bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Hydroperiod Response in Restored Carolina Bay Wetlands Using Soil Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Barton Christopher D. , Andrews Danielle M. , Kolka Randall K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCarolina bays are shallow depression wetlands found in the southeastern United States that have been severely altered by human activity. The need to restore these complex and diverse systems is well established, but our limited understanding of wetland hydrologic processes in these systems hinders our ability to assess the effectiveness of bay restoration efforts. Carolina bays exhibit a wide range of moisture regimes from seasonally saturated to semipermanently inundated. Differing physicochemical properties of soils within bay interiors may control bay hydrology. However, previous efforts to establish relationships between soil characteristics and bay hydrology have been inconclusive. An assessment of soil and hydroperiod was initiated in 16 bays designated to be restored and 6 bays that were not restored (reference). Soil morphology was described, and permanent monitoring wells were installed at each site. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine relationships between the soil physicochemical characteristics and the bay hydroperiod for restored and reference bays in both pre‐ and postrestoration periods. A significant relationship (r2= 0.75,p= 0.02) between prerestoration hydroperiod and clay content in the argillic horizon (Bt) of the reference bays was observed. This relationship was then used to evaluate hydroperiod change in the restored bays from the postrestoration period. The relationship accurately identified sites that exhibited high prerestoration hydroperiods and did not need hydrologic restoration (n= 4) and effectively showed sites that exhibited substantial increases in hydroperiod due to the restoration activities (n= 7).
Earthworms in Soil Restoration: Lessons Learned from United Kingdom Case Studies of Land Reclamation
Authors: Butt Kevin R 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRestoration ecology requires theoretical consideration of a habitat’s former structure and function before the practice of ecological restoration is applied. However, experience has shown that this does not always occur and aspects such as soil ecology have often been an afterthought. Here, case study material relates the use of earthworms at selected sites in the United Kingdom. Due to their soil‐forming capabilities, these organisms may be essential to reconstruction of soils when drastic activities have despoiled an area. While describing in brief the type of work undertaken, these case studies seek to illustrate some of the misunderstandings/problems/deliberately negative acts that have too often accompanied use of earthworms in soil restoration. From such experiences, implications for practice are suggested that should lead to a greater understanding and appropriate utilization of earthworms in future projects.
Current and Potential Roles of Soil Macroinvertebrates (Earthworms, Millipedes, and Isopods) in Ecological Restoration
Authors: Snyder Bruce A. , Hendrix Paul F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSoil macroinvertebrates have a considerable impact on soil functions important to the restoration process, such as decomposition; yet, soil organisms have received relatively little attention in restoration ecology in terms of their applicability as agents of restoration. Here, we review how large obligate detritivores (earthworms, millipedes, and isopods) have been used to accomplish restoration goals, assess restoration progress, and function as bioindicators. Patterns of detritivore community succession and how these communities are themselves restored during restoration of perturbed ecosystems are also discussed. We conclude with a discussion of increased utilization of these taxa in future and ongoing restoration projects as well as the outreach activities that should be associated with use of these organisms.
The Nature of Urban Soils and Their Role in Ecological Restoration in Cities
Authors: Pavao‐Zuckerman Mitchell A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCurrent and predicted trends indicate that an increasing proportion of the world’s population is living in urban and suburban places. The nature of the urban environment becomes an important factor if we are concerned with the restoration and preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in and around cities. This article highlights the varied impacts of cities on soils and their implications for restoration planning and expectations of restoration “success.” Urban soils exist in different historical and formational trajectories than their local nonurbanized counterparts due to direct anthropogenic disturbance and indirect environmental impacts from urbanization. Therefore, urban soils often exhibit altered physical, chemical, and biological characteristics in comparison to local nonurbanized soils. Several unique features of urban soils and urban ecosystems pose particular issues for ecological restoration or the improvement of degraded soil conditions in cities. The creation of novel soil types, conditions that promote invasion by non‐natives, the strong influence of past land use on soil properties, and the presence of strong interactions and alternative stable states set up unique difficulties for the restoration of urban soils. Soils in urban restorations are a medium that can be deliberately manipulated to improve site conditions or in the monitoring of soil conditions as indices of ecosystem status. Including an explicit role for strong manipulations of soils in urban ecosystems changes how we approach baselines, management, and reference conditions in urban ecological restoration. With an understanding of urban soil ecological knowledge, we can guide aspects of urban ecological restoration toward successful outcomes.
