bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population Structure of Woody Plants in Relation to Land Use in a Semi‐arid Savanna, West Africa
Authors: Jurisch Katrin , Hahn Karen , Wittig Rüdiger , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIndigenous woody species are important natural resources in West African savannas. Information about their population structures and response to human impact, particularly land use, however, is scarce. In this study, we explored (1) the effect of land use on the population structure of woody savanna species; and (2) searched for species with similar population structures related to comparable ecological preferences. Using generalized linear models, we separately analyzed the size‐class distribution (SCD) of 30 species to reveal the influence of three land cover types (non‐arable land, fallows, and protected areas) on population structures. Generalized linear models were applied to identify comparable population structures of species with similar ecological preferences. We were able to identify five groups for shrub species and four groups for tree species with different population structures and comparable ecological preferences. In terms of human impact, we detected four groups of species responding similarly to land use. Especially for trees, we found a strong influence of local land use on SCD and hence, population structures. The SCD of shrub species tends to be more related to species' ecological preferences. Some of the shrub species may be characterized as ubiquitous species as their SCD is neither related to land use nor ecological preferences, indicating a high tolerance to disturbance. The observed results have implications on local woody species composition in relation to land use. According to this, we propose focusing on trees when developing appropriate local land use management strategies.
Life History Traits of Lianas During Tropical Forest Succession
Authors: Letcher Susan G. , Chazdon Robin L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTropical secondary forests form an important part of the landscape. Understanding functional traits of species that colonize at different points in succession can provide insight into community assembly. Although studies on functional traits during forest succession have focused on trees, lianas (woody vines) also contribute strongly to forest biomass, species richness, and dynamics. We examined life history traits of lianas in a forest chronosequence in Costa Rica to determine which traits vary consistently over succession. We conducted 0.1 ha vegetation inventories in 30 sites. To examine the establishment of young individuals, we only included small lianas (0.5–1.5 cm diameter at 1.3 m height). For each species, we identified seed size, dispersal mode, climbing mode, and whether or not the seedling is self‐supporting. We found a strong axis of variation determined by seed size and seedling growth habit, with early successional communities dominated by small‐seeded species with abiotic dispersal and climbing seedlings, while large‐seeded, animal‐dispersed species with free‐standing seedlings increased in abundance with stand age. Contrary to previous research and theory, we found a decrease in the abundance of stem twiners and no decrease in the abundance of tendril‐climbers during succession. Seed size appears to be a better indicator of liana successional stage than climbing mode. Liana life history traits change predictably over succession, particularly traits related to seedling establishment. Identifying whether these trait differences persist into the growth strategies of mature lianas is an important research goal, with potential ramifications for understanding the impact of lianas during tropical forest succession.
Prior exercise training alleviates the lung inflammation induced by subsequent exposure to environmental cigarette smoke
Authors: Yu Y.‐B. , Liao Y.‐W. , Su K.‐H. , Chang T.‐M. , Shyue S.‐K. , Kou Y. R. , Lee T.‐S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimEnvironmental cigarette smoke (CS) contains many compounds that are harmful to the respiratory system and lead to chronic lung inflammation and other lung diseases. Exercise training is known to confer protection against diseases with chronic inflammation by reducing inflammatory response in human or experimental animals. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of exercise training against lung inflammation induced by environmental CS.Methods and resultsIn this study, two groups of mice received air exposure with (the exercise group) or without (the control group) exercise training for 8 weeks and another two groups received air exposure for the first 4 weeks and CS exposure for the following 4 weeks with (the exercise+CS group) or without (the CS group) exercise training for 8 weeks. As compared with lung tissues of control and exercise groups, those of the CS group showed significantly increased bronchoalveolar‐capillary permeability, inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial thickening, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, mucin 2, cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and activation of NF‐κB. These CS‐induced pathophysiologic consequences were largely prevented in the exercise + CS group.ConclusionCollectively, prior exercise training may protect against lung inflammation induced by environmental CS in mice by attenuating the activation of NF‐κB and the production of inflammatory mediators.
Comparison of Infectious and Noninfectious Intracranial Caseating Granulomas
