bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialysis‐Dependent Changes in Ventricular Repolarization
Authors: GREEN DARREN , BATCHVAROV VELISLAV , WIJESEKARA CHANDRAKUMARA , KALRA PHILIP A. , CAMM ALAN J.
Published: March 2012

Background:

Epidemiological data suggest increased risk of sudden death during and immediately after hemodialysis. Microvolt T‐wave alternans (mTWA) is an electrocardiogram (ECG) measure of abnormal ventricular repolarization, which can be used in sudden death risk stratification. The aim of this study was to determine whether mTWA measurements during dialysis indicate abnormal repolarization as a potential trigger to dialysis associated arrhythmias.

Methods:

Forty‐eight‐hour, 12‐lead Holter ECG recordings were taken on a cohort of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Modified moving average mTWA was examined for 48 hours from the start of dialysis. Predialysis biochemistry was taken and echocardiography was performed on a nondialysis day.

Results:

Nineteen patients were analyzed (age 61 ± 14 years, time on dialysis 2.7 ± 2 years). mTWA increased during dialysis (P < 0.01) but returned to baseline 2 hours postdialysis (first hour mTWA = 10.1 ± 4.5μV, final hour mTWA = 12.2 ± 3.7μV, postdialysis mTWA = 10.3 ± 2.7μV, P = 0.015). The change in mTWA did not correlate with serum biochemistry or echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular mass and function. Peak mTWA and frequency of spikes in mTWA ≥ 65μV were not more common during dialysis compared to other times. Patients who showed greater frequency of spikes ≥65μV or increase in hourly mean mTWA during dialysis did not have a worse cardiovascular outcome over a mean follow‐up of 2.6 years.

Conclusions:

Though there were subtle changes in mTWA during dialysis, there was no association with mTWA abnormalities previously shown to be associated with worse outcome. The presence of abnormal mTWA did not correlate with outcome. (PACE 2012; 35:703–710)
Thermochemistry of (CaxSr1‐x)TiO3, (BaxSr1‐x)TiO3, and (BaxCa1‐x)TiO3 Perovskite Solid Solutions
Authors: Navi Nissim U. , Shneck Roni Z. , Shvareva Tatiana Y. , Kimmel Giora , Zabicky Jacob , Mintz Moshe H. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: March 2012

High‐temperature solution calorimetry in molten 3Na2O•4MoO3 solvent at 975 K is used to measure the enthalpy of mixing of (CaxSr1‐x)TiO3 and (BaxSr1‐x)TiO3 solid solutions. Both solid solutions show positive enthalpy of mixing, however, the (BaxSr1‐x)TiO3 shows less deviation from ideality, with interaction parameter λ = 8.5 ± 3.8 kJ/mol, than (CaxSr1‐x)TiO3 with interaction parameter λ = 25.3 ± 2.0 kJ/mol. The smaller interaction parameter of the (BaxSr1‐x)TiO3 system is attributed to the volume mismatch of the end‐members. The larger interaction parameter of (CaxSr1‐x)TiO3 may be related to larger ionic radius difference of Ca and Sr and may also reflect the additional energy needed to overcome the lattice distortion of the orthorhombic CaTiO3 to incorporate it into the cubic perovskite SrTiO3. (BaxCa1‐x)TiO3 has a large positive heat of mixing and limited solid solubility as derived from its phase diagram. This study indicates the tendency of SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 to separate from a CaTiO3 host matrix, which may be significant in perovskite‐bearing nuclear waste ceramics incorporating 90Sr and 137Ba.
Polaronic Mobility in Boron Doped Iron Phosphate Glasses: Influence of Structural Disorder on Summerfield Scaling
Authors: Moguš‐Milanković Andrea , Pavić Luka , Ertap Hüseyin , Karabulut Mevlüt
Published: March 2012

The electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of xB2O3–(40−x)Fe2O3–60P2O5 (x = 0–20, mol%) glasses have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 0.01 Hz to 1 MHz and over the temperature range from 303 to 523 K. The dc conductivity is strongly controlled by polaron concentration, which depends upon the Fe2O3 content and the average distance between iron ions. The evolution of the complex dielectric permittivity as a function of frequency and temperature was studied. The thermal‐activated relaxation mechanism dominated the observed relaxation behavior. The relationship between relaxation parameters and electrical conductivity indicates the electronic conductivity controlled by polaron migration between iron ions with the distribution of hopping distances. The deviations from the Summerfield scaling in the ac conductivity and dielectric permittivity spectra have been observed for selected polaronic glasses. These deviations are caused by the local structural disorder and/or relaxation generated in the early stage of B2O3 addition as well as at the initial incorporation of BO4 tetrahedra into phosphate chains.
In‐Depth Microstructural Evolution Analyses of Cement‐Bonded Spinel Refractory Castables: Novel Insights Regarding Spinel and CA6 Formation
Authors: Sako Eric Y. , Braulio Mariana A. L. , Zinngrebe Enno , van der Laan Sieger R. , Pandolfelli Victor C.
Published: March 2012

