bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple agro‐ecological zonation for fertilizer recommendations in Mozambique
Authors: Geurts P.M.H. , Van den Berg M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A practical and simple agro‐ecological zonation of Mozambique is presented to facilitate the identification of production conditions and to serve as a basis for agricultural recommendations. The zonation is based on: FAO Major Soil Groupings, altitude and mean annual rainfall. The rationale of the zonation is evaluated by correlating these criteria with other climatic variables and the maize growth cycle. The effectiveness of the zonation was tested with maize yield data from fertilizer trials.The results show that FAO Major Soil Groupings explain a significant part of the total variation in N and organic C contents, Olsen P, exchangeable K, pH and CEC. Altitude relates significantly with temperature, maize growth cycle, radiation and rainfall reliability. Mean annual rainfall relates significantly with rainfall reliability and radiation. Grouping the maize fertilizer trials according to the zonation criteria explained 39% of the variation in unfertilized yields and yield responses to NPK fertilization, and 51% of the variation in fertilized (NPK) yields.The agro‐ecological zonation on the basis of soil, altitude and mean annual rainfall proved to be a sound and practical way to identify land areas sufficiently homogeneous to be served by the same fertilizer recommendation.
Simulation of nitrogen dynamics in an alluvial sandy soil with drip fertigation of apple trees
Authors: Riga P. , Charpentier S. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. In order to optimize the management of the N‐fertilizer inputs with drip fertigation on sandy‐silt soil under apple tree orchard cultivation, we observed in situ: (i) the N and water soil transfers, (ii) the N levels in all leaves, fruits and annual shoots, and (iii) the root distribution. Then we used a mechanistic one‐dimensional model (WAVE, Vanclooster et al., 1994) to quantify the annual parameters of the water and nitrogen balance on a daily basis. The horizontal heterogeneity along the row of the tree‐soil‐dripper system has been treated with two adjacent compartments: one under the dripper and receiving fertigation and the other outside this zone. N transfers in the tree make it impossible to estimate directly N uptake by roots over time.The simulated N losses were due to equal amounts of N leaching below 0.9 m deep (9 g N tree−1year−1 and denitrification (7 g N tree−1year−1. The simulated losses of gaseous N were localized predominantly in the compartment under the dripper and showed a higher rate of leaching during the period of N input when the wet conditions and the high NO3− concentrations were favourable to denitrification. The N‐leaching at 0.9 m depth was greatest outside the growing season and was caused by the extension of the N‐inputs after the harvest date. This practice, based on the objective to store nitrogen before the period of dormancy does not seem to be justified.
Improvement of the physical fertility of a degraded Alfisol with planted and natural fallows under humid tropical conditions
Authors: Salako F.K. , Hauser S. , Babalola O. , Tian G. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Topsoil (0–15 cm) bulk density, aggregate stability, soil dispersibility, water retention and infiltration were measured between 1989 and 1996 on an Alfisol under rehabilitation in southwestern Nigeria. The planted leguminous species were Pueraria phaseoloides, Senna siamea, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia leptocarpa and A. auriculiformis. Also, plots with natural fallow and maize/cassava intercropping were included. Level (minimum) and mound tillage with hoes was adopted for the cultivated areas under study after 4 and 6 year fallow periods. Under fallow, the soil bulk density decreased from1.56 to 1.11 t m73.The continuously cropped treatment (level tillage) had significantly higher bulk density than the fallowed subplots after 6 years. Mean soil penetrometer resistance ranged from 75 to 157 kPa for fallowed plots and from 192 to 295 kPa for the continuously cropped (level tillage) subplot. Surface soilwater contentswere similar for all the treatments during the soil strength measurements. Although soil aggregates were generally of low stability and not well formed, they were improved by fallowing.Soil structural improvement by planted fallows was similar to that by natural fallow, but the trees were more promising for long‐term fallow (>6 years) than the herbaceous P. phaseoloides. However, the improvement in soil structure after 4 or 6 year fallow could not be maintained in subsequent cropping. Furthermore, the significant improvement in soil bulk density caused by A. auriculiformis and natural fallow was more rapidly lost on the cultivated subplots compared with other fallow treatments. Thus, soil structure recovery under a fallow does not imply a sustained improvement when stress is applied to this soil. Post‐fallow soil management options such as residue incorporation and tillage to ameliorate compaction or soil strength will be necessary to enhance the improvements by fallow species.
