bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The limited role of snow water in the growth and development of ephemeral plants in a cold desert
Authors: Fan Lian‐Lian , Tang Li‐Song , Wu Lin‐Feng , Ma Jian , Li Yan 
Published: September 2013

AbstractQuestionThe ephemeral layer is an important component of the plant community in cold deserts. Conventional wisdom has it that the ephemeral layer primarily depends on early spring snowmelt water for germination and development. However, this hypothesis has never been subjected to rigorous testing.LocationSouthern edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert, a cold desert and a natural habitat of ephemeral plants (the inter‐sand dune lowland), in the far northwest of China and around the geographical centre of the Eurasian continent.MethodsAt the end of the snow cover season between 2009 and 2011, four different snow treatments (0, 50, 100 and 200% snow cover, with 100% representing the natural amount of snow) were applied, using five replicates. Seedling establishment, species diversity and plant growth, population, cover and productivity were monitored throughout or sampled at the end of the growing season.ResultsThe ephemeral plant germination and seedling density were significantly influenced by changes in snow cover. Germination, density of mature ephemeral plants and plant coverage rose as snow cover depth increased. However, the height, rooting depth, numbers of lateral roots and above‐ground biomass of individual plants decreased as snow cover increased, and plant size was negatively correlated with plant density. At the ephemeral layer level, above‐ground biomass showed no significant variation between snow treatments. There was also no significant difference in species richness among the snow treatments.ConclusionsIncreased snow resulted in higher plant density of ephemerals. However, this high density induced strong competition, reducing the body size of individual plants. By the end of the growing season, snow treatments did not induce significant changes in primary productivity of the ephemeral layer. Primary productivity or growth after seedling establishment depended mainly on rainfall that occurred after the snow had melted, not on snowmelt water itself. Thus conventional wisdom was shown to be only partially true. Snow was important to these ephemeral plants, but its role was limited to seedling establishment.
Serum liver enzymes are associated with all‐cause mortality in an elderly population
Authors: Koehler Edith M. , Sanna Donatella , Hansen Bettina E. , van Rooij Frank J. , Heeringa Jan , Hofman Albert , Tiemeier Henning , Stricker Bruno H. , Schouten Jeoffrey N. L. , Janssen Harry L. A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsLittle is known about the association of serum liver enzymes with long‐term outcome in the elderly. We sought to clarify the association of serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in an elderly population.MethodsThis study was embedded in the Rotterdam Study, a large population‐based cohort of persons aged 55 years or older. Cox‐regression analyses were performed to examine the association of baseline serum GGT, ALP, and aminotransferase levels with mortality, adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking status, alcohol intake, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, body mass index and total cholesterol levels. Liver enzyme levels were categorized according to sample percentiles; levels <25th percentile were taken as a reference.ResultsDuring a follow‐up of up to 19.5 years, 2997 of 5186(57.8%) participants died: 672 participants died of causes related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and 703 participants died of cancer. All serum liver enzymes were associated with all‐cause mortality (all P < 0.001). Moreover, GGT was associated with increased CVD mortality (P < 0.001), and ALP and AST with increased cancer‐related mortality (P = 0.03 and P = 0.005 respectively). Participants with GGT and ALP in the top 5% had the highest risk for all‐cause mortality (HR1.55; 95%CI 1.30–1.85 and HR1.49; 95%CI 1.25–1.78 respectively). AST and ALT <25th percentile were also associated with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsAll serum liver enzymes were positively associated with long‐term mortality in this elderly population. Why participants with low ALT and AST levels have higher risk of mortality remains to be elucidated.
