bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative community states maintained by fire in the Klamath Mountains, USA
Authors: Odion Dennis C. , Moritz Max A. , DellaSala Dominick A. 
Published: November 2009

Summary1. The earliest examples of alternative community states in the literature appear to be descriptions of natural vegetation said to both depend on and promote fire. Nonetheless, alternative community states determined by fire have rarely been documented at landscape scales and in natural vegetation. This is because spatial autocorrelation may confound analyses, experimental manipulations are difficult and a long‐term perspective is needed to demonstrate that alternative community states can persist for multiple generations.2. We hypothesized that alternative community states occur in a largely forested landscape in the Klamath Mountains, north‐western California, USA, where shrub‐dominated sclerophyllous vegetation establishes after fire that is lethal to forests. Forests redevelop if succession is not arrested by fire. Our hypothesis would require that sclerophyll and forest vegetation states each be maintained by different self‐reinforcing relationships with fire.3. To test this hypothesis, we examined pyrogenicity of forest and sclerophyll vegetation as a function of time since the previous fire, accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Fire exclusion served as ade factoexperimental treatment. Areas where fire had proceeded to occur served as controls.4. Our findings are consistent with the occurrence of alternative community states established and maintained by different self‐reinforcing feedbacks with fire. Sclerophyll vegetation was more pyrogenic, especially where time‐since‐fire (TSF) was relatively short, a favourable relationship for this fire‐dependent vegetation. Forests were much less pyrogenic, especially where TSF was long, favouring their maintenance. Fire exclusion therefore has led to afforestation and rapid retreat of fire‐dependent vegetation.5. Synthesis: We have documented how different self‐reinforcing combustion properties of forest and sclerophyll vegetation can naturally produce alternative states coexisting side‐by‐side in the same environment. Such fire‐mediated alternative states may be underappreciated, in part, because they are difficult to demonstrate definitively. In addition, the dynamics they exhibit contrast with common perceptions that fire hazard increases deterministically with TSF in forests and shrublands. Addressing the impacts of fire exclusion will probably require a management shift to better allow fire to perform its ecological role in shaping landscape diversity and maintaining fire‐dependent biota.
Making an informed choice in the catering environment: what do consumers want to know?
Authors: Mackison D. , Wrieden W. L. , Anderson A. S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Eating outside the home is common in the UK, but it remains difficult for consumers to make informed choices based on menu information. The present study examines the reported preferences for the provision of nutrition (salt, fat and energy) and ingredient information in six types of UK catering outlets.Methods:  Participants completed a short postal survey, assessing their frequency of dining at specific catering establishments as well as their desire to see nutrition and ingredient information.Results:  The responses from 786 adults aged ≥18 years (of whom 65% claimed to be ‘motivated to eat a healthy diet’) indicated that over 40% reported eating at a catering outlet at least once a week. Over half said that they would wish to see information on ingredients and the salt content of menu items at all venues. Preference for information on energy and fat content was less popular and varied in the range 42–56% for energy and 47–59% for fat. It is notable that 43% of respondents said they would welcome information on energy content of menu items in restaurants.Conclusion:  A significant proportion of consumers wish to see information on the ingredients and nutrition composition on menu items for sale in UK catering outlets. Such information is likely to raise an awareness and understanding of healthy food choices and assist the population in making informed choices about healthy eating.
Applying the quarter‐hour rule: can people with insomnia accurately estimate 15‐min periods during the sleep‐onset phase?
Authors: HARROW LISA , ESPIE COLIN 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe ‘quarter‐hour rule’ (QHR) instructs the person with insomnia to get out of bed after 15 min of wakefulness and return to bed only when sleep feels imminent. Recent research has identified that sleep can be significantly improved using this simple intervention (Malaffo and Espie, Sleep, 27(s), 2004, 280; Sleep, 29 (s), 2006, 257), but successful implementation depends on estimating time without clock monitoring, and the insomnia literature indicates poor time perception is a maintaining factor in primary insomnia (Harvey, Behav. Res. Ther., 40, 2002, 869). This study expands upon previous research with the aim of identifying whether people with insomnia can accurately perceive a 15‐min interval during the sleep‐onset period, and therefore successfully implements the QHR. A mixed models anova design was applied with between‐participants factor of group (insomnia versus good sleepers) and within‐participants factor of context (night versus day). Results indicated no differences between groups and contexts on time estimation tasks. This was despite an increase in arousal in the night context for both groups, and tentative support for the impact of arousal in inducing underestimations of time. These results provide promising support for the successful application of the QHR in people with insomnia. The results are discussed in terms of whether the design employed successfully accessed the processes that are involved in distorting time perception in insomnia. Suggestions for future research are provided and limitations of the current study discussed.