Authors: Ghavanini Amer A. , Munoz David G. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlthough caseating granulomas are classically associated with infectious processes, a subgroup of intracranial caseating granulomas without identifiable infectious pathology (ICGN) is described. We aimed to identify clinical, laboratory, radiological and histological markers with potential to distinguish patients with ICGN from those with intracranial caseating granulomas with infectious etiology (ICGI) on tissue microbiological examinations. In a referral hospital setting, we identified 11 patients with ICGNs and 6 patients with ICGI over an 11‐year period. The two groups had similar demographics (other than higher infection risk factors in ICGIs), clinical presentation, serology, location of lesions and cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrate. Significant differences were the homogenous vs. ring pattern of enhancement on neuroimaging and small (<1 mm) vs. large (>1 mm) area of necrosis on histological examination, in ICGNs and ICGIs, respectively. The dichotomy was best reflected in the response of ICGNs to immunomodulatory and not antimicrobial treatment and the reverse pattern in ICGIs. Based on these findings, we suggest a scheme for the diagnosis of ICGN: (i) caseating granulomas with areas of necrosis predominantly <1 mm in diameter; (ii) absence of an identifiable infectious agent in extensive tissue examinations; and (iii) no clinical and radiological response within 2 months of appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
Analysis and Design of Photobioreactors for Microalgae Production II: Experimental Validation of a Radiation Field Simulator Based on a Monte Carlo Algorithm
Authors: Heinrich Josué Miguel , Niizawa Ignacio , Botta Fausto Adrián , Trombert Alejandro Raúl , Irazoqui Horacio Antonio 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn a previous study, we developed a methodology to assess the intrinsic optical properties governing the radiation field in algae suspensions. With these properties at our disposal, a Monte Carlo simulation program is developed and used in this study as a predictive autonomous program applied to the simulation of experiments that reproduce the common illumination conditions that are found in processes of large scale production of microalgae, especially when using open ponds such as raceway ponds. The simulation module is validated by comparing the results of experimental measurements made on artificially illuminated algal suspension with those predicted by the Monte Carlo program. This experiment deals with a situation that resembles that of an open pond or that of a raceway pond, except for the fact that for convenience, the experimental arrangement appears as if those reactors were turned upside down. It serves the purpose of assessing to what extent the scattering phenomena are important for the prediction of the spatial distribution of the radiant energy density. The simulation module developed can be applied to compute the local energy density inside photobioreactors with the goal to optimize its design and their operating conditions.
SO2 protects the amino nitrogen metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under thermal stress
Authors: Ancín‐Azpilicueta Carmen , Barriuso‐Esteban Blanca , Nieto‐Rojo Rodrigo , Aristizábal‐López Nerea 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThermal stress conditions during alcoholic fermentation modify yeasts' plasma membrane since they become more hyperfluid, which results in a loss of bilayer integrity. In this study, the influence of elevated temperatures on nitrogen metabolism of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was studied, as well as the effect of different concentrations of SO2 on nitrogen metabolism under thermal stress conditions. The results obtained revealed that amino nitrogen consumption was lower in the fermentation sample subjected to thermal stress than in the control, and differences in amino acid consumption preferences were also detected, especially at the beginning of the fermentation. Under thermal stress conditions, among the three doses of SO2 studied (0, 35, 70 mg l−1 SO2), the highest dose was observed to favour amino acid utilization during the fermentative process, whereas sugar consumption presented higher rates at medium doses.
The safety of sputum induction in adults with acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Gao Peng , Gibson Peter G , Zhang Jie , He Xiaoyan , Hao Yuqiu , Li Ping , Liu Huan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIntroduction:  Induced sputum is a non‐invasive method, and a useful tool to evaluate inflammatory cells and mediators in the airway lumen in the setting of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the inhalation of hypertonic saline solution to induce sputum may cause a bronchoconstrictive response, so it is important to evaluate the success and safety of sputum induction (SI).Objectives:  The aims of this study were to assess the safety and efficacy of SI in adults with AECOPD.Methods:  Eighty‐three AECOPD subjects and 26 healthy controls underwent a modified SI. The outcome measures included fall in lung function during induction and success of SI.Results:  Adults hospitalized with AECOPD had moderate to very severe airflow obstruction. SI was successful in over 80% of subjects. The percentage decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from baseline by the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) category was median 1.2(interquartile range, 0.5–3.3)(GOLD II), 2.3(1.3–3.2)(GOLD III), 5.2(3.3–8.6)(GOLD IV) and 1.4(0.5–3.2)(control), respectively. A fall in FEV1 of >20% occurred in only one subject with AECOPD who was in GOLD category III. The decrease in percentage of FEV1 from baseline was greatest in the second stage of induction, and correlated with that of the final stage (r = 0.589; P = 0.01). The fall in FEV1 during induction increased with GOLD category (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  SI can be safely and successfully performed in patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who experience an exacerbation using this modified induction protocol. The early decrease in FEV1 can be used to predict the maximum fall.Please cite this paper as: Gao P, Gibson PG, Zhang J, He XY, Hao YQ, Li P and Liu H. The safety of sputum induction in adults with acute exacerbation of COPD. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 101–109.
Preparedness of the CTSA's Structural and Scientific Assets to Support the Mission of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Authors:   CTSA Principal Investigators
Published: March 2012