Hepatitis C virus‐specific cellular immune responses in sustained virological responders with viral persistence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Roque‐Cuéllar María C. , Sánchez Berta , García‐Lozano José R. , Praena‐Fernández Juan M. , Márquez‐Galán José L. , Núñez‐Roldán Antonio , Aguilar‐Reina José 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA detection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after recovery from HCV infection, is a type of occult HCV infection although is unclear how the viral persistence in PBMCs affects HCV‐specific T‐cell responses. The aim of this study was to investigate if cellular immune responses are modified by HCV persistence in PBMCs.MethodsHCV‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses against six HCV peptides, situated within the non‐structural (NS) proteins NS3, NS4b and NS5b, were measured by flow cytometry‐through intracellular detection of gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) or interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and CD69 expression‐ in 27 sustained virological responders (SVR): 13 with and 14 without occult HCV infection in PBMCs, detected by strand‐specific real‐time PCR. Ten healthy individuals and 14 chronically infected patients with viraemia, were included as controls.ResultsSVR without occult infection showed a higher percentage of activated CD4+ cells against peptides belonging to NS3 (p124, p153) and NS5b (p257, p294), activated CD8+ cells against NS3 (p124, p153, p158) and NS5b‐p294, as well as an elevated percentage of CD4+ cells releasing IFN‐γ + IL‐4 against NS3‐p153, and by CD8+ cells against NS3 (p124, p153). SVR without occult infection showed a higher percentage of activation and release of IFN‐γ + IL‐4 by both cell subpopulations than the two group of controls, in contrast to SVR with occult infection.ConclusionThe lower HCV‐specific T‐cell response found in SVR with occult infection indicates that the immune response may be impaired when the virus persists in PBMCs.
Keratin‐18 and microRNA‐122 complement alanine aminotransferase as novel safety biomarkers for drug‐induced liver injury in two human cohorts
Authors: Thulin Petra , Nordahl Gunnar , Gry Marcus , Yimer Getnet , Aklillu Eleni , Makonnen Eyasu , Aderaye Getachew , Lindquist Lars , Mattsson C. Mikael , Ekblom Björn , Antoine Daniel J. , Park B. Kevin , Linder Stig , Harrill Alison H. , Watkins Paul B. , Glinghammar Björn , Schuppe‐Koistinen Ina 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsThere is a demand for more sensitive, specific and predictive biomarkers for drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) than the gold standard used today, alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The aim of this study was to qualify novel DILI biomarkers (keratin‐18 markers M65/M30, microRNA‐122, glutamate dehydrogenase and alpha‐foetoprotein) in human DILI.MethodsLevels of the novel biomarkers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) in two human DILI cohorts: a human volunteer study with acetaminophen and a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB) study.ResultsIn the acetaminophen study, serum M65 and microRNA‐122 levels were significantly increased at an earlier time point than ALT. Furthermore, the maximal elevation of M65 and microRNA‐122 exceeded the increase in ALT. In the HIV/TB study, all the analysed novel biomarkers increased after 1 week of treatment. In contrast to ALT, the novel biomarkers remained stable in a human cohort with exercise‐induced muscular injury.ConclusionsM65 and microRNA‐122 are potential biomarkers of DILI superior to ALT with respect to sensitivity and specificity.
Coenzyme Q in pregnant women and rats with intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Martinefski Manuela R. , Contin Mario D. , Rodriguez Myrian R. , Geréz Estefanía M. , Galleano Mónica L. , Lucangioli Silvia E. , Bianciotti Liliana G. , Tripodi Valeria P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsIntrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a high‐risk liver disease given the eventual deleterious consequences that may occur in the foetus. It is accepted that the abnormal accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids in maternal serum are responsible for the disease development. Hydrophobic bile acids induce oxidative stress and apoptosis leading to the damage of the hepatic parenchyma and eventually extrahepatic tissues. As coenzyme Q (CoQ) is considered an early marker of oxidative stress in this study, we sought to assess CoQ levels, bile acid profile and oxidative stress status in intrahepatic cholestasis.MethodsCoQ, vitamin E and malondialdehyde were measured in plasma and/or tissues by HPLC‐UV method whereas serum bile acids by capillary electrophoresis in rats with ethinyl estradiol‐induced cholestasis and women with pregnancy cholestasis.ResultsCoQ and vitamin E plasma levels were diminished in both rats and women with intrahepatic cholestasis. Furthermore, reduced CoQ was also found in muscle and brain of cholestatic rats but no changes were observed in heart or liver. In addition, a positive correlation between CoQ and ursodeoxycholic/lithocholic acid ratio was found in intrahepatic cholestasis suggesting that increased plasma lithocholic acid may be intimately related to CoQ depletion in blood and tissues.ConclusionSignificant CoQ and vitamin E depletion occur in both animals and humans with intrahepatic cholestasis likely as the result of increased hydrophobic bile acids known to produce significant oxidative stress. Present findings further suggest that antioxidant supplementation complementary to traditional treatment may improve cholestasis outcome.
