bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Acute Liver Injury in Mice Caused by Nano-Anatase TiO2
Authors: Ma Linglan , Zhao Jinfang , Wang Jue , Liu Jie , Duan Yanmei , Liu Huiting , Li Na , Yan Jingying , Ruan Jie , Wang Han , Hong Fashui 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Although it is known that nano-TiO2or other nanoparticles can induce liver toxicities, the mechanisms and the molecular pathogenesis are still unclear. In this study, nano-anatase TiO2(5 nm) was injected into the abdominal cavity of ICR mice for consecutive 14 days, and the inflammatory responses of liver of mice was investigated. The results showed the obvious titanium accumulation in liver DNA, histopathological changes and hepatocytes apoptosis of mice liver, and the liver function damaged by higher doses nano-anatase TiO2. The real-time quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA analyses showed that nano-anatase TiO2can significantly alter the mRNA and protein expressions of several inflammatory cytokines, including nucleic factor-κB, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, cross-reaction protein, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10. Our results also implied that the inflammatory responses and liver injury may be involved in nano-anatase TiO2-induced liver toxicity.
Stability Profile of Fatty Acids in Yak (Bos grunniens) Kidney Fat During the Initial Stages of Autoxidation
Authors: Zhang HaiRong , Wang Qiang , Fan Enguo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that the fatty acid composition of yak kidney is of reasonable value and is suitable for further development of possible commercial products. Changes in the fatty acids of yak kidney fat during the initial stages of storage have been investigated. The full period of autoxidation was determined by peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) at 15 ± 1 °C for up to 70 days. The stability profile of the fatty acids identified by gas chromatography demonstrated that saturated fatty acids increased from 49.68 to 55.96% and that polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids decreased from 10.73 to 6.95% and from 37.85 to 28.22%, respectively. Amounts of all the functional fatty acids except conjugated linoleic acid and linoleic acid, started to decrease after 10 days of storage. These results indicated that the initial stage of autoxidation occurred during the first 25 days of storage. It is suggested that development of potential commercial products should be accomplished within ten days, because the functional fatty acids started to decrease after this period of storage. In addition, the good correlation between PV/TBARS values and changes of individual fatty acids could be used as an indicator to monitor the changes of the functional fatty acid during the development process of yak kidney fat‐related commercial products.
A NEIGHBOURHOOD CONDITION FOR GRAPHS TO BE FRACTIONAL (k, m)-DELETED GRAPHS
Authors: ZHOU SIZHONG 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLet G be a connected graph of order n, and let k ≥ 2 and m ≥ 0 be two integers. In this paper, we show that G is a fractional (k, m)-deleted graph if $\delta(G)\,{\geq}\, k+m+\frac{(m+1)^{2}-1}{4k}$, $n\,{\geq}\, 9k-1-4\sqrt{2(k-1)^{2}+2}+2(2k+1)m$ and $|N_G(x)\cup N_G(y)|\,{\geq}\,\frac{1}{2}(n+k-2)$ for each pair of non-adjacent vertices x, y of G. This result is an extension of the previous result of Zhou [11].
Paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis presenting to the otolaryngologist
Authors: Harris R , Mitton S , Chong S , Daya H 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction:The prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis is increasing. A Pubmed search for ‘eosinophilic oesophagitis’ and ‘eosinophilic esophagitis’ yielded 345 publications since 1976. Only seven were in otolaryngology journals.1–7Patients typically present with dysphagia, vomiting, dyspepsia or food impaction and are therefore usually referred to a paediatric gastroenterologist; otolaryngologists are not usually involved in management. A missed diagnosis may result in oesophageal stricture.Methods:Two patients, aged two and four years, were referred to the paediatric otolaryngology department with intermittent upper oesophageal food impaction. A paediatric gastroenterologist was involved in the investigation. Histological examination of oesophageal biopsies demonstrated changes consistent with eosinophilic oesophagitis.Results:Both patients were expediently diagnosed, investigated and managed.Conclusion:A diagnosis of eosinophilic oesophagitis must be considered in patients presenting with food bolus impaction. Early involvement of a paediatric gastroenterology team in the diagnosis is recommended in children presenting with oesophageal symptoms, in order to avoid delayed diagnosis.
Orthographic and phonological effects in the picture–word interference paradigm: Evidence from a logographic language
Authors: BI YANCHAO , XU YAODA , CARAMAZZA ALFONSO 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTOne important finding with the picture–word interference paradigm is that picture-naming performance is facilitated by the presentation of a distractor (e.g.,CAP) formally related to the picture name (e.g., “cat”). In two picture-naming experiments we investigated the nature of such form facilitation effect with Mandarin Chinese, separating the effects of phonology and orthography. Significant facilitation effects were observed both when distractors were only orthographically or only phonologically related to the targets. The orthographic effect was overall stronger than the phonological effect. These findings suggest that the classic form facilitation effect in picture–word interference is a mixed effect with multiple loci: it cannot be attributed merely to the nonlexical activation of the target phonological segments from the visual input of the distractor. It seems instead that orthographically only related distractors facilitate the lexical selection process of picture naming, and phonologically only related distractors facilitate the retrieval of target phonological segments.
