacrylate matrix showed lower elastic modulus both in dry and wet conditions. The ability of bifunctional UDMS for crosslinking was found not to increase the elastic behavior of the composite, as it was expected, compared with that of MPS-composite, because of the high amount of the silane used. After immersion in water the elastic modulus of OTMS-composite remained constant, while that of the other composites increased after 1 day and then remained constant up to 120 days. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Different combinations of salts affect the growth and bacteriocin production by Lactobacillus salivarius CRL 1328JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010María Silvina Juárez Tomás Abstract BACKGROUND: The culture medium for optimal growth of vaginal Lactobacillus salivarius CRL 1328 is different from that for optimal bacteriocin production. To simultaneously obtain high amount of biomass and bacteriocin of this microorganism, the effects of different basal culture media and salts on both responses were evaluated. The study was performed by using a complete factorial experimental design 26, with central points. Sixty-four different growth media, which resulted from the combinations of two basal culture media and two concentrations of five salts (ammonium citrate, sodium acetate, MgSO4, MnSO4, and K2HPO4) were assayed. RESULTS: Only the addition of MnSO4 to each culture medium significantly stimulated the growth of L. salivarius. The presence of sodium acetate or MgSO4 stimulated the bacteriocin production, while MnSO4 and K2HPO4 exerted an inhibitory effect. However, the simultaneous addition of MnSO4 and sodium acetate to both basal culture media allowed high bacteriocin levels to be reached, attenuating the inhibitory effect of Mn2+. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a complete experimental design contributed to simultaneous optimization of the biomass and bacteriocin production of L. salivarius CRL 1328. The results obtained are potentially applicable to the technological production of probiotic bacteria and antagonistic substance to be included in a probiotic pharmaceutical product. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] APPLICATION OF ULTRASONICATION OR HIGH-PRESSURE EXTRACTION OF FLAVONOIDS FROM LITCHI FRUIT PERICARPJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2009K. NAGENDRA PRASAD ABSTRACT Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit pericarp (LFP) contains a high amount of flavonoids, which could be used as natural antioxidants. Some emerging novel technologies, such as ultrasonic extraction (UE) and high-pressure extraction (HPE), have exhibited great potential for flavonoid extraction. Experiments were conducted to comparatively investigate the effects of conventional extraction (CE), 40-KHz UE and 200- or 400-MPa HPE on the extraction efficiency of flavonoids from LFP. After 30 min of extraction, the extract yield, total phenolic content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and superoxide anion scavenging ability were examined. The crude extract yields by the UE, 400 HPE and CE were 24, 30 and 1.83%, respectively. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity tested among these three different extractions at the same concentration. In addition, two flavonoids, namely epicatechin and epicatechin gallate, were identified and quantified as the major compounds, while catechin and procyanidin B2 were identified as the minor compounds. The total flavonoid content detected was 0.65, 0.75, 0.29 and 0.07 mg/g dry weight by HPE at 200 and 400 MPs, UE, and CE, respectively. Thus, the HPE technique showed a higher efficiency in extracting flavonoids from LFP, and the HPE could reduce the extraction time and increase the amount of the extracted phenolics. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a subtropical fruit that originated in Southeast Asia. As litchi fruit is gradually accepted by consumers for its delicious taste and attractive red skin, litchi production has steadily increased in recent decades, with increasing exports to Europe and North America from both the southern and northern hemisphere production areas. Litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) accounts for approximately 16% by weight of the whole fresh fruit and is comprised of a significant amount of flavonoids. Therefore, LFP tissues may be considered an important source of dietary flavonoids. This work showed that HPE technique has a high efficiency in extracting flavonoids from LFP tissues, which may help the litchi industry develop new extraction methods to better utilize the flavonoids from LFP tissues. [source] PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON PHYSICAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITIES OF SOME INDIGENOUS AND IMPORTANT RICE CULTIVARS OF NORTH-EASTERN HILL REGION OF INDIAJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 6 2008TH. PREMILA DEVI ABSTRACT The northeastern hills of India are endowed with rich source of rice germplasm, which may be safely estimated about 9,000 accessions, excluding the redundancies. Even though much of the germplasm have been collected, studies on nutritional aspects of these local cultivars are still lacking. Fifteen important indigenous rice genotypes collected from different rice growing ecosystem of this region were studied for physical and nutritional qualities. Kernel color of the genotypes varied from white to dark purple. All the genotypes except Manipuri were of bold-grain type. Most of the genotypes studied have fat contents more than 2.0%. The protein content was found higher in Chahou angouba and Naga special. Five cultivars were identified as high-protein cultivars of rice, with 10,12.07% protein content. Amylose content varied from 2.27 to 24.5%. Most of long-grained genotypes recorded lesser amylose than short grained. Chahou varieties were found aromatic and glutinous, which demand higher market prices in local market. