bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of accuracy of fetal urine analysis to predict poor postnatal renal function in cases of congenital urinary tract obstruction
Authors: Morris R. K. , Quinlan‐Jones E. , Kilby M. D. , Khan K. S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical usefulness of analysis of fetal urine in the prediction of poor postnatal renal function in cases of congenital urinary tract obstruction.MethodsA systematic review was performed. We conducted extensive electronic searches (database inception–2006). The reference lists of articles obtained were searched for any further articles. Two reviewers independently selected the articles in which the accuracy of fetal urinalysis was evaluated to predict poor postnatal renal function. There were no language restrictions. Data were extracted on study characteristics, quality and results, to construct 2 × 2 tables. Likelihood ratios for positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) test results were generated for the different fetal urinary analytes at various thresholds.ResultsThere were 23 articles that met the selection criteria, including a total of 572 women and 63 2 × 2 tables. The two most accurate tests were calcium > 95th centile for gestation (LR + 6.65, 0.23–190.96; LR − 0.19, 0.05–0.74) and sodium > 95th centile for gestation (LR + 4.46, 1.71–11.6; LR − 0.39, 0.17–0.88). β2‐microglobulin was found to be less accurate (LR + 2.92, 1.28–6.69; LR − 0.53, 0.24–1.17).ConclusionThe current evidence demonstrates that none of the analytes of fetal urine investigated so far can be shown to yield clinically significant accuracy to predict poor postnatal renal function. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myelin basic protein as a binding partner and calmodulin adaptor for the BKCa channel
Authors: Kim Hyunyoung , Jo Sooyeon , Song Hye‐Jin , Park Zee‐Yong , Park Chul‐Seung 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe activity and localization of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels are known to be modulated by several different proteins. Although many binding partners have been identified via yeast two‐hybrid screening, this method may not detect certain classes of interacting proteins such as low affinity binding proteins or multi‐component protein complexes. In this study, we employed mass spectrometry to identify proteins that interact with BKCa channels. We expressed and purified the ‘tail domain’ of the rat BKCa channel α‐subunit, a 54‐kDa region that is crucial for expression and functional activity of the channel. Using rat brain lysate and purified ‘tail domain’, we identified several novel proteins that interact with the BKCa channel. These included the myelin basic protein (MBP), upon which we performed subsequent biochemical and electrophysiological studies. Interaction between the BKCa channel and MBP was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. MBP co‐expression affected the Ca2+‐dependent activation of the BKCa channel by increasing its Ca2+ sensitivity. Moreover, we showed that calmodulin (CaM) interacts with the BKCa channel via MBP. Since CaM is a key regulator of many Ca2+‐dependent processes, it may be recruited by MBP to the vicinity of the BKCa channel, modulating its functional activity.
Spatial density‐dependent survival and development at different larval stages of the tiger beetle Cicindela japonica (Thunberg)
Authors: Takeuchi Yuichi , Hori Michio 
Published: July 2007

AbstractConspecific competition is an important component of the ecological processes of many species. In the case of sessile consumers, high population densities lead to competition within conspecific populations that, in turn, affect the survival, growth, and reproduction of the individuals involved. This study quantified neighborhood crowding and evaluated the extent of density effects on a tiger beetle (Cicindela japonica Thunberg) population by monitoring individually identified larvae at regular intervals. As an index of conspecific competition, the neighborhood density (the number of other larvae within a given radius for each larva) of each individual was measured. The radius size representing the highest mean coefficient of variation of density was determined as a suitable scale for detecting the density effects. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of three factors (neighborhood density, prey abundance, and environmental influences) on larval survival and development. The analysis revealed that the neighborhood density significantly influenced the survival and development of larvae through every larval stage from the first to the third‐instars. Moreover, the neighborhood density had a stronger influence on larvae of the same instar as compared to that on those of different instars. Our results suggest that density‐dependent mortality affects the tiger beetle larvae due to the lifestyle pattern of these sedentary, ambushing predators that exhibit an aggregated spatial distribution.
