bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model‐data comparison of Holocene timberline changes in the Swiss Alps reveals past and future drivers of mountain forest dynamics
Authors: Schwörer Christoph , Henne Paul D. , Tinner Willy 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMountain vegetation is strongly affected by temperature and is expected to shift upwards with climate change. Dynamic vegetation models are often used to assess the impact of climate on vegetation and model output can be compared with paleobotanical data as a reality check. Recent paleoecological studies have revealed regional variation in the upward shift of timberlines in the Northern and Central European Alps in response to rapid warming at the Younger Dryas/Preboreal transition ca. 11 700 years ago, probably caused by a climatic gradient across the Alps. This contrasts with previous studies that successfully simulated the early Holocene afforestation in the (warmer) Central Alps with a chironomid‐inferred temperature reconstruction from the (colder) Northern Alps. We use LandClim, a dynamic landscape vegetation model to simulate mountain forests under different temperature, soil and precipitation scenarios around Iffigsee (2065 m a.s.l.) a lake in the Northwestern Swiss Alps, and compare the model output with the paleobotanical records. The model clearly overestimates the upward shift of timberline in a climate scenario that applies chironomid‐inferred July‐temperature anomalies to all months. However, forest establishment at 9800 cal. BP at Iffigsee is successfully simulated with lower moisture availability and monthly temperatures corrected for stronger seasonality during the early Holocene. The model‐data comparison reveals a contraction in the realized niche of Abies alba due to the prominent role of anthropogenic disturbance after ca. 5000 cal. BP, which has important implications for species distribution models (SDMs) that rely on equilibrium with climate and niche stability. Under future climate projections, LandClim indicates a rapid upward shift of mountain vegetation belts by ca. 500 m and treeline positions of ca. 2500 m a.s.l. by the end of this century. Resulting biodiversity losses in the alpine vegetation belt might be mitigated with low‐impact pastoralism to preserve species‐rich alpine meadows.
A novel Zap70 mutation with reduced protein stability demonstrates the rate‐limiting threshold for Zap70 in T‐cell receptor signalling
Authors: Cauwe Bénédicte , Tian Lei , Franckaert Dean , Pierson Wim , Staats Kim A. , Schlenner Susan M. , Liston Adrian 
Published: October 2013

SummaryLoss of ζ‐associated protein 70 (Zap70) results in severe immunodeficiency in humans and mice because of the critical role of Zap70 in T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling. Here we describe a novel mouse strain generated by N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea mutagenesis, with the reduced protein stability (rps) mutation in Zap70. The A243V rps mutation resulted in decreased Zap70 protein and a reduced duration of TCR‐induced calcium responses, equivalent to that induced by a 50% decrease in catalytically active Zap70. The reduction of signalling through Zap70 was insufficient to substantially perturb thymic differentiation of conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells, although Foxp3+ regulatory T cells demonstrated altered thymic production and peripheral homeostasis. Despite the mild phenotype, the Zap70A243V variant lies just above the functional threshold for TCR signalling competence, as T cells relying on only a single copy of the Zap70rps allele for TCR signalling demonstrated no intracellular calcium response to TCR stimulation. This addition to the Zap70 allelic series indicates that a rate‐limiting threshold for Zap70 protein levels exists at which signalling capacity switches from nearly intact to effectively null.
Epstein–Barr virus antibodies mark systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma patients negative for anti‐DNA
Authors: Fattal Ittai , Shental Noam , Molad Yair , Gabrielli Armando , Pokroy‐Shapira Elisheva , Oren Shirly , Livneh Avi , Langevitz Pnina , Pauzner Rachel , Sarig Ofer , Gafter Uzi , Domany Eytan , Cohen Irun R. 
