bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetochronology of synorogenic Miocene foreland sediments in the Fars arc of the Zagros Folded Belt (SW Iran)
Authors: Khadivi Sh. , Mouthereau F. , Larrasoaña J.‐C. , Vergés J. , Lacombe O. , Khademi E. , Beamud E. , Melinte‐Dobrinescu M. , Suc J.‐P. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe timing of deformation in the northern Zagros Folded Belt is poorly constrained because of the lack of an accurate absolute chronology of the syntectonic sedimentary sequences. The foreland basin infill in the northern part of the Fars arc is composed of supratidal sabkha deposits (Razak Fm), medium‐grained deltaic deposits (Agha Jari Fm) and coarse conglomerates of nearshore fan delta deposits at the base (Bakhtyari Fm, Bk1) and continental alluvial deposits at the top of the section (Bakhtyari Fm, Bk2). A magnetostratigraphic study was carried out in a composite section spanning about 1300 m on the northern flank of the Chahar–Makan syncline. Magnetostratigraphic correlation of the Razak Fm with chron C6n yields an age of 19.7 Ma at the base of the composite section. The transition to Agha Jari Fm is correlated with chron C5Cn, yielding an age of 16.6 Ma. The transition to the conglomerates of the Bakhtyari Fm (Bk1) correlates with the chron C5AD at approximately 14.8 Ma, which is considerably older than previously thought. The base of the Bakhtyari Fm growth strata, and thus the beginning of the deformation in northern Fars, is dated at 14–15 Ma. The topmost preserved Bakhtyari Fm (Bk1) is folded and unconformably overlain by Bakhtyari Fm (Bk2) conglomerates. This indicates that tectonic deformation in northern Zagros was already underway in the Middle Miocene.
Characterising the origin, nature and fate of sediment exported from catchments perturbed by active tectonics
Authors: Whittaker Alexander C. , Attal Mikaël , Allen Philip A. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTChanges to the tectonic boundary conditions governing erosional dynamics in upland catchments have a significant effect on the nature and magnitude of sediment supply to neighbouring basins. While these links have been explored in detail by numerical models of landscape evolution, there has been relatively little work to quantify the timing, characteristics and locus of sediment release from upland catchments in response to changing tectonic boundary conditions that are well‐constrained independently.  We address this challenge by quantifying the volume and granulometric characteristics of sediment exported from modern rivers draining across active normal faults in the Central Apennines in Italy.  We demonstrate that catchments undergoing a transient response to tectonics are associated with significant volumetric export of material derived primarily from the zone upstream of the fault, producing bi‐modal grain‐size distributions with elevated D84 values within the transient reach. This is in direct contrast to the headwaters, where the fluvial capacity to transport sediment is low and the grain‐size distribution of material in transit is fine and uni‐modal. The grain‐size response is driven by landslides feeding coarse material directly into the channel, and we show the amplitude of the signal is modulated by the degree of tectonic perturbation, once the threshold for bedrock landsliding is exceeded. Additionally, we evaluate the length‐scale over which this transient grain‐size signal propagates downstream into the basin. We show that the coarse‐fraction sediment released is retained in the proximal hanging‐wall if rates of tectonic subsidence are high and if the axial river system is small or far from the fault‐bounded mountain front. Our results therefore provide some of the first quantitative data to evaluate how transient landscape responses affect the locus, magnitude and calibre of sediment supply to basins.
Paediatric lymphoblastic T‐cell leukaemia and lymphoma: one or two diseases?
Authors: Burkhardt Birgit 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThere is ongoing discussion on whether paediatric acute T‐cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) and paediatric lymphoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (T‐LBL) are two distinct entities or whether they represent two variant manifestations of one and the same disease and the distinction is arbitrary. Both show overlapping clinical, morphological and immunophenotypic features. Many clinical trials use the amount of blast infiltration of the bone marrow as the sole criterion to distinguish between T‐ALL and T‐LBL. The current World Health Organization classification designates both malignancies as T lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma. However, subtle immunophenotypic, molecular and cytogenetic differences suggest that T‐ALL and T‐LBL might be biologically different in certain aspects. The current review summarizes and discusses the recent advances and understanding of the molecular profile of paediatric T‐ALL and T‐LBL.
