bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emulating natural fire effects using harvesting in an eastern boreal forest landscape of northeastChina
Authors: Liu Zhihua , He Hong S. , Yang Jian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractQuestionsEfforts to emulate natural fire effects through harvesting have met with limited success due to insufficient consideration of variable fire severities and spatial heterogeneity of fire regimes (e.g. mean return interval and fire size) in boreal ecosystems. What is the relative importance of fire severity and spatial heterogeneity on tree species composition, age structure and spatial pattern?LocationAn eastern boreal forest landscape of northeastChina, consisting of larch and birch forests.MethodsWe constructed a factorial design of forest management alternatives and conducted simulation experiments using a landscape disturbance and succession model,LANDIS. We used a management area delineation method to simulate spatial heterogeneity of fire regime and a silvicultural regeneration method to simulate variable fire severity.ResultsManagement area delineation had a greater influence on tree species composition, age structure and spatial pattern of the boreal forests than the silvicultural regeneration method. The silvicultural regeneration method had more influence on the age structure of larch than birch, due to the variable severity of fire on larch.ConclusionsSpatial heterogeneity of fire regime has a more important influence on ecosystem characteristics than fire severity in this eastern boreal landscape. Efforts to emulate natural fire effects through harvesting should first account for the effects of spatial heterogeneity of the fire regime. It is necessary to delineate the landscape into fire management units and incorporate variable fire severities in harvest prescriptions for each unit.
Low Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Ameliorates Interferon‐γ Production in Patients With Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Miyata Hitomi , Uno Kazuko , Ono Takahiko , Yashiro Masatomo , Fukatsu Atsushi , Kita Toru , Kimura Takeshi , Muso Eri 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRapid amelioration of hypercholesterolemia in nephrotic syndrome (NS) using low density lipoprotein‐apheresis (LDL‐A) sometimes leads to NS remission, along with improvement of impaired biodefense system; however, the mechanism of how LDL‐A affects NS is still unknown. We studied IFN‐γ production under IL‐12 stimulation for 24 h in whole blood from 30 NS patients, 31 non‐NS patients, 35 healthy volunteers and another four persistent NS patients due to refractory focal segmental glomerulonephritis and minimal change type nephrotic syndrome. We compared IFN‐γ production in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from persistent NS patients before and after each of 14 LDL‐A procedures. Finally, we studied the effect that persistent NS patients' serum before and after LDL‐A had on IFN‐γ production in healthy volunteers' PBMC. Whole blood IFN‐γ production was significantly lower in NS patients compared with healthy volunteers or non‐NS patients. In persistent NS, after LDL‐A, IFN‐γ production returned to normal levels. IFN‐γ production in PBMC varied greatly among these patients and did not show consistent changes after LDL‐A. Healthy volunteers PBMC incubated with persistent NS patients' serum obtained after LDLA showed higher IFN‐γ production than before LDL‐A. IFN‐γ production in peripheral blood is impaired if a patient is in a nephrotic state. LDL‐A might restore suppressed PBMC function in persistent NS patients, thereby ameliorating the nephrotic state, possibly through removing interfering serum factors.
COMPARISON OF FAST PERITONEAL EQUILIBRIUM TEST WITH THE STANDARD METHOD: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Kazancioğlu Rumeyza , Topcuoglu Derya , Kiricimli Nese , Cinkilic Arzu , Celik Huseyin 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYStandard peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) is an implementation that requires hard work for peritoneal dialysis (PD) staff. We analysed the efficacy of the fast PET and compared its results with standard PET. Forty‐nine patients on PD therapy were included in the study. For standard PET, glucose, urea and creatinine values of dialysate were analysed at zeroth, second and fourth hours, and the patient's serum glucose, urea and creatinine values were analysed at second hour. In the fast PET, urea, glucose and creatinine values in plasma and dialysate were analysed at the fourth hour only. The results of both methods were compared with Pearson correlation and kappa tests. According to the standard PET, low transport in five patients, low‐average transport in 17 patients, high‐average transport in 23 patients and high transport types in four patients were identified. Fast PET results were similar in 46 (94%) patients (r = 0.77, p = 0.0001). Kappa (κw) analysis of results of both PETs was also statistically significant (p = 0.0001). This study showed that the peritoneal transport type may be determined more easily, practically and faster.
