bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternatives for Reintroducing a Rare Ecotone Species: Manually Thinned Forest Edge versus Restored Habitat Remnant
Authors: Possley Jennifer , Maschinski Joyce , Rodriguez Cristina , Dozier Jane Griffin 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Species native to ecotones are often overlooked in restoration efforts despite the increasing rarity of ecotone habitat. In fragmented, fire‐suppressed landscapes, true ecotone may no longer exist. Restoration biologists interested in reintroducing ecotone species must decide whether to plant them in historic ecotones maintained by manual thinning or whether to opt for discrete restoration areas that are easier to maintain. We investigated these two alternatives with Lantana canescens, a rare tropical shrub native to the ecotone between pine and hardwood forests of Miami‐Dade County, Florida, U.S.A. Our short‐term findings show that after 15 and 18 months, survival of transplants was 69% in a restored site and 65% and 84% in two historic ecotone sites. The restored site had significantly higher photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (75%) than the historic ecotones (25–39%). Correspondingly, 267 seedlings have recruited at the restored site, whereas only 8 have emerged at both historic ecotone sites. Seedling establishment was associated with higher PAR at the restored site. We found that overall population sustainability was higher at the restored site where there is the additional benefit of less maintenance. Our work suggests that, by reducing succession, a discrete restoration area can approach the historic conditions of hardwood/pine forest ecotone more closely than degraded historic ecotones themselves. We present a viable solution for conserving rare ecotone species when their natural habitat and the processes that maintained it no longer exist.
Molluscan Community Recovery Following Partial Tidal Restoration of a New England Estuary, U.S.A.
Authors: Thelen Brett A. , Thiet Rachel K. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Historic human‐imposed tidal flow restrictions at many New England estuaries have resulted in dramatic alteration of estuarine community structure and function. East Harbor, a 291‐ha coastal lagoon and salt marsh in Truro, Massachusetts, was artificially isolated from Cape Cod Bay in 1868. After the isolation, salinity decreased to near freshwater levels, and estuarine fish and invertebrate populations declined precipitously. Partial tidal flow was restored to East Harbor in 2002; since then, East Harbor has experienced substantial increases in salinity, and native fauna has begun to return to the system. The objective of this study was to obtain information on marine molluscan populations recolonizing East Harbor. Using a combination of benthic cores and direct searching, we surveyed 50 plots throughout the estuary in July and August 2005. We detected 16 molluscan species in East Harbor as a whole; the four most abundant species were Mya arenaria, Littorina spp., Mytilus edulis, and Mercenaria mercenaria. We found significant differences in species richness and abundance of these species among three regions of East Harbor that varied markedly in salinity and distance to Cape Cod Bay; diversity and abundance were both highest in Moon Pond, which has a direct connection with sources of seawater and marine biota, and lowest in the northwest cove, which receives high freshwater discharge. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of Cape Cod National Seashore’s preliminary tidal restoration efforts while underscoring the continued need for full tidal restoration at East Harbor and other tide‐restricted estuaries.
Current and Potential Future Elevational Distributions of Birds Associated with Pinyon–Juniper Woodlands in the Central Great Basin, U.S.A.
Authors: Fleishman Erica , Dobkin David S. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract We examined the relationship of breeding birds to elevation across and within four adjacent mountain ranges in the central Great Basin, a cold desert in western North America. Data came from 7 years of point counts at elevations from 1,915 to 3,145 m. We focused on eight passerine species that in this region are associated frequently with Pinus monophylla–Juniperus spp. (pinyon–juniper) woodland. Mean elevation of species' presence differed significantly among mountain ranges for all species except Spizella passerina (Chipping Sparrow); all species except Spizella breweri (Brewer's Sparrow) occurred at the highest mean elevation in the Toquima Range. Observed patterns were consistent with the elevational distribution of pinyon–juniper woodlands that provide nesting and foraging habitat for these species. Across the Great Basin, driven in part by climate change, pinyon–juniper woodland is increasing in density and expanding its distribution at lower elevations. However, breeding habitat for species dependent on mature trees may not be available in expansion woodlands for several decades, and increased tree densities may have negative effects on bird species that are dependent on shrubs within open pinyon–juniper woodlands. Responses of individual species to elevation differed from the response of assemblage‐level patterns. Responses to biotic and abiotic variables within guilds of birds are sufficiently diverse, and responses of individual species sufficiently heterogeneous, that one management strategy is unlikely to meet the needs of all species in the group.
