bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Gross and Micro Anatomy of the Accessory Sex Glands of the Male Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)
Authors: Mollineau W. M. , Adogwa A. O. , Garcia G. W. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis study was a follow up to the study on the gross anatomy of the male agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reproductive system. The seminal vesicles of the agouti are lobulated structures. The mean diameter of the large lumen is 883.6 ± 76.83 μm. The mucosa (24.1 ± 0.92 μm), which is lined by pseudo‐stratified columnar epithelium is thrown into folds, which often branch. The lamina muscularis mucosa is thin and is made of loose connective tissue containing blood vessels. The mucosa of the leaf‐like coagulating glands of the agouti is folded. The mean diameter of the lumen is 488.3 ± 41.96 μm. The mucosa contains tubuloalveolar glands, which have a mean length of 199.5 ± 28.83 μm. The thin epithelium, 15.0 ± 1.25‐μm wide, consists mostly of pseudo‐stratified columnar cells. The epithelium also has surface modifications in the form of apical blebs and cilia. The epithelium of the agouti’s lobulated prostate gland is also folded creating a large lumen with a mean diameter of 995.5 ± 55.70 μm. The mucosa contains tubular and tubuloalveolar glands, each having a mean length of 134.4 ± 13.59 μm. The epithelium (13.9 ± 1.16 μm) consists of pseudo‐stratified columnar cells. The pea‐shaped bulbourethral gland (BG) of the agouti consists of convoluted tubular, mucous secretory units, which are irregularly shaped each with a mean length of 177.9 ± 7.10 μm and a mean width of 63.5 ± 3.97 μm. The BG of the agouti are ventro‐lateral to the rectum and dorsally positioned to the pubic symphysis, and connected to the urethra by short ducts.
A new species of Aurospio (Polychaeta, Spionidae) from the Antarctic shelf, with analysis of its ecology, reproductive biology and evolutionary history
Authors: Mincks Sarah L. , Dyal Patricia L. , Paterson Gordon L. J. , Smith Craig R. , Glover Adrian G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRecent field expeditions to the Antarctic shelf and surrounding basins have included substantial benthic sampling, revealing a diverse benthic infauna, including many previously unknown taxa. We describe a new species of spionid polychaete from the West Antarctic Peninsula shelf, Aurospio foodbancsia sp. n., which constitutes as much as 70% of the polychaete community at some locations. This species is morphologically very similar to the wide‐spread deep‐sea species Aurospio dibranchiata, and we revise the generic description of Aurospio to include this new species. We also present new records of A. dibranchiata from the Antarctic shelf/slope and the abyssal equatorial Pacific, including the deepest observations yet recorded. Aurospio foodbancsia sp. n. does not appear to undergo seasonal cycles in abundance, gametogenesis or recruitment, in contrast to observations on A. dibranchiata by other authors which suggest seasonal production of planktotrophic larvae. Our examination of several hundred specimens of A. foodbancsia sp. n. also revealed the presence of a parasitic turbellarian embedded within the body cavity. Morphological comparisons suggest close affinities between A. foodbancsia sp. n. and the exclusively deep‐sea congener, A. dibranchiata. Phylogenetic analysis of the Spionidae based on available 16S and 18S rRNA gene data also supports this relationship, suggesting a possible historical linkage between Antarctic shelf and deep‐sea taxa.