Activation of PDE2 and PDE5 by specific GAF ligands: delayed activation of PDE5
Authors: Jäger Ronald , Schwede Frank , Genieser Hans‐Gottfried , Koesling Doris , Russwurm Michael 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE By controlling intracellular cyclic nucleotide levels, phosphodiesterases (PDE) serve important functions within various signalling pathways. The PDE2 and PDE5 families are allosterically activated by their substrate cGMP via regulatory so‐called GAF domains. Here, we set out to identify synthetic ligands for the GAF domains of PDE2 and PDE5.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using fluorophore‐tagged, isolated GAF domains of PDE2 and PDE5, promising cGMP analogues were selected. Subsequently, the effects of these analogues on the enzymatic activity of PDE2 and PDE5 were analysed.KEY RESULTS The PDE2 ligands identified, 5,6‐DM‐cBIMP and 5,6‐DCl‐cBIMP, caused pronounced, up to 40‐fold increases of the cAMP‐ and cGMP‐hydrolysing activities of PDE2. The ligand for the GAF domains of PDE5, 8‐Br‐cGMP, elicited a 20‐fold GAF‐dependent activation and moreover revealed a time‐dependent increase in PDE5 activity that occurred independently of a GAF ligand. Although GAF‐dependent PDE5 activation was fast at high ligand concentrations, it was slow at physiologically relevant cGMP concentrations; PDE5 reached its final catalytic rates at 1 µM cGMP after approximately 10 min.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that the delayed activation of PDE5 is required to shape biphasic, spike‐like cGMP signals. Phosphorylation of PDE5 further enhances activity and conserves PDE5 activation, thereby enabling PDE5 to act as a molecular memory balancing cGMP responses to nitric oxide or natriuretic peptide signals.
The Rise of World History Studies in Twentieth‐Century China
Authors: Xu Luo 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe essay is a brief survey of the rise of world history studies in China. It traces the origin of the political and academic interest in the world outside of China back to the mid‐nineteenth century, and discusses the growth and changes in the institution, curriculum, and ideology in China’s world history field in the twentieth century and the early years of the twenty‐first century. The emphasis of the essay is on the development of world history studies during the six decades of the People’s Republic of China after 1949, first under Soviet influence, and then under Western influence. It also addresses Chinese historians’ persistent effort to search for their own identity and build a Chinese system of world history studies.
Budd–Chiari syndrome: illustrated review of current management
Authors: Horton John D. , San Miguel Francisco L. , Ortiz Jorge A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBudd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction at any level from the small hepatic veins to the atriocaval junction. BCS is a complex disease with a wide spectrum of aetiologies and presentations. This article reviews the current literature with respect to presentation, management and prognosis of the disease. Medical, interventional and surgical management of BCS is discussed. Particular attention is paid to interventional and surgical aspects of management. The review is augmented by images, which provide a clinical corollary to the text.
Induction of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 gene transcription by tumour necrosis factor α via the p50/p50 homodimer of nuclear factor‐κ B in activated human hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Hozawa Shigenari , Nakamura Tetsuya , Nakano Masaru , Adachi Masayuki , Tanaka Hirotoshi , Takahashi Yoko , Tetsuya Mine , Miyata Naoteru , Soma Hiromitsu , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground/Aims: Liver injury results in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which in turn produce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in response to pro‐inflammatory cytokines for tissue remodelling. This study explored the transcriptional induction of the MMP‐1 gene by tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in HSCs.Methods: The LI90 human HSC line was used in the present study. Gelatin zymography, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, Northern blotting and gene promoter–reporter assays were used to analyse the induction of MMP‐1 protein, mRNA expression and gene transcription respectively. Deletional or site‐directed mutations were introduced into the promoter region and transiently transfected into LI90 cells to determine the cis‐acting elements necessary for TNF‐α inducibility. Gel shift mobility assays were used to determine the transcriptional factors involved in the TNF‐α responsiveness.Results: TNF‐α upregulated MMP‐1 protein and mRNA expression in a dose‐dependent manner. A time–course experiment revealed a rapid induction of MMP‐1 mRNA expression after TNF‐α treatment. Mutation in a putative nuclear factor (NF)‐κB‐binding site at −2541 bp almost completely abolished the TNF‐α response to MMP‐1 gene‐promoter activity, suggesting transcriptional regulation of MMP‐1 expression by TNF‐α via this site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift assays indicated that this transcriptional regulation was regulated via the p50/p50 homodimer of NF‐κB.Conclusions: MMP‐1 gene expression might be induced by TNF‐α via the p50/p50 homodimer of NF‐κB in activated human HSCs.
