bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hydrological conditions on nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide dynamics in a bottomland hardwood forest and its implication for soil carbon sequestration
Authors: YU KEWEI , FAULKNER STEPHEN P. , BALDWIN MICHAEL J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis study was conducted at three locations in a bottomland hardwood forest with a distinct elevation and hydrological gradient: ridge (high, dry), transition, and swamp (low, wet). At each location, concentrations of soil greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4, and CO2), their fluxes to the atmosphere, and soil redox potential (Eh) were measured bimonthly, while the water table was monitored every day. Results show that soil Eh was significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with water table: a negative correlation at the ridge and transition locations, but a positive correlation at the permanently flooded swamp location. Both soil gas profile analysis and surface gas flux measurements indicated that the ridge and transition locations could be a sink of atmospheric CH4, especially in warm seasons, but generally functioned as a minor source of CH4 in cool seasons. The swamp location was a major source of CH4, and the emission rate was higher in the warm seasons (mean 28 and median 23 mg m−2 h−1) than in the cool seasons (both mean and median 13 mg m−2 h−1). Average CO2 emission rate was 251, 380 and 52 mg m−2 h−1 for the ridge, transition and swamp location, respectively. At each location, higher CO2 emission rates were also found in the warm seasons. The lowest CO2 emission rate was found at the swamp location, where soil C content was the highest, due to less microbial biomass, less CO2 production in such an anaerobic environment, and greater difficulty of CO2 diffusion to the atmosphere. Cumulative global warming potential emission from these three greenhouse gases was in an order of swamp > transition > ridge location. The ratio CO2/CH4 production in soil is a critical factor for evaluating the overall benefit of soil C sequestration, which can be greatly offset by CH4 production and emission.
Molecular markers of human sperm functions
Authors: Muratori Monica , Luconi Michaela , Marchiani Sara , Forti Gianni , Baldi Elisabetta 
Published: February 2008

SummaryFertilization is a stepwise process that allows two mature gametes to reach each other, fuse and eventually give rise to a new individual. Despite the tremendous importance of reproduction for species development and maintenance, fertility is decreasing worldwide, with peaks in western countries. It is estimated that about 7% of men experiences problems in conceiving a child because of sperm defects. In such a situation, understanding which are the essential sperm players in each of the steps of the fertilization process is essential for the development of new pharmacological strategies to treat the infertile men, for genetic screening of idiopathic male infertility as well as to produce effective male contraceptive agents. The present review will summarize recent evidence for the identification and characterization of molecular markers of sperm functions with emphasis on post‐ejaculatory maturation events and the process of sperm–oocyte interaction.
Cross‐cultural comparisons of obesity and growth in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Dudley O. , McManus B. , Vogels A. , Whittington J. , Muscatelli F. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction  The present study reports cross‐cultural comparisons of body mass index (BMI) and growth in Prader–Willi syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with obesity, growth restriction and mild learning disability. Our objectives were to: (1) compare rates of obesity in adults with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in France, with data available from Belgium, the UK and the USA; (2) compare growth of French children with PWS with their counterparts in Germany and the USA; and (3) evaluate the contribution of genetic, medical and social parameters to obesity outcome in French children and adults with PWS.Method  (1) Cross‐sectional comparison of BMI of 40 French adults, 38 Belgian adults, 46 British adults and 292 North American adults; (2) Construction of growth curves for French children aged 2–20 years from longitudinal data for 150 individuals with PWS, and comparison with published growth curves from Germany and the USA; and (3) Longitudinal regression analysis of 141 French children and adults to determine the factors contributing to obesity outcome.Results  A total of 82.5% French adults with PWS have BMI > 30 compared with 65.8% in Belgium (n.s.), 58.2% in the USA (P < 0.005), and 54.3% in the UK (P < 0.01). Higher rates of obesity in females vs. males were found in the USA sample (P < 0.001) but not in the other samples. In contrast to adults, growth curves for French children with PWS show similar rates of growth compared with children with PWS in Germany and the USA. The principal determining factors of BMI status in the French PWS population are age (P < 0.0001), cohort (born within the last 15 years vs. born over 15 years ago, P < 0.0002) and growth hormone replacement therapy (P < 0.0002). Significant subsidiary effects include domestic situation (P < 0.0001), genetic diagnosis (P < 0.0001) and age of diagnosis (P < 0.0001).Conclusions  French adults with PWS have significantly higher rates of obesity than adults in the UK and the USA, but growth in French children with PWS is similar to the USA and Germany. Clinical management has a greater impact on obesity outcome in PWS than cultural factors.