Effect of Oestrous Cycle on the Oxidative Burst Activity of Blood Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes in Cows
Authors: Chaveiro A , Moreira da Silva F 
Published: November 2008

ContentsBlood polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) oxidative burst activity, plasma cortisol levels, and the total and differential white blood cells counts (WBC) of six cycled dairy cows were evaluated for a period of 24 days, three times a week; on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The PMN oxidative burst was indirectly evaluated by flow cytometry, measuring the intracellular oxidation of 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate to 2′,7′ dichlorofluorescein (DCF) by H2O2‐production. Results are pre‐sented as the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of DCF. Cow’s oestrous cycle was evaluated by following the plasma progesterone levels using a radioimmunoassay method. Levels of cortisol in the plasma were measured using a fluorimetric method. The oxidative burst activity of PMN, represented a maximum value (MFI = 117.6 ± 7.4) during the oestrous period. A fall was then observed, in which a steady state was observed during the lutheinic phase of the oestrous cycle, reaching the minimum value [MFI = 73.2 ± 11.2 (p ≤ 0.01)] on the days +8, +9 and +10. No significant variations were observed in the levels of cortisol, or in total and differential WBC, during the whole period. Nevertheless, as far as cortisol levels were concerned, a trend analogous to that of the oxidative burst activity was observed. Our results demonstrated that the oestrous cycle might influence directly, or indirectly, the immune system of cows, by altering the oxidative burst of PMN.
Safe conversion of mycophenolate mofetil to azathioprine in kidney transplant recipients with sirolimus‐based immunosuppression
Authors: EL‐AGROUDY AMGAD E , EL‐DAHSHAN KHALED F , WAFA EHAB W , SHEASHAA HUSSIEN A , GAD ZIAD A , ISMAIL AMANI M , SHOKEIR AHMED A , GHONEIM MOHAMED A 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYAim:  Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a powerful immunosuppressive drug with established efficacy and safety. The long‐term use of MMF may bring increased risk of for infection and malignancy and also increased cost of transplantation. The search for minimization of immunosuppressive protocol has led to an open randomized clinical trial of conversion from MMF to azathioprine (AZA).Methods:  A total of 50 kidney allograft recipients treated with prednisone, sirolimus and MMF were randomized into two groups: converted (AZA group) and continuing (MMF group). The average duration of MMF therapy prior to conversion was 43 months in each group. Inclusion criteria included: patients with serum creatinine levels of less than 200 µmol/L; no past history of acute vascular rejection or recent acute rejection 6 months before randomization; and normal liver function tests.Results:  Baseline demographics were similar in the two groups. During the 12 month observation period, there were no acute rejection episodes in either group. There were no significant differences in overall patient or graft survival or function. AZA‐treated patients had a lower incidence of gastrointestinal complications (P = 0.03). Daily cost reduction in the AZA group was more than $US8.79/day per patient.Conclusion:  In general, replacing MMF with AZA in stable renal transplant recipients is well tolerated and was cost effective with no increased risk of rejection. As the this study was on relatively small samples, larger and longer follow‐up studies will be needed to confirm these expected advantages for the long‐term outcome and to assess the long‐term safety of this minimization of immunosuppressive therapy.
How to Strengthen the Connection between Research and Teaching in Undergraduate University Education
Authors: Elsen Mariken (G.M.F.) , Visser‐Wijnveen Gerda J. , Van Der Rijst Roeland M. , Van Driel Jan H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper explores how to strengthen the research‐teaching nexus in university education, in particular, how to improve the relation between policy and practice. The focus is on courses and curricula for undergraduate students. From a review of policy documents and research literature, it appeared that the research‐teaching nexus can be shaped according to two dimensions. One concerns an emphasis on either the research content and products, or the research processes and problems; the other concerns the role of students as either learning existing insights, or as ‘participants in research’ who contribute to insights which are new to the field (e.g., by conducting research themselves). It is concluded that if a university chooses to strengthen the research‐teaching nexus in undergraduate curricula, this implies involving students more often in the role of participants in research.
Are Ethnic Minorities Underrepresented in UK Postgraduate Study?
Authors: Wakeling Paul 
Published: November 2008

AbstractDespite recent rapid increases in postgraduate numbers, little is known about the ethnic background of current postgraduates. This lacuna is addressed using data about the UK postgraduate population. Overall, students from minority ethnic backgrounds are under‐represented among research and teacher‐training students but not on masters degrees. The trend over time is encouraging. Substantial differences between minority ethnic groups are found and patterns of participation are shown to be structured by subject of study, institutional location and prior attainment. It is argued that differences in representation must be understood in the context of existing knowledge about prior educational patterns and subsequent labour market outcomes. Viewed in this way, underrepresentation of certain minority groups is potential evidence of disadvantage but underrepresentation can be interpreted more positively for other groups. Concerns remain over minorities' access to research degrees and the implications of this for the demographic composition of the academic profession.