A Study of the Kinetics of Dye Transfer in the Rub‐fastness Testing of a Vat Dye
Authors: Suganuma Keiko , Kuno Hiroshi 
Published: August 2010

†Faculty of Science and Technology Keio University Hiyoshi Yokohama JapanThe kinetics of the crocking (rub fastness) behaviour of a vat dye ha ve been investigated in dry and wet conditions. It is suggested that the dye removal process can be treated as a reversible first‐order reaction. A measure of the kinetic properties of the rubbing process can be given by the rate constant (k,j and/or the equilibrium constant (K) of the reaction. The effects of the force applied during rubbing on these constants were also studied.
Analgesic Techniques in Minor Painful Procedures in Neonatal Units: A Survey in Northern Italy
Authors: Codipietro Luigi , Bailo Elena , Nangeroni Marco , Ponzone Alberto , Grazia Giuseppe 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current practice regarding pain assessment and pain management strategies adopted in commonly performed minor painful procedures in Northern Italian Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).Methods:  A multicenter survey was conducted between 2008 and 2009 in 35 NICUs. The first part of the survey form covered pain assessment tools, the timing of analgesics, and the availability of written guidelines. A second section evaluated the analgesic strategies adopted in commonly performed painful procedures. The listed analgesic procedures were as follows: oral sweet solutions alone, non‐nutritive sucking (NNS) alone, a combination of sweet solutions and NNS, breast‐feeding where available, and topical anesthetics.Results:  Completed questionnaires were returned from 30 neonatal units (85.7% response rate). Ten of the 30 NICUs reported using pain assessment tools for minor invasive procedures. Neonatal Infant Pain Scale was the most frequently used pain scale (60%). Twenty neonatal units had written guidelines directing pain management practices. The most frequently used procedures were pacifiers alone (69%), followed by sweet‐tasting solutions (58%). A 5% glucose solution was the most frequently utilized sweet‐tasting solution (76.7%). A minority of NICUs (16.7%) administered 12% sucrose solutions for analgesia and the application of topical anesthetics was found in 27% of NICUs while breast‐feeding was performed in 7% of NICUs.Discussion:  This study found a low adherence to national and international guidelines for analgesia in minor procedures: the underuse of neonatal pain scales (33%), sucrose solution administration before heel lance (23.3%), topical anesthetics before venipuncture, or other analgesic techniques. The presence of written pain control guidelines in these regions of Northern Italy increased in recent years (from 25% to 66%).
False‐positive alarms for bacterial screening of platelet concentrates with BacT/ALERT new‐generation plastic bottles: a multicenter pilot study
Authors:   GERMS Group
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: The microbial detection system BacT/ALERT (bioMérieux) is widely used to monitor bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs). Recently, the manufacturer introduced polycarbonate culture bottles and a modified pH‐sensitive liquid emulsion sensor as microbial growth indicator. This reconfigured assay was investigated in a routine setting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In each of eight transfusion centers, samples from 500 consecutive PCs were monitored for 1 week. For all PCs with a positive BacT/ALERT signal, retained samples and, if available, original PC containers and concomitant red blood cell concentrates were analyzed independently. Initially BacT/ALERT‐positive PCs without bacterial identification in any sample were defined as false‐positive. BacT/ALERT‐positive PCs with bacteria in the first sample only were called potentially positive. PCs with bacteria in the first sample and the same strain in at least one additional sample were accepted as positive.RESULTS: Five PCs (0.13%) were positive, 9 PCs (0.23%) were potentially positive, and 35 PCs (0.9%) were false‐positive. The rate of false‐positive BacT/ALERT results varied substantially between centers (<0.2%‐3.2%). Tracings from false‐positive cultures lacked an exponential increase of the signal during incubation. Most of these false‐positives were due to malfunctioning cells in various BacT/ALERT incubation units.CONCLUSION: Careful assessment of individual tracings of samples with positive signals helps to identify malfunctioning incubation units. Their early shutdown or replacement minimizes the high rate of unrectifiable product rejects attributed to false‐positive alarms and avoids unnecessary concern of doctors and patients after conversion to a reconfigured BacT/ALERT assay.