Clinical and virological features of occult hepatitis B in patients with HBsAg seroclearance post‐treatment or spontaneously
Authors: Cheng Huei‐Ru , Kao Jia‐Horng , Wu Hui‐Lin , Chen Ting‐Chih , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Liu Chen‐Hua , Su Tung‐Hung , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Liu Chun‐Jen 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OHB) may exist in patients experiencing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance.AimsWe examined the clinical and virological features of OHB in patients who lost HBsAg post‐treatment or spontaneously.MethodsWe collected 44 patients with HBsAg seroclearance: 15 patients with dual HBV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who lost HBsAg after peginterferon alfa‐2a (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin therapy; 13 HBV mono‐infected patients who lost HBsAg after various oral antiviral therapies; and 16 patients who lost HBsAg spontaneously. OHB was defined as detectable serum HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg. Viral mutations associated with OHB were identified by comparison with matched controls that remained positive for HBsAg, and further characterized in vitro.ResultsThe prevalence of OHB was 34.1% (15/44) in all patients, which was not significantly different among three groups. One mutation in surface promoter/polymerase region, C3050T (preS1T68I), was identified to be associated with the seroclearance of HBsAg in six cases. This mutation does not change the amino acid sequence of the polymerase protein. The S promoter activity was significantly lower in the construct containing C3050T mutation as compared with the wild‐type (P = 0.0008). However, this mutation did not affect HBV replication, transcription and translation in the context of the full‐length HBV genome. OHB was not rare in patients with HBsAg seroclearance.ConclusionsOne mutation, C3050T (preS1T68I), decreased S promoter activity; nevertheless, other factors may play more important role in the clearance of HBsAg in these OHB patients.
Conophylline suppresses hepatic stellate cells and attenuates thioacetamide‐induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Kubo Norio , Saito Rie , Hamano Kunihisa , Nagasawa Masahiro , Aoki Fumiaki , Takei Izumi , Umezawa Kazuo , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Kojima Itaru 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsConophylline (CnP) is a vinca alkaloid purified from a tropical plant and inhibits activation of pancreatic stellate cells. We investigated the effect of CnP on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro. We also examined whether CnP attenuates hepatic fibrosis in vivo.MethodWe examined the effect of CnP on the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen‐1, DNA synthesis and apoptosis in rat HSC and Lx‐2 cells. We also examined the effect of CnP on hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA).ResultsIn rat HSC and Lx‐2 cells, CnP reduced the expression of α‐SMA and collagen‐1. CnP inhibited DNA synthesis induced by serum. CnP also promoted activation of caspase‐3 and induced apoptosis as assessed by DNA ladder formation and TUNEL assay. In contrast, CnP did not induce apoptosis in AML12 cells. We then examined the effect of CnP on TAA‐induced cirrhosis. In TAA‐treated rats, the surface of the liver was irregular and multiple nodules were observed. Histologically, formation of pseudolobules surrounded by massive fibrous tissues was observed. When CnP was administered together with TAA, the surface of the liver was smooth and liver fibrosis was markedly inhibited. Collagen content was significantly reduced in CnP‐treated liver.ConclusionConophylline suppresses HSC and induces apoptosis in vitro. CnP also attenuates formation of the liver fibrosis induced by TAA in vivo.
