bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the understanding of earthworm feeding behaviour via the use of fatty acidδ13C values determined by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Dungait Jennifer A. J. , Briones Maria J. I. , Bol Roland , Evershed Richard P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLitter‐dwelling (epigeic)Lumbricus rubellusand soil‐dwelling (endogeic)Allolobophora chloroticaearthworms were observed aggregating under C3(δ13C = −31.3‰;δ15N = 10.7‰) and C4(δ13C = −12.6‰;δ15N = 7.5‰) synthetic dung pats applied to a temperate grassland (δ13C = −30.3‰;δ15N = 5.7‰) in an experiment carried out for 372 days. Bulkδ13C values of earthworms collected from beneath either C3or C4dung after 28, 56, 112 and 372 days demonstrated that (i)L. rubellusbeneath C4dung were significantly13C‐enriched after 56 days (δ13C = −23.8‰) and 112 days (δ13C = −22.4‰) compared with those from C3dung treatments (56 days,δ13C = −26.5‰; 112 days,δ13C = −27.0‰), and (ii)A. chloroticawere 2.1‰13C‐enriched (δ13C = −24.2‰) relative to those from C3dung (δ13C = −26.3‰) treatments after 372 days. Bulkδ15N values did not suggest significant uptake of dung N by either species beneath C3or C4dung, but showed that the endogeic species (total meanδ15N = 3.3‰) had higherδ15N values than the epigeic species (total meanδ15N = 5.4‰). Although the two species exhibited similar fatty acid profiles, individual fatty acidδ13C values revealed extensive routing of dietary C into body tissue ofL. rubellus, but minor incorporation intoA. chlorotica. In particular, the direct incorporation of microbial biomarker fatty acids (iC17:0,aC17:0) from13C‐labelled dungin situ, the routing of dung C intode novosynthesised compounds (${\rm C}_{20:4_\omega 6}$,${\rm C}_{20:5_\omega 3}$), and the assimilation of essential fatty acids (${\rm C}_{18:1_\omega 9}$,${\rm C}_{18:1_\omega 7}$,${\rm C}_{18:2_\omega 6}$,${\rm C}_{18:3_\omega 3}$) derived from dung, were determined. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of recent vegetation on labile and recalcitrant carbon soil pools in central Queensland, Australia: evidence from thermal analysis‐quadrupole mass spectrometry‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Lopez‐Capel Elisa , Krull Evelyn S. , Bol Roland , Manning David A. C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe effect of a recent vegetation change (<100 years) from C4 grassland to C3 woodland in central Queensland, Australia, on soil organic matter (SOM) composition and SOM dynamics has been investigated using a novel coupled thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry‐quadrupole.mass spectrometry‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (TG‐DSC‐QMS‐IRMS) system. TG‐DSC‐QMS‐IRMS distinguishes the C isotope composition of discrete SOM pools, showing changes in labile, recalcitrant and refractory carbon in the bulk soil and particle size fractions which track the vegetation changes. Analysis of evolved gases (by QMS) from thermal decomposition, rather than observed weight loss, proved essential in determining the temperature at which SOM decomposes, because smectite and kaolinite clays contribute to observed weight losses. The δ13C analyses of the CO2 evolved at different temperatures for bulk soil and particle size‐separates showed that most of the labile SOM under the more recent woody vegetation was C3‐derived carbon whereas the δ13C values in the recalcitrant SOM showed greater C4 contributions. This indicated a shift from grass (C4)‐ to tree (C3)‐derived carbon in the woodland, which was also supported by the two‐phase 13C enrichment with depth, i.e. C3 vegetation dominated the top soil (0–10 cm), but the C4 contribution increased with depth (more gradual). This is perturbed by the inclusion of charcoal from forest fires (14C age incursions) and by the deep incorporation of C3 carbon due to root penetration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using macroinvertebrate biological traits for assessing biotic integrity of neotropical streams
Authors: Tomanova Sylvie , Moya Nabor , Oberdorff Thierry 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSeveral recent studies have demonstrated that a functional approach (i.e. analysis of traits indicating species ecological functions) can be successfully used for river biomonitoring. To date this approach has only been applied in temperate rivers, even though it could notably contribute toward the development of an environmental assessment system in developing countries in other climatic zones. Using a multivariate approach (Fuzzy Correspondence Analysis—FCA), we analysed functional invertebrate community characteristics (described by 40 categories of seven biological traits mostly at the family level) at 66 stream sites from neotropical Bolivia with different level of anthropogenic disturbance. We were able to separate the sites on the first FCA axis (F1) (ANOVA test) following the predefined environmental quality classes based