The effect of waves on subgrid-scale stresses, dissipation and model coefficients in the coastal ocean bottom boundary layer
Authors: SMITH W. A. M. NIMMO , KATZ J. , OSBORN T. R. 
Published: July 2007

Six sets of particle image velocimetry (PIV) data from the bottom boundary layer of the coastal ocean are examined. The data represent periods of high, moderate and weak mean flow relative to the amplitude of wave-induced motion, which correspond to high, moderate and low Reynolds numbers based on the Taylor microscale (Re). The two-dimensional PIV velocity distributions enable spatial filtering to calculate some of the subgrid-scale (SGS) stresses, from which we can estimate the SGS dissipation, and evaluate the performance of typically used SGS stress models. The previously reported mismatch between the SGS and viscous dissipation at moderate and low Reynolds numbers appears to be related to the sparsity of large vortical structures that dominate energy fluxes.Conditional sampling of SGS stresses and dissipation based on wave phase using Hilbert transforms demonstrate persistent and repeatable direct effects of large-scale but weak straining by the waves on the SGS energy flux at small scales. The SGS energy flux is phase-dependent, peaking when the streamwise-wave-induced velocity is accelerating, and lower when this velocity is decelerating. Combined with strain rate generated by the mean flow, the streamwise wave strain causes negative energy flux (backscatter), whereas the vertical wave strain causes a positive flux. The phase-dependent variations and differences between horizontal and vertical contributions to the cascading process extend to strains that are substantially higher than the wave-induced motion. These trends may explain the measured difference between spatial energy spectra of streamwise velocity fluctuations and spectra of the wall-normal component, i.e. the formation of spectral bumps in the spectra of the streamwise component at the wavenumbers for the transition between inertial and dissipation scales.All the model coefficients of typical SGS stress models measured here are phase dependent and show similar trends. Thus, the variations of measured SGS dissipation with phase are larger than those predicted by the model variables. In addition, the measured coefficients of the static Smagorinsky SGS stress model decrease with decreasing turbulence levels, and increase with filter size. The dynamic model provides higher correlation coefficients than the Smagorinsky model, but the substantial fluctuations in their values indicate that ensemble averaging is required. The ‘global’ dynamic model coefficients indicate that the use of a scale-dependent dynamic model may be appropriate. The structure function model yields poor correlation coefficients and is found to be over-dissipative under all but the highest turbulence levels. The nonlinear model has higher correlations with measured stresses, as expected, but it also does not reproduce the trends with wave phase.
Electroacoustic music studies: some thoughts and possibilities
Authors: Abdul Wahid Hasnizam 
Published: July 2007

AbstractElectroacoustic music is relatively new and something of an experiment in Malaysia. Involvement in various technology- and art-related performing and composing activities has nurtured my interest, particularly with reference to electroacoustic music.Unlike visual art, it is not known exactly where and when our historical perspectives in sound art originate, and I would suggest that no electroacoustic music or pieces are known to have been performed or presented in Malaysia since the art form was first pioneered in the West more than fifty years ago.This paper introduces some thoughts and possibilities relating to electroacoustic music from the Malaysian perspective.
Morphological notation for interactive electroacoustic music
Authors: Patton Kevin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractInteractive electroacoustic music that alters or extends instrumental timbre, samples it, or generates sound based upon data generated in real time by the performer presents a new set of challenges for the performing musician. Unlike tape music, interactive music can continuously vary its response and, frequently, performers are unable are to predict how the computer will react. Many, if not most, scores include no visual representation of how the computer may affect the sound of the instrument.Providing performers with a readily accessible visual representation of the sonic possibilities of interactive computer music will provide a conceptual framework within which performers can understand a piece of music. Interpretation of this type of notation by the performer will provide a perspective on how his or her acoustic instrument relates to the digital instrument. This can be especially useful when improvised or aleatoric methods are called for.This paper outlines a system of interactive computer-music descriptive notation that links pictographic representations to the system of spectromorphologies suggested by Dennis Smalley. The morphological notation (MN) uses these morphologies and adds a z-plane to the well-established time-vs-pitch schema. Ideally, MN will not only represent the sound data of the moment, but also will be an intuitive picture of the musical possibilities of a composition's electronic component.
