bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiosensitization effect of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibition in cells exposed to low and high liner energy transfer radiation
Authors: Hirai Takahisa , Shirai Hidenori , Fujimori Hiroaki , Okayasu Ryuichi , Sasai Keisuke , Masutani Mitsuko 
Published: March 2012

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1 promotes base excision repair and DNA strand break repair. Inhibitors of PARP enhance the cytotoxic effects of γ‐irradiation and X‐irradiation. We investigated the impact of PARP inhibition on the responses to γ‐irradiation (low liner energy transfer [LET] radiation) and carbon‐ion irradiation (high LET radiation) in the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIA PaCa‐2. Cell survival was assessed by colony formation assay after combination treatment with the PARP inhibitor AZD2281 and single fraction γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation (13 and 70 keV/μm [LET 13 and LET 70]). The DNA damage response (DDR) was assessed by pulse field gel electrophoresis, western blotting and flow cytometry. Treatment with a PARP inhibitor enhanced the cytotoxic effect of γ‐irradiation and LET 13 and LET 70 carbon‐ion irradiation. Moreover, the radiosensitization effect was greater for LET 70 than for LET 13 irradiation. Prolonged and increased levels of γ‐H2AX were observed both after γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation in the presence of the PARP inhibitor. Enhanced level of phosphorylated‐p53 (Ser‐15) was observed after γ‐irradiation but not after carbon‐ion irradiation. PARP inhibitor treatment induced S phase arrest and enhanced subsequent G2/M arrest both after γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation. These results suggest that the induction of S phase arrest through an enhanced DDR and a local delay in DNA double strand break processing by PARP inhibition caused sensitization to γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation. Taken together, PARP inhibitors might be applicable to a wide therapeutic range of LET radiation through their effects on the DDR. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1045–1050)
The phenotype and course of inflammatory bowel disease in UK patients of Bangladeshi descent
Authors: Goodhand J. R. , Kamperidis N. , Joshi N. M. , Wahed M. , Koodun Y. , Cantor E. J. , Croft N. M. , Langmead F. L. , Lindsay J. O. , Rampton D. S. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundWe have tested the hypotheses that compared with local white Caucasians, UK‐resident patients of Bangladeshi descent develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at a younger age; more often have Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis (UC); and have a more aggressive disease course.AimTo test the hypotheses that compared to white Caucasian patients of English, Scottish or Welsh descent, patients of Bangladeshi descent develop IBD at a younger age; more often have Crohn's disease; and have a more aggressive disease course by screening case‐records of these patients.MethodsWe screened the case‐records of 132 Bangladeshi and 623 white Caucasian consecutive out‐patients. We then matched each Bangladeshi to a patient of white Caucasian descent for age at diagnosis and disease duration. Data on migration status, phenotype, disease course, treatments and extra‐intestinal manifestations and complications were obtained.ResultsNo differences were seen in the adjusted age at diagnosis of IBD between Bangladeshi and white Caucasian patients. More Bangladeshis than white Caucasian patients (P < 0.01) were diagnosed with Crohn's disease than UC. Crohn's phenotype at diagnosis was similar in both groups. However, multivariate Cox logistic regression analyses showed that Bangladeshis developed perianal complications (HR [95% confidence interval CI] 8.6 [1.4, 53.1], P = 0.02), and received anti‐TNFs (HR [95% CI] 3.0 [1.2, 7.7], P = 0.02) earlier and underwent surgery later (HR [95% CI] 0.4 [0.2, 0.9], P = 0.03) than white Caucasians. More Bangladeshis with UC had extensive disease (24/40 [60%]) than white Caucasians (16/49 [33%], P = 0.02). Overall, more Bangladeshis were anaemic and vitamin D deficient.ConclusionsBangladeshi patients with IBD more frequently have Crohn's than UC. Bangladeshis with Crohn's more frequently develop perianal disease, have earlier medication escalation and undergo surgery later than white Caucasians. Bangladeshis have more extensive UC than white Caucasians. The relative contributions of genotype and environmental factors, including vitamin D, to these phenotypic differences require additional study.