The Interaction of Reward Genes With Environmental Factors in Contribution to Alcoholism in Mexican Americans
Authors: Du Yanlei , Wan Yu‐Jui Yvonne 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Alcoholism is a polygenic disorder resulting from reward deficiency; polymorphisms in reward genes including serotonin transporter (5‐HTT)‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR), A118G in opioid receptor mu1 (OPRM1), and −141C Insertion/Deletion (Ins/Del) in dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) as well as environmental factors (education and marital status) might affect the risk of alcoholism. Objective of the current study was to examine the main and interacting effect of these 3 polymorphisms and 2 environmental factors in contribution to alcoholism in Mexican Americans.Methods:  Genotyping of 5‐HTTLPR, OPRM1 A118G, and DRD2‐141C Ins/Del was performed in 365 alcoholics and 338 nonalcoholic controls of Mexican Americans who were gender‐ and age‐matched. Alcoholics were stratified according to tertiles of MAXDRINKS, which denotes the largest number of drinks consumed in one 24‐hour period. Data analysis was done in the entire data set and in each alcoholic stratum. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to explore the main effect of 3 polymorphisms and 2 environmental factors (education and marital status); classification tree, generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis, and polymorphism interaction analysis version 2.0 (PIA 2) program were used to study factor interaction.Results:  Main effect of education, OPRM1, and DRD2 was detected in alcoholic stratum of moderate and/or largest MAXDRINKS with education ≤12 years, OPRM1 118 A/A, and DRD2 −141C Ins/Ins being risk factors. Classification tree analysis, GMDR analysis, and PIA 2 program all supported education*OPRM1 interaction in alcoholics of largest MAXDRINKS with education ≤12 years coupled with OPRM1 A/A being a high risk factor; dendrogram showed synergistic interaction between these 2 factors; dosage‐effect response was also observed for education*OPRM1 interaction. No definite effect of marital status and 5‐HTTLPR in pathogenesis of alcoholism was observed.Conclusions:  Our results suggest main effect of education background, OPRM1 A118G, and DRD2 −141C Ins/Del as well as education*OPRM1 interaction in contribution to moderate and/or severe alcoholism in Mexican Americans. Functional relevance of these findings still needs to be explored.
Catching the Alcohol Buzz: An Examination of the Latent Factor Structure of Subjective Intoxication
Authors: Ray Lara A. , MacKillop James , Leventhal Adam , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  The goal of this study was to examine the latent structure among measures of alcohol‐induced subjective feelings of intoxication from a behavioral pharmacology perspective.Methods:  Data on subjective intoxication, measured concomitantly by the Subjective High Assessment Scale, Biphasic Alcohol Effect Scale, and the Short Version of the Profile of Mood States, were collected at 3 levels of breath alcohol concentration during an alcohol administration study in a sample of heavy drinkers (n = 135).Results:  Results of exploratory factor analyses supported a 3‐factor model which captured the following dimensions of subjective intoxication: (1) stimulation and other pleasant effects, (2) sedative and unpleasant effects, and (3) alleviation of tension and negative mood. The tension‐reduction factor was most consistently associated with more frequent drinking and alcohol problems in this sample.Conclusions:  These findings support the notion that the neuropharmacological and behavioral effects of alcohol are multifaceted and cannot be simply defined as either positive or negative. Rather, moderate levels of intoxication appear to have concomitant dimensions of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment. This study also suggests that factor scores may be useful in future alcohol administration studies to reduce the number of comparisons and perhaps increase statistical power to detect meaningful effects.