Characterization of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in osteoclasts in multiple myeloma
Authors: Qiang Ya‐Wei , Chen Yu , Brown Nathan , Hu Bo , Epstein Joshua , Barlogie Bart , Shaughnessy Jr. John D. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryWe recently showed that increasing Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in the bone marrow microenvironment or in multiple myeloma (MM) cells clearly suppresses osteoclastogenesis in SCID‐hu mice; however, this regulation of osteoclastogenesis could result directly from activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in osteoclasts or indirectly from effects on osteoblasts. The present studies characterized Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and its potential role in osteoclasts. Systematic analysis of expression of WNT, FZD, LRP and TCF gene families demonstrated that numerous Wnt‐signalling components were expressed in human osteoclasts from patients with MM. Functional Wnt/β‐catenin signalling was identified by accumulation of total and active β‐catenin and increases in Dvl‐3 protein in response to Wnt3a or LiCl. Furthermore, Wnt‐induced increases in β‐catenin and Dvl‐3 were attenuated by Wnt antagonists Dkk1 and sFRP1. Finally, Wnt3a‐induced TCF/LEF transcriptional activity suggests that canonical Wnt signalling is active in osteoclasts. Supernatants from dominant‐negative‐β‐catenin–expressing osteoblast clones significantly stimulated tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclast formation from primary MM‐derived osteoclasts, compared with supernatants from control cells. These results suggested that Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is active in osteoclasts in MM and is involved in osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow, where it acts as a negative regulator of osteoclast formation in an osteoblast‐dependent manner in MM.
Deaths of children occurring at home in six European countries
Authors: Pousset G. , Bilsen J. , Cohen J. , Addington‐Hall J. , Miccinesi G. , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen B. , Kaasa S. , Mortier F. , Deliens L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives  Until now there have been no population‐based European data available regarding place of death of children. This study aimed to compare proportions of home death for all children and for children dying from complex chronic conditions (CCC) in six European countries and to investigate related socio‐demographic and clinical factors.Methods  Data were collected from the death certificates of all deceased children aged 1–17 years in Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, England, Wales (2003) and Italy (2002). Gender, cause and place of death (home vs. outside home) and socio‐demographic factors (socio‐economic status, degree of urbanization and number of hospital beds in the area) were included in the analyses. Data were analysed using frequencies and multivariate logistic regression.Results  In total 3328 deaths were included in the analyses; 1037 (31.2%) related to CCC. The proportion of home deaths varied between 19.6% in Italy and 28.6% in the Netherlands and was higher for children dying from CCC in all the countries studied, varying between 21.7% in Italy and 50% in the Netherlands. Among children dying from CCC, home death was more likely for cancer patients and those aged over 10 years. After controlling for potentially related clinical and socio‐demographic factors, differences in the proportion of home deaths between countries remained significant, with higher proportions in Belgium and the Netherlands as compared with Italy.Conclusions  Although home deaths comprise a substantial proportion of all deaths of children with CCCs, variation among disease categories and across countries suggest that considerable potential still exists for further improvements in facilitating end‐of‐life care in the home for those children and families who desire to be in this location.
Increased mRNA expression of collagen V gene in pulmonary fibrosis of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Parra E. R. , Teodoro W. R. , De Morais J. , Katayama M. L. H. , De Souza R. , Yoshinari N. H. , Capelozzi V. L. 