Organic and conventional Washington State farmers' opinions on GM crops and marketing strategies
Authors: Glenna Leland L. , Jussaume Raymond A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA 1999 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy on organic certification excluded the use of genetically modified (GM) crops. The decision remains controversial because it provokes debate over the fundamental meaning of organic agriculture. Some scholars, farmers and activists claim that organic agriculture represents a value orientation that is opposed to trends in industrial agriculture, of which GM crops are the latest product. Because organic farmers are a significant constituency in this debate, we examined their values and practices related to marketing, environment and GM crops. From a survey of 1181 Washington State farmers, we created a sub-sample of 598 crop farmers (fruits, vegetables and grains), of which 109 described themselves as organic (certified organic, moving towards organic certification and non-certified organic), and we analyzed organic and conventional farmer responses to a number of issues to discern comparative commitment to self-seeking economic interests. Results reveal differences among conventional and organic farmers on GM crops and several marketing and environmental values and practices, suggesting that there is some validity to portraying organic agriculture as an alternative vision to industrial agriculture.
Feasibility of mulching technology as an alternative to slash-and-burn farming in eastern Amazon: A cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Mburu John , Börner Jan , Hedden-Dunkhorst Bettina , Mendoza-Escalante Arisbe , Frohberg Klaus 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper addresses the question as to whether it is profitable to apply a mechanical mulching technology (MT) in the Bragantina region of Brazil and assesses the technology's feasibility as an alternative to the slash-and-burn practices of the Amazon. Using empirical data collected from a prototype assessment and a few secondary sources, the paper employs a cost–benefit analysis of ‘with’ and ‘without’ technology cropping systems (plots that applied the technology are compared with those that did not) to assess the financial and economic feasibility of investing in the MT. The analysis showed that the technology is profitable, both financially and socially, mainly because it is able to produce yields that are high enough to offset the costs, including the hiring of the mulching equipment. However, it may not be a feasible alternative to slash-and-burn farming unless certain conditions are fulfilled by farmers. Most of these conditions relate to farmers' adherence to a set of rules for the successful application of the technology. These rules include the abandonment of a single cropping cycle, typical for the traditional slash-and-burn system, and the adoption of two cycles of crop cultivation. In addition, farmers have to choose profitable crop combinations, such as cassava and beans for both cycles. Since most of the trial farmers did not meet these conditions, the technology received a notably low acceptability (8%). Further analysis indicated that the main reason for this trend was the increase of total labor requirement (by 32%), though the technology reduced labor demand during land preparation to almost zero. Similarly, there was a 22% increase in requirement for inorganic fertilizers. Thus, compared with the slash-and-burn practices of the Amazon, the MT can be regarded as a more intensive method of farming which gives higher crop yields but demands higher quantities of inputs such as labor and inorganic fertilizers. The paper concludes by deriving policy implications for the feasibility of the MT as an alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture in the Amazon. Among these is the importance of creating incentives to extend the cropping period from one to two consecutive cycles. Moreover, the necessity to conduct further studies after the technology has been adopted by the farmers is underscored.
