bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local and Landscape Correlates of Primate Distribution and Persistence in the Remnant Lowland Rainforests of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley, Northeastern India
Authors: SHARMA NARAYAN , MADHUSUDAN M. D. , SINHA ANINDYA 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHabitat fragmentation affects species distribution and abundance, and drives extinctions. Escalated tropical deforestation and fragmentation have confined many species populations to habitat remnants. How worthwhile is it to invest scarce resources in conserving habitat remnants within densely settled production landscapes? Are these fragments fated to lose species anyway? If not, do other ecological, anthropogenic, and species‐related factors mitigate the effect of fragmentation and offer conservation opportunities? We evaluated, using generalized linear models in an information‐theoretic framework, the effect of local‐ and landscape‐scale factors on the richness, abundance, distribution, and local extinction of 6 primate species in 42 lowland tropical rainforest fragments of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley, northeastern India. On average, the forest fragments lost at least one species in the last 30 years but retained half their original species complement. Species richness declined as proportion of habitat lost increased but was not significantly affected by fragment size and isolation. The occurrence of western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) and capped langur (Trachypithecus pileatus) in fragments was inversely related to their isolation and loss of habitat, respectively. Fragment area determined stump‐tailed (Macaca arctoides) and northern pig‐tailed macaque occurrence (Macaca leonina). Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis) distribution was affected negatively by illegal tree felling, and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) abundance increased as habitat heterogeneity increased. Primate extinction in a fragment was primarily governed by the extent of divergence in its food tree species richness from that in contiguous forests. We suggest the conservation value of these fragments is high because collectively they retained the entire original species pool and individually retained half of it, even a century after fragmentation. Given the extensive habitat and species loss, however, these fragments urgently require protection and active ecological restoration to sustain this rich primate assemblage.Correlaciones Locales y de Paisaje de la Distribución y Persistencia de Primates en los Bosques Lluviosos Remanentes en el Valle del Alto Brahmaputra, Noreste de India
Double‐balloon colonoscopy carried out by a trainee after incomplete conventional colonoscopy
Authors: Nemoto Daiki , Isohata Noriyuki , Utano Ken‐ichi , Endo Shungo , Hewett David G. , Togashi Kazutomo 
Published: November 2013

Background and AimIt has been reported that double‐balloon colonoscopy (DBC) is useful for patients after failed colonoscopy. In most cases previously reported, expert colonoscopists have carried out DBC. However, DBC may not require significant expertise. The objective of the present study is to assess DBC carried out by an inexperienced colonoscopist in patients referred after previously incomplete colonoscopy.MethodsIn a single center between June 2011 and September 2012, we enrolled 28 consecutive patients referred following incomplete conventional colonoscopy. The reported reasons for previous failed colonoscopy were severe pain during the procedure in 15, long redundant colon in 13 and sigmoid fixation in eight. Under instruction by an experienced colonoscopist, all procedures were carried out by a gastroenterology trainee with little colonoscopy experience. A double‐balloon instrument with carbon dioxide insufflation was used under fluoroscopicguidance, with i.v. sedation. Cecal intubation rate, time to cecum and patient‐reported pain using a visual analog scale (0 to 10) were evaluated.ResultsThe trainee achieved a cecal intubation in all patients (100%) without primary involvement by the experienced colonoscopist. Time to cecum ranged from 6 min to 66 min (median time to cecum 15 min 55 s). No patients required additional sedation. Visual analogue pain scores ranged from 0/10 to 10/10 (median score 2.5/10). There were no complications.ConclusionDBC may enable inexperienced colonoscopists to achieve total colonoscopy after previously incomplete conventional colonoscopy.
