bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersal and egg shortfall in Monarch butterflies: what happens when the matrix is cleaned up?
Authors: ZALUCKI MYRON P. , LAMMERS JAN H. 
Published: January 2010

1. We use an individual‐based model describing the life of a monarch butterfly, which utilises milkweeds both aggregated in patches and scattered across the wider landscape as a substrate for laying eggs. The model simplifies the metapopulation of milkweed habitat patches by representing them as a proportion of the overall landscape, with the rest of the landscape considered matrix, which may contain some low density of milkweed plants.2. The model simulates the number of eggs laid daily by a butterfly as it searches for hosts. The likelihood of finding hosts is related to the density of plants and the search ability of the butterfly. For an empty matrix, remaining in a habitat patch results in more eggs laid. However individuals that are good searchers have almost equivalent success without remaining in a habitat patch. These individuals are most affected by the presence of hosts in the matrix.3. Given realistic values of habitat patch availability, our model shows that the presence of plants at a low density in the matrix has a substantial impact on the number of eggs laid; removing these plants can reduce lifetime potential fecundity by ca. 20%. These results have implications for monarch butterflies inhabiting agricultural landscapes, in which genetically modified soybean that is resistant to herbicides has resulted in the decimation of milkweeds over large areas.
Body‐mass constraints on foraging behaviour determine population and food‐web dynamics
Authors: Brose Ulrich 
Published: January 2010

Abstract 1. In community and population ecology, there is a chronic gap between the classic Eltonian ecology describing patterns in abundance and body mass across species and ecosystems and the more process oriented foraging ecology addressing interactions and quantitative population dynamics. However, this dichotomy is arbitrary, because body mass also determines most species traits affecting foraging interactions and population dynamics. 2. In this review, allometric (body‐mass dependent) scaling of handling times and attack rates are documented, whereas body‐mass effects on Hill exponents (varying between hyperbolic type II and sigmoid type III functional responses) and predator interference coefficients are lacking. This review describes how these allometric relationships define a biological plausible parameter space for population dynamic models. 3. Consistent with the classic Eltonian description, species co‐existence in consumer‐resource models and tri‐trophic food chains is restricted to intermediate consumer‐resource body‐mass ratios. Allometric population dynamic models allow understanding the processes of energy limitation and unstable dynamics leading to this restriction. Complex food webs are stabilized by high predator‐prey body‐mass ratios, which are consistent with those found in natural ecosystems. These high body‐mass ratios yield positive diversity‐stability and complexity‐stability relationships thus supporting the classic picture of ecosystem stability. 4. Allometric‐trophic network models, based on body mass and trophic information from ecosystems, bridge the gap between Eltonian community patterns and process‐oriented foraging ecology and provide a new means to describe the dynamics and functioning of natural ecosystems.
Radiotherapy‐induced hyperthyroidism in a cystinotic kidney transplant patient with Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Guzzo Isabella , Di Zazzo Giacomo , Grossi Armando , Greco Marcella , Dello Strologo Luca 
Published: January 2010

Guzzo I, Di Zazzo G, Grossi A, Greco M, Dello Strologo L. Radiotherapy‐induced hyperthyroidism in a cystinotic kidney transplant patient with Hodgkin lymphoma. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:e56–e59. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Hypothyroidism is a well‐known complication of cystinosis. PTLD incidence in pediatric renal transplant population ranges between 1 and 4.5%. We describe the case of a young cystinotic patient who developed hyperthyroidism after radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. He is a 23‐yr‐old male who was diagnosed with cystinosis at the age of two. He developed renal failure and other extrarenal complications but never presented hypothyroidism. At the age of 12, he received a successful kidney transplant from a cadaveric donor. Two yr later, EBV‐positive Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed and chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered. He achieved remission. Eight yr later, autoimmune hyperthyroidism secondary to previous radiation was detected, and he slowly became symptomatic. Clinical symptoms and laboratory data spontaneously normalized. This is the first case of a cystinotic patient developing hyperthyroidism. Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, have been reported in association with neck irradiation. Hypothyroidism would have been considered to be a late complication of cystinosis and not a consequence of radiotherapy. Thyroid hormones, clinical examination, and history evaluation for thyroid dysfunction should be periodically monitored after neck radiotherapy. The thyroid should always be excluded from the irradiation fields. Multidisciplinary interaction in difficult cases should be encouraged.
