bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Black carbon estimation in French calcareous soils using chemo‐thermal oxidation method
Authors: Caria G. , Arrouays D. , Dubromel E. , Jolivet C. , Ratié C. , Bernoux M. , Barthès B. G. , Brunet D. , Grinand C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe studied the black carbon (BC) content of ca. 405 samples from French topsoil and artificial soil and carbonate mixtures. Our protocol involved three main steps: (i) decarbonation by HCl, (ii) elimination of non‐pyrogenic organic carbon in a furnace at 375 °C, and (iii) quantification of residual carbon by CHN analysis. BC content increased for calcareous soils according to their carbonates content. Subsequent analyses confirmed the existence of a methodological artefact for BC determination only in calcareous soils. Decarbonation changes the thermal properties of organic matter, creating more recalcitrant carbon than in the initial sample. Higher CaCO3 and organic carbon content results in a more pronounced artefact. The reversal of the first two steps of the chemo‐thermal oxidation method (i.e. thermal oxidation before soil decarbonation) eliminates this artefact. Overall, our results suggest that BC content may have been overestimated in a large number of studies on calcareous soils.
A Laurentian Iocrinus Hall (Crinoidea, Disparida) in the Dapingian or Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician, Arenig) of Oman
Authors: DONOVAN STEPHEN K. , MILLER C. GILES , SANSOM IVAN J. , HEWARD ALAN P. , SCHREURS JAN 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Early and early Middle Ordovician crinoids are rare globally, and are best known from North America and the British Isles. The first Arenig crinoid from the Arabian Peninsula is Iocrinus sp. cf. I. subcrassus (Meek and Worthen), known from two near‐complete individuals, and numerous fragmentary specimens and ossicles. These are the stratigraphically oldest Iocrinus specimens, and provide an unexpected extension of the palaeogeographical range of a genus known otherwise from slightly younger deposits in Laurentia (North America) and Avalonia (Wales). The Oman specimens differ from Gondwanan Heviacrinus melendezi Gil Cid et al., currently classified as a maennilicrinid, but morphologically close to Iocrinus, in having arms that branch at least seven times instead of four and in having columnals typical of Iocrinus. Three species from Wales and the Welsh Borders, previously placed in Iocrinus, but differing in having smooth, conical dorsal cups, are reclassified as Margoiocrinus Donovan gen. nov., type species Iocrinus shelvensis Ramsbottom.
False fairy wasps in Early Cretaceous amber from Spain (Hymenoptera: Mymarommatoidea)
Authors: ORTEGA‐BLANCO JAIME , PEÑALVER ENRIQUE , DELCLÒS XAVIER , ENGEL MICHAEL S. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  The fauna of false fairy wasps (Proctotrupomorpha: Bipetiolarida: Mymarommatoidea) occurring in Early Cretaceous (Albian) amber from north and north‐eastern Spain (Moraza, San Just, and El Soplao outcrops) is described. In total, 12 specimens have been recovered and four species recognized, all new: Alavaromma orchamum gen. nov. and sp. nov. (Alavarommatidae fam. nov.), Archaeromma hispanicum sp. nov. (Mymarommatidae), Galloromma alavaensis sp. nov., and G. turolensis sp. nov. (Gallorommatidae). The study indicates the necessity of revision and maybe fusion of both superfamilies, Mymarommatoidea and Serphitoidea, as the boundaries between them are less and less defined. However, major classificatory rearrangements must await the completion of the cladistic studies presently underway.
New Trigonioidoidea (Bivalvia; Unionoida) from the Early Cretaceous of Spain
Authors: DELVENE GRACIELA , MUNT MARTIN 
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Two taxa belonging to the Trigonioidoidea (Order Unionoida) are described from the Early Cretaceous of Spain. Nippononaia (Paranippononaia) camerana subgen. et sp. nov. is described from the Aptian of the Cameros Basin of the north‐west Iberian Range. Subnippononaia fordi Barker et al., 1997 is described from new material from the Calizas de la Huérguina Formation (Late Barremian) from Las Hoyas and Buenache de la Sierra, Cuenca Province, and Subnippononaia is raised to generic status. The stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the Cornago G exposure of the Enciso Group where Nippononaia (Paranippononaia) camerana originates is interpreted as a fresh to brackish water system.
