bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sr isotopic constraints for the sedimentation rate of deep sea red clays in the southern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Clauer N. , Hoffert M. 
Published: August 2007

Summary
Sedimentological, mineralogical, chemical and Rb-Sr isotopic studies were made on Fe-smectites (nontronites) from deep sea red clays taken from two cores located 100 km apart in the southern Pacific Ocean. They show that: (1) these sediments are authigenic, (2) they contain variable but few amounts of volcanic-derived chemical components, and (3) they were transported from some place in the ocean and deposited at the present-day site. The transportation, which could occur at different periods, was likely induced by the submarine topography and bottom currents.
These observations necessitate a reconsideration of the traditional concept of sedimentation rate for the red clay facies. Although exhibiting considerable similarities, these sediments may correspond to different stages of a submarine sedimentary cycle. A given horizon can therefore reflect a submarine pedological event, a sudden and massive accumulation, or a very low sedimentation of material formed elsewhere. Genetic information is necessary to determine the local sedimentation rates of red clay, and the inconstancy of the sedimentation prevents any generalization on an ocean-wide scale.
Geochronology in the Central Alps: dating of metamorphism, subsequent cooling with Oligocene glaciation, and the development of the recent landscape
Authors: Jäager E. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The first K-Ar and Rb-Sr measurements from the Central Alps immediately revealed that the measured age does not date the metamorphic mica formation but a later event. Samples from areas of simple geological relationship have been analysed to learn which parameters control the age results: biotites of post-metamorphic pegmatites from the Verzasca valley (Ticino) and from adjacent Verzasca gneiss yield identical Rb-Sr ages. The same is true for biotite flakes of 20 cm diameter from open fissures and fine grained biotite from the nearby gneiss. This means that Rb-Sr biotite ages cannot date the climax of the metamorphism nor a compression phase.
When mica ages are related to the Tertiary Lepontine metamorphism of the Central Alps, certain patterns in the regional age distribution can be observed when rocks of granitic composition are analysed:
1. pre-Lepontine-metamorphic Rb-Sr and K-Ar ages on biotites are found only in areas of low grade metamorphism, below the stilpnomelane stability;
2. a zone of intermediate biotite ages (between pre- and post-metamorphic ages) follows metamorphic isograds; for rocks of granitic composition the intermediate age zone corresponds to the zone of Alpine stilpnomelane. In resistant rocks, more basic rocks which are poor in fluid phases, such as pre-Alpine eclogites and granulites, pre-Alpine biotite ages are found, even in rocks from the zone of Alpine chloritoid;
3. within the area of Alpine staurolite only Alpine biotite ages are found, independent of the type of rock and the biotite grain size; within a certain region all samples from granites and
Isotopic and palaeomagnetic evidence for rates of cooling, uplift and erosion
Authors: Dodson M. H. , McClelland-Brown E. 
Published: August 2007

Summary

The use of isotopic and magnetic blocking temperatures to infer cooling history is reviewed in the light of kinetic models of the blocking process. Published isotopic estimates of cooling and uplift (erosion) rates are based upon (a) vertical gradients of fission track ages, (b) age differences amongst isotopic-mineral systems with different blocking temperatures and (c) kinetic analysis of
39
Ar-
40
Ar step-heating experiments. The palaeomagnetic approach to cooling history depends upon thermal demagnetization experiments upon individual samples, from which different blocking temperatures can be assigned to different directions of magnetization having known age relationships. Successive magnetic reversals might in principle be used but only in areas of rapid postorogenic cooling. Where cooling is very slow it may be possible to use apparent polar wander paths to infer cooling rates, as in the mid-Proterozoic of West Greenland. Conversely, in the Grenville Province distinctive components of magnetization have been dated by reference to a cooling history based upon argon-39. In Scotland a study of imposed magnetizations in thermal aureoles of Tertiary dykes provided estimates of ambient temperature at the times at which they were intruded. Cooling (erosion) rates so derived vary bimodally from ~ 30°C (~ 1 km) per million years over periods of ~ 2 x 10
7
years immediately following orogeny, to ~ 1°C (~ 30 m) per million years in cratonic areas over periods of ~ 2 x 10
8
years, and broadly agree with sedimentological estimates.
An interim time-scale
Authors: Snelling N. J. 
Published: August 2007

