bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SDSS J104341.53+085558.2: a second white dwarf with a gaseous debris disc
Authors: Gänsicke B. T. , Marsh T. R. , Southworth J. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Intermediate-resolution spectroscopy of the white dwarf SDSS J104341.53+085558.2 (SDSS J1043+0855) contains double-peaked emission lines of Ca iiλλ8498, 8542, 8662 and identifies this object to be the second single white dwarf to be surrounded by a gaseous disc of metal-rich material, similar to the recently discovered SDSS J1228+1040. A photospheric magnesium abundance of 0.3 times the solar value, determined from the observed Mg iiλ4481 absorption line, implies that the white dwarf is accreting from the circumstellar material. The absence of Balmer emission lines and of photospheric He iλ4471 absorption indicates that the accreted material is depleted in volatile elements and, by analogy with SDSS J1228+1040, may be the result of the tidal disruption of an asteroid. Additional spectroscopy of the DAZ white dwarfs WD 1337+705 and GD 362 does not reveal Ca ii emission lines. GD 362 is one of the few cool DAZ white dwarfs that display strong infrared flux excess, thought to be originating in a circumstellar dust disc, and its temperature is probably too low to sublimate sufficient amounts of disc material to generate detectable Ca ii emission. WD 1337+705 is, like SDSS J1228+1040 and SDSS J1043+0855, moderately hot, but has the lowest Mg abundance of those three stars, suggesting a possible correlation between the photospheric Mg abundance and the equivalent width of the Ca ii emission triplet. Our inspection of 7360 white dwarfs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 4 fails to unveil additional strong ‘metal gas disc’ candidates, and implies that these objects are rather rare.
On the detection of very high redshift gamma-ray bursts with Swift
Authors: Salvaterra R. , Campana S. , Chincarini G. , Tagliaferri G. , Covino S. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
We compute the probability of detecting long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) at z≥ 5 with Swift, assuming that GRBs form preferentially in low-metallicity environments. The model fits both the observed Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) and Swift GRB differential peak flux distributions well and is consistent with the number of z≥ 2.5 detections in the 2-yr Swift data. We find that the probability of observing a burst at z≥ 5 becomes larger than 10 per cent for photon fluxes P &lt; 1 ph s−1 cm−2, consistent with the number of confirmed detections. The corresponding fraction of z≥ 5 bursts in the Swift catalogue is ∼10–30 per cent depending on the adopted metallicity threshold for GRB formation. We propose to use the computed probability as a tool to identify high-redshift GRBs. By jointly considering promptly available information provided by Swift and model results, we can select reliable z≥ 5 candidates in a few hours from the BAT detection. We test the procedure against last year Swift data: only three bursts match all our requirements, two being confirmed at z≥ 5. Another three possible candidates are picked up by slightly relaxing the adopted criteria. No low-z interloper is found among the six candidates.
CHANGES IN QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF TURKEY DÖNER DURING FROZEN STORAGE
Authors: ERGÖNÜL BÜLENT , KUNDAKCI AKİF 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to determine the quality changes of turkey döner during frozen storage. Turkey döner was prepared from turkey breast meat and stored under frozen conditions at −18C for 7.5 months. In 45‐day intervals, chemical and sensory analyses were performed. The main changes that took place in turkey döner during frozen storage were investigated by means of sensory assessments, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and pH values. Peroxide, TBA and pH values were significantly (P < 0.05) different following frozen storage, but were under the upper limits. All of the measurements indicated that turkey döner kept its good quality at −18C for 7.5 months.