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The north-eastern hills of India are endowed with rich source of rice germplasm, and much of the germplasm have been collected, but studies on basic and advanced nutritional aspects of these local cultivars are still lacking. This part of India has valuable rice genotypes of strong aroma, glutinous characters and slender grains with high amount of protein, fat and fiber. Having not known to the rest of the world and even to indigenous end users, some of such cultivars have already been lost, and some more are at the verge of extinction. Quality evaluation done in the present study provided useful information on their commercial exploitation and utilization in breeding programs of nutritional enhancement of rice to fight malnutrition among rice-consuming population, which is largest in the world. [source] Effect of Heat Treatment on Bovine Lactoperoxidase Activity in Skim Milk: Kinetic and Thermodynamic AnalysisJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003E. Marín ABSTRACT: The effect of heat on lactoperoxidase activity in bovine milk was studied over a range of 68 to 76 °C. Values of residual enzymatic activity after different treatments were studied by kinetic analysis, obtaining D-values and the Z-value (3.1 °C). Denaturation of lactoperoxidase, measured by loss in activity, can be described as a 1st-order reaction. Rate constants were calculated, as was the energy of activation, which was 737.69 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters were also calculated. The high value obtained for the variation in enthalpy of activation indicates that a high amount of energy is required to initiate denaturation, probably due to the molecular conformation of lactoperoxidase. [source] A convenient purification and preconcentration of peptides with ,-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid matrix crystals in a pipette tip for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry,JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 1 2010Helena, ehulková Abstract Peptide samples derived from enzymatic in-gel digestion of proteins resolved by gel electrophoresis often contain high amount of salts originating from reaction and separation buffers. Different methods are used for desalting prior to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS), e.g. reversed-phase pipette tip purification, on-target washing, adding co-matrices, etc. As a suitable matrix for MALDI MS of peptides, ,-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) is frequently used. Crystalline CHCA shows the ability to bind peptides on its surface and because it is almost insoluble in acidic water solutions, the on-target washing of peptide samples can significantly improve MALDI MS signals. Although the common on-target washing represents a simple, cheap and fast procedure, only a small portion of the available peptide solution is efficiently used for the subsequent MS analysis. The present approach is a combination of the on-target washing principle carried out in a narrow-end pipette tip (e.g. GELoader tip) and preconcentration of peptides from acidified solution by passing it through small CHCA crystals captured inside the tip on a glass microfiber frit. The results of MALDI MS analysis using CHCA-tip peptide preconcentration are comparable with the use of homemade POROS R2 pipette tip microcolumns. Advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Noradrenaline Involvement in the Negative-Feedback Effects of Ovarian Steroids on Luteinising Hormone SecretionJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 10 2009C. V. V. Helena Noradrenaline has been shown to modulate the ovarian-steroid feedback on luteinising-hormone (LH) release. However, despite the high amount of evidence accumulated over many years, the role of noradrenaline in LH regulation is still not clearly understood. The present study aimed to further investigate the involvement of noradrenaline in the negative-feedback effect of oestradiol and progesterone on basal LH secretion. In experiment 1, ovariectomised (OVX) rats received a single injection of oil, oestradiol, or progesterone at 09.00,10.00 h and were decapitated 30 or 60 min later. Levels of noradrenaline and its metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), were determined in microdissections of the preoptic area (POA) and medial basal hypothalamus-median eminence (MBH-ME) and correlated with LH secretion. Basal