Summary

The time-scale presented here endeavours to take cognisance of the views expressed in the Symposium, those expressed in other recent publications, notably the reviews and collations of Odin (1982) and Harland
et al.
(1982; based on Armstrong 1978), and the suggestions of the Subcommission on Precambrian Stratigraphy (Sims 1980). The conclusions of the contributors to these various works are not always compatible and this scale involves elements of both compromise and personal judgement. No plus or minus figures have been assigned to the boundaries although estimates of the uncertainty to be attached to the boundaries are commonly to be found in the more recent literature. It should be emphasized that these uncertainties are generally expressions of the limits within which a particular boundary probably lies
according to the author concerned
, they are thus apt to be somewhat subjective.
Scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled heat-altered erythrocytes in diagnosing hyposplenia
Authors: Bröker S. , Schlieck A. , Bauhofer A. , Herbst B. , Béhé M. , Corstens F. H. , Behr T. M. , Görg C. , Gotthardt M. 
Published: August 2007

Summary
Aim: Ultrasound may be a cheap alternative to scintigraphic determination of splenic function. We directly compared nanocolloid scintigraphy (NS), scintigraphy with heat-altered erythrocytes (ES), and colour-coded Doppler sonography (DS) in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD). Patients, methods: 35 patients were included into the study. Clearance rates were determined in ES, spleen/liver ratios (SLR) were measured scintigraphically in ES/NS. In DS, spleen size, echogenicity, and vascular resistance indices (RI) were determined. The results were compared to each other, to the clinical activity scores for CIBD, and to the course of the disease. Results: Based on the blood erythrocyte clearance serving as standard, patients had a good (19 patients), impaired (5), or missing splenic function (11). There was a good correlation of the clearance to SLR in ES (0.63, p <0.01). The 10 min / 45 min ES clearance showed a high correlation (Spearman- Rho 0.87, p <0.01). The SLR in ES at 2, 5, 10 and 45 min also correlated well with each other (Spearman- Rho >0.9, p <0.01; SLR >3.45 normal splenic function, SLR <1.22 indicated hyposplenia). There were no correlations between the results of NS, DS, Howell-Jollybodies, or clinical parameters. Only ES and the erythrocyte clearance correlated well. Howell-Jolly-Bodies detected 1 of 11 patients with hyposplenia while false-positive in 4. Conclusion: Ultrasound and colloid scintigraphy show a low correlation with clearance of heat-altered erythrocytes. Only ES shows a good correlation in patients with CIBD. The clearance at 10 min already reliably determines splenic function. SLR may be determined after 10 minutes and is predictive of normal function if above 3.45 while SLR <1.2 indicated hyposplenia.
Differences in Scapular Upward Rotation between Baseball Pitchers and Position Players
Authors: Laudner Kevin G. , Stanek Justin M. , Meister Keith 
Published: August 2007

Background Baseball pitchers have been reported to have an increased prevalence of shoulder injury compared with position players such as infielders and outfielders. Furthermore, insufficient scapular upward rotation has been empirically linked with several of these shoulder disorders. However, the difference in scapular upward rotation between pitchers and position players is not known. Hypothesis Pitchers will have decreased scapular upward rotation of their dominant shoulders compared with position players. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Dominant shoulder scapular upward rotation was measured with the arm at rest and at 60°, 90°, and 120° of humeral elevation among 15 professional baseball pitchers and 15 position players with no recent history of upper extremity injury. Results Independent t tests showed pitchers have significantly less scapular upward rotation at 60° (3.9°, P = .011) and 90° (4.4°, P = .009) of humeral elevation compared with position players. Conclusion Baseball pitchers have less scapular upward rotation than do position players, specifically at humeral elevation angles of 60° and 90°. Clinical Relevance This decrease in scapular upward rotation may compromise the integrity of the glenohumeral joint and place pitchers at an increased risk of developing shoulder injuries compared with position players. As such, pitchers may benefit from periscapular stretching and strengthening exercises to assist with increasing scapular upward rotation.
Post Impact Compression Strength (PICS) Evaluation of Glass/Epoxy Composite Using a Novel Approach — Effect of Delamination Area
Authors: Vijay Kumar R.L. , Jawali N.D. , Srikanth L. , Rahul Kumar C. , Prakash M. Rajendra , Rao R.M.V.G.K. 
Published: August 2007