Lymphovascular invasion is an independent predictor of oncological outcomes in patients with lymph node‐negative urothelial bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy: a multicentre validation trial
Authors: Bolenz Christian , Herrmann Edwin , Bastian Patrick J. , Michel Maurice S. , Wülfing Christian , Tiemann Arne , Buchner Alexander , Stief Christian G. , Fritsche Hans‐Martin , Burger Maximilian , Wieland Wolf F. , Höfner Thomas , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus , Müller Stefan C. , Ströbel Philipp , Trojan Lutz 
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVESTo validate the association of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) with disease recurrence and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in a multicentre cohort of patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial bladder cancer (UBC).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe collected pathological and clinical data on 1099 lymph node‐negative patients treated with RC at six German institutions. LVI was defined as the presence of tumour cells within an unequivocal endothelium‐lined space in haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections.RESULTSLVI was present in 295 (26.8%) patients; the presence of LVI correlated significantly with increasing tumour stage, i.e. pT1, 65 (29.4%); pT2, 88 (31.5%); pT3 110 (31.8%); and pT4 32 (38.1%) (P= 0.002) and grade (P < 0.001). In univariable analysis the presence of LVI was significantly associated with reduced recurrence‐free survival (P= 0.008) and reduced CSS (P= 0.039). On multivariable Cox regression analysis tumour stage (P < 0.001), age (>75 vs ≥75 years; P= 0.018) and LVI (P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of CSS.CONCLUSIONSOur large multicentre study confirms the independent prognostic value of LVI in patients with node‐negative UBC. LVI can be regarded as a surrogate variable for lymphatic micrometastasis in node‐negative UBC. Assessment of LVI might improve the selection of patients who are likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy after RC. The identification of factors involved in the process of LVI could reveal new therapeutic targets for UBC.
Positive margins after nephron‐sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma: long‐term follow‐up of patients on active surveillance
Authors: Lopez‐Costea Miguel A. , Fumadó Lluís , Lorente David , Riera Luis , Miranda Eladio Franco 
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo analyse our long‐term oncological outcomes with active surveillance in patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs) after nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as this situation is a difficult therapeutic dilemma.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe performed open NSS for renal masses with frozen‐section analysis of any suspicious zone of the surgical bed, followed by extensive argon‐beam coagulation. In patients where the final histopathological examination of the renal mass revealed PSMs, follow‐up consisted of computed tomography (CT) every 6 months in the first 2 years and then annually up to 5 years, and thereafter we alternated ultrasonography with CT.RESULTSFrom 1995 to 2003 we had 11 cases of microscopic definitive PSMs after NSS for RCC. Two patients required nephrectomy (one for postoperative bleeding and another as an elective procedure), so nine were followed. These patients were either operated under elective (seven) or imperative (two) conditions. The histological subtype was clear cell carcinoma in three, papillary in two, chromophobe in two and hybrid oncocytic RCC in two, with a Furhman grade of 2 in six and 3 in three. The mean size was 31.4 mm, and the stage was pT1a in six, pT1b in one and pT3a in two. After a median follow‐up of 80.5 months, there was no local recurrence or distant progression.CONCLUSIONSIn our experience, microscopic PSMs in NSS specimens can be managed conservatively with active surveillance, achieving excellent results and avoiding extensive reoperation without compromising long‐term oncological outcomes.
