bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelets Promote Liver Regeneration under Conditions of Kupffer Cell Depletion after Hepatectomy in Mice
Authors: Murata Soichiro , Matsuo Ryota , Ikeda Osamu , Myronovych Andriy , Watanabe Motonobu , Hisakura Katsuji , Nakano Yoritaka , Hashimoto Ikuka , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundPlatelets have been proven to promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy. Kupffer cells produce inflammatory cytokines and also promote liver regeneration. In the present study, we examined whether platelets promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy under conditions of Kupffer cell depletion.MethodsSeventy percent hepatectomy was carried out in mice, which were subsequently divided into four groups: (1) a normal group without any treatment, (2) a Kupffer cell depleted (KD) group, (3) a thrombocytotic group, and (4) a combined thrombocytotic and Kupffer cell depleted (TKD) group. Growth kinetics in the liver regeneration, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and signal transduction relating to hepatocyte proliferation were analyzed.ResultsIn the KD group, liver regeneration was significantly delayed compared to the normal group 48 h after hepatectomy. On the other hand, liver regeneration of the TKD group increased significantly compared to KD group, to a level that was the same as that recorded in the normal group. In the thrombocytotic group, liver regeneration increased significantly compared to the normal group. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) expression was lower in the KD and TKD groups than in the normal group after hepatectomy, but, in the TKD group, hepatocyte growth factor and Akt phosphorylation were higher than in the normal and KD groups.ConclusionsAfter hepatectomy, liver regeneration in the Kupffer cell depleted group was delayed because of lower TNF‐α expression. Platelets promote liver regeneration even under condition of Kupffer cell depletion by stimulating hepatocyte growth factor and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 expression, and they activate Akt.
Research and Action for Bridging Science and Practice in Prevention
Authors: Saul Janet , Wandersman Abraham , Flaspohler Paul , Duffy Jennifer , Lubell Keri , Noonan Rita 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThere is a well‐known gap between science and practice. To address this gap in the areas of Child Maltreatment (CM) and Youth Violence (Y/V), the Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) embarked on a Dissemination/Implementation (D/I) planning project. The project was aimed at identifying better ways to connect research and practice through reviews of the literature as well as through discussions with experts on violence prevention and research utilization. This introductory article sets the stage for the rest of the special issue by defining terms, providing a rationale for the planning project, describing the planning process, and summarizing what is to come in the rest of the issue.
Effects of population density, sex morph, and tree size on reproduction in a heterodichogamous maple, Acer mono, in a temperate forest of Japan
Authors: Shibata Mitsue , Kikuchi Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sueyoshi Masahiro , Yoshimaru Hiroshi , Niiyama Kaoru 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effects of local population density, sex morph [protogynous (PG) or protandrous (PA)], and individual tree size on the demographic processes of seed production were investigated in a heterodichogamous maple, Acer mono Maxim. var. Marmoratum (Nichols.) Hara f. dissectum, in a temperate forest of Japan. As the distance from conspecific reproductive adults increased, the percentage of immature seed fall and empty seeds increased significantly, indicating higher pollination success along with local population density. Although the difference was not distinct, pollination success was affected by the local population density of the reciprocal sex morph rather than that of both sex morphs. The trees at higher local population density sites suffered higher seed mortality due to predation and decay, and tended to produce smaller seeds. Thus, the impacts of local population density operated both positively and negatively on reproduction. As a factor of individual traits, tree size scarcely affected any demographic processes. On the other hand, sex morph did affect pollination success. Trees of PG type had lower immature seed fall than those of PA type, suggesting that the former has higher efficiency of pollen acceptance than the latter. The results on seed demography presented here partly support previous suggestions that heterodichogamous plants exhibit reciprocal cross‐pollination and gender specialization as reproductive traits.