Acute Effects of Low Doses of Red Wine on Cardiac Conduction and Repolarization in Young Healthy Subjects
Authors: Cameli Matteo , Ballo Piercarlo , Garzia Antonio , Lisi Matteo , Palmerini Elisabetta , Spinelli Tommaso , Bocelli Arianna , Mondillo Sergio 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Moderate to high blood concentrations of ethanol have been shown to yield acute changes in cardiac electrophysiological properties, but the effect of low concentrations have never been assessed. The role of concomitant changes in clinical variables or cardiac dimensions is also still unknown. This study aimed at exploring the acute effects of low doses of ethanol, administered as Italian red wine, on conduction, depolarization, and repolarization electrocardiographic (ECG) intervals in a population of healthy subjects.Methods:  Forty healthy young volunteers drank a low quantity of red wine (5 ml/kg), and an equal volume of fruit juice in separate experiments. Heart rate, P‐wave duration, PR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, and corrected QT dispersion were assessed at baseline and after 60 minutes from challenge.Results:  Mean blood ethanol concentration after drinking was 0.48 ± 0.06 g/l. Compared to the control challenge, significant changes after red wine intake were observed in P‐wave duration (from 101 ± 11 to 108 ± 14 milliseconds, p = 0.0006), PR interval (from 153 ± 15 to 167 ± 17 milliseconds, p < 0.0001), QT interval (from 346 ± 28 to 361 ± 24 milliseconds, p < 0.0001), and corrected QT interval (from 388 ± 24 to 402 ± 30 milliseconds, p = 0.0006). None of these changes showed correlations with modifications in clinical or echocardiographic variables. In multivariate analyses aimed at exploring predictors of ECG changes, none of the variables entered the final models.Conclusions:  Low doses of red wine acutely slow cardiac conduction and prolong repolarization in normal individuals. These changes are poorly predictable. The potential arrhythmogenic impact of these effects is worthy of exploration.
Effects of Ethanol on Persistent Activity and Up‐States in Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Woodward John J. , Pava Matthew J. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Elucidating mechanisms that underlie the neural actions of ethanol is critical for understanding how this drug affects behavior. Increasing evidence suggests that, in addition to mid‐brain dopaminergic regions, higher cortical structures play an important role in the pathophysiology associated with alcohol abuse. Previous studies from this laboratory used a novel slice co‐culture system to demonstrate that ethanol reduces network‐dependent patterns of activity in excitatory pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In the present study, we examine the effect of ethanol on the activity of fast‐spiking (FS) interneurons, a sub‐population of neurons critically involved in shaping cortical activity.Methods:  Slices containing the dorsolateral PFC were prepared from neonatal C57 mice and maintained in culture. After 2 to 3 weeks in vitro, whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology was used to monitor spontaneous episodes of persistent activity in prelimbic PFC neurons. In some experiments, the use‐dependent NMDA receptor blocker, MK801, was included in the pipette recording solution to assess the contribution of NMDA receptors to up‐states.Results:  MK801 reduced up‐state amplitude and revealed underlying fast EPSPs in excitatory pyramidal neurons while having little effect on these parameters in FS interneurons. Despite this difference, ethanol (44 mM), significantly reduced up‐state duration and up‐state area in both pyramidal and FS interneurons.Conclusions:  These results suggest that ethanol reduces the activity of FS interneurons due to disruption of network‐dependent activity. This would be expected to further impair the ability of PFC networks to carry out their normal function and may contribute to the adverse effects of ethanol on PFC‐dependent behaviors.