Panaxatriol saponin ameliorated liver injury by acetaminophen via restoring thioredoxin‐1 and pro‐caspase‐12
Authors: Wang Shengdong , Wang Xiao , Luo Fucheng , Tang Xiaodan , Li Kui , Hu Xiaomei , Bai Jie 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsAcetaminophen (APAP) is widely used as an antipyretic agent which is safe at therapeutic doses. However, overdose of APAP induces fatal and non‐fatal hepatic necroses. The chemical reactive metabolites of APAP initiate toxicity and inflammatory response within the liver and lead to acute liver failure. However, the mechanism underlying APAP‐induced liver injury is unknown. Thioredoxin‐1 (TRX‐1) is an important redox regulator, which plays roles in resisting oxidative stress, regulating inflammation and inhibiting apoptosis. Panaxatriol saponin (PTS) is one of the biologically active fractions of Panax notoginseng which is a traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism on PTS protecting liver from APAP hepatotoxicity.MethodsMice were divided into three groups, control group, APAP group and APAP combined with PTS group. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were detected by ELISA. TRX‐1 and pro‐caspase‐12 were examined by Western blotting.ResultsOur results showed PTS inhibited the levels of ALT and TNF‐α by APAP. Pretreatment with PTS ameliorated liver injury induced by APAP. The decrease in TRX‐1 expression was restored by PTS, as well as decreased pro‐caspase‐12 expression was inhibited by PTS. These data suggest that PTS has roles in suppressing the hepatotoxicity by APAP.ConclusionPanaxatriol saponin ameliorated liver injury by APAP through restoring the expression TRX‐1 and inhibiting pro‐caspase‐12 decrease.
Similarity in temporal variation in sex‐biased dispersal over short and long distances in the dark‐eyed junco,Junco hyemalis
Authors: Liebgold Eric B. , Gerlach Nicole M. , Ketterson Ellen D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPatterns of sex‐biased dispersal (SBD) are typically consistent within taxa, for example female‐biased in birds and male‐biased in mammals, leading to theories about the evolutionary pressures that lead to SBD. However, generalizations about the evolution of sex biases tend to overlook that dispersal is mediated by ecological factors that vary over time. We examined potential temporal variation in between‐ and within‐population dispersal over an 11‐year period in a bird, the dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We measured between‐population dispersal patterns using genetic assignment indices and found yearly variation in which sex was more likely to have immigrated. When we measured within‐population spatial genetic structure and mark–recapture dispersal distances, we typically found yearly SBD patterns that mirrored between‐population dispersal, indicating common eco‐evolutionary causes despite expected differences due to the scale of dispersal. However, in years without detectable between‐population sex biases, we found genetic similarity between nearby males within our population. This suggests that, in certain circumstances, ecological pressures may act on within‐population dispersal without affecting dispersal between populations. Alternatively, current analytical tools may be better able to detect within‐population SBD. Future work will investigate potential causes of the observed temporal variation in dispersal patterns and whether they have greater effects on within‐population dispersal.
A Note on Credit Allocation, Income Distribution and the Circuit of Capital
Authors: dos Santos Paulo L. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis note considers the relationship between credit allocation and the class distribution of income in the Circuit of Capital. Production and consumption credit inject means of purchase into different phases of capitalist reproduction. Comparative‐dynamic analysis of steady‐state evolutions shows that in the dynamic terms of Circuit of Capital production and consumption credit respectively increase wage and profit shares of aggregate income. These findings hold more broadly for any setting where sectoral revenue elasticities of outlays are below unity. They also have direct policy relevance for advanced and middle‐income economies where household borrowing has been encouraged in attempts to support demand and growth.