Neotropical C3/C4 grass distributions – present, past and future
Authors: Bremond Laurent , Boom Arnoud , Favier Charly 
Published: March 2012

AbstractChanges in C4 grass distribution and abundance are frequently observed in Quaternary, Holocene and future environmental‐change scenarios. However, the factors driving these dynamics are not fully understood, and conflicting theories have been reported. In this paper, we present a very large dataset of modern altitudinal distribution profiles of C3 and C4 grasses covering the entire Neotropical Andes, which was compared with actual climate data. The results of multivariate analysis demonstrate that, in the Neotropical Andes, mean annual temperature is the main factor governing the modern altitudinal distribution of C3 and C4 grass species. The C3 and C4 grass distributions were compared with simulations based on the Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ‐DGVM), which allowed the present grass distribution to be estimated. Finally, the DGVM was employed to simulate past and future scenarios, using the IPCC's climate projections for 2100 and PMIP2 models for the Holocene Optimum (HO, 6000 years bp) and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 000 years bp). The results were found to be significantly different from those obtained using a simple photosynthetic model. According to LPJ forced with the PMIP2 models for the LGM, during the LGM, the C4 grasses would not have reached higher altitudes than found in the present day.
Evaluating drivers of vulnerability to climate change: a guide for insect conservation strategies
Authors: Arribas Paula , Abellán Pedro , Velasco Josefa , Bilton David T. , Millán Andrés , Sánchez‐Fernández David 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOngoing global climate change presents serious challenges in conservation biology, forcing us to revisit previous tools and principles based on how species may respond to novel climatic conditions. There is currently a major gap between predictions of species vulnerability and management strategies, despite the fact that linking these areas is fundamental for future biodiversity conservation. Herein, we evaluate what drives vulnerability to climate change in three Iberian endemic water beetles, representing three independent colonizations of the same habitat, employing comparative thermal physiology, species distribution models and estimations of species dispersal capacity. We derive conservation strategies for each species based on their differential capacity to persist and/or potential to shift their ranges in response to global warming. We demonstrate that species may be affected by climatic warming in very different ways, despite having broadly similar ecological and biogeographical traits. The proposed framework provides an effective complement to traditional species vulnerability assessments, and could aid the development of more effective conservation strategies in the face of global warming.
Utility of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1β as a diagnostic marker in ovarian carcinomas with clear cells
Authors: Kao Yu‐Chien , Lin Ming‐Chieh , Lin Wei‐Chou , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Mao Tsui‐Lien 
Published: March 2012

Kao Y‐C, Lin M‐C, Lin W‐C, Jeng Y‐M & Mao T‐L  (2012) Histopathology 61, 760–768Utility of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1β as a diagnostic marker in ovarian carcinomas with clear cellsAims:  Overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1β (HNF‐1β) has been found in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) but not in other types of ovarian carcinoma. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the overexpression of HNF‐1β is specific for OCCC, and does not occur in ovarian carcinoma with clear cell change.Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry was performed on 178 ovarian carcinomas with clear cells (80 OCCCs, 60 high‐grade serous, 25 endometrioid, and 13 mixed endometrioid and clear cell), 22 ovarian high‐grade serous carcinomas without clear cells, 41 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and 20 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with clear cytoplasm. Results were evaluated using an H‐score (percentage × intensity). Most OCCCs were diffusely and strongly positive (mean H‐score 15.1). High‐grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma with clear cells were usually negative or focally and weakly positive (mean H‐scores 1.5 and 1.7, respectively). High‐grade serous carcinoma without clear cells had a mean H‐score of 0.77. The mean H‐scores of the endometrioid and clear cell components in mixed endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma were 6.2 and 15.7, respectively. HNF‐1β was expressed in 95.1% of RCCs and in 30% of HCCs.Conclusions:  The diagnosis of ovarian carcinomas with clear cells can be made with greater accuracy by using the intensity and extent of immunoreactivity for HNF‐1β.
