bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and possible role of creatine transporter in the brain and at the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier as a transporting protein of guanidinoacetate, an endogenous convulsant
Authors: Tachikawa Masanori , Fujinawa Jun , Takahashi Masato , Kasai Yasuyuki , Fukaya Masahiro , Sakai Kazuhisa , Yamazaki Maya , Tomi Masatoshi , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakimura Kenji , Terasaki Tetsuya , Hosoya Ken‐ichi 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLittle is known about the cerebral distribution and clearance of guanidinoacetate (GAA), the accumulation of which induces convulsions. The purpose of the present study was to identify creatine transporter (CRT)‐mediated GAA transport and to clarify its cerebral expression and role in GAA efflux transport at the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). CRT mediated GAA transport with aKmvalue of 269 μM/412 μM which was approximately 10‐fold greater than that of CRT for creatine. There was wide and distinct cerebral expression of CRT and localization of CRT on the brush‐border membrane of choroid plexus epithelial cells. Thein vivoelimination clearance of GAA from the CSF was 13‐fold greater than that ofd‐mannitol reflecting bulk flow of the CSF. This process was partially inhibited by creatine. The characteristics of GAA uptake by isolated choroid plexus and an immortalized rat choroid plexus epithelial cell line (TR‐CSFB cells) used as anin vitromodel of BCSFB are partially consistent with those of CRT. These results suggest that CRT plays a role in the cerebral distribution of GAA and GAA uptake by the choroid plexus. However, in the presence of endogenous creatine in the CSF, CRT may make only a limited contribution to the GAA efflux transport at the BCSFB.
Triptolide inhibits COX‐2 expression and PGE2 release by suppressing the activity of NF‐κB and JNK in LPS‐treated microglia
Authors: Gong Yuntao , Xue Bing , Jiao Jian , Jing Liming , Wang Xiaomin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractActivated microglia participate in neuroinflammation which contributes to neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of microglial activation may have potential anti‐inflammatory effects. Our laboratory has previously reported that triptolide, a natural biologically active compound extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii, could protect dopaminergic neurons from inflammation‐mediated damage. However, the mechanism by which triptolide inhibits inflammation remains unknown. We reported here that inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production could be a potential mechanism of triptolide to suppress inflammation. Triptolide suppressed c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) expression and PGE2 production in microglial cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Triptolide also greatly inhibited the transcriptional activity, but not the DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in microglia following LPS stimulation. These results indicate that triptolide might suppress NF‐κB activity to down‐regulate COX‐2 expression. The LPS‐stimulated transcriptional activity of NF‐κB was suppressed by inhibition of p38MAPK, but not by that of JNK and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. Furthermore, the LPS‐induced PGE2 production was reduced by inhibiting these kinases. Taken together, these results suggest that triptolide may suppress neuroinflammation via a mechanism that involves inactivation of two parallel signaling pathways: p38‐NF‐κB‐COX‐2‐PGE2 and JNK‐PGE2.
Primary school children: access to toilets
Authors: Upadhyay Vipul , Mathai John , Reed Peter W. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim: Most children are continent of urine by the time they are in primary school. Balanced micturition and paradoxically dysfunctional voiding (DV) are acquired behaviour. Children need easy access to toilets at school, to comply with timed voiding which is part of the treatment for DV. This study investigated children's access to primary school toilets in Auckland.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 97 primary schools listed on the New Zealand ministry of education (MoE) website for the Auckland region. Information regarding the school decile rating, population, rota, toilet facilities and toilet policy was requested. Six randomly selected schools were visited to verify the facilities available there.Results: Eighty‐four percent of the schools in our sample complied with the prescribed statutory minimum for both boys and girls toilets. There was a median ratio of 11 children per facility. The median duration to use a facility during the first recess was 2 min.Conclusion: In general, the toilet facilities and utilization ratios in primary schools in the Auckland region appear to provide a healthy environment for urination. Schools must be encouraged to draft and adhere to a toilet policy to ensure a uniform toilet environment.
