bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term consumption of saponins derived from Platycodi radix (22 years old) enhances hepatic insulin sensitivity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in 90 % pancreatectomized diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Kwon Dae Yeon , Kim Young Seob , Hong Sang Mee , Park Sunmin 
Published: June 2008

Crude saponins derived from Chinese Platycodi radix have been reported to prevent increases in body weight and liver TAG in mice fed a high-fat diet. We investigated the effects of an extract (PR) taken from Korean Platycodi radix, which is cultivated for 22 years in the ground (Jangsaeng doraji), and its saponins (PRS) on insulin resistance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in 90 % pancreatectomized diabetic rats fed high-fat diets. Four groups were orally supplemented with 2 g PR, 0·2 g PRS, 20 mg rosiglitazone (positive control) or 0·5 g cellulose (negative control) per kg body weight on a daily basis for 8 weeks. We found that PRS lowered body weight, visceral fat mass and serum leptin levels in pancreatectomized rats in comparison to the control. PR enhanced first- and second-phase insulin secretion while PRS stimulated only first-phase insulin secretion. Glucose infusion rates to maintain euglycaemia at hyperinsulinaemic states decreased in a descending order of rosiglitazone, PRS, PR and control, but they increased hepatic glucose output in the same order. This reduction was associated with the storage of decreased TAG and increased glycogen, which was a result of enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of anti-insulin receptor substrate-2 and serine473 phosphporylation of protein kinase B (PKB, Akt). Improved hepatic insulin signalling led to decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression and reduced hepatic glucose output accordingly. In conclusion, PRS principally improves glucose homeostasis by enhancing hepatic insulin sensitivity as a consequence of reducing fat storage and stimulating insulin signalling in diabetic rats. In addition, PR contains components that promote glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Comparison of cluster and principal component analysis techniques to derive dietary patterns in Irish adults
Authors: Hearty Áine P. , Gibney Michael J. 
Published: June 2008

