bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Big‐leaf mahogany Swietenia macrophylla population dynamics and implications for sustainable management
Authors: Grogan James , Landis R. Matthew , Free Christopher M. , Schulze Mark D. , Lentini Marco , Ashton Mark S. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

The impacts of selective harvesting in tropical forests on population recovery and future timber yields by high‐value species remain largely unknown for lack of demographic data spanning all phases of life history, from seed to senescence. In this study, we use an individual‐based model parameterized using 15 years of annual census data to simulate population dynamics of big‐leaf mahogany Swietenia macrophylla King in southeast Amazonia in response to multiple harvests and in the absence of harvesting.

The model is based on regression equations of stem diameter growth, mortality, and fruit production estimated as a function of stem diameter and prior growth; it includes functions for germinating seeds, growing trees from seedling to adult senescence, producing seeds, and creating disturbances at specified spatial scales and return intervals, including logging. We simulate six harvest scenarios by varying the minimum diameter cutting limit (60 cm, 80 cm) and the retention rate requirement (20%, 40% and 60% commercial population retained).

Without logging, simulated populations grew over 100 years by 182% from observed densities, indicating that one or more parameters in the model may overestimate long‐term demographic rates on this landscape. However, 100‐year densities did not far exceed values reported from forests across this region, and other modelled demographic parameters resembled observed behaviours.

Under current harvest regulations for mahogany in Brazil (60 cm minimum diameter cutting limit, 20% commercial‐sized tree retention rate, minimum 5 commercial‐sized trees 100 ha−1 retained after harvest, 30‐year cutting cycle), commercial densities at the study site would decline from 39·7 to 11·3 trees 100 ha−1 before the fourth harvest in year 90, yielding an estimated 16·4% of the initial harvest volume during the fourth harvest. Increasing retention rates caused first‐cut harvest volumes to decline but improved population recovery rates between harvests. Under both minimum diameter cutting limit scenarios, increasing retention rates led to more robust population recovery compared with the current 20% rate, and higher subsequent harvest yields relative to initial (first‐cut) values.

Synthesis and applications. These results indicate that current harvest regulations in Brazil for mahogany and other high‐value timber species with similar life histories will lead to commercial depletion after 2–3 cutting cycles. Increasing commercial‐sized tree retention rates improved population recovery at the cost of reduced initial harvest volume yields. Sustainable harvests will require, in combination, a moderate increase in the retention rate, investment in artificial regeneration to boost population recovery, and implementation of silvicultural practices designed to increase growth rates by future crop trees.
FROGG high‐risk prostate cancer workshop: Patterns of practice and literature review. Part II post‐radical prostatectomy
Authors: Lehman Margot , Sidhom Mark , Kneebone Andrew B , Hayden Amy J , Martin Jarad M , Christie David , Skala Marketa , Tai Keen‐Hun 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAustralian and New Zealand radiation oncologists with an interest in uro‐oncology were invited to undertake a pattern of practice survey dealing with issues encountered in the management of high‐risk prostate cancer in the post‐prostatectomy setting. Responses from practitioners revealed a lack of consensus regarding the optimal timing of radiation therapy, the use of whole pelvic radiation therapy and the use of androgen deprivation therapy. A review of the literature outlining the current body of knowledge and the clinical studies that will inform future practice is presented.