Woven glass fabric epoxy composite laminates were subjected to low velocity impacts in an uninstrumented drop weight tester, and the corresponding delamination areas traced. The compression strengths of the composite before and after the impact event were measured adopting a novel technique, consisting of tests on a scaled down version of the standard Boeing-CAI specimen, using a custom designed compression test fixture, in order to facilitate tests within the capacity of an available 100 kN testing machine. Experimental data showed that, as the incident impact energy (Ein) was increased from 10 J to 25 J, the delamination area (Adel) increased from 369 mm2 to 640 mm2, and the compression strength retained was in the range of 62.73% to 43.17% of its virgin strength. Further, a concept of ``Area Retention Factor'' has been introduced to explain the phenomenon causing the compression strength degradation (or its retention) in impact damaged composites.
Regulatory dendritic cells protect against cutaneous chronic graft-versus-host disease mediated through CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Fujita Shigeharu , Sato Yumiko , Sato Kaori , Eizumi Kawori , Fukaya Tomohiro , Kubo Masato , Yamashita Naohide , Sato Katsuaki 
Published: August 2007

AbstractChronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (alloBMT). However, effective strategies for the treatment of cGVHD have not been established. In this study, we examined the therapeutic utility of modified dendritic cells (DCs) with a greater capacity to regulate immune responses than previously known tolerogenic DCs, regulatory DCs (DCregs), in the major histocompatibility complex-compatible, and multiple minor histocompatibility antigen-incompatible model of cGVHD in alloBMT. Treatment of the recipient mice after alloBMT with the recipient-type DCregs led to greater suppression of the incidence and severity of cutaneous cGVHD than rapamycin, whereas treatment with the recipient-type mature DCs promoted the pathogenesis. Analysis of the recipient mice suggested that the protective effect of the recipient-type DCregs involved the peripheral generation of alloreactive CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T (TR) cells from donor-derived CD4+CD25−Foxp3− T cells. Thus, immunotherapy with DCregs is a promising strategy for the treatment of cGVHD in alloBMT mediated through the induction of a dominant tolerance involving CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ TR cells.
Human impact on the historical change of CO2degassing flux in River Changjiang
Authors: Wang FuShun , Wang Yuchun , Zhang Jing , Xu Hai , Wei Xiuguo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe impact of water quality changes in River Changjiang (formally known as the Yangtze River) on dissolved CO2 and silicate concentrations and seasonal carbon flux in the past several decades (1960s–2000) was evaluated, based on monitoring data from hydrographic gauge. It was found that dissolved CO2 and silicate in Changjiang decreased dramatically during this decades, as opposed to a marked increase in nutrient (e.g. NO3-) concentrations. Our analyses revealed that dissolved CO2 in Changjiang was over-saturated with the atmosphere CO2, and its concentration had showed a declining trend since the 1960s, despite that fluvial DIC flux had maintained stable. Analysis results also suggested that the decrease in dissolved CO2 concentration was attributed to changes on the riverine trophic level and river damming activities in the Changjiang drainage basin. Due to the economic innovation (e.g. agriculture and industry development) across the Changjiang watershed, fertilizers application and river regulations have significantly altered the original state of the river. Its ecosystem and hydrological condition have been evolving toward the "lacustrine/reservoir" autotrophic type prevailing with plankton. Accordingly, average CO2 diffusing flux to the atmosphere from the river had been reduced by three-fourth from the 1960s to 1990s, with the flux value being down to 14.2 mol.m-2.yr-1 in the 1990s. For a rough estimate, approximately 15.3 Mt of carbon was degassed annually into the atmosphere from the entire Changjiang drainage basin in the 1990s.
Impact of flu on hospital admissions during 4 flu seasons in Spain, 2000–2004
Authors: Lenglet Annick D , Hernando Victoria , Rodrigo Pilar , Larrauri Amparo , Donado Juan DM , de Mateo Salvador 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Seasonal flu epidemics in the European region cause high numbers of cases and deaths. Flu-associated mortality has been estimated but morbidity studies are necessary to understand the burden of disease in the population. Our objective was to estimate the excess hospital admissions in Spain of diseases associated with influenza during four epidemic influenza periods (2000 – 2004).