Calcium hexaluminate (CaO·6Al2O3–CA6) is usually associated as the product reaction between alumina and CA2 (CaO·2Al2O3) in cement‐bonded refractory castables. However, some investigations related to the Al2O3–CaO–MgO ternary system have indicated that CA6 could be generated by additional routes, involving two other high‐alumina phases: CaMg2Al16O27 (CM2A8) and Ca2Mg2Al28O46 (C2M2A14). Considering the lack of conclusive studies on this subject in the refractories field, the present study addresses an in‐depth microstructural evolution analysis of high‐alumina castables containing in situ or preformed spinel (MgAl2O4) in order to check the actual CA6 development steps in the presence of an MgO‐containing phase. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermodynamic calculations, it was observed that CA6 formation took place indeed as a result of the decomposition reaction of CM2A8, which was firstly generated due to the interaction between spinel and Al2O3–CaO–Na2O–SiO2 liquid. Although, the results confirmed this complex CA6 formation route regardless of the spinel incorporation method (pre‐formed grains addition or in situ reaction), the CA6 crystals distribution after the thermal treatment was entirely affected by the previous spinel grains location. Those different microstructural profiles could be the conclusive aspects to explain the poorer slag resistance of preformed spinel‐containing castables when in contact with steel ladle slags.
Implicit Acquisition of Grammars With Crossed and Nested Non‐Adjacent Dependencies: Investigating the Push‐Down Stack Model
Authors: Uddén Julia , Ingvar Martin , Hagoort Peter , Petersson Karl M.
Published: March 2012

A recent hypothesis in empirical brain research on language is that the fundamental difference between animal and human communication systems is captured by the distinction between finite‐state and more complex phrase‐structure grammars, such as context‐free and context‐sensitive grammars. However, the relevance of this distinction for the study of language as a neurobiological system has been questioned and it has been suggested that a more relevant and partly analogous distinction is that between non‐adjacent and adjacent dependencies. Online memory resources are central to the processing of non‐adjacent dependencies as information has to be maintained across intervening material. One proposal is that an external memory device in the form of a limited push‐down stack is used to process non‐adjacent dependencies. We tested this hypothesis in an artificial grammar learning paradigm where subjects acquired non‐adjacent dependencies implicitly. Generally, we found no qualitative differences between the acquisition of non‐adjacent dependencies and adjacent dependencies. This suggests that although the acquisition of non‐adjacent dependencies requires more exposure to the acquisition material, it utilizes the same mechanisms used for acquiring adjacent dependencies. We challenge the push‐down stack model further by testing its processing predictions for nested and crossed multiple non‐adjacent dependencies. The push‐down stack model is partly supported by the results, and we suggest that stack‐like properties are some among many natural properties characterizing the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms that implement the online memory resources used in language and structured sequence processing.
Preservative fluid and storage conditions alter body mass estimation in a terrestrial insect
Authors: Knapp Michal
Published: March 2012

Body mass is a frequently used trait in ecological and evolutionary research. In the present study, I demonstrate that sampling and storage conditions affect wet and dry weights in an insect predator, Anchomenus dorsalis (Pontoppidan) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Live beetles were placed in one of five preservative fluids for 1 month to simulate sampling by pitfall traps. Sodium chloride solution, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol + detergent, and propylene glycol caused significant increases in both wet and dry weights compared with control (short‐term frozen) specimens, whereas formaldehyde did not. In a separate experiment, four methods of long‐term (6 months) sample storage (freezing, ethanol, propylene glycol, and ethyl acetate vapour) all caused significant changes in wet weight compared with the control treatment. The dry weight of the specimens preserved in ethanol decreased significantly in contrast to the long‐term frozen specimens and those in propylene glycol and ethyl acetate vapour, whose dry weight did not differ significantly from the control specimens. The combination of formaldehyde as the preservative fluid and freezing as the storage method thus appears to be an optimal combination for studies in which the body mass of dead insects is considered.
Osteochondral tissue engineering: scaffolds, stem cells and applications
Authors: Nooeaid Patcharakamon , Salih Vehid , Beier Justus P. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: March 2012

Osteochondral tissue engineering has shown an increasing development to provide suitable strategies for the regeneration of damaged cartilage and underlying subchondral bone tissue. For reasons of the limitation in the capacity of articular cartilage to self‐repair, it is essential to develop approaches based on suitable scaffolds made of appropriate engineered biomaterials. The combination of biodegradable polymers and bioactive ceramics in a variety of composite structures is promising in this area, whereby the fabrication methods, associated cells and signalling factors determine the success of the strategies. The objective of this review is to present and discuss approaches being proposed in osteochondral tissue engineering, which are focused on the application of various materials forming bilayered composite scaffolds, including polymers and ceramics, discussing the variety of scaffold designs and fabrication methods being developed. Additionally, cell sources and biological protein incorporation methods are discussed, addressing their interaction with scaffolds and highlighting the potential for creating a new generation of bilayered composite scaffolds that can mimic the native interfacial tissue properties, and are able to adapt to the biological environment.
SHARPIN is a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses
Authors: Wang Zhe , Potter Christopher S. , Sundberg John P. , Hogenesch Harm
Published: March 2012