on the observed impact. Moreover, the F1 axis scores were significantly related to scores obtained using an independent macroinvertebrate multi‐metric index previously developed to assess streams biotic condition in the same biogeographical region. The F1 axis, which thus represents a gradient of anthropogenic impacts, was significantly correlated to 30 of the 40 studied trait categories. Our results (i) clearly confirm the possible use of functional traits for water quality assessment in neotropical streams, and (ii) provides support to the River Habitat Templet hypothesis since habitat disturbances produced predictable functional changes in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Finally, this study supports the potential worldwide applicability of the species‐trait approach as a biomonitoring tool for stream integrity assessment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrologic alteration of the lower Rio Grande terminus: a quantitative assessment
Authors: Small Michael F. , Bonner Timothy H. , Baccus John T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe lower Rio Grande is one of several imperilled river reaches in North America. Drought and water withdrawals for agriculture and municipal use are acknowledged as primary sources of riverine degradation. We agree that these are critical components adversely affecting the river but also suggest disruption in the normal flood‐pulse cycle of the lower Rio Grande, resulting from impoundment of Falcon Lake and poor management of releases from Falcon Lake Dam, have contributed substantially to decline in ecosystem integrity. We provide statistical evidence and real observations in support of the hypothesis that loss of the natural flood‐pulse cycle of the lower Rio Grande has detrimentally affected the riparian ecosystem. Although the presence of adverse effects from disruption of the flood‐pulse cycle is intuitive, this is the first report quantifying the degree of alteration in the lower Rio Grande. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembly of Single‐Stranded RNA on Carbon Nanotube: Polyadenylic Acid to Form a Duplex Structure
Authors: Zhao Chao , Peng Yinghua , Song Yujun , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAll messenger‐RNA (mRNA) molecules in eukaryotic cells have a polyadenylic acid [poly(rA)] tail at the 3′‐end and human poly(rA) polymerase (PAP) has been considered as a tumor‐specific target. A ligand that is capable of recognizing and binding to the poly(rA) tail of mRNA might interfere with the full processing of mRNA by PAP and can be a potential therapeutic agent. We report here for the first time that single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can cause single‐stranded poly(rA) to self‐structure and form a duplex structure, which is studied by UV melting, atomic force microscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and NMR spectrometry. SWNTs have shown potential applications that range from nanodevices, gene therapy, and drug delivery to membrane separations. Our studies may provide new insights into the application of SWNTs under physiological conditions, possibly being used as probes that target specific gene sequences.
The Effects of Extended Families and Marital Status on Housing Consumption by Black Female-Headed Households
Authors: Macpherson David , Stewart James B. 
Published: April 2008

This study examines factors affecting the housing consumption of households headed by black women. The investigation focuses particular attention on the extent to which marital status and household composition, especially extended family configurations, influence the quality of housing consumed. The specific measure of housing quality used in the study is crowdedness, proxied by the number of persons per room. Analysis of data taken from the 1980 U.S. Census Public Use Sample reveals that female-headed extended households experience crowding disproportionately in comparison to other female-headed households. Marital status, age and location also significantly affect housing consumption. Young black female household heads who are separated and live in the South are particularly likely to reside in crowded conditions. Improved labor market outcomes for household heads are found to be more effective in generating improvements in housing quality than increased transfer payments.
Spectrophotometric determination of small amounts of 1‐monoglycerides in fats
Authors: Szonyi C. , Sparrow K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA method is described for the determination of small amounts of 1‐monoglycerides in fats. The method consists of a periodic acid oxidation, the resulting glycol aldehyde fatty acid ester then being converted to the 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative, which is determined spectrophotometrically. The colored solutions are stable and follow Beer舗s law in the range 0.0舑1.0% 1‐monoglycerides with a standard deviation of ŷ0.024%. Glycerol does not interfere.
