bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red alga Grateloupia imbricata (Halymeniaceae), a species introduced into the Canary Islands
Authors: García‐Jiménez Pilar , Geraldino Paul John L. , Boo Sung Ming , Robaina Rafael R. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYSpecimens of Grateloupia from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands were used to molecularly ascertain which of the species has been used in physiological and bio‐technological experiments. The rbcL sequence analysis revealed that four out of five analyzed specimens (i.e. those commonly collected for physiological research) formed a monophyletic clade with G. imbricata from Korea, Japan, and China, and were quite different from any other species of the genus. Another sample, which was associated with cage nets used for fish aquaculture, was grouped with G. lanceolata from Japan, though it appears too early as yet to identify it as such. This is, thus, proof of a new introduction of a marine macroalga, since G. imbricata is an Asian species, native to Japan and Korea, in the Canary Islands. The role of international shipping in the introduction of the species is discussed.
Review: Taxonomy of Nitella (Charales, Charophyceae) based on comparative morphology of oospores and multiple DNA marker phylogeny using cultured material
Authors: Sakayama Hidetoshi 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThe genus Nitella is the largest group in the Charales and has the highest diversity of vegetative and oospore morphologies. In his worldwide monograph on the Charales, R. D. Wood characterized the sections and species of Nitella mainly on the basis of vegetative morphology and treated oospore wall morphology as diagnostic at the infraspecific level. Therefore, many species of Nitella exhibiting distinct external morphology of the oospore wall (EMOW) were reduced to infraspecific rank and only 53 of 204 species previously described were recognized within Nitella. However, recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated the phylogenetic validity of using EMOW for diagnosing some species of Nitella. More recently, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of internal morphology of the oospore wall (IMOW) and multiple DNA marker analyses using both nuclear and chloroplast gene sequences were conducted to improve our understanding of the taxonomy of Nitella at the species level, on the basis of cultured material of a large number of species. Multiple DNA marker analyses resolved detailed and robust phylogenetic relationships within the genus and demonstrated the taxonomic and phylogenetic significance of IMOW. In addition, they supported the taxonomic decisions based on differences in oospore morphology, suggesting that an integrated approach, involving both SEM studies of the EMOW and IMOW and multiple DNA marker analyses, is appropriate to address problems at lower taxonomic levels within the genus, as well as to construct a natural taxonomic system for the genus. In this paper, recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies are reviewed and recent improvements in taxonomy of Nitella are summarized. Moreover, the evolution of morphological features and phylogenetic relationships within Nitella are discussed, focusing especially on oospore morphology.
Presence of xyloglucan‐like polysaccharide in Spirogyra and possible involvement in cell–cell attachment
Authors: Ikegaya Hisato , Hayashi Takahisa , Kaku Tomomi , Iwata Kazuyoshi , Sonobe Seiji , Shimmen Teruo 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYBy methylation analysis, it was found that the cell walls of Spirogyra contained 4,6‐linked glucose, 4‐linked glucose and terminal xylose, which could be components of xyloglucan. Immunocytochemical analysis was carried out using an anti‐serum against xyloglucan. After removal of pectic substances, the cell walls of both rhizoid cells and inner cells were stained. Crude protein extract from Spirogyra had a hydrolase activity for xyloglucans. In addition, the exogenously applied xyloglucan prevented the detachment of the cell wall of the severed cell. Involvement of xyloglucan‐like polysaccharide in cell–cell attachment was discussed.
Tissue distribution of dexamethasone in canine ocular compartments following topical application of dexamethasone‐21‐isonicotinate and oxytetracycline HCl
Authors: Kaiser T. , Werner A. , Bäumer W. , Kietzmann Manfred 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective  To study the dexamethasone (DXM) concentration at different time points in various compartments of the canine eye following topical application of DXM‐21‐isonicotinate and oxytetracycline hydrochlorideAnimals studied  Thirty dogs to be euthanized for reasons not related to this study were selected and their ocular health status evaluated. Selected animals were treated with DXM‐oxytetracycline ointment and euthanized after 6, 11 or 16 h.Procedure  The concentration of DXM was determined in the following compartments of the eye: third eyelid, cornea, aqueous humor, iris, lens, vitreous body and choroid/retina. The DXM concentration in the eye was measured by radioimmunoassay. The applied amount of DXM was 0.04 mg in 0.2 mL ointment. Dogs were treated once with Corti Biciron® eye ointment (DXM‐21‐isonicotinate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride, S & K Pharma, Perl, Germany) and were euthanized 6, 11 and 16 h after treatment.Results  At 6 h following topical application the mean DXM concentration was highest in the anterior structures of the eye (third eyelid: 18 ng/g, cornea: 36 ng/g). The concentration in the posterior structures was below detection level. A decreased DXM concentration in the anterior structures was measured 11 and 16 h after treatment.Conclusion  It could be demonstrated that therapeutically relevant concentrations of DXM after a single topical administration are only achieved in anterior structures of the eye. A dosing interval of 6–11 h is recommended to achieve therapeutic drug concentration in those structures. The posterior structures of the eye are not reached by topical administration.
