bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trained Dogs Outperform Human Surveyors in the Detection of Rare Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
Authors: Goodwin Kim M. , Engel Rick E. , Weaver David K. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractInvasive plants have devastating effects on ecosystems and biodiversity that early intervention can prevent. Eradication or containment of new invasions is difficult to achieve because of constraints posed by the low density and detectability of individuals. Domestic dogs trained to cue on distinctive scents might provide an effective method to detect spotted knapweed. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy and detection distances of dogs to humans in locating new spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) invasions. Three dogs, trained to detect knapweed using scent discrimination and tracking techniques, were compared with human surveyors. Seven sampling units (0.5 ha [1.2 ac]) were delineated in a grazed dryland pasture. Dogs, with their handlers, and human surveyors performed line-transect surveys in fall 2005 and spring, summer, and fall 2006. Dog accuracy for large-size knapweed targets (infestations 0.52 m3[18.4 ft3]) was similar to human accuracy and better than humans (94 vs. 78%) for medium-size targets (infestations 0.13m3). Dog accuracy (67%) was greater (> 81% probability) than humans (34%) for small targets (plants; 0.02 m3). Overall dog accuracy (81%) andF-measure scores (86%) were better than human scores, 59% and 74%, respectively. Human precision was greater (100%) than dogs at 94%. Dogs detected a larger percentage of small targets (80%) at distances greater than 7.9 m (26 ft) compared with humans at only 20%. Our results indicate dogs are more accurate than humans are, especially at critical detection of small spotted knapweed plants, and from greater distances. Invasive plant monitoring using detection dogs can provide greater overall accuracy of plant detection.
Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria): A Threat to Woodland Habitats in the Northern United States and Southern Canada
Authors: Axtell Annie E. , DiTommaso Antonio , Post Angela R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractLesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) is an ephemeral perennial introduced to North America from Europe for ornamental use. This species is becoming widespread in shady, moist woodlands and lawns in the northern United States and southern Canada. Despite its invasive attributes, lesser celandine continues to be marketed by the nursery sector. A hardy and easy plant to grow, lesser celandine has a dense compact growth form that makes it ideal for border plantings and showy flowers that make it a desirable garden species for early spring color. The species easily escapes cultivation, colonizing primarily moist woodland habitats. Once established, lesser celandine creates a monoculture and is purported to displace native ephemeral species. Several factors make control of lesser celandine difficult, including a large root structure, which facilitates clonal reproduction and spread. The ephemerality of lesser celandine results in a relatively brief window in which to apply control measures. Land managers need to be aware of this common garden species as a potentially invasive weed and need to be able to differentiate it from the similar native marsh marigold. Effective management strategies are needed to protect native woodland understory species and biodiversity in natural and seminatural areas of affected regions.
Effects of Combined Ezetimibe and Simvastatin Therapy as Compared With Simvastatin Alone in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ruggenenti Piero , Cattaneo Dario , Rota Stefano , Iliev Ilian , Parvanova Aneliya , Diadei Olimpia , Ene-Iordache Bogdan , Ferrari Silvia , Bossi Antonio C. , Trevisan Roberto , Belviso Antonio , Remuzzi Giuseppe ,   for the Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Dyslipidemia of Diabetes (ESD) Study Group
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of inhibited gastrointestinal cholesterol absorption in statin-treated dyslipidemic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In a multicenter prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we primarily compared by ANCOVA the effect of 2-month ezetimibe (10 mg/day) or placebo therapy on LDL cholesterol serum levels in 108 type 2 diabetic patients with albuminuria &lt;200 μg/min and total cholesterol concentrations &gt;135 mg/dl despite simvastatin treatment (40 mg/day).

