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Accurate digital elevation models of saltmarshes are crucial for both conservation and management goals. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is increasingly used for topographic surveys due to the ability to acquire high resolution data over spatially-extensive areas. This capability is ideally suited to saltmarsh environments, which are often vast, inaccessible systems where topographic variations can be very subtle. Derivation of surface (DSMs) (ground elevation plus vegetation) versus terrain (bare ground elevation) models (DTMs) relies on the ability of the LiDAR sensor to accurately record multiple returns. In saltmarshes however, the dense stands of low (< 1 m) vegetation commonly found precludes the acquisition of more than one return, and the resulting DTM is not different to the DSM. Establishing the offset between ground and vegetation surface in order to correct the LiDAR-derived DTM can be challenging due to the spatial variability in saltmarsh habitats. Here we show the development and application of a habitat-specific correction factor (HSCF) for the Odiel Saltmarshes using a combination of habitat object-based classification (82% overall accuracy) and ground control surveys that reduces the DTM error to within that associated with the LiDAR sensor (average error 0.1 m). We also show that the true accuracy of supplied (unmodified) DTMs can be >0.5 m in saltmarshes dominated by dense vegetation such as Spartina densiflora. In particular, global projections of sea-level rise across the next 80 years (0.18-0.59 m) significantly overlaps this accuracy margin, implying that assessments and modelling of sea-level impacts in saltmarsh systems will likely be erroneous if based on Lidar-derived DTMs. Erroneous assumptions and conclusions can result if the real accuracy of DTMs (bare ground) on vegetated saltmarshes is not considered, and the consequences of the propagation of this misinformation through to management decisions should not be over-looked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the coastline is key in coastal studies. However, its definition depends on the purpose and scale of the study. To determine the shoreline position, a set of criteria has to be chosen to define its position: the high tide mark, the base or top of a ridge, or cliff line, for example. Usually, these criteria are site-specific and often forgotten after digitisation. In this paper, a methodology is described for generating a multipurpose line within a spatial database. Here, the term 'multipurpose line' refers to a digital map structure holding diverse coastal data (natural and anthropogenic) digitised by a user and easily convertible into a single line after application of feature selection criteria. A data model is defined for the database design, which gives robustness to the database and facilitates the data entry, updates and data exploitation. This allows the generation of three shorelines (physiographic, erosion or simplified shoreline), which can be easily extracted from the spatial database. To illustrate the methodology, the development of the Andalusian multipurpose line (southern Spain) is explained in detail. An example of data exploitation is also given, generating different environmental indicators (shoreline length by type, beach width, etc.) that may lead to further research or to assist coastal managers and decision makers at the coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Below-grade foundation walls are often exposed to excessive moisture by water infiltration, condensation, leakage, or lack of ventilation. Microbial growth in these structures depends largely on environmental factors, elapsed time, and the type of building materials and construction setup. The ecological preferences of Actinomycetes ( Actinobacteria) and the molds Ascotricha chartarum, Myxotrichum chartarum ( Ascomycota), Geomyces pannorum, and Monocillium sp. ( Hyphomycetes) have been addressed based on analyses of 1764 samples collected in below-grade spaces during the period of 2001-2012. Our results show a significant correlation between these taxa and moist foundation walls as ecological niches. Substrate preference was the strongest predictor of taxa distribution within the wall, but the taxa's physiological needs, together with gradients of abiotic factors within the wall structure, also played a role. Our study describes for the first time how the wall environment affects microbial growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene expression profile of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) tumors show 3 molecular subgroups with significant deregulation of mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (MSAC) pathway and microtubule network. MAD2L1, a key MSAC player, transcript and protein expression is upregulated in all tumors and epothilone B, a microtubule drug, shows excellent efficacy against MPM cancer cell lines.Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal neoplasm exhibiting resistance to most treatment regimens and requires effective therapeutic options. Though an effective strategy in many cancer, targeted therapy is relatively unexplored in MPM because the therapeutically important oncogenic pathways and networks in MPM are largely unknown. Materials and methods We carried out gene expression microarray profiling of 53 surgically resected MPMs tumors along with paired normal tissue. We also carried out whole transcriptomic sequence (RNA-seq) analysis on eight tumor specimens. Taqman-based quantitative Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of mitotic arrest deficient-like 1 (MAD2L1) was carried out on tissue specimens. Cell viability assays of MPM cell lines were carried out to assess sensitivity to specific small molecule inhibitors. Results Bioinformatics analysis of the microarray data followed by pathway analysis revealed that the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (MSAC) pathway was most significantly altered in MPM tumors with upregulation of 18 component genes, including MAD2L1 gene. We validated the microarray data for MAD2L1 expression using quantitative qRT-PCR and western blot analysis on tissue lysates. Additionally, we analyzed expression of the MAD2L1 protein by IHC using an independent tissue microarray set of 80 MPM tissue samples. Robust clustering of gene expression data revealed three novel subgroups of tumors, with unique expression profiles, and showed differential expression of MSAC pathway genes. Network analysis of the microarray data showed the cytoskeleton/spindle microtubules network was the second-most significantly affected network. We also demonstrate that a nontaxane small molecule inhibitor, epothilone B, targeting the microtubules have great efficacy in decreasing viability of 14 MPM cell lines. Conclusions Overall, our findings show that MPM tumors have significant deregulation of the MSAC pathway and the microtubule network, it can be classified into three novel molecular subgroups of potential therapeutic importance and epothilone B is a promising therapeutic agent for MPM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Clear sky models for estimating global, direct and diffuse illuminance are proposed. [•] Illuminance measured at four sites in the tropic is used to develop the models. [•] Aerosol and ozone data are incorporated in the models. [•] The models perform well when tested against independent data sets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnesium, nickel, and cobalt hydrotalcite-like compounds (MgAlHT, NiAlHT, and CoAlHT) were used to remove fluoride ions from aqueous solutions and drinking water in batch and column systems. Mg, Ni, and Co hydrotalcite like compounds with similar M2+:Al3+ ratios were synthesized. F- ions were determined in the remaining solutions using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Kinetic of the fluoride sorption from aqueous solutions by hydrotalcite-like compounds (HT) was best described by the pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium was reached in less than 200 minutes for all cases (MgAlHT, NiAlHT and CoAlHT); however, this behavior was not observed for fluoride sorption from drinking water by NiAlHT. The sorption isotherms of the fluoride ion by hydrotalcite like compounds could be best fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models. NiAlHT showed the highest efficiency for the removal of fluoride ions from aqueous solutions in batch system. The removal of fluoride ions by NiAlHT from aqueous solutions was more efficient than from drinking water in both batch and column systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its importance to climate change, reliable and calibrated measurements of solar radiation are available only after 1992 for Australia. In this study we extend the data base from 1967 to 2004 by the development of a cloud-based solar radiation model. Results show no significant change in the majority of stations, although slightly more than one quarter of the stations report a significant decrease of solar radiation with a maximum of just less than one percent per decade. Trend analyses also detect an upturn in many of the southern stations in the late eighties which appear to relate to changes in middle and high cloud cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifies and characterizes the yghK gene product of Escherichia coli. Role of the glcA gene product in glycolate transport; Glycolate transport via L-lactate permease; Identification of the permease for D-lactate; Substrate specificity of GlcA and LldP transport proteins.

Growth of linear chains is simulated by the technique of Brownian dynamics. The influence of the initial volume fraction of particles on the rate of the process and the structure of the chains is studied. Results show that aggregation is swift at the beginning of the process and very slow at the end. This is due to the decrease of the number of flocs in solution and the decrease in the efficiency of collisions when the degree of aggregation increases. The polydispersity of the system increases during aggregation and reaches a maximum value when the reaction is 96% complete. This increase is greater at higher concentrations. Results indicate that for lower concentrations aggregate growth is principally by reactive collision between aggregates of similar molecular weight, while for higher concentrations there is a relatively high fraction of reactive collisions between aggregates with very different molecular weights. The concentration effect on the structure of the chains is studied, evaluating the fractal dimensions of the chains. When the concentration increases there is a transition from very open structures (fractal dimension 1.76) to very tangled structures, where chains are collapsed (fractal dimension 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the potential of micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) as an analytical method for the separation and detection of sulfonylurea drugs used in the treatment of hyperglycemia. Abuse; Physiological effects; Definition of conditions; Effect of buffer type, pH and SDS; Analysis of drugs in human urine; Reproducibility; Machanistic aspects.

