bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land‐use impacts on the quantity and configuration of ecosystem service provisioning in Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Blumstein Meghan , Thompson Jonathan R. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Meeting fundamental human needs while also maintaining ecosystem function and services is the central challenge of sustainability science. In the densely populated state of Massachusetts, USA, abundant forests and other natural land cover convey a range of ecosystem services. However, after more than a century of reforestation following an agrarian past, Massachusetts is again losing forests, this time to housing and commercial development.

We used land‐cover maps, ecosystem process models and land‐use data bases to map changes (2001, 2006, 2011) in eight ecosystem service variables and to identify ‘hotspots’, or areas that produce a high value of five or more services, at three policy‐relevant spatial scales.

Water‐related services (clean water provisioning and flood regulation) experienced local declines in response to shifting land uses, but changed little when measured at the state level. General habitat quality for terrestrial species declined statewide during the study period as a consequence of forest loss. In contrast, climate regulation (carbon storage) and cultural services (outdoor recreation) increased, driven by continued forest biomass accrual and land protection, respectively. Timber harvest volume had high interannual variability, but no temporal trend.

The scale at which hotspots are delineated greatly affects their quantity and spatial configuration, with a higher density in eastern Massachusetts and 10–12% more hotspots overall when they are identified at a town scale as compared to a watershed or state scale.

Synthesis and applications. Ecosystem service hotspots cover a small percentage of land area in Massachusetts (2·5–3·5% of the state), but are becoming more abundant as urbanization concentrates ecosystem service provisioning onto a diminished natural land base. This suggests that while ecosystem service hotspots are valuable targets for conservation, more are not necessarily better since hotspot proliferation can reflect the bifurcation of the landscape into service and non‐service provisioning areas and subsequent loss of diversity across the landscape.
Baculoviral p94 homologs encoded in Cotesia plutellae bracovirus suppress both immunity and development of the diamondback moth, Plutellae xylostella
Authors: Kim Yonggyun , Hepat Rahul 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPolydnaviruses (PDVs) are a group of insect DNA viruses, which exhibit a mutual symbiotic relationship with their specific host wasps. Moreover, most encapsidated genes identified so far in PDVs share homologies with insect‐originated genes, but not with virus‐originated genes. In the meantime, PDVs associated with 2 wasp genera Cotesia and Glytapanteles encode some genes presumably originated from other viruses. Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) encodes 4 genes homologous to baculoviral p94: CpBV‐E94k1, CpBV‐E94k2, CpBV‐E94k3, and CpBV‐E94k4. This study was conducted to predict the origin of CpBV‐E94ks by comparing their sequences with those of baculoviral orthologs and to determine the physiological functions by their transient expressions in nonparasitized larvae and subsequent specific RNA interference. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated that CpBV‐E94ks were clustered with other E94ks originated from different PDVs and shared high similarity with betabaculoviral p94s. These 4 CpBV genes were expressed during most developmental stages of the larvae of Plutella xylostella parasitized by C. plutellae. Expression of these 4 E94ks was mainly detected in hemocytes and fat body. Subsequent functional analysis by in vivo transient expression showed that all 4 viral genes significantly inhibited both host immune and developmental processes. These results suggest that CpBV‐E94ks share an origin with betabaculoviral p94s and play parasitic roles in suppressing host immune and developmental processes.
Neurolymphomatosis: MRI and 18FDG‐PET features
Authors: Lim Anthony Tien Hoe , Clucas Danielle , Khoo Christine , Parameswaran Bimal Kumar , Lau Eddie 
Published: May 2015

SummaryNeurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare presentation of lymphoma or leukemic infiltration of cranial or peripheral nerves. It is distinct from subarachnoid seeding of lymphoma as well as perineural tumour seen in epidural lymphoma. This rare condition has been reported mainly in oncology literature. Imaging features of solitary nerve involvement mimics, among others, peripheral nerve sheath tumours. We present the MRI and 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG‐PET) features of three cases of NL. MRI demonstrated variable appearances: infiltrative mass displacing neural fascicles, diffuse thickening and enhancement, and thickening of individual neural fascicles. 18FDG‐PET demonstrated avid uptake in all cases, two of which revealed skip lesions of the same nerve. The diagnosis of NL was confirmed by uncomplicated CT‐guided biopsy of the affected sciatic nerve in one patient.
Ethanol Modulation is Quantitatively Determined by the Transmembrane Domain of Human α1 Glycine Receptors
Authors: Horani Suzzane , Stater Evan P. , Corringer Pierre‐Jean , Trudell James R. , Harris R. Adron , Howard Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundMutagenesis and labeling studies have identified amino acids from the human α1 glycine receptor (GlyR) extracellular, transmembrane (TM), and intracellular domains in mediating ethanol (EtOH) potentiation. However, limited high‐resolution structural data for physiologically relevant receptors in this Cys‐loop receptor superfamily have made pinpointing the critical amino acids difficult. Homologous ion channels from lower organisms provide conserved models for structural and functional properties of Cys‐loop receptors. We previously demonstrated that a single amino acid variant of the Gloeobacter violaceus ligand‐gated ion channel (GLIC) produced EtOH and anesthetic sensitivity similar to that of GlyRs and provided crystallographic evidence for EtOH binding to GLIC.MethodsWe directly compared EtOH modulation of the α1 GlyR and GLIC to a chimera containing the TM domain from human α1 GlyRs and the ligand‐binding domain of GLIC using 2‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology of receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.ResultsEtOH potentiated α1 GlyRs in a concentration‐dependent manner in the presence of zinc‐chelating agents, but did not potentiate GLIC at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. The GLIC/GlyR chimera recapitulated the EtOH potentiation of GlyRs, without apparent sensitivity to zinc chelation. For chimera expression in oocytes, it was essential to suppress leakage current by adding 50 μM picrotoxin to the media, a technique that may have applications in expression of other ion channels.ConclusionsOur results are consistent with a TM mechanism of EtOH modulation in Cys‐loop receptors. This work highlights the relevance of bacterial homologs as valuable model systems for studying ion channel function of human receptors and demonstrates the modularity of these channels across species.
Deviations in human gut microbiota: a novel diagnostic test for determining dysbiosis in patients with IBS or IBD
Authors: Casén C. , Vebø H. C. , Sekelja M. , Hegge F. T. , Karlsson M. K. , Ciemniejewska E. , Dzankovic S. , Frøyland C. , Nestestog R. , Engstrand L. , Munkholm P. , Nielsen O. H. , Rogler G. , Simrén M. , Öhman L. , Vatn M. H. , Rudi K. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundDysbiosis is associated with many diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), obesity and diabetes. Potential clinical impact of imbalance in the intestinal microbiota suggests need for new standardised diagnostic methods to facilitate microbiome profiling.AimTo develop and validate a novel diagnostic test using faecal samples to profile the intestinal microbiota and identify and characterise dysbiosis.MethodsFifty‐four DNA probes targeting ≥300 bacteria on different taxonomic levels were selected based on ability to distinguish between healthy controls and IBS patients in faecal samples. Overall, 165 healthy controls (normobiotic reference collection) were used to develop a dysbiosis model with a bacterial profile and Dysbiosis Index score output. The model algorithmically assesses faecal bacterial abundance and profile, and potential clinically relevant deviation in the microbiome from normobiosis. This model was tested in different samples from healthy volunteers and IBS and IBD patients (n = 330) to determine the ability to detect dysbiosis.ResultsValidation confirms dysbiosis was detected in 73% of IBS patients, 70% of treatment‐naïve IBD patients and 80% of IBD patients in remission, vs. 16% of healthy individuals. Comparison of deep sequencing and the GA‐map Dysbiosis Test, (Genetic Analysis AS, Oslo, Norway) illustrated good agreement in bacterial capture; the latter showing higher resolution by targeting pre‐determined highly relevant bacteria.ConclusionsThe GA‐map Dysbiosis Test identifies and characterises dysbiosis in IBS and IBD patients, and provides insight into a patient's intestinal microbiota. Evaluating microbiota as a diagnostic strategy may allow monitoring of prescribed treatment regimens and improvement in new therapeutic approaches.
Stromal CYR61 Confers Resistance to Mitoxantrone via Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Activation in Human Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Long Xin , Yu Yang , Perlaky Laszlo , Man Tsz‐Kwong , Redell Michele S. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryApproximately 50% of children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) relapse, despite aggressive chemotherapy. The bone marrow stromal environment protects leukaemia cells from chemotherapy (i.e., stroma‐induced chemoresistance), eventually leading to recurrence. Our goal is to delineate the mechanisms underlying stroma‐mediated chemoresistance in AML. We used two human bone marrow stromal cell lines, HS‐5 and HS‐27A, which are equally effective in protecting AML cells from chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis in AML‐stromal co‐cultures. We found that CYR61 was highly expressed by stromal cells, and was upregulated in AML cells by both stromal cell lines. CYR61 is a secreted matricellular protein and is associated with cell‐intrinsic chemoresistance in other malignancies. Here, we show that blocking stromal CYR61 activity, by neutralization or RNAi, increased mitoxantrone‐induced apoptosis in AML cells in AML‐stromal co‐cultures, providing functional evidence for its role in stroma‐mediated chemoresistance. Further, we found that spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) mediates CYR61 signalling. Exposure to stroma increased SYK expression and activation in AML cells, and this increase required CYR61. SYK inhibition reduced stroma‐dependent mitoxantrone resistance in the presence of CYR61, but not in its absence. Therefore, SYK is downstream of CYR61 and contributes to CYR61‐mediated mitoxantrone resistance. The CYR61‐SYK pathway represents a potential target for reducing stroma‐induced chemoresistance.
A phase II trial of lenalidomide, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide for newly diagnosed patients with systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Cibeira Maria T. , Oriol Albert , Lahuerta Juan J. , Mateos Maria‐Victoria , de la Rubia Javier , Hernández Miguel T. , Granell Miquel , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , San Miguel Jesús F. , Bladé Joan ,   the PETHEMA cooperative study group
Published: May 2015