Acute Exposure to Low Lead Levels and its Implications on the Activity and Expression of Cytosolic Thioredoxin Reductase in the Kidney
Authors: Conterato Greicy M. M. , Quatrin Andréia , Somacal Sabrina , Ruviaro Amanda R. , Vicentini Juliana , Augusti Paula R. , Sobieski Rocheli , Figueiredo Cassieli , dos Santos Clarissa M. M. , Pereira Talita C. B. , Bogo Maurício R. , Flores Erico M. M. , Emanuelli Tatiana 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRenal thioredoxin reductase‐1 (TrxR‐1) activity is stimulated at lead doses lower than that necessary to inhibit δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase activity (δ‐ALA‐D), which is a classical early biomarker of lead effects. Thus, we hypothesized that the activity of TrxR‐1 could be a more sensitive early indicator of lead effects than is δ‐ALA‐D. To evaluate this hypothesis, we assessed the blood and renal TrxR‐1 activity and its gene expression along with biomarkers of oxidative damage, antioxidant enzyme activities and biomarkers of lead exposure in rats acutely exposed to lead. A histopathological analysis was performed to verify renal damage. The increase in renal TrxR‐1 activity paralleled the increase in the blood and renal lead levels at 6, 24 and 48 hr after the exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate (p < 0.05), whereas its expression was increased 24 and 48 hr after exposure. These effects were not accompanied by oxidative or tissue damage in the kidneys. Blood TrxR‐1 activity was not affected by lead exposure (up to 25 mg/kg). Erythrocyte δ‐ALA‐D activity was inhibited 6 hr after the exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate (p < 0.05) but recovered thereafter. Renal δ‐ALA‐D activity decreased 24 and 48 hr after the exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate. There were no changes in any parameters at lead acetate doses <25 mg/kg. Our results indicate that blood TrxR‐1 activity is not a suitable indicator of lead effects. In contrast, the increase in renal TrxR‐1 expression and activity is implicated in the early events of lead exposure, most likely as a protective cellular mechanism against lead toxicity.
KYP‐2047 Penetrates Mouse Brain and Effectively Inhibits Mouse Prolyl Oligopeptidase
Authors: Jalkanen Aaro J. , Leikas Juuso V. , Forsberg Markus M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecent studies have indicated that specific prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) inhibitors can modulate inflammation, angiogenesis and neurodegeneration. As most diseases that may be potential targets for PREP inhibitors are being modelled in mice, it is essential to evaluate the pharmacological properties of investigative PREP inhibitors in mice. This study characterizes the single‐dose brain pharmacokinetics and PREP inhibitory action of a potent PREP inhibitor, KYP‐2047, in wild‐type C57 mice. KYP‐2047 penetrated into the mouse brain rapidly (tmax≤10 min.) and achieved pharmacologically active concentrations after a single dose of 15 or 50 μmol/kg i.p. The brain/blood AUC ratio was 0.050 and 0.039 after 15 and 50 μmol/kg i.p., respectively. KYP‐2047 produced efficient brain PREP inhibition at both doses; 15 μmol/kg blocked PREP activity fully for 30 min., and it took 12 hr for the activity to recover, whereas 50 μmol/kg inhibited brain PREP activity fully for 1 hr, and most, 84%, of the activity had been restored by 12 hr. Both doses completely blocked PREP activity in liver for at least 1 hr, and only about 25% the activity was recovered within 12 hr. The pharmacokinetics and inhibition kinetics of KYP‐2047 in mice were found to be similar as those previously reported in rats and indicate that KYP‐2047 would need to be administered twice per day to achieve continuous brain PREP inhibition in mice. In conclusion, KYP‐2047 is a suitable pharmacological tool with which to assess the effects of PREP inhibition in mice.
Estimation of time‐dependent association for bivariate failure times in the presence of a competing risk
Authors: Ning Jing , Bandeen‐Roche Karen 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThis article targets the estimation of a time‐dependent association measure for bivariate failure times, the conditional cause‐specific hazards ratio (CCSHR), which is a generalization of the conditional hazards ratio (CHR) to accommodate competing risks data. We model the CCSHR as a parametric regression function of time and event causes and leave all other aspects of the joint distribution of the failure times unspecified. We develop a pseudo‐likelihood estimation procedure for model fitting and inference and establish the asymptotic properties of the estimators. We assess the finite‐sample properties of the proposed estimators against the estimators obtained from a moment‐based estimating equation approach. Data from the Cache County study on dementia are used to illustrate the proposed methodology.