Moodling beyond Bollywood: e-teaching the language, literature and culture of the Indian diaspora
Authors: Fischer-Hornung Dorothea , Brosius Christiane , Hundt Marianne , Mesthrie Rajend 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTA report on an interdisciplinary e-course experiment on language, literature and culture in the Indian Diaspora.One of the rich potentials of the World Wide Web is to enable international and interdisciplinary projects by utilizing e-learning technologies. Further, contemporary students are used to structuring much of their public and private life and learning around the use of electronic technologies. Certainly, when learning, thinking and working are no longer solitary activities, then traditional notions of teaching must be redesigned throughout our educational institutions in order to meet the challenges of the communication age – language teaching and the humanities at our universities cannot be an. Since the classroom can transcend spatially limited locations, it can transform the ‘traditional scene of instruction […] into a joint venture involving many scholars, including our students as active researchers’.
Epiphytes and hemiepiphytes have slower photosynthetic response to lightflecks than terrestrial plants: evidence from ferns and figs
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Chen Jun-Wen , Li Bao-Gui , Cao Kun-Fang 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:Photosynthetic responses of 12 species including six fern species (Neottopteris nidus, Microsorum punctatum, Pseudodrynaria coronans, Asplenium finlaysonianum, Paraleptochilus decurrens and Tectaria fauriei) and seedlings of six fig species (Ficus curtipes, F. gibbosa, F. altissima, F. auriculata, F. oligodon and F. hookeriana) in different life forms to lightfleck were investigated, to test whether epiphytes and hemiepiphytes display a slower response to lightfleck and fast induction loss after a lightfleck compared with their terrestrial counterparts, and whether ferns display a slower response to lightfleck and slower induction loss compared to figs. The measurements of functional traits and physiological parameters were determined in a screenhouse of 4% full sunlight. Epiphytic ferns and hemiepiphytic figs had thicker leaves compared with their terrestrial counterparts. Compared with figs, ferns had thicker fronds, larger stomata with a low density, and lower stomatal conductance and photosynthetic capacity; ferns had lower light compensation point and dark respiration rate, conferring a positive carbon gain under low diffuse light beneath the canopy. The induction time to reach 90% maximum net photosynthetic rate (T90) upon the exposure to a saturated light varied strongly among life forms. Epiphytic ferns had slower T90 than terrestrial ferns (19.9–26.3 vs 5.9–16.3 min, respectively), and hemiepiphytic figs had slower T90 than terrestrial figs (13.1–20.4 vs 5.2–7.8 min, respectively). Compared with figs, ferns showed a slower response to lightfleck. Across ferns and figs, the induction time was negatively correlated with initial stomatal conductance. No significant difference in induction loss was found between two life forms within ferns or figs, whereas ferns had a significantly slower induction loss compared with figs. These results showed that the inherent conservative water use strategy of the epiphytes and hemiepiphytes constrain their lightfleck utilization.
Effects of climate on pollination networks in the West Indies
Authors: González Ana M. Martín , Dalsgaard Bo , Ollerton Jeff , Timmermann Allan , Olesen Jens M. , Andersen Laila , Tossas Adrianne G. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:We studied the effect of climate on the plant-pollinator communities in the West Indies. We constructed plots of 200 m × 5 m in two distinct habitats on the islands of Dominica, Grenada and Puerto Rico (total of six plots) and recorded visitors to all plant species in flower. In total we recorded 447 interactions among 144 plants and 226 pollinator species. Specifically we describe how rainfall and temperature affect proportional richness and importance of the different pollinator functional groups. We used three measures of pollinator importance: number of interactions, number of plant species visited and betweenness centrality. Overall rainfall explained most of the variation in pollinator richness and relative importance. Bird pollination tended to increase with rainfall, although not significantly, whereas insects were significantly negatively affected by rainfall. However, the response among insect groups was more complex; bees were strongly negatively affected by rainfall, whereas dipterans showed similar trends to birds. Bird, bee and dipteran variation along the climate gradient can be largely explained by their physiological capabilities to respond to rainfall and temperature, but the effect of climate on other insect pollinator groups was more obscure. This study contributes to the understanding of how climate may affect neotropical plant-pollinator communities.