Priming affects poor sleepers but not normal sleepers on an Insomnia Ambiguity Task
Authors: ELLIS JASON , GARDANI MARIA , HOGH HENRIETTE 
Published: November 2009

SummaryWith increasing importance being placed on the role of cognitive biases as a maintaining factor in insomnia, the influence of order effects on interpretative responses should be examined and subsequently accounted for. The aim of the present study was to examine whether asking participants about their sleep experiences, prior to testing for a perceptual bias, affects responses on a sleep‐related ambiguity task. One hundred and seventeen undergraduate students, blind to the aims of the experiment, were issued either the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes to Sleep scale (DBAS‐10) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) before, or following, completion of an Insomnia Ambiguity Task (IAT). As expected, a multivariate analysis of variance showed that the order in which participants completed the task affected the responses on the IAT with those given the DBAS‐10 and ISI first, showing greater insomnia‐related interpretations than those given the IAT first. However, on closer examination, this effect was evident only for those who were defined as poor sleepers, and that normal sleepers were largely unaffected by the order in which the tests are given. The results are discussed in terms of design and management of sleep‐related research protocols involving implicit cognitive tasks.
Mechanisms of Cl‐ transport contributing to salt tolerance
Authors: TEAKLE NATASHA L. , TYERMAN STEPHEN D. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTMechanisms of Cl‐ transport in plants are poorly understood, despite the importance of minimizing Cl‐ toxicity for salt tolerance. This review summarizes Cl‐ transport processes in plants that contribute to genotypic differences in salt tolerance, identifying key traits from the cellular to whole‐plant level. Key aspects of Cl‐ transport that contribute to salt tolerance in some species include reduced net xylem loading, intracellular compartmentation and greater efflux of Cl‐ from roots. We also provide an update on the biophysics of anion transport in plant cells and address issues of charge balance, selectivity and energy expenditure relevant to Cl‐ transport mechanisms. Examples are given of anion transport systems where electrophysiology has revealed possible interactions with salinity. Finally, candidate genes for anion transporters are identified that may be contributing to Cl‐ movement within plants during salinity. This review integrates current knowledge of Cl‐ transport mechanisms to identify future pathways for improving salt tolerance.
Complexity and coordination of root growth at low water potentials: recent advances from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses
Authors: YAMAGUCHI MINEO , SHARP ROBERT E. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTProgress in understanding root growth regulation and adaptation under water‐stressed conditions is reviewed, with emphasis on recent advances from transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of maize and soybean primary roots. In both systems, kinematic characterization of the spatial patterns of cell expansion within the root elongation zone showed that at low water potentials, elongation rates are preferentially maintained towards the root apex but are progressively inhibited at more basal locations resulting in a shortened growth zone. This characterization provided an essential foundation for extensive research into the physiological mechanisms of growth regulation in the maize primary root at low water potentials. Recently, these studies were expanded to include transcriptomic and cell wall proteomic analyses of the maize primary root, and a proteomic analysis of total soluble proteins in the soybean primary root. This review focuses on findings related to protection from oxidative damage, the potential roles of increased apoplastic reactive oxygen species in regulation of wall extension properties and other processes, region‐specific phenylpropanoid metabolism as related to accumulation of (iso)flavonoids and wall phenolics and amino acid metabolism. The results provide novel insights into the complexity and coordination of the processes involved in root growth at low water potentials.
Effects of exogenous GABA on gene expression of Caragana intermedia roots under NaCl stress: regulatory roles for H2O2 and ethylene production
Authors: SHI SHENG‐QING , SHI ZHENG , JIANG ZE‐PING , QI LI‐WANG , SUN XIAO‐MEI , LI CHUN‐XIU , LIU JIAN‐FENG , XIAO WEN‐FA , ZHANG SHOU‐GONG 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four‐carbon non‐protein amino acid presented in a wide range of organisms. In this study, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) library was constructed using roots of a legume shrub, Caragana intermedia, with the combined treatment of 300 mm NaCl and 300 mm NaCl + 10 mm GABA. We obtained 224 GABA‐regulated unique expressed sequence tags (ESTs) including signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, hormone biosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and polyamine metabolism, etc. The key H2O2‐generated genes, NADPH oxidase (CaGR60), peroxidase (CaGR61) and amine oxidase (CaGR62), were regulated at the mRNA level by 10 mm GABA, which clearly inhibited H2O2 accumulation brought about by NaCl stress in roots and leaves with the observation of 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining. Similarly, 10 mm GABA also regulated the expression of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase (ACO) genes (CaGR30 and CaGR31) and ethylene production in NaCl‐treated roots. Surprisingly, these H2O2‐generated genes were enhanced at the mRNA level by a lower concentration of GABA, at 0.25 mm, but not other alternative nitrogen sources, and endogenous GABA accumulated largely just by the application of GABA at either concentration. Our results further proved that GABA, as a signal molecule, participates in regulating the expression of genes in plants under salt stress.
