bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Research Trails on Seedling Dynamics in a Tropical Forest
Authors: Comita Liza S. , Goldsmith Gregory R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the impact of research access trails on adjacent seedling density, survival, and recruitment in a permanent tropical forest plot in Panama. Significant differences were detected up to 20 m from trails, indicating that data collected close to trails may be biased. However, observed effects were not substantial enough to affect plot‐wide estimates of seedling dynamics, suggesting that research trail impacts are negligible when affected areas constitute only a small fraction of the total area sampled.
Exotic Guavas are Foci of Forest Regeneration in Kenyan Farmland
Authors: Berens Dana Gertrud , Farwig Nina , Schaab Gertrud , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTFruiting trees in degraded areas are attractive for frugivorous birds and may become centers of regeneration. However, a number of tree species in degraded areas are exotic species. Thus, the question arises whether these exotic species can also act as foci for forest regeneration. In the farmland adjacent to Kakamega Forest, Kenya, we investigated the frugivore assemblage in, and seed rain and seedling establishment under, 29 fruiting exotic guava trees (Psidium guajava) at different distances to the forest. The results show that 40 frugivorous bird species visited guava trees. All of the seed and 82 percent of the seedling species found under the treecrowns were animal dispersed, 58 and 57 percent of them late‐successional species, respectively. Path analysis revealed that the abundance of frugivorous birds, seeds, and seedlings did not decrease up to a distance of 2 km from the forest. Surprisingly, the abundance of frugivorous shrubland birds, animal‐dispersed seeds, and late‐successional seeds showed an increase with increasing distance from forest. Even though they are exotics, fruiting guava trees may have a positive effect on forest regeneration and might prove valuable for management plans concerning forest restoration.
Pollinator Abundance and Pollen Limitation of a Solanaceous Shrub at Premontane and Lower Montane Sites
Authors: Stone Judy L. , Jenkins Elli G. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTPopulations at geographic range limits may frequently encounter changing biotic interactions as well as abiotic constraints. A conundrum in plant population biology, the frequent apparent overproduction of flowers, is thought to be a response by plant populations to unpredictable pollinator environments, such as those that may be expected at the range limit. We studied pollinator visitation rates and pollen limitation of fruit set in populations of Witheringia solanacea, a widespread bee‐pollinated species. We compared two populations in the south and two in the north of Costa Rica, with each region encompassing a lower montane site at the upper elevational limit of the species range with small plant populations, and a premontane site where population densities were high. Populations in the south, where the climate was favorable, had higher pollinator visitation and higher natural fruit set, and showed only minor pollen limitation as compared with northern populations at windy sites near the Continental Divide. Lower montane populations had lower pollinator visitation rates than premontane populations but did not show more pollen limitation of fruit set. In general, pollen limitation was not inversely proportional to pollinator abundance but was higher where the climate is unpredictable.
Imaging of Cerebral Vasculitis
Authors: Küker Wilhelm 
Published: July 2007

Background In young patients, vasculitic stenoses of cerebral blood vessels are an important cause of cerebral ischaemia. Diagnosis may prove very difficult. Summary of review The diagnostic process is usually initiated by the detection of brain lesions consistent with cerebral vasculitis. Multiple infarcts of various ages in more than one vascular territory are thought to be suggestive of a vascular inflammatory disease. The next step in the imaging of patients with suspected vasculitis is the search for an underlying vascular stenosis. Today, magnetic resonance angiography is the principal modality for the investigation of patients thought to have intracranial stenoses. At 1·5 T, only large brain arteries can be imaged with a high diagnostic accuracy. Intraarterial DSA remains an indispensable tool for the investigation of medium and small brain artery stenoses. Conclusions However, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging may be able to demonstrate wall thickening and contrast uptake in large cerebral arteries, obviating biopsy in patients with basal vasculitis.
Prostitution as a Form of Work
Authors: Weitzer Ronald 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn recent years, prostitution increasingly has been recast as a form of ‘sex work’, which directs attention to both the work itself and the larger occupational milieu in which it takes place. This article examines several aspects of the work environment, including important variations between different types of workers (on the street and in indoor venues), relations between workers and customers, and what is known about the role of various managers involved in recruitment, socialization, and control over workers. The article highlights areas in which further research will provide a more complete picture of sex work in different kinds of contexts.
