bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyacrylonitrile‐Derived 1D Carbon Structures via Template Wetting and Electrospinning
Authors: Khanderi Jayaprakash , Schneider Jörg J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn‐situ polymerisation of acrylonitrile as well as a DMF solution‐phase impregnation of polyacrylonitrile, PAN, in porous aluminium oxide templates (PAOX) to synthesise 2D arranged carbon nanotubes with diameters in the range of 40–200 nm were studied. The preparation of graphitised carbon tubes from polyacrylonitrile consists of two steps, first a low‐temperature crosslinking of aromatic ring units at 250 °C, which is followed by a stepwise high‐temperature pyrolysis (carbonisation) in an inert atmosphere in the temperature range between 600–1100 °C. Finally, a graphitisation step was carried out at high temperature above 1500 °C, which however leads to a complete collapse of the structure due to a solid‐state reaction between the template and the PAN infiltrated in the template pores. X‐ray diffraction of the carbonised PAN tubes in PAOX indicates no graphitisation up to curing temperatures of 750 °C. The process of PAN loading and subsequent polymerisation by thermal curing within PAOX was followed by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA/MS), XPS spectroscopy as well as combustion analysis. The presence of nitrogen in the final carbonised product was determined.
Synthesis and Structure of a Chiral Copper(II) Sulfate (C3N2H4)3CuSO4 from Achiral Materials
Authors: Liu Xianchun , Xing Yan , Shao Kuizhan , Li Gaijuan , Xu Ning , Ma Ling 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA novel chiral compound (C3N2H4)3CuSO4 (1) was synthesized at room temperature by using achiral organic amine imidazole as the structure‐directing agent, crystallizing in the chiral space group P212121. Single‐crystal structural analysis reveals that compound 1 consists of alternating CuO2N3 and SO4 units exhibiting a neutral one‐dimensional helical chain.
Common circuit defect of excitatory-inhibitory balance in mouse models of autism
Authors: Gogolla Nadine , LeBlanc Jocelyn J. , Quast Kathleen B. , Südhof Thomas C. , Fagiolini Michela , Hensch Takao K. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
One unifying explanation for the complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may lie in the disruption of excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) circuit balance during critical periods of development. We examined whether Parvalbumin (PV)-positive inhibitory neurons, which normally drive experience-dependent circuit refinement (Hensch Nat Rev Neurosci 6:877–888, 1), are disrupted across heterogeneous ASD mouse models. We performed a meta-analysis of PV expression in previously published ASD mouse models and analyzed two additional models, reflecting an embryonic chemical insult (prenatal valproate, VPA) or single-gene mutation identified in human patients (Neuroligin-3, NL-3 R451C). PV-cells were reduced in the neocortex across multiple ASD mouse models. In striking contrast to controls, both VPA and NL-3 mouse models exhibited an asymmetric PV-cell reduction across hemispheres in parietal and occipital cortices (but not the underlying area CA1). ASD mouse models may share a PV-circuit disruption, providing new insight into circuit development and potential prevention by treatment of autism.
Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Crude Brazilian Pecan Nut Oil during Storage
Authors: Oro Tatiana , Bolini Helena Maria André , Arellano Daniel Barrera , Block Jane Mara 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe physicochemical and sensory characteristics of pecan nut [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] oil obtained by cold pressing and stored at room temperature (average of 22.5 °C) in amber glass flasks for 120 days were determined. The pecan nut oil had an iodine value of 98.4; a refraction index at 40 °C of 1.469; saponification value of 184.3 g/100 g; a peroxide value (PV) of 0.55 mequiv O2/kg; an Oil Stability Index (OSI), i.e. an oxidative stability of 9.8 h and an acid value of 0.13 mg KOH/g. During the storage period, changes in the peroxide value (PV), specific extinction (SE) at 232 nm, acid value, and color of the oil were observed but, after 120 days, the oil still had adequate quality characteristics according to the Brazilian legislation for crude oils. Sensory analysis (descriptive profile and acceptance) showed that the sensory characteristics of pecan nut oil were unaltered for up to 60 days of storage. After 90 days, there was a significant increase in oxidized taste and bitterness, with a reduction in nut taste and acceptability of the oil (p ≤ 0.05). After 120 days of storage, sensory changes became more pronounced and were unacceptable. It was concluded that crude pecan nut oil stored in amber glass flasks at room temperature had a shelf life of 90 days.