Spatial and temporal changes of hydrogeochemistry in ancient tank cascade systems in Sri Lanka: evidence for a constructed wetland
Authors: Mahatantila Kushani , Chandrajith Rohana , Jayasena H. A. H. , Ranawana K. B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe tank cascade system (TCS) in Sri Lanka is one of the most advanced water‐conveyance mechanisms among the medieval hydraulic civilizations in the world. In this study, temporal and spatial variations of the hydrogeochemistry of a small cascade system were investigated. A cascade system at Malagane in the Deduru Oya basin, located in the north‐west of Sri Lanka, was selected. Measurements of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, sulphates, alkalinity, chloride, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were carried out fortnightly throughout the year, to understand the nutrient dynamics in TCSs. Most parameters show a decreasing trend when water passes through ‘Thaulla’, which is located in the upper peripheral region of the tank. However, phosphate behaves differently, probably due to human activities that dominated along the tank bund. The results suggested thatThaulla, which abounds with numerous hydrophytes, acts as an active ‘constructed wetland’ and efficiently removes pollutants in order to sustain the system. The water quality monitoring described in this paper provides evidence for the wetland function ofThaullain the ancient irrigation hydraulic system in Sri Lanka.
Institutional competitiveness in the global economy: Denmark, the United States, and the varieties of capitalism
Authors: Campbell John L. , Pedersen Ove K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDespite high taxes, a large welfare state, and much economic regulation, Denmark competes successfully against other advanced capitalist economies. Denmark’s success is based in large part on its institutional competitiveness – its capacity to achieve socioeconomic success as a result of the competitive advantages that firms derive from operating within a particular set of institutions. The institutional basis for successfully coordinating labor markets and vocational training programs are examined for Denmark and the US – two countries that were very different institutionally but very successful in the 1990s and in the 2000s. We show that there is no one best way to achieve success in today’s global economy, except with respect to social inequality; that the mechanisms underlying institutional competitiveness are more complex than often recognized; that institutional hybrids can be as successful as purer political economic cases; and that high taxes and state spending can enhance socioeconomic performance. As such, this paper challenges both neoliberalism and the varieties of capitalism school of comparative political economy.
Globalization and institutional competitiveness
Authors: Marcussen Martin , Kaspersen Lars Bo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOnly dead institutions do not change and only rarely do institutions change by themselves. To maintain performing institutions takes institutional entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks and who possess the capacity and the talent to innovate. A regulation discourse, in contrast to a marketization discourse, would not picture the relationship between globalization and institutional change as a deterministic one. Rather, it would expect that all kinds of actors play a large number of different roles in the course of ongoing institutional change. The result of such complex institutional change, at the level of welfare states, multinational businesses, public administration, and training systems, to mention just a few of the empirical areas covered in this special issue, cannot be fully understood by applying an overly rigid, static, and dualistic approach to modern capitalist economies. The concept of institutional competitiveness, on the contrary, allows for institutional entrepreneurship and institutional hybrids constituting pulsating polities.
Application of flow cytometry‐based genotyping for rapid detection of hemoglobin variants
Authors: ASLANIAN S. , AZIMI M. , NOBLE J. , HOPPE C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe hemoglobinopathies represent a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. Clinically important hemoglobin variants have been increasingly reported in the USA. Consequently, rapid and accurate testing methods are needed to address the growing diagnostic challenges of identifying these variants. To evaluate the utility of the Luminex LabMAPTM system for hemoglobinopathy testing, we adapted single base primer extension (SBPE) to this platform to detect 11 clinically important hemoglobin variants. Clinical samples from 11 individuals were tested for five β‐globin mutations (C‐Harlem, D‐Iran, Fannin‐Lubbock and Hope) and six α‐globin mutations (J‐Toronto, Hasharon, G‐Philadelphia, G‐Norfolk, Constant‐Spring and Quong‐Sze). Two separate multiplexed SBPE assays were developed. Biotinylated amplification products were hybridized to fluorescent microspheres tagged with allele‐specific capture probes and analyzed by flow cytometry on the Luminex100 instrument. The median fluorescent intensity (MFI) ranged from 1255 to 7478 fluorescence units (FU) and from 282 to 2609 FU above background for all positive β‐globin and α‐globin alleles, respectively. Using the highest background MFI + 3 SD as a conservative threshold, MFI values uniformly discriminated wild type from mutant alleles, and genotypes were correctly identified in all samples tested. This pilot study demonstrates the potential application of the Luminex LabMAPTM genotyping platform to newborn screening for definitive hemoglobinopathy testing.
