bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional patterns of postfire canopy recovery in the northern boreal forest of Quebec: interactions between surficial deposit, climate, and fire cycle1This article is one of a selection of papers from the 7th International Conference on Disturbance Dynamics in Boreal Forests.
Authors: Mansuy Nicolas , Gauthier Sylvie , Robitaille André , Bergeron Yves 
Published: July 2012

In many northern forest ecosystems, the postfire transition from a closed-crown forest to open woodland is often observed but poorly understood. This paper looks at the effect of interactions between surficial deposit, climate, and fire cycle on postfire forest recovery within a large territory (190 000 km2) of the boreal forest of eastern Canada. Postfire recovery was estimated using the time elapsed to move from the burnt stage to the regenerated stage and the young forest stage. The main objective was to determine if forests situated in dry regions (characterized by a high proportion of dry coarse surficial deposits, low precipitation, and short fire cycle) tend to reestablish more slowly after fire, obtaining a more open stand compared with wetter regions characterized by a longer fire cycle. To identify the best explanatory model for postfire recovery, multinomial logistic regressions with the Akaike information criterion were conducted using a combination of physicoclimatic factors. Our best model suggests that the most significant predictors of postfire recovery are time since fire (χ2 = 1370.06), surficial deposit type (χ2 = 651.95), the Canadian Drought Code (χ2 = 247.75), and the growing season precipitation (χ2 = 102.80). Fast recovery and dense forest regeneration are associated with subhydric till deposits only in the regions characterized by a long fire cycle (>500 years). Conversely, slow regeneration conducive to a sparse young forest was usually associated with regions characterized by a short fire cycle (<200 years) underlain by dry coarse deposits such as juxtaglacial but also mesic deposits in some cases. Our results also show that slow recovery and reduced forest regeneration are most likely to occur following fires that occurred in dry years, regardless of the deposit type and region.
Predicting the Net Basin Supply to the Great Lakes with a Hydrometeorological Model
Authors: Deacu Daniel , Fortin Vincent , Klyszejko Erika , Spence Christopher , Blanken Peter D. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The paper presents the incremental improvement of the prediction of the Great Lakes net basin supply (NBS) with the hydrometeorological model Modélisation Environmentale–Surface et Hydrologie (MESH) by increasing the accuracy of the simulated NBS components (overlake precipitation, lake evaporation, and runoff into the lake). This was achieved through a series of experiments with MESH and its parent numerical weather prediction model [the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale model in its regional configuration (GEM Regional)]. With forcing extracted from operational GEM Regional forecasts, MESH underestimated the NBS in fall and winter. The underestimation increased when the GEM precipitation was replaced with its corrected version provided by the Canadian Precipitation Analysis. This pointed to overestimated lake evaporation and prompted the revision of the parameterization of the surface turbulent fluxes over water used both in MESH and GEM. The revised parameterization was validated against turbulent fluxes measured at a point on Lake Superior. Its use in MESH reduced the lake evaporation and largely corrected the NBS underestimation. However, the Lake Superior NBS became overestimated, signaling an inconsistency between the reduced lake evaporation and the prescribed precipitation. To remove the inconsistency, a new forcing dataset (including precipitation) was generated with the GEM model using the revised flux parameterization. A major NBS simulation improvement was obtained with the new atmospheric forcing reflecting the atmospheric response to the modified surface fluxes over the lakes. Additional improvements resulted by correcting the runoff with a modified snowmelt rate and by insertion of observed streamflows. The study shows that accurate lake evaporation simulation is crucial for accurate NBS prediction.
Errors Caused by Long-Term Drifts of Magnetron Frequencies for Refractivity Measurement with a Radar: Theoretical Formulation and Initial Validation
Authors: Parent du Chatelet Jacques , Boudjabi Chiraz , Besson Lucas , Caumont Olivier 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Refractivity measurements in the boundary layer by precipitation radar could be useful for convection prediction. Until now such measurements have only been performed by coherent radars, but European weather radars are mostly equipped with noncoherent magnetron transmitters for which the phase and frequency may vary. In this paper, the authors give an analytical expression of the refractivity measurement by a noncoherent drifting-frequency magnetron radar and validate it by comparing with in situ measurements. The main conclusion is that, provided the necessary corrections are applied, the measurement can be successfully performed with a noncoherent radar. The correction factor mainly depends on the local-oscillator frequency variation, which is known perfectly. A second-order error, proportional to the transmitted frequency variation, can be neglected as long as this change remains small.
Diffuse and heterogeneous T2-hyperintense lesions in the splenium are characteristic of neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Makino Takahiro , Ito Shoichi , Mori Masahiro , Yonezu Tadahiro , Ogawa Yoshitsugu , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: July 2012