Detergent effects of ultrasonics
Authors: Ford O. E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe effect of ultrasonic treatment using 300 and 650 kc fields, respectively, on the detergent power of five products has been investigated. Factorial experiments were devised varying the different parameters such as textile fibers or fabric, intensity of the field, nature and concn of the detergent and length of treatment. The ultrasonic treatment proved highly efficient compared to the laboratory washing machine.
Biphosphonates for the therapy of complex regional pain syndrome I – Systematic review
Authors: Brunner Florian , Schmid Annina , Kissling Rudolf , Held Ulrike , Bachmann Lucas M. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives: Several studies found that biphosphonates counteract locally increased bone resorption and associated pain in patients with complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I). We performed a systematic review of all randomised controlled trials to assess the benefit of biphosphonates in the treatment of CRPS I patients with bone loss.Data sources: We searched Medline, Embase (April 2007) and the Cochrane Library and screened bliographies of included studies.Review methods: We selected randomised trials comparing biphosphonates with placebo, with the goal of improving pain, function and quality of life in patients with CRPS I. Two reviewers independently assessed trial eligibility and quality, and extracted data. Where data were incomplete or unclear, conflicts were resolved with discussion and/or trial authors were contacted for further details. We calculated the study size weighted pooled mean reduction of pain intensity (measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS)).Results: Four trials of moderate quality fulfilled our inclusion criteria. In respect to function and quality of life there was a trend in favour of biphosphonates but differences in outcome assessment impeded pooling of results. Two trials provided sufficient data to pool pain outcomes. Biphosphonates reduced pain intensity by 22.4 and 21.6mm on a VAS after 4 and 12 weeks of follow‐up. Data on adverse effects were scarce.Conclusions: The very limited data reviewed showed that bisphosphonates have the potential to reduce pain associated with bone loss in patients with CRPS I. However, at present there is not sufficient evidence to recommend their use in practice.
Associations of serum carotenoid concentrations with the metabolic syndrome: interaction with smoking
Authors: Sugiura Minoru , Nakamura Mieko , Ogawa Kazunori , Ikoma Yoshinori , Matsumoto Hikaru , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi , Yano Masamichi 
Published: April 2008

Recent epidemiological studies show the associations of serum antioxidant status with the metabolic syndrome. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and CVD. Actually, smoking is a potent oxidative stressor in man, but little is known about the interaction of serum carotenoids and the metabolic syndrome with smoking status. In this study, the associations of the serum carotenoids with the metabolic syndrome stratified by smoking habit were evaluated cross-sectionally. A total of 1073 subjects (357 male and 716 female) who had received health examinations in the town of Mikkabi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, participated in the study. Among total subjects, the OR for the metabolic syndrome in the highest tertile of serum β-carotene was 0·41 (95 % CI 0·18, 0·92) after adjusting confounders. In current smokers, significantly lower OR were observed in the middle (OR 0·10; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·72) and highest (OR 0·06; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·73) tertiles of serum β-carotene. Furthermore, lower OR were observed in accordance with tertiles of serum α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin in current smokers (P for trend 0·042 and 0·036, respectively). In contrast, in non-smokers, a significantly lower OR was observed in the highest tertile of serum β-carotene (OR 0·30; 95 % CI 0·10, 0·89) after multiple adjustment. Inverse associations of serum carotenoids with the metabolic syndrome were more evident among current smokers than non-smokers. These results support that antioxidant carotenoids may have a protective effect against development of the metabolic syndrome, especially in current smokers who are exposed to a potent oxidative stress.