Oval cell proliferation in cirrhosis in rats. An experimental study
Authors: Tsamandas Athanassios C. , Antonacopoulou Anna , Kalogeropoulou Christine , Tsota Irene , Zabakis Peter , Giannopoulou Efstathia , Liava Anna , Tzelepi Vassiliki , Tepetes Konstantinos , Petsas Theodore , Kardamakis Dimitrios , Kalofonos Haralabos P. 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  Oval cells are liver stem cells involved in liver regeneration following liver damage. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment with a hepatocyte inhibitor is required to allow full oval cell activation. This study investigates whether oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocyte inhibitor.Methods:  The study comprised 66 male Wistar rats divided into two groups: A (n = 6): controls; and B (n = 60): CCl4 injection (intraperitoneally 2 mL/kg bodyweight 1:1 volume in corn oil twice weekly). Rats were sacrificed at four, eight and 12 weeks. Liver tissues were evaluated for the degree of fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), cell proliferation (Ki67 antigen), expression of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA (RT–PCR and in situ hybridization), AFP protein (Western blot) and cytokeratin‐19. Cells with morphologic features of oval cells that were cytokeratin 19 (CK19)+ and AFP mRNA+ were scored in morphometric analysis.Results:  Oval cells were present in all 66 specimens; their percentage was higher in group B compared to group A (P < 0.001). AFP mRNA and protein expression increased as fibrosis advanced. Similarly, the numbers of CK19+, AFP mRNA+ and Ki67+ oval cells were higher in advanced fibrosis stages.Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocytic inhibitor. However, further research is warranted in order to identify the exact molecular mechanisms involved in this process.
Radiation‐induced hepatic toxicity after radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shim Su J. , Seong Jinsil , Lee Ik J. , Han Kwang H. , Chon Chae Y. , Ahn Sang H. 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to analyze hepatic toxicity following radiotherapy combined with regional chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  From 2001 to 2003, a total of 132 patients with HCC received 3‐D conformal radiation therapy (3D‐CRT) combined with chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups based on drug localization: the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) group, where the chemotherapeutic drug (adriamycin) was localized within the tumor, and the non‐TACE group, where the drugs (adriamycin, cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil) were diffusely spread over the entire liver.Results:  Patients were evaluated by biochemical parameters for any hepatic toxicity prior to, during, and until 12 months after 3D‐CRT. Hepatic toxicity was defined as radiation‐induced liver disease (RILD) or combined modality‐induced liver disease (CMILD), which is defined as RILD with abnormal elevation of total bilirubin levels. In the TACE group, three patients developed RILD (5.6%) and none developed CMILD. In the non‐TACE group, three patients (3.7%) and seven patients (8.8%) developed RILD and CMILD, respectively.Conclusion:  Hepatic toxicity following radiotherapy combined with regional chemotherapy for HCC might be influenced by the distribution of the chemotherapeutic drugs. A more precise understanding of hepatic toxicity from chemoradiotherapy will help design optimal treatments for HCC.