Spatial and temporal population differences in male density and condition in the American rubyspot,Hetaerina americana(Insecta: Calopterygidae)
Authors: Contreras‐Garduño Jorge , Canales‐Lazcano Jorge , Jiménez‐Cortés Jesús Guillermo , Juárez‐Valdez Nahum , Lanz‐Mendoza Humberto , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIncreased resource availability should favor higher animal density. It may also affect sex ratio, the male condition, and mating competition over access to females, although the direction of these variables is not straightforward to predict. Using a non‐experimental approach, we carried out preliminary research using the territorial American rubyspot (Hetaerina americana) by comparing two spatially separated populations and the same population in two different seasons (each comparison with varying population densities). We first compared the sex ratio by counting males (using two categories, territorial and non‐territorial) and females; relative foraging time (as an indicator of how much feeding resources each site provides); wing spot size (a sexual ornament), body size and immune melanization response (these two variables were used to assess male condition); and fighting time and contest number (to assess competition). For the seasonal comparison we used a third population in which we only compared male spot size and two indicators of condition and immune response, phenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide (NO) activity. The high‐density population had higher values of non‐territorial males (but similar sex ratio), relative foraging time, contest time and number, wing spot (but similar body size) and melanization response than the low‐density population. According to season, at high density, males had higher values of wing spots, PO, and NO. Our results suggest that in a population where animals have more dietary resources, males reach a better condition despite the competition being more intense.
A Novel Self-aligned and Maskless Process for Formation of Highly Uniform Arrays of Nanoholes and Nanopillars
Authors: Wu Wei , Dey Dibyendu , Memis Omer G , Katsnelson Alex , Mohseni Hooman 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Fabrication of a large area of periodic structures with deep sub-wavelength features is required in many applications such as solar cells, photonic crystals, and artificial kidneys. We present a low-cost and high-throughput process for realization of 2D arrays of deep sub-wavelength features using a self-assembled monolayer of hexagonally close packed (HCP) silica and polystyrene microspheres. This method utilizes the microspheres as super-lenses to fabricate nanohole and pillar arrays over large areas on conventional positive and negative photoresist, and with a high aspect ratio. The period and diameter of the holes and pillars formed with this technique can be controlled precisely and independently. We demonstrate that the method can produce HCP arrays of hole of sub-250 nm size using a conventional photolithography system with a broadband UV source centered at 400 nm. We also present our 3D FDTD modeling, which shows a good agreement with the experimental results.
Lack of colonic inflammation‐induced acute visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension in Nav1.9 knockout mice
Authors: Martinez V. , Melgar S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTetrodotoxin‐resistant voltage‐gated sodium channels subtype 9 (Nav1.9) are expressed in small‐diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and have been involved in persistent somatic hyperalgesic responses associated with inflammation. We assessed the role of Nav1.9 channels on acute colonic inflammation‐induced visceral hypersensitivity in conscious mice, using Nav1.9 knockout (KO) mice. Colorectal distension (CRD)‐induced visceral pain was assessed in conscious wild‐type and Nav1.9 KO mice (C57Bl/6 background). The mechanical activity of the abdominal muscles during isobaric colorectal distension was used as a measure of visceral pain. Acute colonic inflammation was induced by intracolonic administration of the toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 activator, R‐848 (40μg/animal). CRD was performed 5h later, thereafter animals were euthanized and the colonic content of inflammatory mediators assessed. Normal pain responses were similar in Nav1.9 KO and wild‐type mice. In wild‐type mice, R‐848 administration increased the response to phasic CRD by 62% compared with vehicle‐treated animals (vehicle: 0.16±0.04, R‐848: 0.26±0.03, n=6–7, P<0.05). However, in Nav1.9 KO mice, intracolonic R‐848 did not affect the response to CRD (0.11±0.02, n=7) compared to animals treated with vehicle (0.17±0.03, n=5; P>0.05). After R‐848 administration, the colonic content of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was increased in similar proportion in wild type and Nav1.9 KO mice, suggesting the presence of a similar acute inflammatory reaction in both groups of animals. These results suggest that Nav1.9 channels do not significantly contribute to normal visceral pain responses to acute colonic mechanical stimulation but may be important for the development of inflammation‐related acute visceral hyperalgesic responses.