LH levels were decreased 30 and 60 min after oestradiol or progesterone injection, and this hormonal response was significantly correlated with a reduction in POA MHPG levels, which reflect noradrenaline release. In addition, noradrenaline levels in the POA were increased, whereas noradrenaline turnover (MHPG/noradrenaline ratio) was decreased 60 min after the injection of both hormones. No effect was found in the MBH-ME. In experiment 2, i.c.v. administration of noradrenaline (60 nmol), performed 15 min before oestradiol or progesterone injection in jugular vein-cannulated OVX rats, completely prevented the ovarian steroid-induced inhibition of LH secretion. The data obtained provide direct evidence that LH secretion in OVX rats is positively regulated by basal noradrenergic activity in the POA, and its reduction appears to play a role in the negative-feedback effect of ovarian steroids on LH secretion in vivo. [source] Effect of resins and DBSA on asphaltene precipitation from petroleum fluidsAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2004Lamia Goual Abstract This work examines the effect of various resins and dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) amphiphile on asphaltene precipitation from different petroleum fluids. Various resins are added to three different petroleum fluids to measure precipitation with n-pentane. Results show that the dipole moment of resins (which is a measure of polarity) has a strong effect on precipitation. Resins with a high dipole moment are more effective than resins with a low dipole moment. The effectiveness is defined in terms of the increase in the onset point of precipitation. However, addition of resins to a petroleum fluid increases the amount of precipitated asphaltenes. This is the first report of such a behavior in the literature; the increase is less pronounced with the most polar resins. Addition of asphaltenes to a petroleum fluid results in a high amount of precipitation. As expected, the onset point of precipitation from asphaltene addition to a petroleum fluid is different from that of resins. When the DBSA amphiphile is mixed with the petroleum fluid at different concentrations, we observe a retrograde phenomenon. The amount of precipitated asphaltene increases first with increasing DBSA concentration. Beyond a certain concentration, there is a decrease in precipitation. At higher concentrations, DBSA proves to be very effective to move the onset point of precipitation. The data show the complex interactions between various species in petroleum fluids. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 470,479, 2004 [source] Genotypic variation of potato for phosphorus efficiency and quantification of phosphorus uptake with respect to root characteristicsJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009Tesfaye Balemi Abstract Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), an important food crop, generally requires a high amount of phosphate fertilizer for optimum growth and yield. One option to reduce the need of fertilizer is the use of P-efficient genotypes. Two efficient and two inefficient genotypes were investigated for P-efficiency mechanisms. The contribution of root traits to P uptake was quantified using a mechanistic simulation model. For all genotypes, high P supply increased the relative growth rate of shoot, shoot P concentration, and P-uptake rate of roots but decreased root-to-shoot ratio, root-hair length, and P-utilization efficiency. Genotypes CGN 17903 and CIP 384321.3 were clearly superior to genotypes CGN 22367 and CGN 18233 in terms of shoot,dry matter yield and relative shoot-growth rate at low P supply, and therefore can be considered as P-efficient. Phosphorus efficiency of genotype CGN 17903 was related to higher P-utilization efficiency and that of CIP 384321.3 to both higher P-uptake efficiency in terms of root-to-shoot ratio and intermediate P-utilization efficiency. Phosphorus-efficient genotypes exhibited longer root hairs compared to inefficient genotypes at both P levels. However, this did not significantly affect the uptake rate and the extension of the depletion zone around roots. The P inefficiency of CGN 18233 was related to low P-utilization efficiency and that of CGN 22367 to a combination of low P uptake and intermediate P-utilization efficiency. Simulation of P uptake revealed that no other P-mobilization mechanism was involved since predicted uptake approximated observed uptake indicating that the processes involved in P transport and morphological root characterstics affecting P uptake are well described. [source] Synthesis and polymerization of fluorinated monomers bearing a reactive lateral group.JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 19 2003Abstract The radical copolymerization in solution of vinylidene fluoride (VDF; or 1,1-difluoroethylene) with methyl 1,1-dihydro-4,7-dioxaperfluoro-5,8-dimethyl non-1-enoate (MDP) initiated by di- tert -butyl peroxide is presented. Six copolymerization reactions were investigated with initial [VDF]0/[MDP]0 molar ratios of 35/65 to 80/20. Both of these comonomers copolymerized in this range of copolymerization. Moreover, these comonomers homopolymerized separately under these