Mice with spontaneous mutations in the Sharpin gene develop chronic proliferative dermatitis that is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the skin and other organs with increased expression of type 2 cytokines and dysregulated development of lymphoid tissues. The mutant mice share phenotypic features with human hypereosinophilic syndromes. The biological function of SHARPIN and how its absence leads to such a complex inflammatory phenotype in mice are poorly understood. However, recent studies identified SHARPIN as a novel modulator of immune and inflammatory responses. The emerging mechanistic model suggests that SHARPIN functions as an important adaptor component of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex that modulates activation of NF‐κB signalling pathway, thereby regulating cell survival and apoptosis, cytokine production and development of lymphoid tissues. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the ubiquitin‐dependent regulatory mechanisms involved in NF‐κB signalling, and incorporate the recently obtained molecular insights of SHARPIN into this pathway. Recent studies identified SHARPIN as an inhibitor of β1‐integrin activation and signalling, and this may be another mechanism by which SHARPIN regulates inflammation. Furthermore, the disrupted lymphoid organogenesis in SHARPIN‐deficient mice suggests that SHARPIN‐mediated NF‐κB regulation is important for de novo development of lymphoid tissues.
Trophic factors and cell therapy to stimulate brain repair after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Fernández María , Fuentes Blanca , Rodríguez‐Frutos Berta , Ramos‐Cejudo Jaime , Vallejo‐Cremades María Teresa , Díez‐Tejedor Exuperio
Published: March 2012

Brain repair involves a compendium of natural mechanisms that are activated following stroke. From a therapeutic viewpoint, reparative therapies that encourage cerebral plasticity are needed. In the last years, it has been demonstrated that modulatory treatments for brain repair such as trophic factor‐ and stem cell‐based therapies can promote neurogenesis, gliogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, synaptogenesis and angiogenesis, all of which having a beneficial impact on infarct volume, cell death and, finally, and most importantly, on the functional recovery. However, even when promising results have been obtained in a wide range of experimental animal models and conditions these preliminary results have not yet demonstrated their clinical efficacy. Here, we focus on brain repair modulatory treatments for ischaemic stroke, that use trophic factors, drugs with trophic effects and stem cell therapy. Important and still unanswered questions for translational research ranging from experimental animal models to recent and ongoing clinical trials are reviewed here.
Anticancer activities of genistein‐topotecan combination in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hörmann Vanessa , Kumi‐Diaka James , Durity Marcia , Rathinavelu Appu
Published: March 2012

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men aged 40 to 55. Genistein isoflavone (4′, 5′, 7‐trihydroxyisoflavone) is a dietary phytochemical with demonstrated anti‐tumour activities in a variety of cancers. Topotecan Hydrochloride (Hycamtin) is an FDA‐approved chemotherapy drug, primarily used for secondary treatment of ovarian, cervical and small cell lung cancers. This study was to demonstrate the potential anticancer efficacy of genistein‐topotecan combination in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and the mechanism of the combination treatment. The LNCaP cells were grown in complete RPMI medium, and cultured at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 24–48 hrs to achieve 70–90% confluency. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of genistein, topotecan and genistein‐topotecan combination and incubated for 24 hrs. The treated cells were assayed for (i) post‐treatment sensitivity using MTT assay and DNA fragmentation, (ii) treatment‐induced apoptosis using caspase‐3 and ‐9 binding assays and (iii) treatment‐induced ROS generation levels. The overall data indicated that (i) both genistein and topotecan induce cellular death in LNCaP cells, (ii) genistein‐topotecan combination was significantly more efficacious in reducing LNCaP cell viability compared with either genistein or topotecan alone, (iii) in all cases, cell death was primarily through apoptosis, via the activation of caspase‐3 and ‐9, which are involved in the intrinsic pathway, (iv) ROS generation levels increased significantly with the genistein‐topotecan combination treatment. Treatments involving genistein‐topotecan combination may prove to be an attractive alternative phytotherapy or adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer.
What drives the species richness patterns of non‐volant small mammals along a subtropical elevational gradient?
Authors: Wu Yongjie , Yang Qisen , Wen Zhixin , Xia Lin , Zhang Qian , Zhou Huaming
Published: March 2012

The biodiversity of non‐volant small mammals along an extensive subtropical elevational gradient was studied for the first time on Gongga Mountain, the highest mountain in Hengduan Mountain ranges in China, located in one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots. Non‐volant small mammals were replicate sampled in two seasons at eight sampling sites between 1000 and 4200 m elevation on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain. In all, 726 individual small mammals representing 25 species were documented in 28 800 trap nights. The species richness pattern for non‐volant small mammals along the elevational gradients was hump‐shaped with highest richness at mid‐elevations. However, different richness patterns emerged between endemic and non‐endemic species, between larger‐ranged and smaller‐ranged species and between rodents and insectivores. Temperature, precipitation, plant species richness and geometric constraints (mid‐ domain effect) were most significant in explaining species richness patterns. Based on the analysis of simple ordinary least squares (OLS) and stepwise multiple regressions, the overall richness pattern, as well as the pattern of insectivores, endemic species and larger‐ranged species showed strong correlation with geometric constraint predictions. However, non‐endemic species richness was more strongly correlated with temperature, while rodent richness was correlated with plant species richness. Our study shows that no single key factor can explain all richness patterns of non‐volant small mammals. We need to be cautious in summarizing a general richness pattern of large species groups (e.g. small mammals or mammals) from species in smaller groups having different ecological distributions and life histories. Elevational richness patterns and their driving factors for small mammals are more likely dependent on what kind of species we study.
Trans‐generational immune priming is constrained by the maternal immune response in an insect
Authors: Moreau Jérôme , Martinaud Guillaume , Troussard Jean‐Phillipe , Zanchi Caroline , Moret Yannick
Published: March 2012

