bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysing botanical collecting effort in Amazonia and correcting for it in species range estimation
Authors: Schulman Leif , Toivonen Tuuli , Ruokolainen Kalle 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim  The aim of this study is to analyse the distribution pattern of the botanical collecting effort in Amazonia so that it can be accounted for when interpreting phytogeographical patterns such as inferred species ranges. We also develop a mechanistic and transparent method for taking into account the bias in collecting effort when estimating likelihoods of species occurrences.Location  Amazonia, Neotropics.Methods  We utilized electronic data sets of georeferenced herbarium collections (1,063,530 in total). We plotted collecting localities (68,246 in total) on maps overlaid with 1° and 0.5° square grids, and analysed collecting effort using a geographical information system (GIS). We also drew a map of Thiessen polygons, using collecting localities as polygon centres, to visualize collecting density in a scale‐independent way. We then created a ‘collecting activity landscape’ in which well‐collected areas appear as peaks and poorly studied areas as valleys. We demonstrate how this surface can be utilized when estimating species distributions.Results  The data available to us confirm that botanical collecting activity is still severely biased in Amazonia. The uncollected area represents 43% of the total area of Amazonia, while another 28% is poorly collected and only 2% can be considered relatively well collected. The Thiessen polygon network represents an improvement in the presentation of collecting intensity compared with square grids.Main conclusions  The maps of botanical collecting effort in the Neotropics should be used for visually correcting phytogeographical interpretations. With the help of GIS applications the observed spatial bias in collecting effort can be utilized in estimating the likelihood of occurrence of species in a repeatable manner. These estimates, in turn, can be used for various purposes in basic and applied science as well as in decision‐making. The biased collecting effort should, in the long run, be corrected by further field work in unexplored areas, which can be identified with the maps presented here.
Holocene vegetation history of the Sahel: pollen, sedimentological and geochemical data from Jikariya Lake, north‐eastern Nigeria
Authors: Waller Martyn P. , Street‐Perrott F. Alayne , Wang Hongya 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim This study aims to separate regional and local controls on Holocene vegetation development and examine how well pollen records reflect climate change in a semi‐arid region. The relative importance of climate and human activity as agents of vegetation change in the Sahel during the late Holocene is also considered.Location Jikariya Lake, an inter‐dune depression in the Manga Grasslands of north‐eastern Nigeria.Methods Pollen and charcoal were used to provide a record of Holocene vegetation history. Palaeoclimate and hydrological changes were reconstructed from sedimentary and geochemical data. Regional and local influences were separated by comparing the evidence obtained from Jikariya Lake with previously published data from the Manga Grasslands.Results The Manga Grasslands experienced a prolonged wet period during the early and mid‐Holocene, during which swamp forest vegetation with Guinean affinities (Alchornea,Syzygium,Uapaca) occupied the inter‐dune depressions. However, variation in the pollen records between sites suggests that their establishment was dependent on conditions being locally favourable, rather than being directly coupled to regional climate. The pollen records from the Manga Grasslands are more consistent in suggesting the colonization of the dunefields by trees associated with Sudanian savanna (Combretaceae,Detarium)c.8700 cal. yrbp. The Jikariya Lake pollen data are in accordance with the sedimentological and geochemical data from the region in indicating that the onset of arid conditions occurred progressively during the late Holocene (fromc. 4700 cal. yrbp). Abrupt changes in pollen stratigraphy, recorded at other Manga Grasslands sites 3500 cal. yrbp, appear to be the product of the local passing of ecological thresholds. The dunefield vegetation (Sahelian savanna) appears to have been resilient to (or at least palynologically silent regarding) to the climatic variability of the late Holocene.Main conclusions While climate appears to have been the primary control on vegetation development in the Manga Grasslands during the Holocene, local conditions (particularly depression size and sand influx) had a strong influence on the timing of pollen stratigraphic changes. Anthropogenic influences are difficult to detect, even during the late Holocene.