Spatial and temporal variation in soil respiration in a seasonally dry tropical forest, Thailand
Authors: Adachi Minaco , Ishida Atsushi , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Okuda Toshinori , Koizumi Hiroshi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:Spatial and seasonal variation in soil respiration rates were investigated in a tropical dry forest in Thailand. The spatial variation was examined at 50 points within a 2-ha plot in the forest floor during the dry and wet seasons. The seasonal and diurnal variations in soil respiration were measured at 16 and 5 points, respectively. The mean soil respiration rate during the wet season was 1041 ± 542 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 (mean ± SD), which is about twice that during the dry season. Soil respiration rate was negatively correlated with soil water content during the wet season. A polynomial equation using seasonal data describes soil respiration and water content: soil respiration rate increased with soil water content, but started to drop when soil water content exceeded 21%. The diurnal variation in soil respiration rate during the wet season was positively correlated with soil temperature, whereas during the wet season it was not correlated with soil temperature. The diurnal variation in soil respiration rate during the dry season showed a midday depression. The estimation of soil carbon flux with polynomial equations should incorporate different functions for the wet and dry seasons in tropical dry forests.
Property Rights of Ancient DNA: The Impact of Cultural Importance on the Ownership of Genetic Information
Authors: Elliott Lisa M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis article examines the way property rights can be applied to DNA from ancient sources. In particular, it examines the ways in which the legal classification of a source as a “cultural artifact” can influence the assignment of property rights over genetic information. I explore the discrepancy between the legal ability to own ancient dead bodies but not nonancient dead bodies, illustrating how dead bodies with a perceived cultural value are legally distinct from those which are not considered to have cultural value. Second, I address the way such cultural preservation laws fail to influence ownership rights over genetic information. Finally, I propose a model for the best way to deal with genetic information from ancient sources, based on the policies of the International Ancient Egyptian Mummy Tissue Bank.
Closure of ventricular septal defects: a study of factors influencing spontaneous and surgical closure
Authors: Turner Stephen W. , Hornung Tim , Hunter Stewart 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Aspects of the management of ventricular septal defects which remain uncertain include the role of screening, and the need for closure of defects that remain patent. Aim: To ascertain the natural history of clinically significant ventricular septal defects, and to examine uncertainties in strategies of management. Methods: We studied prospectively a regional cohort of children born with isolated ventricular septal defects, noting age at presentation; sex; morphology and size of the defect; age at closure, if it occurred, and the means of closure. Results: We identified 290 children with isolated ventricular septal defects, of whom 147 (51%) were male. The mean follow up period was 65 months, with five cases being lost to follow up. Surgical closure was required in 41 (14%) cases, and 155 (54%) defects closed spontaneously. Spontaneous closure occurred in 123 (68%) out of 180 cases with completely muscular borders, and in 31 (29%) of the 107 patients with perimembranous defects. There were two cases with associated aortic regurgitation and no cases of endocarditis. Size and morphology of the defect were significant predictors of spontaneous and surgical closure. In addition, young age at diagnosis was a significant predictor of spontaneous closure. Conclusions: The size and morphology of a ventricular septal defect are important determinants of spontaneous closure and to the need for surgical intervention. Early age at presentation, in contrast, is not predictive of the need for surgical intervention. In early childhood, there appears to be very little risk of endocarditis or aortic valvar prolapse. Neither screening of populations to identify ventricular septal defects, nor surgical closure of asymptomatic defects in childhood, are supported by our findings.
Creation with a stent of an unrestrictive lasting atrial communication
Authors: Gewillig Marc , Boshoff Derize , Mertens Luc 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA new technique is presented to create percutaneously an unrestrictive and lasting atrial communication in small children. In 2 infants, a stent was deployed in a restrictive atrial communication and first inflated with an 8 mm balloon. The stent was then further expanded up to 10 or 12 mm. The gradient and turbulent flow between the two atriums disappeared completely. The stent retained a very stable position without embolisation. Other complications, such as formation of thrombus or arrhythmia, were not observed until elective explantation after 2 and 11 months. We conclude that, in infants, dilation of the atrial septum with a stent can provide a safe, lasting, and unrestrictive atrial communication.
Potential use of liposomal diallyl sulfide in the treatment of experimental murine candidiasis
Authors: Maroof Alam , Farazuddin Mohammad , Owais Mohammad 
Published: July 2009

In the present study, we evaluated the potential of a liposomal formulation of the garlic oil component DAS (diallyl sulfide) in treating disseminated infection caused by the intracellular opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans in experimental mice. The PC (phosphatidylcholine) liposomal formulation of DAS was evaluated for size, ζ-potential, entrapment efficiency and release kinetics, toxicity etc. For therapeutic studies, mice were challenged with intravenous infection dosage of 107 blastospores of C. albicans followed by treatment with various doses of DAS formulations [12 and 6 mg/kg b.w. (body mass)] three times, on alternative days. The antifungal efficacy of liposomal DAS was assessed on the basis of survival of treated mice as well as the residual fungal load in vital organs like liver and spleen of mice. The results of the present study showed that treatment with DAS-bearing liposomes (12 mg/kg b.w.) resulted in the highest survival rate in animals. Liposomal DAS also significantly decreased residual fungal load in vital organs of experimental animals compared with the free form of DAS. The liposomal DAS was also found to be free of toxic manifestations as revealed by the erythrocyte lysis test and liver/kidney function tests. The results of the present study established that the antifungal activity of DAS, a poorly soluble compound, can be enhanced by the incorporation of it into liposomes. Further studies and optimizations are needed to build upon the promising findings of this study to enable the development of an effective plant-derived antifungal formulation that can provide an alternative to currently available antifungal drugs.
