bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of stress protein 70 as an environmental biomarker of fish health under field conditions
Authors: Webb Diane , Gagnon Marthe Monique 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHsp70 protein in three tissue types (gill, liver, and muscle) from black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) collected in a highly variable estuarine environment was investigated to determine which tissue provides better intersite discrimination. The usefulness of hsp70 expression to identify anthropogenic stress under field conditions was evaluated. Intersite differences were detected in hsp70 levels in gill and white muscle of black bream while liver showed no spatial difference. There was high interfish variability in hsp70 levels in each tissue group. A post hoc power analysis of the datasets for each tissue found that in black bream, white muscle provided the best discriminatory power to elucidate spatial variability. Only 11 fish per site are required to identify significant intersite differences in white muscle whereas for gill and liver tissues 14 and 21 fish per site, respectively, would be required. Because of high intertissue and interindividual variability, field measurement of hsp70 should be complemented by evidence of changes in other biomarkers of fish health. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Combined repeated dose and reproductive/developmental toxicities of copper monochloride in rats
Authors: Chung Moon‐Koo , Baek Sung‐Soo , Lee Sang‐Hee , Kim Hyunmi , Choi Kyunghee , Kim Jong‐Choon 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis study investigated the combined repeated dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity of copper monochloride in rats. The test substance was administered once daily by gavage at 0, 1.3, 5, 20, or 80 mg/kg/day. Male rats were dosed for a total of 30 days beginning 14 days before mating. Female rats were dosed from 2 weeks before mating to day 3 of lactation throughout the mating and gestation period. At 80 mg/kg/day, deaths were observed in 3 out of 12 females. There was a dose‐dependent increase in the incidence of clinical signs and a reduction in the food consumption. Hematological and serum biochemical investigations revealed a decrease in the red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and serum total protein levels and an increase in the white blood cell and platelets in males, and a decrease in the MCH and an increase in the platelets in females. Histopathological examination showed an increased incidence of squamous cell hyperplasia of the stomach in both genders as well as increased hematopoiesis of the femur in males. There was an increase in the number of icteric and runt pups at birth. At 20 mg/kg/day, there was an increase in the incidence of clinical signs and squamous cell hyperplasia of the stomach in both genders. At 5 mg/kg/day, an increase in the incidence of squamous cell hyperplasia of the stomach was observed in females. There were no adverse effects in the lowest group in both genders. Based on these findings, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect levels of copper monochloride were concluded to be 5 mg/kg/day in male rats and 1.3 mg/kg/day in female rats for general toxicity and 20 mg/kg/day for reproductive/developmental toxicity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Activation of JNK and PAK2 is essential for citrinin‐induced apoptosis in a human osteoblast cell line
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ting , Lai Ching‐Yu , Lou Shyh‐Liang , Yeh Jui‐Ming , Chan Wen‐Hsiung 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe mycotoxin citrinin (CTN), a natural contaminant in foodstuffs and animal feeds, exerts cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on various mammalian cells. CTN causes cell injury, including apoptosis. Previous studies by our group showed that CTN triggers apoptosis in mouse embryonic stem cells, as well as embryonic developmental injury. Here, we investigated the precise mechanisms governing this apoptotic effect in osteoblasts. CTN induced apoptotic biochemical changes in a human osteoblast cell line, including activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase‐3 and p21‐activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2) activation. Experiments using a JNK‐specific inhibitor, SP600125, and antisense oligonucleotides against JNK reduced CTN‐induced activation of both JNK and caspase‐3 in osteoblasts, indicating that JNK is required for caspase activation in this apoptotic pathway. Experiments using caspase‐3 inhibitors and antisense oligonucleotides against PAK2 revealed that active caspase‐3 is essential for PAK2 activation. Moreover, both caspase‐3 and PAK2 require activation for CTN‐induced apoptosis of osteoblasts. Interestingly, CTN stimulates two‐stage activation of JNK in human osteoblasts. Early‐stage JNK activation is solely ROS‐dependent, whereas late‐stage activation is dependent on ROS‐mediated caspase activity, and regulated by caspase‐induced activation of PAK2. On the basis of these results, we propose a signaling cascade model for CTN‐induced apoptosis in human osteoblasts involving ROS, JNK, caspases, and PAK2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Effect of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings
Authors: Wang Lin‐Song , Wang Lin , Wang Li , Wang Ge , Li Zhao‐Hu , Wang Jian‐Ji 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAlthough many studies describe ionic liquids (ILs) as potentially greener solvents, few studies address their relationship with the environment. Recent researches suggest that some ILs have toxicity. 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4mim][BF4]) was reported to have the lowest toxicity among ILs. In this work, we studied the toxicity of this IL on wheat seedlings. It was shown that wheat germination was reduced to 38.0% in the presence of 4.4 mmol/L [C4mim][BF4] compared with 100% germination for the control. Similarly, the root and shoot length of wheat seedlings decreased with increasing concentrations of [C4mim][BF4]. The activity of amylase increased in shoots and roots, but it decreased significantly in germinating seeds when the [C4mim][BF4] concentration exceeded 1.8 mmol/L. Peroxidase (POD) activity and soluble protein content in shoots treated with [C4mim][BF4] changed similarly, but chlorophyll content tended to decrease with increasing concentration of [C4mim][BF4], except for at 1.8 mmol/L. Thus, [C4mim][BF4] at the concentration of 0.9 mmol/L or more was toxic to wheat seedlings. Some remedial measures are suggested to deal with IL pollution in the environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Cost analysis and efficient radio bearer selection for multicasting over UMTS
Authors: Alexiou Antonios , Bouras Christos , Kokkinos Vasileios , Rekkas Evangelos 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAlong with the widespread deployment of the Third Generation (3G) cellular networks, the fast‐improving capabilities of the mobile devices, content, and service providers are increasingly interested in supporting multicast communications over wireless networks and in particular over Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). To this direction, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is currently standardizing the Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) framework of UMTS. In this paper, we present an overview of the MBMS multicast mode of UMTS. We analytically present the multicast mode of the MBMS and analyze its performance in terms of packet delivery cost under various network topologies, cell types, and multicast users' distributions. Furthermore, for the evaluation of the scheme, we consider different transport channels for the transmission of the multicast data over the UMTS Terrestrial Radio‐Access Network (UTRAN) interfaces. Finally, we propose a scheme for the efficient radio bearer selection that minimizes total packet delivery cost. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synchrony in local population dynamics of stream‐dwelling Dolly Varden: do genetically similar groups show similar demography?
Authors: Koizumi Itsuro , Yamamoto Shoichiro , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Maekawa Koji 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between genetic divergence and demographic dependence. Genetically related groups may consist of the same demographic unit or a single “population,” because high levels of dispersal may synchronize population dynamics. We examined this hypothesis by assessing the levels of synchrony in seven demographic parameters among locations supporting stream‐dwelling Dolly Varden. We analyzed synchrony using demographic data collected over 10 years in five neighboring tributary streams (<7 km) where little genetic divergence was observed. The overall synchrony was moderate for age‐0+ and ≥age‐1+ (average cross‐correlation coefficient), but the synchrony decreased at later life stages (mature adults,). No significant temporal co‐variation was observed for other demographic parameters (sex ratio and resident‐to‐migrant ratio,and 0.38, respectively). Therefore, it appears that demographic synchrony was more prevalent for early life stages, but less so for later life stages, suggesting the demography of each tributary is unique. Furthermore, since an isolated location showed high levels of synchrony with the other locations, the main driver of synchrony is likely correlated environmental influences on demography (Moran effect) rather than dispersal. Pairwise synchrony was not correlated with geographical distance, but negatively correlated with the degree of genetic differentiation (FST) in a few cases. Overall, however, we found little evidence that dispersal induces strong synchrony even among the neighboring tributaries where genetic analysis indicated considerable dispersal. Finally it is worth noting that the influences of dispersal may be different in terms of genetic and demographic contexts, and that density‐dependent processes may mask patterns of observed synchrony.