RESULTS
Unlike placebo, ezetimibe decreased LDL cholesterol from 99 ± 31 to 66 ± 22 mg/dl, total cholesterol from 162 ± 36 to 124 ± 30 mg/dl, and apolipoprotein B from 83 ± 22 to 64 ± 18 mg/dl (P &lt; 0.0001 for all changes versus placebo). A total of 72 and 17% of patients on ezetimibe or placebo achieved LDL levels &lt;70 mg/dl, respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS
Adding ezetimibe to simvastatin therapy helps to improve the pro-atherogenic lipoprotein profile in type 2 diabetic patients who fail to reach recommended lipid targets with statin therapy alone.
Numerical modelling of hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes during storm events in a non-perennial river
Authors: Ramsankaran Raaj , Maerker Christian , Malcherek Andreas 
Published: June 2010

Numerical modelling of hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes during storm events in a non-perennial riverThis article presents the numerical modelling of hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes in the seasonal Pathri Rao River, which flows in the Northern part of India. Modelling is made by the coupled application of the hydrodynamic model called TELEMAC-2D and the morphodynamic model called SediMorph. The hydrodynamic model results are validated with the observed data and it has been found that the present model provides reasonable predictions. Likewise, the validation of the morphodynamic model is also presented. For this purpose, the suspended and bed load transport modules are validated separately for four runoff events observed during the investigations. The validation of the former is approached by comparing the depth-averaged suspended transport concentrations against experimental measurements made at the make-shift gauging station and subsequent comparison against experimental measurements. On the other hand, due to non-availability of the observed values on bed load sediment transport, the bed load sediment transport and bed evolution numerical results could not be validated quantitatively and was approached only on qualitative basis. In general, both validations present an acceptable agreement with measurements and scientific facts. Further, this study demonstrates that the coupled TELEMAC-2D/SediMorph system could be used with confidence for practical applications in the Pathri Rao River.
Assessing Cognition Following Petrol Sniffing for Indigenous Australians
Authors: Dingwall Kylie M. , Lewis Matthew S. , Maruff Paul , Cairney Sheree 
Published: June 2010

Background: Chronic petrol inhalation can be associated with significant cognitive impairment. While rehabilitation programs can rely on such skills to educate clients and achieve treatment outcomes, cognitive function is rarely assessed on admission. This is particularly true for Indigenous populations where standard assessments are not appropriate. This paper describes a process for assessing cognition in Indigenous Australians. Two studies investigate firstly the demographic factors impacting on cognition for healthy Indigenous Australians and secondly the utility of the assessment process for detecting petrol sniffing related cognitive impairments. Methods: Study One assessed a naturalistic sample of healthy Indigenous Australians from the Northern Territory ( N = 206; mean age = 28.03) on computerised tests of psychomotor speed, visual attention, memory, learning, spatial awareness and executive functions. Multiple regression analyses determined the unique contributions of six factors (age, education, gender, familiarity with computers, regular long term cannabis use and locality) to the variance in performance for this group. Study Two examined group differences in cognitive performance on the same tests between healthy Indigenous Australians ( N = 96) and Indigenous petrol sniffers ( N = 50; both age restricted to < 26 years) while controlling those factors found to impact on performance from Study One. Results: Age, computer familiarity, and education significantly contributed to the variance in performance measures. While controlling these factors, petrol abuse was associated with poorer performance on complex tasks of psychomotor, visual attention, memory, learning, spatial awareness and executive function. Conclusions: This assessment process is useful for detecting substance abuse related impairments in Indigenous Australians and when using this assessment process, age and computer familiarity in particular should be controlled for.
