bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breaching the Barrier and Inflaming Epilepsy Research
Authors: Sills Graeme J. , Solomon Tom 
Published: September 2009

A Role for Leukocyte-Endothelial Adhesion Mechanisms in Epilepsy. Fabene PF, Navarro Mora G, Martinello M, Rossi B, Merigo F, Ottoboni L, Bach S, Angiari S, Benati D, Chakir A, Zanetti L, Schio F, Osculati A, Marzola P, Nicolato E, Homeister JW, Xia L, Lowe JB, McEver RP, Osculati F, Sbarbati A, Butcher EC, Constantin G. Nat Med 2008;14(12):1377–1383. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects approximately one percent of the world population, are not well understood. 1 – 3 Using a mouse model of epilepsy, we show that seizures induce elevated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules and enhanced leukocyte rolling and arrest in brain vessels mediated by the leukocyte mucin P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1, encoded by Selplg) and leukocyte integrins α4β1 and αLβ2. Inhibition of leukocyte-vascular interactions, either with blocking antibodies or by genetically interfering with PSGL-1 function in mice, markedly reduced seizures. Treatment with blocking antibodies after acute seizures prevented the development of epilepsy. Neutrophil depletion also inhibited acute seizure induction and chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, which is known to enhance neuronal excitability, was induced by acute seizure activity but was prevented by blockade of leukocyte-vascular adhesion, suggesting a pathogenetic link between leukocyte-vascular interactions, BBB damage and seizure generation. Consistent with the potential leukocyte involvement in epilepsy in humans, leukocytes were more abundant in brains of individuals with epilepsy than in controls. Our results suggest leukocyte-endothelial interaction as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy. Myelomonocytic Cell Recruitment Causes Fatal CNS Vascular Injury during Acute Viral Meningitis. Kim JV, Kang SS, Dustin ML, McGavern DB. Nature 2009;457(7226):191–195. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus1 infection of the mouse central nervous system (CNS) elicits fatal immunopathology through blood–brain barrier breakdown2 and convulsive seizures3. Although lymphocytic-choriomeningitis-virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are essential for disease4, their mechanism of action is not known. To gain insights into disease pathogenesis, we observed the dynamics of immune cells in the meninges by two-photon microscopy. Here we report visualization of motile CTLs and massive secondary recruitment of pathogenic monocytes and neutrophils that were required for vascular leakage and acute lethality. CTLs expressed multiple chemoattractants capable of recruiting myelomonocytic cells. We conclude that a CD8+ T-cell-dependent disorder can proceed in the absence of direct T-cell effector mechanisms and rely instead on CTL-recruited myelomonocytic cells.
Myometrial interstitial cells and the coordination of myometrial contractility
Authors: Hutchings G. , Williams Olivia , Cretoiu D. , Ciontea Sanda M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Nomenclature
Uterine contractions and the ‘functional syncytium theory’
Interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts
Are there m‐ICLC in myometrium?
The effect of c‐kit inhibition on myometrial contractility
Electrophysiology of m‐ICLC
Imaging of tissue level signals in myometrium
Emerging concepts – the possible role of extracellular ATP in myometrial contractility
Where do m‐ICLC fit in with a model for the generation of myometrial contractions?
Future research directions
Conclusion

A strict regulation of contractility in the uterus and fallopian tube is essential for various reproductive functions. The uterus contributes, through either increased contractility or periods of relative quiescence, to: (i) expulsion of menstrual debris, (ii) sperm transport, (iii) adequate embryo placement during implantation, (iv) enlarging its capacity during pregnancy and (v) parturition. The dominant cell population of the uterine wall consists of smooth muscle cells that contain the contractile apparatus responsible for the generation of contractile force. Recent interest has focused on a new population of cells located throughout the myometrium on the borders of smooth muscle bundles. These cells are similar to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gut that are responsible for the generation of electrical slow waves that control peristalsis. A precise role for myometrial Cajal‐like interstitial cells (m‐ICLC) has not been identified. m‐ICLC express the c‐kit receptor, involved in creating and maintaining the ICC phenotype in the gastrointestinal tract. However, both acute and prolonged inhibition of this receptor with the c‐kit antagonist imatinib mesylate does not appear to affect the spontaneous contractility of myometrium. Calcium imaging of live tissue slices suggests that contractile signalling starts on the borders of smooth muscle bundles where m‐ICLC are located and recently the possible role of extracellular ATP signalling from m‐ICLC has been studied. This manuscript reviews the evidence regarding tissue‐level signalling in the myometrium with a particular emphasis on the anatomical and possible functional aspects of m‐ICLC as new elements of the contractile mechanisms in the uterus.