Re‐established mutualism in a seed‐dispersal system consisting of native and introduced birds and plants on the Bonin Islands, Japan
Authors: Kawakami Kazuto , Mizusawa Leiko , Higuchi Hiroyoshi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe disruption of plant–animal interactions such as seed dispersal is one of the most critical effects of biological invasions. To understand the role of introduced species in current seed‐dispersal systems, we conducted fecal analyses of the most common resident land birds on the Bonin Islands, Japan, and estimated their relative importance as seed‐dispersal agents. Two native birds, the brown‐eared bulbul and the Bonin Islands white‐eye, and the introduced Japanese white‐eye were the primary seed dispersers in secondary forest sites. Because the seed species composition in the feces of native and introduced white‐eyes was similar, the latter may be replacing the former as a seed‐dispersal agent. Introduced plants did not decrease the number of seed‐dispersal opportunities for native species through competition for seed dispersers. Because some bird species have already become extinct on the Bonin Islands, their ecological functions may also have been permanently lost; however, the introduced white‐eye may be compensating for this loss of function. In addition, new mutualistic relationships involving native and introduced birds and plants have already been established. In order to control introduced species while having the least impact on the native biota, interspecific interactions must be thoroughly understood before initiating control efforts.
Surface-Related States in Oxidized Silicon Nanocrystals Enhance Carrier Relaxation and Inhibit Auger Recombination
Authors: Othonos Andreas , Lioudakis Emmanouil , Nassiopoulou AG 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
We have studied ultrafast carrier dynamics in oxidized silicon nanocrystals (NCs) and the role that surface-related states play in the various relaxation mechanisms over a broad range of photon excitation energy corresponding to energy levels below and above the direct bandgap of the formed NCs. Transient photoinduced absorption techniques have been employed to investigate the effects of surface-related states on the relaxation dynamics of photogenerated carriers in 2.8 nm oxidized silicon NCs. Independent of the excitation photon energy, non-degenerate measurements reveal several distinct relaxation regions corresponding to relaxation of photoexcited carriers from the initial excited states, the lowest indirect states and the surface-related states. Furthermore, degenerate and non-degenerate measurements at difference excitation fluences reveal a linear dependence of the maximum of the photoinduced absorption (PA) signal and an identical decay, suggesting that Auger recombination does not play a significant role in these nanostructures even for fluence generating up to 20 carriers/NC.
Double Rashba Quantum Dots Ring as a Spin Filter
Authors: Chi Feng , Yuan Xiqiu , Zheng Jun 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
We theoretically propose a double quantum dots (QDs) ring to filter the electron spin that works due to the Rashba spin–orbit interaction (RSOI) existing inside the QDs, the spin-dependent inter-dot tunneling coupling and the magnetic flux penetrating through the ring. By varying the RSOI-induced phase factor, the magnetic flux and the strength of the spin-dependent inter-dot tunneling coupling, which arises from a constant magnetic field applied on the tunneling junction between the QDs, a 100% spin-polarized conductance can be obtained. We show that both the spin orientations and the magnitude of it can be controlled by adjusting the above-mentioned parameters. The spin filtering effect is robust even in the presence of strong intra-dot Coulomb interactions and arbitrary dot-lead coupling configurations.
Discrimination of Chain Positions in Mixed Short/Long‐Chain Glycerophosphocholines by NMR Chemical Shift Variations
Authors: D’Arrigo Paola , Mele Andrea , Rossi Cristina , Tessaro Davide , Servi Stefano 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of a series of (1,2‐) mixed short/long‐chain glycerophosphocholines has been performed. Starting from glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC), and using regioselective acylation in the presence of dibutyltin oxide, a set of high‐purity isomeric mixed‐chain phospholipids was obtained. This has allowed the development of a simple NMR method for the structural determination of the isomeric 1(2)‐short‐2(1)‐long‐diacylglycerophosphocholines. The method is based on the observation that selected protons in the two series of isomeric phospholipids undergo systematic chemical shift variations Δδ that can be ascribed to the acyl substituents on the glycerol backbone. The observed patterns can be exploited as a simple method for the discrimination of regioisomeric unsymmetrical 1,2‐diacylglycerophosphocholines.
