bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of environmental and spatial processes in structuring anuran communities across a tropical rain forest
Authors: ROJAS‐AHUMADA DIANA PATRICIA , LANDEIRO VICTOR LEMES , MENIN MARCELO 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate if anuran species distributions in riparian and non‐riparian areas are influenced by environmental factors (i.e. niche) and/or by spatial factors (i.e. dispersal). The environmental variables analysed were altitude, distance from the stream and leaf litter depth. Spatial factors were represented by the eigenvectors extracted from geographical coordinates by eigenfunction analysis. The study was conducted in 24 km2ofterra‐firmeforest in Central Amazonia, Manaus – Amazonas, Brazil. Between November 2008 and May 2009, three samples were taken from 41 plots, 21 plots being placed at non‐riparian areas and another 20 placed in riparian areas. We submitted the assemblage dataset to a partial redundancy analysis to evaluate the contributions of environmental and spatial variables (selected with a forward selection procedure). In addition, we tested if communities differ from riparian and non‐riparian areas using a db‐MANOVA. Species richness and species composition differed between riparian and non‐riparian plots. Some species were restricted to riparian areas. Altitude was the only significant variable (P = 0.005) explaining 21% of the total variance. When analysing the data from all plots using the partial redundancy analysis, 27% of the variance was explained by spatial and environmental variables. The environmental variables explained exclusively 4% of the variance in assemblage composition, and 13% was explained by environmental variables that were also structured in space (i.e. the shared fraction), while 10% was explained exclusively by spatial variables. In conclusion, our results showed differences between the assemblages of riparian and non‐riparian areas which can be explained by the distribution of anuran species along environmental gradients altitude and distance to streams, with little evidence of dispersal limitation.
Perceptions of low‐risk drinking levels among Australians during a period of change in the official drinking guidelines
Authors: LIVINGSTON MICHAEL 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. In 2009, the National Health and Medical Research Council released a revision of Australia's official low‐risk alcohol guidelines, specifying low‐risk consumption levels for both short‐ and long‐term consumption. This study aims to assess how the general population's assessment of low‐risk drinking levels compares to these guidelines and to examine whether the changes to the official guidelines corresponded with changes in perceptions of low‐risk drinking levels in the population.Design and Methods. The study uses two waves of a large, general population survey which was run in 2007 (n = 19 818) and 2010 (n = 26 648), providing before and after measures of respondents' estimates of low‐risk drinking levels.Results. In the 2010 survey, less than 5% of respondents estimated low‐risk drinking levels that matched those in the 2009 guidelines. Generally speaking, younger respondents and heavier drinkers provided higher estimates of low‐risk drinking thresholds. There was little change in estimates between 2007 and 2010, although there was some evidence that the changes to the guidelines had influenced perceptions of safe drinking.Conclusions. There is very little knowledge of the official drinking guidelines among the general Australian population. If drinking guidelines are to have any effect on levels of consumption, a more concerted effort to publicise them is necessary. [Livingston M. Perceptions of low‐risk drinking levels among Australians during a period of change in the official drinking guidelines. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:224–230]
Transfer Prices: A Financial Perspective
Authors: Usmen Nilufer 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe arguments for and against transfer pricing schemes so far have focused on profit‐seeking approaches based on tax differentials, or on evasion of government enforced goods and fund flow restrictions. This article shifts to a value‐seeking framework where transfer prices act as strategic tools that may enhance value for the multinational with a foreign affiliate by exploiting financial and/or tax arbitrage that also lead to ownership arbitrage. The results show that there is an optimal level of transfer price depending on the specific exchange rate distribution when the cost structure allows for a penalty for overcharging. Moreover, this article introduces a new form of tax arbitrage benefit of transfer prices that is based on present value of tax shields.
Local Shrinkage Rules, Lévy Processes and Regularized Regression
Authors: Polson Nicholas G. , Scott James G. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryWe use Lévy processes to generate joint prior distributions, and therefore penalty functions, for a location parameter β=(β1,…,βp) as p grows large. This generalizes the class of local–global shrinkage rules based on scale mixtures of normals, illuminates new connections between disparate methods and leads to new results for computing posterior means and modes under a wide class of priors. We extend this framework to large-scale regularized regression problems where p&gt;n, and we provide comparisons with other methodologies.