Immune‐challenged vertebrate and invertebrate females can transfer immunity to their offspring. This trans‐generational immune priming (TGIP) is beneficial for the offspring if the maternal infection risk persists across generations. However, because immunity is costly, fitness consequences of TGIP have been found in primed offspring. Furthermore, transferring immunity to offspring may be costly for immune‐challenged females who are also carrying the costs of their immune response. A negative relationship between levels of immunity between mothers and offspring might therefore be expected. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show that in the insect, Tenebrio molitor, the magnitude of antibacterial immune response of immune‐challenged females negatively correlates with levels of antibacterial activity of their eggs. This negative relationship was only present in small females that are inherently of lower quality. Furthermore, female body size did not affect immune responsiveness to the challenge, indicating that small females favoured their immunity at the expenses of that of their eggs.
Traumatic dental injury among 12‐year‐old South Brazilian schoolchildren: prevalence, severity, and risk indicators
Authors: Damé‐Teixeira Nailê , Alves Luana Severo , Susin Cristiano , Maltz Marisa
Published: March 2012

Abstract –  An increasing prevalence of traumatic dental injury (TDI) has been reported in the last few decades. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of TDI and its association with socio‐demographics and physical characteristics in the anterior permanent teeth of 12‐year‐old Brazilian schoolchildren. A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a population‐based sample of 1528 subjects attending 33 public and nine private schools (response rate of 83.17%). A single calibrated examiner performed the clinical examinations at the schools and recorded the TDI index (Children’s Dental Health Survey criteria), overjet and lip coverage. Height and weight were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Parents/legal guardians answered a questionnaire containing socio‐demographic questions. The relationships among TDI, socio‐demographic variables and physical characteristics were assessed by survey Poisson regression models. The prevalence of TDI was 34.79% (mild trauma = 24.37%; severe trauma = 10.43%). Male schoolchildren (RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.23–1.61, P = 0.002) and schoolchildren from low socioeconomic status (RR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.07–1.64, P = 0.021) were more likely to present at least one tooth with TDI, whereas students attending 7th grade (advanced students) were less likely to experience TDI (RR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.43–0.82, P = 0.012). Regarding the severity analysis, students of mid‐high (RR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.09–1.94, P = 0.022), mid‐low (RR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.01–2.77, P = 0.045) and low (RR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.11–2.85, P = 0.027) socioeconomic status were more likely to have mild trauma when compared with schoolchildren of high socioeconomic status. No significant association between severe trauma and socioeconomic status was observed. In conclusion, this study showed a high prevalence of TDI in 12‐year‐old Brazilian schoolchildren. Socio‐demographic data and school achievement were associated with TDI.
Urban legends series: Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Aframian DJ , Konttinen YT , Carrozzo M , Tzioufas AG
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 19, 46–58

Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is one of the most common autoimmune rheumatic diseases, clinically characterized by xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. We investigated the following controversial topics: (i) Do we have reliable ways of assessing saliva production? (ii) How important are the quantity and quality of saliva? (iii) Are only anti‐SSA/Ro and anti‐SSB/La relevant for the diagnosis of SjS? (iv) Are the American‐European Consensus criteria (AECC) the best way to diagnose SjS? Results from literature searches suggested the following: (i) Despite the fact that numerous tests are available to assess salivation rates, direct comparisons among them are scarce with little evidence to suggest one best test. (ii) Recent developments highlight the importance of investigating the composition of saliva. However, more research is needed to standardize the methods of analysis and collection and refine the quality of the accumulating data. (iii) In addition to anti‐Ro/La autoantibodies, anti α‐fodrin IgA and anti‐MR3 autoantibodies seem to be promising diagnostic markers of SjS, but more studies are warranted to test their sensitivity and specificity. (iv) AECC are classification, not diagnostic criteria. Moreover, recent innovations have not been incorporated into these criteria. Consequently, treatment directed to patients diagnosed using the AECC might exclude a significant proportion of patients with SjS.
Transverse changes determined by rapid and slow maxillary expansion – a low‐dose CT‐based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martina R. , Cioffi I. , Farella M. , Leone P. , Manzo P. , Matarese G. , Portelli M. , Nucera R. , Cordasco G.
Published: March 2012

Martina R., Cioffi I., Farella M., Leone P., Manzo P., Matarese G., Portelli M., Nucera R., Cordasco G. Transverse changes determined by rapid and slow maxillary expansion – a low‐dose CT‐based randomized controlled trial  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:159–168. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Structured Abstract

Objectives –  To compare transverse skeletal changes produced by rapid (RME) and slow (SME) maxillary expansion using low‐dose computed tomography. The null hypothesis was that SME and RME are equally effective in producing skeletal maxillary expansion in patients with posterior crossbite.