Background: Callosal lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) are usually focal, involving the inferior aspect of the corpus callosum on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but little is known about callosal lesions in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Objective: To clarify MRI abnormalities in callosal lesions of NMO. Methods: Japanese patients with NMO ( n=28) or MS ( n=22) were assessed. The distributions and appearances of callosal lesions were evaluated on a brain mid-sagittal T2-weighted image (T2WI) or a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image with a 1.5T MRI scanner. Logistic regression analysis identified which characteristics of the callosal lesions were useful for discriminating NMO from MS. Results: Callosal lesions were present in 79% of NMO and 82% of MS patients. Callosal abnormalities of NMO, including splenial lesions (57% in NMO versus 27% in MS, odds ratio (OR)=4.23, p=0.04), diffusely spreading lesions from the lower to upper edges of the corpus callosum (71% versus 23%, OR=7.18, p=0.0024), and heterogeneous T2 hyperintense lesions (71% versus 9%, OR=44.3, p=0.0006), were feasible for discriminating NMO from MS. Conclusion: Diffuse and heterogeneous T2 hyperintense splenial lesions were characteristic of NMO. These findings could help distinguish NMO from MS on MRI.
Depletion of radio-resistant regulatory T cells enhances antitumor immunity during recovery from lymphopenia
Authors: Baba Junko , Watanabe Satoshi , Saida Yu , Tanaka Tomohiro , Miyabayashi Takao , Koshio Jun , Ichikawa Kosuke , Nozaki Koichiro , Koya Toshiyuki , Deguchi Katsuya , Tan Chunrui , Miura Satoru , Tanaka Hiroshi , Tanaka Junta , Kagamu Hiroshi , Yoshizawa Hirohisa , Nakata Ko , Narita Ichiei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCytotoxic lymphodepletion therapies augment antitumor immune responses. The generation and therapeutic efficacy of antitumor effector T cells (TEs) are enhanced during recovery from lymphopenia. Although the effects of lymphodepletion on naive T cells (TNs) and TEs have been studied extensively, the influence of lymphodepletion on suppressor cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate a significant increase of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in sublethally irradiated lymphopenic mice. These radio-resistant Tregs inhibited the induction of TEs in tumor-draining lymph-nodes (TDLNs) during recovery from lymphopenia. The transfer of TNs into lymphopenic tumor-bearing mice resulted in some antitumor effects; however, Treg depletion after whole-body irradiation and reconstitution strongly inhibited tumor progression. Further analyses revealed that tumor-specific T cells were primed from the transferred TNs, whereas the Tregs originated from irradiated recipient cells. As in irradiated lymphopenic mice, a high percentage of Tregs was observed in cyclophosphamide-treated lymphopenic mice. The inhibition of Tregs in cyclophosphamide-treated mice significantly reduced tumor growth. These results indicate that the Tregs that survive cytotoxic therapies suppress antitumor immunity during recovery from lymphopenia and suggest that approaches to deplete radio and chemo-resistant Tregs can enhance cancer immunotherapies.
Diagnosing celiac disease by video capsule endoscopy (VCE) when esophogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsy is unable to provide a diagnosis: a case series
Authors: Chang Matthew S , Rubin Moshe , Lewis Suzanne K , Green Peter H 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is mainly used to evaluate patients with celiac disease in whom their course after diagnosis has been unfavorable and the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, lymphoma or refractory celiac disease is entertained, but it has been suggested that VCE could replace esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsy under certain circumstances.

