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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Application of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis to evaluate acetic acid bacteria in traditional balsamic vinegar.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are fastidious micro-organisms to isolate and cultivate despite of the great number of growth media available. Moreover, conventional techniques used to study AAB populations are time consuming and not completely reliable. In this study, we tested the usefulness of the polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electophoresis (PCR-DGGE) as a rapid and cost effective method for the screening of AAB in traditional balsamic vinegar (TBV). DGGE analysis was applied to 19 AAB strains isolated by agar plating from three different samples of TBV. DGGE was also used for the analysis of PCR products obtained from DNA extracted directly from the TBV samples. A tentative species identification was achieved comparing the PCR-DGGE patterns of the isolated strains and the TBV samples to those of 15 AAB reference strains. The results support that DGGE is functional to monitor vinegar's AAB population.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2004

What difference does a civil union make? Changing public policies and the experiences of same-sex couples: comment on Solomon, Rothblum, and Balsam (2004).

When Vermont became the first state in the United States to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples, it marked an important milestone in lesbian and gay Americans' struggle for equal rights. Against this background, S. E. Solomon, E. D. Rothblum, and K. F. Balsam's (2004) study, the first to examine experiences of same-sex couples who have undertaken civil unions, is a significant effort. The study provides valuable data about these couples, yet much remains to be learned. Further study of the impact of changing legal landscapes on experiences of same-sex couples and their families has the potential to add significantly to knowledge about contemporary family lives.

Female↗
PubMed2004

Risk and resilience in lesbian and gay couples: comment on Solomon, Rothblum, and Balsam (2004).

S. E. Solomon, E. D. Rothblum, and K. F. Balsam's (2004) article provides excellent descriptive and comparative data about the first cohort of same-sex couples seeking civil unions in Vermont. In this comment, the author sets their findings in a culture-specific theoretical context. This framework emphasizes three external risk factors faced by lesbian and gay couples in American society and the negative internal consequences when partners are unable to cope with these external challenges successfully. Forming a civil union can be viewed as an outgrowth of successful coping with these risk factors--a sign of individual, couple, and family resilience in the face of adversity.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1981

Residues of chlorpyrifos-methyl in balsam fir foliage, forest litter, soil, stream water, sediment and fish tissue after double aerial applications of Reldan.

Chlorpyrifos-methyl was applied twice at 70 g A.I./ha by means of a fixed-wing aircraft to a mixed coniferous forest near Allardville, New Brunswick. Residue in balsam fir foliage was highest (1 ppm wet wt) 1 hr after spraying and rapidly declined to about 30% within 1 day, but persisted at a very low level (0.03 ppm wet wt) for 125 days. Current year's foliage contained a higher level of residue than old foliage. Chlorpyrifos-methyl persisted longer in forest litter than in soil. After 125 days, trace amounts (less than 6 ppb wet wt) were still found in litter but were not detected in soil. In stream water the residue dissipated very rapidly; more than 90% disappeared 3 hours after the second application and were not detected after 4 days. Low-level residue (less than 0.1 ppm wet wt) was present in the sediment and persisted for 10 days. Although brook trout and slimy sculpin captured in the stream within 3 days of the second application contained residues (less than 0.05 ppm fresh wt) none were detected in any fish captured, 9 and 47 days later.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The Demographic Cost of Reproduction and Its Consequences in Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea).

It is an axiom of life-history theory that reproduction involves age-specific costs in terms of survival or future reproduction. The measurement of costs of reproduction in plants is difficult, and few field studies have measured these costs in terms of fitness or demographic components, thus creating a hiatus between theory and data. In this article, we describe methods for overcoming the problem, illustrated by a field study of balsam fir. We used serial correlation and a permutation test to detect growth costs of reproduction and show how these translate into demographic costs when relative tree size (and therefore growth) is critical to survival. Using chronosequences, we reconstructed the age- and size-specific dynamics of a subalpine population of Abies balsamea. A matrix model describing these dynamics was then used to estimate age- and size-specific probabilities of future survival to maturity ([Formula: see text]). By using a regression model of the relationship between tree size, age, and [Formula: see text], we were able to estimate the maximum age-specific demographic cost of reproduction for trees of all ages. The shape of the age-specific cost curve for A. balsamea may explain why, contrary to a previously published hypothesis, age at first reproduction in A. balsamea does not vary between wave-regenerating and normal populations.