Perivascular adipose tissue from human systemic and coronary vessels: the emergence of a new pharmacotherapeutic target
Authors: Aghamohammadzadeh Reza , Withers Sarah , Lynch Fiona , Greenstein Adam , Malik R , Heagerty Anthony 
Published: May 2011

Fat cells or adipocytes are distributed ubiquitously throughout the body and are often regarded purely as energy stores. However, recently it has become clear that these adipocytes are engine rooms producing large numbers of metabolically active substances with both endocrine and paracrine actions. White adipocytes surround almost every blood vessel in the human body and are collectively termed perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). It is now well recognized that PVAT not only provides mechanical support for any blood vessels it invests, but also secretes vasoactive and metabolically essential cytokines known as adipokines, which regulate vascular function. The emergence of obesity as a major challenge to our healthcare systems has contributed to the growing interest in adipocyte dysfunction with a view to discovering new pharmacotherapeutic agents to help rescue compromised PVAT function. Very few PVAT studies have been carried out on human tissue. This review will discuss these and the hypotheses generated from such research, as well as highlight the most significant and clinically relevant animal studies showing the most pharmacological promise.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Fat and Vascular Responsiveness. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐3
Mechanisms of rapid opioid receptor desensitization, resensitization and tolerance in brain neurons
Authors: Dang Vu C , Christie MacDonald J 
Published: May 2011

Agonists acting on µ‐opioid receptors (MOR) are very effective analgesics but cause tolerance during long‐term or repeated exposure. Intensive efforts have been made to find novel opioid agonists that are efficacious analgesics but can elude the signalling events that cause tolerance. µ‐Opioid agonists differentially couple to downstream signalling mechanisms. Some agonists, such as enkephalins, d‐Ala(2),N‐Me‐Phe(4),Gly(5)‐ol]‐enkephalin (DAMGO), methadone and sufentanyl are efficacious at mediating G‐protein and effector coupling, as well as triggering MOR regulatory events that include MOR phosphorylation, β‐arrestin binding, receptor endocytosis and recycling. By contrast, morphine and closely related alkaloids can mediate efficacious MOR–effector coupling but poorly trigger receptor regulation. Several models have been proposed to relate differential MOR regulation by different opioids with their propensity to cause tolerance. Most are based on dogma that β‐arrestin‐2 (βarr‐2) binding causes MOR desensitization and/or that MOR endocytosis and recycling are required for receptor resensitization. This review will examine some of these notions in light of recent evidence establishing that MOR dephosphorylation and resensitization do not require endocytosis. Recent evidence from opioid‐treated animals also suggests that impaired MOR–effector coupling is driven, at least in part, by enhanced desensitization, as well as impaired resensitization that appears to be βarr‐2 dependent. Better understanding of how chronic exposure to opioids alters receptor regulatory mechanisms may facilitate the development of effective analgesics that produce limited tolerance.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐6. To view the 2010 themed section on the same topic visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐5/issuetoc
COX‐2 and fatty acid amide hydrolase can regulate the time course of depolarization‐induced suppression of excitation
Authors: Straiker A , Wager‐Miller J , Hu SS , Blankman JL , Cravatt BF , Mackie K 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Depolarization‐induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) and excitation (DSE) are two forms of cannabinoid CB1 receptor‐mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission, whose durations are regulated by endocannabinoid (eCB) degradation. We have recently shown that in cultured hippocampal neurons monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) controls the duration of DSE, while DSI duration is determined by both MGL and COX‐2. This latter result suggests that DSE might be attenuated, and excitatory transmission enhanced, during inflammation and in other settings where COX‐2 expression is up‐regulated.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To investigate whether it is possible to control the duration of eCB‐mediated synaptic plasticity by varied expression of eCB‐degrading enzymes, we transfected excitatory autaptic hippocampal neurons with putative 2‐AG metabolizing enzymes: COX‐2, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), α/β hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6), α/β hydrolase domain 12 (ABHD12) or MGL.KEY RESULTS We found that overexpression of either COX‐2 or FAAH shortens the duration of DSE while ABHD6 or ABHD12 do not. In contrast, genetic deletion (MGL−/−) and overexpression of MGL both radically altered eCB‐mediated synaptic plasticity.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that both FAAH and COX‐2 can be trafficked to neuronal sites where they are able to degrade eCBs to modulate DSE duration and, by extension, net endocannabinoid signalling at a given synapse. The results for COX‐2, which is often up‐regulated under pathological conditions, are of particular note in that they offer a mechanism by which up‐regulated COX‐2 may promote neuronal excitation by suppressing DSE while enhancing conversion of 2‐AG to PGE2‐glycerol ester under pathological conditions.