Long‐term drivers of change in Polylepis woodland distribution in the central Andes
Authors: Gosling William D. , Hanselman Jennifer A. , Knox Christopher , Valencia Bryan G. , Bush Mark B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractQuestion: Is the modern patchy distribution of highly biodiverse Polylepis woodlands a consequence of human activity or natural fluctuations in environmental conditions? What are the consequences of changing climate for the tree genus Polylepis?Location: High central tropical Andes.Methods: We characterized the ecological baseline conditions for Polylepis woodlands over the last ca. 370 000 years through: (i) examination of fossil pollen records (Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca) and (ii) a review of autecological information concerning Polylepis.Results: Fossil pollen data revealed fluctuations in the abundance (ca. 0‐34%) of Polylepis pollen before the arrival of humans in South America (>12 000 years ago), indicating that Polylepis did not form permanent continuous woodland before the arrival of humans and that climatic factors can drive rapid vegetation change. Autecological assessment of Polylepis revealed: (i) negative moisture balance, (ii) fire, (iii) waterlogging, and (iv) cloud cover to be critical in determining the niche space available for Polylepis.Conclusions: Polylepis niche space in the central Andes was at a maximum during warm and wet conditions in the past, but might be at a minimum during the warmer and drier than modern conditions predicted for later this century. The sensitivity to past global climate change emphasizes the need for conservation planners to consider model predictions of a warmer central Andes in the coming decades when developing planting schemes. Natural fluctuations in woodland abundance suggest the most effective way for conservation efforts to “mimic” the natural baseline would be to develop a reproductively connected patchwork of communities.
Plant diversity, species turnover and shifts in functional traits in coastal dune vegetation: Results from permanent plots over a 52‐year period
Authors: Kuiters A. T. , Kramer K. , Van der Hagen H. G. J. M. , Schaminée J. H. J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractQuestion: What is the relationship between plant diversity and species turnover in coastal dune vegetation plots? How is the long‐term change in species composition of vegetation plots related to shifts in functional traits, and what does it tell us about the dominant processes?Location: Coastal dunes, the Netherlands.Methods: Our data set comprised 52 years of vegetation data from 35 permanent plots in grassland/scrub/woodland vegetation. Vegetation dynamics were described in terms of changes in species composition and abundance, and shifts in 13 functional traits related to resources capture and forage quality, regeneration and dispersal.Results: Species turnover in the plots was high, because of local extinction and colonization. Species‐rich plots were more stable in terms of species abundance and composition compared with species‐poor plots. Over time, the plots converged with respect to their abiotic conditions, as reflected by Ellenberg indicator values – indicating that the prevailing process was succession. The high species turnover reflected high invasibility: accordingly, the relative importance of annuals increased. Most newcomer annuals, however, were competitive generalists of little conservation value. The functional trait analysis allowed us to unravel the complexity of effects of disturbances and succession, and yielded information on the processes driving the observed vegetation dynamics.Conclusions: In this study, small‐scale species turnover was negatively related to species diversity, indicating more stability in species‐rich communities. Regarding shifts in trait diversity, unifying filters appeared to be more dominant than diversifying filters. Counteracting this homogenization process poses a challenge for nature management.
Are GRB optical afterglows relatively brighter at high z?