Total serum bilirubin levels during cyclooxygenase inhibitor treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants
Authors: Rheinlaender C , Helfenstein D , Walch E , Berns M , Obladen M , Koehne P 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim: To determine whether ibuprofen use in VLBW infants is associated with increased serum bilirubin levels and impaired neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age compared to indomethacin.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated bilirubin data and outcome parameters of 178 VLBW infants treated with COX inhibitors for a haemodynamically relevant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) between 1998 and 2003 in a single institution. In our department ibuprofen replaced indomethacin for PDA treatment in 2001, while clinical and echocardiagraphic criteria for the indication of PDA invention have remained unchanged.Results: Ibuprofen and indomethacin therapy groups did not differ in their baseline clinical profile. Peak serum bilirubin concentration was 10.2 mg/dL in the ibuprofen group and 8.6 mg/dL in the indomethacin group (p < 0.01), while phototherapy duration did not differ. At 2 years of age neurodevelopmental outcome was similar in both groups. In a single case analysis, four cases of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome despite inconspicuous clinical course were identified in the ibuprofen group.Conclusion: In VLBW infants with PDA, ibuprofen treatment was associated with higher bilirubin levels than indomethacin.
Distribution of taste buds in layer‐type chickens: Scanning electron microscopic observations
Authors: KUDO Ken‐ichi , NISHIMURA Shotaro , TABATA Shoji 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe distribution of taste buds of layer‐type chickens, from day 1 (H1) to day 140 (H140) post‐hatching, were investigated histologically and with a scanning electron microscope. Two types of openings were observed on the oral epithelium: large openings that were greater than 10 μm in width, and had an ellipsoid or spindle shape; and small openings that were less than 7 μm in width, and had a circular or polygon shape. It was defined that the former represent the openings of the salivary glands, and the latter are those of the taste buds. The number of taste buds remained constant from H1 to H140. Therefore, no significant change was observed between these two time points. To investigate the distribution of the taste buds in the whole oral cavity, a distribution map was created.
Lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: HIRAO Atsushi , OOKAWARA Shigeo 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTWe histologically examined lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) using 21 biotinylated lectins. Positive staining for the N‐acetylglucosamine‐specific lectins (Bandeiraea simplicifolia II, Datura stramonium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanum tuberosum, Triticum vulgare), galactose or N‐acetylgalactosamine‐specific lectins (Artocarpus intergrifolia, Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, Ricus communis) and the mannose‐specific lectins (Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum) was observed in the olfactory nerve and glomerular layers. Canavalia ensiformis staining showed a similar pattern to that obtained with the lectins and there was also faint staining in the mitral cells. Olfactory nerve axons terminate in the glomeruli, where they make excitatory synapses with the dendrites of mitral cells. This finding indicates that glycoconjugates that bind Canavalia ensiformis play an important role in formation of glomeruli. No positive staining for the other lectins was seen in the olfactory bulb. Based on these results, we conclude that cell surface sugar moieties of the olfactory bulb in mallard ducks express N‐acetylglucosamine and mannose residues rather than N‐acetylgalactosamine residues. The carbohydrate composition of mallard duck olfactory bulb differed from that of other vertebrates found in previous studies.
Translation and cultural adaptation of the patient disease and treatment assessment form: A novel quality of life instrument for use in Taiwan
Authors: GAINFORD Mary Corona , YANG Chih‐Hsin , LIU Mei‐Ying , STOCKLER Martin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim:  Quality of Life (QoL) is an important end‐point in cancer clinical trials, but its collection in multinational trials requires properly translated and validated instruments. We describe the development, piloting and planned validation of a traditional Chinese version of the Patient Disease Treatment and Assessment Form (Pt DATA Form) for use in Taiwan.Methods:  The Pt DATA Form is a simple, multi‐item QoL instrument based on 11‐point numeric rating scales for a range of relevant symptoms and functions and aspects of well‐being, designed for use in routine clinical practice and clinical trials. The instrument underwent forward translation in Sydney and backward translation in Taiwan. A reconciled version was pre‐tested on healthy volunteers and then on 20 cancer patients in a Taiwanese clinic.Results:  One hundred percent of patients reported that the items were clear and did not cause upset. Eighty five percent had no difficulty in completing the form while 10% found it fairly difficult. There were no difficulties with the instructions.Conclusion:  This questionnaire was acceptable for use in Taiwan in its current format and will allow the collection of innovative data on Chinese cancer patients' experiences.