A series of data sets including brightness temperature from HIRS-UTWV, high cloud cover, precipitation and evaporation from ERA-Interim reanalysis data, and deep convective cloud from ISCCP were used to examine the latitudinal changes of the Hadley cell in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) over the 1979–2018 period. In the study region, a pronounce poleward expansion was found during the winter season using three metrics of expansion: latitude of maximum brightness temperature associated with the anticyclonic center; latitude of zero crossing of precipitation minus evaporation, marking the extent of the tropical region; and latitude where high cloud cover reaches 50% of its maximum tropical value. However, no trends were discovered for the summer season. During the study period, there was an increase in equatorial convection as indicated by increased high cloud cover features. When precipitation minus evaporation was less than 0, there was diminishing dry zone evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, calculation of monthly average hourly diffuse photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) using satellite data is proposed. Diffuse PAR was analyzed at four stations in Thailand. A radiative transfer model was used for calculating the diffuse PAR for cloudless sky conditions. Differences between the diffuse PAR under all sky conditions obtained from the ground-based measurements and those from the model are representative of cloud effects. Two models are developed, one describing diffuse PAR only as a function of solar zenith angle, and the second one as a multiple linear regression with solar zenith angle and satellite reflectivity acting linearly and aerosol optical depth acting in logarithmic functions. When tested with an independent data set, the multiple regression model performed best with a higher coefficient of variance R 2 (0.78 vs. 0.70), lower root mean square difference (RMSD) (12.92% vs. 13.05%) and the same mean bias difference (MBD) of −2.20%. Results from the multiple regression model are used to map diffuse PAR throughout the country as monthly averages of hourly data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an algorithm for deriving the effective droplet radius and optical depth of liquid water clouds using ground-based measurements, aircraft observations and an adiabatic model of cloud liquid water. The algorithm derives cloud effective radius and cloud optical depth over a tropical site at Omkoi (17.80°N, 98.43°E), Thailand. Monthly averages of cloud optical depth are highest in April (54.5), which is the month with the lowest average cloud effective radius (4.2 μm), both occurring before the start of the rainy season and at the end of the high contamination period. By contrast, the monsoon period extending from May to October brings higher cloud effective radius and lower cloud optical depth to the region on average. At the diurnal scale there is a gradual increase in average cloud optical depth and decrease in cloud effective radius as the day progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a model for calculating monthly average hourly diffuse erythemal solar ultraviolet (EUV) radiation under all sky conditions in Thailand was developed. The model is a function of air mass, aerosol optical depth and satellite-derived cloud index, as these parameters are sensitive to diffuse EUV radiation. Diffuse EUV irradiance were measured using UV-biometers equipped with shade ball during April 2011–March 2014 at four stations in Thailand. Data from these stations were used to formulate the model. The model was validated using an independent dataset (April 2014–March 2016) at the same sites. The modeled diffuse EUV irradiance showed good agreement with that from the ground-based measurements, with root mean square difference (RMSD) of 12.7% and mean bias difference (MBD) of −2.8%. The use of satellite data provided a simple and practical method to calculate monthly average hourly diffuse EUV irradiance over Thailand. Spatial monthly distributions are shown as maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a technique for mapping monthly average hourly downward longwave ( LW ↓ ) irradiance using ground- and satellite-based data. A model relating LW ↓ irradiance to a satellite derived-brightness temperature of the earth-atmospheric system, relative humidity and ambient air temperature was formulated. This model was validated against LW ↓ irradiance obtained from measurements at 4 sites in the tropics and discrepancy in terms of root mean square errors and mean bias errors was found to be 1.89% and −0.69%, respectively. After the validation, the model