Abies balsamea↗
PubMed2003

Determination of furanic compounds in traditional balsamic vinegars by ion-exclusion liquid chromatography and diode-array detection.

A method for the determination of furanic compounds in traditional balsamic vinegars is proposed. It is based on ion-exclusion chromatographic separation and diode-array detection of furans through an isocratic elution with 0.01 N phosphoric acid and 16% acetonitrile. Preliminary trials on standard compounds stability in heat-acidic conditions are also performed. In all the 19 samples analyzed, 2-furoic acid, 5 HMF, and furfural are found. No sample contains 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3-(2H)-furanone (DHMF); 2-acetylfuran; or furfuryl alcohol. Three unknown compounds are also detected. The last eluting of these compounds is identified as 5-acethoxymethylfurfural, and, notwithstanding a partial hydrolysis in our chromatographic conditions, its quantitation can be carried out.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2003

Lethal and sublethal effects of a neem-based insecticide on balsam fir sawfly (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae).

Lethal and sublethal effects of Neemix 4.5 EC, a commercial neem preparation, on balsam fir sawfly, Neodiprion abietis (Harris), were determined in the laboratory. Larval mortality of N. abietis increased in a concentration-dependent manner, and lethal time decreased with increasing Neemix 4.5 EC concentration. Fifty percent of the larvae died after 4.6 d at a concentration of 90 ppm azadirachtin (AZA) and 12.3 d at a concentration of 0.08 ppm. Neemix 4.5 EC showed some deterrent effects to feeding site selection on N. abietis larvae at high concentrations, but not at low concentrations. Strong reduction of food intake by N. abietis larvae after exposure to Neemix 4.5 EC was demonstrated by significant reduction of frass production. Larvae fed on Neemix 4.5 EC-treated foliage at 90 ppm AZA produced only 16% as much frass as that produced by larvae fed on control foliage (0 ppm). Neemix 4.5 EC at a concentration of 0.08 ppm AZA retarded larval and pupal development. Sublethal doses significantly reduced pupal weight and adult emergence, although the sex ratio of N. abietis adults was not affected. Results indicate that sublethal effects of Neemix 4.5 EC on N. abietis may contribute greatly to the overall field efficacy.

Abies↗
PubMed1986

An effect of gravity on bud-burst in balsam fir.

Bud-burst on first order lateral branches of Abies bafsamea L. (balsam fir) was delayed when the branches were rotated 180 degrees about their long axis. This was not a consequence of injury caused by the treatment because buds rotated 180 degrees on inverted plants flushed at the same time as the controls, whereas flushing of all other buds was delayed. Buds thus appear to be more vigorous when maintained in the same orientation to gravity in which they are formed and the site of gravitational stimulus perception appears to be the bud itself. Except on the leading shoot, leaves from inverted buds turned so that their adaxial surface faced upward, unless there was intense illumination from below. However, both anisophylly and positioning of leaves on lateral shoots were apparently predetermined because the shorter, more forward pointing leaves appeared below the longer distichous leaves on shoots from inverted buds. Shoots with normally oriented leaves appeared the next season.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Estimating stem maintenance respiration rates of dissimilar balsam fir stands.