Interactions between spatial summation, 2‐point discrimination and habituation of heat pain
Authors: Defrin Ruth , Pope Geoff , Davis Karen D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRecently, spatial summation (SS) of two discrete noxious stimuli was found to occur at separation distances less than 10cm in the forearm. Interestingly though, with larger separation distances there is 2‐point discrimination (2PD) but not SS. However, previous studies have not examined the interactions between these spatial phenomena and temporal aspects of pain. Therefore, our aims were to (1) examine the inverse relationship between SS and 2PD in the leg, and (2) assess whether SS and 2PD of pain are affected by repetitive noxious stimulation. Twenty‐four subjects received multiple series of 16 repeated noxious heat stimuli (22s inter‐stimulus interval) at various intensities delivered with one or two thermal probes separated by either 0.4cm or 15cm. For each configuration, subjects rated the amount of perceived pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (to evaluate SS) and stated the number of pain spots (to evaluate 2PD) following each stimulus. A significant SS of pain occurred only with the probe separation of 0.4cm (in which perceived pain significantly increased compared with a single probe, p<0.001) whereas 2PD occurred only at the probe separation of 15cm (p<0.001). When the stimulation temperature was fixed (but evoked different initial pain scores for different stimulation configurations), habituation occurred only with a single probe and two probes separated by 15cm. However, when the initial pain score was fixed (but the stimulus temperature varied) habituation occurred with all stimulation configurations but significantly less for two probes separated by 0.4cm. Sex was not a factor in SS and 2PD of pain, however there was greater habituation in females than males. In conclusion, SS of pain counteracts 2PD of pain and to a lesser extent, pain habituation.
Survey of the native insect natural enemies of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) in China
Authors: Yang Z.Q. , Wang X.Y. , Wei J.R. , Qu H.R. , Qiao X.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), is an invasive and important pest in China. Investigations on insect natural enemies have been conducted from 1996 to 1999 in five provinces and one municipality of China in order to select effective species for biological control. Two carabid predators (Coleoptera) and 25 parasitoid species were found, among which 23 were parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera), including five hyperparasitic species and two tachinid flies (Diptera). The two carabids preyed on young larvae inside webs, two braconid wasps parasitized larvae, and 18 parasitoid species attacked the fall webworm during the pupal and/or ‘larval-pupal’ stages. Among these parasitoids, there were one genus and nine species that are new to science and four species new to China, which were described and published by the senior author Yang. The average parasitism rates of fall webworm pupae were 25.8% and 16.1% in the overwintering generation and the first generation (summer generation), respectively. These findings reveal that these natural enemies play an important role in the natural control of the pest. Chouioia cunea Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a gregarious pupal endo-parasitoid, was recommended as a promising biological control agent against the fall webworm in China.
Correlation between radiological images and pathological results in supraglottic cancer
Authors: Kim J W , Yoon S-Y , Park I-S , Park S-W , Kim Y-M 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIntroduction:Radiological imaging plays an indispensable, complementary role to endoscopy in the pre-therapeutic assessment of laryngeal cancer. We evaluated the reliability of radiological imaging in determining the extent of cancer and surgical resection, by comparing the results of pre-operative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with those for post-operative pathological analysis.Material and methods:Twenty-nine patients who had undergone laryngeal cancer surgery with a diagnosis of supraglottic cancer were reviewed. Imaging reliability was assessed for separate subunit regions of the supraglottic area, the glottic area and the cartilage.Results:The false diagnosis rate for all subunits was 25 per cent. The rate of false diagnosis associated with overstaging was 21 per cent. The rate of false diagnosis associated with understaging was 4 per cent.Conclusion:In order to give the best chance of laryngeal preservation, especially in the case of false positive laryngeal subsites, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging should be combined with pre-operative endoscopy and intra-operative frozen section diagnosis.