Methods
We report a single center case series of 8 patients with suspected celiac disease who were diagnosed by VCE.

Results
EGD and biopsy had been performed in 4 patients resulting in a negative biopsy, declined by 2, and contraindicated in 2 due to hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. In all patients, mucosal changes of scalloping, mucosal mosaicism and reduced folds were seen in either the duodenum or jejunum on VCE. Follow-up in 7 patients demonstrated improvement in either their serological abnormalities or their presenting clinical features on a gluten-free diet.

Conclusions
Our case series demonstrates that VCE and the visualization of the characteristic mucosal changes of villous atrophy may replace biopsy as the mode of diagnosis when EGD is either declined or contraindicated, or when duodenal biopsies are negative and there remains a high index of suspicion. Further study is needed to clarify the role and cost of diagnosing celiac disease with VCE.
Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & K.D. Hyde: Nutritional value and in vitro neurite outgrowth activity in rat pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Phan Chia-Wei , Wong Wei-Lun , David Pamela , Naidu Murali , Sabaratnam Vikineswary 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundDrugs dedicated to alleviate neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have always been associated with debilitating side effects. Medicinal mushrooms which harness neuropharmacological compounds offer a potential possibility for protection against such diseases.Pleurotus giganteus(formerly known asPanus giganteus) has been consumed by the indigenous people in Peninsular Malaysia for many years. Domestication of this wild mushroom is gaining popularity but to our knowledge, medicinal properties reported for this culinary mushroom are minimal.MethodsThe fruiting bodiesP. giganteuswere analysed for its nutritional values. Cytotoxicity of the mushroom’s aqueous and ethanolic extracts towards PC12, a rat pheochromocytoma cell line was assessed by using 3-[4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Neurite outgrowth stimulation assay was carried out with nerve growth factor (NGF) as control. To elucidate signaling mechanisms involved by mushroom extract-induced neurite outgrowth, treatment of specific inhibitor for MEK/ERK and PI3K signalling pathway was carried out.ResultsThe fruiting bodies ofP. giganteuswere found to have high carbohydrate, dietary fibre, potassium, phenolic compounds and triterpenoids. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in a dose- and time-dependant manner with no detectable cytotoxic effect. At day 3, 25 μg/ml of aqueous extract and 15 μg/ml of ethanolic extract showed the highest percentage of neurite-bearing cells, i.e. 31.7 ± 1.1% and 33.3 ± 0.9%; respectively. Inhibition treatment results suggested that MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt are responsible for neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells stimulated byP. giganteusextract. The high potassium content (1345.7 mg/100 g) may be responsible for promoting neurite extension, too.ConclusionsP. giganteuscontains bioactive compounds that mimic NGF and are responsible for neurite stimulation. Hence, this mushroom may be developed as a nutraceutical for the mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases.
Ratiometric imaging of calcium during ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated mouse hearts using Fura-2
Authors: Venkataraman Raghav , Holcomb Mark R , Harder Rene , Knollmann Björn C , Baudenbacher Franz 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
We present an easily implementable method for measuring Fura-2 fluorescence from isolated mouse hearts using a commercially available switching light source and CCD camera. After calibration, it provides a good estimate of intracellular [Ca2+] with both high spatial and temporal resolutions, permitting study of changes in dispersion of diastolic [Ca2+], Ca2+ transient dynamics, and conduction velocities in mouse hearts. In a proof-of-principle study, we imaged isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts with reversible regional myocardial infarctions.

Methods
Isolated mouse hearts were perfused in the Landendorff-mode and loaded with Fura-2. Hearts were then paced rapidly and subjected to 15 minutes of regional ischemia by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, following which the ligation was removed to allow reperfusion for 15 minutes. Fura-2 fluorescence was recorded at regular intervals using a high-speed CCD camera. The two wavelengths of excitation light were interleaved at a rate of 1 KHz with a computer controlled switching light source to illuminate the heart.

Results
Fura-2 produced consistent Ca2+ transients from different hearts. Ligating the coronary artery rapidly generated a well defined region with a dramatic rise in diastolic Ca2+ without a significant change in transient amplitude; Ca2+ handling normalized during reperfusion. Conduction velocity was reduced by around 50% during ischemia, and did not recover significantly when monitored for 15 minutes following reperfusion.

