bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defoliation and bark harvesting affect life‐history traits of a tropical tree
Authors: Gaoue Orou G. , Horvitz Carol C. , Ticktin Tamara , Steiner Ulrich K. , Tuljapurkar Shripad 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Selectively harvesting whole individuals in managed populations (e.g. fisheries, hunting) has substantial effects on life expectancy and age at maturity. Although demographic rates of trees are impacted by recurrent harvest of plant organs (e.g. fruit, leaf, bark) known as non‐timber forest products, the effect of such harvesting on life‐history traits is less explored.

Here, we investigate how different strategies of foliage and bark harvest by local people affect life expectancy and age at maturity of Khaya senegalensis across two climatic regions in West Africa. We compare elasticities of life expectancy to perturbation of vital rates to the elasticities of population growth rate, emphasizing how the two kinds of elasticity address distinct biological issues and management goals.

Life expectancy was shorter and reproduction delayed in the dry than in the moist region, indicating a cost of drought to life‐history traits. Harvesting at constant rates only affects (increased) life expectancy in the moist region and (reduced) age at first reproduction in the dry region.

Models in which harvest intensity varies stochastically over time show results similar to those with constant harvesting rate. However, there is an interactive effect of harvest on life‐history traits between regions. Increasing harvesting pressure accelerates maturity and reduces life expectancy in the dry region but delays reproduction and increases life expectancy in the moist region. This indicates that stochasticity magnifies the effect of harvesting on life‐history traits.