The aims of the present study were to examine and compare dietary patterns in adults using cluster and factor analyses and to examine the format of the dietary variables on the pattern solutions (i.e. expressed as grams/day (g/d) of each food group or as the percentage contribution to total energy intake). Food intake data were derived from the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey 1997–9, which was a randomised cross-sectional study of 7 d recorded food and nutrient intakes of a representative sample of 1379 Irish adults aged 18–64 years. Cluster analysis was performed using thek-means algorithm and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract dietary factors. Food data were reduced to thirty-three food groups. For cluster analysis, the most suitable format of the food-group variable was found to be the percentage contribution to energy intake, which produced six clusters: ‘Traditional Irish’; ‘Continental’; ‘Unhealthy foods’; ‘Light-meal foods & low-fat milk’; ‘Healthy foods’; ‘Wholemeal bread & desserts’. For PCA, food groups in the format of g/d were found to be the most suitable format, and this revealed four dietary patterns: ‘Unhealthy foods & high alcohol’; ‘Traditional Irish’; ‘Healthy foods’; ‘Sweet convenience foods & low alcohol’. In summary, cluster and PCA identified similar dietary patterns when presented with the same dataset. However, the two dietary pattern methods required a different format of the food-group variable, and the most appropriate format of the input variable should be considered in future studies.
Nodular fasciitis: a case series
Authors: Reitzen S D , Dogan S , Har-El G 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:Given its rarity, varied histological presentation and often pseudosarcomatous appearance, nodular fasciitis is frequently misdiagnosed on pre-operative, intra-operative and final analyses.Methods:Four cases of nodular fasciitis are reviewed.Results:Physical and radiological findings were consistent with a parapharyngeal tumour, probably neurogenic, a level four neck mass suspicious for lymphoma; a sternoclavicular mass in a patient with a history of breast cancer suspicious for metastasis; and a cheek mass consistent with an accessory parotid tumour. Fine needle aspiration results were consistent with a neurogenic tumour in two patients and an undifferentiated malignancy in two patients. Frozen section examination most commonly included masses with spindle-type cells. The final diagnosis of nodular fasciitis was made only after permanent section and immunohistological analysis.Conclusions:In a patient with nonspecific results following investigation of a head or neck mass, nodular fasciitis should be considered. Use of appropriate immunohistochemical markers will aid in the final diagnosis.
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the temporal bone: successful treatment of sensorineural hearing loss with low-dose radiotherapy
Authors: Zlodre J K , Rennie A T M , Ramsden J D 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To present the successful treatment of sensorineural hearing loss secondary to Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with low-dose radiotherapy, and also the disparity between radiological resolution of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis lesions and lack of sensorineural hearing loss improvement, accompanied by a review of the literature on otolaryngological manifestations and management of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.Case report:Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is a multisystem disease which frequently causes osseous lesions in the temporal bones. Hearing loss is usually conductive but may be sensorineural with lesions of the petrous temporal bone. We present a case of sensorineural hearing loss secondary to Langerhans' cell histiocytosis affecting the labyrinth and internal auditory meatus, which resolved following radiotherapy. Contralateral sensorineural hearing loss in the same patient, previously treated with chemotherapy, did not resolve despite radiological resolution of the temporal bone lesions.Conclusion:We suggest that timely radiotherapy for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss secondary to Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is an appropriate treatment option.
The ENT emergency clinic: a prospective audit to improve effectiveness of an established service
Authors: Mylvaganam S , Patodi R , Campbell J B 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:Ear, nose and throat emergency clinic services vary greatly between trusts. Their common aim is to enable acute conditions to be seen quickly and effectively within an optimum environment. There is however no ‘gold standard’ for service.Objectives:To identify an efficient model of service, and to determine whether introduction of a referral and appointment based system improves patient waiting times and appropriateness of referrals.Methods:A prospective audit, comprising: an initial survey to appraise the existing service; telephone surveys of eight trusts in the West Midlands to determine variability of ENT emergency clinic services and to identify components of an effective service; and re-audit following implementation of a verbal referral and appointment based service.Results:The new service significantly reduced patient waiting times, from 70 minutes to 35 minutes (t = 6.776;p < 0.01), with an associated reduction in the variability of waiting times. Inappropriate referrals were reduced from 7 to 2 per cent. These results were achieved when a 72 per cent referrer compliance with the service was observed.Conclusions:A verbal referral and appointment based system improves patient waiting times and appropriateness of referrals. Maintenance of high referrer compliance with such a system should be considered, and a tool for monitoring referring practitioners is suggested. This clinic construct model is offered as an example in order to aid delivery of an effective ENT emergency service in departments with similar patient demand and staff resources.
Long-term outcome of children undergoing surgery for suspected perilymph fistula
Authors: Sim R J , Jardine A H , Beckenham E J 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA number of authors have suggested that surgery for suspected perilymph fistula is effective in preventing deterioration of hearing and in improving hearing in some cases in the short term. We present long-term hearing outcome data from 35 children who underwent exploration for presumed perilymph fistula at The Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia, between 1985 and 1992.Methods:The pre-operative audiological data (mean of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz results) were compared with the most recently available data (range two to 15 years) and the six-month post-operative data.Results:The short-term results showed no significant change in hearing at six months, with a subsequent, statistically significant progression of hearing loss in both operated and non-operated ears (Wilcoxon signed rank test: operated ear, p < 0.017; non-operated ear, p < 0.009).Conclusion:In this case series, exploratory surgery for correction of suspected perilymph fistula did not prevent progression of long-term hearing loss.
Chemical ecology and bioactivity of triterpene glycosides from the sea cucumber Psolus patagonicus (Dendrochirotida: Psolidae)
Authors: Muniain C. , Centurión R. , Careaga V.P. , Maier M.S. 
Published: June 2008

Information on the chemical ecology and bioactivity of chemical compounds present in the sea cucumber Psolus patagonicus is provided through an interdisciplinary approach. The specimens studied were collected from two different and very distant sampling localities: Bridges Islands (Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, 54° 48′57″ S 66° 25′00″ W) at depths of 4 to 10 m by SCUBA diving, and from the scallop beds of Zigochlamys patagonica (39° 27′10″ S 55° 56′76″ W), at depths of 110 m and 115 m (43° 47′84″ S 59° 56′80″ W) by means of non-selective dredge in the South Atlantic Ocean.The secondary metabolites were isolated from complete adults by a combination of chromatographic methods and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography. They were characterized as triterpene glycosides through extensive spectroscopic analyses (nuclear magnetic resonance and fast atom bombardment mass spectroscopy) and chemical methods. A purified fraction containing Patagonicoside A as the main triterpene showed a high level of mortality against the brine shrimp Artemia salina and revealed different antifungal activity of Patagonicoside A and its desulphated glycoside (ds-Patagonicoside A) against the fungi Cladosporium fulvum, Fusarium oxysporum and Monilia sp., compared with a potent commercial antifungal product.
Species composition and vertical distribution of chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) in a rocky intertidal zone of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Authors: Jörger K.M. , Meyer R. , Wehrtmann I.S. 
Published: June 2008