Authors: Imerito A. , Coward D. M. , Burman R. R. , Blair D. G 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The redshift distribution of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is strongly biased by selection effects. We investigate, via Monte Carlo simulations, one possible selection effect that may be modifying the Swift GRB redshift distribution. We show how telescope response times to acquire a GRB redshift may, via the Malmquist effect and GRB optical afterglow (OA) brightness distribution, introduce a bias into the average of the observed redshift distribution. It is difficult to reconcile a recently reported correlated trend between telescope response time and average redshifts unless we employ a redshift-dependent OA distribution. Simulations of this selection effect suggest that GRB OAs may have been either intrinsically brighter early in the Universe or suffered less local host galaxy extinction.
DEGRADATION OF MANDARIN JUICE CONCENTRATES TREATED AT HIGH TEMPERATURES
Authors: IBARZ ALBERT , GARZA SALVADOR , GARVÍN ALFONSO , PAGÁN JORDI 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT This work aims to characterize nonenzymatic browning of concentrated mandarin juice treated at different temperatures, identifying the different factors involved and their influence, and to propose a kinetic model for their evolution with treatment time. For 65°Brix sample, at 98C, the evolution of carotenes and total sugars can be described by means of first‐order kinetics, and formol index changes according to zero‐order kinetics. In the case of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, two types of kinetics, first‐order and autocatalytic, were assayed. For the mandarin juices at different temperatures (70–98C) and concentrations (10–65°Brix), the absorbance A440 decreases according to first‐order kinetics. For the highest treatment temperatures and the most concentrated samples, in the first stage, an increase in the brightness and decrease of A440attributed to carotene degradation is observed. After the carotenes disappear, an increase in the color is observed, probably caused by the Maillard reaction.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn order to obtain some kinetic of deterioration processes of thermal‐processed juice, it is necessary to use high sufficient times to see its evolution. In some procedures for obtaining marmalades and jams using commercial fruit juices, cooking times tend to be high, which will negatively affect the quality of the final product. It is in these cases in which they could use the kinetic data obtained with high time treatment. In the nonenzymatic browning kinetic models determination, it is convenient to perform studies with sufficient high times assuring the possibility to interpolate the residence time of the juice while it flows through the heat treatment device. The information obtained from the study could be used as a guideline for designing thermal processes to reduce the quality degradation of the mandarin juice concentrates.
INFLUENCE OF POWER ULTRASOUND ON OXIDATIVE RANCIDITY OF POTATO CHIPS
Authors: WAMBURA PETER , YANG WADE 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT Removal of some lipids on the surface, or from a layer adjacent to the surface of potato chips, was investigated as a means to extend the oxidative stability. Classic potato chips purchased from a local grocery store were subjected to sonication in n‐hexane at room temperature for 1 min. Oxidative stability of the potato chips with and without surface lipids removed was examined by accelerated oxidative stability testing, where samples were stored in an environmental chamber set at 35C. The oxidative stability index was measured with an oxidative stability instrument. As compared with the nonsonicated potato chips, the oxidative stability of sonicated samples was improved by 25, 14, 11, 6 and 21% during the 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8th week of storage, respectively. In average, sonication resulted in 15% improvement of the oxidative stability of potato chips during the 8 weeks of storage at 35C. Thus, it was observed that removing some lipids from the surface of the potato chips by power ultrasound improved the storage oxidative stability.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSonication treatment used in this study was capable of reducing peanut lipid rancidity. This research demonstrated the potential of power ultrasound to remove lipids from the potato chips and improve oxidative stability during storage. This research indicated that sonication could provide an alternative for improving the oxidative stability and eventually shelf life and quality of potato chips.