Incidence of Wra antigen and anti‐Wra in a Spanish population
Authors: Arriaga Francisco , Llopis Francisco , De La Rubia Javier , Carpio Nelly , Moscardó Jesús , Marty María L. 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: This study reports the incidence of Wra antigen and anti‐Wra in Valencia, Spain.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The incidence of the Wra antigen in 110,000 healthy blood donors was estimated. Likewise, the incidence of anti‐Wra was analyzed in a population consisting of 730 healthy blood donors, 356 pregnant women, and 581 patients who received transfusions from the area of Valencia, Spain.RESULTS: The incidence of Wra antigen was 1 in 785. Overall, anti‐Wra was found in 59 samples: 20 healthy blood donors (1/37), 18 pregnant women (1/20), and 21 patients who received transfusions (1/28). The most frequent immunoglobulin class of anti‐Wra in healthy blood donors was immunoglobulin M, either alone (8 cases) or plus immunoglobulin G (IgG; 8 cases); the IgG1 and IgG3 were the IgG subclasses most frequently detected in pregnant women (12 cases) and in patients who received transfusions (12 cases). Only 51 percent of the anti‐Wra appeared to have the potential to be clinically significant.CONCLUSION: These data show that the incidence of Wra antigen and anti‐Wra among the population from Valencia is similar to that reported in other European areas and suggest that the development of anti‐Wra is facilitated by the presence of a hyperactive immune system. The clinical relevance of anti‐Wra is limited, however.
High‐level long‐term white blood cell microchimerism after transfusion of leukoreduced blood components to patients resuscitated after severe traumatic injury
Authors: Lee Tzong‐Hae , Paglieroni Teresa , Utter Garth H. , Chafets Daniel , Gosselin Robert C. , Reed William , Owings John T. , Holland Paul V. , Busch Michael P. 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Long‐term white blood cell (WBC) microchimerism (MC), of at least 2 years, has been reported in trauma patients receiving fresh nonleukoreduced (non‐LR) blood. It is unknown, however, whether this occurs with LR blood products that are nearly devoid of WBCs. Twenty‐seven patients transfused with LR and non‐LR blood products were studied after severe traumatic injury. A secondary aim was to explore donor‐recipient mixed lymphocyte reactivity in vitro.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To quantify MC, allele‐specific real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays were developed targeting HLA Class II sequence polymorphisms. Extensive validation showed that these assays reliably detect a single copy of target sequence in a complex allogeneic background without false positivity.RESULTS: At a median follow‐up of 26 months (range, 24‐39 months), long‐term MC was observed in 3 of 20 patients (15%) who received non‐LR blood products and 2 of 7 (29%) who received LR blood products. The maximum MC ranged from 0.40 to 4.90 percent of circulating WBCs and appeared, by Class II genotype analysis, to be attributable to a single donor.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that robust levels of long‐term MC, apparently traceable to a single donor, occur at similar frequency despite leukoreduction of transfused blood products. Exploratory analysis of donor‐recipient mixed lymphocyte reactivity suggests that long‐term MC may require a state of bidirectional tolerance before transfusion.
Increased Potassium Permeability Induced In Vitro by Menadione in Normal Human Red Cells
Authors: Vettore Luciano , de Matteis Maria Concetta , Falezza Gian Carlo 
Published: August 2010

Normal red blood cells, preincubated for 75 min with 1.15 mM menadione sodium bisulfite lose potassium and water on subsequent incubation at 37° C for 24 h without menadione.The potassium loss is increased by addition of calcium and prevented by addition of glucose.Since normal red cells treated with menadione behave like untreated hypochromic cells, both from β‐thalassaemia or iron deficiency anaemia in respect to membrane permeability to potassium, it may be supposed that menadione induces in normal red cells an abnormality similar to that naturally occurring in hypochromic cells.