Immunosuppressive Management of Dialysis Patients with Recently Failed Transplants
Authors: Pham Phuong‐Thu , Pham Phuong‐Chi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractOver the past decade, patients returning to dialysis after a failed transplant comprised of 5–10% of the annual number of dialysis initiations in the United States, whereas retransplant candidates account for 5.0–13% of the annual deceased donor wait‐list additions. The United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database revealed a >3‐fold increase in the annual adjusted death rates for patients returning to dialysis after graft loss compared with patients with a functioning allograft (9.4% vs. 2.8%, respectively). Continuation of low‐dose immunosuppression to maintain residual allograft function has been suggested as a contributing factor, presumably via treatment‐related infectious and cardiovascular complications among others. In contrast, a survival advantage in maintaining patients on long‐term immunosuppression after returning to peritoneal dialysis has also been suggested. Despite the significant number of patients requiring reinitiation of some form of renal replacement therapy after a failed transplant and the increasing evidence suggesting their high mortality and morbidity rates, management of the failed allograft in these patients has received little attention. This article presents an overview of the literature on the management of immunosuppression after allograft failure, a brief review on the pros and cons of allograft nephrectomy, and the authors’ opinions on the management of immunosuppression in patients with a failed kidney allograft.
Interlaboratory assessment of a novel colony‐forming unit assay: a multicenter study by the cellular team of Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) collaborative
Authors: Nawrot Maria , McKenna David H. , Sumstad Darin , McMannis John D. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Belfield Helen , Grassman Elke , Temples Toni , Nielsen Deanna , Yuan Ning , Wognum Bert , Reems Jo‐Anna 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Interlaboratory scoring performances were determined using a traditional 14‐day colony‐forming unit (CFU) assay and a new 7‐day CFU assay.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Digital images of colonies were utilized to train personnel at each site. A central laboratory inoculated methylcellulose with progenitors and sent the samples by overnight courier to participating labs for plating.RESULTS: Colony counts from two digital images showed greater variability by novice counters (coefficients of variation [CV], 18.5 and 23.0%; n = 8) than for experienced staff (CV, 7.3 and 4.8%; n = 5). CFU assays plated immediately, 24 and 48 hours after methylcellulose inoculation displayed 39.5 CFU, 37.1 ± 10.6 (CV, 28%) and 34.8 ± 8.5 (CV, 24%) colonies for the 7‐day assay and 39.5 CFU, 39.1 ± 9.9 (CV, 25%) and 37.1 ± 10.6 (CV, 28%) colonies for the 14‐day assay, respectively. Overall, no significant differences in colony counts were noted between assays (p = 0.68). Also, no differences in CFU counts were seen when assays were set up immediately, 24 and 48 hours after methylcellulose inoculation (14‐day p = 0.695; 7‐day p = 0.632).CONCLUSION: Total CFUs obtained in 7‐ and 14‐day CFU assays are comparable and show similar levels of interlaboratory variability. The major source of this variability is due to differences in how CFU plates are scored by individuals at different sites. UCB progenitor cells can be maintained in methylcellulose‐based media at room temperature for up to 48 hours prior to transport without a significant loss in CFUs.