New adaptive mesh development for accurate near‐field enhancement computation
Authors: GROSGES T. , BOROUCHAKI H. , BARCHIESI D. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryAn accurate computation of the near‐field enhancement is a key factor for the optimization of nanostructures in plasmonics. This problem has been addressed for Green's dyadic method but remains open for finite element method (FEM) where the use of non‐Cartesian meshes is known to be the most efficient. We present a new adaptive mesh process based on the a posteriori error indicator estimation on the physical solution. This new procedure accelerates drastically the convergence of the solution and minimizes both the memory requirement and the computational time.
MicroRNA166 controls root and nodule development in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Boualem Adnane , Laporte Philippe , Jovanovic Mariana , Laffont Carole , Plet Julie , Combier Jean‐Philippe , Niebel Andreas , Crespi Martin , Frugier Florian 
Published: February 2008

SummaryLegume root architecture is characterized by the development of two de novo meristems, leading to the formation of lateral roots or symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Organogenesis involves networks of transcription factors, the encoding mRNAs of which are frequently targets of microRNA (miRNA) regulation. Most plant miRNAs, in contrast with animal miRNAs, are encoded as single entities in an miRNA precursor. In the model legume Medicago truncatula, we have identified the MtMIR166a precursor containing tandem copies of MIR166 in a single transcriptional unit. These miRNAs post‐transcriptionally regulate a new family of transcription factors associated with nodule development, the class‐III homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP III) genes. In situ expression analysis revealed that these target genes are spatially co‐expressed with MIR166 in vascular bundles, and in apical regions of roots and nodules. Overexpression of the tandem miRNA precursor correlated with MIR166 accumulation and the downregulation of several class‐III HD‐ZIP genes, indicating its functionality. MIR166 overexpression reduced the number of symbiotic nodules and lateral roots, and induced ectopic development of vascular bundles in these transgenic roots. Hence, plant polycistronic miRNA precursors, although rare, can be processed, and MIR166‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation is a new regulatory pathway involved in the regulation of legume root architecture.
Actin depolymerizing factor is essential for viability in plants, and its phosphoregulation is important for tip growth
Authors: Augustine Robert C. , Vidali Luis , Kleinman Ken P. , Bezanilla Magdalena 
Published: February 2008

SummaryActin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin is important for regulating actin dynamics, and in plants is thought to be required for tip growth. However, the degree to which ADF is necessary has been elusive because of the presence of multiple ADF isoforms in many plant species. In the moss Physcomitrella patens, ADF is encoded by a single, intronless gene. We used RNA interference to demonstrate that ADF is essential for plant viability. Loss of ADF dramatically alters the organization of the F‐actin cytoskeleton, and leads to an inhibition of tip growth. We show that ADF is subject to phosphorylation in vivo, and using complementation studies we show that mutations of the predicted phosphorylation site partially rescue plant viability, but with differential affects on tip growth. Specifically, the unphosphorylatable ADF S6A mutant generates small polarized plants with normal F‐actin organization, whereas the phosphomimetic S6D mutant generates small, unpolarized plants with a disorganized F‐actin cyotskeleton. These data indicate that phosphoregulation at serine 6 is required for full ADF function in vivo, and, in particular, that the interaction between ADF and actin is important for tip growth.