Resveratrate protects human skin from damage due to repetitive ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Wu Y. , Jia L.‐L. , Zheng Y.‐N. , Xu X.‐G. , Luo Y.‐J. , Wang B. , Chen J.Z.S. , Gao X.‐H. , Chen H.‐D. , Matsui M. , Li Y.‐H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Ultraviolet (UV) exposure results in the production reactive oxygen species. Resveratrol has attracted considerable attentions owing to its natural abundance and multiple biological effects.Objective  To investigate the protective effects of resveratrate against damage to human skin induced by repetitive solar simulator ultraviolet radiation (ssUVR).Materials and methods  Fifteen healthy volunteers were enrolled, and six sites on the non‐exposed dorsal skin of each volunteer were marked for study. Sites 1–4 were exposed to ssUVR at a dosage of 1.5 minimal erythema dose for consecutive 4 days. Immediately after each exposure, one test material (resveratrate + antioxidant, antioxidant, resveratrate, vehicle) was applied to one of the four sites. Site 5 and site 6 were marked as positive control site (UVR only) and baseline control site (no treatment, no UVR). L*a*b values were assessed preprocedure and postprocedure. Skin biopsies were taken 24 h after the last irradiation. The specimens were stained to determine the number of sunburn cells and melanin content melanin.Results  On resveratrate treated sites, erythema was barely seen with only slight decrease of L value and insignificant increase of *a value. Furthermore, resveratrate significantly inhibited sunburn cell formation, and decreased Fontana‐Masson staining in skin samples.Conclusions  Resveratrate exerts protective effects against repetitive ssUVR‐induced sunburn and suntan.
Correlation of antibodies against desmogleins 1 and 3 with indirect immunofluorescence and disease status in a Greek population with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Avgerinou G. , Papafragkaki D.‐K. , Nasiopoulou A. , Markantoni V. , Arapaki A. , Servitzoglou M. , Katsambas A. , Stavropoulos P.G. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  The use of ELISA testing of antibodies to desmogleins 1 and 3 (anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) has been strongly supported for the serologic diagnosis of pemphigus. The purpose of this study was to correlate anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 with IIF values, disease localization, treatment and clinical course in Greek patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV).Methods  A total of 54 patients with PV had ELISA serum testing for the presence and titers of anti‐Dsg1, anti‐Dsg3 and IIF. Anti‐Dsg1, anti‐Dsg3 and IIF were correlated with treatment and disease localization. For 40 patients, titers of anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 were assessed in relation to treatment and clinical course after 12 months.Results  Anti‐Dsg3 and anti‐Dsg1 positivity in patients with negative IIF was 70.6% and 58.8%, respectively. Anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 were positive in 89.3% and 100% of patients with mucocutaneous disease, respectively, 88.9% and 66.7% of patients with skin limited disease, respectively and 52.9% and 76.5% of patients with mucosal limited disease, respectively. Both antibody titers showed significant correlation with IIF and treatment status. Improvement of clinical status was associated with significant decrease of both anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 after 12 months.Conclusions  Serum testing of anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 in PV patients not only provides significant correlations with IIF, treatment and disease type, but may serve as a monitoring tool for clinical course and treatment guidance.