Stem maintenance respiration rates were measured in five contrasting balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stands. At 15 degrees C, average respiration rates for individual stands ranged from 120 to 235 micro mol m(-3) s(-1) when expressed per unit of sapwood volume, from 0.80 to 1.80 micro mol m(-2) s(-1) when expressed per unit of stem surface area, and from 0.50 to 1.00 micro mol g(-1) s(-1) when expressed per unit of nitrogen in the living stem biomass, but differences among stands were not statistically significant. Coefficients of variation ranged from 50 to 100% within stands and were similar for all bases used to express respiration rates. Coefficients of determination for regressions between chamber flux and chamber values of sapwood volume, stem surface area and nitrogen content varied between stands and no one base was consistently higher than the other bases. We conclude that the bases for expressing stem respiration are equally useful. Respiration rates were more closely correlated to stem temperature observed approximately 2 h earlier than to current stem temperature. Among stands, annual stem maintenance respiration per hectare varied from 0.1 to 0.4 Mmol ha(-1) year(-1), primarily because of large differences in sapwood volumes per hectare. Annual stem maintenance respiration per unit of leaf area ranged from 3 to 6 mol m(-2) year(-1), increasing as sapwood volume per hectare increased.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Increasing the sink:source balance enhances photosynthetic rate of 1-year-old balsam fir foliage by increasing allocation of mineral nutrients.

To determine the impact of altering the sink:source balance on gas exchange rates in 1-year-old foliage of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), seedlings were either debudded before the growing season began or left intact. To assess alternative explanations for the observed photosynthetic response, additional seedlings were variously root pruned, shaded, drought stressed or deprived of fertilizer in combination with debudding. Foliar gas exchange rates and carbohydrate concentrations, xylem water potential and current-year growth were measured on three occasions spanning the shoot extension period. In addition, growth, foliar concentrations of chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic rate at different CO2 concentrations were determined 1 month after shoot extension ceased. Debudded seedlings had higher photosynthetic rates than budded seedlings, and the difference increased as the growing season progressed. We observed no evidence that debudding increased photosynthetic rate by improving water relations or by reducing foliar carbohydrate concentrations. Debudding increased foliar concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and chlorophyll, as well as quantum yield and photochemical quenching as determined by chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Therefore, we conclude that debudding increased the photosynthetic rate by increasing the allocation of nutrients to 1-year-old foliage, thereby enhancing the amount or activity, or both, of photosynthetic enzymes, as well as increasing chlorophyll concentration.

Abies↗
PubMed2005

Carbon and biomass partitioning in balsam fir (Abies balsamea).

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) was extensively sampled to investigate the effects of forest management practices, site location, within-crown position, tree component (i.e., stem, foliage, branches and roots), and tree social classes on biomass and carbon (C) partitioning at the individual tree level and across ecological regions. The sites were located in three ecologically distinct forest regions of west-central New Brunswick, Canada. There were no significant differences in %C content of trees across ecological regions or across tree social classes. However, at the individual tree level, significant differences were evident in biomass and C allocation between different parts of the tree, between treatment types (i.e., unmanaged and pre-commercially thinned stands) and between within-crown positions, indicating the need for separate estimates of biomass and C content of tree components to obtain more precise estimates of quantities at the stand level. Calculating stand C content based on constant allocation values, as is commonly done, produced errors of up to 15% compared with the values calculated in this study. Three allometric equations of biomass and C that account for partitioning among different parts of the tree were developed and compared: (1) a third-order polynomial, (2) a modified inverse polynomial and (3) a modified Weibull equation. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was used as the only explanatory variable to describe fresh biomass, dry biomass and C content. All regressions derived showed a high correlation with DBH, with most r2 values > 0.95. A comparison of the equation results showed that the modified Weibull equation gave consistent results with the best overall fit and was the simplest of the three equations investigated. The regressions can be used to estimate forest biomass and tree C content at the stand level, given specific information on DBH.

Abies↗
PubMed1987

Differences in stem respiration responses to temperature between balsam fir trees in thinned and unthinned stands.

The change in stem respiration rates with change of temperature was significantly lower in a recently thinned balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stand than in an unthinned stand. A comparison of respiration measurements made in the morning with those made in the afternoon indicated that there was more variation among afternoon readings and greater responses to changes in temperature among morning readings. Lower respiration rates in the afternoon were more common in the thinned stand than in the unthinned stand.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Sensitivity to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru). A study of 50 cases.