Setting and Sample Population –  This study was carried out at the Department of Oral Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Twelve patients (seven males, five females, mean age ± SD: 10.3 ± 2.5 years) were allocated to the SME group and 14 patients (six males, eight females, mean age ± SD: 9.7 ± 1.5 years) to the RME group.

Materials and Methods –  All patients received a two‐band palatal expander and were randomly allocated to either RME or SME. Low‐dose computed tomography was used to identify skeletal and dental landmarks and to measure transverse maxillary changes with treatment.

Results –  A significant increase in skeletal transverse diameters was found in both SME and RME groups (anterior expansion = 2.2 ± 1.4 mm, posterior expansion = 2.2 ± 0.9 mm, pterygoid expansion = 0.9 ±0.8 mm). No significant differences were found between groups at anterior (SME = 1.9 ± 1.3 mm; RME = 2.5 ± 1.5 mm) or posterior (SME = 1.9 ± 1.0 mm; RME = 2.4 ± 0.9 mm) locations, while a statistically significant difference was measured at the pterygoid processes (SME = 0.6 ± 0.6 mm; RME = 1.2 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.04), which was not clinically relevant.

Conclusion –  Rapid maxillary expansion is not more effective than SME in expanding the maxilla in patients with posterior crossbite.
Impaired brain growth and neurodevelopment in preterm infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation
Authors: Jary Sally , De Carli Agnese , Ramenghi Luca A , Whitelaw Andrew
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To correlate volumetric magnetic resonance imaging at term with neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years in infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. Preterm infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation have high risk of disabilities, but the range is wide and predicting severity of motor and mental disability is difficult.

Methods:  Twenty‐five preterm infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation had cerebral magnetic resonance imaging at term age. Total and regional brain volumes were calculated using a manual segmentation technique. Bayley Scales of Infant Development II were assessed at 2 years post‐term. Developmental Quotients (DQ) were calculated from Developmental Age Equivalent scores.

Results:  Total cerebral volume, excluding ventricles, correlated positively with Motor (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001) and Mental DQ (r = 0.4, p = 0.02). Only three of 16 infants with cerebral volume <336 cm3 were ambulant at 2 years. Cerebellar volumes correlated strongly with Motor DQ (r = 0.6, p = 0.002) but only with Mental DQ after adjustment. Thalamic volumes correlated strongly with Motor DQ (r = 0.7, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion:  Brain growth is significantly impaired in posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. Volumetric measurements at term of total cerebral and cerebellar volume may have a role in predicting severity of disability.
Oak woodland vegetation of Turkey – a first overview based on multivariate statistics
Authors: Uğurlu Emin , Roleček Jan , Bergmeier Erwin
Published: March 2012

Questions

Turkey is home to more Quercus species than any other country in the western Palaearctic. To what extent is the taxonomic diversity reflected in compositional diversity of oak woodland vegetation? What are the main compositional gradients, their environmental correlates and associated gradients in species traits? How are the oak woodland types in Turkey distributed? What is their stand structure, ecological range, conservation value and how are they used? Which phytosociological syntaxa are represented? What gaps remain in knowledge of Turkey's oak woodlands that require further study?

Location

Turkey (SE Europe, SW Asia).

Methods

We used 1181 vegetation records of oak woodland retrieved from phytosociological literature, sampled at more than 100 sites all over Turkey. We classified the data set using a modified TWINSPAN algorithm and displayed the classification using a dendrogram and a synoptic table. We used detrended correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis to identify main compositional patterns, their environmental correlates and associated gradients in species traits. The phi coefficient was used to identify the diagnostic species of the distinguished vegetation types. Species composition, ecological range, biogeographic affinities, traditional phytosociological treatment and land use of each type were described using standard forms.

Results

The main gradients in compositional diversity of Turkey's oak woodland vegetation range from xerophytic evergreen woodlands near the Mediterranean Sea coast to mesophytic deciduous forests near the Black Sea coast and to continental open (semi‐) deciduous (south‐) east Anatolian woodlands and shrublands. These compositional gradients are associated with gradients in species traits and macroclimate. Silvopastoralism and coppicing are very common forms of land use of Turkish oak forests, although both have somewhat declined recently. Old‐growth forests are scarce or absent in most oak‐dominated systems.

