bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
European phylogeography of the epiphytic lichen fungusLobaria pulmonariaand its green algal symbiont
Authors: Widmer Ivo , Dal Grande Francesco , Excoffier Laurent , Holderegger Rolf , Keller Christine , Mikryukov Vladimir S. , Scheidegger Christoph 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn lichen symbiosis, fungal and algal partners form close associations, often codispersed by vegetative propagules. Due to the particular interdependence, processes such as colonization, dispersal or genetic drift are expected to result in congruent patterns of genetic structure in the symbionts. To study the population structure of an obligate symbiotic system inEurope, we genotyped the fungal and algal symbionts of the epiphytic lichenLobaria pulmonariaat eight and seven microsatellite loci, respectively, and analysed about 4300L. pulmonariathalli from 142 populations from the species'European distribution range. Based on a centroid approach, which localizes centres of genetic differentiation with a high frequency of geographically restricted alleles, we identified the SouthItaly–Balkan region as the primary glacial refugial area of the lichen symbiosis. Procrustean rotation analysis and a distance congruence test between the fungal and algal population graphs indicated general concordance between the phylogeographies of the symbionts. The incongruent patterns found in areas of postglacial recolonization may show the presence of an additional refugial area for the fungal symbiont, and the impact that horizontal photobiont transmission and different mutation rates of the symbionts have on their genotypic associations at a continental scale.
The relationship between variable host grouping and functional responses among parasitoids ofAntispila nysaefoliella(Lepidoptera:Heliozelidae)
Authors: Low Candace , Scheffer Sonja J. , Lewis Matthew L. , Gates Michael W. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOur study investigated the importance of variability in the parasitoid community as a source of selection on host group size using a field population of the tupelo leafminer,Antispila nysaefoliellaClemens, which specializes on tupelo,Nyssa sylvaticaMarsh. Larvae were collected from leaves with variable numbers of larvae and screened for parasitism using polymerase chain reaction of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I using markers designed specifically for amplifying parasitoidDNAwhile excluding hostDNA. This method of selectivePCRwas effective for detecting the presence and identifying species of immature stages of three hymenopteran superfamilies:Chalcidoidea,Ichneumonoidea andPlatygastroidea, which represented 83.4%, 16.0% and 0.6% of the total detectable parasitism, respectively. Our resulting sequences were then calibrated with sequences from identified adult parasitoids that had been either reared or field‐captured. A cluster analysis revealed 10 distinct clades that showed differences in attack patterns with respect to host traits and season. Total parasitism followed an inverse density‐dependent or density‐independent pattern with respect to host density (number per leaf). However, when parasitoid taxa were considered separately, one clade, which could be a cryptic species ofPnigalio maculipesCrawford (Chalcidoidea:Eulophidae), was found to increase its per leaf attack rate with host density. Our results suggest that parasitoid community composition and differences among species in their attack strategies can play a large role in determining the adaptive advantage of host grouping.
How lizards survived blizzards: phylogeography of theLiolaemus lineomaculatusgroup (Liolaemidae) reveals multiple breaks and refugia in southernPatagonia and their concordance with other codistributed taxa
Authors: Breitman M. Florencia , Avila Luciano J. , Sites Jack W. , Morando Mariana 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPatagonia was shaped by a complex geological history, including the Miocene uplift of the Andes, followed by volcanism, marine introgressions, and extreme climatic oscillations during Pliocene–Pleistocene glaciation–deglaciation cycles. The distributional patterns and phylogenetic relationships of southern patagonian animals and plants were affected in different ways, and those imprints are reflected in the seven phylogeographic breaks and eight refugia that have been previously proposed. In this study, we estimated time‐calibrated phylogenetic/phylogeographic patterns in lizards of theLiolaemus lineomaculatusgroup and relate them to historical Miocene‐to‐Pleistocene events of Patagonia and the previously proposed phylogeographic patterns. Individuals from 51 localities were sequenced for the mitochondrial marker (cyt‐b) and a subsample of individuals from each mitochondrial lineage was sequenced for one nuclear (LDA12D) and one slow evolving mitochondrial gene (12S). Our analyses revealed strong phylogeographic structure among lineages and, in most cases, no signal of demographic changes through time. Thelineomaculatusgroup is composed of three strongly supported clades (lineomaculatus,hatcheriandkolengh + silvanae), and divergence estimates suggested their origins associated with the oldest known Patagonian glaciation (7–5 Ma); subsequent diversification within thelineomaculatusclade coincided with the large Pliocene glaciations (~3.5 Ma). Thelineomaculatusclade includes nine strongly genetically and geographically structured lineages, five of which are interpreted as candidate species. Our findings suggest that someLiolaemuslineages have persistedin situ, each of them in a different refugium, through several glaciation–deglaciation cycles without demographic fluctuations. We also summarize and update qualitative evidence of some shared phylogeographic breaks and refugia among plants, rodents and lizards.