Abstract The formation of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) brings new promise for moving basic science discoveries to clinical practice, ultimately improving the health of the nation. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) sites, now housed with NCATS, are organized and prepared to support in this endeavor. The CTSAs provide a foundation for capitalizing on such promise through provision of a disease‐agnostic infrastructure devoted to clinical and translational (C&T) science, maintenance of training programs designed for C&T investigators of the future, by incentivizing institutional reorganization and by cultivating institutional support. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–9
The detection of EGFR mutation status in plasma is reproducible and can dynamically predict the efficacy of EGFR‐TKI
Authors: Huang Zhen , Wang Zhijie , Bai Hua , Wu Meina , An Tongtong , Zhao Jun , Yang Lu , Duan Jianchun , Zhuo Minglei , Wang Yuyan , Wang Shuhang , Wang Jie 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  The validity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation in serum and plasma DNA as a surrogate of tumor tissue has been comprehensively explored. However, the concordance between peripheral blood and tumor tissue samples in EGFR mutation detection remains variable. The question as to whether real‐time samples for EGFR mutation analysis are required before epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) therapy remains unanswered.Methods:  This study included two cohorts:(i) 822 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with primary tumor tissue and matched plasma samples at initial diagnosis; and (ii) 207 patients with advanced NSCLC who had plasma samples taken immediately before EGFR‐TKI therapy, in which 157 cases had matched tumor tissues. Denaturing High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC) determined EGFR mutation status.Results:  Among a total of 822 patients with matched samples, the EGFR mutation rates were 36.3% and 32.1% in tissue and plasma samples, respectively. Concordance of EGFR mutation between two kinds of samples was 77.0% (631/822),with 63.5% (188/296) of accuracy of EGFR mutation in plasma DNA. In 207 advanced NSCLC patients who had plasma samples taken immediately before EGFR‐TKI therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) after EGFR‐TKI therapy was significantly higher in EGFR mutant patients than those in EGFR wild‐type patients (51.4% vs. 22.6%, P < 0.001), regardless of the treatment lines of EGFR‐TKI. In patients with two or more lines of EGFR‐TKI therapy, EGFR mutation status in plasma samples, but not in tissues, was a predictor for progression‐free survival (PFS) after EGFR‐TKI therapy (mutant vs. wild‐type: 10.1 months vs. 3.7 months, P = 0.038).Conclusions:  An EGFR mutation test using plasma DNA samples was validated and reproducible. Obtaining real‐time samples for EGFR mutation detection is critical in order to predict the outcomes of EGFR‐TKI.
The effect of calcium silicate‐based sealer on the push‐out bond strength of fibre posts
Authors: Özcan E , Çapar İD , Çetin AR , Tunçdemir AR , Aydınbelge HA 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the iRoot SP root canal sealer on the push‐out bond strength of fibre posts cemented with self‐adhesive resin cement.Methods: Forty‐eight extracted maxillary incisors were randomly divided into four groups according to the tested sealer (n = 12): group 1 – control (only gutta‐percha points, no sealer); group 2 – AH Plus Jet (resin‐based sealer); group 3 – Endofill (zinc oxide‐eugenol‐based sealer); and group 4 – iRoot SP (calcium silicate‐based sealer). All root canals were filled with gutta‐percha, and groups 2–4 additionally received one of the sealers. Fibre posts were cemented with the self‐adhesive resin cement Clearfil SA Cement. The specimens were sectioned in the coronal, middle and apical regions, producing three slices of 1 mm thickness. The push‐out test was performed. All data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05).Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the control group, AH Plus Jet and iRoot SP (p > 0.05). The Endofill sealer showed significantly lower bond strength compared to the other sealers and the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The calcium silicate‐based sealer did not adversely affect the bond strength of the fibre posts cemented with self‐adhesive resin cement.
Radical surgical treatment of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Hewson I , Syme D , Bruscino‐Raiola F 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe describe a case of a 64‐year‐old female diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2001. She was treated with pamidronate and subsequently zolodronic acid before developing spontaneous bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis (BRONJ) of the left maxilla in December 2008. Over the next two years the BRONJ was treated conservatively but gradually became more symptomatic. About three years after her last dose of zolodronic acid with her symptoms increasing, she underwent radical surgical excision of all diseased bone and flap reconstruction. The patient is now six months postoperative and symptom free.
Exendin-4 treatment enhances L-DOPA evoked release of striatal dopamine and decreases dyskinetic movements in the 6-hydoxydopamine lesioned rat
Authors: Abuirmeileh Amjad , Harkavyi Alexander , Rampersaud Nazir , Lever Rebecca , Tadross John A , Bloom Stephen R , Whitton Peter S 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objectives
To determine whether the glucagon-like 1 peptide analogue exendin-4 (EX-4) augments the neurochemical effects of a single L-DOPA treatment and whether EX-4 can decrease L-DOPA induced dyskinesias (LIDS).