Published: October 2013

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can attack many different body organs; the triggering event is unknown. SLE has been associated with more than 100 different autoantibody reactivities – anti‐dsDNA is prominent. Nevertheless, autoantibodies to dsDNA occur in only two‐thirds of SLE patients. We previously reported the use of an antigen microarray to characterize SLE serology. We now report the results of an expanded study of serology in SLE patients and scleroderma (SSc) patients compared with healthy controls. The analysis validated and extended previous findings: two‐thirds of SLE patients reacted to a large spectrum of self‐molecules that overlapped with their reactivity to dsDNA; moreover, some SLE patients manifested a deficiency of natural IgM autoantibodies. Most significant was the finding that many SLE patients who were negative for autoantibodies to dsDNA manifested abnormal antibody responses to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV): these subjects made IgG antibodies to EBV antigens to which healthy subjects did not respond or they failed to make antibodies to EBV antigens to which healthy subjects did respond. This observation suggests that SLE may be associated with a defective immune response to EBV. The SSc patients shared many of these serological abnormalities with SLE patients, but differed from them in increased IgG autoantibodies to topoisomerase and centromere B; 84% of SLE patients and 58% of SSc patients could be detected by their abnormal antibodies to EBV. Hence an aberrant immune response to a ubiquitous viral infection such as EBV might set the stage for an autoimmune disease.
CD49a promotes T‐cell‐mediated hepatitis by driving T helper 1 cytokine and interleukin‐17 production
Authors: Chen Yonglin , Peng Hui , Chen Yongyan , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIt is becoming increasingly clear that the T‐cell‐mediated immune response is important in many diseases. In this study, we used concanavalin A (Con A) ‐induced hepatitis to investigate the role of CD49a in the molecular and cellular mechanism of the T‐cell‐mediated immune response. We found that CD49a−/− mice had significantly reduced levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and were protected from Con A‐induced hepatitis. CD49a deficiency led to decreased production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) after Con A injection. Furthermore, we found that hepatic CD4+ T cells and invariant natural killer T cells up‐regulated CD49a expression, along with enhanced activation after Con A injection, leading to production of inflammatory cytokines by these T cells. Blockade of CD49a in vivo ameliorated Con A‐induced hepatitis with reduced production of IFN‐γ and IL‐17A. Hence, CD49a promoted Con A‐induced hepatitis through enhancing inflammatory cytokine production (IFN‐γ and IL‐17A) by CD4+ T and invariant natural killer T cells. The protective effect of CD49a blockade antibody suggested a new target therapeutic molecule for intervention of T‐cell‐mediated liver injury.
Introducing a Comprehensive Data Reduction and Uncertainty Propagation Algorithm for U‐Th Geochronometry with Extraction Chromatography and Isotope Dilution MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Pourmand Ali , Tissot François L. H. , Arienzo Monica , Sharifi Arash 
Published: October 2013

We present an open‐source algorithm in Mathematica application (Wolfram Research) with a transparent data reduction and Monte Carlo simulation of systematic and random uncertainties for U‐Th geochronometry by multi‐collector ICP‐MS. Uranium and thorium were quantitatively separated from matrix elements through a single U/TEVA extraction chromatography step. A rigorous calibrator‐sample bracketing routine was adopted using CRM‐112A and IRMM‐035 standard solutions, doped with an IRMM‐3636a 233U/236U ‘double‐spike’ to account for instrumental mass bias and deviations of measured isotope ratios from certified values. The mean of 234U/238U and 230Th/232Th in the standard solutions varied within 0.42 and 0.25‰ (permil) of certified ratios, respectively, and were consistent with literature values within uncertainties. Based on multiple dissolutions with lithium metaborate flux fusion, U and Th concentrations in USGS BCR‐2 CRM were updated to 1739 ± 2 and 5987 ± 50 ng g−1 (95% CI), respectively. The measurement reproducibility of our analytical technique was evaluated by analysing six aliquots of an in‐house reference material, prepared by homogenising a piece of speleothem (CC3A) from Cathedral Cave, Utah, which returned a mean age of 21483 ± 63 years (95% CI, 2.9‰). Replicate analysis of ten samples from CC3A was consistent with ages previously measured at the University of Minnesota by single‐collector ICP‐MS within uncertainties.