Organic agriculture and the global food supply
Authors: Badgley Catherine , Moghtader Jeremy , Quintero Eileen , Zakem Emily , Chappell M. Jahi , Avilés-Vázquez Katia , Samulon Andrea , Perfecto Ivette 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe principal objections to the proposition that organic agriculture can contribute significantly to the global food supply are low yields and insufficient quantities of organically acceptable fertilizers. We evaluated the universality of both claims. For the first claim, we compared yields of organic versus conventional or low-intensive food production for a global dataset of 293 examples and estimated the average yield ratio (organic:non-organic) of different food categories for the developed and the developing world. For most food categories, the average yield ratio was slightly <1.0 for studies in the developed world and >1.0 for studies in the developing world. With the average yield ratios, we modeled the global food supply that could be grown organically on the current agricultural land base. Model estimates indicate that organic methods could produce enough food on a globalper capitabasis to sustain the current human population, and potentially an even larger population, without increasing the agricultural land base. We also evaluated the amount of nitrogen potentially available from fixation by leguminous cover crops used as fertilizer. Data from temperate and tropical agroecosystems suggest that leguminous cover crops could fix enough nitrogen to replace the amount of synthetic fertilizer currently in use. These results indicate that organic agriculture has the potential to contribute quite substantially to the global food supply, while reducing the detrimental environmental impacts of conventional agriculture. Evaluation and review of this paper have raised important issues about crop rotations under organic versus conventional agriculture and the reliability of grey-literature sources. An ongoing dialogue on these subjects can be found in the Forum editorial of this issue.
Ecological agriculture: Principles, practices, and constraints
Authors: Magdoff Fred 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe practice of ecological agriculture involves building the strengths of natural ecosystems into agroecosystems, purposely disturbed to produce food and fiber. The overall strategies include using practices that (a) grow healthy plants with good defense capabilities, (b) stressing pests, and (c) enhancing populations of beneficial organisms. These are accomplished by enhanced habitat management both above ground and in the soil. Many of the practices that contribute to the overall strategies are well known—such as intensive use of cover crops or reduced tillage. Reasons for why they have not been more widely used are discussed. The special challenges facing ecological agriculture in the poor countries of the Third World are also discussed. Re-engaging national governments in the active support of their agriculture and addressing the structural inequalities (including access to land) are essential to overcome the many problems facing farmers in the poor countries.
Conversion of the human blood group H antigen to A antigen in vitro
Authors: YANG NAN , BOETTCHER BARRY 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA‐transferase (N‐acetylgalactosaminyl transferase) was purified from human group A plasma using Sepharose 4B affinity ehromatography. Human anti‐A antibodies were purified from human serum by adsorption to an immunosorbent column and heat elution in order to detect the A antigen. Conditions appropriate for the development of the A antigen on O red cells were examined and several buffer systems were found to be equally effective. Expression of the developed A antigen was found to be similar to that on group A red cells, indicating that the system in vitro has similar activity to the system in vivo. The H antigen from human saliva was coupled to Sepharose 4B or adsorbed to a nitrocellulose membrane. The A antigen was able to be developed on these materials by the action of group A‐transferase.The procedures enabled the identification in vitro of sugar‐transferase activities which can be useful in studies within the A,B,H antigen system or other carbohydrate antigen system.
Monoclonal antibodies to secreted antigens of Brugia malayi define a cross‐reactive non‐phosphocholine determinant on helminth parasites
Authors: LAL RENU B. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe excretory‐secretory (ES) antigens of the filarial parasite Brugia malayi adult (BmA) and microfilariae (MF) were analysed for differences in their protein composition by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Both BmA and MF biosynthetically labelled with [3H]‐leucine released a 200 kD molecule with pi (isoelectric point) ranging from 5.1 to 6.8. A monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to phosphocholine (PC) immunoprecipitated the 200 kD molecule with a PI of 5.1–5.3 from both BmA and MF.Immunization of CBA/N mice with ES antigens resulted in MoAb that reacted with PC, as well as some that did not (ES‐1, ES‐2 and ES‐3). The epitopes recognized by these non‐PC MoAb varied greatly in their molecular weight, heat‐resistance, TCA‐solubility and metaperiodate‐sensitivity. which suggests a proteoglycan nature of the epitope. An antigen capture assay using ES‐l and ES‐3 detected a circulating filarial antigen not only in patients infected with Wuchereria bancrofti (77–83% of those with asymptomatic microfilaraemia and 52–60% of those with chronic lymphatic obstruction) but also in serum from patients infected with other helminth parasites 12–100%). Indeed, the epitope recognized by these MoAb was also present on other helminth parasites, which suggests conservation of a carbohydrate‐like prosthetic group(s) on diverse helminth species.