Landscape simplification and altitude affect biodiversity, herbivory and Andean potato yield
Authors: Poveda Katja , Martínez Eliana , Kersch‐Becker Monica F. , Bonilla Maria A. , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. The simplification of agricultural landscapes through the increase in cropped area has caused the loss of habitats for many species that fulfil important ecosystem services such as pest control and production. Evidence for detrimental effects on ecosystem services is scarce, particularly in tropical regions.2. We studied the effect of the percentage of cropped land in the landscape and altitude in tropical agro‐ecosystems in relation to crop pest regulation and yield. In the Colombian Andes, we established potato Solanum tuberosum plots along gradients of altitude and increasing proportion of cropped area to assess the effects on herbivores, their natural enemies, potato production and overall biodiversity.3. Increasing altitude and percentage cropped land reduced the richness and abundance of herbivores and their natural enemies, except for the specialist Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora, which showed the opposite response.4. Potato yield was negatively affected by the presence of the Guatemalan potato moth, which increased in density as the percentage of cropped land and altitude increased. Other herbivores and natural enemies did not affect yield.5. Synthesis and applications. Tropical landscapes at lower altitude or with smaller areas of cropped land suffered less from the presence of the potato moth, which had a negative effect on yield. Our results suggest that conservation of natural habitats like the endangered Andean ecosystems would benefit farmers through ecosystem services such as reduced pest damage, higher yield and increased functional biodiversity.
Good morning creativity: task reactivation during sleep enhances beneficial effect of sleep on creative performance
Authors: RITTER SIMONE M. , STRICK MADELIJN , BOS MAARTEN W. , VAN BAAREN RICK B. , DIJKSTERHUIS AP 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBoth scientists and artists have suggested that sleep facilitates creativity, and this idea has received substantial empirical support. In the current study, we investigate whether one can actively enhance the beneficial effect of sleep on creativity by covertly reactivating the creativity task during sleep. Individuals’ creative performance was compared after three different conditions: sleep‐with‐conditioned‐odor; sleep‐with‐control‐odor; or sleep‐with‐no‐odor. In the evening prior to sleep, all participants were presented with a problem that required a creative solution. In the two odor conditions, a hidden scent‐diffuser spread an odor while the problem was presented. In the sleep‐with‐conditioned‐odor condition, task reactivation during sleep was induced by means of the odor that was also presented while participants were informed about the problem. In the sleep‐with‐control‐odor condition, participants were exposed to a different odor during sleep than the one diffused during problem presentation. In the no odor condition, no odor was presented. After a night of sleep with the conditioned odor, participants were found to be: (i) more creative; and (ii) better able to select their most creative idea than participants who had been exposed to a control odor or no odor while sleeping. These findings suggest that we do not have to passively wait until we are hit by our creative muse while sleeping. Task reactivation during sleep can actively trigger creativity‐related processes during sleep and thereby boost the beneficial effect of sleep on creativity.
Delivery of Echinococcus granulosus antigen EG95 to mice and sheep using recombinant vaccinia virus
Authors: DUTTON S. , FLEMING S. B. , UEDA N. , HEATH D. D. , HIBMA M. H. , MERCER A. A. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of hydatid disease and affects sheep, cattle, dogs and humans worldwide. It has a two‐stage life cycle existing as worms in the gut of infected dogs (definitive host) and as cysts in herbivores and humans (intermediate host). The disease is debilitating and can be life threatening where the cysts interfere with organ function. Interruption of the hydatid life cycle in the intermediate host by vaccination may be a way to control the disease, and a protective oncosphere antigen EG95 has been shown to protect animals against challenge with E. granulosus eggs. We explored the use of recombinant vaccinia virus as a delivery vehicle for EG95. Mice and sheep were immunized with the recombinant vector, and the result monitored at the circulating antibody level. In addition, sera from immunized mice were assayed for the ability to kill E. granulosus oncospheres in vitro. Mice immunized once intranasally developed effective oncosphere‐killing antibody by day 42 post‐infection. Antibody responses and oncosphere killing were correlated and were significantly enhanced by boosting mice with either EG95 protein or recombinant vector. Sheep antibody responses to the recombinant vector or to EG95 protein mirrored those in mice.