The present study describes the species composition and vertical distribution of chitons in tide pools and on exposed rock areas of the intertidal zone of Samara, Guanacaste, Pacific Costa Rica. Nine different species of chitons were recorded, and their densities and sizes were determined using quadrate sampling. Physical (period of emersion, temperature and salinity range) and biotic (presence and diversity of food resources) factors were examined to assess their influence on distribution and abundance of each species.Ischnochiton disparwas the predominant species with densities of up to 200 ind m−2, representing 85.4% of all sampled individuals (N = 4193). The size ofI. disparwas positively correlated with the size of the inhabited boulders. Two species (I. disparandStenoplax limaciformis) showed segregation in size:I. disparbeing negatively andS. limaciformispositively correlated to the distance from the shore. Two of the nine species (Chiton stokesiiandAcanthochitona hirundiniformis) occurred mainly on rocky areas outside the tide pools with variable amounts of exposure to air during each tidal cycle. In both species the tide pool specimens were significantly smaller than those collected in the rocky areas. Distribution of all other species was restricted to the tide pools and species had their peak abundance in the zones with more moderate conditions and a higher diversity of algae, resulting in the highest chiton diversity in these areas.
Secretion of byssal threads and attachment strength ofMytilus galloprovincialis: the influence of size and food availability
Authors: Babarro Jose M.F. , Fernández Reiriz María José , Labarta Uxío 
Published: June 2008

Byssogenesis rate and attachment strength of the musselMytilus galloprovincialiswere investigated in the laboratory considering different body sizes and feeding conditions. Byssal thread secretion was significantly higher in juveniles as compared to larger mussels of approximately 87 mm shell length. Asymptotic number of threads attached was obtained from approximately 72 hours onwards within a range of 42–46 and 27–31 for juveniles and larger experimental mussels, respectively (P < 0.05 ANOVA). Absorption efficiency values of control fed individuals dropped significantly from 0.78 in juveniles to 0.70 in larger mussels (P < 0.001 ANOVA) which pointed out energetic constraints of mussels with regard to their size and its probable effect on byssus secretion rates. Attachment force was 2.8 times higher in larger mussels than in juveniles (2.21 versus 0.78 N for both sizes, respectively; P < 0.001 ANOVA) which in turn followed the same order of magnitude than differences in the thread's thickness values of both experimental mussel sizes. Tenacity followed a reverse pattern with juveniles presenting two-fold higher values than larger mussels (P < 0.001 ANOVA) based on a lower increment of attachment force (x2.8) as compared to shell area (x6) for the comparison larger versus juvenile mussel size, which in turn might suggest that larger specimens secreted weaker threads. When animals were maintained unfed for a week, a significant drop in both byssus secretion and attachment force were observed in juveniles but was not the case for larger mussels most likely as a consequence of a relatively short period of maintenance under food availability stress for the latter individuals that showed significantly higher initial condition and/or energetic store values. Accordingly, the use of energetic reserves in juveniles kept unfed for a week together with a significant drop in byssus secretion and attachment force might suggest a link, i.e. transfer of energy between soft tissues and byssus under stress. Quantitative values of byssal threads, based on the significance of the byssus versus attachment force relationship, together with its morphometric value, i.e. thread's thickness, represented a primary mechanism to explain variability in attachment strength ofM. galloprovincialisof the different body sizes studied here.
Human impacts on residency behaviour of spangled emperor, Lethrinus nebulosus, in a marine protected area, as determined by acoustic telemetry
Authors: Chateau Olivier , Wantiez Laurent 
Published: June 2008

The residency behaviour of six specimens of spangled emperor, Lethrinus nebulosus, was studied by acoustic telemetry in the mooring area (3–6 m depth) of a marine protected area (MPA) in New Caledonia. The 3 smaller fish (34–49 cm FL) remained within the study site less than 6 hours. The 3 larger individuals (51–54 cm FL) were regularly detected within the study site during the survey (6.5 months). These fish followed similar diurnal patterns of detection. They use the study site as a resting area during the day and migrate each night to feeding grounds after sunset. However, their presence was higher when wind speed was low (<10 knots) during weekends and school holidays. These links reflect a possible impact of human feeding activity. Consequently, management policies should include measures to control feeding activities within MPAs to maintain marine communities in a state unaltered by human activities.
A new deep sea species of Paramphinome (Polychaeta: Amphinomidae) from southern Brazil
Authors: Barroso Rômulo , Paiva Paulo Cesar 
Published: June 2008