SummaryImmunomodulatory drugs have been shown to be of benefit in relapsed/refractory immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis. We designed a prospective, multicentre phase II trial of lenalidomide, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide for newly diagnosed patients with AL amyloidosis not eligible for autologous stem‐cell transplantation. Twenty‐eight patients were included in the study. Cardiac involvement was present in 23 patients; 14 of them had cardiac stage III. The overall haematological response rate was 46%, including complete and very good partial responses in 25% and 18% of patients respectively. Haematological response was mainly associated with absence of cardiac stage III and lower tumour burden. Organ response was observed in 46% of patients. After a median follow‐up of 24 months, median progression‐free and overall survival have not been reached, both being significantly longer in responders (P < 0·001 and P = 0·001 respectively). Seventeen patients have discontinued treatment, mostly due to amyloid‐related death, disease progression or lack of response. Only 14% of the patients discontinued treatment due to therapy‐related adverse events. Our results support the efficacy of this regimen, with high quality responses and prolonged survival, as well as its tolerability, in patients with AL amyloidosis not eligible for stem cell transplant and without advanced cardiac involvement (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01194791).
Pathological and Clinical Spectrum of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: With Special Reference to Astrocytic Tau Pathology
Authors: Yokoyama Yuichi , Toyoshima Yasuko , Shiga Atsushi , Tada Mari , Kitamura Hideaki , Hasegawa Kazuko , Onodera Osamu , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Someya Toshiyuki , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a four‐repeat tauopathy with tau‐positive, argyrophilic tuft‐shaped astrocytes (TAs). We performed a pathological and clinical investigation in 40 consecutive autopsied Japanese patients with pathological diagnoses of PSP or PSP‐like disease. Unequivocal TAs were present in 22 cases, all of which were confirmed to be PSP. Such TAs were hardly detected in the other 18 cases, which instead exhibited tau‐positive, argyrophilic astrocytes, appearing as comparatively small clusters with central nuclei of irregularly shaped, coarse structures (equivocal TAs). Cluster analysis of the distribution pattern of tau‐related pathology for these 18 cases identified two subgroups, pallido‐nigro‐luysian atrophy (PNLA) Type 1 (n = 9) and Type 2 (n = 9), the former being distinguished from the latter by the presence of tau‐related lesions in the motor cortex, pontine nucleus and cerebellar dentate nucleus in addition to the severely affected PNL system. The duration from symptom onset until becoming wheelchair‐bound was significantly longer in PNLA Type 1. Immunoblotting of samples from the three disease conditions revealed band patterns of low‐molecular‐mass tau fragments at ∼35 kDa. These findings shed further light on the wide pathological and clinical spectrum of four‐repeat tauopathy, representing PSP in the broad sense rather than classical PSP.
Adolescent experiences of anti‐obesity drugs
Authors: White B. , Jamieson L. , Clifford S. , Shield J. P. H. , Christie D. , Smith F. , Wong I. C. K. , Viner R. M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryOnly two anti‐obesity drugs (AODs) are frequently prescribed in paediatric obesity, orlistat and metformin. Meta‐analyses show modest benefit in clinical trials, yet analyses of prescribing databases show high levels of discontinuation in routine clinical practice. Increased understanding of young people's experiences taking AOD could result in improved prescribing and outcomes. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with young people aged 13–18 years and their parents from three specialist obesity clinics, analysed using a general thematic coding methodology. Theme saturation was achieved after interviews with 15 young people and 14 parents (13 parent–child dyads). Three models were developed. Model 1 explored factors influencing commencement of AOD. Six themes emerged: medication as a way out of obesity, enthusiasm and relief at the prospect of pharmaceutical treatment, last ditch attempt for some but not all, passive acceptance of medication, fear as a motivating factor, and unique treatments needed for unique individuals. Model 2 described the inter‐relationship between dosing and side effects; side effects were a significant experience for many young people, and few adhered to prescribed regimens, independently changing lifestyle and dosage to tolerate medications. Model 3 described the patient‐led decision process regarding drug continuation, influenced primarily by side effects and efficacy. Use of AODs is challenging for many adolescents. Multiple factors were identified that could be targeted to improve concordance and maximize efficacy.
Knowing Who Knows: Laypersons' Capabilities to Judge Experts' Pertinence for Science Topics
Authors: Bromme Rainer , Thomm Eva 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBecause modern societies are built on elaborate divisions of cognitive labor, individuals remain laypersons in most knowledge domains. Hence, they have to rely on others' expertise when deciding on many science‐related issues in private and public life. Even children already locate and discern expertise in the minds of others (e.g., Danovitch & Keil, 2004). This study examines how far university students accurately judge experts' pertinence for science topics even when they lack proficient knowledge of the domain. Participants judged the pertinence of experts from diverse disciplines based on the experts' assumed contributions to texts adapted from original articles from Science and Nature. Subjective pertinence judgments were calibrated by comparing them with bibliometrics of the original articles. Furthermore, participants' general science knowledge was controlled. Results showed that participants made well‐calibrated pertinence judgments regardless of their level of general science knowledge.
Do Inland Provinces Benefit from Coastal Foreign Direct Investment in China?
Authors: Chen Chunlai 
Published: May 2015