An evaluation of independent component analyses with an application to resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Risk Benjamin B. , Matteson David S. , Ruppert David , Eloyan Ani , Caffo Brian S. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryWe examine differences between independent component analyses (ICAs) arising from different assumptions, measures of dependence, and starting points of the algorithms. ICA is a popular method with diverse applications including artifact removal in electrophysiology data, feature extraction in microarray data, and identifying brain networks in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). ICA can be viewed as a generalization of principal component analysis (PCA) that takes into account higher‐order cross‐correlations. Whereas the PCA solution is unique, there are many ICA methods–whose solutions may differ. Infomax, FastICA, and JADE are commonly applied to fMRI studies, with FastICA being arguably the most popular. Hastie and Tibshirani (2003) demonstrated that ProDenICA outperformed FastICA in simulations with two components. We introduce the application of ProDenICA to simulations with more components and to fMRI data. ProDenICA was more accurate in simulations, and we identified differences between biologically meaningful ICs from ProDenICA versus other methods in the fMRI analysis. ICA methods require nonconvex optimization, yet current practices do not recognize the importance of, nor adequately address sensitivity to, initial values. We found that local optima led to dramatically different estimates in both simulations and group ICA of fMRI, and we provide evidence that the global optimum from ProDenICA is the best estimate. We applied a modification of the Hungarian (Kuhn‐Munkres) algorithm to match ICs from multiple estimates, thereby gaining novel insights into how brain networks vary in their sensitivity to initial values and ICA method.
Experimental Models of Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Bradl Monika , Lassmann Hans 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFor a long time, the most important inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), for example, multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), were extremely hard to differentiate, often with severe consequences for affected patients. This changed with the discovery of NMO‐immunoglobulin G (IgG), a specific autoantibody which was detected in the vast majority of NMO patients, and with the demonstration that this autoantibody targets aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a water channel found on astrocytes in the CNS. These findings paved the way for the generation of experimental models of NMO. This chapter will discuss the contribution of experimental models to NMO research and what key questions remain to be addressed.
Downregulation of miR‐217 correlates with resistance of ph+ leukemia cells to ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Nishioka Chie , Ikezoe Takayuki , Yang Jing , Nobumoto Atsuya , Tsuda Masayuki , Yokoyama Akihito 
Published: December 2013

This study found that long‐term exposure of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) K562 cells to BCR/ABL thyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) caused drug‐resistance in association with an increase in levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and a decrease in levels of microRNA miR‐217. These observations are clinically relevant; an increase in levels of DNMT3A in association with downregulation of miR‐217 were noted in leukemia cells isolated from individuals with BCR/ABL TKI‐resistant Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) and CML. Further studies with TKI‐resistant K562 cells found that forced expression of miR‐217 inhibited expression of DNMT3A through a miR‐217‐binding site within the 3′‐untranslated region of DNMT3A and sensitized these cells to growth inhibition mediated by the TKI. Of note, long‐term exposure of K562 cells to dasatinib (10 nM) together with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐AzadC) (0.1 μM) potently inhibited proliferation of these cells in association with upregulation of miR‐217 and downregulation of DNMT3A in vitro. In addition, a decrease in levels of DNMT3A and an increase in levels of miR‐217 were noted in K562 tumors growing in immune‐deficient mice that were treated with the combination of 5‐AzadC and dasatinib. Taken together, Ph+ leukemia cells acquire TKI resistance via downregulation of miR‐217 and upregulation of DNMT3A. Inhibition of DNMT3A by forced expression of miR‐217 or 5‐AzadC may be useful to prevent drug resistance in individuals who receive TKI.
STAT3 gene mutations and their association with pure red cell aplasia in large granular lymphocyte leukemia
Authors: Ishida Fumihiro , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Sekiguchi Nodoka , Makishima Hideki , Taira Chiaki , Momose Kayoko , Nishina Sayaka , Senoo Noriko , Sakai Hitoshi , Ito Toshiro , Kwong Yok‐Lam 
Published: December 2013

Large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGL L) has been morphologically characterized as a group of lymphoproliferative diseases that include T‐cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T‐LGL L) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of natural killer cells (CLPD‐NK). We investigated mutations in the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene in Asian cohorts of T‐LGL L and CLPD‐NK (n = 42 and 11, respectively). Two mutations, Y640F and D661Y, were identified using direct sequencing or allele‐specific (AS) PCR. Y640F and D661Y mutations were found in seven and 18 patients, respectively. Two patients were positive for both mutations. Frequencies of STAT3 mutations in T‐LGL L and CLPD‐NK were 47.6% and 27.2%, respectively. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) was associated with the mutations (P = 0.005). The mutations were persistently found at stable levels in some patients after more than 5 years using AS‐quantitative PCR. The results of the present study indicate that the SH2 domain of the STAT3 gene is frequently mutated in Asian T‐LGL L and CLPD‐NK, and that PRCA is closely correlated with the mutations.