Important aspects of oral paracoccidioidomycosis–a literature review
Authors: de Abreu e Silva Mariana Àlvares , Salum Fernanda Gonçalves , Figueiredo Maria Antonia , Cherubini Karen 
Published: October 2012

SummaryParacoccidioidomycosis is a deep mycosis endemic to Latin America, with considerable morbidity and mortality. It is caused by the dimorphic fungusParacoccidioides brasiliensis, which affects, among other organs in the human body, the oral cavity. Fungus virulence and immunocompetence of the host determine the establishment of infection or active disease, whose severity and clinical behaviour depend mostly on the cellular immune response of the host. Often, oral lesions constitute the first sign and site of confirmation of diagnosis, which in most cases is delayed. The success of the treatment depends on early and correct diagnosis, as well as on the patient’s adherence to the drug therapy.
Real‐time assessment of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets prior to clinical xenotransplantation
Authors: Kitzmann Jennifer P. , Law Lee , Shome Avik , Muzina Marija , Elliott Robert B. , Mueller Kate R. , Schuurman Henk‐Jan , Papas Klearchos K. 
Published: October 2012

Kitzmann JP, Law L, Shome A, Muzina M, Elliott RB, Mueller KR, Schuurman H‐J, Papas KK. Real‐time assessment of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets prior to clinical xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 333–336. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Porcine islet transplantation is emerging as an attractive option for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes, with the possibility of providing islets of higher and more consistent quality and in larger volumes than available from human pancreata. The use of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets (ENPI) is appealing because it can address islet supply limitations while reducing the need for anti‐rejection therapy. Pre‐transplant characterization of ENPI viability and potency is an essential component of the production process. We applied the validated assay for oxygen consumption rate normalized for DNA content (OCR/DNA) to characterize ENPI viability.Methods:  ENPI of low viscosity and high m alginate were prepared according to standard methods and characterized at various culture time points up to 5 weeks.Results:  The OCR/DNA (nmol/min·mgDNA ± SEM) of ENPI (235 ± 10, n = 9) was comparable to that of free NPI (255 ± 14, n = 13). After encapsulation, NPI OCR/DNA was sustained over a culture period of up to 5 weeks. The average OCR/DNA of ENPI cultured longer than 9 days was higher than that of freshly encapsulated NPI.Conclusion:  This is the first characterization of ENPI by a validated and more sensitive method for product viability. The NPI encapsulation process does not compromise viability as measured by OCR/DNA, and ENPI can be cultured for up to 5 weeks with maintenance of viability. ENPI meet or exceed current adult porcine islet product release criteria (established at the University of Minnesota) for preclinical xenotransplantation in terms of OCR/DNA.
Hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced endothelial barrier failure: role of RhoA, Rac1 and myosin light chain kinase
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Schluter Klaus‐Dieter , Rohrbach Susanne , Rafiq Amir , Nazli Sabiha , Piper Hans Michael , Noll Thomas , Schulz Rainer , Gündüz Dursun 
Published: October 2012

Key points
Hypoxia–reoxygenation induces loss of endothelial barrier function and oedema formation accompanied by a rise in intracellular Ca2+, an increase in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and RhoA/Rho kinase (Rock) signalling and an inactivation of Rac1.