A new species of Paramphinome (Polychaeta: Amphinomidae) is described from southern Brazil (900–2000 m). Paramphinome posterobranchiata sp. nov. differs from already described species by having a small body (1–9 mm); a low number of chaetigers (10–29); branchiae in few chaetigers (0–3) and starting more posterior than in most species; and by a reduced caruncle.
The concept of coregulation between neurobehavioral subsystems: The logic interplay between excitatory and inhibitory ends
Authors: Ferber Sari Goldstein 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNeuroconstructivism, Vol. 1: How the Brain Constructs Cognition implies that brain functioning depends on biofeedback and ecological trajectories. Using the building blocks of Boolean algebra known as logic gates and models of distributed control systems, I suggest that levels of regulatory states are responsible for optimal, pathological, and developmental processes. I include the impact of regulatory and nonregulatory functions on structural development.
Problems with the imprinting hypothesis of schizophrenia and autism
Authors: Keller Matthew C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCrespi & Badcock (C&B) convincingly argue that autism and schizophrenia are diametric malfunctions of the social brain, but their core imprinting hypothesis is less persuasive. Much of the evidence they cite is unrelated to their hypothesis, is selective, or is overstated; their hypothesis lacks a clearly explained mechanism; and it is unclear how their explanation fits in with known aspects of the disorders.
Analytic continuation of multiple Hurwitz zeta functions
Authors: KELLIHER JAMES P. , MASRI RIAD 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe use a variant of a method of Goncharov, Kontsevich and Zhao [5,16] to meromorphically continue the multiple Hurwitz zeta functionto$\mathbb{C}^{d}$, to locate the hyperplanes containing its possible poles and to compute the residues at the poles. We explain how to use the residues to locate trivial zeros of$\zeta_{d}(s;\theta)$.
A Modern Day Cruise Ship Master's “Captain's Navigation Orders”
Authors: Nash Captain Nick 
Published: June 2008

The aim of this paper is to give insight into the day-to-day navigation of a modern day cruise vessel – in this case a state of the art 77,000 GRT vessel – 261 metres long with an 8·0 metre draft, carrying 2270 passengers and 910 crew. The ship operates mainly in the Caribbean in winter and Europe – Mediterranean and Scandinavia – in the summer. The instructions are my own, which supplement the Company's (which at present do not fully cover a full Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) operation) and have been written to ensure all Bridge Officers fully understand how I expect to operate the Bridge at sea and in confined waters using ECDIS as the main navigation system. The paper is presented in its user format and is a copy of my orders as written.
Unity and Divergence: Scandinavian Internationalism, 1914–1921
Authors: GRAM-SKJOLDAGER KAREN , TØNNESSON ØYVIND 
Published: June 2008

AbstractScandinavia (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) is frequently seen as a democratic ‘island of peace’ in international politics and the three states are seen as ardent supporters of an ‘international community’ under the umbrella of the United Nations as well as its predecessor, the League of Nations. This article seeks to challenge this idealised, unitary conception of Scandinavian peace politics by exploring how different strands of internationalism, as transnational phenomena, developed from the outbreak of the First World War until the three states became members of the League. Initially, that development was more or less independent of official foreign policy. The article explains how and to what degree new internationalist ideas were eventually merged with traditional neutralist Scandinavian foreign policies.
National Concepts of Freedom and Government Pacification Policies: The Case of Czechoslovakia in the Transitional Period after 1918
Authors: ZÜCKERT MARTIN 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFounded in 1918, the Czechoslovak state faced a series of problems in the years after its foundation. Apart from the question of the relationship between the ideal of a nation-state and the reality of its multi-ethnic structure, as well as the question of territorial security, the successive Czechoslovak governments faced the challenge of pacifying an uprooted post-war society. During this phase of transition, ideals of nationhood and peace as well as concepts of political power were adapted to pragmatic government policies. Despite rifts between the Czech- and the German-speaking parts of the population, combined with the dangers of a radicalised strike movement and the difficult integration of members of the Czechoslovak Legion into the new polity, attempts at pacification were much more successful in the west of the country than in Slovakia and in Carpathia, since the latter two regions lacked the structural continuities of laws and institutions.
Making Peace in the Shadow of War: The Austrian–Hungarian Borderlands, 1945–1956
Authors: PITTAWAY MARK 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article examines the process of state reconstruction in Austria and Hungary's borderlands that followed the Second World War. This process of state reconstruction was also a process of pacification, as it represented an attempt to (re)build states on the foundations of the military settlement of the war. The construction of legitimate state authority was at its most successful on the Austrian side of the border, where political actors were able to gain legitimacy by creating a state that acted as an effective protector of the immediate demands of the local community for security from a variety of threats. On the Hungarian side of the border the state was implicated with some of the actors who were seen as threatening local communities, something that produced political polarisation. These differences set the stage for the transition from war to cold war in the borderlands.
The Catholic Church, Italian Catholics and Peace Movements: The Cold War Years, 1947–1962
Authors: MORO RENATO 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article focuses on the early years of the cold war in Italy in the form of an analysis of the Catholic press from 1947 to the eve of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. In so doing it attempts to answer key questions for Italian Catholicism relating to peace building that arose from total war in the age of mass democracy.