Granule ripples in the Kumtagh Desert, China: Morphology, grain size and influencing factors
Authors: QIAN GUANGQIANG , DONG ZHIBAO , ZHANG ZHENGCAI , LUO WANYIN , LU JUNFENG 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTGranule ripples are found mainly in four regions of the Kumtagh Desert in China; they are characterized by an asymmetrical shape, with gentle lower slopes on both sides and abrupt crests. The ripples tend to be oriented perpendicular to the prevailing winds, except when they form near obstacles such as yardangs. The wavelengths (λ) range between 0·31 m and 26 m and heights (h) range from 0·015 m to 1 m. The relationship between wavelength and height can be described by a simple linear function, and the mean ripple index (λ/h) is about 20·4 for the study sites. The sediments are poorly sorted, with negative to very negative skewness at lee and stoss slopes and between‐ripple troughs, which confirms the ‘poured in’ and ‘shadow’ appearance described by previous researchers. The bimodal or trimodal distributions of grains (with modes of −1·16φ, −0·5φ and 3·16φ) and the enrichment of coarse particles at the ripple surface (with coarse granule contents ranging between 5·2% and 62·1%) indicate that the underlying layer is the original sediment source and that the granule ripples resist erosional processes. Although the impact of saltating particles and, consequently, the creep and reptation of coarse grains are responsible for granule ripple initiation at a micro‐scale, however, the characteristics of local sediments, wind regimes and topographical obstacles, as well as the feedbacks among bedform and airflow, more strongly affect the development and alignment of granule ripples at a macro‐scale.
Repeated short‐term warming of red blood cell concentrates has minimal effect on their quality
Authors: Thomas S. , Hancock V. , Cardigan R. 
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives  Blood components must be stored under controlled temperature conditions, for reasons of component quality and safety. However, there are occasions when components may be exposed to conditions outwith the defined limits. This study aimed to generate prospective data on the effect of red cell exposure to extremes of temperature.Materials and methods  Study 1: red cell concentrates (RCC) in saline, adenine, glucose and mannitol (SAGM), made after ambient overnight hold of whole blood, were exposed to either +22°C or −2°C for up to three periods of 3 h on days 3, 8 and 15 of storage, followed by a 5 h exposure on day 29. Study 2: RCC in SAGM were exposed to 25°C for 24 or 48 h from day 2. In vitro markers of cell quality were measured during storage to 43 days, and compared with control units that had been stored at 2–6°C.Results  Multiple short‐term exposures to +22°C or −2°C did not cause any significant changes to pH, haemolysis, supernatant potassium, cellular ATP, 2,3‐DPG, or deformability, when compared to control units. Exposure of RCC to 25°C for 24 or 48 h caused a significant fall in pH, ATP, and deformability.Conclusion  Red cells may be damaged by prolonged exposure to warm temperatures, but repeated short‐term exposure to 22°C or −2°C does not appear to affect the in vitro quality of RCC. It is important to note that no bacterial growth studies were performed during this study.