Published: November 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (2): 110–120AbstractBackground  Collagen V shows promise as an inducer of interstitial lung fibrosis in experimental systemic sclerosis (SSc).Materials and methods  Remodelling of the pulmonary interstitium was evaluated based on the clinical data and open lung biopsies from 15 patients with SSc. Normal lung tissues obtained from eight individuals who died of traumatic injuries were used as control group. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, morphometry, tri‐dimensional reconstruction and a real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the quantity, structure and molecular chains of collagen V. The impact of these markers was tested on clinical data.Results  The main difference in collagen V content between SSc patients and the control group was an increased, abnormal and distorted fibre deposition in the alveolar septa and the pre‐acinar artery wall. The lungs from SSc patients presented [α1(V)] and [α2(V)] mRNA chain expression increased, but [α2(V)] was proportionally increased compared with the control group. High levels of collagen V were inversely associated with vital capacity (r = −0·72; P = 0·002), forced vital capacity (r = −0·76; P < 0·001), forced expiratory volume in 1‐s (r = −0·89; P < 0·001) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (r = −0·62; P = 0·04).Conclusions  Abnormal collagen V fibres are overproduced in lungs from SSc patients and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease as this molecule regulates tissue collagen assembly. The aberrant histoarchitecture observed in SSc can be related to the overexpression of the [α2(V)] gene of unknown origin.
Interleukin‐18 levels are associated with low‐density lipoproteins size
Authors: Berneis K. , Rizzo M. , Evans J. , Rini G. B. , Spinas G. A. , Goedecke J. H. 
Published: November 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (1): 54–55AbstractIntroduction  Both low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) size and serum interleukin (IL)‐18 levels have been shown to be predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is still unknown whether IL‐18 levels are independently associated with LDL size.Methods  In this cross‐sectional study including 53 premenopausal women (18–45 years), LDL size (by gradient gel electrophoresis), serum IL‐18, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), serum lipids, insulin sensitivity (SI, by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) were measured.Results  LDL size correlated with IL‐18 (r = −0·38, P = 0·006), hs‐CRP (r = −0·40, P = 0·003), SI (r = 0·36, P = 0·011), serum triglycerides (r = −0·32, P = 0·018) and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL)‐cholesterol (r = 0·40, P = 0·003). When these variables were entered into a regression model, serum IL‐18 (β = −0·26, P = 0·04), triglycerides (β = −0·29, P = 0·02) and HDL‐cholesterol (β = 0·34, P = 0·01) levels were independently associated with LDL size, accounting for 42% of the variance (P < 0·001). Serum hs‐CRP levels and SI were not significant independent predictors of LDL size in this model.Conclusions  This is the first report showing that elevated IL‐18 levels are associated with reduced LDL size, independent of other inflammatory and metabolic risk factors. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the predictive role of IL‐18 as an inflammatory marker of LDL size and the development of subclinical and/or clinical atherosclerosis.
Predators and microorganisms of prey: goshawks prefer prey with small uropygial glands
Authors: Møller Anders P. , Erritzøe Johannes , Tøttrup Nielsen Jan 
Published: November 2009

Summary 1. The uropygial gland of birds produces chemical substances with antimicrobial properties that have been shown to reduce the abundance of feather degrading bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms would affect the flight capabilities of birds and, consequently, a relationship between size of uropygial glands and probability of capture by aerial predators should exist. 2. We tested this hypothesis by estimating the susceptibility of 56 species of prey of the goshawk Accipiter gentilis Linnaeus to predation as the observed abundance of prey relative to the expected abundance from mean population density. 3. In a comparative analysis of the relationship between relative size of the uropygial gland and susceptibility to predation we found a strong negative relationship accounting for 16% of the variance. This relationship was present in analyses that accounted for similarity due to common phylogenetic descent, the fact that prey of intermediate size were preferred, and that larger prey species have larger uropygial glands. 4. These observations are consistent with uropygial glands being under strong selection from aerial predators that are likely mediated by the effect of uropygial glands on feather degrading bacteria and therefore on flight capabilities of birds.