Governmentality and Lifestyle Studies
Authors: Binkley Sam 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn recent years, a research focus on lifestyles has drawn considerable attention from many quarters. Within this area, the influence of several European and continental intellectual currents not widely embraced in American sociology can be detected, some traceable to the work of Michel Foucault. This article will provide a summary and overview of one area of lifestyle sociology that is touched by Foucault's broad influence on the social sciences, particularly his theories on governmentality. Governmentality studies consider the manner in which personal autonomy and self‐responsibility is conveyed to individuals as an ongoing life‐project. Through the lens of governmentality studies, everyday lifestyle choices of individuals are viewed as elements of larger projects of self‐development, implemented by therapeutic discourses of risk management, self‐realization, and enhanced personal well‐being. After a summary of debates within the sociology of lifestyle informed by governmentality theories, commentary and recommendations will be offered on new directions in governmentality research focusing on subjective well‐being or ‘happiness’ as a feature of contemporary lifestyles and as an object of sociological research. A brief survey of new research comprising the interdisciplinary field of ‘happiness studies’ suggests a new direction not only for lifestyle research, but for governmentality studies as well.
Utility of hypertonic histamine challenge in distinguishing difficult‐to‐diagnose asthma
Authors: Purokivi Minna , Koskela Heikki O. , Koistinen Tiina , Magga Jarkko , Peuhkurinen Keijo , Kiviniemi Vesa , Kontra Kirsi M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIntroduction:  Although classical asthma is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), this condition is also present in many cardiopulmonary disorders undermining the rational basis of its measurement in the differential diagnosis of asthma. We have recently introduced a new method to investigate AHR, the hypertonic histamine challenge (HHC).Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential diagnostic power of HHC in a clinically representative sample of 138 patients.Methods:  Fifty‐seven patients from the outpatient clinic of the authors' hospital with symptoms indicative of asthma were consecutively recruited. Asthma was confirmed in 31 subjects. The remaining 26 subjects formed the control group, in conjunction with seven patients with COPD, 15 patients with interstitial lung disease, 21 patients with rhinitis, 13 patients with heart failure and 25 healthy controls. Hypertonic histamine solution was administered with an ultrasonic nebuliser.Results:  Only the PC20 values of asthmatic subjects differed statistically significantly from those of the healthy group (P < 0.0001). The receiver operator characteristic curve indicated that a PC20 value of 0.83 mg/mL would be the optimal cut‐off point of HHC to separate the asthmatics from the symptomatic controls with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 70%. With the PC20 values of 0.1 and 4.0 mg/mL, the sensitivities were 42% and 100%, and the specificities were 96% and 40%, respectively. In these limits, HHC either confirmed or excluded asthma in 64 out of 138 patients (46%).Conclusion:  The authors' attempt to improve the accuracy of the airway challenge test by combining direct and indirect challenges did not overcome the diagnostic limitations of previously utilised airway challenges.Please cite this paper as: Purokivi M, Koskela HO, Koistinen T, Magga J, Peuhkurinen K, Kiviniemi V and Kontra KM. Utility of hypertonic histamine challenge in distinguishing difficult‐to‐diagnose asthma. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007; 1:91–98.