With the notable exception of heavily harvested populations in the moist region, life expectancy is more elastic to survival of early rather than late life stages. This pattern contrasts with the elasticity of population growth rate; the latter is more elastic to survival of late rather than early life stages.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that plant harvesting can affect life‐history traits but in different ways across an environmental gradient. Failure to account for stochasticity in harvesting rate can mask some of these effects. Our results also indicate that processes driving plant life expectancy, at least for long‐lived species, may differ from those driving population dynamics.
Interdental cleaning among persons with diabetes: relationships with individual characteristics
Authors: Strauss SM , Stefanou LB 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesGiven the existence of many potential oral health complications for adults with diabetes (especially for those who do not practise regular oral self‐care), and the specific importance of regular interdental cleaning, the research determined the proportion of U.S. adults with diabetes who practise daily interdental cleaning and their socio‐demographic, economic and oral health characteristics related to this practice.MethodsAnalyses were conducted using data collected from 573 dentulous adults with diabetes ≥ 30 years who participated in the U.S. 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination survey. Using complex sample survey software, findings were extrapolated to >15 million U.S. adults. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency of interdental cleaning, and chi‐square tests were used to identify salient individual characteristics related to this practice.Results41.2% reported that they never used any interdental device, while 24.8% indicated that they practised interdental cleaning daily. Statistically significant relationships (P < 0.05) with daily interdental cleaning included female sex, ever having had treatment for gum disease and using mouthwash daily for a dental problem.ConclusionsBecause so many adults with diabetes do not practise regular interdental cleaning, and in view of the important role that dental hygienists fulfil as oral healthcare educators, there is a great need for dental hygienists to teach and motivate adults with diabetes to practise regular interdental cleaning. This need is especially great for subgroups of these adults who are men, have not been treated for periodontitis and do not regularly use a mouthwash for dental problems.
Inhibition of interleukin‐13 gene expression by triptolide in activated T lymphocytes
Authors: Dai Shanlin , Yin Kaisheng , Yao Xin , Zhou Lin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveTriptolide, a type of diterpenoid, is the active compound of Tripterygium wilfordii; it plays roles in anti‐inflammatory and immune response regulation. Our objective was to investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of triptolide on interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) gene expression in activated T lymphocytes. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which triptolide exerts a therapeutic function may be useful in developing a pharmaceutical treatment for asthma.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Hut‐78 cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3/CD28 with or without co‐incubation with triptolide. The alteration of IL‐13 messenger RNA (mRNA), expression and protein level were analysed using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The intracellular distribution profile of transcription factor GATA3 and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT1) were analysed by Western blotting. The binding rates of GATA3 and NFAT1 to the promoter sequence of IL‐13 were analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) PCR.ResultsIn PBMC, the release of IL‐13 was dependent on anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation. Its release could be inhibited by triptolide at the concentration of 500 nmol. In Hut‐78 cells, IL‐13 mRNA and protein expression were increased with anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation and significantly inhibited by incubation with 28 nmol triptolide. This concentration of triptolide also significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of GATA3 and NFAT1 reducing the binding rate to the IL‐13 gene promoter.ConclusionsTriptolide inhibits IL‐13 gene transcription and protein expression by inhibiting GATA3 and NFAT1 nuclear translocation and their binding rates to the IL‐13 gene promoter region.
Fluticasone uptake across Calu‐3 cells is mediated by salmeterol when deposited as a combination powder inhaler
Authors: Haghi Mehra , Traini Daniela , Postma Dirkje S. , Bebawy Mary , Young Paul M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveWe assessed whether co‐deposition of a long‐acting β2‐agonist and a corticosteroid affects their respective transport rates across epithelial cells.MethodsDrug particles were deposited on the air‐interface culture of Calu‐3 cells using a twin‐stage impinger. We compared the transport rate of salmeterol and fluticasone across the epithelial cells using commercially available formulations (Serevent, Flixotide and Seretide). The transepithelial resistance of Calu‐3 cells was measured before and after each deposition to monitor epithelial resistance.ResultsThe codeposition of salmeterol and fluticasone had no significant effect on transport of salmeterol through the cell layer. In contrast, the rate of fluticasone propionate transport in presence of salmeterol xinofoate was significantly lower (0.53 ± 0.20%) compared with the single fluticasone formulation (2.36 ± 0.97%). Furthermore, the resistance of the epithelial cells was significantly increased after salmeterol deposition from both single and combination products.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that salmeterol may decrease the permeability of epithelial cells, resulting in slower fluticasone transport across Calu‐3 epithelial monolayers. The subsequent increased residence time of fluticasone in the airways could prolong its anti‐inflammatory effects.
Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence, incidence, and residual transmission risk in first‐time and repeat blood donations in Zimbabwe: implications on blood safety
Authors: Mapako Tonderai , Mvere David A. , Chitiyo McLeod E. , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Postma Maarten J. , van Hulst Marinus 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundNational Blood Service Zimbabwe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk management strategy includes screening and discarding of first‐time donations, which are collected in blood packs without an anticoagulant (dry pack). To evaluate the impact of discarding first‐time donations on blood safety the HIV prevalence, incidence, and residual risk in first‐time and repeat donations (wet packs) were compared.Study Design and MethodsDonor data from 2002 to 2010 were retrieved from a centralized national electronic donor database and retrospectively analyzed. Chi‐square test was used to compare HIV prevalence with relative risk (RR), and the RR point estimates and 95% confidence interval (CI) are reported. Trend analysis was done using Cochran‐Armitage trend test. HIV residual risk estimates were determined using published residual risk estimation models.ResultsOver the 9 years the overall HIV prevalence estimates are 1.29% (n = 116,058) and 0.42% (n = 434,695) for first‐time and repeat donations, respectively. The overall RR was 3.1 (95% CI, 2.9‐3.3; p < 0.0001). The overall mean residual transmission risk of HIV window phase donations in first‐time was 1:7384 (range, 1:11,308‐1:5356) and in repeat donors it was 1:5496 (range, 1:9943‐1:3347).ConclusionThe significantly high HIV prevalence estimates recorded in first‐time over repeat donations is indicative of the effectiveness of the HIV risk management strategy. However, comparable residual transmission risk estimates in first‐time and repeat donors point to the need to further review the risk management strategies. Given the potential wastage of valuable resources, future studies should focus on the cost‐effectiveness and utility of screening and discarding first‐time donations.
Potential metabolic mechanism of girls' central precocious puberty: a network analysis on urine metabonomics data
Authors: Yang Linlin , Tang Kailin , Qi Ying , Ye Hao , Chen Wenlian , Zhang Yongyu , Cao Zhiwei 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a common pediatric endocrine disease caused by early activation of hypothalamic-putuitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, yet the exact mechanism was poorly understood. Although there were some proofs that an altered metabolic profile was involved in CPP, interpreting the biological implications at a systematic level is still in pressing need. To gain a systematic understanding of the biological implications, this paper analyzed the CPP differential urine metabolites from a network point of view.