Neither inhibition of RhoA/Rock signalling nor antagonising Ca2+ increase could protect against this hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced loss of barrier function.
Inhibition of MLC kinase (MLCK) abrogates hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced MLC phosphorylation and partially protects against hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced endothelial hyperpermeability.
Activation of Rac1 using a cAMP analogue, 8‐CPT‐O′‐Me‐cAMP, which specifically activates Epac/Rap1 signalling abrogated reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. The data help us to better understand the role of Rho GTPases and contractile machinery in the regulation of endothelial barrier function during hypoxia–reoxygenation.
Abstract  Hypoxia–reoxygenation induces loss of endothelial barrier function and oedema formation, which presents a major impediment for recovery of the organ. The integrity of the endothelial barrier is highly dependent on its contractile machinery and actin dynamics, which are precisely regulated by Rho GTPases. Perturbed activities of these Rho‐GTPases under hypoxia–reoxygenation lead to derangement of the actin cytoskeleton and therefore may affect the integrity of the endothelial barrier. The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of these GTPases in regulating endothelial barrier function during hypoxia–reoxygenation in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells and isolated perfused rat hearts. Hypoxia–reoxygenation induced an increase in albumin permeability of endothelial monolayers accompanied by an activation of the endothelial contractile machinery, derangement of the actin cytoskeleton and loss of VE‐cadherin from cellular junctions. Inhibition of contractile activation with ML‐7 partially protected against hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. Likewise, reoxygenation caused an increase in RhoA and a reduction in Rac1 activity accompanied by enhanced stress fibre formation and loss of peripheral actin. Inhibition of RhoA/rho kinase (Rock) signalling with RhoA or Rock inhibitors led to a complete depolymerisation and derangement of the actin cytoskeleton and worsened hypoxia–reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. Activation of Rac1 using a cAMP analogue, 8‐CPT‐O′‐Me‐cAMP, which specifically activates Epac/Rap1 signalling, restored peripheral localisation of actin and VE‐cadherin at cellular junctions and abrogated reoxygenation‐induced hyperpermeability. Similar results were reproduced in isolated saline‐perfused rat hearts. These data show that activation of Rac1 but not the inhibition of RhoA preserves endothelial integrity against reoxygenation‐induced loss of barrier function.
Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors improves the accuracy of coincidence detection by presynaptic mechanisms in the nucleus laminaris of the chick
Authors: Okuda Hiroko , Yamada Rei , Kuba Hiroshi , Ohmori Harunori 
Published: October 2012

Key points
Interaural time difference (ITD) is a major cue for sound source localization and is processed by detecting a coincidence of bilateral excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the nucleus laminaris (NL) in birds.
The sharpness of coincidence detection (CD) depends on the speed and size of EPSPs. We found here a regulatory mechanism of EPSP size through the presynaptic mGluR activity.
The activation of mGluRs reduced the transmitter release and extent of excitatory postsynaptic current depression during tetanic stimulation, but improved the CD. Furthermore, the activity of mGluRs and their expression were graded along the tonotopic axis and were stronger toward the low frequency neurons of NL.
We proposed an idea that the presynaptic mGluRs may operate as a self‐regulatory mechanism to optimize the size of EPSP and have roles in sharpening the CD. This regulatory mechanism may underlie the sound source localization particularly during a long‐lasting sound in the NL.