Influence of age and gender in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yatsuji Satoru , Hashimoto Etsuko , Tobari Maki , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Shiratori Keiko 
Published: July 2007

Aim: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered to be a manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Because prevalence and severity of metabolic syndrome are different according to ages, gender and ethnic group, it is speculated that the clinicopathological features of NASH may also vary in relation to these factors. The present study was performed to clarify the influence of age and gender on the development of Japanese NASH.Subjects: One hundred 93 biopsy‐proven NASH patients (86 women and 107 men) were included in this cross‐sectional study. The patients were separately analyzed by generation; a younger group (<55 years old) and an older group (≥55 years old). These groups were compared for their clinical and histological features. Independent risk factors for advanced fibrosis were also analyzed.Results: Comparison of our younger and older groups showed that older patients had much more advanced fibrosis than the younger ones (advanced fibrosis: 23.8%; youngergroup vs. 54.3%; older group,P < 0.001). Women were predominant in the older group (23.8%; younger group vs. 67.4%; older group,P < 0.001). According to the multivariate analysis for risk factors for advanced fibrosis, age (P = 0.007) and BMI (P = 0.028) were independent predictors of advanced fibrosis in the younger group. In contrast, the absence of hyperlipidemia (P = 0.042) was the only significant independent predictor of advanced fibrosis in the older group. Gender was not a risk factor for the severity of NASH.Conclusions: Clinicians need to be aware of age‐ and gender‐specific differences when assessing the characteristics of NASH, and the findings may be useful for prevention and treatment of this disease.
Abnormal function and glucose metabolism in the type-2 diabetic db/db mouse heartThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Dysfunction, Dhalla 70th Birthday Tribute.
Authors: Panagia Marcello , Schneider Jürgen E. , Brown Ben , Cole Mark A. , Clarke Kieran 
Published: July 2007

This study examined cardiac function and glucose metabolism in the 6-month-old db/db mouse, a model of type-2 diabetes. Cine magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI) was used to measure cardiac function in vivo. The db/db mice had decreased heart rates (17%, p < 0.01) and stroke volumes (21%, p < 0.05) that resulted in lower cardiac output (35%, p < 0.01) than controls. Although there was no difference in ejection fraction between the 2 groups, db/db mouse hearts had a 35% lower maximum rate of ejection (p < 0.01) than controls. In a protocol designed to assess maximal insulin-independent glucose uptake, hearts were isolated and perfused in Langendorff mode and subjected to 0.75 mL·min–1·(g wet mass)–1 low flow ischemia for 32 min. Glucose uptake during ischemia was 21% lower than in controls, and post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function was decreased by 30% in db/db mouse hearts (p < 0.05). Total cardiac GLUT 4 protein was 56% lower (p < 0.01) in db/db mice than in controls. In summary, the db/db mouse has abnormal left ventricular function in vivo, with impaired glucose uptake during ischemia, leading to increased myocardial damage.
Vascular endothelium: target or victim of cytostatic therapy?This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Dysfunction, Dhalla 70th Birthday Tribute.
Authors: Romanov Yuri A. , Chervontseva Alevtina M. , Savchenko Valery G. , Smirnov Vladimir N. 
Published: July 2007

Chemotherapy continues to be the main therapeutic approach in the treatment of hematological malignancies including acute leukemia. Generally, chemotherapy is used to eliminate cancer cells and to restore normal bone marrow function. Simultaneous action of cytostatic drugs on bone marrow angiogenesis decreases the formation of new capillaries and improves therapeutic effect. However, chemotherapeutic agents may also be cytodestructive for cellular elements of other tissues, particularly the vascular endothelium, which can lead to various cardiovascular complications. In this work, we studied the effects of 2 cytostatic drugs, cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) and daunorubicin (DNR), on cultured human vascular (i.e., umbilical) endothelial cells (ECs). Ara-C and DNR were added to cultured cells at concentrations ranging from 1 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL. Drug effects were studied using phase-contrast microscopy, cell viability tests, BRDU incorporation, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cell cloning. At various concentrations, ara-C and DNR are able to induce morphological and functional changes in cultured cells related to either cytostatic or cytotoxic action. Moreover, ara-C-treated cultured cells displayed significant disturbances in cell adhesion molecule expression and interaction with blood leukocytes. Preliminary data obtained on acute leukemia patients undergoing standard cytostatic therapy (“7+3” regimen) have shown that concentration of the circulating ECs was significantly increased compared with the control group and could be as high as 500–1500 cells/mL of blood. Results obtained suggest that anticancer chemotherapy may induce systemic damage of vascular endothelium related to massive cell loss and (or) alterations of endothelial function.