PREVENTION OF CLOSURE OF AORTO‐CORONARY VENOUS BYPASS GRAFTS
Authors: DALE J. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYAorto‐coronary saphenous vein bypass graft implantation has led to a considerable relief of angina in a great majority of patients. Their functional capacity has been increased, and life possibly prolonged. During the postoperative period approximately ten per cent of the grafts occlude because of thrombosis, and later 2–3 per cent occlude per year. The angina returns in some patients, which is related either to graft closure or to progression of arteriosclerotic disease in the coronary arteries. A randomized clinical study has therefore been started in 142 patients in order to prevent graft closure. Two to three days after operation, one group of 72 receive acefylsalicylic acid, one gm. daily, and anticoagulants, while the 70 patients in the control group receive no antithrombotic drugs, and are asked to avoid antiinflammatory agents. After 18 to 24 months, they are admitted for follow‐up, including recatheterization with selective angiography of coronary arteries or grafts. The effect of therapy will be assessed from graft patency alone.
Oral disease in the elderly in long‐term hospital care
Authors: Samaranayake LP , Wilkieson CA , Lamey P‐J , MacFarlane TW 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: To obtain baseline information on the prevalence of oral problems and disease in institutionalized elderly in a Scottish hospital.DESIGN: A cross‐sectional clinical investigation with complementary microbiological studies as appropriate. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 147 elderly in five long‐term care wards; collection of demographic data; clinical examination to determine: i) the dental, and denture status and associated lesions such as Candida‐associated denture stomatitis and angular cheilitis, ii) oral mucosal disease; swabs as appropriate for microbiology.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dental status, root caries prevalence; denture status and hygiene, and associated disease; oral mucosal health.RESULTS Median period of institutionalization of 147 patients was 15 months and 65% were aged 80 years or more; the majority were significantly mentally impaired; 52% wore complete dentures, 9% were partially dentate, 19% possessed partial or incomplete dentures; 20% were neither dentate nor had dentures. Of 80 patients who verbalired their complaints, 35% complained of dry mouth and 45% had denture‐related problems, principally discomfort. The commonest oral finding was a coated tongue (56%); angular cheilitis was present in 25%, and Candida‐associated denture stomatitis in 19%; none had oral ulcers.CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable unmet dental need with significant oral disease and poor levels of oral and denture hygiene in this target group; both dental and medical professionals should act in concert to deliver curative as well as preventative dental care for the elderly living in institutions to improve their quality of life.
The histopathology of oral mucosal lesions associated with amalgam or porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal restorations
Authors: Larsson Å , Warfvinge G 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the interface stomatitis patterns of oral lichenoid lesions in contact with amalgam and to compare these with the histologic changes in oral lesions clinically associated with porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) restorations. To relate these features to the presence of tissue‐bound mercury (Hg).DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of tissue biopsies, with clinical data collected via a complementary questionnaire.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 479 biopsies diagnosed in 1987 as ‘lichenoid reactions’. From these, we retrieved all with amalgam contact and without candida or medication. From 1990–91, all mucosal lesions stated to be associated with PFM restorations were then retrieved for comparative analysis. The biopsies were examined with routine histologic and autometallographic methods. RESULTS: 77 amalgam‐associated lesions were found and could be subdivided into five pre‐defined interface stomatitis types. We found 22 lesions associated with PFM and 20 showed histopathologic features similar to those associated with amalgam. Hg accumulations were detected in the majority of amalgam‐associated but only in part of the PFM‐associated lesions.CONCLUSIONS: Amalgam‐associated lichenoid lesions present a wide spectrum of histopathologic patterns, corresponding to similar patterns in dermatopathology but with no evidence of association with specific disease. PFM‐associated lesions tend to display similar lichenoid features, suggestive of common pathogenetic mechanisms. Hg accumulations may play a role to maintain the chronicity of such oral lichenoid lesions.