bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of clinicopathologic parameters with the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor in mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Ke‐xiong Ou Yang , Jun Liang , Zhi‐quan Huang 
Published: April 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 590–596Background:  The roles that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play in tumorigenesis have been given special attention. In many tumors, their expression is upregulated. In addition, iNOS can stimulate the expression of VEGF. This study was carried out to investigate the expression of iNOS and VEGF as well as their relationship with angiogenesis and the clinicopathological characteristics of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).Method:  The expression of iNOS and VEGF was detected by Streptavidin–peroxidase immunohistochemistry, and microvessel density (MVD) was determined by anti‐CD34 antibody staining in 70 MEC cases and 40 normal salivary gland tissues (NSG). Follow‐up was performed on the 70 patients with MEC. Non‐parametric tests were performed for the comparison of iNOS and VEGF expression.Results:  The positive expression rates of iNOS and VEGF were successively enhanced in NSG, well‐differentiated and poorly differentiated MEC (P < 0.05). MVD counts were positively correlated with the expression levels of iNOS and VEGF in MEC (P < 0.05). The expression of iNOS was positively correlated with the expression of VEGF (P < 0.05). iNOS and VEGF expression were significantly associated with tumor differentiation, size metastasis, and relapse (P < 0.05) but were not correlated lymph node metastasis and metastasis.Conclusion:  Inducible nitric oxide synthase can stimulate the expression of VEGF, and their expression status may help assess tumor malignancy and patient prognosis.
Genetics of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bussmann Caroline , Weidinger Stephan , Novak Natalija 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial disease, with a strong genetic predisposition. Genome‐wide studies as well as candidate gene studies revealed several susceptibility loci. Since the observation of a strong association of “loss of function” mutations in the filaggrin gene with AD, the epidermal barrier was rediscovered as important pathophysiological co‐factor of this disease.
Ecological ranges for the pH and NO3 of syntaxa: a new basis for the estimation of critical loads for acid and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Wamelink G.W.W. , Goedhart P.W. , Malinowska A.H. , Frissel J.Y. , Wegman R.J.M. , Slim P.A. , van Dobben H.F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractQuestion: Can the abiotic ranges of syntaxonomic units (associations) in terms of pH and nitrate concentration be estimated and then in principle be used to estimate critical loads for acid and nitrogen deposition?Location: Europe.Methods: Using splines, abiotic ranges of syntaxonomic units were estimated on the basis of measured soil pH and nitrate concentration and vegetation relevés. Owing to limited calibration data, this yielded responses for only a few syntaxa. In a second attempt, we used a 160 000‐relevé training set; the syntaxon of each relevé was known but not their soil pH values and soil nitrate concentrations, so for each relevé, the soil pH and nitrate concentration were estimated by inference from species composition. We again estimated abiotic ranges using the spline method, including the 5th and 95th percentiles as a proxy for the ecological range.Results: The second (indirect) method yielded ranges for soil pH and for nitrate concentration for many of the associations. The means and percentiles were corrected for regression to the mean.Conclusions: It is not yet possible to directly estimate ranges for syntaxa for pH and nitrate on a large scale from the data available. However, indirectly estimated soil pH and nitrate concentrations are sufficiently available to derive ranges for many associations. The lower (5th) percentile of the indirectly estimated pH ranges for associations may be used as the starting point for the estimation of critical loads for acid deposition. The 95th percentile should still be regarded as a rather uncertain estimate of the maximum nitrate concentration.
Sexual Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum (CME)
Authors: Johnson Crista E. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Pregnancy and childbirth is a special period in a woman's life, which involves significant physical, hormonal, psychological, social, and cultural changes that may influence her own sexuality as well as the health of a couple's sexual relationship.

Aim
To comprehensively review the literature on the effects of pregnancy and the postpartum period on a couple's sexual health and well-being.

Main Outcome Measures
Evidence from the published literature of the impact of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period on sexual function.

Methods
Medline and PubMed search for relevant publications on the effects of pregnancy and childbirth on sexual health and function, with particular focus on the physical, hormonal, psychological, social, and cultural changes that may occur during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum period.

Results
Despite fears and myths about sexual activity during pregnancy, maintaining a couple's sexual interactions throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period can promote sexual health and well-being and a greater depth of intimacy.

Conclusions
Clinicians must seek to engage in an open discussion and provide anticipatory guidance for the couple on expected changes in sexual health as well as promote the design of rigorous, evidence-based studies to further elucidate our understanding of sexual function during pregnancy and the postpartum.