Mimosa pudica: Electrical and mechanical stimulation of plant movements
Authors: VOLKOV ALEXANDER G. , FOSTER JUSTIN C. , ASHBY TALITHA A. , WALKER RONALD K. , JOHNSON JON A. , MARKIN VLADISLAV S. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThigmonastic movements in the sensitive plant Mimosa pudica L., associated with fast responses to environmental stimuli, appear to be regulated through electrical and chemical signal transductions. The thigmonastic responses of M. pudica can be considered in three stages: stimulus perception, electrical signal transmission and induction of mechanical, hydrodynamical and biochemical responses. We investigated the mechanical movements of the pinnae and petioles in M. pudica induced by the electrical stimulation of a pulvinus, petiole, secondary pulvinus or pinna by a low electrical voltage and charge. The threshold value was 1.3–1.5 V of applied voltage and 2 to 10 µC of charge for the closing of the pinnules. Both voltage and electrical charge are responsible for the electro‐stimulated closing of a leaf. The mechanism behind closing the leaf in M. pudica is discussed. The hydroelastic curvature mechanism closely describes the kinetics of M. pudica leaf movements.
The effect of BDNF gene variants on asthma in German children
Authors: Zeilinger S. , Pinto L. A. , Nockher W. A. , Depner M. , Klopp N. , Illig T. , Von Mutius E. , Renz H. , Kabesch M. 
Published: November 2009

Background:  Allergic inflammation can trigger neuronal dysfunction and structural changes in the airways and the skin. Levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are strongly up regulated at the location of allergic inflammation.Aim:  We systematically investigated whether polymorphisms in the BDNF gene influence the development or severity of asthma and atopic diseases.Methods:  The BDNF gene was screened for mutations in 80 chromosomes. Genotyping of six BDNF tagging polymorphisms was performed in a cross‐sectional study population of 3099 children from Dresden and Munich (age 9–11 years, ISAAC II). Furthermore, polymorphisms were also investigated in an additional 655 asthma cases analysed with a random sample of 767 children selected from ISAAC II. Associations were calculated via chi‐square test and anova using SAS Genetics and spss.Results:  We identified nine polymorphisms with minor allele frequency ≥0.03, one of them leading to an amino acid change from Valine to Methionine. In the cross‐sectional study population, no significant association was found with asthma or any atopic disease. However, when more severe asthma cases from the MAGIC study were analysed, significant asthma effects were observed with rs6265 (odds ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.14–1.64, P = 0.001), rs11030101 (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.70–0.95, P = 0.009) and rs11030100 (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.00–1.42, P = 0.05).Conclusions:  As in previous studies, effects of BDNF polymorphisms on asthma remain controversial. The data may suggest that BDNF polymorphisms contribute to severe forms of asthma.
Interleukin (IL)‐31 induces pro‐inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes and macrophages following stimulation with staphylococcal exotoxins
Authors: Kasraie S. , Niebuhr M. , Werfel T. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Kasraie S, Niebuhr M, Werfel T. Interleukin (IL)‐31 induces pro‐inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes and macrophages following stimulation with staphylococcal exotoxins. Allergy 2010; 65: 712–721.AbstractBackground:  IL‐31 is a cytokine expressed by T cells following activation with cytokines or staphylococcal exotoxins. A major function of IL‐31 in atopic dermatitis (AD) is the induction of pruritus in the skin via the IL‐31 receptor on sensory nerve cells. However, the regulation of the IL‐31 receptor and pro‐inflammatory functions of IL‐31 in human monocytes and monocyte‐derived cells are yet to be studied in detail.Objective: To investigate the regulation and function of IL‐31 receptors in resting and activated human monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells.Methods:  Human monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells were stimulated with staphylococcal exotoxins (SEB, α‐toxin) or cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐13). IL‐31RA expression and regulation were then investigated at both the mRNA and the protein level. Subsequently, functional effects of IL‐31 stimulation on cytokine secretion were measured at the protein level.Results:  Staphylococcal exotoxins significantly up‐regulated IL‐31RA expression on monocytes and macrophages but not on dendritic cells at both the mRNA and the protein level. IL‐31 enhanced the secretion of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐18 and up‐regulated CD86 expression. In patients with AD, functional IL‐31RA was also detected following stimulation of PBMC with IFN‐γ. However, this was not observed in healthy individuals.Conclusion:  IL‐31 induces pro‐inflammatory effects in activated human monocytes and macrophages. This may have implications for cutaneous inflammation in eczema where an over‐expression of IL‐31 has been described previously. Moreover, our findings provide a new link between staphylococcal colonization and the worsening of inflammation via IL‐31. Further therapeutic considerations may include IL‐31 as a target in AD.