Extensive major histocompatibility complex class I binding promiscuity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis TB10.4 peptides and immune dominance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*0702 and HLA‐B*0801 alleles in TB10.4 CD8+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Axelsson‐Robertson Rebecca , Weichold Frank , Sizemore Donata , Wulf Markus , Skeiky Yasir A. W. , Sadoff Jerry , Maeurer Markus J 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe molecular definition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐presented CD8+ T‐cell epitopes from clinically relevant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) target proteins will aid in the rational design of T‐cell‐based diagnostics of tuberculosis (TB) and the measurement of TB vaccine‐take. We used an epitope discovery system, based on recombinant MHC class I molecules that cover the most frequent Caucasian alleles [human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*0101, A*0201, A*0301, A*1101, A*2402, B*0702, B*0801 and B*1501], to identify MHC class I‐binding peptides from overlapping 9‐mer peptides representing the Mtb protein TB10.4. A total of 33 MHC class I‐binding epitopes were identified, spread across the entire amino acid sequence, with some clustering at the N‐ and C‐termini of the protein. Binding of individual peptides or closely related peptide species to different MHC class I alleles was frequently observed. For instance, the common motif of xIMYNYPAMx bound to six of eight alleles. Affinity (50% effective dose) and off‐rate (half life) analysis of candidate Mtb peptides will help to define the conditions for CD8+ T‐cell interaction with their nominal MHC class I‐peptide ligands. Subsequent construction of tetramers allowed us to confirm the recognition of some of the epitopes by CD8+ T cells from patients with active pulmonary TB. HLA‐B alleles served as the dominant MHC class I restricting molecules for anti‐Mtb TB10.4‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses measured in CD8+ T cells from patients with pulmonary TB.
Cytoskeletal proteins bound to heat‐shock protein 70 may elicit resistance to simian immunodeficiency virus infection of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Bergmeier Lesley A. , Babaahmady Kaboutar , Pido‐Lopez Jeffrey , Heesom Kate J. , Kelly Charles G. , Lehner Thomas 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThis study is based on the evidence that immunization of macaques with human CD4+ T cells elicits prevention of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. We hypothesized that heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) isolated from CD4+ T cells may act as a chaperone and carry the protective host proteins. Two moieties of HSP70 were affinity‐purified from human CD4+ T cells; an ADP preparation with HSP70‐bound proteins (ADP‐HSP) and an ATP control preparation. Immunization of rhesus macaques with these preparations showed significant inhibition of SIVmac251 infectivity ex vivo in CD4+ T cells only with the ADP‐HSP (P = 0·01). Proteomic analysis identified three cytoskeletal elements, cofilin, profilin and γ‐actin, exclusively in the ADP‐HSP preparation. Investigation of the mechanism of prevention of SIV replication suggests that antibodies to the cytoskeletal proteins may inhibit actin depolymerization and facilitate viral degradation by the innate antiviral APOBEC3G. As cytoskeletal proteins are critical in the formation of virological and immunological synapses, finding specific antibodies and anti‐SIV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) factors suggests a novel insight into HIV‐1 immunopathogenesis.
Edge behaviour in a minute parasitic wasp
Authors: Reeve John D. , Cronin James T. 