La gestion des risques à l'heure de la mondialisation: analyse pratique des préférences individuelles dans vingt‐six pays européens
Authors: Koster Ferry 
Published: September 2009

RésuméLes risques quotidiens, maladie ou chômage par exemple, peuvent être couverts par l'intermédiaire des mécanismes du marché, des mécanismes publics ou encore des mécanismes locaux. Le marché peut fonctionner avec un niveau de solidarité inférieur à celui des deux autres mécanismes; les mécanismes publics nécessitent le niveau le plus élevé de solidarité obligatoire et les mécanismes locaux renvoient à la solidarité volontaire. Le contexte social modifie les préférences individuelles par rapport à ces mécanismes. Le présent document examine dans quelle mesure ces préférences sont influencées par la mondialisation, c'est‐à‐dire l'ouverture économique, sociale et politique des pays. La série de données utilisées dans la présente étude combine des données issues de l'enquête de 1999‐2000 sur les valeurs des Européens, du Fonds monétaire international (FMI) et de l'indice de la mondialisation du KOF. Elle contient des informations sur 31 554 personnes vivant dans 26 pays européens. Les résultats dégagés de l'analyse logistique à plusieurs niveaux montrent que les préférences en matière d'organisation de la solidarité sont liées aux différentes dimensions de la mondialisation.
Les améliorations volontaires de la sécurité sociale espagnole: normes et jurisprudence actuelles
Authors: García Valverde María Dolores , García Valverde Francisco 
Published: September 2009

RésuméLe présent document entend offrir au lecteur une vision générale des améliorations volontaires, forme de prévoyance sociale volontaire du système espagnol de sécurité sociale. A cette fin, nous avons analysé les différentes modalités des améliorations volontaires, tant du point de vue du droit que de celui de la jurisprudence, en nous attachant tout particulièrement aux principaux problèmes sources de conflits. Les améliorations volontaires visent à favoriser l'initiative privée en matière de prévoyance sociale tout en orientant cette dernière vers la sécurité sociale, comme moyen de contrôle du fond et des procédures. Dans le cadre de la pratique des entreprises, elle est liée à la négociation collective.
Politische Risiken bei der Rentenprivatisierung: Der Fall Argentinien (1994‐2008)
Authors: Kay Stephen J. 
Published: September 2009

AuszugDie Befürworter der Rentenprivatisierung in Lateinamerika behaupteten, dass private, rein kapitalgedeckte und individualkontengestützte Systeme mit festgesetzten Beiträgen besser vor politischen Eingriffen geschützt sind als die staatlichen Rentensysteme im Umlageverfahren. Wie das argentinische Beispiel mit der Verstaatlichung des privaten Individualkontensystems im Jahre 2008 zeigt, verringert oder eliminiert eine Übertragung der Rentenverwaltung und ‐investitionen auf den Privatsektor jedoch nicht unbedingt das politische Risiko. So bringt die Schaffung von Individualkontensystemen de facto eine Reihe neuer politischer Risiken mit sich, teilweise deshalb, weil diese eine potenzielle Finanzierungsquelle für den Staat darstellen, insbesondere in wirtschaftlichen Krisenzeiten. Der vorliegende Beitrag erläutert eine Reihe von politischen Risiken, die Rentensystemen mit Individualkonten innewohnen, und bezieht sich dabei insbesondere auf die Erfahrungen Argentiniens mit der Privatisierung in den Jahren 1994‐2008.
Risikomanagement in einer sich globalisierenden Welt: Eine empirische Analyse individueller Präferenzen in 26 europäischen Ländern
Authors: Koster Ferry 
Published: September 2009

AuszugDie Risiken, denen der Einzelne im täglichen Leben ausgesetzt ist, wie Krankheit und Arbeitslosigkeit, lassen sich mit dem Einsatz von Markt‐, Staats‐ oder Gemeinschaftsmechanismen abdecken. Der Markt kann mit einem niedrigeren Niveau an Solidarität als die anderen beiden Mechanismen funktionieren; der Staatsmechanismus erfordert ein Höchstmaß an gesetzlich vorgeschriebener Solidarität, und die Gemeinschaften üben freiwillige Solidarität aus. Der Sozialkontext beeinflusst die individuellen Präferenzen in Bezug auf jeden dieser Mechanismen. Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht, inwieweit diese Präferenzen durch die Globalisierung beeinflusst werden: die wirtschaftliche, soziale und politische Offenheit von Ländern. Die in dieser Studie verwendeten Daten kombinieren Daten aus der Europäischen Wertestudie (European Values Study, EVS) 1999‐2000, vom Internationalen Währungsfonds (IWF) und vom KOF‐Globalisierungsindex und werten Informationen über 31 554 Menschen aus, die in 26 europäischen Ländern leben. Wie die Ergebnisse einer logistischen Analyse mehrerer Ebenen zeigen, gibt es einen Zusammenhang zwischen den Präferenzen beider Organisation der Solidarität und den verschiedenen Dimensionen der Globalisierung.