The Euphrates volcanic field, northeastern Syria: petrogenesis of Cenozoic basanites and alkali basalts
Authors: LEASE NANCY A. , ABDEL-RAHMAN ABDEL-FATTAH M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Plio-Quaternary Euphrates volcanic field of NE Syria includes large discontinuous exposures of basanitic and basaltic lava flows (1200 km2in area). It represents the northern segment of the Cenozoic volcanic province of the Middle East and is located near the Bitlis collision suture. The rocks consist of olivine (15–20%), clinopyroxene (30–35%), plagioclase (45–55%) and opaque phases. Chemically, the rocks are largely ultrabasic (SiO238.2–45.5 wt%, MgO 8.7–13.0 wt% and average Mg number of 0.65). They are enriched in incompatible trace elements such as Zr (133–276 ppm), Nb (25–71 ppm) and Y (17–28 ppm). The REE patterns are strongly fractionated ((La/Yb)N= 19.6), indicative of a garnet-bearing source. The143Nd/144Nd isotopic compositions range from 0.512868 to 0.512940 (εNd= 4.5 to 5.9), and87Sr/86Sr from 0.70309 to 0.70352. These chemical and isotopic compositions reflect strong affinities to OIB. Elemental ratios such as K/P (3.4), La/Ta (13) and La/Nb (0.77), and the low SiO2values, suggest that the Euphrates magma was subjected to minimal crustal contamination. Petrogenetic modelling has been carried out using a variety of mantle source materials, different degrees of partial melting (0.1 to 10%), and a number of scenarios including metasomatized sources. Modelling suggests that the magma could have been produced as a result of a small degree of partial melting of either (1) a garnet-bearing depleted source enriched with a small addition of metasomatizing fluids, or (2) a garnet-bearing fertile source. The overall chemical and petrological characteristics are more consistent with the generation of the Euphrates magma by a small degree of partial melting (F = 1%) of a primitive, garnet-lherzolite mantle source, possibly containing a minor spinel component. The Neogene collision of the Arabian plate with Eurasia along the Bitlis suture resulted in reactivation (beneath the Euphrates basin) of deep-seated fractures, along which lavas may have penetrated the crust.
Policy Networks and Business Participation in Free Trade Negotiations in Chile
Authors: BULL BENEDICTE 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWithin Latin America, Chile is distinguished by its stable trade policies and rapid negotiation of trade agreements with countries and regions all over the world. Explanations for these phenomena often point to the stable pro-free trade coalition established in the aftermath of the shock-therapy pursued in the 1970s, and Chile's professional government bureaucracy. Although both of these elements are important, this article shows how the rapid integration of Chile into the world economy has also depended on the existence of business associations with expertise on trade issues. Through the process of integration, a close policy network has evolved between key public officials and business representatives. This is premised on the mutual recognition of expertise in the public and private sectors, and is held together by close personal networks of loyalty and trust across the public-private divide. However, while the development of such a policy network has been highly favourable to the process of negotiating trade agreements, it has also contributed to the de-facto exclusion of societal actors that have less to contribute to trade negotiations than business sectors.
Italian Immigrants, Brazilian Football, and the Dilemma of National Identity
Authors: BOCKETTI GREGG P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article considers the cultural adjustment of immigrants to Brazil through an analysis of the role that association football (soccer) played in identity formation in twentieth-century São Paulo. It focuses on the city's large Italian population, in particular the experiences of a leading club, the Società Sportiva Palestra Itália, and of the first generation of Brazilian footballers who migrated abroad in order to play football professionally, many of whom were Paulistas of Italian descent. It demonstrates that through football Italians obtained agency in negotiating the process by which they became Brazilian and found a means by which to preserve a sense of discrete ethnicity within São Paulo's multiethnic community.
Pair correlations of the leVeque sequence on the polydisc
Authors: NAIR R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe consider a system of “forms” defined for ẕ = (zij) on a subset of $\Bbb C^d$ by

where d = d1 + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ + dl and for each pair of integers (i,j) with 1 ≤ i ≤ l, 1 ≤ j ≤ di we denote by $(v_{ij}(k))_{k=1}^{\infty}$ a strictly increasing sequence of natural numbers. Let ${\Bbb C}_1$ = {z ∈ ${\Bbb C}$ : |z| < 1} and let ${\underline X} \ = \ \times _{i=1}^l \times _{j=1}^{d_i}X_{ij}$ where for each pair (i, j) we have Xij = ${\Bbb C}\backslash {\Bbb C}_1$. We study the distribution of the sequence on the l-polydisc $({\Bbb C}_1)^l$ defined by the coordinatewise polar fractional parts of the sequence Xk(ẕ) = (L1(ẕ)(k),. . ., Ll(ẕ)(k)) for typical ẕ in ${\underline X}$ More precisely for arcs I1, . . ., I2l in $\Bbb T$, let B = I1 × ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ × I2l be a box in $\Bbb T^{2l}$ and for each N ≥ 1 define a pair correlation function by

and a discrepancy by ΔN = $\sup_{B \subset \Bbb T^{2l}}${VN(B) − N(N−1)leb(B)}, where the supremum is over all boxes in $\Bbb T^{2l}$. We show, subject to a non-resonance condition on $(v_{ij}(k))_{k=1}^{\infty}$, that given ε > 0 we have ΔN = o(N$(log N)^{l + {1\over 2}}$(log log N)1+ε) for almost every $\underline x(\underline z)\in \Bbb T^{2l}$. Similar results on extremal discrepancy are also proved. Our results complement those of I. Berkes, W. Philipp, M. Pollicott, Z. Rudnick, P. Sarnak, R Tichy and the author in the real setting.