Congenital melanocytic naevi
Authors: Kovalyshyn Ivanka , Braun Ralph , Marghoob Ashfaq 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTCongenital melanocytic naevi, consisting of clusters of naevo‐melanocytes, develop in utero. Although many congenital naevi are visible at birth, some may not become evident until later in life. The timing of naevo‐melanocyte proliferation, senescence and melanogenesis may all contribute towards determining when a naevus will become clinically manifest on the skin. Besides the fact that congenital melanocytic naevi may be aesthetically displeasing, resulting in a multitude of psychosocial issues, they also increase the risk for developing cutaneous melanoma, leptomeningeal melanoma, neurocutaneous melanocytosis, malformations of the brain and, rarely, other tumours such as rhabdomyosarcoma and liposarcoma. Whereas the risk of developing malignancy in association with congenital naevi is dependent, to some extent, on the size of the naevus, the risk of developing neurocutaneous melanocytosis correlates best with the number of satellite naevi. Management of patients with congenital melanocytic naevi requires individualization, taking into account the naevus size and location, and the risk of developing cutaneous melanoma or neurocutaneous melanocytosis. When contemplating treatment options, it is important to set realistic expectations and to address the possible aesthetic and functional outcomes, while at the same time addressing the risk for developing cutaneous and/or extracutaneous melanoma.
Cutaneous invasive squamous cell carcinoma: 10‐year experience and recommendations for follow up
Authors: Yoong Corinne , De'Ambrosis Brian 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTCurrently, the National Health and Medical Research Council do not have any recommendations about the frequency of follow up after treatment of primary cutaneous invasive squamous cell cancer (SCC), due to a lack of data. The present study aimed to establish appropriate follow‐up times and to determine the long‐term risk of subsequent non‐melanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Patients who had a primary invasive cutaneous SCC excised during 1996 were retrospectively identified from the databases of a dermatologist in private practice in south‐east Queensland. Data on size, site, depth, differentiation, perineural involvement, lymphovascular involvement of the index SCC were obtained. The patients were regularly followed up and lymph‐node involvement, patient immunocompetence, and the presence of local recurrences and subsequent SCC, basal cell carcinomas and melanoma were recorded. Forty patients were identified, comprising 25 men and 15 women with a mean age of 65 years. The majority (60%) of primary incident SCC were in the low‐risk category. The median follow‐up time was 7.5 years. One in two developed a second SCC within 5 years, a significant number had a second SCC detected only in 5–10 year follow up, and 72.5% had a BCC within 5 years, and 82.5% at 10 years. One in eight had a subsequent melanoma detected.
Topical diphencyprone immunotherapy for cutaneous metastatic melanoma
Authors: Damian Diona L , Shannon Kerwin F , Saw Robyn P , Thompson John F 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTTopical immunotherapy with contact sensitizers for metastatic melanoma was first reported more than 30 years ago. Diphencyprone (DPCP) immunotherapy is frequently used to treat cutaneous warts and alopecia areata, and we have previously reported the use of DPCP as a single agent to successfully treat extensive, radiotherapy‐resistant melanoma metastases on the scalp. We now report DPCP treatment of a further six patients with cutaneous metastatic melanoma. Of seven patients treated with DPCP thus far, four have demonstrated complete responses of their cutaneous lesions and three have had partial responses. The treatment was well‐tolerated by all patients. Topical immunotherapy with DPCP is inexpensive and relatively non‐invasive and should be considered in patients with locally advanced skin metastases that are unsuitable for other therapies.
Managing depression across the life cycle: new strategies for clinicians and their patients
Authors: Hickie I. B. , Naismith S. L. , Norrie L. M. , Scott E. M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDepression is the leading cause of non‐fatal disease burden in Australia. Recently, increasing public recognition, together with the development of more integrated medical and psychological healthcare services has resulted in significant improvements. New pathophysiological models incorporate structural brain changes with established changes in neurotransmitter function. Further, recognition of predisposing factors and the salience of differential ages of onset have led to more pragmatic diagnostic systems. There is an ongoing need to promote early recognition, better information to inform treatment choices and more comprehensive treatment programmes that incorporate behavioural and lifestyle factors in addition to the wide range of pharmacological therapies that are now available.
Single incision laparoscopic left colectomy for carcinoma of distal transverse colon
Authors: Law W.‐L. , Fan J. K. M. , Poon J. T. C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective  We report a single‐incision laparoscopic left colectomy for a patient with a distal transverse colon cancer.Method  A 78‐year‐old man with carcinoma of the transverse colon close to the splenic flexure underwent a single‐incision laparoscopic left colectomy with full mobilization of splenic flexure using the TriPort™ Access System and ordinary laparoscopic instruments.Results  The operation was successfully performed. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged after 3 days. Histopathological examination showed a T3N1 tumour with clear resection margins.Conclusion  This case demonstrates that single‐incision laparoscopic colectomy can be applied safely to large bowel cancer close to the splenic flexure. The technique warrants further investigation.