Smoking in young adult African Americans
Authors: Jones Pamela R. , Cohen Marlene Z. , McIlvain Helen E. , Siahpush Mohammad , Scott Alexis , Okafor Kingsley 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe factors that influence decisions of young African Americans to start smoking.BackgroundYoung adult African Americans have a high risk for becoming regular smokers, but little is understood about their smoking. This knowledge is needed because understanding young adults' smokers will help develop effective tobacco cessation and prevention strategies.DesignQualitative study.MethodThe study consisted of 22 in‐depth interviews with African Americans between the ages of 19–25. Data were collected between 2009–2010. Smokers, former smokers and non‐smokers were included.Results/findingsResults indicated that smoking identity of young adults was influenced by their limited and discounted knowledge of health risks and the stigma associated with the type of tobacco smoked. The importance of cost was discussed as was the effect of smoking on relationships and vice versa. Marijuana was the primary reason they started smoking tobacco. Their transition into adulthood and views of smoking, adulthood and success all influenced smoking. Additionally, self‐reflection on personal choices around smoking was important and may be useful in effective smoking cessation programmes for this group.ConclusionNurses are in an ideal position to promote effective smoking cessation in young adults. Direct, culturally relevant messages are needed that fit into the context of the young adults' lives by addressing concurrent use of marijuana, self‐esteem and success in life.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Electrophysiological Outcomes on Long‐Term Follow‐Up and the Role of the Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator
Authors: MOHSEN AMR , JIMENEZ ALEJANDRO , HOOD ROBERT E. , DICKFELD TIMM , SALIARIS ANASTASIOS , SHOROFSKY STEPHEN , SABA MAGDI M. 
Published: October 2013

Cardiac SarcoidosisObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to identify the predictors of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and to evaluate the role of the implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in this patient population.BackgroundICD implantation is a class IIA recommendation for patients with CS. However, some indications for ICD implantation in CS patients are still unclear and not enough data are available to establish predictors of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias in this group of patients.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all consecutive patients who were diagnosed with CS, during the period from March 2002 to April 2010. Cardiac rhythm devices were regularly interrogated and clinical data recorded during follow‐up visits.ResultsThirty‐three patients (17 male) with CS were identified. The mean age was 53 ± 11. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 41 ± 18%. Thirty patients received an ICD. Twelve patients (36.3%) had sustained ventricular arrhythmias. Eleven patients received appropriate therapies and 9 patients received inappropriate shocks, representing 36.7% and 30.0% of the ICD population, respectively. Patients who received appropriate ICD therapies were younger with mean age 47.4 ± 7.8, and had a lower mean LVEF 33.0 ± 12.0 compared to those who did not receive ICD therapies (P = 0.0301 and 0.0341, respectively). There were no other demographic, clinical, electrocardiographic, electrophysiological, or imaging markers that predicted the future occurrence of appropriate ICD therapies in our cohort of patients.ConclusionsCS is strongly associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. No specific predictors of such tachyarrhythmias emerged, other than young age and low LVEF.
Comparative effect of lurasidone and blonanserin on cortical glutamate, dopamine, and acetylcholine efflux: role of relative serotonin (5‐HT)2A and DA D2 antagonism and 5‐HT1A partial agonism
Authors: Huang Mei , Panos John J. , Kwon Sunoh , Oyamada Yoshihiro , Rajagopal Lakshmi , Meltzer Herbert Y. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAtypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs) have been suggested to be more effective in improving cognitive impairment in schizophrenia than typical APDs, a conclusion supported by differences in receptor affinities and neurotransmitter efflux in the cortex and the hippocampus. More potent serotonin (5‐HT)2A than dopamine (DA) D2 receptors antagonism, and direct or indirect 5‐HT1A agonism, characterize almost all AAPDs. Blonanserin, an AAPD, has slightly greater affinity for D2 than 5‐HT2A receptors. Using microdialysis and ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, we compared the abilities of the typical APD, haloperidol, three AAPDs, blonanserin, lurasidone, and olanzapine, and a selective 5‐HT1A partial agonist, tandospirone, and all, except haloperidol, were found to ameliorate the cognitive deficits produced by the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antagonist, phencyclidine, altering the efflux of neurotransmitters and metabolites in the rat cortex and nucleus accumbens. Blonanserin, lurasidone, olanzapine, and tandospirone, but not haloperidol, increased the efflux of cortical DA and its metabolites, homovanillic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Olanzapine and lurasidone increased the efflux of acetylcholine; lurasidone increased glutamate as well. None of the compounds significantly altered the efflux of 5‐HT or its metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid, or GABA, serine, and glycine. The ability to increase cortical DA efflux was the only shared effect of the compounds which ameliorates the deficit in cognition in rodents following phencyclidine.