A Striking Profile: Soil Ecological Knowledge in Restoration Management and Science
Authors: Callaham Mac A. , Rhoades Charles C. , Heneghan Liam 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Available evidence suggests that research in terrestrial restoration ecology has been dominated by the engineering and botanical sciences. Because restoration science is a relatively young discipline in ecology, the theoretical framework for this discipline is under development and new theoretical offerings appear regularly in the literature. In reviewing this literature, we observed an absence of in‐depth discussion of how soils, and in particular the ecology of soils, can be integrated into the developing theory of restoration science. These observations prompted us to assess the current role of soil ecological knowledge in restoration research and restoration practice. Although soils are universally regarded as critical to restoration success, and much research has included manipulations of soil variables, we found that better integration of soil ecological principles could still contribute much to the practice of ecosystem restoration. Here we offer four potential points of departure for increased dialog between restoration ecologists and soil ecologists. We hope to encourage the view that soil is a complex, heterogeneous, and vital entity and that adoption of this point of view can positively affect restoration efforts worldwide.
Effects of Irrigation and Nitrogen on the Performance of Aerobic Rice in Northern China
Authors: Xue Chang‐Ying , Yang Xiao‐Guang , Bouman B.A.M. , Deng Wei , Zhang Qiu‐Ping , Yang Jie , Yan Wei‐Xiong , Zhang Tian‐Yi , Rouzi A‐Ji , Wang Hua‐Qi , Wang Pu 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Aerobic rice is a new production system in which specially‐developed varieties are grown under non‐flooded, non‐puddled, and non‐saturated soil conditions. In 2003–2004, irrigation x Nitrogen experiments were carried out near Beijing using variety HD297. Water treatments included four irrigation levels, and Nitrogen treatments included different fertilizer N application rates and different numbers of N splits. The highest yields were 4 460 kg/ha with 688 mm of total (rain plus irrigation) water input in 2003 and 6 026 kg/ha with 705 mm of water input in 2004. Because of the quite even distribution of rainfall in both years, the four irrigation treatments did not result in large differences of soil water conditions. There were few significant effects of irrigation on biomass accumulation, but yield increased with the total amount of water applied. High yields coincided with high harvest index and high percentages of grain filling. The application of fertilizer N either reduced biomass and yield or kept it at the same level as 0 N and consistently reduced the percentage grain filling and 1 000‐grain weight. With the highest water application, five splits of N gave higher yield than three splits, whereas three splits gave higher yield than five splits with lower water applications.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON PHYSICAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITIES OF SOME INDIGENOUS AND IMPORTANT RICE CULTIVARS OF NORTH‐EASTERN HILL REGION OF INDIA
Authors: DEVI TH. PREMILA , DURAI A. ANNA , SINGH TH. ANAND , GUPTA S. , MITRA J. , PATTANAYAK A. , SARMA B.K. , DAS A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT The northeastern hills of India are endowed with rich source of rice germplasm, which may be safely estimated about 9,000 accessions, excluding the redundancies. Even though much of the germplasm have been collected, studies on nutritional aspects of these local cultivars are still lacking. Fifteen important indigenous rice genotypes collected from different rice growing ecosystem of this region were studied for physical and nutritional qualities. Kernel color of the genotypes varied from white to dark purple. All the genotypes except Manipuri were of bold‐grain type. Most of the genotypes studied have fat contents more than 2.0%. The protein content was found higher in Chahou angouba and Naga special. Five cultivars were identified as high‐protein cultivars of rice, with 10–12.07% protein content. Amylose content varied from 2.27 to 24.5%. Most of long‐grained genotypes recorded lesser amylose than short grained. Chahou varieties were found aromatic and glutinous, which demand higher market prices in local market. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONThe north‐eastern hills of India are endowed with rich source of rice germplasm, and much of the germplasm have been collected, but studies on basic and advanced nutritional aspects of these local cultivars are still lacking. This part of India has valuable rice genotypes of strong aroma, glutinous characters and slender grains with high amount of protein, fat and fiber. Having not known to the rest of the world and even to indigenous end users, some of such cultivars have already been lost, and some more are at the verge of extinction. Quality evaluation done in the present study provided useful information on their commercial exploitation and utilization in breeding programs of nutritional enhancement of rice to fight malnutrition among rice‐consuming population, which is largest in the world.