Results
In this study, differential urine metabolites between CPP girls and age-matched normal ones were identified by LC-MS. Their basic topological parameters were calculated in the background network. The network decomposition suggested that CPP differential urine metabolites were most relevant to amino acid metabolism. Further proximity analysis of CPP differential urine metabolites and neuro-endocrine metabolites showed a close relationship between CPP metabolism and neuro-endocrine system. Then the core metabolic network of CPP was successfully constructed among all these differential urine metabolites. As can be demonstrated in the core network, abnormal aromatic amino acid metabolism might influence the activity of HPG and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Several adjustments to the early activation of puberty in CPP girls could also be revealed by urine metabonomics.

Conclusions
The present article demonstrated the ability of urine metabonomics to provide several potential metabolic clues for CPP's mechanism. It was revealed that abnormal metabolism of amino acid, especially aromatic amino acid, might have a close correlation with CPP's pathogenesis by activating HPG axis and suppressing HPA axis. Such a method of network-based analysis could also be applied to other metabonomics analysis to provide an overall perspective at a systematic level.
Replication and replacement in dynamic delivery networks
Authors: Sobe Anita , Elmenreich Wilfried 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Purpose
Content delivery in dynamic networks is a challenging task, because paths may change during delivery and content might get lost. Replication is a typical measure to increase robustness and performance.

Method
In previous work we proposed a hormone-based algorithm that delivers content, and optimizes the distribution of replicas. Clients express demands by creating hormones that will be released to the network. The corresponding resources are attracted by this hormone and travel towards a higher hormone concentration. This leads to a placement of content close to their most frequent requesters. In addition to that the hormone-based delivery requires an appropriate replication and clean-up strategy to balance the replicas throughout the network without exceeding the nodes’ storage limits or the networks communication capacity.

Results
We examine different combinations of replication and replacement strategies and evaluate them in realistic scenarios involving node failure and networks of different size and structure.