Conclusions

Compositional diversity of Turkish oak woodland vegetation is extensive and reflects the biogeographical subdivision of the country. However, the ecology of several oak species and their ecosystems is still little known. A major gap in the available data and knowledge lies in east and southeast Anatolia. The currently protected forest area should be revised to cover all the oak woodland types identified in this paper.
Two cases of prenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratoma type I with different clinical features
Authors: Goto Shinobu , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Obayashi Shintaro , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi
Published: March 2012

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare congenital disease and prognostic factors have not been entirely established. We report two cases of fetal SCT with different clinical courses. Case 1 was a cystic, slow growing tumor with mild vascularity. The tumor was removed one week after delivery at 35 weeks, and there was no recurrence at 1.5‐year follow‐up. Case 2 was a solid, rapid growing tumor with rich vascularity. Cesarean section was performed due to severe fetal hydrops and mirror syndrome in the mother at 27 weeks. The tumor had ruptured and was removed soon after delivery to control bleeding, but the baby died the next day. Our cases suggest that solid component and rich vascularity might correlate with poor prognosis.
A modelling–experimental approach reveals insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‐dependent regulation of adenosine monosphosphate‐dependent kinase (AMPK) by insulin
Authors: Sonntag Annika G. , Dalle Pezze Piero , Shanley Daryl P. , Thedieck Kathrin
Published: March 2012

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase responds to growth factors, nutrients and cellular energy status and is a central controller of cellular growth. mTOR exists in two multiprotein complexes that are embedded into a complex signalling network. Adenosine monophosphate‐dependent kinase (AMPK) is activated by energy deprivation and shuts off adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP)‐consuming anabolic processes, in part via the inactivation of mTORC1. Surprisingly, we observed that AMPK not only responds to energy deprivation but can also be activated by insulin, and is further induced in mTORC1‐deficient cells. We have recently modelled the mTOR network, covering both mTOR complexes and their insulin and nutrient inputs. In the present study we extended the network by an AMPK module to generate the to date most comprehensive data‐driven dynamic AMPK‐mTOR network model. In order to define the intersection via which AMPK is activated by the insulin network, we compared simulations for six different hypothetical model structures to our observed AMPK dynamics. Hypotheses ranking suggested that the most probable intersection between insulin and AMPK was the insulin receptor substrate (IRS) and that the effects of canonical IRS downstream cues on AMPK would be mediated via an mTORC1‐driven negative‐feedback loop. We tested these predictions experimentally in multiple set‐ups, where we inhibited or induced players along the insulin–mTORC1 signalling axis and observed AMPK induction or inhibition. We confirmed the identified model and therefore report a novel connection within the insulin–mTOR–AMPK network: we conclude that AMPK is positively regulated by IRS and can be inhibited via the negative‐feedback loop.
Use of step stool during resuscitation improved the quality of chest compression in simulated resuscitation
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Chan Woong , Kim Sung Eun , Lee Sang Jin
Published: March 2012

Objectives: Resuscitation on a medical bed is difficult because of the need to match the height of the bed to the height of the rescuer, which is impossible on a fixed‐height medical bed. This study investigated the effect of using a step stool on chest compressions performed on a manikin in a fixed‐height medical bed.

Methods: This prospective, observational study was performed using simulated resuscitation manikins and a fixed‐height (78 cm) medical bed. Chest compression–ventilation of more than five cycles was performed with and without a 20‐cm‐high step stool. A total of 74 medical students participated in this study. The quality of the chest compressions was examined using the Laerdal PC Skill Reporting System. The angle between the arm of the rescuer and the bed was measured. In addition, whether the heels of the rescuer reached the ground during the compressions was assessed using lateral‐view pictures.

Results: Use of the step stool improved the quality of the chest compressions with regard to depth, proper compressions, insufficient compressions and incorrect hand position (P < 0.05). The angle between the rescuer's arm and bed during the chest compressions was closer to vertical with the use of the step stool than without it (average angle, 83.84 ± 4.16° and 73.41 ± 9.16°, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: In‐hospital resuscitation was conducted on a fixed‐height medical bed by rescuers of different heights. The use of a step stool may improve the quality and effectiveness of chest compressions, particularly for short rescuers.
Population Structure of Woody Plants in Relation to Land Use in a Semi‐arid Savanna, West Africa
Authors: Jurisch Katrin , Hahn Karen , Wittig Rüdiger , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus
Published: March 2012

Indigenous woody species are important natural resources in West African savannas. Information about their population structures and response to human impact, particularly land use, however, is scarce. In this study, we explored (1) the effect of land use on the population structure of woody savanna species; and (2) searched for species with similar population structures related to comparable ecological preferences. Using generalized linear models, we separately analyzed the size‐class distribution (SCD) of 30 species to reveal the influence of three land cover types (non‐arable land, fallows, and protected areas) on population structures. Generalized linear models were applied to identify comparable population structures of species with similar ecological preferences. We were able to identify five groups for shrub species and four groups for tree species with different population structures and comparable ecological preferences. In terms of human impact, we detected four groups of species responding similarly to land use. Especially for trees, we found a strong influence of local land use on SCD and hence, population structures. The SCD of shrub species tends to be more related to species' ecological preferences. Some of the shrub species may be characterized as ubiquitous species as their SCD is neither related to land use nor ecological preferences, indicating a high tolerance to disturbance. The observed results have implications on local woody species composition in relation to land use. According to this, we propose focusing on trees when developing appropriate local land use management strategies.
Life History Traits of Lianas During Tropical Forest Succession
Authors: Letcher Susan G. , Chazdon Robin L.
Published: March 2012