Bacterial diversity, composition and dynamics in and around recreational coastal areas
Authors: Nogales Balbina , Aguiló‐Ferretjans Ma Mar , Martín‐Cardona Celia , Lalucat Jorge , Bosch Rafael 
Published: May 2007

SummaryA comparative study on the composition of bacterial communities in a coastal area in the West Mediterranean receiving the impact of recreation‐derived activities (from a marina and a beach) was performed by terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) of 16S rDNA along spatial and temporal scales. Interpolation of concentration of hydrophobic compounds, chlorophyll and bacterial cells in seawater over the geography of the sampling area using geographic information systems techniques (GIS) allowed the delineation of two different habitats: bay and marina (with low and high levels of impact respectively), and a transition zone between them. Accordingly, the 16S rDNA T‐RFLP profiles of bacterial communities in the area differed mainly spatially, with gradual changes in community composition and structure when approaching the beach and marina. Bacterial communities in impacted areas had higher diversity and equitability, as well as different composition. The main bacterial populations inferred in bay samples, which were members of the Alphaproteobacteria (mainly SAR11 and Roseobacter groups), were replaced by a different population of the Roseobacter clade, and members of the Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in more impacted areas. There were also differences in the dynamics of bacterial communities. While temporal variations in bacterial communities in bay samples were lower and mainly determined by temperature, an important factor for the functioning of this ecosystem, variation in impacted areas was more irregular, not so much temperature‐driven, and in the case of the transition zone (beach) reflected the use of the coast during warmer periods.
Phylogenetic and physiological diversity of dissimilatory ferric iron reducers in sediments of the polluted Scheldt estuary, Northwest Europe
Authors: Lin Bin , Hyacinthe Christelle , Bonneville Steeve , Braster Martin , Van Cappellen Philippe , Röling Wilfred F. M. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe potential for dissimilatory ferric iron [Fe(III)] reduction in intertidal sediments of the polluted Scheldt estuary, Northwest Europe, was assessed by combining field‐based geochemical measurements with laboratory experiments on the associated microbiology. Microbial communities at a freshwater and brackish location were characterized by culture‐independent 16S rRNA gene analysis, as well as enrichments, strain isolation and physiological screening. Dilution‐to‐extinction batch enrichments using a variety of Fe(III) sources were performed. The dilution factor of the inoculum in the enrichments had a more determining effect on the Fe(III)‐reducing microbial community structure than the Fe(III) source. Well‐known Fe(III) reducers, including members of the family Geobacteraceae and the genus Shewanella, constituted only a small fraction (≤ 1%) of the in situ microbial community. Instead, facultative anaerobic Ralstonia and strictly anaerobic, spore‐forming Clostridium species dominated Fe(III) reduction. These species were able to utilize a variety of electron acceptors. This flexibility may help the organisms to survive in the dynamic estuarine environment. The high diversity and abundance of culturable Fe(III) reducers (4.6 × 105 and 2.4 × 104 cells g−1 sediment at the freshwater and brackish site respectively), plus the high concentrations of chemically reducible solid‐phase Fe(III) at the sites, implied a high potential for dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction in the estuarine sediments. Pore water chemical data further supported in situ dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction.
An experimental test of the symbiosis specificity between the ciliate Paramecium bursaria and strains of the unicellular green alga Chlorella
Authors: Summerer Monika , Sonntag Bettina , Sommaruga Ruben 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe ciliate Paramecium bursaria living in mutualistic relationship with the unicellular green alga Chlorella is known to be easily infected by various potential symbionts/parasites such as bacteria, yeasts and other algae. Permanent symbiosis, however, seems to be restricted to Chlorella taxa. To test the specificity of this association, we designed infection experiments with two aposymbiotic P. bursaria strains and Chlorella symbionts isolated from four Paramecium strains, seven other ciliate hosts and two Hydra strains, as well as three free‐living Chlorella species. Paramecium bursaria established stable symbioses with all tested Chlorella symbionts of ciliates, but never with symbiotic Chlorella of Hydra viridissima or with free‐living Chlorella. Furthermore, we tested the infection specificity of P. bursaria with a 1:1:1 mixture of three compatible Chlorella strains, including the native symbiont, and then identified the strain of the newly established symbiosis by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region 1 of the 18S rRNA gene. The results indicated that P. bursaria established symbiosis with its native symbiont. We conclude that despite clear preferences for their native Chlorella, the host–symbiont relationship in P. bursaria is flexible.