Formation of a giant Hi bridge between M31 and M33 from their tidal interaction
Authors: Bekki Kenji 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Recent observations have discovered a giant H i bridge that appears to connect between the outer halo regions of M31 and M33. We propose that this H i bridge can be formed as a result of the past interaction between M31 and M33 based on test-particle simulations with different orbits of M31 and M33 for the last ∼9 Gyr. We show that strong tidal interaction between M31 and M33 about 4–8 Gyr ago can strip H i gas from M33 to form H i streams around M31 which can be observed as a H i bridge if they are projected on to the sky. We show that the number fraction of models reproducing well the observed H i distribution of the bridge is only ∼0.01 per cent (i.e. ∼10 among ∼105 models), and thus suggest that the observed structure and kinematics of the H i bridge can give some constraints on the past orbits of M31 and M33. We suggest that the observed outer H i warp in M33 could be fossil evidence for the past M31–M33 interaction. We also suggest that some of high-velocity clouds (HVCs) recently found in M31 could be H i gas originating from M33. We briefly discuss other possible scenarios for the formation of the H i bridge.
Higher‐Order Ontological Arguments
Authors: Oppy Graham 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses recent work on higher‐order ontological arguments, including work on arguments due to Gödel, Maydole and Pruss. After setting out a range of these arguments, the paper seeks to highlight the principal difficulties that these kinds of arguments confront. One important aim of the paper is to cast light on Gödel's ontological argument by way of an examination of a range of related higher‐order arguments.
God in Recent French Phenomenology
Authors: Simmons J. Aaron 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this essay, I provide an introduction to the so‐called ‘theological turn’ in recent French, ‘new’ phenomenology. I begin by articulating the stakes of excluding God from phenomenology (as advocated by Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger) and then move on to a brief consideration of why Dominique Janicaud contends that, by inquiring into the ‘inapparent’, new phenomenology is no longer phenomenological. I then consider the general trajectories of this recent movement and argue that there are five main themes that unite the work of such varied thinkers as Levinas, Derrida, Marion, Henry, Chrétien, Lacoste, and Ricœur. I conclude by outlining points of overlap between new phenomenology and contemporary analytic philosophy of religion and suggest that the two stand as important resources for each other.
Dharmak?rti's Dualism: Critical Reflections on a Buddhist Proof of Rebirth
Authors: Arnold Dan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDharmak?rti, elaborating one of the Buddhist tradition's most complete defenses of rebirth, advanced some of this tradition's most explicitly formulated arguments for mind‐body dualism. At the same time, Dharmak?rti himself may turn out to be vulnerable to some of the same kinds of arguments pressed against physicalists. It is revealing, then, that in arguing against physicalism himself, Dharmak?rti does not have available to him what some would judge to be more promising arguments for dualism (arguments, in particular, following Kant's 2nd Critique) – and indeed, that these arguments actually cut against Dharmak?rti's own position. After elaborating and characterizing Dharmak?rti's case for rebirth, then, this article briefly considers an argument that Dharmak?rti cannot himself enlist for this purpose.