Conclusion
Results show that it is necessary to match the replication mechanisms with the clean-up mechanism and that the local hormone information can be used to improve the clean-up decision.
Cahn-Hilliard Reaction Model for Isotropic Li-ion Battery Particles
Authors: Zeng Yi , Bazant Martin Z. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTUsing the recently developed Cahn-Hilliard reaction (CHR) theory, we present a simple mathematical model of the transition from solid-solution radial diffusion to two-phase shrinking-core dynamics during ion intercalation in a spherical solid particle. This general approach extends previous Li-ion battery models, which either neglect phase separation or postulate a spherical shrinking-core phase boundary under all conditions, by predicting phase separation only under appropriate circumstances. The effect of the applied current is captured by generalized Butler-Volmer kinetics, formulated in terms of the diffusional chemical potential in the CHR theory. We also consider the effect of surface wetting or de-wetting by intercalated ions, which can lead to shrinking core phenomena with three distinct phase regions. The basic physics are illustrated by different cases, including a simple model of lithium iron phosphate (neglecting crystal anisotropy and coherency strain).
White‐Emitting Conjugated Polymer/Inorganic Hybrid Spheres: Phenylethynyl and 2,6‐Bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine Copolymer Coordinated to Eu(tta)3
Authors: Narayana Yemineni S. L. V. , Basak Supratim , Baumgarten Martin , Müllen Klaus , Chandrasekar Rajadurai 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe synthesis of two cyan color (blue and green emission) displaying high molecular weight 2,6‐bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine‐co‐octylated phenylethynyl conjugated polymers (CPs) is presented. The conjugated polymers are solution‐processed to prepare spin coated thin films and self‐assembled nano/microscale spheres, exhibiting cyan color under UV. Additionally, the metal coordinating ability of the 2,6‐bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine available on the surface of the CP films and spheres is exploited to prepare red emitting Eu(III) metal ion containing conjugated polymer (MCCP) layer. The fabricated hybrid (CP/MCCP) films and spheres exhibit bright white‐light under UV exposure. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates are found to be (x = 0.33, y = 0.37) for hybrid films and (x = 0.30, y = 0.35) for hybrid spheres. These values are almost close to the designated CIE coordinates for ideal white‐light color (x = 0.33, y = 0.33). This easy and efficient fabrication technique to generate white‐color displaying films and nano/microspheres signify an important method in bottom‐up nanotechnology of conjugated polymer based hybrid solid state assemblies.
Everolimus treatment of refractory epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Krueger Darcy A. , Wilfong Angus A. , Holland‐Bouley Katherine , Anderson Anne E. , Agricola Karen , Tudor Cindy , Mays Maxwell , Lopez Christina M. , Kim Mi‐Ok , Franz David Neal 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveEpilepsy is a major manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Everolimus is an mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 inhibitor with demonstrated benefit in several aspects of TSC. We report the first prospective human clinical trial to directly assess whether everolimus will also benefit epilepsy in TSC patients.MethodsThe effect of everolimus on seizure control was assessed using a prospective, multicenter, open‐label, phase I/II clinical trial. Patients ≥2 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of TSC and medically refractory epilepsy were treated for a total of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage of patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency over a 4‐week period before and after treatment. Secondary endpoints assessed impact on electroencephalography (EEG), behavior, and quality of life.ResultsTwenty‐three patients were enrolled, and 20 patients were treated with everolimus. Seizure frequency was reduced by ≥50% in 12 of 20 subjects. Overall, seizures were reduced in 17 of the 20 by a median reduction of 73% (p < 0.001). Seizure frequency was also reduced during 23‐hour EEG monitoring (p = 0.007). Significant reductions in seizure duration and improvement in parent‐reported behavior and quality of life were also observed. There were 83 reported adverse events that were thought to be treatment‐related, all of which were mild or moderate in severity.InterpretationSeizure control improved in the majority of TSC patients with medically refractory epilepsy following treatment with everolimus. Everolimus demonstrated additional benefits on behavior and quality of life. Treatment was safe and well tolerated. Everolimus may be a therapeutic option for refractory epilepsy in this population. Ann Neurol 2013;74:679–687
Severity of comorbid conditions and early‐stage breast cancer therapy: linked SEER‐medicare data from 1993 to 2005