CCN2 YAPs at cancer
Authors: Leask Andrew 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe YAP transcription coactivator has been implicated as an oncogene and is amplified in human cancers. Previously, it has been shown that CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) is a target of the tumor promoting YAP and its transcription factor target TEAD. A recent report in Genes and Development by Zhao and colleagues (Genes Dev 22:1962–1971 2008) has extended these initial observations to show that CCN2 plays an important role in the growth‐promoting function of YAP. These data confirm the role of CCN2 as a key oncogenic mediator. This report briefly summarizes these findings.
The effects of dietary curcumin and rutin on colonic inflammation and gene expression in multidrug resistance gene-deficient (mdr1a−/−) mice, a model of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Nones Katia , Dommels Yvonne E. M. , Martell Sheridan , Butts Christine , McNabb Warren C. , Park Zaneta A. , Zhu Shuotun , Hedderley Duncan , Barnett Matthew P. G. , Roy Nicole C. 
Published: September 2008

Damage of the intestinal epithelial barrier by xenobiotics or reactive oxygen species and a dysregulated immune response are both factors involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Curcumin and rutin are polyphenolic compounds known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but their mechanism(s) of action are yet to be fully elucidated. Multidrug resistance gene-deficient (mdr1a− / − ) mice spontaneously develop intestinal inflammation, predominantly in the colon, with pathology similar to IBD, so this mouse model is relevant for studying diet–gene interactions and potential effects of foods on remission or development of IBD. The present study tested whether the addition of curcumin or rutin to the diet would alleviate colonic inflammation inmdr1a− / − mice. Using whole-genome microarrays, the effect of dietary curcumin on gene expression in colon tissue was also investigated. Twelve mice were randomly assigned to each of three diets (control (AIN-76A), control +0·2 % curcumin or control +0·1 % rutin) and monitored from the age of 7 to 24 weeks. Curcumin, but not rutin, significantly reduced histological signs of colonic inflammation inmdr1a− / − mice. Microarray and pathway analyses suggested that the effect of dietary curcumin on colon inflammation could be via an up-regulation of xenobiotic metabolism and a down-regulation of pro-inflammatory pathways, probably mediated by pregnane X receptor (Pxr) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (Ppara) activation of retinoid X receptor (Rxr). These results indicate the potential of global gene expression and pathway analyses to study and better understand the effect of foods in modulating colonic inflammation.
Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil supplements modulates skin condition in women
Authors: De Spirt Silke , Stahl Wilhelm , Tronnier Hagen , Sies Helmut , Bejot Marie , Maurette Jean-Marc , Heinrich Ulrike 
Published: September 2008

Ingestion of selected nutrients modulates dermal properties. In the present study, two groups of women ingested flaxseed or borage oil for 12 weeks. The control group received a placebo containing medium-chain fatty acids. Dose was 2·2 g total fatty acids/d with α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid as major constituents in the flaxseed oil group; in the borage oil group linoleic and γ-linolenic acid were predominant. In the flaxseed oil group, the contribution of α-linolenic acid to total fatty acids in plasma was significantly increased on weeks 6 and 12, whereas there was an increase in γ-linolenic acid in the borage oil group (P < 0·05). Skin irritation was performed by nicotinate treatment, and changes in skin reddening and blood flow were monitored. Compared to week 0, skin reddening was diminished in both groups; blood flow was also lowered. Skin hydration was significantly increased after 12 weeks of treatment compared to week 0, with flaxseed or borage oil (P < 0·05). Transepidermal water loss was decreased in both oil groups by about 10 % after 6 weeks of supplementation. A further decrease was determined after 12 weeks in the flaxseed oil group. Surface evaluation of living skin revealed that roughness and scaling of the skin were significantly decreased with flaxseed and borage oil comparing week 0 and week 12 (P < 0·05). Except for hydration, none of the parameters was affected in the placebo group. The present data provide evidence that skin properties can be modulated by an intervention with dietary lipids.