Conclusions
Our method of imaging Fura-2 from isolated whole hearts is capable of detecting pathological changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels in cardiac tissue. The persistent change in the conduction velocities indicates that changes to tissue connectivity rather than altered intracellular Ca2+ handling may be underlying the electrical instabilities commonly seen in patients following a myocardial infarction.
Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis enhances leukocyte rolling and adhesion in human microvasculature
Authors: Hossain Mokarram , Qadri Syed M , Liu Lixin 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule that regulates important cellular events in inflammation including leukocyte recruitment. Previous studies have shown that pharmacological inhibition of NO synthesis induces leukocyte recruitment in various in vitro and animal models. However, it is not known whether NO modulation has similar effects on leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions within the human microvasculature. The present study explored the effect of systemic L-NAME treatment on leukocyte recruitment in the SCID-hu mouse model.

Methods
Human skin xenografts were transplanted in SCID mice to study human leukocyte dynamics in human vasculature. Early events of human leukocyte recruitment in human vasculature were studied using intravital microscopy. NO synthesis was pharmacologically inhibited using NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to elucidate E-selectin expression in human xenograft skin. Human neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions were also studied in an in vitro flow chamber assay system. P- and E-selectin expression on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was measured using ELISA. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis was detected using a TLC-based assay.

Results
L-NAME treatment significantly enhanced the rolling and adhesion of human leukocytes to the human vasculature. Functional blocking of P- and E-selectins significantly inhibited rolling but not adhesion induced by inhibition of NO synthesis. Systemic L-NAME treatment enhanced E-selectin expression in human xenograft skin. L-NAME treatment significantly enhanced P- and E-selectin expression on HUVECs. L-NAME treatment did not significantly modify neutrophil rolling or adhesion to HUVECs indicating that L-NAME−induced subtle P- and E-selectin expression was insufficient to elicit dynamic neutrophil-HUVEC interactions in vitro. Moreover, synthesis of endothelial-derived PAF was not significantly modified by L-NAME treatment. These results point to the accelerated leukocyte recruitment in human vasculature following suppression of NO synthesis, effects that are mediated by P- and E-selectins. The findings are, however, not supported by the in vitro data.

Conclusion
Inhibition of endogenous NO triggers early events of human leukocyte recruitment in human vasculature, involving complex cellular or molecular mechanisms in addition to P- and E-selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling.
Mizoguchi-Takahashi-type theorems in tvs-cone metric spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Rajić Vesna Ćojbašić , Radenović Stojan , Al-Rawashdeh Ahmed 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In this paper, the concepts of a set-valued contraction of Mizoguchi-Takahashi type in the context of topological vector space (tvs)-cone metric spaces are introduced and a fixed point theorem in the context of tvs-cone metric spaces with respect to a solid cone is proved. We obtained results which extend and generalize the main results of S. H. Cho with J. S. Bae, Mizoguchi with Takahashi and S. B. Nadler Jr. Two examples are given to illustrate the usability of our results.

2010 MSC: 47H10, 54H25.
Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) is a reliable immunohistochemical marker to differentiate malignant and benign hepatic tumors
Authors: Hajósi-Kalcakosz Szofia , Dezső Katalin , Bugyik Edina , Bödör Csaba , Paku Sándor , Pávai Zoltán , Halász Judit , Schlachter Krisztina , Schaff Zsuzsa , Nagy Péter 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The immunohistochemical demonstration of Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) proved to be a useful marker in several tumor types. It has been described to distinguish reliably hepatocellular carcinomas from liver adenomas and other benign hepatocellular lesions. However, no other types of malignant liver tumors were studied so far.

Methods
To evaluate the diagnostic value of this protein in hepatic tumors we have investigated the presence of EZH2 by immunohistochemistry in hepatocellular carcinomas and other common hepatic tumors.
EZH2 expression was examined in 44 hepatocellular carcinomas, 23 cholangiocarcinomas, 31 hepatoblastomas, 16 other childhood tumor types (rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms’ tumor and rhabdoid tumor), 17 metastatic liver tumors 24 hepatocellular adenomas, 15 high grade dysplastic nodules, 3 biliary cystadenomas, 3 biliary hamartomas and 3 Caroli’s diseases.