Cathepsin K expression in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ishida M. , Kojima F. , Okabe H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease with strong collagenolytic and elastolytic properties. Recently, cathepsin K expression in tumour cells of malignant melanoma and in the stromal cells of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin has been reported to play an important role in tumour progression. However, its expression profile in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not yet been clarified.Objective  The aim of this study is to examine the expression profile of cathepsin K in both the tumour cells and the peritumoural stromal cells of BCC in comparison with its expression in normal skin.Methods  Fifty consecutive operative cases of BCC, 10 cases of actinic keratosis, 10 cases of Bowen’s disease and five normal skin tissues were assessed for cathepsin K expression by immunohistochemical methods.Results  In normal skin, cathepsin K expression was observed in the stratum corneum, mature sebaceous cells and outer root sheath of the hair follicles. Cathepsin K was expressed in the tumour cells of all BCC cases, in which 90% showed diffuse expression (>51% of tumour cells), as well as in the peritumoural stromal cells in all BCC cases. Focal cathepsin K expression was observed in the tumour cells of Bowen’s disease (2/10 cases), but not in any of actinic keratosis (0/10 cases).Conclusion  Cathepsin K expression may contribute to tumour invasion and peculiar histopathological features, such as fibromucinous stroma around the tumour nests by mediating extracellular matrix degradation in BCC.
Lifelong rapamycin administration ameliorates age‐dependent cognitive deficits by reducing IL‐1β and enhancing NMDA signaling
Authors: Majumder Smita , Caccamo Antonella , Medina David X. , Benavides Adriana D. , Javors Martin A. , Kraig Ellen , Strong Randy , Richardson Arlan , Oddo Salvatore 
Published: December 2011

SummaryUnderstanding the factors that contribute to age‐related cognitive decline is imperative, particularly as age is the major risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders. Levels of several cytokines increase in the brain during aging, including IL‐1β, whose levels positively correlate with cognitive deficits. Previous reports show that reducing the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) extends lifespan in yeast, nematodes, Drosophila, and mice. It remains to be established, however, whether extending lifespan with rapamycin is accompanied by an improvement in cognitive function. In this study, we show that 18‐month‐old mice treated with rapamycin starting at 2 months of age perform significantly better on a task measuring spatial learning and memory compared to age‐matched mice on the control diet. In contrast, rapamycin does not improve cognition when given to 15‐month‐old mice with pre‐existing, age‐dependent learning and memory deficits. We further show that the rapamycin‐mediated improvement in learning and memory is associated with a decrease in IL‐1β levels and an increase in NMDA signaling. This is the first evidence to show that a small molecule known to increase lifespan also ameliorates age‐dependent learning and memory deficits.
3‐Iodothyronamine: a modulator of the hypothalamus‐pancreas‐thyroid axes in mice
Authors: Manni Maria Elena , De Siena Gaetano , Saba Alessandro , Marchini Maja , Dicembrini Ilaria , Bigagli Elisabetta , Cinci Lorenzo , Lodovici Maura , Chiellini Grazia , Zucchi Riccardo , Raimondi Laura 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Preclinical pharmacology of 3‐iodothyronamine (T1AM), an endogenous derivative of thyroid hormones, indicates that it is a rapid modulator of rodent metabolism and behaviour. Since T1AM undergoes rapid enzymatic degradation, particularly by MAO, we hypothesized that the effects of T1AM might be altered by inhibition of MAO.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the effects of injecting T1AM (i.c.v.) on (i) feeding behaviour, hyperglycaemia and plasma levels of thyroid hormones and (ii) T1AM systemic bioavailability, in overnight fasted mice, under control conditions and after pretreatment with the MAO inhibitor clorgyline. T1AM (1.3, 6.6, 13, 20 and 26 µg·kg−1) or vehicle were injected i.c.v. in fasted male mice not pretreated or pretreated i.p. with clorgyline (2.5 mg·kg−1). Glycaemia was measured by a glucorefractometer, plasma triiodothyronine (fT3) by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay, c‐fos activation immunohistochemically and plasma T1AM by HPLC coupled to tandem‐MS.KEY RESULTS T1AM, 1.3 µg·kg−1, produced a hypophagic effect (−24% vs. control) and reduced c‐fos activation. This dose showed systemic bioavailability (0.12% of injected dose), raised plasma glucose levels and reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity (−33% vs. control) and plasma fT3 levels. These effects were not linearly related to the dose injected. Clorgyline pretreatment strongly increased the systemic bioavailability of T1AM and prevented the hyperglycaemia and reduction in fT3 induced by T1AM.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS T1AM induces central and peripheral effects including hyperglycaemia and a reduction in plasma fT3 levels in fasted mice. These effects critically depend on the concentration of T1AM or its metabolites in target organs.