was used to calculate monthly average hourly LW ↓ irradiance over Thailand and the results were displayed as LW ↓ maps. These maps reveal the influence of various factors on LW ↓ irradiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible influence of a bile salt on production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55739 was evaluated. Cells of the lactobacilli grown in MRS broth with and without linoleic acid (LA, 0.2%) were harvested and washed. The washed cells were added to buffer containing 0.2% LA and incubated 18 h at 37 °C. The cells, which had been grown without LA, transformed LA into CLA (mainly c9t11-C18:2) better than did those cells grown with it. When sodium glycocholate (0.3%) was added to the washed cell suspensions, about the same level of CLA was formed as in its absence regardless of whether or not the cells had been grown in broth supplemented with free LA. Thus, glycocholate that occurs in humans did not influence production of CLA by resting cells of the lactobacilli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the influence of meteorological conditions in ozone mixing ratio measured at the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition to surface wind speed and direction, surface ozone concentrations, ozonesondes and CALIPSO Lidar images were collected during the study period extending from 01/01/2014 to 30/04/2015. Surface ozone concentrations show a strong seasonality, with maximum in the dry months of December to April and minimum during the wet southwest (SW) monsoon period extending from May to October. High ozone concentrations are related to biomass burning in the northeast highland regions of the country and neighboring Myanmar and southern China. These precursors travel in a southerly direction towards Bangkok in a well-defined aerosol layer which may be at ground level or at elevated heights. The growth of the daytime mixed layer scavenges some of the upper level aerosols, although local maxima in ozone concentrations at 1–2 km are a frequent feature at Bangkok. There is an evidence of fumigation in the Gulf of Thailand and a return flow via the southerly sea breezes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique is described to map surface UV-B irradiance (erythemal ultraviolet irradiance) for a section of the Antarctic coast bounded by latitudes 54--690.S; 140--160 0.E. Daily NOAA/AVHRR images have been acquired for this region over four consecutive austral spring, summer and autumn season (November--April), starting in 1990. A model developed by Green et al is applied to estimate cloudless erythemal irradiances using cosine estimates from TOMS and surface albedo from NOAA/AVHRR. Cloudy irradiances are estimated as the product of the cloudless irradiance and a cloud transmittance derived from satellite imagery. When the model estimates were compared with surface measurements at Hobart, Tasmanta and Davis, Antarctica, it was found that the rootmean square (RMS) differences (model-- measurements) for clear skieswere equal to 5.7 per cent of the mean measured value, whereas for cloudy sides the RMS differences were 13.6 per cent of the mean for daily totals; and 4.2 per cent of the mean for monthly averages. Monthly statistics are presented as average monthly cloudless irradiance, average monthly cloudy irradiance and a 'worst-case' monthly irradiance. Considerable interannual variability is observed in the 'worst case' monthly irradiance. Depletion by clouds is very significant and islarger than interannual variability in ozone depletion. The effect of clouds is minimum at 550S and increases polewards to reach maximum values at the edge of the pack ice. Further to the south, cloud depletion decreases due to the moderating effect of the high surface albedo for snow and ice. (c) 1997 by the Royal Meteorological Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosol optical depth and Angstrom coefficients for three sites in Bangkok and suburbs are examined: Silpakorn University at Nakhon Pathom, NP (13.82°N, 100.04°E), the Asian Institute of Technology at Phatum Thani, AIT (14.08°N, 100.62°E) and the Thai Meteorological Department at Bangkok, BK (13.73°N, 100.57°E). Sunphotometers have been used to measure direct normal spectral irradiance at these sites for a period of 2 years (2004–2005). Cloudless conditions were selected and Bouguer’s law was employed to obtain aerosol optical depth. All three sites exhibit strong seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring at the height of the dry season in April, and the lowest occurring during the rainy season in July. April turbidity conditions are very high, as evidenced by maximum 500 nm optical