Atopic predisposition of recipients in allergic transfusion reactions to apheresis platelets
Authors: Savage William J. , Tobian Aaron A.R. , Savage Jessica H. , Hamilton Robert G. , Ness Paul M. 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: The biologic mechanisms of allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) are largely unknown. We sought to compare the atopic predisposition of platelet (PLT) recipients who experienced an ATR to nonreactive control recipients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We identified 37 consecutive apheresis PLT recipients who experienced an ATR and 26 matched controls. Total immunoglobulin (Ig)E and aero‐ and food allergen–specific IgE were quantified in plasma by a blood test for allergies (ImmunoCAP: Phadiatop and Fx5). IgE testing of apheresis PLT supernatants was also performed.RESULTS: Pruritus and urticaria were manifest in 91.9 and 83.8% of all ATRs, with more severe respiratory symptoms and angioedema occurring in less than 15% of cases. No subject had anaphylaxis. Sex, age, and primary diagnosis were balanced between the two groups. Total and aeroallergen‐specific IgE was higher among subjects experiencing an ATR in comparison to control subjects (median total IgE, 55.5 kU/L vs. 8.3 kU/L, p = 0.002; and median aeroallergen‐specific IgE, 0.57 kUa/L vs. 0.36 kUa/L, p = 0.046). IgE antibody levels in apheresis products associated with ATRs were similar to control products (p > 0.1 for all IgE tests).CONCLUSION: Recipient atopic predisposition, as defined by IgE sensitization, is a risk factor associated with ATRs.
Rapid clearance of transfused murine red blood cells is associated with recipient cytokine storm and enhanced alloimmunogenicity
Authors: Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Hod Eldad A. , Cadwell Chantel M. , Eisenbarth Stephanie C. , Spiegel David A. , Tormey Christopher A. , Spitalnik Steven L. , Zimring James C. 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Fourteen‐day stored red blood cells (RBCs) containing an RBC‐specific transgenic antigen (HOD) induce a recipient proinflammatory cytokine storm and are significantly more immunogenic compared to fresh RBCs. Given that recipient mice clear transfused stored RBCs more rapidly than fresh RBCs, we hypothesized that rapid RBC clearance was associated with adverse transfusion outcomes.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: HOD RBCs were treated by two distinct methods known to lead to rapid posttransfusion RBC clearance: phenylhydrazine or heat. HOD antigen expression was analyzed on the treated cells before transfusion, and RBC recovery, recipient cytokine response, and recipient anti‐HOD alloimmunization response were measured after transfusion.RESULTS: Phenylhydrazine and heat treatment each led to near complete RBC clearance in recipients by 24 hours posttransfusion, without significantly altering HOD antigen expression on the transfused RBCs. Recipients of phenylhydrazine‐ or heat‐treated RBCs had elevated circulating levels of keratinocyte‐derived chemokine/CXCL‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and interleukin‐6 after transfusion. Furthermore, phenylhydrazine‐ or heat‐treated RBCs were significantly more immunogenic than control RBCs, with a mean 25.1‐ and 10.3‐fold enhancement, respectively, of anti‐HOD alloimmunization magnitude by flow cytometric crossmatch.CONCLUSIONS: Three separate insults to RBCs (storage, phenylhydrazine, or heat treatment) result in rapid posttransfusion clearance, with a recipient proinflammatory cytokine storm and enhanced alloimmunogenicity. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that rapid clearance of RBCs is causally involved in these outcomes and suggest that human donor RBCs with favorable posttransfusion clearance profiles may be less immunogenic.
Storage time of transfused red blood cells and impact on clinical outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kekre Natasha , Chou Andrew , Tokessey Melanie , Doucette Steve , Tinmouth Alan , Tay Jason , Allan David S. 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion may prolong recovery in some patients, perhaps due to changes that occur during more prolonged RBC storage. We examined the impact of RBC transfusion and the age of transfused RBC units on clinical outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data concerning RBC transfusions between Day 0 and Day +30 were analyzed for patients undergoing HSCT (n = 555) at a single institution. “Old” RBC units were defined as those stored for 15 days or longer.RESULTS: The proportion of old RBC units transfused and the mean age of transfused units did not correlate with 100‐day nonrelapse mortality, organ‐specific toxicity, length of stay (LOS), or incidence of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p > 0.05). In comparing the 71 patients who received only old RBC units with 218 patients who received only “new” RBC units, there was no increase in adverse clinical outcomes after HSCT. Autologous transplant recipients (n = 355, 3.8 units/patient) were more likely to avoid RBC transfusion and received fewer units compared with allogeneic recipients (n = 200, 6.4 units/patient, p < 0.0001). The mean number of transfused RBC units was greater in patients admitted to the ICU (10.5 units vs. 3.7 units/patient, p < 0.01), correlated with longer LOS (p < 0.0001), and correlated with increasing number of organ systems with toxicity of at least Grade 2 (p < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: The importance of RBC storage time does not appear to influence clinical outcomes in HSCT. Patients with increased RBC transfusion requirements have greater toxicity after HSCT. Whether RBC transfusion contributes to toxicity, however, remains unclear.