Hormonal responses to a 160-km race across frozen Alaska
Authors: Kraemer W J , Fragala M S , Watson G , Volek J S , Rubin M R , French D N , Maresh C M , Vingren J L , Hatfield D L , Spiering B A , Yu-Ho J , Hughes S L , Case H S , Stuempfle K J , Lehmann D R , Bailey S , Evans D S 
Published: July 2007

Background:Severe physical and environmental stress seems to have a suppressive effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis in men. Examining hormonal responses to an extreme 160-km competition across frozen Alaska provides a unique opportunity to study this intense stress.Objective:To examine hormonal responses to an ultra-endurance race.Methods:Blood samples were obtained from 16 men before and after racing and analyzed for testosterone, interleukin-6 (IL-6), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol. Six subjects (mean (SD) age 42 (7) years; body mass 78.9 (7.1) kg; height 1.78 (0.05) m raced by bicycle (cyclists) and 10 subjects (age 35 (9) years; body mass 77.9 (10.6) kg; height, 1.82 (0.05) m) raced by foot (runners). Mean (SD) finish times were 21.83 (6.27) and 33.98 (6.12) h, respectively.Results:In cyclists there were significant (p⩽0.05) mean (SD) pre-race to post-race increases in cortisol (254.83 (135.26) to 535.99 (232.22) nmol/l), GH (0.12 (0.23) to 3.21 (3.33) µg/ml) and IL-6 (2.36 (0.42) to 10.15 (3.28) pg/ml), and a significant decrease in testosterone (13.81 (3.19) to 5.59 (3.74) nmol/l). Similarly, in runners there were significant pre-race to post-race increases in cortisol (142.09 (50.74) to 452.21 (163.40) ng/ml), GH (0.12 (0.23) to 3.21 (3.33) µg/ml) and IL-6 (2.42 (0.68) to 12.25 (1.78) pg/ml), and a significant decrease in testosterone (12.32 (4.47) to 6.96 (3.19) nmol/l). There were no significant differences in the hormonal levels between cyclists and runners (p>0.05).Conclusions:These data suggest a suppression of the hypopituitary–gonadal axis potentially mediated by amplification of adrenal stress responses to such an ultra-endurance race in environmentally stressful conditions.
Bone Microenvironment and Androgen Status Modulate Subcellular Localization of ErbB3 in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Cheng Chien-Jui , Ye Xiang-cang , Vakar-Lopez Funda , Kim Jeri , Tu Shi-Ming , Chen Dung-Tsa , Navone Nora M. , Yu-Lee Li-Yuan , Lin Sue-Hwa , Hu Mickey C-T. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
ErbB-3, an ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, including prostate cancer. We found that ErbB-3 expression was up-regulated in prostate cancer cells within lymph node and bone metastases. Despite being a plasma membrane protein, ErbB-3 was also detected in the nuclei of the prostate cancer cells in the metastatic specimens. Because most metastatic specimens were from men who had undergone androgen ablation, we examined the primary tumors from patients who have undergone hormone deprivation therapy and found that a significant fraction of these specimens showed nuclear localization of ErbB3. We thus assessed the effect of androgens and the bone microenvironment on the nuclear translocation of ErbB-3 by using xenograft tumor models generated from bone-derived prostate cancer cell lines, MDA PCa 2b, and PC-3. In subcutaneous tumors, ErbB-3 was predominantly in the membrane/cytoplasm; however, it was present in the nuclei of the tumor cells in the femur. Castration of mice bearing subcutaneous MDA PCa 2b tumors induced a transient nuclear translocation of ErbB-3, with relocalization to the membrane/cytoplasm upon tumor recurrence. These findings suggest that the bone microenvironment and androgen status influence the subcellular localization of ErbB-3 in prostate cancer cells. We speculate that nuclear localization of ErbB-3 may aid prostate cancer cell survival during androgen ablation and progression of prostate cancer in bone. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(7):675–84)
Endogenous γ-H2AX-ATM-Chk2 Checkpoint Activation in Bloom's Syndrome Helicase–Deficient Cells Is Related to DNA Replication Arrested Forks
