This study evaluates a novel method for extracting roots from soil samples and applies it to estimate standing crop root mass (+/- confidence intervals) in an eastern Amazon rainforest. Roots were manually extracted from soil cores over a period of 40 min, which was split into 10 min time intervals. The pattern of cumulative extraction over time was used to predict root extraction beyond 40 min. A

A new indole alkaloid, picranitine, has been-isolated from the seeds of Picralima nitida, along with five known, indole alkaloids picratidine, akuammine, pseudoakuammine, akuammicine and akuammidine previously identified from the same source. Structures were elucidated through exhaustive spectral studies including 1D. (H-1 and C-13 NMR) and 2D-NMR (HMQC, HMBC and NOESY).

Proteoglycans contribute to extracellular matrix remodeling in asthmatic airways. We investigated the effects of budesonide, a glucocorticoid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta(2)-adrenergic agonist, on serum-induced proteoglycan production by human lung fibroblasts. In 10% serum, total proteoglycan production was increased 1.5-fold (P < 0.01) compared with basal production in 0.4% serum. Budeson

The aroma compounds in broccoli stored in different modified atmospheres were studied. The packaging materials used were oriented polypropylene (OPP), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing an ethylene-absorbing sachet. All samples were stored for either 1 week at a constant temperature of 10 degreesC or for 3 days at 4 degreesC, followed by 4 days at 10 degrees

We investigate the existence of solutions to first-order ordinary differential equations that asymptotically approach a prescribed function. Conditions for existence are given that relate the equation to a similar equation for the prescribed function. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brain damaging insults cause alterations in neuronal networks that trigger epileptogenesis, and eventually lead to the appearance of spontaneous seizures. The present experiments were designed to study the cellular expression and functions of a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, cystatin C, whose gene expression is previously shown to be upregulated in the rat hippocampus during status epilepticus (SE

Background: Data regarding the association between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA(2)) level and incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events are conflicting. This prospective urban population-based study explored the relationship between baseline Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass, respectively, levels and incidence of first coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic stroke, respectively. Meth

Background: Impaired trophoblast invasion is suggested as the main cause of reduced placental perfusion, which results in fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Immunological response against the invading tissue has been given as the explanation. Preeclampsia frequently recurs during the next pregnancy. Doppler ultrasound can predict increased vascular impedance in the uteroplacental circulati

The F-FCSR stream cipher family has been presented a few years ago. Apart from some flaws in the initial propositions, corrected in a later stage, there are no known weaknesses of the core of these algorithms. The hardware oriented version, called FCSR-H, is one of the ciphers selected for the eSTREAM portfolio. In this paper we present a new and severe cryptanalytic attack on the F-FCSR stream

We present a review of some of the current major challenges in stellar cluster research, including young clusters, globular clusters, and galactic nuclei. Topics considered include: primordial mass segregation and runaway mergers, expulsion of gas from clusters, the production of stellar exotica seen in some clusters (e.g., blue stragglers and extreme horizontal-branch stars), binary populations w

In recent years, the awareness of potential radiation damage of metal centers in protein crystals during crystallographic data collection has received increasing attention. The radiation damage can lead to radiation-induced changes and reduction of the metal sites. One of the research fields where these concerns have been comprehensively addressed is the study of the reaction intermediates of the