Colonization of Sulfurovum sp. on the gill surfaces of Alvinocaris longirostris, a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent shrimp
Authors: Tokuda Gaku , Yamada Akinori , Nakano Kazuma , Arita Nao O. , Yamasaki Hideo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDeep‐sea hydrothermal vents are unique light‐independent ecosystems that are sustained by chemosynthetic bacteria. For many of the invertebrates inhabiting in such environments, bacteria play essential roles in both energy acquisition and detoxification of potentially toxic gases such as H2S. In this study, the bacterial flora present on the gills of Alvinocaris longirostris (Bresiliidae: Caridea), a shrimp inhabiting hydrothermal vents (1532 m depth) at the Hatoma Knoll of the Okinawa Trough, was investigated. Bacterial 16S rDNA fragments were successfully amplified from the gills and 70% of these fragments showed an identical pattern in the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. These fragments were assigned to the ribotype AL‐1. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that AL‐1 forms a monophyletic clade with Sulfurovum spp. (ε‐Proteobacteria). Fluorescence in situ hybridization for AL‐1 and electron microscopy showed the presence of short‐rod bacteria lining up on the cuticular layer of the surface of the gill filaments. These results suggest that bacterial association with gills also occurs in bresiliid shrimps.
Measuring disability in older adults: The International Classification System of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework
Authors: Rejeski W Jack , Ip Edward H , Marsh Anthony P , Miller Michael E , Farmer Deborah F 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Despite the importance of disability to geriatric medicine, no large scale study has validated the activity and participation domains of the International Classification System of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) in older adults. The current project was designed to conduct such as analysis, and then to examine the psychometric properties of a measure that is based on this conceptual structure.Methods:  This was an archival analysis of older adults (n = 1388) who had participated in studies within our Claude D Pepper Older Americans Independence Center. Assessments included demographics and chronic disease status, a 23‐item Pepper Assessment Tool for Disability (PAT‐D) and 6‐min walk performance.Results:  Analysis of the PAT‐D produced a three‐factor structure that was consistent across several datasets: activities of daily living disability, mobility disability and instrumental activities of daily living disability. The first two factors are activities in the ICF framework, whereas the final factor falls into the participation domain. All factors had acceptable internal consistency reliability (>0.70) and test–retest (>0.70) reliability coefficients. Fast walkers self‐reported better function on the PAT‐D scales than slow walkers: effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (0.41–0.95); individuals with cardiovascular disease had poorer scores on all scales than those free of cardiovascular disease. In an 18‐month randomized clinical trial, individuals who received a lifestyle intervention for weight loss had greater improvements in their mobility disability scores than those in a control condition.Conclusion:  The ICF is a useful model for conceptualizing disability in aging research, and the PAT‐D has acceptable psychometric properties as a measure for use in clinical research.
Incorporating uncertainty and prior information into stable isotope mixing models
Authors: Moore Jonathan W. , Semmens Brice X. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractStable isotopes are a powerful tool for ecologists, often used to assess contributions of different sources to a mixture (e.g. prey to a consumer). Mixing models use stable isotope data to estimate the contribution of sources to a mixture. Uncertainty associated with mixing models is often substantial, but has not yet been fully incorporated in models. We developed a Bayesian‐mixing model that estimates probability distributions of source contributions to a mixture while explicitly accounting for uncertainty associated with multiple sources, fractionation and isotope signatures. This model also allows for optional incorporation of informative prior information in analyses. We demonstrate our model using a predator–prey case study. Accounting for uncertainty in mixing model inputs can change the variability, magnitude and rank order of estimates of prey (source) contributions to the predator (mixture). Isotope mixing models need to fully account for uncertainty in order to accurately estimate source contributions.