depths of between 1.4 to 2.0 that were measured at all three locations. The Angstrom exponent α also showed a marked seasonal change, with highest values at the height of the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A technique for mapping global illuminance from satellite data was developed. A five-year (1998–2002) climatology of global solar illuminance obtained from this technique is presented for Thailand using hourly GMS-5 satellite data. The technique is based on a radiation budget model which traces solar radiation as it is scattered, absorbed and reflected back to space. The model produces an earth-atmospheric albedo in the satellite spectral window as well as global illuminance at the earth’s surface. The model is tuned using surface illuminance measurements at four stations in Thailand: Chiang Mai (18.78°N, 98.98°E), Ubon Ratchatani (15.25°N, 104.87°E), Songkhla (7.20°N, 100.60 °E) and Nakhon Pathom (13.82°N, 100.04°E). In the mapping process, a satellite earth-atmospheric albedo at any locations yields a cloud-atmospheric albedo in the satellite band, which is then transformed into a cloud-atmospheric albedo in the photopic band. Having obtained the photopic cloud-atmospheric albedo, the model calculates surface illuminance. The model gives a root mean square difference of 8.1% and a mean bias difference of −2.6% when tested against an independent data set. Monthly average maps are presented covering Thailand for local times of 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite a considerable number of publications which use satellite data to map solar radiation, relatively few studies have been undertaken in a tropical environment. In this study, we have developed a method to produce operational solar radiation maps from satellite data for this environment. The method is based on a physical model which relates the satellite-derived earth¿atmospheric reflectivity from visible channel of GMS-4 and GMS-5 to the transmissivity of the atmosphere. Cloud reflectivity was determined from satellite data, while radiation absorbed by water vapour, ozone and aerosols and radiation scattered by aerosols were determined from ground-based meteorological data. Techniques for determining the radiation depleted by these atmospheric constituents over a whole country were also presented. Satellite data of a six-year period (1993¿1998) with approximately ten thousand satellite images were used to construct the maps. When tested against an independent data set, monthly average of daily global irradiation calculated from this method agree with that obtained from the measurements with the relative root mean square difference of 6.8% with respect to the mean values. Solar radiation is presented as twelve maps showing the monthly average of global irradiation and one map showing the yearly average of global irradiation. Radiation patterns from the maps show a strong influence of the tropical monsoons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Radiation frosts during clear and calm weather can damage crops in the growing season. In complex topography, large spatial variations in near surface temperatures occur, which makes it more difficult to predict frost events and plan preventive actions. One approach followed in this study is to embark on detailed measurements of temperatures at high spatial and temporal resolution. Data were collected in a small vineyard (0.5 km2) in north-eastern Tasmania, Australia. Mobile measurements were used to register temperatures five times each night at two levels. A digital elevation model and a GIS (geographical information system) were used to create descriptive landscape parameters. Multiple linear regression was used to model temperatures and cooling rates as a function of topography. Between 50% and 60% of the variation in temperature was explained by the model. Variability in cooling rates was more difficult to describe. The efficiency of using wind machines for frost prevention was studied during one night. Due to topography, they were only efficient in parts of the property that were higher than the fans. At lower elevations, ground frost was not prevented. Proper location of wind machines is therefore important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated the participation of polymerase-1 in the p53 protein damage response following irradiation. Results; Discussion; Methodology.

Focuses on the development of a method for selecting sea breeze days in an archipelago with special application to the West Coast of Sweden. Criteria for identifying a sea breeze; Occurrence of a distinct change in surface wind direction; Mechanisms of sea breezes in the archipelago area.