Short‐term Effects of Single Species Browsing Release by Different‐sized Herbivores on Sand Forest Vegetation Community, South Africa
Authors: Lagendijk Georgette , Page Bruce R. , Slotow Rob 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTManipulations of herbivores in protected areas may have profound effects on ecosystems. We examine short‐term effects on tree species assemblages and resource utilization by a mesoherbivore and small‐size herbivores (ungulates <20 kg) in Sand Forest, after browsing release from a megaherbivore (elephant), or both a mega‐ and mesoherbivore (nyala), respectively. Effects were experimentally separated using replicated exclosures where all trees were counted, identified to species and browsing events recorded. Tree species assemblages were impacted by both elephant and nyala, and by each herbivore species individually. Tree turnover rates were higher where both herbivore species were present than in their combined absence. Diet was segregated among elephant, nyala and small‐size herbivores. Both resource specificity and browsing pressure by nyala increased in absence of elephant; small‐size herbivores increased resource specificity in absence of elephant, and increased browsing pressure in absence of both elephant and nyala. This implies interference competition with competitive release. The indirect effect of the manipulation of herbivore populations, through the removal of one or two herbivore species, caused a shift in tree species composition and diet of smaller‐size herbivores. These indirect effects, especially on tree species composition, can become critical as they affect vegetation dynamics, biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Therefore, in order to conserve habitats and biodiversity across all trophic levels, conservation managers should consider the effects of: (1) the full herbivore assemblage present; and (2) any effects of altering the relative and absolute abundance of different herbivore species on other herbivore species and vegetation.
The Structure of Morphological and Genetic Diversity in Natural Populations of Carica papaya (Caricaceae) in Costa Rica
Authors: Brown Jennifer E. , Bauman Jenise M. , Lawrie Joseph F. , Rocha Oscar J. , Moore Richard C. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTIn Costa Rica, dioecious Carica papaya has been observed growing in disturbed areas and within secondary lowland forests. Such populations can serve as a reservoir of genetic and morphological diversity for this tropical fruit crop. We quantify the levels and patterns of the diversity of naturally occurring populations of C. papaya and address the demographic history of these populations. We measured 29 vegetative and reproductive morphological traits in situ from 252 plants and found significant heterogeneity among regional populations in the majority of these traits. Significant variation was found among regional populations with respect to fruit size and shape, with plants in the Nicoya Peninsula possessing smaller, less fleshy fruit, a characteristic of previously described wild populations of papaya. We then assessed the levels and patterns of genetic diversity in 164 plants from natural populations and 20 cultivars. Natural populations exhibit a deficiency of heterozygotes; however, this is much more pronounced within the cultivars. Although there is little genetic differentiation among natural populations, we did find evidence of cryptic genetic population structure. Analyses of population demography indicate that these natural populations have undergone a recent genetic bottleneck, followed by recent population expansion, possibly promoted by the transformation of the Costa Rican landscape for agricultural use.Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
Investment in Fine Roots and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Decrease During Succession in Three Brazilian Ecosystems
Authors: Zangaro Waldemar , Alves Ricardo A. , Lescano Luiz E. , Ansanelo Adrielly P. , Nogueira Marco A. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe functional groups of plants that characterize different phases of succession are expected to show differences in root distribution, fine‐root traits and degrees of association with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The relationship involving fine‐root traits and AM fungi that regulate the nutrient acquisition potential among different plant functional groups are still not well understood. We assessed fine‐root morphology, AM fungal variables and soil fertility in grassland, secondary forest and mature forest in Atlantic, Araucaria and Pantanal ecosystems in Brazil. Soil cores were collected at 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths. Fine roots were extracted from soil by sieving and root morphological traits and AM colonization were determined. The AM spores were extracted from soil and counted. In all ecosystems, soil fertility, fine‐root mass and root diameter increased with the succession, while root length, specific root length, root‐hair length, root‐hair incidence, AM colonization and AM spore density decreased. These results suggest that plant species from early stages of tropical succession with inherent rapid growth invest in fine roots and maintain a high degree of AM colonization in order to increase the capacity for nutrient acquisition. Conversely, fine root morphological characteristics and low degree of AM colonization exhibited by plants of the later stages of succession lead toward a low nutrient uptake capacity that combine with their typical low growth rates.Abstract in Portuguese is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
CLARIFICATION OF ORANGE JUICE USING CERAMIC MEMBRANE AND EVALUATION OF FOULING MECHANISM
Authors: NANDI B.K. , DAS B. , UPPALURI R. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis work reports microfiltration (MF) studies of orange juice using low‐cost ceramic membrane prepared from locally available inorganic precursors. Characterization of the prepared membrane was carried out using scanning electron microscopy analysis, porosity determination and pure water permeation experiments. The average pore diameter, total porosity and hydraulic resistance of the membrane were evaluated as 0.285 µm, 23.6% and 9.26 × 1011 m2/m3, respectively. Dead‐end MF experiments were performed for both centrifuged orange juice (CJ) and enzyme‐treated centrifuged orange juice (ETCJ). It was observed that after MF, important properties like total soluble solid, pH, acidity and density of both CJ and ETCJ were almost unaffected. However, significant improvement in juice color, clarity and alcohol insoluble solid was observed. Permeate flux of 5.32 × 10−6 and 13.23 × 10−6 m3/m2.s were observed after 30 min of experimental run at 137.9 kPa trans‐membrane pressure drop (ΔP) for CJ and ETCJ, respectively. Various membrane pore blocking models were used to analyze the observed permeate flux decline.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe obtained microfiltration data for ceramic membrane‐based clarification of orange juice could be useful to aid process design, development and operation studies for low‐cost ceramic membrane technology‐based juice processing systems. Pertinent flux decline behavior indicating the relevance of cake filtration model further indicates the applicability of membrane technology for juice processing applications with the fact that reversible membrane fouling is a proximate consequence of cake filtration and suitable cleaning procedures could enable long life span of the membrane. Enzyme treatment followed with membrane‐based clarification of orange juice is found to be effective even from preservation and storage perspective.