Penetrating keratoscleroplasty and bimodal grafting for treatment of limbal melanocytoma in a dog
Authors: Norman Joanna C. , Urbanz Jennifer L. , Calvarese Sara T. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA 6‐year‐old, male neutered, German Shepherd dog presented for evaluation of a dark limbal mass OS. Based on the signalment and clinical findings, a presumptive diagnosis of limbal melanocytoma was made. Additionally, OU demonstrated corneal changes consistent with chronic superficial keratitis. Full thicknessen blocresection of the limbal mass was followed with reconstruction and grafting using both frozen cornea and bulbar conjunctiva. Nitrous oxide cryotherapy was utilized as an adjunctive modality for residual neoplastic cell destruction. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed the presumptive diagnosis. At 18 months postoperatively, there was no evidence of recurrence of the limbal melanocytoma. The dog was treated long‐term with both topical steroid and tacrolimus 0.03% for control of the chronic superficial keratitis.
Sympathetic influence on the pupillary light response in three red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Dearworth James R. , Cooper Lori J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective  We investigated the effects of phenylephrine and its combination with vecuronium bromide on the iris of turtles to determine if the pupillary light response is affected by sympathetic innervation.Animal studied  Three red‐eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans.Procedure  Diameters of light‐adapted pupils were tracked before and after topical application of drugs to eyes. Phenylephrine was applied independently; in a second group of trials, vecuronium bromide was applied with phenylephrine.Results  Rates of pupil dilation in response to drugs were quantified by fitting data with time constant (τ) equations. Phenylephrine dilated the pupil 24%, τ = 29 min. Combination of phenylephrine with vecuronium bromide increased the pupil size 35%, and dilation was more rapid, τ = 14 min. We also were able to predict these time constants by performing different mathematical operations with an equation developed from a prior study using only vecuronium bromide. When this equation was subtracted from the equation for eyes treated with both vecuronium bromide and phenylephrine, the difference gave the observed τ for phenylephrine; when added to phenylephrine, the sum closely matched the τ for eyes treated with vecuronium bromide and phenylephrine. Further, the τ for vecuronium bromide treated eyes was predicted by subtracting the equation for phenylephrine from that of eyes treated with both vecuronium bromide and phenylephrine.Conclusions  Our results suggest that sympathetic innervation interacts with the parasympathetic pathway to control the pupillary light response in turtles.
Study of retinal microvessels in a Rhesus monkey model of chronic high intraocular pressure
Authors: Kong Xiang‐Mei , Sun Xing‐Huai , Yu Dao‐Yi , Guo Wen‐Yi , Yu Xiao‐Bo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective  To investigate the changes in retinal vessels, especially macular capillaries, under high IOP using the Rhesus monkey high IOP model.Methods  The trabecular meshwork of the adult Rhesus monkey was cauterized by laser to induce increased IOPs with different degrees of damage. The eyeballs were enucleated, and the optic nerves were stained with toluidine blue in semithick slices. Part of the retina was observed under electron microscope, and the rest was stained by the ADPase method. The damage levels of the optic nerve were evaluated by axon count, and the pathological appearance of the macular capillaries were observed.Results  Five mildly damaged eyes, three moderately damaged eyes and three severely damaged eyes were evaluated. Dense and intact perifoveal vascular rings were observed in all the eyes. The vessels’ area percentages, as well as area, perimeter and diameter of the foveal avascular zones, were measured, and no statistically differences were found among different groups (P‐values were 0.269, 0.500, 0.951, and 0.555 separately). The ultra structures of the normal capillaries showed regular tubes and intact basement membranes, while lipoid substances in capillary tubes, swollen mitochondria in endothelial cell bodies, and uneven basement membranes were found in the high IOP‐damaged eyes.Conclusions  Compared with normal eyes, no obvious differences were found in macular microvessels and foveal avascular zones in the Rhesus monkey model of high IOP. However, presence of swollen mitochondria in endothelial cells and lipoid substances in capillary tubes might suggest that high IOP could damage the capillary endothelial cells.