Identifying potential areas for biofuel production and evaluating the environmental effects: a case study of theJamesRiverBasin in theMidwesternUnitedStates
Authors: Wu Yiping , Liu Shuguang , Li Zhengpeng 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBiofuels are now an important resource in theUnitedStates because of theEnergyIndependence andSecurityAct of 2007. Both increased corn growth for ethanol production and perennial dedicated energy crop growth for cellulosic feedstocks are potential sources to meet the rising demand for biofuels. However, these measures may cause adverse environmental consequences that are not yet fully understood. This study 1) evaluates the long‐term impacts of increased frequency of corn in the crop rotation system on water quantity and quality as well as soil fertility in theJamesRiverBasin and 2) identifies potential grasslands for cultivating bioenergy crops (e.g. switchgrass), estimating the water quality impacts. We selected the soil and water assessment tool, a physically based multidisciplinary model, as the modeling approach to simulate a series of biofuel production scenarios involving crop rotation and land cover changes. The model simulations with different crop rotation scenarios indicate that decreases in water yield and soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentration along with an increase inNO3‐Nload to stream water could justify serious concerns regarding increased corn rotations in this basin. Simulations with land cover change scenarios helped us spatially classify the grasslands in terms of biomass productivity and nitrogen loads, and we further derived the relationship of biomass production targets and the resulting nitrogen loads against switchgrass planting acreages. The suggested economically efficient (planting acreage) and environmentally friendly (water quality) planting locations and acreages can be a valuable guide for cultivating switchgrass in this basin. This information, along with the projected environmental costs (i.e. reduced water yield and increased nitrogen load), can contribute to decision support tools for land managers to seek the sustainability of biofuel development in this region.
Dietary fish oil regulates gene expression of cholesterol and bile acid transporters in mice
Authors: Kamisako Toshinori , Tanaka Yuji , Ikeda Takanori , Yamamoto Kazuo , Ogawa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Fish oil rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is known to affect hepatic lipid metabolism. Several studies have demonstrated that fish oil may affect the bile acid metabolism as well as lipid metabolism, whereas only scarce data are available. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fish oil on the gene expression of the transporters and enzymes related to bile acid as well as lipid metabolism in the liver and small intestine.Methods:  Seven‐week old male C57BL/6 mice were fed diets enriched in 10% soybean oil or 10% fish oil for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, blood, liver and small intestine were obtained.Results:  Hepatic mRNA expression of lipids (Abcg5/8, multidrug resistance gene product 2) and bile acids transporters (bile salt export pump, multidrug resistance associated protein 2 and 3, organic solute transporter α) was induced in fish oil‐fed mice. Hepatic Cyp8b1, Cyp27a1 and bile acid CoA : amino acid N‐acyltransferase were increased in fish oil‐fed mice compared with soybean‐oil fed mice. Besides, intestinal cholesterol (Abcg5/8) and bile acid transporters (multidrug resistance associated protein 2 and organic solute transporter α) were induced in fish oil‐fed mice.Conclusion:  Fish oil induced the expression of cholesterol and bile acid transporters not only in liver but in intestine. The upregulation of Abcg5/g8 by fish oil is caused by an increase in cellular 27‐HOC through Cyp27a1 induction. The hepatic induction of bile acid synthesis through Cyp27a1 may upregulate expression of bile acid transporters in both organs.
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and anti-tumour efficacy of paclitaxel delivered by polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersion
Authors: Liu Xiangrui , Sun Jiabei , Chen Xiaomei , Wang Shanshan , Scott Hannah , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Qiang 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Paclitaxel is a potent anti-cancer drug that has exhibited clinical activity against several tumours. Unfortunately, serious side effects are associated with Taxol, the commercial formulation of paclitaxel, which contains Cremophor EL (CrEL). Currently, the main focus of developing paclitaxel formulations is on improving efficacy and reducing toxicity. A novel, Cremophor-free, paclitaxel solid dispersion (PSD) was prepared in our laboratory previously. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, acute toxicity and anti-tumour efficacy of the PSD compared with Taxol.