Methods
Hospital discharge registers containing pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, heart failure and flu from all public hospitals in Spain were reviewed for the years 2000 to 2004. Epidemic periods were defined by data from the Sentinel Surveillance System. Excess hospitalisations were calculated as the difference between the average number of weekly hospitalisations/100,000 in epidemic and non-epidemic periods. Flu epidemics were defined for seasons 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2003/2004.

Results
A(H3N2) was the dominant circulating serotype in 2001/2002 and 2003/2004. Negligible excess hospitalisations were observed during the 2002/2003 epidemic where A(H1N1) was circulating. During 2000/2001, flu activity remained below threshold levels and therefore no epidemic period was defined. In two epidemic periods studied a delay between the peak of the influenza epidemic and the peak of hospitalisations was observed. During flu epidemics with A(H3N2), excess hospitalisations were higher in men and in persons <5 and >64 years higher than 10 per 100,000. Pneumonia accounted for 70% of all flu associated hospitalisations followed by chronic bronchitis. No excess flu-specific hospitalisations were recorded during all seasons.

Conclusion
Flu epidemics have an impact on hospital morbidity in Spain. Further studies that include other variables, such as temperature and humidity, are necessary and will deepen our understanding of the role of each factor during flu epidemics and their relation with morbidity.
Malaria mosquito control using edible fish in western Kenya: preliminary findings of a controlled study
Authors: Howard Annabel FV , Zhou Guofa , Omlin Francois X 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Biological control methods are once again being given much research focus for malaria vector control. This is largely due to the emerging threat of strong resistance to pesticides. Larvivorous fish have been used for over 100 years in mosquito control and many species have proved effective. In the western Kenyan highlands the larvivorous fish Oreochromis niloticus L. (Perciformes: Cichlidae) (formerly Tilapia nilotica) is commonly farmed and eaten but has not been previously tested in the field for malaria mosquito control.

Methods
This fish was introduced into abandoned fishponds at an altitude of 1,880 m and the effect measured over six months on the numbers of mosquito immatures. For comparison an untreated control pond was used. During this time, all ponds were regularly cleared of emergent vegetation and fish re-stocking was not needed. Significant autocorrelation was removed from the time series data, and t-tests were used to investigate within a pond and within a mosquito type any differences before and after the introduction of O. niloticus. Mulla's formula was also used on the raw data to calculate the percentage reduction of the mosquito larvae.

Results
After O. niloticus introduction, mosquito densities immediately dropped in the treated ponds but increased in the control pond. This increase was apparently due to climatic factors. Mulla's formula was applied which corrects for that natural tendency to increase. The results showed that after 15 weeks the fish caused a more than 94% reduction in both Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the treated ponds, and more than 75% reduction in culicine mosquitoes. There was a highly significantly reduction in A. gambiae s.l. numbers when compared to pre-treatment levels.