The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial and European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer risk calculators indicating a positive prostate biopsy: a comparison
Authors: Van Den Bergh Roderick C.N. , Roobol Monique J. , Wolters Tineke , Van Leeuwen Pim J. , Schröder Fritz H. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the potential problem that different tools for predicting a positive outcome of prostate biopsy can produce divergent outcomes in the same man, by comparing the risk calculators based on the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) and the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).MATERIALS AND METHODSIn the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) range of 0.2–30.0 ng/mL, the prediction curves of ‘virtual’ standard study participants were evaluated using both prediction tools. The effects of prostate volume, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), previous negative biopsy, family history, race, and age were also assessed.RESULTSImportant differences in underlying study design and populations between the PCPT and ERSPC cause an essential discrepancy between the risk calculators. In the PCPT there were few biopsies in the higher PSA ranges, and in the ERSPC in the lower PSA ranges. Both risk indicators have incorporated some variables that are not used in the other, because they were insignificant in multivariate analysis. TRUS and especially prostate volume (not available in the PCPT) have a considerably larger effect on predictions in comparable PSA ranges than race, age, family history of prostate cancer, and previous negative biopsy (indicators that were excluded in ERSPC).CONCLUSIONSBefore using risk calculators users must consider the properties of the underlying populations and what are the included or unavailable risk factors, and compare these to the patient. When these prerequisites are disregarded, dissimilarities will result in grossly inaccurate predictions for individual patients.
Liberalizing NAFTA Rules of Origin: A Dynamic CGE Analysis
Authors: Georges Patrick 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMost computable general‐equilibrium (CGE) studies assessing the welfare impact of moving from a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to a deeper form of integration, for example a customs union (CU), typically proxy the integration as the adoption of a common external tariff toward the rest of the world. However, a CU is also an arrangement that allows for the elimination of FTAs' preferential rules of origin (ROO), which is typically not captured in CGE studies. This paper addresses the issue using a multicountry, multisector dynamic CGE model. Although the removal of distortionary ROO is likely to lower the unit costs of production within North America, it may also deteriorate North American terms of trade with the rest of the world. Thus, the net effect of the removal of NAFTA ROO on welfare is ambiguous and is an empirical issue.
Passthrough of Exchange Rate and Tariffs into Import Prices of India: Currency Depreciation versus Import Liberalization*
Authors: Mallick Sushanta , Marques Helena 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the extent of passthrough of exchange rate and tariff changes into import prices using sectoral panel data (at the two‐digit SITC level) for the post‐reform period in India (1990–2001). After having controlled for unobserved effects that might have an impact on the import prices by using sector dummies, we find that on average exchange rate passthrough (ERPT) is a dominant effect compared to tariff rate passthrough (TRPT) in explaining changes in India's import prices. The sectoral panel results suggest that the passthrough of exchange rates and tariff rates varies across products. ERPT into import prices is significant in 12 industries, whereas TRPT is significant only in six industries, with full passthrough. However, ERPT is incomplete only in four industries, but TRPT is incomplete in 36 industries, which means that firms exporting to India more frequently adopt strategies to maintain their market share against tariffs than against exchange rate changes. The sectoral differences in passthrough seem to be related to the sector's share in total imports and the sector's effective protection rate. Hence, India's relatively high levels of protection have an impact on the behavior of foreign exporters.
Experiencing Conversations: Bridging the Gap between Discourse and Activity
Authors: SANNINO ANNALISA 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe article introduces the Vygotskian tradition in the realist theoretical discussion of the structure‐agency problem. Archer's concept of internal conversation is discussed in terms of internalization and externalization of conversational dynamics. The article addresses in particular the methodological issue of observing how external events trigger internal use of language, and how these internal dynamics are externalized. The experience of talk is proposed as a conceptual key to the understanding of internal conversations and of the relation between structured activity and agency. The experience of talk is defined with the help of the notions of emotional experience, personal sense and inner speech, as they are conceptualized in activity theory and in particular in the works of L.S. Vygotsky and A.N. Leont’ev. Students’ experiences of critical conversational events with teachers are analyzed on the basis of written autobiographical accounts. The experience of talk emerges from the analysis as a form of emotional experience in which the horizon of the individual's subjective view relates to specific circumstances external to the individual. Autobiographical accounts of critical conversations are suggested as a type of data which allows access to the experience of talk.
Effect of asiaticoside on hypertrophic scar in the rabbit ear model
Authors: Ju‐lin Xie , Shao‐hai Qi , Tian‐zeng Li , Bin Huang , Jing‐ming Tang , Ying‐bin Xu , Xu‐sheng Liu , Bin Shu , Hui‐zhen Liang , Yong Huang 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Previous observations suggested that asiaticoside had a possible antiscaring effect. However, the precise pathological mechanism still remain unknown. We questioned whether asiaticoside might alleviate the formation of hypertrophic scar by affecting the expression of Transform growth factor β (TGF‐β)/Smad signaling.Aims:  To investigate the effect of asiaticoside on the expression of TGF‐β/Smad signaling in the rabbit ear model of hypertrophic scar and to clarify the mechanism of asiaticoside on the scar treatment.Methods:  The rabbit model with hypertrophic scar was created and applied topically with a low‐dose (0.5%) or high‐dose (1%) asiaticoside three times daily for 1, 2 or 3 months and then we examined the changes of macroscopic and histopathologic characteristics of scars, and the expression of TGF‐β1 and Smad protein was studied by applying reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Result:  Asiaticoside could remarkably alleviate the scar in the rabbit ear model. Western blotting showed that the asiaticoside could decrease TGF‐β1 expression, and further study revealed that asiaticoside could remarkably enhance the expression of inhibitory Smad7, but it had no effect on the expression of Smad2.Conclusion:  Asiaticoside suggested a possible antiscaring effect probably by enhancing the expression of inhibitive Smad7.
Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a baboon (Papio sp.)
Authors: Aloisio Fabio , Dick, Jr. Edward J. , Hubbard Gene B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground  Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the liver have rarely been reported in humans and domestic animals, but not in non‐human primates.Methods  We describe the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of a primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma found in a 29‐year‐old female baboon.Results and conclusions  The neoplasm was characterized by multiple solid nodules that were multifocally distributed in the liver. Metastases were not observed. Histologically, the neoplasm was composed of cords and nests of epithelial cells arranged in a neuroendocrine pattern, occasionally forming glandular and rosette‐like structures. On immunohistochemical evaluation, the neoplastic cells were immunopositive for pancytokeratin, chromogranin A, neuron‐specific endolase, and synaptophysin and were negative for vimentin, S100 protein, glucagon, and insulin.
THIN‐LAYER DRYING OF SPINACH LEAVES IN A CONVECTIVE DRYER
Authors: DOYMAZ IBRAHIM 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT In the present work, spinach samples were dried using a pilot‐scale cabinet‐type convective dryer. Drying experiments were conducted using a constant air velocity of 1.2 m/s and four drying air temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80C. Drying rate increased with the increase in air temperature and thus reduced the drying time. The experimental drying data of spinach were applied to four moisture ratio models, namely, the Henderson and Pabis, Lewis, Page, and logarithmic models. Nonlinear regression analysis was performed to relate the parameters of the model with the drying conditions. The performance of these models is evaluated by comparing the coefficient of determination, R2, and the reduced chi‐square,χ2, between the observed and predicted moisture ratios. Among all the models, the logarithmic model was found to be the best for explaining the drying characteristics of spinach leaves. The effective moisture diffusivity varied from 6.590 × 10−10to 1.927 × 10−9 m2/s over the temperature range studied, with an activation energy of 34.35 kJ/mol for spinach leaves.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDrying, which is the oldest of food preservation practiced by humans, is the most important process to preserve agricultural products because it has a great effect on the quality of the dried products. The objective in drying foods is the reduction of the moisture content to a level that allows safe storage over an extended period. In this study, the drying kinetics of spinach leaves was studied in a convectional hot air dryer. The effect of air temperature on drying behaviors was determined. For the optimal products, the drying characteristics, namely, drying time and rehydration ratio, are considered. The dried spinach leaves could be used in the preparation of foods like puree, soups and baked products.
HARDNESS OF COOKED RICE AS AFFECTED BY VARIETIES, COOLING METHODS AND CHILL STORAGE
Authors: MA YING , SUN DA‐WEN 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT Rice is an important carbohydrate source in daily catering, and also one of the main components in some ready meals. Ready meals containing cooked rice should be cooled quickly for storage. In this research, air blast cooling and cold room cooling were used to cool cooked rice. The effect of cooling condition, rice variety and chill storage on the textural property, especially hardness, of cooked rice was investigated. Results show that air blast cooling can significantly reduce the cooling time and weight loss as compared with cold room cooling for the three varieties (Thai jasmine rice, long grain rice and Japanese rice). The cooling methods can also significantly affect the hardness of cooked rice depending on the rice variety. Thai jasmine rice has lower amylose content; therefore, hardness was generally lower than that of the other two varieties. During the chill storage at 4C, the hardness was increased for all samples except for cooked Thai jasmine rice cooled by air blast cooling, indicating that fast cooling time can inhibit or slow down the starch retrogradation during chill storage for low‐amylose‐content rice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn the food industry, ready meals are usually kept at 4 or −18C for longer shelf life. However, the retrogradation of rice starch takes place very easily during the storage, and storage temperature can significantly affect the behavior of cooked rice. In both domestic and international markets, the end‐use quality of rice has significant impact on its market value and acceptability to consumers. Therefore, the behavior of cooked rice is interesting to food scientists and technologists because it profoundly affects the quality, acceptability and shelf life of the rice‐containing dishes. The current research will provide further information for the food industry on the effect of cooling condition, rice variety and chill storage on the textural property, especially hardness, of cooked rice.