TEMS: an alternative method for the repair of benign recto‐vaginal fistulae
Authors: Darwood R. J. , Borley N. R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIndications  The repair of high recto‐vaginal fistula can be challenging since access may be limited via the endo‐anal approach yet the alternative trans‐abdominal route carries significant morbidity. We report the use of TEMS to repair a recto‐vaginal fistula following anterior resection and pelvic radiotherapy.Method  The patient was placed prone and a 25cm rectoscope was inserted. A proximally based mucosal advancement flap was raised to repair the fistula. The patient was discharged 2 days later and a contrast study confirmed closure of the fistula.Comparison with other techniques  TEMS allows excellent visualisation of a rectovaginal fistula compared to standard endo‐anal or trans‐vaginal techniques. The morbidity is lower than the trans‐abdominal route.Comments  TEMS is a useful technique for the repair of benign recto‐vaginal fistula and has distinct advantages over conventional techniques.
Sexual and urinary dysfunction following rectal dissection compared with segmental colectomy
Authors: Perera M. T. P. R. , Deen K. I. , Wijesuriya S. R. E. , Kumarage S. K. , De Zylva S. T. U. , Ariyaratne M. H. J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nerve sparing surgery and major abdominal surgery on sexual and urinary function in men and women with colorectal cancer undergoing rectal dissection and segmental colectomy.Method Forty‐eight patients (group A: 22 males, 26 females; median age 55 years) undergoing rectal dissection were compared with 24 having segmental colectomy (group B: 12 male, 12 female; median age 55 years). Preoperative data were also compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls (group C).Results More patients after rectal dissection vs segmental colectomy had urinary tract infections [15 (31%) vs 3 (17.5%), P = 0.04]. At 37 months, urinary dysfunction after rectal excision was seen in 29 (60%; 20 men) vs nine (37.5%; eight men) after segmental colectomy. Postoperative urinary symptoms were significant in group A, but not in group B (pre: vs post; groups A and B: poor stream – 13%vs 38%, P = 0.001 and 21%vs 21%, P = NS; incontinence – 4.2%vs 17%, P = 0.008 and 8%vs 8%, P = NS; hesitancy – 13%vs 35%, P = 0.034 and 17%vs 21%, P = NS). Sexual health was worse after rectal excision compared with segmental colectomy (men – 62.5%, women – 25%vs 44% of men) respectively. Erectile dysfunction was the chief cause (rectal excision – 50%vs segmental colectomy – 33%). After rectal excision, 6% of women had dyspareunia and 19% reported reduced orgasm but none after segmental colectomy.Conclusion More men than women had urinary and sexual impairment after rectal excision than after segmental colectomy. Its aetiology is multifactorial.
A lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC‐SOD) improves ulcerative colitis
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Matsumoto T. , Okamoto S. , Hibi T. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective  To assess the safety and efficacy of lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC‐SOD) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).Method  PC‐SOD was injected once daily at doses of 40 mg (n = 22) and 80 mg (n = 20) for a total treatment period of 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by UC‐Disease Activity Index (DAI) total score. All side effects were recorded and investigated.Results  At 4 weeks, the UC‐DAI total score was significantly decreased vs baseline in both the 40 mg and 80 mg groups. It was confirmed that PC‐SOD 80 mg was, at least, not significantly superior to PC‐SOD 40 mg. Twenty incidences of side effects were noted in 12 (54.55%) of 22 patients in the 40 mg group, while there were three incidences of side effects in two (10.00%) of 20 patients in the 80 mg group. None of these side effects was severe. Thus it was concluded that the test drug is safe when given at daily dosages of 40 mg and 80 mg.Conclusion  In this pilot study PC‐SOD improved UC more rapidly than previously existing drugs. A double blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of PC‐SOD 40 mg/day is required to confirm the efficacy of this agent against UC.
Development of Crohn’s disease following anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy (etanercept)
Authors: Yazisiz V. , Avci A. B. , Erbasan F. , Yildirim B. , Terzioğlu E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractInhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Anti‐TNF antibodies such as infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab are commonly used. There are structural and functional differences among these agents. We describe development of Crohn’s disease in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis receiving anti‐TNF therapy. This case suggests that the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients on anti‐TNF therapy must be evaluated to find out whether this is a new onset or an exacerbation of underlying inflammatory bowel disease.