Sacral neuromodulation in patients with faecal incontinence: results of the first 100 permanent implantations
Authors: Melenhorst J. , Koch S. M. , Uludag Ö. , Van Gemert W. G. , Baeten C. G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective  Faecal incontinence (FI) is a socially devastating problem. Sacral nerve modulation (SNM) has proven its place in the treatment of patients with FI. In this study, the first 100 definitive SNM implants in a single centre have been evaluated prospectively.Method  Patients treated between March 2000 and May 2005 were included. Faecal incontinence was defined as at least one episode of involuntary faecal loss per week confirmed by a 3‐week bowel habit diary. Patients were eligible for implantation of a permanent SNM when showing at least a 50% reduction in incontinence episodes or days during ambulatory test stimulation. Preoperative workup consisted of an X‐defaecography, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency measurement, endo‐anal ultrasound and anal manometry. The follow‐up visits for the permanent implanted patients were scheduled at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. The bowel habit diary and anal manometry were repeated postoperatively during the follow‐up visits.Results  A total of 134 patients were included and received a subchronic test stimulation. One hundred patients (74.6%) had a positive test stimulation and received a definitive SNM implantation. The permanent implantation group consisted of 89 women and 11 men. The mean age was 55 years (range 26–75). The mean follow‐up was 25.5 months (range 2.5–63.2). The mean number of incontinence episodes decreased significantly during the test stimulation (baseline, 31.3; test, 4.4; P < 0.0001) and at follow‐up (36 months postoperatively, 4.8; P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the mean anal resting pressure. The squeeze pressures were significantly higher at 6 months (109.8 mmHg; P = 0.03), 12 months (114.1 mmHg; P = 0.02) and 24 months postoperatively (113.5 mmHg; P = 0.007). The first sensation, urge and maximum tolerable volume did not change significantly. Twenty‐one patients were considered late failures and received further treatment.Conclusion  Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for FI. The medium‐term results were satisfying.
Comparison between vildagliptin and metformin to sustain reductions in HbA1c over 1 year in drug‐naïve patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Schweizer A. , Couturier A. , Foley J. E. , Dejager S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAims  To evaluate the ability of vildagliptin and metformin to sustain reductions in HbA1c over a 1‐year treatment period in drug‐naïve patients with Type 2 diabetes (Type 2 DM).Methods  Double‐blind, randomized, multicentre, active‐controlled, parallel‐group study of 52‐week treatment with vildagliptin (100 mg daily, n = 526) or metformin (titrated to 2000 mg daily, n = 254) in drug‐naïve patients (baseline HbA1c = 7.5–11.0%). HbA1c was measured periodically over 1 year.Results  Vildagliptin and metformin each rapidly decreased HbA1c from an equal baseline of 8.7%. Most of the HbA1c reduction was attained by week 12, and the efficacy was sustained throughout 1‐year treatment with both agents. At the study end, significant HbA1c reductions from baseline were seen with both vildagliptin (–1.0 ± 0.1%, P < 0.001) and metformin (–1.4 ± 0.1%, P < 0.001); however, statistical non‐inferiority of 50 mg vildagliptin twice daily to 1000 mg metformin twice daily was not established. Body weight did not change during the 1‐year treatment with vildagliptin (0.3 ± 0.2 kg, P = 0.17) and decreased in metformin‐treated patients (–1.9 ± 0.3 kg, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients experiencing an adverse event was 70.1 vs. 75.4% in patients receiving vildagliptin and metformin, respectively. The proportion of patients experiencing a gastrointestinal adverse event was twofold higher in the metformin group, driven by a 3–4‐fold greater incidence of diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was similarly low in both groups (< 1%).Conclusions  A clinically meaningful decrease in HbA1c that was sustained throughout a 1‐year treatment in drug‐naïve patients with Type 2 DM was seen with both metformin and vildagliptin monotherapy.