Fairness, Equality and Legitimacy: A Qualitative Comparative Study of Germany and the UK
Authors: Taylor‐Gooby Peter , Martin Rose 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe pressures of globalization and shifts towards post‐industrialism are producing policies that increasingly emphasize the common themes of activation and of individual responsibility for outcomes. Such approaches suggest normative principles of equality of opportunity rather than of outcome, and of individual rather than collective responsibility for the outcomes achieved. Does this imply a shift towards a common normative framework for European welfare states, with implications for future policy developments? This article reports a recent qualitative study examining ideas about fairness and social provision in the very different regimes of Germany and the UK. The analysis shows that while respondents in both countries value equality of opportunity as a normative principle, those in Germany are much more likely to argue that an equal opportunity approach requires government to guarantee equal access to basic services. They are also more likely to express concerns about market freedoms which allow those who can afford it better access to health care and education. Real differences in welfare values remain, loosely following differences of regime type, despite the greater emphasis on activation and individual responsibility across European welfare states.
Between trust and control: company‐level bargaining on flexible working hours in the Danish and German metal industries
Authors: Ilsøe Anna 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTDenmark is often highlighted as a good example of organised decentralisation in which employee bargaining power remains comparatively strong. However, comparative analysis of the Danish case rarely reflects how the social contracts between management and workers' representatives contribute to the bargaining outcome at company level. Drawing on 10 case studies in the German and Danish metal industries carried out in 2005, this article argues that the social contracts at the Danish case companies allow a more efficient use of company‐level agreements on flexible working hours than the social contracts at the German case companies.
Speculating about Divinity? God's Immanent Life and Actualistic Ontology
Authors: STRATIS JUSTIN 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis article argues that counterfactual statements concerning God's life in himself are both theologically informative and genuinely warranted by Karl Barth's notion of God's ‘being‐in‐act’ as presented in § 28.1 of the Church Dogmatics. To this end, the proposed reading aims to mitigate recent emphases on divine Entscheidung as the primary category for construing Barth's theological ontology. Without offering a resolution to alleged ‘tensions’ in Barth's doctrine of God, the author nevertheless suggests that there are good reasons to prefer certain streams of Barth's thought to others, with the notion of God's love offered as a test case.
Temporal requirement of RPE‐derived VEGF in the development of choroidal vasculature
Authors: Le Yun‐Zheng , Bai Yanyan , Zhu Meili , Zheng Lixin 
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1584–1592.AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A or VEGF) is a potent growth factor for the development of retinal and choroidal vasculatures. To define the temporal requirement of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)‐derived VEGF in choroidal vascular development, we generated conditional VEGF knockout mice using an inducible Cre/lox system. The loss of the RPE‐derived VEGF was confirmed with immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Retinal function and structure were assessed with electroretinography and histology, respectively. Choroidal vascular density was analyzed with computer‐assisted semi‐quantitative assay using fluorescently labeled choroidal flat‐mounts. Induction of RPE‐specific VEGF disruption at embryonic day 10 (E10) or E13 for 2 days caused regulatable decreases in choroidal vascular density, photoreceptor function, and photoreceptor outer nuclear layer thickness. The loss of the RPE‐produced VEGF after E15 did not cause detectable defects in choroidal vasculatures and photoreceptor function and morphology. These results suggest that the RPE‐derived VEGF plays a critical role in choroidal vascular development during organogenesis before E15.