Effects of thalidomide on Fgf8, Bmp4 and Hoxa11 expression in the limb bud in Kbl:JW rabbit embryos
Authors: Kawamura Yoshinori , Yamashita Teruyoshi , Yamauchi Toshiaki , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Sato Keiichiro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThalidomide (TM) induces limb defects in humans and some animal species including rabbits. Although the mechanism of TM‐induced limb defects has been investigated for a long period, the limb development‐related genes expressions have not been vigorously characterized in rabbits. In this study, we investigated the Fgf8, Bmp4 and Hoxa11 expressions in TM‐treated JW rabbit embryos on gestation days (GDs) 10, 11 and 12 by whole mount in situ hybridization. On GDs 10 and 11, growth retardation of the embryo was induced by TM treatment. The Fgf8 expression lengths on GDs 10 and 11 in the forelimb bud were significantly or tended to be decreased in the TM‐treated embryos, which was correlated to the growth retardation and was not considered to be directly relevant to the teratogenic effect of TM in the forelimb. The TM‐induced characteristic changes in the expression pattern of Hoxa11 and Bmp4 on GDs 10 and/or 11 were not noted. On GD 12, TM‐induced growth retardation was not noted and the Fgf8 and Bmp4 expressions were not changed. On the contrary, Hoxa11 expression was narrowed at the anterior region, which was located on the radial side, and was not changed at the middle and posterior regions in the forelimb bud and in all regions in the hindlimb bud. Because the radius malformations were induced by TM treatment, we concluded the decrease in the Hoxa11 expression was related to the TM‐induced limb defects and can be a good marker for early prediction of the teratogenic effect of TM.
Serum and red blood cell folate testing for folate deficiency: new features?
Authors: De Bruyn Edward , Gulbis Béatrice , Cotton Frédéric 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionFolate deficiency is assessed by serum and red blood cell folate measurements. Nevertheless, no consensus for the lower limit of serum folate reference values exists. We investigated the appropriate use of RBC folate to detect folate deficiency and the relationship between serum and RBC folate and with other parameters such as vitamin B12 and homocysteine in order to propose serum folate cut‐off values.MethodsRetrospectively, 63 113 and 20 459 results of serum and RBC folate were collected. If present, the results of red cell indices, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were also collected.ResultsA significantly positive correlation between serum and RBC folate was demonstrated. A significant effect of serum folate levels under 6 μg/L (or 14 nm) was observed on RBC indices. A relation was found between vitamin B12 and folate, for serum and RBC. A significant rise in homocysteine concentrations was observed for serum folate levels under 8 μg/L (or 18 nm).ConclusionTo observe haematological abnormalities, folate deficiency should be profound. Serum folate levels under 8 μg/L (or 18 nm) should be considered as a decision limit for folate depletion because a positive effect on homocysteine was observed. Fasting serum folate concentration should be preferred for assessing folate status. Our results suggest that the need for RBC folate testing is less meaningful.