Methods
SD rats were used to examine the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of PSD. The acute toxicity of PSD was evaluated in ICR mouse. The anti-tumor activity of PSD was assessed in an in vivo anti-tumor nude mice model inoculated with human SKOV-3 cancer cells.

Key findings
The two formulations presented different pharmacokinetic behaviour. The plasma AUC of paclitaxel in the PSD was 5.84-fold lower than that of Taxol, and the mean residence time, total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution of paclitaxel in the PSD were increased by 1.73, 4.67 and 8.57 fold, respectively. However, the two formulations showed similar tissue distribution properties. CrEL, the vehicle in Taxol, decreased the clearance of paclitaxel from plasma. The LD50 (median lethal dose) was 34.8 mg/kg for Taxol, whereas no death was observed at 160 mg/kg for the PSD. The anti-tumour activity of PSD was similar to that of Taxol at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Most importantly, the improved tolerance of PSD enabled a higher administrable dose of paclitaxel, which resulted in improved efficacy compared with Taxol administered at its maximum tolerated dose.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the PSD, a CrEL-free formulation, is a promising approach to increase the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel.
Fe-Mn phosphate associations as indicators of the magmatic-hydrothermal and supergene evolution of the Jálama batholith in the Navasfrías Sn-W District, Salamanca, Spain
Authors: Llorens T. , Moro M.C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe residual melts that remained after the consolidation of the Jálama batholith crystallized to form a group of intra-granitic pegmatite dykes, which are hosted by its outermost facies (the External Unit), and the most evolved residual melts migrated through fractures to form the Cruz del Rayo field of pegmatite dykes, which are hosted by pre-Ordovician low-grade metasedimentary rocks. The increasing activity of phosphorus as magmatic differentiation took place led to the crystallization of primary phosphates, including members of the triplite–zwieselite and the amblygonite–montebrasite series. A strong albitization of the granitic and pegmatite rocks led to the replacement of the primary assemblage by other phosphates such as alluaudite. The influx of post-magmatic hydrothermal fluids, produced quartz veins, gave rise to the crystallizationof ore minerals and triplite, and altered the granites, aplites and pegmatites, replacing some of the phosphate minerals and feldspars and depositing goyazite, montebrasite and childrenite–eosphorite. The interaction of the residual hydrothermal fluids with those from the surrounding metamorphic rocks during later alteration events resulted in the influx of large quantities of Ca and Mg, and produced phosphate assemblages enriched in those elements. Finally, late goyazite, hydroxylapatite and an unidentified Fe-rich phosphate were formed as a result of supergene alterationby percolating meteoric waters, which added Ca, Sr and other elements into the system, and increased fO2.
An experimental study of Sr, Ba and Rb partitioning between alkali feldspar and silicate liquid in the system nepheline–kalsilite–quartz at 0.1 GPa P(H2O): a revisitation and reassessment
Authors: Henderson C. M. B. , Pierozynski W. J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe partitioning of Sr, Ba and Rb between alkali feldspar and melt has been determined at 0.1 GPa water vapour pressure, mainly on one Na-rich series and one K-rich series within the system nepheline-kalsilite-quartz. Experiments were also carried out with small amounts of the anorthite molecule or peralkaline components (Na, K metasilicates). The compositions of the alkali feldspars and coexisting quenched glasses were determined by electron microprobe analysis. Except for some peralkaline compositions, the crystal/liquid partition coefficients for Sr and Ba are always >1; the crystal/liquid partition coefficient for Rb is always <1. For sodic alkali feldspars DSr > DBa and for potassic feldspars DSr < DBa. Partition coefficients for Sr and Ba increase: (1) with decreasing temperature; (2) with increasing Or content of feldspar; (3) with increasing silica-undersaturation of the melt; (4) with decreasing peralkalinity. The variation in the value of DRb is less clear, but it is higher for K-rich feldspars. Multiple linear regression equations are fitted to correlate ln(D) with independent compositional and physical variables. Where rock/groundmass major-element data are available for felsic natural rocks, equations are recommended for obtaining reliable alkali feldspar partition coefficients for modelling fractional crystallization processes. The structural properties of silicate melts and crystal chemical relations are used to rationalize trends in partition coefficients.
Conditions for emerald formation at Davdar, China: fluid inclusion, trace element and stable isotope studies
Authors: Marshall D. , Pardieu V. , Loughrey L. , Jones P. , Xue G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPreliminary geological work on samples from Davdar in China indicate that emerald occurs in quartz veins hosted within upper greenschist grade Permian metasedimentary rocks including quartzite, marble, phyllite and schist. Fluid inclusion studies indicate highly saline fluids ranging from approximately 34 to 41 wt.% NaCl equivalent, with minimal amounts of CO2 estimated at a mole fraction of 0.003. Fluid inclusion, stable isotope and petrographic studies indicate the Davdar emeralds crystallized from highly saline brines in greenschist facies conditions at a temperature of ∼350°C and a pressure of up to 160 MPa. The highly saline fluid inclusions in the emeralds, the trace-element chemistry and stable isotope signatures indicate that the Davdar emeralds have some similarities to the Khaltaro and Swat Valley emerald deposits in Pakistan, but they show the greatest similarity to neighbouring deposits at Panjshir in Afghanistan.
Late blight resistance gene from Solanum ruiz-ceballosii is located on potato chromosome X and linked to violet flower colour
Authors: Śliwka Jadwiga , Jakuczun Henryka , Chmielarz Marcin , Hara-Skrzypiec Agnieszka , Tomczyńska Iga , Kilian Andrzej , Zimnoch-Guzowska Ewa 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background

Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, the causal organism of late blight, is economically the most important pathogen of potato and resistance against it has been one of the primary goals of potato breeding. Some potentially durable, broad-spectrum resistance genes against this disease have been described recently. However, to obtain durable resistance in potato cultivars more genes are needed to be identified to realize strategies such as gene pyramiding or use of genotype mixtures based on diverse genes.