Influence des differents constituents de la couche cornee sur la mesure de son élasticité
Authors: RASSENEUR L. , de RIGAL J. , LEVEQUE J. L. 
Published: May 2007

RésuméUn nouvel appareillage, permettant une détermination simultanée des modules d'élasticité statique de dynamique du Stratum Corneum, a été mis au point.L'étude systématique de ces paramètres mécaniques pour différents échantillons de SC humain permet de mettre en évidence les avantages de la mesure du module d'élasticité dynamique pour quantifier l'effet des traitements.L'effet de certains traitements ‘kératolytiques’sur l'élasticité du SC peut ainsi être discuté. Ces résultats ainsi que ceux obtenus par microscopie électronique sur l'effet de ces produits, permettent de discuter les relations existant entre la structure et les paramètres élastiques. The effect of various constituants of the corneous layer on measurements of its elasticity SummaryA new instrument has been developed which enables simultaneous determinations of the static and dynamic moduli of elasticity of the stratum corneum to be made.A systematic study of these mechanical parameters for various samples of human SC demonstrates the advantages of the dynamic measurement of the modulus of elasticity in evaluating the effect of treatments.The effect of treatment of thioglycollic acid (TA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the stratum corneum was studied by means of this technique and electron microscopy.TA markedly reduces the elastic modulus. Electron microscopy shows that horny cell structure is fully disorganized. On the contrary, SA treatment increases the elastic modulus without any noticeable changes on corneocytes. This last study confirms the preferential effect of SA on the intercorneocyte spaces.
Inhibition de l'action phototoxique du bergaptène par des filtres UV‐A
Authors: SAETTONE M. F. , Et M. TRAMBUSTI , GIANNACCINI B. 
Published: May 2007

RésuméIl est bien acquis que le 5‐méthoxypsoralène (5‐MOP, bergaptène) contenu dans l'essence de bergamote exerce plusieurs actions biologiques à la suite d'irradiation en lumière UV‐longue (UV‐A, λ > 320 nm). Cette étude a eu pour but de vérifier si la réponse phototoxique, déclenchée chez le cobaye à la suite d'application cutanée de 5‐MOP suivie par rayonnement UV, peut être réduite ou même annulée par l'application simultanée de substances absorbant les rayons UV‐A. Les solutions photosensibilisatrices employées étaient (a) une solution alcoolique de 5‐MOP, (b) de l'essence de bergamote diluée, et (c) un parfum expérimental. Parmi les filtres qui ont été essayés, deux dérivés du dibenzoylméthane se sont révelés particulièrement efficaces. On a observé que l'activité protectrice de ces filtres augmente de façon significative lorsqu'ils sont dissous dans l'essence de bergamote, ou dans le parfum, par rapport à l'activité demontrée dans la solution alcoolique de 5‐MOP. Un dérivé du distirylbiphényle possédant un maximum d'absorption à 350 nm s'est révelé particulièrement actif. Inhibition of bergaptene toxicity by UV‐A filters
Dermatology and the cosmetic industry
Authors: COOKE M. A. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisCo‐operation between the cosmetic industry and dermatology is essential for identifying potentially hazardous substances and ensuring optimal product safety. With dermatological consultation, epidemiological surveys of patients or employees in the cosmetic, toiletry or chemical industry provide useful information to distinguish product‐induced or occupational dermatitis from other types of contact dermatitis or constitutional disease (such as psoriasis, lichen planus, or disorders of collagen or immune response). Some examples of the inherent complexities of this process and the solutions that have been achieved are presented. Care is necessary by dermatologists and cosmetic scientists in carrying out controlled use trials and interpreting patch test results in the search for an offending ingredient. Some medical conditions and treatment regimens of the patient/consumer that may affect the response to a cosmetic ingredient are mentioned. La dermatologie et l'industrie cosmétique
The physico‐chemical properties and protein denaturation potential of surfactant mixtures