High mobility group box 1 acts as an adjuvant for tuberculosis subunit vaccines
Authors: Grover Ajay , Troudt Jolynn , Foster Chad , Basaraba Randall , Izzo Angelo 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn order to ensure an ample supply of quality candidate tuberculosis (TB) subunit vaccines for clinical trials, it is imperative to develop new immunostimulatory adjuvants. High Mobility Box Group 1 (HMGB1), a member of the alarmin group of immunostimulatory proteins, is released by antigen‐presenting cells under various conditions and has been shown to induce T helper type 1 cytokines. We report that HMGB1 is effective as an adjuvant to enhance the protective efficacy and cellular immune response of TB subunit vaccines and that it is not dependent on the interaction between HMGB1 and receptor for advanced glycation end products, a major receptor for HMGB1. In the mouse model of TB, HMGB1 protein, when formulated with dioctadecylammonium bromide and 6000 MW early secretory antigenic target (ESAT‐6), was protective as a subunit vaccine but did not protect as molecular adjuvant in an ESAT‐6‐based DNA formulation. We then evaluated the immunoprophylactic and protective potential of a fusion protein of HMGB1 and ESAT‐6. The HMGB1–ESAT‐6 fusion protein induced strong antigen‐specific T helper type 1 cytokines at 30 days post‐immunization. The fusion protein vaccine enhanced activated and effector memory CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses in the lungs and spleens of mice at 80 days post vaccination. Vaccination with the HMGB1–ESAT‐6 fusion protein also resulted in elevated numbers of poly‐functional CD4 T cells co‐expressing interleukin‐2, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α. The potent cell‐mediated immune response generated by the fusion protein correlated with protection against subsequent challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the mouse TB model.
Relieving my discomforts safely: the experiences of discontinuing HRT among menopausal women
Authors: Lee Pei‐Shan , Lee Chyi‐Long , Hu Shui‐Tao , Tsao Lee‐Ing 
Published: December 2013

Aim and objectivesTo generate a descriptive theoretical framework about the experiences of women who discontinued hormone replacement therapy.BackgroundSome menopausal women would depend on hormone replacement therapy for relieving their menopausal symptoms. However, most of them feared of hormone replacement therapy's side effects and tried to discontinue hormone replacement therapy immediately. How did these women self‐manage their discomforts without using dependent medicine – hormone replacement therapy? There are few studies conducted on this issue.DesignA grounded theory research was applied.MethodsNineteen Taiwanese women discontinuing hormone replacement therapy for three months, aged 45 to 67 years, participated in face‐to‐face audio‐taped interviews. Data collection, and coding of interviews, and data analysis occurred simultaneously. All conversations were audio‐recorded and then transcribed as verbatim text. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the interview data.Results‘Relieving my discomforts safely’ was the core theme for describing and guiding the process of discontinuing hormone replacement therapy. ‘Immediately discontinuing hormone replacement therapy – it would hurt my body’ was identified as the antecedent condition. Analyses showed five dimensions to the women's relieving my discomforts safely: (1) symptoms bothered me again, (2) negative emotions, (3) learning to let it go, (4) trying to use nonhormone replacement therapy or products and (5) choosing safely therapies as first priority. Finally, some women would choose their suitable nonhormone replacement therapy way, and some women would reuse hormone replacement therapy cautiously.Conclusions‘Relieving my discomforts safely’ was the first‐priority consideration for the menopausal women discontinuing hormone replacement therapy. It is the challenge to establish the health programme or management for helping these women felt safety and security to relieve their menopausal symptoms by using hormone replacement therapy or nonhormone replacement therapy.Relevance to clinical practiceHealthcare providers need to empower women the rights of decision‐making of using hormone replacement therapy and assist them in monitoring their health status to reduce their fear and uncertainty.
The Genitive of Negation in Russian
Authors: Harves Stephanie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper discusses the genitive of negation in Russian, one of the most well‐studied case alternations that exists in the language and the most well‐known diagnostic for unaccusativity. Direct objects and subjects of unaccusative predicates may occur in the genitive case under sentential negation, alternating with accusative and nominative, respectively. When these Noun Phrases (NPs) appear in the genitive, they tend to receive an indefinite, non‐specific, or existential interpretation. Recent semantic analyses of this construction argue that such NPs are best treated as properties of type <e,t>, which are the result of a type‐shifting operation. In this paper, we examine five different types of approaches in analyzing this construction and show that in spite of the range of proposals that exists, a number of issues remain. The genitive of negation presents a puzzle that lies at the heart of the syntax–semantics interface. Putting together the syntactic and semantic generalizations that have been noted for this construction in a coherent way can shed light on the overall architecture of the grammar.