Results
Most of the malignant liver tumors were positive for EZH2, but neither of the adenomas, cirrhotic/dysplastic nodules, reactive and hamartomatous biliary ductules stained positively.

Conclusions
Our immunostainings confirm that EZH2 is a sensitive marker of hepatocellular carcinoma, but its specificity is very low, since almost all the investigated malignant liver tumors were positive regardless of their histogenesis. Based on these results EZH2 is a sensitive marker of malignancy in hepatic tumors. In routine surgical pathology EZH2 could be most helpful to diagnose cholangiocarcinomas, because as far as we know this is the first marker to distinguish transformed and reactive biliary structures. Although hepatoblastomas also express EZH2, the diagnostic significance of this observation seems to be quite limited whereas, the structurally similar, other blastic childhood tumors are also positive.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1173195902735693
Cardiac tamponade: contrast reflux as an indicator of cardiac chamber equalization
Authors: Nauta Foeke Jacob Harmen , Borstlap Wernard Aat Antoine , Stella Michael , Khalpey Zain 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Traumatic hemopericardium remains a rare entity; it does however commonly cause cardiac tamponade which remains a major cause of death in traumatic blunt cardiac injury.

Objectives
We present a case of blunt chest trauma complicated by cardiac tamponade causing cardiac chamber equalization revealed by reflux of contrast.

Case report
A 29-year-old unidentified male suffered blunt chest trauma in a motor vehicle collision. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a periaortic hematoma and hemopericardium. Significant contrast reflux was seen in the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins suggesting a change in cardiac chamber pressures. After intensive treatment including cardiac massage this patient expired of cardiac arrest.

Conclusion
Reflux of contrast on CT imaging can be an indicator of traumatic cardiac tamponade.
The hybrid approach for the surgical treatment of lone atrial fibrillation: One-year results employing a monopolar radiofrequency source
Authors: La Meir Mark , Gelsomino Sandro , Lorusso Roberto , Lucà Fabiana , Pison Laurant , Parise Orlando , Wellens Francis , Gensini Gian Franco , Maessen Jos 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The hybrid technique combines a mono or bilateral epicardial approach with a percutaneous endocardial ablation in a single-step procedure. We present our early results with this technique employing a monopolar radiofrequency source through a right thoracoscopy in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (LAF).

Methods
Between June 2009 and December 2010 nineteen consecutive patients (mean 60.8 ± 8.6 years, 84.2% male) underwent right unilateral minimally invasive hybrid procedure for LAF at our Institution. Ten patients (52.6.6%) had long-standing persistent AF while four (21.1%) had persistent and five (26.3%) paroxysmal AF. All patients were followed-up according the Heart Rhythm Society/European Heart Rhythm Association/European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (HRS/EHRA/ECA) and Society of Thoracic Surgeon (STS) guidelines.

Results
There were neither early nor late deaths. It was possible to complete all the procedures as planned without any conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass. No patient died during the follow up. At one year, 7/19 (36.8%) patients were in sinus rhythm with no episode of AF and off antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD). Time-related prevalence of postoperative AF peaked at 44.4% (41.3–47.4) at two weeks, was 30.4% (27.3–34.9) at three months, fell to 14.2% (11.6–18.1) by 6 months and was 13.3% (11.0–17.4) at 12 months Among patients with long-standing persistent (LSP) AF, 20% (2/10) were in Sinus rythm and off AAD. One-year success rates were 50% (2/4) in persistent and 60% (3/5) in paroxysmal AF. At 12 months estimated prevalence of antyarrhythmic drugs and Warfarin use were 26% (22.4–33.1) and 48% (37.2–53.2), respectively.

Conclusions
One year results combining the percutaneous endocardial with the right thoracoscopic epicardial technique were, in our experience, not satisfactory, particularly in patients with LSP and persistent AF. Our findings need to be confirmed by larger studies.