The Effect of Bleaching Agents on the Surface Topography of Ceramometal Dental Alloys
Authors: Mohsen Cherif A. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose: To study the effect of bleaching agents on the surface topography of ceramometal alloys. Materials and Methods: Three types of ceramometal alloys were used (gold, Ni‐Cr, Co‐Cr‐Ti), and two types of bleaching agents (an agent intended for home use, one intended for use in the dental office) were studied. Forty‐five specimens were constructed and divided according to the alloy type into three main groups, 15 specimens per group. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups according to the type of bleaching agent used. The first subgroup (five specimens) was not subjected to any bleaching agent. The second and third subgroups were subjected to home and in‐office bleaching agents, respectively. Results: Au alloy showed the least surface roughness when subjected to either of the two bleaching agents. Ni‐Cr alloys showed the highest surface roughness for both the control and home bleached subgroups, and Co‐Cr‐Ti alloy showed the highest surface roughness in the in‐office bleached subgroup. No statistically significant difference was found between the control subgroup and the home‐bleached subgroup for either the Au alloy or the Co‐Cr‐Ti alloy. For the two alloys, both the control and home‐bleached subgroups were statistically different from the in‐office bleached subgroups. There was a statistically significant difference between the Ni‐Cr control subgroup and the other two bleached subgroups, while there was no difference between the two bleached subgroups. Results also showed that increasing the concentration of bleaching agents increased the surface roughness of all the tested alloys. There was a statistical difference between the Ni‐Cr alloy and the other two alloys in all tested subgroups except the in‐office bleached subgroup, for which no difference between the surface roughness of the Ni‐Cr alloy and the Co‐Cr‐Ti alloy was found. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed surface deteriorations in the two bleached subgroups for all tested ceramometallic alloys. Conclusion: Surface topographic alterations occurred as a result of the application of bleaching agents. These alterations increased with the increase of the carbamide peroxide concentration.
Analysis of Masticatory Cycle Efficiency in Complete Denture Wearers
Authors: Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Garcia Alício Rosalino , Dos Santos Daniela Micheline , Zuim Paulo Renato Junqueira 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose: This study assessed masticatory efficiency and duration of the masticatory cycle in 14 asymptomatic patients with severe bone resorption. All patients had worn complete dentures for over 10 years. Recall visits were scheduled at 5 months and 1 year after receiving new dentures. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients were evaluated in this study. The Research Diagnostic Criteria questionnaire and tests of the efficiency and duration of the masticatory cycle were performed with artificial food before, 5 months after, and 1 year after new dentures were delivered. Masticatory efficiency was assessed using a sieve system; artificial food was ground for 35 masticatory cycles and monitored by the operator. Results: Masticatory efficiency at 5 months was significantly improved for the 0.42‐mm mesh. An improvement in masticatory efficiency and a reduction in mastication time were observed with the new dentures after 1 year. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that 5 months did not allow enough time to demonstrate improved muscular capacity and ability after receiving new dentures. After 1 year, the duration of the masticatory cycle was reduced, and masticatory efficiency was significantly improved.
Variability of Mechanical Torque‐Limiting Devices in Clinical Service at a US Dental School
Authors: McCracken Michael S. , Mitchell Lillian , Hegde Rashmi , Mavalli Mahendra D. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the variability of torque produced by a population of mechanical torque‐limiting devices in clinical service in a US dental school. The torque‐limiting devices were divided into two categories according to their mode of action: toggle‐type and beam wrenches. Proper action of these devices is essential for calibrated delivery of preload to implant prosthetic screws. Materials and Methods: Seventeen torque‐limiting devices (35 Ncm) were obtained from graduate prosthodontic, predoctoral, and faculty practice clinics. Nine of these were toggle‐type devices, and eight were beam‐type wrenches. Torque from each wrench was measured using an MGT electronic torque meter. Wrenches were tested in two modes, slow (over 4 seconds) and fast (over 1 second). Results: Toggle‐type torque wrenches produced a mean (± SD) torque of 38.1 ± 16.0 Ncm; beam‐type wrenches produced 32.8 ± 1.1 Ncm. These results were not significantly different. When tested in fast mode (1 second), toggle‐type wrenches produced 28.0 ± 9.6 Ncm; in the slow mode (4 seconds) they produced significantly more force, 36.6 ± 14.0 Ncm (p < 0.001). Beam‐type wrenches produced 33.2 ± 1.1 Ncm and 32.8 ± 1.1 Ncm in fast and slow modes, respectively. Conclusions: Both types of wrenches tested were capable of producing accurate torque values; however, variability was higher in the toggle‐type group. Some toggle‐type torque wrenches in clinical service delivered unacceptably high torque values. It is recommended that clinicians calibrate toggle‐type wrenches frequently. Torque wrenches should be activated slowly, over 4 seconds, when using a correctly calibrated toggle‐type wrench.