Methods
Rats were lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 7 days later given EX-4 for 7 days. The following day, rats were given L-DOPA and extracellular dopamine was measured. The animals were then killed to determine tissue dopamine. To study LIDS, EX-4 and/or L-DOPA were co-administered daily, 7 days after 6-OHDA. LIDS were determined on Days 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 prior to neurochemical assessment.

Key findings
EX-4 reduced 6-OHDA induced damage. Acute effects of L-DOPA were potentiated by EX-4 in lesioned rats. Treatments with EX-4 caused a progressive reduction in LIDS.

Conclusions
EX-4 treatment potentiates the effects of a single dose of L-DOPA. This augmentation indicates that lower L-DOPA doses might be used to the same effect in patients. The reduction in LIDS suggests that co-treatment with EX-4 could allow the use of L-DOPA with fewer side-effects and possibly therefore allow earlier introduction of L-DOPA in the clinic.
Antispasmodic effects of a new kaurene diterpene isolated from Croton argyrophylloides on rat airway smooth muscle
Authors: Aguiar Liza Araújo , Porto Romulo Sousa , Lahlou Saad , Ceccatto Vânia Marilande , Barbosa Roseli , Lemos Telma Leda Gomes , dos Santos Hélcio Silva , Coelho-de-Souza Andrelina Noronha , Magalhães Pedro Jorge Caldas , Zin Walter Araújo , Leal-Cardoso José Henrique 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The effects of rel-(1S,4aS,7S,8aS)-7-(1-vinyl)-tetradecahydro-1,4a-dimethylphenanthrene-7,8a-carbolactone-1-carboxylic acid (TCCA), a new ent-kaurene diterpene isolated from Croton argyrophylloides, on rat tracheal preparations were investigated.