Uzbekistan: Psychiatry in transition
Authors: Mundt A. , Heinz A. , Ströhle A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe center of a national medical identity in Uzbekistan is Abu Ali Ibn Sina born in 980 AD representing Islamic medicine and scientific universalism. Psychiatric institutions were founded under Russian influence starting in the late 19th century. Today, the great challenge in psychiatry is the development of a post-Soviet identity integrating Russian and Islamic traditions.
An unexpected effect of 5‐MCA‐NAT in chick retinal development
Authors: de Fatima Sobral Sampaio Lucia 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLuzindole is an unselective antagonist of the melatonin receptors and melatonin's other binding sites, although some exceptions have been observed in chick retinal neurodevelopment, where this unselective antagonist does not block melatonin's inhibitory effect on the adenylate cyclase enzyme, probably due to the presence of some other melatonin receptor(s) or binding site(s). The present study investigated the modulation of cyclic adenosine 3′‐5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) levels via MT3 melatonin‐binding sites, located within the QR2 (dihydronicotinamide riboside: quinone oxidoreductase 2) enzyme, by observing the response to luzindole. Embryonic and post‐hatch retinas, incubated with a selective agonist for the MT3 melatonin‐binding site 5‐methoxycarbonylamino‐N‐acetyltryptamine (5‐MCA‐NAT, 10 or 100 nM), had an increase in cAMP accumulation relative to control retinas. Luzindole (5 μM) inhibited the 5‐MCA‐NAT stimulatory effect at all ages tested. The agonist 5‐MCA‐NAT enhanced the melatonin inhibitory effect on cAMP levels stimulated by forskolin (5 μM), but not the stimulatory forskolin effect. The results suggest that MT3 melatonin‐binding sites are present in embryonic and post‐hatch chick retinas and that luzindole more selectively blocks the 5‐MCA‐NAT effect on cAMP accumulation than it blocks the melatonin inhibitory effect via G protein‐coupled receptors in chick retinal neurodevelopment.
Disease progression meta‐analysis model in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ito Kaori , Ahadieh Sima , Corrigan Brian , French Jonathan , Fullerton Terence , Tensfeldt Thomas ,   Alzheimer's Disease Working Group
Published: July 2009

BackgroundVarious authors have evaluated disease progression in Alzheimer's disease (AD), using patient data from individual clinical studies or pooled data across various trials. We conducted a systematic review of public data sources from 1990 to 2008 for all available AChE inhibitor studies, as well as clinical studies that evaluated the rate of deterioration in AD patients. Unique to this analysis, we developed a model based on literature data to describe the longitudinal response in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive (ADAS‐cog) (change from baseline) in mild to moderate severity AD patients. The model was used to estimate disease progression for both placebo‐treated patients and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)‐inhibitor treated patients, and factors that affected disease progression.MethodsWe collected 576 mean ADAS‐cog changes from baseline data points of 52 trials, representing data from approximately 19,972 patients and more than 84,000 individual observations. The model described the rate of disease progression, the evident placebo effect, and the symptomatic effect of AChE‐inhibitors. Baseline ADAS‐cog, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, age, and year of publication were tested as covariates.ResultsThe disease progression in mild to moderate AD patients across all available and relevant literature sources was estimated as 5.5 points per year. An Emax‐type model best described the symptomatic drug effect of AChE inhibitors. The rate of disease progression (underlying disease progression) was no different between placebo and AChE‐inhibitors groups. Baseline ADAS‐cog is a significant covariate in disease progression. Baseline age was also tested as a covariate in the rate of disease progression, but the model was unable to describe any effects of age, likely because of the narrow distribution of mean age (literature‐level analysis). There was no significant impact of publication year in the model.ConclusionsBaseline ADAS‐cog is a significant covariate affecting the rate of disease progression, and it describes or at least explains the different rates of deterioration evident in early or late stages of the disease. There was no significant impact of publication year in the model, suggesting that disease progression has not slowed in more recent trials.