β‐Synuclein occurs in vivo in lipid‐associated oligomers and forms hetero‐oligomers with α‐synuclein
Authors: Israeli Eitan , Sharon Ronit 
Published: November 2008

Abstractα‐synuclein (αS) and β‐synuclein (βS) are homologous proteins implicated in Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies. While αS is neurotoxic and its aggregation and deposition in Lewy bodies is related to neurodegeneration, βS is considered as a potent inhibitor of αS aggregation and toxicity. No mechanism for the neuroprotective role of βS has been described before. Here, we report that similar to αS, βS normally occurs in lipid‐associated, soluble oligomers in wild‐type (WT) mouse brains. We partially purified βS and αS proteins from whole mouse brain by size exclusion followed by ion exchange chromatography and found highly similar elution profiles. Using this technique, we were able to partially separate βS from αS and further separate βS monomer from its own oligomers. Importantly, we show that although αS and βS share high degree of similarities, βS oligomerization is not affected by increasing cellular levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while αS oligomerization is dramatically enhanced by PUFA. We show the in vivo occurrence of hetero‐oligomers of αS and βS and suggest that βS expression inhibits PUFA‐enhanced αS oligomerization by forming hetero‐oligomers up to a quatramer that do not further propagate.
Influence of energy drinks and alcohol on post‐exercise heart rate recovery and heart rate variability
Authors: Wiklund Urban , Karlsson Marcus , Öström Mats , Messner Torbjörn 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground:  Media have anecdotally reported that drinking energy drinks in combination with alcohol and exercise could cause sudden cardiac death. This study investigated changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate variability after intake of an energy drink, taken in combination with alcohol and exercise.Methods:  Ten healthy volunteers (five men and five women aged 19–30) performed maximal bicycle ergometer exercise for 30 min after: (i) intake of 0·75 l of an energy drink mixed with alcohol; (ii) intake of energy drink; and, (iii) no intake of any drink. ECG was continuously recorded for analysis of heart rate variability and heart rate recovery.Results:  No subject developed any clinically significant arrhythmias. Post‐exercise recovery in heart rate and heart rate variability was slower after the subjects consumed energy drink and alcohol before exercise, than after exercise alone.Conclusion:  The healthy subjects developed blunted cardiac autonomic modulation after exercising when they had consumed energy drinks mixed with alcohol. Although they did not develop any significant arrhythmia, individuals predisposed to arrhythmia by congenital or other rhythm disorders could have an increased risk for malignant cardiac arrhythmia in similar situations.
AXENIC CULTIVATION OF THE HETEROTROPHIC DINOFLAGELLATE PFIESTERIA SHUMWAYAE AND OBSERVATIONS ON FEEDING BEHAVIOR1
Authors: Skelton Hayley M. , Burkholder JoAnn M. , Parrow Matthew W. 
Published: November 2008

Pfiesteria shumwayae Glasgow et J. M. Burkh. [=Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae (Glasgow et J. M. Burkh.) Litaker, Steid., P. L. Mason, Shields et P. A. Tester] is a heterotrophic dinoflagellate commonly found in temperate, estuarine waters. P. shumwayae can feed on other protists, fish, and invertebrates, but research on the biochemical requirements of this species has been restricted by the lack of axenic cultures. An undefined, biphasic culture medium was formulated that supported the axenic growth of two of three strains of P. shumwayae. The medium contained chicken egg yolk as a major component. Successful growth depended on the method used to sterilize the medium, and maximum cell yields (104 · mL−1) were similar to those attained in previous research when P. shumwayae was cultured with living fish or microalgae. Additionally, P. shumwayae flagellate cells ingested particles present in the biphasic medium, allowing detailed observations of feeding behavior. This research is an initial step toward a chemically defined axenic culture medium and determination of P. shumwayae metabolic requirements.