Transvaginal posterior colporrhaphy combined with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for isolated Grade III rectocele: a prospective study of 27 patients
Authors: van der Hagen S. J. , van Gemert W. G. , Soeters P. B. , de Wet H. , Baeten C. G. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively transvaginal posterior colporrhaphy (TPC) combined with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) in patients with a symptomatic isolated rectocele.Method  Patients with these complaints underwent dynamic and static MRI. All consecutive patients with a Grade III (4 cm or more) rectocele and without internal/external rectal prolapse, enterocele and external sphincter damage were operated on. The patients completed the Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) score and the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS). All tests were repeated after treatment. Dynamic disorders of the pelvic floor detected by MRI were recorded.Results  In 27 patients [median age 67 (46–73) years], TPC combined with LVR was feasible. Complications were limited to port site infection in two patients. Sexual discomfort (n = 8) due to prolapse diminished in six (75%) patients and in one (4%) de novo dyspareunia developed after treatment. The median follow‐up was 12 (10–18) months. The median CCIS was 12 (10–16) before treatment and 8 (7–10) after (P < 0.0001). The median ODS score was 19 (17–23) before and 6 (3–10) after treatment (P < 0.0001). There was no change in urinary symptoms.Conclusion  TPC combined with LVR for obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence in patients with Grade III rectocele significantly relieves the symptoms of these disorders.
Melanocyte antigen‐specific antibodies cannot be used as markers for recent disease activity in patients with vitiligo
Authors: Kroon M.W. , Kemp E. Helen , Wind B.S. , Krebbers G. , Bos J.D. , Gawkrodger D.J. , Wolkerstorfer A. , van der Veen J.P. Wietze , Luiten R.M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground  Objective parameters to assess disease activity in non‐segmental vitiligo are lacking. Melanocyte antigen‐specific antibodies are frequently found in the sera of patients with vitiligo and the presence of these antibodies may correlate with disease activity.Objective  To investigate the relationship between melanocyte antigen‐specific antibodies and recent disease activity in patients with vitiligo and to evaluate the potential usefulness of this objective parameter in daily clinical practice.Methods  The prevalence of tyrosinase, melanoma antigen recognized by T‐cells‐1 (MART1), melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor‐1 (MCHR1), gp100 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibodies was evaluated in 21 patients with non‐segmental vitiligo and in 20 healthy controls.Results  In 21 patients, nine (42.8%) showed antibody responses against tyrosinase, MART1, MCHR1, gp100 or TH. No antibody responses were found in the 20 controls. No correlation was found between the presence of antibodies and recent disease activity or other clinical characteristics such as age, gender, extension and duration of vitiligo.Conclusions  In this study, 42.8% of the vitiligo patients showed an antibody response to melanocyte antigen‐specific antigens. However, the presence of antibodies against melanocytes did not correlate with recent disease activity or other relevant disease parameters, and for the moment screening for these antibodies in individual patients does not appear to be clinically relevant.
Mandibular histology and growth of the nonmammaliaform cynodont Tritylodon
Authors: Jasinoski Sandra C. , Chinsamy Anusuya 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAn investigation of bone microstructure of nonmammalian therapsids has revealed distinctive signals pertaining to their ontogenetic growth and biology. Until now, histological studies of the nonmammaliaform cynodonts have focused only on postcranial material. Through the examination of micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) scans and serial thin sections, the current study provides a novel perspective on the structure and growth of the mandible of Tritylodon, a derived herbivorous cynodont from southern Africa. By tracking histological features across the serial thin sections, trends in relocation and modelling are documented for the growing Tritylodon mandible. For example, during growth, localized changes in the cross‐sectional shape of the mandible occurred. Localized deposits of new lamellar and fibrolamellar bone on the lateral edge indicate widening of the mandible during different episodes of growth. The presence of radial channels indicates the deepening of the mandible at its anterior and posterior ends. The relocation of the paired mental foramina suggests that the mandibular body lengthened mainly in the posterior direction. The medial movement of a posterior postcanine tooth during growth and eruption is recorded in the histology. This histological assessment also documents the presence of Sharpey’s fibres in the cellular cementum of the first incisor, providing novel and unequivocal evidence that it was attached to the Tritylodon jaw by a periodontal ligament. This is the first comprehensive study that uses histological analysis to document the growth dynamics of the mandible of a nonmammalian therapsid, thus providing a unique perspective of localized mandibular growth in a fossil animal.