Acquired coagulation disorders: revisited using global coagulation/anticoagulation testing
Authors: Tripodi Armando , Chantarangkul Veena , Mannucci Pier M. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryAcquired coagulation defects are characterized by a decrease of both pro‐ and anti‐coagulants. Because of this, we hypothesise that global tests, such as the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times (PT and APTT), might be unsuitable for their investigation. Indeed, these tests are not good predictors of bleeding in acquired coagulopathies as they are in the congenital ones. This article discusses the possible reasons for this, using cirrhosis and the neonatal period as epitomes of acquired coagulation defects. Both display normal thrombin generation in the presence of thrombomodulin, in spite of prolonged PT and APTT. We surmise that, because of their design, the PT and APTT are responsive to thrombin generated as a function of pro‐coagulants, but much less to thrombin inhibited by the anti‐coagulants, especially protein C, which is activated to a limited extent in the absence of thrombomodulin. In conclusion, the PT and APTT can tell us whether or not a patient is deficient in one or more pro‐coagulants, but not whether this deficiency is counterbalanced by a parallel deficiency of anti‐coagulants. Thrombin generation assays are more suitable than PT and APTT for use in acquired coagulation defects.
Soil reflectance as a generic tool for assessing infiltration rate induced by structural crust for heterogeneous soils
Authors: Goldshleger N. , Ben‐Dor E. , Chudnovsky A. , Agassi M. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryRaindrop energy disintegrates soil aggregates and rearranges soil particles to form a structural crust on the upper soil layer. The structural crust affects the physical properties of the soil, which can be observed by significant colour changes on the soil surface. Spectral differences observed in the structural crust are caused by rearrangement of the soil surface texture, mainly an increase in the clay fraction. Previous studies conducted on crusted soils using reflectance spectroscopy were limited to a certain soil type or area and seemed to be strongly dependent on the small range of soil types. In the current study, the influence of raindrop energy on the NIR‐SWIR spectral reflectance (1200–2400 nm) of heterogeneous soils was evaluated and used in combination with partial least squares (PLS) regression to construct a model that correlates the infiltration rate (IR) with its reflectance. Four soils from Israel and three soils from the USA were studied to provide a single data set. A relatively small root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV) of 15.2% was found. A ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) value of 1.98 indicates a promising generic model. Additionally, PLS models were run on different combinations of soil types (RPD values ranging between 2.4 and 3.2). For all models, whether all soils were run in one cross‐validation data set, or run for different combinations of soils, the best assessment of IR was achieved when using reduced wavelength range (selected wavelengths based on Martens’ significance test selection). These results allowed us to conclude that a generic approach aimed at assessing the structural crust for a variety of soils is feasible. A generic model using the suggested spectral approach has the potential to provide NIR‐SWIR spectral soil IR predictions with either a local or global data base of soils worldwide and may contribute to improved protection of crusted soils from erosion or water loss by runoff.
Century‐scale records of coral growth rates indicate that local stressors reduce coral thermal tolerance threshold
Authors: CARILLI JESSICA E. , NORRIS RICHARD D. , BLACK BRYAN , WALSH SHEILA M. , McFIELD MELANIE 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCoral bleaching, during which corals lose their symbiotic dinoflagellates, appears to be increasing in frequency and geographic extent, and is typically associated with abnormally high water temperatures and solar irradiance. A key question in coral reef ecology is whether local stressors reduce the coral thermal tolerance threshold, leading to increased bleaching incidence. Using tree‐ring techniques, we produced master chronologies of growth rates in the dominant reef builder, massive Montastraea faveolata corals, over the past 75–150 years from the Mesoamerican Reef. Our records indicate that the 1998 mass bleaching event was unprecedented in the past century, despite evidence that water temperatures and solar irradiance in the region were as high or higher mid‐century than in more recent decades. We tested the influence on coral extension rate from the interactive effects of human populations and thermal stress, calculated here with degree‐heating‐months (DHM). We find that when the effects of chronic local stressors, represented by human population, are taken into account, recent reductions in extension rate are better explained than when DHM is used as the sole predictor. Therefore, the occurrence of mass bleaching on the Mesoamerican reef in 1998 appears to stem from reduced thermal tolerance due to the synergistic impacts of chronic local stressors.