Circadian Levels of Serotonin in Plasma and Brain after Oral Administration of Tryptophan in Rats
Authors: Mateos Soledad Sánchez , Sánchez Cristina L. , Paredes Sergio D. , Barriga Carmen , Rodríguez Ana B. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Serotonin, one of the most important neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, is synthesized by the amino acid, tryptophan. Given that this essential amino acid is consumed in the diet, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of orally administered L‐tryptophan (125 mg/kg) on circadian variations in the levels of serotonin in brain and plasma. We used male Wistar rats of 14 ± 2 weeks of age (n = 240), maintained under conditions of a 12‐hr light:dark cycle, and food and waterad libitum. Tryptophan administration was by gavage in a daily single dose at 7 p.m. for 7 days. The serotonin levels were measured by ELISA every hour at night (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) and every 4 hr during daytime (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). The results show that in both the tryptophan‐treated and untreated groups the highest values appeared during the beginning of the darkness with a peak at 9, 10 and 11 p.m. in controls, and at 9 p.m. in the tryptophan‐treated group. After tryptophan administration, the levels of serotonin were significantly higher in the plasma and all the brain regions analysed than in the control group. This increase of serotonin levels was greater in the pineal gland than in other brain regions, and the least in plasma. In conclusion, oral administration of tryptophan during 7 days enhances serotonin levels over a 24‐hr period, and produces an advance in the peak of serotonin in both plasma and different brain regions.
Ethylene Glycol Toxicity Presenting with Non‐Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Soghoian Sari , Sinert Richard , Wiener Sage W. , Hoffman Robert S. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Ethylene glycol classically produces an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis. We report a series of patients with ethylene glycol toxicity with a component of non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis without known associated confounding factors. A retrospective review of Poison Control Center records were searched more than 8 years (2000–2007) for ethylene glycol and antifreeze. Cases were reviewed and excluded for miscoding, information calls, animal exposures, or non‐ingestion exposures. The bicarbonate gap, or delta ratio (DR), was calculated using the formula: DR = (AG − 12)/[24 – measured serum where anion gap (AG) = [Na+] − [Cl−] − , all in mEq/l. Non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis was considered present when the DR < 1. Of 254 cases, 175 were excluded. Of the remaining 79 cases, 14 had a component of non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis at presentation. Their calculated anion gap was 14–28, and measured serum ranged from 2–20 mEq/l. A normal anion gap was present in two patients who presented with non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis. The DR ranged from 0.28–0.95. Seven out of 14 patients with non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis had elevated serum [Cl−]. In the other cases, no explanation for the non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis could be determined. The absence of a significant anion gap elevation in the setting of metabolic acidosis after ethylene glycol ingestion without other confounding factors (such as ethanol, lithium carbonate or bromide) has not previously been recognized. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis in patients with ethylene glycol toxicity, and should not exclude the diagnosis in patients who present with a non‐anion gap metabolic acidosis. Further study is needed to determine the mechanisms by which this occurs.