Decomposition and colonization by micro-arthropods of two litter types in a tropical montane rain forest in southern Ecuador
Authors: Illig Jens , Schatz Heinrich , Scheu Stefan , Maraun Mark 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The decomposition of litter of two tree speciesGraffenrieda emarginata(Melastomataceae),Purdiaea nutans(Cyrillaceae) and the mixture of both was investigated in a tropical montane rain forest in southern Ecuador at two different altitudes (1850 and 2280 m). The two litter types differed strongly in nitrogen concentration, suggesting thatG. emarginata(1.21% N) decomposes faster thanP. nutans(0.73% N). To study the effect of soil micro-arthropods on the decomposition process, litterbags with mesh-size of 48 μm, excluding soil micro-arthropods, and 1 mm, allowing colonization by soil micro-arthropods, were used. Litter mass loss was measured after 2, 6 and 12 mo exposure in the field; further, microbial biomass and micro-arthropod colonization of the litter were investigated after 2 and 12 mo. Generally, litter decomposed faster at 1850 m than at 2280 m (60% and 76% dry mass remaining after 12 mo, respectively);G. emarginataand mixed litter decomposed faster thanP. nutanslitter. After 12 mo mixed litter decomposed faster (65% of dry mass remaining) than both individual litter species (70% and 71% of dry mass ofG. emarginataandP. nutanslitter remaining, respectively) indicating that non-additive effects contributed to litter decomposition. Microbial biomass increased during the experiment and was higher at 1850 m than at 2280 m. The most abundant micro-arthropods in both litter types were oribatid mites followed by Collembola, Gamasina, Uropodina and Prostigmata + Astigmata. Micro-arthropods were generally more abundant at 1850 m suggesting higher biotic activity at lower altitudes. Soil micro-arthropods contributed little to decomposition processes indicating that litter decomposition is mainly due to micro-organisms.
Effects of habitat degradation on mixed-species bird flocks in Indian rain forests
Authors: Sridhar Hari , Sankar K. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Habitat degradation affects mixed-species bird flocks (flock hereafter) through two mechanisms – changes in the bird community from which flocks are drawn and changes in the propensities of species to flock. We determined the relative influence of these two mechanisms by examining variation in flocks across nine rain-forest fragments (range 11–2600 ha) in a plantation landscape in the Western Ghats, India. We found differences between fragments in average number of species (range 10.8–15.2) and individuals (range 19.0–37.6) per flock, number of species that participated in flocks (range 34–59), encounter rates (range 0.5–2.4 flocks h−1) and flock composition. Multiple regression and randomization tests revealed that different mechanisms contributed to this variation. Three flock variables (open-forest individuals per flock, total open-forest species that participated in flocks in a fragment, flock composition) mainly reflected changes in the bird communities of fragments. Habitat structure strongly influenced three flock variables (open-forest species per flock, total and rain-forest individuals per flock) and flock composition to a lesser extent. Finally, flock encounter rate was strongly related to fragment area, but not to abundance of flock participants indicating habitat degradation-induced changes in propensities of species to flock.
Seasonal and inter-annual photosynthetic response of representative C4 species to soil water content and leaf nitrogen concentration across a tropical seasonal floodplain
Authors: Mantlana K. B. , Arneth A. , Veenendaal E. M. , Wohland P. , Wolski P. , Kolle O. , Lloyd J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe examined the seasonal and inter-annual variation of leaf-level photosynthetic characteristics of three C4 perennial species, Cyperus articulatus, Panicum repens and Imperata cylindrica, and their response to environmental variables, to determine comparative physiological responses of plants representing particular microhabitats within a seasonal tropical floodplain in the Okavango River Delta, Botswana. Five measurement campaigns were carried out over a period of 2 y which covered two early rainy seasons, two late rainy seasons and one dry season. For all three species, light-saturated net photosynthetic rates (Asat) and stomatal conductance (gsat) decreased with decreasing soil water content with a seasonal range for Asat of approximately 5–45 μmol m−2 s−1, and for gsat of 0.03–0.35 mol m−2 s−1. The species representing the wettest microhabitat (Cyperus) had the highest gsat at low leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficits (Dl), the highest ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration (Ci/Ca), as well as the highest degree of variation in Ci/Ca from season to season. We interpret this as being indicative of its adaptation to a moist growth environment allowing for non-conservative water use strategies as soil moisture is usually abundant. For all three species there was significant variation in photosynthetic fluxes from one year to another that was related to variation in leaf nitrogen and phosphorus. This study shows that when assessing the role of savanna stands in large-scale carbon balance models, the remarkable inter-annual variation in leaf photosynthesis reported in this study should be taken into account.