Authors: Yasmeen Shagufta , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Xing Guibo , Morris Cyllene R. , Romano Patrick S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractComorbidity burden has been suggested as influencing early‐stage breast cancer therapy but previous studies have not considered the severity of these comorbidities. Therefore, we examined the influence of comorbidity severity by age and race/ethnicity on early‐stage breast cancer treatment over time. We used linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare data to determine whether comorbidity severity influences receipt of definitive and preferred early‐stage breast cancer treatment and explains racial/ethnic and age disparities in receiving such therapy. Definitive surgical therapy was defined as any primary surgery other than breast conserving surgery (BCS) without radiation therapy (RT). Preferred surgical therapy was defined as BCS plus RT. Comorbidities were defined as either “unstable” (life threatening or difficult to control) or “stable” (less serious but with potential to influence daily activity). Surgical treatment trends from 1993 to 2005 were analyzed in regression models adjusting for comorbidity burden, age, and race/ethnicity in 93,596 elderly female Medicare beneficiaries with stage 1–2 invasive breast cancer. Receipt of BCS alone (compared with any definitive surgical therapy) was independently associated with neighborhood socioeconomic status, unmarried status (OR [odds ratio] 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12–1.23), tumor size (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69–0.87 for tumors ≥4 cm vs. <2 cm), tumor grade (OR = 0.89, 0.88, and 0.81 for grades 2–4 vs. 1, respectively), stable comorbidities (OR = 0.76, 0.71, and 0.72 for 1, 2, and 3 vs. 0 stable comorbidities, respectively), and unstable comorbidities (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14–1.28). Black women were 4–5% more likely to receive suboptimal therapy (BCS alone), even after adjusting for all available patient, tumor, and regional characteristics. Black race/ethnicity was associated with higher probability of receiving suboptimal treatment, independent of comorbidities, although we do not know whether this effect was due to clinicians' failure to offer RT or patients' failure to accept it.
Serial Evaluation of Microcirculatory Dysfunction in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy by Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography
Authors: Jain Mohit , Upadaya Shrikanth , Zarich Stuart W. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundStress cardiomyopathy manifests as reversible left ventricular apical ballooning in the absence of epicardial coronary obstruction. Transient microcirculatory dysfunction has been proposed as a potential putative mechanism. This study aimed to understand the natural history of this dysfunction using readily available noninvasive methods.HypothesisStress cardiomyopathy presents with profound microvascular dysfunction that improves quickly over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.MethodsNine consecutive patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy were followed serially with myocardial perfusion echocardiograms at 24 hours, within 1 week, and 3 to 6 months after index admission.ResultsThe mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) steadily improved from 38% at baseline to 48% within 1 week to 67% by the end of 3 to 6 months follow‐up. The number of wall segments with reduced or absent perfusion decreased from 4.1 at baseline to 2 at 1 week. By 3 to 6 months, perfusion had returned to normal in all but 1 segment in 1 patient. At 1 week, the relative improvement in mean LVEF was 26%, whereas perfusion had improved by nearly 50%, suggesting a fairly pronounced improvement in microcirculatory function prior to recovery of wall motion.ConclusionsPatients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy present with significant acute microcirculatory dysfunction that recovers quickly prior to the recovery of regional wall motion abnormalities.
Extracapsular spread in head and neck carcinoma: Impact of site and human papillomavirus status
Authors: Maxwell Jessica H. , Ferris Robert L. , Gooding William , Cunningham Diana , Mehta Vikas , Kim Seungwon , Myers Eugene N. , Johnson Jonas , Chiosea Simion 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUNDExtracapsular spread (ECS) in cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is regarded as an adverse prognostic factor and is often used to select patients who may benefit from adjuvant therapy. The prognostic value of ECS was evaluated for patients with oropharyngeal SCC (OPC; with known p16/human papillomavirus [HPV] status) and for patients with SCC of the oral cavity (OCC).METHODSDisease‐specific survival (DSS) was assessed among SCC patients with cervical lymph node metastases (n = 347, including 133 patients with OPC and 214 patients with OCC). All patients were treated surgically between 1983 and 2009. ECS status was determined by pathologists at the time of initial pathologic evaluation and confirmed for this study. HPV status of patients with OPC was determined via immunohistochemistry for p16 and in situ hybridization.RESULTSAmong OCC patients, ECS was a significant, independent factor influencing DSS. For OCC patients with ECS, 3‐year DSS was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36%‐56%); for those without ECS, 3‐year DSS was 71% (95% CI, 62%‐81%; P = .0018). The effect of ECS was independent of the number of positive lymph nodes as well as other clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables. Of the 133 OPC patients, 76 (57%) were p16‐positive and 57 (43%) were p16‐negative. ECS status did not correlate with DSS among p16‐positive or p16‐negative OPC patients.CONCLUSIONECS was not associated with worse DSS in p16‐positive or p16‐negative OPC patients. Adverse prognostic value of ECS in OCC patients was confirmed. Cancer 2013;119:3302–8. © 2013 American Cancer Society.