Competitiveness in the Canadian Food Industry
Authors: Coffin Garth , Larue Bruno , Banik Marc , Westgren Randall 
Published: November 2008

Concerns about competitiveness in the Canadian food industry have generated a number of studies, inquiries and other initiatives on the subject. This paper examines the concept and measurement of competitiveness, the findings of several studies and some of the methodological issues involved in analyzing this phenomenon. While there is general agreement that the concept has most relevance at the level of the firm where it can be described as “the ability to profitably gain and maintain market share,” it has been applied mostly at the industry and country levels where there is less agreement on measurement and interpretation. This is reflected by a remarkable lack of consensus among studies of the Canadian food industry. The methodological issues most in need of being resolved are those relating to appropriate measurement and the relationship between strategic behaviour of firms and the determinants of competitiveness as found in the environment of firmsPlusieurs études ont été réalisées sur la compétitivité de l'industrie agro‐alimentaire canadi‐ennne. Ce papier a pour but i) d'énumérer et de commenter les définitions et mesures de compétitivité couramment utilisées, ii) de synthétiser les aspects méthodologiques et résultats d'études antérieures, iii) de discuter des implications de la réglementation sur I'inocuité des aliments sur la compétitivité. Il semble y avoir concensus sur la pertinenence du concept de compétitivité au niveau de la firme. Malheureusement, la majorité des études ont analysé la compétitivité aux niveaux des industries ou des pays pour lesquels l'interprétation des résultats et les mesures sont sujet à controverse. Les résultats de ces études sont en général contradic‐toires, Il nous apparait primordial d'améliorer les mesures de compétitivité de façon à mieux capturer le comportement stratégique des firmes et les caractéristiques de l'environnement dans lequel elles opérent
INDEPENDENCE IN COMPLETE AND INCOMPLETE CAUSAL NETWORKS UNDER MAXIMUM ENTROPY
Authors: MARKHAM MICHAEL J. 
Published: November 2008

In an expert system having a consistent set of linear constraints it is known that the Method of Tribus may be used to determine a probability distribution which exhibits maximised entropy. The method is extended here to include independence constraints (Accommodation).The paper proceeds to discusses this extension, and its limitations, then goes on to advance a technique for determining a small set of independencies which can be added to the linear constraints required in a particular representation of an expert system called a causal network, so that the Maximum Entropy and Causal Networks methodologies give matching distributions (Emulation). This technique may also be applied in cases where no initial independencies are given and the linear constraints are incomplete, in order to provide an optimal ME fill-in for the missing information.
Cardiovascular risk of rosiglitazone: another perspective
Authors: Waksman Javier C 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Rosiglitazone is an effective therapy for type 2 diabetes although concerns have grown about the incidence of oedema and cardiovascular adverse events in patients treated with the drug. The following review was conducted to evaluate further and complement the evidence linking rosiglitazone with an increased risk for cardiovascular adverse events by examining trials and case reports not included in recent meta-analyses. Rosiglitazone-related publications describing case reports and prospective and retrospective cohort analyses were identified using MEDLINE and EMBASE, from July 1999 to July 2007. Relevant reports cited in these publications were also obtained. A recently-published meta-analysis and a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial were also reviewed. This review of 20 case reports and 10 uncontrolled studies supports the need for added vigilance when prescribing rosiglitazone to patients for the treatment of type 2 diabetes who may be at risk for congestive heart failure. Clinical data from numerous case reports and uncontrolled studies suggested that patients receiving rosiglitazone should be monitored for the development of weight gain or oedema. Prudence should be observed in patients with a history or risk factors for congestive heart failure as they may be poor candidates for rosiglitazone therapy.
Development of Chemical Stimuli-responsive Organogel Using Boronate Ester-substituted Cyclotricatechylene
Authors: Kubo Yuji , Yoshizumi Wataru , Minami Tsuyoshi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This study describes the synthesis of a new compound: boronate ester-substituted cyclotricatechylene 1. The structure-directing property of the boronic acid–diol interactions is responsible for the shuttlecock-shaped structure of 1, which led to the gelation of several solvents. The distribution control of trigonal and tetrahedral boronate esters allows phase transition via chemical stimulus.
Nanostructured anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Nahong , Fu Lijun , Yang Lichun , Zhang Tao , Wang Gaojun , Wu Yuping , van Ree Teunis 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This paper focuses on the latest progress in the preparation of a series of nanostructured anode materials in our laboratory and their electrochemical properties for Li-ion batteries. These anode materials include core-shell structured Si nanocomposites, TiO2 nanocomposites, novel MoO2 anode material, and carbon nanotube (CNT)-coated SnO2 nanowires (NWs). The substantial advantages of these nanostructured anodes provide greatly improved electrochemical performance including high capacity, better cycling behavior, and rate capability.