BIOETHANOL AND XYLITOL PRODUCTION FROM DIFFERENT LIGNOCELLULOSIC HYDROLYSATES BY SEQUENTIAL FERMENTATION
Authors: ARRIZON J. , MATEOS J.C. , SANDOVAL G. , AGUILAR B. , SOLIS J. , AGUILAR M.G. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTSugarcane bagasse, Agave tequilana bagasse and coffee husks were hydrolyzed by steam explosion followed by enzymatic treatment without detoxifying process prior to fermentation. The hydrolysates underwent sequential fermentations using three different microorganisms to produce bioethanol and xylitol. Sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate was found to be the best media for bioethanol (0.44 g/g yield, 85.5% efficiency) and xylitol (0.29 g/g yield) production and S. cerevisiae ITV01 performed efficient alcoholic fermentation in the presence of a high acetic acid concentration (5.0 g/L, initial hydrolysate concentration). For all hydrolysates, Candida tropicalis grew less; however, it produced more xylitol than Candida magnolia (0.29 and 0.22 g/g, respectively). The effect of oxygen on xylitol production in Candida tropicalis was also investigated, xylitol production improving as oxygen concentration level increased (flask volume/medium volume ratios of 1.25, 3.3 and 6.6 yielded 0.143, 0.320 and 0.406 g/g, respectively). The maximum calculated efficiency for the conversion of consumed xylose to xylitol was 44.6%, with a maximum xylitol production of 12.18 g/L.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBioethanol and xylitol production by sequential fermentation process using different lignocellulosic materials like sugarcane bagasse, Agave tequilana bagasse and coffee husks, is a new simple and interesting process because it takes into account the total utilization of the principal component, the lignocellulosic material (glucose and xylose) as well as the use of waste material. One fermentation step produces two important products, bioethanol and xylitol, which have various applications in different kinds of industry.
DYNAMIC MODELING OF PEACH FRUIT DURING NORMAL IMPACT
Authors: AHMADI EBRAHIM , GHASSEMZADEH HAMID REZA , SADEGHI MORTEZA , MOGHADDAM MOHAMMAD , NESHAT SAEED ZARIF , ETTEFAGH MIER MOHAMMAD 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTImpact forces during the contact are the main sources of damage in Peach fruit. In order to reduce this damage, it is necessary to model the impact forces during handling and transporting. An experimental procedure was conducted to determine the parameters of a viscoelastic normal contact force model. Peaches were subjected to dynamic loading by means of a pendulum at the levels of impact. In order to estimate the values of the parameters (spring, “k” and damping, “c”) of the Kuwabara and Kono viscoelastic contact force models for normal impacts the nonlinear least squares technique to be calculated. Two prediction models were constructed for the parameters “k” and “c” using multiple linear regression analyses. In these models, impact velocity and two fruit properties (the effective radius of curvature and acoustic stiffness) were used as independent variables. Significant effect of impact velocity, the effective radius of curvature and acoustic stiffness and some interactions on the parameters “k” and “c” were obtained at 5% probability level with the coefficient of determination of 0.99 for models. It was concluded that lowering the impact velocity and increasing the effective radius of curvature and acoustic stiffness will enhance the parameters “k” and “c” of the peach fruit, but there was no significant effect of the acoustic stiffness on the damping parameter.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSA very promising approach for the simulation of fruit impact damage during transport and handling is the contact force discrete element method (DEM). In order to do so, models for the forces acting between particles (like fruits) in contact need to be specified. Forces acting between the two particles are decomposed into normal and tangential components. In this paper the focus is set on normal contacts. The presented research determines the parameters of normal contact forces models suited for DEM simulation of viscoelastic materials (peach fruit).