PAIRED PREFERENCE TESTS: “50:50” AND “ALTERNATING” NO PREFERENCES
Authors: ALFARO‐RODRÍGUEZ HAYDE , ANGULO OFELIA , O'MAHONY MICHAEL 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT Because the concept of “No Preference” is ambiguous, two types of “No Preference” are defined: a “50:50” No Preference, defined operationally as consumers presented with both products having a 50% chance of choosing either, and an “Alternating” No Preference, where the probability is not 50%. The consumer would be more likely to choose one of the products. However, later, he or she might choose the other product. To investigate this, paired preference tests were performed with and without the “No Preference” option for various products. No discernible trend was noted for consumers who had chosen the “No Preference” option and distributed their votes among the preference options. These consumers and those who changed their preferences were classified according to the “50:50” No Preference and “Alternating” No Preference dichotomy accordingly. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBesides the tendency of consumers to report false preferences, paired preference tests have another problem: the concept of “No Preference” is ambiguous. It could mean that consumers liked both products equally and so would always have a 50% chance of choosing either. It could also mean that the probability is not 50% on any one occasion but varies so that one product is chosen on one occasion and the other product on another occasion. To avoid confusing the consumer so as to obtain more valid data, it is important to specify these two meanings of “No Preference.” This study is a first step in that direction and should help consumers understand better the instructions for preference tests.
Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of the hard tissue barrier after pulp capping with calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or ProRoot MTA
Authors: Reston Eduardo Galia , De Souza Costa Carlos Alberto 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and localisation of calcium hydroxide‐ and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)‐induced hard tissue barriers after pulpotomy in dogs' teeth. Pulpotomies were performed on maxillary and mandibular premolars of five dogs. The teeth were assigned into three groups according to the pulp‐capping agent used. The pulpal wounds were capped with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2– control), MTA or ProRoot MTA, and the cavities were restored with amalgam. After a 90‐day follow‐up period, the dogs were euthanised and the teeth were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An image‐processing and analysis software was used to delimit the perimeters of the root canal area and the hard tissue barrier to determine the percentage of root canal obliteration. SEM data were used to assess the morphology, localisation and extension of the reparative hard tissue barriers. ProRoot MTA was statistically different from MTA and Ca(OH)2 (P < 0.05) regarding tissue barrier morphology. Localisation data showed that ProRoot MTA was significantly different from Ca(OH)2 (P < 0.05) and similar to MTA (P > 0.01; P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference (P > 0.01; P > 0.05) was observed between MTA and Ca(OH)2. A larger number of complete (centroperipheral) hard tissue barriers with predominance of dentinal tubules was observed to the ProRoot MTA when compared with the Ca(OH)2 group.