Authors: Rao V. Ashutosh , Conti Chiara , Guirouilh-Barbat Josee , Nakamura Asako , Miao Ze-Hong , Davies Sally L. , Saccá Barbara , Hickson Ian D. , Bensimon Aaron , Pommier Yves 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The Bloom syndrome helicase (BLM) is critical for genomic stability. A defect in BLM activity results in the cancer-predisposing Bloom syndrome (BS). Here, we report that BLM-deficient cell lines and primary fibroblasts display an endogenously activated DNA double-strand break checkpoint response with prominent levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), Chk2 (pT68Chk2), and ATM (pS1981ATM) colocalizing in nuclear foci. Interestingly, the mitotic fraction of γ-H2AX foci did not seem to be higher in BLM-deficient cells, indicating that these lesions form transiently during interphase. Pulse labeling with iododeoxyuridine and immunofluorescence microscopy showed the colocalization of γ-H2AX, ATM, and Chk2 together with replication foci. Those foci costained for Rad51, indicating homologous recombination at these replication sites. We therefore analyzed replication in BS cells using a single molecule approach on combed DNA fibers. In addition to a higher frequency of replication fork barriers, BS cells displayed a reduced average fork velocity and global reduction of interorigin distances indicative of an elevated frequency of origin firing. Because BS is one of the most penetrant cancer-predisposing hereditary diseases, it is likely that the lack of BLM engages the cells in a situation similar to precancerous tissues with replication stress. To our knowledge, this is the first report of high ATM-Chk2 kinase activation and its linkage to replication defects in a BS model. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(7):713–24)
Expression of CYP3A4 as a predictor of response to chemotherapy in peripheral T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Rodríguez-Antona Cristina , Leskelä Susanna , Zajac Magdalena , Cuadros Marta , Alvés Javier , Moneo Maria Victoria , Martín Carmen , Cigudosa Juan Cruz , Carnero Amancio , Robledo Mercedes , Benitez Javier , Martínez-Delgado Beatriz 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are aggressive tumors in which the current therapy based on multiagent chemotherapy is not successful. Since cytochrome P450 3A subfamily (CYP3A) enzymes are involved in the inactivation of chemotherapy drugs, we hypothesized that CYP3A and P-glycoprotein (MDR1) expression in these lymphomas could result in a poor clinical response. We measured tumoral CYP3A and MDR1 mRNA content in 44 T-cell lymphomas, finding a large variation in CYP3A expression. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed genomic gains affecting CYP3A and MDR1 genes in T-cell lines and primary tumors, suggesting that this could be the mechanism underlying the tumoral expression variation. To test whether the tumoral expression of CYP3A and/or MDR1 could influence PTCL treatment outcome, their expression levels were compared with the clinical response and survival of the patients, finding that a high tumoral expression of CYP3A4 was significantly associated with a lower complete remission rate. This was further investigated with cell lines stably expressing CYP3A4 that exhibited an increased resistance to doxorubicin and etoposide. In conclusion, a high CYP3A4 tumoral expression could be useful to predict poor response to the standard PTCL chemotherapy; in these cases alternative chemotherapy combinations or doses should be explored.
Role of epigenetic modifications in normal globin gene regulation and butyrate-mediated induction of fetal hemoglobin
Authors: Fathallah Hassana , Weinberg Rona S. , Galperin Yelena , Sutton Millicent , Atweh George F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractButyrate is a prototype of histone deacetylase inhibitors that is believed to reactivate silent genes by inducing epigenetic modifications. Although butyrate was shown to induce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production in patients with hemoglobin disorders, the mechanism of this induction has not been fully elucidated. Our studies of the epigenetic configuration of the β-globin cluster suggest that DNA methylation and histone H3 acetylation are important for the regulation of developmental stage-specific expression of the β-like globin genes, whereas acetylation of both histones H3 and H4 seem to be important for the regulation of tissue-specific expression. These studies suggest that DNA methylation may be important for the silencing of the β-like globin genes in nonerythroid hematopoietic cells but may not be necessary for their silencing in nonhematopoietic cells. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate that butyrate exposure results in a true reversal of the normal developmental switch from γ- to β-globin expression. This is associated with increased histone acetylation and decreased DNA methylation of the γ-globin genes, with opposite changes in the β-globin gene. These studies provide strong support for the role of epigenetic modifications in the normal developmental and tissue-specific regulation of globin gene expression and in the butyrate-mediated pharmacologic induction of HbF production.