Growth rates and age-size relationships of tropical wet forest trees in Costa Rica
Authors: Lieberman Diana , Lieberman Milton , Hartshorn Gary , Peralta Rodolfo 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTDiameter growth rates and age-size relationships are reported for 45 abundant tree species and one liana in tropical wet forest at La Selva, Costa Rica. Thirteen-year increments in each species were analysed using growth simulation, a stochastic technique which projects growth trajectories.Median growth rates ranged from 0.35 mm yr-1(Anaxagorea crassipetala) to 13.41 mm yr-1) (Stryphnodendron excelsum). Maximum ranges ranged from 0.95 mm yr-1(Quararibea brac-teolosa) to 14.62 mm yr-1(Hernandia didymanthera). Minimum rates ranged from zero growth (Capparis pittieri, Colubrina spinosa, Doliocarpusspp.) to 7.45 mm yr-1(Stryphno dendron excelsum).Projected lifespan (from 100 mm dbh to the maximum dbh for the species) varied from 52 years (Anaxagorea crassipetala, Guatteria inuncta) to 442 years (Carapa guianensis). The mean longevity among the 45 tree species studied is 190 years.Four main patterns of growth behaviour are recognized, based upon longevity and growth rates: (1) understorey species have slow maximum growth rates and short lifespans; (2) shade-tolerant subcanopy trees live around twice as long as understorey trees and grow at approxi-mately the same maximum rates; (3) canopy and subcanopy trees that are shade-tolerant but respond opportunistically to increased light levels have long lifespans and fast maximum growth rates; (4) shade-intolerant canopy and subcanopy species are short-lived and have fast maximum growth rates. Understorey species intergrade with shade-tolerant subcanopy species in terms of growth behaviour; shade-tolerant subcanopy species with opportunistic, shade-tolerant species; and opportunistic, shade-tolerant with shade-intolerant species.Intraspecific variation in growth rates is lower in short-lived trees (understorey species with uniformly slow growth and shade-intolerant species with uniformly rapid growth) than in the two long-lived groups. These patterns are discussed in the context of tree ecophysiology and forest light environments.
General flowering in the climax rain forests of South-east Asia
Authors: Appanah S. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe general flowering of lowland dipterocarp forests of South-east Asia is a unique phenomenon that occurs intermittently, sometimes many years apart, and may be widespread throughout the region or sporadic. During a general flowering a very large number of tree families, including the well-known Dipterocarpaceae, flower and fruit exceptionally heavily. The huge pulse of flowering is echoed by an apparent explosion in the number of pollinators, and this is further augmented by migration of pollinators from the forest fringes. The huge demand for pollinators seems to be solved among several dipterocarps through utilization of tiny, fast breeding, floral-feeding insects such as thrips and hoppers. Competition for pollinators is further reduced through development of sequential flowering among several groups of trees that share similar pollinators. The resulting massive general fruiting seems to contribute to a heightened level of faunal activity and numbers. This long-intervalled flowering and fruiting phenology which dominates these lowland dipterocarp forests may have partly contributed to the lowered animal biomass frequently alluded to when these forests are compared with neotropical forests.
Roosting site selection by Artibeus watsoni (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) on Anthurium ravenii (Araceae) in Costa Rica
Authors: Choe Jae C. , Timm Robert M. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTArtibeus watsoni (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) was found in Costa Rica to alter the shape of 11 species of broad-leafed plants in the families Araceae, Cyclanthaceae, Maran-taceae, Musaceae, and Palmae to form diurnal roost sites. The plant most commonly used for tent construction was Anthurium ravenii (Araceae). Bats create a tent on A. ravenii by severing the basal 2 to 5 lateral nerves at a distance of 5 to 10 mm from the midrib; the entire margin of the leaf then collapses downward to form a pyramid-shaped tent. The number of altered leaves per plant ranges from 1 to 4 with a mean of 2.1. A. watsoni appears to be selecting leaves of medium size and low within the plant. The size, shape, and location of leaves selected is consistent with the hypothesis that tent construction provides bats with roost sites that will be available to them for a long period of time and provides protection from both predators and the elements, thus conveying a selective advantage to the bats.