Left High and Dry? Climate Change, Common‐Pool Resource Theory, and the Adaptability of Western Water Compacts
Authors: Schlager Edella , Heikkila Tanya 
Published: May 2011

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are falling far short of what a consensus of scientists argues is necessary to avoid potentially catastrophic increases in the mean global temperature. Increasingly, attention is devoted to understanding the vulnerability and adaptability of social and ecological systems to climate change in particular areas of the world. In the Western United States and other semi‐arid regions of the world, possibly the most immediate, direct impacts of climate change involve the availability of water resources. Scientific evidence suggests that the West is likely to become hotter and drier and will experience greater variability in precipitation. These changes will affect tens of millions of residents in Western states, and nearly every sector of the economy, especially agriculture. The logic of common‐pool resource theory is applied in this Theory to Practice essay to assess the vulnerability and adaptability to climate change of interstate river compacts and to offer recommendations for coping with climate change. Future areas of research on this critical topic are also outlined. Expert e‐commentaries by Richard Kashmanian and Roger Gorke of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and by Elisabeth Graffy of the U.S. Geological Survey, can be found on the PAR website (go to aspanet.org, click on the link to PAR, and then on the Theory to Practice link).
Predictors of Acute and Long‐Term Success of Slow Pathway Ablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia: A Single Center Series of 1,419 Consecutive Patients
Authors: FELDMAN ALEXANDER , VOSKOBOINIK ALEKSANDR , KUMAR SAURABH , SPENCE STEVEN , MORTON JOSEPH B. , KISTLER PETER M. , SPARKS PAUL B. , VOHRA JITENDRA K. , KALMAN JONATHAN M. 
Published: May 2011

Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia. Slow pathway (SP) ablation is the first‐line treatment approach with a high acute success rate and a low risk of inadvertent complete atrioventricular (AV) block. However, there is still some uncertainty as to the most appropriate procedural endpoints and the impact of these on risk of recurrence. We report the acute and long‐term results of SP ablation in a large single‐center consecutive series and analyze predictors of acute success and late recurrence.
Methods: The study included 1,448 consecutive procedures in 1,419 patients with AVNRT (mean age 49 ± 17 years, 66% women) who underwent SP ablation using a combined electrophysiologic and anatomic approach. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed for potential predictors of acute success and late recurrence.
Results: Acute success was achieved in 98.1%. Transient (first, second, or third degree) AV block occurred during the procedure in 20 (1.41%) patients. One patient (0.07%) had persistent first‐degree and transient second‐degree AV block after ablation and underwent pacemaker implant at day 21. Of the 1,391 patients with successful ablation, 22 patients (1.5%) developed AVNRT recurrence during a follow‐up period of 63 ± 38 months. The only independent predictor of reduced procedural success was the presence of atypical AVNRT (hazard ratio 3.1, P = 0.04). Independent predictors of AVNRT recurrence were age <20 years and female gender (hazard ratios 14.1 and 3.7, respectively). No significant difference in the incidence of late recurrence was observed in patients with or without residual slow‐pathway conduction, or according to use of isoproterenol testing or general anesthesia. However, patients with a single echo with recurrence had a significantly larger echo window (median 85 ms) than those without (median 30 ms, P = 0.01).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates in a large consecutive single‐center series that SP ablation using radiofrequency energy is a highly effective procedure with an extremely low risk of inadvertent AV block and a low recurrence rate. We found that single‐AV nodal echo beats represented a procedural endpoint that did not predict AVNRT recurrence but that a large echo window is associated with recurrence. Recurrence rates in this series were higher in young women, possibly reflecting a more conservative approach to ablation in this age group. (PACE 2011; 34:927–933)