Wild‐type Shadoo proteins convert to amyloid‐like forms under native conditions
Authors: Daude Nathalie , Ng Vivian , Watts Joel C. , Genovesi Sacha , Glaves John Paul , Wohlgemuth Serene , Schmitt‐Ulms Gerold , Young Howard , McLaurin JoAnne , Fraser Paul E. , Westaway David 
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2010.06575.xAbstractThe cellular prion protein PrPC refolds into a β‐sheet enriched, infectivity‐associated form called PrPSc. Shadoo (Sho) is a newly discovered glycoprotein that is also expressed in the adult brain. Wild type (wt) mouse Sho consists of an arginine‐rich region, a hydrophobic central domain of five tandem A/LAAG amino acid repeats R1–R5 with similarity to the hydrophobic domain of PrPC, and a C‐terminal domain with one N‐linked carbohydrate. As some alanine‐rich proteins and PrP with a shortened C‐terminal domain form amyloid we investigated conformational properties of wt Sho and polymorphic variants with insertion/deletions centered on R3. Recombinant mouse and sheep Sho converted to an amyloid‐like form without recourse to chemical denaturation or acidification. For wt proteins this transition was marked by increased thioflavin T binding, Congo red staining, presence of fibrillar structures by electron microscopy, formation of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐resistant complexes and the generation of a C‐terminal proteinase K resistant core of 5–8 kDa. Variant Sho proteins differing within the R1–R5 region exhibited most but not all of these properties. Our studies define a proteinase K ‐resistant signature fragment for the amyloid fold of Sho and raise the question of a physiological role for this form of the wt protein.
PI3K modulates estrogen‐dependent facilitation of colon‐to‐urethra cross‐organ reflex sensitization in ovariectomized female rats
Authors: Peng Hsien‐Yu , Chen Gin‐Den , Lai Cheng‐Yuan , Hsieh Ming‐Chun , Hsu Hsao‐Hsun , Wu Hsi‐Chin , Lin Tzer‐Bin 
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2010.06577.xAbstractTo determine the role of 17β‐estradiol and involvement of intracellular phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase signaling in cross‐organ sensitization between the descending colon and the urethra, we analyzed urethra reflex activity and protein expressions in lumbosacral (L6–S2) spinal dorsal horn in response to mustard oil instillation into the descending colon in ovariectomized female rats. When compared with vehicle solution, intracolonic mustard oil sensitized the NMDA receptor NR2B subunit‐dependent reflex activity and increased expression levels of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) and phosphorylated NR2B (pNR2B) in dorsal horn. Facilitation of reflex sensitization and increases in protein expressions of pAkt and pNR2B in dorsal horn were induced after pre‐treatment with a subcutaneous injection of 17β‐estradiol (5 μg/kg), 6 h ahead of time, when compared with vehicle solution. This phenomenon was reversed both by intrathecal pre‐treatment with ICI 182780 (0.25 mg/kg, i.t.) and LY294002 (50 mg/kg, i.t.). Immunoprecipitation of dorsal horn tissue revealed a protein‐protein interaction between pAkt and pNR2B increases, 6 h following the subcutaneous 17β‐estradiol when compared with vehicle injections. Results indicate 17β‐estradiol may activate the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase cascade, which subsequently phosphorylates the NR2B subunit, via spinal estrogen receptors ERα/ERβ, to facilitate NMDA‐dependent cross‐organ sensitization, which is presumed to underlie pelvic viscero‐visceral referred pain.
A Multilingual Mass Communication Intervention for Seniors and People with Disabilities on Medicaid: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kurtovich Elaine , Ivey Susan L. , Neuhauser Linda , Graham Carrie , Constantine Wendy , Barkan Howard 
Published: January 2010

Objectives. To evaluate the following: (1) baseline knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions about Medicaid managed care (MMC) among seniors and people with disabilities (SPD) receiving Medicaid benefits; (2) SPD Medicaid beneficiaries' use of and satisfaction with a user‐designed MMC guidebook; and (3) guidebook effects on changes in MMC knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors of SPD beneficiaries.Data Sources/Study Setting. Survey data collected between February and May 2008 from a random sample of SPD receiving Medicaid benefits in three California counties.Study Design. This randomized controlled trial of 319 intervention and 373 control SPD Medicaid beneficiaries used pre‐ and postintervention telephone surveys to compare changes in MMC knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors.Data Collection Methods. Baseline and follow‐up telephone interviews were conducted in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.Principal Findings. Seventy‐seven percent of intervention participants reported using the guidebook. Nearly all (97.9 percent) found it somewhat or very useful. Intervention participants showed gains in knowledge, positive attitudes, and intentions to enroll in MMC that are statistically significant compared with control participants. However, knowledge levels remained low even among intervention participants.Conclusions. Findings suggest that the guidebook is an effective way to improve recipients' MMC knowledge, confidence, and behavioral intentions.