Authors: MIYAZAWA K. , OGAWA M. , MITSUI T. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisProtein denaturation was investigated to establish an in vitro evaluation method of surfactants in connection with their in vivo irritation potency to human skin. Eventually a new method with simplicity and high reproducibility was established by using quantitative analysis with gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC). The protein denaturing potency of the commercially available surfactants was measured by using the developed method. Synergistic reduction in protein denaturation was observed in the mixed systems of anionic and amphoteric surfactants. The synergistic reduction was explained in terms of the physico‐chemical properties of the mixed surfactants. A possible mechanism is the remarkable lowering of the total monomer concentration by the formation of hydrophobic complexes between the anionic and amphoteric surfactants. Relation entre les propriétés physico‐chimiques des mélanges de surfactifs et leur potentiel de dénaturation des protéines
Viscoelastic properties of paracrystalline phases appearing in water‐surface agent‐oil diagrams
Authors: ORECCHIONI A. M. , COUARRAZE G. , GROSSIORD J. L. , SEILLER M. , PUISIEUX F. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe ternary mixtures investigated were obtained from water, mineral oil and ether‐linked non‐ionic surfactants (polyoxyethylene derivatives of oleic alcohol). The examination of the rheological properties of these mixtures, particularly the viscoelastic properties of the various phases encountered in these diagrams, was expanded. The phases examined were:‐ anisotropic paracrystalline phases: hexagonal phase and lamellar phase;‐ the isotropic paracrystalline phase: type I viscous isotropic phase.The measurement instrument used for this work was a creep rheometer. The paracrystalline phases were subjected to very low shear stresses, and the strains induced were recorded as a function of time. The analysis of creep functions obtained enabled us to construct a viscoelastic model and obtain the value of its parameters for each particular case.This analysis of the viscoelastic properties provides an accurate identification of each of the paracrystalline phases: the lamellar and isotropic viscous phases show respectively a Newtonian fluid nature with a yield value (Bingham model), and a perfect elastic solid. The hexagonal phase on the other hand shows an intermediate type of behaviour which is characterized by a well‐defined retarded elasticity. This study could also lead to a microscopic interpretation of their structure. Propriétés viscoélastiques des phases paracristallines se trouvant dans les diagrammes ternaires ‐ eau/tensio‐actif/huile
Role of proteins in cosmetics
Authors: CHVAPLI M. , ECKMAYER Z. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe review critically evaluates the safety and effectiveness of proteins or peptides in cosmetic formulations designed for skin and hair care. Special attention is paid to soluble collagen and the use of this fibrillar protein in combination with detergents.The authors indicate various misconceptions on the mechanism of the effect of collagen and possible risks if the formulations containing collagen are not used on intact skin. Besides the moisturizing effect of collagen on the stratum corneum, the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the skin or hair, and the formation of complexes with detergents and the mechanisms of the effectiveness of this protein are considered.Le role des proteines dans les cosmetiques
A study of the penetration of five novel synthetic steroids through hairless mouse skin in vitro
Authors: Michniak‐Mikolajczak B. B. , Bodor N. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe change in the physiochemical properties of topical corticosteroids by addition of one or more chemical substituents is probably one of the most important factors affecting the activity and bioavailability of the steroid. During work on developing new steroids five synthetic steroids were tested for their ability to pass through freshly excised hairless mouse skin placed in diffusion cells at 33 1°C. Analysis of the compounds was made using high performance liquid chromatography. The presence of flourine at carbon 9, in the chemical grouping at carbon 17, or the addition of a pentyl group was found to increase the penetration of the steroid through the skin.