Conclusion
This study reports the first field trial data on O. niloticus for malaria mosquito control and shows that this species, already a popular food fish in western Kenya, is an apparently sustainable mosquito control tool which also offers a source of protein and income to people in rural areas. There should be no problem with acceptance of this malaria control method since the local communities already farm this fish species.
Endogenous TGF-β activation by reactive oxygen species is key to Foxp3 induction in TCR-stimulated and HIV-1-infected human CD4+CD25-T cells
Authors: Amarnath Shoba , Dong Li , Li Jun , Wu Yuntao , Chen WanJun 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) play an important role in regulating immune responses, and in influencing human immune diseases such as HIV infection. It has been shown that human CD4+CD25+ Tregs can be induced in vitro by TCR stimulation of CD4+CD25- T cells. However, the mechanism remains elusive, and intriguingly, similar treatment of murine CD4+CD25- cells did not induce CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs unless exogenous TGF-β was added during stimulation. Thus, we investigated the possible role of TGF-β in the induction of human Tregs by TCR engagement. We also explored the effects of TGF-β on HIV-1 infection mediated induction of human Tregs since recent evidence has suggested that HIV-1 infection may also impact the generation of Tregs in infected patients.

Results
We show here that endogenous TGF-β is key to TCR induction of Foxp3 in human CD4+CD25- T cells. These events involve, first, the production of TGF-β by TCR and CD28 stimulation and the activation of latent TGF-β by reactive oxygen species generated from the activated T cells. Biologically active TGF-β then engages in the induction of Foxp3. Neutralization of active TGF-β with anti-TGF-β antibody or elimination of ROS with MnTBAP abrogated Foxp3 expression. HIV-1 infection enhanced Foxp3 expression in activated CD4+CD25- T cells; which was also abrogated by blockade of endogenous TGF-β.

Conclusion
Several conclusions can be drawn from this work: (1) TCR and CD28-induced Foxp3 expression is a late event following TCR stimulation; (2) TGF-β serves as a link in Foxp3 induction in human CD4+CD25- T cells following TCR stimulation, which induces not only latent, but also active TGF-β; (3) the activation of TGF-β requires reactive oxygen species; (4) HIV infection results in an increase in Foxp3 expression in TCR-activated CD25- T cells, which is also associated with TGF-β. Taken together, our findings reinforce a definitive role of TGF-β not only in the generation of Tregs with respect to normal immune responses, but also is critical in immune diseases such as HIV-1 infection.
The psychometric properties of Beck Depression Inventory for adolescent depression in a primary-care paediatric setting in India
Authors: Basker Mona , Moses Prabhakar D , Russell Sushila , Russell Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
There is increasing interest in identifying adolescents with depression in primary care settings by paediatricians in India. This article studied the diagnostic accuracy, reliability and validity of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) while used by paediatricians in a primary care setting in India.

Methods
181 adolescents attending 3 schools were administered a back translated Tamil version of BDI by a paediatrician to evaluate its psychometric properties along with Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS-R) for convergent validity. Clinical diagnosis of depressive disorders, for reference standard, was based on ICD-10 interview by an independent psychiatrist who also administered the Impact of Event Scale (IES) for divergent validity. Appropriate analyses for validity and diagnostic accuracy both at the item and scale levels were conducted.

Results
A cut-off score of ≥ 5 (Sn = 90.9%, Sp = 17.6 %) for screening and cut-off score of ≥ 22 (Sn = 27.3%, Sp = 90%) for diagnostic utility is suggested. The 4 week test – retest reliability was good (r = 0.82). In addition to the adequate face and content validity, BDI has very good internal consistency (α = 0.96), high convergent validity with CDRS-R (r = 0.72; P = 0.001), and high discriminant validity with IES (r = 0.26; P = 0.23). There was a moderate concordance rate with the reference standard (54.5%) in identifying depression among the adolescents. Factor analysis replicated the 2-factor structure explaining 30.5 % of variance.

Conclusion
The BDI proved to be a psychometrically sound measure for use by paediatricians in a primary care setting in India. The possibility of screening for depressive disorders through the use of BDI may be helpful in identifying probable cases of the disorder among adolescents.