conditions. The copolymer compositions of these random copolymers were calculated by means of 19F NMR spectroscopy, which allowed the quantification of the respective amounts of each monomeric unit in the copolymers. The Tidwell,Mortimer method was used for the assessment of the reactivity ratios (ri) of both comonomers, which showed a higher incorporation of MDP in the copolymers (rMDP = 2.41 ± 2.28 and rVDF = 0.38 ± 0.21 at 120 °C). The Alfrey,Price Q and e values of the trifluoroallyl monomer MDP were calculated to be 0.024 (from QVDF = 0.008) or 0.046 (from QVDF = 0.015) and 0.70 (vs eVDF = 0.40) or 0.80 (vs eVDF = 0.50), respectively, indicating that MDP was an electron-accepting monomer. The thermal properties of these fluorinated copolymers were also determined. Except for those containing a high amount of VDF, the copolymers were amorphous. Each showed one glass-transition temperature (Tg) only, and with known laws of Tg's, Tg of the MDP homopolymer was assessed. It was compared to that obtained from the direct radical homopolymerization of MDP and discussed. Indeed, these two values were close (Tg = ,3 °C). Thermogravimetric analyses were performed, and they showed that the copolymers were rather thermostable because the thermal degradation occurred at 280 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3109,3121, 2003 [source] Ca2+ -Mediated Interaction Between Microsilica and Polycarboxylate Comb Polymers in a Model Cement Pore SolutionJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 10 2010Matthias Lesti Interaction between polycarboxylate (PCE) comb polymers and microsilica suspended in a highly alkaline, Ca2+ -loaded model cement pore solution was studied via zeta potential, adsorption, and paste flow experiments. Zeta potential measurements reveal that in an alkaline suspension, microsilica possesses a negative surface charge stemming from deprotonated silanolate groups. Addition of soluble calcium salts (e.g., CaCl2) was found to cause a charge reversal to positive, owing to the adsorption of Ca2+ ions forming a monolayer on the microsilica surface. Further experiments demonstrate that through Ca2+ mediation, anionic PCE graft polymers adsorb in high amount on the microsilica surface. Polymers possessing a stronger anionic character exhibit a higher affinity to the positive microsilica surface, and consequently, exercise a more powerful dispersing effect than PCE showing less anionic character. A model summarizing the processes occurring at the surface of microsilica in this fluid system is proposed. The study suggests that the high fluidity of concrete containing microsilica depends on the effective dispersion of microsilica, and not of cement. [source] Preparation of a Porous Cermet SOFC Anode Substrate by Gelcasting of NiO,YSZ PowdersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2007Kuttan Prabhakaran A porous NiO,YSZ substrate for anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells has been prepared by gelcasting of NiO,YSZ powders using urea,formaldehyde monomers, followed by humidity-controlled drying, binder removal, and sintering of the gelled bodies. The gelled bodies had sufficient strength to remove even 2-mm-thick samples from the mold immediately after gelation. A gelcast NiO,YSZ sample sintered at 1450°C for 2 h showed an open porosity of ,53 vol%, and the porosity increased to ,58% upon reduction with hydrogen. Pore sizes measured on the scanning electron microscopy photomicrograph of NiO,YSZ and Ni,YSZ cermet substrates are in the range of 2,5 ,m. Urea,formaldehyde polymer, present in a high amount (,13 wt%) in the gelcast body, acts as a template for pores. [source] Purification and biochemical characterisation of a novel glutamate decarboxylase from rice branJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 6 2010Li Wang Abstract BACKGROUND: Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is a useful enzyme whose main function is to catalyse the irreversible ,-decarboxylation of L -glutamate to produce ,-aminobutyric acid. The cheap and abundant rice-processing by-product rice bran contains a high amount of GAD, the purification and characterisation of which have not yet been reported. In this study, research on rice bran GAD was initiated. RESULTS: Rice bran GAD was purified to homogeneity via a combined purification protocol of ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange chromatography and two gel filtrations, with a purification fold of 128.6 and an activity recovery of 21.3%. The enzyme was active at pH 5.5 and 40 °C and retained 80% of its original activity in the pH range 5,9 and the temperature range 30,50 °C. GAD activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of Ca2+ but strongly inhibited by Ag+, Hg2+, sodium dodecyl sulfate and CH3COOH. Kinetic determination of the apparent Km for L -glutamate and pyridoxal 5,-phosphate gave values of 27.4 mmol L,1 and 1.16 µmol L,1 respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering that rice bran is cheap and commercially available and that rice bran GAD is relatively stable, the development of cost-effective rice bran GAD-related functional foods would seem to be feasible. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||