Global meta‐analysis of trait consistency of non‐native plants between their native and introduced areas
Authors: Ordonez Alejandro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimInvasion biologists have made an extensive exploration of ways to identify the characteristic traits of invasive plants based on the assumption that plant attributes remain similar when plants become invasive. However, this assumption needs to be critically evaluated when predicting successful future introductions.LocationGlobal.MethodsUsing a global database of plant functional traits (i.e. specific leaf area, maximum canopy height and individual seed mass) encompassing 129 different species three questions were evaluated using a meta‐analytical approach. (1) Do traits of introduced aliens change between native and introduced areas? (2) Do the responses show directionality, indicating that traits of aliens are either consistently higher or lower in their introduced range? (3) Are there smaller differences in species between native and introduced areas (within‐species multitrait variation) than between two random species (between‐species multitrait variability)?ResultsMean trait differences (measured as log‐response ratios) between native and introduced (invasive + naturalized), native and naturalized, or native and invasive areas showed no significant differences across evaluated species, even after controlling for invasion status and growth form. This pattern was the result of aliens showing both higher (Alienarea > Nativearea) and lower (Alienarea < Nativearea) trait values in their introduced areas. Furthermore, multitrait differences between populations in the native and introduced areas were significantly less than differences in the mean trait composition between species (as determined by contrast with two different null models).Main conclusionsThe similarity of evaluated traits between areas, in combination with a smaller within‐species than among‐species trait variability, are fundamental results for conservation and nature management efforts. The results presented in this study validate the assumption that mean trait measurements in the native areas are likely to be reasonably representative of trait mean values in the invaded areas, and support the use of trait‐based prediction methods to evaluate the potential of an introduced plant to become established.
Neovascularization is prominent in the chronic inflammatory lesions of Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Sisto Margherita , Lisi Sabrina , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Lofrumento Dario Domenico , D'Amore Massimo , Ribatti Domenico 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAngiogenesis is a common finding in chronic inflammatory diseases; however, its role in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) remains to be elucidated. Previous SS studies have demonstrated an increase in VEGF‐A/VEGFR‐2 system expression in minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsies from patients with SS, but differences in the new blood vessel formation between the different grades of disease severity have not been reported. Therefore, experiments were performed to demonstrate angiogenesis during different phases of primary SS (pSS) and to define the relationship between the microvessel density (MVD), macrophage infiltration and histiocyte distribution in SS MSG inflammatory lesions. In this series of experiments, immunohistochemistry was used to examine angiogenesis in serial sections of pSS MSG. Patients with pSS were classified accordingly with the grade of inflammatory lesions as I = low‐grade (low focus score of 1 or 2), II = intermediate‐grade (focus score of 3–6) and III = extensive inflammation in the MSG (high focus score of 12). Histological examination demonstrated that the MVD increased with the severity of the inflammatory lesions, and in addition, we found an increased infiltration of inflammatory and pro‐angiogenic cells.These findings reveal that angiogenesis is intimately involved in the progression of pSS, may be central to the propagation of the chronic immune response observed in pSS and could represent a novel potential biomarker of pSS disease activity.
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro extracellular and intracellular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of new second-line antitubercular drug-palladium complexes
Authors: Giovagnoli Stefano , Marenzoni Maria Luisa , Nocchetti Morena , Santi Claudio , Blasi Paolo , Schoubben Aurelie , Ricci Maurizio 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this work was to characterize novel palladium (Pd) complexes with second-line antitubercular drugs, namely capreomycin (C), kanamycin (K) and ofloxacin (Ofx), and to address the in vitro extracellular and intracellular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Methods
Synthesis reaction kinetics and complex properties were assessed. Kf was calculated from the transition state quasi-equilibrium approximation and Arrhenius plot. The complexes were characterized for qualitative solubility, stoichiometry, powder size and morphology, element analysis, and thermal behaviour. Structural analyses were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Activity was evaluated against H37Ra M. tuberculosis strain and in infected THP-1 cells, and compared with that of the parent drugs.

Key findings
The complexes showed log Kf of 6 for CPd and OfxPd, and 10 for KPd indicating good stability. Stoichiometry of 1 : 1, 2 : 3 and 1 : 3 resulted for OfxPd, KPd, and CPd. OfxPd structure matched that in literature, while K and C had more complex structures with possible multiple coexisting species. The complexes had extracellular activity comparable with drugs and an improved efficacy against intracellular infection of M. tuberculosis.

Conclusions
The novel anti-tuberculosis (TB) complexes had promising properties, and extracellular and intracellular activity, which makes them potential tools for intracellular targeting of pulmonary TB.