A note on finite determinacy for corank 2 map germs from surfaces to 3-space
Authors: MARAR W. L. , NUÑO–BALLESTEROS J. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe study properties of finitely determined corank 2 quasihomogeneous map germs f:($\C^2$, 0) → ($\C^3$, 0). Examples and counter examples of such map germs are presented.
Breastfeeding in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: VANKY ESZTER , ISAKSEN HEGE , HAASE MOEN METTE , CARLSEN SVEN M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground. To investigate the breastfeeding rate in new mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods. Case‐control study. Thirty‐six women with PCOS and 99 controls matched for age, gestational length and parity, answered a questionnaire. Breastfeeding at one‐, three‐ and six‐months postpartum was registered and the two groups were compared. In the women with PCOS, androgen levels through pregnancy were analysed and related to breastfeeding rate. Results. At one‐month postpartum, 27 (75%) of the women with PCOS were breastfeeding exclusively, whereas five (14%) did not breastfeed at all. Among controls, 88 (89%) were breastfeeding exclusively and two (2%) did not breastfeed (p = 0.001). At three‐ and six‐months postpartum, breastfeeding was equal in the two groups. Problems with sore nipples and seeking professional lactation support were also equal. Dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate levels at gestational week 32 and 36 showed a weak negative association with breastfeeding in PCOS women. Breastfeeding rate was not associated with maternal gestational levels of androstenedione, testosterone, sex‐hormone binding globulin, or free testosterone index in PCOS. Conclusions. Women with PCOS appear to have a reduced breastfeeding rate in the early postpartum period. Possibly, gestational dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulphate might negatively influence breastfeeding rate in women with the syndrome.
Yolk sac volume assessed by three‐dimensional ultrasonography using the VOCAL method
Authors: CRISTINE RÔLO LÍLIAM , MARCONDES MACHADO NARDOZZA LUCIANO , ARAUJO JÚNIOR EDWARD , MARTIN NOWAK PAULO , FERNANDES MORON ANTONIO 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives. Establish normative data for yolk sac volume (YSV) at 7–10 weeks of gestation assessed by transvaginal three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3D‐US) using the VOCAL method and analyze its correlation with gestational age (GA) and crown‐rump length (CRL). Methods. A cross‐sectional study involving 62 normal pregnancies was performed to assess YSV from 7 to 10 weeks of gestational age. An endocavitary volumetric transducer (3D5‐8EK) was used for all measurements. The VOCAL (Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis) method with a 30° rotation angle was used for volumetric calculations. Regression models were constructed to analyze the correlation between YSV and GA or CRL The mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum values were calculated for each gestational age. Results. There was a poor correlation between YSV and GA or CRL. The quadratic regression was the model that best expressed the correlation between these variables: R2 = 0.188 for GA and R2 = 0.203 for CRL. The mean YSV went from 0.063 cm3 (95% CI: 0.047; 0.080) at 7 weeks to 0.164 cm3 (95% CI 0.095; 0.232) at 10 weeks. Conclusion. Reference limits were generated for first trimester YSV using 3D‐US. There was a poor correlation between YSV and GA or CRL.
Complete destruction of urethra and bladder neck following symphysiotomy and results of attempted corrective surgery
Authors: ONSRUD MATHIAS , SJØVEIAN SOLBJØRG , MUKWEGE DENIS 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFour (0.8%) out of 526 obstetric fistulas were related to a preceding symphysiotomy procedure. Complete destruction of the urethra and bladder neck with retropubic fibrosis was found. Faulty technique is the most probable cause. All women had stillborn babies before the symphysiotomy delivery, and tissue damage due to obstructed labor could have been a predisposing factor. A neo‐urethra was successfully constructed in three of the four women, but continence in standing position was not obtained.