Tropical secondary forests form an important part of the landscape. Understanding functional traits of species that colonize at different points in succession can provide insight into community assembly. Although studies on functional traits during forest succession have focused on trees, lianas (woody vines) also contribute strongly to forest biomass, species richness, and dynamics. We examined life history traits of lianas in a forest chronosequence in Costa Rica to determine which traits vary consistently over succession. We conducted 0.1 ha vegetation inventories in 30 sites. To examine the establishment of young individuals, we only included small lianas (0.5–1.5 cm diameter at 1.3 m height). For each species, we identified seed size, dispersal mode, climbing mode, and whether or not the seedling is self‐supporting. We found a strong axis of variation determined by seed size and seedling growth habit, with early successional communities dominated by small‐seeded species with abiotic dispersal and climbing seedlings, while large‐seeded, animal‐dispersed species with free‐standing seedlings increased in abundance with stand age. Contrary to previous research and theory, we found a decrease in the abundance of stem twiners and no decrease in the abundance of tendril‐climbers during succession. Seed size appears to be a better indicator of liana successional stage than climbing mode. Liana life history traits change predictably over succession, particularly traits related to seedling establishment. Identifying whether these trait differences persist into the growth strategies of mature lianas is an important research goal, with potential ramifications for understanding the impact of lianas during tropical forest succession.
Use of ryegrass strips to enhance biological control of aphids by ladybirds in wheat fields
Authors: Dong Zhao‐Ke , Gao Feng‐Juan , Zhang Run‐Zhi
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Non‐crop habitats may play a vital role in conservation biological control. This study tested the effect of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) strips on aphid and ladybird populations in adjacent winter wheat fields. The field experiment was conducted in three ryegrass‐margin wheat plots and three control plots in 2010 in North China. In spring, the same aphid species, Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi), was found in both the ryegrass strips and wheat plots. The population density of ladybirds in the ryegrass strips (3.5 ± 0.9/m2) was significantly higher than in the wheat plots (1.5 ± 0.5/m2). We cut the ryegrass, forcing the ladybirds to migrate to the wheat fields. Three and eight days after cutting the ryegrass, the aphid numbers in the ryegrass‐margin wheat plots decreased significantly: they were 19.9% and 53.6%, respectively, lower than in control plots. In the early period of ladybird population development, the percentage of larvae was greater in the ryegrass‐margin wheat plots than in controls, and the peak number of pupae in the ryegrass‐margin wheat plots occurred 5 days earlier than in the control plots. The results suggest that ryegrass strips may promote the development of ladybird populations. Cutting ryegrass can manipulate ladybirds to enhance biological aphid control in wheat fields. The efficiency of this management approach is discussed.
Prior exercise training alleviates the lung inflammation induced by subsequent exposure to environmental cigarette smoke
Authors: Yu Y.‐B. , Liao Y.‐W. , Su K.‐H. , Chang T.‐M. , Shyue S.‐K. , Kou Y. R. , Lee T.‐S.
Published: March 2012

Aim

Environmental cigarette smoke (CS) contains many compounds that are harmful to the respiratory system and lead to chronic lung inflammation and other lung diseases. Exercise training is known to confer protection against diseases with chronic inflammation by reducing inflammatory response in human or experimental animals. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of exercise training against lung inflammation induced by environmental CS.

Methods and results

In this study, two groups of mice received air exposure with (the exercise group) or without (the control group) exercise training for 8 weeks and another two groups received air exposure for the first 4 weeks and CS exposure for the following 4 weeks with (the exercise+CS group) or without (the CS group) exercise training for 8 weeks. As compared with lung tissues of control and exercise groups, those of the CS group showed significantly increased bronchoalveolar‐capillary permeability, inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial thickening, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, mucin 2, cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and activation of NF‐κB. These CS‐induced pathophysiologic consequences were largely prevented in the exercise + CS group.

Conclusion

Collectively, prior exercise training may protect against lung inflammation induced by environmental CS in mice by attenuating the activation of NF‐κB and the production of inflammatory mediators.
Templates for financial control? Management and employees under the private equity business model
Authors: Clark Ian
Published: March 2012

The term ‘private equity business model’ (PEBM) refers to private equity investors that delist publicly quoted firms, managing them as private equity‐controlled portfolio firms. But how and in what form do these investors diffuse a preferred template for the PEBM in portfolio firms? Is diffusion codified, institutionalised or merely tacit? What is the difference between these forms of diffusion? As a method of financial control, how is diffusion evident for managers and workers? Theoretically, while ‘financialisation’ is a contemporary pressure on the British economy, there is a ‘disconnection’ between competitive pressures for financialisation and the diffusion of practices to manage these pressures in portfolio firms. Forty‐two interviews in eight portfolio firms and five associated private equity firms concludes that potentially transformative and decisive restructuring for managers and workers is more evident than a defined template.
Talent management in academia: performance systems and HRM policies
Authors: van den Brink Marieke , Fruytier Ben , Thunnissen Marian
Published: March 2012