Efficacy of uterine artery embolisation for treatment of symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis – An interim report on an Australian experience
Authors: Liang Eisen , Brown Bevan , Kirsop Rodney , Stewart Paul , Stuart Andrew 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundUterine artery embolisation (UAE) has been widely described internationally, however there is a paucity of data reported from Australia.AimTo conduct a local audit on the efficacy and safety of UAE treating symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis.MethodsClinical data of 76 consecutive UAEs were reviewed. Degree of fibroid‐related symptoms before embolisation and at follow‐up visits were compared. Procedural and subsequent complications were recorded. Uterine and fibroid volumes were measured on MRI at baseline and six months post‐UAE.ResultsSeventy‐six UAEs were performed in 75 women. Fifty‐nine women had follow‐up duration of more than six months, and one woman was lost to follow‐up. Clinical success was 93% overall (n = 59) and 96% for menorrhagia (n = 49). For dysmenorrhoea (n = 36), 89% of women had at least some improvement, 75% had significant improvement and 56% had resolution of pain. For urinary symptoms (n = 32), 97% of women had at least some improvement and 50% had resolution of all urinary symptoms. Adenomyosis was found in 17 (29%) women treated. The primary success rate was 96%, and secondary success rate (after repeat UAE) was 100%. MRI showed 50% uterine volume reduction and 60% dominant fibroid volume reduction. There were no significant procedural‐related acute complications. There were three possible cases of endometritis, two managed conservatively and one required hysterectomy.ConclusionsThis audit, based on local Australian experience, has confirmed that UAE is a safe and highly effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids and/or adenomyosis.
Ethnic Minorities and Integration Process in France and the Netherlands: An Institutionalist Perspective
Authors: EL KAROUNI ILYESS 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis article examines the ethnic minorities integration policies as implemented in France and the Netherlands. This study will be based on an institutionalist approach relying on North's analytical framework in order to explain the recent changes in these policies. I emphasize the existence of four patterns of social integration: reciprocity, redistribution, exchange, and coercion. I will also be insisting on the importance of ideology and the way it has evolved over time. This theoretical framework is then used to “tell the story” of the two countries. While France's historical and ideological backgrounds have forced it to adopt a universalist view and fight against communautarisme, the Dutch position was quite different as it does not deny the ethnic minorities cultural and religious freedom. Nevertheless, there is a hardening of the dominant ideology taking place in France. As to the Netherlands, there is a noticeable shift in the government's attitude toward ethnic minorities.
Homocysteine Impairs Endothelial Wound Healing by Activating Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5
Authors: CHEN CHENG‐HUNG , BEARD RICHARD S. , BEARDEN SHAWN E. 
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as:Chen C‐H, Beard RS, Bearden SE. Homocysteine impairs endothelial wound healing by activating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5.Microcirculation19: 285–295, 2012.AbstractObjective: Hcy is an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of mGluR5 in Hcy‐mediated impairment of cerebral endothelial wound repair.Methods: Mouse CMVECs (bEnd.3) were used in conjunction with directed pharmacology and shRNA. AutoDock was used to simulate the docking of ligand–receptor interactions.Results: Hcy (20 μM) significantly increased Cx43‐pS368 by mGluR5‐ and PKC‐dependent mechanisms. Hcy attenuated wound repair by an mGluR5‐dependent mechanism over the six‐day study period but did not alter cell proliferation in a proliferation assay, suggesting that the attenuation of wound repair may be due to dysfunctional migration in HHcy. Hcy increased the expression of Cx43 and Cx43‐pS368 at the wound edge by activating mGluR5. Direct activation of mGluR5, using the specific agonist CHPG, was sufficient to reproduce the results whereas KO of mGluR5 with shRNA, or inhibition with MPEP, blocked the response to Hcy.Conclusions: Inhibition of mGluR5 activation could be a novel strategy for promoting endothelial wound repair in patients with HHcy. Activation of mGluR5 may be a viable strategy for disrupting angiogenesis.