Milnacipran influences the indexes of I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in elderly depressed patients
Authors: Yokoyama Katsutoshi , Yamada Takeshi , Terachi Sayaka , Pu Shenghong , Ohta Yasutoshi , Yamanashi Takehiko , Matsumura Hiroshi , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Kaneko Koichi 
Published: November 2013

AimThis study investigated whether or not and how much milnacipran influences the indexes of I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (I‐MIBG) scintigraphy, early heart‐to‐mediastinum (H/M) ratio, delayed H/M ratio, and wash‐out rate.MethodsSix elderly depressed patients participated in the study. All six patients met the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive disorder. They were taking milnacipran for their depression. They needed differential diagnosis for Lewy body diseases due to their symptomatology. I‐MIBG scintigraphy was performed twice for each subject, once under prescription of milnacipran and the other without prescription of milnacipran.ResultsBoth early and delayed phase H/M ratio were significantly lower when taking milnacipran (early phase H/M ratio, P < 0.01, Cohen's d 1.62; delayed phase H/M ratio, P < 0.005, Cohen's d 1.98) than when not taking the drug. Wash‐out rate (%) was significantly higher when taking milnacipran (P < 0.05, Cohen's d 2.31) than when off the drug.ConclusionTaking milnacipran substantially influences the indexes of I‐MIBG scintigraphy, indicating that taking the drug possibly causes a false‐positive result for Lewy body diseases diagnosis.
Kinetics of Photosynthetic Response to Ultraviolet and Photosynthetically Active Radiation in Synechococcus WH8102 (CYANOBACTERIA)
Authors: Fragoso Glaucia M. , Neale Patrick J. , Kana Todd M. , Pritchard Alicia L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe picoplanktonic cyanobacteria, Synechococcus spp., (Nägeli) are important contributors to global ocean primary production that can be stressed by solar radiation, both in the photosynthetically active (PAR) and ultraviolet (UV) range. We studied the responses of PSII quantum yield (active fluorescence), carbon fixation (14C assimilation) and oxygen evolution (membrane inlet mass spectrometry) in Synechococcus WH8102 under moderate UV and PAR. PSII quantum yield decreased during exposure to moderate UV and UV+PAR, with response to the latter being faster (6.4 versus 2.8 min, respectively). Repair processes were also faster when UV+PAR exposure was followed by moderate PAR (1.68 min response time) than when UV was followed by very low PAR (10.5 min response time). For the UV+PAR treatment, the initial decrease in quantum yield was followed by a 50% increase (“rebound”) after 7 min exposure, showing an apparent photoprotection induction. While oxygen uptake increased with PAR, it did not change under UV, suggesting that this oxygen‐dependent mechanism of photoprotection, which may be acting as an electron sink, is not an important strategy against UV. We used propyl gallate, an antioxidant, to test for plastid terminal oxidase (ptox) or ptox‐like enzymes activity, but it caused nonspecific and toxic effects on Synechococcus WH8102.
Multiphase partial and selective dolomitization of Carnian reef limestone (Transdanubian Range, Hungary)
Authors: Haas János , Budai Tamás , Győri Orsolya , Kele Sándor 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPartially dolomitized carbonate successions provide a good opportunity to understand the commonly multistage process of dolomitization. Petrographic methods, fluid inclusion microthermometry and stable isotope measurements were applied to reconstruct the diagenetic evolution and dolomitization of a partially dolomitized Carnian reef limestone from the Transdanubian Range, Hungary. The diagenetic history began with reef diagenesis and formation of dolomite micro‐aggregates in microbial fabric elements; this was followed by the development of euhedral porphyrotopic dolomite crystals through overgrowths around the previously formed dolomite micro‐aggregates during the earliest burial stage. Increasing burial resulted in the extension of the dolomite patches via formation of finely crystalline replacement dolomite. From the Late Norian, when the Carnian reef carbonates reached the depth of 1·0 to 1·8 km, the diagenetic evolution continued in an intermediate to deep‐burial setting. Contemporaneously, an extensional regime was established, leading to fracturing. The progressive burial resulted in the recrystallization of the pre‐existing dolomite with increasing temperature, while saddle dolomite cement was precipitated in fractures. In connection with the Alpine Orogeny, intense denudation took place during the Late Cretaceous, accompanied by fracturing. Similar tectonically controlled denudation and fracturing occurred in several stages during the Cenozoic. As a result of these processes, the studied Carnian carbonates were raised to a near‐surface position or became subaerially exposed, leading to dedolomitization of the last dolomite phase and precipitation of calcite cement in cavities and fractures. This study revealed that by investigating partially and selectively dolomitized rock types, it is possible to document and understand those stages of the multiple dolomitization process which can barely be detected in the completely dolomitized rock bodies. Recognition of the dolomitization phases could provide the basis for the analysis of their relations with the depositional, diagenetic and tectonic processes, and stages of basin evolution.