Published: November 2009

Summary1. Changes in the density of an organism near a boundary elements (edge effects) are often thought to be generated by changes in movement behaviour, but in most cases the mechanism underlying these effects is unknown.2. We quantified the movement behaviour of a minute parasitic wasp, Anagrus columbi, in relation to edges in its habitat. This wasp attacks eggs of the planthopper Prokelisia crocea, which inhabits a wet prairie ecosystem composed of patches of its host plant prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) interspersed within a matrix of mudflat, smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and native grasses. Two edge types are common in this system, cordgrass‐mudflat and cordgrass‐brome.3. We conducted mark–recapture experiments in which wasps were released at the cordgrass‐matrix edge and 50 cm within cordgrass or matrix, for both edge types. The marked wasps were recaptured using a grid of sticky traps. We fitted an advection‐diffusion model to these data, yielding estimates of the diffusion rate and advection coefficient for cordgrass and matrix, for each release position and edge type.4. The spatial distribution of wasps was well‐described by the advection‐diffusion model. The pattern suggests that marked wasps strongly biased their movements towards the edge when released in matrix, and to a lesser extent when released in cordgrass, while edge releases showed little bias. The advection coefficients were similar for the two edge types, as were the diffusion rates for the three substrates (cordgrass, brome, mudflat). The diffusive and advective components of movement were of comparable magnitude for matrix and cordgrass releases, suggesting equal amounts of directed and random movement.5. Our results suggest the wasps are attracted to cordgrass patches across short distances, and that bias in their movements may concentrate them at the patch edge. Their edge behaviour is qualitatively different from that of the host insect.6. The methodology described here could be readily adapted to other systems, where direct observations of movement are difficult but mark–recapture studies are feasible.
Plant genetic diversity yields increased plant productivity and herbivore performance
Authors: Kotowska Agnieszka M. , Cahill Jr James F. , Keddie B. Andrew 
Published: November 2009

Summary 1. Plant genotypic diversity has important consequences for a variety of ecosystem processes, yet empirical evidence for its effects on productivity, one of the most fundamental of these processes, is lacking. In addition, the performance of insect herbivores in response to high genotypic diversity is unknown, despite previous work demonstrating differential herbivore performance among plant genotypes. 2. We manipulated genotypic diversity of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana in both the presence and absence of the generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni under semi‐natural growth conditions. We used nine genotypes (eight ecotypes and one mutant) of A. thaliana known to differ widely in functional traits. Productivity and insect biomass were measured in monocultures and mixtures of all nine genotypes grown at multiple fertilization levels and planting densities. 3. In both the absence and presence of herbivores, genotypic diversity increased plant productivity and survival. This effect was, for the most part, independent of fertility or density. Sampling or selection effects did not appear to be wholly responsible for these results as all genotypes were maintained in equal proportion and no single genotype became dominant for the duration of the experiment. 4. High diversity increased T. ni biomass and survival in all treatments. Insect biomass was positively, but not tightly, correlated to plant biomass, indicating that the higher herbivore performance observed in genotypic mixtures was only partially due to higher productivity. 5.
Synthesis. Our data support the idea that even within a single plant species, genotypic diversity can exert strong influences on both the producer and herbivore communities. The exact mechanisms responsible for these effects and the relative importance of genotypic diversity in natural communities warrant further investigation.
The neurovascular unit in the setting of stroke
Authors: Del Zoppo G. J. 
Published: November 2009

del Zoppo GJ (University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA). The neurovascular unit in the setting of stroke (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 156–171.Abstract.  Microvessels and neurons respond rapidly and simultaneously in focal regions of ischaemic injury in such a way as to suggest that the responses could be coordinated. The ability of neurons to modulate cerebral blood flow in regions of activation results from neurovascular coupling. But little is known about the microvessel‐to‐neuron direction of the relationship. The presence and participation of intervening glial cells implies the association of microvessels, glia, and neurons in a ‘neurovascular unit’. The interdependent functions of the cellular and matrix components of this theoretical unit have not been rigorously explored, except under conditions of injury where, for the most part, only single components or tissue samples have been studied. Whereas maintenance or timely re‐establishment of flow reduces tissue and neuron injury in both humans and animal models, protection of neuron function in humans has not prevented the evolution of injury despite the inherent mechanisms of neurovascular coupling. However, occlusion of flow to the brain rapidly identifies regions of neuron‐vascular vulnerability within the vascular territory‐at‐risk. These coalesce to become the mature ischaemic lesion. The failure, so far, of clinical trials of neuron protectant agents to achieve detectable tissue salvage could be explained by the vulnerability (and lack of protection) of essential components of the ‘unit’. This presentation summarizes evidence and thoughts on this topic. These support the need to understand component interactions within the neurovascular unit.