Distress Levels and Self-Reported Treatment Rates for Medicine, Law, Psychology and Mechanical Engineering Tertiary Students: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Leahy Catherine M. , Peterson Ray F. , Wilson Ian G. , Newbury Jonathan W. , Tonkin Anne L. , Turnbull Deborah 
Published: June 2010

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess tertiary student distress levels with regards to (i) comparisons with normative population data, and (ii) the effects of discipline, year level, and student characteristics. Self-reported treatment rates and level of concern regarding perceived distress were also collected. Method: Students from all six years of an undergraduate medical course were compared with samples from Psychology, Law and Mechanical Engineering courses at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Students participated in one of three studies that were either web-based or paper-based. All studies included Kessler's Measure of Psychological Distress (K10), and questions pertaining to treatment for any mental health problems and concern regarding distress experienced. Results: Of the 955 tertiary students who completed the K10, 48% were psychologically distressed (a K10 score ≥ 22) which equated to a rate 4.4 times that of age-matched peers. The non-health disciplines were significantly more distressed than the health disciplines. Distress levels were statistically equivalent across all six years of the medical degree. Of tertiary students, 11% had been treated for a mental health problem. Levels of concern correlated with the K10 score. Conclusion: The results from this research suggest that high distress levels among the tertiary student body may be a phenomenon more widely spread than first thought. Low treatment rates suggest that traditional models of support may be inadequate or not appropriate for tertiary cohorts.
Polystichum munitum (Dryopteridaceae) varies geographically in its capacity to absorb fog water by foliar uptake within the redwood forest ecosystem
Authors: Limm Emily B. , Dawson Todd E. 
Published: June 2010

• Premise of the study: Fog provides a critical water resource to plants around the world. In the redwood forest ecosystem of northern California, plants depend on fog absorbed through foliar uptake to stay hydrated during the rainless summer. In this study, we identified regions within the redwood ecosystem where the fern Polystichum munitum canopy most effectively absorbs fog drip that reaches the forest floor.• Methods: We measured the foliar uptake capacity of P. munitum fronds at seven sites along 700 km of the redwood forest ecosystem. We quantified the canopy cover of P. munitum at each site and estimated how much water the fern canopy can acquire aboveground through fog interception and absorption.• Key results: Throughout the ecosystem, nocturnal foliar uptake increased the leaf water content of P. munitum by 7.2%, and we estimated that the P. munitum canopy can absorb 5 ± 3% (mean ± SE) of intercepted fog precipitation. Strikingly, P. munitum had the highest foliar uptake capacity in the center of the ecosystem and may absorb 10% more of the fog its canopy intercepts in this region relative to other regions studied. Conversely, P. munitum had no foliar uptake capacity in the southern end of the ecosystem.• Conclusions: This study shows the first evidence that foliar uptake varies within species at the landscape scale. Our findings suggest that the P. munitum at the southern tip of the redwood ecosystem may suffer most from low summertime water availability because it had no potential to acquire fog as an aboveground water subsidy.
IL-17 Is Necessary for Host Protection against Acute-Phase Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Miyazaki Yoshiyuki , Hamano Shinjiro , Wang Seng , Shimanoe Yohei , Iwakura Yoichiro , Yoshida Hiroki 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
IL-17A is a key cytokine that induces inflammatory responses through the organized production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and GM-CSF, and induces neutrophil migration. The roles of IL-17A in infection of intracellular protozoan parasites have not been elucidated, although augmented immune responses by IL-17A are important for the resolution of some bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, we experimentally infected IL-17A–deficient (IL-17A−/−) mice with Trypanosoma cruzi. IL-17A−/− mice had a lower survival rate and prolonged worse parasitemia compared with control C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice postinfection. In the infected IL-17A−/− mice, multiple organ failure was observed compared with WT mice, as reflected by the marked increase in serologic markers of tissue injury, such as aspartate aminotransferase, which resulted in increased mortality of IL-17A−/− mice. Expression of cytokines, such as IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α, was lower in liver-infiltrating cells from the IL-17A−/− mice compared with WT mice. A similar defect was observed in the expression of neutrophil enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase and lipoxygenase, whereas cellular infiltration into the infected tissues was not affected by IL-17A deficiency. These results suggested that the efficient activation of immune-related cells critical for the killing of T. cruzi was impaired in the absence of IL-17A, resulting in the greater susceptibility of those mice to T. cruzi infection. From these results, we conclude that IL-17A is important for the resolution of T. cruzi infection.