Formation of Thermal Coagulum on Multielectrode Catheters during Phased Radiofrequency Energy Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: DEBRUYNE PHILIPPE , ROSSENBACKER TOM , VANKELECOM BART , CHARLIER FILIP , ROOSEN JOHN , ECTOR BAVO , JANSSENS LUC 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) can unfavorably cause coagulum on the ablation electrode. The aim of this study was to assess this phenomenon on three different multielectrode catheters used to treat persistent atrial fibrillation with duty‐cycled RFA.Methods and resultsTwenty‐six consecutive patients have been treated with the pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) and the multiarray ablation catheter (MAAC). In 13 patients, additional ablation with the multiarray septal catheter (MASC) has been performed. The multichannel RF generator GENius™ (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) independently delivered energy in a bipolar and unipolar mode (ratio of 4/1, 2/1, or 1/1) to any of the electrodes. Versions 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4 of the generator were used. Coagulum presence was determined postablation by careful visual inspection of the catheter electrodes. No coagulum formation was visualized on the PVACs. Coagulum formation was visualized in 59% of the electrodes of the MAACs using a 2/1 mode and the 14.2 software version versus 69% using the 14.4 version and a 2/1 mode (P = 0.7) versus 14% of the electrodes applying a 1/1 ratio and the 14.4 software version (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDuty‐cycled RFA in 2/1 bipolar/unipolar ratio generates a substantial frequency of coagulum formation on the multielectrode catheters MAAC and MASC. The use of the 14.4 version of the software to drive the RF generator and the use of energy in the default 1/1 bipolar/unipolar ratio could significantly reduce the frequency of coagulum formation, but so far, could not completely overcome it. The PVAC did not form coagulum, regardless of generator version or energy ratio used.
The tubarium construction of Lower Ordovician (Dapingian) Baltograptus species (Graptolithina) from Dalarna, Sweden
Authors: Maletz Jörg , Slovacek Mariah 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIsolated and chemically bleached graptolite specimens of Baltograptus from Skattungbyn, Dalarna (central Sweden), reveal important new information on the internal construction of the tubarium. The specimens show the typical metasicular origin of th11 and the presence of numerous longitudinal rods in the prosicula. The investigation provides some insight into intraspecific variation and on the differentiation of individual species. It also provides information on the early evolution of the two‐stiped dichograptids. Three distinct species, identified as Baltograptus minutus (Törnquist) B. kurcki (Törnquist) and B. extremus sp. nov. can be recognized in the collection of hundreds of specimens. The Baltograptus species are associated with a diverse Dapingian graptolite fauna, prepared by Roland Skoglund, but never investigated in detail, including specimens of Pseudophyllograptus densus, Acrograptus gracilis and other taxonomically and biostratigraphically important taxa.
Elite Colleges and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Lee Elizabeth M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractElite colleges have long been associated with socioeconomic reproduction, passing along elite social standing to children of middle and upper‐middle socioeconomic status (SES) parents. How has that role changed during the expansion of American higher education over the past 50 years? Have elite colleges and universities also become providers of socioeconomic mobility? In this essay, I outline recent demographic, admissions, and financial aid changes at these institutions and compare both in‐college experiences and college outcomes between low‐SES and more‐affluent students at elite colleges. I argue that although elite colleges and universities do include greater numbers of low‐SES students than in earlier generations and have great potential for even further inclusion, they remain far from serving as broad engines of socioeconomic mobility.
Limited Nomination Reliability Using Single‐ and Multiple‐item Measures
Authors: Babcock Ben , Marks Peter E. L. , Crick Nicki R. , Cillessen Antonius H. N. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis article examines a variety of reliability issues as related to limited nomination sociometric measures. Peer nomination data were collected from 77 sixth grade classrooms. Results showed that, although some single‐item peer nomination measures were relatively reliable, many single‐item peer nomination measures using limited nominations were quite unreliable. Overt aggression nomination items were the only set of single‐item measures where mean classroom reliability estimates were .75 or greater. Combining multiple items led to substantially better reliability, as combining the two least reliable items for a category into a single measure made the composite more reliable than the most reliable single measure. Having more nominators in the sample also increased reliability. The limited nomination items overall tended to be less reliable than similar unlimited nomination items from other studies. The authors end with recommendations for obtaining the most reliable peer nomination data possible from a study.