Influence of sympathetic and AT1‐receptor blockade on angiotensin II and adrenergic agonist‐induced renal vasoconstrictions in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Abdulla M. H. , Sattar M. A. , Khan Md A. H. , Abdullah N. A. , Johns E. J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim: This study investigated the influence of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor and adrenergic blockade on the renal vasoconstrictions caused by Ang II and adrenergic agonists in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Methods: Forty‐eight SHR were subjected to 7 days of losartan (10 mg kg−1 day−1p.o.), carvedilol (5 mg kg−1 day−1p.o.) or losartan + carvedilol (10 mg kg−1 day−1 + 5 mg kg−1 day−1p.o.). On day 8, the rats were anaesthetized and renal vasoconstrictor experiments performed. One group of rats underwent acute unilateral renal denervation.Results: There were significant (P < 0.05) reductions in the renal vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and Ang II after losartan and carvedilol treatments compared with that in untreated rats (allP < 0.05). However, in renally denervated SHR treated with carvedilol, the vasoconstrictor responses to all the vasoactive agents were enhanced compared with those in SHR with intact renal nerves treated with carvedilol. Intact SHR given both losartan and carvedilol showed greater renal vasoconstrictor responses to the vasoactive agents than when given either losartan or carvedilol alone (allP < 0.05).Conclusion: Carvedilol reduced the vasoconstrictor response to Ang II and all the adrenergic agonists in the presence of the renal nerves, but, following the removal of renal sympathetic activity, carvedilol enhanced the sensitivity of both renal α1‐adrenoceptors and AT1receptors to the vasoactive agents. Co‐treatment with losartan and carvedilol reduced the renal vasoconstrictor responses to exogenously administered vasoactive agents but to a lesser extent than losartan or carvedilol alone. The results obtained demonstrate an interaction between Ang II receptors and adrenergic neurotransmission in the SHR.
An Energy-Based Uniaxial Fatigue Life Prediction Method for Commonly Used Gas Turbine Engine Materials
Authors: Scott-Emuakpor Onome E. , Shen Herman , George Tommy , Cross Charles 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA new energy-based life prediction framework for calculation of axial and bending fatigue results at various stress ratios has been developed. The purpose of the life prediction framework is to assess the behavior of materials used in gas turbine engines, such as Titanium 6Al-4V (Ti 6Al-4V) and Aluminum 6061-T6 (Al 6061-T6). The work conducted to develop this energy-based framework consists of the following entities: (1) a new life prediction criterion for axial and bending fatigue at various stress ratios for Al 6061-T6, (2) the use of the previously developed improved uniaxial energy-based method to acquire fatigue life prior to endurance limit region (Scott-Emuakpor et al., 2007, “Development of an Improved High Cycle Fatigue Criterion,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 129, pp. 162–169), (3) and the incorporation of a probabilistic energy-based fatigue life calculation scheme to the general uniaxial life criterion (the first entity of the framework), which is capable of constructing prediction intervals based on a specified percent confidence level. The precision of this work was verified by comparison between theoretical approximations and experimental results from recently acquired Al 606-T6 and Ti 6Al-4V data. The comparison shows very good agreement, thus validating the capability of the framework to produce accurate uniaxial fatigue life predictions for commonly used gas turbine engine materials.
Investigation of Mixture Preparation Effects on Gasoline HCCI
Combustion Aided by Measurements of Wall Heat Flux
Authors: Chang Junseok , Filipi Zoran S. , Kuo Tang-Wei , Assanis Dennis N. , Najt Paul M. , Rask Rodney B. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Expanding the range of HCCI operation will be critical for maximizing the fuel economy benefits in future vehicle applications. The mixture stratification, both thermal and compositional, can have very tangible impact on HCCI combustion, and gaining a deeper insight into these effects is critical for expanding the HCCI range of operation. This paper presents results of the comprehensive experimental investigation of the mixture preparation effects on a single-cylinder gasoline HCCI engine with exhaust reinduction. The effects include the type of mixture preparation (external mixing versus direct injection), charge motion, and injection timing. A combination of pressure-based combustion diagnostics, emission analysis, and heat flux measurements on the combustion chamber wall quantifies the effects on combustion and provides insight into reasons for observed engine behavior. As an example, the instantaneous temperature and heat flux measurements show the fuel impingement locations and allow assessing the fuel film dynamics and their effect on mixture stratification. The effects of direct injection and partial closing of the swirl control valve are relatively small compared with extending the injection timing late into the intake process or completely closing the swirl control valve and allowing charge storage in the intake port.