Phytic acid increases mucin and endogenous amino acid losses from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens
Authors: Onyango Edward M. , Asem Elikplimi K. , Adeola Olayiwola 
Published: September 2008

The influence of the form of phytic acid on the regulation of mucin and endogenous losses of amino acids, nitrogen and energy in chickens was investigated. Forty-eight 10-week-old male broilers were grouped by weight into eight blocks of six cages with one bird per cage. Birds received by intubation six dextrose-based combinations of phytic acid and phytase arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial consisting of phytic acid form (no phytic acid, 1·0 g free phytic acid or 1·3 g magnesium–potassium phytate) and phytase (0 or 1000 units). Each bird received the assigned combination added to 25 g dextrose at each of the two feedings on the first day of experimentation. All excreta were collected continuously for 54 h following feeding and frozen until analysed. Frozen excreta were thawed, pooled for each bird, lyophilised, ground, and analysed for DM, energy, nitrogen, amino acids, mucin, and sialic and uric acids. Chickens fed either magnesium–potassium phytate or free phytic acid showed increased (P < 0·05) loss of crude mucin and sialic acid. The amount of crude mucin lost was significantly greater (P < 0·05) with magnesium–potassium phytate than with free phytic acid treatment. Both phytic acid treatments also increased (P < 0·05) endogenous loss of threonine, proline and serine. In conclusion, the form of phytic acid fed to chickens affects the extent of mucin and endogenous amino acid losses from the gastrointestinal tract.
Increased dietary protein consumed at breakfast leads to an initial and sustained feeling of fullness during energy restriction compared to other meal times
Authors: Leidy Heather J. , Bossingham Mandi J. , Mattes Richard D. , Campbell Wayne W. 
Published: September 2008

The objective of the study was to assess whether the timing of increased dietary protein throughout the day influences the feelings of fullness during energy balance (EB) and restriction (ER). Nine men (age 48 (sem 6) years; BMI 32·7 (sem 0·7) kg/m2) randomly completed five controlled feeding trials, each consisting of 3 d of EB, followed by 3 d of ER of a 3138 kJ/d (750 kcal/d) reduction). The diet was composed of a normal amount of protein (NP) (0·8 g protein/kg per d), or an additional amount of protein (HP) (+0·6 g protein/kg per d) given at breakfast (HP-B), lunch (HP-L), dinner (HP-D) or equally divided among all meals (HP-E). Meal-related (3 h postprandial) and overall (15 h composite) feelings of fullness were assessed from thirteen-point, numbered, linear category scale questionnaires (reported as arbitrary units (au)). When comparing HP treatments, the data are presented as difference from NP. No differences in meal-related or overall fullness were observed among HP treatments during EB. During ER, the HP-B led to greater meal-related fullness (+137 (sem 44) au × 180 min) compared to HP-D ( − 1 (sem 37) au × 180 min; P = 0·003), but not for HP-L (+62 (sem 53) au × 180 min; P = 0·188) or HP-E-B (+92 (sem 85) au × 180 min; P = 0·587). HP-B also led to greater overall (15 h) fullness (+404 (sem 162) au × 900 min) v. HP-L (+33 (sem 162) au × 900 min; P = 0·009) and HP-D ( − 60 (sem 132) au × 900 min; P = 0·05), but not HP-E (+274 (sem 165) au × 900 min; P = 0·188). The initial and sustained feelings of fullness following protein consumption at breakfast suggests that the timing of protein intake differentially influences satiety during ER.