Abstract  Interaural time difference (ITD) is a major cue for localizing a sound source and is processed in the nucleus laminaris (NL) in birds. Coincidence detection (CD) is a crucial step for processing ITD and critically depends on the size and time course of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Here, we investigated a role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in the regulation of EPSP amplitude and CD in the NL of chicks. A non‐specific agonist of mGluRs ((±)‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐trans‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid; t‐ACPD) reduced the amplitude and extent of depression of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) during a stimulus train, while the paired pulse ratio and coefficient of variation of EPSC amplitude were increased. In contrast, the amplitudes of spontaneous EPSCs were not affected, but the frequency was reduced. Thus, the effects of t‐ACPD were presynaptic and reduced the release of neurotransmitter from terminals in the NL. Expression of group II mGluRs was graded along the tonotopic axis and was stronger towards the low frequency region in the NL. Both group II (DCG‐IV) and group III (l‐AP4) specific agonists reduced EPSC amplitude by presynaptic mechanisms, and the reduction was larger in the low frequency region; however, we could not find any effects of group I‐specific agonists on EPSCs. The reduced EPSP amplitude in DCG‐IV improved CD. A specific antagonist of group II mGluRs (LY341495) increased the amplitude of both EPSCs and EPSPs and enhanced the depression during a stimulus train, indicating constitutive activation of mGluRs in the NL. These observations indicate that mGluRs may work as autoreceptors and regulate EPSP size to improve CD in the NL.
Antiviral therapy for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Kimer Nina , Dahl Emilie Kristine , Gluud Lise Lotte , Krag Aleksander 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo determine whether antiviral therapy reduces the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C.DesignSystematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. Prospective cohort studies were included in sensitivity analyses.Data SourcesEligible trials were identified through electronic and manual searches.Study SelectionEight randomised controlled trials comparing antiviral therapy (interferon or pegylated interferon alone or with ribavirin) versus placebo or no intervention were included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of studies and extracted data. Random effects meta-analyses were performed. Subgroup, sensitivity, regression and sequential analyses were performed to evaluate sources of intertrial heterogeneity, the risk of bias and the robustness of the results after adjusting for multiple testing.ResultsRandom effects meta-analysis showed that antiviral therapy reduced the risk of HCC (81/1156 vs 129/1174; risk ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.81). In subgroup analyses, antiviral therapy was more beneficial (test for subgroup differences p=0.03) in virological responders (0.15, 0.05 to 0.45) than in non-responders (0.57; 0.37 to 0.85). No evidence of bias was seen in regression analyses. Sequential analysis confirmed the overall result. The sensitivity analyses showed that the cohort studies found that antiviral therapy reduced the risk of HCC. There was clear statistical evidence of bias in the cohort studies (p=0.02).ConclusionsAntiviral therapy may reduce the risk of HCC in hepatitis C-related fibrosis and cirrhosis. The effect may be seen irrespective of the virological response, but is more pronounced among virological responders compared with non-responders.
Systemic Delivery ofSalmonella typhimuriumTransformed with IDO shRNA Enhances Intratumoral Vector Colonization and Suppresses Tumor Growth
Authors: Blache Céline A. , Manuel Edwin R. , Kaltcheva Teodora I. , Wong Andrea N. , Ellenhorn Joshua D.I. , Blazar Bruce R. , Diamond Don J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractGenerating antitumor responses through the inhibition of tumor-derived immune suppression represents a promising strategy in the development of cancer immunotherapeutics. Here, we present a strategy incorporating delivery of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium (ST), naturally tropic for the hypoxic tumor environment, transformed with a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid against the immunosuppressive molecule indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (shIDO). When systemically delivered into mice, shIDO silences host IDO expression and leads to massive intratumoral cell death that is associated with significant tumor infiltration by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). shIDO-ST treatment causes tumor cell death independently of host IDO and adaptive immunity, which may have important implications for use in immunosuppressed patients with cancer. Furthermore, shIDO-ST treatment increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by infiltrating PMNs and, conversely, PMN immunodepletion abrogates tumor control. Silencing of host IDO significantly enhances S. typhimurium colonization, suggesting that IDO expression within the tumor controls the immune response to S. typhimurium. In summary, we present a novel approach to cancer treatment that involves the specific silencing of tumor-derived IDO that allows for the recruitment of ROS-producing PMNs, which may act primarily to clear S. typhimurium infection, but in the process also induces apoptosis of surrounding tumor tissue resulting in a vigorous antitumor effect. Cancer Res; 72(24); 6447–56. ©2012 AACR.