Assessment of Resynchronization Therapy on Functional Status and Quality of Life in Patients Requiring an Implantable Defibrillator
Authors: PINTER ARNOLD , MANGAT IQWAL , KORLEY VICTORIA , CONNOLLY STUART , CONNORS SEAN , GARDNER MARTIN , PHILIPPON FRANCOIS , STERNS LARRY , THIBAULT BERNARD , DORIAN PAUL 
Published: September 2009

Background:

The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on physical function and Quality of Life (QoL) in patients who require an implantable defibrillator but do not meet guideline criteria for CRT has not been studied in detail.
Methods and Results:

This was a randomized study of 72 patients with high risk of sudden cardiac death, ejection fraction (EF) ≤35%, mild‐to‐moderate heart failure symptoms, and QRS > 120 ms. Patients received a CRT defibrillator and were randomized to CRT turned ON or OFF. Objective and subjective measures were performed at baseline and after 6 months. There was no difference in change in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (ESV) by radionuclid angiogram scan, the primary endpoint, between the CRT ON group (ΔESV =−7 ± 52 mL), and CRT OFF group (ΔESV =−30 ± 47 mL). Similarly, echocardiogram measures of ESV and EF showed no difference between the two groups. In the CRT ON group, selected measures of QoL and subjective exercise tolerance but not heart failure symptoms improved significantly. Six‐minute walk distance prolonged in the CRT ON group (baseline 313.6 ± 114.4 m, 6‐month 365.0 ± 122.5 m, P = 0.01), but the difference in change in walk distance between the two groups was not significant.
Conclusion:

Further studies with larger sample size and longer follow‐up will be required to allow definite conclusions regarding the potential benefit of CRT in this patient population.
Ulcerated dermatofibroma with osteoclast‐like giant cells
Authors: González‐Vilas Daniel , García‐Gavín Juan , Ginarte Manuel , Rodríguez‐Blanco Isabel , Toribio Jaime 
Published: September 2009

Background: Ulceration and osteoclast‐like giant cells are two pathological features uncommonly seen in dermatofibromas. To our knowledge, the presence of these features has not been previously described within the same lesion.Methods: We report the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of a 38‐year‐old man with an ulcerated dermatofibroma (DF) on the sole containing OLGC.Comments: DF, or cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma, is a frequent dermatological lesion with many clinicopathological variants. Therefore, a correct diagnosis is not always straightforward, especially when two rare features co‐exist in the same lesion. Differential diagnosis was performed with cutaneous and even non‐cutaneous lesions. An explanation for the clinicopathological findings is also described.
The histopathologic spectrum of regression in atypical fibroxanthoma
Authors: Stefanato Catherine M. , Robson Alistair , Calonje J. Eduardo 
Published: September 2009

Background: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) with prominent fibrosis, sclerosis and hyalinization, and near‐total tumor regression is rare. Methods: Eight cases of AFX presenting with fibrosis were reviewed as to their tumor architecture, the degree and pattern of fibrosis and the associated inflammatory cell infiltrate. Results: Seven of eight cases had an exophytic architecture, with ulceration in one case. The degree of fibrosis ranged from 10% to 90%. Early fibrosis (2/8 cases) occurred as thickened sclerotic collagen bundles, either dispersed between the neoplastic cells or as septa imparting a multilobular appearance. Advanced fibrosis (6/8 cases) was associated with lamellar sclerosis, keloidal features, hyalinization and with near‐total tumor replacement. Prominent fibrosis rimming the periphery was present in all tumors. An associated lymphoid cell infiltrate with plasma cells and occasionally eosinophils was observed. Conclusions: Fibrosis with prominent sclerosis and hyalinization replacing the tumor is rare in AFX. Advanced fibrosis, in the absence of a history of prior trauma or surgery, may indicate spontaneous regression. These cases emphasize the importance of recognizing this subset of AFX in order to avoid misinterpretation, particularly in cases with few residual atypical cells.Stefanato CM, Robson A and Calonje JE. The histopathologic spectrum of regression in atypical fibroxanthoma.