Population Growth and Change: Implications for Australia's Cities and Regions
Authors: McGUIRK PAULINE , ARGENT NEIL 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAustralia's distinctive pattern of settlement has long presented a suite of social, economic, infrastructural, and environmental challenges for the nation's cities and regions. These challenges will be intensified by the population growth and dynamics anticipated in the 2010 Intergenerational Report. Future growth will inevitably have differential impacts for metropolitan, regional, and rural settlements, and for inland and coastal regions. This paper analyses current trends and likely directions in population change and distribution and the major implications for the nation's metropolitan and non‐metropolitan areas. For Australia's cities, core issues include: access to affordable housing, suitable employment, infrastructure, and services; managing growth within environmental constraints; and the political management of popular anxieties around urban diversity and consolidation. For rural regions, processes of depopulation, demographic decline, ageing, and threats to community socio‐economic viability are intermingled with differential patterns of repopulation and consolidation, and issues of growth management. While the paper works through the distinctive character of the issues facing urban and regional contexts, it also highlights the interconnected nature of demographic change in Australia's settlement system and the questions that these pose for urban and regional governance.
Species and sex identification of Formosa landlocked salmon using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: HSU TE‐HUA , ADIPUTRA YUDHA T. , OHTA HIROMI , GWO JIN‐CHYWAN 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSpecies and sex identification are among the most important parameters for conservation management. However, it is extremely difficult to perform such identification in Formosa landlocked salmon (Oncorhynchus masou formosanus). Both sexual dimorphism in landlocked dwarf form Formosa landlocked salmon and morphological difference among cherry salmon complex are minimal. We developed a simple, rapid and noninvasive method for identifying sex and species of this critically endangered species using a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. The LAMP assay showed the advantage of simple detection (evaluated by visual inspection), rapid reaction time (<1 h), isothermal condition (less equipment required) and high efficiency (only 0.5–5 pg of DNA was required in the reaction mixture). Therefore, the method is more economical and practical than PCR. The LAMP assay can be easily performed in the field and is a valuable tool for detecting sex ratios in wild populations and identifying species in commercial imports. This is the first application of LAMP in identifying species and sex of salmonids as far as we know and clearly shows the potential application of LAMP in molecular ecology and conservation efforts.
Rapid species identification of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) from faecal pellet DNA
Authors: ADAMS JENNIFER R. , GOLDBERG CAREN S. , BOSWORTH WILLIAM R. , RACHLOW JANET L. , WAITS LISETTE P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a small lagomorph of the western United States that specializes in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitat. Intensive habitat loss and modification have increased the vulnerability of pygmy rabbit populations, but the current geographic distribution and population status remain unclear. To aid in detection and population monitoring, we developed a species identification test that uses mitochondrial DNA species‐specific primers to distinguish among six sympatric lagomorph species using DNA isolated from faecal pellets. Applying this test, we successfully identified the species of origin for all pellet samples that produced a positive PCR result (77% of 283 pellets collected). Pellets collected during the winter (December–February) had higher PCR success rate (93%) than pellets collected at other times of the year (72%). This test, using non‐invasive genetic sampling of faecal pellets, provides an efficient method for assessing site occupancy and distribution of pygmy rabbits and other lagomorphs across large geographic areas.
Copper incorporation into ceruloplasmin is regulated by Niemann–Pick C1 protein
Authors: Yanagimoto Chikatoshi , Harada Masaru , Kumemura Hiroto , Abe Mitsuhiko , Koga Hironori , Sakata Masahiro , Kawaguchi Takumi , Terada Kunihiko , Hanada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Eitaro , Ninomiya Haruaki , Ueno Takato , Sugiyama Toshihiro , Sata Michio 
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Wilson disease is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism characterized by impaired biliary copper excretion. Wilson disease gene product (ATP7B) functions in copper incorporation to ceruloplasmin (Cp) and biliary copper excretion. Our previous study showed the late endosome localization of ATP7B and described the copper transport pathway from the late endosome to trans‐Golgi network (TGN). However, the cellular localization of ATP7B and copper metabolism in hepatocytes remains controversial. The present study was performed to evaluate the role of Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) gene product NPC1 on intracellular copper transport in hepatocytes.Methods:  We induced the NPC phenotype using U18666A to modulate the vesicle traffic from the late endosome to TGN. Then, we examined the effect of NPC1 overexpression on the localization of ATP7B and secretion of holo‐Cp, a copper‐binding mature form of Cp.Results:  Overexpression of NPC1 increased holo‐Cp secretion to culture medium of U18666A‐treated cells, but did not affect the secretion of albumin. Manipulation of NPC1 function affected the localization of ATP7B and late endosome markers, but did not change the localization of a TGN marker. ATP7B co‐localized with the late endosome markers, but not with the TGN marker.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that ATP7B localizes in the late endosomes and that copper in the late endosomes is transported to the secretory compartment via an NPC1‐dependent pathway and incorporated into Cp.