Effect of two storage solutions on surface topography of two root‐end fillings
Authors: Asgary Saeed , Eghbal Mohammad Jafar , Parirokh Masoud , Ghoddusi Jamileh 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe effect of different storage solutions on surface topography of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and new experimental cement (NEC) as root‐end fillings was investigated. Twenty‐four single‐rooted teeth were cleaned, shaped and obturated in a same manner. After root‐end resection, 3‐mm deep root‐end cavities were ultrasonically prepared. Samples were randomly divided into four test groups (A1‐A2‐B1‐B2, n = 6). Root‐end cavities in groups A and B were filled with MTA and NEC, respectively, and were then stored in 100% humidity for 24 h. The samples of groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, immersed in normal saline (NS) and phosphate buffer saline solutions for 1 week. The samples were imaged under stereomicroscope before and after immersion and were then investigated and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA). Results showed significant difference among studied groups. Surface topography of all samples was altered by crystal formation and precipitation on root‐end fillings except for group A1 (MTA–NS). SEM and EDXA results showed that the composition and structure of precipitated crystals were comparable with that of standard hydroxyapatite. It was concluded that biocompatibility, sealing ability, and cementogenic activity of MTA and probably NEC may be attributed to this fundamental bioactive reaction.
Incidence rate of musculoskeletal injuries and determinants of time to recovery in young Australian Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Cogger N , Evans DL , Hodgson DR , Reid SW , Perkins N 
Published: November 2008

Objective  To describe the incidence rate of musculoskeletal (MS) injuries and investigate the factors that influence recovery from MS injury in young Thoroughbred horses in Australia.Methods  Training and injury data were collected at fortnightly intervals from 14 trainers in New South Wales. Incidence rates were calculated for initial injuries stratified by age‐class and sex. Survival analysis methods were used to investigate the time to recovery after the first MS injury (measured as a start in a race or barrier trial).Results  For the 248 racehorses enrolled, there were 428 injuries recorded; 2‐year‐olds were 2.99‐fold more likely than 3‐year‐olds to sustain an MS injury. The cumulative percentage of horses that had recovered within 6 months was 55%. The time to recovery was longest in horses whose fast gallop speed prior to injury was < 890 m/min.Conclusion  This study supports the finding that shin soreness is the most common MS injury in young Australian Thoroughbreds. There was an increased rate of MS injury in 2‐year‐olds compared with 3‐year‐olds. However, it was impossible to determine if the increased risk in 2‐year‐olds was related to age, the start of training or a combination of both. The study also found that horses performing at higher exercise speeds prior to injury were more likely to recover. There was a significant effect of trainer, suggesting that other factors related to trainer may influence the time to the recovery. Additional research is required to understand the determinants of time to recovery.
Hepatitis C virus F protein inhibits cell apoptosis by activation of intracellular NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Shao Sheng‐wen , Wu Wen‐bin , Bian Zhong‐qi , Yu Jian‐guo , Zhao Ping , Zhao Lan‐juan , Zhu Shi‐ying , Qi Zhong‐tian 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To observe the influence of HCV F protein on apoptosis of HepG2 cells, and explore the association between F protein and NF‐κB signal pathway.Methods:  HCV 1b F gene containing HepG2‐F cells and HCV 1b C gene containing HepG2‐C cells were treated with 100 IU/mL TNF‐α, and analyzed by flow cytometry, Western blotting, and dual luciferase reporter assay. Empty plasmid pcDNA3.1+ containing HepG2‐3.1 cells were used as control.Results:  (i) With the treatment of TNF‐α for 18 h, the apoptosis rates (AR) of HepG2‐F and HepG2‐3.1 cells were 0.41% (± 0.11%) and 37.43% (± 2.03%) respectively, while that of HepG2‐C was 4.07% (± 0.18%). At 36 h after TNF‐α treatment, the AR of HepG2‐F and HepG2‐3.1 cells were 10.03% (± 0.41%) and 44.63% (± 3.37%), and that of HepG2‐C was 14.95% (± 0.85%). (ii) After the treatment of TNF‐α for 0.5–18 h, the p65 contents in the whole cells of HepG2‐F and HepG2‐3.1 showed no significant difference (P = 0.34, t = 1.08), while the p65 contents in the nucleus of HepG2‐F and HepG2‐3.1 cells were 3.8–1.9 times and 1.8–1.0 times higher than that in the non‐treated cells (P = 0.013, t = 4.25). (iii) The relative luciferase unit (RLU) of the HepG2 cells, co‐transfected with pcDNA3.1‐F and pNF‐κB‐luc, and then treated with TNF‐α (100 IU/mL) for 18 h, showed a pcDNA3.1‐F dose‐dependent increase.Conclusion:  HCV F protein can over‐activate NF‐κB signal pathway, which makes HepG2‐F cells able to resist TNF‐α induced apoptosis.