This work has developed a semi-empirical model for estimating monthly average hourly diffuse solar near infrared (NIR) radiation in Thailand. Diffuse NIR radiation data were recorded at four stations in Thailand namely, Chiang Mai (18.78 o N, 98.98 o E), Ubon Ratchathani (15.25 o N, 104.87 o E), Nakhon Pathom (13.82 o N, 100.04 o E) and Songkhla (7.20 o N, 100.60 o E). Our analysis has shown that diffuse NIR radiation is related to cloud, precipitable water and cosine of solar zenith angle in terms of an exponential function. Therefore, the model was formulated with these parameters and validated with independent diffuse NIR measurements. The result showed that diffuse NIR radiation from the model and that from the measurements were in reasonable agreement with root mean square difference and mean bias difference of 16.7% and 1.5%, respectively. The semi-empirical model was used to generate diffuse maps of NIR for the country which displayed both diurnal and seasonal variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nisin, free or incorporated in calcium alginate microparticles, was added to pasteurized milk (80% cows' and 20% ewes' milk) used for the manufacture of Hispanico cheese with a mesophilic starter and a thermophilic adjunct culture of high aminopeptidase activity. Addition of nisin incorporated in microparticles promoted early lysis of thermophilic adjunct culture bacteria. Extracellular aminopeptidase activity in 1-d-old cheese made with both thermophilic adjunct culture and nisin incorporated in microparticles was 1.8-fold higher than in cheese made with thermophilic adjunct culture and free nisin and 2.0-fold higher than in cheese made only with thermophilic adjunct culture without any addition of nisin. Addition of nisin, free or incorporated in microparticles, did not influence cheese proteolysis measured using hydrophilic or hydrophobic peptides, o-phthaldialdehyde ripening index, or free amino acids. Moreover, a total of 37 volatile compounds were identified in the volatile fraction of Hispánico cheese, using a dynamic headspace technique with a purge and trap system followed by a gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. The volatile compound profile was not influenced by nisin addition, either free or incorporated in microparticles, but addition of thermophilic adjunct culture enhanced the formation of 2-butanone, diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione and acetoin and improved the flavor quality (sensory panel) of cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To better understand the paradox in the Dominican Republic of a relatively high maternal mortality ratio despite nearly universal institutionalized deliveries with trained attendants, a rapid assessment using an adaptation of the strategic assessment method was conducted.Methods: A multi-disciplinary team reviewed national statistics and hospital records, inventoried facilities, and observed peripartum client-provider interactions at 14 facilities.Results: The major referral hospitals, where more than 40% of births in the country occur, were overcrowded and understaffed, with inexperienced residents overseeing care provided by medical students, interns and nurses. Uncomplicated labor and deliveries were overmedicalized, while complicated ones were not managed appropriately; emergencies were not dealt with in a timely fashion. In the peripheral hospitals physicians were seldom present and clients were either turned away or delivered by unprepared nursing staff. Providers in the busiest facilities suffered from compassion fatigue, and were demoralized and overworked. In all facilities, quality of care was lacking and the delivery and birthing process was dehumanized.Conclusions: Access and availability of institutional delivery alone is not enough to decrease MMR, it is also the quality of emergency obstetric care that saves lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of volatile corn pounds in raw ewe milk cheese made using different mesophilic starter cultures was investigated in duplicate experiments. Each experiment consisted in five vats of cheese manufactured according to Manchego cheese technology and ripened for 240 days. Milk was inoculated with a mesophilic commercial starter culture alone, or combined with different amounts of Lactococcus lactis strains, some of which produce branched chain volatile corn pounds, while others do not. Cheese proteolysis and pH values increased when large amounts of L. lactis strains that produce branched-chain volatile compounds were used. Concentrations of 2,3-heptanedione, 3-methyl butanal, 2-methyl propanol, 2-pentanol, 3-methyl butanol, isobutyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isobutyl butyrate, isoamyl butyrate, methyl caproate and isoamyl caproate were influenced by starter culture composition. Milk inoculation with a large amount of L. lactis strains which produce branched-chain volatile compounds enhanced flavour intensity of ripe cheese without impairing flavour quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To validate whether the number of aberrations could be used as a measure of the radiosensitivity of human tumour cells. If so, this would potentially provide a more rapid method than the colony assay to predict radiocurability in human tumour biopsy material. Materials and methods: A panel of 13 human tumour cell lines was investigated, covering a wide range of radiosensitivities. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) employing whole chromosome probes was used to detect aberrations. Results: A dose-dependent increase in radiation-induced chromosome aberrations was observed in all cell lines. A good correlation (r=0.90) was found between cell survival and total chromosome aberrations in 12 of the 13 cell lines (92%), with one exception. A poorer correlation was observed between cell survival and stable- (r=0.85) and unstable-type aberrations (r=0.81). Survival-aberration correlations for individual radiation doses were worse, although statistically significant. The exceptional cell line showed significantly more aberrations for a given level of cell kill than expected based on data for the other lines. Conclusion: This study indicates that radiation-induced chromosome aberrations can be used as a potential predictor of intrinsic radiosensitivity for the majority of human tumours when more than one dose level is tested. This could aid the design of radiotherapy schedules for each individual patient, or in the decision of whether to use an alternative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]