T Cell Epitope Specificity and Pathogenesis of Mouse Hepatitis Virus-1–Induced Disease in Susceptible and Resistant Hosts
Authors: Khanolkar Aaruni , Fulton Ross B. , Epping Lecia L. , Pham Nhat-Long , Tifrea Dilea , Varga Steven M. , Harty John T. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Intranasal mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1) infection of susceptible mouse strains mimics some important pathologic features observed in the lungs of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus–infected humans. The pathogenesis of SARS remains poorly understood, although increasing evidence suggests that immunopathology could play an important role. We previously reported that the adaptive immune response plays an important protective role in MHV-1–infected resistant B6 mice and that both CD4 and CD8 T cells play a significant role in the development of morbidity and lung pathology following intranasal MHV-1 infection of susceptible C3H/HeJ and A/J mice. In this study, we have identified novel CD4 and CD8 epitopes in MHV-1–infected susceptible and resistant strains of mice. Susceptible C3H/HeJ mice mount robust and broad MHV-1–specific CD4 T cell responses, whereas in resistant B6 mice, Ag-specific CD8 T cell responses dominate. We also show that previously immunized susceptible C3H/HeJ mice do not develop any morbidity and are completely protected following a lethal-dose MHV-1 challenge despite mounting only a modest secondary T cell response. Finally, we demonstrate that the resistance displayed by B6 mice is not solely accounted for by the elaboration of a broad and vigorous MHV-1–specific CD8 T cell response, as MHV-1 infection of C3.SW-H2b/SnJ mice, which mount an equally robust CD8 T cell response of the same specificity, is still associated with significant morbidity. Thus, identification of novel CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes for MHV-1 permitted high-resolution analyses of pulmonary T cell responses in a mouse model of SARS.
Posttranscriptional Silencing of VβDJβCβ Genes Contributes to TCRβ Allelic Exclusion in Mammalian Lymphocytes
Authors: Steinel Natalie C. , Brady Brenna L. , Carpenter Andrea C. , Yang-Iott Katherine S. , Bassing Craig H. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Feedback inhibition of V(D)J recombination enforces Ag receptor allelic exclusion in mammalian lymphocytes. Yet, in-frame VβDJβ exons can assemble on both alleles in human and mouse αβ T lineage cells. To elucidate mechanisms that enforce TCRβ allelic exclusion in such cells, we analyzed Vβ expression and rearrangement in mice containing a functional Vβ14DJβ1.5Cβ1 gene (Vβ14NT) and/or Vβ8.2DJβ1.1Cβ1 transgene (Vβ8Tg). The majority of Vβ14NT and Vβ8Tg αβ T lineage cells expressed only Vβ14+ or Vβ8+ TCRβ-chains, respectively, and lacked Vβ rearrangements on wild-type TCRβ loci. However, endogenous Vβ rearrangements and αβ T lineage cells expressing endogenous Vβs from wild-type alleles alone or with the prerearranged Vβ in cell surface TCRβ-chains were observed in Vβ14NT and Vβ8Tg mice. Although nearly all Vβ8Tg:Vβ14NT thymocytes and splenic αβ T cells expressed Vβ8+ TCRβ-chains, only half of these lymphocytes expressed Vβ14+ TCRβ-chains, even though similar steady-state levels of Vβ14NT mRNA were expressed in Vβ8+Vβ14+ and Vβ8+Vβ14− populations. Our data demonstrated that posttranscriptional silencing of functionally assembled endogenous VβDJβCβ genes can enforce TCRβ allelic exclusion and reveal another mechanism that contributes to the development of lymphocytes with monospecific Ag receptors.