Riesgo político y privatización de las pensiones: el caso de la Argentina (1994‐2008)
Authors: Kay Stephen J. 
Published: September 2009

ResumenLos defensores de la privatización de las pensiones en América Latina defendían que los sistemas de cuentas individuales privadas de cotización definida totalmente capitalizados estarían mejor aislados de la política que los sistemas públicos de pensiones de reparto. Sin embargo, tal y como demuestra el caso de la Argentina, y más recientemente con la nacionalización en 2008 de su sistema privado de cuentas individuales, transferir la administración e inversión de las pensiones al sector privado no implica necesariamente reducir o eliminar el riesgo político. De hecho, la creación de sistemas de cuentas individuales genera una nueva serie de riesgos políticos debido en parte a que son un posible recurso financiero para los gobiernos, en particular en épocas de tensión económica. El presente artículo describe los riesgos políticos inherentes a los sistemas de pensiones de cuentas individuales y hace referencia concreta a la experiencia de la privatización de la Argentina entre 1994 y 2008.
Gestión del riesgo en un mundo que se globaliza: análisis empírico de las preferencias individuales en 26 países europeos
Authors: Koster Ferry 
Published: September 2009

ResumenLas personas se enfrentan en su vida diaria a riesgos, como las enfermedades y el desempleo, que se pueden cubrir mediante mecanismos basados en el mercado, el gobierno o la comunidad. De los tres, el mecanismo basado en el mercado es el que puede funcionar con un nivel de solidaridad más bajo; el basado en el gobierno requiere el mayor nivel de solidaridad obligatoria y el de las comunidades se asocia con la solidaridad voluntaria. El contexto social afecta a las preferencias individuales respecto a estos mecanismos. El presente artículo estudia en qué medida estas preferencias se ven afectadas por la globalización: la apertura económica, social y política de los países. Este estudio combina datos procedentes del European Values Study 1999‐2000 (EVS), el Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) y el KOF Index of Globalization, y contiene información sobre 31 554 personas que viven en 26 países europeos. Los resultados obtenidos de análisis logísticos realizados en varios niveles muestran que las preferencias relativas a la organización de la solidaridad están relacionadas con las distintas dimensiones de la globalización.
Efficacy of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution in preventing cystoid macular oedema after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes
Authors: Endo Naoko , Kato Satoshi , Haruyama Kensuke , Shoji Munenori , Kitano Shigehiko 
Published: September 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 896–900Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the efficacy of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution (BF) and a steroidal solution (ST) administered prophylactically against cystoid macular oedema and anterior‐chamber inflammation after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation and to assess macular thickness changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods:  In this prospective study, 62 eyes of 62 patients were randomized to either the BF group (n = 31) or the ST group (n = 31). The average perifoveal thickness (AFT) was measured by OCT preoperatively, and 1 day and 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The best‐corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and flare in the anterior chamber were recorded at each visit. The same method was used to compare patients with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in the BF (n = 16) and ST (n = 11) groups.Results:  In the analysis of all patients, flare in the anterior chamber was significantly (p = 0.007) lower in the BF group 2 weeks postoperatively. In patients with NPDR, the anterior chamber flare values were significantly lower in the BF group at 4 weeks (p = 0.0009) and 6 weeks (p = 0.005). The AFT values were significantly lower in the BF group at 4 weeks (p < 0.0001) and 6 weeks (p < 0.0001). No adverse events occurred in either group.Conclusion:  BF suppressed anterior chamber inflammation and increasing retinal thickening after cataract surgery in patients with NPDR.