Distinctive molecular markers and biological activities in two tumour‐specific murine T suppressor factors
Authors: GREER J. M. , HALLIDAY W. J. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryMurine suppressor factors (SF) in tumour‐bearer serum (TBS) and tumour‐bearer spleen cell culture supernatants (SCCS) were compared with regard to their molecular markers, cellular requirements and suppressive activities. Suppressor factors in SCCS bear the idiotype I‐J, and markers recognized by B16G and anti‐lipomodulin antibodies require Ly2+ I‐J+ cells for their production and cells of the same phenotypes, for suppression to be manifested in leucocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assays, are not immunoglobulin (Igh)‐restricted and are active in both the afferent and efferent phases of the immune response. Suppressor factors from TBS resemble those from SCCS with regard to idiotype, I‐J and lipomodulin‐like markers, but in contrast, do not bind to B16G antibody, require Ly2+ but not I‐J+ cells for suppression to be manifested in LAI assays, are Igh‐restricted, and suppress delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions only when injected in the afferent phase. These results show that the SF from the different sources in tumour‐bearing mice are not identical; they may be different parts of a suppressor cascade, or they may belong to entirely separate suppressor cascades.
Detection of Class I MHC antigens on glycosidase‐treated cells
Authors: O'NEILL HELEN C. 
Published: July 2007

SummarySeveral Class I molecules encoded by the murine H‐2K gene have been found to express epitopes with different sensitivities to glycosidases. This result was found to be variably represented by different assays used to measure the binding of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) specific for Class I H‐2Kk molecules.
Spontaneous and cytokine‐inducible ‘natural’ immunoglobulin secreting cells in organized lymphoid tissues of mice
Authors: KERLIN ROY L. , PIKE BEVERLEY L. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe number and frequency of spontaneous and cytokine‐inducible ‘natural’ immunoglobulin‐secreting cells (ISC) were determined in bone marrow (BM). spleen and Peyer's patch (PP), in vitro. Cells were cultured at limiting dilution in the presence or absence of exogenous recombinant cytokines and supernatants then assayed for total immunoglobulin (Ig) and Ig isotype using an ELISA. Most spontaneous ISC were found in the spleen and BM, with fewer in PP. The addition of recombinant interleukin 5 (rIL‐5) promoted a marked increase in both the ISC frequency and the amount of Ig secreted/lSC whereas recombinant IL‐6 (rlL‐6) promoted only a marginal increase. Recombinant IL‐4 (rIL‐4) promoted a marginal increase in ISC frequency only. The isotype profile of ISC was in the order IgM lgG2 > lgA > IgG3IgG1.The exposure of cells to 1200 rad of γ‐radiation resulted in decreased numbers of spontaneous ISC in all tissues, but the addition of rlL‐5 or rIL‐6 to the irradiated cells increased both the ISC frequency and Ig secreted. The Ig isotype profile was similar to that of non‐irradiated ISC with a few minor exceptions. This large population of potential cytokine‐inducible ISC could contribute to ‘natural’ Ig secretion in vivo.
A human colon cancer cell line established from collagen matrix cultures transplanted into nude mice
Authors: AGREZ M. V. , CHUA F. K. , FAGAN K. , HEATH J. W. , FERGUSON N. W. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA new human colon cancer cell line (020588) has been derived by means of a combined in vitro matrix‐in vivo xenograft technique. The tumour cell line is carcino‐embryonic antigen positive, displays a marker chromosome and proliferates in chemically‐defined scrum‐free culture medium. The chemosensitivity pattern for the tumour cell line was similar to that observed for the parent tumour cells. The novel method used to establish this continuous human tumour cell line may have several advantages over standard techniques.