Regulation of Th2 Responses and Allergic Inflammation through Bystander Activation of CD8+ T Lymphocytes in Early Life
Authors: Dubois Aurore , Deruytter Nathalie , Adams Brigitte , Kanda Akira , Delbauve Sandrine , Fleury Sebastien , Torres David , François Angélique , Pétein Michel , Goldman Michel , Dombrowicz David , Flamand Véronique 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Th2-biased immune responses characterizing neonates may influence the later onset of allergic disease. The contribution of regulatory T cell populations in the prevention of Th2-driven pathologies in early life is poorly documented. We investigated the potential of CD8+ T cells stimulated at birth with alloantigens to modulate the development of allergic airway inflammation. Newborn mice were immunized with semiallogeneic splenocytes or dendritic cells (DCs) and exposed at the adult stage to OVA aeroallergens. DC-immunized animals displayed a strong Th1 and Tc1/Tc2 alloantigen-specific response and were protected against the development of the allergic reaction with reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus production, eosinophilia, allergen-specific IgE and IgG1, and reduction of lung IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 mRNA levels. By contrast, splenocyte-immunized mice displayed a Th2 and a weak Tc2 alloantigen-specific response and were more sensitive to the development of the allergen-specific inflammation compared with mice unexposed at birth to alloantigens. DC-immunized animals displayed an important increase in the percentage of IFN-γ–producing CD8+CD44high, CD8+CD62Lhigh, and CD8+CD25+ subsets. Adoptive transfers of CD8+ T cells from semiallogeneic DC-immunized animals to adult β2m-deficient animals prevented the development of allergic response, in particular IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 mRNA production in an IFN-γ–dependent manner, whereas transfers of CD8+ T cells from semiallogeneic splenocyte-immunized mice intensified the lung IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA level and the allergen-specific IgE. These findings demonstrated that neonatal induction of regulatory CD8+ T cells was able to modulate key parameters of later allergic sensitization in a bystander manner, without recognition of MHC class I molecules.
IFN-γ Inhibits IL-4–Induced Type 2 Cytokine Expression by CD8 T Cells In Vivo and Modulates the Anti-Tumor Response
Authors: Apte Simon H. , Groves Penny , Olver Stuart , Baz Adriana , Doolan Denise L. , Kelso Anne , Kienzle Norbert 
Published: June 2010

AbstractActivation of naive CD8 T cells in vitro in the presence of IL-4 induces type 2 cytokine expression, loss of CD8 expression, and reduced cytolytic potential. This represents a major shift from the canonical phenotype of effector CD8 T cells. It has not been established, however, whether IL-4 can induce comprehensive type 2 cytokine expression by CD8 T cells in vivo, nor whether the effects of IL-4 on type 2 cytokine production by CD8 T cells can be inhibited by IFN-γ. Furthermore, disparate results have been reported regarding the anti-tumor ability of type 2 polarized effector CD8 T cells, and the effects of IFN-γ in this respect remain unknown. To address these questions, wild-type or IFN-γ–deficient OVA-specific CD8+ T cells were activated in RAG-2−/− γc−/− recipients with control or IL-4–expressing OVA+ tumor cells, and then transferred to secondary recipients for tumor challenge. Tumor-derived IL-4 induced the expression of type 2 cytokines and the transcription factor GATA-3 by responding CD8 T cells while reducing their CD8 coreceptor expression and ability to eliminate a secondary tumor challenge. Each of these effects of IL-4 was exaggerated in IFN-γ–deficient, compared with wild-type, CD8 T cells. The results demonstrate that endogenous IFN-γ counteracts the induction of type 2 cytokines and the downregulation of both CD8 coreceptor levels and the anti-tumor response in CD8 T cells exposed to IL-4 during activation in vivo. These findings may explain the anomalies in the reported functional phenotype of type 2 polarized CD8 T cells.
Understanding Latent Tuberculosis: A Moving Target
Authors: Lin Philana Ling , Flynn JoAnne L. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains a threat to the health of people worldwide. Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis can result in active TB or, more commonly, latent infection. Latently infected persons, of which there are estimated to be ~2 billion in the world, represent an enormous reservoir of potential reactivation TB, which can spread to other people. The immunology of TB is complex and multifaceted. Identifying the immune mechanisms that lead to control of initial infection and prevent reactivation of latent infection is crucial to combating this disease.