Is a Standardized Questionnaire Useful for Tubal Rupture Screening in Patients With Ectopic Pregnancy?
Authors: Huchon Cyrille , Panel Pierre , Kayem Gilles , Bassot Agnès , Nguyen Thuy , Falissard Bruno , Fauconnier Arnaud 
Published: January 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:24–30 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  Physical examination, ultrasonography, and laboratory tests fail to reliably establish the preoperative diagnosis of tubal rupture in patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP), leading to a high rate of diagnostic laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to construct and to evaluate a clinical prediction rule for tubal rupture screening based on a self‐assessment questionnaire, among patients with EP.Methods:  A standardized questionnaire was constructed via semistructured interviews of patients with acute pelvic pain. Features associated with tubal rupture were then identified in 141 prospectively included patients with tubal pregnancy, including 30 with tubal rupture, in five hospitals. Multiple logistic regression was used to select the best combination of independent features for predicting tubal rupture. Cross‐validation was with the jackknife method. The main outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy of the questionnaire for ruling out tubal rupture.Results:  Eighty‐nine items characterizing acute pelvic pain were identified. Among them, four contributed independently to the diagnosis of tubal rupture: vomiting during pain, diffuse abdominal pain, acute pain for longer than 30 minutes, and flashing pain. The presence of one or more of these features had 93% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84% to 100%) and 44% specificity (95% CI = 35% to 53%) for tubal rupture, with a negative likelihood ratio for ruling out tubal rupture of 0.16.Conclusions:  These results suggest that a standardized questionnaire may contribute to ruling out tubal rupture in patients with EP.
The histological evaluation of osseointegration of surface enhanced microimplants immediately loaded in conjunction with sinuslifting in humans
Authors: Browaeys Hilde , Vandeweghe Stefan , Johansson Carina B. , Jimbo Ryo , Deschepper Ellen , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe aim was to investigate histomorphometrically whether or not implant surface nanotopography improves the bone response under immediate loading simultaneous to sinus grafting.Materials and methodsDual acid‐etched titanium microimplants with/without crystalline surface deposition of calcium phosphate particles were placed in bilateral sinuslift areas grafted with a mixture of iliac crest bone and BioOss. Surface topography of microimplants was characterized using interferometry. Loaded microimplants (MsL) were immobilized in a provisional bridge supported by four normal size implants. Some patients had unloaded microimplants as controls (MsU). Biopsies were trephined after 2 or 4 months and histomorphometric analysis of bone area (BA) and bone‐to‐implant contact (BC) was performed. Nonparametric methods for dependent data were used to compare effect of surface modification, and healing time (2 vs. 4 months).ResultsA total of 53 biopsies were available from 13 patients. A total of 4/28 and 1/11 MsL failed after resp. 2 and 4 months vs. 0/6 and 1/5 MsU. Many loaded biopsies were damaged at the apical portion and showed no bone adhesion. MsL decreased in BA from coronal to apical from 2 to 4 months; Coronal > Middle (P = 0.047), Coronal > Apical (P < 0.001) and Middle > Apical (P < 0.001). This gradual decrease was not observed for BC; Coronal < Middle and Middle > Apical (P < 0.001). Only the middle part showed significant bone contact after 2 months. For MsL there was no statistically significant difference between surface or time indicating that improvement of osseointegration over time due to maturation of the graft was poor. The MsU did not show any difference between Osseotite and Nanotite for BIC and BA (P > 0.05) but doubled both their BA and BIC (P < 0.05) between 2 and 4 months.ConclusionsOsseointegration in sinus‐grafted bone mixed with BioOss was poor irrespective of healing time or nanotopographical surface modification. The apex of MsL showed minimal bone contact suggesting that the graft does not add to the loading capacity. Surface enhancement was not beneficial despite the enlarged surface area. Overloading, most critical coronally of an implant, increases risks for implant failure and jeopardizes bone healing especially under immediate loading conditions with high load.