Initial clinical manifestations and mid- and long-term results after surgical repair of double-chambered right ventricle in children and adults
Authors: Telagh Ragiab , Alexi-Meskishvili Vladimir , Hetzer Ronald , Lange Peter E. , Berger Felix , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveBy means of retrospective analysis of our institutional experience, we reviewed the clinical manifestation and outcomes of patients subsequent to surgical repair of double-chambered right ventricle.MethodsBetween 1988 and 2005, we performed surgical repair in 35 of 37 patients diagnosed with double-chambered right ventricle. The patients ranged in age from 4 to 69 years, with a mean of 21.3 years. Most presented in infancy, with initial manifestation of a short systolic murmur in 34 (92%) of all cases. Pressure gradients were measured invasively across the right ventricular outflow tract of between 30 and 140 mmHg, with a median of 60 mmHg. An associated ventricular septal defect was present in 26 patients (70%). Of the group, 4 patients were aged over 40 years, and 2 had previously undergone operative closure of a ventricular septal defect.ResultsThe operative interval ranged from 2 months to 41 years, with a median of 9 years. In all, we resected muscular bundles and enlarged the right ventricular outflow tract. There was no hospital or late death. Median follow-up subsequent to surgery was 7 years, with a range from 0.4 to 11 years. No patient required further surgery to relieve any obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, nor long term medical therapy or pacing because of cardiac arrhythmia.ConclusionsSurgical repair of a double-chambered right ventricle yields excellent haemodynamic and functional results over the mid to long term.
In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Observation of the Growth of Bismuth Oxide Whiskers
Authors: Mima T. , Takeuchi Y. , Arai S. , Kishita K. , Kuroda K. , Saka H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGrowth of bismuth oxide (most probably Bi2O3) was observed in situ in a transmission electron microscope. Bi liquid particles were dispersed on the substrates of diamond or SiO2. Introduction of oxygen up to ∼5 × 10−4 Pa resulted in formation of bismuth oxide (most probably Bi2O3) whiskers. The growth mechanism of the whisker was discussed in terms of a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. It is suggested that the liquid droplet of Bi acts as a physical catalyst for growth of bismuth oxide (most probably Bi2O3) whiskers.
An Instant Cell Recognition System Using a Microfabricated Coordinate Standard Chip Useful for Combinable Cell Observation with Multiple Microscopic Apparatuses
Authors: Yamada Yohei , Yamaguchi Naotoshi , Ozaki Masakazu , Shinozaki Yukihiro , Saito Mikako , Matsuoka Hideaki 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDisposable coordinate standard (CS) chips were fabricated by the ejection of melted polystyrene into a metal mold. The CS chip surface was divided into four parts different in height and width. The edge lines of these parts could be recognized as straight lines 2 μm in width in the microscope view and used as the X and Y axes for the culture dish. The CS chip was attached on the bottom of a culture dish outside. Then the dish was set on the microscope stage and moved by means of a motorized automatic stage. The X-Y coordinates of many single-cells in a culture dish were registered, respectively. Once registered, any single-cell could instantly be brought to the center of the microscope view even after displacing the dish from the stage for a while and setting it again on the stage. Therefore, experimenters can easily search any single-cell in any culture dish on any microscope at any time. Such a system is remarkably useful for various modes of single-cell experiment and named “Suguwaculture,” which means “instantly” (“sugu” in Japanese) + “recognizable” (“wakaru” in Japanese) + “culture” (during culture).