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) in China is heavily concentrated in the coastal regions. Do inland provinces benefit from coastal FDI? We use a provincial‐level panel dataset and employ the fixed‐effects instrumental variables regression technique to investigate the interregional spillovers from coastal FDI to inland provinces. The study finds that, on average, coastal FDI has a negative impact on the economic growth of inland provinces. In addition, depending on the different trade activities engaged in (i.e. whether processing trade or ordinary trade), coastal FDI has different impacts on the economic growth of inland provinces.
China's Economic Transition Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Bin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFollowing 30 years of high economic growth, China's economy is in the midst of a classic transition from an industrial to a post‐industrial economy. In this transition period, the mismatch between supply and demand is growing, while the country's economic growth engine is weakening. Stimulus policies have aimed to maintain the country's economic growth momentum but they have come at the price of sharply increased financial fragility and resource misallocation, both of which are harmful to economic growth. China's “economic transition syndrome” refers to the vicious cycle of slowing GDP growth, combined with increasing demand for stimulus policies, and increasing financial fragility and resource misallocation.
Flexible endoscopic treatment for Zenker's diverticulum with the SB Knife. Preliminary results from a single‐center experience
Authors: Battaglia Giorgio , Antonello Alessandro , Realdon Stefano , Cesarotto Martina , Zanatta Lisa , Ishaq Sauid 
Published: May 2015