A preliminary investigation of small mammal biology in the Kora National Reserve, Kenya
Authors: Alibhai S. K. , Key G. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThis study examined the ecological distribution and abundance of the small mammal fauna in the Kora National Reserve, Kenya. Over a period of eight weeks, 3300 trap-nights yielded 11 species and a total of 298 small mammals. All 11 species were trapped in the diverse nyika habitat, whereas in the riverine habitat five species were trapped and the rock outcrops had only two species. However, the catch per trap-night was the highest on the rock outcrops compared with the riverine and nyika habitats. The duration of prebaiting had a marked effect on both diversity and abundance. With one exception, males of all species were in breeding condition whereas females tended to be more erratic. The biology of small mammal species in Kora in the dry season is discussed.
Nutrient content of litterfall in coniferous forest plantations in central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Bruijnzeel L. A. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTProduction and nutrient content of small litterfall were studied for one year in four plantations ofAgathis dammararanging in age from 7 to 35 years old, in a 12-year-old stand ofPinus merkusiiand in an approximately three-year-old shrub community dominated byEupatoriumspecies. The densePinusplantation produced considerably more litter (10 t/ha/yr, with 5.5 t/ha as needles) than any of theAgathisstands (2.6–6.2 t/ha/yr; 2.3–3.5 t/ha as leaves) or nearby Lower Montane Rain Forest (6.8 t/ha/yr; 5.4 t/ha as leaves). Litterfall in theAgathisforests increased with stand age. The shrubs produced sizeable amounts of litter (3.4 t/ha/yr). The various species responded differently to a drought occurring during the study period.Pine litter generally exhibited low nutrient concentrations (on average 9.2, 1.9, 2.5, 0.4 and 6.0 mg/g of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen respectively in needle litter), whilst concentrations in shrub litter were generally high (37.8, 4.9, 1.4, 1.05 and 21.5 mg/g for the same elements);Agathislitter usually showed nutrient concentrations that were intermediate between those for pine or shrub litterfall with only minor differences between stands. Comparison of the present findings with observations at other tropical sites suggests that nutrient content of litterfall in plantation forests may approach that of natural forests when the former become about 20 years old. Pine plantations may constitute an exception in this regard.
The murundus of the cerrado region of Central Brazil
Authors: de Araujo Neto M. Diniz , Furley P. A. , Haridasan M. , Johnson C. E. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTCampos de murundus (earthmound fields) are common throughout the cerrado (savanna) in Brazil. They have a clearly defined distribution particularly where they are associated with ground water. There is a distinctive woody vegetation on the discrete mounds contrasting with surrounding grass-covered depressions.After a reconnaissance ground and air-photograph survey of the nature and distribution of mounds within the Federal District, four one-hectare plots were chosen for detailed study within the ecological reserve of the University of Brasília. Measurements were made of the size, shape and frequency of mounds. Numbers varied from 26 to 61 ha-1 with a uniform distribution occupying 10–50% of the plots. Heights ranged from 0.05 to over 2 m. The generally semi-elliptical shape in ground plan had an average size of 7 by 5.5 m with no evidence of preferred orientation although water scouring from runoff partly influences the morphology. Volumes varied from 0.01 m3 to 141.5 m3. The soils of the murundus differed from those of surrounding depressions by being better drained, with bright colours and strong cohesive structures; they were more argillic with lower base saturation and pH values. Such sites favour colonization both by cerrado plants and by termites. A classification of the murundus is postulated. Although this paper does not consider the origins of murundus, they appear to relate more closely to drainage and differential erosion than to termite activity.