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Abnormalities in dopaminergic, glutamatergic, gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABAergic), cholinergic, and noradrenergic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus have been implicated in the pathophysiology of the cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Using in vivo microdialysis and UPLC‐MS/MS assay method, the effect of multiple antipsychotics with different binding properties on the efflux of neurotransmitters including acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA), and metabolites, serotonin, serine, glycine, glutamate (Glu) and GABA in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) have been studied in rats. Related mechanisms of receptors and neurotransmitter efflux have been discussed.
Functional up‐regulation of endopeptidase neurolysin during post‐acute and early recovery phases of experimental stroke in mouse brain
Authors: Rashid Mamoon , Wangler Naomi J. , Yang Li , Shah Kaushik , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Abbruscato Thomas J. , Karamyan Vardan T. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this study, we provide evidence for the first time that membrane‐bound endopeptidase neurolysin is up‐regulated in different parts of mouse brain affected by focal ischemia‐reperfusion in a middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke. Radioligand binding, enzymatic and immunoblotting experiments in membrane preparations of frontoparietal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus isolated from the ischemic hemisphere of mouse brain 24 h after reperfusion revealed statistically significant increase (≥ twofold) in quantity and activity of neurolysin compared with sham‐operated controls. Cerebellar membranes isolated from the ischemic hemisphere served as negative control supporting the observations that up‐regulation of neurolysin occurs in post‐ischemic brain regions. This study also documents sustained functional up‐regulation of neurolysin in frontoparietal cortical membranes for at least 7 days after stroke, which appears not to be transcriptionally or translationally regulated, but rather depends on translocation of cytosolic neurolysin to the membranes and mitochondria. Considering diversity of endogenous neurolysin substrates (neurotensin, bradykinin, angiotensins I/II, substance P, hemopressin, dynorphin A(1‐8), metorphamide, somatostatin) and the well‐documented role of these peptidergic systems in pathogenesis of stroke, resistance to ischemic injury and/or post‐stroke brain recovery, our findings suggest that neurolysin may play a role in processes modulating the brain's response to stroke and its recovery after stroke.
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We provide evidence that peptidase neurolysin is up‐regulated in the mouse brain membranes after stroke. Neurolysin metabolizes several neuropeptides in the brain (neurotensin, bradykinin, angiotensins I and II, substance P, hemopressin, dynorphin A(1‐8), metorphamide, somatostatin), which have various functions in stroke pathophysiology. We hypothesize that neurolysin plays a key role in processes modulating the brain's response to stroke and its recovery after stroke.
The Relationship between Retirement Wealth and Householders' Lifetime Personal Financial and Investing Behaviors
Authors: ECCLES DAVID W. , WARD PAUL , GOLDSMITH ELIZABETH , ARSAL GULER 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWhile previous research indicates wide wealth dispersion at retirement within households with similar lifetime incomes, there have been few attempts to identify personal financial behaviors associated with retirement wealth in households matched for lifetime income. Householders with similar demographics and lifetime income but differing markedly in net worth near retirement were surveyed in terms of personal financial behaviors undertaken during their lifetime. Results revealed key differences between householders with low and high retirement wealth in their financial behaviors and how these were acquired.
Does spirituality really matter?: A study on the potential of spirituality for older adult's adjustment to aging
Authors: von Humboldt Sofia , Leal Isabel , Pimenta Filipa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study intended to analyze the indicators of adjustment to aging (AtA) and to investigate the latent constructs that can work as major determinants in spirituality for a cross‐national older community‐dwelling population. Questionnaires were completed to assess the participants' background information. Interviews were performed, addressing one core area: indicators of AtA. Complete data were available for 154 older adults from two nationalities (German and Portuguese), aged between 75 and 103 years (M = 86.6; SD = 6.98). The data were subjected to content analysis. Representations of the associations and latent constructs were analyzed using a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). The most prevalent response of the interviewed participants for indicators of AtA was spirituality (43.2%). Spiritual activities was the most reported response regarding spirituality (20.0%). A significant moderate association was found between spiritual activities and nationality (V = .365; p < .001). Spirituality for older adults was explained by a three‐dimensional overall model: spiritual and existential meaning, limit‐related awareness and community embeddedness. The findings presented in this paper emphasized the need to explore the potential of spirituality for AtA and the need for improving the spiritual dimension of health care for the older cross‐national population.