Development of an incised valley‐fill at an evolving rift margin: Pleistocene eustasy and tectonics on the southern side of the Gulf of Corinth, Greece
Authors: Gobo Katarina , Ghinassi Massimiliano , Nemec Wojciech , Sjursen Eivind 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study from the southern margin of the Gulf of Corinth documents a Late Pleistocene incised valley‐fill succession that differs from the existing facies models, because it comprises gravelly shoal‐water and Gilbert‐type deltaic deposits, shows strong wave influence and lacks evidence of tidal activity. The valley‐fill is at least 140 m thick, formed in 50 to 100 ka between the interglacials Marine Isotope Stage 9a and Marine Isotope Stage 7c. The relative sea‐level rise left its record both inside and outside the incised valley, and the age of the valley‐fill is estimated from a U/Th date of coral‐bearing deposits directly outside the palaeovalley outlet. Tectonic up‐warping due to formation of a valley‐parallel structural relay ramp contributed to the valley segmentation and limited the landward extent of marine invasions. The valley segment upstream of the ramp crest was filled with a gravelly alluvium, whereas the downstream segment accumulated fluvio‐deltaic deposits. The consecutive deltaic systems nucleated in the ramp‐crest zone, forming a bathymetric gradient that promoted the ultimate growth of thick Gilbert‐type delta. The case study contributes to the spectrum of conceptual models for incised valley‐fill architecture. Four key models are discussed with reference to the rates of sediment supply and accommodation development, and it is pointed out that not only similarity, but also all departures of particular field cases from these end‐member models may provide valuable information on the system formative conditions. The Akrata incised valley‐fill represents conditions of high sediment supply and a rapid, but stepwise development of accommodation that resulted from the spatiotemporal evolution of normal faulting at the rift margin and overprinted glacioeustatic signals. This study adds to an understanding of valley‐fill architecture and provides new insights into the Pleistocene tectonics and palaeogeography of the Corinth Rift margin.
Transfusion of packed red blood cells reduces selenium levels and increases lipid peroxidation in an in vivo ovine model
Authors: McDonald C. I. , Fraser J. F. , Shekar K. , Dunster K. R. , Thom O. , Fung Y. L. 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundOxidative stress from surgery or critically illness has been shown to adversely contribute to morbidity and mortality. Recent studies record that oxidative stress is heightened following packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions and that products of oxidative stress accumulate as the PRBC ages. However, there are no studies that investigate if transfusion of aged PRBC actually increases the recipient's oxidative stress profile more than fresh PRBC.ObjectiveTo compare the effect of fresh vs aged PRBC transfusions on the recipient's oxidative stress using an ovine model.Materials and methodsMale sheep were transfused with either fresh (n = 6) or aged (n = 6) ovine PRBC, and serial blood samples taken. Plasma samples were analysed for lipid peroxidation using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. This served as an indicator of oxidative injury. Antioxidant function and trace element levels were also measured.ResultsLike human PRBC, the ovine PRBC had negligible selenium levels. Irrespective of age, PRBC transfusion was associated with reduced selenium levels and antioxidant function, which correlated with increased markers of lipid peroxidation.ConclusionTransfusion of selenium poor PRBC can dilute selenium levels and compromise glutathione peroxidase antioxidant activity and thereby allow lipid peroxidation. As there was no evidence that aged PRBC induced more severe oxidative injury this suggests that selenium dilution is a key underlying mechanism. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of transfusion‐related oxidative stress in massive transfusions.