Ileocecal interposition for Hirschsprung’s disease: a case report
Authors: Penninckx F. , Van den Eynde W. , D’Hoore A. , Miserez M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAn ileocecal interposition (ICI) between the descending colon and anus was performed in a girl, 14 months old, with congenital aganglionosis up to the sigmoid colon. The left colon could not safely be mobilised because the paracolic arcade had been interupted during a preceding colostomy construction. The functional result, 14 years after reconstruction, is excellent: 1–2 easy defecations per day with normal continence for flatus and stool. An ICI may be an appropriate rescue procedure, saving a maximum length of normally innervated bowel and providing a neorecta1 reservoir.
Grade of prolapse and symptoms of haemorrhoids are poorly correlated: result of a classification algorithm in 270 patients
Authors: Gerjy R. , Lindhoff‐Larson A. , Nyström P.‐O. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPurpose Haemorrhoid prolapse is an indication for surgery. A correlation between worsening anatomy and increasing symptoms is commonly assumed. We developed a classification algorithm of prolapse and external component, and evaluated its correlation to symptoms before and after surgery.Method A study population comprising 180 patients operated for haemorrhoids in a multicentre randomized trial plus a validation set comprising 90 patients operated by us. The classification used three items: (i) patient self‐report of prolapse requiring manual reposition; (ii) surgeon assessment of prolapse when patient negated manual reposition; (iii) surgeon assessment of external component. Patient self‐reported were rated by frequency (never, 0 points; monthly, 1 point; weekly, 2 points and daily, 3 points). The algorithm yielded three grades: 1, no prolapse; 2, spontaneously reducing prolapse and 3, prolapse needing manual repositioning. The degree of external component was affixed as A, none; B, one or few tags and C, circumferential.Results Anatomical grades did not differ between the two sets of patients before or after surgery. Preoperatively, 69% had grade 3 prolapse. Postoperatively, 89% were classified as grades 1A or B. The symptom load was similar for grades 2 and 3; mean 6.5 points preoperatively and 1.8 points postoperatively.Conclusion This anatomical classification, based on strict criteria, reliably staged the haemorrhoid prolapse. There was no unique preoperative symptom profile associated with any degree of prolapse with or without an external component. Restored anal anatomy relieved symptoms. The classification also defined recurrence of haemorrhoids.
Positioning functional foods in an ecological approach to the prevention of overweight and obesity
Authors: Wieringa N. F. , Van Der Windt H. J. , Zuiker R. R. M. , Dijkhuizen L. , Verkerk M. A. , Vonk R. J. , Swart J. A. A. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryTo contribute to the social debate about the role of functional foods in the prevention of overweight and obesity using an ecological model to study the positioning of functional foods and their social implications. Positioning was conceptualized as the relative attention given to functional foods within the range of preventive strategies, and the way in which they address specific causes of overweight. A systematic review was conducted to identify (A) preventive strategies aiming at the individual; (B) technological approaches; and (C) environmental strategies. All strategies were further classified according to the nature of causes they refer to – either individual or environmental. In the prevention of overweight/obesity, an emphasis on strategies designed to change the quality of food products and supplies has developed. Technological strategies particularly relate to functional foods; however, while providing a new dimension to food products, they do not challenge the underlying lifestyles causing overweight. Furthermore, they also stress individual responsibility for overweight/obesity and technological solutions to it. From a societal perspective, the characteristics of functional foods indicate that they can only be expected to play a limited role in overweight/obesity prevention. The ecological approach suggests that other strategies targeting individual and social causes need to be developed and marketed equally well.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF A GENERAL QUADRATIC FORM IN NORMAL VARIATES1
Authors: Robinson J. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe distribution of the difference of two independent chi‐square variates is given and the distribution of a general quadratic form in normal variates is obtained as a mixture of distributions of this type. Robbins and Pitman (1949) obtained the distribution of a general positive quadratic form in normal variates as a mixture of chi‐square distributions. The method used in Section 3 is simply a slight extension of their method.