Chemical plant-soil relationships in tropical forests
Authors: Golley Frank B. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTPlant and soil samples collected from four tropical forest areas were used to examine the correlation between the chemical abundances in soil and vegetation. On fertile soils in Panama and Colombia soil concentrations of copper, manganese, cobalt and zinc were correlated with plant concentrations. Calcium, caesium, iron, lead, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and strontium-concentrations were not correlated. Factor analysis of plant chemistry at nine sites showed very little commonality between sites, even of vegetation belonging to the same plant association. A copper, manganese, cobalt, zinc factor was not recognized except in one case. A similar study of plant soil correlation in Colombia supported the conclusions from Panama; for most elements there was little evidence for significant correlation between plant and soil concentrations.Analysis of plant-soil relationships on very infertile latosols with terra firme forest in the Amazon at San Carlos de Rio Negro, Venezuela and Manaus, Brazil revealed a soil effect on the statistical distributions of the elements in the plant biomass. This effect was strongest on the least fertile site at Manaus and was strongest for essential elements. The pattern of chemical distributions appears to be due to the fact that some species are capable of concentrating high levels of elements even under conditions of very low supply in the substrate.
Phenological changes in a Sumatran rain forest
Authors: Van Schaik C. P. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTPhenological observations were made in a Sumatran rain forest during three years (1980–1982). Phenological changes followed a consistent seasonal pattern. The abundance of young leaves and the fall of leaf litter peaked between December and February (first dry season); flowers were most abundant between January and April (first dry and first wet sea son), and ripe fruits in July-August (the second dry season). The fruit of strangling fig trees showed peaks in April and October, both wet season months. Within the study area there was variation in both the phase and the amplitude of the phenological cycles. One year, 1981, displayed mast flowering and fruiting. The observations indicate that the conditions for production were better during the mast year, a finding that facilitates our understanding of the evolution of mast fruiting.
Soil–plant relations in a natural forest inviolate plot at Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Ola-Adams B. A. , Hall John B. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTTo up-date and extend knowledge of the Akure Strict Natural Reserve an assessment, block by block, of forest in the core of the Inviolate Plot was undertaken in 1974 and complemented with soil sampling. Principal components analysis indicated a gradient of soil reaction and available phosphorus through the core of the plot. Ordination (DECORANA) of floristic data revealed that a floristic trend paralleled the soil trend. In the vicinity of a drainage line, at the western end of the core, soils were lower in available phosphorus, more acid, sandier and texturally more uniform with depth. Typical trees of ferralsols were prominent on these soils but were replaced by species of ferric luvisols, especially members of the Sterculiaceae, on soils of superior nutrient status towards the eastern end. It is suggested that the soil gradients were not effects produced by the trees.Comparison of a 1946 data set with the 1974 data supported the view that the forest had been structurally and floristically stable over the interval between assessments. This is considered justification of the original choice of the area as a Strict Natural Reserve representative of high forest in this part of Nigeria.
Invertebrates in the litter and soil at a range of altitudes on Gunung Silam, a small ultrabasic mountain in Sabah
Authors: Leakey R. J. G. , Proctor John 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe numbers and biomass of litter and soil invertebrate fauna were investigated in six plots at altitudes of 280 m, 330 m, 480 m, 610 m, 790 m and 870 m on Gunung Silam, Sabah, East Malaysia. There were relatively high numbers and biomass in the lower plots, where the Oligochaeta were a high proportion of the total invertebrate biomass. The biomass of other invertebrate groups was low in the soil. There was a marked effect of altitude, particularly for the Oligochaeta above 610 m. The low biomass of the Oligochaeta in the higher plots suggested that the importance of this group may be diminished at relatively low altitudes on small mountains. However, several other soil faunal groups showed no evidence of an altitudinal effect, and it is suggested that the stunted forests near the summits of small mountains such as Gunung Silam may have a different litter and soil fauna from forests of a similar physiognomy at high elevations on large mountains.