Absence of gemin5 from SMN complexes in nuclear Cajal bodies
Authors: Hao Le thi , Fuller Heidi R , Lam Le Thanh , Le Thanh T , Burghes Arthur HM , Morris Glenn E 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy is caused by reduced levels of the survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein. SMN is found in large complexes with Sm proteins and at least eight other proteins, including seven "gemins". These complexes are involved in the assembly of snRNPs in the cytoplasm and their transport into the nucleus, but the precise roles of the individual protein components are largely unknown.ResultsWe have investigated the subcellular distribution of gemins using novel antibodies against gemins 3–7, and existing mAbs against SMN, gemin2, unrip, fibrillarin and profilin II. Most gemins were equally distributed between nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of HeLa cells, but gemin5 and unrip were more abundant in the cytoplasm. In a cytoplasmic extract obtained by mild disruption of HeLa cells, nearly all the SMN and gemins 2–4 were in large complexes, but most of the gemin5 sedimented separately with a lower S value. Most of the unrip sedimented with gemins 6 and 7 near the top of the sucrose density gradients, separate from both SMN and gemin5. Anti-SMN mAbs pulled down gemin5 from cytoplasmic extracts, but not from nuclear extracts, and gemin5 did not co-sediment with large SMN complexes in nuclear extracts. These data suggest that gemin5 is easily detached from SMN-gemin complexes in the nucleus. By immuno-histochemistry, gemin5 was rarely detectable in nuclear gems/Cajal bodies, although it was accessible to antibody and easily detectable when present. This suggests that gemin5 is normally absent from SMN complexes in these nuclear storage sites.ConclusionWe conclude that SMN complexes usually exist without gemin5 in nuclear gems/Cajal bodies. Gemin5 is believed to be involved in capturing snRNA into SMN complexes in the cytoplasm for transport into the nucleus. We hypothesize that gemin5, though present in the nucleus, is no longer needed for SMN complex function during the time these complexes are stored in gems/Cajal bodies.
TSLP is involved in expansion of early thymocyte progenitors
Authors: Jiang Qi , Coffield V McNeil , Kondo Motonari , Su Lishan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundThymic stromal derived lymphopoietin (TSLP) is preferentially and highly expressed in the thymus, but its function in T cell development is not clear.ResultsWe report here that TSLP, independently or in combination with IL-7, enhances thymopoiesis in the murine fetal thymic organ culture (FTOC) model. Furthermore, TSLP preferentially increases the number and proliferation of the (DN1 and DN2) pro-T progenitor cells, and FTOC lobes from TSLP receptor-null mice show a decreased number of these cells. Finally, DN1-DN2 cells expanded with TSLP in vitro are functional T progenitors that are able to differentiate into mature T cells in fetal or adult thymus organs.ConclusionTogether, these data suggest that TSLP plays an important role in expansion of thymocyte progenitors and may be of value for expanding T progenitor cells in vitro.
Combination therapy targeting the tumor microenvironment is effective in a model of human ocular melanoma
Authors: Mangiameli David P , Blansfield Joseph A , Kachala Stephan , Lorang Dominique , Schafer Peter H , Muller George W , Stirling David I , Libutti Steven K 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundOcular melanoma is the leading intraocular malignancy. There is no effective treatment for metastatic ocular melanoma. We sought a treatment targeting the tumor microenvironment as well as the tumor cells.MethodsMigration of HUVEC cells, the ability of HUVEC cells to form tubes, and proliferative capacity of a human ocular melanoma cell line were tested in the presence of lenalidomide and sorafenib alone and in combination. The compounds were also tested in a rat aortic ring assay and were tested in a highly aggressive human ocular melanoma xenograft model.ResultsLenalidomide and Sorafenib inhibit HUVEC ability to migrate and form tubes and when used in combination the inhibition is increased. The agents alone and in combination inhibit outgrowth in the rat aortic ring model. The combination of the agents improved the inhibition over either single agent. In a xenograft model, combination therapy inhibited tumor growth over inhibition by single agent alone in a significant fashion (p < 0.004: lenalidomide and p < 0.0035: sorafenib). Furthermore, spontaneous lung metastasis development was completely inhibited in the combination treated animals. Sixty percent of vehicle treated animals developed lung metastases compared to 50% of lenalidomide treated animals, and 33% of sorafenib treated animals.ConclusionLenalidomide and sorafenib are effective at targeting endothelial cells, inhibiting growth of ocular melanoma cells and can inhibit growth of tumors in a xenograft model as well as inhibit development of metastases. Combining these agents works in an additive to synergistic way to inhibit the growth of tumors and development of metastases.