Interaction With Nanoscale Topography: The Use of Nanowell-Trapped Charged Ligand-Bearing Nanoparticle Surfaces To Modulate Physiological Focal Adhesions in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tran Phat L. , Gamboa Jessica R. , McCracken Katherine E. , Yoon Jeong-Yeol , Slepian Marvin J. 
Published: November 2013

Achieving cell adhesion, growth and homeostasis on an underlying biomaterial surface may be a desirable feature in implant device design and tissue engineering. Insight has been gained from numerous cell patterning strategies where spatial cues and physical constraints have been shown to regulate the structure and function of cells. Despite significant advances in modifying substrates for cellular attachment, migration and proliferation, the achievement of confluent and aligned growth of functional endothelial cells on cardiovascular blood-contacting implants under physiologically significant wall shear stress has proven difficult. Recently we have reported on a method that enhances cellular adhesion under flow conditions on synthetic polymer surfaces, without reliance on pro-adhesive protein biomaterials, which are often thrombogenic. In this method we utilize electron beam lithography and size-dependent self-assembly to fabricate line arrays of nanowells allowing entrapment and retention of charged nanoparticles, covalently conjugated with a RGD adhesive ligand, GRGDSPK. This approach is an additive strategy of combining substrata topographic alteration, electrostatic charge and biochemical ligands, all uniquely incorporated as an ensemble of charged, ligand-bearing nanoparticles entrapped in arrays of nanowells. However, the modulation of endothelial cell physiologic mechanisms as a result of ensemble surface exposure remains to be characterized.
In this report, we extend our studies and probe cell physiologic mechanisms altered as a result of nanofeatured surface exposure. We first examined the functional intactness or normalcy of endothelial cells adherent to the nanofeatured ensemble surface utilizing standard immunostaining and flow cytometry methods. We found β1-integrin expression dominated quiescent adherent endothelial cells while αVβ3-integrins expression was more common in migratory cells. Endothelial cells were noted to express high levels of PECAM-1 over time when exposed to nanofeatured surface and RGD peptides. For understanding the contribution of the nanofeatured surface (entrapped RGD conjugated nanoparticles) to cell adhesion, cytochalasin B was used to alter cell spreading. Confocal microscopy illustrated the uptake of nanoparticles in endothelial cells on composite surfaces, as well as the inhibition of this endocytosis by cytochalasin B. After prohibiting the cells from engulfing nanoparticles, we found an 80% reduction in cell adhesion; suggesting that an endocytic mechanism might play a role in maintaining cell adhesion. Nanofeatured ensemble surfaces appear to be good substrates for achieving a high level of EC adhesion, with maintained growth and stability.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Last Representative Genotype of Wild Indigenous Poliovirus Type 1, Which Circulated in Brazil
Authors: Tavares Fernando N. , da Costa Eliane V. , Kew Olen M. , da Silva Edson E. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Polioviruses are the major etiological agents associated with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). The complete genome sequence of a representative of the last wild poliovirus type 1 genotype isolated in Brazil from a paralytic poliomyelitis case is reported here.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas azotifigens Strain DSM 17556T(6H33bT), a Nitrogen Fixer Strain Isolated from a Compost Pile
Authors: Busquets Antonio , Peña Arantxa , Gomila Margarita , Mulet Magdalena , Mayol Joan , García-Valdés Elena , Bennasar Antonio , Huntemann Marcel , Han James , Chen I-Min , Mavromatis Konstantinos , Markowitz Victor , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Ivanova Natalia , Schaumberg Andrew , Pati Amrita , Reddy T. B. K. , Nordberg Henrik , Woyke Tanja , Klenk Hans-Peter , Kyrpides Nikos , Lalucat Jorge 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTPseudomonas azotifigensstrain 6H33bTis a nitrogen fixer isolated from a hyperthermal compost pile in 2005 by Hatayama and collaborators. Here we report the draft genome, which has an estimated size of 5.0 Mb, exhibits an average G+C content of 66.73%, and is predicted to encode 4,536 protein-coding genes and 100 RNA genes.