Results
A major resistance gene, Rpi-rzc1, against P. infestans originating from Solanum ruiz-ceballosii was mapped to potato chromosome X using Diversity Array Technology (DArT) and sequence-specific PCR markers. The gene provided high level of resistance in both detached leaflet and tuber slice tests. It was linked, at a distance of 3.4 cM, to violet flower colour most likely controlled by the previously described F locus. The marker-trait association with the closest marker, violet flower colour, explained 87.1% and 85.7% of variance, respectively, for mean detached leaflet and tuber slice resistance. A genetic linkage map that consisted of 1,603 DArT markers and 48 reference sequence-specific PCR markers of known chromosomal localization with a total map length of 1204.8 cM was constructed.

Conclusions
The Rpi-rzc1 gene described here can be used for breeding potatoes resistant to P. infestans and the breeding process can be expedited using the molecular markers and the phenotypic marker, violet flower colour, identified in this study. Knowledge of the chromosomal localization of Rpi-rzc1 can be useful for design of gene pyramids. The genetic linkage map constructed in this study contained 1,149 newly mapped DArT markers and will be a valuable resource for future mapping projects using this technology in the Solanum genus.
Altered gene expression profiles in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Omar , Sasvari-Szekely Maria , Ver Agota , Rosta Klara , Szasz Bernadett K , Kereszturi Eva , Keszler Gergely 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere has been an increasing body of epidemiologic and biochemical evidence implying the role of cerebral insulin resistance in Alzheimer-type dementia. For a better understanding of the insulin effect on the central nervous system, we performed microarray-based global gene expression profiling in the hippocampus, striatum and prefrontal cortex of streptozotocin-induced and spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats as model animals for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.ResultsFollowing pathway analysis and validation of gene lists by real-time polymerase chain reaction, 30 genes from the hippocampus, such as the inhibitory neuropeptide galanin, synuclein gamma and uncoupling protein 2, and 22 genes from the prefrontal cortex, e.g. galanin receptor 2, protein kinase C gamma and epsilon,ABCA1(ATP-Binding Cassette A1),CD47(Cluster of Differentiation 47) and theRET(Rearranged During Transfection) protooncogene, were found to exhibit altered expression levels in type 2 diabetic model animals in comparison to non-diabetic control animals. These gene lists proved to be partly overlapping and encompassed genes related to neurotransmission, lipid metabolism, neuronal development, insulin secretion, oxidative damage and DNA repair. On the other hand, no significant alterations were found in the transcriptomes of the corpus striatum in the same animals. Changes in the cerebral gene expression profiles seemed to be specific for the type 2 diabetic model, as no such alterations were found in streptozotocin-treated animals.ConclusionsAccording to our knowledge this is the first characterization of the whole-genome expression changes of specific brain regions in a diabetic model. Our findings shed light on the complex role of insulin signaling in fine-tuning brain functions, and provide further experimental evidence in support of the recently elaborated theory of type 3 diabetes.
TRENTOOL: A Matlab open source toolbox to analyse information flow in time series data with transfer entropy
Authors: Lindner Michael , Vicente Raul , Priesemann Viola , Wibral Michael 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Transfer entropy (TE) is a measure for the detection of directed interactions. Transfer entropy is an information theoretic implementation of Wiener's principle of observational causality. It offers an approach to the detection of neuronal interactions that is free of an explicit model of the interactions. Hence, it offers the power to analyze linear and nonlinear interactions alike. This allows for example the comprehensive analysis of directed interactions in neural networks at various levels of description. Here we present the open-source MATLAB toolbox TRENTOOL that allows the user to handle the considerable complexity of this measure and to validate the obtained results using non-parametrical statistical testing. We demonstrate the use of the toolbox and the performance of the algorithm on simulated data with nonlinear (quadratic) coupling and on local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the retina and the optic tectum of the turtle (Pseudemys scripta elegans) where a neuronal one-way connection is likely present.

Results
In simulated data TE detected information flow in the simulated direction reliably with false positives not exceeding the rates expected under the null hypothesis. In the LFP data we found directed interactions from the retina to the tectum, despite the complicated signal transformations between these stages. No false positive interactions in the reverse directions were detected.

Conclusions
TRENTOOL is an implementation of transfer entropy and mutual information analysis that aims to support the user in the application of this information theoretic measure. TRENTOOL is implemented as a MATLAB toolbox and available under an open source license (GPL v3). For the use with neural data TRENTOOL seamlessly integrates with the popular FieldTrip toolbox.