The Myroxylon pereirae resin (MP; balsam of Peru) is a natural resin used in the local treatment of burns and wounds. M. pereirae extracts and distillates are very often contained in a wide range of cosmetic products and causes frequently allergic contact dermatitis - to the extent of being considered an allergy marker to perfumes. We have carried out a retrospective study of 863 patients who have been submitted to patch tests from January 2002 to June 2004. A total of 50 patients were positive to MP. Thus, the prevalence was 5.79%, slightly higher in men (7.32%) than in women (4.91%). The positive patch tests were relevant in 64%. Over the last years, it appears that there is a clear increase of the prevalence of the sensitization to MP in all the studies published. We observe an increase of the prevalence especially in aged patients, where the sensitization is linked with the use of topical medications secondary to stasis dermatitis. The high frequency of allergy to MP in our area might be associated with manipulation of citrus fruits. The increasing use of cosmetic products by the male population can also be held responsible for the higher sensitization rate in this group of patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Molecular assessment of indigenous yeast population from traditional balsamic vinegar.

AIMS: To identify and describe the indigenous yeast population involved in traditional balsamic vinegar (TBV) fermentation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the restriction analysis of the ribosomal region 5.8S (5.8S rRNA) and the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (5.8S-ITS region) we were able to group 133 strains isolated from 17 cooked grape must samples into 10 different yeast species, included into 4 genera. Moreover, we sequenced the D1/D2 domains of the 26S rRNA and confirmed the reliability of each identification at species level. Most strains belonged to the genus Zygosaccharomyces. In particular, Zygosaccharomyces bailii was found in 41% of the samples, followed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces pseudorouxii and Candida stellata. Strains belonging respectively to Zygosaccharomyces mellis, Zygosaccharomyces bisporus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Hanseniaspora valbyensis, Hanseniaspora osmophila and Candida lactis-condensi species were also detected. Despite the great number of species recovered, the mtDNA restriction profiles showed low variability at strain level. Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates with an higher degree of intraspecific variance were considered an exception. CONCLUSIONS: Many different indigenous yeast species were recovered and TBV yeasts population seems to be far more complex than what was reported in previous literature. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study has allowed us to gain a better understanding of the indigenous yeast species of TBV cooked must.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2004

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki aerial spray prescriptions for balsam fir stand protection against spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Although commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) are being widely used in forest protection against lepidopteran defoliators, optimal application prescriptions have often yet to be worked out in detail. We conducted field experiments over a 6-yr period (1996-2001) in southwestern Québec to determine application prescriptions for optimal protection of balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.), healthy stands against the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). At moderate larval densities (<30 larvae per 45-cm branch tip), similar foliage protection was achieved with one or two Btk applications of 30 billion international units per hectare (BIU/ha). When larval densities exceeded 30 larvae per branch tip, two successive applications of 30 BIU/ha significantly increased foliage protection. Whether the second application took place 5 or 10 d after the first spray did not affect treatment efficacy. Increasing the application dosage from 30 to 50 BIU/ha did not lead to better foliage protection against high larval densities, but the current standard dosage of 30 BIU/ha saved more foliage than 15 BIU/ha against moderate populations. The recommended dosage of 30 BIU can be applied in lower application volumes (1.5 liters/ha) by using a high-potency product (20 BIU/liter), because we did not observe a reduction in efficacy compared with the application of a lower potency product (12.7 BIU/liter) in 2.37 liters/ha. We also demonstrated that Btk can be applied much earlier in the season without compromising spray efficacy: there was no difference in treatment efficacy of double applications at 30 BIU/ha when the first spray was timed for early third, peak third, or early fourth instars.

Abies↗
PubMed1981

[Clinical evaluation of the therapeutic effectiveness of a new drug with anti-inflammatory-balsamic action, guacetisal, in respiratory tract diseases].

In 40 patients with bronchopulmonary diseases, in prevalence of chronic type, the therapeutic value of a new antiphlogistic-balsamic compound was evaluated. The favourable results obtained, particularly as far as the rapidity of regression of signs and symptoms is concerned, showed that this drug may have a significant role in a combined scheme of treatment.

Adolescent↗