Background and AimFlexible endoscopic septum division is becoming a prominent treatment option for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Over the years, various techniques have been developed and many cutting tools have been tested with varying results. We report our experience with a recently designed, monopolar, rotating, scissor‐shaped device (SB Knife).MethodsData on 31 consecutive patients that underwent flexible endoscopic treatment for ZD with the use of the SB Knife were retrieved. Dysphagia, regurgitation, and respiratory symptom severity before the procedure were graded. Procedure duration, rate of complications, symptom changes after the procedure and rate of relapsing patients during follow up were recorded.ResultsThe procedure was carried out successfully in all patients. Median procedure time was 14 min. One case of late‐onset bleeding developed 1 week after the procedure, and was managed endoscopically. A significant symptom improvement was achieved (dysphagia: median score <3, median score >0, P < 0.001; regurgitation: median score <2, median score >0, P < 0.001; respiratory symptoms: median score <2, median score >0, P = 0.009). Two patients had mild relapsing symptoms, respectively, after 4 and 9 months from the procedure but refused further treatment.ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment of ZD using this new device is safe and efficient at short term follow up. No perforations were observed and there was a substantial reduction of symptoms after the treatment. Larger studies are needed to fully assess advantages of this new device for endoscopic treatment of ZD.
Prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome components in multiple sclerosis patients with significant disability
Authors: Pinhas‐Hamiel O. , Livne M. , Harari G. , Achiron A. 
Published: May 2015

Background and purposeInformation about metabolic comorbidities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is scarce. Our aim was to examine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in patients with long duration of MS and significant disability.MethodsDemographic and clinical data, weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were obtained from 130 MS patients with Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≥3.0.ResultsSeventy‐two percent were female, mean ± SD age 55.8 ± 6.0, range 45–65 years, disease duration 18.2 ± 10.1 years, EDSS 5.5 ± 1.0. Obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2] was present in 18.5% and overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) in 34.6%. The prevalence of the MetS was 30% with no gender difference. Fifty‐six percent had central obesity by waist circumference, 28% treated hypertension, 45.8% elevated blood pressure, 11% type 2 diabetes mellitus, 31.4% treated dyslipidemia, 28.8% elevated triglyceride levels and 31.4% had low HDL‐C. MS patients with MetS were significantly older (59.0 ± 5.5 vs. 53.8 ± 5.5, P < 0.0001) and heavier (BMI 29.0 ± 6.9 vs. 25.1 ± 4.7, P = 0.0009). There were no differences between the groups in neurological disability by the EDSS (5.7 ± 1.0 vs. 5.4 ± 1.0), disease duration (18.4 ± 9.9 vs. 18.2 ± 10.2 years) and number of steroid courses received (6.6 ± 9.5 vs. 6.3 ± 8.4).ConclusionsCompared to the general population, adult disabled MS patients had lower rates of obesity and overweight, as assessed by BMI. Despite these reduced rates, the prevalence of the MetS was similar to the general population. Specifically higher rates of increased waist circumference were found, suggesting that the lower BMI may be misleading in terms of health risk.
A review of performance criteria to validate simulation models
Authors: Hora Joana , Campos Pedro 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study reviews performance criteria adequate to validate simulation models through the comparison of two quantitative data sets, concerning historical and simulated data. The criteria reviewed were organized according to its characteristics into the groups: error‐based measures, information theory measures, information criteria, parametric tests, non‐parametric tests, distance‐based measures and combined measures. Each criterion is reviewed through its mathematic definition, its applications in literature and the identification of its advantages and drawbacks. The features assessed by each criterion are identified and discussed. This study provides a concise outline over the criteria reviewed, which can be used as a guide to help developers of simulation models into the decision on the most appropriate criteria to validate their models.