A DC PLASMA DISCHARGE SOURCE AND ITS APPLICATION TO SYNTHESIS OF CARBON AND CARBON NITRIDE THIN FILMS
Authors: YANG B. Q. , FENG P. X. 
Published: July 2007

In the present work, a novel DC glow discharge source with configurations of hollow cathode electrodes had been developed. Discharge properties of the plasma source had been characterized. Experimental data indicated that the discharge current of the plasma source increased with the discharge voltage. The phase change of the discharge was observed with the increase of gas pressures. After characterization, the hollow cathode electrodes was used to sputtering deposition of both carbon and carbon nitride films. All samples were characterized by using Raman scattering spectroscopy. Typical D- and G-bands in the Raman spectrum of the samples were identified. In the case of carbon nitride films, the intensity ratio of D- and G-bands changed greatly with the deposition period of time. The shifts of D- and G-ands were also observed. In the case of carbon films, the intensity ratio of D- and G-bands slightly increased with an increase of the helium gas pressure from 100 to 200 Pa. The peak positions of the bands remained nearly unchanged with the variation of the helium gas pressure.
Price Discovery across the Stock Index Futures and the ETF Markets: Intra-Day Evidence from the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100 and DJIA Indices
Authors: Hseu Mei-Maun , Chung Huimin , Sun Erh-Yin 
Published: July 2007

This paper investigates the intra-day price dynamics of the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100 and DJIA indices for the periods both before and after the Nasdaq market crash which occurred between March 2000 and March 2001. We explore the relative price efficiencies of the three indices in the spot, futures, E-mini futures and ETF markets, and find that a cointegrating relationship existed between the three indices during the period after the crash. This would seem to imply that in the aftermath of the crash, the three indices shared common macroeconomic fundamentals. We find that where there is some disturbance in the equilibrium relationship between the indices, the market which adjusts to retain equilibrium is the Nasdaq-100 market. In the long run, the S&P 500 index leads the other index contracts, a finding which is consistent with the trading cost hypothesis. Nevertheless, the Nasdaq-100 index retains short-run price leadership over both the S&P 500 and DJIA indices.
On the Aquedah in Modern Philosophy
Authors: Levy Ze'ev 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe story of the Aquedah represents one of the most moving stories of the Bible. Most modern discussions on it take their point of departure from Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling. I shall do so too in this essay, which focuses on the relations between ethics and religious belief and tries to show that Kierkegaard misinterpreted the story. The inquiry analyzes philosophical responses to the Aquedah from Philo and Jewish and non-Jewish philosophers until the present. It underscores its paradoxical implications, including a structuralist analysis and comparison of the Aquedah with the biblical story of Yephta's daughter. The final conclusion asserts that what Kierkegaard extolled, Judaism condemns as sacrilege.
Dowry or Inheritance? Kinship, Property, And Women's Agency in Lisbon, Venice, and Florence (1572)
Authors: Sperling Jutta 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe marital property regimes, inheritance practices, and kinship structures of Renaissance Italy and early modern Portugal were at opposite ends of a spectrum. In Italy, the legitimacy of marriage was defined as the outcome of dowry exchange governed by exclusio propter dotem, thus conceptually linked to the disinheritance of daughters and wives. In Portugal, where the Roman principle of equal inheritance was never abolished, domestic unions qualified as marriages insofar as joint ownership was established. Kinship structures were rigidly agnatic in Italy, but cognatic, even residually matrilineal, in Portugal. An investigation of notarial records from Lisbon, Venice, and Florence shows how women's capacity for full legal agency as property owners in both societies differed. Female legal agency, however, whether measured by women's capacity to engage in property transactions independently of their marital status (Portugal), or as the manipulation of limited legal resources, even resistance against a system of dispossession (Italy), always unfolded within the context of larger agendas that were beyond women's control, such as the processes of state formation in medieval Italy and empire-building in Portugal.