Influence of Force Field Direction on Pressure Sensors Calibrated at
Up to 12,000 g
Authors: Uffrecht Wieland , Kaiser Erwin 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The measurement of pressure within both stationary and rotating frames of reference is a fundamental requirement when studying the flow field through turbomachinery blading. Measurement of pressure within the rotating frame presents a particular challenge, as centrifugal acceleration of the sensor can have a significant impact on sensor calibration, and therefore accuracy of the resulting measurements. In this paper the telemetric calibration of pressure sensors at up to 12,000 g is described, and the impact on calibration of membrane size, sensor body shape, and sensor mounting direction is discussed. The program of work reported in this paper focuses on experimental issues associated with rotating pressure measurement. The combined effect of centrifugal load and pressure on integrally temperature compensated silicon pressure sensors is presented. Experimental results are given that provide insight into the influence of acceleration on pressure readings. Implementation of acceleration into sensor calibration is presented. Supplementary finite element calculations enable impact of sensor body shape to be taken into account during the evaluation of sensor acceleration-to-pressure sensitivity ratio. Different sensors with varied membrane sizes and acceleration force directions are examined and compared.
Fate of the Nitrilotriacetic Acid-Fe(III) Complex during Photodegradation and Biodegradation by
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
Authors: Bunescu Andrei , Besse-Hoggan Pascale , Sancelme Martine , Mailhot Gilles , Delort Anne-Marie 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Aminopolycarboxylic acids are ubiquitous in natural waters and wastewaters. They have the ability to form very stable water-soluble complexes with many metallic di- or trivalent ions. The iron complex nitrilotriacetic acid-Fe(III) (FeNTA) has been previously shown to increase drastically the rate of photo- and biodegradation of 2-aminobenzothiazole, an organic pollutant, by
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
. For this paper, the fate of FeNTA was investigated during these degradation processes. First, it was shown, using in situ
1
H nuclear magnetic resonance, that the complex FeNTA was biodegraded by
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
cells, but the ligand (NTA) alone was not. This result indicates that FeNTA was transported and biotransformed inside the cell. The same products, including iminodiacetic acid, glycine, and formate, were obtained during the photo- and biodegradation processes of FeNTA, likely because they both involve oxidoreduction mechanisms. When the results of the different experiments are compared, the soluble iron, measured by spectrophotometry, was decreasing when microbial cells were present. About 20% of the initial iron was found inside the cells. These results allowed us to propose detailed mechanistic schemes for FeNTA degradation by solar light and by
R. rhodochrous
.
Novel
Parachlamydia acanthamoebae
Quantification Method Based on Coculture with Amoebae
Authors: Matsuo Junji , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shinji , Sato Marie , Mizutani Yoshihiko , Asaka Masahiro , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Parachlamydia acanthamoebae
, belonging to the order
Chlamydiales
, is an obligately intracellular bacterium that infects free-living amoebae and is a potential human pathogen. However, no method exists to accurately quantify viable bacterial numbers. We present a novel quantification method for
P. acanthamoebae
based on coculture with amoebae.
P. acanthamoebae
was cultured either with
Acanthamoeba
spp. or with mammalian epithelial HEp-2 or Vero cells. The infection rate of
P. acanthamoebae
(amoeba-infectious dose [AID]) was determined by DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining and was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. AIDs were plotted as logistic sigmoid dilution curves, and
P. acanthamoebae
numbers, defined as amoeba-infectious units (AIU), were calculated. During culture, amoeba numbers and viabilities did not change, and amoebae did not change from trophozoites to cysts. Eight amoeba strains showed similar levels of
P. acanthamoebae
growth, and bacterial numbers reached ca. 1,000-fold (10
9
AIU preculture) after 4 days. In contrast, no increase was observed for
P. acanthamoebae
in either mammalian cell line. However, aberrant structures in epithelial cells, implying possible persistent infection, were seen by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, our method could monitor numbers of
P. acanthamoebae
bacteria in host cells and may be useful for understanding chlamydiae present in the natural environment as human pathogens.