Talent and performance management are becoming a key strategic HRM issue for universities. This study adds to our knowledge by critically examining recruitment and selection practices for junior and senior academic talent in the Netherlands. We show that academic subfields differ in terms of how appointments are organised, how candidates are sought and identified and how performance indicators play a role in recruitment. We identify three key dilemmas in talent and performance management for universities: (a) transparency versus autonomy, (b) power of HR versus power of academics, (c) equality versus homogeneity. This article challenges the view of an academic world where the allocation of rewards and resources is governed by the normative principles of transparency and objective performance systems, and it highlights the distance between these HRM instruments and the actuality of social interaction in academic recruitment practices.
Comparison of Infectious and Noninfectious Intracranial Caseating Granulomas
Authors: Ghavanini Amer A. , Munoz David G.
Published: March 2012

Although caseating granulomas are classically associated with infectious processes, a subgroup of intracranial caseating granulomas without identifiable infectious pathology (ICGN) is described. We aimed to identify clinical, laboratory, radiological and histological markers with potential to distinguish patients with ICGN from those with intracranial caseating granulomas with infectious etiology (ICGI) on tissue microbiological examinations. In a referral hospital setting, we identified 11 patients with ICGNs and 6 patients with ICGI over an 11‐year period. The two groups had similar demographics (other than higher infection risk factors in ICGIs), clinical presentation, serology, location of lesions and cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrate. Significant differences were the homogenous vs. ring pattern of enhancement on neuroimaging and small (<1 mm) vs. large (>1 mm) area of necrosis on histological examination, in ICGNs and ICGIs, respectively. The dichotomy was best reflected in the response of ICGNs to immunomodulatory and not antimicrobial treatment and the reverse pattern in ICGIs. Based on these findings, we suggest a scheme for the diagnosis of ICGN: (i) caseating granulomas with areas of necrosis predominantly <1 mm in diameter; (ii) absence of an identifiable infectious agent in extensive tissue examinations; and (iii) no clinical and radiological response within 2 months of appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
Analysis and Design of Photobioreactors for Microalgae Production II: Experimental Validation of a Radiation Field Simulator Based on a Monte Carlo Algorithm
Authors: Heinrich Josué Miguel , Niizawa Ignacio , Botta Fausto Adrián , Trombert Alejandro Raúl , Irazoqui Horacio Antonio
Published: March 2012

In a previous study, we developed a methodology to assess the intrinsic optical properties governing the radiation field in algae suspensions. With these properties at our disposal, a Monte Carlo simulation program is developed and used in this study as a predictive autonomous program applied to the simulation of experiments that reproduce the common illumination conditions that are found in processes of large scale production of microalgae, especially when using open ponds such as raceway ponds. The simulation module is validated by comparing the results of experimental measurements made on artificially illuminated algal suspension with those predicted by the Monte Carlo program. This experiment deals with a situation that resembles that of an open pond or that of a raceway pond, except for the fact that for convenience, the experimental arrangement appears as if those reactors were turned upside down. It serves the purpose of assessing to what extent the scattering phenomena are important for the prediction of the spatial distribution of the radiant energy density. The simulation module developed can be applied to compute the local energy density inside photobioreactors with the goal to optimize its design and their operating conditions.
SO2 protects the amino nitrogen metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under thermal stress
Authors: Ancín‐Azpilicueta Carmen , Barriuso‐Esteban Blanca , Nieto‐Rojo Rodrigo , Aristizábal‐López Nerea
Published: March 2012

Thermal stress conditions during alcoholic fermentation modify yeasts' plasma membrane since they become more hyperfluid, which results in a loss of bilayer integrity. In this study, the influence of elevated temperatures on nitrogen metabolism of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was studied, as well as the effect of different concentrations of SO2 on nitrogen metabolism under thermal stress conditions. The results obtained revealed that amino nitrogen consumption was lower in the fermentation sample subjected to thermal stress than in the control, and differences in amino acid consumption preferences were also detected, especially at the beginning of the fermentation. Under thermal stress conditions, among the three doses of SO2 studied (0, 35, 70 mg l−1 SO2), the highest dose was observed to favour amino acid utilization during the fermentative process, whereas sugar consumption presented higher rates at medium doses.
Depression and Estimated Functional Aerobic Capacity in Young Women: The Good and the Bad of John Henryism Active Coping
Authors: MERRITT MARCELLUS M. , DILLON SARAH E.
Published: March 2012

The present study assessed the moderating role of depressive symptomology in the interactive role of John Henryism (i.e., persistent striving with daily psychosocial demands) and father's educational attainment in estimated cardiorespiratory fitness in women. Two hundred one female Midwestern college students completed online psychosocial surveys. Among high‐John Henryism women who were depressed, higher father's education levels predicted better fitness. Conversely, higher father's education predicted worse fitness for nondepressed low‐John Henryism women. Depression may moderate the role of John Henryism and socioeconomic status in health, with higher John Henryism and education associated with optimal health for depressives.