The Global Drought Monitor Portal: The Foundation for a Global Drought Information System
Authors: Heim Richard R. , Brewer Michael J. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The international scientific community has long recognized the need for coordinated drought monitoring and response, but many factors have prevented progress in the development of a Global Drought Early Warning System (GDEWS): some of which involve administrative issues (coordinated international action and policy) while others involve scientific, technological, and logistical issues. The creation of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) Portal within the United States provided an opportunity to take the first steps toward building the informational foundation for a GDEWS: that is, a Global Drought Information System (GDIS). At a series of workshops sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO) held in Asheville, North Carolina, in April 2010, it was recommended that a modular approach be taken in the creation of a GDIS and that the NIDIS Portal serve as the foundation for the GDIS structure. Once a NIDIS-based Global Drought Monitor (GDM) Portal (GDMP) established an international drought clearinghouse, the various components of a GDIS (drought monitoring, forecasting, impacts, history, research, and education) and later a GDEWS (drought relief, recovery, and planning) could be constructed atop it. The NIDIS Portal is a web-based information system created to address drought services and early warning in the United States, including drought monitoring, forecasting, impacts, mitigation, research, and education. This portal utilizes Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) web mapping services (WMS) to incorporate continental drought monitors into the GDMP. As of early 2012, the GDM has incorporated continental drought information for North America (North American Drought Monitor), Europe (European Drought Observatory), and Africa (African Drought Monitor developed by Princeton University); interest has been expressed by groups representing Australia and South America; and coordination with appropriate parties in Asia is also expected. Because of the range of climates across the world and the diverse nature of drought and the sectors it impacts, the construction and functioning of each continental drought monitor needs to be appropriate for the continent in question. The GDMP includes a suite of global drought indicators identified by experts and adopted by the WMO as the necessary measures to examine drought from a meteorological standpoint; these global drought indicators provide a base to assist the global integration and interpretation of the continental drought monitors. The GDMP has been included in recent updates to the GEO Work Plan and has benefited from substantial coordination with WMO on both their Global Framework for Climate Services and the National Drought Policy efforts. The GDMP is recognized as having the potential to be a major contributor to both of these activities.
Degradation kinetics of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer residues devulcanized by microwaves
Authors: Pistor Vinicius , Zattera Ademi J 
Published: October 2012

The reclaiming of elastomer residues is one of the main problems of recycling materials. In this work, the efficiency of devulcanization of recycled ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) was determined by subjecting the elastomer samples to 2, 3 and 4 min of microwaves exposure. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis using different heating rates to determine the kinetic degradation parameters according to the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Criado methods were studied. The results obtained showed that up to 4 min devulcanization exposure period, the degradation temperature of EPDM did not exceed. Microwaves exposure caused modifications in the morphology and reduction in activation energy values upon increased samples exposure period. Degradation mechanisms were altered, mainly for the 4-min exposure period, where the nucleation mechanism shifts to diffusion, suggesting that the microwave method was able to promote the breakage of the elastomeric three-dimensional network.
Broad temperature and frequency range damping materials based on epoxidized natural rubber
Authors: Lu Xun , Li Xujun 
Published: October 2012

The damping properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) are investigated by the dynamic mechanical analysis in this article. Time–temperature superposition of the isotherms give the change of the damping property with frequency of each cured ENR. Due to the existence of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between ENR and phenolic resin, the cured ENR with phenolic resin as curing agent shows much broader effective damping (tanδ > 0.3) temperature and frequency range than that of using the other two curing agents, sulfur and peroxide curing systems, its effective damping temperature range reaches nearly 150°C and effective damping frequency range covers the range from 10−5 to 109 Hz. The influences of the phenolic resin types and contents on the damping property of ENR are also explored. The activation energies during the glass transition are calculated with the Arrhenius equation to demonstrate the change of the Tg of ENR cured by different phenolic resin contents.