Methods
Tracheae were removed and cut into two-cartilage segments that were mounted in organ baths containing Tyrode's solution.

Results
TCCA reduced the contractions induced by electrical field stimulation, relaxed K+-induced contractions, and inhibited both phasic and tonic components of the K+- and ACh-induced contractions. TCCA reduced the serotonin-induced contraction, abolished that evoked by K+ in the presence of epinephrine, and also reduced the ACh-induced contractions under Ca2+-free conditions. TCCA blocked contractions that depend on divalent cation inflow through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCCs) and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels (ROCCs), but had greater potency to block VOCC- than ROCC-dependent contractions or contractions induced by ACh in Ca2+-free conditions. TCCA relaxed the phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (1 µm) induced contraction, but with slight potency.

Conclusions
TCCA induces an antispasmodic effect through several mechanisms including blockade of either VOCCs (with greater potency) or ROCCs, blockade of IP3-induced Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (with intermediate potency) and reduction of the sensitivity of contractile proteins to Ca2+.
Lactate flux in astrocytes is enhanced by a non‐catalytic action of carbonic anhydrase II
Authors: Stridh Malin H. , Alt Marco D. , Wittmann Sarah , Heidtmann Hella , Aggarwal Mayank , Riederer Brigitte , Seidler Ursula , Wennemuth Gunther , McKenna Robert , Deitmer Joachim W. , Becker Holger M. 
Published: March 2012

Key points
Rapid exchange of metabolites like glucose and lactate between different cell types is crucial for energy supply to the brain.
Carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAII) enhances lactate transport in mouse cerebellar and cerebral astrocytes.
Enhancement of transport activity is independent of the enzyme's catalytic function, but requires binding of CAII to the C‐terminal tail of the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1.
CAII could enhance lactate flux by acting as a ‘proton collecting antenna’ for MCT1.
By this mechanism CAII could enhance transfer of lactate between astrocytes and neurons and thus provide neurons with an increased supply of energy substrate.
Bleaching of mouse rods: microspectrophotometry and suction‐electrode recording
Authors: Nymark S. , Frederiksen R. , Woodruff M. L. , Cornwall M. C. , Fain G. L. 
Published: March 2012

Key points
When photoreceptors in vertebrate retina are exposed to bright light, a significant proportion of the photopigment in the rods can be bleached.
Bleaching produces a desensitization of the visual system that recovers slowly as pigment is slowly regenerated, by a process known as dark adaptation.
Experiments on isolated amphibian rods have revealed some of the features of bleach‐induced desensitization, but such experiments have not so far been possible on mammals.
We now describe an improved method that makes possible the first direct measurements of pigment concentration and rod photoreceptor responses over a wide range of bleaching exposures from isolated cells or pieces of intact mammalian retina.
Our experiments reveal important features of mammalian bleaching adaptation and will now make possible future studies from mouse animal lines containing genetically altered photoreceptor proteins.
Mechanisms of VIP‐induced inhibition of the lymphatic vessel pump
Authors: von der Weid Pierre‐Yves , Rehal Sonia , Dyrda Peter , Lee Stewart , Mathias Ryan , Rahman Mozibur , Roizes Simon , Imtiaz Mohammad S. 
Published: March 2012

Key points
Lymphatic pumping is characterized by the ability of collecting lymphatic vessels to contract in a phasic manner to propel lymph. This activity is critical for tissue fluid homeostasis and immune cell transport to lymph nodes.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuro‐immuno‐modulator with anti‐inflammatory properties released by peptidergic nerves and by inflammatory cells patrolling the interstitium and lymph.
Here we report that VIP is present in lymphatic vessels as well as in the lymph and that it potently inhibits lymphatic pumping and hyperpolarizes the lymphatic muscle via stimulation of VPAC2 VIP receptors, activation of protein kinase A and opening of ATP‐sensitive K+ channels.
These results suggest an important role for VIP in inhibiting lymphatic pumping. This process might become critical during inflammation, where it would lead to decreased lymph drainage, oedema formation and compromised immune cell trafficking.