Intraoperative identification of canine hepatocellular carcinoma with indocyanine green fluorescent imaging
Authors: Iida G. , Asano K. , Seki M. , Ishigaki K. , Teshima K. , Yoshida O. , Edamura K. , Kagawa Y. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of high‐sensitivity near‐infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green for intraoperative identification of hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs.MethodsTwelve hepatic nodules were surgically resected from six dogs. In each dog, 0 · 5 mg/kg indocyanine green was intravenously injected for 12 to 18 hours preoperatively. The hepatic nodules were investigated under laparotomy using a near‐infrared fluorescence imaging light camera system prior to resection. Resected nodules were histopathologically diagnosed and their fluorescence images were evaluated.ResultsOf the 12 hepatic nodules, 6 were diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma and 6 as nodular hyperplasia. Indocyanine green‐fluorescence was observed in four large hepatocellular carcinoma nodules and one case of nodular hyperplasia, whereas it was absent in the remaining nodules. The sensitivity and positive predictive values of indocyanine green fluorescent imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma was 71 · 4 and 80 · 0%, respectively. Complete resection of the hepatic masses was achieved in all dogs.Clinical SignificanceNear‐infrared fluorescence imaging may be feasible for intraoperative mapping of hepatocellular carcinomas in hepatic lobes and may help increase the chance of complete resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs.
Physiological hypoxia prevents bile salt‐induced apoptosis in human and rat hepatocytes
Authors: Hohenester Simon , Vennegeerts Timo , Wagner Michaela , Wimmer Ralf , Drolle Heidrun , Rieger Christina , Denk Gerald U. , Rust Christian , Fiegl Michael 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsHydrophobic bile salts such as glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) accumulate in cholestatic liver disease and induce hepatocellular apoptosis, promoting profibrotic signalling. The tissue microenvironment is an integral player in cellular pathophysiology, but it is not routinely incorporated into laboratory studies. Tissue oxygen partial pressure (pO2) may be an underestimated component of the microenvironment: in the liver, a pO2 of 30–45 mmHg (approximately 6% O2) is physiological, because of predominant portal blood supply. It was the aim of this project to investigate the impact of physiological hypoxia (i.e. 6% O2) on hepatocellular function, namely, bile salt‐induced apoptosis.MethodsHuman hepatoma cells (HepG2‐Ntcp) and primary rat hepatocytes were cultured at standard laboratory (hyperoxic) conditions (21% O2) and at physiological hypoxia (6% O2) in parallel for 1–8 days to study hepatocellular apoptosis and activation of signalling pathways. Standard laboratory analyses were applied for bile salt uptake, caspase‐3/‐7 activity, western blotting and gene‐array analysis.ResultsCulturing at physiological hypoxia protected both human and rat hepatocytes against GCDC‐induced apoptosis: caspase‐3/‐7 activation was diminished by 3.1 ± 0.5‐fold in human HepG2‐Ntcp and completely abolished in primary rat hepatocytes. Bile salt uptake was unaffected. Induction of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α indicated adaption to physiological hypoxia. The MEK/ERK cascade was activated and anti‐apoptotic mediators were induced: N‐Myc down‐regulated gene, gelsolin and carbonic anhydrase IX were upregulated 12.4‐, 6.5‐ and 5.2‐fold respectively.ConclusionsWe conclude from these data that (i) physiological hypoxia protects hepatocytes from bile salt‐induced apoptosis, (ii) tissue pO2 is a crucial, underestimated component of the microenvironment and should (iii) be considered when studying hepatocellular physiology in vitro.