Significance of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and thymidylate synthase mRNA expressions in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nii Akira , Shimada Mitsuo , Ikegami Toru , Harino Yukari , Imura Satoru , Morine Yuji , Kanemura Hirofumi , Arakawa Yusuke , Sugimoto Koji 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The significance of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and thymidylate synthase (TS) gene expressions for the post‐surgical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been determined. In the present study, we clarified the significance of DPD and TS gene expressions for the prognosis of HCC.Methods:  Seventy‐four patients, who underwent curative hepatic resection for primary HCC, were evaluated. The DPD and TS mRNA levels of the resected HCC specimens were evaluated using a microdissection technique and quantative real‐time RT‐PCR. The patients were categorized into high and low groups for each mRNA based on the median value. Various clinicopathological factors, including prognosis, and proliferation index using Ki‐67 staining were evaluated in association with the DPD and TS mRNA expression levels.Results:  The low DPD mRNA expression was related to younger age, advanced clinical stage, undifferentiated histology, and microscopic intrahepatic metastasis. The overall and recurrence‐free survival were significantly lower in the low DPD group than in the high DPD group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the proliferation index in the low DPD group was significantly higher than that in the high DPD group (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the high TS group showed a tendency of better prognosis than the low TS group, although it was not statistically significant.Conclusions:  The low DPD mRNA expression is a significant poor prognostic factor. after curative resection of HCC.
Positioning the New Reggaetón Stars in Cuba: From Home‐Based Recording Studios to Alternative Narratives
Authors: Boudreault‐Fournier Alexandrine 
Published: November 2008

RESUMENA principios de los años 2000, el reggaetón, un fenómeno musical caribeño asociado a valores individualistas y mercantilistas, llegó a las costas cubanas. Este artículo defiende la relevancia de hegemonía, ideología y articulación en la localización de las prácticas y narrativas de los productores de música reggaetón (reggaetoneros) dentro de la sociedad cubana contemporánea. Los reggaetoneros participan en redes paralelas, que les permiten comercializar, promover y distribuir su música fuera de las regulaciones del estado Asimismo, los reggaetoneros se mantienen fieles a una retórica nacionalista marginal pero no dirigida contra las narrativas dominantes. La expresión de varias ideologías alternativas por parte de los reggaetoneros y su implicación en las redes paralelas ilustran como fluctúan entre su proximidad al proyecto revolucionario algunas veces y su alejamiento del mismo en otras ocasiones.In the early 2000s, reggaetón, a Caribbean music phenomenon associated with individualist and market‐oriented values, disembarked on Cuban shores. This article defends hegemony, ideology, and articulation as concepts relevant to the act of situating the practices and narratives of reggaetón producers (reggaetoneros) within contemporary Cuban society. Reggaetoneros are actively involved in parallel networks, which allow them to commercialize, promote, and distribute their music outside of state regulations. Similarly, reggaetoneros adhere to a nationalist rhetoric that is on the margins but not directed against the dominant narratives. The articulation of various alternative ideologies by reggaetoneros and their involvement in parallel networks illustrate how they oscillate between being close to the revolutionary project at times, and distant from it at others.