The anti‐allergic compound tranilast attenuates inflammation and inhibits bone destruction in collagen‐induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Shiota N , Kovanen PT , Eklund KK , Shibata N , Shimoura K , Niibayashi T , Shimbori C , Okunishi H 
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Recent findings suggest the importance of mast cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and their potential as a therapeutic target. Tranilast is an anti‐allergic compound with a potent membrane‐stabilizing effect on mast cells and a wide range of anti‐inflammatory effects, thus may be advantageous in the treatment of arthritis. Here, we have evaluated the effects of tranilast on the progression of collagen‐induced arthritis in mice.Experimental approach:  Tranilast (400 mg·kg−1·day−1) was orally administered for 8 weeks to mice with established collagen‐induced arthritis. Arthritis was assessed by clinical signs and X‐ray scores. In paw tissue, the numbers of mast cells and osteoclasts were measured by histological analysis, and several inflammatory factors were assessed by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis.*Key results:  TNF‐α‐positive mast cells were present extensively throughout the inflamed synovium of vehicle‐treated arthritic mice, with some mast cells in close proximity to osteoclasts in areas of marked bone and cartilage destruction. Tranilast significantly reduced clinical and X‐ray scores of arthritis and decreased numbers of TNF‐α‐positive mast cells and mRNA levels of TNF‐α, chymase (mouse mast cell protease 4), tryptase (mouse mast cell protease 6), stem cell factor, interleukin‐6, cathepsin‐K, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB, and of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB‐ligand, but increased interleukin‐10 mRNA level in paws of arthritic mice. Osteoclast numbers were decreased by treatment with tranilast.Conclusions and implications:  Tranilast possesses significant anti‐rheumatic efficacy and, probably, this therapeutic effect is partly mediated by inhibition of mast cell activation and osteoclastogenesis.
Gangliosides induce autophagic cell death in astrocytes
Authors: Hwang Jaegyu , Lee Shinrye , Lee Jung Tae , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Kim Deok Ryong , Kim Ho , Park Hae‐Chul , Suk Kyoungho 
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose: Gangliosides, sialic acid‐containing glycosphingolipids, abundant in brain, are involved in neuronal function and disease, but the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their physiological or pathological activities are poorly understood. In this study, the pathological role of gangliosides in the extracellular milieu with respect to glial cell death and lipid raft/membrane disruption was investigated.Experimental approach: We determined the effect of gangliosides on astrocyte death or survival using primary astrocyte cultures and astrocytoma/glioma cell lines as a model. Signalling pathways of ganglioside‐induced autophagic cell death of astrocytes were examined using pharmacological inhibitors and biochemical and genetic assays.Key results: Gangliosides induced autophagic cell death in based on the following observations. Incubation of the cells with a mixture of gangliosides increased a punctate distribution of fluorescently labelled microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (GFP‐LC3), the ratio of LC3‐II/LC3‐I and LC3 flux. Gangliosides also increased the formation of autophagic vacuoles as revealed by monodansylcadaverine staining. Ganglioside‐induced cell death was inhibited by either a knockdown of beclin‐1/Atg‐6 or Atg‐7 gene expression or by 3‐methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were involved in ganglioside‐induced autophagic cell death of astrocytes, because gangliosides induced ROS production and ROS scavengers decreased autophagic cell death. In addition, lipid rafts played an important role in ganglioside‐induced astrocyte death.Conclusions and implications: Gangliosides released under pathological conditions may induce autophagic cell death of astrocytes, identifying a neuropathological role for gangliosides.